Deep Dive into Ken's Message from April 27, 2025
Below you will find Bible study questions, discussion questions and a full small group discussion guide (pdf download)
DIG DEEPER INTO THE MESSAGE WITH THESE BIBLE STUDY QUESTIONS
- The sermon mentions that Jesus’s birth places him “clearly in history.” Why is the historical reality of Jesus important to the Christian faith? How does this affect your personal faith?
- Ken states that “belief in the virgin birth is one of the great fault lines of the Christian faith.” What does he mean by this, and why is the virgin birth so central to Christian doctrine?
- Read Luke 1:26-38. What strikes you about Mary’s response to the angel Gabriel? How might her example of faith inform your own response to God’s calling?
- The sermon draws parallels between the Holy Spirit “overshadowing” Mary and other instances of God’s presence in the Old Testament. What significance do you find in these connections?
- How does the sermon help you understand the relationship between Jesus’ divinity and his humanity? Why are both aspects essential to Christian faith?
- The sermon emphasizes the scale of the universe to highlight the wonder of incarnation. How does considering God as Creator of everything impact your understanding of His decision to become human?
- Ken states, “God became one with man so that we could become one with God.” What does this statement mean to you personally? How does it affect how you live your faith?
- Reflect on Philippians 2:5-8 (quoted at the end of the sermon). What does Christ’s humility in the incarnation teach us about how we should approach our own lives?
- The sermon describes the incarnation as “a miracle on the order of God saying, ‘let there be light.'” In what ways is the virgin birth both similar to and different from other miracles in Scripture?
- How does the doctrine of incarnation help answer questions about who Jesus claimed to be? How might you explain this concept to someone unfamiliar with Christianity?
- Ken concludes with the invitation, “Whatever he wills for you, will you, like Mary say, ‘The servant of the Lord. May it be to me according to your word’?” What might this look like in your life right now?
- The sermon connects Jesus’ birth through Mary directly to his sacrifice on the cross. How does understanding the purpose of the incarnation deepen your appreciation for communion (mentioned at the end of the sermon)?
DISCUSSION-STYLE QUESTIONS
- Ken mentions that Jesus’ birth was “celebrated by his parents, some kings and shepherds, an angelic host and farm animals.” How do the different responses to Jesus’ birth reflect the various ways people might respond to Christ today?
- The sermon emphasizes that Jesus was born at a specific point in history. How does knowing Jesus was a real historical figure, not a myth or legend, impact your faith and how you might share it with others?
- Mary responded to Gabriel’s announcement with “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” Share about a time when God called you to something unexpected. How did you respond?
- Ken describes the incarnation as “the astounding truth that the God of the universe stepped into the universe.” What aspects of the incarnation do you find most difficult to comprehend? Which aspects are most meaningful to you?
- The sermon draws connections between the Holy Spirit “overshadowing” Mary and God’s presence in the tabernacle. How does this imagery help you understand God’s desire to dwell among His people?
- Ken points out that “belief in the virgin birth is one of the great fault lines of the Christian faith.” How would you respectfully discuss this belief with someone who finds it impossible to accept?
- The sermon contrasts the immensity of the universe with the humility of Christ in the manger and on the cross. Share how this contrast affects your understanding of God’s love and sacrifice.
- Ken states, “God became man so that we could become one with God.” What does this statement mean for your daily life as a Christian?
- The sermon concludes with the challenging question: “That’s what He did for you. What will you not do for him?” How does contemplating the incarnation inspire your commitment to Christ?
- How has this sermon changed or deepened your understanding of communion and its connection to the incarnation?
- Ken describes faith as “what pleases God” and necessary for believing in the virgin birth. How do you navigate matters of faith that seem impossible from a human perspective?
- The sermon emphasizes that Jesus “experienced the full spectrum of human life.” How does knowing that God personally experienced human existence affect how you bring your struggles and joys to Him?
