The Journey Back to Wholeness

Mended Life Talk is designed to take you deeper into this past week’s sermon, helping you explore and understand biblical truths while applying them to your daily life. Our goal is to guide you in growing your faith, strengthening your relationship with God, and equipping you to face life’s challenges with a renewed perspective.

1. START TALKING.

Get the conversations started and dive into this past week’s scripture.

• Warm-Up Questions:

  1. What is one thing that brings you peace during the busy Christmas season?

  2. Can you share a time when you felt God’s peace in a difficult or chaotic situation?

2. START DISCOVERING.

Context is Everything! Anything stand out in this week’s scripture?

1. Read Luke 2:6-7:

   • How does the humble setting of Jesus’ birth reflect God’s plan to bring peace and hope to the world?

   • How does this challenge the way we look for peace in our lives?

2. Reflect on Philippians 4:6-7:

   • “Do not be anxious about anything.” What steps can we take to live this out in our daily lives?

   • How does thanksgiving and prayer lead to the peace of God, which transcends understanding?

3. Examine Isaiah 9:6:

   • Jesus is called the “Prince of Peace.” How does this title provide assurance in times of uncertainty or stress?

   • Discuss the difference between peace as the absence of conflict and the peace that comes from Jesus’ presence.

4. Consider the Gift of Presence:

   • Just as God gave us His presence through Jesus, how can we offer our presence to others?

   • Who in your life might need your presence and encouragement this Christmas?

5. Discuss the Imperfect Christmas:

   • The sermon highlighted how Mary and Joseph faced challenges and imperfections. How can we embrace imperfection in our own lives and still experience God’s peace?

3. START APPLYING.

Apply it to my life.

• Personal Reflection:
  Reflect on areas of your life where peace feels absent. What steps can you take this week to invite God’s peace into those situations?

• Action Steps:

  1. Write down one worry or fear that has been weighing on your heart.

  2. Present it to God in prayer, thanking Him for His faithfulness and asking for His peace to guard your heart.

  3. Think of one person who might need your presence or encouragement this week and plan a way to connect with them.

• Challenge:
  Memorize Philippians 4:6-7 and meditate on it whenever you feel overwhelmed. Let it guide your prayers and bring your heart back to God’s peace.

4. START PRAYING.

Be bold. Pray with power.

• Group Prayer Focus:

  • Thank God for the peace and joy that Jesus brings into our lives, even in the midst of imperfection and chaos.

  • Pray for the courage to trust God with our anxieties and the wisdom to seek His presence daily.

  • Ask God to guide us in sharing His peace with others this Christmas season.

• Personal Prayer:
  Spend time in prayer, reflecting on God’s promises and inviting His peace to fill your heart. Surrender your worries to Him and thank Him for His faithfulness.

5. START DOING.

Personal Response. Growing people change.

• Next Steps:

  • Identify one specific way you can practice peace this week, whether through prayer, gratitude, or acts of kindness.

  • Make time to be fully present with someone in your life who might need support or encouragement.

  • Reflect on the message of Jesus’ humble birth and ask God to help you find peace in the midst of imperfection.