Message Notes for December 17, 2023

Series: What’s in your stable?

Title: The Making of a Missional Family

Luke 1:26-35 ESV In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” 29  But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. 30 And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” 34 And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” 35 And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God.

What’s in Mary and Joseph’s Stable?

Personal Notes:

What we can expect on mission for God:

· The Holy Spirit will overshadow you.

· Miracles will be evident.

· You will be favored.

John 1:16 For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.

· Your purpose will span eternity.

· Your house will be a very big house.

This will happen because of what is in God’s stable.

· Jesus.

· Holy, Son of God.

· Eternal reign over the house.

The Making of a Missional Family.

Luke 1:38 And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed

from her.

Family/Group Study Notes for the week of December 17, 2023

Series: What’s in your stable?

Title: The Making of a Missional Family

* Gather as a family or group this week and read Luke’s account of the Christmas story in chapters 1 – 2:40. What aspects of this story stand out for you the most? Why? Which part seems most miraculous? What words in these passages define who Jesus is? Write them down. How does each description benefit your life?

* Read again Luke 1:26-35. How do you think you would have responded upon hearing such news? Where in your life have you heard a direction from God that changed your course and life plan? If not, how can you more intently listen to the voice of God? If yes, what fear moved in as you thought about what God was asking you to do? What hopes emerged from God’s plan?

* Mary and Joseph’s life moved from an ordinary life to a missional life. What does living a missional life mean to you? How would a missional life look different from the life of someone who knows God, but lives a normal cultural life?

* In looking at the lives of Mary and Joseph, their new missional life would receive special giftings from God through the miraculous, the moves of the Holy Spirit, His special favor and a purpose that would have an eternal impact. As you consider your own life or the lives of those you know who live missionally for God, where have you identified these special giftings of God?

* Read Luke 1:38. What is this passage saying to you? What is important in this statement to begin a missional life? Is there anything holding you back? Share with each other and pray for each other.