2. What can we learn about the importance of knowing God from this story?

Book of Judges a. How is the response to God different from before (Chap. 10 Jephthah: The Outcast – Chapter 10:6 – 12:15 vs. 11-16)?

Introduction Among the most difficult stories to understand in the Bible is the story of Jephthah. Though an obscure figure in the Bible, Jephthah attained honor to be mentioned in the heroes of faith. However, if we read the life of Jephthah and the i. Until vs. 16, Israel said “sorry” to God while hanging on to seemingly harsh sacrifice of his daughter, we might immediately question the their idols. They changed their behavior, but not their hearts. wisdom of Paul for having him listed in . Some critics of the Bible Are there any idols you are quietly loving and serving would even seize the life of Jephthah as an example of God’s unreasonable sense alongside God? How are you being challenged to get rid of of justice and mercy. For these reasons, we need to take a deeper look at the “foreign gods”? story of Jephthah. Did Jephthah really have a very sinful life that should have disqualified him from entering the Kingdom of God? Did his story really reveal God as a God who is bloodthirsty and devoid of mercy? Let’s find out today as we learn the lessons from the life of Jephthah.

Discussion b. Why do you think Jephthah made the vow in the first place? And why

1. Before we read Judges 10:6 – 12:15 take a moment to pray, “Open my eyes do you think he kept the vow in such a horrific way? that I may see the wonderful things in your Law” – Psalm 119:18. Take a few minutes to read the passage and make notes of thoughts and questions that arise as you read.

i. What are the lessons for us from this tragic story?

3. We are mostly far more affected by our culture than by the Bible – and we are Announcements far more affected by our culture than we think. What are some areas in your life that culture speaks louder than the promises of God? Please share. • Looking for volunteers to serve as teachers for both the Children’s

Ministry and The Grove (Youth Group). Contact pastor at [email protected] for Children’s Ministry and Tina Chong at [email protected] for The Grove Ministry.

• November Food Drive – Please help us provide for hungry children in Herndon by purchasing food items for the Weekend Packs! We will be collecting donations for the entire month of November.

• Adopt A Family this Christmas – Every Christmas we “adopt” a family in need in the Herndon area and bless them with small gifts for the holidays. Please help us make it a wonderful Christmas for these families

in need!

• Save the Date: Congregational Meeting – Sunday, Dec. 10th after the second service in the sanctuary!

• For additional information visit: odpcec.org/calendar