Tuesday, December 17, 2019

Not Despising Small Things: Micah 5:2-5a Chris Smith (3rd week of Advent)





                                                     Sermon Discussion Questions



Context: 1) What was happening Israel and Judah, in the first 4 chapters of Micah, prior to chapter 5? In light of the judgment we read about in the first 4 chapters of this book, why are the first 5 verses of chapter 5 such good news?

                    2) Micah 5:2 is cited in Matthew 2:6. What historical context/significance is taking place in Matthew 2? 

                   3) Just as the leaders of Micah’s time had taken their eye off of the things of the Lord, we do as well. What are some affections that your heart is drawn to that may be distractions from keeping your focus on Christ? 

                  4) What the world often tells us to focus on is not what we should ultimately have our hope in. How do we fight against this in our every day lives? 

                 5) We see throughout Scripture, God often times will use the unexpected, or the “under-dog” in history to bring about His purposes. Why was Bethlehem an unlikely/unexpected place for the Messiah to be born?
           
                 6) The cross also seems like an unlikely place for God to defeat His enemies, but He ultimately defeats death/sin at the cross and through the resurrection of Jesus. Reflect on this truth. How is that comforting/good news?


   

Monday, November 18, 2019

Thank God for Gratitude: Luke 17: 11-19, Ryan Laughlin





                                            Sermon Discussion Questions



          1. Gratitude is good for us. But it can be difficult to cultivate. What are some ways that gratitude gets impeded in our lives?

          2. In the sermon, we heard there are some practical ways to cultivate “gracious gratitude” in our lives as believers. Discuss the following:
               A) We can cultivate true gratitude by “calling out in need.”
     
               B) We can cultivate true gratitude when we “turn back in wonder.”

               C) We can cultivate true gratitude when we “fall down in worship.”

          3. Sermon quote: “When it comes to life the critical thing is whether you take things for granted or take them with gratitude.” G.K. Chesterton (Discuss with the group)
     
          4. We may not have leprosy like the lepers Jesus healed in this passage, but most likely there is something in our life that makes us feel isolated from others. (Personally reflect on what that could be to yourself. Take a moment to ask God to start healing/restoring that in your life.)

          5. 9 out of 10 lepers from the passage, missed out on thanking the person who healed them. Gracious gratitude is relational. How does this passage inform our approach to be grateful to Christ in our lives?

Monday, November 4, 2019

Why Give? 2 Corinthians 8:1-9 Ryan Laughlin








                                                Sermon Discussion Questions



    1) In these verses, Paul makes it sound like generosity is good for us. Is it? In what ways? How would our culture respond to that idea?

     2) God loves joyful and sacrificial givers. How does that challenge your giving habits?

      3) According to Paul, how does the Gospel motivate us toward generosity?


Quote: “I do not believe one can settle how much we ought to give. I am afraid the only safe rule is to give more than we can spare.” C.S. Lewis (Discuss with the group)

Prayer focus: Our generous Savior, I desire to be a more joyful giver because You have been a joyful giver with me—and You still are! Inspire our church to use our resources creatively and effectively for service in Your Kingdom. Keep us humble and dependent on You, particularly in this unique season of our church. We look to You for all good things. In Jesus’ Name. AMEN.

Tuesday, October 29, 2019

Why Ask? Matthew 6:19-24 October 27, 2019 Ryan Laughlin








                                             Sermon Discussion Questions



        1) What is the difference between a thermostat and a thermometer? Which is Jesus describing?in verse 21: our heart’s thermostat or thermometer?

        2) Based on these verses, why does Jesus talk to His disciples about their relationship with money? Why is that relevant to our spiritual health?

       3) How do you balance being financially prudent (paying the bills, saving for college, etc) and being financially generous (sharing wealth, investing in God’s ministry?) How can you improve that balance, in light of these verses?

