1. Practice sharing the 4 plot points of the Gospel on the Ground with one another. Alternately, take a few minutes to share with one another opportunities you had for significant spiritual conversation with non-Christians this week. How did those conversations go? What did you learn or share?

2. Read Genesis 4:1-5. In what ways does ‘life outside the garden’ look different than the ‘very good’ design of Genesis 1-2?

3. Read Genesis 4:6-8. In the sermon today, Robb discussed the problem of sin in terms of 3 realities: Presence, Power, and Penalty. What do each of these mean, and how do you see the first two (presence and power) in these verses?

4. Read Genesis 4:9-15. What is the Penalty for Cain’s sin? How would you explain the universal penalty for sin that we all experience? In v15, we also see God’s grace-filled promise & provision to Cain. What do these tell us about God’s heart for sinners?

5. Read John 1:29. What does it mean that Jesus “takes away the sin of the world”? How do sin’s presence, power, and penalty relate to the following 3 words?

   • Justification (Romans 3:23-24)

   • Sanctification (Romans 6:22)

   • Glorification (Romans 8:30)

6. Read Hebrews 12:24. Compare Abel with Jesus. In what ways are they similar? In what ways are they different? How is Jesus’ blood better than the blood of Abel?

7. Pray for one another to be faithful stewards of the gospel this week. Pray by name for people you want to share with. Ask the Lord to give you open doors of opportunity. Pray with expectation and faith!

1. How do people think about humanity’s nature and purpose today? If you were to summarize the most common world views among your friends/ neighbors/ coworkers, what would be the top 3 truth claims they might list? Do the claims resonate with scripture, or contrast?

2. In the sermon today, Robb outlined the human story with three words: Design, Disaster, Deliverance. Briefly summarize what each of these words means.

3. God’s special DESIGN for humanity seen in Genesis 1:26–30 is amplified in chapter 2. What does it mean to be made in the image of God (1:26-27)? How is God’s special blessing on humanity evident (2:4–9)?

4. Look carefully at the DISASTER of the sin in Genesis 3:7–13. How does sin break down relationships, both vertically between God and humanity, and horizontally between Adam and Eve?

5. While Adam and Eve were to care for the sanctuary of Eden by subduing the beasts and obeying God’s word (Gen. 1:28; 2:15–17), they end up being subdued by a beast by compromising God’s word and are exiled from the sanctuary of Eden (3:24). Compare carefully how God’s instructions are subtly changed from God’s original instructions in 2:16–17 to their recollection in 3:1–5. What changes do you see? In what ways do these subtle changes to God’s word reflect a distorted picture of God’s character in Genesis 3:1–5? How do these subtle changes relate to our own temptations?

6. How is God’s grace and DELIVERANCE evident in Genesis 3:20–21? What hints do we have about the coming sacrificial system and of Jesus, the “Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29)? Spend time praying for one another and worshiping Christ, our great Deliverance.

*Questions adapted from Genesis: A 12-Week Study (Knowing the Bible Book 1) by Mitchell M. Kim, Crossway.

1. Read Hebrews 13:7. What does this verse tell us about the role of leaders in the church? Based on this verse, what might be the most important qualification(s) for leadership in the church? How does this compare with leadership qualifications in other areas of life and work?

2. Recall a time you were deeply impacted by a leader in the church, either positively or negatively. What made the impact? Have you ever spoken with that leader about it?

3. Read Hebrews 13:17. This verse ‘bookends’ the passage that starts at v7 with another set of commands about leaders. How do verses 7 and 17 compliment one another? Can you remember a time when following a Christian leader was difficult? What made it so?

4. This morning Robb said that the flock should aim for the joy of their leaders, and the leaders should aim for the joy of their flock. Do you agree or disagree? How do you see this idea reflected in these verses?

5. Read Hebrews 13:8-9. Why does it matter that Jesus is the same? What kinds of “strange and diverse teachings” are Christians encountering in our current context? (hint: they may not be explicitly doctrinal in nature. Remember the iphone illustration.)

