Key PointsElohim might refer to false gods or the one true God.Yahweh is the name of the one true God.Side note: the Jewish people would not say “Yahweh” out of reverence for Him. Special markings in the text guided them to say Elohim or Adonai when reading. Many modern translations of the Bible render Yahweh as Lord, with small cap letters to signify that it is the name of God.Idolatry is a major sin that Yahweh was very clear about.Idols take many forms and often hide in our lives without us even noticing.When we have and idol, we are bowing down and worshiping a false god.Idols can usually be seen as good things, but they have been elevated to a place in our lives that should be reserved for Yahweh alone.We are all prone to wander; it’s the consequence of being born with a sin nature.Through Jesus, we are freed from sin and enslaved to Yahweh, but we tend to choose other gods and bind our hearts to them.Some examples of modern-day idols are: identity, money, things, jobs, physical beauty, entertainment, sex, family, friends, influence, and even Christian ministry.What you worship (give your time, money, talents, and attention to) can either be an idol or Yahweh. It can’t be both.DiscussionHow do you spend most of your time outside of sleep?How do you use your talents (God-given gifts) and skills (things you’ve learned)?If someone could see your spending for an average month, what would they think is most important to you?What occupies your mind throughout the day?What do you pursue to add joy to your life?Share one or two idols that you struggle with. (This is not a time to give suggestions to overcome an idol.)What is one thing you can change in your daily life to shift away from idolatry towards fully worshiping Yahweh?Pray together for Yahweh to lead you in repentance towards true worship.

Key PointsGod’s grace in Greek simply means a gift. Grace isn’t fully realized without considering the cost of His gift.We deserve death but instead, He gives us the gift of life. Grace empowers us as well as trains us to renounce ungodliness.Grace enables us to give.Grace can never be earned or deserved.DiscussionHow have you experienced God’s grace?Has God’s grace propelled you into transformation?How can you manifest grace?How would you describe grace upon grace?Who in your life has embodied God’s grace?

Key PointsThe indwelling Holy Spirit was promised by Old Testament prophets.God graced us with His indwelling Spirit to help us walk according to His will and to vindicate His Holy Name.The Holy Spirit brings us life and living water.The Holy Spirit reveals to us the truth about Jesus & His Word and is named The Spirit of Truth.Jesus promised to send us the Holy Spirit after His resurrection.Jesus said that He (Holy Spirit) would be our helper.The Holy Spirit is a person. The third person in the Trinity.We often forfeit the presence and power of the Sprit, resulting in working from our flesh.We are commanded to be filled with the Sprit and to ask to be filled.In Luke 11, we see how God wants us to ask: seek and knock and we will be filled.The Holy Spirit dwells within us at conversion but we are to ask to be filled as often as necessary.The fruit of the Spirit and gifts of the Spirit are produced and carried out by the Spirit.DiscussionWhat percentage of your day do you think you are working in your own strength without relying on the Spirit?When is the last time you asked the Father to fill you with His Spirit?What do you think is different about you when you are walking in The Spirit?If you honestly assess your perspective, do you think of the Holy Spirit more in terms of gifts rather than daily living?

Key PointsFasting for ourselves defeats the purpose of fasting.In Isaiah 58 we find God’s chosen fast. To repent and give.We are oftentimes yoked or strapped to self-desires.Giving to those in need helps free us from self. We are saved not by works but those who are saved do good works.DiscussionPastor Bob listed some unhealthy yokes that we are at times strapped to: covetousness, complacency, compromise, isolation, unforgiveness, pride and various addictions. How can you relate?How does looking to the needs of others help free us from self?List the promises found in Isaiah 58.Why were you born? (This could take a while)

Key PointsPrayer awakens us to the presence of God.Jesus instructs us to pray to the Father in secret.The prayer positions us under His hallowed Name.The prayer is relational both vertically and horizontally.  Daily bread, daily forgiveness, and daily protection.There is beauty and majesty embedded into The Disciples’ Prayer. This prayer is to be lived.DiscussionWhat part of this prayer speaks to you and why?Discuss your prayer life.Is it easy or hard for you to address God as Father? Explain.Spend time interceding for others in prayer.

Key PointsWe are promised a blessing when we hunger & thirst for God.We need to be awakened to our daily need to crave Jesus.Trials, suffering, and lack can awaken us to hunger and thirst for God. We often settle for a substitute to meet our needs. These will never satisfy. David describes this relationship as our souls clinging to God. The practice of fasting from food can help awaken our hunger for God.DiscussionCan you describe the difference between needing Jesus verses needing something He can do?Has there been an experience where you were awakened to hunger & thirst for Jesus?What have you been clinging to for your security?Discuss how to be awakened to a pure hunger & thirst for His righteousness.

Key Points“The object of a new year is not that we should have a new year, but rather we should have a new soul." - GK ChestertonFor us to be transformed, we must look upon the One who changes us, Jesus Christ, Himself.You will never be satisfied with the praise of man.Jesus was not looking for the praise of man but only to glorify the Father in His timing, not His own. There is a better reward from our Father who sees in secret.DiscussionWhat is our reward from the Father in Matthew 6?What is holding you back from practicing these disciplines?Share about a time when you gave, prayed, or fasted. How did that affect your growth in being a disciple of Jesus?Share some secrets that God has revealed to you for the edification of the body.

Christmas Eve 2023

Key PointsOld Testament prophesy indicates a single shepherd with a single flock.Jesus declares Himself the Door to the sheep fold as well as the Good Shepherd.This contrasts the thieves and false shepherds of Israel. He taught this just following his declaration as the Light of the World. The Pharisees had just removed the blind man that was healed from fellowship. (John 8 & 9)The Good Shepherd lays His life down for the sheep.We are often referred to in Scripture as sheep. We all need a Shepherd.Many of us are independent & not willing to admit that we are in this condition.The Good Shepherd protects, guides, heals, feeds, waters, and cares for His sheep.The sheep know the Shepherd’s voice and the Shepherd knows his sheep. Our salvation is secured in both the Father and the Son.If one wanders, we can count on Jesus to bring them back.Knowing Jesus in this way can help our love for Him grow.DiscussionAre you willing to admit that you need a Shepherd? Do you identify more like an independent lion or a needy sheep?Have you ever wandered away from the fold and been brought back?How can our understanding of Jesus as the Good Shepherd help us to draw close to Him?

Key PointsJesus declares Himself The Light of the world.His “I Am” statement is backed up with the healing of the blind man.The darkness and the light will always be divided.Walking in the light includes confessing the darkness.Light in the dark brings revelation to the goodness of God, even in the pain. As His light bearers, we are called to good works.DiscussionHow would you describe His declaration as The Light of the world? Have you experienced the freedom found in the confession of sin?What does “walking in the light” mean to you?Discuss how to apply Matthew 5:14-16.