Sisters Community Church

Steve Stratos The Book of Esther

1. Why should we study the book of Esther?

2. Has there ever been a time when you could not see, hear, or feel God? When was that, and how did you eventually come to acknowledge his presence or his promises? When we cannot see, hear, or feel God, what should we do?

3. Give an example of how God works in the mundane. Why do we tend to acknowledge him more in the miracle than the mundane?

4. Are you, like Ahasuerus, ever tempted to declare your own glory and greatness instead of God’s? Why is this dangerous? What have you learned from it?

5. What is your go-to when God seems to be silent?

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Steve Stratos 2 Samuel 7

1. What is the role of “covenant” in the Bible?

2. Explain God’s role and desire for the five covenants mentioned.

3. Share how the principle of Incarnation and the principle of Grace are important to the storyline of a pursuing God.

4. What makes Christianity different than all other religions? Explain through the dialogue of the Davidic covenant.

5. What is the difference between having a Savior and having a King? What part do they play in our life? What part do we play in this relationship?

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Jonathan Martin 1 Samuel 9-20

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Ryan Moffat 1 Samuel 8

1. What did the Spirit say to you through the Word this weekend?

2. What parts of your own pain and brokenness draw you to want human solution (“give me a king”) to a spiritual problem?

3. How ought Christians think about politics in light of 1 Samuel 8? What does this passage teach us about the Kingdom of God in light of every other kingdom?

4. How should the Kingship of Jesus shape our lives in a practical way? What does this mean for you personally that “JESUS IS KING”?

5.Did anything else stand out to you as important?

If you are interested in joining the mail list for SCC's Year of Biblical Literacy: The Pursuing God, visit sisterschurch.com/ybl

Mark Seekins 1 Samuel 1:1-28

1. Are you a good “waiter”? Are you still waiting for something to change or a New Year’s resolution to take hold? How well do you handle it when “hope” is accompanied by “waiting”?

2. Hannah’s response includes 3 important elements, she remains faithful (continuing to worship), she responds in faith (making a commitment), and she exercises her faith (finding peace and rest in God). Which of these is the most difficult for you? Are you commitment averse, or impatient? Maybe instead, do you take things into your own hands or curse God when hope is deferred?

3. Have you ever had one of those moments where it seemed “all is lost”? Share an example. What was your response or action in that moment? Did you yield completely to God or respond in some other way? Did you even know how to respond?

4. God’s response to Hannah includes three things as well, he listens (He’s been listening for a while), He remembers (literally He acts), and He blesses (all is part of God’s plan for salvation). Which of these is most meaningful to you? Have you felt this kind of response from God in your circumstances?

5. When your hope is fulfilled, what is your treasure? Is it the fulfillment of hope or is it in the ONE who fulfilled that hope? Could your current “deferred hope” be for a greater purpose? This week, commit that hope to God. What would that look like?

If you are interested in joining the mail list for SCC's Year of Biblical Literacy: The Pursuing God, visit sisterschurch.com/ybl

Steve Stratos Ruth 4:13-17; 1:16-18 Titus 2:11-14 Hebrews 9:15 Ephesians 4:29-30

1. Ruth 1:16-18 is the powerful passage of committed love. Explain the ingredients in your own words.

2. Where have you seen a commitment like this in your life? Think of a person who has given it or a person who might need it and reach out with a correct response.

3. Describe the humility in the 3 main characters: Ruth, Boaz and Naomi. How would you describe it?

4. What does redemption mean to you? Read Titus 2:11-14.

5. How can words be redeeming? Read Ephesians 4:29-30 and Ruth 1:16-18.

If you are interested in joining the mail list for SCC's Year of Biblical Literacy: The Pursuing God, visit sisterschurch.com/ybl

Ryan Moffat Ruth 2:12

1. What did God say this week through the book of Ruth?

2. One of the themes of chapter 1 is the element of surprise in the redemptive storyline of God. The Israelites don’t get it, but the teenage Moabitess named Ruth totally gets it. What questions or reflections does that raise for you? What does this mean for us today?

3. What’s a situation in your life that felt like nothing but pain and loss, but ultimately it led to something good (perhaps even great) that you could not see at the time? How does that encourage you to trust Him more today?

4. What is one “takeaway” application for you this week?

If you are interested in joining the mail list for SCC's Year of Biblical Literacy: The Pursuing God, visit sisterschurch.com/ybl

Ryan Moffat Judges 2:11-23

1. What did God say to you through the Scriptures this week?

2. Where are you at in the “sin cycle/redemption cycle” chart? (see the hexagon shape that Ryan refers to during the sermon)

3. What does the book of Judges teach us about God? How can you apply the truth of God this week?

4. We talked about the GOSPEL of Jesus always being one generation from extinct. How do you see that in our culture today?

5. Did anything else stand out to you?

If you are interested in joining the mail list for SCC's Year of Biblical Literacy: The Pursuing God, visit sisterschurch.com/ybl

Steve Stratos Joshua 3:1-17

1. Where in your life and walk with God has He called you to be “Strong and Courageous?”

2. What uncertainties have you faced that God has gotten you through? What would be your impossible river to cross over?

3. In a world that is so divided, how have you found a third way to live in it but not of it? Give some examples.

4. As followers of Christ, have you experienced your own Jericho victory?

5. Joshua’s declaration in chapter 24:14-18 is to choose to serve God. With all the competition, where is that declaration in your life, and who do you need to declare it in front of and ask for help?

If you are interested in joining the mail list for SCC's Year of Biblical Literacy: The Pursuing God, visit sisterschurch.com/ybl

Ryan Moffat, Steve Stratos - John 20:19-28

If you are interested in joining the mail list for SCC's Year of Biblical Literacy: The Pursuing God, visit sisterschurch.com/ybl