Pacific Church

Matthew 2:1-12 NIV 

1 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem 2 and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” 3 When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. 5 “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written: 6 “‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’” 7 Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. 8 He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.” 9 After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. 11 On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. 12 And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route. 

1) Gold 

Matthew 2:1-2 NIV 

1 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem 2 and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” 

Matthew 2:11 NIV 

11 On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. 

2) Frankincense 

James 5:16 NIV 
16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. 

3) Myrrh 

Matthew 7:7-8 NIV 

7 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. 

QUESTIONS: 

1. If Gold is a symbol of what we treasure the most, what are the areas of your life that you place highest in value and why? Are these in line with Scripture and the heart of God? 

2. What does the term “seeking after Jesus” mean to you? How has this manifested in your life? 

3. How would you describe the concept of trusting in God? What does it look like on a daily basis?

Luke 1:26-35; 38 NIV 

26 In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” 29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” 34 “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” 35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. 38 “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her. 

1. Surrendering Your Direction 

Luke 1:46-47 NIV 

46 And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord 47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior 

Jeremiah 29:11-13 (NIV) 

11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. 

1. Surrendering Your Direction 

2. Surrendering Your Demands 

Romans 12:1a NIV 

1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, 

1. Surrendering Your Direction 

2. Surrendering Your Demands 

3. Surrendering Your Doubts 

Luke 1:29 NIV 

29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 

Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV 

5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. 

QUESTIONS: 

1) What does it look like for you to surrender your demands to God? How might that change your decision making process? 

2) Who or what determines your plans or direction in life? Why is that the case? 

3) What are some doubts that you have dealt with or are dealing with? What does it look like to give those to the Lord?

Luke 2:6-8 NIV 

6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. 8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 

1) Be OPEN to Him. 

Luke 2:8-9 NIV 

8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 

Luke 2:10-14 NIV 

10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” 

1) Be OPEN to Him. 

2) Be OBEDIENT to Him. 

Luke 2:15-16 NIV 

15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” 16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 

1) Be OPEN to Him. 

2) Be OBEDIENT to Him. 

3) Be OPERATING in Him. 

Luke 2:17-18;20 NIV 

17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. 

Luke 2:20 NIV 

20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen , which were just as they had been told. 

1) Be OPEN to Him. 

2) Be OBEDIENT to Him. 

3) Be OPERATING in Him. 

QUESTIONS 

1. How do you know if you are open to hearing God’s nudging or direction? What does that look like in your daily life? 

2. Can you remember a time when you walked in obedience to what the Lord instructed? What did you learn in that process and how did it shift your thinking about future opportunities? 

3. What does it mean to operate in the Lord? What are daily steps you can take to pursue that?

Matthew 6:19-23a NIV 

19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. 23 But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. 

Daniel 1:3-4; 6 NASB 

3 Then the king ordered Ashpenaz, the chief of his officials, to bring in some of the sons of Israel, including some of the royal family and of the nobles, 4 youths in whom was no defect, who were good-looking, showing intelligence in every branch of wisdom, endowed with understanding and discerning knowledge, and who had ability for serving in the king’s court; and he ordered him to teach them the literature and language of the Chaldeans. 6 Now among them from the sons of Judah were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. 

1) REMEMBER IT MIGHT NOT BE THAT YOU’RE DOING WRONG; IT MIGHT BE THAT YOU’RE DOING RIGHT. 

Psalm 23:4a NIV 

4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley... 

Daniel 6:3-5 NIV 

3 Now Daniel so distinguished himself among the administrators and the satraps by his exceptional qualities that the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom. 4 At this, the administrators and the satraps tried to find grounds for charges against Daniel in his conduct of government affairs, but they were unable to do so. They could find no corruption in him, because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent. 5 Finally these men said, “We will never find any basis for charges against this man Daniel unless it has something to do with the law of his God.” 

2) REMEMBER THE “WHY?” SHOULD INCLUDE THE “WHY NOT?”. 

