Author: Greg Troxell

Disciple, entrepreneur and catalytic leader. Advocate of the sharing economy. Ministering to youth, new Christians, and equipping the saints. Developing the Emotivational practice. Founder of www.harmony.bible.

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Our Consolation has Come

Our Consolation has Come

Week 10 | Sections 12, 13

Our Consolation has ComeHow many people there are still in need of consolation. People who are ensnared by the evil and wrong doing of others and those who are embroiled by their own vices be they from striving or indulgence.

The good news is that our consolation has come. This was the was the truth that the Simeon, the president of the Sanhedrin, and Anna, the prophetess, discovered that day when Joseph and Mary brought Jesus to the temple as an infant.

Indeed, freedom is freely available to all those who accept the finished work of Jesus Christ.

Scripture:
Luke 2:21 | Section 12

21 When eight days were fulfilled for the circumcision1of the child, his name was called Jesus, which was given by the angel2 before he was conceived in the womb.

Luke 2:22-38 | Section 13

22 When the days of their purification according to the law of Moses3 were fulfilled, they brought him4 up to Jerusalem,5 to present him to the Lord6 23 (as it is written in the law7 of the Lord, “Every male who opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”), 24 and to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, “A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.” 25 Behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon.8 This man was righteous and devout,9 looking for the consolation of Israel,10 and the Holy Spirit11 was on him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.12 27 He came in the Spirit into the temple. When the parents brought in the child, Jesus, that they might do concerning him according to the custom of the law, 28 then he received him into his arms, and blessed God, and said,13 29 “Now you are releasing your servant, Master,according to your word, in peace;14¯15¯16 30 for my eyes have seen your salvation, 31 which you have prepared17 before the face of all peoples;18 32 a light for revelation to the nations,and the glory of your people Israel.” 33 Joseph and his mother were marveling at the things which were spoken concerning him, 34 and Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary, his mother, “Behold, this child is set for the falling19 and the rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which is spoken against. 35 Yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul, that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” 36 There was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher (she was of a great age, having lived with a husband seven years from her virginity, 37 and she had been a widow for about eighty-four years), who didn’t depart from the temple, worshiping with fastings and petitions night and day. 38 Coming up at that very hour, she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of him to all those who were looking for redemption in Jerusalem.

 

Group Dialog:

  1. What do you find most touching about this story?
  2. What was your own experience with the dedication or baptism of an infant?
  3. What assurances of grace can be communicated by this act? And what benefit do they bring?
  4. Why is peace so hard to find? What disturbs your own sense of peace?
  5. How might Scripture, grace, and faith mitigate disturbances that so easily beset us from the intention of God?

Learning Objectives:

Consecration, consolation, Divine plan, humanity of Christ, sensitivity to the Holy Spirit,

Study Notes:

 

 

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Bringing Good News

Bringing Good News

Week 9 | Sections 10,11

Bringing Good NewsJesus’ birth and the praise of the angels is the core content for every Christmas pageant. Children don their woolly ears or carry a staff and a baby is shown as candles glow and cherubs with cardboard wings sing silent night.

Our story today is similar but so much more glorious than we can imagine and more dirty than we care to think. Ah the humility of Christ, God incarnate, born from Mary’s womb to be held in the arms of shepherds and wise men – and to take residence in the soul of every believer.

Birth of Jesus Christ #VR Movie via @BibleVR

Subscribe to see even more films and tours of the Holy Land in Virtual Reality.

Scripture:
Luke 2:1-7 | Section 10

1 Now in those days, a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be enrolled.2 This was the first enrollment made when Quirinius1 was governor of Syria. 3 All went to enroll themselves, everyone to his own city. 4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to David’s city, which is called Bethlehem,2¯3¯4 because he was of the house and family of David; 5 to enroll himself with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him as wife, being pregnant. 6 While they were there, the day had come for her to give birth. 7 She gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a feeding trough, because there was no room for them in the inn.5

Luke 2:8-20 | Section 11

8 There were shepherds in the same country staying in the field, and keeping watch by night over their flock.6 9 Behold, an angel of the Lord stood by them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 The angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be to all the people. 11 For there is born to you today, in David’s city, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 This is the sign to you: you will find a baby wrapped in strips of cloth, lying in a feeding trough.” 13 Suddenly, there was with the angel a multitude7 of the heavenly army praising God, and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest, on earth peace, good will toward men.” 15 When the angels went away from them into the sky, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem, now, and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 They came with haste, and found both Mary and Joseph, and the baby was lying in the feeding trough. 17 When they saw it, they publicized widely the saying which was spoken to them about this child. 18 All who heard it wondered at the things which were spoken to them by the shepherds. 19 But Mary kept all these sayings, pondering them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, just as it was told them.8

