1. What value do you place on Scripture? How does that show up in your life?

2. Read 2 Timothy 3:14. Paul points Timothy to people, not stories. Who has been your “from whom’s”? Who has personally taught you Scripture? For whom do you have the opportunity to be their “from whom”?

3. Read 2 Timothy 3:15. God’s Word guides us to a relationship with Jesus. When has Scripture guided you to Jesus?

4. Read 2 Timothy 3:16-17. God’s Spirit speaks for our good throughout all Scripture. How do you need to depend on God’s sufficiency for you as revealed in the Scriptures?

5. Consider this statement from the sermon: “Bible translation makes possible the transformation of families, churches, and entire communities through God’s Word that we seek to experience here through VBCC’s Youth & Family Ministry (and all VBCC ministries).” How does supporting the work of Bible translation affirm the value of Scripture for ourselves and for the world?

1. Can you recall a moment in your life when the Scripture came to life for you? Tell the story to the group. What was the scripture? How did you experience it? What effect did that experience have in your life?

2. Read Nehemiah 8:5-12. In the sermon we reviewed the fact that this passage narrates the first public reading of scripture in Jerusalem after the return from exile. What role did the Levites play in this important corporate worship event (vv7-8)?

3. In verse 8 it says the people “understood the reading.” What does the response of v9 tell us about the power of understanding the Bible? How have you seen the Bible affect people on both individual and societal levels?

4. In vv10-12, Ezra and the Levites encourage the people to rejoice rather than mourn. What is the place of joy in the work of Bible translation? What sorts of things can we do to step into the joy of God together as a church family?

5. There were many references to outside resources in the sermon this morning. Take a moment to explore these links and learn more about Vision 2025 & Joy Ridderhof. Share with each other how you see God leading you to participate in his global work, and pray for one another.

1. Choose one word to describe your experience of your earthly father. How has that relationship informed the way you relate to God as a heavenly Father?

2. Read Matthew 7:9-11. Jesus employs a ‘how much more’ argument (sometimes known as the kal va-chomer, or “lesser to greater” argument). What does the argument tell us about the heart of God the Father for his children?

3. Read John 3:16, Luke 11:13, and Romans 8:14. What gift does God the Father give in each of these verses? How do these gifts reflect his heart of generosity?

4. Read John 1:12-13. Who has the right to be children of God? What does it mean to ‘receive’ and ‘believe’ in Jesus?

5. Take a few moments to review Jesus’ 17 references to the Father in the Sermon on the Mount listed below. If you are meeting as a group, consider each person reading one verse and continuing until all verses are read aloud as an act of corporate worship. As you consider these verses, what stands out to you? What do we learn about God as Father from this sermon? Spend time praying and worshiping together.

   Mat_5:16  In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

   Mat_5:45  so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.

   Mat_5:48  You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

   Mat_6:1  “Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.

   Mat_6:4  so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

   Mat_6:6  But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

   Mat_6:8  Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

   Mat_6:9  Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.

   Mat_6:14  For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you,

   Mat_6:15  but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

   Mat_6:18  that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

   Mat_6:26  Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?

   Mat_6:32  For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.

   Mat_7:11  If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!

   Mat_7:21  “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.

1. Can you remember a season in your life of persistent pleading with God in prayer? What was it about? What answer, if you know, did God give?

2. Read Matthew 7:1-11. Verses 1-6 begin with the negative command, “Judge not.” Verses 7-11 begin with the positive command, “Ask.” What is the relationship between these two commands and their corresponding verses? (hint: in the sermon Robb tied both of these commands to Matthew 6:33).

3. Read Luke 11:5-9. What does it mean to be impudent? How do these verses inform the meaning of the present active imperative, “Ask/Seek/Knock"?

4. Why is it hard to obey Jesus’ command to be audaciously persistent in prayer? Name the hinderances your own experience, as well as hinderances you may observe in others. Conversely, what practical aids have you found helpful to keep you focused and persistent in prayer?

5. Read Matthew 7:8. Where else in the sermon on the mount does Jesus make similar promises (for instance, Matt 5:6; 6:6; etc)? Do you find it difficult to believe Jesus’ promise? How can we help one another to grow in faith and obedience?

