Jonah: Week 2

Text: Jonah 1:1-3

Sermon: Rev. Matt Kennedy (Jonah Runs from God)

1.  What is the difference between dread and fear?  Does Jonah show signs of either?

2. (v.2) Jonah's understanding of God's will is clear and concise.  This shows us that God's will for Jonah is not something elusive, unreachable or lofty.  God gives us many ways to make certain what His will is for us.  What are they?

3. (v.3)  What is Jonah's reaction to God's calling?  Why does he choose those actions?

4. (v.3)  Jonah uses his effort, his time and money to make himself too busy to follow God to (initially) use.  Has there been a time where you make yourself too busy for God?

5. (v.1-3) Can anyone (including Jonah) flee from God's presence or will?  Read Psalm 139:7-10 for further reference.

6. (App)  Jonah is disheartened at God's plan to redeem Nineveh.  It's not uncommon for God to call us out of relationships, situations and attitudes that are not in line with His plan.  In time, God's way will be done, but only through great hardship.  Share a time where you and God have had to settle things "the hard way."

7. (App) What could have been done on your part to make that situation not so hard?

8.  (Thanksgiving Bonus) What are you thankful for this year?

Questions about Trials and Judgment

Text: Psalm 11
Sermon: Rev. Mark Carlton (Home Church)

1. (Lead-in) Do you think a society or culture will tolerate wrong-doing?  If so, how?  Could tolerance ever grow into acceptance?

2. (Lead-in) Do you think a society or culture can villianize what was previously considered a virtue?  If so, how?

3. (v.1) Why does the option of fleeing from conflict seem appealing?  Does it achieve its goal in the short-term?  How about the long-term?

4. (v.2,3) When evil is “breaking down the foundations,” what social choices do we have as Christians?

5. (v.4) How does God’s presence and “location” act as a comfort to us?

6. (v.5) What does God ask of His people in response to the success of the wicked?

7. (v.6,7) How do we (as Christians) approach the world on the topic of judgment?  Why might this be a topic of incredible discomfort or incredible joy?  (For additional references on joy see Psalm 96.)

8. (App) Why is judgment absolutely necessary for God to be truly loving and truly just?

Questions about Trials and Glory

Text: Psalms 4

Sermon: Jerry Shriver

1. [Lead-In] Can you think about a difficult time or a great trial in your life?  What made the experience so hard?  How did it feel?

2. [v.1] What types of distress do we put on ourselves or on others? Consider all types of distress including physical, emotional, and spiritual.

3. [v.2] Define glory.  Also, what is the difference between the glory of man and the glory of God?

4. [v.2] How do our delusions/false gods divert our attention away from the truth and purpose God has for us?

5. [v.3] Countless times, God has used his servants in the Bible to make “a way out of no way.”  Share or reflect on your favorite “way out of no way” account in Scripture.  Why is this particular account so important to you?

6. [v.4] What happens when we still our minds and hearts?  What types of things does God reveal to us?  How should we react?

7. [v.6] How is God’s vision of success and prosperities different than our own?

8. [App] Think of times in your life that God has delivered you from a trial.  What is the value of setting up a “memorial” to serve as a reminder of His faithfulness?  How do we set “memorials” in our lives?