Watermark Fort Worth

The prophet Micah presents us with a divine courtroom scene, where God’s people stand accused of falling short of His expectations. But what does God really require of us? It’s not elaborate rituals or sacrifices, but rather to ‘do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with our God.’ This timeless message serves as a mirror for our own lives, prompting us to examine how we care for the vulnerable in our communities. Are we, like the Israelites, practicing empty religion while neglecting true compassion? The sermon draws fascinating parallels between ancient Israel and our modern world, reminding us that God’s heart for justice and mercy remains unchanged. As we grapple with this convicting message, we’re also comforted by the assurance of God’s unfailing love and forgiveness. This journey through Micah invites us to align our hearts with God’s, transforming us into agents of His justice and kindness in a world desperately in need.

Main Points:

- God requires His people to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with Him

- The book of Micah serves as a mirror for self-reflection and societal examination

- Caring for the vulnerable is a central aspect of biblical justice

- God’s people often fall short of His requirements, but He remains faithful

- God rescues us from our greatest enemies: sin and the world

- God’s character is marked by mercy, forgiveness, and unchanging love

Discussion Questions:

1. The sermon mentioned that God’s people ‘missed the purpose of their redemption.’ What is the purpose of our redemption in Christ? How might we as modern believers also be at risk of missing the purpose of our own redemption in Christ?

2. In what ways do you see the tension between religious ritual and true relationship with God in your own life?

3. If Micah serves as a ‘mirror’ for societies, churches, and individuals, what uncomfortable truths might this mirror be revealing in our own lives or communities?

4. In what ways does the socioeconomic segregation of our cities blind us to the needs of others, and how can we actively work to overcome this ‘blindness’?

5. What are some practical ways our small group could engage in caring for the vulnerable in our community?

Practical Applications:

1. Spend time in prayer, asking God to reveal areas where you may have become blind to injustice or need around you.

2. Memorize Micah 6:8

Reflect on areas where you struggle to extend mercy or kindness. Ask God for help in growing in these areas.

Prayerfully consider getting involved with one of our ministry partners—not just to care for those in need, but to be reminded of your own need for growth, grace, and the ways God shapes us through others.

Worship Setlist:

The Lamb (Alleluia); Come Thou Fount; King of Kings; I Exalt Thee; Living Hope; Yet Not I But Through Christ In Me

The story of Jonah reminds us that God pursues us even in our disobedience and showcases how God can use the seemingly inadequate to accomplish His purposes. Jonah’s reluctance to go to Nineveh parallels our own hesitations in following God’s call. Yet, God’s compassion shines through, not just for Jonah but for the people of Nineveh as well. We’re challenged to examine our own hearts – do we, like Jonah, sometimes resist God’s call to show compassion to those we deem unworthy? This message encourages us to embrace God’s heart for all people, reminding us that salvation comes from the Lord alone. As we reflect on Jonah’s journey, we’re invited to consider how God might be calling us out of our comfort zones to be instruments of His grace and mercy in unexpected places.

Main Points:

- God pursues the disobedient

- Our God is a God of salvation

- God uses the seemingly inadequate

- God is full of compassion and grace

Scripture Referenced:

Jonah 1-4; Ephesians 2:8-9; Ephesians 2:1; Matthew 12:38-41; 2 Peter 3:9

Discussion Questions:

1. How have you experienced God pursuing you in times of disobedience or running away from His call?

2. In what ways do you sometimes feel inadequate to serve God or share the gospel? Do you believe God can use those perceived inadequacies?

3. How does the story of Jonah challenge our assumptions about who God can save and use for His purposes?

4. What parallels do you see between Jonah’s reluctance to show compassion to Nineveh and our own struggles to love difficult people in our lives?

5. How does Jesus’ comparison of Himself to Jonah (Matthew 12:38-41) deepen our understanding of Christ’s mission and sacrifice?

6. In what areas of your life do you need to be reminded of God’s compassion and grace, both for yourself and others?

7. How might recognizing God as the source of salvation, rather than our own efforts, change our approach to evangelism and ministry?

8. In what ways might God be calling you to step out of your comfort zone to serve Him, despite feelings of fear or inadequacy?

