Christmas Feels: Depression & Anxiety

Christmas is supposed to be a time filled with happiness and cheer, excitement and celebration. But at every Christmas season it seems that the significance gets lost among the insignificant. The frenetic activity, immense excess and extreme exhaustion only leaves us more emotionally spent and even depressed. But God came at Christmas to fill us with supernatural joy that springs forth from the good news of who Christ is and what He has done for us.  ~ Pastor Dave

Open: Have you ever battled a season of depression? Share your story. What helped you get through this season?

Read: Luke 2:8-20; Psalm 34:18; 40:1-3; Jeremiah 8:18; 2 Corinthians 1:3-4; Revelation 21:4

Discuss:

1. Describe the difference between discouragement and depression. How can the Christmas season heighten depression? What factors do you attribute to the rise in depression at Christmas? Have you or someone you love experienced the “Christmas blues”? How were God’s people (namely the shepherds) experiencing their own form of depression during the first Christmas story?

2. Describe the shepherds of the first century. What makes the angel’s presence to these shepherds so surprising? Describe the “good news of great joy”? What makes joy seem so elusive? How do happiness and joy differ? What does it mean that joy is an audible emotion? Joy is a theme in the Christmas story (it is mentioned 8 times).

3. The “good news of great joy” in Luke 2:10 is for all people. How should that have comforted the shepherds and comfort us today? How does Luke 2:11 give us the source of great joy?

4. Describe Jesus as Savior; Christ; and Lord. Describe how each of these titles speak to our dark and depressing seasons. In what ways do these titles prove that God is not trying to keep us from joy but to stop the things in our lives that will kill our joy? Which one speaks to you most right now?

5. The shepherds returned to watching sheep, working hard, and smelling bad. But they returned praising God, even in the midst of the craziness of their lives. In fact, they returned proclaiming this “good news”. How should joy prepare our hearts to respond even in the midst of dark and depressing seasons? How should the “good news” of Jesus’ coming cause joy to increase in us?

Pray: Pray that the good news of your Savior, Christ the Lord, will so overwhelm you with great joy that any darkness and depression you might be experiencing will begin to fade. Pray that you would endure seasons of depression and remember that there is a blessed intimacy with Christ in the dark caverns.   

Memorize/Meditate: For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:11

Christmas Feels: Anxiety & Anticipation

We hate to wait. In seasons of waiting, apathy can grow and anxiety can overwhelm. But waiting has been an integral part of God’s people throughout redemptive history. From the promise made to Abraham, to the message of a coming Messiah and the Christmas story, God has always used waiting as a way to work in His people. Waiting teaches us to press into the goodness of God; probe the depths of the character of God; and wrestle with the beauty of the promises of God. ~ Pastor Dave

Open: Have you ever been frustrated because you were anticipating something but instead was left waiting? Share your story.

Read: Isaiah 9:1-7; Matthew 4:13-17; Matthew 1:1-17; Isaiah 49:23; Lamentations 3:25-26

Discuss:

1. Describe the context of Isaiah 9. What stands out to you in Isaiah 9:1-7? In what ways were they in darkness. How are we in darkness concerning God’s working today? How does Matthew connect Jesus to the fulfillment of Isaiah 9 (Matthew 4:13-17)?

2. We all are anticipating something. How does anticipation lead to seasons of waiting? What two things can waiting cause in our lives? Have you ever grown apathetic in your waiting? Share your story. Have you ever experienced anxiety in your waiting? What things are you most anxious about? How does this demonstrate what we anticipate?

3. Matthew begins his gospel with a genealogy. What is the purpose of genealogies in the Bible? What makes this genealogy so unique? How long had the people been in exile? How long had it been since a prophet had spoken? How should this genealogy give us hope in our waiting?

4. What are you anticipating and waiting for right now? Consider how God is working in your season of waiting. In what ways has God come through throughout your life in past seasons of waiting?

5. How does our anxiety demonstrate our security? How does knowing Christ help us battle both apathy and anxiety? What are some practical steps to overcoming anxiety?

Pray: Pray that in season of waiting your eyes would be fixed on Jesus. That this Christmas season would not be filled with apathy or anxiety but with greater assurance.