6. Take some time to speak words of affirmation to the leaders in your group right now. Pray for them together as a group, and also pray for our new pastoral staff team members, Jarrod, Houston, and Joshua.

1. Review the “Gospel on the Ground”. In your own words, walk through the gospel story using the 4 plot points: God, Man, Christ, Response. (if you need help, look here)

2. Repeated words or phrases indicate their importance. What words and phrases are repeated throughout this passage? Take time to reflect on each of these repeated phrases and their significance.

3. God is ONE. Read Genesis 1:3. One repeated phrase is “And God said” (Gen. 1:3, 6, 9, 11, 14, 20, 24, 26, 29). What is the significance of God creating alone, without any help or adversity?

4. This word which God speaks creates. The creative power of God’s word is stressed throughout Scripture (e.g., Isa. 55:10–11; John 1:3; Rom 4:17). How does the creative power of God’s word strengthen our resolve to meditate on the written Word of God in our own lives?

5. God is GOOD. Read Genesis 1:10. How does the goodness of creation reflect on God’s own character? What else in this chapter shows us the character and heart of God to be good rather than evil?

6. God is HOLY. Read Genesis 2:1-3. The climax of the week of creation is God’s Sabbath rest on the seventh day (Gen. 2:3). Similarly, the seventh speech for the building of the tabernacle climaxes with instructions on the Sabbath (Ex. 31:12–17). God’s Sabbath rest hints at the purpose of creation, since divine rest is associated with temple building in other ancient Near Eastern accounts, as well as elsewhere in the Old Testament. Similarly, just as “And God said” frames his seven days of creation, so “And Yahweh said” frames the seven speeches for the creation of the tabernacle1 (Ex. 25:1; 30:11, 17, 22, 34; 31:1, 12). The psalmist explicitly compares the building of the sanctuary to the creation of the heavens and earth (Ps. 78:69). In light of all this, how should an understanding of the heavens and earth as a divine sanctuary affect our understanding of the purpose of the cosmos?

7. As you reflect on these three attributes of God in Genesis, which one stands out to you as most significant in this season of your life? Why? Take time to share with one another, pray for one another, and worship God together.

   • Some questions adapted from Mitchell Kim’s Genesis: A 12-Week Study (Knowing the Bible Book 1) (p. 12). Crossway.

1. What is the Bible all about? How would you summarize the Bible with someone who had never read it?

2. Read Luke 24:17-27. How does Jesus understand the Bible’s main message, according to these verses?

3. The Bible is one big Story, and at the center of the story is Jesus - his life, death and resurrection. The Bible’s own word for this story is Gospel, or Good News.
   Read Romans 1:16. What does this verse tell us about the Gospel?

4. Rehearse together the two perspectives we discussed this morning. Each perspective has 4 basic plot-points. Can you explain what these plot points mean? (If not, don’t fret! That’s what the Fall Focus is about.)

   • Gospel On The Ground

     • God

     • Man

     • Christ

     • Response

   • Gospel In The Air

     • Creation

     • Fall

     • Redemption

     • Consummation

5. Consider the 3 commitments that were presented this morning. What specific steps can you take to participate in this 3-part challenge? Share with one another and pray that God moves mightily among us this Fall!

   • Communion. Commit to regular rhythm of time with God through prayer and scripture. Ask God to meet you as you establish the habit.

   • Community. Commit to being present on Sunday mornings, and consider joining a Community Group or Bible study where you can interact and share with one another in a meaningful way.

   • Commission. Consider where Jesus might be sending you this fall. As we trace the contours of the Gospel story together, ask Jesus the question, “Who do I know that needs to hear this?”

• When you were a child, what was your parents’ strategy for raising you?

• Read Colossians 3:18-4:1. What practices for discipleship in the family does Paul give in this passage?

• Read Colossians 3:17. What is the significance of this verse coming right before the household rules of our passage?

• Read Colossians 3:1. What does it mean to be raised with Christ? Is that true for everyone? What is required for that to be true of us?

