Sermon Study Guide

---

Sermon Study Guide

DDeecceemmbbeerr 11--22,, 22001122

CHURCH LIFE: “TRANSIT: The Journey” – This year’s Christmas experience. Central Campus, Dec 77--9th “Heaven Sings Tonight” – Children’s Minist Ministry ry Christmas presentation: Central Campus, Dec 22, 23. THE MAIN THING: Your life has influence; influence; it is either positive or negative. In Severe Mercy, Mercy, Sheldon Vanauken writes, “The “The best argument for Christianity . . . is Christians.” He also writes, “The strongest argument against Christianity. . . is Christians.” Christians.” As followers of Christ, we are “salt and light”. PURSUE RELATIONSHIP Opportunities to connect and pray as a group 1. Tell of a time when you have ave had to navigate in the dark. 2. What are some qualities of natural light that are beneficial? PURSUE PURSUE GOD Time that is devoted to the Word of God Observation and Reflection 1. What did Jesus say about ‘light ?’ (read the Matthew and John passages in sidebar) 2. Pastor Henry identified three points about light: a. Light is meant to be seen; b. Light serves as a guide; c. Light serves as a warning. How did Jesus’ life exemplify these three aspects? 3. What specifically does He say to his followers in Matthew 5:14 5:14-16? How does this relate to Pastor Henry’s use of the phrasing ‘being consciously sly aware of people in my life ? Which phrases from the Peter verses relate to this challenge to each of us? Application 1. What does it look like when a Christ-follower llower is ‘light in the world?’ (Give specific examples for work world, family, social events etc) 2. Pastor Henry said: ‘Light serves as a warning.’ What is the warning? Why is this the most difficult aspect of our call to be ‘light’ in the world? 2. What step(s) do you need to take this week to be a ‘ligh ‘light’ in your world? Pray for one another as your group members pursue greater sensitivity to the nudges of the Holy Spirit.

PURSUE MISSION: Seek to be the Community of God’s people in your community As a small group, have you committed to providing a Christmas hamper for the needy, either through the church or in your neighbourhood? Contact Georgia at georgia.harrison@cschurch .ca or call 403 403520-1240 to sign up.

THIS WEEK . . . Take an inventory on how “being light”” can change your perspective on different spheres of your life (home & family, work, neighbourhood, volunteer activities, church, leisure, holidays, etc.). What does it mean to be totally surrendered ered in these areas areas?

Matthew 5:135:13-16: 16: You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under u a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. John 1:81:8-9 He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. 9 The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world John 8:12 When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” life. John 9:5 While I am in the world, d, I am the light of the world. I Timothy 2:4 who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth I Peter 2: 9; 3:15 But you are a chosen people, people a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, God that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light… But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer answe to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope hop that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect. respect

Pursue God | Pursue Relationship | Pursue Mission | Pursue Generosity | Pursue Simplicity