• Split into groups of 2-3 people. What highlights did you have from the sermon? What questions did you have? Did you have any takeaways? After a few minutes, come back together and share with the whole group.

• Read Matthew 7:3-6. What does Jesus say about our relationships in this passage? What kind of people is he talking to/about?

• What is the significance of the word “hypocrite” that Jesus used (cf, Mt 6:2, 5, 16)? What do you think is the “log” that we must take out of our eye?

• Matthew 7:6 is a difficult verse that misunderstood can undo the entirety of Jesus’ argument in this passage. Practically speaking, what is Jesus inviting us to do? How do we know whether or not to try to speak truth into somebody’s life?

• Read Matthew 27:39-44. What is Jesus’ attitude towards those who reject him?

• What is one practical step you can take this week in response to our passage?

1. Think about a particular relationship in your past or present that is characterized by a pattern of judgmental, critical attitudes. How do you handle that kind of attitude? How has judgment shaped the relationship?

2. Read Matthew 7:1-2. Why is it necessary for Jesus to give this command to his disciples? How might we take the command too far and so miss the mark of Jesus’ instruction?

3. What reason does Jesus give in these verses for heeding the command? Why does Jesus draw our attention to God and his judgment of us rather than other people and their judgment of us?

4. Why do you think this issue is so important to Jesus? How does our posture of self-righteous hyper-criticism affect the glory of God?

5. Under what circumstances do you personally find it difficult to put off a critical and judgmental spirit? How are we to go about changing these sorts of unhealthy sin patterns in our lives? (for help, read Matthew 11:28-30).

1. If you were to pick one word or phrase to describe your 2024, what would it be and why? What word/phrase would you like to be the banner for 2025?

2. Read Luke 24:1-9. Identify in the angels’ words:

   • The question.

   • The central proclamation.

   • The command.

3. How do the angels note the painful place of their proclamation? Why is the place significant? How does the message of Jesus’ resurrection affect how we relate to our painful places?

4. The question in v5 is a playful rebuke, anticipating the surprise of the resurrection. The women, unaware of the miracle that had taken place, are living as if Jesus were dead when in fact he has risen. In what ways might Christians today live as if the resurrection never happened? What is the difference between the women in the story and us today?

5. The final command from the angels appeals to Jesus’ own words to substantiate their claim of resurrection. Why would they appeal to Jesus rather than the empty tomb? Is there a particular word from Jesus you want to remember in the new year? Share those words with one another, and pray for one another.

1. Do you enjoy the tradition of Christmas gift-giving? Why or why not? How does gift-giving help/hinder our ability to appreciate the gift of Christ at Christmas?

2. Read Luke 1:26-33. What references to David occur in these verses? Why does David feature so prominently in the Christmas story?

3. Read Luke 1:34-37. What is the role of the Holy Spirit in the story? In the sermon this morning, we compared the creative action of God in Genesis 1:1-3, Exodus 40:33-35, Luke 1:34-35, and 2 Corinthians 4:6. Describe the similarities between these 4 theaters of action. What seems to be required in order for God the Spirit to work?

4. Read Luke 1:28-29 again. Do you think most people in your life believe themselves to be under God’s favor or judgement? What difference does it make to a person’s life to “have found favor with God”?

5. Of the 3 ‘gifts’ explored in the text today (Glory of the Son, Work of the Spirit, Favor of the Father), which is most meaningful to you in this season of life? Take time to share with one another, to pray together, and to worship God for the gift of His presence in our lives.

To watch the video of the pocket watch mentioned in today’s sermon, click here.

1. Houston shared a story from Bob Goff’s book Love Does about Bob’s encounter with the sacrificial love shown by his Young Life leader, Randy. Do you have any people who have shown you that kind of love? What would you have done if you were in Randy’s shoes?

2. Read Matthew 1:18-25. What do you learn about Joseph from this passage? What is the angel’s message to Joseph? How does Joseph respond to the angel?

3. What does it mean that Joseph was “a just man” (v. 19)? What were Joseph’s options for responding to this situation (cf. Numbers 5, Deuteronomy 22:13-21 and Deuteronomy 24:1)? What were Mary’s options?

