Don Denyes & Stu Quackenbush // Rockford Campus // December 22, 2024

SMALL GROUP
DISCUSSION GUIDE

THIS WEEK’S KEY PASSAGES: Matthew 1:18–25 & Luke 2:8–20

REMINDERS

WINTER BIBLE STUDIES (Beginning the week of January 12, 2025)

Both Men’s and Women’s Winter Bible Studies will begin the week of January 12th at the Rockford and Northview campuses. Registration for each is open on the events page of the website.

LEADER DEVELOPMENT CLASS (Sundays, 6–7pm – Rockford Campus Room 304)

We’ve had some terrific LDC’s lately covering the topic of how to navigate Crucial Conversations. Thank you to the leaders who have been able to make it!

Here’s the plan as we move into the holiday season for continuing to grow and learn together:

• Dec. 22: OFF – Christmas Break
• Dec. 29: OFF – New Year’s Break
• Jan. 5: Continue Crucial Conversations

TOGETHER IN LIFE

The day before our Candlelight Service was the Winter Solstice—the shortest period of daylight in the year. As we prepare to reflect on the true Light that shined in the darkness (John 1:4–5), take a few minutes to talk about your favorite lights. What lights do you like to use at home? Do you decorate with lights of a certain kind for Christmas? Do you prefer candles, fireplaces, campfires, or none of the above?

TOGETHER IN THE WORD

THIS WEEK’S KEY PASSAGES: Matthew 1:18–25 & Luke 2:8–20

Note: If you are meeting as a group, we encourage you to read the entire text together out loud.

KEY QUESTION:

• How does the birth of Christ remind us that God is not only with us but for us, looking out for us in love?

The Two Names of Jesus

The angel told Joseph to name Mary’s son “Jesus” because He would save His people from their sins. Matthew also tells us that what is happening was prophesied by Isaiah, who said the virgin’s son would be called “Immanuel,” which means God with us. The transcendent God would become one of us in order to save His people from their sins. These names tell us Jesus’s mission and identity.

QUESTIONS

• How might the two names of Jesus support one another? What does each add to the picture?
• Read Romans 5:1-11. What kind of people did Jesus come to save? Why?
• What changes when God is for someone? What does it mean that God is for us as Christians? As Magnify Church? What does it mean that God is for you?

Our Two Common Obstacles

Stu suggested that two things can block or hinder our desire to worship Jesus: either we don’t believe that we need Him, or we don’t trust Him. One tends to come from the illusion of our independence; the other often comes from pain in our lives.

QUESTIONS

• When worship gets difficult, is it more often because you don’t believe you need Him, or because you don’t trust Him? (Or is there a different answer you would give?) Why?
  • When is the last time you felt that way?
• What are some things that have helped you address these feelings in the past? Is it easier or harder to do at Christmastime?
• Is there anything in your life right now that is hindering your worship? It could be a big decision, a difficult situation, a sin struggle, or some other trial. Is the solution something you need to do or something that depends on someone else? Either way, know God is able and He is for you.

Rest in Jesus

As we look at the birth of Christ, the life of Christ, the death and resurrection of Christ, the gift of His Holy Spirit, and the promise of His return, we are reminded of God’s great love for us. He is for you. Jesus is our mediator. He prays for you, interceding before the Father. This means we can rest in Him, knowing that we are in His good hands no matter what.

QUESTIONS

• Share a time when you experienced rest in God. What does that mean for today?
• What can you do (or give up) to rest in Christ this week?
• Is there anyone in your life who needs help experiencing God’s rest? What’s one thing you could do to help ease their burden?

 

TOGETHER IN ACTION

Based on what you have discussed, make a plan for how you will rest in God this week and into the new year.

TOGETHER IN PRAYER

Take a moment and each share a Bible verse that reminds you of God’s great love. Pray these verses together in adoration toward God, using them to prompt you with God’s goodness and the great things He has done. Pray for one another that nothing would hinder each other’s faith this week, that each would know the love of God in this season. Pray for those who do not yet know the love of God, that they would come and experience His grace.