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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

   1. 12:4; 22:9-10

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

   3. 15:6; 22:8

   4. 15:2,8

   5. 16:3-4

   6. 17:17-18

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

   8. 18:1-8

   9. 18:23-33

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1. Have you ever come to the end of your rope, realizing you are just plain unable to do what you are supposed to be doing? Describe the scene. How did it feel? How did others respond?

2. Read Genesis 12:10-20. What words would you use to describe Abram’s character based on this story? What external realities influenced his actions? What internal realities (ie, heart issues) do you see at play?

3. Read Genesis 13:1-4. In the sermon today, Robb said, “these verses detail not only Abram’s geographical journey, but his spiritual journey.” What is the spiritual significance of Abram’s return to Canaan, and to the altar in particular? What role does faith play in repentance?

4. Read Genesis 13:5-7. How do the riches given by Pharaoh become a crisis in Canaan?

5. Read Genesis 13:8-13. How does Abram’s character and conduct change from chapter 12 to chapter 13? What role do the crises of those chapters play in this change?

6. Read Genesis 13:14-18. Why is it significant that the LORD speaks to Abram after Lot’s departure? What does it tell us about the heart and character of God? How does Abram’s experience of God encourage us as we face crises of our won?

1. Name someone in your life who has set a godly example of faith and obedience. What have you witnessed in their life that you would like to emulate in your own? What do you see as the outcome or fruit of their faith?

2. Read Genesis 12:1-7. In the sermon, Robb identified 3 ‘key ingredients’ in the passage, listed below. Locate each ingredient in the text, and explain how it relates to Abram’s faith and the work of God in Abram’s life.

   1. God’s heart of blessing.

   2. God’s promise of provision.

   3. God’s command to go.

3. Read Genesis 11:27-30. In light of the theme of Blessing, why is it significant that Sarai is barren (v30)? What does her barrenness tell us about God’s heart of blessing?

4. God’s command to go (v1) includes both going FROM and going TO. Why are both of these necessary in the life of faith? From where and to where has God called you to go? What is the connection between God’s command and God’s promise?

5. Which of the three ingredients is most challenging to your own faith? Why? How can you pray for one another in the week ahead?

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https://www.friendsofpando.org/programs/artist-in-residency/jeff-rice-artist-in-residency/

https://www.ecosystemsound.com/pandosuite

1. Faith, like love, can be difficult to define. When did you first awaken to matters of faith? How did you understand the concept of faith early in your journey? How has your understanding changed over time?

2. Read Romans 4:1-3. What in these verses points to the unique nature of God’s relationship with Abraham? What is the difference between being justified by works (v2)and believing God for righteousness (v3)?

3. Read Romans 4:18-22. Based on Abraham’s example in these verses, how would you define ‘biblical faith’ in your own words?

4. Read Romans 4:23-25. Compare and contrast the faith of Abraham with the faith of New Testament Christians like the apostle Paul. How are the two similar? How are they different?

5. How does the gospel of Jesus intersect with the story of Abraham according to these verses? How does the death and resurrection of Jesus affect YOUR faith today?

6. How is your faith being grown or tested in this season of life? Share with one another and pray for each other.

   Consider how you will accomplish the 3-fold commitment this Fall:
   -        COMMUNION: a daily habit of communing with God with scripture & prayer

   -        COMMUNITY: Sunday worship & one smaller group (Community Group, Sunday School, etc)

   -        COMMISSION: Consider where God might be sending you, and with whom might you share the promise of grace?

1. Can you recall a time you have benefited from excellent shepherding care? Share your experience. What was the context, who was the shepherd, and why was it meaningful to you?

2. Read 1 Samuel 17:5-11. How is Goliath portrayed in these verses? What words would you use to describe him in your own words?

3. Read 1 Samuel 17:45-47. Shepherds recognize threats. The army saw Goliath as a threat to their safety, but David recognized a spiritual threat. How did Goliath pose a threat to the spiritual welfare of the Israelite troops?

4. Read 1 Samuel 17:34-36. Shepherds take responsibility. How did David take responsibility while overseeing his father’s flocks? How did that translate to his action with Goliath? What was it in God’s character that emboldened David to take responsibility for the welfare of others? Do you feel the same way about God’s character?

5. Read Acts 20:28-31. Shepherds care for the flock. What constitutes a shepherd, and what constitutes a wolf? How does David’s conduct in 1 Samuel 17 mirror Paul’s exhortation to the Ephesian elders in Acts 20?

6. Can you answer the question: Who is shepherding you? Spend some time praying for one another and for all those engaged in shepherding leadership at VBCC.

1. What does it mean to bless or be blessed? Share from your experience: when have you personally been blessed?

2. Read Psalm 41:1-3. What blessings are promised to ‘the one who considers the poor’ according to these verses?

3. Read verses 4-10. These verses are a recapitulation of the drama that unfolds in Psalms 34-40 (especially Psalms 38 & 39). How do these verses correlate to the blessings of vv1-3? More broadly, how are we to understand God’s blessing in light of our suffering (or understand our suffering in light of God’s blessing)?

4. Read John 13:18. Why is it significant that Jesus quotes this verse from Psalm 41:9, and other verses from the psalms?

5. Read Psalm 41:11-13. How does Jesus’ presence with God the Father today secure our place with God? (See also Ephesians 2:6-7)

1) Which point of posture stands out to you the most? Why might that be?

2) What are ways to develop teachability as a part of the discipleship process?

3) Read Micah 6:8. How have you seen humility enable learning a more difficult life lesson?

4) What are some normal reactions when someone steps on someone else’s ‘script’? What are godly reactions?

5) Share a moment in life where you had the opportunity to ‘experience dependency’ on God.

6) Discuss God’s goodness through Christ. What does it look like to fix our eyes on Jesus throughout our day? How do we as a spiritual family do this together?

1. Read Psalm 40:1-5. What words would you use to describe the emotional tone of this psalm? Have you ever felt this way about God because of a particular experience in your life? Share the story.

2. In v3, the psalmist talks about a ‘new song’ - a rare term that only occurs 3 times outside of the Psalms. Read Isaiah 42:10, Revelation 5::9, and Psalm 14:3. What do we learn from these verses about how the term is used? How would you describe the meaning of the term based on these passages?

3. Read Hebrews 10:1-12. How does this passage help us understand Psalm 40:6-8 in light of Jesus’ death and resurrection?

4. Read Psalm 40:12-17. These verses are almost identical to Psalm 70; most scholars believe it was added to Psalm 40 for its use in corporate worship. How do these verses contrast with the rest of the psalm? Why might this text have been added to the text of Psalm 40?

5. Pray for one another in light of Psalm 40. Pray also for the students who participated in VBS this week.