StoneBridge Community Church
ADVENT: "Zechariah's Story" - Luke 1:5-25, 76-79
Associate Pastor Jonathan Lusche
Locations & Times
StoneBridge Community Church
4832 Cochran St, Simi Valley, CA 93063, USA
Saturday 5:15 PM
Sunday 5:20 PM
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During Advent, we pause to rememeber when Jesus was first born into the world and remind ourselves that Jesus will return. Advent can mean "arrival." We know that God arrived into the world in Jesus and we know that Jesus will return. We celebrate that hope during this season.
During Advent, we pause to rememeber when Jesus was first born into the world and remind ourselves that Jesus will return. Advent can mean "arrival." We know that God arrived into the world in Jesus and we know that Jesus will return. We celebrate that hope during this season.
The Text In Context
"(Zechariah) walked with God and he had done so for many years. The fact that such a godly man doubted, shows us that..." Click link to read more.
https://tinyurl.com/yr4s59s91. Zechariah...
A. ... was well positioned for God's purpose...
B. ... but didn't perfectly accomplish it.
B. ... but didn't perfectly accomplish it.
2. Zechariah's...
... consequences didn't override God's plan.
3. Zechariah...
... saw and celebrated the good in his son.
NEXT STEPS
1. Prayerfully consider ways to better “position” yourself for God’s purposes.
2. Prayerfully examine how, despite your own shortcomings, God is still at work in your life.
3. Prayerfully celebrate how you see God at work in the lives of three significant others.
1. Prayerfully consider ways to better “position” yourself for God’s purposes.
2. Prayerfully examine how, despite your own shortcomings, God is still at work in your life.
3. Prayerfully celebrate how you see God at work in the lives of three significant others.
GROWTH GROUP / PERSONAL REFLECTION QUESTIONS
1. Do you agree or disagree that Zechariah and Elizabeth were spiritually "well positioned” to accomplish God’s purposes? If so, how? If not, why not? How might their story influence your own spirituality and personal faith walk?
2. Zechariah responds to the angel's message with doubt, leading to consequences where he is unable to speak until John's birth. Reflect on the consequences of Zechariah's doubt and the eventual expression of faith in his prophetic song in Luke 1:68-79. What can be learned from this?
3. Despite Zechariah’s shortcomings, God plan was accomplished through Elizebeth and Zechariah. If you feel comfortable, share how you feel God is at work in your life, despite your own shortcomings.
4. Both passages from this weekend’s worship highlight the anticipation of John the Baptist's role in preparing people for the Messiah's arrival. How might this resonate with our own responsibility to prepare our hearts for Christ? How can we actively prepare for the presence of Christ in our lives, especially during this season of Advent?
5. Luke 1:78-79 uses powerful imagery of light breaking through the darkness. Discuss the symbolic significance of light and darkness in these verses, and how it relates to the spiritual journey and the arrival of Jesus as the Light of the world. How can we reflect this concept in our actions and interactions with others?
6. Think of at least three people in your life in whom you see God at work. Share who they are and celebrate this!
1. Do you agree or disagree that Zechariah and Elizabeth were spiritually "well positioned” to accomplish God’s purposes? If so, how? If not, why not? How might their story influence your own spirituality and personal faith walk?
2. Zechariah responds to the angel's message with doubt, leading to consequences where he is unable to speak until John's birth. Reflect on the consequences of Zechariah's doubt and the eventual expression of faith in his prophetic song in Luke 1:68-79. What can be learned from this?
3. Despite Zechariah’s shortcomings, God plan was accomplished through Elizebeth and Zechariah. If you feel comfortable, share how you feel God is at work in your life, despite your own shortcomings.
4. Both passages from this weekend’s worship highlight the anticipation of John the Baptist's role in preparing people for the Messiah's arrival. How might this resonate with our own responsibility to prepare our hearts for Christ? How can we actively prepare for the presence of Christ in our lives, especially during this season of Advent?
5. Luke 1:78-79 uses powerful imagery of light breaking through the darkness. Discuss the symbolic significance of light and darkness in these verses, and how it relates to the spiritual journey and the arrival of Jesus as the Light of the world. How can we reflect this concept in our actions and interactions with others?
6. Think of at least three people in your life in whom you see God at work. Share who they are and celebrate this!
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Special Service planned for Saturday, December 23rd- Blue Christmas. For some, the Christmas season elicits feeling of sadness and loss. This year, StoneBridge invites you to a special worship service that will provide the space to grieve, lament, and move towards wholeness. Through singing, readings, and prayer, our Blue Christmas service is an opportunity to gather as a community, support one another in our grief, and rest in God's comfort.
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