Dec 26, 2021
A Watchful Eye – Brad Lehman
By: Brad Lehman
Series: Christmas Heroes
This week, Pastor Brad concludes the Advent series 'Christmas Heroes' with a message titled 'A Watchful Eye' from Luke 2:8-20.
1. Receive the love of God.
2. Rest in the peace of God.
3. Rely on the presence of God.
4. Rejoice in the promises of God.
5. Remember the watchful eye of God.
ICEBREAKER: Share a favourite Christmas memory and the reason it was so special to you.
1. Why do shepherds play such a predominant role in the Bible [Luke 2:8]? Why is this metaphor so useful in our relationship with the Lord [cf. Psalm 23; Isaiah 40:10-11; and John 10:11-18]?
2. What is God’s glory, and why is it important to understand [Luke 2:9]? Also consult Exodus 33:17-23; Psalm 19:1-6; and Hebrews 1:1-4.
3. The biblical command, “Fear not!” [Luke 2:10] is the most often repeated command in Scripture. Why is that, and how do you obey it [cf. Exodus 14:10-14; Isaiah 41:8-14; and Revelation 1:17-18]?
4. Do you think people need a Saviour [Luke 2:11]? Why? What do you observe about humanity that indicates the need for a Saviour [cf. Isaiah 59:1-2; Luke 1:46-48; and Romans 3:23]?
5. Luke 2:11 is a clear biblical text on the identity and mission of the Lord Jesus. What do you learn about Him in this verse that causes you to pause and worship Him this Advent season [cf. Acts 2:36; Acts 5:29-32; and 2 Timothy 1:8-12]?
6. How does Mary’s example of contemplation inspire you to meditate on the activities of God [Luke 2:19]? Also consider Psalm 119:9-11; Psalm 143:5; and Psalm 145.
7. What did you find helpful or challenging about this Sunday’s message?
“All the Christmas presents in the world are worth nothing without the presence of Christ." (David Jeremiah)
1. Why do shepherds play such a predominant role in the Bible [Luke 2:8]? Why is this metaphor so useful in our relationship with the Lord [cf. Psalm 23; Isaiah 40:10-11; and John 10:11-18]?
2. What is God’s glory, and why is it important to understand [Luke 2:9]? Also consult Exodus 33:17-23; Psalm 19:1-6; and Hebrews 1:1-4.
3. The biblical command, “Fear not!” [Luke 2:10] is the most often repeated command in Scripture. Why is that, and how do you obey it [cf. Exodus 14:10-14; Isaiah 41:8-14; and Revelation 1:17-18]?
4. Do you think people need a Saviour [Luke 2:11]? Why? What do you observe about humanity that indicates the need for a Saviour [cf. Isaiah 59:1-2; Luke 1:46-48; and Romans 3:23]?
5. Luke 2:11 is a clear biblical text on the identity and mission of the Lord Jesus. What do you learn about Him in this verse that causes you to pause and worship Him this Advent season [cf. Acts 2:36; Acts 5:29-32; and 2 Timothy 1:8-12]?
6. How does Mary’s example of contemplation inspire you to meditate on the activities of God [Luke 2:19]? Also consider Psalm 119:9-11; Psalm 143:5; and Psalm 145.
7. What did you find helpful or challenging about this Sunday’s message?
“All the Christmas presents in the world are worth nothing without the presence of Christ." (David Jeremiah)
WatchNotesDownloadDateTitle
- Dec 26, 2021A Watchful Eye – Brad LehmanDec 26, 2021A Watchful Eye – Brad LehmanBy: Brad LehmanSeries: Christmas HeroesThis week, Pastor Brad concludes the Advent series 'Christmas Heroes' with a message titled 'A Watchful Eye' from Luke 2:8-20.
1. Receive the love of God.
2. Rest in the peace of God.
3. Rely on the presence of God.
4. Rejoice in the promises of God.
5. Remember the watchful eye of God.ICEBREAKER: Share a favourite Christmas memory and the reason it was so special to you.
1. Why do shepherds play such a predominant role in the Bible [Luke 2:8]? Why is this metaphor so useful in our relationship with the Lord [cf. Psalm 23; Isaiah 40:10-11; and John 10:11-18]?
2. What is God’s glory, and why is it important to understand [Luke 2:9]? Also consult Exodus 33:17-23; Psalm 19:1-6; and Hebrews 1:1-4.
3. The biblical command, “Fear not!” [Luke 2:10] is the most often repeated command in Scripture. Why is that, and how do you obey it [cf. Exodus 14:10-14; Isaiah 41:8-14; and Revelation 1:17-18]?
4. Do you think people need a Saviour [Luke 2:11]? Why? What do you observe about humanity that indicates the need for a Saviour [cf. Isaiah 59:1-2; Luke 1:46-48; and Romans 3:23]?