Quote: “I am convinced that so much of our selfish and unwise spending in an attempt to buy life, to buy the satisfaction that has far eluded us. Eternity reminds us that we cannot buy with our money what only grace can provide.” Paul Tripp (Discuss with the group)

Prayer Focus: Our Gracious God, free my heart from toxic greed and envy. Renew me with a generous heart so that I might be a faithful steward of all You have entrusted to me. Help our church to reflect our love for You with generous lives, that we may reveal to the world the supremacy of the riches we have in Christ. All for Jesus! Amen.

Monday, October 21, 2019

Why This? Psalm 78:1-16 Ryan Laughlin





                                                  Sermon Discussion Questions



     1) What makes cross-generational unity so difficult? How do you struggle to understand and appreciate younger people? Older people?

    2) How does Psalm 78 compel us to overcome generational divisions for the sake of the gospel?

    3) What are some of the ways Covenant Church fosters inter-generational ministry? What is our responsibility to train the next generation for faithful Christian living?

Quote from the bulletin: “Each generation of the church in each setting has the responsibility of communicating the gospel in understandable terms.” Francis Schaeffer (Discuss/Reflect with the group)

Prayer focus: Heavenly Father, heal the generational divisions within our own life, including my family. Holy Spirit, grace our church with unity during this season, particularly across generations within our church. May we effectively and faithfully tell the coming generations about all You have done through Jesus Christ. In His Name, Amen.

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

Why Flourish? Luke 9:1-17 Ryan Laughlin





                                                         Sermon Discussion Questions


Reflection Questions:

      1) What are some of the cultural challenges you are facing today? Any opposition? Any needs? Doe these challenges present opportunities to share the Gospel?

      2) In this passage, how does Jesus prepare His disciples for the challenge of sharing the Gospel? How does He use Covenant Church to prepare you in similar ways? Are there other exciting ways to have seen God use Covenant to shape and send disciples into the world?

      3) Where has Jesus sent you to represent Him? How does your ‘being sent’ change your perspective about the purpose of your life? About the purpose of our church?

      4) Sermon quote: “You go nowhere by accident. Wherever you go, God is sending you there. Wherever you are, God has put you there. He has a purpose in your being there. Christ, who dwells in you, has something He wants to do through you, wherever you are. Believe this, and go in His grace, and love and power.” Dick Halverson (Reflect on this quote and discuss with the group)

Prayer focus: Lord, prepare me to serve You faithfully as I face daily challenges. Grant me compassion for people who need the Gospel and courage to share the Gospel with them in word and deed. By Your sovereign grace, continue to use Covenant to shape and send Christians into our city and around the world for the glory of Your Name. AMEN.


       

Tuesday, October 8, 2019

When the Gospel Broke Into Europe Acts 16:16-40, Rev Mark Meynell




                                                          Sermon Discussion Questions


   
            1) Read over the text one time. Who were the main characters in this narrative? What were they saying/doing throughout this narrative?

          2) In this narrative, we see different ways that power can be used/displayed. What are the wrong ways we see power displayed? What are the life-giving/godly ways we see power displayed in this text?


          3) How do Paul and Silas respond to the “cruel power of darkness” throughout the text. Who is his source in responding to this darkness? Paul had interest in a different power.

         4) In the sermon we heard about Bob Edens who had been blind for 51 years, then after a surgery was able to see for the first time. “I didn’t know yellow, could be so yellow!” (When describing seeing colors for the first time) This is somewhat like the feeling we have when we become believers, like we are “seeing” for the first time. How has the radical nature of the gospel changed your life and “opened your eyes” differently to the world around you? (Can reflect quietly if needed)

        5) Sermon quote: “God is a truer friend than we have ever known.” Discuss what this means to you with the group. Have you had experience with this in your own life? Do we think of God as being on our side/friend?

      6) How does the work of Christ and our union in Christ as believers shape the way we see God, ourselves, others and His world around us?

