On Sunday, December 1, 2024 at Wildwood Community Church, I preached as sermon based on Micah 5:1-2.  This message was part 1 of the “Home for Christmas” sermon series.  Below you will find questions related to the message for personal reflection or group discussion.  You will also find the sermon audio and video to listen to, watch, or share.  Additionally, there is a daily devotional/Bible reading plan accompanying this series.  Access it by clicking here!

To read through the Advent devotional this year on the YouVersion app in a “reading plan with friends,” click here to join a group I am hosting!

Sermon Questions:

1. Pray
2. Read Micah 5:1-2
3. Share a time when a decision you made “yesterday” has negatively impacted your “today”?  In the face of this regret and difficulty, have you found any hope?
4. Zedekiah literally lost his legacy, vision, and reputation because of his sin.  In what way have you seen sin strip people of the same things (figuratively)?
5. What are some ways you can remind yourself of the truth of Proverbs 14:12, “There is a way that seems right to men, but in the end it leads to death”?
6. Jesus is the better leader who brings hope to His followers!  He is God and He brings life from death, shepherds us through life, and provides us with all we need for our spiritual vitality. Are you trusting in Jesus and walking with Him as you enter into this Christmas season?
7. Do you have a plan for getting to know Jesus better this Christmas season?  If not, join us in the “Home for Christmas” devotional and Bible reading plan for the 25 days of December leading up to Christmas day!  Access it at wildwoodchurch.org/christmas
8. What is one particular application you took away from this message?

To access these questions in pdf format, click here.

 

To listen to the sermon offline, click the link below:

Home For Christmas #1 12.1.24

 

To listen online, use the media player below:

 

To watch the livestream, use YouTube online:

Has a decision you made “today” ever marred your “tomorrow”?  Ever said “yes” to something you should have said “no” to, and it negatively impacted your life?  Or have you said “no” to something that you should have said “yes” to, and are living with significant regret?

On a human plane, and in the most extreme situations, abuse and infidelity destroy future family dynamics, and  gossip and slander tear down future friendships.  And, with God the situation is even more serious: our sin today carries a wage of death (Romans 6:23).  With the consequences so significant, is there any hope?

YES.  An emphatic YES.  There.  Is.  Hope.  While we make decisions that lead to disaster, God is able to return delight.  We, who are in sorrow, need to meet our Savior, Jesus Christ.

In Micah 5:2, the nation of Judah had made a set of decisions they would soon regret.  The nation’s prospects (personified in their future King, a sinful man named Zedekiah) were getting ready to be blinded and their legacy and reputation arrested.  In the face of this impending disaster, God speaks through the prophet Micah and promises another future Ruler who will deliver a much brighter tomorrow to all who trust in Him.  Out of Bethlehem, One from ancient days will come.  Of course, this is a reference to the birth of Jesus Christ.

This Sunday, as we begin the Christmas season together at Wildwood Community Church, we will start a new sermon series called “Home for Christmas.”  In this series we will reflect on some of the homes of the Christmas story, beginning this week with the “little town of Bethlehem,” by looking at Micah 5:2.  Hope you plan to be with us for “part 1” of this series, on December 1 at 8:30, 9:45, or 11:00.  We will celebrate communion together as we remember the good news of great joy together.

See you Sunday … and bring friends.

P.S.  I have written a 25 day Advent devotional this year themed around our Christmas sermon series.    You can access this study in a variety of forms by clicking here.