Daniel 6:10 NIV 

10 Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room were the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before. 

3) REMEMBER THE POWER OF THE WAITING & THE WITH 

Daniel 6:16-17 NIV 

16 So the king gave the order, and they brought Daniel and threw him into the lions’ den. The king said to Daniel, “May your God, whom you serve continually, rescue you!” 17 A stone was brought and placed over the mouth of the den, and the king sealed it with his own signet ring and with the rings of his nobles, so that Daniel’s situation might not be changed. 

Daniel 6:19-22 NIV 

19 At the first light of dawn, the king got up and hurried to the lions’ den. 20 When he came near the den, he called to Daniel in an anguished voice, “Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to rescue you from the lions?” 21 Daniel answered, “May the king live forever! 22 My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight. 

Psalm 23:4a NIV 

4a Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; 

Psalm 27:13-14 NASB 

13 I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord In the land of the living. 14 Wait for the Lord; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the Lord. 

Questions 

1. Have you ever been in a season where you thought you were doing everything right but you kept getting “bad” results? How did you respond and why? 

2. Have you or someone you know ever experienced tragedy in your life? How were you able to walk through it? 

3. How does the phrase “wait on God” resonate with you? Describe an experience in your life that required patience and trust in the Lord and what you learned from it.

Matthew 6:19-23 NIV 

19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. 23 But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. 

Acts 16:22-24 NIV 

22 The crowd joined in the attack against Paul and Silas, and the magistrates ordered them to be stripped and beaten with rods. 23 After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the jailer was commanded to guard them carefully. 24 When he received these orders, he put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks. 

1) MAKE A CHOICE TO BE GRATEFUL FOR HIS POSSIBLE POSITIONING 

2) MAKE A CHOICE TO BE GRATEFUL FOR HOW GOD MIGHT USE THE SITUATION FOR OTHERS 

Acts 16:25-33 NIV 

25 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. 26 Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose. 27 The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped. 28 But Paul shouted, “Don’t harm yourself! We are all here!” 29 The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas.30 He then brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” 31 They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.” 32 Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. 33 At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his household were baptized. 

1) MAKE A CHOICE TO BE GRATEFUL FOR HIS POSSIBLE POSITIONING 

2) MAKE A CHOICE TO BE GRATEFUL FOR HOW GOD MIGHT USE THE SITUATION FOR OTHERS 

3) MAKE A CHOICE TO BE GRATEFUL SO THAT IT BECOMES YOUR AUTOMATIC RESPONSE IN THE FUTURE 

Psalms 119:61-62 NIV 

61 Though the wicked bind me with ropes, I will not forget your law. 62 At midnight I rise to give you thanks for your righteous laws. 

Acts 16:16-18 NIV 

16 Once when we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a female slave who had a spirit by which she predicted the future. She earned a great deal of money for her owners by fortune-telling. 17 She followed Paul and the rest of us, shouting, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who are telling you the way to be saved.” 18 She kept this up for many days. Finally Paul became so annoyed that he turned around and said to the spirit, “In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!” At that moment the spirit left her. 

1) MAKE A CHOICE TO BE GRATEFUL FOR HIS POSSIBLE POSITIONING 

2) MAKE A CHOICE TO BE GRATEFUL FOR HOW GOD MIGHT USE THE SITUATION FOR OTHERS 

3) MAKE A CHOICE TO BE GRATEFUL SO THAT IT BECOMES YOUR AUTOMATIC RESPONSE IN THE FUTURE 

Questions: 

1. Have you ever found yourself in a situation that you hadn’t planned for? Describe it. What was your perspective like in dealing with your circumstances? 

2. Have you ever experienced a bad situation in your life that actually affected someone else positively? How did that impact similar experiences in the future? 

3. As a true follower of Jesus, we all want gratitude to come naturally. What are strategies you can use, starting today, that will get you closer to that goal.

Matthew 6:19-23a NIV 

19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. 23 But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. 

