Torn Apart by Sin

Torn Apart by Sin Discussion Guide 12-30-2012 Text: 1 King 12:21-22 21 Now when Rehoboam had come to Jerusalem, he assembled all the house of Judah and the tribe of Benjamin, 180,000 chosen men who were warriors, to fight against the house of Israel to restore the kingdom to Rehoboam the son of Solomon. The Kingdom of God was split by two aspiring sons of Solomon. Both had knowledge of God and His Kingdom, after all they lived in the shadows of Solomon and his father David. Just because you know what is right does not mean that you are going to do what is right. Both of these men sinned greater than all others before them. Discussion Questions 1. What affect does the previous generation have on the current generation? 2. What would be the benefit of having Solomon and David as you Father and Grandfather? 3. What tore apart the kingdom of God during this time period? 4. What were the sins of Solomon's sons? 5. What is willful disobedience? 6. What was the cost of willful disobedience in the lives of Solomon's sons? 7. What should make our lives different today? 8. What makes Jesus different than idols and Gods? 9. What is true freedom? 10. What is a major paradox for today's church? 11. What is God's response to willful disobedience? 12 . What should our response be to sin? 1 Kings 12:28 1 Kings 13:33-34 1 Kings 14:10-12 Hebrews 4:15 Is. 53:5 Matthew 26:59-60 Matthew 27:27 Matthew 27:41 Matthew 27:57 Matthew 28:6 John 8:32 John 8:36-37 Romans 7:24-25 Romans 7:14-20 Hebrews 10:26

Sermon Discussion Guide 12-16-2012 The god of Adam Lanz Context: The children of Sandy Hook and our nation were unaware last Friday that evil of the worst kind would show up on their campus. Evil came in with guns drawn and blazing. Today's sermon will look to God for reconciliation in the midst of tragedy. Text: Ecclesiastes 3:1 - There is a time for every event under the sun. Psalm 22 -- My God, My God why have you forsake me! Psalm 23 -- The Lord is my Shepherd! Discussion Questions 1. Why do bad things happen? Ecc 3:1 (Mark Donaldson) 2. How do I reconcile the bad things that happen? (Psalm 22) 3. Who do I follow in the midst of Crisis? (Psalm 23) 4. What kind of world did God create? 5. What changes happened in the world because of Satan? 6. What does the world look after Jesus intervened? 7. How do I come back to Jesus after the anger fades away? ___________ my grief…. Matt. 5:4 ___________from others … Galatians 6:2 ___________what’s important… Lk 12:15 ___________ on Christ…. Lk 12:15

A Real Wise Guy

A Real Wise Guy! Discussion Guide 12-16-2012 Text: 1 Kings 3:9 So give Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people to discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?" Summary Solomon is David's favored son who becomes the next king in Jerusalem. Solomon asks for wisdom above all the other things he could ask for and this pleases God. God gives him wealth and honor, plus the wisdom he asked for. Ultimately the world calls to Solomon and he goes the way of the world. Discussion Questions 1. What would you ask for if you could have anything you wanted? 2. What was God's response to Solomon's request? 3. What were Solomon's gifts from God? 4. What were the resources that Solomon needed to build the temple? 5. What request did Solomon make in His dedication prayer for the temple? 6. What warning did God give him concerning his focus on ruling his kingdom? 7. What lead to Solomon's downfall? Scripture 1 Kings 3:10 1Kings 4:20-28 1 Kings 4:29-34 1 Kings 5:5-6 1Kings 5:13-6:1 1 Kings 6:11-13 1 Kings 8:56 1 Kings 9:6 1 Kings 11:1-3 1 Kings 11:7 Ecc. 3:1-11

The Products of Sin

The Products of Sin Discussion Guide 12-02-2012 Text: The Products of Sin Psalm 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God! Summary David the good actor of the first part of his life story, hiccups as he gets older. In the season of war, he stays home with the older men and with the women of Jerusalem. David, sees something he wants and acts on it. The heart for God turned into a heart of man for a time. David show us how easy it is to get off track spiritually and how you live with the consequences forever. Discussion Questions 1. What would it take for sin to creep into your life? (your marriage, etc.) 2. What role does idleness play in sin? 3. Why is the cover-up worse than the original sin? 4. What are the products of the sins of David? 5. Who should intervene when sin is noted in someone's life? (not Buddy all the time) 6. What are some responses to intervention? Scripture 2 Sa 11:2-4 2 Sa 11:6-9 2 Sa 11:12-13 2 Sa 11:14-17 2 Sa 12:1-4 2 Sa 12:5-6 2 Sa 12:7-13 2 Sa 12:13-15 2 Sa 12:15-18 2 Sa 15:13-17 2 Sa 13:11-14 2 Sa 13:28-29 2 Sa 15:3-6 2 Sa 16:20-23 1 Ch 22:8-9

