Community group discussion guide
Week of December 19, 2010
This Week’s Text: Isaiah 9:6-7, Luke 2:8-14.
This Week’s Focus: Advent: Peace- In a world of turmoil and difficulties God alone is our peace.
Open the gates that the righteous nation that keeps faith may enter in. You keep him in perfect peace whose
mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Isaiah 26:2-3
God cannot give us a happiness and peace apart from Himself, because it is not there. There is no such thing.
C. S. Lewis
When the power of love overcomes the love of power the world will know peace. - Jimmy Hendrix
Related Texts: Philippians 4:4-7, John 14:25-27, Luke 1:76-79.
Observations and Questions for Discussion
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What has God spoken to you about regarding the sermon?
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Read Isaiah 9:6-7 and discuss what God says about Himself.
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Consider Genesis chapters 1-3 and discuss the presence and absence of peace.
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Pastor/elder Nathan said the Hebrew word for peace was_______________?
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How elusive is it in your life?
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What role does idolatry play in the pursuit of peace?
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According to Luke 1:76-79 & John 14:25-27 how can we have true peace?
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According to Isaiah 26:2-3 & Philippians 4:4-7 what is the antidote for peace?
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Read Revelation 22:1-5 and discuss the following observations.
o Eternal Redemption-Healed Creation-Restored Shalom
Our Response:
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Praise God for the forgiveness of our sins, the salvation that brought us the ultimate peace.
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Thank God for giving us His Holy Spirit that applies His peace to our hearts.
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Repent of any known sins associated with fear and a lack of trust that has blocked God’s peace in your
life.
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Seek to do your part in living at peace with each other.
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Ask God to give you His peace that “surpasses all understanding” and allow it to be an opportunity to
share the gospel with others.
Prayer Focus: That we would know and grow in God’s peace and be hopeful of the future shalom that awaits
us. And that our guaranteed future will help us be good missionaries because of the assured hope of the
complete healing God WILL bring.
Next Week’s Text: Matthew 6:25-34