Bible Study - Chris Seidman - The State of the Church 2022
Sermon-Based Bible Study – November 13, 2022
- What is something God has done for you that you are thankful for? What is something you are celebrating? How have you experienced God’s love and faithfulness this week?
- Where are you experiencing stress, anxiety or discouragement? How would you like to see God move in your life or in the life of someone close to you?
- What did you hear in this week’s sermon that was new or particularly interesting? Did anything stand out to you as puzzling or troubling?
- Ecclesiastes 7:16 and Isaiah 40:18-19. Do you find yourself longing for some things or ways of doing life that have gone away because of COVID? What are they? What are some other life events or world events that you have experienced that permanently changed the way you do things or experience life? When it comes to your experience at The Branch Church do you find yourself longing for the “good ole days?” Why is that?
- In seasons of transition, why do we need to be wary of drifting into nostalgia? What danger does nostalgia pose for a person who is trying to grow as a disciple of Jesus?
- Chris suggested two prayers to help guard against the downside of nostalgia, namely: “Father, help me to see where you are at work right now” and “Father, thank you for tomorrow.” Which resonates with you the most in light of your tendency to nostalgia? Why?
- Read Isaiah 46:9-10 and Romans 15:4. When we are in a season of change, why do we need to be wary of drifting into amnesia? What is particularly helpful about taking time to remember and reflect on God’s faithfulness in the past?
- Is there something God did for you in the past that you regularly reflect on? Ask God to remind you of something He did for you in the past that you have not remembered for a long time.
- Read 2 Timothy 2:8. One of the dangers we face in seasons of transition is being tripped up by either nostalgia or amnesia? Which seems to be the biggest danger for you? Why? What is it about remembering the Gospel that helps us guard against the downsides of nostalgia and amnesia?
- What is a simple, next step you could take in obedience to what the Spirit is saying to you through this time in the Word? Who would benefit, or be interested in hearing about what you’ve learned in this study?
Posted in Sermon-Based Bible Study