MESSAGE NOTES
12 The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. <
13 For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.
14 Now the body is not made up of one part but of many. 15 If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. 16 And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be?
18 But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be.
19 If they were all one part, where would the body be? 20 As it is, there are many parts, but one body.
21 The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don’t need you!” 22 On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable…
27 Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. (1 Corinthians 12)
- Everyone is Needed
- Everyone is Important
THINK ABOUT IT
What do you think of when you hear the word “church”?
When it comes to playing a part in the body – have you ever thought one of these things:
- I can’t do what they do…
- I could do that, but I’m not…
- I’m too good to do that…?
How does the analogy of the “body” help you think differently about the “church”?
Is it possible to be a growing part of the body when a part is detached? How might this apply to followers of Jesus?
What is one thing you can do to be more connected to the body of Christ?
MESSAGE NOTES- As you grow, so do the consequences of your choices.
- As you make choices, you don’t plan on making choices you’ll regret.
The wrong question to ask: “Is there anything wrong with this?”
The best question to ask: “What is the wise thing to do?”
“He who trusts in himself is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom is kept safe.” Proverbs 28:26
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” Proverbs 9:10
THINK ABOUT ITWhat is the last decision that you made?
What is a current decision you need to make?
What is a really bad decision that you’ve seen someone else make lately?
How could the best question have helped in both situations: “what is the wise thing to do”?
For every invitation you recieve…
For every opportunity that comes your way…
For every relationship that you seek to form…
For every decision that you face…
…how could these questions help you to be more clearn on how to proceed?
- What is the wise thing to do in light of my past experience?
- What is the wise thing to do in light of my present circumstances?
- What is the wise thing to do in light of my future hopes and dreams?
MESSAGE NOTES
-Everyone ends up somewhere.
-Few people end up somewhere on purpose.
30 “The people of Israel and Judah have done nothing but evil in my sight from their youth; indeed, the people of Israel have done nothing but provoke me with what their hands have made, declares the LORD. 31 From the day it was built until now, this city has so aroused my anger and wrath that I must remove it from my sight.
37 I will surely gather them from all the lands where I banish them in my furious anger and great wrath; I will bring them back to this place and let them live in safety.
38 They will be my people, and I will be their God. 39 I will give them singleness of heart and action, so that they will always fear me for their own good and the good of their children after them. 40 I will make an everlasting covenant with them: I will never stop doing good to them, and I will inspire them to fear me, so that they will never turn away from me. (Jeremiah 32)
DESTINATION
38 You will be my people, and I will be your God. 39 I will give you singleness of heart and action, so that you will always fear me…
ACTION
“singleness of heart and action so that they will always fear me for their own good and the good of their children after them.”
HEART
9 The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? 10 “I the LORD search the heart and examine the mind, to reward a man according to his conduct, according to what his deeds deserve.” (Jeremiah 17)
“Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.” (Proverbs 4:23)
I am the first and I am the last; apart from me there is no God. 7 Who then is like me?
19 No one stops to think, no one has the knowledge or understanding to say, “Half of it I used for fuel; I even baked bread over its coals, I roasted meat and I ate. Shall I make a detestable thing from what is left? Shall I bow down to a block of wood?” 20 He feeds on ashes, a deluded heart misleads him; he cannot save himself, or say, “Is not this thing in my right hand a lie?” (Isaiah 44)
THINK ABOUT IT
What are 3 goals OR plans you have for this year?
Have you given thought to a larger vision for your life? Better yet, do you have a plan for how you’ll arrive there?
Destination – do you agree that the goal of all goals is a relationship with God? Do you see that whatever goals you might have for your life must begin with a singular focus on being committed to God?
Action – can you think of a recent time in which your actions had an effect on other people? Negative and Positive.
Heart – what do you think about these statements:
What fills your heart will lead your life.
The condition of your heart = the direction of your life.
HEART MONITORING – is there anything you’ve held onto for security, power, comfort or strength that you’ve allowed to take the place of God in your life?
