1. How did you see our youth engaged in serving our church family this Sunday morning?

2. How do you picture God’s compassion? If you were to draw it, what would it look like?

3. One at a time, read Mark 1:29-34, 35-39, and 40-45. For each section, answer this question: How is Jesus’s compassionate heart on display in these verses?

4. Read Mark 3:6. The opening of the Gospel of Mark is structured around three cycles, each of which includes (1) Jesus calling his disciples to follow him and (2) increasing levels of opposition to Jesus’s ministry. What does it show us that Jesus served and ministered to others on a road filled with opposition and persecution, ultimately death? What does it mean for us that Jesus called his disciples while he walked that road?

5. God’s compassion is at the core of God’s mission. How does our church participate in God’s mission? How do our students participate in God’s mission? How do you participate in God’s mission (or how do you want to)?

6. What circles do we draw to limit the extent of our compassion? How do we decide what opportunities are worth pursuing as part of God’s mission?

7. Reminder: Our youth are assembling blessing bags on February 25. If you’d like to help, you can bring (1) individually pre-packaged snacks, (2) hand/foot warmers, and (3) mini hand sanitizer/wipes. These items can be dropped off at the church offices or in a box at the back of the sanctuary on February 18.

1) Read the Parable of the Good Samaritan.
What are your observations about the Samaritan?
What about the Innkeeper?
What opportunities might you have to be neighborly and show mercy?

2) Christopher Grundmann’s 4 historical motives for sending medical people to the Mission Field:
-Care for bodily needs (the body)
-Use medicine to attract people to hearing the Gospel (the soul)
-Support the missionary team where good medical care is not available
-Heal because Jesus healed
Which one most resonates with you, and why?

3) If someone told you, “I don’t think we should send medics as missionaries; medical missions is expensive and we need medics here,” what would you say?

4) Does God use illness in our lives? How might it affect our faith?

5) What are the differences between Christian healthcare missionaries and medics from secular ‘sending’ organizations? (ie. purpose, procedure, church involvement, community, patient interaction, etc)

6) Discuss the spiritual component to illness:
Why do you think so many prayer requests are about illness and medical care?
Why do you think there are so many healing miracles in Cambodia?
What does Scripture say about spirits and curses causing some illnesses?

7) What does Scripture say about the church’s role in ministering to the sick? (Matt. 25:31-46; James 5:13-16)

8) How can you minister in illness and healing, even if you have no formal medical training?

1. Is fasting a discipline with which you have much personal experience?
   If your answer is ‘no,’ share with the group what connotations does fasting have when you think about it?
   If your answer is ‘yes,’ share with the group your experience with the group. Has it been mainly a good or bad experience? How has your relationship to fasting changed over time?

2. Read Matthew 6:16-18. This is the 3rd in a series of three teachings on giving (6:2-4), prayer (5-8) and fasting (16-18). How do these three sections mirror one another? How does today’s passage differ from the others?

3. Read Matthew 4:1-11. This account of Jesus’ fast in the wilderness comes just after his baptism (Matt 3:13-17). Why do you think Jesus engaged in these spiritual exercises? In the sermon today, Robb called fasting “a way of immersing ourselves body and soul in the story of Jesus.” In what way does fasting do that?

4. Review the ‘nuts & bolts’ instruction below which was shared in the sermon today. What stands out to you as particularly helpful? What else might you add, from your own experience?

   • Consider fasting for Lent: February 14 - March 31, 2024.

   • Choose a fast that is stretching but do-able.

   • Remember that fasting is not the same as repenting.

   • Don’t look gloomy.

5. Why does Jesus instruct us to “not look gloomy” when we fast? In what way does a gloomy fast betray its meaning and purpose?

6. Read Acts 13::1-3. Fasting “in secret” does not mean that we can’t fast together. Regularly in Scripture, communities share the experience of fasting and prayer. Consider if your group might want to enter the season of Lent together this year. You needn’t all fast the same way, but a community can help spur one another on during seasons of spiritual discipline. Discuss what a group fast might look like, but don’t put pressure on one another to do it. Performative fasting is what Jesus is protecting us from! Pray for one another.

   • The Good of Giving Up, by Aaron Damiani, is the book Robb quoted today. He’s still got copies! Let him know if you’d like one by emailing robb@vbcc.church. Or you can purchase your own copy here.

1. Can you think of a time when you had something you felt that you couldn’t keep contained? Share with the group. Bonus points if it’s an embarrassing story.

2. Read Matthew 6:5-8. How would you summarize what Jesus is teaching in these verses? What examples of hypocritical or empty prayer have you seen?

