1. What might be reasons an atheist would remove God from his or her worldview?

2. Definite practical atheism and give examples of what this pitfall can look like for a believer.

3. Read 1 Timothy 4:7. Discuss your experience with Biblical meditation and prayer throughout the day. What are possible next steps for growing in these areas?

4. Read Psalm 103:2-5. Which benefit for God’s people (that a fool misses out on) stands out to you the most in life right now? Why?

5. Read Ephesians 2:12-13. What has been your experience when you lived without God? How did your heart soften to seek Him?

6. If you had the opportunity to interact with an atheist, what would you say? What Bible verses could you use in your conversation?

1. Can you remember a time you took refuge in God when you felt anxious or afraid? What was the fearful situation? What did you practically do to take refuge in God? What was the outcome?

2. Read Psalm 91:1-2. These two verses set the stage for the rest of the psalm. Verse 1 provides us a proverb, verse 2 a response. What imagery does the psalmist employ in these two verses, and what does it communicate?

3. Read Psalm 91:3-13. These two stanzas (3-8 & 9-13) constitute two extended meditations on the opening proverb. How does the psalmist meditate on the truths of v1? What aspects of the proverb are expanded in these stanzas?

4. Read Psalm 91:14-16. What affect do these “I will” statements have upon you when you read them? How do God’s promises help us in a moment of fear or anxiety?

5. Read Luke 4:9-11 and John 10:17-18. The New Testament depicts Jesus as the fulfillment of Psalm 91’s “Invincible King” archetype. How does Jesus’ power and invincibility change how we understand the cross?

1. In your opinion, what makes or breaks a worship service? Are there certain elements in our services that you love, or that you can’t stand? What do you think matters most to God when we gather for worship?

2. Read Psalm 50:1-6. What words would you use to describe the emotional tone of this passage? Psalm 50 was most likely recited during a large corporate worship service - a covenant renewal during the Feast of Tabernacles. What does the elevated language tell us about the act of corporate worship?

3. Read Psalm 50:7-13. In this stanza, what ‘worship myth’ is being debunked? In our day, we don’t bring bulls or other sacrificial animals to the worship meeting. How can we apply these verses to our own lives as New Testament Christians?

4. Read Psalm 50:16-22. This stanza mirrors the previous one, but focuses on debunking yet another ‘worship myth.’ Why are some of the worshipers being labeled ‘wicked’? How can we avoid this kind of ‘wicked worship’ today?

5. Read Psalm 50:14-15. These three commands constitute the heart of the psalm, describing the positive alternative to the negative ‘wicked worship’ expressed in the flanking stanzas.. According to these verses, what are the marks of a wise worshiper living as a faithful member of the covenant community?

Below is the text included in Lily’s prayer:

O GOD,

Praise waiteth for thee, and to render it is my noblest exercise;

This is thy due from all thy creatures, for all thy works display thy attributes and fulfil thy designs;

The sea, dry land, winter cold, summer heat, morning light, evening shade are full of thee, and thou givest me them richly to enjoy.

Thou art King of kings and Lord of lords;

At thy pleasure empires rise and fall;

All thy works praise thee and thy saints bless thee;

Let me be numbered with thy holy ones, resemble them in character and condition, sit with them at Jesus’ feet.

May my religion be always firmly rooted in thy Word, my understanding divinely informed, my affections holy and heavenly, my motives simple and pure, and my heart never wrong with thee.

Deliver me from the natural darkness of my own mind, from the corruptions of my heart, from the temptations to which I am exposed, from the daily snares that attend me.

I am in constant danger while I am in this life;

Let thy watchful eye ever be upon me for my defence,

Save me from the power of my worldly and spiritual enemies and from all painful evils to which I have exposed myself.

Until the day of life dawns above let there be unrestrained fellowship with Jesus;

Until fruition comes, may I enjoy the earnest of my inheritance and the firstfruits of the Spirit;

Until I finish my course with joy may I pursue it with diligence, in every part display the resources of the Christian, and adorn the doctrine of thee my God in all things.