Memorize/Meditate: The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him. It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord. Lamentations 3:25-26

Accidental Pharisee Part 5: Building Fences

We, like the Pharisees, hate the idea of being average or ordinary, especially when it comes to the things of God. We want to be dedicated and obedient, fervent and bold. The problem is, in order to prove our spiritual progression, we compare our lives to the strugglers, stragglers, and doubters around us. As a result, we begin to build traditions in our lives that we hope will protect us from straying. But while our traditions can lead to good activity, our hearts can easily begin to fade. We can look the part, but actually be far from Christ. That is why the gospel is centered on transforming our hearts not just our behavior. ~ Pastor Dave

Open: Do you have any family traditions? Describe them. How can traditions be both good and bad?

Read: Mark 7; Isaiah 1; 29; Exodus 20; Galatians 3:15-29

Discuss:

1. What is ceremonial cleansing and why is it so important to the Pharisees (Mark 7:1-2)? Describe the three types of laws God gave His people in the Old Testament. What role does the law play in our salvation (Galatians 3:15-29)? Why did the Pharisees build “fences” around these laws? Did the Pharisees have good intentions? What went wrong?

2. Define legalism. How do traditions become legalistic? What are the differences between religious legalism and permissive legalism? Have you ever struggled with legalism in any of these ways? Share your story.

3. Jesus quotes from Isaiah (Mark 7:6). Why did Jesus quote from Isaiah? How do these words confront the Pharisees’ thinking about traditions? Why does Jesus call them hypocrites? Have you ever been a hypocrite?

4. Jesus confronts their worthless worship (Mark 7:6-7). According to Jesus, what is essential to true worship? How do we get caught up in the performance of worship without the heart of worship? Have you ever experienced this?

5. How did the Pharisees give precedence to tradition over Scripture? What traditions do we often place above God’s Word? In this passage, Jesus continues to go after the heart behind the actions. How are our hearts central to the gospel? Do you agree with this statement: “The purpose of the Bible is not behavior modification, but heart transformation”? Do you see the Bible in this way?

Pray: Pray that the Lord would reveal any legalism in your heart (whether it be religious legalism or permissive legalism). Pray that you would have the strength to fight against going through the motions. Pray that your heart would be revived for the things of Christ.

Memorizae/Meditate: And he said to them, “Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written, ‘This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me; in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’” Mark 7:6-7

Accidental Pharisee Part 4: Call of Duty

Obedience. At first glance, it’s not a word that’s often associated with a life of freedom. For many of us, it conjures up feelings of obligation, fear and even shame. But obedience is the essence of our relationship with Christ. God works. We respond. God commands. We obey. Far too often we find ourselves praying for God to show us what to do but dissatisfied with His response. So, we ignore. We fight. We struggle. We battle. And we get exhausted in the process. Obedience is simply our faith, no matter how small, acting on what God has asked. ~Pastor Dave

Open: Have you ever given up on something? Share your story. What made you give up? Did you regret giving up?

Read: Open: Luke 16-17; 12:1; 20:45-47; Romans 14

Discuss:

1. What do you think of when you hear the word obedience? Why does obedience have such a bad connotation in our culture? How did the Pharisees view obedience? In what ways does the Pharisees’ view facilitate fear and shame? Have you been motivated by fear and shame to obey? Share a story.

2. Describe the background of Luke 17. Jesus transitions from talking to the Pharisees to the disciples. What does Jesus warn His disciples of (17:3)? In your current Christian walk, what are some things that you need to pay attention to?

3. What does it mean to be a “stumbling block”? How did the Pharisees place “stumbling blocks” before people? What are types of “stumbling blocks” that we put in the way of other unbelievers and believers? Why does Jesus use such strong language to describe His view of those who do this to others?

4. What makes forgiveness so difficult? How is forgiveness different than acceptance? How does forgiveness honor the person needing forgiveness? How does forgiveness correspond with not being a stumbling block?

5. When we read Luke 17:5-6 we tend to view it as an impossibility. But Jesus is actually encouraging His disciples. Describe how these verses are meant to be encouraging. How does the object of our faith determine the power of our faith? How is God using your small faith to help you obey?

6. Have you ever struggled with your faith? Sometimes we think that we need stronger faith to have greater obedience. But the opposite is true. How does God use small acts of obedience to strengthen our faith? Describe how you have seen this in your own life. Read: Discuss: Open: Luke 16-17; 12:1; 20:45-47; Romans 14

Pray: Pray that your faith would be strengthened by obedience. Pray that you would obey God in the simple steps He is asking you to take right now. Pray that God would empower you to resist temptation, forgive others, and to live faithfully in a difficult world.

