Loves Pure Light | 12.18.22

Follow Along with the Message

1. Doing Life

As a church family, we care about each other’s lives: what we’re celebrating, what we’re mourning, what decisions we are praying through, and everything in between 

(1 Thessalonians 2:8, Romans 12:10, 15). Suggested time: 10-20 minutes 

• How are you doing? 
• What can you thank God for this week?
• When were you most aware of Jesus’ presence this week? When were you least aware of Jesus’ presence this week?
• Do you have any practical needs?

2. Jesus Centered

God uses His Word to reveal Himself to us, equip us to live the good life He’s designed for us, show us our sin, and strengthen us as we follow Him (2 Timothy 3:16-17, Colossians 1:9-12, and James 1:22-25). Suggested Time: 20-40 minutes 

Love's Pure Light 

According to the great authority Siri, there are approximately 8 billion people in the world today.

• How insignificant does that make you feel?
• How special does that make you feel? Why?
• When you hear news of famine (Nigeria, Sudan), tornadoes (Louisiana), or house fires (Philadelphia), are you shocked to realize you may never have even thought of all the nameless, faceless people who are affected by these events?

Without the plan of God, Mary and Joseph, the shepherds, and (the) 10 lepers, would be among the billions and billions of nameless, faceless individuals born throughout the centuries. Yet, their stories are recorded in the greatest book of all time, and for thousands of years, we have read and talked about them. They will never be forgotten.

God’s choice of the insignificant is what makes us significant.

Isaiah 9:6 (written about 700 years before the birth of Jesus.)

“For to US a child is born, to US a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”  Us…you and I…were already part of the plan. 

• How significant does that make you feel?

Thought/discussion starter:

Every detail of the birth of Christ was planned in detail by God.

• As you think about your own story of salvation, what are the details surrounding HOW it happened? It was not a single, isolated event. There were plans that God put into place that lead you to that moment.
• What were they?
• Did God use “insignificant” people in your life? The Bible school teacher, the kid next door, a Young Life leader?
• To whom can you be the “insignificant” person who sees them, and shows/shares the love of Christ?

3. Engaging the Heart

Jesus calls us to walk in the light, confessing our sins to God and each other. God’s Spirit works through confession and community to lead us to repentance. (Romans 3:23-24, James 5:16 and 1 John 1:5-10) Suggested Time: 10-20 minutes 

• How are you doing abiding with Jesus this week in Scripture and prayer? 
• What sin do you need to confess to God? What are you struggling to trust Jesus with this week? How can you give Him control of it? (As people confess sin, make sure to remind one another of the good news Jesus offers.)

4. Expanding the Kingdom

Just like God the Father sent Jesus on a mission of reconciliation for us, Jesus sends us out as ambassadors of His reconciliation. We are called to make disciples wherever we go. (John 20:21 and 2 Corinthians 5:18-20) Suggested time: 10-20 minutes

• People: Who in your life can you be building with right now? What does that look like during this season? 
• Plan: Are there any rhythms planned (virtual or in-person) that we can invite these friends into? What spiritual conversations do you want to initiate with them soon? 
• Pray: Let’s pray for our people by name; pray for their needs, opportunities to connect, and opportunities to have spiritual conversations that help them take next steps toward Jesus.