DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

• Share a time when your life suddenly seemed bigger than all of the explainable things we operate in from day to day. How did you see God at work there? 
• Share a time when difficulty and hardship helped you to see God's work in the world.  
• Pray for each other that we would all find joy in God's work this Advent Season.  

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

• How are you being intentional about hearing from Jesus this Advent season? What are the practical rhythms you are engaging?
• Reflecting on Calvin’s quote, where do we see Christ “in name only” in our culture?
• How does Jesus as the true Prophet impact the way you talk about Christmas with your neighbors and friends?

A special morning of prayer, fellowship, and hearing from women in our congregation on the topic of gratitude amidst difficult seasons.

Sermon Outline

Three Truths that Should Lead Us to Gratitude

1. You are not the source of all the good things in your life

2. There is a purpose for the hard things in your life

3. Gratitude lifts our gaze to God


Discussion Questions: 

1.  Write down 3 things you are currently grateful for in your life.  

2.  Share them with your family and friends!

SERMON OUTLINE:

1: The controversy over fellowship (Lk. 5:27-32).

2: The controversy over fasting (Lk. 5:33-35).

3: The controversy over sabbath (Lk. 6:1-5).

4: The controversy over synagogue (Lk. 6:6-11).

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

• What are some things you are legalistic about in your own life (things you esteem in yourself)? How can that lead to you condemning others?
• What makes you anxious or angry? How might that be a sign of legalism in your heart?
• What amazes you about Jesus’ grace? How does this passage increase your joy?

SERMON OUTLINE:

Scene 1: A leper and the need for healing (Luke 5:12-16).

Scene 2: A paralytic and the need for forgiveness (Luke 5:17-26).

Scene 3: A tax collector and the need for transformation (Luke 5:27-32).

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

• What do you need Jesus to do for you? Which of these three scenes speaks most to your situation currently?
• Who does the American church (or our church specifically) view as “untouchable?” Who are we ashamed to eat a meal with? 
• What application are you most in need of: finding time alone with God in prayer, cultivating deep relationships with some “mat buddies,” or becoming a friend of sinners?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

• What are some ways we can open up our lives to others? Does anyone at your table have an example from their own life? 
• What are ways we can make sure our families and communities would see us as loving, open people?  
• Pray for someone who has not yet Believed in Christ, connected with a person at your table. Ask that God would draw them to Himself.

SERMON OUTLINE:

1: Jesus demonstrates His authority over demons (Luke 4:31-37)

2: Jesus demonstrates His authority over disease (Luke 4:38-41)

3: Jesus demonstrates His authority over our desires (Luke 4:42-44)

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

• How differently would you live if you truly believed Jesus had authority over all things?
• Who comes to mind when you read about others “appealing to Jesus on their behalf?” What does it look like for you to engage that prompting this week? 
• What darkness would Jesus rebuke in Falcon/COS? What does it look like for you to preach the good news of the kingdom of God amidst that darkness?

SERMON OUTLINE:
1: Jesus begins His public ministry (Luke 4:14-15).
2: The hometown boy makes good (Luke 4:16-22).
3: The hometown boy makes enemies (Luke 4:23-30).

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

• What is your first response when something is difficult in your life? What is your standard approach to dealing with a problem you are facing? 
• What type of person do you think of as a “church person”? What type of person do you tend to think isn’t interested in attending church?
• When are you least likely to talk about Jesus and His Gospel with others?

SERMON OUTLINE:
1: Rocks into Bread
2: The Kingdoms of the World
3: The Angels will save You

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

• How does it help us in our own struggles to know that Jesus was tempted like we are?  How can we lean in to the "help" of that truth in our lives? 
• What are some scriptures that have been helpful to you when you are tempted to sin? 
• As you talk about #2 at your table write down any verses or passages that could help you right now in your life.