1. Why was it so important that Jesus came from the “line of David”?
2. What does the name “Jesus” mean? What is the significance of this name?
3. What are some Old Testament prophecies that were fulfilled by Christ’s birth? List and share.
4. Are you approaching this Advent Season with awe, reverence, and joy, or are you buying into the stress and anxiety of our culture? Share.
5. What does the title “Emmanuel” mean. Why is it important?

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1. On a scale of 1-10 (10 being perfect) where are you with your daily practice of the spiritual disciplines? Why? How can you improve?
2. Which discipline do you do the best with? Why?
3. Which discipline do you struggle the most with? Why?
4. Where are you with your time management? Why is it so important as Christians to be diligent with our time? Explain.
5. If observing the sabbath is included in the 10 commandments, it is clearly a priority. What do you do weekly to make the observance of the sabbath a priority? Share.

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1. What are the prominent “False Teachings” of todays culture?
2. What are the prominent “False Teachings” that threaten the Church? Why? Explain.
3. How would you feel if you knew that Christ were returning for His people tomorrow? Would you feel comfort, fear, anxiety, etc.? Why? Explain.
4. If a nonbeliever were to say to you the following statement, how would you respond? “The world seems to just be falling apart. If God were real, surely he would not allow such violence and chaos, especially in his supposed ‘Holy Land’ (Israel)”.
5. How can your group encourage one another to live as if the Lord could return any day. Share with and pray for one another.

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1. What characteristics have you learned about Peter in studying the first part of his second letter? How can you relate to Peter?
2. Do you fear death? Why? What does Peter tell us in his second letter to give us hope and freedom from fear of death?
3. Are you putting too much hope and focus on this current life or are you focused on the spiritual and eternal? Share.
4. Is your devotion to Christ where you want it to be? Why or why not. Share.
5. What can we do as individuals and as a church to ensure we are preserving the truth of God’s word? Gives examples. Share.

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1. How does one make their “calling and election sure”.
2. How would you respond to a brother or sister who came to you and said “I don’t know if I am a Christian anymore. How can I know for sure?”
3. What are gentle yet biblical was one can help explain the doctrine of election to someone who is struggling to understand it?
4. How has God made your calling and election sure? Give examples and share.
5. Pray for those who are currently struggling in their faith.

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1. What is the biblical definition of grace and why is grace absolutely central to salvation? (Don’t give the obvious answer, really think about it.)
2. Peter lists 7 qualities that Christians should strive after. Share with your group where you currently stand with each virtue. Be open and use examples from your life.
-virtue
-knowledge
-self control
-steadfastness
-godliness
-brotherly affection
-love

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1. What does it mean to abide in Christ? Explain.
2. Are you currently abiding in Christ? Explain
3. What promises has God proclaimed in scripture that directly apply to believers today? Share. Why did you choose to share the promises you did?
4. What part of Joe’s sermon impacted you the most? Why do you think? Share.
5. How can your group pray for you this week?

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1. Are you daily striving after holiness? Share.
2. What has Christ done in your life that drives you to worship? Share and reminisce with your group.
3. How would you respond to a brother or sister in Christ who said to you the following. “I try to follow Christ daily, but I am unable. I know that God says he gives us all we need to live Holy lives, but I am telling you, I just can’t do it! ( emotion added; tears added)
4. How does one “make their calling and election sure”? Explain and support.

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