This blog is based on Rev. Kim Salo's sermon on Sunday Feb. 23, "God is Our Refuge."

1. Read Psalm 91. 
What does the Psalmist say about God as refuge? From what? In this psalm, how does God protect us?

2. Read Isaiah 25:4-9.
In verses 4-5, who needs refuge? From verses 6-8, name the promises God makes.

3. Read Revelation 7:9-17.
Is this vision fulfilled in the past, the present, or the future? How does this vision of worship in the heavenly realm help Christians under duress now?

4. Read John 17:6-19.
From verses 6-12, by noticing the verbs in each sentence, list all the actions of the Son and the Father. From these same verses, briefly sum up Christ's actions for us.
Read verses 13-19. What key thing is Christ praying for us? Why do you need that right now, in your present situation?

5. Is the church a refuge? If so, how exactly?

This blog is based on Rev. Susan's sermon of February 16th.

1. The narrative of God's love story (the Bible) with His people has many highs and lows.
a) What are some of the highs and lows that stand out for you?
b) What do you consider to be the highest point, and the lowest point in God's story?
c) Have you experienced highs and lows in your own relationship with God?  What got you through the lows?

2. Why is "being nice, or being kind" not sufficient to get us into heaven?

3. Read Romans 8:31-39.
a) What are the seven questions Paul asks in this passage?
b) What are the things listed that cannot separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus?
c) Verse 34 says that Jesus is at God's right hand interceding for us.  What does this mean for you?

These questions are based on the sermon Drawing Near, from Sunday Feb 2/25.
 
1) Thinking about the encounters with Jesus – as in the Gospel of Luke, chapter 2 -- in His earliest years, and learning of His life in the Gospels, how do we draw near to God in His extraordinary doings?
 
2) What do Mary and Joseph, Simeon and Anna have to teach us about Jesus?
 
3) Have we had a longing to draw near to Him, just to be held by Him, no need to talk or present a list of asks; just to be in His presence, dimly aware that He has drawn near to us because He loves us and wants us near Him?  What can we do to address that longing?