f o r g r o u p s Sampler of Downloadable Video-based Study, including: The Story for Groups, Week 1 The Story for Individuals, Week 1 The Story for Families, Week 1
The Story for groups how to use this leader s guide The Story is your opportunity to encounter God in his Word like never before. The Story is a collection of the basic stories of the Bible that tell the whole story from beginning to end. Through The Story, you will get a bird s eye view of the Bible. The Story for Groups has been written to help facilitate discussion among those reading through The Story. Each chapter has a DVD presentation that retells The Story in a conversational format. There are also discussion questions for each chapter that will help you guide the group to learn and apply God s truth to their lives. Have group members read two chapters of The Story per week. During your group meetings, watch the DVD lesson on the first chapter and discuss it, then watch the DVD lesson on the second chapter and discuss it. Each chapter of The Story is designed to take about 30 minutes of group time (about 10 minutes for the DVD and 20 minutes for discussion), so going through two chapters in one meeting should take approximately one hour. To further enhance your group s experience with The Story, provide group members with The Story for Individuals to encourage them in their daily devotions, and The Story for Families to help them engage all their family members in The Story during the week.
the story for groups Chapter 1 The Beginning of Life as We Know It This session covers: Genesis 1-9 Summary: God s creation is beautiful from the start, but sin causes everything to turn dark. God then decides to use a man named Noah to begin his work again. Ice breaker: There are 50 flavors of Jelly Belly jelly beans. Purchase some in advance and then allow group members to sample and choose their favorites. If you don t get them in advance, have people tell you their favorite flavors. What is the most beautiful thing you ve ever seen in God s creation? What s the most unusual thing you ve ever seen? What speaks most clearly about God s ability to be totally unique every time he creates? What does it mean to you that you were created in God s image? How should that affect your life and your walk? (See Ephesians 4:22-24) How should this affect the way you view those around you? Think of three difficult individuals. Make it a habit to pray for them daily. God s Story started even before creation. It will continue long after this world ends. As God introduced Adam and Eve into his Story, they chose to pursue a story of their own. This led to them believe the lie of Satan and to fall from God. That Satan influenced Adam and Eve all those years ago is clearly understood. But what about today? What do you believe about Satan? (See Ephesians 6:10-12) What is he doing today? (See 1 Peter 5:8-9) What are some of the schemes of the devil that you need to be alert for today? It s hard to imagine things being so bad that God would choose to wipe everything out and start over again. Or is it? We live in a world that is full of darkness. Yet, the darker the setting is, the more brilliant the light. (See Matthew 5:14-16) What are some practical ways you could let your light shine? Genesis 6:8 (The Story, page 7) says, Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD. What would it take to live in such a way that you found favor in the eyes of the Lord? How would it look for you to live in a way that put a smile on God s face? Take away: God s beautiful creation is marred by the result of our sin. However, we can still choose to follow God and live in such a way that puts a smile on his face. Father, thank you for the incredible way you created all things. Thank you for the plan you have, The Story you have written. Help me to live out my role in your Story and to do so in a way that brings honor to you. In Jesus name, Amen.