From The Valley of Vision

1. Do you have any traditions you love to observe on Independence Day? Fireworks, cookouts, or something more unusual? Why is it important to remember days like the 4th of July?

2. Read Psalm 78:1-8. How many generations are identified in verses 5-6? Why do you think the Bible places so much emphasis on generational dynamics? (see also Exodus 34:6-7, 2 Timothy 2:2)

3. According to v6-8, what are the positive and negative aims of this story-telling habit? Peruse the rest of this lengthy psalm and share examples of ‘their fathers’. How do you feel about remembering history this way? Your personal history? Our national history? Why might it be difficult? Why might it be beneficial?

4. Read Psalm 78:37-38. How do these verses summarize the stories being shared? Who is the hero?

5. How can we practice story-telling in a way that highlights God’s grace in our lives? Spend time praying for the next generation, and the one after them (and the one after them!), that they would know and cherish the story of God’s amazing grace.

1. What were you afraid of when you were a child? Share with the group. Did you ever outgrow it?

2. Read Psalm 112. This psalm uses the same acrostic device as Psalm 111 (each line begins with a letter of the Hebrew alphabet). How does this psalm flow out of the last one? To what “commandments” does the psalmist refer (v1)? What does fearing God mean?

3. What external signs point to his being blessed (vv. 2-3)? What kind of blessing is implied in verse 4a?

4. What two traits characterize his dealings with people (vv. 4-5)?

5. What internal blessings are available (vv. 7-8)? Why does disastrous news fail to shake him?

6. Read James 1:2-3. How does James help us to better understand the wisdom of this Psalm? How is God producing steadfastness in your life?

1. God reveals himself to his people as a Father. Can you recall a personal experience, either as a parent or as a child of parents, that has informed the way you understand the fatherhood of God?

2. Read Proverbs 4:1-18. According to v3, how many generations have benefited from the wisdom of these verses? How might a vision for generational blessing change the way we approach family life in our culture?

3. What specific blessings are offered in these verses? What instruction[s] does the author tie to the blessing? What is the relationship between the instruction and the blessing?

4. When you think about God as Father, what descriptive words come to mind? What does the father/ speaker in Proverbs 4 have to teach us about the fatherhood of God?

5. Take time to celebrate the gift of fatherhood together as a group. Give thanks for your earthly fathers, consecrate the fathers among you, and worship God as the perfect Father who calls us sons and daughters in Christ.

1. Do you have a ‘secret skill’ , something you do well that not everyone knows about? Share with the group, and demonstrate if you can.

2. Read Psalm 1:1-6. What emotions do you feel when you read this psalm? What tone do you think the psalmist trying to convey?

3. In the sermon today, we learned that biblical wisdom is “the art of skillful living.” What imagery in Psalm 1 develops the idea of wisdom as a way of life?

4. Read Proverbs 1:8-19. The fruit of wisdom is blessing. What central images depict the blessing of wisdom vs the plight of the foolish/wicked? How are these contrasts depicted in Psalm 1?

5. Read Proverbs 1:20-22. Compare the desires & delights of the foolish to the delight of the Blessed Man in Psalm 1. What do these contrasting desires tell us about what it means to be a ‘fool’ in the Bible? What other parallel words are used to depict a person whose delight is NOT in the Lord?

6. Consider the ‘Wisdom Challenge’ presented in the sermon. Do you intend to try it? If so, see if anyone will do it with you, and make a point to compare notes on a regular basis over the summer.

   1. Read Proverbs every day, matching the chapter to the calendar. If it’s the 15th day of the month, read the 15th chapter of Proverbs.

   2. Underline one verse that is meaningful to you, and put a question mark beside one verse you’d like to understand better.

   3. Bring those two marked verses to God in prayer.

1. What would be different if you were king/ queen of the world? Considering the world is like it is, why do you think the kingship of Jesus is an important doctrine?

2. Read Acts 12:1-11. What might have motivated Herod to persecute Christians? How do you think the believers felt when James was killed and Peter was imprisoned? How did they respond?

3. What does Peter’s release communicate about Jesus’ authority vs Herod’s? Where do you see Jesus’ authority contested today? How should Christians respond when Jesus’ authority is challenged?