• Pastor Houston used the following definition for discipleship from last week’s sermon: “Discipleship is the life-long process of following Jesus.” What does discipleship look like for you in this season of life? How is your family living as missionaries in Virginia Beach? Do you have community with whom you are following Jesus? If not, we encourage you to find a community group at vbcc.church/communitygroups!

• What is one thing you can do this week to apply the sermon to your life?

• Conley White, our guest preacher on Sunday, invited a young man he is discipling to share his testimony to the church. Do you have anybody in your life who has discipled you? Have you ever discipled somebody like that?

• Read Matthew 28:16-20. Discipleship is the life-long process of following Jesus together with others. How does Jesus commands his followers to follow him in this passage?

• Read John 17:20-21. In this passage, Jesus prays for his disciples and for those who will become disciples through their message. What is the significance of this prayer for Jesus’ focus on the night of his betrayal?

• Read Luke 9:23-25. What does it mean to “pick up your cross daily”? What is the daily cross you’re being called to carry?

• In the sermon, Conley said, “Disciples are made through teaching, not with words only, but with the power of the always-present Lord Jesus Christ.” How do we make disciples in light of Jesus’ finished work on the cross and ongoing work through his Spirit?

• How is the Spirit leading you to apply this week’s sermon?

1. Read Psalm 49:1-6. Wisdom poetry focuses on skillful living. What words or phrases indicate that this is a Wisdom Psalm? What wisdom about life will this psalm touch on, based on these verses?

2. Read verses 7-12 and 16-20. These two stanzas mirror and compliment one another. What message do they share? How do they differ?

3. Read verses 13-14. This ‘Central Conclusion’ is the heart of the psalm. What imagery or descriptive language does the psalmist use to talk about “those who have foolish confidence”? What emotions does the language conjure up in you?

4. Read verse 15. This is the ‘Surprise Part 2” of the Central Conclusion. While “no man can ransom” (v7) and “when he dies he will carry nothing away” (v17), yet God can both ransom and “receive” the psalmist, saving him from Sheol. (Note: the word “receive” is the same word translated “carry” in v17. It is also the word used to describe the events of Gen 5:24  Enoch walked with God, and he was not, for God took him.)  What confidence is the psalmist declaring here? What bearing does this truth have on wise living?

5. In the sermon today, pastor Robb said, “The hope of the Sons of Korah is fulfilled in the Cross of Christ.” How does Jesus fulfill the promises of v15 to ‘ransom’ and ‘carry’ us? (for help, see Matthew 20:28, 1 Tim 2:5-6, Acts 2:22-32)

6. Our hope in Christ is great, and yet the pain of death is real. Are there those in your group who are grieving the recent or impending death of a loved one? Pray for one another, and worship God for the gift of eternal life in Christ.
   
   
   

• In the sermon today, Robb mentioned David C Mitchell’s article, God Will Redeem My Soul From Sheol - The Psalms of the Sons of Korah, which you can download here.

1) Come up with a few different examples of seeing Christ shed light on an Old Testament passage or story.

2) Do you remember a time when the gospel of Christ was a mystery to you? How did God's grace come into play?

3) If repentance is NOT clean-up-your-act and then come to Christ (works-based salvation), then when does our turning from sin begin?

4) How does music help you worship? How do you maintain a heart of worship?

5) In partnership with the Holy Spirit, how does a believer reveal salvation both near and far/locally and globally?

6) What is one thing you/your family can do to be outward focused (mission-minded) this week?

1. Think back on a time of great trouble in your life. What kinds of feelings did that trouble produce in you? How did you handle the situation? How did you experience God in the midst of trouble?

2. Read Psalm 46:1-3. How is trouble depicted in this first stanza of the psalm? How is God depicted?

3. Read vv4-7. How does the imagery within the city compare/contrast to that of world outside from the first stanza (vv1-3)? What is it about the city that makes the difference?

