Pastor James pointed out that even most of the poor in American society are rich by global standards. Do you see yourself as rich? What is your response when you learn that many in the world would view you as rich?
Homework for the week of December 6, 2009
Read James 5:1-6. What warnings does God give to the rich?
Opening Up 1.
2.
Most people have a Christmas wish list. Share with one another about a Christmas when you didn’t receive something on your list. How did you feel when you didn’t get what you wanted?
6.
This is the final time your group will meet for the Fall Impact series. What is one highlight of your time together with the group?
What do these scriptures tell you about how Jesus viewed His own position and “wealth”? What should we learn from His example? John 1:1-3, 14
2 Corinthians 8:9
Digging In 3.
Quick Review: What insight, principle, or observation from this Sunday’s message did you find to be most helpful, eye opening, or troubling? Explain.
Philippians 2:5-7
Digging Deeper (Additional ways to reflect on this week’s study) 4.
Let’s be honest: “Spend Less” is ambiguous. Spend less than last year? Spend less than my neighbor? Spend less than the retail price? One way to ease the ambiguity is to answer these questions: “How much is too much?” and “Who determines what you ‘need’?”
7.
The originators of “Advent Conspiracy” claim that consumerism is a religion in itself. Why do you think they believe this? Do you agree with them? Why or why not?
Memorize 2 Corinthians 8:9 (NET): For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that although he was rich, he became poor for your sakes, so that you by his poverty could become rich.
Living Out My next step today is to: A Worship fully
8.
B
Deliberately choose to spend less
C
Rethink the way I use my wealth
Read Matthew 6:19-24 together. In light of this, what kind of story do you want to be able to tell others concerning the use of your resources?
Pastor James Wartian
Advent Conspiracy #2
December 6, 2009
Empty Presents Matthew 2:1-23 What if Christmas became a world changing event again? “The Advent Conspiracy is the story of the wondrous moment when God entered our world to make things right. It is the greatest story ever told, and it changes everything—including the way we celebrate Christmas.” (Advent Conspiracy, pp. 16-17)
Review: We enter into the story of Advent when we worship fully. (John 1:29) What is one step you can take this Christmas season to begin telling your “spend less” story?
Looking Up Suggested idea for your group prayer time: The focus this week has been on spending less on our families and ourselves. But this flies in the face of a spend-driven economy. Take some time to pray for one another to have wisdom on how to use our resources wisely this Christmas and fight the temptation to spend more on material items that “moth and rust destroy and thieves break in and steal.”
Being Inspired To see what other churches, ministries, and colleges have done as part of Advent Conspiracy, visit http://www.adventconspiracy.org/story and http://www.rethinkingchristmas.com/
Solution: We enter into the story of Advent when we deliberately choose to ______________ _____________ . (Matthew 2:1-23)
Four theological principles tell us we should spend less: ____________________ Principle: It all belongs to God. (1 Chronicles 29:11-12) ____________________ Principle: Don’t miss what God has for you. (Matthew 6:19-21) ____________________ Principle: You can only serve one master. (Matthew 6:24) ____________________ Principle: Use riches to bless others. (2 Corinthians 8:9, 12-15)
Impact Groups will start again the week of January 17, 2010! Spend less.