Jamie Haxby

Hope / Jamie Haxby
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Slow Down and Behold Him

Study Guide for Sermon on Luke 2:8-20: “Slow Down and Behold Him”

Opening Prayer

Begin with a prayer inviting God to reveal His presence and truth through this study. Ask for an open heart to rediscover the wonder of Jesus’ birth and its significance for your life.

Scripture Passage: Luke 2:8-20

“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.

But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord.’”
(Luke 2:8-11)

Key Themes from the Sermon

  • God Chooses the Unlikely
    • The shepherds, considered lowly and ordinary, were the first to hear the news of Jesus’ birth.
    • “He uses the unlikely and the ordinary to do the impossible and the extraordinary.”
  • Behold the Good News
    • The angel’s call to “behold” invites us to pause and deeply consider the significance of Jesus’ coming.
    • “To behold is to look more than once… It’s taking time carefully to examine something.”
  • Respond with Wonder and Praise
    • The shepherds’ reaction was awe and action, while Mary treasured and pondered God’s work in her heart.
    • “Don’t get so busy that you miss the peace Jesus gives.”
  • God’s Glory is Greater Than Our Troubles
    • Reflecting on God’s glory helps reframe our struggles in light of His power and presence.
    • “The weight of His glory is so much greater, and He is with you in this.”

Discussion Questions

Understanding the Passage

  • Why do you think God chose the shepherds to first receive the news of Jesus’ birth?
  • What does the angel’s command to “behold” mean for us today?

Applying the Message

  • How can we “behold” Jesus during this busy season, rather than just glimpse at Him?
  • Think about the shepherds’ response to the angel’s message. How does their immediate obedience challenge or inspire you?

Personal Reflection

  • Like Mary, how can you treasure and ponder the work of God in your life this Christmas?
  • What steps can you take to slow down and focus on the glory of God rather than the pressures of the season?

Application Prompts

  • Beholding the Good News
    • Spend five minutes in silence reflecting on the miracle of Jesus’ birth.
    • Write down one way Jesus has brought peace or light into your life recently.
  • Sharing the Good News
    • Consider one way you can share the hope of Jesus with someone this week.
  • Releasing Your Worries
    • Reflect on a current worry or burden. Pray and release it to God, trusting in His glory and goodness.

Prayer Prompts

  • Praise and Thanksgiving
    • Thank God for sending Jesus as Emmanuel, “God with us.”
    • Praise Him for His faithfulness and the ways His glory has been evident in your life.
  • Confession and Refocus
    • Confess any ways you’ve been distracted by busyness or worry. Ask God to help you slow down and truly behold Him this Christmas.
  • Intercession
    • Pray for those who feel far from God this season, asking Him to draw near and reveal His peace and love.
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Reclaiming Hope in the Darkness






Study Guide for Isaiah 9


Study Guide for Isaiah 9: Reclaiming Hope in the Darkness

Opening Reflection

  • Reflect on a time when you experienced a major, unexpected change in your life. How did it shape your perspective?
  • Consider the illustration of Mia from The Princess Diaries. How does her transformation mirror the transformative promise in Isaiah 9?

Understanding the Context

Key Points:

  • Isaiah prophesied during a dark time for Israel when they faced destruction and exile.
  • Amid judgment, Isaiah brings hope: “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light” (v. 2).

Discussion Questions:

  • What does the “deep darkness” symbolize in Isaiah’s context? What might it represent for us today?
  • How does Isaiah’s message of hope in the midst of despair resonate with you personally?

The Great Change

Key Sermon Highlights:

  • The promise of light breaking into darkness transforms everything:
    • Anxiety becomes joy.
    • Oppression turns to freedom.
    • War gives way to peace.
  • Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of this change:
    • Wonderful Counselor: Offering wisdom.
    • Mighty God: Demonstrating power.
    • Everlasting Father: Providing love and protection.
    • Prince of Peace: Bringing reconciliation.

Discussion Questions:

  • How do the titles of Jesus in verses 6–7 reveal the nature of God’s promise to His people?
  • What does it mean for Jesus to be a “light” in our individual lives and the world today?
  • Which aspect of this transformation (e.g., joy, freedom, peace) do you long for most? Why?

Living in the Tension

Key Sermon Highlights:

  • Even as Christians, we often feel the tension between the promise of transformation and the ongoing struggles of life.
  • Moments of worship, gratitude, and prayer give us “tastes” of the full peace and joy to come.

Discussion Questions:

  • Why do you think Christians can still experience darkness despite knowing the “great light”?
  • Share a moment when you felt the peace or joy described in Isaiah 9. How did that sustain you?

