The Arrival

Faith Under Pressure: December 14, 12-1:30. In this special luncheon, we’ll hear from some of our ministry partners serving in Northern Africa. Hear how God is moving in this challenging context—opening doors, planting churches, and transforming lives, including the powerful story of how our partners came to know Christ in a majority-Muslim nation. 

Registration: Table.org/underpressure (yes, we hope you just hummed that song…) 

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Table Talk (1/3 of meeting)

• What would be your name if you were an elf? 
• How is it going with making space for God this Advent season? 
• Spend time in worship as a group through song. Recommended: O Come Emmanuel by Reawaken Hymns. 

Discussion Guidelines  

1. Everyone shares in sentences, not paragraphs.  
2. Focus only on what this passage is saying. (This keeps everyone on the same page)  
3. Share from your perspective – we won’t argue or give advice.  
4. Give everyone time to respond. Silence is OK.  
5. The facilitator will facilitate discussion, not teach.  

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Discover what God is saying to you. (⅓ of meeting) 

Big idea: God traded the throne for a stable, so that He could be found by everyone.

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Read Luke 2:1-7

• Why do you think God revealed Himself this way?
• What does the rough journey and lodging teach us about God’s love? 
• What is one aspect of your life that is different since you experienced God’s love?
• God came in an uncomfortable, lowly position. Does this truth challenge you or comfort you? Why? 
• On a scale of 1-10, how likely are you to trade your comfort for the challenges of making God accessible to others? 

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Go do it. (⅓ of meeting) 

• Christ loved us without limits trading His throne for a stable. Following His example:
  
  1. How can you serve someone sacrificially this week to share Jesus’ love?
  2. Choose someone to bless and develop a plan for how to serve them.
  Write down your answers so we can check in next time! 
• Pray for each other:
  
  • To follow through with this challenge
  • For your person to be blessed by your gift of serving, and
  • For God to be glorified and honored through your sacrifice