the story for groups Chapter 2 God Builds a Nation This session covers: Genesis 12-35 Summary: God builds a nation by faithfully keeping his promises and refining the character of his followers, even using those who are far from perfect. Ice breaker: Have group members write on a slip of paper a name that would best fit his/her own personality or lifestyle. Drop them into a hat or basket, then draw them out one-by-one and see if the group can pair the name with the person. Discuss how God changed names to fit the person. Abram became Abraham, Father of a Great Nation. (Genesis 17:5) Sarai became Sarah, Princess. (Genesis 17:15) Jacob became Israel, A Prince of God. (Genesis 32:28; 35:10) What name would you like God to give you to reflect who you would like to be in his eyes? This part of The Story begins with a command, a promise and a response. Find each of these components in Genesis 12:1-4 (The Story, page 11). Command: Promise: Response: What is an important principle for us to learn from the relationship God had with Abraham? Questions for discussion: 1. Abraham got ahead of things by speeding up God s promise with the birth of Ishmael (The Story, pages 13-14). Discuss a time when you prayed for something and then got ahead of God by trying to make it happen. What was the result? Were there consequences? 2. Isaac is referred to as the son that Abraham loved. Name someone you love. How difficult would it be to give up that person? 3. What did Abraham prove to God through his willingness to sacrifice Isaac? What did God prove to Abraham by His willingness to provide a substitute sacrifice? 4. Isaac is a picture of God s ultimate sacrifice. What does this tell you about God s desire to have a relationship with you? (See John 3:16) Take away: God was ready to create a nation of people that would be his own. But this nation would need to be established upon a relationship of obedience and trust. These are the same characteristics that should reflect our relationship with God today. Heavenly Father, we come to you humbly seeking your commands and promises. We want to follow you according to your Holy Word. Help us make time to read the Bible daily so we can know how you would have us respond in every situation of life. Give, we pray, the promise of a blessing along with the command. In Jesus name, Amen.
the story for Individuals How to Use this Guide The Story is your opportunity to encounter God in his Word like never before. The Story is a collection of the basic stories of the Bible that tell the whole story from beginning to end. Through The Story, you will get a bird s eye view of the Bible. Using this guide, you will be reading two chapters of The Story per week. Each chapter of The Story has been divided into three daily readings, so you will do six readings a week. These readings have been designed to help you focus on and apply the truth of God s word. Each day includes references to other passages that you can look up in a traditional Bible. The Story for Individuals is designed to help you understand and then respond to God s word. Bring your notes from your personal time in The Story with you to your small group meetings, and share your insights with the members of your group.
the story for Individuals Chapter 1 Creation Day One The Story of Creation Today s reading: Page 1 through break on page 4 This reading covers: Genesis 1-2 Summary: God shows the incredible nature of his creative ability. Consider this: What strikes you most about God s creative ability? How does his creativity apply to your life? As the creator of all, what does God have at his disposal as he leads you? For further reading: Psalm 148; John 1:1-18; Colossians 1:15-20 Father, you indeed are the creator of all things. Help me to see your hand in everything around me. Help me to marvel at your beauty and reflect on your wisdom. In Jesus name, Amen. Day Two The Fall Today s reading: Page 4 through break on page 6 This reading covers: Genesis 3-4 Summary: By pursuing their story instead of God s story, Adam and Eve enter into sin. Consider this: How does knowing that Adam and Eve were confronted by a very real enemy impact your understanding of Satan? How do you understand the choices that are placed before each of us every day? For further reading: Isaiah 14:12-15; Ephesians 6:10-20; 1 Peter 5:8-9 Father, help me remember that I live in the midst of a great battle. Help me to see this battle in the great and small choices placed before me every day. In these choices, help me to choose to follow you. In Jesus name, Amen.
