“All I Want For Christmas” Gratitude & Generosity

Pastor Tom Dages

December 1, 2019

ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS: GRATIDTUDE & GENEROSITY: PASTOR TOM DAGES: DEC 1, 2019

Q-Explain what PAstor Tom described as our “gratitude tanks?” 

Q-On a range of 1-10 (1 being almost empty and 10 being completely full) how full typically is your gratitude tank? 
 
Read 2 Cor 8:1-7 and verse 9. Read Luke 17:11-19
 
Q-How did the believers in the churches of Macedonia fill their gratitude tanks? 
 
Q-List some of the phrases Paul uses to describe how generous was their giving? 
 
Q-How important is it for us s believers to remember just how rich we are with Jesus in us? 
 
Q-List some of the spiritual riches Jesus gives us when we receive Him and He brings His life into our souls? 
 
Q-What does it mean to rehearse our gospel riches? 
 
Q-How did the 1 healed leper fill his gratitude tank? 
 
Q-What spiritual exercise do you need  to practice most (rehearsing your received gospel riches or expressing thanks to God for all He has given you?  How can you practice  both of these during your day? 

 

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“All I Want For Christmas” What Do You Really Want?

Pastor Zach Bearss

December 8, 2019

ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS: WHAT DO YOU REALLY WANT?: PASTOR ZACH BEARSS: DEC 8, 2019

CONNECT
Do you remembers what Christmas gifts you received last year? What are some of the things on your Christmas list for this year?

ENGAGE 
Read James 3:13-4:10.  Contrast the things of this world  that we pursue that are temporary in nature versus the things of God which are eternal in nature.

Discuss this quote by C.S. Lewis:  “It would seem that our Lord finds our desires not too strong, but too weak.  We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea.” 

Read James 1:17.  How can we apply this verse in our lives for seeking what truly satisfies us spiritually?

APPLY
Take some time to ponder these questions:

  • What is it that I really want for Christmas?
  • What has God placed in your heart that would satisfy our infinite, eternal hearts?
  • Have you taken the time to prepare Him room this Christmas season?  If not, take some time to do so now.

PRAY
Pray that the Prince of Peace (from Isaiah 9:6-7 and Luke 1:76-79) would rule as Lord of our lives during this holiday season as we celebrate Christ’s birth.

“All I Want For Christmas” Battle of Wants

Pastor Zach Bearss

December 15, 2019

ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS: BATTLE OF WANTS: PASTOR ZACH BEARSS: DEC 15, 2019

CONNECT
The advent candle today represented JOY in our lives.  Is the holiday season a time of rejoicing for you or is it a time of sadness?  Share with your group holiday memories and traditions and what makes it a good or a hard time for you.  If you sang in your church for the kid’s program at Christmas, what do you remember from that?

ENGAGE
Read Romans 7: 15-25, James 3:13-18, Galatians 5: 13-26.  Discuss the tug and pull of our Christian walk of wanting what God desires in our lives but still having both our flesh and an enemy who is against us.

Discuss this quote by Paul David Tripp. “…every one of God’s children lives between the ‘already’ and the ‘not yet.’ Already this world has been broken by sin, but not yet has it been made new again…Already our sin has been forgiven, but not yet have you been fully delivered from it…Already sin has been defeated, but not yet has it been completely destroyed. Already the Holy Spirit has been given, but not yet have you been perfectly formed into the likeness of Jesus. Already you have been given grace, but not yet has that grace finished its work.” (from New Morning Mercies, A Daily Gospel Devotional.)

APPLY
Take some time to ponder:  What is dragging me away from my relationship with Christ?  Be specific and write it down. Then, how long are you going to allow it to continue on?  On the same list, also write down “All I Want for Christmas Is…” noting a way in your life that you would like to be more Christlike. Remembering that confidentiality is key in your small group, please share one or two things that you wrote down and the struggle you now face as Christ is maturing and completing you.

Read Ephesians 6:10-18 and Ephesians 5:1-17.  What are some practical ways in which you can do battle against the things of the flesh and truly seek after Christ’s transformation in your life?

PRAY
Pray for one another, that our hearts would truly desire the gift of Christ in our lives this holiday season, and that we could reflect this love to others.

“All I Want For Christmas” Surrendering To What I Really Want

Pastor Zach Bearss

December 22, 2019

ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS: SURRENDERING TO WHAT I REALLY WANT: PASTOR ZACH BEARSS: DEC 22, 2019

 

“All I Want For Christmas” Christmas Eve

Pastor Zach Bearss

December 24, 2019

ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS: CHRISTMAS EVE: PASTOR ZACH BEARSS: DEC 24, 2019