Pointing to Jesus: The Witness of the Virgin Mary (Luke 1)

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SYNOPSIS OF THE SERMON
In the Christian Church, there are varying views of Mary, the Mother of Jesus. Some church traditions elevate Mary to the point of idolatry, while others ignore her role in the life of Christ and would rather focus on who Mary was not. In this Christmas message, Pastor Rich focuses on who Mary was. Mary was a model disciple and "the ultimate sign-post or witness to Christ."

Mary was Holy Spirit empowered to give birth to Jesus. And her life pointed to Christ who was the "supreme example of the Spirit-empowered person." Jesus was conceived of the Holy Spirit, completed His ministry by the Holy Spirit, and was raised from the dead by the Holy Spirit.

Mary pointed to Christ in that she also modeled submission. Mary's, "may it be to me according to your will" points to Christ's submission to God's will in the Garden of Gethsemane. And lastly, Mary points to Jesus in her suffering; having lived with the scandal of her pregnancy and the loss of her son to a violent death. Christ suffered and died for our sins because there was no other way to save humanity.


GETTING THE CONVERSATION STARTED
These questions can be used as ice-breakers in the beginning OR interwoven between the questions below to draw the group into the discussion.

1. Share an experience which displayed to you the power of the Holy Spirit? What effect did that have on your life or your perspective of God?
2. Have you ever had God “promise” something, yet you experienced a delay in its fulfillment? How did you respond in the interim? What lessons did you learn while waiting?
3. What’s the worst movie sequel ever? What’s your favorite movie sequel? Explain.


INTERACTING WITH THE SERMON
1. Briefly give a synopsis of this week’s sermon. What insight, principle, or observation from this weekend’s message did you find to be most helpful, eye-opening, or troubling? Explain.

2. Read Acts 1:1-11

1 In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach 2 until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. 3 After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. 4 On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5 For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”

6 Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?”

7 He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

9 After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.

10 They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. 11 “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”

• (vs 1-2) It’s clear that Acts is “part 2” of Luke’s writing – What contrast exists between the two books? Why a “Sequel”? Who are the main characters? For those familiar with the book of Acts, comment on some Theologians’ suggestions that the name of the book should really be “The Acts of the Holy Spirit”? Do you have a different title suggestion?
• Notice that Luke said “all that Jesus began to do and to teach” – why is it important not to separate what Jesus did with what he taught? What are the main themes of Jesus’ ministry (Luke 4)? What implication does that have on the nature of our discipleship?
• (vs 3-5) What is the pivotal point in this story? Please describe the impact on human history of the Jesus’ resurrection? What was the “state” of Jesus’ body? What’s significant about that and why would Jesus care if that bit of information was understood clearly?
• What did Jesus teach on? How long was the “conference”? (vs 6 & 11) Did the disciples get it? Consider the roller-coaster they’d been on that last couple weeks? How has a “rollercoaster” experience affected your faith or understanding of God? In what ways do we continue to miss the point of the Kingdom of God? How do we gain the right perspective?
• How many times is the Holy Spirit mentioned (vs 2, 5, 8)? (vs 5) What’s the difference between John’s baptism and Jesus’? What’s the purpose of each? How is the Holy Spirit connected to the Great Commission (Matt 28:18-20)?
• What does it mean to be a “witness” (vs 8)? Are you empowered in your “witness”? How important is the Holy Spirit to Jesus (vs 4)? So even after all that teaching (40-day conference), the disciples still lacked something…Consider Jesus’ ministry and comment on Jesus’ empowerment? What does that say about Jesus’ commission for the disciples and consequently for us today? How has being “empowered” affected your witness? Please explain.

3. In this week’s message, Pastor Rich pointed out that when we stop insisting on our own way and choose to do God’s will in a situation, we can feel freer and have more peace inside.

• Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any situation in your life where you need to submit to God’s will, rather than insisting on your way.
• If you need the power of the Holy Spirit to be a witness in any area of your life – ask another person to pray that you’d receive it now.



Attention small group leaders; a new website, RichNathan.org, is being launched! On this site, you will find a collection of thoughtful and relevant resources that will encourage and enrich you spiritually. We are happy to announce that RichNathan.org will officially go live just in time for Christmas. Please feel free to explore this exciting new website.