Luke 15:11-12 NIV 

11 Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons. 12 The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them. 

1) Focusing Only on What You Want

 Luke 15:17-19 NIV 

17 “When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! 18 I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you.19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ 

1) Focusing only on what you want 

2) Focusing on a False Representation of God

Luke 15:20-21 NIV 

20 So he got up and went to his father. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. 21 “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ 

Luke 15:22-24 NIV 

22 “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. 24 For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate. 

Luke 15:25-28 NIV 

25 “Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. 27 ‘Your brother has come,’ he replied, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’ 28 “The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. 

1) Focusing only on what you want 

2) Focusing on a False Representation of God 

3) Focusing Only On What Others Have 

Luke 15:29-32 NIV 

29 But he answered his father, ‘Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. 30 But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’ 31 “‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. 32 But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’” 

QUESTIONS: 

1) Being grateful has so much to do with the health of our perspective. Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you had lost sight of your perspective which caused you to take certain things for granted? If so, please provide an example. 

2) Either in your past or maybe even currently, describe your own personal experiences on how you believed God saw you. How did your view (perspective) of how God looked upon you, shape you? Did it make you draw closer to him, or did it push you away? 

3) We’ve all, at one point, struggled with wanting something that our neighbor has. Being a person full of contentment requires a fresh perspective of all God has already given you. How have you been able to remain content with the Lord’s blessings in your life? Describe an experience in which you needed more focus on what you already had versus what someone else had that you desired.

1) Fasting Brings Clarity To Our COMMUNICATION. 

Matthew 6:16-18 NASB 16 “Whenever you fast, do not put on a gloomy face as the hypocrites do, for they neglect their appearance so that they will be noticed by men when they are fasting. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. 17 But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face 18 so that your fasting will not be noticed by men, but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you. 

1) Fasting Brings Clarity To Our COMMUNICATION.. 

2) Fasting Brings Clarity To Our CRAVINGS. 

3) Fasting Brings Clarity To Our CAPACITY. 

Matthew 17:17-21 NASB 17 And Jesus answered and said, “You unbelieving and perverted generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring him here to Me.” 18 And Jesus rebuked him, and the demon came out of him, and the boy was cured at once. 19 Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, “Why could we not drive it out?” 20 And He said to them, “Because of the littleness of your faith; for truly I say to you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you. 21 But this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.” 

Questions:

 1. Have you ever fasted before? Why or why not? 

2. What techniques do you utilize in managing your cravings? Do you have success in your methods? 

3. Describe a time in your life where you needed direction or intervention from God. What did you do to hear His voice more clearly?

3 Understandings to Always Consider When Studying Scripture: 

1) Scripture was Written FOR us… not TO us. 

Psalm 119:105 NIV 

Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. 

John 8:31-32 NASB 31 

So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, “If you continue in My word, then you are truly My disciples; 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” 

3 Understandings to Always Consider When Studying Scripture: 

1) Scripture was Written FOR us… not TO us. 

2) Some Scripture is PRESCRIPTIVE and Some is DESCRIPTIVE. 

Ephesians 6:17 NIV 

Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. 

3 Understandings to Always Consider When Studying Scripture: 

1) Scripture was Written FOR us… not TO us. 

2) Some Scripture is PRESCRIPTIVE and Some is DESCRIPTIVE. 

3) The CONTEXT of Scripture Always MATTERS. 

Jeremiah 29:11 NIV 

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 

Philippians 4:13 NIV 

I can do all this through him who gives me strength. 

Revelation 3:20a NIV Here I am! I stand at the door and knock… 

1 Corinthians 13:12 NASB 

For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I will know fully, just as I also have been fully known. 

Proverbs 1:7a NASB 

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge… 

2 Timothy 2:14-17a NIV 

14 Keep reminding God’s people of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen. 15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. 16 Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly. 17 Their teaching will spread like gangrene. 

3 Understandings to Always Consider When Studying Scripture: 

1) Scripture was Written FOR us… not TO us. 

