Discussion Guide
Moses // Crossing the Red Sea
- Just as Bud, from the opening story Pastor Bob shared, gave a New Testament to those who were in need, how can we, as followers of Christ, help others discover the treasures found in God’s Word? What are some practical ways you can engage more deeply with the Bible to uncover its treasures? Have you ever discovered something in Scripture that was particularly meaningful or timely for your life?
- Read Exodus 14:10-12. The Israelites feared the Red Sea and the Egyptians, but God was calling them to trust Him. How do we handle fear in our own lives, especially when we face situations that seem impossible? Can you think of a time when fear initially clouded your faith but later you saw God’s hand at work?
- Read Psalm 106:7. The Israelites forgot what God had done in Egypt, and that caused them to complain and rebel. What are some ways you can intentionally remember and recount God’s past faithfulness in your life?
- Read Exodus 14:13-14. Moses told the people “You need only to be still” when they were overwhelmed. How can we train ourselves to focus on the Lord in moments of fear, struggle, or uncertainty?
- God told the Israelites to move forward, even when the Red Sea was in front of them. How does obedience to God in the face of uncertainty show our trust in Him? Is there an area in your life where God is calling you to step out in obedience, even if the path ahead seems unclear or difficult?
- After witnessing God part the Red Sea, the Israelites responded with worship. How does God’s work in our lives lead us to worship Him? What are some ways you personally express worship to God, both in times of joy and in times of difficulty?
- God gave Moses a stick to remind him of His power and promises. What are some “reminders” that God has given you (scripture, a moment of answered prayer, etc.) to help you trust Him in difficult times?
Moses // The Call of Moses – Part 2
- Moses’ staff was transformed into a snake by God, symbolizing the true authority of God. What does this transformation teach us about the nature of God’s power versus earthly powers? How do we recognize God’s power in our lives? Can you think of a time when God demonstrated His authority in a situation you were facing?
- The plagues were directed at the Egyptian gods, showing that God is greater than all other powers. In what ways do we see “false gods” in our culture today, and how does God’s power still challenge these idols?
Pastor Bob emphasized that God wanted to demonstrate His power to both Egypt and Israel. How can we better understand God’s actions not just as a way of delivering His people, but also as a means of revealing Himself to the world? - Moses had to step out in faith before God acted. What does this idea of “acting in faith before God moves” mean for us in our own spiritual journeys?
- When the Israelites had to choose which God to follow and demonstrate their commitment by marking their doorposts with blood, what lessons can we take from their decision to stand for God publicly? Is there a “cost” to following God today? How do we see obedience to God as part of our partnership with Him? How does God call us to play a role in His plan for our lives and the world?
- Read Exodus 13:21-22. God led the Israelites with a pillar of cloud by day and fire by night to demonstrate His constant presence. What are some ways we can recognize and respond to God’s presence in our lives today? How does God’s continual guidance give us confidence during times of uncertainty or fear?
- The Israelites had to learn to depend on God after their years of slavery. In what ways does God allow us to face challenges that force us to rely on Him more fully? How can we grow in our trust and dependence on God in our daily lives? Are there specific areas where you are being challenged to trust God more deeply right now?
- The sermon mentions that God’s name would be proclaimed on the earth through the story of His deliverance. In what ways can we share the story of God’s power and glory with others today? How can we actively participate in making God’s name known in our world, much like Moses and the Israelites were called to do in their time?
Moses // The Call of Moses
- Pastor Bob began the sermon by stating, “God never breaks promises; He always exceeds them!” How does the idea that God’s promises are certain and exceed our expectations change the way you think about your relationship with God?
- Pastor Bob mentions that there was never a “Plan B,” but always “Plan A.” What does this mean for our lives, especially when we face challenges or failures? Can you think of a time when God pursued you, even before you realized you needed it?
- How did Moses’ upbringing and education shape his ability to fulfill God’s calling? In what ways can our own skills or experiences be used by God for His mission?
- Moses saw the burning bush and was drawn to it. What does this moment teach us about God’s invitation to us? Are there “burning bushes” in your life—moments when God has drawn your attention in an unexpected way?
- Moses offered several excuses for why he wasn’t qualified to lead the people of Israel. Have you ever made similar excuses when God has called you to something? Which of Moses’ excuses (identity, ignorance, unbelief, inadequacy, unavailability) do you find most relatable in your own life? Reflect on God’s response to Moses: “I AM” means that God becomes all that we lack. How does this truth change the way you approach your own limitations?
- Read 2 Corinthians 6:1 The sermon emphasizes that God desires a relationship with us and wants to partner with us in His work. How do you understand the idea of being a “co-worker” with God? What does it mean for your daily life and actions? In what ways can we more fully partner with God in His mission? Are there areas in your life where you feel God calling you to step into a greater partnership with Him?
