Pastor Neil’s sermon was titled “The Day the Lord Left” from 1 Samuel about the capture of the Ark of the Covenant and the reaction of the people of God. In this lesson we’ll dig deeper to discover the truths this story holds for us today. We’ll see the missed opportunities (that we need to avoid) and the lesson of God’s dependability no matter how dire the situation looks.
Read 1 Samuel 5.
Do you think there are any groups or cultural elites in America that corresponds to the Philistines in this Bible story? Hint: lots of our socializing institutions might fit the bill: media, public education, political parties…also government approved victim groups demanding your submission to their agenda may be a candidate for modern-day Philistines. Come to home group prepared to explain your answer.
Can you relate to the Israelites at this point in the story; not personally but as a member of the church of God in America? Does it seem like our “Philistines” have largely won the culture war? Is there any element in this passage of scripture that gives you hope for God’s victory in our future? Why would it be a mistake to “count God out?”
