Advent II - Small Group Questions

If you were not with us on Sunday you can listen to this sermon here.

Song of Zechariah - Canticle 16 (Lk 1:68-79, BCP 92)
1. What have you been told about the events surrounding your birth?  What details stand out?
2. If an angel showed up and told you something seemingly impossible was going to happen in your life, how do you think you would react?  What do you think would be your first question?
3. What do you think would be your biggest hardship or challenge if you were made mute for a season?  What do you think might be the greatest blessing of being made mute?
4. What heaviness/weariness in your life might be keeping you from living in 'miraculous expectation?'
5. Is there a place in your life where you are limiting God?  putting up walls where God sees no walls?
6. Can you speak to a recent time when you've had eyes to see God at work in your midst?  Share this with the group.
7. Can you recall a time of waiting, waiting, waiting where, after the fact, you were able to see that God was doing preparatory work?  Share this with the group.
8. How are you living a life that points to Jesus?  What discipline might you commit to that would help you live a life that points to Jesus?
9. How would it look for you to 'burst forth with praise for God' for all the blessings and provision he has given you?

Week of December 2, 2012

1. Read Luke 21:25-36.  (For more context, read 21:5-38.)
2. If you knew the world would end in six months, how would that fact change your lifestyle?
3. If you had to leave this earth tomorrow, what two things would you miss most?  Why?
4. How will the Son of Man come (v. 27)?  What should be the attitude of believers when they see the Son of Man coming?
5. What is the lesson of the fig tree (v. 29-31)?  How does the fig tree answer the question from verse 7?
6. What promises does Jesus give in v. 32-33?  How would these words have been of comfort to the disciples?  Of discomfort?  What impact do they have on you, twenty centuries later?
7. In the midst of this heavy news and heavy times, how does Jesus caution his followers (v. 34-35)?  Why?  
8. What are some "signs" occurring today that relate to the "end times"?  How do you feel about the "end time"?
9. What is the lesson for you in the parable of the fig tree?
10. When you read the newspaper or listen to the evening news, how does it make you feel?  In tough times, when the forces of evil seem to be winning, do you feel like withdrawing or rolling up your sleeves and getting into the frey?
11. What causes you to feel weighed down and discouraged about the world situation today?
12. Pray for one another....