Miracles: The Virgin Birth
Group Leader Guide
Sermon Recap 🎬
In this message, Pastor John Mark focuses on the significance of the virgin birth and the miracles associated with the Christmas story, highlighting the importance of God's plan that began long before Christ's birth. He reflects on the biblical narrative of Zechariah and Elizabeth, who remained faithful despite their struggles with barrenness, and contrasts it with the miraculous conception of Jesus through Mary. Pastor emphasizes that the virgin birth was essential for Jesus to be without a sinful nature, enabling His ultimate sacrifice for humanity's salvation. He invites listeners to embrace God's offer of salvation, moving from spiritual death to spiritual life.
Ice Breaker 🧊
If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, but it could be any food, what would it be and why?
Discussion Questions 💬
Why is the virgin birth of Jesus considered a miracle, and how does it differ from other miracles mentioned in the sermon?
The sermon discusses how the virgin birth is a supernatural miracle done by God, unlike other miracles that involve natural processes.
In what ways can experiencing God's miracles in our own lives change our perspective on challenges we face?
What does the phrase 'the day you eat of it, you will die' mean in the context of Adam and Eve's sin, and how does it relate to spiritual death?
Pastor explains that Adam and Eve did not die physically immediately after eating the fruit but experienced spiritual death by becoming separated from God.
How do you think spiritual death can affect a person's relationship with God today, and what steps can someone take to restore that relationship?
How does understanding the concept of the sin nature help us make sense of why Jesus had to be born of a virgin?
The sermon emphasizes that if Jesus was born from Mary and Joseph, he would inherit a sin nature, thus God made a way for Jesus to be born sinless through virgin birth.
What are some ways we can actively combat our own sin nature in our daily lives?
Pastor mentions how God has a plan and how everything from Genesis to the virgin birth fits together as part of that plan. What does that suggest about God's character?
The sermon illustrates that God's plan is ongoing and intricately woven through history, indicating His deliberate care and involvement in creation.
How can recognizing God's involvement in your life help you feel more hopeful or secure during tough times?
What role does faith play in accepting the miraculous events of the Bible, especially the virgin birth?
The sermon highlights the importance of faith in understanding and accepting the virgin birth and other miracles as part of God's divine plan.
In what areas of your life do you find it most challenging to have faith, and how can you strengthen that faith?
Prayer 🙏
• Pray for an openness to trust in God's timing, just like Zechariah and Elizabeth. • Ask God for strength to remain faithful in the waiting periods of our lives.
• Pray for a clearer understanding of the significance of the virgin birth in our faith. • Request God's guidance to apply the lessons from the sermon in our everyday interactions.
