Leaders notes: Bible Study Advent 2015 16 WEEK 1: The Candle of Expectation and Hope as the Patriarchs are promised Christ s coming A1. Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. A2. Abraham s wife. A3. The line from whom Jesus descended. A4 NB. The 7th I will is known as a Messianic Prophecy All people will be blessed through you. A5. By obeying God s command. A6. Try to apply this question to today, thinking from the Christians perspective of the coming Christmas season comparing with how the world sees Christmas and Christ s first coming. A7. Allow enough time to read and discuss this question as it fulfils the aim of the expectation and hope of Christs 2nd coming. Mission Area focus: Encourage possibilities for Mission WEEK 2: The Candle of Preparation as the Prophets speak of Christ s coming See Information and Introduction of Leaders notes. A1. a) A Virgin Mother and a special name for the child. b) NB Jesse was King David s father from whom Jesus was descended. Many attributes of Jesus are listed in this reference. c) Bethlehem where Jesus was born. d) Prophecy of Palm Sunday. e) John the Baptist came to prepare the way for Jesus. A2. a) Think how the earth is becoming devastated and inhabitants scattering. b) A lot of things to look forward to when Christ returns.
c) v 1 & 2 disaster, v3 Christ intervenes supernaturally v 20 God s original purpose for Israel will be realized. d) v 1 has occurred. vv 2-4 is future. Might be helpful to include v 5 if appropriate. A3. V 8 A4. Possible climate change, famine, area devastated by fire & war. A5. a) Holy is a life separated from sin and to God. b) Godly is being devoted to worship & service of God. c) See cross reference 1 Corinthians 1 v 7. d) By bringing people to Christ (See 2 Peter 3 : 9). Mission Area focus: Encourage these to be listed as well as discussed WEEK 3: The Candle of Joy as John the Baptist hails Christ s Coming. See Information and Introduction of Leaders notes. A1. John prepared the way for Christ in a moral and spiritual ministry which focused on repentance and forgiveness of sin. A2. John used a baptism of repentance (a change of heart). Today we accept Christ who delivers the repentant person from sins penalty died on the cross for us. because he A3. Good idea to check some dictionary definitions. A4. Share, not hoard, don t use unethical practices, don t falsely accuse and be content. A5. John put Jesus first by fulfilling his calling to prepare the way. John put others next by calling people to repent of their sin and then baptizing them. John put himself last by living simply in the desert without any material wants. A6. Think of ways that make us joyful as we celebrate Christmas. A7. Try and draw out ideas dwelling on the positive signs and putting Christ at the centre of everything. A8. Suggestion: - recognise happiness as a gift from God whilst joy is a spiritual fruit that should be growing and blossoming from within us.
Mission Area focus: Examples of how the things we do as church engage those outside the church. Festivals are one example but what about the everyday? WEEK 4: The candle of Love as the Virgin Mary carries the coming Christ. A1. Suggestions. The way had been prepared. There is joy when a child is expected. Scripture was being fulfilled. Gods promised savior was coming. A2. v28 You who are highly favoured. v30 You have found favour with God. v38 I am the Lord s servant, may it be to me as you have said. A3. Elizabeth felt the baby she was carrying move within her. Elizabeth became filled with The Holy Spirit. Elizabeth felt honored that Mary (the mother to be of Jesus) should visit her. A4. Magnificat. A5. There are phrases in each verse of this song. A6. God created the world & everything in it & loves all people. A7. He sent Jesus to save the world because he does not want anyone to perish. A8. Condemnation. A9. A good sharing and application question which will help each other. A10. Look for some thought provoking answers. Mission Area focus: One of the problems is timing of events. Christmas starts for many at the end of November and finishes on 25 th December! WEEK 5: Christmas: - Word made flesh The 5 th candle Christ Candle symbolizes the incarnation, the heart and reason of the season, God giving light to the world. Its location is in the centre as Christ s light is central and radiant. This reminds us that Jesus is the spotless Lamb of God, sent to wash away our sins! A1. There are at least 6 depending on which version you are reading.
