Message Notes for December 26, 2021
Series: The Gifts of Christmas

Isaiah 43:18-19

4 Ways to grow your relationship with God in the New Year

Prayer
Community
Read the Bible
Living out Christmas

Prayer – 1 Thessalonians 5:15-18
A.C.T.S.
Adoration
Contrition
Thanks
Supplication

Community – 1 Corinthians 12:25-27

Read The Bible – 2 Timothy 3:15-17

Living out Christmas – John 15:12, Matthew 7:12
Send a card, text, email
Invite someone out to lunch, dinner, or coffee
Talk to people intentionally
Give of your time

 Family/Group Study Notes for December 26, 2021
Series: The Gifts of Christmas

What were your goals for your relationship with Jesus this year? How do you feel you did with them? How do you feel in general with your faith and where you are? Know that no matter where you are that God loves you and believes in you.
Read Isaiah 43:18-19. What is one thing in your life that you want to put behind you? How easy or hard is that to do on your own? How does God help you put those things behind you and bring forth a spring in your life? Where do you need that spring in your relationship with Christ?
What is the new thing you want God to do in your faith life this coming year? Why?
Look at the following four areas of growth in faith: Praying, Being in community, Reading the Bible, and Living out Christmas. How well did you do in each of these areas this last year? How about currently? Which area do you struggle with the most, why? What area do you find the most joy in? Why?
Read 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, 1 Corinthians 12:25-27, 2 Timothy 3:15-17, John 15:12, and Matthew 7:12. As you read these verses how do they strengthen you in your spiritual goals? What insight do you get from them?
The goal is to help you draw closer to Christ and experience His joy and grace, not guilt and shame. Don’t let your possibility of not living up to your expectations affect you – you have forgiveness and the ability to start fresh every day. The Holy Spirit will grow and change you as He continues a good work in your life this coming year.
Pray for God’s movement in your life as you seek to draw near to Him this year.