     


































Tuesday, October 1, 2019

“The Good Life” Matthew 5:1-12, Rev Greg Meyer

The Beatitudes have a present reality, but future reality too. General idea of what a Christian should look like! This is what life in a covenant should look like) sermon quote


                                                        Sermon Discussion Questions

1) Actors go all out to prepare for a role. (Ie: gain weight, learn a language, etc) Imagine you have done things to prepare for a part in a movie and have been practicing and practicing for the role. But you show up to the set, only to find out that you had the wrong script.
We prep our whole lives towards a happy ending, bc that is what we think will lead us to something true/good. We are people who love and act out of that love. Reflect on this example from the sermon for a minute on your own. Ask yourself, “What role am in practicing for? What is my “script” I go on when I am pursuing the good life? (Leaders: Leave a few minutes for silent reflection) 

2) (Group discussion) When we think of the “good life” what does that entail? Financial security, married with 2 kids, our team winning the pennant? These are not “bad” in and of themselves. Jesus has a version of the good life too. Sometimes our version of the good life is in tension/opposition with what Jesus is wanting. Discuss with the group members. 


3) Read through Matthew 5: 1-12 again.
      Be curious with the vision of Jesus. He might be offering something better than the good life we have in mind. Do we believe Jesus’ message of this is what the good life looks like? Discuss with the group. 
     
4) There are 3 qualities the text talks about that believers should possess: What are they?
These 3 qualities are all driven by the core longing that we “hunger and thirst for righteousness.” What does that practically look like in our lives?

5) There are 4 activities commended in this text that Jesus talks about. Can you identify those with your group?

6) Reflect on what God has done in your life already. We are works in progress. Be thankful for that!


7) What are some of our rhythms and desires that are different than the beatitudes? (Ex:Over work, over sport, over consume, checkout in social media, under rest, under community.) Follow your gaze. What do you daydream about? Would you like to share with your group?

8) What are ways that we can mature/exercise our kingdom palette? (Ex: worshipping on Sundays)

9) Beatitudes are in the context of grace. Jesus embodied them and He bringing them to us. He is the bridge we need to have the good life He is teaching about. We cannot live them out on our own.
The beatitudes are His call to receive this grace! We can move into it with boldness, because He is going with us. How does this reality of this truth make you feel? Is it encouraging?

Monday, September 23, 2019

But the Fruit of the Spirit is Love, Joy, Peace... (Galatians 5:16, 19-23; Romans 9:1-5) Rev. Ron Lutjens





                                                         Sermon Questions & Reflections


     1) This side of heaven, as believers, we live with a divided self. Discuss that statement. What does this look like in our lives?

     2) Sermon quote from outline: “Godly sorrow and anguish are fruits of the Holy Spirit as much as joy and peace are.”
      Read over Romans 9:1-5 again. Why should we think of godly anguish and sorrow as fruit of the Holy Spirit? Have there been times in your life when you have experienced that truth?

     3) What was the root of Paul’s deep anguish? Who was this sorrow expressed over?

     4) Often times God uses our own past sins/struggles to give us love/compassion for others who struggle with the same sins. (Personal reflection) What area is God redeeming from your “old self”? How does being rooted in the love of Christ and His righteousness change our sorrow for the lost?

    5) What propels our love & joy in God? What are ways that we are cultivating that relationship in our lives?

     6) Are there lost family members or friends in our lives that we can pray for as a group?

Tuesday, September 17, 2019

When It is Your Problem: James 5:19-20 Ryan Laughlin




                                                     Sermon Discussion Questions:




  1) “We are living in a cultural moment where you hear this phrase often, ‘Not my problem.” (Sermon quote)
      Yet, there are times when a Christ is obligated to care. What are those times when believers are called to cared?

  2) In caring for “wanderers” and “searchers” what should our motivation to act be? What does it look like to do that with healthy, loving and truthful boundaries?

  3) What is our motivation for coming along side others and pursuing them when we see they may be headed on the wrong path?

   4) Where is the Bible narrative do we see this pursuit of love displayed well? (List all different references that come to mind)

   5) “Our Heavenly Father chased after us, so we pursue people to show them Jesus.” Sermon quote. (Personal reflection) Think on this truth. Ask God to make this truth of the gospel take root in your heart. Where can we grow in this area?

