Exploring The Here and Now of Scripture with Guest Speaker Jenn Richards

John 1:1-5 & 14

How do we come to an application of Scripture that is faithful to the text while also being good news for today? How can we assess if an application of a passage of Scripture is good? This coming Sunday we’ll explore these questions and more.

For reflection & discussion:

1. What is one thing that stuck out to you from the teaching?

2. What is the good news you heard?

3. What remaining questions do you have?

4. Split into groups of 3-4. Have each group separately follow the steps below. Choose a “sticky”/controversial topic among Jesus Followers. Some ideas are:

• Is it ok for Christians to choose to fight in war?

• Should everyone attending a worship service be invited to take communion?

• One specific topic around sexuality or gender

• Women in leadership

• What is the “standards” for someone to be a church leader?

• • Have each person have the opportunity to share a brief personal connection to the topic (experience from their own story, someone they care about etc…).

  • Brainstorm parts of scripture that talk about this topic. Use your Bible and Google to find the exact reference to each example.

• Consider one possible application (i.e. “here and now”) of the passage. Talk about what other passages or themes in scripture flow in the same direction as that application and if there’s are parts that go in a different direction.

• Then consider another possible application and follow the same additional conversation step

Famines, Pharaohs, and Feasting on Christ with Joshua Liem

Genesis 47:11-27

This Sunday, we confront the devastating reality of famine—both the physical suffering seen in places like Gaza and the deep spiritual hunger for God's Word in our world. Journeying through Genesis 47 and beyond, we'll explore how empires have historically used hunger and how God calls His people to a different way, ultimately finding our deepest satisfaction in Jesus, the Bread of Life. Join us as we conclude our "Reading Scripture Well" series, seeking to nourish our Christ-like imagination and find actionable hope for a starving world.

For reflection & discussion:

1. The sermon opened with a story from Gaza. How did hearing about the physical famine and its impact on children make you feel? Did it challenge any of your perspectives?

2. The sermon contrasted Pharaoh's system with God's ideal in Leviticus 25 (Jubilee, no interest, support for the poor). Why do you think God's people, both in ancient Israel and often today, struggle to live up to these ideals?

3. As a wrap-up to the "Reading Scripture Well" series, how does this sermon illustrate the importance of understanding the broader biblical narrative and God's character when interpreting individual passages?

4. Amos 8 speaks of a "famine of hearing the words of the Lord." In what ways do you see this spiritual famine manifesting in our culture or even in your own life?

5. The "paradox" of Jesus being a free gift yet requiring the surrender of everything (like the Egyptians or the merchant with the pearl) was discussed. How do you reconcile these two ideas in your own walk with Christ? What does that surrender look like for you today?

The First Theologian: God Through Hagar’s Eyes with Josh Liem

Genesis 16 + 21

This Sunday, we’re exploring the story of Hagar: the first person in Scripture to name God. Through her eyes, we encounter El Roi, the God who sees, even in the midst of suffering, abandonment, and oppression. Join us as we reflect on how this ancient story challenges us to see God more clearly and notice those whom the world overlooks.

For reflection & discussion:

1. What stood out to you as we read through Genesis 16 and 21? Was there a word, phrase, or moment that surprised or moved you?

2. The sermon mentioned that Hagar is the Bible’s first theologian. What might it mean to let marginalized voices shape how we talk about God?

3. In what ways do you think this story has been misused or misunderstood in the past? How can we read it responsibly today?

4. Have you ever had a moment where you felt truly seen by God or by another person? What was that like? Or the opposite: have you felt unseen, unheard, or forgotten? If you’re willing to be vulnerable, share that experience..

5. Who in your life right now might need to be seen? What would it look like to offer them your full attention this week?

6. How might our church embody the eyes of Christ for those who feel overlooked, oppressed, or dismissed?