Group Dialog:

  1. Why would people not make room for a pregnant woman? Could it have something to do with the prophesies? What do you make of that?
  2. Why do you think God would have the angels appear to the shepherds? It would have been just as effective to appear to the towns people?  What message might be in this decision and how is the same seen in the life and ministry of Jesus?
  3. Talk about how these shepherds received news that this baby is the Messiah and then went out and told people and how you and your friends first responded to the idea of a Savior, the Messiah, the virgin birth, the resurrection, and the divinity of Jesus?
  4. Talk about the feeling of adoration when you see a new born and the feeling of adoration in worship.

Learning Objectives:

Shepherd king, worship, salvation for all, value everyone, patience, prayerful pondering.

Study Notes:

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Veracity and Virtue

Veracity and Virtue

Week 8 | Section 9

Veracity and VirtueJoseph (like Zechariah) was a righteous man, and he too had a wife who was blessed with a child, Jesus the Son of God. Perhaps we all know the details of this story but many choose to question the veracity of Mary’s virginity. Like Joseph, some logically think, there must be another man involved. However, if we believe that his paternal father was of human decent, it changes the Gospel forever and denies the testimony of the Apostle John who wrote, “…the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning.” Friends, we hope that you too can accept these words today for in them, by the grace of God, lie the keys of freedom for all humanity.

Scripture:
Matthew 1:18-25

18 Now1 the birth of Jesus Christ2 was like this: After his mother, Mary, was engaged3 to Joseph, before they came together, she was found pregnant4 by the Holy Spirit.5¯6 19 Joseph, her husband,7 being a righteous man, and not willing to make her a public example, intended to put her away secretly.8  20 But when he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord9 appeared to him in a dream,10 saying, “Joseph, son of David, don’t be afraid11 to take to yourself Mary, your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.12 21 She shall give birth to a son. You shall call his name Jesus,13 for it is he who shall save his people14 from their sins.” 22 Now all this has happened, that it might be fulfilled15¯16¯17 which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, 23 “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and shall give birth to a son.18  They shall call his name Immanuel;” which is, being interpreted, “God with us.”19 24 Joseph arose from his sleep, and did as the angel of the Lord commanded him,20 and took his wife to himself; 25 and didn’t know her sexually until she had given birth to her firstborn son. He named him Jesus.21  

Group Dialog:

  1. What rights ad responsibilities were given and expected of you and your siblings?
  2. What questions remain for you when considering Jesus’ birth, his divine nature and purpose?
  3. Open the Scriptures and a dialog about the nature of sin, and the need for redemption, and reconciliation and the role of the Savior.
  4. What characteristics and behaviors of Joseph do you find most compelling?
  5. If you’ve had divine inspiration or exhortation in a dream, would you share the experience and forth coming lessons with the group?

Learning Objectives:

reasoning, righteous decision making process, openness to the Holy Spirit, Divinity of Jesus, Salvation from  sins, God with us.

Study Notes:

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Becoming Strong in Spirit

Becoming Strong in Spriit

Week 7 | Section 8a,b,c

Becoming Strong in SpriitHow delighted Elizabeth and Zechariah must have been when their son was born, not only for the joy of having a child but because of their confidence of what he would be. Indeed, that is the pivotal word in our reading today – ‘be’. Our actions are tied to our being, and our being to the purposes of God. Most certainly Elizabeth and Zechariah were familiar with the saying, “raise up a child…(Prov. 22:6)” and John fulfilled his calling perfectly. May each of us have such a clear understanding of our relationship with God that we abandon any vain activity, embrace our identity as children of the covenant, and then our role in God’s master plan. May we take so seriously our duty as parents and spiritual parents that we make disciples and also point the way to the Savior, tell others of God’s mercy, grace and the horn of our salvation.

