Freedom Beyond the Infraction: Finding Hope After It Happened

Main Thought

Almost everyone who has ever lived has been hurt. These hurts could be unintentional or intentional; small or great; fleeting or long-lasting. We know what it’s like to be hurt, yet we still long for hope. How do we find hope after we’ve been hurt? It can start with an altered perception. God’s bigger plan is often revealed through adversity. God can re-purpose pain and use it to bless people. Understanding this helps us to interpret what God wants to accomplish for us and through us, even in the midst of suffering. Then, as we faithfully walk with God to accomplish His will, His plan of redemption begins to unfold. Our godly responses can create channels through which hope, healing, and restoration can flow.

Main Passages

28 So when the Ishmaelites, who were Midianite traders, came by, Joseph’s brothers pulled him out of the cistern and sold him to them for twenty pieces of silver. And the traders took him to Egypt.

- Genesis 37:23-28 NLT

4 So Joseph said to his brothers, “Come near to me, please.” And they came near. And he said, “I am your brother, Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt. 5 And now do not be distressed or angry with yourselves because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life.

- Genesis 45:4-5

8 So it was not you who sent me here, but God. He has made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house and ruler over all the land of Egypt. 9 Hurry and go up to my father and say to him, ‘Thus says your son Joseph, God has made me lord of all Egypt. Come down to me; do not tarry. 10 You shall dwell in the land of Goshen, and you shall be near me, you and your children and your children's children, and your flocks, your herds, and all that you have.

- Genesis 45:8-10

Discussion Questions

1. What stands out to you in the Main Thought or Passages above?

2. Have you ever seen hurt turned into an opportunity for hope, either in your life or in the life of someone you know? What happened?

3. In the story of Joseph, hurt gave way to hope through renewed perception; an interpretation of God’s perfect will; and, redemption brought about by godly responses. Which one of these three things might be most helpful to you in a difficult situation you’re facing?

Hope Renewed

Main Thought

Have you ever seen a garden fill of weeds and thought, “Where did all of this come from?” They’re everywhere - yet most of us see them and understand that they don’t belong. Hopelessness can be like weeds; it’s everywhere, yet our hearts intuitively know that it doesn’t belong. Hopelessness ultimately comes from sin. (Sin is any word, thought, or deed that elevates some selfish desire at the expense of love for God or other people.) Hopelessness can emerge when sins are committed on a personal level or on a larger, social level. How can hope be renewed in spite of this? Hope is renewed when God restores us! The fires of difficulty, frustration, and even hopelessness can reveal actions or attitudes that don’t belong in us. If we allow God to remove these things and purify us, then we’re left as better versions of ourselves. We’re better positioned to move forward with hope, and to bring hope to the world around us.

Main Passages

Woe to the city of oppressors, rebellious and defiled! She obeys no one, she accepts no correction. She does not trust in the Lord, she does not draw near to her God.

- Zephaniah 3:1-2

Therefore wait for me,” declares the Lord,  “for the day I will stand up to testify. I have decided to assemble the nations, to gather the kingdoms and to pour out my wrath on them — all my fierce anger. The whole world will be consumed by the fire of my jealous anger. “Then I will purify the lips of the peoples, that all of them may call on the name of the Lord and serve him shoulder to shoulder.

- Zephaniah 3:8-9

11 “On that day you shall not be put to shame because of the deeds by which you have rebelled against me; for then I will remove from your midst your proudly exultant ones, and you shall no longer be haughty in my holy mountain.12 But I will leave in your midst a people humble and lowly. They shall seek refuge in the name of the Lord, 13 those who are left in Israel; they shall do no injustice and speak no lies, nor shall there be found in their mouth a deceitful tongue...”

- Zephaniah 3:11-13

Discussion Questions

1. What stands out to you in the Main Thought or Main Passages above?

2. Why do you think God has to restore us before our hope in Him can truly be renewed?

3. Think about a recent fire of difficulty, frustration, or hopelessness in your life. Did that fire reveal some sinful action or attitude in you that God wants to remove?

