This weekend we talk about the tension between expectations and expectancy.

We all walk into the Christmas season carrying hopes, plans, and pressures — and when God doesn’t meet our expectations, discouragement can creep in. But Mary shows us a better way. When her plans were disrupted, she moved from control to surrender…from “God, do it my way” to “Lord, let it be according to Your word.”

Expectations box God in. Expectancy invites God in.

And when we open our hands like Mary, we make room for God to do exceedingly and abundantly more than we could imagine. This message is an invitation to release control, trust God, and step into this season with expectant faith — because nothing is impossible with God.

Discussion Questions:

1. What stood out to you most from Mary’s interaction with the angel in Luke 1:26–38? What words, phrases, or details felt significant or surprising?
2. How would you describe the difference between expectations and expectancy—in your own words?
3. Where in your life right now do you feel a similar kind of tension—between what you expected and what God is doing (or not doing)?
4. What typically happens inside you when God doesn’t meet your expectations?
5. What is one very practical way you can make room for God this week—physically or spiritually?

In Luke 5, Levi left his booth and made room for Jesus. God looks for people who make room in presence. This message challenges us to create space — not by simply slowing down, but by showing up with intention, focus, and faith. To love others whole heartedly, purely and genuinely we must encounter the Lord. How might our very lives live the gospel of Jesus Christ and be the
invitation for others to come and see that the Lord is good?

Discussion Questions:

1. What does “Let love set the table” mean for you? 
2. Who is someone you know that has an attitude of invitation? 
3. What’s an idea for a date with Jesus?

This week at C4, Stephanie Anderson continues our series Setting the Table with a powerful reminder that presence matters more than perfection. Through the story of the road to Emmaus in Luke 24, we see how Jesus reveals Himself in simple moments—especially around the table. When we choose gratitude, pursue His presence, and open our lives with genuine hospitality, God multiplies our impact far beyond what we imagine.

Be encouraged to slow down, remove distractions, and make room for people who need the hope and presence of Jesus. Kingdom impact starts with an open table.

Discussion Questions:

1. Where do you feel pressure to be “perfect,” and what would it look like to choose presence instead in this season?
2. Jesus walked with the disciples on the road to Emmaus even when they didn’t recognize Him. Where might God be walking with you right now that you haven’t noticed?
3. Who is one person outside your usual Christian circle that God may be prompting you to show hospitality to this week, and what simple step can you take toward them?

When life feels like “not enough,” Jesus shows us another way. In Luke 9:10–17, the disciples stare at their lack; Jesus looks up and gives thanks—then thousands are fed. In this message, we’ll unpack how gratitude changes what we notice, how grateful people become available people, and why abundance is for stewarding, not hoarding.

Discussion Questions:

1. Read Luke 9:10–17. What differences do you see between the disciples’ perspective and Jesus’ perspective? Where do you most relate right now—scarcity or sufficiency?
2. Share three things you noticed God did in the last 24–48 hours (big or small). What shifted in you as you named them?
3. Name your “five loaves and two fish” (time, energy, a table, a story, a skill). What would it look like to place that in Jesus’ hands—practically—over the holiday season?
4. What is one concrete, scheduled action you’ll take to be a “delivery system for blessing” this week? (Name the person, day, and time.)
5. Take two minutes as a group to speak short “Thank You, Jesus, for ________”

Continuing our annual "Kingdom Offering" campaign series, we are sharing our vision for blessing the community at our first ever "Downtown Family Christmas" outreach event, in partnership with New Life Church and On Time Reach. We want to encourage everyone who calls C4 "home" to intentionally spend time in prayer, asking God about how we might give to the Kingdom Offering before the end of the year.

Discussion Questions:

For this 3-week series, we want to encourage you to intentionally spend time (1) Reflecting and (2) Praying about how you might give to the Kingdom Offering in November and December, so that you can make a purposeful decision to give.

Having intentional conversations with God and your family about giving is a transformational experience. We want to encourage you to do this, regardless of your ultimate decision.

Continuing our annual "Kingdom Offering" campaign series, we are sharing our vision for blessing the community at our first ever "Downtown Family Christmas" outreach event, in partnership with New Life Church and On Time Reach. We want to encourage everyone who calls C4 "home" to intentionally spend time in prayer, asking God about how we might give to the Kingdom Offering before the end of the year.