Scripture:
Luke 1:57-66 | Section 8a

57 Now the time that Elizabeth should give birth was fulfilled,1 and she gave birth to a son.2 58 Her neighbors and her relatives3 heard that the Lord had magnified his mercy towards her, and they rejoiced with her. 59 On the eighth4 day, they came to circumcise5¯6 the child; and they would have called him Zacharias, after the name of his father. 60 His mother answered,7 “Not so; but he will be called John.” 61 They said to her, “There is no one among your relatives who is called by this name.” 62 They made signs8 to his father, what he would have him called. 63 He asked for a writing tablet, and wrote, “His name is John.”9 They all marveled. 64 His mouth was opened immediately,10   and his tongue freed, and he spoke, blessing God. 65 Fear came on all who lived around them, and all these sayings were talked about throughout all the hill country of Judea. 66 All who heard them laid them up in their heart, saying, “What then will this child be?”11¯12 The hand of the Lord was with him.

Luke 1:67-79 | Section 8b13¯14¯15¯16

67 His father, Zacharias, was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying, 68 “Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, for he has visited and redeemed his people; 69 and has raised up a horn of salvation17 for us in the house of his servant David 70 (as he spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets who have been from of old), 71 salvation18 from our enemies, and from the hand of all who hate us; 72 to show mercy19 towards our fathers, to remember his holy covenant, 73 the oath which he swore to Abraham, our father, 74 to grant to us that we, being delivered out of the hand of our enemies,should serve him without fear, 75 In holiness and righteousness before him all the days of our life. 76 And you, child, will be called a prophet20 of the Most High,for you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways, 77 to give knowledge of salvation21 to his people by the remission of their sins, 78 because of the tender mercy of our God,whereby the dawn from on high will visit us, 79 to shine22 on those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death; to guide our feet into the way of peace.”

Luke 1:80 | Section 8c

80 The child23was growing,24 and becoming strong in spirit, and was in the desert until the day of his public appearance to Israel.25

Group Dialog:

  1. What experiences have you had in which God has interrupted your routine, answered a prayer
  2. How has the wider community helped develop your faith thus far? Were your parents or god-parents active in that process?
  3. What traditions have been a “marker” helping you keep the faith and continue to grow spiritually?
  4. What role would you like to take in helping others mature spiritually?

Learning Objectives:

Obedience in faith, being-God’s child, God’s plan of redemption & reconciliation, the will of God, God’s promises, prophesy, circumcision and traditions, raise up a child, discipling others

Study Notes:

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The Magnificat

The Magnificat

Week 6 | Section 7

The MagnificatMary’s song of praise, The Magnificat, shows her humility, prophetic understanding of God’s intent, and willingness to be counted among the servants of God for the sake of the world. The verses and prophetic promises which she sings forth are like the threads in the divine tapestry. She models for us not only humble service, but also true worship with her whole heart and soul and all the faculties of her being.

Scripture:
Luke 1:46-56

46 Mary said, “My soul1magnifies2¯3 the Lord.4¯5¯6¯7 47 My spirit8 has rejoiced in God my Savior,9¯10 48 for he has looked at the humble state11 of his servant. For behold, from now on, all generations12 will call me blessed.13 49 For he who is mighty has done great things for me.14 Holy is his name.15 50 His mercy16 is17 for generations of generations18 on those who fear him.19 51 He has20 shown strength with his arm. He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. 52 He has put down princes from their thrones. And has exalted the lowly. 53 He has filled the hungry with good things.21 He has sent the rich away empty. 54 He has given help to Israel,22 his servant, that he might remember mercy, 55 as he spoke to our fathers,to Abraham and his offspring forever.”23 56 Mary stayed with her about three months,24 and then returned to her house.

Group Dialog:

  1. Thinking about praise and worship, what do you find most astounding about the nature of God and his acts in your life and throughout time?
  2. How have you seen humility and pride affect your own life?
  3. The way Mary (age 12-13) was raised laid the seeds that allowed her to respond to the immaculate conception. How do our habits of study, prayer, and spiritual formation affect our ability to respond to daily events?
  4. In your closing group prayer consider offering up four parts: 1)affirmation of who God is 2) What God has done in your life (48-49); 3) What God is doing in the World (vs 50-53) 4) What God has done for Israel. Acts 1:8

Learning objectives:

Praise and worship, God the warrior, humility, servant-hood, plan of salvation, the graciousness of God, spiritual warfare, pride is the antagonist of prayer and worship as it besets humility. Humility then is the anecdote.  In the diminishment of humility pride increases and as does the virtues of compassion, consideration, kindness, and gentleness.