Day Three The Flood Today s reading: Page 6 through end of chapter This reading covers: Genesis 6-9 Summary: Due to man s complete rebellion, God chooses to start again. Consider this: How bad must things have been for God to destroy the world? How bad are things today? What do you need to do to live like Noah in the midst of dark times? For further reading: Matthew 5:14-16; Romans 3:10-18; Hebrews 11:7 Father, again today we live in dark times. Thank you for sending Jesus as the light. Use me to shine light in this world and make a difference for you. In Jesus name, Amen. The story for individuals chapter 1 Page 4
the story for Individuals Chapter 2 God Builds a Nation Day One God s Faithfulness Today s reading: Page 11 through middle of page 15 This reading covers: Genesis 12-21 Summary: God shows himself to be a faithful promise maker. Consider this: What has God asked you to do recently? What would it cost you to obey? Consider Abraham s age when he was called out of Ur, when he was promised a son and when he had Isaac. What factor does age play in God s calling? Do you feel too young or too old? God would like you to put away your personal feelings of inadequacy and simply follow. What was Abraham s motivating quality? For further reading: Hebrews 11:8-10, 17-19 Heavenly Father, instill in me the same kind of faith that moved Abraham to obey when you called him to another place, the same kind of faith that helped him follow your commands, even at great loss to himself. Help me to truly know your commands by reading your word and meditating on its content. Let me not be deceived by false teachings and misleading instruction. Grant me discernment so I might know the truth from the lie and then give me the ability to follow truth. In Jesus name, Amen. Day Two Fully Committed Today s reading: Middle of page 15 through break on page 17 This reading covers: Genesis 22 Summary: Abraham s test proves he is fully committed to God. Consider this: What impressed God most; Abraham s sacrifice or his obedience? List several ways you can demonstrate your faith in God through obedience and sacrifice. What was God s ultimate sacrifice? What was Jesus ultimate act of obedience? How does all that affect your walk with God? For further reading: 1 Samuel 15 Heavenly Father, I have been so consumed with the things I want and the way I would like life to be that I have forgotten what my salvation cost you. Forgive me and now turn my life around so that I am able to shed my self-centered behavior and focus on you and your plan for my life. Help me put away my fears and by faith accept your will. As I step forward in obedience, encourage me with blessings beyond what I could ever imagine. In Jesus name, Amen.
Day Three God s Plans Today s reading: Break on page 17 through end of chapter This reading covers: Genesis 23-36 Summary: God s plans will succeed in spite of our shortcomings. Consider this: How long did Isaac and Rebekah wait for God to give them a child? (See Genesis 25:20 and 25:26) What have you been praying for that seems to be taking a long time to be fulfilled? What might you do to hurry things along? Why is this not a good idea? Why is it better to wait on the Lord s timing? What price did Jacob pay for his deceitfulness? What lesson can you learn from what he did to his brother and to Laban? For further reading: Proverbs 19:21 Heavenly Father, my timing is so different from yours. Please, help me to look at things as you do. Grant me patience without painful trials. Help me to trust you for the fulfillment of my prayers and not to become weary with waiting. Encourage me in some way. As a human, I need little gifts of encouragement so that I will not give up. Increase my faith so that I might truly trust you, not only with the present but also with my future. In Jesus name, Amen. The story for individuals chapter 2 Page 6
the story for families How to Use this Guide The Story for Families guides parents and children to read through The Story together over the course of 16 weeks. Parents, while you are reading The Story for yourselves, you are reading through The Story for Kids with your children. The Story for Kids is your opportunity to encounter God in his Word with your family like never before. The Story for Kids is a collection of the basic stories of the Bible that tell the whole story from beginning to end. Through The Story for Kids, you and your children will get a bird s eye view of the Bible. Using this guide, you will be reading two chapters of The Story for Kids per week. Each chapter of The Story for Kids has been divided into three daily readings, so you will do six readings a week. Each reading includes an activity for your family to do that will reinforce the Bible thought for the day. These readings have been designed to help you focus on and apply the truth of God s word. Each day also includes references to other passages that you can look up in a traditional Bible. The Story for Kids is designed to help your family understand and then respond to God s word. Enjoy this experience of being on the same page as your children as together you embark on this spiritual journey through the Bible.
the story for families Chapter 1 The Beginning of Life as We Know It Day One The Story of Creation Today s reading: Page 1 through break on page 4 This reading covers: Genesis 1-2 Summary: God shows how wonderful he is when we look at everything he created. Do together: Get a blank piece of paper for each person and as many crayons, markers and colored pencils as you can find. Take a moment and be as creative as you can be. You can color, draw or just scribble. Can you see how each person s work is unique? Do this again with a second blank sheet of paper. Is everything different again? Just think of how creative God was when he made the world and everything in it! God expresses his beauty through his creation, especially you! You were made one-of-a-kind exactly the way he wants you to be. Also read: Psalm 139:13-16 Father, Thank you for creating me exactly the way you want me to be. Thank you for my family and how you have made us different, but brought us together. Help us to be grateful for our differences and to love each other always. In Jesus name, Amen. Day Two The Fall Today s reading: Break on page 4 through break on page 7 This reading covers: Genesis 2-3 Summary: We miss out on God s best when we choose to disobey him. Do together: Play Simon Says. Take turns being Simon. How much fun is it when you are called out because Simon didn t say? We all have people to obey. Mom and Dad obey the government and their bosses. Children are to obey their parents. We are all to obey God. And when we choose not to obey there are consequences (like sitting out during Simon Says). Also read: Ephesians 6:1-3
Father, I know that your way is the best way for me to live. Help me to follow you and obey you. Also, help us to obey others that you have put in our lives. In Jesus name, Amen. Day Three The Flood Today s reading: Break on page 7 through end of chapter This reading covers: Genesis 6-9 Summary: God chooses to start over again with a man named Noah. Do together: Take a moment today to do something kind for each other. Maybe you could serve a snack or do an extra chore. Perhaps you could read a book to someone or play a game together. In Genesis 6:8, the Bible says, Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord. What would it look like if you lived in a way where you found favor in the eyes of the Lord? How would it look for you to live in a way that puts a smile on God s face? Also read: Luke 2:52, 3:21-22 Father, help me to live in such a way that I put a smile on your face. Help me to show love and kindness to my family. In Jesus name, Amen. the story for families chapter 1 Page 4
the story for families Chapter 2 God Builds a Nation Day One Following God Today s reading: Page 12 through middle of page 14 This reading covers: Genesis 12-13 Summary: Abram follows God and obeys him even when he doesn t understand. Do together: Plan a special treat for your family without telling anyone. It could be a favorite dessert or new coloring books. Give them a complicated set of directions to find this special item. Discuss God s command to Abram to leave his home and go to a strange land. Ask the children how difficult it would be for them to leave the familiar and go somewhere strange. Examples are: leaving the familiarity of their own room to stay in a hotel while on vacation; leaving the familiarity of staying home to go to preschool for the first time; leaving the familiarity of seeing relatives to visit other people. Also read: John 14:21 Thank you, Lord, for the way you guide us every day at home, at work and at school. Help us to be a good example of faith and obedience. In Jesus name, Amen. Day Two Faith and Trust Today s reading: Middle of page 14 through middle of page 16 This reading covers: Genesis 12-14 Summary: Abram demonstrates faith by trusting God. Do together: God promised Abram that he would have as many descendents as the stars in the sky. Take your family outside and imagine what Abram would have felt. Try to count the number of stars that you can see. What would Abram have been thinking about God s promise? Talk about the word faith. What is its meaning and how it can be applied to daily life? Share a personal story of how faith has worked in your life. Then ask each child to share a personal story of faith. Also read: Hebrews 11:1-12 Lord, I believe. Please help my unbelief. Help me to truly trust in you each day for all my needs. Then, let me reap the benefits of that trust. I love you Jesus. Amen.
Day Three Promises Today s reading: Middle of page 16 through end of chapter This reading covers: Genesis 21 Summary: God shows he keeps his promises. Do together: Make a list of positive attributes of each family member. Let the children contribute their ideas to the list. Talk about the babies in Abraham s line (Isaac, Ishmael, Jacob and Esau). Talk about wanting your own baby and how special your child s birth was to you. Let your child share a favorite moment from his/her early years. Abraham and Sarah enjoyed their baby Isaac. He came as a result of God s promise. Heavenly Father, help us to appreciate our family more than we have in the past. Let us see the positives in each family member and overlook the negatives. Show us how to forgive each other as you have forgiven us. Give us each the goal of making the others happy. In Jesus name, Amen. the story for families chapter 2 Page 6