Living in Peace

Genesis 34

What is the most painful or serious medical procedure you have experienced?

Based on the context of this passage what might be some on going family issues that contribute to this situation that develops?
How would you describe Dinah’s relationship with the Caananites?
Why might that relationship in this situation be a problem?
How would you describe Shechem’s feelings towards Dinah?
What are Dinah’s feelings towards Shechem?
Based on our evidence was this a rape by modern standards or is it another ancient crime?
Why does Jacob wait to inform his sons of the problem?

What is the plan that Hamor comes up with to placate Jacob and his family?
What might be his real motivations behind this offer?
What does this plan tell us about the relations between Jacob’s family and their neighbors?
What would make the incredible request of the circumcision of the men of an entire town seem reasonable as a wedding gift?
Why do the men of the town go along with Jacob’s son’s request of Hamor and Shechem?
Why do Jacob’s sons set this as the “bride price” for their sister?

Describe the scene as Jacob’s sons carry out their bloody plot.
What is driving these young men to do this to their neighbors?
Why does Jacob allow this violent plan to be carried out by his boys?
How is it possible that Jacob was surprised by this action of his sons?
What seems to be Jacob’s primary concerns in the situation?
What does this show us about him?

What are some ways that your relationships with non-disciples tempt you into the world’s system?
How do we develop healthy relationships with non-disciples that allow for sharing our faith without being submerged in their value system?
How does a person go about setting healthy boundaries with their neighbors?

What is a dishonor in your life for which you feel the need of revenge?
How can we relieve that impulse without resorting to violent attack?

Urban Renewal

Genesis 19

What is your least favorite aspect of living in the city?

Based on the context of this passage what is the relationship between these angels and Abraham who is Lot’s uncle?

Imagine you are these angels walking into this city. What would be shocking about this place to ones accustomed to heaven?

Why are the angels insistent about wanting to stay in the city square?

What does it show us about Lot that he is so insistent about showing them hospitality?

In what ways can you show hospitality towards strangers while keeping safe boundaries?

How would you describe the behavior of the men of the city in verses 4 – 11?

What does it show us about humanity that these men are so vulgar?

What does it say about Lot that offers his daughters to the awful fate of being raped by the men of this city?

Describe the relationship between Lot and the men of the city.

Why do the angels allow Lot to go through this when they in the end escape miraculously?

How are you a positive influence in your neighborhood?

What can you do to build a better relationship with your neighbors?

Describe the dialogue between Lot and the angels in verses 12 – 22.

Why are the angels so frantic in their warnings to Lot and his family?

Why is Lot taking the time to negotiate a different destination?

What varieties of words are used in this passage to communicate the pending doom?

Why is it that God is going to destroy these particular cities?

What are some warnings that God may be trying to communicate to you?

How can we become more open to obeying God’s direction in our lives?

Describe the destruction of these two cities. Why are their consequences so violent?

What does it say about Lot’s wife’s heart that she looked back to the cities?

Why does God decide to spare Lot and his daughters from the disaster?

Who is someone close to you that you need to be interceding for their protection?

What is the plan that Lot’s daughters come up with to ensure a continuing of Lot’s line.

What are the many things about this plan that are ridiculously evil?

What does it show us about Lot that they are able to carry out this terrible plot?

How can we learn to be more patient in seeing God’s plan and purposes accomplished?

Be Afraid, Be Very Afraid

This was the introductory message to this new Chronic Conflict series.
The text for this message is Psalm 111 - 112.
Remember to hear an MP3 of the message simply click on the above title.

Sibling Rivalry

Genesis 4

Describe the worst argument you have ever had with a sibling or close friend.

Compare and contrast Abel’s career with Cain’s. How might their lifestyles be different?

What is it about animals that make them a preferred gift to give to God?

Why does God value that kind of gift over other potential gifts?

What kinds of gifts does God desire of us as Jesus followers?

How can you intentionally give God what he wants from you this week?

Read verses 4 – 7 of this passage again.

How could Cain go about giving animals to God without changing his career?

What attitudes may have been in Cain’s heart prior to even giving this gift?

What would be the attitudes brewing in Cain’s heart after his gift was rejected?

Describe the warning that God gives to Cain. Why is He so intense with him?

How did Cain’s conversation with God at this point alter his emotional outlook?

Why did God’s warning have such little effect upon Cain?

What are some attitudes that you are harboring that may lead to actual poor decisions?

How do we go about transforming our internal attitudes when they are rotten?

What are some ways that sin might be stalking you in your life? How can you get freedom?

Pretend you are a pre-historic CSI agent. How would you reconstruct the crime scene?

Why does Cain resort to such a terrible action towards his brother?

Describe God’s confrontation of Cain after his homicidal plot is hatched.

What does it show us about our relationship with God that he requires an answer from Cain?

In what ways is God’s punishment of Cain incredibly appropriate to the crime?

How does God demonstrate mercy to Cain even in this punishment?

Spend some time crying out to God for mercy for the negative choices you have made.

What have been some ways you have seen God’s mercy in your life time?

In verses 17 and forward we have the account of the results on Cain’s family.

How does Cain’s miserable choice impact those who come after him?

Compare and contrast Lamach and Cain and their reactions to possible violence?

How would you describe what is happening spiritually over the generations?

What needs to change in your life to avoid damaging your family spiritually?

What level of control does fear hold in your life? How does a person overcome it?

Why is it necessary for the narrator to let us know of the birth of another brother?

How would you describe Eve’s reaction to this new baby?

What effect is the presence of sin having upon the family unit?

Why does the narrator tell us of people beginning to communicate with Yahweh?

What steps do you need to take to improve your communication with God?