Sermon Notes
Discussion Question: What is the most memorable Christmas present you received?
Come and See…
Luke 2:15-16; Matthew 2b, 11
…what God has done and what God can do for you
Psalm 34:8; Matthew 11:28-29
Go and Tell
Luke 2:17-20; Luke 8:39; Psalm 107:2
What is your response to Christmas going to be? Will it be silence or will you come and see, go and tell.
Discussion Questions
TALK IT OUT:
- Because Jesus is Emmanuel, God with us, Pastor Ben says, “…we don’t have to be afraid in Christ because he has a plan that’s bigger than we could imagine and loves us more than we could love ourselves.” How can this truth give us hope as we deal with the current challenges impacting each of us?
- Here are two ways the shepherds responded to the angel’s message: 1) They came to see the baby for themselves, and 2) They went and told. Do you find it easier to come to Jesus or to tell others about Jesus? Why?
- King David encourages us to “Taste and see that the Lord is good.” (Psalm 34:8, NIV) How do you think we can do that in our daily lives?
- Once we experience God’s love and forgiveness we’re forever changed. When our lives have been changed by God we won’t be able to keep it to ourselves. How do you share the hope God’s love has made in your life with your circle of friends?
- Pastor Ben observed that both the shepherds and the wise men told others about what they had seen when they visited the Baby Jesus. Why are believers sometimes hesitant to share how we see God at work in our lives with others?
- In Luke 8, Jesus delivered a demon-possessed man then told the healed man to, “Return home and tell how much God has done for you.” (Luke 8:39, NIV) The Psalmist said something similar when he wrote, “Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story.” (Psalm 107:2, NIV) What has God done for you that you should be sharing?
- “Come and See” relates to us understanding more about Jesus while “Go and Tell” speaks of how we’re to share what God teaches us about Himself with others. What do you think those who don’t yet know Christ need to hear about Jesus from you?
LIVE IT OUT
- Make a list of the good things that God has done for you. Take a moment to thank Him for the things on your list.
- Compile a list of three or four stories about how God has worked in your life.
- Make a list of friends or family members who need a relationship with God who need to hear your stories of God’s faithfulness. Select at least two people from you list and make a commitment to share with them this week.
- Finally, ask God to use your story of His faithfulness to help those you share with take the next step in their spiritual journey.