The Story is a book that tells the grandest, most compelling story of all time. It sweeps you into the unfolding progression of Bible characters and events, allowing the teachings of the Bible to read like a novel. During The Story message series, January 8 - June 11, we will read through the Old Testament portion of The Story together, and the weekly readings will coordinate with each Sunday’s message. Like any good story, The Story is filled with intrigue, drama, conflict, romance, and redemption - and this story’s true!
Purchase The Story in the lobby at Faith for only $5, or order a copy online.
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Pick up The Story Bible Reading Plan on Sunday mornings or download it now to keep track of your progress.
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Listen to The Story on the Faith app by clicking on The Story tab at the bottom or find it as a podcast on Spotify and Itunes (faithoakville).
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For Adult Homes and Groups
1. Share the “highs” and “lows” you experienced this week, and how you observed God at work.
2. Ask someone in the group to retell the story of Esther in their own words.
3. The villain in The Story this week was Haman. What drives a person like Haman and how have you had to negotiate a relationship with a person with similar motivations? What wisdom might you give a Christian who is forced to work, live, and exist around a Haman-like personality?
4. Read Esther 4:12-17. When have you faced a situation that seemed hopeless, but God miraculously turned things around? What helped you see God’s presence and power at work as you walked through this situation?
5. Read Acts 17:24-26. In the message, Pastor John spoke of being the right person at the right time and place to carry out the purposes of God. Can you describe a time in your life when Jesus, the Person of God the Son, broke into your life at the right time and carried out His loving purposes?
6. Is there someone God might be calling you to share and be Christ to as the right person at the right place, for such a time as this?
For Families with Kids
1. Read and memorize Jeremiah 29:11: I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
2. God placed Esther in the right place at the right time to help. But it wasn’t easy. Esther was afraid. She knew she needed God’s help to give her courage. She drew courage not from herself but from God. Where does our courage come from? How does the Bible memory verse (Jeremiah 29:11) give us courage?
3. In what ways is God asking you to stand up for what is right and true?
Pray and ask Jesus for the courage to stand up for others in His Name.
For Adult Homes and Groups
1. Read and pray Psalm 42.
2. When was the first time you felt you truly belonged somewhere? Where was it and why?
3. What was something you really longed for that you later earned, received, or acquired? How did that feel? Is that feeling still the same now? Did it measure up to your expectations? Why or why not?
4. One of the most famous Christian quotes ever is from St. Augustine: “You have made us for Yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in You.” Can resting in Jesus fulfill our deepest longings? Why or why not?
For Families with Kids
1. Read Luke 15:11-32, Jesus’ Parable of the Prodigal Son.
2. Then read and memorize Zechariah 1:3: “Thus declares the Lord of hosts: Return to me, says the Lord of hosts, and I will return to you, says the Lord of hosts.”
3. Comparing the father in the parable to God our Father in Zechariah, why does God call us to return to Him? What are the blessings of returning to God?
For Adult Homes and Groups
As Pastor Chris discussed in the message, Christianity has resources that make life livable (listed below). Pastor Timothy Keller had a series titled “Questioning Christianity” that covered these topics specifically. In the series, Keller presented on the topic and then held a “Q&A” session, fielding inquiries from people who wanted to “question Christianity.” In your group this week, listen to the audio of one (or more) of these sessions at the following link and discuss what you heard: qcpodcast.gospelinlife.com
• Meaning and purpose (that is not artificially constructed)
• Identity (that doesn’t exclude others)
• Satisfaction (that is not based on circumstances)
• Hope (that death can’t take away)
• Justice (that does not create new oppressors)
• Morality (to which others can be obligated)
For Families with Kids
Memory Verse: “ He (God) delivers and rescues; He works signs and wonders in heaven and on earth…” (Daniel 6:27)
1. When Daniel faced the threat of lions, God protected Daniel and calmed his fears. God rescues us. When we face danger and are afraid, how does God keep us safe and help us stay strong?
2. When others are afraid how can we help them to be safe and calm their fears?
3. Pray together as a family for God to help you through something you might be facing this week that you’re worried about. “Cast all your anxiety on Him (God) because He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7)
For Adult Homes and Groups
1. Have you ever felt sympathy and wanted to act but didn’t? What held you back? (Fear, lack of finances, no time, didn’t feel equipped, etc.)
2. Read Lamentations 3:1-3, 19-24. What was Jeremiah experiencing during this time? Can you relate to feelings of despair, darkness, defeat, or feeling that God is disciplining you?
