1. Does your family celebrate the 12 days of Christmas (Christmastide) or are you ready to move on after Christmas Day? How do our traditions shape our values and perspective?

2. Read Revelation 22:1-4. Compare these verses with the imagery of Genesis 2-3. How does John present the New Jerusalem (Rev 21:2) as a restored Eden? What is the significance of such a depiction?

3. The 12 fruits in 12 months represent perfect, unending provision and satisfaction for God’s people. What counterfeit provisions/satisfactions are people tempted to pursue? How might this image have encouraged the believers in the early church? How does it encourage you?

4. Read Acts 13:29, Galatians 3:13, and 1 Peter 2:24. These passages use the same Greek word John uses for ‘tree’ in Rev 22 - a word typically used to describe wooden objects rather than living trees. In what way is the cross of Jesus’ death connected to this Tree of Life?

5. Read Revelation 22:3-7. How is God’s presence described in these verses? Why does John place so much emphasis on presence? What emotions do you feel when you think of Jesus’ return and being in the presence of God?

6. Read the blessings of Revelation 22:7 & 14. These two final blessings instruct us. How do we prepare for the coming of Christ? What steps can we take this week in light of these blessings?

1. What do you love about Christmastime? What makes it difficult for you? Do you feel like you have the space and freedom to experience both the ups and downs of the season, or does one or the other get pushed aside? Why?

2. Read John 12:20-23. What triggers Jesus’ statement that “the hour has come”? Why do you think the request to “see Jesus” from the Greeks is so significant to this passage?

3. Jesus refers to his crucifixion - designed to maximize humiliation and terror - as ‘the hour … for the Son of Man to be glorified.’ What glory do you see in Jesus’ death?

4. Read John 12:24-25. According to Jesus, which seed bears fruit? What is the point of this word picture in the context of this passage? Who is the seed, and what kind of fruit is he talking about?

5. What does Jesus mean when he speaks of someone who ‘loves his life’ or ‘hates his life’? Which is he advocating, and why? What would it look like to follow Jesus’ instruction in your own life this Christmas season?

6. As we go into the new year, how are you praying to “see Jesus” in your life? Spend time sharing, praying for one another, and worshipping together.

• Find the missing piece!

1. Is there a particular circumstance that predictably knocks you out of the ‘Christmas spirit’? How do you handle the ‘Charlie Brown Problem’ in your own life?

2. Read John 1:1-4. What does John tell us about the “Word” in these verses?

3. Read John 1:14. In this verse. the Word became flesh, an event called the Incarnation. Why might the Jewish people of Jesus’ day be surprised by a claim like this?

4. Read Hebrews 1:1-3. Jesus constitutes the fullness of revelation. Regarding this revelation, how is the incarnate Christ different than the prophets who came before him?

5. Read 1 Corinthians 15:21-22. Jesus accomplished full reconciliation. What is the relationship between Adam and Jesus according to these verses? Why is Jesus’ full humanity a necessary component of this role and function?

6. Read Romans 8:11. Jesus accomplished full redemption. How should we understand our bodies in light of Jesus’ incarnation? What is his plan for our bodies in the future? Right now?

7. Read Romans 12:1. Jesus demands our full repentance. What is necessary for truly spiritual worship, according to this verse?

1. Do you have any Christmas traditions in your family that might seem unusual to others? Share the tradition and how it started (if you know).

2. Read Luke 4:16-21. Here Jesus reads from Isaiah 61. What is the significance of Jesus’ assertion, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.”? Has prophetic fulfillment been meaningful in your own faith journey? Why or why not?

3. Verse 18 begins with the words, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me.” What is the role of the Holy Spirit in prophecy and fulfillment (see 2 Peter 1:21)? In our own personal faith journey (see 2 Corinthians 4:4-6)?

4. According to Jesus (and Isaiah), to whom is the good news proclaimed? Based on the description of this ‘intended audience,’ what does the Bible require from us?

5. Share in a time of prayer and worship to Christ our King. Pray for one another to be faithful witnesses to the gospel this Advent season.

Click here for a digital copy of the VBCC Advent Devotional

1. Have you ever had the experience of being locked out of the house, or left out of a group? What is it like to be ‘on the outside’ with no way in? What emotions does it conjure? Share your own experience with the group.

2. Read Genesis 1:1-4, 26-27. Place yourself there at the dawn of creation; imagine yourself as Adam or Eve. What do you see, hear, and feel? What must it have been like to live in a world unbroken by sin? Why is it important that the Bible shows us this version of the world, and of ourselves?

