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HOLLYWOOD HOLIDAYS: ELF - Ever Loving Father

The following questions are to be used as a study aid for the sermon preached by Pastor Tommy Dove at the Grace Place on Sunday, December 15, 2013. To get the most from these questions, go to https://soundcloud.com/#graceplacehermitage and listen to the service first.

These questions can be used in your private Bible study during the week or as the topic for a small group study. For more information on hosting or leading a small group study, click on "GP Small Groups" under "GP Ministries" at www.graceplace.us.

Fellowship: (Break bread with your community, share life from last week, announcements for next week)

Icebreaker: (Get to know your fellow believers a little bit better using this week’s topic)
How old were you when you realized the truth about Santa?
Have you ever played an “elf” or “Santa?”  We want details!
How are you playing Santa this year?
What is your favorite way to help others during Christmas?

Worship: (Optional for communities who have the time and talent)
“We have a Savior” Hillsong (Be sure to watch the YouTube video of this wonderful song!)

Scripture: (Read the word together – use different readers, different versions, just read it)
Romans 8:14-16, Matthew 6:9, Luke 15:17-24 (This would be a wonderful scripture to act out.)

Lesson: (Delve deeper into the Word and into the sermon using open-ended questions)
The word “Father” creates different emotions in different people depending on what their relationship was to their biological father.  We need to be sensitive to these differences.  Remember as humans, biological fathers are flawed at the very best.  God is perfect and can be our Ever Loving Father.

Describe the emotions of the run-away son.
Describe the emotions of the loving father.
What makes reconciliation so hard for earthly families?
How do you feel to be considered a “son” of the Ever Loving Father?
How do you feel to be a “co-heir” with Christ?
Why is it so hard for people to realize their need of reconciliation to their Heavenly Father?
How can you help someone find their way back home?

Prayer: (Share each other’s burdens, become a community of believers)

Think about ways your group can share the real heart of Christmas with the community.  Ideas may be to serve food at the Salvation Army on Christmas, participate in Road to Grace at the church, buy gifts for an Angel Tree child or go caroling in your neighborhood

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