3. Read verses 22-24. What hope do you find in these promises?
4. Have you been surprised by how hard it is to show mercy to people who are difficult? Talk about it.
5. We struggle to show mercy when we don’t realize how desperately we need God’s mercy ourselves. How has Jesus’ offer of mercy and grace become reality for you? Is there someone you can show God’s mercy to today?
6. Take time to share prayer requests and give thanks for Jesus’ love, grace, and mercies that are new every morning.
For Families with Kids
Memory Verse: “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end…” (Lamentations 3:22)
1. Steadfast describes something that never changes. In our verse, God tells us His love is steadfast and unending. What is encouraging about God’s neverending love when we sin, are sick, or in trouble?
2. Mercy is compassion shown to someone who hurts you. God tells us His compassion never ends even when we sin. How do we receive God’s mercy? Will God ever run out of mercy? How often do we run out of mercy towards others?
3. Pray: “Thank You Lord for Your love that never ends even when I sin. Help me turn to your endless mercy and help me love you and others. Amen.”
For Adult Homes and Groups
After listening to the opening of Handel’s Messiah today in the message, now listen to the end of it when the text is sung. Simply visit youtube.com/watch?v=bR0cEOTpYSk&t=757s and go to 2:09:50.
“Behold, I tell you a mystery; we shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed. In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. The trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption; and this mortal must put on immortality. Then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, Who giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” - 1 Corinthians 15:51-57 (Movement 47-51)
“If God be for us, who can be against us?... Who shall lay anything to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again. Who is at the right hand of God, Who makes intercession for us.” - Romans 8:31, 33–34 (Movement 52)
“Worthy is the Lamb that was slain, and hath redeemed us to God by His blood, to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing. Blessing and honor, glory and power, be unto Him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb, for ever and ever. Amen.” - Revelation 5:12–14 (Movement 52)
For Families with Kids
Memory Verse: When it is time to save you, I will help you. I will keep you safe. (Isaiah 49:8)
1. Isaiah spoke to God’s people and asked them to make a U-turn, repent of sin, and obey God. We make choices each day that do or do not please God. Discuss some choices you have made, both good and bad.
2. Pray, “Thank you God for sending your Son, Jesus. Thank you for the forgiveness that He bought for me. Help me to share the love of Jesus with others and make decisions that show I am following You. In Jesus name, Amen.”
For Adult Homes and Groups
1. We’ve seen how God has made Himself known in this chapter, how does He make Himself known to us today?
• Miracles: what do you consider to be a miracle from God in your life and what about it draws you to Him?
• Mandates: is a mandate a good thing or bad thing? Why or why not? How do God’s mandates reveal His presence in our lives and in our community?
• Marriage: the capacity for relationships are woven into our very nature - the ultimate being marriage (see Genesis 2). Throughout Scripture, the Lord calls us His bride. How does that affect the way we see ourselves as God’s people if we’re single? If we’re dating? If we’re married, divorced, or widowed?
How does being in any of the above life situations affect the way we see and treat others?
For Families with Kids
Memory Verse: 1 Timothy 2:4-6
1. Why does God want all people to be saved?
2. God’s messengers in the Old Testament were by all means ordinary. It was only God’s work through them that made them extraordinary. How does God’s work through you stand out and make Him known to your family? Your circle of friends? Those you have a hard time getting along with?
3. Pray this week that Jesus will help you to be His messenger to someone who needs a reminder that He is with them.
For Adult Homes and Groups
1. Read 1 Kings 12:1-20.
2. What sticks out to you about the character of Rehoboam? What good steps does he take and where does he go wrong?
3. Rehoboam’s decision divided the kingdom because he put himself first when making decisions. In what ways do people commonly struggle to lead well in considering others’ needs?
4. Identify three areas of life where you have the influence to lead others. (Remember, leading is modeling God’s way, not just telling people what to do.)
5. Talk about ways you can grow in one of these three areas of leadership: recognizing your calling, listening to the right voices, or leading by example.
6. Pray with your group.
For Families with Kids
Memory Verse: Review the verse from last week: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.” Proverbs 1:7
1. Have everyone think of a mistake they have made in the past. One at a time, act out the mistake and let the others guess what the mistake was. Once you guess, talk about what you learned through that mistake. Play a few times, so everyone gets a turn.
2. Pray, “Thank you God for Your forgiveness when we make mistakes. Help me to make choices that please You. Fill me with Your love and wisdom. In Jesus' name, Amen.”