The Power of Hope

Main Thought

Few events can match the sheer excitement of a great sports comeback. God can use the setbacks in our lives, and in the world, to prepare comebacks too. God has a divine plan for hope. The world’s hopelessness can become a stage on which God’s eternal hope can stand out. This hope, in turn, creates an opportunity for us to discover purpose, when God brings us out of hopelessness and into His hope. He soothes us and strengthens us; then, we gain the opportunity to inspire and help others. But we can’t do this on our own. Jesus Christ - who rose from the grave in the greatest comeback ever - gives us the power to pursue Him and mount our own comebacks. If we’ll seek Him with all of our hearts, in spite of our hopelessness, then we’ll find Him right where we need Him.

Main Passages

11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

- Jeremiah 29:11

12 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

- Jeremiah 29:12-13

3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. 5 For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ.

- 2 Corinthians 1:3-5

Discussion Questions

1. What stands out to you in the Main Thought and Passages above?

2. What are some successful things you’ve done to seek God in the midst of a difficult, frustrating, or even hopeless situation?

3. Has God ever used your difficulties to inspire someone around you? Pray for someone you could engage with the gospel, and for an opportunity to introduce hope in God to them.

When Hope is Hard to See

Main Thought

The concept of “hope” can be a difficult one to process. On one hand, the resurrection of Jesus Christ permanently proves that hope in God is real. At the same time, there are reasons for hopelessness all around us: financial distress, sickness, war, and more. How are we supposed to reconcile these seemingly contradictory realities? The truth is that hope and hopelessness currently coexist. God is actively bringing about change in the world, primarily through the changed lives of His followers. Yet the consequences of sin and death will remain until Jesus returns. Any reason for hopelessness in the world will be destroyed when He returns - but what are we supposed to do in the meantime?

We can learn to lament while looking to God for hope. A lament is simply an honest prayer, or cry to God, from a place of pain. The Bible is filled with laments. Lamenting begins when we come before God, even when we’re broken. We can come to Him in the authentic reality of our situations. Then, we can cry and complain to God. This deepens our relationship with Him while lessening the ability of our negative emotions to dominate or control us. Our lamentation takes a turn when we call on God to move: we pray for His help or deliverance. Then, in spite of current situations that inspire hopelessness, we can choose to hope in God again. Our hope is built on the unchanging character of God and the completed work of Christ. These things are constant, and they can help our hope become constant too.

Main Passages

19 Remember my affliction and my wanderings, the wormwood and the gall! 20 My soul continually remembers it and is bowed down within me. 21 But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope…

- Lamentations 3:19-21

22 The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; 23 they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. 24 “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.”

- Lamentations 3:22-24

“...He has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” - 1 Peter 1:3

Discussion Questions

1. There are examples of lament across the Old and New Testaments. Approximately one-third of the Psalms are laments. There’s a book called Lamentations. Why do you think God sovereignly included so much content on laments?

2. Are there any areas in your life in which lamenting may help you? What can you bring before God in lament this week? Remember, the four steps of lamentation are:

   1. Call on God.

   2. Cry and complain.

   3. Call on God to move.

   4. Choose hope in Him.

3. Why do you think it’s important for our hope to be built on God’s unchanging character and the completed work of Jesus Christ?

Eternal Debt, Paid in Full

Main Thought

No one wants to be trapped in debt. We can owe debt for a variety of different reasons. These reasons include violations that we commit (like an amount owed because of a traffic ticket), or it can come as a result of damage we’ve caused. The Bible lovingly yet clearly informs us that we owe an eternal debt to God because of our sin. Sin is any word, thought, or deed that prioritizes some selfish desire at the expense of love for God and others. Sin breaks right relationship. We all owe a debt to God because of the damage caused by our sin.

But God loves us, and He didn’t want us to pay for this debt ourselves. Jesus Christ came to pay for our debt in our place! Jesus lived a perfect life of love by God’s standards. Then, He went to the Cross to pay the price for our sin. His sacrifice was immeasurable; however, when He rose again, He proved that His payment was sufficient! We can all experience the freedom of redemption, and the promise of eternal life, when we believe in Him and follow Him.

Main Passages

28 After this, Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfill the Scripture), “I thirst.” 29 A jar full of sour wine stood there, so they put a sponge full of the sour wine on a hyssop branch and held it to his mouth. 30 When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

- John 19:30

23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God…

- Romans 3:23 

23 For the wages of sin is death…

- Romans 6:23a

13 When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, 14 having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross.

