THEY EXPECTED THE MESSIAH… BUT THEY DIDN’T EXPECT JESUS

Throughout Old Testament history God’s people looked forward to the fulfillment of God’s promises in the coming of the “Messiah.”

They believed that He would be a ruling King, a wise Leader, and a conquering Savior.

They expected the Messiah; but they didn’t expect Jesus.

He was a King, a Leader, and a Savior; but He was also a homeless, humble, servant.
Yet, He was and is everything that they needed.

 

MESSAGES

 
 

WEEK 1

 

week 2

 

week 3

 
 

PODCAST

THE AFTER-CHURCH PODCAST

A round table discussion that takes a deeper look into each topic.
Our teaching pastors share insights, thoughts, and ways we can apply each message to our daily rhythms.


 

week 1

 
 
 

WEEK 2

 
 
 

week 3

 

Week 4

 
 

READING PLAN

We’re all busy. It’s hard to slow down and simply think, read, or pray.

This reading plan is designed to help you reflect and listen to what God is saying through the Word.

  • WEEK 1 - HOPE

    READING PLAN

    Day 1 – Genesis 1-2
    Day 2 – Genesis 3
    Day 3 – Romans 6-7
    Day 4 – Numbers 22-24; Micah 5:2; Jeremiah 31:15
    Day 5 – Psalm 72:9-10; Matthew 1-2
    Day 6 – John 1:1-34

    REFLECTION QUESTIONS

    Describe a time when you felt hopeless.

    What did God teach you in that hopeless season?

    When you sense hope is fading, or begin to experience that hopeless feeling, what do you do to remember the hope we have in Christ?

    ACTION STEP

    Think of someone you know that feels hopeless, do something to give them hope this week. (Write a letter, send a note, an encouraging text, a phone call..)

  • WEEK 2 - LOVE

    READING PLAN

    Day 1 – Psalm 8
    Day 2 – Psalm 139
    Day 3 – Micah 5:2; Luke 1:26-38
    Day 4 – Luke 1:46-80
    Day 5 – 2 Samuel 7:12-13; Isaiah 7:14; Luke 2:1-7
    Day 6 – Ephesians 1:1-10; Romans 5:1-11
    Day 7 – John 3:1-21; 1 John 4:7-12

    REFLECTION QUESTIONS

    Describe a time when someone surprised you by showing you unexpected love.

    How can you practically show someone love this week?

    What do you do to help remember the love Christ has for you?

    ACTION STEP

    Give the gift of unexpected love this week. Surprise someone by paying for their meal in the drive-thru, sending a thank-you note, or an unexpected text of gratitude.

  • WEEK 3 - JOY

    READING PLAN

    Day 1 – Psalm 34
    Day 2 – Lamentations 3
    Day 3 – Isaiah 9:1-7; Isaiah 12:6
    Day 4 – Luke 2:1-20
    Day 5 – 1 Peter 1
    Day 6 – Philippians 1-2
    Day 7 – Philippians 3-4

    REFLECTION QUESTIONS

    Describe a time when you were overcome with joy. (i.e. birth of a child, marriage proposal, a big sports win, incredibly happy moment)

    Was the joy temporary or long-lasting? What was the source of that joy?

    How do you experience the joy of the Lord now?

    ACTION STEP

    Share your story of hope and life change through Christ with someone this week.

  • WEEK 4 - PEACE

    READING PLAN

    Day 1 – Psalm 13
    Day 2 – Ezekiel 36
    Day 3 – Isaiah 9:1-7
    Day 4 – Romans 1-2
    Day 5 – Romans 3-4
    Day 6 – Romans 5
    Day 7 – Isaiah 53; John 18-19

    REFLECTION QUESTIONS

    Describe a time when you were NOT at peace with someone.

    Did you make peace? If so, what did you do to make peace?

    How does Christ give you peace now?

    ACTION STEP

    Make peace with God; make peace with someone you are at odds with.

  • WEEK 5 - JESUS

    READING PLAN

    December 25 – Isaiah 7:14; Luke 2:1-20; John 1:1-14; John 3:16

    MERRY CHRISTMAS!

  • December 1st-25th

    Download or view this Family Advent Devotional.

    It contains some key scriptures and questions to discuss with your child as you prepare to celebrate Christmas.

    Family Advent Devotional