MESSAGE NOTES
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. (Isaiah 9:6)
- Wonderful Counselor
- Mighty God
- Everlasting Father
- Prince of Peace
THINK ABOUT IT
Does your name have a special meaning? Do you know what your name means? Check out the history of your name HERE.
In your current situation, which of these 4 names do you find yourself gravitating towards? Why?
How do these names for Jesus tell us WHO he is and WHAT he does?
MESSAGE NOTES
In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to his own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. (Luke 2:1-5)
– The 1st Christmas had Relational Stress
– The 1st Christmas had Physical Stress
He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. (2:5-7)
– The 1st Christmas had Financial Stress
On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise him, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he had been conceived. When the time of their purification according to the Law of Moses had been completed, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord”), and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: “a pair of doves or two young pigeons.” (2:21-24)
– The 1st Christmas had Emotional Stress
Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.” (2:34-35)
THINK ABOUT IT
Of the 4 categories of stress (relational, physical, financial, emotional) which are you most dealing with now?
Consider taking the stress inventory designed by Holmes and Rahe that was mentioned in the message. See how you rate.
When you think about the “birth story” from Luke 2 – which form of stress do you think most affects Joseph? Mary?
One of the names given to Jesus at his birth is “Immanuel”, which means “God with us”.
How does this truth make it possible for a peaceful Christmas?
LISTEN to the message HERE.
MESSAGE NOTES
1 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem 2 and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.”
3 When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Christ was to be born. 5 “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written:
6 “‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of my people Israel.’”
7 Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. 8 He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and make a careful search for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.” (Matthew 2)
– King Herod represents Greed
- Greed feeds our need to look good.
- Greed feeds our need for more.
- Greed feeds our need to protect our stuff.
9After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. 11On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh. 12And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route. (Matthew 2)
– Wise Men represent Generosity
- Generous people give without expecting to receive.
- Generous people give out of love and not obligation.
THINK ABOUT IT
What is the most significant gift you’ve ever received?
What is the most significant gift you’ve ever given?
Have you ever thought this: “If I could just get _____, then I’d be happy”?
Can you think of an example when you got something new OR valuable, and then worried about it OR felt the need to protect it?
Why do you think that most people have a hard time with being generous?
The Wise Men were “overjoyed” when they found Jesus and they worshiped him. If that is true happiness, what might it mean for you?
MESSAGE NOTES
One thing that would ruin this Christmas is…
- What is the proper perspective?
19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. (Matthew 6)
- Do I need to change my perspective?
21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. 23 But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!
- Can I keep perspective?
24 “No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.
THINK ABOUT IT
Fill in this blank: One thing that would ruin this Christmas is ___________.
What is your reaction to this statement: The average household in the US is spending $500 more per month than they are making.
According to Jesus, we can’t take anything with us when we die. How is it possible though, to send “treasures” ahead of us?
Our hearts always follow our money. How have you experienced this?
How can generosity help you to lead your heart to greater places?
Proverbs 22:7 – “the rich rule over the poor and the borrower is servant to the lender”.
Do you know people who have experienced this? Do you know what this feeling is like?
What steps can you take to declare that God is the master of all cards and cash?
MESSAGE NOTES
11 Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee.
12 As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance 13 and called out in a loud voice, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!”
14 When he saw them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed.
15 One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. 16 He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan.
17 Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? 18 Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” 19 Then he said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.” (Luke 17)
- Be thankful.
- Express gratitude.
- Worship is giving gratitude to God.
THINK ABOUT IT
Write down the first 3 things that come to mind that you are “thankful” for.
Would you describe yourself as a “thankful” person? Why or why not?
Would you agree or disagree that our culture is moving away from thankfulness and toward “entitlement”?
If true gratefulness is expressing our gratitude – now do you think you are a thankful person?
Is there someone that needs to hear the words “thank you” from you?
How can you practice expressing gratitude to God today?
MESSAGE NOTES
1 Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. 2 A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. 3 He wanted to see who Jesus was, but being a short man he could not, because of the crowd. 4 So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way.
5 When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” 6 So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly.