Study Notes:

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The Shoot of Jesse

The Shoot of Jesse

Week 5 | Section 5,6

The Shoot of JesseGabriel is listed in Jewish literature as one of seven archangels, holding the highest rank after Michael. Five hundred years earlier, Gabriel gave Daniel an exact account of the time of the Messiah’s coming. Now he appeared to Mary, announcing the good news – that she would give birth to the savior of the world. Elizabeth is filled with the Holy Spirit and stands in awe when she recognizes Mary is carrying the Lord Jesus, The King of Kings. It’s amazing how God is able to carry forth his plans – with Mary, with Elizabeth, and with us.

Scripture:
Luke 1:26-38 | Section 5

26 Now in the sixth month,1 the angel2Gabriel3 was sent from God4 to a city of Galilee,5 named Nazareth,6 27 to a virgin7 pledged to be married8 to a man whose name was Joseph, of David’s house.9 The virgin’s name was Mary.28 Having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice,10 you highly favored one!11 The Lord is with you. Blessed12 are you among women!” 29 But when she saw him, she was greatly troubled at the saying, and considered what kind of salutation this might be. 30 The angel said to her, “Don’t be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 Behold, you will conceive in your womb, and give birth to a son, and will call his name ‘Jesus.’13 32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High.14 The Lord God will give him the throne of his father, David,15 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob16 forever. There will be no end to his Kingdom.”34 Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, seeing I am a virgin?” 35 The angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit17 will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore also the holy one who is born from you will be called the Son of God.36 Behold, Elizabeth, your relative, also has conceived a son in her old age; and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren.37 For nothing spoken by God is impossible.” 38 Mary said, “Behold, the servant of the Lord; let it be done to me according to your word.”The angel departed from her.

Luke 1:39-45 | Section 6

39 Mary arose in those days18 and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Judah,19 40 and entered into the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth.41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby20 leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.21 42 She called out with a loud voice, and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!22 43 Why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 For behold, when the voice of your greeting came into my ears, the baby leaped in my womb for joy! 45 Blessed is she who believed,23 for there will be a fulfillment of the things which have been spoken to her from the Lord!”

Group Dialog:

  1. What can we learn about the Holy Spirit and the trinity from this passage and the rest of scripture?
  2. How can (or should) we trust God’s word in prayer, Scripture or from the prophetic voice of gifted people?
  3. What can we learn about the nature and character of Mary the Mother of Jesus from this passage and others?
  4. Read and discuss: What’s in a surname?

Learning Outcomes:

Humility, being God’s vessel, God’s plan, importance of the virgin birth, nothing impossible for God. The existence of the Holy Spirit.

Study Notes:

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Overcoming Disgrace

Overcoming Disgrace

Week 4 | Section 4

Overcoming DisgraceGod’s promises and power goes beyond our human imagination and abilities. God has a way of interrupting our mundane lives to give us great purpose, a great hope, and great joy. In today’s passage Zechariah and Elizabeth are an older couple, but they are about to be surprised by joy.  Believers today would be equally blessed if we have a similar expectation of divine assistance, being humble and faithful in prayer1 and the service of God.

Scripture: Luke 1:5-252

5 There was in the days3 of Herod,4  the king of Judea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the priestly division of Abijah.5 He had a wife of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. 6 They were both righteous6 before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord. 7 But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren,7 and they both were well advanced in years. 8 Now while he executed the priest’s office before God in the order of his division,9 according to the custom of the priest’s office, his lot8 was to enter into the temple of the Lord and burn incense.9 10 The whole multitude of the people were praying outside at the hour of incense. 11 An angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right side of the altar of incense.12 Zacharias was troubled when he saw him, and fear fell upon him. 13 But the angel said to him, “Don’t be afraid,10 Zacharias, because your request11 has been heard,12¯13 and your wife, Elizabeth, will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John.14 14 You will have joy and gladness; and many will rejoice at his birth.15 For he will be great15 in the sight of the Lord, and he will drink no wine16 nor strong drink. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb.17 16 He will turn many18 of the children of Israel to the Lord, their God. 17 He will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, ‘to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children,’ and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to prepare a people prepared for the Lord.” 18 Zacharias said to the angel, “How can I be sure of this? For I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years.” 19 The angel answered him, “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God. I was sent to speak to you, and to bring you this good news.20 Behold, you will be silent and not able to speak, until the day that these things will happen, because you didn’t believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their proper time.” 21 The people were waiting for Zacharias, and they marveled that he delayed in the temple. 22 When he came out, he could not speak to them, and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple. He continued making signs to them, and remained mute. 23 When the days of his service were fulfilled, he departed to his house. 24 After these days Elizabeth, his wife, conceived, and she hid herself five months, saying,25 “Thus has the Lord done to me in the days in which he looked at me, to take away my reproach19 among men.”20¯21¯22