- Colossians 2:13-14 (NIV)

Discussion Questions

1. Why do you think our sin incurs a debt to God?

2. Dr. Rice Broocks, a co-founder of the Every Nation family of churches and campus ministries, defines the gospel like this: “The gospel is the good news that God became man in Jesus Christ. He lived the life we should have lived and died the death we should have died—in our place. Three days later He rose from the dead, proving that He is the Son of God and offering the gift of salvation to those who repent and believe in Him.”

   1. Do you believe the truth of the gospel as summarized by this statement? Why or why not?

3. Jesus redeemed us from an eternal debt. In light of His sacrifice for us, how should you make full use of the freedom Jesus gave you?

Love

Main Thought

Everyone knows that love is important, but why is it so important? Ultimately, it’s because love is our life purpose. We were made to experience love with God and other people. Love can be felt and it can be acted out; however, love is more than feelings and even more than actions. Love is a motive that inspires our feelings and actions. It desires good for another. Love seeks to build healthy relationships. Conversely, sin is that which ruins relationships. God’s law, as we learn of it in the Bible, describes ways by which we can act in love to build healthy relationships rather than break them. The law of God teaches us to love well. It isn’t easy to love; it’s something that we all need to grow into. Maturity can be seen in the ability (or inability) to give and receive love freely. Yet our efforts to give and receive love ultimately fall short without God. Imperfect people cannot produce perfect love on their own. We need perfect love from a perfect God! As we pursue God and endeavor to love like Him, He fulfills our life purpose.

Main Passages

37 And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 38 This is the great and first commandment. 39 And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. 40 On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.”

- Matthew 22:37-40

14 Let all that you do be done in love.

- 1 Corinthians 16:14

…You received without paying; give without pay.

- Matthew 10:8

Discussion Questions

1. What stands out to you in the Main Thought and Passages above? Why?

2. Dr. Greg Mitchell’s sermon and the Main Thought assert that “Love is our life purpose.” What do you think about that statement? Can you see evidence of that statement’s truth in your own life?

3. Do you feel that you are able to give and receive love freely? If it’s difficult to do one (or both) of those things, why?

How to Love People Who Hurt You

Main Thought

To be hurt, whether by a complete stranger or by someone we love, is a part of the human experience. Jesus knew what it was like to be hurt too. Most of His own disciples abandoned Him, denied Him, or betrayed Him around the time of His Crucifixion. Yet Jesus loved those who hurt Him with incredible grace, truth, and service. It’s exciting to be a recipient of such love - but it can be intimidating to rise up to such a lofty standard. As followers of Jesus, we can work our way toward loving those who hurt us by taking steps of grace (which withholds judgement and chooses to desire good or bless); steps of truth (which presents the truth without malice and builds boundaries if necessary); and, steps of service (to meet the felt needs of others in different ways or degrees). The next, right step is often an uncomfortable one. But taking these steps will eventually bring us closer to God and form us to be more like Christ, all while we learn to rest assured in God.

Main Passages

14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

- John 1:14

3 Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, 4 rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. 5 Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him… 10 Jesus said to him, “The one who has bathed does not need to wash, except for his feet, but is completely clean. And you are clean, but not every one of you.” 11 For he knew who was to betray him; that was why he said, “Not all of you are clean.”

- John 13:3-5, 10-11

14 If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. 

- John 13:14

Discussion Questions

1. What stands out to you in the Main Thought and Passages above? Why?

2. Think about a time you received grace, truth, or service, either from God or someone else. What happened? What did it feel like to receive these things?

3. Are there any situations in which you can take a step toward grace, truth, or service while choosing to love someone who hurt you? What might that step look like practically?

How to Love Difficult People

Main Thought

It can be hard to love others. It can be especially difficult to love “difficult people,” whether it be because of their personalities, differing beliefs, the things they’ve done to hurt us, or more. Yet the second-greatest commandment still applies: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” So how are we supposed to love difficult people? We can begin by looking inward. Our own moods, perspectives, biases, or even sin can get in the way of our ability to love others. Then, we can make the difficult choice to extend outward. To forgive and love begins with a choice to desire good for others, rather than harm. This decision may help us see the hurt in the other person’s life. Ultimately, our ability to love difficult people finds unmatched strength and inspiration when we look upward. God loved us when we were “difficult people.” Experiencing God’s love makes it possible to extend God’s love.