4. What is the significance of the angel calling Joseph “son of David” (v. 20)? How does Joseph taking in Mary fulfill the prophecy quoted from Isaiah 7 (vv. 22-23; cf. Isaiah 7:10-17)?

5. We see Joseph experience three more angelic dreams in Matthew (see Matthew 2:13-14, 19-23). What kind of example does Joseph set for us in his responses?

6. Read Matthew 27:39-50. How does the meaning of Jesus’ name (God Saves) help us to understand the significance of these encounters on the cross? How can you respond to the saving work of Jesus on the cross?

1. People tend to orient themselves to time in different ways. Would you say that you are more oriented to the past, present or future? Why do you think so?

2. Read Luke 1:8-12. In the sermon this morning, Robb identified incense, priests, and temple as three important details in Luke’s story. The hour of incense was a daily ritual in which a priest would offer prayers and incense on behalf of the people in the place where the glory of God once dwelt. What is the significance of Gabriel’s appearing at this particular time and place?

3. Luke’s account parallels several details from the stories of Abraham & Sarah (Genesis 15ff) and Manoah father of Samson (Judges 13ff). Why do you think Luke frames this story with so many tight parallels to these well-known ancient stories?

4. Read Luke 1:13-16. What emotions do you think Zechariah and Elizabeth felt as they processed these words in the days after the visitation? 2 Peter 1:4 says that we also live in light of extraordinary promises. In what ways do you identify with Zechariah & Elizabeth’s challenge of receiving God’s promises?

5. In the sermon today, Robb said that TODAY, God is present, God hears our prayers, and God requires faith of us. How did these realities play out in Zechariah & Elizabeth’s lives in Luke 1? How do they play out in our lives today? What actions can we take in light of these realities?

1. When you think about Christmas and angels, what first comes to mind? A song lyric? A movie scene? A nativity set at Grandma’s house? Take a few minutes to share your memories with each other. How do they inform our imaginations around angels and their role in the life of faith?

2. Read Genesis 18:1-5 and 19:1-3. Two of the ‘men’ from Gen 18 are called ‘angels’ in Gen 19. How do these visitors function as messengers & ministers of God’s care to Abraham and his family? Compared to the residents of Sodom (Gen 19:5), how do Abraham and Lot respond to the angelic visitations?

3. Read Hebrews 13:2. Abraham’s story in Genesis 18 likely informs this instruction to care for ‘strangers’ or foreigners. Do you think most Christians take this command seriously? Why or why not?

4. Read Genesis 16:7-13. How does this story relate to Abraham’s story in Genesis 18? In the sermon today, Robb said the “Angel of the LORD” shows us God’s complexity. How do these stories demonstrate the complexities of God’s presence with his people?

5. Read John 1:1, 14; and Hebrews 1:5-8. Why is the incarnation of Jesus more important & glorious than the angelic visitations of the Old Testament? In what ways should we relate to Jesus differently than angels?

6. Christmas can be a difficult time for many people. Take some time to pray for one another this Advent season, and to worship Jesus together as a group.

1. Spend time sharing your thanksgivings of God’s love and faithfulness to you/your family from this past year.

2. Think back on the different decisions of your life; how did your faith influence your decision?

3. Give examples of God’s providence from Genesis 12-25. Where have your seen His providential working (not luck!) in your life?

4. It was said that being ‘redirectable ‘ involves surrender and letting go of expectations. What expectations might you be holding on to that may be keeping you from trusting in the Lord more fully?

5. “All families of the earth shall be blessed.” What exactly is this blessing God promises and how it is fulfilled in Christ? How does God invite His people to further the blessing? Where have you seen (or heard of) people saying yes to God and extending His blessing to others?

1. Have you ever attached special significance to something that may otherwise seem ordinary? What is it, and how did it gain significance in your life?

2. If you have time, take a quick review of Abraham’s life before going further. Give a summary title to each group of verses below (you may want to split up to make this part go faster). What are the most notable characteristics he displayed during his life?

