Sermon Notes: Epiphany of Love (Exodus 34:6–7, Colossians 3:1–17)
Preached by Pastor Paulo Andrade, GBC Parkhill, Feb 8th, 2026
1. The season of Epiphany is centered on revelation, celebrating the fact that our eternal God is ____________________ and has chosen to make Himself known to us.
2. Rather than being occasional qualities, the message emphasizes that words such as compassion, grace, and patience define the ______________________ of who God is.
3. In His self-revelation to Moses in the book of Exodus, God describes Himself as ______________and _____________, abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.
4. Unlike the volatile gods of other ancient civilizations, Pastor Paulo explains that the true God’s power is manifested not in ____________________, but in His graciousness and patience.
5. Because Jesus and the Father are ____________________, Jesus is uniquely qualified to teach us about God’s nature and show us the Father’s heart.
6. A key insight from the message is that God has __________ His __________ __________ on us so that we may be called “children of God.”
7. Just as children often resemble their parents, those who receive a new life in Christ are given a ____________________ that resembles their Heavenly Father.
8. Behaviors like greed, anger, and slander are in opposition to our identity because __________ seeks to destroy love and fracture relationships.
9. Believers are called to “clothe” themselves with virtues like humility and kindness, but above all, we are to put on _______________, which binds everything together in perfect unity.
10. To live out this revelation practically, we are challenged us to move beyond temporary symbols and choose ____________, ___________ and ____________
in our families, workplaces, and social media interactions.
Answer Key: 1. discoverable, 2. nature, 3. compassionate and gracious, 4. rage or anger, 5. one, 6. lavished (great) love, 7. new nature (or new identity), 8. sin, 9. love, 10. patience, kindness, and gentleness (or love in action)
Grace Collectives Study Guide: The Upside-Down Power of the Cross
1 Corinthians 1:18–31 | Matthew 5:1–12
Epiphany Series by Pastor Paulo Andrade
To enhance your group or individual study, here is a set of small group discussion questions designed to help your group dive deeper into the themes of sacrifice, wisdom, and the kingdom of God as preached by Pastor Paulo.
Exploring Divine Revelation:
- Pastor Paulo mentioned that God often reveals Himself in “unexpected ways” like a manger or a cross rather than a palace. In your own life, have you ever looked for God in a “spectacle” only to find Him in a “gentle whisper” instead?
- Pastor Paulo notes that while God created the universe with a “burst of light,” He chose a cross for His “ultimate self-revelation”. Why do you think God chose a symbol of defeat to show His greatest power?
Wisdom vs. Information:
- We live in an age rich with information but “poor in wisdom”. How can we tell the difference between “human knowledge,” which can be contaminated by pride, and the “true wisdom” found in Jesus?
- Pastor Paulo shared that in the medieval period, Theology was the “Queen of the Sciences” because it gave purpose to all other knowledge. What happens to our perspective of the world when we make our own intellect the “source of wisdom” instead of God?
Redefining Strength and Power
- The Roman Empire used the cross as a “billboard” to terrify and “crush dissenting voices”. How does Jesus’ use of the cross as a “pulpit” of love change the way we should respond to people who oppose us?
- We are often told that strength means “handling it yourself”. Based on the sermon, what does “real strength” look like in the middle of a personal storm or disappointment?
Living the “Upside-Down” Life
- Looking at the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:1–12), which of the qualities Jesus blesses (e.g., being a peacemaker, being merciful, or mourning) do you find the most difficult to practice in today’s “economy of power?”
- Pastor Paulo challenged the congregation to choose “faithfulness over recognition” and “humility over hype”. What is one practical area of your life this week where you can “take up your cross” and prioritize God’s kingdom over temporary power?
Fill-In Message Guide: “Come & See”
John 1:29–42 Pastor Paulo Jan 18th 2026
Please fill in the blanks below as you reflect on today’s message.
1. The word Epiphany comes from the Greek word epiphaneia, which means appearance, manifestation, or ________________.
2. While often used casually to describe a sudden insight, in the life of the Church, Epiphany means God making Himself known publicly, visibly, and ________________.
3. Pastor Paulo notes that Epiphany is not a passive endeavor; it involves seeking the light of the world and responding to ________________.
4. When John the Baptist declared, “Look! The Lamb of God,” his Jewish audience understood this not as a sentimental image, but as a ________________ one.