3. Read Genesis 3:14-19; 23-24. What effect did sin have on humanity’s relationship to God? Where do we feel the effects in our lives today?

4. After Adam and Eve are exiled from Eden, a number of other ‘exiles’ happen over the course of Biblical history. In the sermon today, we briefly looked at these stories of those who go ‘outside’. How does this recurring theme relate to the 'initial exile’ of Gen 3, and illustrate its power?
   -Abraham goes outside to Egypt (Gen 12)

   -Isaac goes outside to Gerar (Gen 26)

   -Jacob goes outside to Haran (Gen 29)

   -Joseph & brothers go outside to Egypt (Gen 37ff)

   -Israelites die outside in the wilderness (Numbers 14)

   -Northern Kingdom taken outside to Assyria (2 Kings 17)

   -Southern Kingdom taken outside to Babylon (2 Kings 25)

5. Read Matthew 27:50-51. What does the tearing of the temple curtain signify? How do we ‘come inside’ to fellowship with God through Christ?

6. Spend some moments praying for one another, and worshipping Christ for his work on the cross.

• What’s one meaningful way someone has shown you kindness during a difficult season of your life?

• Read Genesis 50:15-26. Why do Joseph’s brother's fear that he will retaliate after Jacob’s death? What does their reaction reveal about their understanding of Joseph’s earlier forgiveness?

• Read Genesis 50:19-21. What does Joseph mean when he says, “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good” (v. 20)? How does this verse help us understand God’s sovereignty and human responsibility?

• Read Genesis 50:22-26. Joseph expresses confidence in God’s future deliverance and asks that his bones be carried to the Promised Land. What is the significance of this faith?

• Read Romans 12:14-21. How do Joseph and Jesus model for us how to respond to our enemies? What does it look like to “overcome evil with good” practically?

• Where might God be calling you to extend forgiveness, comfort, or provision—even toward someone who has hurt you—in light of Joseph’s example and God’s larger redemptive purposes?

1. Think of a ‘mountaintop moment’ or season of life in which you were able to reflect with some perspective. What lessons did you learn? Why can’t we stay ‘on the mountaintop’?

2. Read Genesis 48:1-4. Here, Jacob prepares to bless Joseph’s sons by recounting God’s blessings to him at Luz (Gen 28:13-15; 35:9-12). Why is the former blessing from God important as Jacob prepares to pronounce blessings of his own?

3. Read Genesis 48:8-16. What does Jacob have to tell us about God’s faithfulness as he approaches the end of his life?

4. Though Jacob has been reunited with Joseph for 17 years (47:28), yet he is still overcome with emotion as he gazes upon his son and grandsons. Why is it so significant to him to see and know them? What hope does his joy give you in light of your own losses and sorrows?

5. Read Genesis 49:1-12. Reuben’s sin (see Gen 35:22) disqualifies him from ‘preeminence’, as do the sins of Simeon and Levi (see Gen 34). Therefore, the blessing of preeminence falls to the 4th-born, Judah. What do we learn from these blessings about God’s justice & mercy?

6. Read Revelation 5. Here, Jesus is called ‘the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the root of David’ (v5). How does Jesus’ ministry fulfill the blessing given to Judah? Spend time praying through this chapter together in worship and gratitude to our great King Jesus.

1. What would it have taken, if you were Joseph, to forgive your brothers?

2. Read Genesis 45:1-15. According to Joseph, what part did God play in the events that brought him to Egypt as a slave (vv. 5, 7, 9)? What part did the brothers play (vv. 4-5)?

3. Read Genesis 46:1-4. What did God tell Jacob to do?

4. Why do you think Jacob needed God appear and assure him about going down to Egypt?

5. Is there anyone you have wronged, or who has wronged you, and with whom you should seek to be reconciled?

6. Take time together as a group to pray that God would bring healing and reconciliation to broken relationships.

* These questions have been adapted from Salvation Revealed: Genesis 12-50: 10 Interactive Bible Studies for Small Groups and Individuals by Matt Olliffe.

1. The ‘bystander effect’ occurs when people are less likely to help someone in need in the presence of other people. Where have you experienced this in your own life (for example, multiple cars passing by an accident on the highway)? Why do you think this sort of phenomenon exists?