 

Wednesday, September 11, 2019

“Thoughts on Prayers” James 5:13-18, Ryan Laughlin



                                                           Sermon Discussion Questions


1) Read over the text: What does James so about prayer?

2) Do we believe that our prayers are powerful, as the text says?

3) Prayer

        A) Is for every situation: We usually are quicker to go to prayer in times of suffering. What does the text say about cheerfulness? How do we practically incorporate praying in every situation in our lives?

       B) Is for every weakness: “People can dress the wound, but God heals us.” (Sermon quote) When we think of praying for weakness, do we think holistically? Praying for spiritual, physical and emotional weakness. Is this difficult sometimes? Discuss.

      C) With every confidence
               What does the text say about confessing to each other?
True healing takes place when our sins/struggles are brought to the light. As believers we can boldly approach the throne because we are clothed in Christ’s righteousness. Is this truth comforting? Does this truth change the way we approach prayer and confession?

4) We are given the example of Elijah in the text. How is this encouraging?

Monday, July 8, 2019

“Keep It Real” James 1:26-27 Ryan Laughlin



                                                         Sermon Discussion Questions


1) Read back over James 1:22-26. As believers our deepest convictions should rest on the work, grace and love of Christ.  Do our daily choices align with our deepest convictions? (Take time to quietly reflect on this)


2) When God looks at His people, what does He want to see us doing/behaving?


3) From the sermon outline: There were 3 ways that describe what it looks like to “live out the reality” of the gospel, to be doers of God’s Word and not just hearers. Discuss those three descriptions and what that can practically look like in our lives. Give some concrete examples of how you have seen that modeled in your life?
                  A) Living out reality with self-control
                  B) Living out reality with compassion
                  C) Living out reality with compromise

4) All of us have been stained by the world/sin. What do we do as believers when this is the case? Are we quick to run to our loving Father for forgiveness/repentance. What is our posture toward God and others when we aren’t living out reality well?

5) We only will live our reality well if we love Jesus and realize what He has done for us as His Church. Practicing truth and love or holiness and love must be held up together. Do you tend to favor one more than the other? What can you ask God to help you with this week in regards to that balance?




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?

Monday, April 29, 2019

The Resurrection of The Lord Jesus: The Reality & It’s Significance (1 Corinthians 15:3-4, 14-17; Romans 6:12-14) Dr. Dan Dorianii


                                                     The Resurrection of the Lord Jesus
                                                        The Reality & Its Significance
                                                        1 Corinthians 15:3-4, 14-17
                                                                 Romans 6:12-16
                                                               Dr. Dan Doriani
Sermon Questions:


1) Jesus had to rise from the dead. What did this prove? He had to endure death, betrayal and the resurrection.

2) Referring back to the 1 Corinthians 15 passage and Romans 6, what does Scripture say about the resurrection? How is it described?

3) Jesus appeared in His physical body after His resurrection. Why is the fact that His physical body was raised important?

4) The facts of the resurrection have great implications for us as believers. The reign of death has ended! So that when Christ died, we died with Him and that when He rose, we rose with Him. How does that reality impact you now presently? And looking ahead to eternity?

5) Because of the resurrection of Christ, therefore our bodies become “weapons of righteousness” for God. (See Romans 6: 12-16) Do we think of our hands, feet, tongue, etc as “weapons” for the Lord?

6) How do we need to think about sleep, exercise, sex, eating and drinking in light of these gospel truths?  the sermon we heard Dan talk about the “umbles” in our life? (Sometimes our bodies grumble, fumble, mumble, stumble). What areas of our life can we ask the Holy Spirit to help us be better “weapons of righteousness?” How does Paul say about these in Romans?

7) What does the truth of Christ’s resurrection mean for our future bodies?