4. Curiously, there has never been a river in Jerusalem. What might the figurative river of v4 represent? (See also Revelation 22:1-3)

5. What is the parallel between the mountains of vv2-3 and the nations of vv6-7?

6. Read vv8-11. How should we understand v10 in light of the ‘trouble’ depictions of Psalm 46? In what way are we to be still? What is the significance of God’s promise to ‘be exalted’? How does that benefit his people?

7. Today in the sermon, Robb mentioned God’s 3 P’s: Presence, Power, and Promise. How are these depicted in the psalm? How do you see them manifest in your own life?

1. Do you have a physical place of spiritual significance in your life? Where is it? What makes it special to you?

2. Read Psalm 48:1-3. What place is being celebrated in this psalm? What makes it special?

3. Read Psalm 48:4-8. What is being depicted in these verses? How might this stanza bring comfort or joy to the psalmist’s original audience? What does it tell us about God & his people?

4. Read 48:9-11. In these verses, the imagery shifts from city walls to the temple. How does the thematic shift reflect the geographic shift? The ‘steadfast love’ (hesed) love of God in v9 references his faithfulness to keep his covenant with the people. How is God’s hesed love reflected in the temple and it’s practices?

5. Read John 4:20-24 & Matthew 5:14. Where are New Testament believers to worship? Where is the city on the hill now? How might Jesus’ words shape our posture toward Jerusalem and psalms like Psalm 48?

6. In the sermon today, Robb said the believers’ place of ‘orientation’ is the cross. How does Jesus’ work on the cross compare/contrast with the work done at the Jerusalem temple?

1. What is the most ‘raucously festive’ event you’ve ever participated in? What was the experience like for you personally? Share your experiences with one another.

2. Read Psalm 47 aloud. In the sermon today, Robb said this psalm communicates ‘raucous joy.’ What words or phrases in the text communicate that sentiment? Imagine this psalm being sung in the temple. What might the music have sounded like?

3. The word ‘for’ occurs in verses 2, 7 and 9b. What does this word tell us about the reason for joy in the psalm? Today Robb said, “The key to joy is the kingship of Christ.” What does that mean?

4. Briefly review Bill Bright’s explanation of the self-directed & Christ-directed life. What does it mean to have Self on the throne of your heart? Christ? What might be some indicators that someone is living the self-directed life vs the Christ-directed life?

5. What word pictures does the psalmist employ in verses 8-9? What do these images communicate? What are some concrete ways we can participate in the ‘expansive, universal joy’ of God’s kingdom right now?

• Click Here to read Bob Kellemen’s article, Raucous Joy, which Robb mentioned and quoted in the sermon today.

1. Do you remember the first wedding you ever attended? What was your impression of love/weddings/marriage upon witnessing it?

2. Read Psalm 45:1-9. What kind of person is this king about whom the psalmist is singing? What descriptive words stand out to you?

3. Read 2 Samuel 7:12-13. How are these verses reflected in Psalm 45:16-17? What does this reflection tell us about the king in the psalm?

4. Read Hebrews 1:7-9. Why does the author of Hebrews quote these verses from Psalm 45? What do these verses tell us about the true identity of the Psalm 45 King?

5. Read Psalm 45:10-15. How do these verses depict the bride of the king? The wedding festivities?

6. In the sermon, Pastor Robb called the king, the bride and the wedding of Psalm 45 “prophetic messages in flesh and bone.” In what ways do each of these figures pre-figure the New Testament gospel reality of Christ and his church?

7. Spend time worshiping Christ for his love over us, and pray for the married people in your group to have marriages that likewise reflect the glory of Christ and his church.

1. A vulnerable place is a relational space where staying present carries the risk of getting hurt. In what vulnerable places do you find yourself? What risk do you take in remaining there? What fears encourage you to emotionally retreat?

2. How can those around you support or encourage you as you navigate your vulnerable places with God as your refuge? Who do you know that loves God, loves you, and provides you wisdom and support?