Memorizae/Meditate: So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.’ Luke 17:10

Accidental Pharisee Part 3: Grace for the Pharisee

As Christians, we often get so caught up in protecting ourselves from the depravity of the world, that we forget to be the hope of the world. We keep the rules, work hard and do what is right, but we can miss the heart of the Father to take the gospel to a culture filled with rebellious prodigals. And just like them, we need God’s grace. Because if we underestimate the power of the gospel to change others’ lives, we have underestimated the need for the gospel in our own lives. ~ Pastor Dave

Open: Have you ever observed someone receiving something that you know they didn’t deserve? Share your story. How did you feel in this experience?

Read: Luke 15

Discuss:

1. In Luke 15, Jesus shares a set of three parables. What is the context of these three parables (Luke 15:1-2)? Why did the Pharisees grumble? How does an ungodly world make you “grumble”?

2. Describe the three parables. What similarities do you see in each of the stories? In what ways do you notice the desperation of the shepherd and woman to search for their lost sheep and coins respectively? The parable of the lost son goes one step further. What does the son ask for and how does this demonstrate his feelings toward his father? In what ways are we like the lost sheep, coin and son? How is God like the Father? How has God shown you grace in the mess of your life?

3. Jesus shifts the story of the lost son to the “older brother.” Describe what he was doing. What do you make of his work ethic and faithfulness to the father? One moment changes everything. Describe the emotions of this brother after hearing the news of his younger brother’s return. Was he wrong to feel that way? Why or why not?

 4. Why was the older brother jealous of his younger brother? In what ways do we feel jealous of God’s work in ungodly people? Have you ever been suspicious over the genuineness of another person? Share your story. In what ways do we sometimes get frustrated with God’s work in an ungodly world? What is more dangerous, the lust of the younger brother or the resentment of the older brother?

5. Read Luke 15:31-32. How does the father respond tenderly to the older son? How does the father restate his abiding presence and abiding provision for the older son? How does trust overwhelm jealousy? How does gratitude overwhelm resentment and frustration? It’s easy to look at the world and be frustrated, but what is God inviting you to celebrate with Him right now?

Pray: Pray that you would see and appreciate the work of God in an ungodly world. Ask God to continually remind you of His abiding presence and abiding provision in your life. Take a moment during prayer to celebrate something that God has done recently.

 Memorize/Meditate: Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance. Luke 15:7

Accidental Pharisee Part 2: How Do You Measure Up?

We live in a culture of constant comparison. Who has the better job? Who has the better kids? Whose recipe is pinned more on Pinterest? And whose sunset looks better on Instagram? This endless comparison game can overflow to our spiritual lives. The problem is, when we compare our spiritual worth to others, we will always lose. Only when we view our lives through the lens of Christ  will we truly be both humbled by what we need and satisfied by who we are. ~ Pastor Dave

Open: Have you ever compared yourself with someone else? Share your story. Did the comparison encourage or frustrate you? Why?     

Read: Luke 18; Galatians 6:3-4; Titus 3:3-7

Discuss:

1. We live in a culture of constant comparison. In what ways do you see comparison serve as the driving motivation of our culture? How has social media affected comparison? In what ways have you been trapped by comparison?

2. Jesus shares a parable that gives a picture of spiritual comparison (Luke 18:9-14). Describe the differences between the Pharisee and tax collector. How is the focus of their comparisons vastly different?

3. List some ways we compare ourselves to others? Have you ever compared yourself spiritually to other people? What problems do spiritual comparisons create in the life of a believer? Why do you think Jesus comes down so hard on spiritual comparisons?

4. When we compare our lives with others, how will our contentment and joy be affected? How has your contentment and joy been affected by comparison in your life personally?  Christ mentions the self-righteousness of the Pharisee and humility of the tax collector. What connection does comparison have with pride and humility?

5. The tax collector compared his life to God. Describe the term “mercy” in Luke 18:13. How are we better served comparing our lives to Jesus rather than other people? How does Jesus keep us both humbled by what we need and satisfied with who we are?

