December 7-12
(All materials from The Bible Project - bibleproject.com)
(All materials from The Bible Project - bibleproject.com)
"Eirene" and "Shalom" are Greek and Hebrew words for peace. Learn more in the video above.
DAYS 7-12
PEACE READING PLAN
As we learned in the Bible Project video above, the word "peace" found in both the Old and New Testaments and means much more than the absence of conflict, but speaks to something better being it the place of conflict. Week 2 of our Advent Bible reading plan focuses on six places in God's word where we find PEACE. This Sunday we will dig into this word even more!
This reading plan is also available on the NCC App under Bible > Reading Plans > Advent
This reading plan is also available on the NCC App under Bible > Reading Plans > Advent
December 7 - Numbers 6:24-26
December 8 - Proverbs 16:7
December 9 - Isaiah 9:6-7
December 10 -Luke 2:8-15
December 11 -Ephesians 2:11-15
December 12 - Philippians 4:4-9
December 8 - Proverbs 16:7
December 9 - Isaiah 9:6-7
December 10 -Luke 2:8-15
December 11 -Ephesians 2:11-15
December 12 - Philippians 4:4-9
DISCUSSION OR DEVOTIONAL QUESTIONS
Use the following questions in your Community Group, household, with friends, or use them as a personal devotional time.
- The prophet Isaiah looked forward to the arrival of a future king who would make a covenant of shalom (peace, well-being) with his people. This king would set the world right and heal all that has been harmed. Read Isaiah 9:6-7 aloud together. What specific words or phrases stand out to you as you observe this passageand why?
- The prophet Isaiah looked forward to the arrival of the Prince of Peace, whose reign would lead to eternal shalom. Jesus’ arrival fulfilled Isaiah’s words. Read and reflect on Luke 2:9-15 as a group. Why do you think God announced the king’s arrival to no-name shepherds? What does this tell you about the nature of Godand his Kingdom?
- The biblical story shows how humanity often chooses a way of life apart from God and suffers as a result. According to Colossians 1:19-23, what did God want to do to remedy this pain, and how did he accomplish his desire through Jesus?
- Jesus offers his peace to all people as a gift. How did Jesus make peace between two sharply divided people groups (Jews and Gentiles), and why did he do it(see Eph. 2:11-16)?
- Now, let’s carefully read Ephesians 4:1-3. How can humility, gentleness, patience, and love help maintain the unity Jesus calls his followers to? What happens to unity when one of these virtues is missing?
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
FROM THE BIBLE PROJECT
- Read the blog post: Isaiah and the Messianic King (CLICK HERE)
MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM NCC!
We'll see you Christmas Eve at 4 or 6pm at the NCC building for a night of worship, Christmas carols, and a short teaching!