Message Notes for December 10, 2023

Series: What’s in your stable?

Title: The Great Stable Exchange

Micah 5:2-5 But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days. 3  Therefore he shall give them up until the time when she who is in labor has given birth; then the rest of his brothers shall return to the people of Israel. 4  And he shall stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. And they shall dwell secure, for now he shall be great to the ends of the earth. 5  And he shall be their peace.

Luke 2: 8-14, Matthew 2:1-6

What’s in God’s stable?
Notes:

What was in ancient Israel’s stable?

1) Idolatry

2) False Dependence

3) Social Corruption

Micah 6:8 nlt No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.

What’s in your stable?
Notes:

The great stable exchange!

Micah 7: 17-20 nlt All the nations of the world will stand amazed at what the Lord will do for you. They will be embarrassed at their feeble power …. 18 Where is another God like you, who pardons the guilt of the remnant, overlooking the sins of his special people? You will not stay angry with your people forever, because you delight in showing unfailing love. 19 Once again you will have compassion on us. You will trample our sins under your feet and throw them into the depths of the ocean!

Micah 4:1-5

Family/Group Study Notes for the week of December 10, 2023

Series: What’s in your stable?

Title: The Great Stable Exchange

– Share with each other how you bring Jesus into your home and décor at Christmas. What Jesus traditions around Christmas have been the most meaningful? If your home does not reflect Jesus at Christmas, share ideas with each other how you might include Jesus in the season.

– Read the book of Micah in the Old Testament of the Bible. Take turns reading sections of the book. Discuss what you hear going on in ancient Israel. What were the things Micah the prophet was addressing? How was the judgement of God realized? How did God want His people to live? You may refer to Micah 6:8. Discuss what that looks like in your household. Identify the passages of hope that Micah announces in the book. Review Micah 5:2-5. How is this hope revealed at Christmas? What does this mean for Christians living in a broken and often unjust world?

– Read Luke 2:8-14. How does this passage relate to Micah 5:2-5? Do a little research as to what the significance is of this region of Bethlehem, sheep, and shepherds. How does that information also reflect on who Jesus is in the stable?

– What is God saying to you after this study? What would you change? What do you want to share with others?

– Gather and pray for each other.