Standing Tall, Falling Hard
Chapter 10--almost a third of the way through "The Story!" Are you starting to see the big picture yet? How every part of the Bible is part of God's amazing story of love for us? We hope so!
As always, feel free to answer questions in the comments (especially the "Digging Deeper" ones) and share any thoughts you might have about the "Personal Action." Or, let us know if YOU have a question!
CHECKING YOUR COMPREHENSION
1. What do you learn about prayer from Hannah?
2. How did Samuel show his faith in God?
3. Why was it wrong for the Israelites to ask for a king?
4. What factors led to King Saul's demise?
5. How did Saul respond when confronted with his sin? How do you respond when confronted with your own shortcomings?
6. What instances of God's grace do you see in this chapter?
DIGGING DEEPER
What does Eli teach Samuel about listening to God (1 Samuel 3:1-10, "The Story" pp 131-132)? What can we learn about communicating with God as we see Samuel's story unfold?
God's "Upper Story" plan is for him alone to rule as King over his people. In the "Lower Story," the people insist on having an earthly king. God gives in to their request. Do you believe God still allows us to have our way (on occasion) even if it is not his perfect will for us? Can you give an example? What usually happens in this situation?
PERSONAL ACTION
It is characteristic of kids to imitate what they see. It is ALSO characteristic of grown-ups, whether in Samuel's time or in our own. This tends to lead to following bad examples. Take some time this week to think through your behaviors, practices, shopping patterns, clothing choices, language, hobbies ... anything you might do because someone else do it too. Who do you imitate? Whose example do you follow? If you find something unhealthy, ungodly, or offensive, get rid of it!! Now!
This is a safe place to be able to share questions and fears and doubts. You can post using your name or not, whichever you prefer. And if you choose to respond to someone's comment, please be gentle with your words.
Showing posts with label digging deeper. Show all posts
Showing posts with label digging deeper. Show all posts
Monday, November 24, 2014
Monday, November 17, 2014
Chapter 9: Questions
The Faith of a Foreign Woman
As always, feel free to answer questions in the comments (especially the "Digging Deeper" ones) and share any thoughts you might have about the "Personal Action." Or, let us know if YOU have a question!
CHECKING YOUR COMPREHENSION
1. What does Ruth's story reveal about the love of God?
2. What does Ruth's story reveal about how God views all people groups? What does that mean for you?
3. Both Ruth and Naomi suffered tremendous loss. Why does a good and gracious God allow tragedy to come upon those who love him?
4. When difficult times come, what causes you to continue to hope in God?
5. Ruth left her home to follow Naomi and to follow God. How is God asking you to follow him?
6. In what ways do Ruth's actions and responses challenge you? Encourage you?
7. What steps can you take to become a more selfless, loving person?
DIGGING DEEPER
Naomi was a woman of faith BUT she also questioned God and was deeply honest about her struggles (Ruth 1:19-21; "The Story" p 122). In what was did Naomi's losses impact how she viewed God and his work in her life? When was the last time you were honest with God about your pain and hurt? What happened? As you look back on it now, have you learned anything about God's presence and faithfulness?
Boaz was a man of amazing character and wisdom (Ruth 2-3, "The Story" p 123-126). What can we learn from Boaz's interactions with his workers? with Ruth?
PERSONAL ACTION
When you think of how Naomi's life went from Mara (bitter) to Naomi (beautiful), what were the ways God extended grace to this faithful woman? Who needs YOU to come alongside of them to remind them that they are loved (or beautiful) and what is one action you can take this week to extend God's grace to this person?
AND/OR
Be a Boaz! He showed compassion to a person in need. Think through this coming week and identify one or two acts of compassion and generosity you can extend to a person who is hurting, marginalized, and in need.
This is a safe place to be able to share questions and fears and doubts. You can post using your name or not, whichever you prefer. And if you choose to respond to someone's comment, please be gentle with your words.
As always, feel free to answer questions in the comments (especially the "Digging Deeper" ones) and share any thoughts you might have about the "Personal Action." Or, let us know if YOU have a question!
