Foundation Church

The eleventh chapter of Isaiah is a really important one in the context of the book as a whole. It outlines a definitive hope and a future reality for the people of God. As we examine hope as a major theme in Isaiah we are left needing to reflect upon its nature and it distinctive characteristics. Discipleship Questions: 1. Why do you think this chapter is so important to Isaiah as a whole? 2. In verses 1-9 what stands out to you the most? Why? 3. How does understanding Jesus as the fulfillment of ‘The shoot of Jesse’ help us understand this passage? 4. What are the essential elements to making any promise a hopeful one? 5. How is Christian hope different than other worldly types of hope?

Discipleship Questions: 1. Do you make New Year’s Resolutions? If so, what kind do you make? 2. When you introduce yourself, what titles, or labels do you use to describe yourself. 3. When you introduce others, do you use the same categories of labels (occupations, relationships, achievements), or do you use others? 4. Who is God? (Write it down and have each person answer) What does being a child of God mean and does it have standing versus other labels or titles you have or want?

Discipleship Questions What is Mark's goal in providing us several accounts of Jesus' power and miracles? Jesus did more with little than the disciples could have ever imagined. What examples can you draw on from your life, in which God did more than you imagined? What bread are you seeking that you know does not and cannot ultimately satisfy your soul? In what ways is Jesus a better bread than the bread you were chasing? How does Jesus strengthen the faith of his disciples? What circumstances is He using now to strengthen your faith? In what ways or areas of your life do you focus on the gift and not the Giver? What needs around you is God calling you to take responsibility for

Paul came to Corinth in weakness with great fear and trembling. He receives encouragement in Christ from fellow believers, financial generosity, and from Jesus Himself when Jesus tells Paul, "Do not be afraid, but go on speaking, for I am with you."

God called Paul to be an apostle. Paul was faithful to go from city to city to preach and teach. Paul's stance of faithfully preach week after week is not unique to him. We also have been called to serve God faithfully with all that God has given us.

People have manipulated the feelings and actions of the town. Paul and Silas were arrested, denied justice, and abused. God took those actions and used it to introduce people to Himself and protect His new church. God's will is often not how we want things to go, but God's will leads to incredible, good things happening.

Paul and Silas are continuing on in their ministry and they come across a possessed slave girl. Paul, exercising the authority over demons given to him by the Christ, casts out the spirit within the girl and the town goes against them. This is the buildup for the story that is about to follow in the upcoming verses

Because God opens the door for the gospel, we can depend on Him to be his witness, by following His calling, trusting his timing when we face closed doors, and by using his gifts. Discipleship Questions: 1. What does a call to be Jesus' witness look like for you? 2. How might you build bridges with those the Lord is calling you to witness to? 3. What might it look like to do ministry as a team? Who might you be a mentor for? Do you need a mentor? 4. What closed doors are you facing as a time of testing? 5. What does it look like to lean on God in times of testing by waiting? 6. Where do you have a passion for using your gifts and resources for advancing the gospel?