The Lord favors the poor in spirit over the arrogant The Lord came to heal and save the .(verses 14-21) The Lord rejects those who . (verses 22-30) The Lord prefers foreigners with faith over Jews relying on their . (verses 23-27) Applying God's Word to Life How does Jesus’ choice to seek and save the downtrodden make you feel? Why did Jesus aim His ministry to the downtrodden? Can you be poor in spirit without being poor? How can an arrogant person become poor in spirit? The Jews in Jesus’ hometown rejected Him. Have people close to you rejected you because of your faith? Talk about that. The Jews felt slighted because Jesus performed miracles all around, but not His hometown. Did Jesus owe it to them to do miracles? Do you feel you are entitled to certain privileges because you are a Christian? Privileges in the church? Special consideration by the government? Do you feel uncomfortable around foreigners, people of a different ethnicity, or people with disabilities? What is Jesus’ attitude toward them? Tell us of a pleasant encounter with someone different than you. Do you think the Lord was involved? Immigration is a politically hot topic today. Should that influence whether or not we should reach out to immigrants. What are some ways you and the church can reach out to the influx of immigrants? Announcements Advent Starts Today: Hope Community Church is giving each family an advent devotional book “The Dawning of Indestructible Joy” by John Piper. You can find them on the welcome table. Contact us if you do not receive one and would like one. Women's Prayer Brunch: This Saturday, December 7 at 10:00 a.m. at Joan Maus's home (26756 State Hwy 55, Glenwood). RSVP to Joan by text or call at 320-760-8729. New Bible Study Starting this Wednesday, Dec. 4: at Central Square in Glenwood, room 109 from 6:30-8:00 p.m. The study will use the book “Ephesians: Our Immeasurable Blessings in Christ” by John MacArthur. Contact Randy Ihnen (320) 760-7102 or Mandy Slotten (320) 424-0839 if you are interested and need a book. Updated Picture Directories are Done: You can pick one up from the welcome table. Christmas Eve Candlelight Service: Tuesday, December 24 at 4:30 p.m. at Central Square Auditorium and on livestream. There will not be a nursery, but the community room will be open for parents and nursery age children. Refreshments and fellowship before and after the service. Preschool Open Gym: This Friday, December 6 from 10:00-11:30 a.m. This is a free event for young children and their caretakers. Invite friends and enjoy free time at Central Square gym in Glenwood. Youth Group: for grades 5-12. Wednesdays from 6:40-8:05 p.m. at Central Square Gym. Sermon Based Small Group: Wednesdays at 6:45 p.m. at the Starbuck site. Attend when you are able.