Christ in the Psalms: Testimony
Psalm 116 and Mark 4:35-41
Scott Sund, Pastor of Bethany North
In the middle of the storm (Psalm 116:5-10 & Mark 4:35-41)
Test becomes the testimony (Give Thanks!)
In Response:
I saw God this week because He did ________ and for that I am THANKFUL. This is my testimony.
The testing in the storms will become your testimony
The testing (Psalm 116: 1-4)
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Discussion Questions
Before questions, attempt to give the group a bit of a summary of the main points of the sermon and then choose a few questions that fit your group’s needs and style. We don’t intend for you to use all of these. Three to five questions may be a good number.
1. Psalm 116 is both a Psalm of lament and a Psalm of thanksgiving. Begin your time together by reading Psalm 116 and then sharing one lament from your week and one point of gratitude.
2. Pastor Scott asked his community at Bethany North, “where are you experiencing the Spirit of God in your life right now?” How would you answer that question today?
3. Read Mark 4:35-41 together. What sticks out to you about Jesus’ response to the storm and the disciple’s fear? Put yourself in the place of the disciples, how would you feel in this moment?
4. Pastor Scott affirmed, “faith is forged in the middle of painful times.” Talk about a time that has been true in your life. What have you learned about God’s character when you’ve been in the middle of the storms of life?
5. The encouragement of Psalm 116 is to turn to God in prayer the midst of the struggle, not despite it. What are some prayer practices you’ve found helpful? What is a prayer practice you might consider in the coming week?
6. In this week’s sermon, we learned that the Church historically has grown in the midst of difficult times. What unique hope might the church offer our local community in this season? How might your group play a role in that witness to hope in the coming week? How might you practice unique hospitality and compassion to your neighbors?
7. Close your time by prayerfully reading Isaiah 43:1-13 together. If there is a particular verse or encouragement that sticks out to you, make a note of it. Write it down. Pray those words in the coming week. Text those words to others in the group throughout the week as a way of supporting and encouraging others!