THE STORY | Small GRoups Questions Archive
CHAPTER 30 | Paul Arrives in Rome
THE STORY PAGES 450-452 // ACTS 28:11-31
Opening Prayer
Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to guide your time together.
Review Group Member Commitments (explain any as needed):
- We do our part to create a safe environment.
- We listen to each other.
- We commit to share our lives with one another.
- We direct each other to God for the solutions to our problems.
- We resolve conflict.
Review from Last Week
- Were you able to tell last week’s story to someone this past week?
- How did God use last week’s story in your life?
Hook into God’s Word
Have you ever been falsely accused of something? What was it? How did things turn out?
Context of the Story
Paul’s missionary journeys ended after he was imprisoned for sharing the Gospel after his third missions trip. As a Roman citizen, Paul chose to appeal his imprisonment to Caesar in Rome. It was a risk, but also an opportunity to share the Good News with the emperor of the known world. It was not an easy trip to Rome. Paul was miraculously saved from a shipwreck and a poisonous snake bite. Finally he arrived at his destination. He stayed under house arrest until Caesar was available to hear Paul’s case.
Tell the Story
Have the storyteller/reader say, “Here is the story from God’s Word,” before telling the story to the group.
Rebuild the Story
- What do you think it would have been like to have the Apostle Paul visit your church?
- Why do you think Paul began his ministry in Rome by calling together all the local Jewish leaders?
- How do you think Paul might have felt when “Some were convinced by what [Paul] said, but others would not believe” (verse 24).
- What can we learn about God’s plan from the final two verses of this passage?
- Did you see anything new in this story?
Application Questions*:
- What is your typical response to major life challenges?
- How does Paul’s story challenge you to respond when circumstances in your life seem to be out of control?
Closing
- Choose a storyteller/reader for next week: Revelation 21:1-14; pp. 467-468.
- Share prayer requests and pray for each other.
*feel free pick and choose or to add your own questions - more questions can be found in the back of The Story book
CHAPTER 29 | Paul's Bold Proclamation
THE STORY PAGES 415-416 // ACTS 18:1-11
Opening Prayer
Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to guide your time together.
Review Group Member Commitments (explain any as needed):
- We do our part to create a safe environment.
- We listen to each other.
- We commit to share our lives with one another.
- We direct each other to God for the solutions to our problems.
- We resolve conflict.
Review from Last Week
- Were you able to tell last week’s story to someone this past week?
- How did God use last week’s story in your life?
Hook into God’s Word
What has been your experiencing telling others about Jesus? Positive responses? Negative? Do you find it difficult? Why or why not?
Context of the Story
The unlikely apostle, Paul (once called Saul), became one of the most prominent missionaries of the early church. He traveled around the Mediterranean Sea three times sharing the Good News about Jesus. On his second mission trip, he spent a significant amount of time in the Roman city of Corinth.
Tell the Story
Have the storyteller/reader say, “Here is the story from God’s Word,” before telling the story to the group.
Rebuild the Story
- Besides obeying God’s call, what was the importance of Paul being a missionary to the Gentile world?
- Why do you think Paul started his missionary activity at the Jewish synagogue?
- What do you think Paul felt like when his missionary ministry had mixed results?
- What does this story reveal to us about God’s plan of salvation?
- Did you see anything new in this story?
Application Questions*:
- Does what God spoke to Paul in his vision encourage you to share your faith?
- Do you have any people in your life who have a general belief in God, but no faith in Jesus for salvation?
Closing
- Choose a storyteller/reader for next week: Acts 28:11-31; pp. 450-452.
- Share prayer requests and pray for each other.
*feel free pick and choose or to add your own questions - more questions can be found in the back of The Story book
CHAPTER 28 | Sauls Conversion
THE STORY PAGES 399-400 // Acts 9:1-19
Opening Prayer
Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to guide your time together.
Review Group Member Commitments (explain any as needed):
- We do our part to create a safe environment.
- We listen to each other.
- We commit to share our lives with one another.
- We direct each other to God for the solutions to our problems.
- We resolve conflict.
Review from Last Week
- Were you able to tell last week’s story to someone this past week?
- How did God use last week’s story in your life?
Hook into God’s Word
What was your attitude regarding Jesus and the Church before you started following Jesus yourself? Was your attitude toward Jesus different than toward the Church? Why or why not?
Context of the Story
Jesus’ disciples, filled with the Holy Spirit, were a whole lot braver than the men who ran away from Jesus in the garden before his death. They boldly shared the Good News about Jesus and many put their faith in Him. But not everyone had a positive response. One Jewish religious leader made it his mission to put an end to this group of Jesus’ disciples.
Tell the Story
Have the storyteller/reader say, “Here is the story from God’s Word,” before telling the story to the group.
Rebuild the Story
- What is the significance of Saul meeting Jesus on the road to Damascus? To Saul? To the Church?
- Why do you think Paul was blinded after meeting Jesus?
- How would you have responded if you were Ananias?
- What does this story reveal to us about God?
- Did you seen anything new in this story? Do you have any questions?
Application Questions*:
- Who in your life seems so anti-Jesus that it is hard to believe they will ever become a Christian?
- Is there anything preventing you from sharing your faith with people you know who don’t know God?
Closing
- Choose a storyteller/reader for next week: Acts 18:1-11; pp. 415-416.
- Share prayer requests and pray for each other.
CHAPTER 26 | Jesus Dies
THE STORY PAGES 379-380 // MAtthew 27:46-54
CHAPTER 25 | who will follow jesus?