4. Read Acts 12:12-19. In v15 the believers don’t believe Rhoda. Why do they have trouble believing that their prayers have been answered? When have you prayed fervently and then had trouble believing that God was answering? Why is it sometimes hard to believe that God has answered our prayers?

5. Read Acts 12:20-25. In this whole chapter, including these verses, what can we tell about the character of Herod? What conflicts and contrasts does Luke draw between King Herod and the true King Jesus? Spend time in prayer, worshiping Jesus for his goodness and power.

* Some questions adapted from Acts: 24 Studies for Individuals and Groups (N. T. Wright for Everyone Bible Study Guides). InterVarsity Press. Kindle Edition.

1. Share an example of a personal value that shows up in how you do an otherwise normal thing. Do you count the seconds while brushing your teeth because you value precision? Do you always eat dinner at the table together because you value family? Share a few examples with one another, and then discuss: How do values shape outcomes over time?

2. Read Acts 11:19-21. How do the persecuted believers live out the gospel value of PERSONAL OWNERSHIP of their faith and mission? Do you think this kind of personal ownership is harder or easier for Christians today? Why?

3. Read Acts 11:22-26. How do you see the gospel value of GODLY LEADERSHIP lived out in these verses? What role do these leaders play in the movement of the gospel? Can you think of examples of godly leadership in your own experience?

4. Read Acts 11:27-30. This passage begins with suffering (v19) and ends with the church in Antioch choosing to enter into the suffering of the church in Jerusalem. Why is this an important moment in the life of these two churches? In what way is HOLY SUFERING a gospel value?

5. Take a moment to review these three gospel values: Personal Ownership, Godly Leadership, Holy Suffering. Which of these values feels most closely aligned with your own faith journey? Which feels most distant? How can we spur one another on in these areas?

1. Describe a time when you unexpectedly felt welcomed in a place where you thought you might not belong. What was that experience like for you?

2. Read Acts 10:9-22. Peter is pushed out of what was familiar and comfortable. What specific things did God use to challenge Peter’s attitude toward Gentiles? What does that show Peter about God’s heart?

3. Read Acts 10:34-35. How does the Gospel challenge our assumptions about belonging (either the insider mentality (“insiders only”) or outsider mentality (“nobody belongs anywhere”)?

4. Read Acts 10:36-43. What is Peter’s main point. Why do you think the death, resurrection, and forgiveness of Jesus are repeated so often throughout Acts?

5. Why can it sometimes feel difficult to believe that God’s grace is for us personally?

6. Who might God be calling you to welcome, pursue, serve, or share Christ with this week?

1. Share about a time when you believed a person, relationship, or situation would never change. What made it feel “unchangeable”? Did anything eventually shift your perspective?

2. Read Acts 9:1-9. Before seeing Jesus, how did Saul view himself and his mission? How was Saul’s ignorance exposed by Jesus?

3. Jesus exposes both our pride (“I don’t need to change”) and our shame (“I can’t change”). Which do you tend to experience more?

4. Humility says, “I need God’s help to see my blind spots.” Why is humility necessary for real change?

5. Read Acts 9:10-19. Why was Ananias hesitant to obey Jesus’s command? How would you have felt in his position?

6. How is labeling someone “unchangeable” a denial of Jesus’s power?

7. Courage says, “I will do the next thing, because God will be with me.” Why is courage necessary for real change?

8. Read Acts 9:26-31. Why were the believers afraid to trust Saul? What did Barnabas see that the others missed?

9. Hope says, “The gospel means that this story has a happy ending.” How does the gospel give hope for stories that currently feel unfinished or broken?

10. Do you most need help seeing yourself, seeing your enemy, or seeing revival (hope for the future)?

11. How do you need humility, courage, or hope right now?

1. Have you ever watched a child’s beautiful creation come crashing down? Describe the scenario to your group. What happened? How did it make the child, or you, feel?

2. Read Acts 8:1-3. Put yourself in the shoes of these early Christians in Jerusalem. What are you seeing and feeling? What conversations might you be having with one another? Where are you going next? In your modern life, have you ever experienced a ‘scattering’ disruption like this? Why do you think God allows these sorts of disruptions in the lives of the people he loves?

