We Don't Talk About That
A series where we tackle difficult topics
Everyday Idols: Technology
August 29, 2021 • Pastor David Foss • 1 John 5
Discussion Questions: 1. What “issues” do you see with technology in your life/home? 2. Why do you think technology has idol potential? 3. What connection do you see between the needs one seeks to have met through technology, and what Jesus offers? 4. Perhaps offer this as your prayer today: "Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs. But I, with shouts of grateful praise, will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good. I will say, ‘Salvation comes from the Lord’” (Jonah 2:8-9).
Everyday Idols: Power
August 22, 2021 • Pastor David Foss • Philippians 2
Discussion Questions: 1. Before today’s message, what picture did you have in your mind of power? 2. What does Jesus’ example teach you about true power and how to use it? 3. If God is near the weak (powerless), then what might you tell yourself next time you feel weak? 4. “All you need is need”, Keller says. What is your reaction to that? (Is that all you have?) 5. Think of someone you know who is “on the bathroom floor”. How is God leading you to bring them hope?
Everyday Idols: Money
July 25, 2021 • Pastor Dave Foss
Vote for the fourth idol! The scheduled idols for this series are: Money, Sex and Power. The people of Bethel will vote on the fourth idol. Click the link on this page to submit your vote. Discussion Questions: 1. In what ways have you seen “good” things become “ultimate” things that when lost led to despair? 2. Money and possessions can be idols. As such, they insist that in some way we love, trust and obey them. Think of an idol(s) that vies for your love, trust and obedience. What is it? 3. Read Philippians 3:7-8. What of Paul’s testimony here would you like to have as your’s too?
Everyday Idols: Introduction
July 18, 2021 • Pastor Dave Foss
Discussion Questions: 1. Think fast! When I say “Idolatry”, what comes to mind? 2. In the message it was noted that we never break commandments 2-10 without breaking the 1st. How do you respond to that statement? 3. In Colossians 3:1-5 Paul calls us to set our hearts and minds on things above. Do you have any habits or practices that help you do that in everyday life? 4. Share your reaction to Tim Keller’s statement, “Like Abraham, you could take a walk up into the mountains. You could say, ‘I see that you may be calling me to live my life without something I never thought I could live without. But if I have you, I have the only wealth, health, love, honor and security I really need and cannot lose.”
"Republican vs. Democrat"
November 1, 2020
Scripture: "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship” (Romans 12:1). “Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker” (Psalm 95:6). **Discussion Questions** > 1. Share how your faith informs: > - Why you vote > - For whom you vote > - How you respond when your candidate doesn’t win > 2. What is your faith-inspired vision for America? And how do you think Jesus is leading you to be part of achieving that? > 3. What are a few concrete ways we could help unify our community after the election results are announced?
"Science is Real"
October 25, 2020
Scripture: "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction" (Proverbs 1:7). **Discussion Questions** > 1. Do you see science and faith as rivals or compatible partners in the quest for truth? Why? > 2. Read and respond to Proverbs 9:10 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” > 3. Pastor Dave referenced Francis Bacon’s “two books of God”. The book of God’s Word (scripture) and the book of God’s Work (nature, the material world). Do you have a habit of engaging with these books in an intentional way? If so, what is that habit/practice? > 4. How do faith and reason find their perfect fulfillment in Christ? (maybe read 1 Corinthians 1:21-24 again)