Life-Stretching Tension

“The Christmas Tension” Series

THE TENSION OF WHAT JESUS ACCOMPLISHED

(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)

“When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi.” (Matthew 2:12-15a, 16)

1. What Jesus’ life has accomplished…

a. Jesus has completely eliminated .

b. Jesus has completely eliminated .

“Then what was said through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled: ‘A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.’” (Matthew 2:17-18)

2. What Jesus’ life …

“He who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work.” (1 John 3:8)

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10)

“For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” (Colossians 1:13-14)

a. Jesus eliminate evil and suffering, and .

“And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.’ He who is seated on the throne said, ‘I am making everything new!’” (Revelation 21:3-5a)

“I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever – the Spirit of truth… You know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.” (John 14:16-18)

Today’s “Big Idea…”

God is attention you, the you.

Small Group Discussion Questions

1. There is the Kingdom of Darkness and the Kingdom of God and we live amidst this overlap/tension. How have you and do you experience this tension in your daily life?

2. What are ways you have experienced or know about that you may need to practice in order to better live amidst this tension?

3. Followers of Jesus are called to live as “living lighthouses” during this time of overlap/tension. What are some ways you can show and share the light of Jesus to those around you this week?

4. Think of those in your life who do not know Jesus yet. How can you invite them to Alpha or Church this week or next week?

5. Jesus said that, by His Spirit, He is with us and in us (Jn 14:16-18). Conclude by spending some time meditating on the good news that the Holy Spirit lives in you to empower and equip you to do Jesus’ work here on earth.