The Church Gathers . . .

I. God Centered- Encounter

II. Others Focused- Encourage

III. Personal Growth- Transform

Practical Implications

Essentials of a Church/Community that Glorifies God …

I. Love: the Posture! (8)

II. Hospitality: the Value! (9)

III. Giftedness: the Practice! (10-11)

Practical Implications

o What unloving traits do you see in yourself? What loving ones could you put on to replace them?

o How can you increase your hospitality?

o What would faithfulness to using your gifts look like right now?

The War Has Been Won, But a Battle Remains . . .

I. Mission Brief: ___________ Dealt a ______________ to the Dragon! (1-6)

II. Intel: The Dragon Schemes to ___________ and ___________! (7-10)

III. Counterattack: ___________ the Dragon with the ___________ of the Spirit! (11)

Practical Implications

o In what ways have you been lulled to sleep by the enemy?

o Are you speaking accusation or Gospel truth to self & others?

o What shots do you want to take for the Kingdom of God in 2025?

Christmas Brings Us Great Joy Because . . .

I. God Offers Great News to All People, Even the Lowly and Outcast! (8-10)

II. God Offers a Great Savior Who Extends Peace to His Enemies! (11-14)

III. God Offers a Great Opportunity to Experience His Nearness! (15-16)

IV. God Offers a Great Privilege to Joyfully Participate in the Mission of God! (17-20)

Application Questions

o Have you experienced the nearness of God by entering into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ? If not, what is holding you back from believing?

o What about the birth of Christ produces joy in your heart? How can you ponder those truths this Christmas?

o Who in your circles needs to hear about the good news that Christ offers this Christmas season? How can you share with them what Christ has done for you?

At Christmas God Became Flesh . . .

I. To Reveal Salvation to the World! (9-13)

II. To Dwell with People so God could be Fully Known! (14-18)

Practical Implications

o How can you carve out some quiet this Christmas?

o What amazes you about Jesus (continued)?

Mission requires us to See Something Worth Sacrificing For ...

I. See an All-Consuming Vision of God’s Glory! (1-4)

II. See the Depths of our Sin and the Breadth of our Redemption! (5-7)

III. Hear the Call to Sacrificially Give, Go, and Send! (8-11)

Practical Implications

o How can you more intentionally seek the Lord?

o What are your barriers to being open to go across the street or across the world?

o How will you determine the Amount to Sacrificially Give?

Eat, Be Full, and Bless the Lord for the Good He Has Given You . . .

I. Remember the God Who Led You through the Wilderness! (1-10)

II. Don’t Forget the God Who Brought You into Prosperity! (11-20)

III. Certain Lessons Are Only Learned in the Wilderness & Must Be Remembered in Prosperity!

Practical Implications

o What are you thankful for?

o When have you been in the wilderness? What did you learn about God there?

o What do you need to remember about God’s character as a loving Father when He disciplines you?

Be Spiritually Alert to Divine Appointments with Others . . .

I. Divine Appointments take God’s Initiative, Our Discomfort and Obedience! (26-29)

II. Divine Appointments travel from a Connection Point to Bearing Witness to Jesus! (30-35)

III. Divine Appointments Invite a Response and Commitment to Jesus! (36-40)

Practical Implications

o How can you be more alert to others?

o What barriers need to be crucified in your life?

o What connections can you cultivate and follow?

God Sends us to Everyday Mission . . .

I. Embrace the Common Elements of Everyday Mission! (1-8)

II. Look out for the Promise and Pitfalls of Everyday Mission! (9-25)

Practical Implications

o What Every Member on Mission Step can you take this week?

o What 5 ways can you serve someone around you this week?

o What would change if we assumed people were lost vs. saved?

Biblical Problem Solving Leads to Health and Growth …

I. What’s the Problem? Identify the Problem Specifically! (1-2)

II. What’s the Solution? Handle the Problem God’s Way! (3-7)

Practical Implications

o What steps do you need to take to better identify problems in your relationships?

o What are some biblical solutions w/ verses for the problems inside you and your relationships?

o Prepare for the Supper: