In 2017 we are looking at John Ortberg’s book, “If you want to walk on water, you have to get out of the boat”.
We finished 2016 by concluding our studies in Zechariah. In a moment of madness we decided to look at this less studied book partly out of curiosity and partly to see what it can teach us. We were a little perplexed by the style and content of the prophetic content of the book. Is it looking forward to Jesus, or to the time after His death and resurrection or was it to the end times? The imagery used was not easy to understand but common themes emerged as the weeks went by. Zechariah spoke to a troubled, discouraged people providing reassurance that God has a plan for His people. Very challenging scripture and we’re not convinced we did it justice but we are glad we studied it.
Before Zechariah, we discussed our “Awkward Questions”. Members produced a list of questions they’ve always wanted to ask but never had opportunity to do so or discuss with friends. Some of the questions include:-
For the Christian, is war always wrong?
Why pray: does God change his mind?
Will God accept that person over there, he’s not like us.
Avoiding offence: always or sometimes?
In April, we invited Rev Roy Jenkins to talk to us about the then topical issues of immigration, refugees and asylum seekers. It was very informative, challenging and necessary.
We interspersed our studies with various activities of a mostly sedentary nature. Our favourite pieces of music, Desert Island articles of necessity, a mystery trip with compulsory coffee and ice cream. We also had a couple of weeks off from each other, we shared a Thanksgiving Meal and started the year with Communion.
We have enjoyed our fellowship times together, prayed for each other and others, and believe we have grown in our faith and commitment through our House Group. We’ve discovered it’s not just a Thursday night thing.
We finished 2016 by concluding our studies in Zechariah. In a moment of madness we decided to look at this less studied book partly out of curiosity and partly to see what it can teach us. We were a little perplexed by the style and content of the prophetic content of the book. Is it looking forward to Jesus, or to the time after His death and resurrection or was it to the end times? The imagery used was not easy to understand but common themes emerged as the weeks went by. Zechariah spoke to a troubled, discouraged people providing reassurance that God has a plan for His people. Very challenging scripture and we’re not convinced we did it justice but we are glad we studied it.
Before Zechariah, we discussed our “Awkward Questions”. Members produced a list of questions they’ve always wanted to ask but never had opportunity to do so or discuss with friends. Some of the questions include:-
For the Christian, is war always wrong?
Why pray: does God change his mind?
Will God accept that person over there, he’s not like us.
Avoiding offence: always or sometimes?
In April, we invited Rev Roy Jenkins to talk to us about the then topical issues of immigration, refugees and asylum seekers. It was very informative, challenging and necessary.
We interspersed our studies with various activities of a mostly sedentary nature. Our favourite pieces of music, Desert Island articles of necessity, a mystery trip with compulsory coffee and ice cream. We also had a couple of weeks off from each other, we shared a Thanksgiving Meal and started the year with Communion.
We have enjoyed our fellowship times together, prayed for each other and others, and believe we have grown in our faith and commitment through our House Group. We’ve discovered it’s not just a Thursday night thing.
