1. Have you ever aspired to achieve something and failed? What did it feel like to go through that process? How did it affect your aspirations afterward?

2. Read Acts 2:1-11. What is the role of the Diaspora (Jews living outside Israel) in this first great movement of the Spirit?

3. Briefly review the blessings and curses of Deuteronomy 28:1-25. In the sermon today, we noted that the word translated ‘horror’ in v25 is the first occurrence of diaspora in the Greek Old Testament. What is the significance of this ‘origin story’ for the diaspora?

4. Read the prophetic verses below. How are these promises to the diaspora fulfilled in the Spirit’s arrival at Pentecost? What do these verses illustrate about the heart of God toward us?
   Psalm 147:2 The LORD builds up Jerusalem; he gathers the outcasts [diaspora] of Israel.
   Isaiah 49:6 “It is too light a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to bring back the preserved [diaspora] of Israel; I will make you as a light for the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth."

5. An awareness of spiritual failure often keeps people from taking steps forward in their spiritual walks. What would you say to someone who confided in you something like, “I have been a pretty lousy Christian; I don’t think I should be the one to talk to my kids about spiritual things.” Or, “I can’t even maintain a regular prayer life for myself; how could I mentor a younger Christian?”

1. Can you remember a time when a spiritual leader you trusted was exposed for some hidden sin? How does it affect people when the integrity of Christians (or of the church as a whole) is broken? How has it affected you personally?

2. Read Acts 1:15-20. If you knew nothing of Judas other than these verses, what would you know? Peter quotes two psalms which pray curses on God’s enemies (Ps 69:25 & 109:8). What emotions are aroused as you think about Judas from these verses?

3. Read John 21:15-17. Judas and Peter both experienced great spiritual failures before Jesus’ crucifixion. How does the aftermath of Peter’s sin differ from the aftermath of Judas’ sin? What do these two disciples’ paths teach us about how to handle our own sin and spiritual failures?

4. Read Acts 1:21-23. Who were the two men chosen as potential replacements for Judas? What requirements did they need to meet in order to restore the integrity of the apostolic office?

5. Read Acts 1:24-26. How does this prayer’s opening claim relate to the request they make of the Lord? Casting lots to make decisions was commonplace, occurring around 80 times in the Bible. However, this is the last time it occurs in scripture. Why might that be?

6. Spend time in prayer. Confess sin to Jesus and one another in the safety of your group. Commit to repentance (turning away from sin) and ask the Lord to restore what has been broken. Then rejoice in the hope of the Gospel:  If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  (1Jn 1:9)

1. Share a memory from a time you shared your faith with someone. What was the experience like? What emotions did you feel? What did you say and how did the person respond?

2. Read Acts 1:1-8. What prompts the disciples’ question in v6? What does Jesus’ response tell us about what he thought was important (vs what the disciples thought was important)?

3. What is the TASK given to the disciples in Acts 1:8? What does it mean to be a witness? What might keep believers from being about this task in their daily lives?

4. What is the SCOPE of the task in Acts 1:8? How do we participate in both the local and global aspects of this work at VBCC?

5. What PROMISE accompanies this task (see also v4)? Why is the presence of the Holy Spirit critical to the accomplishment of the task?

6. Read Acts 1:9-11. How does the promised return of Jesus inform the mandate of Acts 1:8? What steps can we take this week to live in light of Jesus’ words and Jesus’ sure return?

1. What is in your heart for 2026? Share a resolution, aspiration, or simply a desire for the new year.

2. Read Acts 1:6-11. Place yourself in the shoes of these disciples. What do you see, hear, and feel at the ascension? What emotions are you experiencing during and afterward? What might you say to one another?

3. Read Acts 1:12-14. Jesus chooses to launch the church with 10 days of prayer. Why is it important to “pray first”, before jumping into other ministry activities?

4. Verse 14 says that they were “devoting themselves,” indicating a commitment to perseverance and diligence. In your experience, is it easy or difficult to persevere in prayer? Why? What helps you pray consistently, and how can you help one another?

5. The disciples stayed in a posture of prayer for 10 days because they were waiting expectantly for the promised Holy Spirit. What promises inform your prayers? Would you say that you pray expectantly? Why or why not?

6. Return to the things you shared at the beginning of the discussion (question 1). Pray for one another and commit the year to the Lord.

Commit your way to the Lord; 

trust in him and he will do this. 