2. Summarize Genesis 42-44. If you have enough people, split into 3 teams. Assign each team one chapter (42, 43, 44). Take 7 minutes to answer the following 3 prompts in your respective teams before rejoining and sharing your answers with the whole group:

   1. Summarize the chapter in a single sentence.

   2. Identify one verse that is especially important, interesting, or confusing.

   3. Why are the brothers’ faces to the ground? Explain how this detail builds tension in the story.

3. Read Genesis 44:16-34. What is the difference between Judah’s conduct here and his conduct in previous chapters (37:26-27; 38:1-26)? How has God used Judah’s previous experiences to prepare him for this moment?

4. Pastor Travis Simone says, “All love is substitutionary.” Who is Judah loving when he offers himself as a slave to Joseph? How is Judah’s offering like Jesus’ offering (1 Peter 3:18)? How is it different?

5. Jesus loved us so much that he offered himself as our substitute. Name some ways that we can ‘get off the sidelines’ to show Jesus’ love to others in need this week. Pray for one another to be portraits of God’s love, pointing to Jesus.

1. Think of a time you were treated unfairly. What emotions did that experience stir in you? What action did you take as a result? As you look back on that episode now, can you see God’s hand at work in that episode of your life? Why or why not?

2. Read Genesis 39:1. Twice the narrator describes the journey as being ‘down’ to Egypt. What downward movements happen in Joseph’s in Genesis 37 & 39?

3. Read Genesis 39:2-3. Twice the narrator describes the LORD as being' ‘with’ Joseph (twice more in vv21-23), mirroring the two references to ‘down’ in v1. Why is it significant that the LORD is with Joseph? How does God’s presence affect his story?

4. Read Genesis 39:11-20. In this story, Mrs. Potiphar represents Egypt while Joseph represents God’s covenant people. What contrasts do you see in character and motivation between these two? Do you think there are similar contrasts/tensions today between believers and the world around them? Why or why not?

5. Read Philippians 2:3-16. In the sermon, Robb called Jesus the ‘true and better Joseph.’ What parallels do you see between the story of Joseph and the story of Jesus recounted here? In what ways does Jesus’ story go further than Joseph’s? How are our stories bound up with the story of Jesus (3-5, 12-16)?

6. Read John 14:18 & Matthew 28:20. Just as God was with Joseph, so Jesus promises to be with his disciples. How did Jesus’ suffering provide for the fulfillment of this promise? What significance does Jesus’ promised presence have in your own life?
   
   

FOR YOU FURTHER ENRICHMENT

• Click here to listen to Andrew Peterson’s song, The Last Frontier.

• Click here for an excellent article on How Joseph fought sexual temptation.

1. Often we see children duplicate the weaknesses as well as the strengths of their parents. What strengths and weaknesses have you seen passed down in your own family? How have those strengths/weaknesses affected you?

2. Read Genesis 37:1-4. How would you describe family relationships at the outset of the story? Jacob suffered as a boy from parental favoritism. How has that perpetuated family pattern affected the lives of his sons?

3. Read Genesis 37:5-11. In what form does God’s special revelation come to Joseph? How are the symbols in the two dreams interpreted by his family? Why do you think God reveals his will to Joseph through dreams so early in the story?

4. Read Genesis 37:12-28. How do the brothers respond to Joseph’s dreams? Ironically, the brothers’ actions set off a sequence of events that will eventually lead to the fulfillment of Joseph’s dreams. What does that tell us about God’s will and how we respond to it?

5. In the sermon today, we explored the Toledot of Genesis - ‘records of generations’ that document God’s covenant faithfulness in every generation. The last of the Toledot occurs in Genesis 37:2. What is the significance of this placement in light of the story that unfolds in the chapter? How is God’s faithfulness on display here?

1) What is the significance that God has called Jacob back to Bethel?

2) Identity and discuss superstitions or other areas God’s people are prone to misplace trust.

3) What recent decisions have you made for yourself or your family that shows your devotion to the Lord? What are ways our homes can be faith-filled?

4) What would you say to your Christian friend who has just informed you that their spouse is no longer interested in attending church?

5) Read Ephesians 4:17-32. What has been your experience of living in your old identity (before Christ) and your new identity (in Christ)? Is there noticeable change? How do we guard against being pulled back into our old identity?

6) In light of the name CHRISTIAN, how do believers participate in God’s story of redemption in this day and age?

7) How has the death of a loved one affected your faith in the Lord?

8) Describe the season of life you’re in right now. Encourage one another to press on and spend time praying for each other!