Rejecting God

God ReignsDiscussion Guide11-18-2012Text: Rejecting the King !1 Sa 8:7for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me from being king over them Summary Sometimes you have to give people what they ask for, even though it may be bad for them. That is what our God does for us, because He loves us. He lets us choose what we want to do. After choosing we get to suffer the consequences of our bad decisions and enjoy the fruit of our good decisions. God gave the people, the king, they wanted to rule over them. God warned them that it was not a good idea, because the king would eventually not look out for their best interest. After all God is the King of the world and reigns over all of the world to our benefit.Discussion Questions1. What was Hannah's issue that caused her to be depressed?2. How did God respond to her fervent request at Shiloh? 3. What did Hannah do when she had this child after the prayer?4. What are some reasons God's people want a king?5. What information and warnings does God give to them concerning a King?6. Why does God allow them to have the King?7. What are God's expectations of them?8. What kind of Judge is God?9. Why can we say boldly that our God reigns?Scripture1 Sa 1:15-18 1 Sa 1:19-20 1 Sa 8:6-81 Sa 10:18-19 1 Sa 8:11-18 1 Sa 9:16-181 Sa 10:1-2 1 Sa 10:23-24 1 Sa 12:13-171 Sa 15:2-3 1 Sa 15:8-10 1 Sa 15:11-23

A Foreign Faith

A Foreign Faith Discussion Guide 11-11-2012 Text: Ruth 1:16,17 16 But Ruth said, "Do not urge me to leave you or turn back from following you; for where you go, I will go, and where you lodge, I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God, my God. 17 "Where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. Thus may the Lord do to me, and worse, if anything but death parts you and me. Summary The Faith that Ruth has far surpasses the trusting of God that most of us have today. At a low ebb in her life she determines to live out the agreement she had made when she married her husband, despite her mother-in -law releasing her from her vows. Ruth demonstrates to us what God's devotion looks like. Boaz the son of Rahab demonstrates redemption and kindness. This small book is packed with many great lessons. Discussion Questions 1. What are the three great stories we see in the book of Ruth? 2. What are the losses experienced by these characters? 3. What are the components of Godly devotion? 4. Describe Naomi's perspective when she comes back to Bethlehem. 5. What is a kinsman redeemer? 6. What part of the past could help Boaz with his compassion for outsiders 7. How does God reward Ruth for her faithfulness? Scripture • Ruth1 - 4

Special Delivery

Special Delivery Discussion Guide 11-4-2012 Text: Judges 3:9 Judges 3:9 9 When the sons of Israel cried to the Lord, the Lord raised up a deliverer for the sons of Israel to deliver them, Summary Joshua passes away and new leadership assumes power. After all of Joshua's generation pass the need for Torah is no longer seen as necessary. The younger generations live the life that they want to live without the encumbrances of YHWH. However what they find is that life without God is full of oppression and peril. God's people cry out and God Delivers! Discussion Questions 1. What is of prime importance that God's follower's do with their children? 2. What are some ways the generations after Joshua hurt their relationship with God? 3. What is God's response to His people's disobedience 4. What happens to people who become unequally yoked in marriage? 5. What are the components of the sin cycle? 6. What types of people does God use to rescue His people? Scripture • Judges 2:10 Judges 3:5-6 Judges 13-16 • Judges 2:11 Judges 4-5 • Judges 2:14-15 Judges 6-7

