Stuff in the Basement: Part 3 - Past Imperfect

This Sunday, Rob Lea brings us the latest of our short video talks. Once you have watched the video, we encourage you to reflect on the bible text and join us in the prayer that follows below.

To listen to the talk click here.
 
Reading:

Isaiah, chapter 43 verses 16 to 19 (NIV)
^{16 This is what the Lord says –
    he who made a way through the sea,
    a path through the mighty waters,
17 who drew out the chariots and horses,
    the army and reinforcements together,
    and they lay there, never to rise again,
    extinguished, snuffed out like a wick:
18 ‘Forget the former things;
    do not dwell on the past.
19 See, I am doing a new thing!
    Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
    I am making a way in the wilderness
    and streams in the wasteland.}


Prayer & Reflection

Lord God, at this time when the world is enduring a
pandemic that has caused many to feel that they really
are in a desert, we remember and we thank you that
you have always made a way for us even in the most
difficult circumstances.
We ask that by the power of the Holy Spirit, you would
give us new energy to accomplish new tasks. Help us
to perceive new opportunities to share your love and
your grace. 
Lord God, we pray that you would do a new
thing in us; both as individuals and collectively as your
church, the body of Jesus.  Amen
 

Questions to Consider

1. Over the past two weeks, we have been encouraging people to consider past events that they would prefer to ignore rather than deal with. Did that apply to you? Does it still apply to you, and if it does, what steps will you take to tackle the issue(s)?   

2.  Do you think that it’s important to remind yourself of what God has done for you in the past? If yes, in what way does it help you? Are you grateful for what God has done, and have you thanked him?

3. Thinking about your life today, do you feel energised and “raring to go”, or stuck and lethargic? If you do feel that your life is on hold and that you lack vitality, what are the reasons for that?
 
4. God says that he is doing a new thing. Can you perceive what that might be in your life? If you don’t, what steps might you take to identify the “new thing” for you? Who might help you?
 
5. The new thing in history, was Jesus’ death and resurrection. What does that mean specifically to you? What impact does this event have on your life and the way that you think about the future?

 6. Following Jesus death, resurrection and his return to God the father, he made the Holy Spirit available to all of his followers who repented and were baptised in his name (another “new thing” Acts 2:38-39). Have you received that promise, the power of the Holy Spirit living in you? Would this be a “new thing” for you?