Over It Week 2: Life Over Death

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Over It Week 2: Life over Death

weekend in review

This week Gene talked about how eventually everything in life goes “back in the box.” He asked the question, “Then what?” Gene explained the main idea of Christianity, sharing why, when all is said and done, he is a follower of Jesus. He pointed out instances of substitionary atonement throughout scripture all the way back to Adam and Eve.

WARM UP

Begin with some conversation, checking in on how people are doing. You can talk about whatever you’d like, but here are potential questions to get the conversation going.

  • Have you decorated for Christmas? Who did it super early this year (which has been a trend)?
  • What is your most treasured Christmas decoration?

 

    DISCUSS

    Read Isaiah 53:5 and 6. How do we know Isaiah’s words referred prophetically to Jesus? Read John 12:37-41 for additional insight.

    • Read Luke 2:10-14. Does it surprise you that God announced Jesus’ birth to shepherds, some of the lowliest members of society? Why or why not? What is the significance of the fact that God revealed the arrival of Jesus to shepherds?

    • Why is Jesus’ birth good news for “all the people”? What is Eastside doing to help spread the news around the world? How can you be a part of that work?

    • Why do some people refuse to believe that Jesus is the Messiah? Why do you think recognizing “lostness” is so difficult for people?

    • What obstacles or fears do you face when sharing both your faith in Christ and your spiritual journey?

    • Read Luke 2:13 and 14: “Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.’ ” (NIV) Imagine being there. What Christmas carols are your favorites that capture the events of that night?

    • Read John 1:29: ” . . . ‘Look! The lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world!’ ” (NIV) Share with the group your story of the moment you realized the reality of this and accepted God’s gift of salvation.

    application
    • After the shepherds had witnessed the angels and seen baby Jesus, the Bible says they spread the word and glorified God, telling everyone what had happened and what the angel had told them about the child. How do you see these responses in your life? How can you stir up more of these responses?

    • Gene challenged those who have not yet said yes to Jesus to ask themselves, Do I want to receive the gift of salvation from sin, salvation from death, salvation from hopelessness? He likened the situation to someone going to a lot of thought and effort to get you just the perfect Christmas gift, and then all you do is look at it . . .but you never open it. If this is you, are you ready to discuss your thoughts about it with the group?

    WRAP UP & PRAYER

    Share prayer requests and spend time praying for each other. 

    Pray about who you might invite to join you for one of our Christmas services, in person or online. 

    Pray for boldness to invite those who are far from God to receive this gift of the Savior this Christmas. 

    Pray for Eastside that God would bless our year-end offering and pour out a river of resources through our people so we have the tools to share the good news around the world.