Lent 1 - Small Group Questions

If you were not with us on Sunday you can listen to this sermon here.

Gen 9:8-17
1. Think about some of the storms you have weathered in your life. Were they short or long? Did they do a lot of damage? Could you see them coming, or did they catch you off guard? Share with the group.
2. After the storm, God establishes a new covenant with Noah and all his descendents and 'with every living creature.' What does this say that God covenants with every person and every living thing? Is this consistent with your understanding of God, that every living thing is part of the covenant?
3. Does your life reflect God's care and love for every living thing?
4. Fr. Mike noted that all of the promises in this covenant are on God's side. There is no requirement on our part. How does this fit with your understanding of your relationship with God? How does it fit with how you view (and perhaps judge) others' relationship with God?
5. Do you believe that God loves you the same no matter what you do or don't do? Or does your life reflect a belief that God 'requires' something to love you?
6. Fr. Mike compared this Noachic covenant with the New Covenant in Jesus Christ. John tells us that Jesus came not to condemn the world but to save the world through him. How is this as inclusive and everlasting as God's covenant with Noah? Is it consistent with your understanding of how Jesus saves?
7. What rainbows - actual or metaphorical - have you been given? How did they make you feel? Can you speak to a 'storm' that was redeemed? That became a New Day?