Small Group Guide

The sermon uses clips from the movie 'The Santa Clause' to draw parallels between belief in Santa and belief in Jesus. It challenges the congregation to examine their faith and belief in Jesus, much like the character Charlie questions the existence of Santa. The sermon emphasizes the importance of faith, the transformation that comes with truly believing in Jesus, and the need to live out that faith in everyday life. It encourages believers to move beyond doubt and embrace a childlike faith, trusting in Jesus' provision and presence.

The sermon titled 'What's Their Hurry?' addresses the whirlwind of busyness that often consumes us from now until Christmas. It uses a recent experiment at Princeton University to illustrate how our perceived busyness can impact our actions, even when we know the right thing to do. The story of the Good Samaritan is used to highlight the importance of slowing down and showing compassion, love, and mercy to those around us. The message challenges us to reconsider our priorities and make time for what truly matters: loving God and loving others.

The sermon focuses on the concept of greatness in the kingdom of God, contrasting it with worldly standards. It emphasizes that true greatness is found in service, not status, as exemplified by Jesus washing the disciples' feet. The message challenges believers to actively serve others as a demonstration of their love for Jesus, highlighting that service is an essential aspect of Christian life. The sermon also addresses the importance of humility and the need to overcome pride to serve others genuinely.

The sermon concludes a series on the Book of Jonah, focusing on the unresolved ending of Jonah 4. It highlights Jonah's anger and reluctance to accept God's mercy towards the Ninevites, despite being a prophet. The sermon emphasizes the theme of doing God's will without having God's heart, and the importance of aligning our actions with God's compassion and love. It challenges listeners to reflect on their own lives, questioning whether they are truly living with their hearts aligned with God's will or merely going through the motions.

Today's sermon focused on Jonah Chapter 3, emphasizing the theme of second chances. Jonah, after initially fleeing from God's command, is given another opportunity to fulfill his mission to preach to the city of Nineveh. The sermon highlights God's mercy and grace, illustrating that even when we make mistakes, God is willing to give us another chance. The message encourages us to act immediately on God's call, to repent sincerely, and to believe not just in God, but to believe God and His promises.