3. Read Acts 8:4-8. How does God empower Phillip in Samaria? What is the result?

4. Read Acts 8:9-25. Simon treats Jesus like a means to the end of the signs, rather viewing the signs as a means to the end of Jesus. What various responses do people have to ‘sign gifts’ in the world today? Do you believe they still truly occur? Why or why not?

5. Read Acts 8:26-40. Eunuchs are historically considered outcasts in Israel (Deut 23:1). How does his story show us God’s purposes in scattering the church?

6. Pray together that God would scatter VBCC all around Hampton Roads and beyond, and that God’s Spirit would continue to empower God’s People to share God’s Word.

1. When has a story—a book, a movie, an account you heard—upset you? And why?

2. Briefly review Acts 6. What factors contribute to Stephen’s rise to prominence? Three times we are told that Stephen is full of the Holy Spirit. What is the role of the Spirit in Stephen’s life and ministry?

3. Review Acts 7:1-53. How do you think Stephen - a Greek-speaking pilgrim - must have felt being dragged before the high priest and his council? What is the role of the Holy Spirit in this exchange?

4. Two great Old Testament truths (God’s independence from the Temple, and Israel’s chronic spiritual resistance) point to Jesus as “the Righteous One” (v52) to whom we must each respond, either with faith and devotion or with stiff-necked resistance. How can we apply Stephen’s sermon in our own lives today?

5. Read Acts 7:54-60. What details stand out to you as Stephen is martyred? Why do you think Luke goes to such great lengths to draw parallels between Stephen and Jesus? What is the Spirit’s role at this moment in Stephen’s life?

6. How do you feel when you think about Jesus standing in honor of Stephen? Spend time in prayer together. Surrender to the Spirit’s work in your own lives, and worship Christ enthroned in glory.

1. Share about an experience or a commitment you made that required the entirety of your time and attention. What was that thing? Was it worth going “all in” on?

2. Read Matthew 22:34-40. Notice how Jesus uses the word “all” in this paragraph. What is Jesus telling us is required by the Old Testament Law? What is emphasized by the word “all”?

3. Read Matthew 28:18-20. Where does Jesus use the word “all” in this passage? What is the scope of the disciples’ ministry according to this passage? How does “all authority” belonging to Jesus show us the significance of this commission?

4. Read Acts 6:1-6. What are the apostles “all in” on in this passage? How do they solve the problem with the daily distribution?

5. Are you “all in” with Christ? Why or why not? What are things (maybe even good things!) that distract or keep you from going all in? Spend time this week praying over these things for each other.

6. What is one step you can take this week in response to this week’s sermon?

For more information about Dr. Paul Hardy and his ministry Recovery for Life, go to https://myrecoveryforlife.com/.

1. What factors do you think pose the greatest threats to the church today? Why?

2. Read Acts 4:32-5:11. What is the difference between the pattern of the early church in Acts 4 and the conduct of Ananias & Sapphira in Acts 5?

3. Why do you think there was such severe judgment against Ananias & Sapphira? What does their judgment tell us about the character of the Holy Spirit?

4. Read Acts 5:12-42. We would expect anyone to welcome the wonderful things described in verses 12-16. How and why do the high priest and the Sadducees react to what was happening (5:17-28)?

5. Compare the heart of the religious leaders to the heart of the apostles. What emotional language is used to describe each group in this chapter? What realities govern the decisions of each group?

6. What does this chapter teach us about threats to the church, both internal and external? How can we best assess and respond to threats when they arise? Spend time praying for one another and for our church family.

1)        Consider the history of the opposition against God and His people. Share examples from Scripture and otherwise of how God has brought about good through suffering.

2)        Read 1 Peter 5:8-10. What is the instruction to believers in spiritual warfare? What is the specific hope believers hold firmly?

3)        Read Ephesians 6:10-20. By looking at the name of each piece of armor, discuss how it relates to the battle. How is prayer an important part of spiritual warfare?

4)         What worldly philosophies have you seen lead astray those inside and outside the church?

