The Circle of Life
- Russ Kapusinski
- Sep 24, 2006
- Series: Judges
September 24, 2006-Community Group Questions & Reflections
I am an historian. I am not a believer, but I must confess as an historian that this penniless preacher from Nazareth is irrevocably the very center of history. Jesus Christ is easily the most dominant figure in all history.
~H.G. Wells
Christians who have been given new birth by the word must also grow. They are cleansed by the converting power of the gospel, but they must mature in their new life. What will advance their growth? What will deepen their love? The same truth of God that gave them birth also nourishes them. If the word of God is water to wash us, it is also milk to build better bodies in Christ. Christians must be addicted to the Bible.
~Edmund Clowney
O Lord, thou didst strike my heart with thy Word, and I loved thee.
~ St. Augustine
The reason why our childhoods were one enthusiasm after another was that we hadn't yet found an organizing center for our lives and a goal that would demand our all and our best. The Christian faith is the discovery of that center in the righteous God. Christian discipleship is a decision to walk in his ways, steadily and firmly, and then finding that the way integrates all our interests, passions and gifts, our human needs and our eternal aspirations. It is the way of life we were created for.
~Eugene H. Peterson
1. Read Eugene Peterson's quote on page two. Discuss the dynamic that's being communicated in this thought as you begin your time together.
Read Judges 2: 1-23
2. What is the "cycle" or "pattern" that emerges throughout this period of time in the history of God's people? Do you see a similar pattern at work in the lives of people today? How about in your life?
3. How do you think it's possible for commitment to the Lord to be lost in one generation? Describe how you think it happened in the Period of the Judges and how you think it happens in our day. What can we do as the church to pass on the baton of true faith to our children?
4. Why is it a gracious act of God to raise up foreign invaders to trouble his people? (One man has coined the phrase "severe mercy" for what is described here). In other words, how is this a severe mercy?
5. In this past week's sermon entitled: "The Circle of Life" what was most striking to you, raised questions or gave you a new insight into the world in which we live,
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?
7. 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 another.
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