For Adult Homes and Groups
Read 1 Kings 8:1-11 and then have each person in the group discuss the questions below:
1. Have you ever visited a large or beautiful sanctuary, like a cathedral or a basilica? What do you remember about it… the decor, the smells, the sounds?
2. What would you say is the most sacred or holy place you have ever visited? Is it the same as the place above? What made that place especially holy or sacred to you?
3. Do you have a place near where you live that you go on occasion to feel close to God? What is it about that place that you appreciate?
4. Assuming you do not have to go to those places to be near God, what is the benefit of such places? What is the benefit of recognizing that you don’t have to go to those places to be near to God?
5. If possible, visit one (or all) of the local places that the group mentioned. Consider taking someone who normally does not go to church with you, not to necessarily worship, but to simply experience the place with you.
For Families with Kids
Memory Verse: Proverbs 1:7, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. Stubborn fools despise wisdom and discipline.”
1. Solomon faced some tough decisions. We face tough decisions too. You lost your library book. What do you tell your mom? You were asked to pick up your toys, but you forgot and Dad stepped on a Lego. What do you say? Think of some other moral dilemmas and apply God’s truth.
2. Pray for wisdom, truth, and love in your conversations with each other and with friends who may not know the love of Jesus.
For Adult Homes and Groups
Read Psalm 32 (below) at a normal pace. Read the Psalm again, this time much more slowly, focusing on words and lines that speak to you. Then, read the text a third time, this time backward, beginning with the last line. Discuss what you noticed about Psalm 32… its movement, what it is intended to communicate, and what it spoke to you.
Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man against whom the LORD counts no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit.
For when I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer. Selah
I acknowledged my sin to You, and I did not cover my iniquity; I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,” and You forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah
Therefore let everyone who is godly offer prayer to You at a time when You may be found; surely in the rush of great waters, they shall not reach him. You are a hiding place for me; You preserve me from trouble; You surround me with shouts of deliverance. Selah
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you. Be not like a horse or a mule, without understanding, which must be curbed with bit and bridle, or it will not stay near you.
Many are the sorrows of the wicked, but steadfast love surrounds the one who trusts in the LORD.
Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart!
For Families with Kids
Memory Verse: Psalm 51:10 - Read it, talk about it, and learn it!
1. David made choices, both good and bad. God forgave him, but that doesn’t mean there weren’t consequences. Can you think of any consequences you’ve faced after doing something wrong? Does God forgive you for those things?
2. Pray the Lord’s Prayer. Help younger kids learn it.
For Adult Homes and Groups
1. Describe the view of God you were raised with? What limitations did that upbringing have on how you viewed God (and how big He was)?
2. The way we see God is often related to how we view ourselves. What do statements like “I’m too old to be used by God” or “I’m too scared” or “I’m too guilty” or “It’s just too difficult” say about the bigness of our God?
3. Read 1 Samuel 16. Reflect a bit deeper on the question, “Why did God choose David to be king?” Was it something David was deserving of or something God gave him “according to his own heart”? (See 1 Samuel 13:14; 16:7; 2 Samuel 17:21.) How is this truth played out in our own lives?
4. God’s empowering Spirit never comes without cost to those who receive it. Describe David’s life during the fifteen years after His anointing and becoming king. How is this principle played out in Jesus’ life after baptism? Have you personally experienced this in your own life?
5. What comparisons can we make between King David and the Son of David, Jesus Christ, the Forgotten Son of God? As you close in prayer, seek how God might use you and your group to reflect the greatness of our God.
For Families with Kids
Memory Verse: 2 Samuel 22:33 - Read it, talk about it, and learn it!
1. Goliath was a huge problem for God’s people. Talk about problems that you or your friends are facing. How can we trust God with our fears and problems? Trusting God can be hard, but the closer we get to God, the easier it is to trust Him. What are some ways that we can get closer to God?
2. Pray, “Dear God, Help us grow closer to You each day. Help us trust You with our huge problems like ________ and the small problems like ________ too. Bring us closer to You as we read the Bible and pray. Amen.”
3. Take a google trip or road trip to Alton IL and learn about Robert Wadlow, a giant man who grew up in Illinois.
For Adult Homes and Groups
1. Read the scripture below regarding King Saul. In the text, God essentially says, “Don’t be impressed by King Saul who has reached the top of the proverbial ladder. If you do, you are measuring people by the wrong standard.” Saul ascended to the top of the political ladder, but that did nothing to earn him a right relationship with God.
