Sunday, December 9, 2012

O Little town of Bethlehem-- Questions for Reflection and Discussion


 
O little town of Bethlehem was written by Phillips Brooks in 1868 to highlight how Jesus’ birth fulfilled the prophecy of Micah 5:2, “Bethlehem Ephrathah, you are small among  the clans ofJudah; One will come from you to be ruler over Israel for Me. His origin is from antiquity, from eternity.” The significance of Bethlehem is that from a worldly perspective, it was an insignificant town. 1 Corinthians 1:27 declares, “God has chosen what is foolish in the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen what is weak in the world to shame the strong.” For the Christ-follower, God’s choice of Bethlehem as the birthplace of Jesus is a reminder that “For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10b, ESV).

King Solomon and Apostles James and Peter affirm, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” (Proverbs 3:34, 1 Peter 5:5 and James 4:6) How is this truth observed in the following Scriptures?

Genesis 14:1-18; Genesis 37:1-11--

1 Samuel 16:1-13--

Daniel 1:8-21--

Zechariah 4:6--
 
Mark 6:30-43; Mark 12:41-43--

2 Corinthians 12:1-10--
            
What weakness(es) in your life is the Holy Spirit leading you to surrender to Him to use in a mighty way?



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