Wesley Study Notes

[Rev. Ellen Ely]

Wesley Groups Study Lesson

Week of April 26, 2020

Scripture: Exodus 13:17 - 14:31

Week One: “30 Second Theology” Series

Theme: Following God’s Lead

 

Opening Prayer:

Dear God, we know that the television can be for us, an enormous distraction and source of entertainment, but seldom do we look for you on the screen. This week as we reflect on your presence in our life, help us to look outside the usual places, especially on the screens of our televisions. Help us to see what you are doing all around us in the world! Amen!

 

Overview:  This week we begin a new sermon series: “30 Second Theology”.

 

Questions for reflection:

1. Read through this scripture lesson, paying particular attention to details, and discuss in your groups. (I realize its’ very long, and I might pare it down some before Sunday morning. I’m looking at that now but haven’t decided for sure.) What parts are new to you? Did anything jump out at you that you’d never seen before? If so, what was it?
2. Have you ever seen a commercial on TV and thought that it could be interpreted in several ways? Have you ever looked for God in a TV commercial? Discuss in your groups.
3. In this scripture lesson how were the Israelites guided on their journey? Why did they seemingly take “the long way” to the promised land? In what kinds of ways does God guide us? What happens when we encounter an obstacle in our life’s journey?
4. What kinds of obstacles did the Israelites encounter? What did they do? Where was God in those encounters?
5. What can we learn from this lesson about heeding God’s guidance?

 

Closing Thoughts on Scripture Lesson: Discuss anything else that you noticed in this lesson that causes you to wonder.

 

Sharing of Prayer Concerns & Celebrations

 

Closing Prayer: Loving God, thank you for the gift of your guiding presence in our life. May we never underestimate it, and may we always look for you in the world around us; especially in the places we least expect it! Thank you for always traveling in front of us in all that we do. Help us to recognize your leading in our lives! Amen!

 

 

Rev. Ellen Ely

Senior Pastor

First United Methodist Church

1101 Bluebonnet Dr.

Marble Falls, TX 78654

(830) 693-4341 Office

(830) 265-0761 Cell