But the Lord said to Samuel, “Don’t be impressed by his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. God does not view things the way men do. People look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7 NET
2. Which proverbial ladder do you spend most of your time and energy climbing? (Professional? Kids? Wealth? Health? Other?) With each “rung” you climb, how long does the joy of that accomplishment last?
3. What are the false beliefs that keep you climbing that ladder despite knowing there may be more faithful ways to spend your time and energy?
4. With God’s glory as the motivation for what you do in this world, how can He use your efforts in those areas (professional, kids, etc.) to glorify Himself?
5. Pray for God to change your heart in whatever way He needs to continue to align your priorities with His.
For Families with Kids
Memory Verse: 1 Samuel 3:1b - Read it, talk about it, and learn it!
1. We can hear God through a voice like Samuel, but most often we hear God by reading or listening to the Bible. Say a prayer asking God to speak to you, then read John 10:27-28 aloud. Ask everyone to sit quietly for 2-3 minutes with eyes closed. Talk about what God may be saying to you.
2. Prayer: Thank God for anything that He brought to mind, and ask Him to help you become a family who listens together.
For Adult Homes and Groups
1. Can you remember an act of kindness you were the beneficiary of this past week or one you offered to someone else?
2. Retell the book of Ruth in your own words (to each other). What aspects of this historical narrative stuck out as being unique, real, and hopeful?
3. Naomi was a person of faith, but she also questioned God and was honest about her struggles (see Ruth 1:19-21). How did Naomi’s losses impact how she viewed God? How have your losses impacted how you view God?
4. When you think of how Naomi’s life transformed from being Mara (bitter) to Naomi (beautiful or pleasant), how did God extend grace to this faithful woman? Can you describe God’s generous acts of grace in your own life?
5. The formal redeemer was Boaz (and true kinsmen or family redeemer for Ruth), Ruth was a “hidden” redeemer to Naomi, and Christ is our real redeemer. How would you describe what Jesus actually bought and purchased on your behalf? (Forgiveness? Salvation? Grace?)
6. Take time to share your prayer requests, honestly sharing some of the struggles and suffering you or someone you love is going through. Lift up these requests in prayer together.
For Families with Kids
Memory Verse: Galatians 6:10a - Read it, talk about it, and learn it!
1. The story of Ruth is one of kindness. Read Galatians 6:9-10 and brainstorm ways your family can show kindness. Ruth’s story is also one of redemption. Redemption for Christians means that Jesus bought or ransomed us and paid the price of his own life to deliver us from our sin. How and why would Jesus do this? Talk about it.
2. Pray, “Dear Heavenly Father, open our eyes and ears to the needs around us. Show our family ways to share Your love through our kindness. Amen.”
For Adult Homes and Groups
1. Read Judges 3:7-30, noticing how the “sin cycle” below is repeated: • The people do what is evil in the sight of the Lord • The people feel the consequences of their sins and cry out to God • The Lord raises up a deliverer who saves them • The people finally have rest
2. As we talk about the “few good men and women” God uses to lead and deliver His people... who are the few good men and women that God has used to lead you? In what ways did they “deliver” you from a self-destructive cycle?
3. Who are the people in your community for whom you are one of their “few good men and women?” Or said differently, who are the people God is using you to lead and “deliver?”
4. Pray for the people in your life… a prayer of thanks for the men and women who have faithfully influenced you (and continue to do so)… and a prayer asking for God’s wisdom as you faithfully lead others.
For Families with Kids
Memory Verse: 1 Peter 4:10 - Read it, talk about it, and learn it!
1. Samson made choices outside of God’s will, and there were consequences. We each have gifts to serve God and can make choices to follow God or ignore His commandments. What is a gift God has given you? How can you serve God with that gift? How can we get closer to God as a family? Think of some ways you can serve God as a family.
2. Pray, “Thank You for the gifts and talents You give to each of us in our family. Forgive us for the times we get far away from You. Bring us closer to You and to each other as we discover ways to serve You and follow Your commandments. Amen .”
For Adult Homes and Groups
1. Can you think of a time in your life when you were faced with an overwhelming challenge you needed to confront? What was it and how did you respond?
2. Read Joshua 1:1-9. What was the key to the courage Joshua seemed to possess as he led God’s people? (See verses 5, 8-9.)
3. How does consistent and faith-filled reading of the Bible (God’s Story) help us remain strong and courageous as we swim upstream against the currents of this world?
