By Faith
Conclusion
April 23, 2024 • Erin Morris
Through the lives of the men and women in Hebrews 11, we have seen incredible faith. It is by faith we are saved, by faith we are able to walk in obedience, by faith we overcome, and by faith we endure, receiving as the outcome of our faith the salvation of our souls. Join us for the conclusion of Hebrews 11 for a final look at what we accomplish By Faith.
Gained Approval
April 16, 2024 • Lisa Deering
Through all of their accomplishments, victories, and trials, the great heroes of faith did not receive what God ultimately promised them; instead, they looked forward to its future fulfillment. By their faith they gained God's approval and were made righteous. Join us for session twenty-five as we examine the final verses of Hebrews 11 and learn how God had provided something better for them through the person of Jesus Christ. Verses: Hebrews 11:39-40 Hebrews 13:8 Matthew 5:17 Hebrews 9:15 James 2:17-18 Discussion Questions: 1. How have the heroes of faith, who looked forward to the promised Savior, encouraged you to have faith as one who looks back to the fulfillment of the promised Savior, Jesus Christ? 2. If the Law cannot save and cannot make us righteous, what was the point of the Law? (Galatians3:21-26) 3. If salvation was achieved by keeping a set of rules or performing works, how could this lead to boasting and spiritual arrogance? 4. In what ways do you see people try to make themselves more righteous through works? In what ways do you find yourself trying to earn God’s approval by your works? 5. Christ set us free from the dead works of the Law. In what ways could we use our freedom in Christ to gratify the flesh instead of serve the Lord? Instead, what are we called to do with the deeds of the flesh (Galatians 5:16-23) 6. What holds you back from fully surrendering to the life of faith that Jesus died to give you?
Obtained a Better Resurrection
April 9, 2024 • Diane Clift
Hebrews provides us with a list of men and women whose faith, coupled with the power of God enable them to withstand unimaginable persecution. The same God who faithfully upheld them can be trusted to prepare us for any and all circumstances we encounter. Join us for week twenty four as we see the power God has granted to us that enables us to trust in Him and be victorious to the praise of His glory. Verses: Hebrews 11:32-38 Philippians 1:27-30 Matthew 16:24 2 Corinthians 4:16-17 Discussion Questions: 1. The disciples and other believers spoke with boldness though they knew their testimony about Christ would result in persecution. What hinders you from being bold in your faith? How does their example challenge you? 2. What opportunities for the gospel did persecution open? (See Luke 21:12-13, Acts 16:22-33, Philippians 1:12-13) Is the possibility of furthering the gospel worth the sacrifice of your suffering? Why or why not? 3. If we are persecuted or suffer for Christ’s sake, how does God help us? (2 Corinthians 1:5, 1 Timothy 1:7-8, 1 Peter 1:5) 4. Why would it be worth it to endure suffering, persecution, and even death for the cause of Christ? (See Romans 8:18, 2 Corinthians 4:16-18, 1 Peter 1:9)
Became Mighty
April 2, 2024 • Paula Thorp • Hebrews 11:33–34
The Bible contains story after story of those who, by faith, performed mighty deeds, were strengthened beyond human capabilities and were rescued from dire circumstances. Though our circumstances may look different, we too face battles of varying kinds. The Word of God commands us to pick up our shield of faith and engage the fight. Join us for session twenty three as we discover the victory we are granted by faith! Verses: Hebrews 11:33-34 Ephesians 6:13 Ephesians 6:6 Psalm 7:10 Psalm 18:1-3 Psalm 28:7 Discussion Questions: 1. What stood out to you most in either the homework or the message? 2. How did we see the characters in the homework respond to difficult situations by faith? Who is credited with the victory in each story, and what does this tell us about Who gains the victory for us as well? 3. When Daniel is told he cannot continue to pray to the Lord, he does so anyway. When Peter is arrested, he falls asleep in the jail cell. How do these actions demonstrate the faith of these men? How can you apply this faith to your lives? 4. Spiritual warfare is a daily battle plan. What should our battle plan look like? How can we engage the battle more effectively? 5. When and why do we fail to pick up our shield of faith when we are in the heat of battle?
