My Mighty God.

Introduction:

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.
~Isaiah 9:6

You Will Call Him... (Isaiah 9:6)

1. My God .
   • Romans 10:9 - Jesus is Lord
   • John 20:31 - Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God
   • John 8:24 - unless you believe that I am (he)
   • Matthew 12:32
2. My Mighty God.
   • 2 Chronicles 14:9-12a
   • 2 Chronicles 16:7-9 - For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him.

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Small Group Discussion
Read Isaiah 9:6

1. What was your big “take-away” from this passage / message?
   

2. Why is believing “Jesus is God” necessary for salvation? Why can't someone be saved by believing “Jesus was just a great prophet and example for mankind”?
   

3. What is “blasphemy of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 12:32)? Why is that an unforgivable sin? How do you know when someone has committed that sin?
   

4. Name some ways people look to other avenues for help instead of seeking the Mighty God’s help. Why are we so prone to do this?

Breakout
Pray for one another, specifically to seek the Lord to fight your battles, instead of enlisting other help.

My Wonderful Counselor.

Introduction:

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.
~Isaiah 9:6

Three Reasons Why Jesus is The Wonderful Counselor (Isaiah 9:6):

1. His counsel is Timeless . (Isaiah 46:9-10)
2. His counsel is Personal . (Hebrews 2:17-18 | Hebrews 4:15)
3. His counsel is Life . (John 12:46 | John 8:12 | Matthew 11:27-30)

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Hint: Highlight blanks above for answers!

Small Group Discussion
Read Isaiah 9:6

1. What was your big “take-away” from this passage / message?
   

2. Why are we prone to take counsel from “experts” whose perspective is limited?
   

3. Does the timelessness of Jesus’ counsel affect the value you place on it? Why or why not?
   

4. Can you recall a time when Jesus gave you counsel, e.g., through the Scripture, through a sermon, during prayer, etc.? What was that counsel, and what did you do in response?
   

5. Light and darkness are recurring themes in Scripture. What does light make possible? What does the light of Christ do to or for us? (John 12:46)
   

6. What is the relationship between light and counsel? (see John 8:12)

Breakout
Pray that God will illuminate the Scripture and your mind more and more to better understand and apply Jesus’ wonderful counsel.

We're Expecting! We Expect Joy!

Introduction:

How to Live in the Joy of the Lord (Luke 1:39-56)

1. Magnify the Lord. (Luke 1:46-47)
2. Minimize myself. (Luke 1:48)
3. Meditate on God's work. (Luke 1:49-55)
   1. Get Personal . (Luke 1:49)
   2. Get Hopeful . (Luke 1:50-53)
   3. Get Reflective . (Luke 1:54-55)

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Small Group Discussion
Read Luke 1:39-56

1. What was your big “take-away” from this passage / message?
   

2. You want joy? Give thanks like Mary did in Luke 1:49-55!
   List 1-3 things from each category.
   Things I am thankful for:
   I am thankful right now God is _____________.
   I am thankful God promised to _____________.
   I am thankful that in the past, God has _____________.

Breakout
Pray for one another. Merry Christmas!

We're Expecting! We Expect a King.

Introduction:

What Kind of King Is This? (Luke 1:26-38)

1. As God, Jesus Rules over me. (Luke 1:32, 35)
2. As Man, Jesus Relates to me. (Luke 1:31)

   Hebrews 2:17 - Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect...

Hebrews 4:14-16 - Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

3. As Savior, Jesus Rescued me. (Luke 1:31)

   Matthew 1:21 - She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.

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Small Group Discussion
Read Luke 1:26-38

1. What was your big “take-away” from this passage / message?
   

2. Why was Zechariah disciplined for questioning God’s Word, but Mary wasn’t? Support your answer. (hint: see Luke 1:38)
   

3. How would you respond to someone who asks, “Why should I bow down to Jesus now?”
   

4. How does it encourage YOU knowing that Jesus has experienced everything human beings experience?

Breakout
Pray for revival in Pittsburgh! Pray that area churches would faithfully preach God’s Word, and the Spirit would open hearts to receive Jesus Christ.

We're Expecting! We Expect God to Keep His Word.

Introduction:

I Pray with Expectation (Luke 1:5-25):

1. Because God will keep His Word . (Luke 1:13-17)

   Jeremiah 1:12 - ...I am watching over my word to perform it.

2. Because God will keep His Word, according to His Timing . (Luke 1:20)

   Psalm 27:14 - Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!

3. Because God will keep His Word, according to His Timing and unbelief only hurts Us . (Luke 1:20)

Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANK
Hint: Highlight blanks above for answers!

Small Group Discussion
Read Luke 1:5-25

1. What was your big “take-away” from this passage / message?
   

2. Why do you think Zechariah didn’t believe the angel? Have you ever “lost expectation” while praying for something for a long period of time?
   

3. Zechariah faced some consequences for not believing the word from God. What are some consequences WE face when we choose not to believe the Word of God?

Breakout
Pray that we learn to wait on the Lord. And pray that He would restore in us a spirit of belief and expectation, trusting Him to keep His Word