2 Thessalonians 2:13-17  +  Part 2 of the series From The River To The Mountain

How would you rate an Uber driver, whose personal kindness interrupts his professional competency?

What if some people don’t deserve saving?

“If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them … But love your enemies, do good to them … you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” (Luke 6:32-26)

God called the apostle Paul to write 13 books of the Bible in the New Testament for many reasons. One of them was: Paul personally experienced the grace and mercy of God.

But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God chose you as firstfruits to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. (2 Thessalonians 2:13) 

He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. (2 Thessalonians 2:14).

Believing the gospel connects you to Jesus.

Can we please disappoint more people by being too kind and welcoming?

May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word. (2 Thessalonians 2:16,17)

SPIRITUAL NEXT STEP 

Can you give CrossLife Church a 5-star review on Google? Your rating, and comments, can help people who are looking for a church give us a try, and connect to Jesus in new ways.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. Can you give CrossLife Church a 5-star review on Google? Your rating, and comments, can help people who are looking for a church give us a try, and connect to Jesus in new ways. https://g.page/r/CZNbJlctjNZREAg/review 
2. Read Isaiah 61:1-3. Count them. How many different ways does this prophecy about Jesus tell us that he is kind to sinners? Describe what you feel about this list.
3. Reflect on your relationships with other church members and staff. When and with whom has your kindness been stifled by selfishness, unfair judging, or assumptions based on gossip? Take this up with your merciful, forgiving Heavenly Father. If appropriate, share with your group in repentance and forgiveness. What is a next step between you and this person?
4. Search the Scriptures for verses that use the word “kind” or “kindness.” Write a prayer or poem. Create a crossword puzzle. Draw a picture. Design something that expresses your faith in the words, and desire to practice them. Share it to encourage others. 

Matthew 3:13-17  +  Part 1 of the series From The River To The Mountain

Arriving is important, but more important is amppearing.

After Christmas, churches around the world celebrate Epiphany.

Jesus is presented at the temple. Luke 2:21-40

Visit of the Magi. Matthew 2:1-12

Jesus teaches at age 12. Luke 2:41-52

Active Obedience. Luke 2:39,42,49,51; Galatians 4:4,5

Begins his public ministry. Luke 3:23

When did you begin following Jesus on his mission?

1. Whenever you feel called
2. Whenever the gospel you preach saves a soul
3. When you became a church member
4. At your baptism
5. Only pastors and missionaries are called to ministry

Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” (Matthew 3:13-15)

At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:16,17)

All of us who were baptized … were buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. (Romans 6:3,4)

Will you just arrive, or will you thrive in 2025?

SPIRITUAL NEXT STEP

Enjoy a Baptism of Jesus crossword puzzle. Pick it up at the welcome desk.

Discussion Questions

1. Compare your Baptism of Jesus crossword puzzle with others. Can you collaborate to get all the (right) answers?
2. What is the difference between Jesus arriving and Jesus appearing—In his life and ministry? In your life? In our church mission?
3. Which verse speaks most deeply to you about the power of your baptism? Explain. (Galatians 2:20; Romans 6:4; Romans 6:11)

Luke 1  +  Part 2 of the series God’s Greatest Gifts

The divine truths of Christmas mean we are desired, loved and prepared for a purpose.

“How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the Holy One to be born will be called the Son of God.” (Luke 1:34,35)

The people living in darkness have seen a great Light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a Light has dawned. (Matthew 4:16)

God looks at the ugliness and says, “Ah, yes, I love this one!”

God’s divine work in your life repurposes bad experiences. (Romans 8:28)

God loves puzzles with missing pieces. (Isaiah 42:9)

Christmas can feel ugly because of the darkness of your guilt, shame, depression or pain. The answer to these is Jesus. (1 Peter 4:10)

The world is full of God’s light. If you can’t see it, then be it.

SPIRITUAL NEXT STEP 

We love to get all decorated for Christmas, but the best decorations may be the ugliest. That’s good news! Prepare some (purposefully) ugly Christmas wear, decorations or cookies. Use them to tell the story of God’s grace.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. We love to get all decorated for Christmas, but the best decorations may be the ugliest. That’s good news! Prepare some (purposefully) ugly Christmas wear, decorations or cookies. Use them to tell the story of God’s grace.
2. Read Psalm 138:6. Write a prayer based on the promises of this verse. Ask specifically for an area of spiritual growth you are looking to develop this Christmas.
3. Read Luke 1:46-55. Search online to answer this question: “Why is this section of verses often called The Magnificat?”

2 Corinthians 9:8-11  +  Part 1 of the series God’s Greatest Gifts

God is able to bless you abundantly. (2 Corinthians 9:8)

1. 1. Strongly disagree
   2. Somewhat disagree
   3. Neutral
   4. Somewhat agree
   5. Strongly agree

And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. (2 Corinthians 9:8)

God is never limited, unless we limit him.

Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. (2 Corinthians 9:10)

You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. (2 Corinthians 9:11)

God can ___________________________________________.

God will ___________________________________________.

I will do less _______________________________________ .

I can do more _______________________________________.

SPIRITUAL NEXT STEP 

Refer to 2 Corinthians 9:8-11. Complete your list of fill-ins: God can _____. God will _____. I will do less _____. I can do more _____. Share with a friend.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. Refer to 2 Corinthians 9:8-11. Complete your list of fill-ins: God can _____. God will _____. I will do less _____. I can do more _____. Share with a friend.
2. Get a popcorn bucket and use it at your Thanksgiving dinner. Ask people to write down blessings or prayer requests, each on an individual piece of paper. Place all of them in the popcorn bucket, then say a prayer. Ask God to multiply these blessings or his answers to the prayers. Abundantly! BONUS: Over the course of the coming days and weeks, pay attention to what God does. Add updates to the pieces of paper where God is at work. Give thanks!
3. List 3 ways you can give more abundantly and be “more blessed” (Acts 20:35). When will you start?