The Prophets
March 19, 2024 • Erin Morris
There were countless prophets mentioned in Scripture who demonstrated their faith through obedience and boldness. They were often ill treated, ignored, and even persecuted, however the faithful ones continued to obey the Lord despite the difficulties. Join us for session twenty two as we are challenged by the prophets' obedience and boldness to continue to carry the message of the Gospel to a lost and dying world. Verses: 1 Kings 18:8-12 1 Kings 18:17 1 Kings 18:18-21 Isaiah 30:9-11 1 Kings 18:36-40 Ezekiel 33:1-9 Discussion Questions: 1. What was the point of Biblical prophets and what did they do? How did their lives demonstrate faith? 2. How do false prophets differ from genuine prophets? How can you tell the difference and why is it important not to listen to false prophets? 3. Prophets were often ill treated, abused, and sometimes even killed. What was their motivation to continue in faithfulness even in what was a perilous calling? 4. How do their lives challenge you to be bold, regardless of the consequences/cost? 5. In what way were the prophets called to be watchmen? How are we called to serve the same role?
Samuel
March 12, 2024 • Angela McAlister
Samuel was dedicated to the Lord before he was even born. Throughout his life, he served as a prophet, judge, and mediator between God and the people of Israel. He was tasked with many roles including to anoint, convict, preach, and even walk with kings. Join us for session twenty one as we examine how Samuel’s faithfulness and prayers were used to glorify God and effect change in lives of many. Verses: 1 Samuel 2:35 1 Samuel 7:8-13 James 5:16 1 John 5:14 1 Samuel 8:6-9 1 Samuel 12:19-23 1 Samuel 15:22 Discussion Questions: 1. What stood out to you in this week’s message/homework? 2. One of Samuel’s roles was to pray to the Lord on behalf of Israel. Why is prayer for others so important? Like Samuel, are you faithful to lift others up in prayer? Why or why not? 3. How does faith in God drive our faithfulness to Him? Would people categorize your life as one of faithfulness to the Lord? 4. Samuel was called to speak the words of the Lord, which were sometimes difficult messages. Why would this be hard and even dangerous at times? Like Samuel are you faithful to speak what is true even when it’s sometimes difficult? Why or why not? 5. Saul was instructed to kill all of the Amalekites and destroy the livestock, however he did not fully obey. Are there areas of your life that you try to obey God on your own terms instead of fully obeying His command?
David
March 5, 2024 • Paula Thorp
David is arguably one of the most well known heroes in Scripture. By faith he battled the enemy on the front lines of many wars and was victorious. However, he was not perfect. Though he battled sin, his heart was devoted to God. Join us for session twenty as we look at David's faith and learn from his example what the posture of our hearts toward God should be. Verses: 1 Samuel 17:48 1 Samuel 16:7 Acts 13:22 Proverbs 4:23 Discussion Questions: 1. What is conviction and what is the purpose of it in a believer's life? How is it different from condemnation? (2 Corinthians 7:9, Romans 2:4, and Romans 8:1) 2. What is repentance, and how does it act? (Matthew 3:8, Acts 26:20, 2 Corinthians 7:9-10) 3. What does it mean that David was a man after God's heart? What does it look like today to have a heart that is devoted to the Lord? 4. We all have "goliaths," or battles that we face in life. What is your "goliath?" What does it look like to lean on God's strength rather than our own in battle? 5. David fought many enemies in his life. How do we see him trust the Lord (and not his own hand) for deliverance? It is easy to talk about entrusting our enemies to the Lord and sometimes difficult to actually do? Why is this?
