Sunday, September 27, 2015

"A Sterilized Gospel" - Genesis 34 (September 27, 2015)

1. Have someone read the passage aloud.
2. How does our culture often seek to deal with those who are have been abused? What are they told?
3. From our passage, what does it seem that Jacob is most concerned about?
4. What is it that Dinah is needing from her father in this passage?
5. How does Jesus speak on our behalf?
6. What is the alternative to revenge that is revealed in the Bible?

Sermon Outline:

1. For those who suffer abuse

2. For those who stay silent

3. For those who seek revenge

Monday, September 14, 2015

"Reconciliation" - Genesis 33 (September 13, 2015)

1. Have someone read the passage aloud.
2. Think of a relationship that you're in where there is need for reconciliation.
3. Looking at this passage, how do we see Jacob embodying what is needed for the logic of reconciliation?
3. What prevents you from being humble & grateful as you interact with that difficult person?
4. What are the difficulties that come up in seeking reconciliation? First in this passage and in our own lives?
5. Ryan talked not only about the need for individuals to seek reconciliation but also for the church, corporately, to lead the way. Where are the places that the church can do this? How can we be a living demonstration of the gospel of reconciliation.
6. What is the motivation behind seeking reconciliation?
7. Take some time in prayer, asking God to give you wisdom and courage to seek reconciliation.

Sermon Outline
1. God provides the logic of reconciliation
   a. Humbles
   b. Grateful

2. God celebrates beauty of reconciliation

3. God navigates the difficulty of reconciliation

Sunday, September 6, 2015

"Wrestling with God" - Genesis 32:22-32 (September 6, 2015)

1. Have someone read the passage aloud.
2. Ryan said that we all have places in our lives where we feel like we're in "head lock." Where is that place right now for you?
3. In that place, how do you see God working?
4. How does this passage show us Jacob's desperation?
5. Why is Jacob's desperation good?
6. Think about a situation where you've felt desperate, what is it that you cling to? What are you prone to grasp hold of when you're desperate?
7. How does God restore Jacob's courage in this passage and how does he do the same for us?

Sermon Outline:
1. Restore our wonder

2. Restore our desperation

3. Restore our courage
   a. A new name
   b. A new limp