Practical Applications:

1. Identify an area in your life where you feel inadequate to serve God. Commit to taking a step of faith in that area this week, trusting God to work through you.

2. Reflect on someone in your life whom you find difficult to love or show compassion to. Pray for them daily this week and look for an opportunity to show them kindness.

3. Spend time meditating on God’s compassion and grace toward you. How might this change your attitude toward others?

4. As you reflect on God’s compassion and grace toward you, pray for an opportunity to share about it with someone this week. Remember that God can use even our simple words to bring about transformation.

Worship Setlist:

There is a Savior; Here I Am to Worship; Who Else; Christ be Magnified; His Mercy is More

As we continue to make our way through the Minor Prophets, we arrive at the smallest book of prophecy, the book of Obadiah. In just 21 verses, we see God’s determination to restore His people through judgment on display in the destruction of Edom. We also learn four important lessons for our lives today about the destructive nature of pride and the trustworthy sovereignty of God, our good and just Judge.

Main Points:

- Through judgment, God will restore His people. 

Lesson #1: Obadiah reminds us of the destruction of pride. 

Lesson #2: Obadiah reminds us that God’s people are saved through judgment.

Lesson #3: Obadiah reminds us that God is just and will judge; this is good news.

Lesson #4: Obadiah reminds us that the eternal kingdom is the Lord’s.

Key Takeaways:

- Napoleon is known for his pride. His pride led to his destruction. 

- Similarly, the book of Obadiah tells about the pride and fall of the Edomites. Yet it also contains a message of hope that through judgment God will restore His people.

- God’s indictment against Edom (vv. 1-2) is sent among the nations as a warning against pride. 

- Verses 3-4 describe the Edomites’ problem: their arrogance. God promised to oppose Edom for their pride.

- The Lord declares total devastation will come to Edom (vv. 5-9).

- Verses 10-14 demonstrate how this pride from Edom has manifested toward the Israelites, their blood relatives. - They should have allied with Israel but instead, they were violent toward them because of their pride. In doing so, they opposed both God and God’s people.

- Verse 15 is a key verse. It describes a reversal of fortune. Essentially, in colloquial terms, “what goes around comes around.” God promises the Edomites will drink a cup of judgment, bringing about their own demise by their destructive actions even as God Himself judges them for rejecting Him. Thus we see the balance between human responsibility and divine sovereignty. 

- Obadiah’s prophecy was fulfilled, and quickly. The Nabateans overthrew Edom. This was the prophecy’s immediate fulfillment.

- But the ultimate fulfillment will be Jesus’ second coming when God judges all the nations—the righteous unto salvation and unrighteous unto judgment.

- Verses 17-21 transitions from a message of destruction to a message of hope and restoration. Though God judged His people (see the book of Amos), a remnant remains and God will restore them.

- God’s ultimate objective is the realization of His eternal kingdom to bless His people forever.

Lesson #1: Obadiah reminds us of the destruction of pride. 

The Noah Webster Dictionary of 1828 defines pride this way: “Pride is inordinate self-esteem; an unreasonable conceit of one’s own superiority in talents, beauty, wealth, accomplishments, rank or office, which manifests itself in lofty airs, distance, reserve, and often in contempt of others.”

The ultimate expression of pride is living without an understanding and declaration of our desperate need for God. The most severe manifestation is the willful rejection of the triune God and His Word. 

All pride leads to destruction. Yet it’s inherent in our fallen nature. Even as believers, our flesh wrestles with our new self in Christ. But God in His love allows the destructive consequences of pride to humble us and bring us to repentance.

Lesson #2: Obadiah reminds us that God’s people are saved through judgment.

We have all acted in the sin of pride in opposition to God. And we are saved through judgment—God’s judgment of sin poured out on Christ in our stead.

Lesson #3: Obadiah reminds us that God is just and will judge; this is good news.

God will right all wrongs. And He is a better Judge than we are. Vengeance is His (Romans 12:19-21). 

Lesson #4: Obadiah reminds us that the eternal kingdom is the Lord’s.

Justice is coming. This world is not our treasure. As we sing, “Though the nations rage and kingdoms rise and fall, there is still one King reigning over all; and I shall not fear, for this truth remains—that my God is the Ancient of Days.”