The Battle Begins Discussion Guide 10-28-2012 Text: Jos 6:2-3 The Battle Begins Jos 6:2-3 2 The Lord said to Joshua, "See, I have given Jericho into your hand, with its king and the valiant warriors. NASU Summary Forty years of wandering comes to an end. Moses dies an Joshua son of nun takes the lead. God demonstrates that His way is different and that He requires obedience. Joshua has two missions, reign in God's people to His word and conquer the Land that God has promised Discussion Questions 1. How many soldiers remain from the previous army forty years ago. 2. What does God tell Joshua several times as He prepares Him to march into the promised land? 3. What are 3 things need to be successful in God's kingdom? 4. What is the unlikely place that The Story of Jesus goes through, that is the beginning of the move into the promised land? 5. What does Joshua tell His people before they enter battle with the people of Cannan? 6. What are the two reasons for taking the promised land? Scripture • Joshua 1:6-9 Jos 11:1-5 Jos 6:1-5 • Joshua 2:1-3 Jos 8:1-2 • Jos 10:25 Jos 3:15-17

Country Ten Commandments

Country Folks Ten Commandments One God only ya'll No Idols Ya’ll don’t cuss anyone, anytime Go to Sunday meetin’and stay awhile Always Honor Ma and Pa Do not kill Cheatin' on your wife or someone else's is wrong Must Not Take others stuff Mustn’t Fib or Gossip Don’t get a Hankering for Friends Things

God's Top Ten

God's Top Ten Discussion Guide 10-14-2012 Text: Exodus 19:25 God's Top Ten Ex 19:25 So Moses went down to the people and told them Summary From the Beginning God has wanted to be close to His people. God requires holiness for us to have relationship with Him. Humans have historically been rebellious with God and have pushed God away from being close to them. Moses leads his people out of bondage, through the Red Sea as they head towards the land of milk and honey. God sets up His house with and makes provision for their sin temporarily. Discussion Questions 1. What are some ways God has worked to be a part of the lives of humans? 2. What do we call the rules that God has set up for us to abide by if we want to be with Him? 3. What relationships do the first 4 help us with? 4. What do the next 6 help us with? 5. Which individuals show us how sin is carried from on in each generation? 6. Wha t is the name for God's new home among them? 7. Where does God dwell today? 8. What is required to reconcile with God during this period? Scripture • Ex 19:23-25 Exodus 20:3-17 Ex 32:32-34 Lev 1:1-5 • 1 Co 3:16-17

"Move On"

Discussion Guide 10-7-2012 Text: Ex 3:16 I am indeed concerned about you and what has been done to you in Egypt. Summary Moses becomes the next character in God's Story. Again God, Chooses an unlikely candidate for His new leader. Moses was a murderer, fugitive, shepherd that lacks the ability to speak eloquently. God has determined it is time to leave Egypt and that Moses is the one to facilitate the withdrawal of the God's people from this foreign land that has enslaved them. God never forgets a promise Discussion Questions 1. Has your heart been tugged in such a way that thought it might time to move on? 2. What happens to nations that do not stay in touch with history? 3. What is the cause of the slavery in Egypt? 4. What is God's name and what does it mean? 5. Why is Moses an unlikely candidate? 6. What message did God have Moses and Aaron deliver to Pharaoh? 7. What was Pharaoh's response to Moses and Aaron concerning God? 8. What was the function of the plagues? 9. What other idols/gods were put down God's people made their way across the Red Sea Scripture Ex 1:8-22 Ge 15:13-15 Ex 3:2-6 Ex 4:1 Ex 5:1-2 Ex 7:2-5 Ex 8:18-19 Ex 10:7 Ex 12:31-32 Ex 12:35-36 Ex 14:5-31

God's use of The Plagues of Egypt

A Comparison of Joseph and Jesus

From Prison to the Palace

From Prison to the Palace

Discussion Guide

9-30-2012

Text:  Genesis 50:20

"As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good

Summary

The story of Joseph is an amazing story that begins with a boy who is His father's favorite and has the coat to prove.  Joseph is disliked by His older brothers, to the point of hate.  They conspire and throw him in a pit, then sale him to itinerant  merchants.  All of this leads to the nation building that we have been talking about.  The nation of God grows while off in Egypt from 100 to 2 million, allowing them to begin to be the nation God would have them be.

 Discussion Questions

1.       Why was Joseph the favored son of Israel?

2.       Why did his brothers hate him?

3.       Which brother tried to spare his life

4.       How well did Joseph's dreams pan out? (his dream interpretations?

5.       Why would Joseph forgive his brothers?

6.       What caused the perfect storm at Potiphar's house?

7.       How well can you see the hand of God working throughout this story?

8.       Have you ever had anything bad happen to you?

Scripture

            Ge 37:3-8                                Ge 45:3-10

            Ge 37:18-24                            Ge 50:18-21                           

            Ge 37:32-34               

            Gen 39-41

            Ge 42:1-5

The Offering of Isaac points to the Crucifixion of Jesus

Here is the chart from Sunday's Lesson! The link below will take you to the website of origin.