2) Some Scripture is PRESCRIPTIVE and Some is DESCRIPTIVE. 

3) The CONTEXT of Scripture Always MATTERS.

 Questions: 

1. What does it mean that Scripture was written FOR US even though the people writing under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit were not writing TO US? How are they different? 

2. What does it mean for a Scripture to be PRESCRIPTIVE? What does it mean for a Scripture to be DESCRIPTIVE? Why does understanding this matter? 

3. Why is context so important? What does it mean for us to use the entirety of the Bible as the lens for viewing all things?

Exodus 20:3 ESV 

“You shall have no other gods before me.” 

1) Worship Impacts Your CONTEXT 

Ezekiel 46:9 NIV 9 

“‘When the people of the land come before the Lord at the appointed festivals, whoever enters by the north gate to worship is to go out the south gate; and whoever enters by the south gate is to go out the north gate. No one is to return through the gate by which they entered, but each is to go out the opposite gate. 

2 Corinthians 3:18 NIV 18 And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. 

1) Worship Impacts Your CONTEXT 

2) Worship Impacts Your CARES 

1 Peter 5:7 NLT 

7 Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. 

Psalm 150 NLT 

1 Praise the Lord. Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens. 2 Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness. 3 Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre, 4 praise him with timbrel and dancing, praise him with the strings and pipe, 5 praise him with the clash of cymbals, praise him with resounding cymbals. 6 Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. 

1 Peter 2:9 NIV 

9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 

1) Worship Impacts Your CONTEXT 

2) Worship Impacts Your CARES 

3) Worship Impacts Your CONFIDENCE 

James 4:8a NIV 8 Come near to God and he will come near to you. 

Questions: 

1) Have you ever experienced a time in your life where worship impacted your surroundings? If so, describe that moment. 

2) What experiences have you had with worship unto God? How does worship resonate in your life? 

3) Describe a time in your life that seemed overwhelming. How were you able to press on and overcome that problem?

1) The baptism into the Body of Christ. 

1 Corinthians 12:13 NIV 

13 For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. 

Galatians 3:26 NIV 

26 So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, 27 for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 

John 20:19-22 NIV 

19 On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord. 21 Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” 22 And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 

Luke 24:36-39 & 49 NIV 

36 While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 37 They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. 38 He said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? 39 Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.” 49 I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.” 

Acts 1:3-5 NIV 

3 After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. 4 On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5 For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” 1) The baptism into the Body of Christ 

2) Baptism in Water 

Acts 2:41 NIV 

41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. 

Matthew 10:32 NIV 

32 Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. 1) The baptism into the Body of Christ 

2) Baptism in Water 

3) The Baptism in the Holy Spirit 

Acts 8:5, 12 - 17 NIV 

5 Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Messiah there. 12 But when they believed Philip as he proclaimed the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. 14 When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to Samaria. 15 When they arrived, they prayed for the new believers there that they might receive the Holy Spirit, 16 because the Holy Spirit had not yet come on any of them; they had simply been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. 

Ezekiel 47:3 NIV 

3 As the man went eastward with a measuring line in his hand, he measured off a thousand cubits and then led me through water that was ankle-deep. 

Ezekiel 47:4a NIV 

4 He measured off another thousand cubits and led me through water that was knee-deep. 

Ezekiel 47:4b NIV 

4 He measured off another thousand and led me through water that was up to the waist. 

Ezekiel 47:5 NIV 

5 He measured off another thousand, but now it was a river that I could not cross, because the water had risen and was deep enough to swim in—a river that no one could cross. 

Questions: 

1) What does being “baptized into the Body of Christ” mean to you at a personal level? How does the idea of being “fully immersed in Jesus” resonate with you? 

2) Do you believe the symbol of water baptism truly matters for Jesus followers? Why or why not? Describe another type of symbol that is meaningful for you in your life. 

3) What role does the Holy Spirit play in your life? Have you ever experienced His power? Describe a situation where you relied fully on His strength and guidance in your life.