Application Questions:

  • How can you actively seek the light of Jesus in your current struggles?
  • In what ways can you bring hope to others walking in darkness?

Prayer Prompts

  • Adoration: Praise God for His wisdom, power, love, and peace.
  • Confession: Acknowledge areas where you’ve walked in darkness or lost sight of His light.
  • Thanksgiving: Thank God for moments of joy, peace, and hope in your life.
  • Supplication: Ask for a deeper experience of His presence and transformation in your life and community.

Challenge for the Week

  • Reflect on one area of your life that feels dark or overwhelming. Commit it to God in prayer daily, asking Him to bring light and transformation.
  • Consider inviting someone to join you at church or a small group to share in the light of Christ.


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Reclaiming Masculinity and Fighting the Good Fight






Reclaiming Masculinity and Fighting the Good Fight


Reclaiming Masculinity and Fighting the Good Fight

The Silent Gender Shift in Church

Have you noticed that the majority of people engaging in church activities—prayer meetings, worship, social media interactions—are women? Week after week, the same faces lead prayers, serve on rotas, and step forward for ministry, predominantly women. It’s a quiet trend, but one that raises a critical question: Where are the men?

This isn’t a critique of men, nor is it a call to dismiss the powerful contributions of women. Instead, it’s a moment to reflect on the broader cultural and spiritual dynamics at play.

The Cultural Decline of Masculinity

Over the past decade, masculinity has faced widespread criticism. Conversations around toxic masculinity, gender inequality, and patriarchy have reshaped societal views. While these discussions have unearthed important truths, they’ve also bred a cultural disdain for masculinity itself. For many men, being a “man” now feels like wearing a badge of shame.

This shift has left many men disengaged. Shame, isolation, and feelings of inadequacy drive them to check out, escape into hobbies, or drown in anger and frustration. The result? Fewer men stepping up in the spaces where they are most needed, like the church.

The Spiritual Battle at Play

This struggle isn’t just cultural—it’s deeply spiritual. Scripture reminds us that we are in a battle not just against societal norms but against a greater spiritual enemy. As C.S. Lewis said in The Screwtape Letters, Satan doesn’t always tempt us with dramatic sins. Often, distractions—like binge-watching shows, endless scrolling, or misplaced priorities—are enough to immobilize us.

Men are uniquely equipped for this battle. Historically, they’ve demonstrated loyalty, resilience, and determination—qualities needed now more than ever in the church. Yet, these traits are being subdued by shame and a cultural narrative that diminishes the value of masculinity.

A Call to Arms

The church needs men to rise. Not in opposition to women, but alongside them, embracing their God-given roles as warriors in the spiritual fight. Ephesians 6 reminds us to put on the full armor of God, ready to stand against the devil’s schemes. This requires discipline, focus, and a commitment to show up—whether that’s leading at home, serving in ministry, or simply being present in worship.

Men, you are not called to passivity or apathy. You are called to duty. The church doesn’t need perfection; it needs presence. Even when shame whispers that you’re not worthy, remember: God equips those He calls.

The Time Is Now

Masculinity isn’t inherently toxic. It’s time to reclaim its virtues—strength, sacrifice, loyalty—and use them to fight for the church, your families, and your communities. This battle isn’t one of physical might but of spiritual discipline and intentionality.

So let’s stand together. Let’s reject distractions, overcome shame, and embrace the fight we’ve been called to. The church needs you. The time is now.

Reflect, Pray, Act:

  • Reflect: Where might shame or distraction be holding you back?
  • Pray: Ask God for strength to fight the good fight.
  • Act: Take one step today to re-engage—with your family, your church, or your faith journey.

God has equipped you for this battle. Will you rise to the call?


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How to pastorally care for each other




Study Guide: Galatians 6

Study Guide: Galatians 6

Group or Individual Study

This guide is designed to deepen your understanding of Galatians 6, engage with its key themes, and encourage personal and communal reflection and application.

Key Themes and Notes from the Sermon

  1. Sin as Burden

    • Paul equates sins with burdens. These can be personal sins or the sins of others that weigh us down through trauma.
    • “Our disobedience to God and our own selfishness…cause us to be weighed down and less than fully alive.”
  2. Carrying Each Other’s Burdens

    • Sharing and listening to others’ burdens fulfills the law of Christ: to love others as He loved us (John 13:34).
    • “We take other people’s burdens, and then Jesus takes our burdens from us.”
  3. Humility in Pastoral Care

    • Pastoral care is about listening, empathizing, and leading people to Jesus—not fixing them.
    • “One of the best things we can do is lift their burdens off them and take them to the cross by praying with them.”
  4. Boasting in Christ Alone

    • Confidence and hope are rooted in Jesus’ victory over sin and death, not in human ability.
    • “The thing that makes the difference is Jesus Christ! I boast alone in Christ!”
  5. Practical Steps for Burden-Bearing

    • Be present, listen, empathize, and pray with people in their pain.
    • Take their burdens to the cross and trust God to bring healing and transformation.
    • Avoid unsolicited advice and focus on pointing others to Christ.

