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GOD PURSUES HIS PEOPLE Part 2

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group guidelines

It’s a good idea for every group to put words to their shared values, expectations, and commitments. Such guidelines will help you avoid unspoken agendas and unmet expectations. We recommend you discuss your guidelines in order to lay the foundation for a healthy group experience. Feel free to modify anything that does not work for your group. We agree to the following values: Specific mission Make Disciples that Make Disciples. Clear purpose Grow healthy spiritual lives by building a healthy

relational environment for making disciples. Take my next step in discipleship.

Group attendance Give priority to the group meeting (call if I am

absent or late). Spiritual health Give group members permission to help me live a

healthy, balanced spiritual life that is pleasing to God.

Building relationships Get to know the other members of the group and

pray for them regularly. Other ____________________________________________

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____________________________________________ We have discussed and agree on the following items:

Starting time ____________________________________________

Ending time ____________________________________________

Childcare ____________________________________________

Refreshments ____________________________________________

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GROUND RULES for Small Group Discussion: SAFE ENVIRONMENT: This needs to be a place where people feel comfortable opening up and sharing with one another. Below are some ground rules/guidelines that will help create a safe environment: CONFIDENTIALITY: What is said in the group stays in the group. LISTEN: Let’s value one another during the discussions by really listening to what is being shared. Try to avoid thinking about how you are going to respond, or what you are going to say next. PAUSE: Allow a pause in conversation after someone shares. Give the person sharing the chance to finish and the group the opportunity to consider what was just shared before responding. SILENCE: It is important to allow silence in the group as it provides an opportunity for someone to share and for members in the group to process the topic or question being considered. NO “CROSS TALK”: Be considerate of others as they are sharing. No side conversations. NO FIXING: We are not here to fix each other. Jesus does that part. Give encouragement; speak truth, point to Jesus. Don’t try to solve or fix each other. NO RESCUING: When people are sharing something deeply personal, there can be a tendency to try to make them feel better about themselves or the situation by providing immediate condolences. This will often cause them to stop sharing. Resist the temptation to rescue people. SHARING: Be sensitive about the amount of time you share. BE SELF-AWARE: Be self-aware of how you are personally effecting the environment through your words, actions, and non-verbal communication. “I” STATEMENTS: It’s easy to talk about the issues of others, but for our purposes, we want you to put yourself on the table. Try to use “I” statements rather than “them”, “the church”, “us”, “we”, etc. CONFLICT: We will commit to resolve conflict biblically. When conflict or sin issues between group members arise, we want to make sure that we are honoring God and each other in the way we deal with these issues. The following are a few key Scriptures in this regard (there are many others).

If someone sins against you: Matt. 18:15-10 Restoring someone in sin: Gal 6:1-5 Forgive a sinner: Col. 3:12-13 Reconciling difference: Matt. 5:23-24, Matt. 7:1-5

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How to use this book:

Welcome to The Story Participants guide. Our hope and prayer is that over the next 11 weeks you grow closer to God and develop a greater appreciation for his word.

In order to get the most out of these 11 weeks you will need 4 things: 1. Bible: Over the next 11 weeks we will be walking through the entire bible and each week there will be specific chapters covered. 2. The Story Book: This is the Bible broken down into story form. We will be reading a chapter a week from The Story. 3. The Story Participants guide: This will really be your guide to get the most from this journey. It will include your weekly reading, discussion questions and ways for you to respond to what God has been teaching you. 4. Life Group: We were made for community! So let’s take this journey with others around us so we can encourage one another along this journey. Each week in this Participants guide you will see three sections. Read and Respond: In the read and respond section you will read the corresponding chapter from “The Story” and answer the questions found in the participants guide. You should complete this section before you meet with your life group so you are ready to discuss when you get there. Watch and Respond: At your group you will watch a short teaching clip and then discuss a few questions based on what you have watched.

This week in review: This section is to help you apply what you have learned in that week.

We will be praying for you as you take this journey through “The Story”.

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Calendar of Events January 31 Casey’s Outreach February 8 Wednesday Prayer Night February 10-11 XO Marriage Conference Simulcast Effingham, IL February 26 Discover Calvary Class March 5 Prayer & Family Meeting Life Groups Are Off March 8 Wednesday Prayer Night March 18 Men’s Iron Sharpens Iron

Conference, Springfield IL March 24-25 Esther – Women’s Retreat Lake Williamson, Carlinville, IL April 9 Lord’s Supper Morning Services

Session 1 Ends This Week April 14 Good Friday April 15 Easter Sunday

No Groups This Week

April 23 Session 2 Begins

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Read and Respond Read chapter 13-The King Who Had It All Scriptures covered: 1 Kings 1-8; 10-11; 2 Chronicles 5-7; Proverbs 1-3; 6; 20-21 1. Why do you think Solomon’s request for wisdom and discernment so pleasing to the Lord? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 2. How is wisdom different from mere knowledge and intellect? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 3. Why is it vital to become wise? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 4. What can you do to gain more wisdom? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 5. How did pride and lust contribute to Solomon’s fall? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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6. What can you do to guard yourself against these sins? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Watch and Respond Week 13 Video Discussion Questions 1. Our culture can be a little like the kettle and we can become the frogs plopped into the water…if we are not careful. Name some examples of dangerous and incremental changes happening around us that we can fail to notice. What can we do to wake up, notice, and resist those changes? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 2. After Solomon’s prayer and charge to the people. God spoke (The story, pp. 188-189). What promises did God give the people (“If you do this.. I will do this”)? How did these promises give both hope and sober awareness of their need to follow God closely? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 3. At the end of his life, the wise King Solomon did some very foolish things (The Story, pp. 191-192). What did he do and what were some of the consequences? How can we avoid finishing poorly? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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4. Are there some area of your life you would like your small group to pray for you to continue living wisely or to redirect you so you can live and finish strong? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ This Week in Review Take some time to discuss what has stuck out to you through the devotion, bible reading and sermons. What have you learned or seen in new light? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Personal Changes as a Disciple What is God teaching you about Himself? About Yourself? About the church? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Week 13 Takeaways What key truths, principles, and/or insights will you take away from this week’s experience? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Action Steps What are some practical steps you will prayerfully consider based on this week’s experience? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Prayer Time ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Read and Respond Read chapter 15-God’s Messengers 1 Kings 17-19; 2 Kings 2; 4; 6, Hosea 4-5; 8-9; 14, Amos 1; 3-5; 9 1. What do you learn about the faith from Elijah’s ups (victory over the prophets of Ball) and his downs (depression in the desert)? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 2. God revealed himself to Elijah in a gentle whisper. What does this tell you about God’s character and methods of communication? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 3. What steps can you take to hear the gentle whisper of God? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 4. In what ways did the prophet Elisha live a life of faith? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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5. Identify the ways God was faithful to Elisha. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 6. How has God been faithful to you? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Watch and Respond Week 15 Video Discussion Questions 1. God still loves his people, still tenderly seeks to warn us when we are in danger. Name some ways God posts a warning sign in the middle of the road as we travel through life. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 2. Tell about a time you hit a low spot in your faith shortly after a time of real victory or strength (Similar to Elijah). How can we be on our guard and prepared for spiritual attack in instances like these? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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3. It is clear that if God’s people will repent God is ready to embrace them with love and grace. How is God still offering this same invitation through Jesus today? What does true repentance and turning back to God look like, in light of the cross of Jesus? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 4. How does reading and following the teaching of the Bible keep us connected to God and guard our hearts against the king of complacency Israel experienced? What can we do to deepen our commitment to study and obey God’s word? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ This Week in Review Take some time to discuss what has stuck out to you through the devotion, bible reading and sermons. What have you learned or seen in new light? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Personal Changes As a Disciple What is God teaching you about Himself? About Yourself? About the church? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Week 15 Takeaways What key truths, principles, and/or insights will you take away from this week’s experience? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Action Steps What are some practical steps you will prayerfully consider based on this week’s experience? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Prayer Time ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Read and Respond Read chapter 17-The Kingdoms’ Fall Scriptures covered: 2 Kings 21; 23-25; 2 Chronicles 33;36; Jeremiah 1-2; 4-5; 13;21, Lamentations 1-3; 5, Ezekiel 1-2; 6-7; 36-37 1. Why did disaster come upon God’s people? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 2. What negative effects of sin have you seen in your life? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 3. What were some of the main themes of the prophets’ messages during this time? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 4. Can you relate to Jeremiah as the “weeping prophet” who felt deeply the burden of God’s people’s sin? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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5. How does God’s promise of restoration for his people still give you hope today? