Life is full of questions. Why do bad things happen to good people? Is God just? How do we make sense of suffering? The book of Job doesn’t give easy answers, in fact it complicates things — but it does invite us into a deeper trust in God’s wisdom.
In this three-week series, Brian Paris will explore the book of Job by wrestling with its ancient poetry, mysterious characters, and profound insights. Brian will also share stories of how God has met him and others through life’s struggles. Together, we’ll discover how faith can hold firm even when the world feels chaotic.
In addition to the Sunday morning messages, on April 27 and May 4, Brian will host study sessions to dig more into the text and theology of the book of Job. You can join him at the church hall at 5pm on those dates.
April 27 – Job: an introduction
Job chapters 1-3. We’ll look at the book of Job first talking about its inclusion in the Bible, who wrote it, and if it’s “true”. Then we’ll take a look at Job himself, the horrible suffering he goes through and chapter 3 as he lets vent his frustrations.
Study session on April 27 at 5pm in the hall
Job chapters 1-2. Does God really work this way? We’ll dig into the throne room scene and the hasatan. Who is this character debating God?
May 4 – Job: the debate
Job chapters 4-37. The vast majority of the book of Job is taken up with a poetic debate where they just seem to say the same thing over and over. The friends accuse Job of secretly sinning and thus deserving that has happened and Job denies it only for the next friend to accuse him. What is going on? Is there anything we can learn from ancient people with foreign worldviews debating the finer points of theology?
Study session on May 4 at 5pm in the hall
We’ll look at how ancient Hebrew poetry works and how the author of Job uses it masterfully throughout the book. We’ll find examples of individual lines that are brilliant, the use of metaphor, how Job’s lament speech in chapter 3 is answered by God’s first speech in chapters 38-39, and how imagery builds through the Elilu speeches into God’s appearance.
May 11 – Job: God’s speeches
Job chapters 38-42. Job has demanded answers and God shows up to talk about random things that don’t seem to address a single one of Job’s questions! Why do these speeches actually seem to help Job process everything? What is a behemoth and leviathan? What is it Job seems to understand from what God says and does it have any application to our lives?
Today is Mothers Day. In our service we will acknowledge the wide variety of emotions that can be real for you today. Happiness and joy for some. Grief and sadness for others. We want to celebrate the best parts of motherhood and acknowledge the difficult parts, too.
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