Monday, April 15, 2019

Matthew 21:1-17 “The Purpose of Power” Ryan Laughlin




                                                       Sermon Discussion Questions

1) After reading through the passage and hearing the sermon, what else did Jesus do in relation to His triumphal entry? How did Jesus handle/steward His power that He possesses?


2) Why was cleansing the temple a priority for Jesus? What was at the heart of his anger/actions?

3) Sermon quote: “Power is a resource that we don’t talk about enough. Are we aware of the sphere of influence that God has given each one of us?” Discuss the sphere of influence in your own life.


4) How do we make room for God when stewarding our gift of power?

5) How do we make room for others when stewarding our gift of power?

6) When we think about power, do we think of serving? “Servanthood is the purpose of power.” Jesus layer aside His power that He may go to the cross to serve us and to empower us with His forgiveness and righteousness. How do we live in light of this truth? Should this truth change how we see ourselves and others?

The Old Testament reading this week was from Zechariah 9:9-17.



Monday, April 8, 2019

Numbers 21:4-9 “Look & Live” Ryan Laughlin

       



                                           Sermon Discussion Questions:
                                                   Numbers 21:4-9

1) After reading through Numbers, some may come to the conclusion that God has dealt harshly with His people. However, a better conclusion would be this is a “long extended meditation to get what we ask for.” How do you view your assessment of the book of Numbers thus far?

2) In verse 5, the people of Israel are complaining about the food, yet again. What is at the root of that complaint? What are they ultimately saying about God in that complaint?

3. A) We heard about the Greek word “acedia”, meaning, “without care” or “deadness of the soul”. How were the Israelites expressing this in chapter 21? How did God respond to them?

3. B) Sometimes we don’t see the good things we have in front of us. How do we recognize this in our lives and how do we battle not being content?

4) Quote from the sermon:“We need to learn that the Lord leads us to the wilderness not to die, but to live!” Unpack that quote a little more. First reactions to this quote. Were those words life-giving? Or were they hard to digest? Where in our own lives are NOT believing that truth about God. What examples do we have of Jesus being our “wilderness expert” that we really need?

5) The Israelites were wanting to go back to Egypt. In doing so, they had forgotten the oppression, slavery, etc of what God had rescued them from by bringing them to the desert. They had also forgotten why God had freed them. Look back on Exodus 5:1, 6:1-9, 7:16, 8:1, 9:1, 9:13. God didn’t just free the Israelites from slavery, but for a purpose. What does Exodus say that purpose was?

6) Sanctification is not introspection but looking outside of ourselves. Just as the Israelites had to look upon the bronzed statue, we must look at Christ who was raised up on our behalf. In what ways this week can you ask the Lord to help you look to Christ instead of your own strength, power, guilt, etc.

Tuesday, April 2, 2019

“Confidence Collapse” Numbers 20:2-13 Greg Meyer

        



                                                    Sermon Discussion Questions


1) Quote from the sermon: “Leaders are not exempt from needing God’s grace/help in their lives.” Do we realize that in our lives? (That we need just as much grace today as the day that we became believers?) Are we quick to give the leaders in our lives that space to ask for help? Or do we put them on pedestals?

2) This was the 2nd generation of Israelites traveling to the Promised Land. They had seen God provide for them over and over previously. How does God respond to their collapse of confidence?

3) What did God command Moses to do in in verses 6-9? Ultimately, what was God wanting Moses and the Israelites to remember about Himself?

4) Where in our own lives have we faced “confidence collapse” in God? What is the underlying cause of that collapse? How can we respond to that doubt? How can we change those moments when we start to doubt into moments of opportunities to exercise our faith instead of collapsing?

“We need to remember that God responds with paternal love and moves towards us to make a way for relationship and we see that evidenced in Christ.” (Sermon quote)

Application:
5) Ask yourself, “What needs am I feeling parched for in my life?” Take a moment to pray and ask the Holy Spirit to help you trust Him in those areas. 

