​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

 

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 

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 

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