Main Passages

6 The Lord passed before him and proclaimed, “The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, 7 keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, but who will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children and the children's children, to the third and the fourth generation.”

- Exodus 34:6-7

2 For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. 3 Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?

- Matthew 7:2-3

31 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. 32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

- Ephesians 4:31-32

Discussion Questions

1. What stands out to you in the Main Thought or Passages above?

2. The Word of God (and Pastor Roland’s sermon) exhort us to look inward toward things that may hinder our ability to love, and to extend outward with a choice to love. Which of those two things do you find more difficult? Why?

3. Is there a difficult person in your life or sphere of influence that God may be calling you to extend love to? How might that look?

How to Love When You're Drained

Main Thought

Most of us know what it’s like to feel drained, or emotionally exhausted. Great or prolonged stress can cause us to feel trapped, powerless, or hopeless. We may become frustrated with the people around us more easily. That makes it hard for us to love. But Jesus can teach us how to love well, even when we’re drained. If we find ourselves surrounded by those who need us, it can help to shift our focus from our needs to their needs for a time. This can help us escape a downward spiral of negativity. Taking moments to pause and “look up to heaven” - even if those moments need to be brief - can allow our hearts to recalibrate and find relief in God before we return to the tasks-at-hand. We may also need to make a conscious decision to bless, not curse, people around us. We bless people when we adopt an attitude of love, pray for them, or desire good for them. Finally, as soon as we’re able, we should rush to find rest in our God. Jesus prioritized personal, quiet time with the Father and went to great lengths to experience it. We can learn from His example. If we do these things, then we’ll eventually discover that God meets our needs and multiplies our abilities.

Main Passages

13 Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a desolate place by himself. But when the crowds heard it, they followed him on foot from the towns. 14 When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them and healed their sick.

- Matthew 14:13-14

17 “We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered. 18 “Bring them here to me,” he said. 19 Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass, and taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing…

- Matthew 14:17-19

4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.

- John 15:4-5

Discussion Questions

1. What stands out to you in the Main Thought or Main Passages above?

2. Has anything caused you to feel emotionally exhausted recently? (Please share as much as your comfort and privacy allows.)

3. The four things we can learn from Jesus about loving well when we’re feeling drained are listed below.

   1. We can shift our focus from our needs to the needs of others.

   2. We can pause and look up.

   3. We can choose to bless.

   4. We can rush to rest in God.

   Which do you feel would be most helpful to you, and why? How can you implement it?

Luke 15: Bible Study

Read Luke 15

Reflect on these questions

• What stood out to you most after reading this chapter in the Bible?

• Through the Parable of the Prodigal Son (along with places like John 13:9, John 15:5, James 4:6-8 and more), we can reach the following conclusion: “God’s love is offered unconditionally yet experienced conditionally.”

  • Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Why or why not?

• The Younger (Prodigal) Son’s actions can be broadly categorized as rebellious. He visibly rejected the Father’s will while living in immorality. Meanwhile, the Older Son’s actions and attitudes can be called self-righteous. He appeared to obey the Father within the confines of traditional morality, yet his motives were selfish and his attitude was prideful and judgmental. Both sons dishonored their Father.

  • Can you see yourself in either one of these two brothers? Do you identify with one brother’s sin more than the other, or both equally? If so, why?

Respond with faith in action

• The hero of the Parable of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15 is the Loving Father. (Jesus used this character to portray God.) He initiated and invited both his younger, rebellious son and his older, self-righteous son to repent of their ways and enter into a closer relationship with Him.

  • Is there anything you need to change in order to enjoy a closer relationship with God on a personal level? If so, what?

  • Bonus: As we approach Easter on March 31, who can you invite into a relationship with God?

My Christian Calling

Main Thought

A lot of people want to discover their “calling” from God. While the specific details of our lives differ, the call of God for every Christian is the same. God calls us to know Christ. He wants us to believe in Him as the Son of God, to develop a personal relationship with Him, and to walk in His power through the presence of His Holy Spirit. God wants more than a one-time encounter with us; He calls us to grow in Him. We’re meant to love Him more and become more like Him over time. When we grow in Christ, we glow for Christ. People should be able to see Jesus through the way we live. Finally, every Christian is called to go for Christ. We are meant to engage individuals, families, and communities with God’s love.