Discussion Questions

Understanding the Passage

  1. Read Galatians 6:1-10. How does Paul describe the role of Christians in supporting one another?
  2. What does it mean to “fulfill the law of Christ”? How does this relate to bearing each other’s burdens?
  3. Why is humility essential in helping others? How does Paul warn against pride in verse 3?

Reflection on the Sermon

  1. Have you experienced a time when someone helped you carry a burden? What impact did it have on you?
  2. How does understanding that “the power to lift burdens comes through Jesus” shape the way you support others?
  3. Why is it important to listen without offering unsolicited advice? How can you ensure your help points others to Jesus?

Application

  1. Is there someone in your life right now who needs help carrying their burden? What steps can you take to walk with them?
  2. How can you better surrender your own burdens to Christ to increase your capacity to help others?
  3. Are there ways your group or church could more effectively create space for burden-sharing and prayer?

Prayer Prompts

  • Thanksgiving: Thank God for His ultimate burden-bearing through Jesus.
  • Confession: Acknowledge times when you’ve been unwilling to share or carry burdens.
  • Intercession: Pray for those in your life who are weighed down by burdens. Ask for wisdom to walk with them and take their burdens to Jesus.
  • Surrender: Ask for greater humility and reliance on Christ in your pastoral care of others.

Encouragement

Paul’s teaching reminds us that the gospel is about transformation through Christ. As you bear others’ burdens and bring them to the cross, trust that the Holy Spirit will work powerfully—not through your strength, but through God’s grace.


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Building on the Rock

Study Guide: Building on the Rock

Bible Passage: Matthew 7:24–29

Opening Reflection

Begin by reading Matthew 7:24–29 aloud. Reflect on Jesus’ vivid imagery of the wise and foolish builders.

Key Question to Discuss:

  • What do you think it means to “build your house on the rock”?

Main Points from the Sermon

1. Storms Will Come

Life brings storms—difficulties, challenges, uncertainties—but Jesus is our sure foundation.

“When we build our house on the rock, we know that whatever happens, Jesus is still Lord.”

Discussion Questions:

  • What are some “storms” you’ve faced or seen others face?
  • How do worldly solutions compare with building on Jesus as the Rock?

2. The Promise of “But God” Moments

The Bible is filled with stories where things seemed impossible, but God intervened (e.g., David, Joseph, Epaphroditus, and Jesus’ resurrection).

“The Bible is full of followers of God falling, their lives crumbling, bad things happening, but God is there.”

Discussion Questions:

  • Can you share a “but God” moment in your life?
  • How does remembering these stories strengthen your faith during trials?

3. Building with Intention

Building on the rock requires intentional effort: trusting God, following His guidance, and living out His teachings.

“The Holy Spirit is our planning permission. We need to do the groundwork.”

Discussion Questions:

  • How can we make practical decisions to build our lives on Jesus’ teachings?
  • What areas of your life might need some “renovation” to align with Jesus’ way?

4. Helping Others Rebuild

The church is called not only to build its foundation on Christ but also to help others rebuild their lives on Him.

“What if we raised a new city out of the wreckage for Him?”

Discussion Questions:

  • How can we share hope with others whose “houses” are crumbling?
  • What opportunities exist in your community to demonstrate Jesus’ love?

Application Questions

  • How can you prioritize time with Jesus daily to strengthen your foundation?
  • Are there teachings from the Sermon on the Mount that you find particularly challenging? How can you begin to practice them?
  • In what ways can you be part of “rebuilding the ruins” in your church, family, or city?

Prayer Prompts

  1. Thanksgiving: Praise God for being the unshakable Rock in a world of uncertainty.
  2. Confession: Acknowledge areas where you’ve built on sand and ask for guidance to rebuild on the Rock.
  3. Intercession: Pray for those in your life or community who are experiencing storms and need Jesus as their foundation.
  4. Commitment: Ask for strength to live out Jesus’ teachings, no matter the challenges.

Encouragement for the Week

Reflect on Isaiah 43:19: “See, I am doing a new thing!” Look for ways God is working in your life and through you to help others.

Contact Info

Hope Church Lancaster

Psalm 119:114

'You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in Your word.'

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Hope Church is a part of the Free Methodist Church UK

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