Questions

The Story of God: Rebellion

Jun 23rd

Posted by Jeff in Emphasis

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We’re continuing The Story of God. After a good and perfect Creation comes the Fall and then Rebellion. Tonight we began in Genesis 4 as Chris Nye taught us this main ‘chapter’ of the Big Story. It traces all of humanity from the Fall through the coming of Christ, and up to this broken, rebellious world today. Here’s a little summary:

The Fall

REBELLION | God’s good creation did not just doubt His great goodness once, but rather, after the Fall of man the entirety of human history has been rebelling against God. Adam & Eve committed sins that showed their distrust in God, but it didn’t stop there. In fact, their two sons would continue in this preference of other things over God. This rebellion against the goodness of God manifests itself through timeless sins of pride, idolatry, and immorality, just to name of few. These are strong words that describe the simple reality that we so often prefer our own way as opposed to God’s way. Deeply rooted in our own hearts, these tendencies exist and do nothing good for us. What is God to do with a creation that is working against Him? He certainly won’t just take it – no, He intervenes. Though we still sin the same timeless sins, God is still the same timeless God: Good, Perfect, and unbelievably Loving.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Which of the “timeless sins” do you find yourself falling into most (pride, idolatry, immorality)?
  2. How does your sin (rebellion) affect how you relate to God?
  3. Do you trust that living for Jesus, in His way and not rebelling against it, is the way that leads to abundant life? Why?
  4. How can you begin to take steps of obedience towards a life that reflects trust in Jesus?

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The Story of God God’s Word (the Bible) and God’s world follow the same storyline:

Creation → Fall & Rebellion → Redemption → Restoration (Glory)

Next week: Redemption!

The Story of God: The Fall

Jun 16th

Posted by Jeff in Emphasis

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The FallWe’re continuing The Story of God. After Creation comes the Fall. Tonight we looked at Genesis 3 as Kari Patterson taught us this second ‘chapter’ of the Big Story. Here’s a little summary:

FALL | The good God set this good Story in motion, with a good & perfect creation. At the center were man & woman, created in God’s image, as very good, and meant to love, know and enjoy God and cultivate His good creation. Even with all this goodness, they were prone to doubt God’s goodness, and were tempted to forsake knowing and enjoying God as the primary source of their life and happiness. Now comes the Fall, from grace, from godly desires, from dominion over creation, from life, and the beginning of death. Everyone, everywhere, now feels the effects of the Fall, and are co-conspirators with Adam & Eve following Satan in rebelling against our Good Father.

Genesis 3 Discussion Questions:

  1. What are ways that Satan tries to make people discontent? How does he sow seeds of doubt about God’s goodness?  How does our culture chase after selfish desires?  In what ways do you see that people around you are deceived?  Do you see any of these slippery slopes in your own life?
  2. Consider the claim that every act of sin or disobedience has consequences.  What consequences of sin do you see around you?  In what areas are you tempted to think that your actions won’t have consequences?
  3. [separate for men and women, based on the Curse]

GUYS:  In what ways do guys exploit, or take advantage, of girls’ weaknesses? How can you accept God’s call on your life to protect the girls around you?  How will you do that this week?

GIRLS:  In what ways do girls use the way they dress or act to get attention from guys?  How is that selfish exploitation?  How can you accept God’s call on your life to protect the guys around you? How will you do that this week?

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The Story of God God’s Word (the Bible) and God’s world follow the same storyline:

Creation → Fall & Rebellion → Redemption → Restoration (Glory)

Next week: Rebellion.

Living today with echoes of the Beginning

Jun 12th

Posted by Jeff in Emphasis

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CREATION Genesis is a book all about ‘beginnings’ — and in Genesis 1-2 we saw the beginning of everything. Every but God. He has always been and will always be self-sufficient.

As Aaron taught us on CREATION, the beginning of The Story of God, we see the main character — the Hero of the Story, God — speaking this universe into existence. Effortlessly, with infinite creative beauty. It wasn’t … and then it was!

On Wednesday night we concluded with three thoughts:

  • This world is good, and
  • Human life is very good, and
  • God is truly good.

Consider these questions [from the Ask & Explore]:

  • How many of you feel confident you could summarize the Bible? Not just the story of Jesus’ life, but the entire Bible?
  • [After seeing amazing photos and considering the staggering immensity and beautiful design of space and this earth] Looking at the universe like this … does it make you feel small?
  • What were we made for? What is our ‘chief end?’ (“Man’s chief end is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.” —Westminster Shorter Catechism)
Next week: The Fall (Genesis 3). Read ahead.

Q’s from Ruth 2

May 21st

Posted by Jeff in Questions

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After studying Ruth 2:14-23 this Wednesday night, we gave thought to some questions getting at our true motives. (Included in the Ask & Explore.)
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