Main Passages

“I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.”

- John 15:5 ESV

“Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus.”

- Acts 4:13 ESV

”And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up serpents with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover…And they went out and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by accompanying signs.”

- Mark 16:15-20 ESV

Discussion Questions

1. What stands out to you in the Main Thought and Passages above?

2. Do you think people around you can see a good representation of Jesus through your life? Why or why not?

3. God calls every believer to do the following four things. Which of these four things best reflect your knowlede of God, or your relationship with Him, at the current moment? What might help you take the next step?

   1. Know Christ.

   2. Grow in Christ.

   3. Glow for Christ.

   4. Go for Christ.

Acing Your Serve

Main Thought

How does a tennis match start? It starts with a “serve” - a shot delivered to start the action. One study estimated that an average professional tennis match typically sees between 100-150 serves. But what does this have to do with the Mission of God? Often, things start when we “serve.” God’s Mission began when He decided to serve humanity by sending His Son, Jesus. Jesus served by living a perfect life, yet choosing to go to the Cross for our sins. He served so that we could belong to His family, believe in Him, and become the people that we were made to be. We can create opportunities for people to belong, believe, and become the people that God made them to be when we serve them too.

Main Passages

25 But Jesus called them to him and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 26 It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, 28 even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

- Matthew 20:25-28

10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace…

- 1 Peter 4:10

16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” - John 3:16

Discussion Questions

1. What stands out to you in the Main Thought and Passages above?

2. Why do you think God calls us to serve people, both in His Church and outside it?

3. Can you think of anyone who is a) in your sphere of influence; b) far from God, and; c) in need of help or service in some way? How can serving that person (or people) around you create opportunities to engage them on behalf of Jesus Christ?

Where Our Mission Begins

Main Thought

God is on a mission to rescue Mankind and restore Creation. This is sometimes referred to as “Missio Dei,” or the Mission of God. God included us in His mission, giving us the opportunity to make a difference that lasts forever. So where do we begin? The process of making disciples begins when we engage others and share the good news about Jesus. That task can seem daunting at times. But engaging others doesn’t have to begin with boldness. The first people to ever declare that Jesus rose again were the women who went to visit His tomb. They didn’t necessarily feel “bold” when they started. Engaging others doesn’t need to begin with bulletproof arguments or evidence either. Even the strongest evidence imaginable - seeing the resurrected Jesus - failed to fully convince some people. Engaging others begins when we share our experiences in God with other people. We “brag about what we’ve beheld” in the hopes that others may come to behold God too.

Main Passages

2 And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. 4 And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men. 5 But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him. See, I have told you.” 8 So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9 And behold, Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.”

- Matthew 28:2-10

18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

- Matthew 28:18-20

19 And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”

- Matthew 4:19

Discussion Questions

1. Is there anything that keeps you from engaging others, building relationships, or sharing the good news about Jesus?

2. Share one good thing that God has done for you with your Life Group.

3. What’s something you (or your group) could try to engage people who don’t know God in your spheres of influence?

The Highway of Holiness

Main Thought

Most people prefer to take faster, more efficient roads as opposed to slower ones filled with obstacles. We like highways. Did you know that holiness is like a highway? God’s highway of holiness provides blessing and fulfillment. We experience joy when we journey on it. It’s a highway that provides clarity and safety too. God guides us when we follow Him. If the highway of holiness is so great, then why don’t we all take it? The highway of holiness is exclusive. Only those who know God through Jesus, and follow Jesus into greater personal holiness, can access this incredible path to life. God wants everyone to take His highway. Jesus made the way. Will you hop on the highway to holiness?

Main Passages

The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad; the desert shall rejoice and blossom like the crocus; 2 it shall blossom abundantly and rejoice with joy and singing. The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it, the majesty of Carmel and Sharon. They shall see the glory of the Lord, the majesty of our God.

