Puyallup Nazarene Church
We have much to learn from Jesus. Jesus shows us the way to live in relationship with God as our Father, the way to love extravagantly, give generously and serve freely. He is not only shows us the way; he is the way. We are made for more than self. We are made for God.
Made for More--Confronting the myth of scarcity and experiencing God's abundance.
Luke 2:41-52 NIV
“Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?”
Matthew 21:10-17 NIV
A sudden display of the priorities of Jesus!
Jesus shows us and tells us his Father's business!
The declared centrality of prayer. Prayer is how God shapes us and frees us!
Colossians 4:2-5 NIV
2020--A Year of Prayer and Fasting
Group Life Study and Application Questions:
As you come to the open door of 2020, what are you wanting God to accomplish in you and through your life this year?
Take some time to pray for one another…making big prayers.
Read the first primary text for this study of God's Word. Luke 2.41-52
1. Why do you think Luke includes this story in his account of Jesus' life? (This is the only account of Jesus between his infancy and his adulthood.) What impresses you in this story?
Read the second primary text. Matthew 21.10-17.
2. Jesus makes another visit to the temple as an adult five or six days before he is crucified. Why do you think Jesus acted as he did in the temple? How can this be both a judgment against our behavior as well as good news for us?
3. What are passions of Jesus revealed here?
4. Jesus often withdrew to places to pray. He often took his disciples with him. Why is prayer so important? Contrary to Jesus, why do you think we (you) are often drawn away from prayer? What does God want to have happen in us when we make effort and take time to pray?
5. What could you do this coming year to become more immersed in prayer? What would have to change in your schedule, your beliefs and your priorities?
This may be a good time to pray together as a Group Life Community that God would help you individually and your Group as a whole (as well as the entire congregation) to become a 'house of prayer.'