Pray: In a comparison heightened culture that is constantly pulling for your attention, pray that you would keep your eyes on who you are in Christ and what you have with Christ. Take a minute to thank God for who He is and what He has done in you and for you.

Memorize/Meditate: I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted. Luke 18:14

Accidental Pharisee Part 1: You Might be a Pharisee

Today, when we hear the word “Pharisee” we conjure up images of hypocritical, narrow-minded, and prideful people. But in Jesus’ day, being called a Pharisee was considered the greatest compliment, a badge of honor. Slowly, even accidently, they moved from being the most fervent followers of God to the biggest critics of God’s work in people. And like them, we can become so consumed with defending our view of God that we miss the presence of God at work right in front of us. ~ Pastor Dave

Open: What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word “Pharisee”? How would you describe modern-day pharisees?

Read: Luke 5; 2 Corinthians 5:16-20

Discuss:

1. Can you name the four sects of Judaism? Describe the first century Pharisees. How would the word “Pharisee” be considered a great compliment in the first century? What does that term mean today?

2. Luke 5 gives us the first interaction between Jesus and the Pharisees. How did they go from culture’s religious heroes to Jesus’ eventual villains?

3. Luke 5:17 says that the Pharisees were “sitting” as Jesus was teaching. Why were they sitting? What does this tell us about how they viewed their authority? How did Jesus confront their authority? How does our culture view ultimate authority? How do you struggle with God’s authority in your own life? List the contrasts between the reactions of the Pharisees with that of the men who were bringing their paralyzed friend to Jesus:

4. Jesus calls Levi (Matthew) to follow. Describe tax collectors in the first century; Why did this make the Pharisees “grumble”? In what ways were the Pharisees comparing themselves to others? How do we get caught up in the trap of spiritual comparison? Why does comparison come so naturally to us? In Luke 5:31-32, Jesus confronts comparison. How does remembering the mission of Jesus help us set aside the comparison game?

5. How did the Pharisees turn helpful spiritual tools into overwhelming religious rules? In what ways do we do the same thing? What current traditions in your own life have become higher than God’s priorities? In what ways do we get so consumed with defending our view of God to others that we miss the presence of God in our own lives? Describe how have you observed this in your own life.

Prayer: Pray that God would reveal the areas in your life where you have become an accidental Pharisee.

Memorize/Meditate: And Jesus answered them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.” Luke 5:31-32

Hey You!

Sometimes circumstances can so overwhelm us that it feels as if God is silent and has forgotten us. But God never lets us down. Our limited view of God and how He is working can leave us disappointed. So often, we are so starving for the spectacular from God, that we miss the still small voice of God’s Word reminding us of His faithful work in our darkest hours.   ~ Pastor Dave

Open: Have you ever been in a conversation where you heard something incorrectly and it led you to a wrong conclusion? Share your story. How did the situation resolve? 

Read: 1 Kings 18-19; 1 Corinthians 1:18-31; 2:6-16; 1 Peter 5:7 

Discuss:  

1. Describe the context of 1 Kings 18-19. How did God use Elijah to bring victory over the prophets of the false god, Baal? There are multiple miracles in 1 Kings 18. Can you list them? Which one stands out to you the most? Why? What have been some of the greatest victories in your spiritual journey? 

2. There is a sudden turn of emotions between 1 Kings 18 and 1 Kings 19. What changed for Elijah? What do you make of Elijah’s reactions? How have you seen your greatest victories followed by great difficulties? How have you reacted? What impact did these moments have on your view of God? 

3. God doesn’t leave Elijah in the pit of self-pity. He comes to Elijah with tender grace. How does God approach Elijah holistically (physically, emotionally and spiritually)? Can you remember a time in your past when God ministered to you in this same way? Describe the circumstances.  

4. God didn’t just come to Elijah in the spectacular. He came to him with a whisper. Why do you think God spoke to Elijah with a whisper? Why does it seem easier to push God away than it does to draw close to Him in difficult seasons? How does God “whisper” to us today? What role does God’s Word play in our unexpected moments? What are the areas of your life where God is attempting to get your attention and draw you closer? 

5. Elijah’s disappointment and despair contributed to his inability to correct his wrong assumptions. Why do you think we get stuck in poor reasoning and wrong thinking? How can we correct wrong assumptions? God restored Elijah back to his Kingdom assignment. How is God constantly bringing us back to our Kingdom assignment? What are the things that God is calling you to right now?  