Additionally, please be aware that there will not be a discussion guide provided the weeks of January 2nd and January 9th due to the Holidays.

Lessons To Be Learned From A Scandal: The Life of Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11- 12; 1 Kings 2)

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SYNOPSIS OF THE SERMON
Like modern-day times, the Bible is filled with stories involving scandal. Even the stories of those in our Savior’s past are affected by it. In this message, Pastor Marlene focuses on David and Bathsheba, a woman in Jesus’ past, and shares several lessons we can learn from a situation saturated by scandal. There are lessons to be learned from Bathsheba; lessons to be learned from David; and most importantly, one primary lesson to learn about God. Our God is a God who can see everything, and work things out for His glory if we put our trust in Him.

GETTING THE CONVERSATION STARTED
These questions can be used as ice-breakers in the beginning OR interwoven between the questions below to draw the group into the discussion.

1. Can you describe a situation where you were able to learn from the mistakes that you witnessed another person make? How different might things have gone for you without that information? Did that experience change your attentiveness to the failures and successes of those around you?

2. Do you ever feel like the Lord gave you a warning, a check in your spirit, about someone or something and it turned out to be correct? Please share. Are you aware of God’s warnings (signs, words, dreams, impressions, etc) and how do you foster a sensitive ear?

INTERACTING WITH THE SERMON
1. In 5 minutes or less, briefly give a synopsis of this week’s sermon. What insight, principle, or observation from this weekend’s message did you find to be most helpful, eye-opening, or troubling? Explain.

2. Read 1 Corinthians 10: 1 - 13

1 For I do not want you to be ignorant of the fact, brothers and sisters, that our forefathers were all under the cloud and that they all passed through the sea. 2 They were all baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea. 3 They all ate the same spiritual food 4 and drank the same spiritual drink; for they drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ. 5 Nevertheless, God was not pleased with most of them; their bodies were scattered over the desert. 6 Now these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did. 7 Do not be idolaters, as some of them were; as it is written: "The people sat down to eat and drink and got up to indulge in pagan revelry." 8 We should not commit sexual immorality, as some of them did--and in one day twenty-three thousand of them died. 9 We should not test the Lord, as some of them did--and were killed by snakes. 10 And do not grumble, as some of them did--and were killed by the destroying angel. 11 These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come. 12 So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall! 13 No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.

• In preparation for Small Group time, leaders are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Israelite Exodus from Egypt (suggested scriptures include: Exodus 1- 12; Exodus 13: 21-22; Exodus 14; Exodus 16:4; 24-31, Exodus 17: 1 – 7; Numbers 20: 2 – 13) and Corinthians 1 – 9.
• With whom is Paul encouraging the Corinthians to identify? (v. 1) Why do you think Paul calls these persons to the Corinthians’ attention?
• What do you think Paul means by being “baptized into Moses”? ( v.2) How does this relate to being baptized in Christ? ( Romans 6:3; Galatians 3:27)
• What is the “spiritual” food ( Exodus 16:4; 14-31) and “spiritual” drink (Exodus 17: 1-7; Numbers 20: 2 – 13) Paul references in vv. 3-4? Why are they characterized as “spiritual”? Are their ways God still sustains us today? Discuss. The Old Testament often refers to God as a “rock” (Genesis 49: 24; Deuteronomy 32:4; 2 Samuel 22:32). With this in mind, what connection is Paul encouraging the Corinthians to make by referencing Christ as the “spiritual rock”? (v. 4)
• In vv. 1 – 4, Paul uses the word “all” four times, to emphasize that all of the Israelites experienced the miracles and blessings of God’s guidance. Yet after all this, most of them rebelled against God and died without ever entering the Promise Land. (v. 5) Why did God allow these things to occur? (v. 6). Also, do you remember how many persons from this generation emerged from the wilderness and entered the Promise Land (Numbers 14:30)?
• What is an idolater? (v. 7) Why is idolatry so serious? Describe some examples of modern-day idolatry.
• How many persons died because of sexual immorality? (v. 8). In what span of time did this occur? Why do you believe God’s punishment was so strong regarding sexual immorality? Much of the idol worship in Corinth focused on ritual prostitution and sexual immorality of all kinds. Considering this, what implications would this historical example have for the Corinthians? For us today? ( See Colossians 3: 5- 8).
• What does it mean to put the Lord “to the test”? (v. 9) In what ways did persons from the Exodus “test the Lord”? What was the result? Are there ways people put the Lord to the test, even today? Share.
• Why do you imagine Paul highlights grumbling for the Corinthians? (See Corinthians 3: 1 – 9). How do you feel when someone grumbles towards and/or around you?
• Verse 11 mentions “the fulfillment of the ages to come.” When Christ came, the ages past reached their fulfillment, and now their lessons are recorded in the pages of scripture. How do you view these lessons in light of God’s mercy and salvation in Jesus Christ? In what ways do such views compare and contrast with Paul’s admonishment in verse 12? Discuss.
• What does Paul tell us to remember? (v 13a)? When faced with temptation, what are we to remember about God? (v. 13b) What are we to look for when facing temptation? Why is it important to look for this?


