Judges 4-5 Small Group Questions

Our church is doing a twelve-week sermon series through the book of Judges called: "Flawed Heroes." We are studying the Old Testament book for a couple reasons. One is that Judges is a book of flawed heroes and none of us are perfect. The book reminds us that God is the divine hero of the story. Judges is a period of transition for Israel, a transition from God as their leader to a monarchy. For this series I volunteered to write the small group questions that go along with each sermon. It seemed like a waste to leave them in a file on my computer and not share them with everyone.

Small Group Questions ::: Deborah ::: Judges 4-5

The story of the Judges continues with Deborah. Deborah is the first, and only, female judge that God called to lead Israel. You might not have expected to see a female judge but here we have a great leader of Israel. Let me point out two positions Deborah holds in Israel. A prophet is one who speaks for the Lord. I always think of the prophet as a mouthpiece of God. She was a mouthpiece for God. She was also a judge; she was leading Israel. Another word for Judge, at this time in Israel, was leader. As we study this book remember that she was the only judge who ruled without a sword. Pay special attention Judges 5 and the song of praise Israel sings to the Lord 

1) Neal opened the sermon with a story about the late Maya Angelou talking about courage. Think of how you’ve developed courage in your life. What are some of the steps that you took to develop courage? Who helped along that journey?  

2) Once again we see the downward spiral of defeat (read Judges 4:1-3). What sin do you feel like you continue to circle back to? What practice do you need to put in place to avoid that sin and find victory? (see 1 Peter 2:11 for encouragement). 

3) God sends a deliver to Israel but not the person we might have imaged. Deborah leads as a mother (Judges 5:7) and not warrior. Deborah held two roles in Israel: Prophet (mouthpiece of God) and Judge. Where has God invited you to have a role of speaking God’s truth? 

4) Initially Barak was hesitant to enter the battle (Judges 4:8) but subsequently had the confidence to obey Deborah (Judges 4:14). Share about a time you were scared to do something but learned to trust the Lord. Do you have trouble trusting God? 

5) God is the ultimate hero of the book of Judges. He routed the enemy (Judges 4:15 and 5:4-5) and saved Israel; all they had to do was trust God. Read Psalm 20:7, Proverbs 3:5-6, and Romans 15:13. What are the benefits of trusting God?

6) Judges 5 is a song about the faithfulness of God. Israel literally sung the praises of the Lord. Have you used your voice to praise the Lord lately? Scripture teaches us about praising God all our strength (Psalm 96:1, James 3:9, and 1 Peter 2:9).  

7) The conclusion of the life of Deborah is a reminder of God’s faithfulness to us (read Judges 5:31). Israel had peace for forty years. Where do you long for God to bring you peace in your life? What battle needs to be won so you can live in that peace?  

Close your time in prayer. Talk about who you will invite to Coastline this week 

About two years ago I began working on staff values for Coastline. In a normal situation I wouldn't post them online, it would remain and internal document. But with all the changes happening in the church world right now it seemed like the right time to post them.

Now, I can't take full credit for these. First, I started a list but needed help processing my thoughts. I'm grateful for my friend Rob Hall who shared a similar document with me and I borrowed from him. After talking these through with trusted ministry partners I brought them to our staff. I knew that our team would do an infinitely better job on these together than I could alone. In other words, these wouldn't be what they are without the staff of Coastline Bible Church. Thanks for the help! 

Coastline Staff Values

1) Leadership Matters- As leaders we must first lead ourselves. In doing so we will earn the right to lead others. We work hard at leading ourselves and developing leaders for the future. It might take longer to develop a leader, but in the long run this is what we are called to.

2) We give our best- We will do the best with the resources we have to advance the kingdom. Never settle for mediocrity knowing we serve a great God. We regularly strive to get 1% better every week.

3) We greet each other- We believe that everyone wants to be known and loved. When you walk into a room, greet those in the room. It is important to our mission to acknowledge each other and be known as we seek to advance the Kingdom.

4) Intimacy with God- Our work and mission happen when we pursue God. We are not professional but servants of The Lord. We make our relationship with God a high priority. We focus on a growing walk with Jesus

5) Health Matters- Unity is vital to our mission. A healthy staff culture will not magically happen, knowing that we will work hard to create a healthy staff culture. We will work hard to build a team that trusts, honors, and respects each other. We will engage in healthy conflict as needed and work hard for a health team.

6) Over Communicate- Make sure to listen to others and not just hear them. Don’t enter a conversation and simply wait for a person to stop talking so you can prove your point. Also make sure to say the last 10% when appropriate.

7) Risk is part of the job- Life is a lesson, learn from it. Take appropriate risks for Kingdom expansion. In most cases failure is not detrimental. When we make mistakes it can be our greatest learning lesson. Learn from your mistakes and allow them to teach you & others that you lead.

8) Family First- We will never ask, or expect, you to sacrifice your family on the altar of ministry. Your personal health flows from a healthy you. If you are single we want you to have space for friendships, community & safe places. If you have a family we want your family to love you and where you work. When those closest to us feel loved, valued, and important we will have our greatest moments of ministry.

9) Be a shepherd- We are called to care for people and it’s a high responsibility. People trust us with their most important moments of life. Don’t take the attitude of a hireling and bail at critical moments. Don’t use people to complete projects but pastor people for our common mission & vision. Strive to help them grow in their personal walk with Jesus and empower the saints for the ministry. 

10) Have Fun- We take God serious and not ourselves. Fun is a vital part of the workplace. We work hard, honor others, and have fun while doing so. 

Judges 3 Small Group Questions

Our church is doing a twelve-week sermon series through the book of Judges called: "Flawed Heroes." We are studying the Old Testament book for a couple reasons. One is that Judges is a book of flawed heroes and none of us are perfect. The book reminds us that God is the divine hero of the story. Judges is a period of transition for Israel, a transition from God as their leader to a monarchy. For this series I volunteered to write the small group questions that go along with each sermon. It seemed like a waste to leave them in a file on my computer and not share them with everyone.

Small Group Questions ::: The First Three ::: Judges 3

The firs two chapters of Judges served as an introduction to the entire book. They gave us an overview of how Israel would act, why they would turn away from the Lord, and what the result of their disobedience would be. In Judges 3 we read of the first three judges in Israel who proceeded Joshua. Each of their stories are different but the theme is the same in each story: God is the Hero. As you study the questions take special notice of how God acted on behalf of His people. Then, keep in mind that no human is able to save us. The book of Judges points us to our need for Jesus to save us. The book of Judges points us to our true Savior. 

1) Doug shared a story about traveling to France and getting stuck in a roundabout. Think about a time in your life that you felt stuck. It could be physically stuck (like Doug was), emotionally, or spiritually stuck. What was it like? 

2) Read Judges 3:7-11. Israel did evil in the eyes of the Lord so that God sold them into slavery. But when they cried out to God He acted on their behalf. Share about a time when you cried to God and He acted on your behalf. 

3) Doug taught us about the cycle of defeat: sin —> suffering —> supplication —> salvation. When you think about this cycle of defeat is there something in your life that sticks out to you? Is there something that is winning over you right now?  

4) Read Judges 3:12-30. Ehud was a left-handed leader in Israel. This allowed him to sneak in a small dagger to kill the king of Moab with. When you read about Ehud, what sticks about his story? What is unique? 

5) Israel called on the name of the Lord (read Judges 1:2, 2:4-5, 3:9, 3:15). Read Romans 10:9-13. What does Scripture teach us about the Lordship of Jesus Christ and calling on His name?  

6) Scripture of full of people who called on the name of the Lord. Read Jonah 2:2, Matthew 14:28-33, Luke 23:39-43, and Acts 9:1-6. Each of these men called out to the Lord and He saved them. What do you need God to save you from today?  

7) A trait of people who follow Jesus is a life of thankfulness (read Hebrews 12:28-29, 1 Corinthians 15:57, Colossians 3:15, and Philippians 4:6). Israel didn’t seem to be grateful when God saved them. What are you thankful for today? 