5. Every lamb in the Old Testament sacrificial system declared that sin is serious, forgiveness is costly, and ________________ is required.
6. The Greek word for “takes away” is airō, which means to lift, bear, and ________________.
7. Instead of religion (a human movement toward God), in Jesus we discover grace, which is a ________________ movement toward us.
8. The baptism of Jesus provides a Divine Epiphany of the Triune God, where the Son is in the water, the Spirit descends like a dove, and the ________________ testifies from heaven.
9. When the first disciples began to follow Jesus, He gave them a simple, three-word invitation: “________________”.
10. We currently live in a time between revelation and anticipation, looking forward to the one final Epiphany: the ________________ of Christ.
Answer Key: 1. Revelation, 2. Unmistakably, 3. His glory, 4. Sacrificial, 5. Blood, 6. remove completely, 7. Divine, 8. Father, 9. Come and see, 10. second coming.
Grace Collective: Leaders & Facilitator Teaching Guide
This guide is designed to help you further reflect or lead your small group through the key revelations of the Epiphany season as shared by Pastor Paulo. Use the following statements and questions to spark dialogue and deeper reflection.
I. Epiphany – The Core Revelation: Who is Jesus?
• Key Statement: The season of Epiphany—from the Greek word epiphaneia—is not just about a sudden “A-ha!” moment; it is when the Church celebrates God making Himself known publicly, visibly, and unmistakably.
◦ Discussion Question: Based on the Greek meaning of epiphaneia (appearance or manifestation), how does this formal definition of Epiphany challenge the way we typically seek God, through “signs” or “insights” in our daily lives?
• Key Statement: When John the Baptist calls Jesus the “Lamb of God,” he is using a term that was sacrificial, not sentimental, signaling to his audience that sin is serious and forgiveness is costly.
◦ Discussion Question: Pastor Paulo notes that every lamb in the Jewish sacrificial system declared that “blood as the lifeline” is required; why is it vital for us to see Jesus as the sacrifice that we need but cannot provide for ourselves? How do we respond to this underserved love?
• Key Statement: The Greek word for “takes away” is airō, which means to lift, bear, carry, and remove completely.
◦ Discussion Question: If Jesus removes sin rather than just covering it, how does this change the way we approach the “unseen weights” of regret, shame, and guilt we might be carrying into this new year? What is the difference between repentance and feeling bad we were caught?
II. The Nature of God’s Movement
• Key Statement: In Jesus, we discover that the Gospel is not religion (a human movement toward God), but grace (a Divine movement toward us).
◦ Discussion Question: Reflecting on the “Footprints” poem mentioned in the message, how does the image of God carrying us when our strength is gone illustrate the difference between “trying harder” and “resting in grace?”
• Key Statement: The baptism of Jesus at the Jordan River serves as a Divine Epiphany of the Triune God, where the nature of the Father, Son, and Spirit steps clearly into view.
◦ Discussion Question: How does the specific imagery of the Son in the water, the Spirit descending like a dove, and the Father’s voice testifying from heaven help us understand that God is present and active in our world?
III. Our Response: Come and See
• Key Statement: Jesus’ first invitation was the simple phrase “Come and see,” which carried no pressure or prerequisites for the disciples to have their lives in order first.
◦ Discussion Question: Since the invitation is for the “broken and needy” to come as they are, what specific “pre-requisites” do we often mistakenly feel we need to meet before we can truly follow Jesus?
• Key Statement: We currently live in a state of anticipation, recognizing that while Christ has been revealed, there is still one final Epiphany—His second coming—for which we must “keep watch.”
◦ Discussion Question: Knowing that Jesus is “at the door,” what are practical ways we can allow His example to shape our character, words, and actions as we wait for His return?
IV. Practical Application: Living the Message
To move from “revelation to response”, encourage your group to commit to these actions this week:
1. Identify Where He is Staying: Pastor Paulo challenges us to find where Jesus is moving—often among the broken—and join Him there. Identify one local need or person in distress and commit to being “where Jesus is” for them this week.
2. Practice “The Next Day” Obedience: Epiphany requires a “next moment” response. Choose one teaching of Jesus (e.g., forgiveness, humility, or generosity) and apply it to a specific situation you may face tomorrow.