3. What aspects of God’s character offer a refuge for you? How can you rest in God’s rule? 

4. How are you hoping to see you, your life, and your relationships change as God redeems your vulnerabilities? 

5. How do you relate to the vulnerable places where graduates and their parents currently reside? How can you support graduates and their parents in the spiritual family that is your church? 

6. Read Hebrews 12:1–2, 28–29. How does the New Testament extend the idea of God as a refuge for his people from Psalm 11? How does that extension change how you think about vulnerability?

1. Is there a time when you experienced a betrayal of trust? It may be something relatively minor like a dishonest auto mechanic, or something more substantial like a broken relationship. If someone has broken trust with you, how might they regain it?

2. Read Matthew 5:33. The first word is “Again.” What pattern is Jesus referring to with this word (see vv 21, 27, 31, 38, 43)? What is the point of this rhetorical device in the sermon?

3. In this verse, Jesus is referencing an idea conveyed in a number of commands like Leviticus 19:12 and Exodus 20:7. What is the basic idea, and how was it being distorted in Jesus’ day (Matt 23:16-22)?

4. Read Matthew 5:34-36. What rationale does Jesus give for NOT taking an oath ‘by heaven … by earth … by Jerusalem … and by your head”? Restate in your own words the essence of Jesus’ instruction in these verses.

5. Read Matthew 26:69-75. How are oaths used in this passage? What do you think led Peter to such extreme action? What do you think he was feeling after the rooster crowed? What do we learn about Jesus in this passage?

6. Read Ephesians 4:17-25. How does the gospel change our relationship to lies and truth-telling? How does truth-telling celebrate and reflect the Gospel?

   
   In the sermon today, Robb mentioned a podcast about the British gameshow, “Golden Balls.” You can find the podcast episode and the clip of the Golden Bowls episode below.

1. Read Matthew 5:38-42. Jesus talks about how we’re not to resist, or retaliate, against the one who personally wrongs us. What’s an area of your life that you find yourself often retaliating? Maybe when you feel disrespected? (v39) Do you cling to your rights over choosing to love? (v40) Maybe when you’re forced to do what you don’t want to? (v41)

2. What’s the self oriented sin that’s fueling your desire for retaliation? Can you see one? How does being an adopted Son of God speak to what’s fueling the desire to retaliate and protect yourself?

3. In this section, Jesus talks about giving to the one who asks and not refusing one who would borrow. What’s a step you can take to be more intentional in your giving financially to those in need inside and/or outside the church? Additionally, what are potential ways you can you give outside of just finances?

4. Read Matthew 5:43-47. In the sermon, Matt suggested maybe a friend, household member, coworker, ministry partner, or even fellow church member can turn enemy. Who in your life has acquired the label enemy? What’s a way you could actively love that individual and maybe begin, or continue, the process of reconciliation?

5. Jesus says we’re to pray for those who persecute us.  Spend some time praying for our adopted unreached people group who is actively undergoing persecution. Maybe at the end of your time, you could do a round of ‘popcorn prayer’ with your group focusing on them along with other ministry partners around the world and people undergoing a different type of persecution in the US (Christians in middle school, high school, college. Christians in the workplace).

6. Was there a particular aspect of Sonship in the message, or in your own personal meditations, that’s especially invigorating and empowering in your life?

1. How has your experience and perspective on marriage over time? How did you think about it as a child, a teen, a single adult? Was it a wonderful thing to pursue, or a horrible thing to avoid? How do you think about it now?

2. Read Matthew 5:27-32. In Jesus’ day, adultery was understood legally to be the violation of another Israelite man’s marriage. Divorce could be initiated by the man at any time, and with no obligation to care for the woman besides giving her a certificate of divorce. How does Jesus’ teaching differ from that tradition? How does his teaching differ from our own culture’s norms?

3. When Jesus says, “Everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart,” who does he have in mind? Why is he going out of his way to condemn as many as possible? How is that loving? (if you need help, see Galatians 3:22)

4. Read Romans 1:22-25. In the sermon today, Robb said that adulterous behavior is a symptom of spiritual adultery (idolatry) in the heart. Why do you think the Bible uses adultery as a common imagery to describe idolatry? What is the connection between idolatry and adultery?