A2a. Jesus was there at the beginning and is still alive in heaven. b. Jesus was instrumental in creation. c. He became man. Jesus is the resurrected life that he offers to us. A3. Jesus is the resurrected life that he offers to us. A person related to God is alive A4a. Lights up darkness. Helps us to see. b. Think what a laser beam can do. c. Shows us the dirt. Sun on a dirty window. Cobwebs when light is turned on. A5. The incarnation of Jesus is the taking on of human body & personality without losing his divine nature. A6. The gift of Jesus Christ to dwell with us on earth. A7. To save mankind from sin. Mission Area focus: An exercise in being concise. Maybe suggest a number of words? WEEK 6: Magi To Search A1a. Think about the danger, the mechanics of the journey, language and custom. 1b. Shows up our weaknesses, laziness & excuses. 1c. Could suggest some Bible search aids. To show joy A2a 2b 2c They found what they were looking for. Question needs personal reflection. Worship. To Worship A3a 3b 3c Bowed down reverently recognising Jesus as their King before anything else. Question needs personal reflection. Seek various suggestions. To Give
A4a 4b 5c A gift suitable for a King. The most precious of all metals. Used in worship and is a symbol of prayer. A sweet-smelling substance used for preserving dead bodies. To Listen A5a. If we don t listen we either miss things or get things wrong. 5b. They would have been instrumental in ruining God s plan. 5c Try and think of some examples that might crop up at work or in leisure time. Mission Area focus: Are there enough appropriate Discipleship courses as well as informal opportunities for people to explore their faith? WEEK 7: Presentation of Christ and Temple visit at age of 12 A1. Jewish families went through several ceremonies soon after a baby s birth. It was important that his family carried out these ceremonies according to God s law. He was not born above the law but fulfilled it perfectly. A2. Simeon was righteous and devout. He was expectant and full of the Holy Spirit. A3. Simeon was witness to the fact of living so in tune with God that he was assured of eternal salvation which is for all people. That assurance can be ours too. A4. Simeon prophesied that some would reject Jesus whilst others would accept all that Jesus would proclaim. A5. V 37 Anna worshipped God continually and fasted and prayed. Our worship, devotion and prayer life should take priority. A6. V 38 Anna gave thanks to God and spoke to all who were receptive about Jesus. A7. If live and walk close to God we too can enjoy the wisdom and grace which he freely gives to those who put him at the centre of their being. A8. See A1. The Passover was the most important of the annual Jewish festivals as it was a commemoration of the Jews escape from Egypt. Jesus was to be the Passover lamb whereby those who believe can be saved from the consequences of their sin. A9. Mary and Joseph, although Jesus human parents, had to let go and allow Jesus to pursue his divine mission. A10. Mary knew that Jesus was God s Son with a unique relationship with his heavenly Father but she did not know how his mission would be fulfilled.