- Isaiah 35:1-2

8 And a highway shall be there, and it shall be called the Way of Holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it. It shall belong to those who walk on the way; even if they are fools, they shall not go astray. 9 No lion shall be there, nor shall any ravenous beast come up on it; they shall not be found there, but the redeemed shall walk there. 10 And the ransomed of the Lord shall return and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

- Isaiah 35:8-10

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

- Proverbs 3:5-6

Discussion Questions

1. What stands out to you in the Main Thought or Main Passages above?

2. What do you think it means to be on the “highway of holiness?” How is life different for those who travel it?

3. Are there any obstacles, questions, or hesitations that make it hard for you to travel on the highway to holiness? How might God want to help you address that challenge?

The Possibility of Holiness: Bible Study

Read Hebrews 7

Reflect on these questions

• What stood out to you most after reading this chapter in the Bible?

• Hebrews 7 has a lot to say about a mysterious man named Melchizadek. Melchizadek, whose name means “King of Righteousness,” appears to bless Abraham in Genesis 14 - and then is never seen or heard from again. It has been proposed by theologians that Melchizadek was actually Jesus, appearing in a “Christophany” - a bodily appearance of Christ prior to His birth. He may have also simply been a mysterious man who was used and annointed by God. Who do you think Melchizadek was, and why?

• Hebrews 7:22 summarizes the scriptures that precede it, and calls Jesus the guarantor of a better covenant. In what way is the New Covenant that we have in Jesus better than the Old Covenant, given through Moses?

Respond with faith in action

• Hebrews 7:25 invites us to draw near to God through Jesus Christ. Given the incredible grace we’ve received through Jesus, and the unprecedented access we have to God, how will you draw near to God this week?

Holiness - God’s Character, Our Calling

Main Thought

Holiness is a quality that describes the very character of God. How does His holiness impact us? We’re meant to become holy, like Him. Our mindset toward holiness must be intentional. We are meant to think about it as a goal, and endure in our efforts to grow towards holiness. Of course, that’s easier said than done. As God’s children, we can be motivated toward holiness because it brings us closer to our Heavenly Father. The character and conduct that Jesus displayed on His way to the serves as an incredible model for us to emulate. We are called to mirror God’s holy character in us, so that we can be a light to the world.

Main Passages

13 Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, set your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 14 As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance, 15 but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior;

- 1 Peter 1:13-16

13 Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, 15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, 16 having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.

- 1 Peter 3:13-16

12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.

- 1 Peter 4:12-13

Discussion Questions

1. What stands out to you in the Main Thought and Passages above?

2. What, if anything, motivates you to be holy?

3. What do you think it means to “grow in holiness”? How might that look in your life?

What Makes God Holy?

Main Thought

We’re all familiar with the word holy, but how would we describe it or define it? The idea of being “set apart” can help us understand what it means to be holy. Yet holiness doesn’t start with us; it all begins with God. Personal holiness is grounded in the holiness of God. So what makes God holy? God is holy because He is completely set apart (or unique) in His power, as our Source of Life, and in His goodness. Psalm 96 exhorts us to worship God in the beauty of His holiness. We can do that when we sing, declare His goodness to others, and ascribe (or credit) glory and honor to Him. These things allow us to perceive and understanding God’s holiness more clearly. Then, we’re inspired to grow in personal holiness as we come to know God’s holiness in a greater way.

Main Passage

Oh sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth! 2 Sing to the Lord, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day. 3 Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples 4 For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; he is to be feared above all gods. 5 For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols, but the Lord made the heavens.

- Psalm 96:1-5

6 Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and beauty are in his sanctuary. 7 Ascribe to the Lord, O families of the peoples, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength! 8 Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; bring an offering, and come into his courts! 9 Worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness; tremble before him, all the earth!

- Psalm 96:6-9

10 Say among the nations, “The Lord reigns! Yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved; he will judge the peoples with equity.” 11 Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; let the sea roar, and all that fills it; 12 let the field exult, and everything in it! Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy 13 before the Lord, for he comes, for he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness, and the peoples in his faithfulness.

