Discussion Questions for September 27, 2026
If you enjoy these questions or they are useful, I would like to hear about it! - Pastor Harvey

• 1. Guarding Against Misuse The sermon begins by warning against the careless use of the phrase "God told me." When have you witnessed or felt the temptation to use God's name to validate a personal preference, opinion, or desire? How can we cultivate a healthier reverence when discerning God's voice?
  
  
• 2. The Dangers of Subjective Reading The pastor critiques the common Bible study question, "What does this scripture mean to you?" because it can lead to subjective guesswork detached from the text. How does shifting the focus from "What does it mean to me?" to "What did it mean to the original audience?" change your personal approach to reading Scripture?
  
  
• 3. Context and Comfort (Jeremiah 29:11) Using the example of Jeremiah 29:11, the sermon highlights how a popular verse takes on deeper and more accurate meaning when read within its historical context of exiles in Babylon. Can you think of another famous Bible verse that is often misunderstood or misapplied when ripped from its original context?
  
  
• 4. Spotting the Unchanging God Point #2 emphasizes that even when reading vastly different cultures and covenants (like the Old Testament), we are looking at an unchanging God. As you read difficult or unfamiliar passages, what practical steps can you take to look past the cultural differences and focus instead on God's timeless attributes (like His patience, holiness, or justice)?
  
  
• 5. Expecting an Encounter The sermon challenges the idea that we need "new words" or fresh revelations, asserting instead that the Holy Spirit illuminates the Word already given. What does your current daily rhythm of reading Scripture look like, and what is one practical change you can make this week to better expect an encounter with the Living God?