CHECKING YOUR COMPREHENSION
1. What does Ruth's story reveal about the love of God?
2. What does Ruth's story reveal about how God views all people groups? What does that mean for you?
3. Both Ruth and Naomi suffered tremendous loss. Why does a good and gracious God allow tragedy to come upon those who love him?
4. When difficult times come, what causes you to continue to hope in God?
5. Ruth left her home to follow Naomi and to follow God. How is God asking you to follow him?
6. In what ways do Ruth's actions and responses challenge you? Encourage you?
7. What steps can you take to become a more selfless, loving person?
DIGGING DEEPER
Naomi was a woman of faith BUT she also questioned God and was deeply honest about her struggles (Ruth 1:19-21; "The Story" p 122). In what was did Naomi's losses impact how she viewed God and his work in her life? When was the last time you were honest with God about your pain and hurt? What happened? As you look back on it now, have you learned anything about God's presence and faithfulness?
Boaz was a man of amazing character and wisdom (Ruth 2-3, "The Story" p 123-126). What can we learn from Boaz's interactions with his workers? with Ruth?
PERSONAL ACTION
When you think of how Naomi's life went from Mara (bitter) to Naomi (beautiful), what were the ways God extended grace to this faithful woman? Who needs YOU to come alongside of them to remind them that they are loved (or beautiful) and what is one action you can take this week to extend God's grace to this person?
AND/OR
Be a Boaz! He showed compassion to a person in need. Think through this coming week and identify one or two acts of compassion and generosity you can extend to a person who is hurting, marginalized, and in need.
This is a safe place to be able to share questions and fears and doubts. You can post using your name or not, whichever you prefer. And if you choose to respond to someone's comment, please be gentle with your words.
Monday, November 10, 2014
Chapter 8: Questions
A Few Good Men ... and Women
As always, feel free to answer questions in the comments (especially the "Digging Deeper" ones) and share any thoughts you might have about the "Personal Action." Or, let us know if YOU have a question!
CHECKING YOUR COMPREHENSION
1. What does God's choice of Deborah as judge during this time reveal about God's view of women?
2. Why does God often use weak and uncertain people like Gideon to do his work?
3. If you ever feel uncertain about your gifts and abilities, how could the story of Gideon encourage and strengthen you?
4. What reasons can you give for why the Israelites kept repeating their downward cycle of sin?
5. What was the root cause of Samson's fall? What was the result?
6. What are the strongest temptations that you face? How do you fight such temptations?
DIGGING DEEPER
Very often, there are consequences when we refuse to follow God's way. Why do you think we continue to repeat the same sin patterns even though we know the outcome will not be good?
One of the recurring themes in this chapter of "The Story" is that a new generation would rise up that did not know God and what he had done for his people in the past. When we forget what God has done for us in the past, we wander away from him. It still happens today. What PRACTICAL things can we do (in our homes and at church) to help the next generation know and remember what God did for them in the past so they will remember and hold on to him in the future?
PERSONAL ACTION
Read and ponder Moses' song in Deuteronomy 32. Read it so often that it sinks down into your bones. Pick out a couple of verses that are particularly meaningful to you, write them down, and put them somewhere you will see often. Let the message of this song remind you of God's goodness and our human temptation to fall back into the same sins over and over again.
This is a safe place to be able to share questions and fears and doubts. You can post using your name or not, whichever you prefer. And if you choose to respond to someone's comment, please be gentle with your words.
As always, feel free to answer questions in the comments (especially the "Digging Deeper" ones) and share any thoughts you might have about the "Personal Action." Or, let us know if YOU have a question!
CHECKING YOUR COMPREHENSION
1. What does God's choice of Deborah as judge during this time reveal about God's view of women?
2. Why does God often use weak and uncertain people like Gideon to do his work?
3. If you ever feel uncertain about your gifts and abilities, how could the story of Gideon encourage and strengthen you?
4. What reasons can you give for why the Israelites kept repeating their downward cycle of sin?
5. What was the root cause of Samson's fall? What was the result?
6. What are the strongest temptations that you face? How do you fight such temptations?
DIGGING DEEPER
Very often, there are consequences when we refuse to follow God's way. Why do you think we continue to repeat the same sin patterns even though we know the outcome will not be good?
