Monday, May 20, 2019

Numbers 35, “Finding Refuge”, Ryan Laughlin

                                                   

                                                        Sermon Discussion Questions


   1) In Numbers 35, we see that God is instructing His people on how they should structure the Levites land in Canaan. Each tribe was to give a portion to the Levites. 6 cities out of 48 cities designated for the Levites were to used as a “city of refuge.” Why is that important?

2) What do we learn about the character of God in Numbers 35? Who are the cities of refuge meant to help?

3) Sermon quote: “Before we have the family rules, we have the family story...” of God being a refuge for the Israelites when they were outsiders. That family story of God’s grace, love and redemption is a theme throughout God’s Word. Reflect on that quote. (Look at 2 Timothy 1:8-14, Ephesians 2:8)

4) In this passage we see an “expression of God’s priorities.” What are those 2 priorities? (Hint: Listed on bulletin outline)
             A) How does God hold both of those priorities up together?
             B) Are there ways or areas in our own lives that we are numbing ourselves to value life? Or to value justice?

  5) What significance did the high priest’s death have in regard to the cities of refuge?
            A) How do we see the death of the high priest in this context as a clue of what was to come in                Christ?
             B) How do we as believers find refuge and redemption in Christ, our great High Priest?




Monday, May 13, 2019

Numbers 23 & 24, “Blessings & Curses”, Ryan Laughlin

Sermon Discussion Questions Numbers 23 & 24, Ryan Laughlin, “Blessings & Curses”

Context:

King of Moab, Balak is trying to use Balaam (the prophet for hire) to hurl curses on the nation of Israel. The King Balak is concerned about the population of Israel growing, which could threaten him.  3 different times they set up altars to pagan gods in hopes of bringing curses to God’s people. 3 times they try , 3 times they fail and God ends up blessing them instead, through Balaam’s words.

1) What does God to say to Balaam all three times. How is the 3rd interaction different? Look at the text to help below:
a) The first blessing: 23:7-10
b) The second blessing: 23:18-24
c) The third blessing 24:3-9

2) Numbers 23:19 is echoed in other parts of the Bible. After looking at 1 Samuel 15:29, Romans 11:29, Hebrews 6:18.
What was Israel reminded about God and His promises? What are we, as a community of believers reminded about God’s character and His relationship with His people?


3) How did Balak respond to Balaam’s words and God’s blessings? (Numbers 24:10-14)

4) How does Balaam then answer Balak’s anger? (Numbers 24: 15-24)

5) Sermon quote: “God’s love for His people is irrevocable.” How do we see that demonstrated to the nation of Israel in this passage?

6) We are reminded in this passage, God’s love for His people is good news! He loves us because He loves us. He keeps His promises. Our union with Christ is a reality that we can live in now until He comes again.
—Reflect on an area of your life (either silently or shared with the group) where you would ask God to help you believe this truth and live it out in a way that honors Him and His

Monday, May 6, 2019

“God is Your Protector” Numbers 22 Ryan Laughlin





                                                     Sermon Discussion Questions

Context: Numbers 22 takes place near the end of the Israelites journey to Canaan. This group would have been the 2nd generation of Israelites post exodus from Egypt. In chapter 22, the Israelites are in the plains of Moab.

Recap:
       1) After reading the Numbers 22, who are the characters throughout the chapter? Who is Balak and what is his role? Who is Balaam and what part does he play? Israel: How are they responding in this chapter? Other characters in this chapter?

      2) In the sermon, we heard that God protects His people physically and spiritually. How do see that being done in Numbers 22?

      3) God being their protector was not a “new” concept to Israel. Can you reflect on other times in Numbers God had protected them?

      4) God uses Balaam’s donkey and an angel to get his attention. What message was God reinforcing by speaking to him this way?

(From sermon outline)
     5)   A) There are times in our lives that God has protected us by speaking to us. How does He speak to us primarily?
            B) God protects us by blocking or standing in the way of adversaries (sometimes even when we are not aware of it)
             C) God protects us by frustrating our plans. (Ex: When our desires aren’t satisfied outside of God, that is a protection in a way.)
     Can you reflect on a specific time God has protected you in one of these ways? Do we see ourselves as in need of protection, a lot of times protection from ourselves even?

6) Christ stood in for us as our Protector on the cross bearing our sins and taking the blame and dying for us. How does that truth of Christ being our Protector change the way we see God? See others? See His world? See ourselves?