"The Father of our Fatih" Discussion Guide

Main Thought

How do you recognize “great faith?” Abraham is known as the Father of Faith. He trusted God’s timing. He didn’t focus on the problems around him; he focused on God’s promises. But great faith isn’t just about what we accomplish. It’s also about who we accomplish it with. God promised Abraham that he would be the “father of many nations.” Today’s Christians - who come from many nations - are part of the fulfillment of that promise. We can walk with God today because people came before us and passed on their faith, like Abraham did. As we serve God, we need to walk with people who are older and younger than us. We want faith to operate multi-generationally; for that to happen, we need to share faith multi-generationally.

Main Passages

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. 2 For by it the people of old received their commendation.
- Hebrews 11:1-2

11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.
- Ecclesiastes 3:11 (NIV)

 8 By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. 9 By faith he went to live in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise. 10 For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God. 11 By faith Sarah herself received power to conceive, even when she was past the age, since she considered him faithful who had promised. 12 Therefore from one man, and him as good as dead, were born descendants as many as the stars of heaven and as many as the innumerable grains of sand by the seashore. 13 These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth.
- Hebrews 11:8-13

 Discussion Questions

1. Have you ever witnessed God move, and realized in retrospect that His timing was perfect? What happened?

2. Do you have any current problems that make it hard for you to focus on God’s promises? What might God be teaching you while you wait?

3. Who passed on their faith to you, or influenced your walk with God? Have you ever tried to share your faith with the next generation?

Family Discussion

We learn from Abraham that God’s timing is always on time and sometimes that requires us to be patient and wait.

1. Have you ever really wanted something but you had to wait a long time for it?

2. What did you lean while you waited? Was it hard to be patient?

3. How did it feel when you received it?

"Called and Cautioned" Discussion Guide

Main Thought

What do things like tools, kitchen appliances, and cars have in common? They can be useful and purposeful, but they also come with a set of cautions. The same can be true of our lives! God calls us to live with purpose, but cautions us to take care of our character. Samson from the Book of Judges might embody this idea better than anyone else in the Bible. He was born miraculously and had great physical strength. But Samson did not take caution and cultivate godly character. He was impulsive. He compromised often. He was isolated and proud. Eventually, Samson was defeated and suffered greatly - not because he lacked strength, but because he lacked character. But God’s grace enabled Samson to recover over time. God, in His grace, gives us the opportunity to grow gradually and answer His call.

Main Passages

3 And the angel of the Lord appeared to the woman and said to her, “Behold, you are barren and have not borne children, but you shall conceive and bear a son. 4 Therefore be careful and drink no wine or strong drink, and eat nothing unclean, 5 for behold, you shall conceive and bear a son. No razor shall come upon his head, for the child shall be a Nazirite to God from the womb, and he shall begin to save Israel from the hand of the Philistines.”
- Judges 13:3-5

10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
- Ephesians 2:10

Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.
- Proverbs 4:23

Discussion Questions

1. What stands out to you in the Main Thought or Passages above, or last week’s Worship Service?

2. Have you ever experienced growth in one of Samson’s four “character cautions” (impulsiveness, compromise, isolation, or pride)? If so, how?

3. Which one of those four areas do you need to grow in or be cautious of in this season of your life?

Family Discussion

1. Every good gift comes from God. Samson was given the gift of great strength. What kind o gift would you ask God to give you and what would you use it for?

"Divine Destiny - The Story of Esther" Discussion Guide

Main Thought

The Lord invites us to seek his favor! The simplest definition of God’s favor is His “demonstrated delight.” When the favor of God is upon us, it gives us advantages in life that we can‘t create on our own. One of the people in the Bible who walked in God’s favor was Esther: an Israelite orphan who became queen of a foreign empire. Esther learned that faithfulness brings God’s favor. This favor turns our trials into blessings, and puts us into positions to succeed with God and Man.

Main Passages

16 And when Esther was taken to King Ahasuerus, into his royal palace, in the tenth month, which is the month of Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign, 17 the king loved Esther more than all the women, and she won grace and favor in his sight more than all the virgins, so that he set the royal crown on her head and made her queen instead of Vashti.
- Esther 2:16-17

52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man.
- Luke 2:52

Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. 4 So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man.
- Proverbs 3:3-4

Discussion Questions

1. Our faithfulness is a key to experiencing God’s Favor. Do you feel you’ve been faithful in everything God has given you? Is there anything you could be more faithful with?

2. Are there any situations in which you need God’s favor right now?

3. How can you use God’s favor in your life to be a blessing to others?

Family Discussion

1. To have courage means to stand up for what you believe in. What does courage mean to you? And where can you get it from?