Psalm 37:5

I. Consecration of the Soul

• Surrender: Offer yourself and your plans to God; seek His kingdom first. Meditate on Christ’s righteousness and kingdom, his heart and character. Worship him & rejoice..

• Matthew 6:33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

• Repentance: Ask the Lord to search your heart. Confess your sins and ask his forgiveness. Commit to him afresh.

• Psalm 51:10 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

• Spiritual Growth: Pray for an increased alignment with God’s nature and will; and for fruitfulness.

• 2 Peter 3:18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

• Discernment: Ask for the ability to distinguish God’s voice in a noisy world.

• Romans 12:2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.

II. Family and Household

• Unity: Pray for a spirit of harmony and selfless love within your home. Pray especially for your spouse or closest loved one.

• Colossians 3:14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

• Protection: Ask for God’s protection over your dwelling and your loved ones.

• Psalm 91:11 For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.

• Legacy: Pray that your children and future generations will remain rooted in faith.

• Isaiah 54:13 All your children will be taught by the Lord, and great will be their peace.

• Hospitality: Consecrate your home as a place of refuge and blessing for others.

• Hebrews 13:2 Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers.

III. Vocational and Financial Stewardship

• Excellence: Pray for a heart that works diligently as an act of worship.

• Colossians 3:23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.

• Wisdom: Ask for divine insight regarding investments, spending, and generosity.

• James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault...

• Provision: Trust in God’s promise to provide for your daily needs.

• Philippians 4:19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

• Integrity: Pray to be a light of honesty and fairness in your professional dealings.

• Proverbs 11:3 The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.

IV. Relational Networks and Community

• Friendships: Pray for godly friends who encourage your walk with Christ.

• Proverbs 27:17 As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.

• The Lost: Ask for boldness to share your hope with those who don't know Jesus.

• 1 Peter 3:15 Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.

• Forgiveness: Pray for the strength to release any bitterness toward others.

• Ephesians 4:32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

• VBCC: Pray for the health and mission of VBCC, for her pastors, elders, deacons, staff and lay leaders. 

• Hebrews 10:24-25 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds...

V. Physical and Mental Wellness

• Peace: Ask God to silence anxiety and guard your mind with His peace.

• Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything... And the peace of God... will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

• Physical Strength: Pray for health and the discipline to care for your physical body.

• 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit... therefore honor God with your bodies.

• Rest: Commit to the rhythm of rest that God has ordained for His people.

• Matthew 11:28 Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

• Mental Clarity: Pray for a sound mind and the ability to focus on what is true and good.

• 2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

VI. City, State, Nation, and World

• Virginia Beach: Pray for the flourishing of our city, wisdom for our city leaders, and for VBCC to be a blessing.

• Jeremiah 29:7 Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you... Pray to the Lord for it.

• Commonwealth of Virginia: Pray for the incoming government officials, and that the Gospel would move powerfully throughout the commonwealth. .

• 1 Timothy 2:1-2 I urge... that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for... all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives.

• The United States: Pray for national repentance, unity across divides, and for those in positions of high authority.

• Psalm 33:12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people he chose for his inheritance.

• The World: Intercede for the global persecuted church and for the Gospel to reach every tribe and tongue.

• Acts 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. 

Friday January 9 Prayer & Fasting Day

• 1-4pm - Open sanctuary for personal prayer. Please come for a time of individual prayer, or come with family and friends to pray together. 

• 7pm - Night of Prayer Event. Please join us for a time of guided, corporate prayer! 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Find the missing piece!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Click here for a digital copy of the VBCC Advent Devotional

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

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

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

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

   -Isaac goes outside to Gerar (Gen 26)

   -Jacob goes outside to Haran (Gen 29)

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

   -Israelites die outside in the wilderness (Numbers 14)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

   1. Summarize the chapter in a single sentence.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FOR YOU FURTHER ENRICHMENT

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

   Thou hast brought me to the valley of vision,

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

   hemmed in by mountains of sin I behold Thy glory. 

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

   that to be low is to be high,

   that the broken heart is the healed heart,

   that the contrite spirit is the rejoicing spirit,

   that the repenting soul is the victorious soul, 

   that to have nothing is to possess all,

   that to bear the cross is to wear the crown,

   that to give is to receive,

   that the valley is the place of vision.

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

   and the deeper the wells the brighter Thy stars shine;

   let me find Thy light in my darkness,

   Thy life in my death,

   Thy joy in my sorrow,

   Thy grace in my sin,

   Thy riches in my poverty,

   Thy glory in my valley.

~ The Valley of Vision

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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