The Offering of Isaac points to the Crucifixion of Jesus
Type (Model)	Antitype (Fulfillment)
Abraham offered his only son (Gen. 22:2, 12).	God offered his only Son (John 3:16).
Isaac carried the wood for the sacrifice (Gen. 22:5).	Jesus carried the cross for the sacrifice (John 19:17).
Isaac cried out to his father (Gen. 22:7).	Jesus cried out to His Father (Mtt. 27:46; Mark 15:34).
Isaac escaped death after three days (Gen. 22:4).	Jesus rose from the dead on the third day (Mtt. 16:21; Mark 16:2-4; Luke 9:22).
Abraham indicated God will provide a lamb for the sacrifice (Gen. 22:8).	God provided Jesus as The Lamb for the sacrifice (Isa. 53:7; John 1:29, 36; Rev. 5:6+; 7:17+).
God provided a ram, a male sheep, as a substitutionary sacrifice (Gen. 22:13).	God provided a male, Jesus, as a substitutionary sacrifice.
The ram was caught by its horns (head) in a thicket (thorns) (Gen. 22:13).	Jesus wore a crown of thorns on his head (Mtt. 27:29), a symbol of the sin He bore (Gen. 3:18).
Sacrifice offered at specific location on Mount Moriah (Gen. 22:2, 9).	For hundreds of years, sacrifices would be offered from the same spot inside Solomon’s Temple and the Second Temple (2Chr. 3:1). When Jesus is crucified outside the citywalls on the same mountain, the veil within the Temple is rent in two (Mark 15:38).
The ram was God’s provision (Gen. 22:13-14).	Abraham prophetically named the place pointing to the crucifixion where God made the ultimate provision: the sacrifice of His Son for sin (Heb. 9:26-28).

http://www.spiritandtruth.org/teaching/Book_of_Revelation/commentary/htm/04160301.htm

Father Abraham

Father Abraham

Discussion Guide

9-23-2012

Text:  Genesis 12:4

4. So Abram went forth as the Lord had spoken to him;

Summary

Today's lesson continues to astonish us concerning how God works versus how we work as humans.

God's plan for man's salvation continues to roll forward, mankind just needs to hang on for the ride!

 Discussion Questions

1.  Where does the story begin? What is this area known for?

2.  What makes the man and woman unlikely candidates for the position of parents of a great nation?

3.  What impedes God's start of nation building?

4.  How important is attitude in your relationship with God?

5. What happened at Sodom and Gomorrah?

6. Name several ways Abraham demonstrated obedience?

7. What happens when our dreams surpass God in importance?

8.  What are ways the Sacrifice of Isaac point to Jesus Crucifixion?

9.  What were differences between Jacob and Esau?

10. Name some of Jacob's struggles  What does Israel mean?                   

Scripture

Ge 11:31-32                Ge 12:4-6                    Ge 19:27-28                Ge 27:41-42

Ge 12:1-3                    Ge 18:2-4                    Ge 21:2-6

Ge 12:4-6                    Ge 18:9-13                  Ge 27:18

Bang!

Bang!

Discussion Guide

9-16-2012

Text:  Ge 1:1

1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

Summary

Today we start a  31 week series on the Bible. Remember to re-enforce that "The Story"  book is not a Bible Replacement.  It a tool designed to help us understand the bible better. Today we are going to glance at the first nine chapters of Genesis.  God created the world and everything in it.  He gave man everything he needed and the ability to make choices.  Man struck out,  by making bad choices from the beginning.

Discussion Questions

1.  What kind of action by God set everything into motion?

2.  What is the difference between the first three days of creation and the second three days of          creation?

3. What is God's crowning achievement in the creation story?

4.  What are two things that show God's love for mankind?

5.  Describe the two trees of prominence in the Garden.

6.  Do you think it is unusual that Adam and Eve choose to "see things like  God"?

7.  Why did God destroy the world and start over?

8.  Despite being a do-over what came off of the ark with Noah and his family?

Scripture

Gen 1:1                        Gen 6:5-6                    Gen 8:1-2

Gen 2:9                        Gen 6:9-10                  Gen 9:20-23

Gen. 2:17                     Gen 6:13-14

God's Great Passion Is To Be With YOU!