3. Read Matthew 6:1. How does our passage illustrate what Jesus is teaching in this verse?

4. Read Matthew 6:6. What alternative does Jesus give to hypocritical prayer? How does praying in the “secret place” guard us from hypocrisy?

5. Read Matthew 6:9-15. What alternative does Jesus give to empty prayer? How does the Lord’s Prayer instruct us in our own prayer?

6. What is one step you can take this week to move toward increasing humility, gratitude, and honesty in your prayers this week?

1. If you had to pick one word or phrase to describe your relationship with money, what would it be?

2. Read Matthew 6:2-4. Jesus begins his teaching with the word 'when,' not 'if.' Why do you think Jesus considers giving such a central discipline in the lives of his followers?

3. What would 'sounding a trumpet' look like practically in our modern context? Are there common ways people expect to be recognized for how they steward their money?

4. Why is it important to Jesus that we give in secret? 

5. Jesus says those who give in secret will be rewarded by their heavenly Father. In the sermon today, we discussed 4 kinds of reward (below). What has been your own experience with giving? Have you tasted any of these rewards? How did it affect your faith? 

1. Watching investments bear fruit

2. Freedom from financial slavery / idolatry

3. Storing up treasures in heaven

4. Intimacy with our heavenly Father

1. Think of a time you were confronted with gross hypocrisy. What happened and how did you respond? Why is this sin so vulgar to everyone, whether they are religious or not?

2. Read Matthew 6:1-6. What emotions arise in you when Jesus tells us that God ‘sees in secret’? Why do you think many people are uncomfortable with this idea? What does it that discomfort tell us about our assumptions when it comes to God?

3. Why does Jesus want our giving (v4) and praying (v6) to be in secret? In what way is this ‘secret righteousness’ different than they hypocrites he describes? How do we reconcile this teaching of Jesus with his own very public ministry of teaching, prayer, and deeds?

4. Compare and contrast the reward of hypocrites to the reward of those who serve in secret. How do you personally respond to the notion of seeking personal reward from God? What do you think that reward might be?

5. The most common word in Matthew 6 is Father. How does the Fatherhood of God affect our practice of righteousness, according to Jesus? Peruse all of Matthew 6 together and write down the words that describe the character and posture of our Heavenly Father toward his children. Spend time worshiping him together and resting in his love.

6. If you haven’t already, take some time this week to pray through the Serve! Card and ask Jesus where he might want you to serve for the next 4-6 months.

1. What is your favorite Christmas song? Share with one another in your group. Are any songs named by multiple people? What do our songs tell us about what we celebrate and treasure most in life?

2. Read Luke 2:36-38. What do we learn about Anna in these few verses? In what ways is she similar to the other women in Luke’s story (Mary & Elizabeth)? In what ways is she different?

3. Describe Anna’s posture toward God in v37. What are some unhealthy ways people often react to difficult circumstances? Why is Anna’s posture a positive example for us?

4. This Sunday, Robb said, “Surrender leads to seeing Jesus.” How did Anna’s posture of faith and surrender prepare the way for her to encounter Jesus? Obviously, we don’t see Jesus the same way she did. How does surrender lead to deeper intimacy with Jesus for believers today?

5. “Seeing Jesus leads to joy.” Read Psalms 16:11 and 63:3, Philippians 3:8, and Matthew 13:44. Do you believe Christians can experience joy even in the midst of sadness and trials? How does that work? What has been your own experience?

6. Read Luke 2:38 again. Why does Anna “speak of him to all”? What is the relationship between seeing Jesus and sharing him with others? What specific things can you do to practice surrendering, seeing, and sharing Jesus this week?

1. Everyone has experienced suffering at one time or another. Recount a painful experience from your past. How have your own experiences of suffering changed the way you view/ interact with others in their suffering?

2. Read Luke 1:5-7. Think of someone you know that reminds you of Zechariah and Elizabeth. Have you or someone you love struggled with infertility? On a scale of 1-10 (10 = greatest), how significant do you think this pain was in their lives?

3. Read Luke 1:11-13. Try to put yourself in Zechariah’s shoes. What do you see, smell, hear and feel? What emotions might you be feeling in this moment? Why does it matter that Zechariah’s “prayer has been heard”? Read Psalm 55:16-17 and Psalm 56:8. How does it affect you to know that God hears your prayers?

4. Read Luke 1:14-17. In light of Luke 1:5-7 and Malachi 4:5-6, what is the significance of this promise for the couple, and for the nation, respectively?

5. Read Luke 1:18-25. Luke sets Zechariah and Elizabeth in contrast to one another. What is the difference in their responses (hint: see v20 and v45)? In the case of these two people, how can we tell the difference between believing and not believing?