Close your time in prayer. Talk about who you will invite to Coastline this week 

Vision Sunday 2020 Small Group Questions

Our church took a break from our Judges sermon series to put the vision of Coastline back in front of us. I think the last six months have created a great opportunity for the Church to refocus on the mission Jesus gave the Church. We need to use this time to recalibrate ourselves back on what matters most. For this sermon I volunteered to write the small group questions that go along with each sermon. It seemed like a waste to leave them in a file on my computer and not share them with everyone.

Small Group Questions ::: Vision Sunday 2020 ::: Acts 3 & 4

One year ago Coastline cast a new vision for our church. The vision will take us to the 100 year anniversary of Coastline serving Ventura, the county, and reaching the world. This vision is a God-sized goal that will require all of us stacking hands to unite on. There is no better time to refocus our lives. Today is the day to recalibrate ourselves back to the holy truth of God. COVID-19 has provided the Church an opportunity to seek the Lord in a new way. This season has given us the chance to examine how we are living on mission for Jesus. Our vision is to reach 800 people, baptize 50 people, and have 35 small groups by Easter 2022.

1) Neal shared about being a young boy and learning a short song about the church. He reminded us that the church was never intended to be a building but the holy people of God. How does this resonate with you? 

2) Read Acts 3. Take notice of verse 6 where Peter addresses the power in Jesus’ name. Then in verses 11-24, Peter shares the greatness of God’s plan. When you share your faith how do you like to engage people for Jesus? 

3) As a part of our vision, we are writing down the names of five people to pray for every day. Share the names of the five people you are praying for. Did you set a reminder at 5pm to pray for them every day?   

4) Read Acts 4:8-13. The passage starts with Peter being filled with the Holy Spirit. Read John 14:15-17, Acts 2:4, Acts 9:17, and Ephesians 5:18. What changes in a person when they are filled with the Holy Spirit?  

5) One aspect of our vision is to baptize 50 people. Read these passages and talk about the importance of baptism: Matthew 3:13-17, Matthew 28:18-20, and Titus 3:4-5. What is our responsibility, as believers, in baptism? 

6) Read Acts 2:42-47 and Hebrews 10:24-25. What does Scripture teach us about gathering together? Is God asking your small group to multiply? Is God tugging on your heart to launch a small group to reach people who need Jesus?  

7) Talk about how this small group, or another group, helped you walk through a tough time in your life. Think about how being involved in community impacted your spiritual development. Who do you know that needs something like that? 

Close your time in prayer. Pray for the vision God has given Coastline. 

Judges 2 Small Group Questions

Our church is doing a twelve-week sermon series through the book of Judges called: "Flawed Heroes." We are studying the Old Testament book for a couple reasons. One is that Judges is a book of flawed heroes and none of us are perfect. The book reminds us that God is the divine hero of the story. Judges is a period of transition for Israel, a transition from God as their leader to a monarchy. For this series I volunteered to write the small group questions that go along with each sermon. It seemed like a waste to leave them in a file on my computer and not share them with everyone.

Small Group Questions ::: A Lesson in Obedience ::: Judges 2

The book of Judges is the seventh book in the Old Testament. It is thought to have been written by Samuel as a transition from Joshua to the Monarch of Israel. Judges 2 has many similarities to Judges 1. Most scholars consider both chapters to be a paralleled introduction to the book (notice the reference to Joshua in Judges 1:1 and 2:6). Both chapters teach us of Israel’s half-hearted faith and failure to fully receive the Promised Land from the Lord. The book of Judges teaches us this major theme: God relentlessly offers His grace to a group of people who don’t deserve it, ask for it, or seek it! Study Judges 2 and learn about a lesson in obedience from the text. 

1) Neal shared a story about how a pearl is formed. Through great pressure a small grain of sand enters the oyster shell. What has caused great pressure in your life that later formed a beautiful pearl? 

