Moving Forward

Sermon Notes September 17, 2017 Exodus 14:1-15 Short Review Ask one or some to review the main points of the morning message. Some Questions for Discussion: Focus on: Moving forward trusting in the resources of God. 1. Put yourself in the place of the Israelites (14:1-10). What did they see? What did they expect to happen? What was the scene like? What were they feeling? 2. Have you ever been in a desperate situation like that? [Or: What are some desperate situations that we face in our lives, when we feel like we’re between a ‘rock and a hard place?’] 3. What had God done for the Israelites very recently, i.e. in the previous chapters of Exodus – in releasing them from slavery? Can you recite the story of how God displayed His power on behalf of His people? 4. In light of this (Q. 3), how could they now forget about God? What does this tell us about human nature? 5. How has God fought for you? (14:14) Can you share examples from your own life? 6. What helps you to remember what God has done for you? [Are there ‘tools’ you use (journaling, prayer lists, sharing stories with others, for example)? 7. Would you share how such reminders of God’s deliverance (for family, health, church, work, finances etc.) have helped you to move forward boldly, with more faith in Christ? 8. There are times when we face big obstacles – the red sea in front, the Egyptian army behind! a. How do we know when it’s time to quit praying and move forward? (14:15) b. How do we use the following to guide us in deciding to move forward: God’s promises in His Word, the stories of God’s deliverance in the past, the Holy Spirit’s guidance, our reason and judgment in evaluating the situation? 9. Which stories of God’s blessings in our past building projects encouraged you the most? 10. Pray for the building project – that God would lead us, and that God would enrich His people to give liberally (II Cor. 9:10, 11)