Sunday, April 24, 2016

"Life Goes On" - Genesis 49:28-50:14 (April 24, 2016)

1. Have someone read the passage aloud.
2. In v. 29 we're told that Jacob in his death would be "gathered to his people." Why is this a hopeful statement?
3. How do our lives reflect a greater concern for our present life than our future life? Why do we have this disproportion?
4. How does the everlasting life effect our present life?
5. Ryan referenced the end of A Mighty Fortress is Our God, the first hymn we sang, he commented on how the it ends, "His kingdom is forever." What makes this hard to see in our world? Why is this important to believe?
6. How can we live today in light of God's forever kingdom?

Sermon Outline:
1. For the dead

2. For the living

3. For the kingdom

Sunday, April 17, 2016

"Lord of the Future" - Genesis 49:1-28 (April 17, 2016)

1. Have someone read the passage aloud.
2. What are things in your future that take up your thoughts?
3. How do you generally respond to the uncertainties of the future?
4. What are the disappointments that the brothers would have experienced when hearing their blessings?
5. How do we see God's goodness over the future in this passage?
6. How does God's future promise benefit our present hope?

Sermon Outline:
1. Facing Profound Disaapointments
   a. Consequences
   b. Contrasts & Comparisons
   c. Uncertainties

2. Resting in Radical Hope
   a. Hope's source
   b. Hope's attitude
   c. Hope's promise

Monday, April 11, 2016

"Is it any surprise?" Genesis 47:29-48:22 (April 10, 2016)

1. Have someone read the passage aloud.
2. How do you feel about surprises? If you don't like them, why?
3. How does our culture of control hinder our ability to enjoy a surprise?
4. In this passage, where do we see portions of previous occasions repeating?
5. Why is Jacob's statement about God being his shepherd all his days, a surprising one?
6. How should we respond to the messes and mistakes of our lives?