1-19-2015 Joshua (Part 1)

January 19, 2015

Joshua (Part 1)

There was this guy in the Bible who took Moses’ spot as the leader of the nation of Israel. Following someone so powerful and famous probably was pretty intimidating.  And the agenda for Joshua’s leadership was pretty big too – conquer the Promised Land.  Keep in mind that about 40 years before, the entire nation of Israel had refused to go into this land because they were scared of the people who lived in the land.  Now, Joshua’s task is to lead this group of civilians as an army.

There’s too much stuff in this story to digest it all in one meeting – so let’s read the first 2 chapters of the book of Joshua for discussion.  Take note of anything that you can relate to personally or can apply to your own life.  Is there anything you have questions about or that brought up some new thoughts for you?

Here are a few questions to think through as you read:

1.         What does God have to say to Joshua as he takes over for Moses?  What parts of God’s discussion with Joshua stand out for you?

2.         Do you notice the SIZE of the task and the TIMING of the task that God gives Joshua?  How do you think Joshua reacted to this?  How about the people of Israel?

3.         Some of the people stayed behind… do you have any thoughts about these tribes leaving their women and children on the east of Jordan and sending their men to join the fight?

4.         Joshua sends spies into the land (specifically Jericho) to see what the land is like.  They wind up going to a prostitute’s house in Jericho (named Rahab).  Does this stuff get you thinking about how God works?

5.         What do you think of what Rahab does for the spies?

6.         How do the people of Jericho view the nation of Israel?  Does this tell you anything about fear?

11-3-2014 - Psalms 40-43

Psalm 40-43

The Psalms are the national songs of Israel.  Like music today, it deals with raw human experience and often can be both uplifting and sad at the same time.  Take a look through these four Psalms – read them over a few times – and see what you notice.  Write down the thoughts that strike you – what you learn, what challenges you, what questions you have, etc.  Here are some study questions to help spur on your exploration and to help us when we meet…

1          What emotions do you see in these songs? 

2.         What would you say is David’s issue in Psalm 40?

“It’s better to ask forgiveness than permission” – compare to 40:6-8

How does David deal with his enemies?

3.         In Psalm 41, why does David have a soft spot in his heart for someone who looks out for the weak and vulnerable?

v. 11 – I know that you are pleased with me…. What do you think about this statement?

4          Psalm 42 talks about thirsting in my soul.  What do souls thirst for other than God?

This Psalmist seems to be struggling with depression, hopelessness, and despair.  Anything we can learn about the dark times from what this song says?

5          In Psalm 43, it seems that the song writer is under attack.  What is his outlook on the situation?

            What is the status of the attack as he writes?  What is the common experience as we live through times like this?

            What can we learn from the way this song is written?

For Next Time (11/17)  - Political Correctness….

Our culture today is very careful to push everyone toward what is ‘acceptable’ by the current standards.  What directions are positive about this cultures agenda?  And what standards are damaging or dangerous to society?  Are there any current political concepts that come from a Biblical or Christian foundation?

10-17-2014 - Language

Language

1          Why do you think the world in general has expectations of Christians when it comes to the types of language they use?  What kinds of speech do they react to? 

2.         What types of language do you consider to be ‘out of bounds’ for a Christian?  How do you decide on what is acceptable and what is not?

Some Scripture to consider – what Biblical principles can you take from these passages?

Exodus 20:7, 16

Ephesians 4:29-31

Ephesians 5:3-4

James 3:1-12

Psalm 19:14

Luke 6:45

3.         Do you see any real or lasting impact that comes from the language we choose to use?

4          Are there influences that make it more difficult to stay ‘in bounds’ with our speech?  What would you recommend to someone trying to clean up their language?

5          How should a believer react to someone who uses language that is ‘out of bounds’ for the Christian?  Is there any difference whether this person is a believer or not?  Mature in their faith? 

For Next Time (11/3) – Let’s take a chance to share how each of us learn from and apply God’s Word to our lives.  Read Psalms 40, 41, 42, and 43, and come ready to share what you have learned from it or how you would apply what is written to your own life.

10-6-2014 - Porn

Pornography

1          What effect is pornography having on our culture today? 

2.         Is it OK to use pornography as a Christian?  If so, under what circumstances?  If not, why not?

Some Scripture to consider

Hebrews 13:4

Matthew 5:27-29

1 Thessalonians 4:3-8

1 Corinthians 6:18-20

Proverbs 5:15-23

3.         Any ideas on what someone would do if they wanted to stop using porn?

4          Why doesn’t getting married stop some people from using porn?

5          What impact do you think porn use has on the person using it?  (especially in the way they relate to others)  What impact does it have on those close to the user? 

6.         Is there anything the Christian community can / should do to help those struggling with this issue?

For Next Time – Language – what is OK and what isn’t?  Why?  How do we evaluate our use of words considered dirty or vulgar?  Any Scriptural input?

9-15-2014 - Chariots of Fire (2 Kings 2)

Days Of Elijah

Chariots of Fire – 2 Kings 2

1          A day comes when Elijah will be ‘taken’.  The discussion starts with Elijah inviting Elisha to stay behind several times.  What do you think this is about? 

2.         Any idea why Elijah parts the water with his cloak?

3.         Elisha asks for a double portion of Elijah’s spirit – what is he asking for?  And how does Elijah answer?  Why not a yes or no?

4          Elijah leaves in a very unique way…. Why do you think God did it like this?

5          The prophets don’t believe Elijah is gone – even though Elisha tells them.  Can we relate to their thinking? 

6.         Elisha heals some water – how does this problem and miracle fit in the story?

7.         The kids making fun of Elisha face some pretty serious consequences – is this extreme and vengeful?

For Next Time – Pornography… how do we live with this reality?  What is normal?  What effect is this issue having on us?  What can we do about it?  What should we do about it?

8-18-2014 Trusting the Wrong God (2 Kings 1)

Days Of Elijah

Trusting the Wrong God – 2 Kings 1

1          Ahaziah becomes king following the death of Ahab, and you’d think that would make his life pretty awesome.  You’re rich, you’re in charge, and our human way of thinking would believe that these circumstances really eliminate most of the problems of life.  What happens to him – does this challenge our normal way of thinking?

2.        Why does Ahaziah want his men to go to Baal-Zebub instead of God?  The motivation for idolatry is not uncommon.  What kind of stuff do we go to (instead of God) to find what we want?

3.        Did you notice that God answers anyway?  What does God say to explain why Ahaziah is going to die?  Is God a vengeful God?

4          Elijah dressed weird… hipster?

5          Why did the 102 men need to die? 

6.        What is different about the third captain with 50 men?

8-3-2014 - Naboth's Vineyard (1 Kings 21)

Days Of Elijah

Naboth’s Vineyard – 1 Kings 21

1          Seems like Ahab starts off with a pretty fair deal – why didn’t Naboth want to sell his vineyard?  Is there anything wrong or dumb about Naboth’s decision?  Why did it anger and frustrate Ahab?  Application??

2.         Jezebel fixes the problem – why did she choose this method?  Why not just seize it?

3.         God sends Elijah to Ahab to pronounce judgment – what is the price to be paid?

4          Ahab’s response to Elijah – so you have found me, my enemy – what does this tell us about how Ahab viewed this storyline so far

5          We hear that Ahab was the worst king Israel had (up to that point).  What is called out as the primary reason for his wickedness?  Are there foundational decisions or small decisions that we make that can change the direction of our lives? 

6.         What does Ahab’s repentance and God’s response at the end of the chapter tell us?