What is SOAP?

SOAP is an acronym for: Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. As you prepare for participating in City Group this week, we invite you to write down your thoughts in a journal. Journaling is a great way to record and process your thoughts & what God is sharing with you.

Week of December 7th
Peace For Your Anxious Mind

OVERVIEW

Advent 2026 has started!! We are so excited for the Christmas season as we wait with great anticipation for the coming and return of our Saviour. Ever notice how Christmas amplifies everything? The good becomes great while the hard things feel harder. But Christmas doesn’t have to be either great or hard. There’s a hope that overcomes anything. On a silent night, a light broke through the darkness. The world watched in awe as love stepped in. Jesus changed everything—including the life that’s possible for us. We can experience the wonder of our Savior. Together lets reflect on the hope, peace, joy, and love found in Him with our series, Focus.

KEY POINTS

This time of year, we see “peace” everywhere, but sometimes we struggle to feel peace in our hearts. Through Jesus, we have peace with God and the peace of God. Peace isn’t found in the absence of problems, but in the presence of God.

  • Not only is peace possible for you, but it is a promise that applies directly to your life.
  • The Prince of Peace gives us two types of peace: He gives us Peace with God, and Jesus gives us the Peace of God. 

SCRIPTURE

As we read aloud through these verses, let's pause, reflect, and listen for what Holy Spirit might be saying to you through the Word of God.

Key scriptures from Sunday.

  • John 14:27 NIV “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

  • Philippians 4:6-7 NIV Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and
    petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all
    understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Additional scriptures:

  •  Luke 2:14 NLT
  • Isaiah 9:6 NIV
  • 2 Corinthians 5:21 NIV
  • Isaiah 26:3 NLT
  • Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV

OBSERVATION

There's peace everywhere but it raises the BIG question, during the Christmas season, why do we see peace everywhere but don't feel peace in our hearts? Why do we see the word peace everywhere and for many of us, we don't have peace in our hearts. In fact, it was actually Jesus who promised us His peace. Lets dig deep and see wht Holy Spirit has to say in our discussion groups.

Q. 1. Share about a time when you felt God’s peace despite having problems or difficulties. What did you learn about God through that experience?

Q.2. Talk about an area of your life that’s missing peace. Are you trying to control something that’s not yours to control? How can you surrender that to God?

Q.3. What do you think of when you hear the word “peace”? Share one thing that brings you peace.

Personal Reflection Question:

  • Read John 14:27 and Philippians 4:6-7. How is Jesus’ peace different from the peace of the world? How can His peace impact the way you respond to hardships and trials?

APPLICATION

  • This week:Find one way to share God’s peace with someone this week. Be ready to talk about it with your City Group in a group message throughout the week.

  • Start the Bible Plan Advent: A 25-Day Countdown to Christmas using Plans With Friends: Advent Plan

  • Consider how you could love others by serving on a team this Sunday at BeLoved.

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us perfect peace through Jesus. We know that Your peace comes when we lean on You instead of on our own understanding. Please help us trust You this holiday season. In Jesus’ name, amen.

WATCH THE MESSAGE LISTEN TO THE MESSAGE
Next Steps

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  • Invite. Everyone is only one invitation away from coming to church with you. We are here to reach 1% of our city. Take a step, be bold, bring someone to church with you Sunday.
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  • Serve. Jesus came to serve rather than to be served. Love on others like Jesus by jumping on a team and serving on the weekend at BeLoved. Help move God's great Church forward.
  • Get baptized. Congratulations! Take a step to "Go ALL IN for Jesus." Register online at belovedchurch.ca/baptism