3. In the sermon, Pastor Marlene shares: (1) that anyone can fall and (2) that our eyes can get us into trouble. Ask members of your small group to take some time to do some self inventory:
• Are there areas of your life where you need forgiveness for having given in to temptation or idolatry?
• Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any areas in your life where you need to be vigilant against possible temptation. Are there any areas you’re ignoring God’s “warnings” ? (v 11).

Take some intentional time to pray and encourage one another. Additionally, as a point of information, please share the following ministry opportunities with persons who may benefit from any of the following ministries:

Men’s Sexual Wholeness
180 (Men’s Ministry) Monday 7:00 pm
Helping Men recover from sexual sin and return to God. This ongoing small group is open to all men, meets weekly throughout the year and has been successful helping men live lives of purity in spite of years of sexual addictions as well as those simply struggling with sexual temptation. It includes worship, a teaching time, small group accountability, mentoring and healing prayer. For more information please contact: John Doyel, jdoyel@hotmail.com, 740-649-6050

Men Building Integrity (Men’s Ministry) Tuesday 7:00 pm
Redeeming sexual issues over 15 weeks, includes break-outs for young men (18-30 years old) and men over 30. Next cycle begins January 4th.
Contact: Justin Fogt, justin.fogt@gmail.com

Women’s Sexual Wholeness
Integrity.women Preregistration by 1/11/11 required for next session; Tuesday 7:00 pm
Healing for sexual brokenness while finding freedom from addiction, shame and rejection. Next session runs 1/11-3/8. (No new participants can join after the first class.) Future session begins, Monday, May 9.
Contact: Tiffany Baugher, 740-815-1621 or tifer529@yahoo.com

Hearts Restored (Women’s Ministry) 2nd & 4th Mondays 7:00 pm
For women who have experienced sexual betrayal by a partner (i.e., through pornography, affairs, etc.). This is an open group where women can come and share their experience in a supportive setting with other women who are dealing with similar issues. Each meeting begins with a brief teaching time that focuses on each woman dealing with her own emotional and spiritual issues while allowing her husband to deal with his own issues. The goal of this group is to encourage each woman to discover what God has for her and who God wants to make her in the midst of this situation regardless of her husband's future choices and behavior. Contact: Mona Doyel, 614-471-1659 or monadoyel@hotmail.com

Same Sex Attraction
Circle of Love, 1st Monday 7:00 pm
Support group for family, friends, & those affected by same sex attraction.
Note: Jan 3 is a Monday holiday so we will meet again on January 10. For more information, contact:
Fred & Nora Seemann, 614-855-2184 or circle.of.love@sbcglobal.net

A Woman Who Kept Her Commitment: Celebrating the Life of Ruth (Ruth 1: 1-18)

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SYNOPSIS OF THE SERMON
The sermon opens with a cultural analysis about how Americans view marriage and divorce – Pastor Rich says we live in an uncommitted age. He introduces a concept called “expressive individualism”. The sermon focuses on Ruth, but highlights 2 other major characters in Ruth’s story to illustrate commitment. Elimelech, Naomi’s husband, runs from his commitments. We might run from commitments because: our circumstances are hard; our relationships are fragile; or our feelings are paramount. Naomi complains about her commitments but not to God. There is a place in scripture for bringing complaints to God (consider Job). Ruth models commitment. She clings to Naomi. A committed person understands that to live well, they need to understand that endurance is a call, and that difficulties are a part of life, God empowers us to keep commitments. We need to regularly pray about commitments. And we need prayer and accountability from community to keep our commitment.