- Psalm 96:10-13

Discussion Questions

1. What stands out to you in the Main Thought and Passages above?

2. What stands out to you most regarding the three things that make God holy, and why?

3. Psalm 96 gives us three things we can do to worship God. Which one(s) will you try to do this week?

Hope for the New Year

Main Thought

We often approach a New Year with resolutions, excitement, and hope. Yet these things can fade almost as quickly as the fireworks do. How can we have real, lasting hope for the new year? It all begins when we do our best to love the people in front of us. We also need to confront the reality that things sometimes get worse before they get better. In spite of this, we should determine to have patient endurance. It’s much easier to endure when we remember God’s faithfulness and promises. We can go to His Word, seek Him in prayer, and we can keep track of the things He has done before. Once we remember God’s promises, we should refuse to give up on them. With God, we can remain hopeful that He has “plans for our welfare, not disaster, and will give us a future and a hope.”

Main Passage

4 This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, the God of Israel, says to all the captives he has exiled to Babylon from Jerusalem: 5 “Build homes, and plan to stay. Plant gardens, and eat the food they produce. 6 Marry and have children. Then find spouses for them so that you may have many grandchildren. Multiply! Do not dwindle away! 7 And work for the peace and prosperity of the city where I sent you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, for its welfare will determine your welfare.”

8 This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, the God of Israel, says: “Do not let your prophets and fortune-tellers who are with you in the land of Babylon trick you. Do not listen to their dreams, 9 because they are telling you lies in my name. I have not sent them,” says the Lord.

10 This is what the Lord says: “You will be in Babylon for seventy years. But then I will come and do for you all the good things I have promised, and I will bring you home again. 11 For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. 12 In those days when you pray, I will listen. 13 If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. 14 I will be found by you,” says the Lord. “I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes. I will gather you out of the nations where I sent you and will bring you home again to your own land.”

- Jerimiah 29:4-14

Discussion Questions

1. What stands out to you in the Main Thought and/or Passages above?

2. What was one major victory or difficulty in 2023 that may affect you in 2024?

3. Based on the Main Thought or Pastor Bret Holman’s sermon, what’s one thing that can help you have hope in the New Year?

Do You See What I See?

Main Thought

From the perspective of most people in the first century, shepherds weren’t people that you wanted to associate with. Yet God saw it fit to invite these men to the birth of His Son. So He sent an angel to them. We then begin to see the shepherds’ perspective in response to the angels’ announcement. They had faith, and their faith was accompanied by practical action. They made pursuing Jesus their priority. They knew that they wanted to see, know, and experience Jesus for themselves. Then, they shared their experience with others. God values us highly, just as He did these shepherds. If we’re willing to respond as they did, then we will also share the joy that they had.

Main Passages

8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

- Luke 2:8-12

13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” 15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

- Luke 2:13-15

16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

- Luke 2:16-20

Discussion Questions

1. What stands out to you in the Main Thought and Passages above?

2. Do you think genuine faith must be accompanied by appropriate action? Why or why not?

3. What can you learn from the shepherds’ response to Jesus?

Meet Maher-shalal-hash-baz

Main Thought

Mary, Elizabeth, and Joseph are among the people included most often when we think of our favorite individuals associated with the birth of Jesus Christ. But who was Maher-shalal-hash-baz? He was the son of Isaiah, the Old Testament prophet, born approximately 700 years before Jesus. The name "Maher-shalal-hash-baz” meant “speed to the spoil, hurry to the plunder.” It was a reminder of the distress that was near to the people of Judah, with the empire of Assyria lurking nearby. Distress may be near to us too, and it can make the world seem dark. Yet light shines brightest against a backdrop of darkness. Isaiah foretold the coming of the Messiah, God’s Son, as a part of the same prophecy in which Maher-shalal-hash-baz was named. The Son of God came to be the light that we need: whether that be as our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, or Prince of Peace. If we want to experience Jesus in these ways, then His leadership must increase in our lives.

Main Passages

3 And I went to the prophetess, and she conceived and bore a son. Then the Lord said to me, “Call his name Maher-shalal-hash-baz; 4 for before the boy knows how to cry ‘My father’ or ‘My mother,’ the wealth of Damascus and the spoil of Samaria will be carried away before the king of Assyria.”

-  Isaiah 8:3-4

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone.

- Isaiah 9:2

6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

- Isaiah 9:6-7

Discussion Questions

1. What stands out to you in the Main Thought and Passages above?

2. Which of the four names (which represents roles and/or attributes) of the Messiah stands out most to you: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, or Prince of Peace? Why?

3. What might it look like for the government, or leadership, of Jesus to increase in your life? In other words, how can you follow His Word or His will?