A11. Jesus although divine still had a normal childhood and adolescence. He went through the same progression as we do both physically and mentally. We too can lead the same balanced lifestyle able to relate to other humans as well as God the Father. Mission Area focus: How is Pastoral Care and visiting organised in the MA? Is it organised or as hoc? Exploring Faith Foundation offers an excellent resource on Pastoral Visiting WEEK 8: Baptism of Christ A1. Expect different viewpoints A2. (1) Preach repentance of sins. (2) Prepare the way for the coming of the Lord (3) Baptise in the River Jordan. A3. (1) Baptism by water for the repentance of sin (see also 1 John 1 v 9). (2) Baptism with the Holy Spirit. (3) Baptism with unquenchable fire. (Rev. 20) A4. If we are to fully relate to Jesus we must be willing to endure the same suffering. A5. Jesus commissions them to be witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and to the ends of the earth. There are only 4 occasions recorded in the N.T. of baptism with the Holy Spirit but they do illustrate how the great commission had begun to be fulfilled. The following may be helpful in understanding the commission (1) Acts 2: 1-4 & 14 onwards. Peter preached in JERUSALEM & ALL JUDEA. (2) Acts 8: 14-17. Peter & John prayed for followers in SAMARIA. (3) Acts 10: 23-48. Peter preaches in Caesarea. (WORLD) These 1st 3 involve Peter and can be seen as the fulfilment of his personal calling in Matt. 16: 17-19. (4) Acts 19: 1-7. Paul baptises disciples in Ephesus. (WORLD). A6. When we become Christians we automatically receive the gift of the Holy Spirit as promised by Jesus (John 14 vv 15 21). The Holy Spirit is our assurance and our guarantee of our inheritance which is eternal life with God. Application of the study on baptism (1) Baptism is an outward sign that we have committed ourselves to a new life in Christ and want to be totally aligned to Him. We are BORN AGAIN. (John 3: 16)
(2) We have the seal of the Holy Spirit. He is the one who guarantees our inheritance with God. We have received God s BLESSING. (Ephesians 1: 3) (3) As the first disciples received the great commission, so we are to share it with those who have not yet believed. We are to encourage others to BECOME BELIEVERS. (Matt. 28: 19 20 & Acts 1: 8) Mission Area Focus: How is Baptism preparation and follow up organised at the moment and how could this be done in your MA? By who? WEEK 9: First Miracle Q1. Jesus mission involved being with people and attending a wedding was an opportunity to relate to those to whom he would minister. Q2. Hospitality is a gift of the Holy Spirit (Romans 12 v 13 & Hebrews 13 v 2). It is good not only to accept hospitality but also to offer it. The focus is on the guest, not the host. It is an opportunity to relate to the needs of others. Q3. Mary was not expecting Jesus to perform a miracle but to help solve a problem and thereby avoid embarrassment for the hosts. Q4. Jesus was now adhering to a Heavenly timetable and everything would be fulfilled in Gog s perfect timing. Often we become impatient when we experience apparent inactivity on God s part but we are to trust God for His perfect will and timing (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8). Q5. Mary did not know what Jesus would do but she trusted Jesus to do what was right. It would be good for us to take to heart what she told the servants. Q6. The servants too would not have understood what was going to happen but they were obedient in their response. Q7. Only Mary, the disciples and the servants knew what happened. Jesus did not normally use miracles to persuade his hearers of the fact that he was the Son of God. However this miracle did help to establish the disciples faith. Q8. This miracle revealed the glory of Jesus and the disciples put their faith in him. We are to be expectant of Jesus glory being manifest but not expect the spectacular to grow his Kingdom. Mission Area Focus: Marriage preparation as distinct to wedding planning. Preparation and follow up. Who does it? Means of keeping in touch WEEK 10: Rejection at Nazareth A1. List the many worldly attractions and pressures that we make as excuses.
Comment also on things within the Church that cause us to miss a service. A2. 6 are listed Jesus is anointed by the Spirit. Preach Good News to those who have not heard. Proclaim freedom to those caught up in their sin His heavenly. Give vision to those spiritually blind. Release to those caught up in oppression. Proclaim the time of liberation from sin and its consequences. A3. The Jews did not like the way Jesus was favouring the Gentiles in his Old Testament references in verses 25-27. If you don t know the stories please look them up. 1 Kings 17:1 15, 2 Kings 5: 1 14. A4. The Jews believed that they were Gods favourite. A5. Try and think of up to date examples where the sinful nature takes over and makes matters worse. You may like to use Galatians 6: 16-26. A6. Luke does not explain whether the escape was miraculous or simply the result of Jesus commanding presence. We do know that His heavenly Father was with him and the time had not yet come to die. Mission Area Focus: Discuss what energises us and helps us to serve God and one another better. What opportunities are there in our MAs-study groups; prayer groups; Exploring Faith etc. Are these and the range of church services available? Can we explain the advantages of moving into MAs to others?