Jephthah
February 27, 2024 • Erin Morris
Israel is in a cycle of continual oppression due to her sin of idolatry. Once again, the nation is in need of a hero. An unlikely hero emerges who acts in faith and is empowered by God to deliver Israel from the sons of Ammon. However, Jephthah makes a tragic vow that will cost him dearly. Join us for session nineteen as we learn from Jephthah the high cost of idolatry in our lives, as well as the grace of God that is ready to deliver us when we repent. Verses: Hebrews 11:32 Judges 10:6-7 Judges 10:10-14 Judges 10:15-16 Judges 11:29 Judges 11:30-31 Judges 11:35 Deuteronomy 12:28-32 Proverbs 6:16-19 Discussion Questions: 1. What stuck out to you most in this story? 2. Why is Jephthah an unlikely hero, and how does that resonate with you? In what areas do you feel least likely to be chosen for God’s use/purposes? 3. Why is our background irrelevant to the calling of the Lord? How can we obey even in areas that seem daunting or for which we feel unqualified or unworthy? (See 1 Corinthians 1:26-31 & 2 Corinthians 12:9-10) 4. God had told the Israelites that the foreign gods would become a snare to them. How do we see this to be true in this story, and how is it true in our own lives? 5. Though Jephthah intends to worship the Lord, the method he picks is actually an abomination to the Lord. In what ways can our lives be abominable to the Lord? (Proverbs 6:16-19, Jeremiah 7:9-10) If so, what should we do? (Isaiah 1:16-18)
Samson
February 20, 2024 • Diane Clift
Samson was most notably remembered for his acts of strength. However, upon closer examination, we see that though he was physically strong, he often failed in strength of character. Join us for session eighteen as we see that despite his flaws, Samson's vision and faith enabled him to be included in the Hall of Faith. Verses: Heb. 11:1 Jdg. 14:2,3,7, 16:1. Hebrews 12:2 1 Peter 1:14-16 Questions: 1. What is a Nazirite? How is a Nazirite being set apart an example for us as Christians? (Numbers 6) 2. Are you guarding your eyes? If so, what things do you have in place to help you? 3. How can you fix your eyes on Jesus? 4. Like Samson at the end of his life, how are you acting out your faith in Christ? 5. How is Samson a flawed hero, and how should the fact that God uses him be an encouragement to us?
Barak
February 13, 2024 • Lisa Deering
Finding themselves oppressed yet again by their enemies as a result of their disobedience, the desperate Israelites cried out to God once more for deliverance. God uses Barak and two brave women, Deborah and Jael, to deliver the Israelites from their oppressors. Join us for session seventeen as we explore the gripping story of God’s faithfulness to rescue the Israelites despite their failures. Verses: Hebrews 11:1 Hebrews 11:32 Judges 4:1-3 Judges 4:4-5 Judges 4:6-7 Judges 4:8 Judges 4:14 Discussion Questions: Why does God call the Israelites to be separate from the laws, customs, and idols of the Canaanites? Why are we, as believers, called to do the same? How are the customs and the idols of this world a snare to us? What is the consequence for the Israelites’ continual rebellion against the Lord? The Bible says in Hebrews 12:6 that God disciplines those whom He loves. How is discipline an act of love? Who does the Lord raise up to deliver Israel from Sisera’s army? How does his obedience demonstrate faith in the Lord?
Gideon
February 6, 2024 • Paula Thorp
Israel's disobedience has resulted in their oppression, but God is faithful to raise up a deliverer for them. Though many would deem Gideon unqualified, God refers to him as a valiant warrior and appoints him to the task of defeating Israel's enemy. Join us for session sixteen as we examine what is required to be a vessel of honor fit for the use of the King. Verses: Hebrews 11:32 1 Corinthians 10:14 1 John 5:21 Hebrews 4:13 Jeremiah 23:24-25 1 Peter 2:9 Discussion Questions: 1. Why is Israel suffering and allowed to be devastated in the land God Promised to give them? (See Judges 1:21, 27-33 & 6:1 & 10) 2. Why do you think it was important that Gideon remove the idols and put God in His proper place before going to battle? Why is it important that we do the same in our own lives? How do we do this? 3. Why does God tell Gideon he has too many men to fight against the Midianites and Amalekites? (Judges 7:2) 4. How and when are we tempted to claim that our successes in our own lives are by the strength of our own hands, and not because God empowered us to gain them? 5. We claim verses that say, “victory belongs to the Lord,” but in what ways to we fail to believe this and actually walk in the truth of this? What would it look like to really walk in faith that God is in control of every single battle we face?
Jericho and Rahab
January 23, 2024 • Erin Morris
At long last the Israelites are at the threshold of realizing entrance into the land long promised to them, but the strongly fortified city stands in their way. How can a group of wandering Israelites defeat the city of Jericho and begin to claim the land? The battle plan is unique and is not instantaneous. Join us for session fifteen as we discuss how to wait for the victory God has promised and the unlikely heroes, like Rahab, that God is fond of using. Verses: Hebrews 11:30-31 Joshua 1:3-6 Joshua 2:9-11 Joshua 2:17-19 Joshua 3:10 Joshua 1:7-9 2 Corinthians 5:17 1. What struck you most about this week’s lesson and homework? 2. Why are the Israelites commanded to be strong and courageous? Why do you think the conquering of Jericho required faith? 3. How does Rahab’s decision to hide the spies demonstrate faith? 4. Victory for the Israelites was not immediate, however they were called to walk in obedience until victory was secured. How does this apply to our own lives and the battles we face? What things should we do as we await victory? 5. Rahab the harlot is grafted into the line of Christ. What does this tell you about the power of Christ to cleanse and to redeem? How can you apply this truth to your own life?
