Kettlebrook West Bend

Questions for Reflection:

1. If you were to sum up this Christmas season in a couple of words, which words would you use and why?

2. Do you feel burdened at Christmas? If so, why do you think that is, and where does it come from?

3. Read 1 John 5:1-5. What sticks out to you from this text? What questions do you have as you read it?

4. Despite what John writes in 1 John 5: 3

about God’s commands not being burdensome, do you sometimes feel like God’s commands are burdensome? Why and how do you think John would challenge this?

5. What crowns are you trying to wear in your own life? How might your burdens be caused by this?

6. What is one burden you are bearing, or one crown you are wearing that you can bring before the True King this Christmas?

Questions for Reflection:

1. Have you ever used a telescope? If so, share your experience(s).

2. Did you grow up with a nativity set? If so, any memories you would reflect upon and/or share?

3. Everyone magnifies someone or something with our life. Based on your thoughts, words, and actions, what is your life magnifying and why?

4. Read 1 John 4:9-13. What sticks out to you? What questions do you have of the text? What might be one thing God might be asking you through this text? How will you respond?

5. In what ways might you need to confess that you are guilty of the microscope magnification of your life as described in the message?

6. What might be one way for you to emphasize Jesus as sacrifice and savior (rather than sentiment) this Christmas?

7. What is one way you might commit to magnifying God this Christmas season?

Questions for Discussion:

1. What is your favorite part about the Christmas season? What is your least favorite? Why?

2. Do you have any favorite nativity scenes from your childhood? What do you remember about them and why might they be important to you?

3. When did the meaning of the manger/nativity become important to you? When did it really make sense?

4. Read 1 John 1:1-4. What part of that scripture is important to you and why? What was John’s purpose for writing (see vs. 3)?

5. Why is it important that Jesus appeared in the flesh and the disciples were able to see, hear, and touch him? What does that tell us about God?

6. Why is the prophetic name for Jesus: ‘Emmanuel’ significant? Where do you need Jesus to be ‘Emmanuel’ for you this Christmas season?

Questions for Reflection:

1. Define philanthropy in your own words.

2. When you think of a philanthropist, who comes to mind? What makes them one?

3. In Titus 3:2, Paul encourages the followers of Jesus to show true humility toward all men. Are there people that you try to avoid? Why is that?

4. In Titus 3:3 Paul writes a list of things that describe some of the things that described the followers of Jesus in the past. Look over the list. In what ways have you also been guilty of living like this?

5. In Titus 3:8 Paul comments that verses 4-7 is what Titus is to stress to the followers of Jesus. How would verses 4-

7, if fully grasped, motivate people to be ready to do whatever is good and to engage in doing what is good?

6. In what was can you stress verses 4-7 in your own life to yourself? To others?

7. How is Jesus “philanthropy” in the truest sense of the word? How is this true in your own life?

8. How can you specifically engage others in the philanthropy of Jesus Christ this week?

Overview Video of Titus (from The Bible Project): https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=5&v=PUEYCVXJM3k

Questions for reflection/discussion:

1. What does the word Christian mean to you?

2. What are 1 or 2 positive experiences you’ve had with Christians? What are 1 or 2 negative experiences you’ve had with Christians?

3. How does the hope of Jesus influence our communal life?

4. Who is one person or group of people (maybe representing a cause/viewpoint) that you have wrongly made an enemy, and therefore excused yourself from the responsibility to love?

5. What does Jesus need to remind you of in order for you to be able to show and share the love of Jesus with that person/group?