Blog Archives

The Cycle (Judges 1-2)

6/25/2017

The Cycle
Judges 1-2

Big Idea
- Judges challenges us to face what it means to have no king, but also encourages us to trust God as the sovereign Ruler of our lives.
Summary of Success, Sort of…
- God promised to bless all people. Genesis 18:18; Joshua 23:1-5
- The tribes of Israel failed to follow God, completely. Judges 1:1-33
Rebuked by an Angel
- The angel was trying to protect them from what comes of worshipping idols. Judges 2:1-3
- The people were sad, but they did not repent. Judges 2:4-5
The Next Generation
- The kids didn't follow the same path as their parents. Judges 2:10
- The family is God's primary way to pass along what means to have faith in Him. Deuteronomy 6:1-9
Breaking the Cycle
- God is a gracious King – who can be fully trusted. Judges 2:11-19
- Pockets of sin provide opportunities to turn to God. Judges 2:20-23

6/18/2017

How Can a Good God Allow Evil and Suffering?
Isaiah 46:8-10; 2 Samuel 2:6-8; Amos 3:6; 1 Peter 1:3-9

Big idea
- God is willing to own the problem of evil.
Options
- Evil exists to balance the good in the universe.
- Evil and suffering don't really exist. Mark 7:15
- Evil has to exist so we can have freewill.
- Ultimately evil exists to bring glory to God! Job 38:1-17, 40:1-2; Romans 3:5, 8:18-25; 1 Peter 1:20
Look Up
- The cross proves God cares. Psalm 22; Isaiah 53; Acts 4:27-28; Hebrews 4:15
Look Forward
- The resurrection proves God is all-powerful. Job 19:26-28; 1 Peter 3:8-9
Worship
- We can surrender to God and know His peace. Romans 11:29-35
- We can enter into a living hope through worship. Revelation 15:1-4

6/11/2017

Is God Different in the Old and New Testaments?
Numbers 23:19; Deuteronomy 20:10-18; 1 Samuel 15:1-3; Malachi 3:6; Hebrews 13:8

Big Idea
- When we seek God for understanding we gain perspective that makes us stronger in our faith.
God's Judgment
- There are many passages in the Bible that require a gut check. Genesis 6-8; 19:1-29; Joshua 6:21; Judges 14:19
Crisis
- Some people refuse to believe in Christianity because of their questions.
- Are we willing to say we're not God?
Context
- Perspective matters. Genesis 6:5;
  - 1. God declares judgment for extreme sin. Genesis 6:5
  - 2. A warning was given to repent and avoid punishment. 2 Peter 2:5
  - 3. Someone is always saved from the judgment. Jonah 3:4
  - 4. God's judgment falls.
- God's punishments are always carried out as careful acts of judgment. Exodus 20:13
  - Murder – premeditated, unlawful taking of life.
  - Killing – the taking of life in a lawful manner.
Faith
- Is God a better Judge than me? Hebrews 13:8; 2 Peter 3:9
- God doesn't want us to remain under His judgment. Romans 15:8-9

6/4/2017

What About Other Religions?
Isaiah 45:5-7; John 3:1-21; 14:6

Big Idea
- God has narrowed the focus of our salvation – so that can be completely saved.
Aren't All Religions the Same?
- All major religions claim exclusivity.
- All major religions have competing, or incompatible versions of the truth.
How Are Religions Difference?
- All religions, besides Christianity, are works-based. Philippians 2:12-13; 3:4-9
- We have to consider whether or not our religion is true.
Does God Really Send People to Hell?
- Either no religion is true – or only one can be true. Romans 1:24
- God is continually making His plea for people to turn to Him.
How Are Christians to Distinguish Themselves?
- Set apart Christ as Lord! 1 Peter 3:15
- Share what's difference about our Savior with gentleness and respect. 1 Peter 3:16