Study Questions:

1. What does scripture say we were actually redeemed from? For what did Christ have to pay a ransom?

2. Read and meditate on Revelation 5. Focus specifically on verses 9-10. What is scripture saying about the purpose and effectiveness of the blood of Christ? What implications might this text have for us in terms of global missions?

3. In light of what Christ had to go through in order to secure the forgiveness of our trespasses against Him, what must we say in regards to our ability to forgive those who have trespassed against us?

4. What does it mean that in Christ all things will be united?

Additional Scripture References:

Romans 5:10; Colossians 1:21; Philippians 2:7; Acts 3:15; Luke 23:34; Hebrews 9:22; Psalm 103:12; Micah 7:18-19; Romans 8:1; Romans 8:33; Romans 4:8; Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:13; 1 Corinthians 2:15-16; Revelation 5; Colossians 1:16-17; Romans 8:18-25; Psalm 14:1; Isaiah 46:8-11

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