When God Changed The Story
Week 1: New Setting
December 4th, 2022
Pastor Kyle Johnson

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For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this. —Isaiah 9:6-7 (NIV)

Up to this point the

of God had defined

Reveal Answer

Mark off a boundary all around the mountain. Warn the people, ‘Be careful! Do not go up on the mountain or even touch its boundaries. Anyone who touches the mountain will certainly be put to death.’ —Exodus 19:12 (NLT)

The story changed as God

the

Reveal Answer

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. —Isaiah 7:14 (NIV)

This change opened up

to

Reveal Answer

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” —Matthew 2:1-2 (NIV)

This directly confronts our

…

Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right.” —Acts 10:34-35 (NIV)

…or

Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. —Psalm 37:3-4 (NIV)

It isn’t about going or being

but being with

Reveal Answer

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Notes:

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Discussion Questions:

1 – Have you had a favorite place where you liked to celebrate Christmas?

2 – Why is it that sometimes we get locked into certain places as more important or valuable?

3 – Read Matthew 2:1-12. Talk about the challenges of the wise men going into a foreign place to find Jesus.

4 – Why is it we feel restless sometimes and think things would be better somewhere else?