Women's Bible Study - October 11th, 2023

In one paragraph

This message, taught by Deborah, was shaped by the October 7 Hamas attacks on Israel, which had happened just days before. She drew a line from the biblical call to stand with Israel all the way to the story of Esther and Mordecai, using both to call the congregation to be the kind of remnant God can mark and use in a moment of civilizational crisis. Deborah opened by connecting the attack on...

Read together

1. Genesis 12:3 God's promise to bless those who bless Abraham and curse those who curse him, and that all families on earth will be blessed through him
2. John 4 Jesus telling the woman at the well that salvation comes through the Jews
3. Ezekiel 9 Ezekiel grieving over his country and God telling him to mark on the forehead those who grieve over repulsive acts being committed
4. Isaiah 62 God posting watchmen on Jerusalem's walls who will never be silent day or night and will call on the Lord until he establishes Jerusalem
5. Romans 10 Paul expressing his longing and prayer for Israel to be saved, noting their misdirected zeal for God
6. Psalm 122:6 the command to pray for the peace of Jerusalem with the promise that those who love her will prosper
7. Esther 3 Haman being promoted, Mordecai refusing to bow, and Haman's decree to destroy all Jews in the empire
8. Philippians 1:21 Paul saying to live is Christ and to die is gain
9. 2 Corinthians 5 Paul saying believers are not at home in earthly bodies and would rather be away from them to be with Jesus

Talk about it

1. Pastor Deborah described the remnant as followers of God who are willing to stand in the gap during times of moral and civilizational decline. Where in your own life do you feel God tapping you on the shoulder and asking you to stand up for truth?
2. In Ezekiel 9, God told Ezekiel to mark on the forehead those who were grieving over the evil being committed around them. How do you personally process grief over what is happening in the world, and what does that grief move you to do?
3. Pastor Deborah shared three specific ways we are called to pray for Israel: for their salvation, for the peace of Jerusalem, and for God's kingdom come. Which of those three feels most natural to you, and which feels most unfamiliar? Why?
4. Mordecai told Esther to consider that she had been placed in her position for a time such as this. What position of influence, however small or large, do you think God has placed you in right now, and what might he be asking you to do with it?
5. The sermon closed with the image of a red pill and a blue pill: choosing to see the world clearly and step out in risky faith, or staying comfortable and silent. What would taking the red pill look like in a specific situation you are facing right now?