Pray: Pray for the clarity to see God’s wisdom in your current season. Ask God to reveal the lies that are hindering you from following Him faithfully and spend some time seeking God’s voice (through God’s Word) in your life. 

Memorize/Meditate: You are a hiding place for me; you preserve me from trouble; you surround me with shouts of deliverance. Selah Psalm 32:7 

Vision Forward

How do we define a healthy church? Attendance numbers? Annual budget? Media coverage? Slick marketing techniques? Dynamic worship setting? No. While none of these things are wrong, a church that only focuses on these will slowly move from a movement of God to a museum of self. A truly healthy church has been so transformed by the gospel that their vision, attitudes, and priorities will do anything possible to reflect the gospel to a dying world. ~ Pastor Dave

Open: Have you ever been a part of something (family, workplace, church, small group, friend group) that you would describe as healthy? What characteristics qualified it as healthy?

Read: 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10; Acts 16-18

Discuss:

1. Describe the lifecycle of churches (message – movement – museum – morgue). What do you think attributes to this cycle in churches? Have you ever observed this cycle in a church? Describe the story:

2. Describe the city of Thessalonica. What made Paul go there (Acts 17-18)? How long did Paul stay there? God birthed the church of Thessalonica through Paul as a result of a clear vision. While different, how important is it for a church to have a clear vision for gospel impact? What church or Christian had the vision to share the gospel with you?

3. Paul describes all the ways that the Christians of Thessalonica were transformed by the gospel (they turned from idols, were joyful in affliction, and anticipated the return of Christ). What changed about you when you were transformed by the gospel?

4. The gospel came to the Thessalonians with words and power (1:5). This reminds us how gospel proclamation and gospel demonstration are equally important to gospel impact. Why are they both important? What happens when there is proclamation without demonstration? What happens when there is demonstration without proclamation?

5. What does Paul specifically commend them for in 1:8? How is the “word of the Lord” echoing from Crossroads? How about from you personally? How does a life of faith demonstrate the gospel to a world without the gospel?

Pray: Pray that our church will continue to grow in gospel impact throughout our region for the glory of Christ.

Memorize/Meditate: For not only has the word of the Lord sounded forth from you in Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith in God has gone forth everywhere, so that we need not say anything. 1 Thessalonians 1:8

Weird Part Nine: Weird Battle

Our faith in Christ enters us into unimaginable spiritual blessings but also draws us into a fervent spiritual battle. We have an enemy that works tirelessly to confuse our identity in Christ and stop our ministry for Christ. We cannot win this battle alone. Only in the strength of Christ and power of the gospel will we find daily victory. ~ Pastor Dave

Open: Have you ever felt like you were in the midst of a spiritual battle? Describe the circumstance. How did the situation resolve?

Read: Ephesians 6:10-23; Matthew 4; 2 Corinthians 10:3-5; 11:13-15; 1 Peter 5:8-9

Discuss:

1. Paul ends his letter to the Ephesians by reminding them that they are in a spiritual battle. As Christians, why is it so easy to disregard this truth? In what ways have you experienced spiritual battles?

2. Describe our spiritual enemy. What tactics and schemes does Satan use to weaken us? How do these tactics directly affect our identity in Christ and our ministry for Christ? In what areas are you most vulnerable to spiritual attacks?

3. Paul repeats the idea of standing strong (Ephesians 6:10, 11, 13). Where else in Ephesians has Paul already defined being “strengthened of His might”? The phrase “be strong” can also be translated “be strengthened”. What does this mean about the source of our strength? In what ways do we attempt to live in our own strength instead of Christ’s strength? How does this make us more susceptible to attack?

4. Paul tells us twice to put on the “whole armor of God”. Describe each portion of this spiritual armor and what they are meant to protect. How are each of these things connected to our understanding of the gospel? Which portion of the armor stands out to you the most? Why?

5. How should the reality of spiritual battle affect the way we live and pray? All of us have a few chinks in our armor. What’s an area you would like to grow in? Where do you most need God’s power in your life? Open:

Pray: Pray that you would stand in the strength of Christ as you daily face spiritual battles. Pray for greater awareness of the gospel to permeate your life so that it serves as protection against the enemy’s schemes.

Memorize/Meditate: For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Ephesians 6:12-13