Pastor Matt reminded us how God took a penitent woman with a scandalous past, and made her into a hero of our faith ... and how He continues to do that, over and over again, today.
MY STORY
Describe a person you know who completely turned his or her life around because of experiencing the mercy of God.
WHAT DOES GOD WANT US TO HEAR?
Salmon the father of Boaz by Rahab, and Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth, and Obed the father of Jesse … and Jacob the father of Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom Jesus was born, who is called Christ. (Matthew 1:5, 16)
Before the [two spies] lay down, Rahab came up to them on the roof and said to the men, "I know that the Lord has given you the land, and that the fear of you has fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land melt away before you. (Joshua 2:8-9)
What did Rahab do to protect the Hebrew spies; what deal did she make with them? How did Rahab express her faith in the God of the Hebrews?
What good news were the two spies able to personally give Joshua because of Rahab's courageous actions?
Extra credit: Consider the story of Corrie Ten Boom, who lied to the Nazis looking for the Jews she was hiding in her home. Like Corrie and Rahab, is it ever okay to not tell the truth to someone who would use that information to harm someone? Explain.
What does God want us to hear? Based on the passages above, what are the factual "takeaways" that are meaningful to you?
WHAT DOES GOD WANT US TO DO?
How have you seen a dangerous situation, where the stakes were high, fill someone with the supernatural courage to act in a way that protected others?
How does the desperate need for God's mercy compel some people, regardless of what they have done, ask the Lord to have compassion on them … and to save them?
How has this played out in your own spiritual journey?
What does God want us to do? Flowing out of our reading and new understanding, how is the Holy Spirit nudging us?
WHAT DOES GOD WANT ME TO DO?
Pastor Matt said, "The same God who drew Rahab into His family is the God who, in the fullness of time, became flesh to seek and to save those whose dreams have been crushed, those who have been told they have no value, those who wonder if peace could ever include them."
Have you ever felt this way? If so, how did God in his compassion reach out to you and give you peace?
Or is this something that still needs to happen?
Who in your circle of influence needs God's spiritual protection – but may be hesitant to ask because of his or her past?
How can you come along side such a person, and encourage them to trust God – no matter what he or she has done?
Make it a point to contact that person this week.
What does God want ME to do? Based on your answers to these questions, toward what creative actions is the Holy Spirit leading you?
Message Notes
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