One of the recurring themes in this chapter of "The Story" is that a new generation would rise up that did not know God and what he had done for his people in the past. When we forget what God has done for us in the past, we wander away from him. It still happens today. What PRACTICAL things can we do (in our homes and at church) to help the next generation know and remember what God did for them in the past so they will remember and hold on to him in the future?
PERSONAL ACTION
Read and ponder Moses' song in Deuteronomy 32. Read it so often that it sinks down into your bones. Pick out a couple of verses that are particularly meaningful to you, write them down, and put them somewhere you will see often. Let the message of this song remind you of God's goodness and our human temptation to fall back into the same sins over and over again.
This is a safe place to be able to share questions and fears and doubts. You can post using your name or not, whichever you prefer. And if you choose to respond to someone's comment, please be gentle with your words.
Monday, November 3, 2014
Chapter 7: Questions
The Battle Begins
WELCOME BACK! Week 7! Can you believe you've made it this far? We hope you've begun to hear God speaking to you in a powerful way through "The Story."
As always, feel free to answer questions in the comments (especially the "Digging Deeper" ones) and share any thoughts you might have about the "Personal Action." Or, let us know if YOU have a question!
CHECKING YOUR COMPREHENSION
1. How could Joshua be "strong and courageous" in such intimidating situations?
2. What do you learn about God from the story of the story of Rahab the prostitute?
3. What do the string of amazing victories in battle the people experienced as they entered the land reveal about who is really in charge of history?
4. Why did God order the Israelites to go to war against others? How was this war justified? Do you agree?
5. How did Joshua challenge the people in his final speech?
6. Why do you think God lavished blessings on Joshua and all the Israelites, who, like Joshua, trusted God?
7. What practical steps can you take to gain a deeper faith in God?
DIGGING DEEPER
The first time spies were sent into the land 12 went--2 returned with a positive report, 10 with a negative one. Based on that, the Israelites decided it wasn't worth the risk. Forty years later, Joshua sent out spies again ... but this time in a team of 2. And the people acted on their report. Someone once said, "Committees seldom make courageous decisions." Do you agree? Disagree? Most churches LOVE committees, even when they don't always function well. Is there value to listening to a couple of bold leaders rather than a committee? What would this do to the way we "do" church?
Sometimes being a Christian feels like you're swimming upstream, against the flow. Sometimes what you think is right (aka "pleasing to God") looks a lot different than what everybody else around you thinks. How does consistent and faith-filled reading of the Bible (God's story) help us remain strong? courageous? What are your personal habits and commitments when it comes to Bible Study? How can we encourage you in your love for God and his story?
PERSONAL ACTION
Take a few moments and examine your life, in particular the decisions you have made recently. Are you being courageous, willing to go against the flow and swim upstream? Or are there some places where the force of the water has pushed you downstream a bit? Use this time to take a stand--identify one area where you are ready to change the tide, be courageous, and to do God's will.
This is a safe place to be able to share questions and fears and doubts. You can post using your name or not, whichever you prefer. And if you choose to respond to someone's comment, please be gentle with your words.
WELCOME BACK! Week 7! Can you believe you've made it this far? We hope you've begun to hear God speaking to you in a powerful way through "The Story."
As always, feel free to answer questions in the comments (especially the "Digging Deeper" ones) and share any thoughts you might have about the "Personal Action." Or, let us know if YOU have a question!
CHECKING YOUR COMPREHENSION
1. How could Joshua be "strong and courageous" in such intimidating situations?
2. What do you learn about God from the story of the story of Rahab the prostitute?
3. What do the string of amazing victories in battle the people experienced as they entered the land reveal about who is really in charge of history?