4. The word “inheritance” is used over fifty times in the book of Joshua. Do you know of your inheritance found in Christ? (Read Ephesians 3:13-14; Galatians 3:26-29; Romans 8:16-17.)
5. What steps can you take to make more space for conversations with God (and with others) in your normal day, especially when you are facing so many battles?
6. Share how you might pray for one another or those you know who are facing some tough battles - physically, spiritually, mentally, or even emotionally - right now. Take some time to actually pray!
For Families with Kids
Memory Verse: Leviticus 26:12 - Read it, talk about it, and learn it!
1. Joshua followed some very unusual instructions from God. Take turns giving each other some unusual instructions to see who is listening well. If God gave us instructions, what might He say? Is there someone God is asking you to show kindness to? Talk about it as a family.
2. Pray, “Thank You that, because of Jesus, your Holy Spirit lives in us. Help break down the walls that keep us from getting close to and hearing from You. Open our eyes so we find ways to show Your love to each other. Amen .”
For Adult Homes and Groups
1. As a group, quickly page through the book of Deuteronomy, reading only the action headings to get a review/summary of the narrative. (If time allows do the same with Leviticus and/or Numbers as well.)
2. Of what you read, did you have a favorite section or two from the account of the 40 years that the Israelites wandered? Why was that (or those) your favorite(s)?
3. Have you ever gotten lost for more than a moment and found yourself wandering? Where were you headed and what caused you to get lost? What finally changed to re-orient you and get you back on track? Describe your emotions when you finally got to your destination.
4. Look at #3 again but this time answer the questions from a spiritual perspective, thinking of a time you were “wandering spiritually.”
5. Pray for someone you know that may be spiritually wandering today.
For Families with Kids
Memory Verse: John 16:33 - Read it, talk about it, and learn it!
1. What are some big scary things in this world that you are worried about? How could the fears look if you gave them to God? Why should we trust God? (Just like in the Bible verse, Jesus overcame the world, He loves us, and made a way of salvation.)
2. Pray, “Thank you God that we are free to live without fear because of Jesus. Help us to give You our fears and worries each day and trust You in hard times and good times. Lead our family closer to You and closer to each other. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
For Adult Homes and Groups
Read Exodus 19:1-7; Exodus 20:1-17
1. Can you, your family, or your group state the Ten Commandments from memory? (No cheating!)
2. Of all the commandments, which one appears to be the most ignored, broken, or viewed as outdated by our society today?
3. “You are accepted... now obey.” How are these words or motivations for following God distinct from other religions? (19:4)
4. Which description of a child of God most resonates with you? (19:5-6 - treasured possession, kingdom of priests, holy)
5. Read Matthew 5:17 and Hebrews 10:19-23. What comfort do these Gospel promises bring for you today in light of the commandments of God?
For Families with Kids
Memorize the Ten Commandments as a family. Kids will bring home a “shortened version” and memory game this week.
1. What is a rule you have at home? Why are rules important? Which is the most important commandment? Read Matthew 22:36-40. What does Jesus mean?
2. Pray, “Thank You God for the Ten Commandments that guide us and help us know You better. Thank You for the forgiveness that Jesus gives us when we mess up. Teach us to show love for You by following the example of Jesus in our words and actions. Amen.”
For Adult Homes and Groups
1. As a pseudo-summary of Chapter 4 from The Story, Deliverance, read “The Song of Moses” found in Exodus 15:1-18.
2. Much of the deliverance from Egypt is grounded in the need to create “pleasing aromas” to God through sacrifice. So with that in mind… what is the stinkiest thing you have ever smelled? What is one of your favorite smells?
3. If you feel comfortable sharing, what is something “stinky” you did to someone else this week? In what ways did it leave you “smelling bad?”
4. Remembering that as baptized, forgiven children of God, “we are the aroma of Christ” (2 Corinthians 2:15), identify one thing you can intentionally do this week to leave a “pleasing aroma” behind after an interaction with someone.
For Families with Kids
Memory Verse – Exodus 14:14 Read it, talk about it, and learn it!
1. Do you have a role model? Does that role model ever act in ways you should not follow? Jesus is a perfect role model. What are some of Jesus’ actions we can follow? Why is it hard for us to follow Jesus at times?
2. Pray “Thank You God for sending Jesus to be a perfect model for us. We know we are not perfect and we thank You for the forgiveness Jesus bought for us. Help us to follow His example even when it isn’t always easy. Give us the strength to follow You daily. In Jesus name, Amen.