"Struggles of the Prophet of Fire" Discussion Guide

Main Thought

The story of Elijah is encouraging because the Bible says that he was a man just like us (James 5:17). He displayed great strength, but the Bible is also transparent about his weaknesses. He felt isolated. He was burned out. He was struggling with his mental health. In the end, God delivered Elijah from his own weakness and unbelief. Elijah’s impact continued and he invested in the next generation. Four observations from Elijah’s life can help us experience the same breakthrough:

1. Rest must be a priority.

2. We need to connect, and reconnect, with God.

3. Return to what God called you to do

4. Recognize your key relationships.

Main Passages

4 But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness and came and sat down under a broom tree. And he asked that he might die, saying, “It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life, for I am no better than my fathers. 5 And he lay down and slept under a broom tree. And behold, an angel touched him and said to him, “Arise and eat.” 
- 1 Kings 19:4-5

11 And he said, “Go out and stand on the mount before the Lord.” And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. 12 And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper. 13 And when Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. And behold, there came a voice to him and said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”
- 1 Kings 19:11-13

14 He said, “I have been very jealous for the Lord, the God of hosts. For the people of Israel have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword, and I, even I only, am left, and they seek my life, to take it away.” 15 And the Lord said to him, “Go, return on your way to the wilderness of Damascus. And when you arrive, you shall anoint Hazael to be king over Syria. 16 And Jehu the son of Nimshi you shall anoint to be king over Israel, and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah you shall anoint to be prophet in your place.
- 1 Kings 19:14-16

Discussion Questions

1. What stood out to you from the Main Thought and Passages above, or from last week’s Worship Service?

2. Who or what do you turn to for help and relief when you’re struggling? Why?

3. Of the four things we learn from Elijah’s life, which one is most applicable to you right now?

Family Discussion

1. Sometimes we are asked to do things we don’t want to, like helping you younger brother/sister clean up their toys. Was there ever a time you were helping family or friends to do something good for them but you didn’t get rewarded like you thought you would?

"Positioned for Providence" Discussion Guide

Main Thought

Difficulty and desperation happen in our lives. The worst-case scenario might even occur in spite of our best efforts. In situations like these, we might feel like God is silent. We don’t know what He’s doing. Yet we need to seek God even when we don’t see Him. When we do, we often discover that God is moving providentially on our behalf. The word “providence” describes the way God uses people, events, and other things in the world to accomplish his purposes. In His providence, God moves through people and circumstances discreetly (instead of directly) to accomplish his purposes.

We can learn three things from the Book of Ruth about positioning ourselves to experience God’s providence. First, our motives and actions need to serve God -  instead of “idols” like an unhealthy need for comfort or control. Second, we also need to have the right attitude toward our role in God’s story. We need to work hard and do our part. Finally, we need to do the right things by living and acting with integrity. These things position us to experience God’s providential favor and purpose for our lives.

Main Passages

16 But Ruth said, “Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God.
- Ruth 1:16

3 So she set out and went and gleaned in the field after the reapers, and she happened to come to the part of the field belonging to Boaz, who was of the clan of Elimelech.
- Ruth 2:3

28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good,[h] for those who are called according to his purpose.
- Romans 8:28

Discussion Questions

1. What stood out to you from the Main Thought and Passages above, or from last week’s Worship Service?

2. Have you ever witnessed God move providentially in your life? How do you need to see God move now?

3. Of the three things we learn from the Book of Ruth about experiencing God’s providence, which one is most applicable to you right now?

Family Discussion

1. Ruth made a promise and she kept it even if things around her changed. Have you ever made a promise but didn’t keep it? What happened?

" Your Giant Ain’t Jack" Discussion Guide

Main Thought

The story of David and Goliath is one of the most familiar stories in the Bible. It’s been taught in every Sunday school class, and used by every sports broadcaster. The illustration of David vs. Goliath is usually conjured up when there’s a big difference between two opposing teams or individuals. It’s the classic tale of an undisputed champion and an underdog. Although Goliath was twice his size and had more combat experience, David ran toward the giant and defeated him. There was one element that switched the odds in David’s favor: He trusted in God, who has never lost a battle, and trusted in his promises. David’s faith in God was bigger than Goliath.