4. Why did God order the Israelites to go to war against others? How was this war justified? Do you agree?
5. How did Joshua challenge the people in his final speech?
6. Why do you think God lavished blessings on Joshua and all the Israelites, who, like Joshua, trusted God?
7. What practical steps can you take to gain a deeper faith in God?
DIGGING DEEPER
The first time spies were sent into the land 12 went--2 returned with a positive report, 10 with a negative one. Based on that, the Israelites decided it wasn't worth the risk. Forty years later, Joshua sent out spies again ... but this time in a team of 2. And the people acted on their report. Someone once said, "Committees seldom make courageous decisions." Do you agree? Disagree? Most churches LOVE committees, even when they don't always function well. Is there value to listening to a couple of bold leaders rather than a committee? What would this do to the way we "do" church?
Sometimes being a Christian feels like you're swimming upstream, against the flow. Sometimes what you think is right (aka "pleasing to God") looks a lot different than what everybody else around you thinks. How does consistent and faith-filled reading of the Bible (God's story) help us remain strong? courageous? What are your personal habits and commitments when it comes to Bible Study? How can we encourage you in your love for God and his story?
PERSONAL ACTION
Take a few moments and examine your life, in particular the decisions you have made recently. Are you being courageous, willing to go against the flow and swim upstream? Or are there some places where the force of the water has pushed you downstream a bit? Use this time to take a stand--identify one area where you are ready to change the tide, be courageous, and to do God's will.
This is a safe place to be able to share questions and fears and doubts. You can post using your name or not, whichever you prefer. And if you choose to respond to someone's comment, please be gentle with your words.
Monday, October 27, 2014
Chapter 6: Questions
Wandering
As always, feel free to answer questions in the comments (especially the "Digging Deeper" ones) and share any thoughts you might have about the "Personal Action." Or, let us know if YOU have a question!
CHECKING YOUR COMPREHENSION
1. What do you think was the root cause of most of the Israelites' problems? Why?
2. How did God respond to the people's lack of faith?
3. Why is God so radically opposed to sin?
4. What do you learn from Moses' leadership throughout this difficult period? How did he display frustration and faith?
5. Have you ever felt as if you were "wandering in the wilderness"--spiritually or emotionally? Explain.
6. How can having faith in what God has promised help you in difficult times?
DIGGING DEEPER
All through this chapter of "The Story," God disciplines the people (sometimes quite strongly) to get them back on course. What are the values of being disciplined by one who loves us and wants the best for us?
What is one way you are seeking to pass on a healthy and positive legacy to the next generation? How can we pray for you as you seek to be a blessing to the children, grandchildren, or young people in your life?
PERSONAL ACTION
In this chapter, we read about how Joshua and Caleb came back from their exploration of the land and gave wise counsel. Unfortunately, no one listened. This week, find a time to talk with one or two wise people of faith who know you well and ask for their insights and perspectives on your life. Ask them a question or share one of your problems with them. Invite their wisdom and prayerfully LISTEN to them! Maybe this is something you should think about doing on a semi-regular basis, like once a month??
This is a safe place to be able to share questions and fears and doubts. You can post using your name or not, whichever you prefer. And if you choose to respond to someone's comment, please be gentle with your words.
As always, feel free to answer questions in the comments (especially the "Digging Deeper" ones) and share any thoughts you might have about the "Personal Action." Or, let us know if YOU have a question!
CHECKING YOUR COMPREHENSION
1. What do you think was the root cause of most of the Israelites' problems? Why?
2. How did God respond to the people's lack of faith?
3. Why is God so radically opposed to sin?
4. What do you learn from Moses' leadership throughout this difficult period? How did he display frustration and faith?
5. Have you ever felt as if you were "wandering in the wilderness"--spiritually or emotionally? Explain.
6. How can having faith in what God has promised help you in difficult times?
DIGGING DEEPER
All through this chapter of "The Story," God disciplines the people (sometimes quite strongly) to get them back on course. What are the values of being disciplined by one who loves us and wants the best for us?
What is one way you are seeking to pass on a healthy and positive legacy to the next generation? How can we pray for you as you seek to be a blessing to the children, grandchildren, or young people in your life?
PERSONAL ACTION
In this chapter, we read about how Joshua and Caleb came back from their exploration of the land and gave wise counsel. Unfortunately, no one listened. This week, find a time to talk with one or two wise people of faith who know you well and ask for their insights and perspectives on your life. Ask them a question or share one of your problems with them. Invite their wisdom and prayerfully LISTEN to them! Maybe this is something you should think about doing on a semi-regular basis, like once a month??