GETTING THE CONVERSATION STARTED
These questions can be used as ice-breakers in the beginning OR interwoven between the questions below to draw the group into the discussion.

1. In the midst of fulfilling a commitment to someone, have you ever found yourself wanting to quit? How did you deal with those feelings?
2. When you think about the word “commitment” is there a person that comes to mind? If so, who is that person and why do you perceive him/her as a committed person ?
3. How important is commitment in our culture today? Where do you see a high value placed on commitment and where do you see a relatively low value placed on commitment? What does that say about our culture? Are you in-step or out-of-step with our culture’s prevailing values and practices?

INTERACTING WITH THE SERMON
1. In 5 minutes or less, briefly give a synopsis of this week’s sermon. What insight, principle, or observation from this weekend’s message did you find to be most helpful, eye-opening, or troubling? Explain.

2. Read 1 Peter 4: 12 - 19

12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.13 But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.15 If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler.16 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.17 For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And, “If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” 19 So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.

• “Do not be surprised.” (v. 12) The KJV version says “think it not strange concerning the fiery trial.” This suggests trials are part of Christian living. What does this mean to you? Why do we experience fiery ordeals? How does this connect us to Jesus? Have there been times in your own life where you have experienced fiery ordeals? Share.
• What are the three ways we ought to respond to fiery ideals? (vv. 12-13) How do these responses, in your opinion, help us stay committed to the cause of Christ when facing difficult circumstances?
• The New American Standard Bible (NASB) tells us to “Keep on rejoicing.” (v. 13) Is Christian joy based on circumstances? If not, what is it based on? What does it mean for us to “share the sufferings of Christ? How is the sharing of the suffering of Christ described in Peter’s letter? (I Peter 1: 18 – 19; 2: 21-24; 3:18)
• Did you notice that the suffering may come in the form of verbal insults, and that verbal suffering is real? (vv. 14) Perhaps you can think of a time when you were insulted because of your faith in Christ. With this in mind, what do you think it means that “the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you?” (v. 14) Do you think this is significant in helping us to maintain our commitments? Discuss.
• The text provides instructions for how we are to suffer as Christians. (vv. 15-16) How can we avoid feeling ashamed when the time of suffering comes? (v. 16)
• What do vv. 17-18 say about judgment and salvation? What are those who reject the gospel called? In contrast to the “ungodly and the sinner”, what does the faith of the believer look like? What are we to keep doing?
• If you are a believer, in the end what can you be sure your commitment to do good leads to? (I Peter 4:19, 3:17; 2: 21, Revelation 6: 9 – 11; Matthew 16:21; Luke 13:33, John 7:30 Acts 9: 15-16; 14: 21-22).


3. In the sermon, Pastor Rich shared “we never experience the joys and sweetness that God wants to bring in our lives by quitting..” As we approach this Holiday season, there may be persons in your group who are exhausted from the rigors of the year, or may be in need of encouragement, wisdom, and strength. Still others may be convicted by the quality of their commitment to God, relationships, or even other responsibilities. During your prayer time, encourage one another to share and invite the Holy Spirit to minister in these respective areas. Remind them that the reason we have small groups here at Vineyard is for them to be in an environment where they can turn to someone and seek prayer and support.

A Faith Which Overcomes: Celebrating the Life of Rahab (Joshua 2: 1-13)

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SYNOPSIS OF THE SERMON
In the new sermon series, Advent: The Women In Jesus’ Past, we’re going to look at the lives of four of the women in the genealogy of Jesus: Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba, and Mary.

