Category: One

Phase one (sections 1-23) in the life of Jesus begins before time, includes the incarnation and early years of Christ’s life until the time he was about 30 years old. The thematic emphasis and principle for ministry is Incarnational. In this phase ministry teams are intentional to invite people to participate and associate with the Church, while challenging more mature disciples to “go” into the world, shine the light that dwells in you, be the embodiment of God’s grace through an incarnational ministry.

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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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One

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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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: