YHWH is God

YHWH is God

In this famous story of Elijah's bold challenge to the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel, we learn the importance of confronting idolatry and false gods in our lives and society with unwavering faith in the one true God. In particular, we're looking this week at political idolatry, and the ways in which political partisanship has gained our allegiance, deformed our faith, and tarnished our witness. In Elijah's prayer, we see God's true goal: to have the allegiance and affections of our hearts.

QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION

Read 1 Kings 18:17-40

1. Discuss the 4 political idols/ideologies. How does each reflect Kingdom priorities?

2. Bring your lean: Toward which quadrant are you most drawn, and why?

3. Submit your bow: What happens when you make that quadrant ultimate?

4. Read the 10 Political Commitments, and commit to living them together.

Apr 28, 2024 - Steve Hart

Stretched Out

Stretched Out

In a surprising twist of events, the widow to whom Elijah was sent finds her son near to death, and blames Elijah! Elijah moves in faith and prayer and puts his life on the line to give life to the widow’s son. How can we go to the places where death is currently reigning, and stretch out like Elijah to bring life and wholeness? How does the gospel empower us to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God?

QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION

Read 1 Kings 17:17-24

Watch the  "3 Commands of Jesus" video together.

1. Consider Elijah’s actions in the face of death. What is his response to the suffering woman and her son?

2. What areas of the brokenness all around us are you most unsettled by, and why?

3. What resources have we been entrusted with as a community? For what purpose?

4. How will we as a community stand in the gap and contribute to the restoration of shalom? Is there a way we all can serve together once a month? (The key is to think sustainable and simple and start small. For example, you could learn about a particular need in your community).

Apr 21, 2024 - Jon Schuler

Sent In Weakness

Sent In Weakness

Elijah is called out of "Babylon”, but also sent back in, on mission. God sends him to a widow's house, in weakness and vulnerability. As he steps out in faith, God does a miracle. This isn't a one-off, it's a pattern for how God wants us to live. We're sent into Babylon, on mission, in weakness and vulnerability, and it's in this context that God will supply the bread.

QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION

Read 1 Kings 17:8-16

Community Conversations: A Common Allegiance

1. What was the relationship between Elijah and Israel? In what ways is it different than our situation today?

2. What does it mean to be called out of Babylon, and sent back into Babylon? Where are you in that journey?

3. Who is God calling you to? Are there people or places we can draw near to together as a community?

   (Where does your calling overlap? - Constellation Video)

   (Equipping for Gospel conversations)

   (Commit to praying as a community)

4. What does it look like to go to them without bread? Why would Jesus do that, and direct his disciples to do the same?

5. Finally, read the Allegiance Prayer together, and do so whenever you gather.

Apr 14, 2024 - Matt Deisen

The Call of Elijah

The Call of Elijah

Elijah found himself in the middle of one of the worst national apostasies in Israel’s history and yet was determined to be faithful to YHWH. Elijah is willing to be out of step with his cultural moment in order to be faithful to God and the Covenant He’s made with Israel. And that makes him a Trouble Maker (1 Kings 18:17). In this series, we’ll consider 7 Practices that help anchor our allegiance to Jesus and his Kingdom in the midst of our own cultural moment.

QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION

Read 1 Kings 16:29-17:7

Community Conversations: A Common Allegiance

1. How do you perceive the cultural moment we're living in, compared to Elijah's time?

2. What most distracts you from being attentive to God, his voice, and his Kingdom priorities?

3. Discuss the Digital Detox. How will we engage it together as a community?

4. Review the Daily Bread process (BREAD). When and how will you engage the process?

5. Preview the daily readings from the Sermon on the Mount. On Sundays, read from 1 Kings.

6. Finally, read the Allegiance Prayer together, and do so whenever you gather.

Apr 7, 2024 - Steve Hart