Chapter 1 The Story

Some movies start at warp speed.  Case in point: Star Trek.  From the opening scene to the end it barely lets you breathe.  If you slip out for popcorn you were sure to miss something important.  And yet, people did. 

This disturbs me greatly since I believe that you buy the food and then you stayed glued to the seat.  I think the way to maximize the movie-going experience is to be in your seat at least 20 minutes early.  Have you ever done that?  Then next time you go to a movie look around and spot the person that is in the prime seat — dead middle, eye level with the center of the screen.  That’s what 20 minutes early gets you. The perfect seat and the prime experience.   Popcorn and drink in hand, nothing except for an earthquake could move this person from their secured spot.

That’s where you need to be for God’s story.  Its opening scene also starts with a relentless pace that doesn’t let up.  The first line reads, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). 

Right off the bat we find the main character in the story is not you or me.  It’s God.  And the rest of The Story will unfold out of the nature and person of this character.  Just ten words in and there is enough action to leave you breathless. 

It doesn’t take long to find out what God’s great passion is.  Birds?  Nope.  Animals?  Not quite. Sun, moon or stars? Bright guess.  No, in Genesis 3:8 we find that God is walking in the Garden with Adam and Eve in the “cool of the day.” 

Sounds nice if you are in a hot, dry desert climate, doesn’t it?  And yet the “cool of the day” is not the focus.  God is, and he is near.  He is right with Adam and Eve.  And he is right here with us.  His simple vision for his creation was to spend time with them every day, to take a walk with them.  God’s supreme passion is to be with us.  

Some of you have lived your life with the idea that God is some angry cosmic kill-joy who sits in the heavens and watches you, waiting for you to make a mistake so he can zap you.  Or, you feel he is distant and doesn’t care or has simply forgotten you.

But from the beginning he has shown us this is not the case.  He wants to be with you.  He has not forgotten you.   In fact, this might be the perfect time for you to go for a walk.

*Thanks to Rick Brown for sharing these articles concerning the story. We are adapting his articles to help us in our study of the Bible as we journey through the story. Look for a new article each week.  Rick was one of the co-authors of the book, "Me Addiction," along with Jer and Glenn Villanueva.

The Story Is Not Over!

The Story Is Not Over!

Discussion Guide

9-09-2012

Text: Joshua 24:15

Jos 24:15

 "If it is disagreeable in your sight to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served which were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."

Summary

Its finally here. We hand  out books today  and start the journey.  This in many ways is commitment Sunday.  Is it possible for us to commit to reading the book and pursue God as we have talked about.  Today we will talk about God's pursuit of us  and our corresponding decision to that pursuit.

Discussion Questions

1.  What are some facts that set the Holy Bible apart from any other literary publication?

2.  What are the two perspectives that the bible is written in?

3.  What is the difference between the two?

4.  What is God's story about?

5.  What are some events that demonstrate God's pursuit of us?

6.  How important are "you" to God?

7.  How does Luke's gospel demonstrate the story is not over?

8.  What is your level of commitment?

Scripture

Luke 24:15-31                                     2 Timothy 3:16                                   Joshua 23 and 24                               

                       

            

Answer for worries, fears and anxieties. # 6

These have to be handled appropriately or we begin to gossip.  Sometimes our worries are blown out of proportion and others are hit in the crossfire.  We have to follow biblical precedence or there is collateral damage. We must consider everyone when we become worried and go to the source of stress first.

"The Story" Frequently Asked Questions

There have been a lot of questions concerning "The Story" and we do not anyone to be uninformed.  These are the questions we have heard from individuals and some questions we had as we were considering this material.

Please contact me if you have thoughts or concerns.  This maybe one of our greatest outreach tools that we have come across in years.  Contact by text or phone.Please attach your name if texting.  I will answer every question that is sent to me.

Buddy Gray

Preaching Minister

Davis Park Church of Christ

209-380-3851

What exactly is The Story and why are we doing it at Davis Park Church of Christ?

The Story is a book that condenses the Bible into 31 accessible chapters. Although it is not the Bible in its entirety, The Story is a tool that uses thoughtfully chosen and carefully excerpted portions of Scripture. The Story also includes written transitions and reads like a novel that begins in Genesis and ends in Revelation, covering the Bible chronologically.

