This weekend is Memorial Day weekend, which is a time for many families to get away, rest, and catch up on spring gardening. But Memorial Day is also a solemn holiday set aside for the remembrance of American soldiers who have died during their service to our country.
It has been said, “There are no atheists in foxholes,” but through history many have it was their experience in the foxholes that made them atheists. In fact, the numbing violence of World War I turned a generation of European artists, poets, and scholars away from God as they asked how a benevolent deity could ever permit such atrocity.
Fortunately, many of us have little firsthand knowledge of war. But we all have experienced moments of life in which we wonder how a good God could have allowed things to turn out a certain way. In Deuteronomy 20, we find the laws that instruct Israel’s armies in the practice of war. And while these laws are quite humane by the standards of the ancient world, they still can be quite troubling in their content and the violence they permit.
What, then, should we do with the complicated things of life–whether situations or Scriptures–that seem to give us reason not to believe?
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(Weekly Community Group Discussion Guide)
Date: May 29, 2016 // Title: Promised Land Living: You Shall Not Murder (Kill)
Scripture: Deuteronomy 5:17 // 19:1-22:8
ARRIVAL / SOCIAL TIME 15-20 minutes
Spend the first 15 minutes or so of your time together catching up and socializing with one another. Also find time to catch up together on how the assignments from last week turned out.
SERMON REVIEW 5-10 minutes
Fortunately, many of us have little firsthand knowledge of war. But we all have experienced moments in life in which we wonder how a good God could have allowed things to turn out a certain way. In Deuteronomy 20, we find the laws that instruct Israel’s armies in the practice of war. And while these laws are quite humane by the standards of the ancient world, they still can be quite troubling in their content and the violence they permit. What, then, should we do with the complicated things of life—whether situations or Scriptures—that seem to give us reason not to believe?
THE MAIN THOUGHT Keep this in mind as you facilitate discussion.
In the Kingdom, you can’t see the forest unless you see the Tree.
SEE IT Questions :: 10-15 minutes
Picture (what is the story saying?): What is the connotation of “murder” in the Deuteronomy passages? When God gave the Law, what was one thing He was setting up (what was He getting ready to do)?
Mirror (where am I in the story?): Are there events in my life that tempt me NOT to believe? When I look at the text itself, what do I learn about the heart of God? What does it show me about His character?
Window (How does the story change how I see the world around me?): Are there events in my life that tempt me NOT to believe? When I look at the text itself, what do I learn about the heart of God? What does it show me about His character?
BE IT – Practice
Change UP // What God has Done 5 minutes
In Rahab’s story (Joshua 2) we see that she turns to God because she has heard amazing stories of what He has done. Spend a few minutes speaking out statements of what God has done in the past, reminding yourselves that He can be trusted! He is for you!
Change IN // Take it to the Tree 15 minutes
Before your group meets, draw a tree (or a cross) on a board or something that is big enough to receive sticky notes during the exercise. Invite each person in the group to list a problem, an anxiety or a battle they have on a sticky note. Read them aloud and then stick them to the tree. As the Spirit leads, have a time of prayer together, naming what is written and choosing to leave those things at the Cross.
Change OUT // Piece of Heaven for Others 5 minutes
Look for where God is at work in people and situations around you. Use those opportunities to bring a piece of heaven to others! Speak God’s truth and pray with them, helping them to see the Tree in the midst of the forest.
CLOSING PRAYER 5 minutes
Take a few minutes to gather any prayer requests and pray for each other to SEE IT and BE IT this week.