1. Looking back on your life, is there a specific blessing or spiritual insight that God gave to you during a ‘valley season’ of suffering or pain? Tell the story to the group. Why do you think God uses valleys to grow us, rather than just giving us good gifts during the good times?

2. Read Gen 32:1-8. How would you describe the tone of Jacob’s message to Esau? How does Jacob react to the report that comes back in vv6-8?

3. Read Gen 32:9-12. How does Jacob’s prayer reflect growth in his relationship with God?

4. Read Gen 32:13-21. To what extent do you think Jacob’s plans are consistent with his prayer?

5. Read Gen 32:22-32. How does this struggle with the ‘man’ give insight to Jacob’s personality? In what ways does he emerge both stronger and weaker?

6. Review Genesis 33. How does Jacob’s meeting with Esau compare to his anticipation & preparation in chapter 32? How do you think this encounter helped him understand the faithfulness of God?

7. Are you in a valley right now? Pray for one another and worship together. If appropriate, consider praying through the Puritan prayer below which was included in the sermon this morning.
   
   Lord, high and holy, meek and lowly,

   Thou hast brought me to the valley of vision,

   where I live in the depths but see Thee in the heights;

   hemmed in by mountains of sin I behold Thy glory. 

   Let me learn by paradox that the way down is the way up,

   that to be low is to be high,

   that the broken heart is the healed heart,

   that the contrite spirit is the rejoicing spirit,

   that the repenting soul is the victorious soul, 

   that to have nothing is to possess all,

   that to bear the cross is to wear the crown,

   that to give is to receive,

   that the valley is the place of vision.

   Lord, in the daytime stars can be seen from deepest wells, 

   and the deeper the wells the brighter Thy stars shine;

   let me find Thy light in my darkness,

   Thy life in my death,

   Thy joy in my sorrow,

   Thy grace in my sin,

   Thy riches in my poverty,

   Thy glory in my valley.

~ The Valley of Vision

• Have you ever experienced unrequited love? Share about that experience. These can be extremely painful experiences, so only share a story you are comfortable with sharing.

• Read Genesis 29:15-30. What happens in this story? Who is at fault here? Who is hurt by this three-way marriage?

• Compare the events of this story with Jacob stealing Esau’s blessing in Genesis 27. Who is the master planner like Rebekah? Who is blind like Isaac? Who is the deceiver like Jacob? Who is the betrayed like Esau?

• This is a tragic story of deception, dehumanization, and the consequences of human sin. What examples of these do you see in your own life, family, or work?

• Read John 2:1-11. In this story, we see how Jesus acts when he goes to a wedding. How is he different than the characters of Jacob’s wedding?

• Take a minute to think of one person you are failing to love today. What is one thing you can do to show them the love of Christ this week?

1. Have you ever made a mistake so bad you were sure you couldn’t recover from it? What happened? What did the experience teach you about God? About yourself?

2. Read Genesis 25:23-34. Draw a character sketch for Jacob from these verses. If you were to cast him in a movie, who would play the part and why? What words would you use to describe his personality? How does v23 compare and contrast with the rest of the passage?

3. Read over Genesis 27. Summarize the story as a group. What happens to Isaac’s family in this chapter? What role does Jacob play? If the main plotline has to do with the movement of God’s Blessing through Abraham’s family, what is the status of that movement by the end of the chapter?

4. Read Genesis 28:10-22. Describe what happens to Jacob on this fateful night? How does God conduct himself with Jacob in light of all Jacob’s mistakes in the previous chapters?

5. From Jacob’s response to the dream, what clue do we get about his relationship to God at this point (28:16-22)?

6. Past sins and mistakes can leave us with a burden of guilt and a sense of failure or shame. How can Jacob’s experience renew our confidence in God’s free grace?

• Some questions adapted from LifeGuide Bible Study: Genesis 25-50.

1. Have you ever wished you had someone else’s talents, resources, or good fortune? Share an example with the group. Why do you think we are so susceptible to ‘grass is greener’ syndrome?

2. Read Genesis 25:11-28. What challenges, weaknesses, or disappointments does Isaac face? Why does the author set him in contrast to Ishmael (who only has his great accomplishments noted in the text)?

3. Read Genesis 26. What does God do with ‘unimpressive’ Isaac? How does the Lord overcome obstacles to ensure that Isaac receives His blessing?

4. Scholars often note the relative passivity or insignificance of Isaac’s life compared to his father Abraham or his son Jacob. Why do you think God chooses Isaac as his vehicle for blessing rather than Ishmael or anyone else? What does this choice tell us about God & his faithfulness?