5)        Discuss the role of the Holy Spirit and the evidences of His presence in the life of a believer.

6)        As you go about your day to day, how often do you consider that Christ is alive, advancing His kingdom, and changing lives? Have you seen change in your life over time? For this coming year, what specific changes do you sense God calling you to make?

7)        Discuss a rotation your group can make for sharing your testimonies with each other.

8)        Describe what walking with Jesus looks like for you. Where are places in your life others may perceive Christ’s importance in your life?

1. What Holy Week practice or tradition has been most meaningful to you in your life? Take a moment to refresh as a group the major observances and their meanings. Why is each one important to the Gospel story?

   • Holy Week Observances and Days

     • Palm Sunday (March 29): Commemorates Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, often marked by the blessing and procession of palm branches.

     • Maundy Thursday (April 2): Commemorates the Last Supper, the institution of the Eucharist, and the washing of feet, symbolizing servant leadership. (At VBCC we will commemorate the Lord’s Table on Friday)

     • Good Friday (April 3): A solemn day of fasting and prayer marking the Passion, crucifixion, and burial of Jesus.

     • Easter Sunday (April 5): The joyous celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

2. Read Acts 3:1-5. What words would you use to describe the beggar, his life, and his ongoing experience at the temple? How does his weakness impact his physical, emotional, social and religious spheres of life? How do you relate to weakness in your own life? How do you think Jesus views your weakness?

3. Several times in these verses, the author narrates how/who a person sees. For instance, “Seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked to receive alms.” (Acts 3:3). List the other occurrences. Who looks where, and what do they see? Why might the narrator be including all these details? Why does it matter where we look, and what we see?

4. Read Acts 3:4-10. This passage is full of rich details. Which detail stands out as most meaningful to you, and why?

5. Of v5 John Stott says, “The power was Christ’s, but the hand was Peter’s.” What does he mean? How are Jesus’ power and Peter’s hand related to one another?

6. Pray for one another to have eyes that see like Jesus sees, and spend time worshiping Christ our King in song and prayer.

• Think of a time when you initially overlooked someone or misjudged them. What changed in how you saw them?

• Read Acts 3:1-10. What do you notice about the lame man? What are his expectations? How do Peter and John meet and/or defy them? What stands out to you about Peter’s response?

• Read Acts 3:11-16. Peter moves from addressing one man to preaching to the crowd. What do we learn about how God relates to individuals?

• Read Acts 3:17-26. What does this passage tell us about who Jesus is? Do you see him this way?

• Who is one “weak” or overlooked person God has place in your life? What would it mean for you to see them with the eyes of Christ?

• What is one way you are going to respond to the Scripture this week?

• How did your family or upbringing shape the way you think about money? How are you trying to be similar or different today?

• Read Acts 2:42-47. What specific practices show how the early church viewed their material resources? What stands out to you the most?

• What does it mean that the believers had “all things in common”? How is that different from how people think about their resources today?

• How do the three truths from this weeks sermon—(1) it all belongs to God, (2) God gives us what we need, and (3) if he gives us more, it’s so that we will bless others—look in your own life? Which one is most challenging for you?

• Read 2 Corinthians 8:9. How does Jesus’ generosity reshape not just what we give, but how we see ourselves, our security, and our possessions?

• What is one specific application you can take this toward living like a steward of the King?

1. Can you recall a time when you were the outsider and someone made room for you? What was the situation, and how did it affect you?

2. Read Acts 2:38-42. What instructions does Peter give to his hearers? How do they respond? How do Peter’s instructions and the people’s response affect their experience of fellowship?

3. Briefly review Acts 2:1-10. What kinds of barriers or hurdles did the people in this church have to overcome in order to ‘be together and have all things in common’ (v44)? What resources empowered these early Christians to overcome such significant obstacles?

4. What kinds of obstacles to fellowship do American Christians face? What resources do we have at our disposal today?

5. In the sermon, we explored ‘making room’ as one way to devote ourselves to the fellowship created by the Spirit. What might it look like to make room for fellowship in your life? What other ways can we devote ourselves to fellowship?