Group Dialog:

  1. What prayers have you offered for years on end? Do you still have faith that they will be answered?
  2. How do we respond when God answers a long-standing prayer at a time we least expect it?
  3. Talk about the power of shame and significance23  among yourselves.
  4. Just for fun your group might enjoy these prayers based on the MBTI.
  5. Discuss together your methods, habits and experiences of prayer.

 

 

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A Heritage of Faith

A Heritage of Faith

Week 3 | Section 3

A Heritage of FaithIt would be considered reasonable by many to skip1 over section three in the chronological Harmony of the Gospels as on the surface it includes only a genealogical list of names2  that are hard to pronounce. While both3 Matthew and Luke make plain his virgin birth, and therefore his deity, Luke’s genealogy emphasizes his humanity recounting the progenitors from the first Adam to Christ; while Matthew provides us the names of those who were heirs to the Davidic throne. The genealogical records of Matthew and Luke celebrates Jesus’ family roots and rights by which in human and divine courts provide unequivocal evidence that He is the Messiah – the long awaited King of kings and Redeemer of the world.4¯5

Scripture:
[one_half last=”no”]Matthew 1:1-17

1 The book of the genealogy6 of Jesus Christ, the son of David,7 the son of Abraham. 2 Abraham became the father of Isaac. Isaac became the father of Jacob. Jacob became the father of Judah and his brothers. 3 Judah became the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar. Perez became the father of Hezron. Hezron became the father of Ram. 4 Ram became the father of Amminadab. Amminadab became the father of Nahshon. Nahshon became the father of Salmon. 5 Salmon became the father of Boaz by Rahab8. Boaz became the father of Obed by Ruth. Obed became the father of Jesse. 6 Jesse became the father of King David. David became the father of Solomon by her who had been Uriah’s wife. 7 Solomon became the father of Rehoboam. Rehoboam became the father of Abijah. Abijah became the father of Asa. 8 Asa became the father of Jehoshaphat. Jehoshaphat became the father of Joram. Joram became the father of Uzziah. 9 Uzziah became the father of Jotham. Jotham became the father of Ahaz. Ahaz became the father of Hezekiah. 10 Hezekiah became the father of Manasseh. Manasseh became the father of Amon. Amon became the father of Josiah. 11 Josiah became the father of Jechoniah9 and his brothers, at the time of the exile to Babylon. 12 After the exile to Babylon, Jechoniah became the father of Shealtiel. Shealtiel became the father of Zerubbabel. 13 Zerubbabel became the father of Abiud. Abiud became the father of Eliakim. Eliakim became the father of Azor. 14 Azor became the father of Zadok. Zadok became the father of Achim. Achim became the father of Eliud. 15 Eliud became the father of Eleazar. Eleazar became the father of Matthan. Matthan became the father of Jacob. 16 Jacob became the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary, from whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ. 17 So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; from David to the exile to Babylon fourteen generations; and from the carrying away to Babylon to the Christ, fourteen generations.[/one_half]
[one_half last=”yes”]Luke 3:23-3810

23 Jesus himself, when he began to teach, was about thirty years old, being the son (as was supposed) of Joseph,11the son of Heli, 24 the son of Matthat, the son of Levi, the son of Melchi, the son of Jannai, the son of Joseph, 25 the son of Mattathias, the son of Amos, the son of Nahum, the son of Esli, the son of Naggai, 26 the son of Maath, the son of Mattathias, the son of Semein, the son of Joseph, the son of Judah, 27 the son of Joanan, the son of Rhesa, the son of Zerubbabel, the son of Shealtiel, the son of Neri, 28 the son of Melchi, the son of Addi, the son of Cosam, the son of Elmodam, the son of Er, 29 the son of Jose, the son of Eliezer, the son of Jorim, the son of Matthat, the son of Levi, 30 the son of Simeon, the son of Judah, the son of Joseph, the son of Jonan, the son of Eliakim, 31 the son of Melea, the son of Menan, the son of Mattatha, the son of Nathan, the son of David, 32 the son of Jesse, the son of Obed, the son of Boaz, the son of Salmon, the son of Nahshon, 33 the son of Amminadab, the son of Aram, the son of Hezron, the son of Perez, the son of Judah, 34 the son of Jacob, the son of Isaac, the son of Abraham, the son of Terah, the son of Nahor, 35 the son of Serug, the son of Reu, the son of Peleg, the son of Eber, the son of Shelah, 36 the son of Cainan, the son of Arphaxad, the son of Shem, the son of Noah, the son of Lamech, 37 the son of Methuselah, the son of Enoch, the son of Jared, the son of Mahalaleel, the son of Cainan, 38 the son of Enos, the son of Seth, the son of Adam12¯13, the son of God.14[/one_half]

