Thank You, Lord Jesus,

For the wonder of love

For happiness and friends

For the joy of fellowship

For overcoming trials

For all that is past

For hopes for the future.

Thank You, Lord Jesus

For our salvation in You

AMEN

Use these for group work, or to assist your personal reflection.

1. How has the life of the church been most threatened in recent years?  How can God’s people stand firm in Him in such circumstances?
2. We do not fight wars today as God’s people, so who and what do we fight spiritually, and why?
3. Discuss the significance of ‘other gods’ in the life of people today.  How are people deceived by ‘gods made by human hands’?

Topis covered by this text

• Standing firm in the midst of crisis
• Trust in God
• Having faith in the prophecies of the Lord

Personal comments by author:

Some of the Old Testament stories are quite extensive and we need to follow them for some time in order to find the spiritual truths that make them so valuable.  We are used to taking a pithy saying from Paul and finding large numbers of theological truths hidden within.  Sometimes the Old Testament’s more singular and lengthy focus appears more boring, but it can in fact be more helpful, providing we are prepared to read.

Ideas for exploring discipleship

• Make a list of people you know who have left the church at times of personal stress or because of other difficulties.  How can the church grow to prevent such desertions happening?
• Discuss with a church leader whether you feel that God’s people are being attacked spiritually, and if so, how.  Pray about how to face this evil.

Please refer to the general advice on the page  ‘discipleship challenges’

The notes below are offered to help you think about the challenges of God’s Word. Read the notes and suggestions below, but don’t try to follow through any more than one thing at any one time!