Rainier Valley Church - Seattle Rainier Valley Church

"How is Your Christmas Spirit?" (John 1:1-4 and Philippians 2:1-11)
Among Us: A Christmas Story
Sunday, December 17th
Discussion and Study Questions 
The Call to Humility (Philippians 2:1-4) - How does Paul's call for unity in verses 1-4 impact the way we connect and assess new churches in 2024?  Why is it so important to have Theological, Relational, Philosophical, Missional unity with your church family?   
The Example of Humility (Philippians 2:5-8) - How is the story of Christmas the greatest example of humility possible? How can we cultivate this mindset/attitude that Jesus shows of ultimate humility? 
The Rewards of Humility (Philippians 2:9-11) - What are the implications of Jesus' glorification and the universal recognition of his Lordship in verses 9-11 for our worship and daily lives? How should this knowledge change our perspective on suffering, service, and the future?
Resources for "Know Your Rights This Christmas"
Audio - https://rainiervalleychurch.com/latest-sermons
Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Go2X_kP5Wjc&t=2079s

"Know Your Rights this Christmas" (John 1:9-12 and 1 John 2:28-3:3)
Among Us: A Christmas Story
Sunday, December 10th

Discussion Questions:
Who is the "true light" mentioned in verse 9 and why is light a fitting description of this figure? (Hint: consider John 8:12) What are some ways we can share the "true light" of Jesus with others in our community? How is Jesus a light into the darkness of our lives and the lives of those we know and love? Why do you think the world did not recognize the true light, even though it was made through him? (v. 10) Share a time when you felt "rejected" or "not recognized" by those around you. How did you find your own light in that situation?What does it mean that Jesus "came to his own, and his own people did not receive him"? (v. 11) What is the "right to become children of God" that Jesus gives in verse 12? How does one receive this right? How can we better receive the "right to become children of God" and live out our inheritance as his children?How does this passage challenge or encourage your understanding of Jesus and your relationship with him? Children of God have Confidence in God (1 John 2:28) - Why do Children of God have confidence in their relationship with God? How does confidence practically change our relationship with God? What is the difference between a relationship with God marked by either confidence or shame?  Children of God Are Becoming Like God (1 John 2:29) - How does being a Child of God set the course of our life and transform us to be more like God? Children of God Experience the Love of God (1 John 3:1) - How do Children of God experience the love of God? How are you currently experiencing the love of God in your life? What ways does the love of God help, strengthen, support and guide us? Children of God Have Hope in God’s Future (1 John 3:2-3) - How does having hope in Jesus' return purify us? How have your experienced the purifying power of hope in your life? k What ways can we be praying for one another and supporting one another this week?

"What Gifts are You Getting for Christmas?" (John 1:14-18)
Among Us: A Christmas Story
Sunday, December 3rd
Discussion Questions: 
Presence and Glory John 1:14-15 - What does it mean that the Word became flesh and dwelt among us? How does this challenge our understanding of God?What does John mean by "we have seen his glory"? What kind of glory are we talking about here?
Grace and Truth  John 1:16-17 - How is the glory of Jesus described? What does it mean that he is "full of grace and truth"? How does common grace and saving grace function like grace upon grace in our life? What was can we act like Jesus by being both gracious and truthful? What are some ways that you have seen grace and truth embodied in the life of Jesus?
Revelation and Clarity John 1:18 - John says that "no one has ever seen God." What does this mean? How can Jesus then make God known? What does the phrase "the only God, who is at the Father's side" tell us about the relationship between Jesus and God the Father? Share your own experiences of encountering the glory of God. How can we, as a community, better reflect the glory of God in our own lives?

"Who is Coming Over for Christmas?" (John 1:1-5)
Among Us: A Christmas Story
Sunday, November 26th

Discussion Questions:
Who is someone you are looking forward to seeing this Christmas season?
Why is preparing our hearts so important for our deep enjoyment of the Christmas season.
Jesus is the Eternal God - John 1:1 (What does it mean that Jesus is the Word?)
Jesus is the Creator God - John 1:2-3 (Why is it important to understand that Jesus is the Creator?
Jesus is the Living God - John 1:4-5 (How is Jesus the life and the light?)
How would you explain the incarnation to someone who has never heard of it?
How does the incarnation affect your daily faith? Why does it even matter if Jesus is divine?
How can we pray for one another as we start this year's Christmas season.

"Always Rejoicing and Giving Thanks" (Philippians 4:10-13)
Everyday Disciple
Sunday, November 19th

Everyday Disciple