Group Dialog:

  1. Among those people mentioned in today’s Scripture, who stands out most for you? Why?
  2. Who are your spiritual progenitors and descendants?
  3. Make a time chart to display your life time (X-axis =time; Y-axis=spiritual vitality). Along the line you’ve plotted place the names of 3-5 people who have been there along the way and offered you Christian guidance, comfort, and been your exemplars. Tell your group a story about one of them.
  4. What are you intentionally doing now to prepare yourself to be a light to others and allow the Holy Spirit to shine through you for the benefit of others?
  5. Who are the people that God has already placed on your heart? are your nurturing them in the faith already? What lessons do you think God is trying to teach them now? See if you can engage in a conversation with them this month about their journey in faith.

Study Notes:

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In the Beginning

In the Beginning

Week 2 | Section 2

In the BeginningAs we continue our chronological study through the Gospels we turn to the Gospel according to John and read his prologue. John’s style of writing is unique as is the voice of every Gospeler1 John highlights: the deity of Christ, and the important distinction of our own humanity and the existence of God the Creator:Created, Incarnation.2

Scripture:
John 1:1-18

1 In the beginning3¯4 was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 The same was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him. 5¯6 Without him, nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him7 was life, and the life was the light of men.5 The light shines in the darkness,8 and the darkness hasn’t overcome it. 6 There came a man, sent9 from God, whose name was John. 7 The same came as a witness, that he might testify about the light, that all might believe10 through him. 8 He was not the light, but was sent that he might testify about the light. 9 The true light11 that enlightens everyone was coming into the world.12 10 He was in the world,13 and the world was made through him, and the world didn’t recognize him. 11 He came to his own,14 and those who were his own didn’t receive him.12 But as many as received him, to them he gave the right to become God’s children, to those who believe15 in his name: 13 who were born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.14 The Word16 became flesh, and lived among us. We saw his glory, such glory as of the one and only Son of the Father, full of grace and truth. 15 John testified about him. He cried out, saying, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me has surpassed me, for he was before me.’ ” 16 From his fullness we all received grace upon grace. 17 For the law was given through Moses. Grace and truth17  were realized through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has seen God at any time. The one and only Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, he has declared him.18

Study Notes:

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One

The Journey Begins

The Journey Begins

Week 1 | Section 1

The Journey BeginsLuke’s prologue has a distinct style using Greek reason – an appeal for response based the examination of evidence, comparative testimonies, and eyewitnesses. He clearly states his desire and intent (v.3) and states his convictions about the nature and purpose of Jesus and his understanding that is is the Christ foretold in the Old Testament.
In a similar way, we want to be clear about our desire for you as you begin this study. Its our desire not only that you come to the faith – confident in Jesus’ teaching; but also that you begin or continue your journey as his disciple; and prepare yourself to live a life of ministry that glorifies God and bears much fruit.

Scripture:
Luke 1:1-4

1 Since many have undertaken to set in order1 a narrative concerning those matters which have been fulfilled2 among us, 2 even as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses3 and servants of the word4 delivered them to us, 3 it seemed good to me also, having traced the course of all things accurately from the first, to write to you in order, most excellent Theophilus;5 4 that you might know the certainty6 concerning the things in which you were instructed7¯8¯9

Dialog Questions:

  • If you were writing a memoir testifying to the experiences and lessons you’ve learned and heard from Jesus and others – what would you include? With whom would you want to share it? What purpose would it serve? What spiritual benefits would you want them to receive?
  • Who has passed on the faith to you? What have been the most important lessons thus far?

Study Notes: