SUNDAY’S PLAY LIST VIA YOUTUBE

THIS WEEK’S BIBLE READINGS    Apr.11-17,   Acts 9-11

• ·        WHERE’S YOUR SPACE TO READ?
• ·         WHAT’S YOUR TIME TO STUDY?
• ·         WHAT ARE THE KEY WORDS?
• ·         WHAT WAS GOD SAYING TO THEM?  WHAT’S GOD SAYING TO YOU?
• ·         WHAT’S THE HOLY SPIRIT GOING TO SHOW YOU THROUGHOUT THE DAY?
• ·         FOR WHAT ARE YOU GRATEFUL?
• ·         FOR WHAT ARE YOU CONCERNED?
• ·         WHO NEEDS YOU TODAY?

NEXT WEEK’S BIBLE READINGS   Apr.18-24,   Acts 12-14

April 17, 2016|  $tewards of Money And Reliable Truth   “$.M.A.R.T. Poverty”

Texts:  (4+ Scriptures) Mt. 26:11; James 2:5; 2:1-7; 5:1-6; Acts 20:35; Ezek. 16:49; Mt. 25:31-46; Lev. 19:9-10; 1 Tim. 5:3-6; Gal. 6:9-10; 2Cor. 8:12-15                    

IN A NUTSHELL:  The most clear test of a man's heart being like God's is to see how he reacts to the poor.  Poverty began as a response to sin in the Garden of Eden, it perpetuated through unproductive habits  and best addressed through discipleship (relationships).

ICE BREAKER :    Have you ever known someone that said, "When we were young we were very poor, but we didn't realize it?"   What does that mean?                                                                                                      

HIS WORD   (3+ Questions & 4+ Scriptures)

1.  What unbiblical assumptions do you have about people who are poor?
2. How does God view the poor and those who take advantage of them?
3. What does it mean to treat the poor with dignity?

YOUR WORLD

1. How would you say God's heart for the poor is seen in your everyday walk/talk & relationships?
2. How could providing needs for others actually begin to work against their "real needs?"

SMALL PIECES (3 Principles)

1. You will always have the poor with you.
2. God has chosen the poor to be rich in faith.
3. Poverty is born out of an attitude, perpetuated by unproductive habits, and best addressed through discipleship.  

BIG PICTURE

Until the day of Judgement God will look to how we have treated the unfortunate and needy to evaluate whether we have His heart or not.  People in enslaved poverty need people that are not enslaved in poverty to exemplify for them  (disciple) what it is to have faith in God and use "stuff" to serve Him. 

ON LINE RESOURCES

•  CARE SHEET
•  $.M.A.R.T.  -30 Contrasting Views on Money
•  Stewardship Study - What can I do?
•  Wealth Memory Postcard
• What does the Bible say about poverty?
• A summary of Ruby Payne's work on understanding poverty  (Ruby's book) 
• Toxic Charity by Robert D. Lupton  The Book  A Youtube Interview with the author
• 2016 MOSAIC SERIES AND BIBLE READINGS
• 12 FRANCIS SCHAEFFER QUOTES THAT WILL CHALLENGE THE WAY YOU ENGAGE CULTURE (RELEVANT MAGAZINE)
• INSPIRED EVIDENCE – A GOOD DEVOTION BOOK FOR 2016
• TIMBER LAKE CHRISTIAN CHURCH WEBSITE
• TIMBER LAKE LIVE! (SIMULCAST)
• TIMBER LAKE’S PAST VIDEOS (VIMEO)

April 10, 2016  $tewards of Money And Reliable Truth   “$.M.A.R.T. Debt”

Texts:   Proverbs 22:7; James 4:13-16; Psalm 37:21; Romans 13:7-8

IN A NUTSHELL:  Debt is a huge problem in our nation, in our world, and in our individual lives.  Most families sitting in church on Sunday morning have some level of debt, and that does not necessarily place them outside of God’s will.  There are some popular misconceptions about the scriptural teaching on debt that we’ll look at in this sermon. We will examine some of the negative consequences of debt and how it squelches our ability to be generous stewards of God’s resources.

ICE BREAKER:   When did you first take out a loan or credit card? Did that first experience with debt have any effect on your decision-making about debt in later years?

HIS WORD

1.      Is debt encouraged in Scripture?  Why?   (Romans 13:8; Proverbs 22:7; 1 Corinthians 7:23)

2.      What do these verses say about repaying debts?  (Psalm 37:21; Proverbs 3:27-28)

3.      Read 2 Kings 4:1-7.  What principles of getting out of debt can you identify from this passage?

 YOUR WORLD

1.      Here is a list of indicators that you may have a debt problemAre there any of these you have observed in your own life?

·        You avoid asking the tough questions. How are we really going to pay for this?

·        You are living month to month with no budget.

·        Making minimum payments on a variety of loans or credit cards.

·        Moving credit balances around.

·        Dreaming of a quick fix for your debts.

·        Hoping someone else will pay or work off your debts.

·        Unable to give a tithe or respond to God’s call on your life.

2.      If you are in debt, do you have a strategy or plan for debt repayment?

3.      How can we live with contentment in our life?  What’s the “secret” of contentment?  (Colossians 4:10-19)

SMALL PIECES

         What is one action you can take this week in relation to wealth, debt, and/or generosity?

BIG PICTURE

Read Luke 6:38; Philippians 4:15; 2 Corinthians 9:6-8.  How is this spiritual economy different from the world’s system of “buying and selling” or “whoever has the most wins”?  What priorities need to shift in order for us to be in alignment with the Lord’s stewardship principles?

THREE KEY PRINCIPLES

·        Christians ought to live in freedom and contentment, but debt enslaves us.

·        Christians ought to live in peace and assurance, but debt causes worry, fear, and insecurity.

·        Christians ought to live generously, but debt ties up our resources.

 THREE QUESTIONS

·        In what ways does debt limit our freedom?

·        What would happen if you suddenly lost your primary source of income?

·        How has debt affected your ability to be generous?

 FOUR SCRIPTURES

·        Proverbs 22:7

·        James 4:13-16

·        Psalm 37:21

·        Romans 13:7-8

SUNDAY’S PLAY LIST VIA YOUTUBE

THIS WEEK’S BIBLE READINGS    Mar. 28 - Apr. 3,  Acts 1-4

• ·        WHERE’S YOUR SPACE TO READ?
• ·         WHAT’S YOUR TIME TO STUDY?
• ·         WHAT ARE THE KEY WORDS?
• ·         WHAT WAS GOD SAYING TO THEM?  WHAT’S GOD SAYING TO YOU?
• ·         WHAT’S THE HOLY SPIRIT GOING TO SHOW YOU THROUGHOUT THE DAY?
• ·         FOR WHAT ARE YOU GRATEFUL?
• ·         FOR WHAT ARE YOU CONCERNED?
• ·         WHO NEEDS YOU TODAY?

NEXT WEEK’S BIBLE READINGS   Apr.4-10,   Acts 5-8

April 3, 2016|  $tewards of Money And Reliable Truth   “$.M.A.R.T. Wealth”

Texts:   Acts 2:1,5, 42-47;  4:32-36;  De. 10:14;  Matt. 6:25-32;  19:16-24

IN A NUTSHELL:  The early church started with a bang! And then those that had come to a new faith found themselves strapped for money.  The Church lives in the real world with real pressures and needs to understand the Reliable Truths about the Stewardship of Money.  Notice how what they did reflected upon what they believed about their wealth.

ICE BREAKER :  Any “rich uncle” stories you can share?                                                                                                                

HIS WORD

1. What all does Scripture say is God’s?  De. 10:14; Ps. 24:1;  1 Cor. 10:26

2. What is it about wealth that makes it so hard to have it and enter into the Kingdom of Heaven?  Matt. 19:16-24; Prov. 30:8-9

3. What tends to make us anxious? What tends to give us peace?  Matt. 6:25-32; Pr. 11:24-25

YOUR WORLD

1.   How many items, issues, topicsin your world that are related to material wealth can you identify and write down? Make a list.

2. Now try to imagine the difference in the way you think about each item on that list and what God thinks about each item?  Is 55:8-9

3. This month decide on a course of devotional study.  A) Use the Sermon CARE Sheets each week (dougdelp.me)  B) $.M.A.R.T.  30 Contrasting Views on Money C) Stewardship Study D) Print off the Scripture  Wealth Memory Postcard  E) Read Proverbs and highlight $ verses

SMALL PIECES

1.      Let’s review what all can wealth do to and for us?  Mal. 3:10;  Pr. 3:9;  11:24-25; 1 Tim. 6:10; Rev. 3:17;

BIG PICTURE

     1. This week memorize 1 Chron. 29:11-13;  Prov. 30:8-9; Matt. 6:19-21; Matt. 19:23-24;

ON LINE RESOURCES

•  CARE SHEET
•  $.M.A.R.T.  -30 Contrasting Views on Money
•  Stewardship Study - What can I do?
•  Wealth Memory Postcard
• What does the Bible say about wealth?
• 2016 MOSAIC SERIES AND BIBLE READINGS
• 12 FRANCIS SCHAEFFER QUOTES THAT WILL CHALLENGE THE WAY YOU ENGAGE CULTURE (RELEVANT MAGAZINE)
• INSPIRED EVIDENCE – A GOOD DEVOTION BOOK FOR 2016
• TIMBER LAKE CHRISTIAN CHURCH WEBSITE
• TIMBER LAKE LIVE! (SIMULCAST)
• TIMBER LAKE’S PAST VIDEOS (VIMEO)

SUNDAY’S PLAY LIST VIA YOUTUBE

THIS WEEK’S BIBLE READINGS    MAR, 21 - 27,  2 Cor. 7-14

• WHERE’S YOUR SPACE TO READ?
• WHAT’S YOUR TIME TO STUDY?
• WHAT ARE THE KEY WORDS?
• WHAT WAS GOD SAYING TO THEM?  WHAT’S GOD SAYING TO YOU?
• WHAT’S THE HOLY SPIRIT GOING TO SHOW THROUGHOUT THE DAY?
• FOR WHAT ARE YOU GRATEFUL?
• FOR WHAT ARE YOU CONCERNED?
• WHO NEEDS YOU TODAY?

NEXT WEEK’S BIBLE READINGS   Mar. 28 - Apr. 3,  Acts 1-4

Texts:   1 Cor. 1:18-25; 1 Cor. 15:1-6; 2 Cor. 7:10-11; 1 Cor. 5:1-8;  2 Cor. 5:14-21;

IN A NUTSHELL:  “And now, isn’t it wonderful all the ways in which this distress has goaded you closer to God? You’re more alive, more concerned, more sensitive, more reverent, more human, more passionate, more responsible. Looked at from any angle, you’ve come out of this with purity of heart “ - 2 Cor. 7:11,12— The Message

ICE BREAKER : Can you recall a person that seemed to go from consistently depressed, to consistently “alive”?  Why? What caused the change?

    HIS WORD

1. What is the difference between the way the world views the cross and Christians view the cross? 1 Cor. 1:18-25

2.  What is the difference between the way the world views repentance and the Christian is to view repentance? 2 Cor. 7:10-11

3. What causes the difference between the two different views of the cross and repentance? 2 Cor. 5:14-21;

     YOUR WORLD

1.   How has sin, personal failure and disappointment affected your view of Easter down through the years?

2.   How does unresolved conflict affect your family, the church, our country?

      SMALL PIECES

1.  What are some of the sins it seems get tolerated and allowed to complicate life rather than be confronted, repented of, and forgiven? 

 BIG PICTURE

1.  If Jesus died on the Cross in order to once and for all “DEAL” with sin, and raise from the dead to bring NEW LIFE then what does that say about our relationship with Him when we don’t repent and forgive?

CARE SHEET

016 MOSAIC SERIES AND BIBLE READINGS

12 FRANCIS SCHAEFFER QUOTES THAT WILL CHALLENGE THE WAY YOU ENGAGE CULTURE (RELEVANT MAGAZINE)

INSPIRED EVIDENCE – A GOOD DEVOTION BOOK FOR 2016

TIMBER LAKE CHRISTIAN CHURCH WEBSITE

TIMBER LAKE LIVE! (SIMULCAST)

TIMBER LAKE’S PAST VIDEOS (VIMEO)

SUNDAY’S PLAY LIST VIA YOUTUBE

THIS WEEK’S BIBLE READINGS    MAR. 14 – 20,   2 COR. 1-6

WHERE’S YOUR SPACE TO READ?

WHAT’S YOUR TIME TO STUDY?

WHAT ARE THE KEY WORDS?

WHAT WAS GOD SAYING TO THEM?  WHAT’S GOD SAYING TO YOU?

WHAT’S THE HOLY SPIRIT GOING TO SHOW THROUGHOUT THE DAY?

FOR WHAT ARE YOU GRATEFUL?

FOR WHAT ARE YOU CONCERNED?

WHO NEEDS YOU TODAY?

NEXT WEEK’S BIBLE READINGS  MAR, 21 - 27,  2 Cor. 7-14

March 20, 2016|  “Gifts"   

Texts:  1 Cor. 12:21-26 (1 Cor. 12-14)

IN A NUTSHELL:  Gifts— Spend the next few days thinking about how this fits into your life, your family’s lives, our church’s life? “But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, 25 that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. 26 If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together.”

ICE BREAKER :  Recall a time when it was clear that because a Christian friend of your’s suffered you also suffered. And, a Christian friend was honored and therefore you rejoiced.                                                                                                                            

HIS WORD

1. Read 1 Corinthians 12.  Describe some “body parts” on/in your body that might be regarded as weak but indispensable?   Describe some less honorable body parts that we bestow greater honor upon,  and un-presentable parts that are treated with greater modesty.

2. If the purpose of this is to make sure if one suffers, then everyone in the body suffers and if one is honored everyone rejoices, then how does this work?

3. Does it seem the Christians in Corinth were pursuing the gift of tongues or the gift of prophecy?  How did Paul react to that and what was his reasoning?

4.  How does 1 Cor. 13:1-3 play into this?  Is it possible to use a “spiritual gift” with selfish motives?

 YOUR WORLD

1.  How can one tell if they are using a gift or unique ability or circumstance with wrong motives?  (1 Cor. 13:4-7)

2. How do children use gifts?  How do adults use gifts? What’s the difference?

 SMALL PIECES

1.  What in your life/circumstance might you call a gift from the Holy Spirit, or a unique calling (e.g. singleness, or suffering ? 

 BIG PICTURE

1. ”How might God use your gift, whether it be a gift of abilityor weakness to help other Christians find rejoicing or mourning TOGETHER?

CARE SHEET

016 MOSAIC SERIES AND BIBLE READINGS

12 FRANCIS SCHAEFFER QUOTES THAT WILL CHALLENGE THE WAY YOU ENGAGE CULTURE (RELEVANT MAGAZINE)

INSPIRED EVIDENCE – A GOOD DEVOTION BOOK FOR 2016

TIMBER LAKE CHRISTIAN CHURCH WEBSITE

TIMBER LAKE LIVE! (SIMULCAST)

TIMBER LAKE’S PAST VIDEOS (VIMEO)

Sunday’s play list via YouTube

This Week’s Bible Readings    Mar. 7 – 13,  1 Cor. 8-16

Where’s your space to read?

What’s your time to study?

What are the key words?

What was God saying to them?  What’s God saying to you?

What’s the Holy Spirit going to show throughout the day?

For what are you grateful?

For what are you concerned?

Who needs you today?

Next Week’s Bible Readings  Mar, 14 - 20,  2 Cor. 1-6

Texts:  1 Cor 5:1-2;  6:1-8, 12; 7; 8;  1 Cor. 9:19-23;  1 Cor. 10:23,24

IN A NUTSHELL:  Opinions— everyone has one! It’s from where you got it and what you do with it that matters.  Paul says “Even though I am a free man with no master, I have become a slave to all people to bring many to Christ.” Elsewhere he said, “It isn’t my responsibility to judge outsiders, but it certainly is your responsibility to judge those inside the church who are sinning.”  Also, “When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child. But when I grew up, I put away childish things.” Then, “Three things will last forever– faith, hope and love– and the greatest of these is love.”

 ICE BREAKER   Can you recall a firmly held opinion that you finally had to change.  What/who convinced you?.

 HIS WORD

1. Skim through 1 & 2 Corinthians.  Make a list of all the various topics Paul addresses about which you see differing opinions?  Put a star by those topics that are relevant today.

2. Are there some texts that Paul seems a little “wishy-washy” on his convictions?  1 Cor.  7:6, 12, 25-28; 9::19-22; 10:25-30;

3. What seems to be the core principles upon which Paul bases his opinions, shares his convictions and does his work? 1 Cor. 1:18-22; 2:2-5; 4:14-15; 7:10, 25-26; 9:19; 10:31-33; 14:1;  16:13; 2 Cor. 1:12-14; 4:1-2,18; 5:16; 6:8; 8:20-21

YOUR WORLD

1. Judging by the way you think through and promote your opinions how can you say you want truth more than you want your own way?

2. Do you argue as if you would rather win the debate or win the relationship?

SMALL PIECES

1.  How many relationships have become irreparable because you have given up trying to see from someone else’s perspective? 

BIG PICTURE

1. How would your heart and mind need to be changed in order to live like Paul, “For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them”?

CARE Sheet

016 MOSAIC series and Bible Readings

12 Francis Schaeffer Quotes That Will Challenge the Way You Engage Culture (Relevant Magazine)

Inspired Evidence – a good devotion book for 2016

Timber Lake Christian Church Website

Timber Lake Live! (simulcast)

Timber Lake’s past videos (Vimeo)

Sunday’s play list via YouTube

This Week’s Bible Readings    Mar. 1 – 6,  1 Cor. 1-7

• Where’s your space to read?
• What’s your time to study?
• What are the key words?
• What was God saying to them?  What’s God saying to you?
• What’s the Holy Spirit going to show throughout the day?
• For what are you grateful?
• For what are you concerned?
• Who needs you today?

Next Week’s Bible Readings   Mar. 7 – 13,  1 Cor. 8-16

Texts: 1 Cor. 1:10-15; 1 Cor. 4:6-7;  2 Cor. 10:12; 1 Cor. 9:24-27; 1 Cor. 10:31;  2 Tim. 2:5; 2 Tim. 4:7-8; 1 Tim. 4:7-8; 2 Cor. 9:2

IN A NUTSHELL At what point does the healthy competition of politics and/or March Madness leave the realm of “competition” to become destructive conflict?  When winning the election is more important than building up the nation, or winning the tournament is more important than the integrity and reputation of the team it’s no longer healthy competition.           

ICE BREAKER   Describe the biggest "poor sport" story you can recall. 

HIS WORD

1.  Why was Paul glad he hadn't baptized many people at Corinth?
2. How did Paul utilize sports illustrations in the letters he wrote to the Christians?  What were his main points illustrated through sports pictures?
3. At what point does it seem energy, resolve or aggression moves from healthy energy to selfish arrogance?
4.  People that are "puffed up" about what some have over another tends to boast about what they have.  But what does Paul remind us about how we got what we have? 

YOUR WORLD

1. What is it about "the games" that you enjoy?  Is it the victory of excellence in a team?  Or is it the thrill of defeating an opponent? 

2. How do you respond to someone that tells you in the heat of a game,  "It's only a game... calm down!"

SMALL PIECES

1. If you hold a Non-Christian worldview then your only real purpose for existence is to advance as far as you can doing what you want most.  How would this affect your attitude toward competition?

2. If you hold a Christian worldview then your purpose is to subdue the earth and bring glory to God.  How would this affect your attitude toward competition? 

BIG PICTURE

1. What is the Big Picture issue for competition with the Christian?   2 Tim. 4:7-8; 1 Cor. 10:31

1. CARE Sheet
2. Should Christian be competitive?  Yes
3. Should Christian be competitive?  No
4. 2016 MOSAIC series and Bible Readings
5. 12 Francis Schaeffer Quotes That Will Challenge the Way You Engage Culture (Relevant Magazine)
6. Inspired Evidence – a good devotion book for 2016
7. Timber Lake Christian Church Website
8. Timber Lake Live! (simulcast)
9. Timber Lake’s past videos (Vimeo)

SMALL PIECES/BIG PICTURE

Sunday’s play list via YouTube

This Week’s Bible Readings   Feb. 15 - 21, Matt. 22-25

• Where’s your space to read?
• What’s your time to study?
• What are the key words?
• What was God saying to them?  What’s God saying to you?
• What’s the Holy Spirit going to show throughout the day?
• For what are you grateful?
• For what are you concerned?
• Who needs you today?

Next Week’s Bible Readings  Feb. 22 - 28,  Matt. 26-28

Guest Speaker/Blogger - Allen Todd 

Texts:   Matthew 25:45-46; 2 Thess. 1:8-9; 2 Peter 2:4-9; Rev. 20:10-15; 21:1-8; John 14:1-3

IN A NUTSHELL Either your eternal destination will affect your present decisions, or your present decisions will affect your eternal destination?    

ICE BREAKER   Have you ever wondered if Christianity and the Bible were true? Have you wondered if other world religions are equal to Christianity, or if they are right and Christianity is wrong? What was the main reason for your questioning? (e.g. You met nice, moral people who weren't Christians. You are uncomfortable about something in the Bible that seems unpopular in our culture. You have doubt in general about what is true.) ?

HIS WORD

1. Since Jesus is the author of all Truth, we must especially regard his teaching as the authority on any subject.  Read Matt. 25:31-46 and note what is Jesus says about how the way someone lives determines their eternal destination.        

2. What was so seriously wrong with the "goats" that eternal punishment was the King's reaction? What did they have in common with the devil and his angels?  

3. Read these other texts that seem pretty clear about the reality of heaven and hell. 2 Thess. 1:8-9; 2 Peter 2:4-9; Rev. 20:10-15; 21:1-8; John 14:1-3.

YOUR WORLD

1. Looking at the criteria on the basis of which the King Jesus judged all the nations, would you fall into the sheep or the goat category? Discuss each area of love and compassion and how it must be an intentional way of life.

2. Encourage one another to meet the needs of those in our community. Ask these questions with Gal. 6:10 in mind. Who is hungry? Who is thirsty? Who is sick? Who needs clothes? Who is in prison? Who is needing a place to stay? 

SMALL PIECES

1. If our worldview does not include any eternal consequences, then the rest of the gospel is less than urgent and maybe even unnecessary.

BIG PICTURE

1. Though we are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, it is clear that a person's lifestyle will be judged to determine if their faith is a saving faith (James 2:14), seen by the way we live and love and care for those around us.

1. CARE Sheet
2. Erasing Hell by Francis Chan 
3. 2016 MOSAIC series and Bible Readings
4. Scriptures about Heaven
5. Scriptures about Hell
6. 12 Francis Schaeffer Quotes That Will Challenge the Way You Engage Culture (Relevant Magazine)
7. Inspired Evidence – a good devotion book for 2016
8. Timber Lake Christian Church Website
9. Timber Lake Live! (simulcast)
10. Timber Lake’s past videos (Vimeo)

SMALL PIECES | BIG PICTURE

SMALL PIECES / BIG PICTURE

Sunday’s play list via YouTube

This Week’s Bible Readings  Feb. 8 - 14, Matt. 19-21

• Where’s your space to read?
• What’s your time to study?
• What are the key words?
• What was God saying to them?  What’s God saying to you?
• What’s the Holy Spirit going to show throughout the day?
• For what are you grateful?
• For what are you concerned?
• Who needs you today?

Next Week’s Bible Readings  Feb. 15 - 21, Matt. 22-25

Texts:   Matt. 19:3-12;  Gen. 1:27-28; 2:21-25;  Eph. 5:23,24,32; Hos. 2:19,20; Heb. 13:4; Rev. 19:7-9

IN A NUTSHELL Did the “family” evolve or did it have a designer?  Who wrote the rules?  What happens if someone breaks the rules? How does it’s design relate to our relationship with God?    

 ICE BREAKER   If there were no concept of family...how would your life be different? Think hard, every aspect of life… how would it be different?

 HIS WORD

1. Does the Bible seem to be conclusive that the family, a monogamous husband and wife, having children, was instituted intentionally, at the outset of creation, and for a purpose?

2. What was it that created the need for Moses to authorize a bill of divorce”?

3. What is the cosmic picture illustrated by the earthly relationship of a man and a woman?

 YOUR WORLD

1. Who is your favorite “model” for having a good marriage?  Have you told them lately what that means to you?

3. Who has God put in your path that you might be able to mentor?

4. Does your marriage look more like something God has purposely designed or more like something that is just coasting/evolvoing?

 SMALL PIECES

1. What relationships in your life are just “evolving” from some random actions of self-promotion or self-preservation?

 BIG PICTURE

1. If God is the designer and he has a cosmic reason for Man and Woman to be together, then what does that say about other formats the world wants to call "family"?

 Online Resources

1. CARE Sheet
2. Marriage Covenant Information and Policy
3. The Meaning of Marriage by Timothy Keller
4. The Resolution for Men
5. The Resolution for Women
6. Wikki Source - Ancient Origins of the Family
7. 2016 MOSAIC series and Bible Readings
8. 12 Francis Schaeffer Quotes That Will Challenge the Way You Engage Culture (Relevant Magazine)
9. Inspired Evidence – a good devotion book for 2016
10. Timber Lake Christian Church Website
11. Timber Lake Live! (simulcast)
12. Timber Lake’s past videos (Vimeo)

 

SMALL PIECES / BIG PICTURE

Sunday’s play list via YouTube

This Week’s Bible Readings  Feb. 1 – 7,  Matt. 15-18

• Where’s your space to read?
• What’s your time to study?
• What are the key words?
• What was God saying to them?  What’s God saying to you?
• What’s the Holy Spirit going to show throughout the day?
• For what are you grateful?
• For what are you concerned?
• Who needs you today?

Next Week’s Bible Readings  Feb. 8 - 14, Matt. 19-21

Title: “MOSAIC: Those Whose Faith is Great.”

Text:  Matthew 15:1-28

IN A NUTSHELL  “Jesus met a gentile woman whose "faith was great."  Those who are willing to change worldviews look for truth without a desire to be affirmed for anything other than the truth.  Fragile egos aren't able to see the world through another view. This will be a review of amazing people who have left their worldview to embrace Jesus.” 

ICE BREAKER   Have you ever met a person that came to faith late in life? What caught their attention and drew them to their new faith?

IN A NUTSHELL" Jesus met a gentile woman whose "faith was great."  Those who are willing to change worldviews look for truth without a desire to be affirmed for anything other than the truth.  Fragile egos like those of the Pharisees aren't able to see the world through another view. This will be a review of some people who have left their old worldview to look to God.”     

ICE BREAKER   Have you ever met a person that came to faith late in life? What caught their attention and drew them to their new faith?

HIS WORD

1. What are the key differences between the Pharisees (vss. 1-14) and the “Canaanite” woman (vss. 21-28)?

2. Boil it down. What “defiles a person” according to Jesus? Mt. 15:18-20

3. What did Jesus say was the problem with the Pharisees? Mt. 15:6-9

4. What did Jesus say was to the Canaanite woman’s credit? Mt. 15:28

5. How might knowing that Jews hated dogs and Greeks enjoyed them influence this story?  Mt. 15:26,27 [Worldview!!!]

YOUR WORLD

1. How has personal tragedy affected faith in your family?

2. What is the difference between a faith that is desperate and a faith that is enjoyable?  Which type of faith do you seek? 

3. How does “ego” seem to play into the difference of these faiths?

SMALL PIECES

1. How many times have tragedies brought you closer to Jesus?

BIG PICTURE

1. How many of those hard times have made God’s wisdom and grace more visible?

 Online Resources:

1. CARE Sheet – 2116MosaicCAREsheet
2. Former "Skeptics" that have embraced God. awakeandamazed.com
3. Why are so many Christians turning into Atheists?  Charisma
4. Worldview comparison chart
5. The Case for Faith,  Lee Stroble
6. The Reason for God, Tim Keller
7. More Than a Carpenter, Josh McDowell
8. Mere Christianity, C.S. Lewis
9. 2016 MOSAIC series and Bible Readings
10. 12 Francis Schaeffer Quotes That Will Challenge the Way You Engage Culture (Relevant Magazine)
11. Inspired Evidence – a good devotion book for 2016
12. Timber Lake Christian Church Website
13. Timber Lake Live! (simulcast)
14. Timber Lake’s past videos (Vimeo)

by dougdelp

SMALL PIECES / BIG PICTURE

Sunday’s play list via YouTube

This Week’s Bible Readings  Jan. 25 – Jan. 31  , Matt. 13-14

• Where’s your space to read?
• What’s your time to study?
• What are the key words?
• What was God saying to them?  What’s God saying to you?
• What’s the Holy Spirit going to show throughout the day?
• For what are you grateful?
• For what are you concerned?
• Who needs you today?

Next Week’s Bible Readings Feb. 1 – 7,  Matt. 15-18

Title: “MOSAIC: Blessed Are Your Eyes – looking at the world through the eyes of a story teller.”

Text:  Matthew 13

IN A NUTSHELL  “ Jesus used stories to explain to those that would listen to some of the key truths about a Kingdom view of this world.  There is evil, there are opinions about the value of these stories, but we all have free-will to establish personal opinions about those stories.

ICE BREAKER   What is a favorite story you remember one of your parents or grandparents telling you? Was there a moral to the story?

HIS WORD

1. If you were forced to narrow each parable to ONE most dominant point, what would it be?

• Parable of the Sower
• Parable of the weeds
• Mustard Seed and the Leaven
• Hidden Treasure
• Pearl of Great Value
• The Net

YOURWORLD

1. Judging by the time, money, and effort you have spent over the past year what would say you “value” most with your life?
2. If you valued “the Kingdom” more what might that look like?

SMALL PIECES

1. List the worldview topics found in these parables.

BIG PICTURE

1. Looking at all the parables—how is the biblical worldview different from other world views.

 Online Resources:

1. CARE Sheet –1516MosaicCAREsheet
2. Got Questions? – Matt. 13 Parables about the Kingdom of Heaven
3. Worldview comparison chart
4. 2016 MOSAIC series and Bible Readings
5. http://davemiers.com/whats-your-worldview/
6. Inspired Evidence – a good devotion book for 2016
7. Timber Lake Christian Church Website
8. Timber Lake Live! (simulcast)
9. Timber Lake’s past videos (Vimeo)

SMALL PIECES / BIG PICTURE

Sunday’s play list via YouTube

This Week’s Bible Readings  Jan. 18 – Jan. 24   Matthew 11-12

• Where’s your space to read?
• What’s your time to study?
• What are the key words?
• What was God saying to them?  What’s God saying to you?
• What’s the Holy Spirit going to show throughout the day?
• For what are you grateful?
• For what are you concerned?
• Who needs you today?

Next Week’s Bible Readings  Jan. 25 – Jan. 31  , Matt. 13-14

Title: “MOSAIC – Sanctity of Human Life”

Text: Lev. 17:11;  Mt. 22:37-39 ; Ps. 139;

IN A NUTSHELL 

The sanctity of life means that humanity is more sacred than the rest of creation. Human life is not holy in the same sense that God is holy. Only God is holy in and of Himself. Human life is only holy in the sense of being “set apart” from all other life created by God. The sanctity of life should motivate us to combat all forms of evil and injustice that are perpetuated against human life. Violence, abuse, oppression, human trafficking, as well as abortion and euthanasia and many other evils are also violations of the sanctity of life.

ICE BREAKER

Describe something in your home that is “set apart” for a very unique—rare use.  What is it? Can you see how that could be called “sanctified?”