- Read Exodus 3:7. The verse says that God has seen the affliction, heard the cries, and knows the suffering of His people. What does it mean to you that God is deeply aware of your struggles and is actively working toward your deliverance? What areas of your life do you need God’s deliverance? How can you trust Him to deliver you in His perfect timing and way?
- The sermon concluded with the idea that being a person of faith simply means being obedient, one step at a time. What does obedience look like in your life today? Are there areas where God is calling you to take a step of faith, even if you don’t feel fully equipped? Moses took a big leap of faith when he stepped into the calling God gave him, despite his fears. How can you take a similar step, trusting that God will provide what you lack?
Christmas: Bethlehem Style // The Shepherds and Angels
- The shepherds didn’t just hear the message; they believed it and acted on it. How does obedience reflect genuine belief in God’s word? Are there areas in your life where you hear God’s message but hesitate to act on it? Why or why not?
- In what ways can we show our faith in Jesus the way the shepherds did—by believing and acting on the good news of His birth?
- The shepherds didn’t keep the message to themselves but shared it with others. Why is it important for us to share the good news of Jesus with those around us? Who is God calling you to share your story with this Christmas season?
- What is the difference between just telling people about Jesus and sharing your personal story of how God has impacted your life? How can our personal stories make the message of Jesus more relatable to others?
- The shepherds celebrated after encountering Jesus. How does celebrating the birth of Jesus impact our daily lives? In what ways can we celebrate Jesus not just at Christmas, but throughout the year?
- The shepherds were often considered “the least of these” in their society. What does it say about God’s character that He chose them as the first to hear about Jesus’ birth? How does this impact our understanding of God’s love for all people, no matter their status or background?
- How do you personally respond to the message of Christmas each year? Is it just a celebration, or do you also take time to reflect on the deeper meaning of Christ’s birth? If you were to respond like the shepherds, what might you need to change in your own life to receive, believe, and share the good news of Jesus this Christmas?
Christmas: Bethlehem Style // the Birth of Christ
- How can we understand the idea that being “chosen” by God is not about favoritism, but about responsibility? What responsibility do we have as believers in sharing God’s blessings with others, as Israel was meant to do?
- Read Isaiah 49:6. What does it mean for us today that Israel was chosen to be a light to the nations? In what ways are we called to reflect God’s character and holiness to the world around us?
- The sermon challenges us by saying, “YOU have been chosen by God.” How does this impact how you live your life? Do you see yourself as part of God’s plan to be a light to others? What does that look like in your daily life?
- Pastor Bob emphasized Jesus’ humility by His birth in a manger. What does the humble circumstances of Jesus’ birth reveal about His nature? Read Philippians 2:7. We read that Jesus “emptied Himself” to become human. Why is it important that Jesus came in such a humble way? How can we model humility in our own lives?
- Pastor Bob said, “You can’t have the cross without the cradle.” How does Jesus’ birth in the manger point us toward His ultimate purpose of sacrifice on the cross? What does it mean for you personally that Jesus’ birth was tied directly to His mission of salvation?
- In light of the manger and the cross, how do you respond to the sacrificial love of Jesus? What is one way you can show that love to others this week?
Christmas: Bethlehem Style // Journey to Bethlehem
- What does Christmas mean to you? How does the commercialized side of Christmas (retail, “Happy Holidays,” etc.) impact your experience of the season?
- Read Luke 1:37. How does this verse encourage you in moments when God asks you to do something without knowing all the details?
- Pastor Bob mentioned that Mary’s “yes” to God was not easy. What are some of the challenges that Mary might have faced by accepting God’s call to be the mother of Jesus? How does her response of faith inspire you in your own life?
- Can you think of a time when God asked you to step out in faith, even without knowing the full picture? How did you respond?
- Making room for Jesus requires removing things from our lives. Is there something in your life that you feel God is asking you to remove in order to make more room for Him? How can you take practical steps to do that?
- The journey to Bethlehem wasn’t easy for Mary and Joseph, and their faith required trust in God’s plan. What is one area of your life where you need to trust God’s plan even if it feels uncomfortable or uncertain?
- The sermon highlights Mary’s willingness to say, “May it be to me just as you have said.” What would it look like for you to live with that same heart of surrender to God’s will this Christmas season and beyond?
Christmas: Bethlehem Style // And He Shall Be Called
- Read Isaiah 9:1-7. In verse 6, Isaiah lists several names for the coming Child: “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” What do each of these Names reveal about the character of the Messiah?
- Which of these names, Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace, resonates most with you, and why?
- How have you personally experienced the Messiah as Wonderful Counselor? Mighty God? Everlasting Father? Prince of Peace? Share your stories with your LifeGroup.
- As we prepare for the birth of Christ, how can you intentionally focus on the meaning of Advent this week to deepen your relationship with God?
- As we reflect on Isaiah 9:1-7, how can we pray for a deeper understanding of the Messiah’s role in our lives and in the world? Also, take some time with your LifeGroup to pray for each other this Advent season.