6. Read 2 Peter 1:4. Just like Zechariah and Elizabeth, we participate in God’s divine work by believing his promises. What hardship or difficulty are you facing right now, and what promise are you clinging to in the midst of it? Share with one another, and pray for one another. Rom 15:13  May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. 

1. In this week’s sermon, Pastor Houston talked about “One Things”, which are the main priorities in our lives (e.g., work, family, self-actualization). What is your One Thing?

2. Read Luke 1:46-55. What examples of God’s mercy do you see in this song, traditionally called “The Magnficat”?

3. Read 1 Samuel 1:10-11, 27-28. What parallels do you notice between Mary and Hannah? What do you think is the significance of these parallels?

4. Where do you see yourself in the Magnficat? Do you find your “spirit rejoicing in God your Savior”? Or are the “thoughts of your heart scattered”?

5. Read Luke 23:26-31. Why does Jesus tell the Daughters of Jerusalem not to mourn for him? How does he show them mercy in his death?

6. Recall the One Thing you mentioned at the start of our discussion. How is God calling you to surrender that thing to him?

1. How does God’s identity as our Good Shepherd help us better understand who we are as His sheep?

2. Read Psalm 100:5. How is God described? How are these truths to be fully relied upon?

3. What’s it like to be around someone who has a negative perspective on life? What’s it like being around someone who has an appreciation of it? Which side do you fall on more often?

4. How does life feel heavy to you these days? Read Ephesians 1:3-14. What is the Good News we need to hear?

5. Where are areas you have seen God work that has filled your heart with gratitude? Take time to express your thanksgivings to one another for His love and faithfulness.

6. Thanksgiving people are active. Read 1 Peter 4:10. Brainstorm ways you can give, bless, and serve others, especially as we enter the holiday season.

7. How does humility help us avoid drifting away from our Thanksgiving identity?

1. Can you think of a story from your own life when a second perspective was helpful for you? Share with the group. Why was the new perspective beneficial?

2. Read Ephesians 2:1-10. Identify truths in the text that correspond to the four plot points for the Gospel on the Ground (God, Man, Christ, Response). How does this lens help brin our relationship with God into focus?

3. Read Ephesians 2:11-22. Identify truths in the text that correspond to the four plot points for the Gospel in the Air (Creation, Fall, Redemption, Consummation). How does this 2nd lens help shape our sense of mission?

4. Examine your own life. Do you have a tendency to view your faith through one of these lenses more than the other? How do these two lenses work together to bring about a fuller sense of Jesus’ person and work?

5. Dr Robertson McQuilkin, former president of Columbia International University, said, “It is easier to go to a consistent extreme than to stay at the center of biblical tension.” What does it mean to stay at the center of biblical tension? How can we help one another to do it?

6. How has this series helped you to know Jesus more? Pray for one another, our church family, and our city to know Jesus and see him more clearly!

1. Review the “Gospel in the Air” together as a group. What does each of the 4 plot points mean?

   • Creation

   • Fall

   • Redemption

   • Consummation

2. What kind of emotional response do you have when conversation turns to eschatology (end times theology)? Do you love it? Do you shy away from it? Why?

3. Skim Genesis 8-9. In the sermon this morning, Robb mentioned the narrative motion of Creation (Gen 1), De-creation (Gen 7) and Re-creation (Gen 8-9). What echoes from the Genesis 1 creation account do you find in this story? Why does it matter that life continued after the ‘end of the world’ in Genesis 7?

4. Explore the three images of Jesus’ consummation that were discussed in the sermon this morning. What is the significance of each? Which one is most important to you in this season of you life?

   • HEAVEN & EARTH (Gen 1:1, Rev 21:1)

   • TREE OF LIFE (Gen 3:22, Rev 22:1-3)

   • MARRIAGE (Gen 2:24, Rev 21:2)

5. Read Matthew 24:37-42. In what ways will Jesus’ second coming be like the days of Noah? According to this passage, what are we to do since we do not know when he is coming? What about Jesus’ instruction is most challenging for you personally? Spend time praying for one another to ‘stay awake’ and faithful to Jesus.

1. Consider one of the most important decisions you’ve ever had to make. As you look back on that decision now, do you think you decided well? Why or why not?

2. Genesis is organized around 10 “Toledot ,“ passages that begin, “These are the generations of . . .” (2:4; 5:1; 6:9; 10:1; 11:10, 27; 25:19; 36:1; 37:2). It is very concerned with tracing the genealogies, the offspring of Adam and Eve down through history. Look back at Genesis 3:15. Why do you think there is such a concern with genealogies that trace human offspring in the book of Genesis?

