Sunday 25 April
Rediscovering Identity
Dave Bosma
Dave walked us through Nehemiah chapters 9 & 10. The Jewish people are rediscovering their identity. They do this: through the telling of a story - a story about a compassionate God and a sinful people, through the making and keeping of vows - putting it in writing with their names to it, through the rhythm of rule and ritual - with change coming through a new set of behaviours. Ultimately our identity as Christians is based on the call and action of God in our lives.
Life Group questions
Rediscovering Identity
Read Nehemiah 9-10 (yup, 2 chapters.)
To focus on God’s goodness:
In summary, God is good [v.9:5-15], but we have sinned [v.16-31], so life is hard [v.32-37], and we need your help to do better [10:28-39].
- What things tend to make people question the goodness of God most?
- What helps you to process these things to continue to trust that God is good?
To focus on confession and forgiveness:
The idea of sin is not a popular one in our society at the moment.
- How difficult do you find it to confess when you are in the wrong?
- How hard is it for you to give and receive forgiveness?
To focus on finding a way through struggles:
Every life has challenges, and while they are all different, no one seems to be completely free of struggles, anxieties, pressures and hurts.
- What parts of life do you find the hardest? [this is not a competition – every response matters]
- How might we support one another better to brave these challenges and persevere or even overcome them? How can we support others whom we interact with?
To focus on spiritual disciplines and helpful patterns:
The people commit themselves to a range of patterns and responsibilities to cement their intention to pursue God and centre their lives around worship (in their case, the temple).
- What patterns in your life remind you to be centred on God?
- What has happened or have you noticed in the last week that you can worship God for?
- How can your responsibilities be a source of worship?
Pray for one another that we can trust in the goodness of God, deal well with areas of sin, continue to show up to our challenges, and maintain patterns of worship.
Past talks