The greatest declaration of pride is, “Lord, I don’t need You.” May our humble declaration be, “Lord, I need You.”

Discussion Questions/Application:

Personal application:

1. Spend some time asking the Spirit to help you identify pride in your heart. How do you see pride show up in your life on a weekly/daily basis? How do you live as though you don’t need God? How do you see apathy toward God show up in your life? If you have trouble, think through a recent conflict. How did your pride play a role? Are you experiencing any destructive consequences of pride right now?

2 Consider: Do you see a holy hatred of pride growing in your life? How? If not, how can you begin—through the Holy Spirit’s power—to cultivate it more?

Discuss with your community group:

1. What wrongs are you struggling with right now, desiring to see justice prevail? How can you more fully embrace God as our Judge and trust His timing and plan in this? 

2. Share about a time when pride led to destruction in your life. What happened? How did God use the consequences of your sin to lovingly discipline you and draw you to Him? How did you see James 4:4-10 at work?

Scripture Referenced:

James 4:4-10; Romans 3:23; Romans 6:23; Romans 12:19-21

Worship Set List:

The Passion, Firm Foundation (He Won't), Nothing Else, Death Was Arrested, Lord I Need You

Main Idea: History connects us to the past; forgetting it risks repeating mistakes.

Main points:

Pass down your faith story. 

Pursue justice and care for the marginalized.

Reject empty religion and pursue true worship.

Remember God’s faithfulness. 

Speak truth in love. 

Recognize God’s judgement and repent. 

Key takeaways:

-We, as believers, are like Amos: regular people called by God to speak the truth. 

-where sin is rampant, destruction is sure to follow. 

-The Lord cares about the heart of worship far more than the act of worship. 

-prioritize a genuine relationship with God and resist the worldly schedule that makes that hard or impossible. 

Discussion questions and applications:

-Israel, God’s elect, became oppressive. Have you ever forgotten your redemption story and become an oppressor rather than the humble redeemed? (An accidental Pharisee) 

-Idolatry is often covert. Pray and ask God to reveal yours. 

-Sin leads to destruction. That destruction can be in this life, or you can be free from it by allowing the Cross to redeem it and fully pay for it. If destruction has been caused by your sin, is there someone you need to repent to and seek forgiveness and restoration? Before total destruction. 

For Community group discussion: 

-Are there areas in our community we should be reaching out to in love as the Church? What opportunities do you see? 

-Has chasing the world ever compromised your seeking first the kingdom of God? And caused you to forget parts of the community? 

-If you have not cared widows and orphans (James 1), what is holding you back? 

Scripture references:

Book of Amos; 2 Kings 17:6-9

This week, we continue our study of the minor prophets in the book of Joel. The book of Joel shows us that our Creator and Redeemer God is a God of judgment but also a God of mercy who stands ready to restore His people when they come before Him in repentance. This book also points to a time when the Spirit of God would be present in all God’s people.

Main Points:

1. The Day of the Lord is a Day of Judgment

Joel 1–2:11

A locust plague devastates the land.

This is a covenant curse (Deuteronomy 28:38).

It is a foreshadowing of an even greater judgment (Babylonian invasion).

Israel is being treated like Egypt for covenant unfaithfulness.

📖 “The Day of the Lord is indeed great and very awesome; who can endure it?” – Joel 2:11

2. The Day of the Lord is a Day of Mercy & Restoration

Joel 2:12–32

“Yet even now, return to Me…” (Joel 2:12).

God is gracious and compassionate (Exodus 34).

Edenic renewal promised: restoration, fruitfulness, peace.

Salvation for all who call on the name of the Lord (Joel 2:32).

3. The Day of the Lord is a Biblical Pattern

Noah's Flood: Salvation through judgment.

Sodom & Gomorrah: Destruction and rescue of Lot.

Exodus: Judgment on Egypt, salvation through the blood of the lamb.

Cross of Christ: The ultimate Day of the Lord.

Jesus bore judgment to bring salvation.

 4. The Day of the Lord in the New Testament

Acts 2: Fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy at Pentecost.

Romans 10: “Everyone who calls… will be saved.”

Revelation: Final judgment, final restoration.

