KE Group Questions
Week of November 2, 2025
Summary
Pastor Josh delivers a powerful message on 'Radical Wrestling' from the book of Habakkuk, whose name means 'to wrestle' or 'to embrace.' The sermon explores how it's not only acceptable but encouraged to wrestle with God through our questions, doubts, and struggles. Using wrestling metaphors and demonstrations, Pastor Josh explains that Habakkuk was unique among prophets because he spoke TO God FROM man, rather than from God to man. The message emphasizes that God welcomes our questions about suffering, injustice, and unanswered prayers. Through wrestling with God, we develop endurance and ultimately receive His embrace. The sermon concludes with the understanding that even when we don't get answers to our 'why' questions, we can trust God's heart when we can't trace His hand, knowing that our wrestling will eventually become an embrace.
Ice Breaker
If you could have a wrestling match with any famous person (living or dead), who would it be and why?
Key Verses
- Habakkuk 1:2-4
- Habakkuk 2:4
- Proverbs 3:9-10
- James 1:2-4
- Isaiah 40:31
Questions
- Pastor Josh said that Habakkuk was unique because he spoke TO God FROM man, rather than from God to man. How does this change your perspective on bringing your complaints and questions to God?
- The sermon emphasized that God welcomes our wrestling and questions. Have you ever felt guilty for questioning God? How does this message change that perspective?
- Habakkuk complained about injustice and violence, yet God's answer was to use an even more wicked nation (Babylon) to bring judgment. How do you reconcile God using difficult circumstances or even evil people to accomplish His purposes?
- Pastor Josh mentioned that endurance is the most important trait in wrestling and in our spiritual lives. What are some practical ways we can develop spiritual endurance when facing unanswered prayers or difficult circumstances?
- The message talked about getting an 'eagle's eye view' versus a 'chicken mentality' when facing problems. What does this look like practically in your daily life when you're overwhelmed by circumstances?
- How can we distinguish between wrestling with God (which brings us closer to Him) versus walking away from God when we face difficulties?
- Pastor Josh shared that sometimes God allows destruction for the purpose of reconstruction. Can you think of a time in your life when something difficult ultimately led to something better?
- The sermon mentioned that we might not always get answers to our 'why' questions, but we can trust God's heart when we can't trace His hand. How do you practically apply this truth when facing unexplained suffering or loss?
Life Application
This week, identify one area where you've been wrestling with God or avoiding Him because of unanswered questions. Instead of walking away, commit to 'staying in the ring' with God through prayer, worship, or honest conversation with Him about your struggles. Practice the discipline of drawing near to God especially when you don't understand His ways, trusting that your wrestling will eventually become His embrace.
Key Takeaways
- God welcomes our questions and wrestling - it's an invitation to draw closer to Him rather than walk away
- Habakkuk means both 'to wrestle' and 'to embrace' - our wrestling with God ultimately leads to His embrace
- Endurance is the most important spiritual trait we can develop - staying in relationship with God even when we don't understand
- God is more concerned with our character development than our comfort or getting all our prayers answered immediately
- We can trust God's heart even when we can't trace His hand - His love for us is the foundation for faith in difficult times
Growing spiritually takes a daily personal walk with God and a gathering together in fellowship with other believers.
Our corporate gathering is for equipping the saints, but meeting in small groups allows regular individual
participation so that personal needs can be addressed.
Small groups also foster growth in ministering the gifts of the Holy Spirit, accountability, and the support
necessary to be a healthy member of the family of God.
The leadership of Praise Tabernacle has encouraged group leaders to be missional and evangelistic
in their approach to leading these groups.
The ultimate goal is Kingdom Expansion.
KE (KINGDOM EXPANSION)
GROUP LOCATIONS
Egg Harbor Township
Wednesday Nights @ 6:30 pm - Andy & Lori Holman's home -
1st & 3rd Wednesday Nights @ 7:00 pm - Terry & Sue Luma's home -
Mays Landing
1st Wednesdays, 7 pm - Host: Pastor Josh & Loraine Kennedy;
3rd Wednesdays, 7 pm - Host: Matt & Elise Lucas;
4th Wednesday, 7 pm - Host: Caleb & Tahlia Wilkes;
Reach out to Pastor Josh if you have any questions: (609) 402-8869
Egg Harbor City
2nd & 4th Wednesday Nights @ 6:30pm - Eddie Aponte's home -
Galloway
2nd & 4th Wednesday Nights @ 6:30pm -Greg & Regina's home
Ocean View
Sunday Nights (Every 1st & 3rd) @ 6pm - Joanne Utt's Home -
