WEEKLY HOME GROUP GUIDE

Belong
Welcome/opening prayer

Sept 9 Sep 15, 2012

This weeks passage reveals that God is always with us. Open in a prayer of thanksgiving that we can come to God with confidence that He will always be with us.

Become
Family Time

(Read Mathew 1:18:25) Traditionally, a couple first gets engaged, second gets married, and then has a baby. What is different about Mary & Josephs order? (engagement, baby, marriage) When the bible says that Mary was found to be with child, was this a happy time for Joseph? (Matt. 1:19) Who was baby Jesus father? (The Holy Spirit)

Kids Time

Was Jesus really a man? (Yes) How do we know? (born of Mary) Why is this important? (He can understand our pain and comfort us) Was Jesus really God? (Yes) How do we know? (the bible says that Mary was pregnant through the Holy Spirit) Was Jesus half man & half God? (NO, He was fully God and fully human) How is that possible? (it is a mystery of God) If you are a believer in Christ, you have His constant presence (the Holy Spirit.) Does the Holy Spirit live in you? (Yes, if I have faith in Christ)

Adult Time

How does Jesus birth change Jewish culture forever? (this begins the age where all prophecy is being fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ) What prophecy does this passage fulfill? (Read Isaiah 7:14; virgin birth) What evidence does the Mathew 1:18-25 passage give that Jesus had an actual human birth? (Mary was with child, Matt. 1:23-25) What part did mankind play in the Messiah coming down from Heaven? (none, it was a divine invasion) Quote John 3:16. How did God show us His love for mankind? (He gave us His Son) What does begotten mean? (of God) Why do you think God chose His redemption plan to be so common, being of a plain ole Jewish girl? (so God could receive all the glory in His perfect redemptive plan) Read Isaiah 7:14. God promised in this passage that Jesus would come, Emmanuel, God with us. Today we have his presence through the Holy Spirit. Why is this difficult to remember in our day to day lives? (we get busy, rely on ourselves, etc.) Discuss why we ask God to be with us if He promises that He will never leave us? What would be more correct way of stating the same idea? (Lord, help us remember with confidence that you are always with us.)

Prayer Time Lord, help us remember with confidence that you are always with us. Continue to remind us of what you have done to redeem us to yourself. We praise you for your good and perfect plan.

Beyond
Community Calendar: The Arlington-Mansfield Pregnancy Center will be holding a Celebration of Life Dinner and Auction Saturday, September 22 at 6:00 pm. For tickets or more info, please visit www.friendsofapc.com or call 817-299-9599. Church Calendar: If you are an adoptive or foster family, come join the One Less Ministry for a barbecue, Saturday, September 15 at 5:00 pm in Room TC130 while Craig and Jamey Porter share their inspiring adoption story. Last day to RSVP is September 9. Contact: Holly Glenn 817-781-1184, oneless@pantego.org

Pantego Bible Church