Monday, March 25, 2019

Sermon Discussion Questions: Numbers 17: “Real Flower Power”



       
                                                             Numbers 17



 Sermon/Outline Questions:

1) Following up from the previous chapter (16), we see the Israelites questioning the authority of Moses and Aaron and even wanted to go back to Egypt. In chapter 17, what do we see God doing in response to the people’s rebellion?

2) God gave the Israelites a sign on Aaron’s rod. What did that sign communicate? What did that sign demonstrate?

3) Aaron was God’s chosen mediator/priest for the people of Israel because one was needed. In what ways do we put the “me” back in mediator? Do we behave as if it our own goodness that earns God’s favor? What would not trusting in our own goodness look like in our daily lives?

4) As Christians in the 21st Century what sign do we have that shows God’s power, grace, mercy, etc? How does Christ’s resurrection “act as deterrent” in your life? The resurrection has ongoing implications in our lives. Can you reflect on specific moments when it has acted as a “deterrent”?

5) A quote from the sermon: “Grace changes us from grumblers to givers.” There was a shift in the Israelites attitude/posture toward the Lord at the end of  chapter 17. How were the Israelites instructed to give and live differently as a response to God’s grace? (Looking ahead to chapters 18 & 19)

Thursday, March 21, 2019

Sermon Discussion Question: Numbers 16: “Being Consumed” (Chris Smith)




     Text review:

1) In a nutshell, what is this chapter in Numbers about?

2) Who are Korah, Dothan and Abiram? What charge do they bring against Moses?

3) What is Moses’ response to Korah and his followers?

4) What does Moses instruct Korah and his followers to do and why?

From the sermon:

1) What did Chris say was at the heart/root of Koran’s claim?

2) Do you remember a time in your life where you were not living out of gratitude? Reflect back on that time for a minute. How did NOT living out of gratitude impact your relationship with others, yourself and with God?

3) God mercifully provided a way for atonement. What did that atonement system look like in Numbers? (Hint: Aaron) Who do we look to now as our High Priest? Do we see Jesus as our High Priest in our lives?

Wednesday, February 20, 2019

Numbers 7-10: At the Head and Heart of the Trail (Feb. 17, 2019)

1. Why was it so important that the Israelites carry the Tabernacle into the wilderness with them? 

2. In chapter 7, the tribal chiefs bring their offerings for the dedication of the altar. 

  • Why is it significant that they each bring the same items? 
  • What is significant about the items they bring? 
  • If they aren't commanded to offer these gifts, why do they do it? 
  • Consider their actions in light of Puritan pastor, Richard Baxter's words about giving: “You lose no great advantage for heaven by becoming poor -- in pursuing one’s way, the lighter you travel, the better.” How does this challenge our own view of our wealth? 

3. In 7:89, God met with Moses in a specific place. Where was it? Why are these details important to our understanding of Who God is? (Cross-reference: Psalm 99:1-5)

4. In chapter 9, God reiterated the instruction to keep the Passover. Given that the Israelites are only one year removed from the events of the Passover in Egypt, why is this instruction necessary? What does this say about our own need to be reminded to 'feast before the Lord?'

5. In 9:15-22, we learn how God led the people in the wilderness with the glory cloud. Do you sometimes long for that kind of divine guidance? Give an example. Why does this form of guidance seem so compelling to us? How does God lead us now? Share with the group what you need God's guidance for today -- and pray with and for one another that He would graciously give it AND that you would follow!

Tuesday, January 29, 2019

Numbers for People Who Aren't Numbers People (An Overview): Numbers 1:1-3//Jan 27, 2019

(Optional: view this overview of Numbers by The Bible Project: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zebxH-5o-SQ. Based on this video, is there one part of the book of Numbers you are especially excited to study more deeply?)

1. Read Numbers 1:1-3. What do these verses tell us about the context of the book? How does that context help us understand the content of the book?

2. In his commentary on Numbers, Ian Duguid writes that the "story of the book of Numbers is written to people whose lives are lived between the accomplishing of their redemption and its consummation, between the exodus and the Promised Land." Explain how, as Christians, we find ourselves in a similar situation. How might that common experience help us relate to this book?