HIS WORD

1. How is the blood unique according to Lev. 17:11?  Is the uniqueness of blood just an Old Testament issue?  (Acts 15:20)
2. What does the “Golden Rule” teach us about defining how we should treat other humans? Mt. 22:37-39
3. What does Ps. 139 say about us humans? God’s view of human life?

YOUR WORLD

1. How does government decide who/what should be regarded as “special” or protected? https://www.fws.gov/endangered/esa-library/pdf/listing.pdf

SMALL PIECES

1. How has the devaluing of human life effected your everyday life? Does the younger generation see it getting better or worse?

BIG PICTURE

1. How does God view the underprivileged in this world?https://dougdelp.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/scriptures-concerning-poor-2.pdf

 Online Resources:

1. CARE Sheet – 1416MosaicCAREsheet
2. Worldview comparison chart
3. Life Network of Central Missouri
4. Missouri Right to Life
5. Focus on the Family “Sanctity of Human Life Guide“
6. Defining what is an Endangered Species
7. 2016 MOSAIC series and Bible Readings
8. Inspired Evidence – a good devotion book for 2016
9. Timber Lake Christian Church Website
10. Timber Lake Live! (simulcast)
11. Timber Lake’s past videos (Vimeo)

SMALL PIECES / BIG PICTURE

Sunday’s play list via YouTube

This Week’s Bible Readings  Jan. 18 – Jan. 24   Matthew 11-12

• Where’s your space to read?
• What’s your time to study?
• What are the key words?
• What was God saying to them?  What’s God saying to you?
• What’s the Holy Spirit going to show throughout the day?
• For what are you grateful?
• For what are you concerned?
• Who needs you today?

Title: “Mosaic – Will Your Foundation Hold Up?”

Texts:   Mt. 7:24-29; 1 Cor. 15:3-4; 1 Pe. 3:8-17; He. 5:11-6:2

IN A NUTSHELL  From first thoughts organized and prioritized to a person’s “final words” we can identify what some people see as being MOST important. Jesus told us to be careful about the principles we build our lives on.  Basically listen carefully to Him and act upon what we hear.  Paul challenges skeptical shallow thinking Christians to the most critical historical event known to man.  Can’t argue there!  Peter challenges us to evaluate our faith on the basis of how we respond to suffering and skeptical people.  When foundations are solid everything else above it retains or builds it’s value!

ICE BREAKER   Have you made any New Year’s resolutions?

HIS WORD

1. What are the consequences of living life without listing your priorities and defining most important principles to live by?
2. Have you ever study any other worldviews that don’t rest on something historical like the death and resurrection of Jesus?
3. If you were to rewrite 1 Pet. 3:8-17 tailored to your life, then how would it read?

YOUR WORLD

Based upon the reverse side of the CARE Sheet “2016 Personal Evaluation” how’s your foundation?1316MosaicCAREsheet

SMALL PIECES

Confidence in a world view…

• give us structures to help us determine questions and answers
• gives us emotional security
• validates our cultural norms
• helps us integrate our culture.
• helps us monitor cultural change
• provide psychological reassurance leading  us (hopefully) to “world peace”

BIG PICTURE

1. Look into Jesus’ eyes… what do you see when He looks at you?

 Online Resources:

1. What is a Worldview by Focus on the Family
2. What makes Christianity unique from every other religious faith?
3. CARE Sheet 1316MosaicCAREsheet
4. 2016 MOSAIC series and Bible Readings
5. Inspired Evidence – a good devotion book for 2016
6. Timber Lake Christian Church Website
7. Timber Lake Live! (simulcast)
8. Timber Lake’s past videos (Vimeo)

 SMALL PIECES / BIG PICTURE

Sunday’s play list via YouTube

This Week’s Bible Readings  Jan. 11 – Jan. 17

Jan. 11 -17,  Matt. 8-10 ;

• Where's your space?
• What's your time?
• What are the key words?
• What was God saying to them?  What's God saying to you?
• What's the Holy Spirit going to show throughout the day?
• For what are you grateful?
• For what are you concerned?
• Who needs you today?

Title: “Mosaic - The Sermon on the Mount”

Texts:  Matthew 5-7; Exodus 25:9,40; Hebrews 8:5; 1 Chr. 28:11-12,19; Matt. 15:6,7

IN A NUTSHELL: Those listening to Jesus preach these sermons had heard the laws and principles of the Mosaic law taught since birth.  Now Jesus goes deeper and teaches the heart of God's nature. Those interested in being a part of the Kingdom must learn to focus on God's nature, not just rules that might make them look like Him. It is interesting how man can take elements of one worldview and make them appear contradictory! (Mt. 5:17) It's not people who obey the law that are happy, it's the people that think the thoughts of God and delight in those things He delights in that will find themselves blessed.  Big difference!.

HIS WORD

1. What was Jesus trying to communicate when He said, "You have heard it said..."?  (Matt. 5:21-6:4)  Was he negating the Old Testament Law?  Was He instating a New Law?
2. Are the Beatitudes - are they virtues to pursue, heavenly characteristics to anticipate or indicators of a present Kingdom of Heaven citizen? What's the difference? (Matt. 5:1-16)
3. What do Ex. 25:9,40, 1 Chr. 28:11-12,19 and Heb. 8:5 tell us about the patterns for the tabernacle and temple?

YOUR WORLD

1. Do you tend to view Bible verses such as the Beatitudes as prescriptions for how to "become godly", or descriptions of what "those who are godly" look like? What's the difference?
2. What are some passages of Scripture that may have the appearance of contradicting other passages?  Have you ever lost any arguments or just avoided talking about passages out of fear of losing the argument?
3. Do you ever find your self promoting an opinion, conviction  or tradition (worldview) at the expense of God's word?

SMALL PIECES

1. How might your family, or a CARE Group, Bible Fellowship Class or Ministry team at T.L.C.C. help you become a "citizen" of the Kingdom rather than just someone trying on a Kingdom uniform?

BIG PICTURE

1. How might this week look different from last week if you decided today that "being a Christian" is quite different from "looking like one" or trying to "act like one?"