In this week’s sermon, we found that Jesus is the Savior of Gentiles, not just Jews. He is the savior of the whole world, not just people of a certain race, a certain ethnicity, or a certain nationality. He is the Savior of the immoral, not just the moral. In addition to good people, Jesus also saves those with a past; those familiar with scandal; those that society has labeled. And Jesus is the Savior of women, not just men. Jesus came to save women from sin and also the oppression and abuse they’ve historically lived with in the world. The faith of Rahab overcame her past, enabled her to overcome her aloneness, and overcame the odds. Her faith believed in a God who is over the heavens and the earth. God was Lord over her life.

GETTING THE CONVERSATION STARTED
These questions can be used as ice-breakers in the beginning OR interwoven between the questions below to draw the group into the discussion.

1. In follow-up to the sermon – were you challenged to consider any way you “put limits” on God? Especially as we enter the Advent Season, full of hope and expectation, is there any place you’ve become hardened and perhaps your hope or expectation of what God can do has diminished?
2. Can you think of an example of someone, or some group, overcoming insurmountable odds through their faith in God? Were there any set-backs along the way or perpetual smooth-sailing?
3. How would you describe our culture’s understanding of Faith? How would one build faith, or sustain faith? Is it consequential to doing life well?

INTERACTING WITH THE SERMON
1. In 5 minutes or less, briefly give a synopsis of this week’s sermon. What insight, principle, or observation from this weekend’s message did you find to be most helpful, eye-opening, or troubling? Explain.

2. Read Romans 4:17-25:

17As it is written: “I have made you a father of many nations.” He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed—the God who gives life to the dead and calls things that are not as though they were.18Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” 19Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead—since he was about a hundred years old—and that Sarah’s womb was also dead. 20Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, 21being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised. 22This is why “it was credited to him as righteousness.” 23The words “it was credited to him” were written not for him alone, 24but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness—for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. 25He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.

• (Context) In Romans 4:1-15 Paul challenges assumptions about Justification (right-standing before God) by using Abraham as the example. What is Paul’s argument against “works” as a valid path to justification (vs 2-8)? What is Paul’s argument against circumcision as a valid path to justification (vs 9-12)? What is Paul’s argument against the Law as a valid path to justification (vs 13-16)? What is the valid path?
• (vs 17a) Was Abraham meant to be the father of just one nation – the Jews (Read Gen 17:3-5)? Is it important to see yourself as part of the “family” of Abraham – brought into the covenant promise as heirs? How should a family act? What implication does this have for our church? What about your community or your circle of friends?
• (vs 17b) How is God described? Can you honestly say those words about God? Have you seen God act with this power in your life - resurrect dead things or create something from nothing?
• (vs 18) Use your own words to describe “against all hope”. Why was hoping hard for Abraham? Is hope linked to faith? In what, or whom, do we hope? How reliable is the person, or thing we trust?
• (vs 19) This hope linked to faith allowed Abraham to do what? Have you ever faced something seemingly impossible like Abraham, or are you currently facing a seemingly impossible situation right now? Please describe.
• (vs 20-21) Did doubt ever enter the equation (Gen 17:17)? What alternatives did Abraham have to God’s promises? Abraham didn’t “give in” to unbelief – what does that mean? Instead he strengthened himself in what way? Are we fully persuaded that God has the power to do what he promised – focusing on His qualities and not the “reality” around us? Living in this tension is Paul’s reason for Abraham being declared righteous.
• (vs 23-25) Who is the Abraham’s story for? Is God’s way for saving Abraham any different for us? Paul’s emphasis on the Gospel is for us - our experience of faith isn’t just to get us through a difficult situation, but is integral to the foundation of our relationship with God. Have you seen your relationship with God affected through experiences that test of your faith? Please describe.


3. Take some time at the end to examine yourselves (Ps 139). Is the Holy Spirit highlighting something in your life?

• From Rich’s sermon, are there any women who feel disqualified from the life and promises of God? Any way you feel unable to fully participate in God’s Kingdom purposes.
• Is there any way you’re limiting God? Is there a place in your life where you’re attempting to make-up for something you perceive God lacks?
• Do you fee like your faith is disconnected from any real hope? Has the reality of God’s power and sovereignty been replaced by something else or diminished in any way?
• Do you see yourself wavering in unbelief, as Abraham might have done? Paul indicates there are degrees of faith (vs 19-20) – weak and strong – do you need be strengthen through the touch of the Holy Spirit or deep reminder God’s promises?