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Watch and Respond Week 17 Video Discussion Questions 1. “For hundreds of years God waited patiently, warned his people, and gave them chance after chance.” Why was God so patient with the people of Israel when they were so rebellious and sinful? How have you experienced God’s great patience in your life? _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 2. How can God’s discipline of his children be the best gift he can give us? How has God disciplined you on your journey of faith and how did his loving discipline help you grow? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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3. As with many of the people God calls, Jeremiah had his list of excuses. What excuses do we use to try to get out of following God? How can we encourage each other to stop making excuses and boldly follow God’s leading? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 4. Respond to this statement: “In God’s employment contract he does not ask us to be successful (by the world’s standards) but faithful. Success is based on faithfulness to God… not the results!” What is one way you can be more faithful to God in the coming weeks? How can your group members encourage you in this effort? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ This Week in Review Take some time to discuss what has stuck out to you through the devotion, bible reading and sermons. What have you learned or seen in new light? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Personal Changes as a Disciple What is God teaching you about Himself? About Yourself? About the church? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Week 17 Takeaways What key truths, principles, and/or insights will you take away from this week’s experience? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Action Steps What are some practical steps you will prayerfully consider based on this week’s experience? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Prayer Time ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Read and Respond Read chapter 18-Daniel in Exile Daniel 1-3; 6, Jeremiah 29-31 1. In what ways do you see Daniel exhibit his faith in God? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 2. What enabled Daniel’s three friends to stand against king’s orders? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 3. Why did God choose to punish Nebuchadnezzar the way that he did? What was the result of his punishment? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 4. Why did Daniel prosper under the kings of Babylon and Persia? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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5. What can you learn about prayer from Daniel? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 6. What steps can you take to become more devoted to prayer? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Watch and Respond Week 18 Video Discussion Questions 1. When Daniel and his three friends became prisoners of war, they were pressured to change many things as part of their “training” process. What concessions were they willing to make and where did they draw the line and say no? Why do you think they drew the line where they did? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 2. What is an example of an area where you have said, “I draw the line here and I will not cross it”? What has happened as you have made this stand and maintained your integrity? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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3. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego stood face to face with King Nebuchadnezzar and told him they would not bow down and commit idolatry, even if it cost them their lives. Where does this kind of strength and integrity come from? Tell about a situation where you faced (or are facing) real pressure to compromise biblical truth. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 4. Despite Daniel’s Lower Story struggle of persecution and oppression, what were some of the ways God was working in the Upper Story? Why is it so important that we slow down occasionally and take note of how God is working in the Upper Story of our lives? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ This Week in Review Take some time to discuss what has stuck out to you through the devotion, bible reading and sermons. What have you learned or seen in new light? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Personal Changes As a Disciple What is God teaching you about Himself? About Yourself? About the church? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Week 18 Takeaways What key truths, principles, and/or insights will you take away from this week’s experience? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Action Steps What are some practical steps you will prayerfully consider based on this week’s experience? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Prayer Time ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Read and Respond Chapter 19 -The Return Home Scriptures covered: Ezra 1-6; Haggai 1-2; Zechariah 1; 8 1. Why did God rescue the Israelites again? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 2. In what ways have you seen or experienced the rescuing power of God? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 3. What did the Israelites do to deserve the mercy they received? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 4. What reason does God have for being merciful to you? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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5. The Jews returned home to rebuild the temple, the dwelling place of God on earth. Why was it important for them to do this? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 6. Where does God dwell on earth today? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Watch and Respond Week 19 Video Discussion Questions 1. It has been said that God was “pulling some strings in the Upper Story” so that he could make changes in the Lower Story. Give an example of a time in your life when you know that God was moving in the Upper Story so that he could accomplish something in your Lower Story. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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2. If we are not careful God’s big thing can become our little thing. When this happens, we get off track. What are examples of how God’s big thing can become our little thing? What can we do to make sure we are really seeking to keep God’s big thing on the front burner of our heart and life? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 3. What are some consequences we face when we do our own thing and forget to follow God’s plan for our lives? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 4. God called the people to take action through his prophets such as Haggai, who told them to get up to the hills, gather wood, and begin building… pretty practical stuff! What is one next step you need to take to “gather wood” and start building into God’s plan for your life? How can your group members pray for you and encourage you as you take this step? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ This Week in Review Take some time to discuss what has stuck out to you through the devotion, bible reading and sermons. What have you learned or seen in new light? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Personal Changes as a Disciple What is God teaching you about Himself? About Yourself? About the church? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Week 19 Takeaways What key truths, principles, and/or insights will you take away from this week’s experience? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Action Steps What are some practical steps you will prayerfully consider based on this week’s experience? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Prayer Time ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Read and Respond Read chapter 20-The Queen of Beauty and Courage Esther 1-9 1. What does this chapter of The Story teach about God’s work behind the scenes of history? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 2. How did Mordecai respond when faced with disaster? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 3. What character qualities do you observe in Queen Esther? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 4. When was the last time you faced a threatening situation? What was your reaction? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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5. In what ways have you experienced God’s faithfulness in your life? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 6. What steps can you take to show that you trust in the faithfulness of God? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Watch and Respond Week 20 Video Discussion Questions 1. What were some of the cultural norms and laws that came into play in this chapter of The Story (for Vashti, for Haman, for the Jews), and why is it important for believers today to understand our culture as we seek to be God’s presence and messengers of his grace? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 2. What characteristics marked the life and behavior of Mordecai? How can we take steps to grow character like Mordecai as we seek to follow God’s Upper Story in our Lower Story lives? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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3. Throughout this chapter, what strikes you about Esther’s character, how she related to people, and the risks she took? What can we learn and gain from her example? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 4. At the end of this chapter, we read that God did not remove the danger of attack on the Jews, but provided a chance for them to fight back and defend themselves. What is a battle (against culture, world systems, or some evil) that God is calling you to fight? How can your group members pray for you and enter the battle with you? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ This Week in Review Take some time to discuss what has stuck out to you through the devotion, bible reading and sermons. What have you learned or seen in new light? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Personal Changes As a Disciple What is God teaching you about Himself? About Yourself? About the church? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Week 20 Takeaways What key truths, principles, and/or insights will you take away from this week’s experience? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Action Steps What are some practical steps you will prayerfully consider based on this week’s experience? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Prayer Time ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Read and Respond Read chapter 22-The Birth of a King Scripture covered: Matthew 1-2; Luke 1-2; John 1 1. Why did God send Jesus into the world? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 2. What can you learn from Mary’s reaction to her surprising and somewhat disturbing news? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 3. Why was Jesus born into such humble circumstances? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 4. What does this chapter reveal about who Jesus is? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 5. What impact has the birth of Christ had on your life? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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6. Why should you be thankful that God sent his Son into the world? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Watch and Respond Week 22 Video Discussion Questions 1. Do you remember the first few words of the first chapter of The Story? If not, turn back, and read them… then, read the start of this chapter. The Jews in Jesus’ day had read and heard the story over and over through their lives. What would have come to their minds when the story of Jesus began with the same words that started The Story, back before there was any sin in the world? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 2. God spoke to both Mary and Joseph through angels (The Story, pp. 310-312). What was the angel’s message and how did Mary and Joseph respond to this heavenly messenger? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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3. Jesus was born of a virgin and was conceived without sin. Why does this matter? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 4. Jesus is Immanuel, “God with us”. As you walk with Jesus as your Savior, how does it help you to know that he is God and that he is with you.. all the time? In what situation do you need to be reminded that God is with you? How can your small group members pray for you as you walk through this season of your life? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ This Week in Review Take some time to discuss what has stuck out to you through the devotion, bible reading and sermons. What have you learned or seen in new light? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Personal Changes As a Disciple What is God teaching you about Himself? About Yourself? About the church? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Week 22 Takeaways What key truths, principles, and/or insights will you take away from this week’s experience? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Action Steps What are some practical steps you will prayerfully consider based on this week’s experience? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Prayer Time ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Read and Respond Read chapter 23-Jesus’ Ministry Begins Scripture covered: Matthew 3-4, 11; Mark 1-3; Luke 8; John 1-4 1. What purpose did Jesus’ baptism and temptation serve? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 2. How would you sum up the main message that Jesus had for the people? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 3. Why did so many people have a deep hatred for Jesus? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 4. Jesus said that we must be “born again” to enter the kingdom of God. What does it mean to be born again? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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5. What kind of people did Jesus typically reach out to? What kind of people did he oppose? Why? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 6. Jesus stated, “Whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” What do you think this statement means? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Watch and Respond Week 23 Video Discussion Questions 1. After forty days in the wilderness Jesus faced three temptations from the devil. (The Story, pp. 322) What was each temptation and what did Jesus say to fend off each one? How does Satan use similar types of temptation in our lives today? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 2. How can knowing scripture help us battle against daily temptations? Tell about a time you used scripture to stand strong against the enemy. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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3. As Jesus called people to follow him, many immediately invited someone else to meet the Savior. Who has God placed in your life that you would like to invite to know Jesus? How can your group members pray for you as you seek to reach out to this person with God’s love and grace? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 4. Jesus sought out quiet places where he could meet with the Father face-to-face (The Story, p.330). Why is it important Christians today make regular time to be quiet before God? How are you doing in this area and how can your group members support you in this discipline of spiritual growth? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ This Week in Review Take some time to discuss what has stuck out to you through the devotion, bible reading and sermons. What have you learned or seen in new light? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ Personal Changes As a Disciple What is God teaching you about Himself? About Yourself? About the church? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Week 23 Takeaways What key truths, principles, and/or insights will you take away from this week’s experience? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Action Steps What are some practical steps you will prayerfully consider based on this week’s experience? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Prayer Time ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Read and Respond Read chapter 24-No Ordinary Man Scriptures covered: Matthew 5-7, 9, 14; Mark 4-6; Luke 10, 15; John 6 1. Why might Jesus have used parables as a way to teach people? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 2. What can you learn from Jesus’ parables that you can use in your own life? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 3. If you would have heard Jesus’ sermon, what do you think you would have done? Would you have followed him? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 4. Why did Jesus’ teaching bother some of the religious leaders? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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5. Jesus explained that he is the “bread of life”- the source of sustenance and satisfaction. What can you do to gain a deeper satisfaction in your relationship with Jesus? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Watch and Respond Week 24 Video Discussion Questions 1. What are some ways we can really tune in and open our hearts; ready to receive the truth God wants to speak in our life? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 2. One method that Jesus used to teach was by using real-life situations as occasions to communicate a deeper spiritual truth. Why are real-life situations a good way to teach, particularly for parents and grandparents? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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3. What lessons did Jesus teach after Peter tried to walk on water (The Story, pp. 348-349), and how can we learn from this lesson today? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 4. Jesus is the Master Teacher, and that makes every Christian a student. What is one area of your life in which you feel God wants you to become a humble student and receive the teaching of Jesus? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ This Week in Review Take some time to discuss what has stuck out to you through the devotion, bible reading and sermons. What have you learned or seen in new light? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Personal Changes As a Disciple What is God teaching you about Himself? About Yourself? About the church? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Week 24 Takeaways What key truths, principles, and/or insights will you take away from this week’s experience? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Action Steps What are some practical steps you will prayerfully consider based on this week’s experience? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Prayer Time ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Read and Respond Read chapter 25-Jesus, the Son of God Matthew 17, 21; Mark 8-12,14; Luke 9,22; John 7-8, 11-12 1. How do you respond to someone who asked, “Who is Jesus?” ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 2. What was Jesus’ primary mission during his life? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 3. What character qualities do you see in Jesus? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 4. What changes do you need to make to bring your life into conformity with Jesus’ values and priorities? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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5. In what ways did Jesus’ words and actions reveal the fact that he is equal with God? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 6. What can you do to gain a deeper love for Jesus? Why is this important? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Watch and Respond Week 25 Video Discussion Questions 1. Jesus told his followers they would do four things as they walked with him day by day: (1) deny self, (2) take up his cross, (3) follow him, and (4) be willing to lay down their lives for him and the gospel. What does it look like, in an ordinary day of your life, for you to seek to do these things? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 2. God declared Jesus is and what we are called to do in response (The Story, p.354). In what ways can we live out this calling on a daily basis? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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3. When Jesus called himself the “light of the world,” he assured his disciples that they would no longer walk in the dark if they followed him. How have you discovered the light of Jesus since you became a Christian and how does his presence keep you form living in the darkness? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 4. Jesus is the Savior, Messiah, and Lamb of God. He came to live a sinless life, die on the cross in our place, and rise again in glory to break the power of sin and death. How does the truth of his identity clarify your life purpose and direction? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ This Week in Review Take some time to discuss what has stuck out to you through the devotion, bible reading and sermons. What have you learned or seen in new light? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Personal Changes As a Disciple What is God teaching you about Himself? About Yourself? About the church? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________

