Foretold

Foretold Week 3

1. Pastor Josh shared a personal story about inheriting both valuable items and burdensome things from his father-in-law. How does this parallel the way God’s blessings sometimes come with challenges? Can you share a time in your own life when a blessing came with unexpected difficulties?

2. The sermon emphasizes that Mary’s “favor with God” led to both an incredible blessing and significant social challenges. How does this change or challenge your perspective on what it means to be “blessed” or “favored” by God?

3. We often want to skip the difficult parts of growth (like the grunt work before a promotion, or dealing with pain before healing from addiction) as described in James 1:2-4. What area of your life are you currently tempted to seek shortcuts rather than embracing the necessary struggle?

4. The sermon mentions three things God produces through our struggles: maturity, hope, and divine strength. Which of these have you experienced through past trials? Which do you feel you need most right now?

5. Pastor Josh challenged us with the question, “Am I trusting in Him, or trying on my own?” What are some practical signs or indicators in your life that help you recognize when you’re truly trusting God versus trying to handle struggles in your own strength?

Foretold Week One

1. The sermon describes Bethlehem, Egypt, and Nazareth as vulnerable, traumatic, and forgotten places in Jesus’ early life. Looking at your own life journey, can you share about a time when you experienced one of these types of places? How did that experience shape who you are today?

2. Pastor Jayson mentions that we often “miss the growth opportunity” when we’re in difficult situations because we focus only on what’s right in front of us. Can you think of a past challenge that you now recognize as a time of significant personal or spiritual growth? What helped you gain that perspective?

3. The sermon emphasizes that God protects us in vulnerable places, even when we might not feel it in the moment. How do you stay anchored in God’s protection during seasons when you feel exposed or threatened? What specific practices or promises help you trust Him during those times?

4. Mary and Joseph had to raise Jesus as nomads for four years, never staying in one place too long. How do you maintain your faith and trust in God during seasons of instability or constant change? What has helped you find stability in unstable times?

5. Pastor Jayson shared how their 2017 burnout became a story of God’s redemption. When have you seen God redeem a difficult chapter in your life in an unexpected way? How has that experience influenced how you view current challenges?

Foretold Week One

– Christmas is almost here! Read Isaiah 9:6-7 as a group. How can you prepare your heart and mind for this upcoming Christmas season? How can you stay more focused on Him?

– Looking at Jesus’ family tree, we see stories of deceit (Jacob), prostitution (Rahab), and murder (David). How does knowing that Jesus came from such an imperfect lineage change your perspective on your own past or family background?

– Have someone read 1 Cor 1:26-28. God works on the outskirts and gives our lives deep value. Jesus finds his home in the broken and can use anybody for his Kingdom so no one is too far gone as there is always hope. Deep down, do you truly believe how much God values you? On the flip side, when you see others, do you see them the way God does?

– Whether your family gave you a head start or what feels like weights on your ankles, Pastor Jayson explained that our family of origin doesn’t have to decide our future. What specific steps can you take to both preserve positive family legacies and break unhealthy patterns? Who could help support you in this journey?

– Pastor Jayson concluded with how God uses “unexpected people in unexpected ways.” Think about your own faith journey – what’s the most unexpected way God has worked in your life or through someone you know?