This is a safe place to be able to share questions and fears and doubts. You can post using your name or not, whichever you prefer. And if you choose to respond to someone's comment, please be gentle with your words.
Monday, October 20, 2014
Chapter 5: Questions
New Commands and a New Covenant
As always, feel free to answer these questions in the comments (especially the "Digging Deeper" ones) and share any thoughts you might have about the "Personal Action." Or, let us know if YOU have a question!
CHECKING YOUR COMPREHENSION
1. How were the people to prepare themselves to meet with God?
2. What does this story of the giving of these new commands tell you about the character of God?
3. What was the purpose of the Ten Commandments?
4. How can God be both the merciful forgiver of sin and the punisher of the guilty?
5. The Israelites became impatient and finally made a golden idol in the shape of a calf for themselves. What are some false gods/idols in our society today?
6. The Lord spoke to Moses "as one speaks to a friend." What steps can you take to gain a deeper understanding of who God is?
DIGGING DEEPER
Think about the Israelites creating the golden calf idol as "Mad Cow Disease." It's an example of people trying to invent their own religion and to create God in their own way. How do people still do this today and how are the results just as disastrous?
God promised that his presence would be with the people and they would stand out in the world because of it. This is still true today. What are some ways Christians SHOULD stand out? What is one way YOU stand out ... or maybe should stand out?
PERSONAL ACTION
Read Matthew 5:17-48 where Jesus talks about the 10 Commandments in the Sermon on the Mount. Does he contradict them? Help them explain them? Do you read them differently now? This week, think about how these "rules" actually bring life and hope.
This is a safe place to be able to share questions and fears and doubts. You can post using your name or not, whichever you prefer. And if you choose to respond to someone's comment, please be gentle with your words.
As always, feel free to answer these questions in the comments (especially the "Digging Deeper" ones) and share any thoughts you might have about the "Personal Action." Or, let us know if YOU have a question!
CHECKING YOUR COMPREHENSION
1. How were the people to prepare themselves to meet with God?
2. What does this story of the giving of these new commands tell you about the character of God?
3. What was the purpose of the Ten Commandments?
4. How can God be both the merciful forgiver of sin and the punisher of the guilty?
5. The Israelites became impatient and finally made a golden idol in the shape of a calf for themselves. What are some false gods/idols in our society today?
6. The Lord spoke to Moses "as one speaks to a friend." What steps can you take to gain a deeper understanding of who God is?
DIGGING DEEPER
Think about the Israelites creating the golden calf idol as "Mad Cow Disease." It's an example of people trying to invent their own religion and to create God in their own way. How do people still do this today and how are the results just as disastrous?
God promised that his presence would be with the people and they would stand out in the world because of it. This is still true today. What are some ways Christians SHOULD stand out? What is one way YOU stand out ... or maybe should stand out?
PERSONAL ACTION
Read Matthew 5:17-48 where Jesus talks about the 10 Commandments in the Sermon on the Mount. Does he contradict them? Help them explain them? Do you read them differently now? This week, think about how these "rules" actually bring life and hope.
This is a safe place to be able to share questions and fears and doubts. You can post using your name or not, whichever you prefer. And if you choose to respond to someone's comment, please be gentle with your words.
Monday, October 13, 2014
Chapter 4: Questions
Deliverance
This was a crazy chapter--so much going on! Let's see if you were able to keep it all straight.
As always, feel free to answer questions in the comments (especially the "Digging Deeper" ones) and share any thoughts you might have about the "Personal Action." Or, let us know if YOU have a question!
CHECKING YOUR COMPREHENSION
1. What was significant about Moses' birth?
2. How did God display his concern and love for his people after hearing their cries and groaning?
3. In what was was Moses qualified to lead the people? In what was did he feel he was NOT qualified?
4. Have you ever felt unqualified or unable to do something, as Moses did? How did you handle it?
5. "The Story" notes several amazing miracles in the deliverance of the people from Egypt. Do you believe God performs miracles today? Why or why not?
