Judges: A Faithful God in a Broken World "The Demise of Jephthah: A Fool Creates Chaos in His Family and in the Nation
JUDGES: A Faithful God in a Broken World
"The Demise of Jephthah:
A Fool Creates Chaos in His Family and in the Nation"
(Judges 11:29-12:15)
For bulletin in PDF form click here.
Lessons from Jephthah - Way
Should Jephthah Have Kept His Vow? - Webb
Then and Now: Where have we come from and where are we going?
Jephthah and His Daughter: A Rash Vow from a Pagan Mindset (11:29-40)
When God's people abandon Him as the priority in their lives (Idolatry)
they do not know what it means to love Him
with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength.
Jephthah and The Ephraimites: A Conflict Becomes Civil War (12:1-7)
When God's people abandon Him as the priority in their lives (Idolatry)
they do not know what it means to love others
as they love themselves.
Ibzan, Elon, and Abdon: And the Beat Goes On (12:8-15)
Eventually God will allow
our rebellion to become complete
until our only hope is found in Him.
(Twelve Judges Representing Twelve Tribes)
Idolatry—abandoning a full commitment to God
as the priority of our lives—eventually results
in a lack of loving God and loving others.
Next Steps
Truth: When you do not really know God, tragic results will undoubtedly follow.
Warning: Knowing God is more than believing He exsists and reading some stories.
Challenge: Know God's story well so you can know God's character well and live to please Him.
This Week’s Growth Guide
God’s Word is both central and critical to your spiritual growth. We invite you to utilize the Growth Guide during the week to further your application of the Truth from the message.
•. Monday - Romans 1:18-32
•. Tuesday - Romans 2:1-29
•. Wednesday - Romans 3:1-20
•. Thursday - Judges 13:1-25
•. Friday - Judges 14:1-20
Home Church
Our Home Churches meet weekly to facilitate quicker relational depth, study the same passage taught Sunday to help apply Scripture in the context of community, and pray with one another.
Home Church helps our body seek God’s best for one another.
Home Church Questions
• Read Judges 11:29-12:15.
• What stands out in this passage or from the message?
• If you had the choice (you do not!), would you choose to be filled with the Spirit for character or filled with the Spirit for service? Why?
• In what ways do we “sacrifice our children” to the gods of the age today?
• What would the Lord have done if Jephthah acknowledged his error and done something else (see esp. Leviticus 27—esp. the principle in 27:15, 28, 31).
• The Ephraimites are a pesky bunch in Judges. Read Judges 8:1; 12:1. Who is an Ephraimite in your life? How should you handle them?
• Review the Major Judges and trace their downward spiral.
• Othniel (3:7-11)
• Ehud (3:12-30)
• Shamgar - a minor judge but I like him- (3:31)
• Barak (4:1-24; 5:1-31)
• Gideon (6:1-8:35)
• Jephthah (11:1-12:7)
• How is Ibzan similar to Jephthah?
• How does Abdon continue the downward spiral of the judges? How are we tempted to be like Abdon?
Finances
Weekly Budget 28,846
Giving For 03/13 22,282
Giving For 03/20 20,845
YTD Budget 1,096,154
YTD Giving 1,288,308
OVER/UNDER 192,153
Generations Campaign
Total Pledge 1,535,065
Received-to-date. 1,633,552
Men's muster | April 22-24
We are looking forward to heading back to The Shepherd of the Ozarks for the Men's Muster.
$165 for men 18 and older, $85 for 14-17 years. Register at fellowshipconway.org/register.
New to Fellowship?
We are so glad that you joined the Fellowship Family to worship this morning. If you are joining us for the first time or have been checking us out for a few weeks, we are excited you are here and would love to meet you. Please fill out the “Connect” section of your bulletin, tear it off, and bring it to the Connection Center in the Atrium, we would love to say “hi” and give you a gift.
Fellowship 101 | April 10 | 9:00 a.M.
We invite you to join us Sunday morning, April 10, to learn more about Fellowship. This is a great opportunity to learn about our mission, values, and ministries. Join us in the conference room (first floor) to hear what God is doing and where He is taking us. During this time you will get to meet some of our ministry leaders and ask questions. We’re excited to meet you! Register at fellowshipconway.org/register.
Father/Daughter Dance | April 2
This is an event fathers and daughters (grades 5-12) look forward to. Plan a special place for dinner and then come out to Renewal Ranch from 7-9:30 p.m. It will be a great night of dancing and making memories. No cost but we would love to know you will be attending. Register at fellowshipconway.org/register.
Fellowship Women's Brunch - Taste and See
Fellowship women, we are excited for you to join us Saturday, April 23, 10:00 a.m. for brunch. Enjoy great food while we share some exciting changes in the Fellowship Women's Ministry. For child care text Shanna at
501-336-0332.
Fellowship Women's Bible Study | April 4-May 16 | 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Calling all Ladies 18 years and older! Has your life ever been interrupted: Loss of job, sickness, unexpected expense, or plans turned upside down? Join us as we engage in a 7-week study on “Jonah” by Priscilla Shirer, starting Monday, April 4th - May 17th. The study consists of reading the book, (please purchase book before April 4) watching videos with Priscilla Shirer together, and a time of discussion. Sign up at fellowshipconway.org/register or at the Connection Center. Child care by RSVP to Shanna at 501-336-0332.
Blended & Blessed Simulcast | April 2 | 9:00 - 3:00 p.m.
If you’re a blended family, you bring unique ingredients to the table. Blended & Blessed is a one-day live event and live stream just for you. We’re talking step family couples, single parents, dating couples with kids, and those who care about blended families. $10 per person with lunch provided. Register at
fellowshipconway.org/register.
Crucifixion Dinner | April 15 | 6:30 p.m.
Mark your calendars to join us as we remember together what Christ did on the cross on Good Friday through the Crucifixion Dinner.