Ross Road Community Church

Often, we easily perceive faults or foolishness in others' motives, while we excuse our own actions by assuming good intentions. - Watch at: https://vimeo.com/908437682?share=copy

In his sermon on Colossians 3:1-17, Travis Martens asks us how can we refocus our heart on God as we start the New Year? Because we are made alive in Christ, that should change how we live. - Watch at: https://vimeo.com/908479444?share=copy

True Reality Hebrews 1:1-3; Luke 2 Jesus is the truest and the best Jesus is true joy (Luke 2:10-11) Jesus is true peace (Luke 2:14) Jesus is true hope (Luke 2:28-33) What does worship look like for you this Christmas?

Repent Matthew 1:20-23 Jesus came into the world to save people from their sins Jesus: The Lord Saves Immanuel: God With Us Questions to reflect on: What do the names of Jesus mean and what do they lead us to do in response? What form of repentance do you need to express today?

Surrender Matthew 1-2; Luke 1 Christmas confronts us with an opportunity to surrender to God History of the Christmas holiday: Joseph (Matthew 1:18-24) Herod (Matthew 2:1-8,16) Mary (Luke 1:26-38) Questions to consider: Why do you think Christmas has evoked such a strong response throughout the centuries? How have you reflected on the challenge to surrender that Christmas brings? How will you practice surrender to God this year?

Stop Luke 2:19,51 Stop to ponder the miracle of the birth of Christ Marys Posture: Luke 2:19,51 Stop and Wait Stop and See Questions to consider: What do you hope your experience of Christmas will be like this year? How much space have you created in your schedule to stop and ponder the miracle of Christs birth? What will you do to intentionally slow down to be in awe of Jesus?

Wisdom James 3:13-18 Active disciples demonstrate wisdom by putting humility into action 3:13: Heavenly Wisdom, part 1 3:14-16: Earthly Wisdom 3:17-18: Heavenly Wisdom, part 2 Active Discipleship prompt: Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you how bitter envy and selfish ambition may be present in your life and how it manifests itself. Pick one aspect of heavenly wisdom to strengthen in your life and ask God for opportunities to put it into practice.

Speak Life! James 3:1-12 T. Anderson Active Disciples Speak the Character and Kingdom of God Our Words Have Consequences (v.1-2) Our Words Are Powerful (v.3-8) Our Words Are Our Responsibility (v.9-12) Points to ponder: In what situations do you find that your ungracious speech betrays your faithfulness to Jesus? What lies behind those words (e.g. tiredness, anger, frustration, insecurity, fear, hurt, disrespect, etc.)? How will knowing this help you to respond better in the future? Although you may never know how impactful your words might be, who might you speak words of blessing to today?