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*English with subtitles. More languages coming soon.

Episode 4

Israel's Calling

This session focuses on God’s faithfulness to the people of Israel and how Israel’s story is part of our family history as Christians. The story of Israel helps us see how our faith makes a difference in a complex and messy world. We learn that God calls ordinary people to trust him and blesses them so they might be a blessing to others. God is with us in our failures and our faithfulness, and he continues to work through us to redeem this broken world.

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Episode Outline

  • Abraham to David
    • We are called to trust, God moves the story along by calling ordinary people to trust and obey.
    • We are blessed so that we might be a blessing. The people of Israel are to be God’s redemptive agents, seeking shalom in every aspect of daily life and being a blessing to the world.
  • David to Exile
    • During the exile it looked like God had failed to keep his promises to Israel, but God keeps the story moving even when his people fail him.
  • Exile to Jesus
    • Against all expectations, God brings the story to a magnificent fulfillment in Jesus and promises to redeem all of creation.

Sample discussion questions

  • What was God’s purpose in calling Israel? How did God work in the life of Israel and ordinary people?
  • Rich Dean shares several complex situations he has faced. Are there situations or areas of life that are impossible to redeem? Should Christians be involved? Discuss why or why not.
  • What complex situations have you experienced? What can you learn from the story of God’s relationship with Israel in these situations?

Bonus Clip

In the Story of Rich Dean, the good decisions he makes lead to a positive outcome. This may raise questions in your group, as "right" decisions are not always black and white, and they don't necessarily lead to positive outcomes. You may want to consider using this additional video clip, in which Rich talks about the brokenness of life and how he made an "ugly compromise." 


Featuring

Rich Dean

Rich Dean

Lawyer
Washington D.C.

Phil Long

Phil Long

Professor Emeritus of Old Testament
Regent College

Eugene Peterson

Eugene Peterson

Professor Emeritus, Spiritual Theology
Regent College

Soong-Chan Rah

Soong-Chan Rah

Associate Professor of Church Growth and Evangelism
North Park Theological Seminary

Further Resources