6. What can you learn about the character of God from the story of the Israelites' deliverance from slavery?
DIGGING DEEPER
What is one area of your life where you tend to focus on your limitations rather than God's ability to work through you? How can WE (the folks following along on-line) pray for you and encourage you in this area?
What connections do you see between the Passover (Exodus 12:1-24, "The Story" pp 51-52) and Jesus' death on the cross?
PERSONAL ACTION
God is calling you to something. By now, you've maybe even figured out what that "some thing" is. Now, get out there and do it! Surrender to God's leading and take action.
This is a safe place to be able to share questions and fears and doubts. You can post using your name or not, whichever you prefer. And if you choose to respond to someone's comment, please be gentle with your words.
This was a crazy chapter--so much going on! Let's see if you were able to keep it all straight.
As always, feel free to answer questions in the comments (especially the "Digging Deeper" ones) and share any thoughts you might have about the "Personal Action." Or, let us know if YOU have a question!
CHECKING YOUR COMPREHENSION
1. What was significant about Moses' birth?
2. How did God display his concern and love for his people after hearing their cries and groaning?
3. In what was was Moses qualified to lead the people? In what was did he feel he was NOT qualified?
4. Have you ever felt unqualified or unable to do something, as Moses did? How did you handle it?
5. "The Story" notes several amazing miracles in the deliverance of the people from Egypt. Do you believe God performs miracles today? Why or why not?
6. What can you learn about the character of God from the story of the Israelites' deliverance from slavery?
DIGGING DEEPER
What is one area of your life where you tend to focus on your limitations rather than God's ability to work through you? How can WE (the folks following along on-line) pray for you and encourage you in this area?
What connections do you see between the Passover (Exodus 12:1-24, "The Story" pp 51-52) and Jesus' death on the cross?
PERSONAL ACTION
God is calling you to something. By now, you've maybe even figured out what that "some thing" is. Now, get out there and do it! Surrender to God's leading and take action.
This is a safe place to be able to share questions and fears and doubts. You can post using your name or not, whichever you prefer. And if you choose to respond to someone's comment, please be gentle with your words.
Monday, October 6, 2014
Chapter 3: Questions
Joseph: From Slave to Deputy Pharaoh
Week 3, week 3! Congratulations!
Now, let's get down to business. (As always, feel free to answer the questions in the comments but if you don't want to do them all, maybe focus on the "Digging Deeper" questions or sharing how things went with the "Personal Action.")
CHECK YOUR COMPREHENSION
1. Why did Josephs's brother want to get rid of him?
2. Why does God allow hurtful things to happen to good people? to bad people?
3. What were the positive effects of Joseph's being sold into slavery?
4. What does Joseph's statement to his brothers, "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good," tell you about God?
5. In what was have you see God work through the most bleak and hopeless situations to cause a greater good?
6. Why can God be trusted at all times?
DIGGING DEEPER
Joseph COULD have retaliated and gotten revenge on his brothers for all the wrong they did to him. But he didn't. Instead, he provided for them and extended forgiveness. What makes it hard to forgive people who have intentionally wronged us? What can we do to forgive, even when it is difficult?
Joseph could say, "If my brothers had not turned on me, if Potiphar's wife had not falsely accused me, I would have never ended up becoming the king's right-hand man." Finish THIS statement for yourself:
"If I had not __________________________, then I never would have _________________________."
PERSONAL ACTION
Forgiveness is one of life's hardest actions. When someone has hurt us, it can be extremely difficult to forgive. During the next couple of days, read Genesis 50:15-21, Matthew 6:9-15, and Matthew 18:21-35. Pray for the courage and strength to forgive those who have wronged you OR to ask someone to forgive YOU have wronged.
This is a safe place to be able to share questions and fears and doubts. You can post using your name or not, whichever you prefer. If you choose to respond to someone's comment, please be gentle with your words.
Week 3, week 3! Congratulations!
