Abondoning Grace In Turbulent Times
- Russ Kapusinski
- Sep 17, 2006
- Series: Judges
September 17, 2006-Community Group Questions & Reflections
If Jesus had been the kind of teacher popularly portrayed in the North American church, a master of the inner life, teaching the importance of spirituality and a private relationship with God, he would have been supported by the Romans as part of their rural pacification program. That was exactly the kind of religion that the Romans wanted peasants to have.
~William Herzog
How is it possible that the gospel should be credible, that people should come to believe that the power which has the last word in human affairs is represented by a man hanging on a cross? I am suggesting that the only answer, the only hermeneutic of the gospel is a congregation of men and woman who believe it and live by it. [Our evangelistic methods -- missions, campaigns, gospel presentations, Bible distribution] have power to accomplish their purpose only as they are rooted in and lead back to a believing community.
~Lesslie Newbigin, Missionary to India
Sometimes I lie awake at night, and I ask, "Where have I gone wrong?" Then a voice says to me, "This is going to take more than one night."
~Charlie Brown in Peanuts, by Charles Schulz
1. Read William Herzog's quote on page two. How does Herzog's insight relate to the problem of "everyone doing what is right in their own eyes?"
Read Judges 2: 1-23
2. What covenant is the Angel of the Lord speaking of in verse 1? What does God promise us in this covenant? What covenant is the Angel of the Lord speaking of in verse 2? What does God require of us in this covenant?
3. What is the Angel's accusation in verse 2? What is the underlying problem in Judges? How does this apply to us? How do the people respond in verses 4-5? What would the sacrifice mean to the Israelites?
4. How does the Book of Judges point us to God's fulfillment of both of these covenants? How should we respond?
5. In this past week's sermon entitled: "Abounding Grace in Turbulent Times" what was most striking to you, raised questions or gave you a new insight into the world in which we live, your life or what it means to follow Jesus?
6. Where do you see your need for the gospel from this passage? Where do you see your need for the perfect life of Jesus lived for you and his death for you in this text?
What one thing from our discussion has been impressed upon you most during our Community Group? Where have you fallen short of Jesus' requirements and need the gospel once again in your own life? Share and pray for one anothe
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