Pastor Ralph
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Posts posted by Pastor Ralph
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Q3. (Exodus 34:7) What sins will Yahweh forgive those who repent? How might the sin of rebellion find its way into a believer’s life? Why doesn’t God forgive those who refuse to repent and surrender to him?
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Q2. (Exodus 34:6) What do we learn about Yahweh’s character in his self-revelation to Moses on Mount Sinai? What does this have to do with grace?
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Q1. (1 Peter 5:10) How does grace (Greek charis) differ from earning wages? From earning favor by being good? What is a helpful working definition of Biblical grace? In what way does grace characterize “the God of all grace”?
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Q31. What was Elijah’s primary mission? How successful was he at this mission? How can we measure success in ministry? What are the dangers of self-assessment? When can an accurate assessment be made?
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Q30. (James 5:16-18) Elijah is James’ example of an ordinary man who did extraordinary things through believing prayer. Do you believe God can use you in extraordinary ways? Why? or Why not? What keeps us from being used effectively?
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Q29. (Malachi 4:5-6; Luke 1:17) In what ways did Elijah’s ministry and calling have similarities with John the Baptist’s ministry and calling? Was John the Baptist actually Elijah reincarnated?
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Q28. (2 Kings 2:9-11) Why does Elisha ask for a double portion (or full first-born’s inheritance) of Elijah’s spirit? Is he greedy for power? Is it right to long for a greater presence and power of the Holy Spirit? How should we seek this?
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Q27. (2 Kings 2:2-6) Why do you think Elijah discourages Elisha from following him at the end? What is Elisha’s response? What kinds of discouragements have you faced that made you wonder if you should keep on following the Lord?
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Q26. (2 Kings 1) Why is Yahweh offended by Ahaziah’s consulting Baal rather than Israel’s own God? What are modern-day applications of this sin? Have you ever made important decisions without seeking God’s wisdom? Why?
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Q25. What is the danger of Christian leaders identifying themselves too closely with political leaders? What do the Christian leaders hope to gain from the association? What do the political leaders hope to gain? What is the effect on the church and Christ’s work if these political leaders are ungodly men? How can Christians work for good through politics without being corrupted by a quest for power?
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Q24. (1 Kings 22:29; 2 Chronicles 19:2) Why do you think Jehoshaphat goes into battle alongside Ahab, even after he hears Micaiah’s prophecy? What kind of weaknesses in Jehoshaphat’s character does this decision suggest?
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Q23. (1 Kings 22:10-28) What kinds of pressures is Micaiah experiencing as he prophesies before Kings Ahab and Jehoshaphat? What is his danger from men? What is his danger from Yahweh? Why are the true prophets of the Old Testament so honored by Jesus? (Matthew 5:12; 23:31-32, 37; Luke 11:50-51; 13:34).
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Q22. (1 Kings 22:2-9) Why does Jehoshaphat want to consult an actual prophet of Yahweh before going into battle? What does this tell us about his discernment of Ahab’s prophets? Of his desire to be obedient to God?
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Q21. (1 Kings 21:27-29) How does Ahab’s humbling himself affect God’s response? Do you think Ahab truly repented? How does God relenting in his judgment trouble some people’s view of predestination?
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Q20. (1 Kings 21:26; Colossians 3:5; Ephesians 5:5) What is the modern-day equivalent of idolatry? In what ways is greed similar to worshipping a false god? How does greed keep us from being true disciples of Jesus?
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Q19. (1 Kings 21:22) How responsible are kings, politicians, leaders, and parents for leading those under them into sin? Can you think of any examples? How serious is this? Is it appropriate for leaders to be held to a higher moral standard than others?
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Q18. (1 Kings 21:20) What is the danger of giving ourselves over to sin? How does that make us a slave to sin? What kind of opening does that give the devil?
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Q17. (1 Kings 21:4-16) Do you think Ahab is actually depressed? How does Jezebel fix his depression? Why does she do so? Is Ahab responsible for Jezebel’s corrupt actions to obtain Naboth’s vineyard? Are the elders responsible for suborning perjury?
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Q16. (1 Kings 21:1-3) Why does Ahab want Naboth’s vineyard? Is there anything wrong with his proposal to Naboth? Why does Naboth refuse his offer?
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Q15. (1 Kings 20:23-30) Why do you think God seems to enjoy helping the Israelites in impossible situations? Why do you think God whittled Gideon’s army down to 300 men? (Judges 7:1-8). What impossible situations are you facing in your life that need God’s intervention?
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Q14. (1 Kings 20:13-14) Why would God send his prophet to instruct a corrupt king and an apostate people so they might win a battle against the Syrians? What purpose is stated in verse 13? What is Ahab’s reaction? What does that tell you about his religious piety or faith?
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Q13. (1 Kings 19:18) Why is a parent’s rebuke difficult for a child to listen to? Why is God’s rebuke difficult for us to listen to? How does a loving but sharp rebuke help our children? How does God’s rebuke help us? What would it take for you to embrace God’s rebuke like Solomon’s “wise man” (Proverbs 9:8).
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Q12. (1 Kings 19:11-13) Why do you think the author contrasts the “still small voice” to the wind, earthquake, and fire? How does God’s voice comfort and renew Elijah? Why is it easy to miss God when his voice is gentle and quiet?
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Q11. (1 Kings 19:14) In what ways does self-pity prevent us from discerning the Lord’s voice? What is the relationship of self-pity to pride? To entitlement? How does a sense of entitlement stand in the way of true discipleship?
Q4. Hosea and Gomer
in 1. Our Gracious God
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Q4. (Hosea 1-3) Why does Yahweh tell his prophet to marry a girl of ill repute? What does the story of Hosea and Gomer teach us? How does the story illustrate God’s relationship with Israel? What does it teach about grace?