5. Read 1 Corinthians 1:26-31. How does Isaac’s story foreshadow the story of the New Testament church? What hope do you find in God’s sovereign choice over us, despite our shortcomings? Take time together as a group to name the weaknesses you feel in this season and surrender them to the Lord in a season of prayer & worship.

FALL FOCUS COMMITMENTS:

1. Be present on Sunday mornings

2. Invite friends & neighbors

3. Commit to community

4. Fast & pray. First day of Prayer & Fasting is this Wed September 10.

• As a group, do an icebreaker in which everyone will answer a simple question. It can be silly or reflective but must be simple to answer. See if someone in your group has an idea for a question that excites them. If not, here’s two options: What’s your earliest memory of hosting/going to a party? If you could transform back and forth into fire, water, wind, or rock, which would you choose?

• Read Romans 12:9. What’s the alternative to genuine love? How do we know what’s good to hold fast and what’s evil to abhor?

• Read Romans 12:10. What do these commands have to say about value and belonging? What examples of dishonor (or not valuing others) could negatively impact a church community?

• Read Romans 12:11-12. Pick one command and share what might be challenging about it. Why is it vulnerable to invite others into your relationship with God?

• Read Romans 12:13. Where is the tension in this verse between unity and growth? How does your group practically feel this tension? How can unity and growth be pursued simultaneously in your group?

• Think about your relationship with God, your relationships with other believers, and your relationships with non-believers. How is God inviting you to be more deeply known and loved as you grow as a disciple? How can you invite others to be more deeply known and loved by God through you?

• Share about a time when you felt left out. Maybe it was with your family, friend group, or maybe even a church. How did you respond to that experience?

• Read Romans 12:1-8. Are there any verses that stand out to you in these verses?

• What does it mean to “be transformed by the renewal of your mind” (v. 2)? How should we understand this in light of the following verses (vv. 3-5; cf., Eph 4:23)?

• What are the commands or warnings Paul is giving to his readers? Are there ways these commands could apply to you today?

• Read John 15:15. What is this significance of Jesus’ naming his disciples as “friends”? How does this connect to the idea that we “are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another” (v. 5)?

• What is one step we can take as a group to practice the gifts laid out in this passage (vv. 6-8)? What gifts do you see in one another?

1. Recall to the group a time that God brought about good in your life through suffering. Why is it often easier to see the good of suffering after the fact, rather than in the midst of the trial?

2. Read the superscription Psalm 102. In the sermon, Robb gave ‘4 P’s’ for suffering as discipline. The first P is PREPARATION. Why does the psalmist say ‘when he is afflicted’ rather than ‘if ’?

3. Read verses 1-11. The second P is ‘POUR out your complaint.’ What does the psalmist do in these verses to make God his safest place? How does he practice vulnerability and stay connected to God, even when God’s sovereignty is terrifying (vv9-10)? How does pouring out our hearts to God transform our experience of suffering?

4. Read vv12-17. In these verses, the psalmist identifies with the PEOPLE of God who have suffered faithfully before him. Why is it important to recognize that our suffering is not an isolated event? What does Hebrews 11:36-40 tell us about the saints who have suffered before us?

5. Read vv24-28. The 4th P is PERSPECTIVE. How does an eternal perspective equip us to suffer well? Is there any ‘bad news’ in your life right now that you can lay down before the Lord, trusting that the GOOD of his mercy will outlast the bad of this present time? Share prayer requests with one another, then read Romans 8:16-18 and pray for one another.

Intro Question: How did you first respond to someone sharing their faith in Jesus with you? How does your initial rejection or acceptance encourage you in your own evangelism?

Read Psalm 96

1. What stood out about the message from this week? 

2. How do the commands in psalm 96 help us in our evangelism?

3. What are ways that we can be corporate evangelist's in this group?

4. How can we use our creativity to engage in evangelism, individually or together?

5. Do you have any good resources on evangelism to share?

Here is one resource that gives questions for 8 guided readings through major sections of the Gospel of Mark. It’s a great one to use with someone interested in exploring the Christian faith. Refer to pages 14-21 for the 8 study sessions in the Gospel of Mark. Pages 1-13 just give good questions for different Scriptural genres (Wisdom, Narrative, Prophecy, etc) to help in your own study of the Bible.
https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0147/1830/4342/files/OTOBR-Sheets-for-copying-A4.pdf?42055