God’s Purpose, Presence, and Peace

The weekend doesn't have to end. Keep Talking on your own or with a group.

Start Talking - Find conversation starters for the group or with a friend.

This is a season that can be full of family, beauty, and hope. But it can also be filled with quarrels, anxiety, and packed schedules. Pastors Todd and Julie started the teaching this week by sharing a few statistics.

• 59% of people define Christmas as chaotic and state that they are just trying to get through it. Does this describe you? Have you lost some of the joy and beauty of Christmas in the midst of to-do lists and the frantic pace of life?
• 47% of people wish they could just skip Christmas. Have you ever had this thought? If not, do you know of someone else who has? Do you really feel this is the “most wonderful time of the year?”

Keep Reading – Read the Scripture and ask a question to get the group thinking.

In Scripture we see prophecy that declares Jesus is the Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6-7

• What word picture comes to mind when you think of a Wonderful Counselor? Mighty God? Everlasting Father? Prince of Peace? What do each of these titles mean to you?
• Pastor Todd asked a very specific question about these verses: Have you ever thought about how this prophecy is personal for you? How does personalizing this passage impact how you read it?

John 16:33

• What is your definition of peace?
• This verse clearly states that peace is found in Jesus. Not in our circumstances. What are some things we can do to help shift our perspective in this area?

Keep Talking – Choose questions to create openness.

Just as a puzzle is not complete if it has a missing piece—in the same way our lives are impacted if we are missing peace. We do not have to be lacking in any area. In Jesus we have everything we need to be whole. Let’s look at some of the areas Jesus wants to speak into in our lives.

1. Jesus speaks Peace into our Brokenness.

• Pastor Todd observed that too many of us allow our past to keep us from the peace of God, whether those items from our past are our fault or something that happened to us outside of our control.
• Have you been living in the mistakes of your past or afraid to forgive someone, thinking it lets them off the hook easily? What can you do to let go of your past and receive the shalom – nothing missing, nothing broken peace of God – that He wants you to experience?

Your faith has saved you; go in peace.
Luke 7:50

2. Jesus speaks Peace into our Storms.

• Pastor Julie reminded us that sometimes we see things about God we have never seen before while we are in difficult circumstances. It is often in the storms of life that we get a deeper revelation of who Jesus truly is, as long as we have our focus on Jesus and not on the storm.
• Have you experienced this before? How has God carried you, loved you, or cared for you in previous rough places?

Soon a fierce storm came up. High waves were breaking into the boat, and it began to fill with water. Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with his head on a cushion. The disciples woke him up, shouting, “Teacher, don’t you care that we’re going to drown?” When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Peace! Be still!" Suddenly the wind stopped, and it was completely calm.
Mark 4:37-39

3. Jesus speaks Peace over our Purpose.

• We have been given more than salvation. We get to walk in relationship. We have been promised the gift of the Holy Spirit. He is the missing peace.
• Have you invited the Holy Spirit to walk with you as you go through this holiday season?

"Peace be with you,” As he spoke, he showed them the wounds in his hands and his side. They were filled with joy when they saw the Lord! Again he said, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you.” Then he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.”
John 20:19-22

Keep Moving/Going – Commit to a step and live it out this week.

• We got to hear the testimony of a man named Horatio Spafford in the message. The author of the song, “It is Well.” Take time to look up his story that prompted the writing of this famous hymn. How you can intentionally look at/for the testimony in the lives of others. Remind yourself of the truth— that same God is at work in your life.
• Invite the Holy Spirit into your Christmas.

Keep Praying

• We had a special time of prayer in our services. Let’s continue in that attitude of prayer as we go throughout the week.
• Prayer requests from everyone at group.
• Pray.

Keep Praising

“Joy To The World (Joyful Joyful)” – Phil Wickham

“Not Afraid” – Jesus Culture

“Tremble” – Mosaic

“It Is Well With My Soul” – Kristene DiMarco

“Peace” – Bethel Music

Or check out our "Faith Over Fear" playlist on Spotify and Apple Music.

Keep Up with What's Happening at Christ Fellowship.