For Adult Homes and Groups
1. If you had a chance to sit down with God and ask Him one question, what would that question be?
2. Read Genesis 37:1-11, and then retell Joseph’s story in your own words. Do you see any glaring weaknesses in Joseph’s life? Strengths?
3. Read Romans 8:28-29 and discuss what God might be up to when we go through difficult times of suffering, pain, loss, or even doubt. As you look back on your own life, how would you describe the times you experienced the greatest spiritual transformation and growth?
4. As Pastor John mentioned, the generational sin of showing favoritism to a son or daughter was evident in Jacob’s family history, so much so that Joseph had become a kind of idol in Jacob’s life to give him joy and fulfillment... until he was gone. Jesus said, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will also be.” What do we easily treasure above Jesus today?
5. Can you make some comparisons between the people’s savior, Joseph, and the world’s Savior, Jesus? What are the Gospel nuggets that appear in both of their stories? (example: betrayal, pieces of silver, etc.)
For Families with Kids
Memory Verse – Ephesians 4:32
1. We know that God made us in His image and that He keeps His promises. Joseph knew this too and his life shows that God can make good from what seems bad. Talk about a time you forgave someone. Was it hard to forgive? What did Jesus do to forgive us?
2. Pray “Dear Jesus, please help us show forgiveness to our family and friends. We know that You paid the price for our sin, so that the image of God can show through us again. Give us the power of Your spirit to forgive others and trust You to lead us.
For Adult Homes and Groups
1. Read Genesis 25:29-24 and 27:1-40.
2. Share the experiences or things in your life that cause you to feel that you are blessed.
3. If being “cursed” is the opposite of being blessed, what are the times in your life that made you feel cursed?
4. Based on the answers above, what would you say is your working definition of being blessed?
5. If the definition of blessed is “for God to remove the barriers between you and Him,” how does this definition compare with the definition you created? How would this definition affect the way you think of the things and experiences mentioned in answers 2 and 3?
6. Identify a barrier coming between you and God, and ask Him to bless you by removing that barrier today.
For Families with Kids
Memory Verse – Proverbs 3:5a Read it, talk about it, and learn it!
1. In the story of Abraham we see how to trust God. Is there anything you are worrying about today? How would the worry look if you trusted God? Why should we trust God?
2. Pray “Thank You God for ALWAYS keeping your promises. Thank You for keeping Your promise to send Jesus as our Savior. Help us to trust You in hard times and good times. Please lead our family to trust You more each day.”
For Adult Homes and Groups
1. When you think of “The Greatest Stories Ever Told” which stories come to mind?
2. Why do the words, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth” evoke so much debate and doubt? What is the necessary gift needed to be received from God to actually believe? (See Hebrews 11:3)
3. Genesis 1:26-27 says we are made in the image of God. How do we, as people, actually reflect the image of God? After Adam and Eve’s fall into sin, what aspect of this “image” do we, as people, struggle with the most?
4. Adam and Eve rejected God’s vision for their lives and declared that they wanted to run their own universe and be their own god. How do you see that same sinful desire and behavior in our lives today, and how does it influence our daily walk with God?
5. What aspects of the remade image that Christians have in Christ offer hope and help in faithfully following Jesus, experiencing the “tree of life” again, and enjoying being in God’s presence? (See 2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 3:26-27; Colossians 3:12)
For Families with Kids
Memory Verse – Genesis 1:27 Read it, talk about it, and learn it!
1. Name your favorite thing that God created. Talk about it!
2. What is your favorite thing about YOU? God created us in His image for His purpose, and part of that purpose is having a relationship with the God who made us and loves us. How can we do that?
3. Pray “Thank you God that you love us and made us to be in a relationship with you here on earth and in heaven. Help us to love and appreciate others and ourselves.”
For Adult Homes and Groups
1. Grab a pen and paper and, within your group, ask everyone to say the first things that come to mind when they think of the Old Testament. Don’t think about it, just say whatever comes to mind. Create a list of at least 10 - 12 words/phrases.
2. Now do the same thing but about the New Testament.
3. Looking at the two lists, discuss the following:
a. What do the lists have in common?
b. What are the primary differences between the two lists?
c. How would you summarize a description of each based on what was said?
d. What truths and misconceptions are represented in the lists/summaries?
4. What are the truths/misconceptions that people outside of the Church might have about the Bible?
5. Close by praying for an opportunity to share just one truth from God’s Word this week.