3. Extend a Low-Pressure Invitation: Emulate the “Come and See” model. Invite someone to join you for a Sunday gathering at GBC, or a conversation about faith, remember that they don’t need to “fix” anything before they come.
4. Daily Repentance as Hope: Instead of viewing repentance as a judgmental burden, treat it as releasing weight to the Lamb who carries it for you. End each day this week by consciously handing over one regret to Him.
Facilitator Note: Remind the group that they do not need to “figure things out” before following Jesus. The goal is simply to be willing to follow the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.
Message Overview / Follow Along: What to Bring the King
Speaker: Pastor Paulo Andrade | Date: January 11, 2026
Base Bible Reading: Matthew 2:1–12
- The Rhythm of Seeking: While the Orthodox Church celebrates Christmas on Jan 7th, we’re entering the season of _______________. As we follow the Christmas story, we see shepherds rushing to Bethlehem in angelic wonder, the Magi traveled with _______________ __________________ seeking the one born King of the Jews.
- The Courage to Seek: Seeking Jesus is rarely ________________; it is often a long and difficult process that costs time, money, and at times even our __________________. Pastor Paulo describes this seeking as an Impulse of __________________ that begins with a movement of the heart, soul, and mind.
- The Threat of a New King: King Herod and the religious establishment were by the news of a newborn king. Herod didn’t reject Jesus because he lacked _______________, but because Jesus was a threat to his _____________ and ______________. We at times, act like Herod when we seek our own ___________________ instead of God’s.
- Worship with Meaning: The Magi did not bring leftovers; they brought __________. and ______________ gifts:
• Gold: Acknowledging Jesus as _________________.
• Frankincense: Recognizing His _________________.
• Myrrh: Foreshadowing His _____________________. - A Changed Direction: After encountering Jesus, the Magi returned home by ___________ ____________ . Meeting Jesus _______________ us and requires us to be willing to ____________ _____________.
6. Conclusion: The greatest gift you can bring the King is your_____________________.
Answer Key 1. Epiphany; Spiritual Curiosity 2. Convenient; Status; faith 3. Disturbed; Information; Power and control; Kingdom 4. Symbolic and costly; King; Divinity; Suffering 5. Another route; Transforms; Change direction, 6. Self / Presence
Go Deeper: Grace Collectives Small Groups & Personal Study Guide
Message Title: What to Bring the King – Base Bible Reading: Matthew 2:1–12
- Comparing the Seekers: Pastor Paulo points out that while the shepherds arrived in “angelic wonder,” the Magi traveled for weeks or months out of “spiritual curiosity”. In your own walk with God, do you find yourself more often moved by sudden “wonders” or by a long, curious process of seeking? How would you evaluate your Spiritual Awareness?
- The Inconvenience of Faith: According to Pastor Paulo, seeking God is rarely convenient and often involves leaving behind routines, duties, and status. As you reflect on the past year, are there routines, duties (and ?) that you find got in the way of your relationship with God? What are some ways, we can make a difference this year?
- Knowledge vs. Movement: The religious leaders in Jerusalem were familiar with the prophecies but “missed the signs,” while the Magi traveled from a far-off land to worship. How can we prevent our “religious (head0 knowledge” from becoming a substitute for actual movement toward Jesus? What ways do we get “stuck” in knowing facts & religious practices yet, not being changed/transformed?
- The “Herod” Within: Pastor Paulo suggests we act like Herod when we seek our own power and status. Why is it often easier to accept Jesus as a “rescue plan” than as a “ruling presence” (Jesus as Saviour – but not Lord) in our daily lives?
- Offering Our Best: The Magi’s gifts were “symbolic, costly expressions of their faith” rather than “leftovers”. If you were to offer Jesus a gift today that represents your “best” rather than your “leftovers,” what would that look like in terms of your time or talents? What about in our daily routines/priorities?
- The “Another Route” Principle: The Magi returned by a different way, suggesting they were transformed by their encounter with Jesus. Can you share a time when your relationship with Christ forced you to “change direction” from a path that seemed comfortable or expected? How did it make you feel, What did you learn?
- The Ultimate Gift: Pastor Paulo concludes that God does not require sacrifices, but rather for us to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly. Since the “greatest gift we bring to the King is you,” what is one practical way you can offer your “presence” to God this week/Year?