3. Read Genesis 12:1-3. What are the three components of God's covenant promised to Abram and his descendants? Discuss how God delivered on this promise in Genesis, Exodus, and Leviticus -- and into Numbers. Is God still delivering on that promise? How?

4. Read 1 Corinthians 10:1-13. What does Paul want us to learn from the wilderness wanderings described in Numbers? How should we respond to his warnings?

5. Despite the Israelite's unfaithfulness, God remains faithful time and again -- refusing to give up on the promise He made to Abraham. Is there a situation in your life, right now, that seems hopeless? How do you need to be reminded of God's faithfulness, even when life seems bleak and barren, like a wilderness?

Tuesday, January 22, 2019

Radical Dignity for our unborn neighbors (Jan 20, 2019)

1. Read Psalm 139 together, focusing on verses 13-16. What verbs does David use to describe God's creative activity in the womb? How do those verbs shape our understanding of when life begins? What other thoughts do you have about this passage?

2. CBS News recently reported that Iceland is "eliminating Down Syndrome." Is that an accurate description of what's happening? Why or why not? What is biblical response to this news report? View story here (warning: some may find content disturbing): https://www.cbsnews.com/video/is-iceland-on-track-to-eliminate-down-syndrome/.

3. The Bible assumes continuity between embryonic people and the adults they grow up to be. As Princeton professor Robert George writes, “Christian believe that human embryos are, from the very beginning, human beings, sharing an identity with, though younger than, the older human beings they will grow up to become." Discuss this assertion in light of these biblical passages: Genesis 1:26-27, Genesis 25:22, Luke 1:39-42. 

4. In Matthew 5:13-16, Jesus calls His people to be "the salt of the earth." In the ancient world, salt was useful because its presence halted the decay in meat as well as helping the taste of just about anything. In the same way, as Christian "salt," God immerses us in our communities to both halt the evil of abortion and help those parents who make the courageous and righteous choice to keep their child. Pastor Lee's baby box is a wonderful example of this kind of balance, in which he is urging parents to keep their children and providing a way to care for those very children. Here's a short video about his ministry in Seoul: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=133&v=yTQ2VTf5vWc. What is your reaction to this video? How can we, as a church, demonstrate this kind of "saltiness" when it comes to loving our unborn neighbors.

5. Read Mark 10:13-16. What was Jesus' view of "unwanted children?" What about "unwanted adults" (See the Samaritan women in John 4 and Zacchaeus in Luke 17). Why were these adults unwanted by their communities? How has God shown His love for the unwanted in your life? (see Colossians 1:21-23, Romans 5:6-11)


Monday, January 14, 2019

Radical Dignity: January 13, 2019: discussion questions

Note: these questions are based on the last two Sunday morning sermons, both addressing the topic of human dignity.

1. Read Genesis 1:26-28. How do these verses give us a foundation for treating every human being with radical dignity? In what ways does our culture fail to do this? 

2. Read Job 31:15. What is the logic of Job's argument? On what basis does he treat his servant fairly and compassionately? How should this inform our own view of others, particularly the poor?

3. Read James 3:8-10. How should our common image-bearers affect our speech?

4.  Novelist Walker Percy gets at this in his  book, Lost in the Cosmos, when he observes this: “Why is it that the look of another person looking at you is different from everything else in the Cosmos? That is to say, looking at lions or tigers or Saturn or the Ring Nebula or at an owl or at another person from the side -- [that’s all] one thing -- but finding yourself looking in the eyes of another person looking at you is something else. And why is it that one can look at a lion or a planet or an owl or at someone's finger as long as one pleases, but looking into the eyes of another person is, if prolonged past a second, a perilous affair?” Based on what you've discussed so far, how would you answer his question? 

5. Now apply this biblical view of human dignity to the racial and ethnic divisions in our country. What should be the Christian starting point in these discussions? How might that change the conversation about race? 

6. Read Revelation 7:9-12. How does John's vision of heaven affect you? Why?