Wk 1 // Dec 31 & Jan 1
Wk 1 // Happy New Year 2023
December 31, 2022 & January 1, 2023
Small Group Study
SERMON RECAP
Spend a few minutes recapping this week's sermon together.
Tap here to view the sermon notes.
INTRODUCTION
Ringing in the New Year can be an exciting time. It’s a time for celebration of the events of the year past and anticipating & planning for the year to come. The Bible tells us to count the cost and make plans for the future like the wise man who built his house on the rock… but never to cross into the territory of worry because we have a loving Heavenly Father who guides and protects us.
STUDY [tap on scripture to read]
HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ JAMES 2:14-19
Unlike COVID, Christianity is not asymptomatic. As followers of Jesus, we show the symptoms of being followers… we don’t simply state our allegiance. Sometimes this is done in grand gestures that cost us much. But most of the time it is in the simple small gestures of caring for and paying attention to the things that are close to Jesus’ heart so that the world sees a little bit of Him by how we act.
HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ JOHN 15:4-8
Remaining in Jesus sounds simple, but actually takes a lot of intentionality. First, it is a matter of focus… where is your attention going? Then, it is a matter of action… are you walking in step daily with Him? May we make plans to intentionally remain in Jesus in 2023.
APPLICATION
PRAYER
Pray that God would show you how to put your faith to work in 2023.
December 31, 2022 & January 1, 2023
Small Group Study
SERMON RECAP
Spend a few minutes recapping this week's sermon together.
Tap here to view the sermon notes.
- What was one takeaway from this week's sermon for you?
- Were there any stories, ideas, or points that stuck out?
- Was there anything that challenged you?
INTRODUCTION
- How did you celebrate New Year’s Eve this year?
- What was your top New Year’s resolution?
Ringing in the New Year can be an exciting time. It’s a time for celebration of the events of the year past and anticipating & planning for the year to come. The Bible tells us to count the cost and make plans for the future like the wise man who built his house on the rock… but never to cross into the territory of worry because we have a loving Heavenly Father who guides and protects us.
STUDY [tap on scripture to read]
HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ JAMES 2:14-19
- If we are saved solely by placing our faith in the grace of God through Jesus, why is faith without works dead?
- If someone were to accuse you of being a Christian, could they prove it based on your observable actions? Why or why not?
Unlike COVID, Christianity is not asymptomatic. As followers of Jesus, we show the symptoms of being followers… we don’t simply state our allegiance. Sometimes this is done in grand gestures that cost us much. But most of the time it is in the simple small gestures of caring for and paying attention to the things that are close to Jesus’ heart so that the world sees a little bit of Him by how we act.
HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ JOHN 15:4-8
- What does it look like practically to “remain in” Jesus?
- What is a time in your life when remaining in Jesus allowed you to do something unexpected or to get through a difficult situation?
Remaining in Jesus sounds simple, but actually takes a lot of intentionality. First, it is a matter of focus… where is your attention going? Then, it is a matter of action… are you walking in step daily with Him? May we make plans to intentionally remain in Jesus in 2023.
APPLICATION
- What can you improve on in 2023 to ensure you would be indisputably recognized as a follower of Jesus?
- What practical thing can you add or subtract from your life in 2023 to better “remain in” Jesus?
PRAYER
Pray that God would show you how to put your faith to work in 2023.