Discussion Questions:

1. For this 3-week series, we want to encourage you to intentionally spend time (1) Reflecting and (2) Praying about how you might give to the Kingdom Offering in November and December, so that you can make a purposeful decision to give.

2. Having intentional conversations with God and your family about giving is a transformational experience. We want to encourage you to do this, regardless of your ultimate decision.

Kicking off our annual "Kingdom Offering" campaign, we are sharing our vision for training and equipping Christians to walk boldly in their God-given callings in all arenas of life through the C4 School of Supernatural Leadership. We want to encourage everyone who calls C4 "home" to intentionally spend time in prayer, asking God about how we might give to this offering before the end of the year.

Discussion Questions:

1. Read Acts 11:26b-30

2. Key Ideas from this past Sunday:

- Giving Together is an act of missional Unity.

- Disciples of Jesus are marked by generosity toward others

- Giving is always based on your own financial circumstances (v. 29)

- Giving is always voluntary and should be an intentional decision

3. Our Heart with the Kingdom Offering 

- Our heart is that the Kingdom Offering would be an act of unity within our Antioch Initiative Churches

- We are hoping that everyone will give something in November or December, no matter how large or small

- Participation is more important than the amount we give

4. Pray and "Determine" how you might participate in our Kingdom Offering"Determine"

- What are your financial circumstances impacting this decision?

- Do you need to talk with a spouse or someone else about this decision? When can you have that conversation?

Pray

- Spend time praying, specifically asking God for His perspective on how you might give toward this offering.

- If you are married or share your finances with another family member, pray about this with them too.

As the book of Acts ends, the story of God’s mission doesn’t. Luke leaves the story open, inviting us to step into the next chapter.

In this message, we’ll unpack Acts 28:17–31 and see that the Gospel has traveled from Jerusalem to Rome and now to the ends of the earth—including right here in Honolulu. We are called to live as Spirit-empowered witnesses, not just to know the Great Commission but to live it out—through courage, consistency, and Christ-like love. The book of Acts may end, but Jesus’ mission continues.

Discussion Questions: 
1. How does knowing that we are “living Acts 29” change the way you think about your daily life and purpose?

2. Which of these barriers to evangelism do you relate to most—identity confusion (“it’s the church’s job”), confidence (“I don’t know what to say”), or rhythm (“I forget in daily life”)?

3. Pastor Brett said, “The ends of the earth aren’t a dot on a map; they’re every step you take with Jesus.” What does that look like for you in your current season—home, work, or school?

4. Think of a recent “interruption” in your week. How might that have been a divine appointment rather than a distraction?

5. In Acts 28, Paul quotes Isaiah 6 about hearts that are calloused and eyes that are closed. What helps a person’s heart stay open to God? How can we pray and live to help others see again?

The Holy Spirit speaks to each one of us, moving us into mission in our own life circumstances. Sometimes, the Spirit prompts us to make drastic moves; sometimes, the Spirit nudges us to walk reach out to our family, friends, or neighbors. The Spirit continues to actively empower us to share the gospel with those around us. Especially when we encounter spiritual opposition. But rather than obey the voice of the Holy Spirit do we sometimes opt for avoiding unpleasant or awkward interactions with others? The fear of man is a trap that keeps us stuck and afraid to engage in conversations with unbelievers. It’s a real hindrance that keeps us from going where the Lord is calling us to go. Let’s talk about this as we jump into Acts 13. God’s Word provides great encouragement as we are sent out into our work places, schools, and families. 
 
Discussion Questions:

1. Has the fear of man affected your life? If so, how? 

2. When was the last time you released (shared) your testimony with someone? 

3. Who is someone that Holy Spirit is highlighting for you to share your testimony with?

Week 4 of our Acts series reminds us that followers of Jesus are Spirit-empowered witnesses. In this message, we explore how the Holy Spirit still speaks, sends, and strengthens everyday disciples—whether across the world or across the street. Pastor Chad unpacks the 6 marks of an Antioch Church. Expect practical steps, honest challenges, and fresh faith to hear and obey the Spirit in your life this week.

Discussion Questions:
1. In your own words, what does it mean to be a “Spirit-empowered witness”?
2. When have you sensed the Holy Spirit nudging you—subtle or strong—and what happened when you obeyed (or didn’t)?
3. Which of the 6 marks of an "Antioch people" are you strongest at? struggle with? 
4. Pray for one another.