 Online Resources:

1. A study of 143 alleged contradictions in the Bible
2. The Beatitudes (gotquestions.org)
3. 2016 MOSAIC series and Bible Readings
4. Inspired Evidence – a good devotion book for 2016
5. Timber Lake Christian Church Website
6. Timber Lake Live! (simulcast)
7. Timber Lake’s past videos (Vimeo)

Sunday’s play list via YouTube This Week’s Bible Readings  Jan. 4 - Jan. 10

•  Jan. 4 - Jan. 10, Matt. 5-7  Begin by setting a specific and consistent time to read through and pray the Scriptures. Ask the Lord to bring to mind key words especially relevant to your life, needs and interests. Circle or underline those words. Ask questions regarding the context as to the meaning of those words. Pray about those words asking God to help you understand and apply yourself to His will and the Holy Spirit's leading. Watch for things to happen that will affirm the relevance of those verses. Share the insights gained with someone else. Thank God for helping you understand them by not only learning them, but loving them and living them out each day.

Title: “Advent – The Wise Men”

Texts: Matthew 2:1-12; Micah 5:4-6;  Dan. 2:46-49;  Numbers 24:17; Isaiah 60:2-6

IN A NUTSHELL: What has the story of "The Wise Men" meant to you? Has it just been another part of the Christmas Story or maybe something bigger, like a story about very smart people willing to cash in one worldview for a better one?  The Wise Men were foreign diplomats on a quest inspired by an ancient book to find a new King!  Wise Men and women ask questions about/from the Bible and are willing to risk life changing commitments to follow it’s truths.

CONNECTING WITH THE TEXT

1. What do we know about the Wise Men?   What is just conjecture?
2. How could Wise Men from the East have known about a King and linked it to a star?
3. What had Isaiah said about "the Light" in Israel?
4. What were the uses and value of the gifts the Magi brought?

REFLECTING ON OUR LIVES

1. How would you respond to a national leader acting the way Herod did when you had set out to find the new King with so much hope for the future?
2. What does a closed mind look like?  What causes such a closed mind?
3. Are there any major assumptions that you have recently turned you back on because you have sought the truth from a different perspective?

CONNECTING TO OUR CHURCH

1. Do you see "the Church" at large as better at teaching the truth or brainwashing the next generation with urban legends?
2. How can our church improve "truth telling" over

 Online Resources:

1. Snopes.com on The Wise Men (facts & fiction)
2. The Wise Men's gifts - contemporary estimates
3. 2016 MOSAIC series and Bible Readings
4. Inspired Evidence – Devotional for 2016
5. Timber Lake Christian Church Website
7. Timber Lake’s past videos (Vimeo)

Sunday’s play list via YouTube

This Week’s Bible Readings  Dec. 28- Jan. 3

•  Dec. 28 – Jan. 3, Matt. 1-4  Begin by setting a specific and consistent time to read through and pray the Scriptures. Ask the Lord to bring to mind key words especially relevant to your life, needs and interests. Circle or underline those words. Ask questions regarding the context as to the meaning of those words. Pray about those words asking God to help you understand and apply yourself to the Scripture you are reading. Watch for things to happen that will affirm the relevance of those verses. Share the insights gained with someone else. Thank God for helping you understand them by not only learning them, but loving them and living them out each day.

Title: "Advent – The Shepherds"

Texts: Luke 2:8-20;  Gen. 46:34;  Col. 3:23-24

IN A NUTSHELL: How do you view your work in light of God's purpose in your life? How do you think the shepherds viewed their work?   How did those around the shepherds view their work? Many people tie their self worth to the way the world views their work.  Not God!  Obstacle? or Opportunity?

CONNECTING WITH THE TEXT

1. How did the Egyptians view the Israelites since they herded livestock? Gen. 46:34
2. How did the shepherds react to the Angel's announcement?
3. What passages of Scripture can help guide me to know if God is "pleased with me"? John 8:24; 11:25; 3:16-18, 36;  Acts 2:38
4. What are some key biblical principles that should guide us as we view our work in light of God's purpose?Proverbs 11:1; 1 Thessalonians 4:17; Psalms 127:1; 1Timothy 5:8; Ephesians 4:28; Proverbs 22:29; Proverbs 14:23; Matthew 5:16; 1 Corinthians 16:14; Proverbs 24:27; James 4:13-15; 1 Peter 3:15; 2 Corinthians 5:20; Colossians 3:23-24; 1 Peter 2:18; Proverbs 28:19; Ephesians 4:29

REFLECTING ON OUR LIVES

1. What are some key issues of your work that appear to be obstacles?
2. How might God use those obstacles to "grow you in your faith, love and hope"?

CONNECTING TO OUR CHURCH

1. How might the church... your CARE group, help you change your perspective of obstacles into opportunities?

 Online Resources:

1. Shepherd's Status w/ Randy Alcorn
2. 2016 MOSAIC series and Bible Readings
3. Inspired Evidence – Devotional for 2016
4. Timber Lake Christian Church Website
5. Timber Lake’s past videos (Vimeo)

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Sunday’s play list via YouTube

This Week’s Bible Readings  Dec. 20-26

• II Peter 1-3 
• Psalms 145-150
• Ruth 1-4
• Malachi 1-4

Title: Advent - Jesus

Texts: Micah 5:2; Luke 1:47-48; Matthew 19:28-30;  16:24;  Matthew 20:15-16; Hebrews 2:9-10

IN A NUTSHELL: King of kings and Lord of lords, Holy One of God,  Light of the World, Firstborn over all creation, Prince of Peace, Son of God, Alpha and Omega... given birth in a stable to be cared for by young blue collar workers. Jesus as a new born was laid in a feeding trough, greeted by itinerant shepherds and funded by the benevolence of foreign diplomats.  No room in the inn, no tolerance from His people, and no patience from his brothers and sisters.  Irony of ironies... what can make sense of these extreme realities?  Oh yes, born...to die...to rise again...to prepare for us home. Merry Christmas to all!

CONNECTING WITH THE TEXT

1. How  was the city of Bethlehem viewed around the time of Jesus? Micah 5:2
2. What was the irony that Mary saw in God's call on her life?   Luke 1:47-48
3. What are two extreme contrasting things that Jesus  says about  those who follow Him? Matthew 19:28-30;  16:24
4. What has resulted in your life because of Jesus', birth... life...death... resurrection?  Hebrews 2:9-10

REFLECTING ON OUR LIVES

1. Is there anything special, "redeeming" about your town?  Your family?  Your home?  Name it! Thank God for it! Ask God to help you grow it!
2. What obstacles do you see in your life right now?   How might they become backdrops to God's grace!
3. How might you need to "reverse" your thinking about your life?

CONNECTING TO OUR CHURCH

1. How has the ministry of T.L.C.C. helped God take obstacles and turn them into backdrops of God's grace, making them opportunities?

