07 Jan Discussion Guide: Welcome to 2024
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 primary 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 continue with our series, Prophets, Poets, Priests, and Kings: Why Christmas Makes Us Sing. Join us as we take a look, one week at a time, at how the prophets show us Jesus is The Great Light, the poets show us he is our Great Longing, the priests show us he is our Great Lover, and the kings show us he is our Great Leader.
Today’s Topic
Welcome to 2024
Discussion Questions
What’s one thing you’re feeling hopeful about for the new year?
How Christianity Forms Our Conscience
Galatians 6:9
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
Luke 6:27-28
But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.
When did you first attend a church? What was that church like?
What lessons have you learned in church about how to be in the world?
How has your church experience changed how you interact with others?
What Christianity Claims About Our Purpose
Proverbs 16:9
In their hearts humans plan their course,
but the Lord establishes their steps.
Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
What unique gifts or talents do you have?
Can you describe a time when your life felt particularly purposeful?
How does belonging to a church enlarged your understanding of your purpose?
How Christianity Makes Us Part of a Global Family
2 Corinthians 9:7
Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
Proverbs 19:17
Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord,
and he will reward them for what they have done.
How does God model generosity to us?
What is the most generous thing someone has ever done for you?
How does financial generosity foster spiritual growth?
Closing Thought
Henri Nouwen
The church is not an institution forcing us to follow rules but a community inviting us to still our hunger and thirst at its table.
Take some time to share one area of your life where you’d like to grow this year, and then pray as a group for Go to grant you wisdom, grace, and endurance toward those pursuits.