GOING DEEPER
11.26.2017 | “Adventus: The Poor”
Join the community and go deeper with this Bible study.
Breaking Ground
Take some time to share stories of your Thanksgiving holiday: What were 1-2 high points? Difficult times?
The Dig
The central Scripture for this series is Luke 4:16-21. Take a moment and read this together.
What is your reaction to this Scripture? What does it make you think about?
Read James 1:22-27.
What are the implications for not just hearing Scripture, but also DOING what it says?
How about some implications for the opposite? For hearing and NOT doing?
What are some examples of both that you have seen?
How do you do with looking after the orphans and widows of the world? How do you do with remembering/helping the poor?
Why do you think it’s such a challenge to live this out?
Theologian Scot McKnight would say that James’ reference to “the perfect law” (verse 25) is Jesus’ command to, “love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength and love your neighbor as yourself.”
How do you think following this law actually brings freedom?
What blessings (v25) are available for us when we live out this law?
Who is “in distress” in your world that you could give tangible help to this season?
James is the brother of Jesus. Does that have any affect on how you read/hear these words?
Getting Out of the Hole
For this week’s remembrance of the poor, you can purchase school supplies for W.T. Moore Elementary School (specific items are indicated on the tags hanging on the Christmas tree).