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Week 25 Takeaways 1. What key truths, principles, and/or insights will you take away from this week’s experience? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Action Steps 1. What are some practical steps you will prayerfully consider based on this week’s experience? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Prayer Time ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Read and Respond Read chapter 26-The Hour of Darkness Scriptures covered: Matthew 26-27; Mark 14-15; Luke 9, 22; John 13-14, 16-19 1. What did Jesus predict at the last supper with his disciples? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 2. Why did Jesus have to die? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 3. How did Jesus followers respond to the tragic events? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 4. What implications does Jesus’ death on the cross for the sins of humanity have for your life? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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5. What can you learn about God’s love through these events? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 6. In what ways has Jesus’ life and death affected the way you live your life from day to day? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Watch and Respond Week 26 Video Discussion Questions 1. Jesus was emphatically clear that he is the only way back to a restored relationship with the Father, the only path to heaven. How do some people (even Christians) push back on this exclusive claim of Jesus? Why is it important for us to embrace this clear teaching of the Savior? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 2. The religious leaders and the political leaders joined in a twisted tale of abuse and rejection (The Story, pp. 374-377). How did they treat Jesus and how did he respond? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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3. What do you learn about the heart of Jesus as he hung on the cross (The Story, pp.378-379), interacting with those who crucified him, the thief who reached out to him, and his own mother? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 4. One of the briefest, most powerful statements in all of The Story is when Jesus said, “It is finished.” From a Lower Story perspective, what must people have thought when Jesus spoke these words? From and Upper Story spiritual reality, what was Jesus declaring and what does this mean for us? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ This Week in Review Take some time to discuss what has stuck out to you through the devotion, bible reading and sermons. What have you learned or seen in new light? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Personal Changes As a Disciple What is God teaching you about Himself? About Yourself? About the church? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Week 26 Takeaways What key truths, principles, and/or insights will you take away from this week’s experience? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Action Steps What are some practical steps you will prayerfully consider based on this week’s experience? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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