Study Questions:

1. What does the concept of adoption tell us about God’s view of us?

2. What does the picture of adoption tell us about God’s view of our salvation and redemption?

3. Read and meditate on John 5:1-17. Clearly Jesus healed one man when “multitudes” were there in need. Is God’s grace more or less glorious in this instance? Why or why not?

4. Now what? What do we do about all these kids who need homes? How does the Church’s spiritual adoption play itself out practically?

Additional Scripture References:

Romans 2:1-5; 1 Peter 1:15-16; 2:1-3; 1 John 4:19; Galatians 4:8-11; Exodus 4:22; Isaiah 1:2; Hosea 11:1; Romans 9:4; Colossians 1:21; Romans 5:8-10; Romans 11:6; John 8:47; 10:26-30; John 5:1-9

Study Questions:

1. Why is theology important?

2. Why would Paul bring this concept of election (being chosen) to the attention of His churches? How is this profitable for the believer? (You may want to meditate on Romans 8:28-39 and focus in on verse 33)

3. If the saints have been chosen since before the foundation of the world then what does that mean for evangelism?…prayer?

Additional Scripture References:

1 Corinthians 2:14; 1 Corinthians 1:18; John 6:60-65; John 1:13; Romans 9:16; 1 Corinthians 1:26-31; Deuteronomy 7:6-8; Hebrews 11:1-2; Amos 3:1-2; Psalm 1:6; Genesis 18:17-19; Hosea 13:4-5; 1 Corinthians 8:3; Galatians 4:9

Additional Scripture References:

Jonah 1:17, Habakkuk 1:5-7, 9-11, Jonah 2:5-6, Matthew 12:39-40, Matthew 12:41

Christmas Music, Reading, Children's Songs, & Message

Additional Scripture References:

Phil. 1:21: Mic. 5:2; Job 14:1, 2, 5; Matt. 5:5; Luke 1:38; Mark 10:45; Gen. 41:32; Luke 22:22; Acts 17:24-27

Study Questions:

1. Is it possible for secular (non-biblical) traditions to stir our affections for Christ? Why or why not?

2. Read and meditate on 2 Corinthians 4:16-18. Would Christmas look different in America / in the Church if we were able to buy in to verse 18? How do we know if we have bought in?

Additional Scripture References:

1 Corinthians 15:10; Romans 1:16; Ephesians 1:11

Study Questions:

1. What do we learn about God from this text?

2. What do we learn about man from this text?

3. What are some specific areas of our life here and now that make “the fall” feel like a reality?

4. How do we, as followers of Christ, redeem the relationship that God speaks of in verses 16b and 17a?

Additional Scripture References:

Psalm 108

Study Questions:

1. Why did satan go to the woman and not the man?

2. What is one practical thing you can look out for in the way of satan’s temptation in your own life?

3. What tools has God given us to combat satan? How, as a small group, can you implement them?

4. Why is there a correlation between their eyes having been opened and their realization of their nakedness?

Additional Scripture References:

John 8:44; Job 2:10; 2 Corinthians 11:14; Psalm 1:2; Proverbs 14:12