   1. 12:4; 22:9-10

   2. 12:10-13; 20:1-2,11-13

   3. 15:6; 22:8

   4. 15:2,8

   5. 16:3-4

   6. 17:17-18

   7. 17:23; 21:14; 22:3

   8. 18:1-8

   9. 18:23-33

3. Read Genesis 23:1-9. In these verses, an ordinary field carries extraordinary meaning for Abraham. Why?

4. Read Genesis 25:7-10. In Abraham’s culture, people thought it important to be buried with their ancestors. Yet Abraham wanted to have Sarah and himself buried in Canaan rather than back in Mesopotamia. What conviction did Abraham’s choice of a burial site reflect? (See Hebrews 11:15 for help)

5. As you reflect on the life of Abraham and his journey of faith, what stands out to you as having the most resonance with your journey right now? What did it look like for Abraham to have faith in that season of his life? What does it look like for you to have faith now?

• Some questions adapted from Genesis (LifeChange Book 16) by The Navigators.

1. Does the word surrender carry positive or negative connotations for you? What scenario comes to mind when you hear the word?

2. Read Genesis 22:1-2. In the sermon today, we learned that a ‘test’ in the Bible serves to reveal and refine the heart of faith. How would you explain the test in Gen 22 to a child? What is God testing Abraham for (see vv. 1, 12, 15, 18)?

3. Think back on the life of Abraham up to this moment (Genesis 12-21). What experiences from his past would have informed his faith in the present? How do former times of testing prepare and build our faith for the future?

4. Read Genesis 22:3-10. “Faith Surrenders.” What does surrender look like for Abraham in this story? What does it look like in your life?

5. Read Genesis 22:11-14. Why did Abraham name the place “The Lord Provides”? What is the significance of this place in light of Jesus? How has God provided for us in Christ?

1. Can you think of a season of life where “faith became sight” as something you trusted God for came to pass? How do those experiences fuel our faith for the future?

2. Read Genesis 21:1-7. Identify phrases in the text that draw attention to God’s faithfulness. Why is Isaac, rather than Ishmael, considered the child of promise?

3. Isaac’s name is based on the root word for laughter. Who was laughing, and why (see 17:15-19; 18:9-15; 21:1-7)? How does the theme of laughter help us follow the journey of faith for Abraham and Sarah?

4. Read Genesis 21:8-12. What do you think were Sarah’s motives for sending Hagar and Ishmael away (see 21:9-10)? Were they the same as, or as noble as, God’s motives?

5. Try to put yourself in Sarah’s place, and then Abraham’s or Hagar’s. How would you have felt? What does this conflict illustrate about living a life of faith vs living a life ‘in the flesh’ (ie, in a faith-less, self-willed posture)? What are some practical steps to take, or habits to form, to practice walking by faith?

   • In the sermon this morning, Robb told the story of Ayaan Hirsi Ali. You can watch her conversation with Richard Dawkins here.

   • Some questions taken or amended from Genesis (LifeChange Book 16) by The Navigators.

1. This morning we hosted Pastor Dean Woodward, pastor at Eastside Church and son of VBCC’s founding pastor, Dick Woodward. Dean preached on the theme of God’s grace in the Scriptures. When we talk about God’s grace, what story or experiences first come to mind? What is your story of God’s amazing grace to you?

2. Read Ephesians 1:1-2 & 6:23-24. Dean gave the definition that “Grace is a special manifestation of the kindness of God” and compared the power and hold of sin and grace. Why does it matter that grace is stronger than sin (cf. Rom. 5:20-21)?

3. Dean said, “The power of a good habit is far greater than the power of a bad habit.” Is this true? Do you have any examples of good or bad habits driving your decision making?

4. Read 2 Timothy 2:1. How can you know if you are being strengthened in grace? What are the real-world changes we can expect to see (cf. 1 Cor 15:10)?

5. Dean said, “God is so gracious that it is like the soil we can use to plant seeds.” What prayers, dreams, or hopes are you faithfully planting in this soil of God’s grace?

6. Take some time as a group in closing to share the prayers that are heaviest on your heart in this season (e.g., family, finances, freedom, etc.). After sharing, take some time praying for one another, that God would be abundantly gracious to us through Christ.

