Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 2:6

“‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’”

Worship Folder | Fill-in Outline

Intro: When have you seen a long-held promise kept? (e.g. Narnia)

SCANDAL & MIRACLE
This story tells of a scandal (sin) and a miracle (salvation) in the midst of a national scandal in desperate need of a miracle …

HOW IS THE PROBLEM DEFINED?
People may debate whether or not they believe the Bible, but clearly it tells the story of Creation, Sin & Redemption. What resolutely will not help?

THE HOLY CHILD
Why do we believe that Jesus is special – that He is holy?

YOU CAN PRAY WITH US...

1. Worship the LORD for His love, power and wisdom. Praise Him, Father, Son and Holy Spirit for how He has worked even through shame, loss, suffering and death in order to redeem sinners like us.

2. How have you lived denying either that you are a scandal (in sin) or that there are miracles (because you can solve your own problems)? Confess your pride and unbelief to Jesus, asking Him to forgive you and change you.

3. Give thanks to Jesus for how He has worked to save us. Thank Him for becoming a scandal in our place, which IS a miracle – that God would work so radically to save us when He could justly destroy us.

4. Who do you know that struggles with minimizing their sin or need for a Savior? Ask the Lord to help them, to open their eyes to their true peril without Jesus and to use you to help them find hope in Christ.

5. Ask the Holy Spirit to bear in you the fruit of patience. Pray for the wisdom to think well about Jesus’ promise to return in light of His promises kept at His first coming, and that the Spirit would sustain you in hope.

Looking Back

The Facilitator is a study tool designed to help you engage with the weekly sermon through the five elements we incorporate in our Community Groups; Get Acquainted & Sharing, Sermon Study, Mission, Worship and Prayer. This tool will be made available Monday morning to give us the opportunity to look back at what we heard on Sunday.