What is SOAP?

SOAP is an acronym for: Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. As you prepare for participating in City Group this week, we invite you to write down your thoughts in a journal. Journaling is a great way to record and process your thoughts & what God is sharing with you.

Week of Sept 6th
God Wants to Restore What Was Lost

OVERVIEW

This Sunday, PC wrapped up the FAITH series using the story of Elisha and the lost axe head in 2 Kings 6. This message reminded us that God cares about the things we care about, even losses that may seem small to others. God is a God of restoration who can help us recover what we never intended to lose: joy, peace, purpose, relationships, spiritual passion, or intimacy with Him. Recovery begins by honestly identifying where and how something was lost, then responding in faith when God gives us an opportunity to reclaim it. God can make the axe head float, but we still have to reach out and lift it out.

KEY POINTS

God is a God of restoration, and He can help us recover what we never intended to lose.

Our journey of restoration: Recognize what you lost → Be honest about where you lost it → Trust God to restore → Take your step of faith → Believe it’s not too late.

“What’s broken, God can rebuild. What’s lost, God can restore. What’s dead, God can resurrect.”

SCRIPTURE

As we read aloud through these verses, let's pause, reflect, and listen for what Holy Spirit might be saying to you through the Word of God.

Key scriptures from the series. 

2 Kings 6:1-7 Now the sons of the prophets said to Elisha, “See, the place where we dwell under your charge is too small for us. 2 Let us go to the Jordan and each of us get there a log, and let us make a place for us to dwell there.” And he answered, “Go.” 3 Then one of them said, “Be pleased to go with your servants.” And he answered, “I will go.” 4 So he went with them. And when they came to the Jordan, they cut down trees. 5 But as one was felling a log, his axe head fell into the water, and he cried out, “Alas, my master! It was borrowed.” 6 Then the man of God said, “Where did it fall?” When he showed him the place, he cut off a stick and threw it in there and made the iron float. 7 And he said, “Take it up.” So he reached out his hand and took it.

1 Peter 5:10 And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.

OBSERVATION

God cares about the details of our lives. The lost axe head mattered to this young prophet, so it mattered to God. The story also shows that restoration involves both God’s power and our participation. God did what the prophet could never do, He made the iron float, but the man still had to reach out and take it. 

Here are four discussion questions drawn directly from the message that encourage both biblical reflection and personal application:

Q1. - What is something you may have lost along the way that God wants to restore? Consider your joy, peace, hope, spiritual passion, intimacy with God, purpose, or a relationship.

Q2. - “Recovery starts with honesty.” Where, when, or why did you begin to lose what mattered to you? What choices, circumstances, distractions, hurts, or habits contributed to that loss?

Q3. - “God will make it float, but you’ve got to lift it out.” What step of faith might God be asking you to take? Is there a conversation to have, something to confess, someone to forgive, a habit to change, or a spiritual discipline to restart?

Q4. - Where have fear or the enemy’s lies convinced you that restoration is no longer possible?
How does believing that God is good, cares about you, and is able to restore change the way you see your situation?

APPLICATION

Ask yourself: What have I lost that God wants to restore? Maybe it is joy, peace, hope, a relationship, spiritual passion, or closeness with God. Be honest about where it was lost, bring it before God, and then be willing to take the step of faith He puts in front of you. Recovery starts with honesty and moves forward through faith and obedience.

PRAYER

Father, thank You that You are a God of restoration and that what matters to me matters to You. Show me anything I have lost along the way, my joy, peace, passion, purpose, relationships, or closeness with You. Give me the courage to be honest about where I lost it and the faith to take the steps You ask of me. Restore what is broken, renew what has grown weak, and bring back to life what the enemy tried to bury. In Jesus’ name, amen.

WHAT NEXT? SERVE ON A TEAM
Next Steps

Our heart for you in taking a "Next Step" is to help you grow in becoming more and more like Jesus.

  • Invite. Everyone is only one invitation away from coming to church with you. We are here to reach 1% of our city. Take a step, be bold, bring someone to church with you Sunday.
  • Invest. Investing financially at BeLoved helps us to stay on mission. You can find the best way to give at belovedchurch.ca/give Take a step, start your faithful practice of tithes and offering.
  • Discover. Embark on the journey at belovedchurch.ca/grow Take a step and invest into your discipleship journey at BeLoved.
  • Serve. Jesus came to serve rather than to be served. Love on others like Jesus by jumping on a team and serving on the weekend at BeLoved. Help move God's great Church forward.
  • Get baptized. Congratulations! Take a step to "Go ALL IN for Jesus." Register online at belovedchurch.ca/baptism