This week we will split our discussion into two parts, starting with some of the history of CCF and then moving into discussion of the power of history and legacy. As we will discuss this week, the idea of history and roots runs deep in the bible. History brings glory to Jesus, encouragement to us, and helps us to understand each other better.
I am very pleased and encouraged about the community we are developing and the love I see demonstrated in our community. I encourage us to continue more and more! “Brothers and sisters, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more,” 1 Thessalonians 4:1. I pray that we will continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ daily (2 Peter 3:18).
To Him be the glory and power now and forever.
--Peter
P.S. Here are the discussion points for this week; please take a look at them and feel free to reply-all and start a conversation
1. The bible is predominantly made up of stories; the interactions of human beings with God and each other. A fairly concise example: Nehemiah 9. What is the significance of the fact that God chooses to reveal himself mainly through stories (e.g. the stories of the Old Testament, Acts, Jesus’ parables, etc.)? Consider Psalm 78:4.
2. Is there intrinsic value in understanding our roots and knowing about them? Why does God bother to tell us about genealogies (e.g. most of Numbers, Matthew 1:1-17)? What does that reveal about the nature of God? (Consider this briefly and then flesh out your thoughts in the next questions).
3. History is instructive, and glorifying to God. Consider Job 8:8-10 and the context of the Book of Job. See also Nehemiah 8:12; why were the people encouraged and joyful?
4. Understanding of history and traditions is encouraging, e.g. Romans 15:4. See alsoNehemiah 8:12. In what ways have you been encouraged by deeds of the past. Corporate history is also encouraging and glorifying to God, as we see in many of the epistles, and also in 1 Samuel 7:12 and Joshua 4:20-22. What are some of the ebenezers in your life, or in your church community (feel free to ask what ‘ebenezer’ means).
5. Understanding out history and our forefathers helps us to understand ourselves, e.g. Luke6:40. See also 1 Corinthians 11:1-2 and Matthew 16:18.
6. How does our history relate to our present and our future? The idea of continuity and growth: for example, 1 Timothy 4:11-16. This passage also relates to us, as members of CCF, in a very personal way, since for almost 50 years now the rising leaders of CCF have been blessed each year with the laying on of hands by their elders and contemporaries (who are older than us!). And how ought we to grow, persevere, and progress (see 2 Peter3:18)? And what are practical ways we are called to grow (Philippians 1:9 and Hebrews 5:11-6:3, e.g. discernment of good and evil and becoming trained teachers)? How does that growth relate to those who will come after us? Are we called to grow (and will that always be comfortable)? Share about a way in which you have grown.
