February 13-14th

"Even Job Had a Next Step" by Brian Newman

Questions written by Wes and Laura Johnson

1)  Read Job 1. What do you believe about God and His involvement our suffering?  Does He instigate it, allow it, or hate it?  Why do you believe that?

2)  Brian stated that suffering is somehow integral to our faith.  How has a period of suffering affected your relationship with God?

3)  Read Job 38:2-3.  God told Job to brace himself like a man.  Brian talked about this being Job's next step.  Are you in the midst of a period of suffering or uncertainty right now?  What "next step" is ahead of you?  How can your small group or the church body help you take that next step?  Conversely, how can you help others in the body who need to take a "next step" in an area where you have already walked?

February 6-7th

"Prophecy of the Son" by Bill Senyard

Questions written by Chris and Geneva Douville

Read Genesis 22:15-18

1)  In the context of the Old Testament, Bill talked about that to become a son of God, one needs to be perfect.  As we read through the bible, we see that each man/tribe ultimately fails and sins.  This begs the question "who is going to be the faithful son"?  Discuss how this is a prophecy of the Son (Jesus).

2)  God made a covenant with the Israelites that they were his people and would receive his blessings, given they followed his commands.  Although the Israelites (and we) continue to sin, God did not choose to start over as he made his commitment to them (us).  What is the significance of this?  What does this speak about God's character?

3)  Genesis 22:15-18 talks about God's reaction to the faithful son.  How have you experienced faithfulness with God?  What blessing resulted?

4)  Read Galatians 4:4-7.  Jesus doesn't hoard God's blessings, but rather offers them to all unfaithful sons and daughters.  Talk about what this means to you.