HOPE—Immanuel: God With Us
RECAP: Through the biblical accounts of Isaiah, King Ahaz in Isaiah 7, and Joseph in Matthew 1, Pastor Chris emphasized the importance of trusting God in the face of conflict, and how trusting in God’s promises lead to great blessing. Ultimately, through trust, we receive the greatest blessing: Jesus, our "Emmanuel", God with us, always.
1. Where did the Holy Spirit speak or challenge you through God’s Word? Were there any “ah-ah” moments?
2. Understanding Conflict:
a. How do you typically handle conflict in your own life? Which of the five conflict modes (avoiding, accommodating, compromising, collaborating, competing) do you find yourself using most often?
b. Read Isaiah 7:1-4 and Matthew 1:18-24. How did Isaiah, Ahaz, and Joseph respond to God in the midst of their conflict?
3. Application of Trust:
a. Reflect on a time when you had to trust God in a difficult situation. What was the outcome, and how did it affect your faith?
b. How can we cultivate a deeper trust in God, especially when His plans or instructions don't make immediate sense to us?
c. In what ways can we apply the principle of trusting God in our daily conflicts and challenges? What would absolute trust look like?
4. Emmanuel: "God With Us":
a. How does the concept of "God with us" provide comfort and assurance in times of conflict or uncertainty? What does the promise that Jesus states: “I will be with you always…” mean to you?
b. How can we remind ourselves of God's presence in our lives during both good and challenging times?
HOPE—No Ordinary Child
Chris Meade | Isaiah 9 | December 15, 2024
Message Recap: In his sermon, Chris emphasizes the theme of hope during the Advent season, drawing on the prophet Isaiah's messages from 700 years before Jesus' birth. He highlights that biblical hope is more than a wish; it is a confident expectation of God's promises being fulfilled. Through Isaiah 9, Chris shares that despite current struggles, God promises that these hardships will not last forever, and ultimately, a child—Jesus himself—will bring victory, peace, and light. The sermon culminates in encouragement for listeners to hold onto hope, as the arrival of Jesus signifies a better tomorrow and restoration for all.
1. Where did the Holy Spirit speak or challenge you through God’s Word? Were there any “ah-ah” moments?
2. Understanding Hope:
a. How does the sermon define biblical hope, and how does it differ from the common use of the word "hope" in everyday language?
b. Can you share a personal experience where you felt a "confident expectation" in God's promises? How did it impact your situation?
3. Promises of God:
a. What are the specific promises God made through Isaiah in chapter 9, and how do they provide hope to the people of Judah?
b. How can these promises be applied to our lives today, especially during times of struggle or uncertainty?
4. Endurance Through Trials:
a. The sermon mentions that struggles won't last forever. How can this perspective change the way we approach our current challenges?
b. What practical steps can we take to "look up" and focus on God's promises rather than our immediate struggles?
5. Victory and Restoration:
a. Discuss the significance of the victory promised in Isaiah 9 and how it relates to the ultimate victory through Christ?
b. How does the concept of a "better tomorrow" influence your faith journey and daily life?
6. The Impact of Christmas:
a. How does the message of hope and victory in Isaiah 9 enhance your understanding and celebration of Christmas?
b. Reflect on the lyrics of "O Holy Night" mentioned in the sermon. How do they capture the essence of hope and redemption brought by Christ's birth?
O HOLY NIGHT!
O Holy night! The stars are brightly shining
It is the night of our dear Savior's birth
Long lay the world in sin and error pining
'Til He appeared and the soul felt its worth
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn
Fall on your knees; O hear the Angel voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born
O night, O Holy night, O night divine!
Truly He taught us to love one another;
His law is love and His Gospel is Peace
Chains shall He break, for the slave is our brother
And in His name, all oppression shall cease
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we
Let all within us Praise His Holy name
Christ is the Lord; O praise His name forever!
His power and glory evermore proclaim
His power and glory evermore proclaim