7 All the people saw this and began to mutter, “He has gone to be the guest of a ‘sinner.’”
8 But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.”
9 Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. 10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.” – Luke 19
“Grace is not opposed to effort, it is opposed to earning.” – Dallas Willard
There are different ways to become “lost” from Luke 15:
- Drift away like a sheep.
- Someone who had responsibility for you, lost you like a coin.
- You knew the right thing to do, but made your own choices, like a rebellious son.
THINK ABOUT IT
Have you ever been to a dinner or party where someone made a big announcement? What was it? Who was there?
Is there a person you know that you’d be shocked to see having dinner with Jesus? Why would this shock you?
What connections do you see between salvation and the things Zacchaeus does at the dinner? Does it matter which came first?
During the message we pointed out that salvation must come first and a changed life is the action of that saving. Agree? Disagree?
It was ALL the people who prevented Zacchaeus from seeing Jesus in the first place. And it was ALL the people who complained that he was accepted by Jesus. When Jesus says he came to “seek and save what was lost” – how is this a reference to Ezekiel 34? And what is he saying to Zacchaeus? What is he communicating to the crowd?
In what sense had the crowd perhaps, “lost” Zacchaus?
If God is willing to find you, how are you helping lost people be connected to him?
Who do you know that might be one dinner away from salvation?
MESSAGE NOTES
1 One Sabbath, when Jesus went to eat in the house of a prominent Pharisee, he was being carefully watched. 2 There in front of him was a man suffering from dropsy. 3 Jesus asked the Pharisees and experts in the law, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath or not?” 4 But they remained silent. So taking hold of the man, he healed him and sent him away.
5 Then he asked them, “If one of you has a son or an ox that falls into a well on the Sabbath day, will you not immediately pull him out?” 6 And they had nothing to say.
7 When he noticed how the guests picked the places of honor at the table, he told them this parable: 8 “When someone invites you to a wedding feast, do not take the place of honor, for a person more distinguished than you may have been invited. 9 If so, the host who invited both of you will come and say to you, ‘Give this man your seat.’ Then, humiliated, you will have to take the least important place. 10 But when you are invited, take the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he will say to you, ‘Friend, move up to a better place.’ Then you will be honored in the presence of all your fellow guests. 11 For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”
12 Then Jesus said to his host, “When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. 13 But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, 14 and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”
15 When one of those at the table with him heard this, he said to Jesus, “Blessed is the man who will eat at the feast in the kingdom of God.”
16 Jesus replied: “A certain man was preparing a great banquet and invited many guests. 17 At the time of the banquet he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, ‘Come, for everything is now ready.’
18 “But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said, ‘I have just bought a field, and I must go and see it. Please excuse me.’ 19 “Another said, ‘I have just bought five yoke of oxen, and I’m on my way to try them out. Please excuse me.’ 20 “Still another said, ‘I just got married, so I can’t come.’
21 “The servant came back and reported this to his master. Then the owner of the house became angry and ordered his servant, ‘Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame.’
22 “‘Sir,’ the servant said, ‘what you ordered has been done, but there is still room.’
23 “Then the master told his servant, ‘Go out to the roads and country lanes and make them come in, so that my house will be full. 24 I tell you, not one of those men who were invited will get a taste of my banquet.’” (Luke 14)
- Jesus gives a picture of what heaven will be like.
- Jesus gives a picture of what earth should be like.
“It’s good to be reminded that the table is a very ordinary place, a place so routine and everyday it’s easily overlooked as a place of ministry. (Simon Carey Holt, Pastor and Chef)
THINK ABOUT IT
What kinds of “clubs” have you been part of in your life? During high school? Now? Were they “official” clubs?
Do you have a story of a time when you were humbled?
What are all the different ways that humility factors into this story?
Have you accepted the invitation to Jesus’ party?
Will you be ready, without excuse, when he calls?
How can you use something as common as a meal this week to simply tell the story…that “this is a lot like that”?
Watch this clip from the movie, “The Girl in the Cafe” – espcially the first 3 1/2 minutes. What emotions does it raise? What is your takeaway as it pertains to our story?
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