ASBC wandering booklet - Flipbook - Page 37
1 The Raven (8:6-7) - Noah’s scientific experiment to determine safety a) Goes out and stays out when he can
2 The Dove (8:7-12) - Part two of Noah’s scientific experiment
a Only stays out when she should
b Just as the dove brought back an olive branch we should ask the question what do we need to see before we
return
3 God’s Commandment (8:16) - Noah’s ability to discern the voice of God
a Don’t just listen to the data and politicians, but prayerfully listen to God’s instructions
ii Trauma creates anger that we need time to heal from
d We need to remember that God is always in control of our chaos
LIFE APPLICATION QUESTIONS
1
Pastor Wesley cautioned us against rushing out of trauma. What “extinction events” have you faced and how have
you found yourself rushing or working through them? When you compare those moments, what made it easier
or harder to work towards real healing?
2
This week’s sermon warned us about the raven mentality of scavenging and settling for any situation that is
available. Can you point to specific instances in your past when you have done this? How can you prevent this
going forward?
3
Pastor Wesley asked the question, “what is your rainbow?” What signs do you look for to remind yourself of
God’s faithfulness even in tough seasons?
4
What is your discernment practice? How do you currently determine what is from God and what is not? Pastor
Wesley points out that Noah needed to see the olive leaf. What do you need to see to know God has given you
permission in your decision-making moments whether it’s relationships, professional, or personal?
5
We are introduced to the idea that spiritual decision-making requires both practical wisdom and divine
discernment. In your own life, which of these, do you lean on more to make decisions and what makes you lean
less on the other?
6
Not only were we reminded in this sermon not to live like ravens who scavenge and settle for anything, but
we were reminded not to allow others to treat us like ravens. Who has treated you as if you would settle for
anything, and what can you do after hearing this sermon to disrupt or avoid future relationships like this?
NESS A SERMON SERIES BY
REV. DR.
i Rushing out of trauma causes us to use dangerous coping mechanisms
WANDERING IN THE WILDER
c You cannot rush out of a traumatic experience without taking time to rest
HOWARD-JOHN WESLEY
b God only confirms what Noah sees in scientific data - walking by faith does not
mean you ignore practical wisdom - science is not the enemy of faith
SPIRIT WORK
1
Curbing Our Coping Mechanisms. This sermon reminded us that it’s important to be aware of the coping
mechanisms we lean on in/after seasons of trauma. If we’re honest all of us have reached for something
unhealthy in this season. Make a list of the things you’ve been using to cope. Can you make a plan to reduce
and/or eliminate these practices over the next few weeks?
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