5. Luke 2:11 is a clear biblical text on the identity and mission of the Lord Jesus. What do you learn about Him in this verse that causes you to pause and worship Him this Advent season [cf. Acts 2:36; Acts 5:29-32; and 2 Timothy 1:8-12]?
6. How does Mary’s example of contemplation inspire you to meditate on the activities of God [Luke 2:19]? Also consider Psalm 119:9-11; Psalm 143:5; and Psalm 145.
7. What did you find helpful or challenging about this Sunday’s message?
“All the Christmas presents in the world are worth nothing without the presence of Christ." (David Jeremiah) - Dec 24, 2021Jesus – Deric BartlettDec 24, 2021Jesus – Deric BartlettBy: Deric BartlettSeries: Christmas HeroesPastor Deric shares a devotional on Christmas Eve about the greatest Christmas Hero: Jesus.
- Dec 19, 2021Elizabeth – Deric BartlettDec 19, 2021Elizabeth – Deric BartlettBy: Deric BartlettSeries: Christmas HeroesThis week, Pastor Deric continues the Advent series 'Christmas Heroes' with a message about Elizabeth from Luke 1.1. True spirituality requires faith in God (v. 5-7).
2. True spirituality requires time alone with God (v. 24-25).
3. True spirituality requires fellowship time with others (v. 39-45).
4. True spirituality requires courage to challenge the status quo (v. 60).
5. True spirituality is best shaped in the home (v. 80).
ICEBREAKER: What are some films that would make it on to your top 50 list of movies?
1. Zechariah and Elizabeth had to wait a long time before they became pregnant with their first child [Luke 1:24]. Why do you think God makes His people wait for certain answers to prayer [cf. Psalm 27:14; Acts 1:4-5; and Romans 8:18-25]?
2. What are the similarities in the following births: Isaac [Genesis 15:1-6; 21:1-7], Samson [Judges 13:1-25], Samuel [1 Samuel 1:1-28], and John the Baptist [Luke 1:5-25]? What lessons do you learn from these events?
3. The reason Elizabeth secluded herself after she conceived is unspecified in the text [Luke 1:24-25]. Why do you think she did so? What might it indicate about her character [cf. Genesis 30:23; Psalm 113:1-9; and Isaiah 4:1]?
4. Why do you think the baby in Elizabeth’s womb leaped when Mary entered her home [Luke 1:41, 44]? What did it reveal about Mary’s baby [cf. Malachi 4:5-6; Luke 1:15; and John 1:19-36]?
5. What does it mean for a believer to “be filled with the Holy Spirit” [Luke 1:41]? Also consult Acts 4:8; Acts 11:22-26; and Ephesians 5:18.
6. What is the relationship between blessedness and believing according to Elizabeth’s words in Luke 1:42-45? Why does this matter [cf. Matthew 15:28; John 20:29; and 1 Peter 1:8]?
7. What did you find helpful or challenging about this Sunday’s message?
“Faith is the root of all blessings. Believe, and you shall be saved; believe, and you must needs be satisfied; believe, and you cannot but be comforted and happy.” (Jeremy Taylor) - Dec 12, 2021Zechariah – Deric BartlettDec 12, 2021Zechariah – Deric BartlettBy: Deric BartlettSeries: Christmas HeroesThis week, Pastor Deric continues the Advent series 'Christmas Heroes' with a message about Zechariah from Luke 1.
1. Zechariah faithfully served his generation (v. 5-10).
2. Zechariah served the Lord sacrificially (v. 11-17).
3. Zechariah served imperfectly (v. 18-23).
4. Zechariah served to bless the next generation (v. 57-67).ICEBREAKER: Would you rather spend time with other people, or at home alone?
1. In what sense were Zechariah and Elizabeth “righteous in the sight of God” [Luke 1:6]? What are some clues in the passage that explain their exemplary character? How does their example encourage you to live similarly [Genesis 5:21-24; Deuteronomy 28:9; and Daniel 6:4, 22]?
2. What was the specific disappointment Zechariah and Elizabeth faced in Luke 1:7? How might they have been perceived by others? How might they have felt about themselves? What does the way they handled their hurt indicate about their character [cf. Genesis 15:1-6; Genesis 25:21-26; and 1 Samuel 1:1-20]?
3. Why do you think Luke included all these details in the birth announcement to John’s father [Luke 1:13-17]? Why was John the Baptist so significant [cf. Isaiah 40:3-5; Malachi 3:1; and Malachi 4:5-6]?
4. Why do people find it difficult to believe the Word of the Lord [Luke 1:18]? Also consult Luke 24:25; John 20:27-29; and James 1:6-8.
5. In essence, Zechariah asked for a sign that the angel’s word would come true [Luke 1:18]. What do you make of Gabriel’s response in Luke 1:19-20, and what was the sign [cf. Judges 6:36-40; Isaiah 7:10-17; and 1 Corinthians 1:22]?
