BIG IDEA
God’s Presence is God’s Present.
MESSAGE NOTES:
WHAT:
Christmas is all about gifts, and we love that! We celebrate God’s great gift of His Son, Jesus, during this time of year, but God has given us so many more gifts that we need to remember to walk with Him.
Ephesians 4:8 “Therefore it says, ‘When he ascended on high, he took many prisoners and gave GIFTS to his people.’”
SO WHAT:
The gift of Christ is an amazing gift, but when we think of receiving this gift sometimes we are like, “Now what?”
Maybe you have thought “Okay, I’m all in with Jesus and accept the gift, but I got this old life with a lot of old habits and hurts that didn’t disappear. Do I just try my best?”
The answer is: “Not at all!!’
God’s gift of Jesus led to a flood of gifts that are pouring out all the time. The gift of salvation isn’t a one time event, it’s an ongoing, continually given gift!
John 16:7 “But in fact, it is best for you that I go away, because if I don’t, the Advocate (or Comforter, or Encourager, or Counselor) won’t come. If I do go away, then I will send him to you.”
Jesus has given us the living and constantly moving gift of the Holy Spirit!
The Father = God for us
Jesus = God with us
The Holy Spirit = God in us
NOW WHAT:
This is not a hostile takeover, this is a merger! We have to make the choice to let the Spirit lead our lives everyday. We choose to GIFT our lives to Him, and He gifts us His right back.
When we do this, He will lead us to places we never could have imagined!
So don’t leave the gift wrapped up. Make the big decision and then take the daily position.
This lead to freedom and peace because you are using your limited attention, strength and Focus to pursue God who will give His unlimited attention, focus and strength to lead you! You just have to obey and He will empower, envision, and enable.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
Q1: What was the most memorable Christmas gift you received?
Q2: Have you ever felt like your relationship with God was a one time event? How has that affected your relationship with God?
Q3: What is holding you back from choosing to be led by the Holy Spirit every day?
Q4: Do you agree that letting the Spirit lead your life frees you from having to control and worry?
Q5: Is the Holy Spirit leading you somewhere right now? Are you following?