3. This morning, Pastor Robb said the toledot are “a thread of YES in a world of NO.” Contrast the genealogies of Cain (Gen. 4:17–24 - this genealogy is NOT one of the ten toledot) and of Seth (5:3–5:32). What differences do you see between them? In a genealogy, the seventh and tenth generation are often significant. What do you notice about the seventh generation in each line (include Adam as the first generation)?

4. In Genesis 10, we see the table of nations, as the descendants from Noah spread throughout the earth. After chapter 10 the focus is on the Semites (11:10 ff), from whom the chosen people of Israel come. But if the focus is on the line of Shem, why might Genesis 10 include accounts of all these other nations? Consider 12:1–3 as you answer.

5. This morning, Pastor Robb shared the following verses that illustrate the continuity of the “Big Story” from Genesis to Revelation. Review the passages together. What are the contours of this biblical metanarrative?

   1. Genesis 1:27-28

   2. Genesis 3:15

   3. Genesis 12:2-3, 15:5

   4. 1 Samuel 17:45-46

   5. Psalm 67:1-3

   6. Habakkuk 2:14

   7. Luke 2:10

   8. Matthew 28:18

   9. Revelation 7:9-12

6. God changes the world one YES at a time. If time permits, watch the video below of Dick Roe and the Isnag people. What keeps us from offering our YES to God? What area of your life is most challenging to surrender right now? Pray for one another.

1. How do you fight discouragement in your spiritual life? Are there particular scriptures, practices, or people that have helped you in the past? Share with the group.

2. Read Genesis 3:1-6. What do we learn about the serpent in these verses? How does the information given in Revelation 12:7-9 reinforce the character of the serpent in Genesis 3?

3. What does the presence of the serpent in Gen 3 tell us about the nature of our human struggle? (See John 10:10 and Ephesians 6:12 for help)

4. Read Genesis 3:7-19. How is the fallout of sin depicted in the story? See if you can identify where breakdowns occur:

   1. Between God and humanity

   2. Between Husband and Wife

   3. Between humanity and the rest of creation

5. Why is it important that we understand sin to be the primary agent of destruction in the world? What might be the alternatives in other worldviews?

6. Read Genesis 3:15 & Ephesians 1:3-6. How does God take the initiative to provide a solution to the problem of sin? How does God’s initiative affect our sense of hope in the here and now (Romans 8:22-25)?

7. Does it really matter that our struggle is eternal? Name one way in which this ‘cosmic context’ for the human struggle informs your own life where you live day to day. Spend some time praying for one another.

1. Culture Shock is the experience of disorientation or confusion from being outside of familiar surroundings. Have you ever experienced culture shock from travelling, or a change in life circumstances? Share with the group.

2. Read Genesis 1-2. As you read these two creation accounts (1:1-2:4 & 2:5ff), what is similar between the two? What is different?

3. Why does the LORD prohibit the man from eating from the tree (2:16-17; cf. Pr. 16:25)?

4. We see the LORD provide a helper for the man in the form of a wife (2:18-25). Who has he brought into your life to serve as a helper?

5. Read Genesis 2:24-25 and Revelation 21:2-4. Why do you think the Bible begins and ends with a wedding? How does marriage point to Jesus and his role in that story (cf. Eph. 5:21-33)?

6. What is one thing you can do this week to see God’s design in creation and to join with him in your work?

1)    Briefly describe how you have experienced God taking the initiative both in your life and the world in general.

2)    When God gives mankind agency, how does this not take away from His sovereignty? What is the comfort in this?

3)    Parents understand the importance of boundaries for their children. What might be parallels between parenting and God giving mankind limits/boundaries?

4)    “The core sin under every sin is unbelief- the refusal to rest in the promises, assurances, and truths of the gospel.” – Robert Thune. How does this quote relate to our main question: Will I live a life of faith or the faithless life?

5)    “Whatever we desire is a good gift from God.” Do you agree with this statement? Why or why not?

6)    God does not force Cain’s obedience. Instead, He calls him to “do well” and to rule over sin. When Cain chose otherwise, there were consequences, but there was also God’s continued grace. How can this pattern be applied in your life?

7)    Read Genesis 6:5-6. What is revealed about the heart of God?

8)    Read Hebrews 11:1-7. Why is faith needed in order to please God?

9)    Read Romans 7:15-20. If we are all a mix of good and bad decisions, how is faith to inform our actions?

10) “Being a man or woman of faith is a commitment from the heart, spoken, and seen in our life.” How can you affirm this in each other and encourage one another to continue in this in light of the situations you face?

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.