theCrossroads UPC

Scripture Focus: Luke 3:3–4

The Lesson in Context

Like John the Baptist, our message may seem fierce. We preach repentance and the need for a new birth. That can be a hard pill for people to swallow. The gospel is unflattering because it essentially resists all human attempts to find a solution within ourselves. Perhaps it is most insulting to human pride because it is a free gift of God. The gospel essentially says, “You are so impoverished and broken that none of your own efforts could ever earn you salvation. The only way you could ever be saved is if salvation is granted to you as a gift from above.” Even if the gospel does not flatter us but starts with ground zero, would we not rather be a part of a plan that works?

Group Discussion

1. What does conviction feel like?

2. What might this look like in our own lives if we were to follow John’s pattern of preparing the way for others to believe in Jesus?

3. Why was it important that Jesus was baptized?

4. Why do you think some churches avoid using the word sin anymore?

5. How can we best share God’s Word with others?

Scripture Focus: Luke 2:25–26

The Lesson in Context

Just like Anna, each of us can faithfully wait for God’s Word to come to pass. Anna had experienced pain and loss at a young age, but instead of allowing this trauma to distance her from God, she chose to draw closer to Him. Anna chose to follow God’s plan and faithfully respond to His call. We can do the same. We can refuse to allow the pain, loss, and disappointments of life to distance us from God.

We can ground ourselves in God’s Word, listen for His voice, and be led by His Spirit. Drawing closer to God will increase our faith and create an intimacy that will call us to wait on Him. Faithfully waiting on God will not be a chore. It will be born out of a relationship of trust and a place of peace, knowing that the one we love will do what He has promised.

Group Discussion

1. How does Jesus being presented in the Temple parallel the practice of dedicating children?

2. What kind of sacrifices should we bring to the house of the Lord?

3. How does God speak to you most often?

4. Why is it difficult to cling to God’s promises if we do not know Scripture?

5. What does it mean to faithfully wait for God’s Word to come to pass?

Scripture Focus: Luke 1:38

The Lesson in Context

Choosing to commit to God’s purpose is not a one-time event. In the same way, learning to love others is not a one-time event, but a lifetime of loving, learning, experiencing and choosing to love and learn again. The prophet Jeremiah is a good example of someone who was chosen for a specific purpose but did not always like where that purpose took him. He had to choose again and again to submit to God’s purpose.

Every believer has a purpose in God’s kingdom. Each one of us is called to be involved in sharing Jesus. What that looks like and how God uses you depends on His call, His purpose, and your response. Today is the day to believe God and commit to Him. If you have already committed, then today is a day to remember His purpose and rejoice as you walk in that purpose. If you are not walking in God’s purpose, then make the decision to listen to God as He speaks to you today. You have value and purpose in God’s plan. Your identity can be found in Him, and you can trust Him with your future.

Group Discussion

1. How would you think and respond if an angel appeared and spoke to you?

2. Why is it important for us to listen to God’s voice, His direction for our lives, and the leading of His Spirit?

3. Haveyoueverbeeninasituationwhereyouwereatalossforwords?

4. Is our human need for control so strong that when God is in control we automatically doubt? Explain.

5. CanyouthinkofatimewhenyoucommittedsomethingtoGodandHegave you confirmation? How did that make you feel? Did it have an impact on a later decision you had to make in your commitment to God? Explain.