The Word: Crowns

REVIEW. “What did you take away from last time?” [Refer to last week’s responses.] “How did that go?” Sermon Summary: Israel's journey into the promise land started off well, but eventually their society degraded into depravity despite having the law and the levitical priest system in place. The people's heart's weren't submitted to God, and therefore the mercy offered through the priesthood was squandered without just leadership. They cried for a human king despite the dubious nature of putting a flawed human in charge, but God used Israel's kings to give us a glimpse into another important dimension of who Jesus is. We need priests to exercise mercy, but we also need kings to lead us into righteousness. Believers can rest knowing that Jesus is the perfect King who rules with infinite power and justice through his victory on the cross. Believers are also comforted knowing Jesus is the perfect Priest who ministers with infinite mercy, never stops interceding on our behalf, and sympathizes with us in our weaknesses. Humanity has its rightful Priest and King in Jesus. Merry Christmas! READ. Key Passage: Isaiah 9 Discussion Questions: Truth: Do you feel like you're in need of some "priestly" help, or some "kingly" help these days? Repentance: What makes is difficult to trust Jesus to be the source of mercy and justice in your life? Faith: What would be the result of trust in Jesus as your rightful priest and king? RESPOND. Ask God, how can today’s discussion further your relationship with God, one another, and the world? Pray together. [Record responses and prayer requests.]