6. What do Elizabeth’s actions and words reveal about the burden she had borne all her married life [Luke 1:24-25]? How does this encourage you to persevere through the burdens you are bearing today [cf. Romans 5:3-5; James 1:2-4; and 1 Peter 1:6-7]?
7. What did you find helpful or challenging about this Sunday’s message?“Nowhere has God promised anyone, even His children, immunity from sorrow, suffering, and pain. This world is a 'vale of tears’, and disappointment and heartache are as inevitable as clouds and shadows. Suffering is often the crucible in which our faith is tested. Those who successfully come through the 'furnace of affliction' are the ones who emerge 'like gold tried in the fire.'” (Billy Graham)
- Dec 5, 2021Mary – Deric BartlettDec 5, 2021Mary – Deric BartlettBy: Deric BartlettSeries: Christmas HeroesThis week, Pastor Deric continues the Advent series 'Christmas Heroes' with a message about Mary from Luke 1:26-381. The visit that was a long time in the making (26-30).
2. The promises that were a long time coming (31-33).
3. The question that delights the heart of God (34-36).
4. The only sensible response to God’s favour (38).ICEBREAKER: Who is the most competitive person you know?
1. Angels play important roles in the birth story of Jesus [Luke 1:26]. What are those roles and why do they matter to us [cf. Matthew 1:20; Matthew 2:13; Luke 2:8-14; and Hebrews 1:13-14]?
2. Gabriel addressed Mary as “O favoured one” [Luke 1:28] and told her she had found favour with God [Luke 1:30]. From these terms and from the context, does this mean she was able to bestow grace, or was she simply a recipient of God’s grace? Why does this matter [cf. Genesis 6:8; Exodus 33:12-17; and Acts 7:45-46]?
3. What does the title “Most High” [Luke 1:32, 35] reveal about our God, and how does this influence your perspectives on world politics and events [cf. Psalm 47:1-9; Daniel 4:34-37; and Acts 7:48-50]?
4. What do you learn about the future destiny of Mary’s Child from Luke 1:31-33 that gives you hope and encouragement today [cf. Isaiah 9:6-7; Daniel 7:11-14; and Revelation 11:15-18]?
5. Meditate on the clear reference to our Triune God in Luke 1:35. How does this truth inspire you to worship the Lord each day [cf. Isaiah 61:1-3; Matthew 3:16-17; and 2 Corinthians 13:14]?
6. How did the news of Elizabeth’s pregnancy announced in Luke 1:36-37 encourage Mary to trust God and move forward into His will for her life? How does it motivate you to do the same [cf. Genesis 18:14; Jeremiah 32:17; and Matthew 19:26]?
7. What did you find helpful or challenging about this Sunday’s message?
“He was created of a mother whom He created. He was carried by hands that He formed. He cried in the manger in wordless infancy, He the Word, without whom all human eloquence is mute." (Augustine) - Nov 28, 2021Joseph – Deric BartlettNov 28, 2021Joseph – Deric BartlettBy: Deric BartlettSeries: Christmas HeroesThis week, Pastor Deric begins the Advent series 'Christmas Heroes' with a message about Joseph from Matthew 1 & 2.1. Joseph was a FAMILY man. (1:15-17)
2. Joseph was a JUST man. (1:18-25)
3. Joseph was a BRAVE man. (2:12-14)
4. Joseph was a BALANCED man. (2:19-23)
ICEBREAKER: What do you do to unwind after a hard day?
1. Matthew’s account of Jesus’ birth in Matthew 1:18 differs from all the other births in Matthew 1:1-17 to set His apart. What is the difference, and why does it matter [cf. Genesis 3:15; Luke 1:35; and Galatians 4:4-5]?
2. Joseph is described as a “just” man in Matthew 1:19. In what sense was he “just”, and how did he demonstrate it [cf. Genesis 6:9; Job 1:1; and 1 John 3:7]?
3. Why did the angel have to reassure Joseph by telling him not to fear marrying his pregnant betrothed wife [Matthew 1:20]? How would it be perceived if he married Mary [cf. Proverbs 22:1; Ecclesiastes 7:1; and Ephesians 5:5]?
4. What was Jesus’ mission according to Mathew 1:21? Why is it important for people to be saved from their sins [cf. Isaiah 59:2; John 1:29; and Acts 5:31]?
5. Reflect on the name “Immanuel”, God with us [Matthew 1:23]. How is this name of Jesus giving you hope and encouragement in these trying times [cf. John 1:14; 1 Timothy 3:16; and Hebrews 2:14-15]?
6. What does Joseph’s actions in Matthew 1:24-25 indicate about his character? How does this challenge you in your spiritual journey today [cf. Romans 1:5; Romans 16:25-27; and 1 Peter 1:22]?
7. What did you find helpful or challenging about this Sunday’s message?
“God's commands are designed to guide you to life's very best. You will not obey Him, if you do not believe Him and trust Him. You cannot believe Him if you do not love Him. You cannot love Him unless you know Him.” (Henry Blackaby)
