Harris Creek Baptist Church

Christmas isn't just a routine; it's about the greatest announcement: the King has come! Discover why God chose to reveal this miracle to social outcasts and the profound depth of His mission to save us from sin and death. Reflect on what it looks like to trust Jesus' authority in our daily lives, especially during challenges. Reclaim a sense of awe for the season and recognize that the baby in Bethlehem was destined for sacrifice. The message is clear: the King is here, and He invites us to respond.

Isaiah 7:14, Matthew 1:22–23, Isaiah 9:2, Luke 1: 78–79, Haggai 2:7, Isaiah 2:4, and Ephesians 2:14–17Jesus has already come, He’s with us right now, and yet we still feel the ache of wandering, darkness, and chaos in a world that’s not fully restored. Advent reminds us to hold onto hope in that tension, trusting that the same Jesus who came once will come again to make everything whole.Jesus is with us in the wandering Jesus is with us in the darknessJesus is with us in the chaosLife Group Discussion:How does remembering Jesus’ first coming give you confidence and hope while you wait for His return?What kinds of darkness, personally or in the world, make you long for Jesus’ light the most?What would it look like for you to “wait, watch, and hope” for Jesus in the middle of the chaos you’re experiencing right now?

The discussion likens spiritual growth to physical therapy, emphasizing that many just 'get by.' It delves into the true marks of discipleship, highlighting responsibilities like restoring others gently and avoiding comparison. Jonathan stresses the importance of mutual support in the church community without enabling burdens. The podcast also tackles the significance of confronting personal sin, living under the Spirit's influence, and prioritizing love for fellow believers. Ultimately, it encourages focusing solely on Christ and His work in our lives.

Nate reminded us that we’re all being led by something, and following the flesh only leads to anxiety, chaos, and ultimately destruction. But when we choose to walk with the Spirit, He grows real fruit in us, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Real change doesn’t happen overnight, but through daily steps of surrender as God builds roots that eventually produce fruit.The Spirit and the flesh are in conflictActs of the flesh lead to deathWalking with the spirit leads to fruitLife Group Discussion:Where do you most feel the “tug-of-war” between what your flesh wants and what the Spirit wants?When you look at the list of “acts of the flesh,” which ones tend to show up in your life, and how do they impact you?Nate said spiritual growth is often slow, like the bamboo tree building roots. Where do you think God might be growing “roots” in you right now?

Nate shared how he got scammed chasing a “free trip to Hawaii,” comparing it to how the Galatians were tricked into thinking they had to earn God’s approval. Paul reminds us there’s only one way to true freedom, trusting Jesus, who already paid our debt. When we grasp that, we stop striving and start loving others out of gratitude.There is only one way to pay for freedomThere are many distractions to keep us enslavedLove is the only way to respond to freedom Life Group Discussion:Nate compared good works to worthless currency. What are some “currencies” you find yourself trying to use to earn God’s love?How can you tell the difference between a good thing that’s from God and a distraction that keeps you stuck?Who in your life could experience God’s love through your actions this week?

JP reminded us that our hope isn’t in how well we perform for God but in the promise, He’s already kept through Jesus. From Abraham’s story, we see that those who live by performance become slaves to it, but those who trust God’s promise live free. So, stand firm, not in what you can do, but in what Christ has already done for you. Performers become slaves to performancePeople of the promise live freeStand firm in Christ’s performanceLife Group Discussion:How have past experiences—like family expectations, school, or church—shaped the way you view performance and worth?How does trying to control outcomes—like Abraham and Hagar—keep us from trusting God’s promises?What are some ways you’re tempted to rely on your own effort instead of Christ’s finished work?

John Elmore teaches from Galatians 4:8–20 that we all face a daily choice: turn back to old habits and empty religion or turn toward Jesus. Real change doesn’t come from checking spiritual boxes but from knowing Christ and letting others call us back when we drift. The people and influences in our lives are shaping us, so choose the ones that lead you closer to Jesus, not back to bondage.What are you tempted to turn back to?Do you resent those who call you to repent?Are your influences zealous for Christ?Life Group Discussion:Have you ever found yourself doing a lot for God but drifting from a real relationship with God? What did that look like?Who in your life loves you enough to tell you the truth when you’re drifting, and do you listen to them?What voices, environments, or habits are currently shaping who you are becoming, music, friends, social media, podcasts, culture?

Without Christ we were slaves, trying to earn God’s approval, but Jesus redeemed us and adopted us as sons and daughters. Now we don’t come to God by fear or performance, we come as family. Through the Holy Spirit, we get to enjoy access to our Father. Without access to the Father, we are slavesThe Son has given us access through adoptionThe Spirit enables us to enjoy our access Life Group Discussion:Where do you personally feel tempted to drift back into “slave mentality” in your walk with God?What experiences with earthly fathers or authority figures might affect how you view God as Father?What does it practically look like to enjoy God instead of just obeying Him from obligation?

The story of God has always been about faith. The covenant is permanent, the law gave perspective, and Jesus fulfilled the promise so we could be made right with God by faith alone. Once you see it, you can’t unsee it. The covenant is permanentThe law gave perspectiveThe Son was the promise fulfilled Life Group Discussion:What’s an area of your life where you need to trust that God’s promises are still true today?In what ways does God still use His “law” or truth to protect and guide us today?What does it mean to you personally that faith, not performance, makes you right with God?

Every person is under something, either the curse of relying on ourselves or the blessing of being under Christ. Jesus took the curse we deserved so we could be made right with God. To be under Christ is to live in freedom, grace, and the power of the Spirit. Under CurseUnder ChristUnder Blessing  Life Group Discussion:Why do you think it’s so tempting to rely on our own good works to feel “right” with God?How does understanding that Jesus became the curse for us change the way you see the cross?What are some of the blessings we experience when we are “in Christ”?