Main Passages

21 And Israel and the Philistines drew up for battle, army against army. 22 And David left the things in charge of the keeper of the baggage and ran to the ranks and went and greeted his brothers. 23 As he talked with them, behold, the champion, the Philistine of Gath, Goliath by name, came up out of the ranks of the Philistines and spoke the same words as before. And David heard him.
24 All the men of Israel, when they saw the man, fled from him and were much afraid. 25 And the men of Israel said, “Have you seen this man who has come up? Surely he has come up to defy Israel. And the king will enrich the man who kills him with great riches and will give him his daughter and make his father's house free in Israel.” 26 And David said to the men who stood by him, “What shall be done for the man who kills this Philistine and takes away the reproach from Israel? For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?” 27 And the people answered him in the same way, “So shall it be done to the man who kills him.”
- 1 Samuel 17:21-27

11 Then Samuel said to Jesse, “Are all your sons here?” And he said, “There remains yet the youngest, but behold, he is keeping the sheep.” And Samuel said to Jesse, “Send and get him, for we will not sit down till he comes here.” 12 And he sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy and had beautiful eyes and was handsome. And the Lord said, “Arise, anoint him, for this is he.” 13 Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers. And the Spirit of the Lord rushed upon David from that day forward. And Samuel rose up and went to Ramah.
- 1 Samuel 16:11-13

37 And David said, “The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” And Saul said to David, “Go, and the Lord be with you!”
- 1 Samuel 16:37

for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. 
- 1 John 4:4

Discussion Questions

1. What stood out to you from the Main Thought and Passages above?

2. Are there any situations in your life that make you feel like an underdog because the odds are stacked against you?

3. Jesus makes us into giants! What are some of His promises that might address the situations you’re in right now? Use this opportunity to share scriptures with each other. You can use Bible apps or Google to help you if you need to look for some.

Family Discussion

1. How would you feel if you went into a battle against a giant who was 9ft tall, wore an armor, and had a sword? Would you feel scared? Or would you feel like David, unafraid and ready for battle because your faith in God and why?

"Journey of Great Faith" Discussion Guide

Main Thought

Moses is a central figure in the Bible. Most of us know him for leading God’s people out of slavery in Egypt toward freedom in the Promised Land. We might know him for the Ten Commandments. But there’s so much more to the story of Moses. His life is a display of faith: from the time he was born, to the time of his death. Just like our own journeys through life, Moses made excuses, experienced difficulties, and had extreme failures. But he fulfilled God’s purpose with greatness because of great faith! This great faith trusts God beyond our comfort zones, overcomes limitations and failures, and finishes strong.

Main Passages

11 But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?”
- Exodus 3:11

23 By faith Moses’ parents hid him for three months after he was born, because they saw he was no ordinary child, and they were not afraid of the king’s edict. 24 By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. 25 He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. 26 He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward. 27 By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger; he persevered because he saw him who is invisible. 28 By faith he kept the Passover and the application of blood, so that the destroyer of the firstborn would not touch the firstborn of Israel. 29 By faith the people passed through the Red Sea as on dry land; but when the Egyptians tried to do so, they were drowned.
- Hebrews 11:23-29

10 And there has not arisen a prophet since in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face, 11 none like him for all the signs and the wonders that the Lord sent him to do in the land of Egypt, to Pharaoh and to all his servants and to all his land, 12 and for all the mighty power and all the great deeds of terror that Moses did in the sight of all Israel.
- Deuteronomy 34:10-12

Discussion Questions

1. What stood out to you from last Sunday’s online Worship Service?

2. God uses great faith to help us overcome limitations and failures. Have you seen that in your life, or in the lives of those around you?

3. What’s one area in your life in which you’ve settled into a personal comfort zone? How might God be calling you out of that and into a new process? Remember to finish strong!

Family Discussion

1. In the time of Moses, the people of Israel had to rely on Moses to talk to God for them. But through Jesus we can now have access to talk God. What have you talked to God about lately?

2. Having faith means doing something even if you’re afraid. What’s something you’ve done that you were afraid to do but did it anyway?

Into the Unknown

Main Thought

We’ll find ourselves going “into the unknown” - or navigating unfamiliar, unprecedented circumstances - throughout our lives. Noah, from the Book of Genesis, can teach us four things to help us navigate the unknown and come out of it. First, we need consistency with God. We can’t lose our consistency in the chaos. Instead, we should bring God into our storms by reading His Word and praying regularly. Second, a clear word from God can give us direction when circumstances make things unclear. The third thing we need is community. It’s easy to find people to agree with us; we need people who are willing to build with us. Finally, we need to persevere. We must continue to do as God commanded. We can continue in faith because our ultimate confidence is secured by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Main Passages

“Noah walked with God.” 

- Genesis 6:9

13 And God said to Noah, “I have determined to make an end of all flesh, for the earth is filled with violence through them. Behold, I will destroy them with the earth... 18 But I will establish my covenant with you, and you shall come into the ark, you, your sons, your wife, and your sons' wives with you… 22 Noah did this; he did all that God commanded him.

- Genesis 6:13, 18, 22

6 And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. 7 By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household. By this he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.

- Hebrews 11:6-7

Discussion Questions

1. What stands out to you in the Main Thought and Passages above?

2. Do you feel like you might be going “into the unknown,” or navigating something unprecedented in your life?

3. We can learn four things from Noah’s life about going into the unknown and coming out on the other side. Which one of those things is most relevant to your life right now?