CHRISTMAS - EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED
“I Didn’t Expect God To Come Through!”

Pastor Scott Oas  |  11.29.2015

A. JESUS THE HOPE OF THE WORLD

"For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope." - Romans 15:4

B. WHAT DOES HOPE IN CHRIST BRING ABOUT?

"In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe." - Hebrews 1:1-2

C. IS THERE HOPE IN YOUR FUTURE?

"We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure." - Hebrews 6:19a

GOING DEEPER

SCRIPTURE READING: Isaiah 48:3, II Peter 1:19-21, Romans 15:4

GETTING STARTED

When you hear the word “Prophecy” what first comes to mind?

Here is a definition of “Prophecy”. How does it correspond with your understanding?

"Biblical prophecy is more than "fore-telling": two-thirds of its inscripturated form involves "forth-telling," that is, setting the truth, justice, mercy, and righteousness of God against the backdrop of every form of denial of the same. Thus, to speak prophetically was to speak boldly against every form of moral, ethical, political, economic, and religious disenfranchisement observed in a culture that was intent on building its own pyramid of values vis-a-vis God's established system of truth and ethics. However, prediction was by no means absent from the prophetic message. The prophets were conscious of contributing to the ongoing plan of God's ancient, but constantly renewed promise. They announced God's coming kingdom."  -  Baker’s Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology

A CLOSER LOOK

Read II Peter 1:16-21.

Some people believe that prophecy is just a guess or luck or coincidence. What do these verses reveal about prophetic information and its being passed down?

Why is verse 21 important?

Why is it so important for us to get “Worship” first when it comes to the church?

“Love your neighbor as yourself” v. 39. What does it mean for the church (you) to be a neighbor? To love your neighbor?

Read Romans 15:3-7.

From these verses, “why did Jesus come into the world?”

Hebrews 1:1-4... In what ways do these verses speak to the supremacy of Christ?

DIGGING DEEPER

What does Hebrews 1:1-4 reveal about Christ’s authority? Is it possible for someone other than Christ to come after Him with greater authority or supremacy? Why or Why not? Why should Christ followers be alert to those who hold up others as new revelers or prophets?

CHALLENGE: During this Advent season- read through the book of Luke about the birth, life and teachings of Jesus.