Fat Cows...

Here are some study questions from Gordon on the message he preached on Amos 4 and here's the link to the Sermon: Fat Cows of Samaria

Reading: Amos 4 

1. Consider the question, “What has God done for you lately?” Do we only think of things which prosper us or make us feel more comfortable, or are we able to recognise God's discipline a source of blessing also? (Ref Hebrews 12 :5-11)
2. Read vs 1-5. Discuss how the lifestyles of the people of Samaria and their attitudes towards the poor reflect those of  society today. How should God's people be different?
3. In what ways could it be possible for our worship to be full of tradition and ritual, with a sound knowledge of scripture, but be worthless in the sight of God?
4. Vs 6-11 Discuss ways that God might use to encourage individuals or nations to turn back to Him? Are there areas where we as a nation are guilty of not listening to  his warnings.
5. How is it possible for us as weak, unholy people to be prepared to meet our God as described in v 13?

Because God loves us, He corrects us...

Here's the link to the Sermon: God loves us and corrects us

 Reading: Amos 3 

1. Who is God speaking to here?
2. Read through verses 3-6: what is the message in these 7 questions and answers?
3. Does God bring disasters? Discuss various the thoughts on this and draw a biblical conclusion.
4. Has God told us everything that will happen? (verse 7)
5. This passage is full of judgement, discuss
1. what had the people done?
2. was God's judgement fair, discuss why or why not?
6. How does this passage apply to our lives as a nation, a church and individuals today? or to put it another way - how ought this challenge us?  

Heart Trouble?

Here's the link to the Sermon: A Work To Do In Your Heart  

Reading: Jonah 4

1. What is the book of Jonah mainly about, and what are the other themes?
2. Why is Jonah so angry at God? What does it tell us about Jonah?
3. What is the lesson God is teaching Jonah in this chapter? How does He do it?
4. We're not told Jonah's response, why is that?
5. Discuss ways in which we can apply the message of this book to our lives

Turn around or be turned over

Here's the link to the Sermon: Turn around! 

 

Reading: Jonah 3

1. How should we react when God gives second chances to a) others and b) ourselves?
2. God demands that preachers preach His message. In which ways might we fail to do that and what are the possible results?
3. Why do you think Jonah’s message was so effective?
4. What is true repentance? How can it be recognised?
5. Discuss fasting, what is it, what might be sensible things to fast from, and why?
6. If God is unchanging (Num 23:19), then why does he seem to change his mind here?

God, You're right!

Here's the link to the Sermon: God, You're right! 

 

Reading: Jonah 1:17 - 2:10

This week the study is less directed, but there is a lot in this passage, so please don't rush through, but take some time to look at the things we didn't have time for in the sermon and also to remind each other of those things we did look at...

1. How long was it before Jonah prayed?
2. Take a look through Jonah's prayer and discuss any points that arise as you read through, line by line.
3. In the sermon we looked at a number of important points for us to apply to our lives today, and there may well be others, spend some time discussing these as a group.
4. What was the question we were left with at the end of the sermon?

Happily ever after?

Here's the link to the Sermon: Happily ever after? 

 

Reading: Joel 3

1. As we come to the end of Joel, it's worth taking a recap of the whole message God has given through the book, and so before looking at this passage discuss what has happened up to this point.
2. Who will be judged and why?
3. Which other books in the bible, both OT and NT have similar messages or messages that fill in some of the gaps?
4. Application - What is the message of this passage to us today, as a nation, a church and individuals?