Two Words That Change Everything: Backwards Thinking

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Two Words That Change Everything: Backwards Thinking

October 20, 2024 • Garry Firth • 1 Samuel 17, 1 Corinthians 1:26–29, Judges 6—7

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1. What is something you had an opportunity to do, but you didn’t do it, and now you regret not doing it?

2. Read 1 Corinthians 1:26. How do these words challenge our culture’s notions of success, intelligence, or prestige? How do these verses speak to feelings of inadequacy or unworthiness?

3. Read 1 Corinthians 1:26-28. Have you experienced times when you felt “foolish” or “weak” but saw God work powerfully through you? How do these verses encourage you to trust in God’s strength rather than your own abilities?

4. Garry shared the stories of David (1 Samuel 17), Gideon (Judges 6-7), Rahab (Joshua 2), and Jesus’ disciples (Matthew 25/Acts) which are just some of the stories found in the Bible that demonstrate how God often chooses to work through the weak, the marginalized, and the seemingly unqualified to achieve great things. In what ways do these stories encourage and challenge you?

5. Garry suggested that ‘God’s not looking for your strength, he’s looking for your availability and your willingness to trust him.’ What do you think about that statement?

More from Two Words That Change Everything

Two Words That Change Everything: The Problem With The Problem

October 27, 2024 • Garry Firth • 1 Timothy 2:5, 1 John 1:8–9, Romans 5:8

1. What has been your biggest takeaway from this series, and how has it impacted you? 2. Share a ‘BUT GOD’ moment from your life. 3. What thoughts cross your mind when you hear the word sin? Garry suggested that the problem with sin is that we don’t think we have a problem with sin. Do you agree or disagree? Why? 4. Read Romans 5:6-8. How do those verses impact you? What do these verses say about God’s character? How does understanding that Jesus died for you while you were a sinner impact your view of grace, forgiveness, and God’s love for you? 5. Read Romans 5:9-11. What does it mean to you that you are considered a friend of God? 6. Take some time this week to reflect on your own ‘BUT GOD’ moments and thank God for his willingness to step into our messy world and help us. If you made the decision recently to ask Jesus for forgiveness, let us know so we can help you as you begin your journey with Jesus. And be sure to grab a copy of What’s Next from the info table.

Two Words That Change Everything: Bad To Good

October 13, 2024 • Garry Firth • Psalm 73

1. What are some things you are thankful for? 2. Read Psalm 73:3. Have you ever found yourself comparing your life to others who seem to prosper despite their behaviour? What impact does this have on you? 3. Asaph reframed one of the big questions we tend to ask. He wondered why good things happen to bad (wicked/evil) people? Have you ever felt like others, especially those who seem to disregard God, have easier or more successful lives? How does this affect your perspective about the goodness or fairness of God? 4. I’ve been stupid to play by the rules; what has it gotten me? A long run of bad luck, that’s what - a slap in the face every time I walk out the door. (Psalm 73:13-14) Do you ever expect certain rewards for living rightly? How do you respond when life doesn't seem to work out that way? How does the Asaph's honesty about his frustration with God’s justice challenge or comfort you in your faith journey? 5. Read Psalm 73:26. Why is the phrase "But God" such a powerful turning point in this verse? How does it change the overall message of the psalm? When have you experienced a "But God" moment in your own life, where God’s intervention or presence changed the course of a difficult situation? 6. What does Psalm 73:26 teach you about relying on God’s faithfulness, even when everything else seems to be falling apart?

Two Words That Change Everything: Good Out Of Bad

October 6, 2024 • Garry Firth • Genesis 37—50

1. Describe a time when you experienced a ‘TSN turning point’ in your life. A time when things took a turn for the better. 2. Even as Joseph was being sold as a slave, the Bible reads, “The Lord was with Joseph.” How is God “with us”—even in the hard times? Do you turn towards God or away from Him in hard situations? 3. Read Genesis 40:14 and 40:23. Have you ever felt forgotten before? Have you ever felt like God has forgotten you? How did that situation work out? 4. Read Genesis 42:1-3 and 45:1-8. If you were Joseph, how would you have treated his brothers? What is your typical response towards someone when they’ve wronged you? 5. Read Genesis 50:20. Pray that God would continue to show you the ways He is working for your good even in the worst circumstances. Close your prayer by reading Romans 8:28.