Moses: Wandering in the Wilderness
January 16, 2024 • Angela McAlister
The Israelites have been freed from bondage and captivity, and now the Lord has brought them into the wilderness to wander for 40 years. Quick to forget the goodness & provision of God, they began to grumble and complain about their circumstances. How do we resemble the Israelites in our seasons of trials & wandering, and what does this reveal about our faith? Join us this week as we continue our series of Hebrews 11, with Wandering in the Wilderness. Exodus 15:23-25 Philippians 2:14-15 Luke 6:45 Exodus 3:7-8 Deuteronomy 8:2-4 Isaiah 43:1-2 1. Some of the Israelites complained because they had “greedy desires.” How does greed drive complaining? 2. The Bible says the Israelites became like those who “complain of adversity.” How do we often do the same and what things do we complain about when in trial? 3. When in trial the Israelites were quick to assume God’s faithfulness had failed and his motives toward them were evil. How do we do the same thing? What do we wrongly assume about God’s character when times are hard? 4. God commanded the Israelites to go spy out the promised land and to go in and take the land. Why were they afraid to do so and how does their decision indicate a lack of faith? 5. Read Philippians 2:14-15. We are called to do all things without complaining or disputing. Why does this matter?
Moses: The Exodus
January 9, 2024 • Paula Thorp
Like the Israelites we can sometimes feel trapped and surrounded by trial. Through trial the enemy seeks to distract and destroy our faith. In these moments we must remember who our God is and what He has rescued us from. Join us for session thirteen as we stand at the edge of the Red Sea to behold a God is able to deliver us. Verses: Hebrews 10:24 Romans 6:6 Romans 6:18 Galatians 5:1 Isaiah 43:2 Discussion Questions: 1.God specifically led the Israelites to the wilderness. Why did He do that? (Exodus 13:17-18) 2.When the Egyptians begin to pursue the Israelites they become afraid and want to turn back. Why does fear make us want to shrink backwards instead of press forward? How would faith respond instead? 3.The Israelites are told to “stand by and see the salvation of the Lord.” What does it look like to stand by/ stand firm in areas in which you battle? 4.The Israelites are then told to go forward even though they have not seen victory accomplished yet. They must walk in obedience before God secures the victory. Think about areas in which you battle. What does it look like to “go forward” in obedience even as you wait for God to be victorious? 5.How is the Israelites’ deliverance from physical slavery a parallel to our redemption from spiritual slavery? Why was it important for them to remember they were delivered from it? Why should we also bring our spiritual deliverance to mind?
Moses: The Passover
December 5, 2023 • Erin Morris
Nine plagues have fallen on Egypt and still Pharaoh's heart remains hard. God's final act of judgment will be devastating for the entire nation. However, in His mercy, He provides a way to escape the judgment through the substitutionary sacrifice of an unblemished lamb. Not only is this a significant event for the Israelites, but it is also monumental to us as believers, foreshadowing a Lamb who would save us from the judgment to come. Join us for session twelve as we discuss the importance of the Passover, and the perfect Lamb who rescues us from the wrath of God. Verses Used: Exodus 11:4-10 Exodus 12:5-7 & 12-13, 29-30 John 3:16-19 Revelation 9:20-21 Romans 5:9 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 Discussion Questions: 1. What was the final plague on Egypt and who was able to escape it? 2. How is the Passover lamb a parallel to Jesus’ death on the cross? 3. What did Jesus’ death on the cross accomplish for us? (Isaiah 53:3-6, Galatians 3:10-13, Hebrews 9:11-14, & 1 Peter 1:18-19) 4. God offers us salvation through Christ. Why won’t people repent and how do you see this to be true in everyday life today? (John 3:16-19) 5. Why does the Lord commands us to celebrate communion? (1 Corinthians 11:23-26) 6. Who is able to partake in communion and what are we commanded to do before taking it? What should be our attitude as we take communion? (1 Corinthians 11:27-32)