Application (2 Peter 3:3–15)

1. Don’t forget: The Day is coming

Don’t be lulled into thinking God delays. He is patient.

 2. Be diligent to be found in Christ

Live with urgency, in holiness and godliness.

 3. Regard the Lord’s patience as salvation

His delay is a mercy for more to repent and be saved.

Reflection & Discussion Questions

Do you see God’s justice and mercy as compatible - or in tension? How does the cross inform your viewpoint?

Are you prepared for the Day of the Lord? If it came today, would you be found in Christ?

How does understanding the pattern of salvation through judgment shape your view of suffering or discipline?

What signs of God’s mercy have you seen in hardship?

Are you telling the next generation about what God has done? (Joel 1:3)

How are you yielding to the Holy Spirit in your life? How does the gift of His presence encourage you?

“For those who are in Christ, the Day of Judgment is no longer a threat - it is the Day of Salvation.”

Closing Encouragement:

“The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend… even so, it is well with my soul.”

The book of Hosea offers a powerful metaphor for God’s relentless love and our struggle with idolatry. Through Hosea’s marriage to the unfaithful Gomer, we see a reflection of our own relationship with God. Just as Gomer ran to other lovers, we often chase after idols – success, relationships, or material possessions – that promise fulfillment but ultimately leave us empty. Yet, God’s response is not abandonment, but pursuit. He calls us back, even in our unfaithfulness, demonstrating a love that’s both just and merciful. This ‘hesed’ – God’s covenant love – challenges us to examine our hearts. Where are we giving our devotion? What idols have we allowed to creep in? The message of Hosea reminds us that no matter how far we’ve strayed, God’s love is steadfast, ready to redeem and restore us. It’s an invitation to return to our first love and experience the transformative power of divine grace.

Main Points:

- God confronts our idolatry

- God calls us to return

- God redeems our unfaithfulness

Key Takeaways:

- God confronts our idolatry, viewing it as spiritual adultery

- God calls us to return to Him, using both warnings and wooing

- God redeems our unfaithfulness through His steadfast love (hesed)

- God reconciles justice and mercy through Christ’s sacrifice on the cross

- Our hearts easily manufacture idols, replacing God with other “lovers”

- God’s love pursues us even in our worst moments of unfaithfulness

Scripture Referenced:

Hosea (specifically 1:2; 2:13; 6:6; 2:8-9; 11:8-9; 2:6-8; 2:14; 3:2; 2:19-20); Romans 5:8; Psalm 103; Genesis 15; James 5:16

Discussion Questions:

1. How does the analogy of marriage in Hosea reflect our relationship with God, and in what ways might we be ‘unfaithful’ in our spiritual lives?

2.What are some modern-day “idols” that people, including Christians, might struggle with? How can we identify idols in our own lives?

3. Is it easy for you to believe that God pursues you even in your ‘spiritual adultery’, or are you more likely to doubt His pursuit of you? Why?

4. The sermon mentioned the “grace of frustration.” Can you think of a time when God may have used frustration or obstacles to draw you back to Him?

5. Drew talked about God reconciling justice and mercy through Christ. What does this mean and how does understanding this impact your view of God’s love and forgiveness?

6. How does the imagery of God ‘alluring’ His people back to Him challenge or expand your view of God’s character?

7. How can we apply the principle of showing steadfast love to the ‘Gomers’ in our lives, especially when it’s difficult?

Practical Applications:

1. Idol Inventory: Take some time this week to prayerfully examine your life for potential idols. What things or people might you be putting before God or running to when faced with anxiety, difficulty, or boredom?

Practicing “Hesed” Love: Identify someone in your life who may be difficult to love. How can you show them God’s steadfast love this week?

2. Confession and Community: Drew shared James 5:16 which emphasizes the importance of confessing sins to one another. Is there any sin or idol in your life you need to confess? Share with a trusted friend or group member and pray for each other.

3. Meditation on God’s Love: Spend time reflecting on Psalm 103. How does this passage deepen your understanding of God’s love for you?

4. Responding to God’s Pursuit: What is one practical step you can take this week to turn away from “other lovers” and draw closer to God?

Worship Setlist:

As Loud As He Is Worthy (Psalm 47); Undivided Heart; His Mercy Is More; King of Kings; Goodness of God