Discussion | Choose Today
Jon: This is the discussion episode for the story Choose Today.
Bradon: Elijah called all of Israel to choose between The Lord and Baal. He challenged the prophets of Baal to a showdown! Whichever God answered with fire on an alter would be considered the true God. Baal never responded even though the prophets prayed all day. Elijah prayed, and immediately the Lord God answered with fire burning up the wood, the bull, the stones, the dust. The fire licked up all the water poured on the altar and lay in the trench around the altar. It was a decisive victory for the Lord, and all the people proclaimed that the Lord was indeed the true God!
Story Episode
1 Kings 18
Questions
- Jon: You may not have an idol made of stone or wood in your home like many of the Israelites did but there may be something that draws your attention away from God. It may not even be considered evil but it does have your attention. What is it and what is so enticing about it?
- Bradon: We see a connection to people’s faithfulness and obedience to God and God’s blessings. What kind of blessing have you seen in your life as a result of being faithful and obedient to God!
- Jon: When James tells us to confess our sins to each other it sounds scary for many of us. Why is this? Are you willing to do it? Why or why not?
Growth Tip
Jon: Confession is a practice that we often short-change. James 5:16 says, “Confess your sins and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.”
Bradon: Confession is best done with others. We need other people to be an expression of God’s grace and love, and we need others in our efforts within repentance.
Jon: Repentance is simply a turning point, a decision to stop behaving in a sinful way and begin living in a God-honoring manner. The decision is the easy part, and it’s the living and the daily grind that we find challenging.
Bradon: This is why confession is best done with others. So gather some trusted friends, family, or a mentor, open your heart to them, and confess your sins.
For many, confession is hard, awkward, and often clouded by shame. God did not design it to be easy. The shame we feel through sin often keeps us from the grace of God. By confessing to others, we can sit within and enjoy God’s grace.
Prayer Requests
At the end of your discussion, go around the group and ask for prayer requests.