Now, let's get down to business. (As always, feel free to answer the questions in the comments but if you don't want to do them all, maybe focus on the "Digging Deeper" questions or sharing how things went with the "Personal Action.")
CHECK YOUR COMPREHENSION
1. Why did Josephs's brother want to get rid of him?
2. Why does God allow hurtful things to happen to good people? to bad people?
3. What were the positive effects of Joseph's being sold into slavery?
4. What does Joseph's statement to his brothers, "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good," tell you about God?
5. In what was have you see God work through the most bleak and hopeless situations to cause a greater good?
6. Why can God be trusted at all times?
DIGGING DEEPER
Joseph COULD have retaliated and gotten revenge on his brothers for all the wrong they did to him. But he didn't. Instead, he provided for them and extended forgiveness. What makes it hard to forgive people who have intentionally wronged us? What can we do to forgive, even when it is difficult?
Joseph could say, "If my brothers had not turned on me, if Potiphar's wife had not falsely accused me, I would have never ended up becoming the king's right-hand man." Finish THIS statement for yourself:
"If I had not __________________________, then I never would have _________________________."
PERSONAL ACTION
Forgiveness is one of life's hardest actions. When someone has hurt us, it can be extremely difficult to forgive. During the next couple of days, read Genesis 50:15-21, Matthew 6:9-15, and Matthew 18:21-35. Pray for the courage and strength to forgive those who have wronged you OR to ask someone to forgive YOU have wronged.
This is a safe place to be able to share questions and fears and doubts. You can post using your name or not, whichever you prefer. If you choose to respond to someone's comment, please be gentle with your words.
Monday, September 29, 2014
Chapter 2: Questions
God Builds a Nation
You made it to week 2! (Right??) Yay! Welcome back!
Just like last week, feel free to post your answers to these questions, ESPECIALLY the "Digging Deeper" ones. Also, if you get a chance to do the "Personal Action," let us know how that went--was it hard to offer things up to God or not?
CHECK YOUR COMPREHENSION
1. Abraham left his homeland and family to follow God. What did God say his reward would be?
2. What might God be asking YOU to give up in order to follow him?
3. What made Abraham righteous in God's sight? How is this fact relevant to your life?
4. Why did God ask Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac? What did Abraham--and Isaac--learn from this experience?
5. Because Jacob had shrewdly acquired Esau's birthright and stolen their father's blessing, Jacob feared his brother's revenge. How did Jacob prepare for his meeting with Esau?
6. What attitude did Jacob have when he wrestled with the "man" who Jacob eventually realized was actually God?
DIGGING DEEPER
Many of the people God called to follow him had GREAT excuses or reasons why they weren't the right person for the job. What are some common excuses we use today?
Abraham and Sarah chose to follow God by faith and trust that he would build a nation through him--and he did. What step of faith is God calling you to take now ... but YOU are hemming and hawing and putting it off? What can you do to take a trust-filled step and move forward?
PERSONAL ACTION
Abraham took what was most precious to him--his son, Isaac--and surrendered him to God. Make a list of five to ten things that mean a great deal to you. One by one, offer them to God. If it's a person, offer him or her to God; if it's a thing, let God know he can have it; if it's a talent or ability, tell God you will use it for him. Take everything and everyone that means the most to you and freely offer it back to the One who gave you everything you have in the first place.
This is a safe place to be able to share questions and fears and doubts. You can post using your name or not, whichever you prefer. If you choose to respond to someone's comment, please be gentle with your words.
You made it to week 2! (Right??) Yay! Welcome back!
Just like last week, feel free to post your answers to these questions, ESPECIALLY the "Digging Deeper" ones. Also, if you get a chance to do the "Personal Action," let us know how that went--was it hard to offer things up to God or not?
CHECK YOUR COMPREHENSION
1. Abraham left his homeland and family to follow God. What did God say his reward would be?
2. What might God be asking YOU to give up in order to follow him?
3. What made Abraham righteous in God's sight? How is this fact relevant to your life?
4. Why did God ask Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac? What did Abraham--and Isaac--learn from this experience?
5. Because Jacob had shrewdly acquired Esau's birthright and stolen their father's blessing, Jacob feared his brother's revenge. How did Jacob prepare for his meeting with Esau?
