"Prince of Peace" Discussion Guide

Main Thought

For some, Christmas can be stressful, with all the preparations and get-togethers. But we can be peaceful and joyful during this season - or any other day - regardless of our situation! Isaiah, writing 600 years before the birth of the Messiah, prophesied that Jesus fulfills a precious promise from God: He gives us God’s peace. Peace first comes from being restored to a relationship with God. Christ made this possible by receiving the penalty for sin our on our behalf - and offering forgiveness to us instead. Jesus also invites us to experience rest souls as we share our cares and troubles with Him. Finally, Jesus offers peace with God through reconciliation. Being reconciled to God puts us in a beautiful position, filled with purpose. We’re able to influence others to become reconciled with God through our lives and actions.

Main Passage

6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
- Isaiah 9:6 (KJV)

Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
- Romans 5:1

28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
- Matthew 11:28

18 All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. 20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.
- 2 Corinthians 5:18-20

Discussion Questions

1. Why do you think it’s important to have “peace with God,” as described in Romans 5:1? Do you feel that you’re at peace with God? Why?

2. In what area of your life do you need peace? What’s one thing you will begin doing differently this week, so that you would have more of God’s peace in your life?

3. An ultimate expression of our peace with God, and one way in which we experience God’s peace most powerfully, is to extend God’s peace to others. Who can you pray for or encourage this week?

"Everlasting God" Discussion Guide

Main Thought

Have you ever received a gift that you considered useless, only to discover that it was actually a great gift? The description of Jesus as an “Everlasting Father” might feel the same way, if we take time to “unbox” the truth revealed in that description. The word “everlasting” reveals His eternal nature. It communicates his greatness throughout the past, stirs up our faith in the present, and gives us hope for the future. Jesus is then figuratively called a “father” for a few reasons. He is the “Second Adam.” Adam passed down sin and death to humanity, but Jesus gives His righteousness to those who believe in Him. Jesus is also the “father,” or founder, of a new covenant system in which we relate to God based on what Jesus He has done. Jesus also revealed God the Father’s love to us. Finally, Jesus is the “Everlasting Father” because fathers give life - and Jesus gives live everlasting. The love and life of Christ are available to you!

Main Passage

6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
- Isaiah 9:6 (KJV)

8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”
- Revelation 1:8

8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
- Ephesians 2:8-10

9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love.
- John 15:9

16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.
- John 3:16-17

Discussion Questions

1. The Book of Revelation says that Jesus is “yet to come.” Jesus invites us to live with Him forever - free of sin, evil, and heartbreak. How does that give you hope?

2. Good fathers do their best to give their children better lives. Jesus sets us free from working for our own salvation, so we can receive God’s unconditional love and acceptance. How can that perspective impact your personal life, practically?

3. Are you confident that you’ll receive God’s gift of eternal life after you die, and live forever with Him? Does everyone around you share that gift? Who might you to engage with an invitation to our Christmas service, in the hopes that they’ll receive “God’s Greatest Gift?”

You can find information on our Christmas Worship Experience below:

https://everynationlasvegas.org/christmas

"Mighty God" Discussion Guide

Main Thought

Christmas is the season to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, who Isaiah referred to as our Mighty God. Jesus is God who became man, possessing all the power of God. When God gave us the gift of His only Son, Jesus, He demonstrated His unlimited power to solve man’s greatest problem: sin. Left on our own, we cannot overcome sin; it is only through Jesus that we can be saved. We can have confidence in God’s power to help us through every other situation because He already saved us from our greatest dilemma.

Main Passage

6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
- Isaiah 9:6 (KJV)

9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
- 2 Corinthians 12:9

57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
- 1 Corinthians 15:57

Discussion Questions

1. What does sufficient mean to you? Recall a time when you saw God’s grace and power help you in your weakness.

2. What’s one situation in which you need God’s strength right now?

3. If we understand that our ultimate victory in Christ is guaranteed, then we can live from a place of gratitude and confidence. How might a new perspective on a current challenge change the way you address the situation?

"Wonderful Counselor" Discussion Guide

Main Thought

The greatest gift ever given to mankind was Jesus Christ! When the prophet Isaiah foretold the birth of Jesus, one of the names he used to identify Him was “Wonderful Counselor.” Isaiah spoke these words during a dark time for the people of Israel: they were about to be attacked, and were desperate for guidance in the midst of the doom and gloom. In revealing the Messiah as a Wonderful Counselor, God’s people were reminded that God had a divine plan for hope and deliverance. The Wonderful Counselor would arrive to guide them them through their worst. He would lead them as their Perfect King. Jesus fulfills Isaiah’s prophecy; as our Wonderful Counselor, He gives us hope regardless of our troubles and leads us to victory.

Main Passage

6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
- Isaiah 9:6 (KJV)

12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. 13 You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.
- Jeremiah 29:12

15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.
- Hebrews 4:15

9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.
- Isaiah 55:9

Discussion Questions

1. Tell us about one situation where you need God’s wisdom. Ask God for understanding, clarity, and peace today.

2. What’s one area in your life where you’re having a hard time trusting God? How can you grow in your understanding of who God is this week? How can you know Him more, so you can trust Him more?

3. To whom can you share what you’ve just learned about Jesus being our Wonderful Counselor? How can you encourage that person this week?