5. Read Matthew 5:29-30 again. Jesus is speaking hyperbolically here about radical repentance. What does radical repentance look like concretely?

6. Read James 5:16. What two commands does James give us for healing? Why are these often so challenging?

7. Spend some time praying for one another. Depending on the makeup of the group, you may want to break into sex-separated subgroups to practice confession and repentance within the group.

1. Today’s Core Value is “Teaching God’s Word.” How have you personally witnessed this value fleshed out in the life of our community at VBCC? Why is it important?

2. Read Matthew 5:17-20. Why might Jesus have to explain his position on the Law and the prophets? How does he ‘fulfill’ them?

3. How does the righteousness of the Pharisees contrast with that described in verses 3-11? How do we obtain this ‘surpassing righteousness’?

4. This morning, Robb spoke about the “Ladder Loophole” (legalism) and the “Salad Bar Loophole” (licentiousness). How do these approaches to the Law work? Which loophole are you more inclined toward (or maybe there is some other option not mentioned in the sermon)? What does Jesus have to say about these loopholes (vv19-20)?

5. Read Matthew 5:21-26. How does Jesus’ teaching in vv17-20 get applied in these verses? How can we adopt Jesus’ posture toward the Law in our own lives so that we can be “do them and teach them”?

6. This Mothers’ Day, take some time to hear from each woman in your group about the significance of the day to her. Spend time in prayer for one another and thanksgiving to God for the gift of motherhood.

*Some questions adapted from Serendipity Bible for Study Groups.

1. When have you struggled with contentment in your life? Alternately, when have you sensed an overwhelming sense of contentment and joy? Either way, what factors do you think led to your experience?

2. Read Philippians 4:10-23. In this passage, Paul offers a three-fold thanksgiving for the Philippian gift sent by Epaphroditus. What specifically does he acknowledge in verses 10, 14 and 18?How do the verses that follow each acknowledgement serve to elaborate or offer caveats?

3. Read Philippians 4:13. In the sermon this morning, Robb ‘retranslated’ this verse so that it read, “I can be content in all circumstances in him who strengthens me.” How does this rendering differ with the translation in your Bible? How do you respond to this ‘translation’ personally?

4. What does it mean to be “In Christ”? How does our union with Christ affect our capacity for contentment?

5. In v12, Paul says he has ‘learned the secret’ of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. The term he uses means ‘to undergo initiation.’ In what way was Paul initiated into a life of contentment? In what ways are you currently experiencing the Lord’s initiation? How does it change the experience to know that his purpose for you is fullness of joy?

6. Read again Philippians 4:14-18. The Philippian church went out of their way to love Paul well as an extension of their own family. Is there a missional partner that your group can bless with a point of contact and support? Consider sending a group selfie video, a care package, or a financial gift to one of our VBCC mission partners. They will ‘rejoice greatly in the Lord!’

1. What symptoms of despair or hopelessness do you see in your daily life? Work? Commute? Family dinner conversations?

2. Read Philippians 4:1-9. What are the commands that Paul gives in this exhortation section of his letter to the Philippians?

3. Read Philippians 4:2-9. What does Paul mean when he says “the Lord is at hand” (v. 5)? How is that connected to the “peace of God” (v. 7)?

4. Read Philippians 4:6-7. What anxieties are you facing right now? As a group, practice praying for one another and giving these anxieties to God.

5. Houston spoke about spiritual numbness as the root of despair and hopelessness. Dream with your group about what life would be like if you were really engaged with God in a practical way. What excites you about the possibilities?

6. What are some of the obstacles you face to engaging with God daily? Are there any fears you face with making adjustments to these things?

7. Read Luke 24:25-32. How does Jesus meet the hopelessness of his disciples on the road to Emmaus? What impact does this have on them? What is a practical step you can take this week to encounter Jesus similarly?