TODAY:

Advent: The Weary World Rejoices – LOVE

BIG IDEA:

Christmas is a reminder of the cost of God’s sacrificial love

SCRIPTURES:

John 3:16-17, John 1:14, Psalm 136, Luke 1:46-55 1 John 4:9-11

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

Q: What makes you feel loved? How do you typically express love?

Q: What difference does love (or lack of) make in life?

Q: How do the Scriptures/concepts from this week help you grow as a disciple who loves God, loves people & serves the world (lives on incarnational mission) in everyday life?

Q: Based on these Scriptures, how can you move from unbelief to belief, from just knowing to actually doing in your life?

Connect with God (UP)...

Q: Read John 3:16-17, John 1:14 & 1 John 4:9-10. What can we learn about & from God’s love for us?

Q: Why do you think the writer of Psalm 136 have the audience repeat “His love endures forever!” after every statement?

Q: Do you view God as loving & do you know that you are loved by Him? Why or why not?

Connect with Others(IN)...

Q: Read 1 John 4:11 several times slowly. What is God trying to tell you &/or invite you to right now?

Connect with the World (OUT)...

Q: How do you see the world struggling desperately to find true “hesed/agape” love? Why is it so easy to settle for something less that these & what consequence does that have?

Q: How can you love as God loves?

ACTION STEPS

1) Which of these ways (deliverance, guidance, rule, redemption, provision) is God wanting you to experience His love most right now?

2) Actively look for tangible ways that you can love those around you “as God loves you”.