2) Read Judges 2:1-3. The angel of the Lord makes a couple promises to God’s people about enjoying the Promised Land. But the Israelites will be trapped by foreign gods who will distract them from the Lord. What distracts you from following Jesus? 

3) Read Judges 2:1-5. The Israelites wept over the depth of their painful decisions. Read Romans 3:23, Psalm 51:1-4, and 2 Corinthians 7:10. Use these verses as an opportunity to share about a time you messed up and repentance lead you to Jesus.  

4) Think about a person who has discipled you, served as a spiritual role model, or mentored you. What did they encourage you do to? How did they encourage you to live? How did their example help you grow in your faith? 

5) The New Testament teaches us about making disciples. Read Judges 2:6-10. What did Israel fail to do? Read Matthew 28:18-20. What does Jesus call us to do? Discuss ideas of who you will invest your life as a way to follow Jesus’ call to make disciples here on earth. (see Deuteronomy 6:4-9 and Timothy 2:2 if time allows). 

6) Part of making disciples is having spiritual conversations with others. Read Luke 21:4, Acts 18:11, and 3 John 1:14. What do these three verses teach us about helping others grow in their faith? 

7) Read Judges 2:20-23. We read the personal nature of our faith and how our decisions can impact the community. What does it look like for you to walk in the ways of the Lord at this stage in your life?  

Close your time in prayer. Talk about who you will invite to Coastline Online? 

REI good & used

Have you ever found something so amazing that you wanted to keep it to yourself but you knew you had to share it? This is what I'm talking about with the REI good & used site.

About a year ago I stumbled on this portion of their website. I wish I could remember how because it would make that portion of the story that much more epic... but I have three kids, work full-time, and am constantly tired. I have been an REI member for about 18 years now so I think I'm kinda in the loop on REI.

Let me get to the story. I was prepping to hike Half Dome and needed a new pair of shoes. I was looking all over the REI site and couldn't find a pair I was stoked on. Time was ticking on the trip and I needed to act quickly. I found the good & used portion of the website and it started to click. I found a pair that was my size and in excellent condition. I have to be honest that I was a bit nervous at first but am an avid REI garage sale fan so I knew it would be good.

The shoes arrived and I think they were brand new. Read that sentence again; brand new! So new looking that I put my nose into them and took a huge wiffffff. I was convinced they were brand new. I just got brand new shoes for like 33% off. They were so comfortable and brought me to the top of Half Dome with no issues.

This is where the story continues.

At the beginning of this year I made a commitment to try to buy as much used gear, clothes, bikes, kids toys, and basically anything I could. I want to do my part to make sure the earth is a safe place for my kids to grow up in. I know there are finite resources on our planet and if we keep throwing things in the land fills it's a sad future. This is one reason that I love the REI good & used site. They are giving gear, backpacks, tents, sleeping bags, jackets, shoes, trekking poles, and more a second chance in life. Maybe their first owner had a bad hike and didn't want to keep participating. Maybe a family had a bummer camping trip and gave up. This is where we come in. We find that gear and give it a second chance to live it's life in the outdoors.

Just last month we picked up:
REI duffel bag
Brand new chaco shoes
Rash guard for my daughter
40 oz HydroFlask
Patagonia sweater for my daughter

All of this gear was a great deal.
All of this gear was in great shape.
All of this gear will get a second chance.

Now when I buy gear, I've primarily stuck to excellent condition items. That has been a personal choice.

The HydroFlask was basically perfect.
The Patagonia sweater looks brand new.

As a dad, I get it. You buy your kid something and then a week later it doesn't fit. You return it to REI. REI doesn't put it in the landfill!
Now my kid gets to wear it.
Now I get to take those shoes to Half Dome.
Now my daughter has a HydroFlask for when she volunteers at the ranch she rides at.

As bad as I want to keep the REI good & used gear site to myself, I just can't. There are too many great deals on there right now! Maybe you will follow my lead. Maybe you will take it for a test run and find yourself looking to purchase pre-owned before brand new. Imagine the possibilities.

* I get no commission from REI for writing this post. Just trying to help out.