1. Does your family have taboo subjects or stories (‘skeletons’ in the family closet)? Is everything out in the open or are certain things not to be discussed? Why do you think it is that way, and how do you wish it were different? Why do you think the Bible includes dark stories like the ones in Genesis 19?

2. Read Genesis 19:1-22. How would you describe Lot’s attentions to his two visitors (vv 1-3, 6-8) compared to the attentions of the Sodomites (vv 4-5, 9)? What does this tell you about the character of each?

3. Read Genesis 19:23-38. In this chapter, the swift judgment of God against Sodom is set in contrast with the slowly unfolding consequences of Lot and his daughters (Moabites and Ammonites). Of these two kinds of consequences, which feels further away from your lived reality? Why?

4. Where do you see the mercy of God in this chapter? Why is God merciful to Lot and his family (v16, 29)?

5. Read 2 Peter 2:6-10 and Jude 7. What warnings and encouragements must we take from the account of Lot and his escape from Sodom and Gomorrah?

6. In the sermon, Robb spoke about repentance and intercession as applications in light of sin’s consequences and God’s mercy. Is there a concrete step you need to take (on one or both of these fronts) in light of the text? Share with the group and pray for one another.
   

In this week’s sermon, Houston focused on the story of Hagar from Genesis 16. In our discussion this week, we will focus on the resolution of that story, as well as the renewal of vows in Genesis 17.

1. Read Genesis 16:7-14. What does the LORD say to Hagar? How does she respond to him?

2. Read Genesis 17:1-14. How does this passage connect to the previous chapter? What is the significance of the LORD’s greeting to Abram (vv. 1-2)? Why might God institute the practice of circumcision in this passage?

3. Read Genesis 17:15-21. Why does God give a new name to Sarai as well as Abram? In light of the previous chapter, we might be surprised that Sarai is included in this promise. Why does Abraham ask God to consider Ishmael as an alternative?

4. Read Genesis 17:22-27. What is the significance of Abraham’s action here? Does it matter how timely we are in our obedience of God? If so, how?

5. Read Galatians 3:16. How does God’s promise to Abraham in Genesis 17 point to Jesus? How does that change how we might apply this passage?

6. What is one step of faith God might be inviting you into this week?

1. When have you witnessed the value of a promise being kept, or the destructive power of a promise being broken? Have you ever struggled to trust a promise made by God in the Bible?

2. Read Genesis 15:1-5. What question does Abram ask of God, and what does it tell us about his own sense of helplessness?

3. Read Genesis 15:6. Why is this verse remarkable in the context of Abram’s immediate ‘crisis’ of having no heir? Why is righteousness predicated upon faith (for help, see Romans 4:13-25)?

4. Read Gen 15:7-11. Much of what we read in these verses can be attributed to ancient Hebrew ritual. Why would God use human cultural containers (like an ancient near east covenant) to deliver eternal truth?

5. Read Genesis 15:12-21. What new information does the Lord impart in this address (see previous addresses at Gen 12:1-3, 7; Gen 13:14-17, Gen 15:1, 4-5)?

6. The deep darkness, fire and smoke are images meant to convey the holy presence of God. Why is it important that God walks between the covenant animals alone while Abram sleeps? In what ways does this story prefigure the work of Jesus on the cross?

7. Why is it difficult for many of us to acknowledge our helplessness before God? What do we gain by being helpless? How can you pray for one another in this regard?

Genesis 14 begins with the epic clash of kings as they struggle over power and wealth. Abram enters the scene, and gets back everything that was taken by one of the kings. Read Genesis 14:17-24. How is Abraham's response to the king of Sodom an act of faith? How does it reveal what Abraham values?

Read Luke 10:17-20. How does Jesus redirect the joy of the disciples? How does it reveal what Jesus values?

Consider the person and work of Jesus Christ. What did he say and do? How did he demonstrate the value of our relationship with God?

Read 2 Peter 1:3. How does this verse point to the value of knowing God?

During the sermon, we highlighted God's faithfulness to and through our children/youth. Identify an important relationship in your life (doesn't have to be a child) for whom you value their relationship with God. How can you demonstrate that value to them? What would it look like for you to value your own relationship with God above all things?