 Online Resources:

1. Names for Jesus  Christ - "Got Questions website"
2. TLCC’s 2015 Advent Calendar
3. Legacy Video - Ray, Jim, Becky & Karen
4. The True Story of Pain and Hope Behind the "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day"
5. Inspired Evidence – Devotional for 2016
6. 50 People Every Christian Should Know
7. Timber Lake Christian Church Website
8. Timber Lake’s past videos (Vimeo)

by dougdelp

Sunday’s play list via YouTube

This Week’s Bible Readings  Dec. 13-19

• Zechariah 1-14

Texts: Matt. 1:18-25; Lk. 1:38-40;  Lk. 2; Eph. 5:25-33; Lev. 20:10; Jn. 8:1-11

IN A NUTSHELL:  First century Jewish husbands were large and in charge. The women of their lives could easily have been (and often were) viewed as little more than “arrow fillers of a man’s quiver.” Joseph’s obstacles humanly speaking were huge, but in spite  of those obstacles he chose to look at the opportunities.  Marriages that put God’s purpose before their own preferences often change the course of history for their families, our churches and even our world!

CONNECTING WITH THE TEXT

1. How might we manage ourselves in order to turn times of obstacles into times of opportunities with our spouses? Rom. 12:16-21; Pr. 15:1; Ph. 2:4; Col. 3:13; Eph. 4:26; Jas. 1:2-4
2. What is to be the priority for husbands toward their wives and who provided the ultimate example?
3. What was the common reaction toward women that had been unfaithful? John 8:1-11
4. Do we see any words describing Mary’s reaction to the news of her being pregnant? (Lk. 1:39)
5. What specifically did Joseph decide to do to settle the issue of Mary’s alleged unfaithfulness?
6. What all can we understand about Joseph from Matthew’s and Luke’s Gospels?

REFLECTING ON OUR LIVES

1. Did you ever wonder if Jesus thought about how Joseph handled Mary as he looked upon the woman caught in adultery?
2. Just because your spouses’ actions gives you a just reason to react negatively toward them does Christ’s example give us the right to do so?
3. Which is better to focus on manage our own reactions or controlling our spouses?
4. What are your “fear buttons”?  (See "Fear Cycle" below)
5. What are your typical reactions when your “buttons are pushed”?
6. What do you really want in your relationship?
7. Do your typical reactions tend to promote or detract from your “wants”?

CONNECTING TO OUR CHURCH

1. How might the church better help families in conflict?

 Online Resources:

1. This week’s CARE Sheet
2. Fear Cycle - fear buttons, reactions, wants assessment - Fear Cycle
3. TLCC’s 2015 Advent Calendar
4. Christianity: the Best Thing that Ever Happened to Women (an article)
5. A Test of Love tract
6. Inspired Evidence - Devotional for 2016
7. Conflict Resolution in the Bible
8. Timber Lake Christian Church Website
9. Timber Lake’s past videos (Vimeo)

Sunday’s play list via YouTube

This Week’s Bible Readings  Nov. 22-28

• Haggai 1-2
• Psalms 117-137

Texts:  Luke 1:26-56

IN A NUTSHELL: Many women’s lives historically have been divided into pre-marriage/post marriage, pre-college or post college, pre-children or post-children. Mary’s life could have been regarded as “pre-Gabriel” and “post-Gabriel."  In every stage of life there are obstacles and opportunities. What we choose to see as we embrace that stage may make the difference of finishing well or destroying a great Godly legacy.

QUESTIONS: 

1. How does the Bible describe people responding to an angel appearing to them?
2. What was at stake (going to be the cost) for Mary because of this announcement?
3. What are the ironies, contrasting views, or “reversals” that Mary sees in God’s announcement to her?
4. What seemed to inspire Mary to view this as an opportunity of service, rather than an obstacle in her life?
5. How do you imagine responding if an angel appeared to you for any reason?
6. How has being a faithful Christian (parent, spouse, employee, church leader) been an obstacle to your comfort, happiness, or life enjoyment?
7. “Motherhood” for many ladies become a source of personal fulfillment. Knowing what Mary watched take place in Jesus’ life how much “personal fulfillment” do you imagine her receiving from being Jesus’ mother?
8. How have you practice viewing challenges as opportunities?
9. What are some Scriptures that you need to embrace which can help you view life obstacles as Godly opportunities to fulfill His purpose?
10. Do you sense God calling on you to sacrifice any life hope or dream for Him to be able to fulfill His purpose through your ministry instead?

 Online Resources:

1. This week's CARE Sheet CARE Sheet 12-1-15
2. TLCC’s 2015 Advent Calendar
3. Mary - The Virgin Birth of Jesus compared to the Mythological god Mithras
4. Timber Lake Christian Church Website
5. Timber Lake’s past videos (Vimeo)
6. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1WwoU-kGDxUjj7KJATDNlzG6_vj_nSWU9JwcUugklolw/editjusp=sharing_eid&ts=56547c04

Sunday’s play list via YouTube

This Week’s Bible Readings  Nov. 22-28

• Nehemiah 9-13
• Psalms 99-116

Texts:  Traditionally,  each week of the advent season has emphasized one of these five elements of the Christmas story.  These will form the outline of our message on Sunday, and you can look ahead at the texts if you want.. #1 -- Prophecy / Hope (Romans 15:12-13) #2 -- Bethlehem / Peace (Luke 3:4-6) #3 -- Shepherds / Joy (Luke 2:7-15) #4 -- Angel / Love (John 3:16-17) #5 -- Christ (John 1:29)

IN A NUTSHELL: What's the Advent Season all about?  Is it the same as the Christmas season or unique?  Is it consistent with biblical themes and priorities?  Could this season be celebrated in a way that helps us grow in faith rather than focus on materialistic 'stuff?"

QUESTIONS: During Advent, we recall the waiting and expectancy that God's people had in anticipation of the Messiah.  Think about these questions in relationship to waiting and patience in your own life:

1. Do you find it difficult to wait and trust in God’s love? Why or why not?
2. We often think of waiting as being passive. However, the waiting we see in Scripture is very active. One author has described it this way: “Active waiting means to be present fully to the moment, in the conviction that something is happening where you are and that you want to be present to it.” Have you ever thought of waiting in this way? What are some ways in which you can practice active waiting?
3. In general, do you try to control your life or do you allow God to define your life? Does it scare you to trust God with your future?

 Online Resources:

1. TLCC's 2015 Advent Calendar
2. What is Advent?
3. Family Advent Ideas
4. Timber Lake Christian Church Website
5. Timber Lake’s past videos (Vimeo)