The idea is that after reading The Story together as a church we will all have experienced the Bible in a brand new way. Hopefully you will be glued to every page, wrapped up in the lives of the characters, want- ing to know more about the Author of this incredibly intense, heart-warming, life-changing true story.

For Davis Park, 2012/2013  promises to be an incredible year as we all immerse ourselves in the words on the pages of the Bible. We expect God to move in big ways in the lives of our church family as our faith grows stronger and deeper through inviting His words of redemption and hope into our lives.

Are we using The Story instead of the Bible this year?

The book The Story is not meant to replace the Bible. It is simply a tool to help us experience the Bible better. As always, the Bible will be our ultimate guide and the final authority in our lives.

Why should I have a copy of The Story when I already have a Bible? 

The Story includes written transitions, timelines, discussion questions, and other valuable resources that we will be using all year long. We strongly recommend that everyone have a personal copy of The Story. You won’t be disappointed. The Story presents the Bible in a very easy-to-read format that we will be referencing all year long at Southeast. In addition to reading the book, you will most likely use it as a workbook, writing all sorts of notes and thoughts in the margin and highlighting what sticks out to you.

Do I need to bring both The Story and my Bible to church with me?

We suggest that you do. We will be referencing both throughout the service. We will be asking you to use it as a workbook during the messages, suggesting you make notes in the margins and underline/highlight sections along the way. In addition, your children in third grade through high school will also want to bring both with them.

Where can I get a copy of The Story? Do my children need a copy?

We will be distributing one copy of The Story to each adult and student (3rd grade thru high school) free of cost. We will also be distributing  copies of The Story for Little Ones (preschool age), for Children (K-2nd grade). We recommend that children in third grade through high school have a personal copy of the edition for their age group. It is at the parents’ discretion whether or not the younger children have a copy. Additional copies will be available to buy once initial distribution is over, if you choose to gift them to others.

Should I read a chapter of The Story before I come to church each Sunday?

Yes. We will Start on Sunday morning Sept. 16 You will know in advance which chapters we will be covering when. It will be of great benefit to you to read the chapter before coming each Sunday.

Is there a reading schedule I can follow?

Yes. We will release the reading schedule in sections throughout the year as we release sermon titles.

When are we beginning The Story?

We will begin distributing books on Sunday, September 9th. You will not need to read anything for this weekend. However, you will want to read chapter one for September 16th as we begin our journey.

Is the entire church really studying the same thing this year?

Yes. From young to old, we will all be studying the same chapters of The Story every week. We want to be threaded together as a church family this year by studying the same parts of the Bible at the same time. So you can go to the coffee shop and have a conversation with your friends in a different Small Group than you and the stories will be reinforced. You can go home and have a conversation with your teenager or your third grader and the stories will be reinforced. Do you see the benefit? God’s Word will be so ingrained in us that it really does become living and breathing to us.

If I have children of different ages, why is it that they may be learning different Bible stories than my other children from week to week if we’re supposed to be studying the same thing?

Each chapter  in The Story covers a large time span and often many people’s lives. For example, chapter one covers creation to the flood. Your preschoolers will learn about creation in Bible class. Your elementary-age children will focus on creation in worship, Noah and the flood in K-3rd grade Bible study, and the fall and God’s plan in 4th-6th grade Bible study. The curriculum  has been thoughtfully planned out to be age appro- priate.

If I hear the message during worship, what would be the benefit of also

discussing the same topic in my Bible Class and Small Group?

You might be thinking that studying the same chapter of a book in every area of the church may get re- dundant. We promise you, though, it won’t. There is so much meat packed in every chapter that we hope when you come to Sunday services you will get one perspective, your Small Group another perspective, your Women’s Group another, your Bible Class another, etc. Through these different perspectives the Word will just continue to deepen inside of us. You will still greatly benefit from attending Sunday services and a weekly group study during this time.

What are some ways I can incorporate The Story into my home life?

Read the weekly devotions on our website & facebook. Read the chapters. Maybe go back and read the text in the Bible. Reflect on how to apply the lessons we’re learning. If you have younger children, read their storybooks with them. If you have older children, encourage them to read on their own. Ask them what they learned this weekend, and try to have a deep conversation with them that includes more than just one-word answers. Go over their memory verses. Just make The Story a part of your everyday conversations with your family.