Pastor Tim Richards continues his series "Forgotten Prophets," looking at Micah. 

1. Micah’s prophecy is one of coming judgment because of the evils that have taken root in the social fabric of Israel. Take a look at the following passages and come up with a list of the evils Micah specifies (Micah 1:1-2, 8-9; Micah 3:9-11; Micah 6:10-12)

2. Read Micah 5:2-5. Why is this prophecy so important? Can you find where Micah’s prophecy is quoted in the New Testament? What aspects of this prophecy stand out to you and why?

3. Read Micah 6:6-8. What is the difference between what the people thought God wanted from them versus what he really wanted? If Micah were speaking to us today, how might he word it differently for our context?

4. Thinking about the three things God says he desires in Micah 6:8, what are some specific areas of your life where you have been challenged to apply those?

#Sermon  #sundaymorning #WorshipService #worship #prophets

Pastor Tim Richards continues the series, "Forgotten Prophets" looking at Jonah.

SERMON QUESTIONS

1. The prophet Jonah is famous for his encounter with a whale. That was only necessary because Jonah was trying to run away from what God wanted him to do. Have you ever tried to run away from something you knew God wanted you to do? If so, what was it that turned you around?

2. Jonah wanted nothing to do with the pagan, violent people of Ninevah. If Jonah were living today, who do you think he might want nothing to do with?

3. The story of Jonah ends with an object lesson involving a dead plant (Jonah 4:6-11). What was God trying to teach Jonah? Why do you think the story ends on God’s question but no answer from Jonah?

4. Jesus referred to himself as a type of Jonah (Matthew 12:38-41) but said he was a greater Jonah. How does Jesus compare to Jonah and in what way(s) is he a greater Jonah? #Sermon #sundaymorning #WorshipService #worship #prophets

Our Family Ministries Pastor, Josh Deshazer, brings a message on Rest, from Mark 2:23-3:6.

1. When you think of Sabbath, what comes to mind?

2. Read Mark 2:23-3:6. What does Jesus say about the Sabbath? How does that influence our understanding of the Sabbath?

3. If you could take inventory of your pace of life, is it conducive to loving God and loving others? How might knowing that we have found rest in Jesus impact the way we schedule or plan our lives?

4. What could it look like to trust God more with our time? What would that look like in your life? How might a practice of rest, like Sabbath a day of rest, support that?

#Sermon #sundaymorning #WorshipService #worship

Guest speaker Dan Stephenson looks at Philippians 3:8-10 in a sermon called "The Good, The Bad and The Evil".

SERMON QUESTIONS

1. Has anyone ever said to you something similar to what Haley said (“I can’t believe in a God who would allow this to happen to me”)? Have you ever questioned God during a time of hardship? Share how you worked through it, and how it affected you.

2. Take a look at two or three of the following verses that talk about “good” in the world: Gen. 1:31; 1 Tim. 5:10; Matt. 5:15-16; Eph. 2:10; Heb. 10:24; 1 Pet. 2:12; Jas. 1:17. What makes a thing, thought, or action “good”? 3. The Bible gives us some examples of God using evil to accomplish something good – the trafficking of Joseph and the crucifixion of Jesus. Have you seen this phenomenon in your own life? Share an example.

4. Explain how suffering can bond you to God. In a time of suffering, how can you turn toward God instead of away?

5. Think of someone in your life who is suffering right now. Is there anything in your past experience that you can share with that person to help him or her turn toward God?

Pastor Tim Richards looks at the book of Obadiah, continuing the series, "Forgotten Prophets." Online service can be viewed via live stream on YouTube, or a DVD copy can be requested through the church office.

SERMON QUESTIONS

1. Have you ever seen or experienced some type of family feud? What started it? How did it affect the extended family? How long did it take to resolve?

2. Obadiah’s message is the result of a family feud between the descendants of two brothers – Esau & Jacob. Read Genesis 25:29-34 to discover how the feud started. What stands out to you about the origins of that fight?

3. In your group read through the book of Obadiah aloud (it’s only 21 verses). What bad things does Obadiah say the descendants of Esau (the Edomites) are guilty of toward their cousins, the people of Judah. Make a list.

4. What role did pride play in that conflict? Finish your time by reading Romans 12:14-21 and discussing Paul’s very practical advice regarding treatment of enemies.

#Sermon #sundaymorning #WorshipService #worship #Hosea #prophets

Pastor Tim Richards looks at the book of Amos, continuing the series, "Forgotten Prophets."

SERMON QUESTIONS

1. Have you ever had a time in your life when you were financially broke? What was that like? Were there things you did to get by that you wouldn’t have considered in better times?

2. Look up the following passages. Then, in your own words, summarize what it was that God was displeased about (Amos 2:6-9, Amos 4:1, Amos 5:11-12, Amos 6:4-6, Amos 8:4-7).

3. Amos was very clear that he was not your usual kind of prophet (Amos 7:14-15). Why do you think God chose a man like Amos to carry this particular message?

4. Thinking about the things Israel seemed blind to, can you identify any similar things in our own culture? Are there action steps you can take to address any of those? #Sermon #sundaymorning #WorshipService #worship #Hosea #prophets

SERMON QUESTIONS

1. Have you ever had a time in your life when you were financially broke? What was that like? Were there things you did to get by that you wouldn’t have considered in better times?

2. Look up the following passages. Then, in your own words, summarize what it was that God was displeased about (Amos 2:6-9, Amos 4:1, Amos 5:11-12, Amos 6:4-6, Amos 8:4-7).

3. Amos was very clear that he was not your usual kind of prophet (Amos 7:14-15). Why do you think God chose a man like Amos to carry this particular message?

4. Thinking about the things Israel seemed blind to, can you identify any similar things in our own culture? Are there action steps you can take to address any of those? #Sermon #sundaymorning #WorshipService #worship #Hosea #prophets

Pastor Tim Richards is looking at the book of Joel, continuing the series, "Forgotten Prophets."

SERMON QUESTIONS:

1. Have you ever been in a situation where an area was completely destroyed? What had happened? What did you see? What was the impact on those who lived there?

2. Compare Joel 1:1-13 with Joel 2:4-11. How is a swarm of locusts similar to a powerful, marauding army? How would you feel if you knew Joel was prophesying about your hometown?

3. Read Joel 2:12-13. What does Joel mean about rending hearts instead of garments?

4. Thinking about Joel's description of God in Joel 2:13, which of those descriptors is most meaningful to you and why? Based on your upbringing, is that image of God easy or difficult for you to relate to?

#Sermon #sundaymorning #WorshipService #worship #Joel #prophets

Pastor Tim Richards is looking at the book of Joel, continuing the series, "Forgotten Prophets."

SERMON QUESTIONS:

1. Have you ever been in a situation where an area was completely destroyed? What had happened? What did you see? What was the impact on those who lived there?

2. Compare Joel 1:1-13 with Joel 2:4-11. How is a swarm of locusts similar to a powerful, marauding army? How would you feel if you knew Joel was prophesying about your hometown?

3. Read Joel 2:12-13. What does Joel mean about rending hearts instead of garments?

4. Thinking about Joel's description of God in Joel 2:13, which of those descriptors is most meaningful to you and why? Based on your upbringing, is that image of God easy or difficult for you to relate to?

#Sermon #sundaymorning #WorshipService #worship #Joel #prophets