6. What attitude did Jacob have when he wrestled with the "man" who Jacob eventually realized was actually God?
DIGGING DEEPER
Many of the people God called to follow him had GREAT excuses or reasons why they weren't the right person for the job. What are some common excuses we use today?
Abraham and Sarah chose to follow God by faith and trust that he would build a nation through him--and he did. What step of faith is God calling you to take now ... but YOU are hemming and hawing and putting it off? What can you do to take a trust-filled step and move forward?
PERSONAL ACTION
Abraham took what was most precious to him--his son, Isaac--and surrendered him to God. Make a list of five to ten things that mean a great deal to you. One by one, offer them to God. If it's a person, offer him or her to God; if it's a thing, let God know he can have it; if it's a talent or ability, tell God you will use it for him. Take everything and everyone that means the most to you and freely offer it back to the One who gave you everything you have in the first place.
This is a safe place to be able to share questions and fears and doubts. You can post using your name or not, whichever you prefer. If you choose to respond to someone's comment, please be gentle with your words.
Monday, September 22, 2014
Chapter 1: Questions
Creation: The Beginning of Life as We Know It
Here we are--chapter 1 of "The Story!" We're glad you're checking out the blog as part of your reading time, and we hope you'll be able to make it to one of the classes that are being held each week.
We are especially interested in your answers to the "Digging Deeper" questions in the second section. If you don't mind sharing them, please comment on this post and let us know what's going on in that head of yours! And, if you do some version of the "personal action," we'd love to hear about that too!
CHECK YOUR COMPREHENSION!
1. In what ways was life in the original creation different from life as we know it today?
2. Why did God create humans in his own image? What does this mean?
3. What was the root cause of Adam and Eve's sin against God?
4. Why did God put the tree of knowledge of good and evil in the garden?
5. Why did God bring the flood upon the earth?
6. What does this act of judgment tell you about God?
DIGGING DEEPER...
If you could take a walk with God, just like you would walk with a friend, what would you ask him? Why?
If God truly loved Adam and Eve, why would he throw them out of the garden?
Some have called this an "act of grace." Do you agree or disagree? Why?
PERSONAL ACTION
Take a walk outside and notice the beauty of God's creation--the sun, the trees, life! Thank God for making this amazing world. Talk to God as though you were two friends walking in a garden. Tell him about your life, your joys, and your fears. Thank him for the people in your life who have revealed his grace, love, and presence to you.
This is a safe place to be able to share questions and fears and doubts. You can post using your name or not, whichever you prefer. If you choose to respond to someone's comment, please be gentle with your words.
Here we are--chapter 1 of "The Story!" We're glad you're checking out the blog as part of your reading time, and we hope you'll be able to make it to one of the classes that are being held each week.
We are especially interested in your answers to the "Digging Deeper" questions in the second section. If you don't mind sharing them, please comment on this post and let us know what's going on in that head of yours! And, if you do some version of the "personal action," we'd love to hear about that too!
CHECK YOUR COMPREHENSION!
1. In what ways was life in the original creation different from life as we know it today?
2. Why did God create humans in his own image? What does this mean?
3. What was the root cause of Adam and Eve's sin against God?
4. Why did God put the tree of knowledge of good and evil in the garden?
5. Why did God bring the flood upon the earth?
6. What does this act of judgment tell you about God?
DIGGING DEEPER...
If you could take a walk with God, just like you would walk with a friend, what would you ask him? Why?
If God truly loved Adam and Eve, why would he throw them out of the garden?
Some have called this an "act of grace." Do you agree or disagree? Why?
PERSONAL ACTION
Take a walk outside and notice the beauty of God's creation--the sun, the trees, life! Thank God for making this amazing world. Talk to God as though you were two friends walking in a garden. Tell him about your life, your joys, and your fears. Thank him for the people in your life who have revealed his grace, love, and presence to you.
This is a safe place to be able to share questions and fears and doubts. You can post using your name or not, whichever you prefer. If you choose to respond to someone's comment, please be gentle with your words.
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