Scripture: Genesis 21:1–3, 22:1–14
Main Themes: Faith in uncertainty, trust in God, freedom and love, divine mystery, the complexity of good news
Discussion Questions
- Wrestling with the Good and the Bad
- In the sermon, Pastor Mark suggests we often define “good” by what benefits us. How do you personally define “good news”?
- Have you ever experienced something that felt painful in the moment but turned out to be transformative later?
- Hitting the Pause Button
- The sermon references Barbara Brown Taylor’s idea that the Gospel can be about where we hit the pause button. Where might we “pause” the story of Abraham and Isaac and call it “bad news”? What changes when we keep reading?
- Can you think of a moment in your life where the full picture revealed deeper meaning or grace?
- The Risk of Freedom and the Nature of God’s Power
- Pastor Mark posed a question: “What if God’s love means letting go?” How does that reframe your understanding of God’s power?
- What does it mean to you that God may not always rescue us, but never leaves us?
- Faith Amidst Suffering
- Ellen Davis says Genesis 22 is the story to turn to when we don’t understand our suffering. Have you ever turned to scripture during a time of pain? What did you find?
- Why do you think people often search for meaning in suffering?
- Good News for All
- The sermon closes by reminding us that good news that is only good for me is not worthy of the name Gospel. How does this challenge or affirm your understanding of your faith?
- How can RPPC continue to share good news for all in its worship, ministries, and relationships?
- Applying the Sermon
- What would it look like to trust God more deeply this week—even when you don’t understand the full story yet?
- How can we, as a community, hold space for each other in moments when the world feels upside down?
