Purpose Statement: The birth of John was celebrated. They broke into music and song. Zachariah’s home had a double joy. A great announcement with expectations. Why was Zachariah mute? What do covenants mean? Why was Elizabeth pregnant? How was Zachariah healed? He praises God with joy to bless the Lord.

Purpose Statement: What happened when an Angel announced the birth of Jesus? An angel Gabriel was sent from Galilee to Nazareth to a virgin, Mary, and said “Greetings O favored one.” Mary was troubled. The Angel said, “Do not be afraid…” Mary, “How can this be?” Who is this Holy Jesus? What will He do? Elizabeth will also be pregnant. Mary said, “Behold, I will be your servant?” How should we worship?

Purpose Statement: Life is a journey, who is going with you? How are you packing? What is the nature of God’s Son, Jesus Christ? Mary was engaged to Joseph and found to be with child by the Holy Spirit. This was a serious commitment. When Jospeh found out the truth an angel approached Joseph to explain. The baby is Jesus and His purpose is to save people. How did things come about?

Purpose Statement: Paul sums up short, and quick reminders for the Corinthians to learn and remember. A practice in the early church was to help people because there was a famine in the land. There was persecution. A prophet foretold about the famine. They were putting out the call for relief. The purpose of giving was to help those in need. The church came together on the Lord’s Day.

Theme of the Week: In David’s life he experienced some events. How did he address or define being a Christian? What happens when we experience Christ? When David experienced Christ the Lord he was brought up out of the pit. How did David feel? How do we feel when we are brought up out of the pit? When saved, we are saved from something and for something. What is that? Have you ever heard someone say, “you need to experience this!”? And you find out it wasn’t what they said. What song do we have since we came to know Jesus?

Purpose statement: In the first century Church, worship was a spontaneous experience. The printed Bible didn’t exist yet. The Corinthian Christians needed to wait on the Lord as the Holy Spirit swept through the church and their worship. All Christians were confident that whatever was spoken, sung, or taught was directly from God for the purpose of edifying, and building up the people and the church. What principles apply? What instructions and rules did Paul give in applying principles to the use of the spiritual gifts in worship? How did the Corinthians see themselves as pacesetters for truth? How do we see and experience worship today?

Purpose statement: We begin chapter 12 about spiritual gifts, and we discover the practice of them is significant in the Christian life and is crucial for worship. Who gives spiritual gifts? These gifts are for the common purpose. How does the Spirit distribute the gifts? Why do various gifts impact the body of Christ for a variety of purposes? What kinds of service is there? God is at work through the Holy Spirit influencing how we exercise our spiritual gifts in our serving God. The Holy Spirit and our spiritual gifts will flow in one direction. How are we building relationships and building up the body of Christ?

Purpose statement: This Scripture helps us to end the discussion on Christian freedom. Paul has said if you go to the meat market don’t ask if it was sacrificed to an idol or not. It’s ok. If (hypothetically) an unbeliever invites you to a meal and you want to go, then, do this: eat whatever is put before you without raising questions of conscience (what would violate their conscience?) Don’t ask something that would conflict with someone’s conscience. Don’t ask something that would make someone uncomfortable and just not care. Don’t lead someone into doing something that is sinful. It’s better safe than sorry. How empathetic are we?