Advent Week Four

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ADVENT: Week 4 – Home From Exile Open in Prayer W elcom e/Introductions/Cast Vision Rem ind the Grow Group of the ground rules Share context of the story [Provide context by sharing the information below.]

In chapter 35, the prophet Isaiah affirms to God’s people His amazing promises in spite of their anxiety, frailty, and exhaustion. Their enemies will be destroyed followed by times of security, prosperity, and joy. It also clearly describes the ministry and works of Jesus. Jesus made the blind to see, the deaf to hear, and the lame to leap for joy. Today, as disciples of Jesus, we join those early followers shouting joyful praises and giving glory to the Lord. Tell the story – Isaiah 35:1-10 [Have someone tell the story.] Rebuild the story [Group members tell the story together based on what they remember.] Read the story out loud [Read the scripture passage to see if anything was added or omitted.] Discuss these questions:

1. What do we learn about God from this passage? [Only God can give us complete and perfect joy; the joy of the Lord is our strength (Nehemiah 8:10); the creation of God reveals His majesty; God takes our anxiety and gives us peace (Philippians 4:6-7); God gives us strength when we are weak (Ephesians 6:10); nothing is impossible with God (Matthew 19:26); God has a plan for my life that He wants me to follow; God is preparing a place for me in heaven where sorrow will no longer exist; etc.]

2. What do we learn about Man/Us from this passage? [I need to slow down and reflect on the beauty and majesty of His creation; I am easily discouraged; I constantly need to be reminded of God’s presence in my life; in my busyness, I fail to give glory to God for all that He has done for me; I can easily become complacent in my walk with Jesus; I let the world and circumstances rob me of my joy; I need others to encourage me in my walk with the Lord; it is my privilege to give glory to my Lord; etc.]

3. What is God saying to you specifically through this passage as it pertains to your life, marriage, family, and work? 4. In light of what you’ve learned today, what do you need to do to obey God? Other Q uestions specific to this passage:

1. When Jesus saved you, what do you remember feeling? Excited? Nervous? 2. Imagine being blind from birth, and the first face you ever see is that of Jesus. Would you ever get over that? What seeks to consistently rob you of the joy of Lord? Assign Next week’s passage – M atthew 2:1-12 [Ask someone to tell the story next week.] Close in Prayer

ADVENT: Week 4 – Leadership Coaching The purpose of this page is to help you sharpen your skills as a Grow Group leader. Each week, we will include concepts, challenges, and resources designed to assist you as you lead and shepherd your Grow Group and grow as a disciple yourself.

Leading [learn to facilitate your group more effectively] Communication is vital. When communication is weak, things get dropped and people get frustrated. With so many of our Grow Groups meeting off campus, communication is even more important. I encourage you to use multiple avenues for communication. A few ideas are email, text, phone calls, and Facebook. It is important that everyone in your Grow Group knows when and where group will meet each week, what scripture will be covered, and if they have a special role. Just as communication with your Grow Group is important, communication with the discipleship office is also important. Please let us know if there is something we can do for you. Be prompt in recording your attendance and informing us about visitors, and be faithful to read your Priority One email thoroughly each week.

Shepherding [know the sheep, feed the sheep, lead the sheep, protect the sheep] It is Christmas week. What are some special ways you can shepherd your group this week? Does someone need a place to celebrate the holidays? Does someone need extra encouragement on a difficult day as they remember a loved one? Are there people in your Grow Group with strained family relationships that need to be reminded of the light they can be to their lost family members? Encourage them to have gospel-centered conversations and remind them that you are praying for them. Does someone need help making ends meet during a hard time financially? Or maybe you could just remind the people in your Grow Group on Christmas morning that you are celebrating the greatest gift of all.

Developing [grow as a disciple yourself] Chapter 2 of Luke is one of the most commonly read scriptures during the month of December. It contains the story of the birth of our Savior. Take time this week to read it. Really read it. Reflect on the weight of what truly happened on that day. Meditate on the love God has for you. And finally, give thanks for His amazing gift!