Before We Get Started

For our discussion today we will be using the sermon series discussion guides. If you would like to follow along you can access this discussion guide on the website at mosaicchurchaustin.com and then select “community group resources” in the menu options.

Prayer

Because the main goal of our time together is to establish relationships and learn how to walk with one another in all that God has called us to be and do, we’d like to begin by praying for one another. So, does anyone have anything you’d like us to pray for, or  anything to share regarding how you’ve seen God moving in your life that we can celebrate together.

This Week’s Topic

Today we begin a series of messages leading us through the Advent Season up to the celebration of the coming of Jesus…Christmas. It is a season of expectation, but what are we supposed to be expecting? Gifts? Stress? Lonliness? Family drama? Over the next few weeks we will rediscover the Biblical Truths behind the birth of the Christ and what His coming is meant to accomplish in our hearts and lives.

Discussion Questions

Why do you think we, as a culture, are more anxious today than in any previous generation?

Corrie Ten Boom

“Worrying is carrying tomorrow’s load with today’s strength- carrying two days at once. It is moving into tomorrow ahead of time. Worrying doesn’t empty tomorrow of its sorrow, it empties today of its strength.”

What kinds of situations tend to cause you anxiety? Why?

What would you say is the root cause/feeling that produces anxiety in our hearts?

What does that anxiety look like when it manifests itself in your life? How does it affect the people around you?

Philippians 4:4-7

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

What would you say is the opposite of anxiety?

Where does peace come from?

What does that peace look like when it manifests itself in your life? How does it affect the people around you?

Philippians 4:8-9

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”

How does thinking deeply on who God is and what the Gosopel is all about guard our hearts against the anxiety of our culture?

How does Christmas serve to remind us of those truths?

Closing Thought