Adventure. - End of Week 2

SMALL GROUP STUDY GUIDE

Introduction
The following is a guide to help facilitate discussion. Feel free to add, subtract, or change questions to fit the conversation, and pray for the Spirit to lead in all things.

OPEN
Can you remember a risk that you have taken in your life that was scary, for whatever reason?  Share about what it was and how taking that risk impacted you.
or…
In light of the holidays, share about a present you hope to give another person, or that you hope to receive.

HEAD
  1. Read Jeremiah 29: 4-7 and Matthew 2:1-8, 16-18 together and share any wisdom, insights, or thoughts from the reading.
  2. Imagine being torn from your homes, your identity, and being forced to live, work, and practice another culture. What do you think would be difficult for you in that type of setting?
  3. If you hated Babylon and it’s people for stealing you from your home, what would it have been like for you to hear God’s words in Jeremiah?
  4. How might God’s command here impacted the kingdom of God, not only in Babylon during their time, but later one - say, at the birth of Jesus? (remember, the wise men likely came from Babylon)
  5. Do you think most Israelites were aware of the incredible enormity and power of Rome?  And if they did, how discouraging would it have been to be oppressed, again!

HEART
  1. God told the Isrealites to be a blessing even in captivity.  What are some ways that God calls you and I to be a blessing in our world today?  What are some tangible ways we can positively impact the world we live in every day?
  2. Why do you think some hide away from the world instead of seeking to bless it?
  3. Herod ruled out of fear, Jesus out of love.  Why is love so much better and more sustaining?
  4. The story of Jesus began and ended with the shedding of blood.  How does the cross of Christ help us work through the loss of innocent blood?

HANDS
This week we are struck with the challenge to “grow where we’re planted.”  Think of your workplace, your school, the places you shop, the routes your drive to and from places.  What is one, practical way, you could bless one of those areas this week?

LIVING WORDS FOR YOUR WEEK
“Jesus came and told his disciples, ‘I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you.
And be sure of this: I am with you always,
even to the end of the age.’”
Matthew 28:18-20 NLT

Pastor Paddy and the Series Guide Writing Team

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