Sanctuary

Read Genesis 4. As you read, consider what this text says about the character of God, what it says about the nature of God, and what it says about the love of God. 

The first two thirds of the text recount the story of Cain and his family. What speaks most personally to you in this section of the narrative? 

Why does God respond so favorably to Abel’s offering? Why does he reject Cain’s offering? 

What’s the ultimate consequence of Cain’s sin? 

How do you see God as the Divine Initiator in moving toward Cain, even after Cain has killed Abel? How have you seen God come to you even after you’ve sinned against Him? 

Read Genesis 4.9. The word “keeper” can also be translated as “guardian.” Keeper, implies someone who keeps watch, someone who waits for, someone who treasures, someone who restrains, someone who celebrates.

Who treasures you, who restrains you, who celebrates you? Who do you treasure, restrain, celebrate? Describe a season where you didn’t celebrate another, or a season where you weren’t celebrated? What was the outcome of that season? 

How might you grow in a current relationship to become a more trusted “keeper”?

Read the last portion of the text, Genesis 4.17-26. What do you learn about the spread of sin from the fall through Cain and his descendants? 

What similarities do you see between Genesis 4 and January 2021? 

What happens to a society that serves itself rather than trusting God for His will to be done on earth as in heaven? 

How have you experienced the pain of unforgiveness? 

Where do you sense a need to forgive yourself? To forgive another? 

How do you see God continuing to move in the birthing of Seth, and then Enosh? 

It’s here in this text where we find the first recorded season of prayer. At that time people began to call on the name of the LORD. For whom, for what, are you currently “calling on the name of the LORD”? 

The message on Sunday concluded with communion and the invitation to pray for unity. Spend some time praying for unity, unity between you and God, between family members, members of our Faith Family, our neighborhood and nation. 

Take the time to read the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5-7. Of all Jesus said in His sermon, what encourages you, what inspires you, what challenges you most deeply? 

Read Luke 11.1-10. Why do you think John asks them to teach him and the rest of the disciples how to pray? What does that say about how Jesus lived and loved? What does it say about His example? 

Why does Jesus pray? Throughout His life, until His last breath Jesus prays. What’s the purpose of prayer for Jesus? 

Why do you pray? What is the purpose of prayer for you? 

Read Matthew 6.5-13 again. What speaks to you most personally? 

Read and reflect on the following: “Prayer is a way we become present to the God who is always present.”

Jesus instructs His followers to pray in private, yet the prayer He teaches us to pray is very communal. What’s the purpose in praying this prayer, in your “closet”?

How is Jesus inviting you to see prayer privately, yet communally?

Read Matthew 4.23-24. What is the Good News? What is the Kingdom of God? Is it here? Is it now? How are you living in it? How is the Kingdom living in you? 

Read Romans 14.17 How is the Kingdom of God livable reality for you today? 

Read John 11.41-43 and Matthew 26.36-46. Note the differences between the two prayers. Why is the prayer in the Garden so different than the prayer at Lazarus’ tomb? How do these prayers of Jesus minister to you? 

What is one area in your life where you are seeking to know God’s will?  What is one area in which you are learning to submit to God’s will? 

How does Jesus teach us to live in this day? 

What happens to our relationship with God when we sin? What’s the purpose of forgiveness? 

Read and reflect on the following: “In all cases when wrong is done there is a debt, and there is no way to deal with it without suffering: either you make the perpetrator suffer for it or you forgive and suffer for it yourself.” – Tim Keller

In your own words, define forgiveness. And define what forgiveness is not.

Read and reflect on the following: “You can forgive and not forget. In fact, I believe that NOT forgetting is the true blessing of forgiveness – I’m not sweeping it under the carpet, but forgiving you with the full knowledge and hurt from what you did. ‘Hey; it’s no big deal’ is not forgiveness, it’s avoidance.”  – Brian Saunders

Read Matthew 6.14-15. How important is forgiveness to Jesus? How important is it to you?

What does Jesus mean when He teaches us to pray, “Lead us not into temptation”? 

How dependent on Jesus are you today, this day, the most important day of your life? 

How could a friend join you in praying this prayer today?