KEY SCRIPTURE
- 2 Samuel 13; 14:23-24, 28; 15:6; 18:5, 29, 32-33; 19:4
- Ephesians 5:15-16
- “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.”
START TALKING
- What is something that brought you joy, delight, or unexpected happiness this week?
START SHARING
- The story from 2 Samuel 13-19 unveils parts of King David’s story many are unfamiliar with. What was your reaction to hearing such a hard, dark story from the life of one of the “heroes of the faith?”
- As the story ends, we witness the deep regret David had over not reconciling his relationship with his son, Absolam. What do you think prevented him from seeing the right path before it was too late?
- Matt pointed out that it’s often much easier to see what was right only in hindsight. Are there ways we can enable ourselves to see more clearly in the moment?
- Where has regret found it’s way into your relationships?
- Do you have any unresolved or languishing relationship right now? What’s holding you back from saying what needs to be said and restoring the relationship?
START LIVING
- What is one relationship you can focus on for the next few weeks or months? Maybe it’s a relationship that is broken, or one that doesn’t exist yet. Be intentional, decide what the next step looks like, and ask God to give you the courage and grace to step into better relationships.
- Over the course of this series, several questions and statements have been offered as ways to relate better and strengthen relationships. Which one of these will you make an intentional practice going forward?
- “What is it like to be on the other end of me?” (Week 1)
- “Do you know what part of the problem is here? I’m not getting what I want.” (Week 2)
- “Where do I need to “discover and forge” friendship?” (Week 3)
- “Identify who you’re angry with, determine what they owe you, cancel the debt, let the case go.” (Week 4)
- “Find the most generous explanation for others’ actions and behavior.” (Week 5)
- “Do not waste any opportunity to rebuild a relaitonship. Say what needs to be said.” (Week 6)
RESOURCES MENTIONED
The Apostles’ Creed – learn more about the creed on ExploreGod.com
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again;
he ascended into heaven,
he is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and he will come to judge the quick and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting.
Amen.
WORSHIP SET
Revisit any message from this series by listening below, or find our podcast on iTunes or anywhere you listen to podcasts.
Matt Carder - December 21, 2014
The End of Religion
For centuries before Christmas, the way individuals sought to connect with God and remained in "good standing" was through religion. Regularly performing spiritual acts and rituals in accordance to specific laws was the measuring stick of one's spiritual standing. With the birth of Jesus however, the very fabric and means of our relationship with God changed. Even the specific circumstances that surrounded the birth of Jesus signaled this, the ending of religion and the beginning of true divine relationship.
From Series: "Expectant"
No other holiday throughout the year comes with as much excitement and anticipation as Christmas. But here's the real question: do we anticipate what Christmas implies for believers, the literal ushering in of the Kingdom of God, with the same fervor and intensity? In this Advent sermon series, we explore what it means to eagerly anticipate, and even actively participate, in the coming of the Kingdom of God where all is redeemed and made new.