THE STORY PAGES 361-362 // MARK 10:13-31
CHAPTER 24 | JESUS heals the demon possessed man
THE STORY PAGES 343-344 // Mark 5:1-20
CHAPTER 23 | Jesus calls his first Disciples
THE STORY PAGES 324-325 // John 1:35-51
CHAPTER 22 | Son of god
THE STORY PAGES 315-316 // Luke 2:41-52
CHAPTER 21 | NEhemiah faces opposition
THE STORY PAGES 298-299 // Nehemiah 6:1-16
CHAPTER 20 | Celebrate annihilation day
THE STORY PAGES 288-289 // esther 9:20-28
CHAPTER 19 | God prompts temple rebuilding
THE STORY PAGES 266-267 // Haggai 1
CHAPTER 18 | The Fiery Furnace
THE STORY PAGES 254-256 // Daniel 3
CHAPTER 17 | Judah FALLS
THE STORY PAGES 242-243 // 2 KINGS 25:4-12, 21b
CHAPTER 16 | Isreal Falls
THE STORY PAGES 219-220 // 2 KINGS 17:1-14, 18
CHAPTER 15 | Elisha
THE STORY PAGES 211-212 // 2 Kings 6:8-23
Opening Prayer
Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to guide your time together.
Review Group Member Commitments (explain any as needed):
- We do our part to create a safe environment.
- We listen to each other.
- We commit to share our lives with one another.
- We direct each other to God for the solutions to our problems.
- We resolve conflict.
CHAPTER 10 | SAUL IS chosen as king
THE STORY PAGE 138 // 1 samuel 10:17-26
CHAPTER 9 | RUTH
THE STORY PAGES 121-123 // Ruth 1:1-22
CHAPTER 8 | DEBORAH
THE STORY PAGES 105-107 // Judges 4:1-24
CHAPTER 7 | JOSHUA DEFEATS FIVE AMORITE KINGS
THE STORY PAGES 96-97 // JOSHUA 10:1-15
Opening Prayer
Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to guide your time together.
Review Group Member Commitments (explain any as needed):
- We do our part to create a safe environment.
- We listen to each other.
- We commit to share our lives with one another.
- We direct each other to God for the solutions to our problems.
- We resolve conflict.
Review from Last Week
Were you able to tell last week’s story to someone this past week?
How did God use last week’s story in your life?
Hook into God’s Word
Can you think of a time in your life when you were faced with an overwhelming challenge that you needed to confront? What was it and how did you respond?
Context of the Story
Finally, the nation of Israel had entered the land God had promised to their ancestor Abraham! God clearly had given them the land, but they had to fight for it. Some battles were won and others were lost depending upon their obedience to God and the way they trusted Him for the victory.
Tell the Story
Have the storyteller/reader say, “Here is the story from God’s Word,” before telling the story to the group.
Rebuild the Story
- What do the string of amazing battle victories the Israelites experienced as they entered the Promised Land reveal about who is really in charge of history?
- Why did God order the Israelites to go to war against others? How was this war justified? (See Gen. 15:12-16)
- Did you find anything interesting about this story?
- Do you have any questions about anything in this story?
Application Questions*:
- Have you ever faced something that just seemed impossible from your "lower story" perspective? What happened? Has that experience changed how you face similar challenges today?
- What challenge in your life have you put on the back burner, but you know it is time to face it and deal with it? How can your group members pray for you, cheer you on, and keep you accountable?
Closing
Choose a storyteller/reader for next week: Judges 4:1-24; The Story pages 105-107
Share prayer requests and pray for each other.
*feel free pick and choose or to add your own questions -
more questions can be found in the back of The Story book
CHAPTER 6 | Moses Strikes The rock
The story pages 78-79 // Numbers 20:1-13
Opening Prayer
Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to guide your time together.
Review Group Member Commitments (explain any as needed):
- We do our part to create a safe environment.
- We listen to each other.
- We commit to share our lives with one another.
- We direct each other to God for the solutions to our problems.
- We resolve conflict.
Review from Last Week
Were you able to tell last week’s story to someone this past week?
How did God use last week’s story in your life?
Hook into God’s Word
Share about a time when you got lost on a drive or hike. Where did things go wrong and how did you finally find your way home?
Context of the Story
Finally things start moving. Instead of waiting a lifetime for the son of the promise (like Abraham and Sarah had to), God blesses Jacob (Israel) with twelve sons. But they didn’t get along any better than Jacob and Esau did. Instead of one of them running away (like their dad), they decide to sell their annoying brother, Joseph, into slavery.
Tell the Story
Have the storyteller/reader say, “Here is the story from God’s Word,” before telling the story to the group.
Rebuild the Story
- Why do you think Moses struck the rock at Meribah instead of obeying what God had asked him to do? Why was this so serious?
- Did you find anything interesting about this story?
- Do you have any questions about anything in this story?
- What were the “lower story” circumstances? What was the “upper story” perspective?
Application Questions*:
- What type of person/circumstance tries your patience? How do you think God wants you to grow in that area?
- Has God ever asked you to do something that didn’t make sense to you? Did you do it? Is he asking you to do something now in the current season you’re in?
Closing
Choose a storyteller/reader for next week: Joshua 10:1-15; The Story pages 96-97.
Share prayer requests and pray for each other.
*feel free pick and choose or to add your own questions -
more questions can be found in the back of The Story book
CHAPTER 5 | The Tabernacle
THE STORY PAGES 68-69, 70 // exodus 33:7-11; 34:10; 40:34-38
Opening Prayer
Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to guide your time together.
Review Group Member Commitments (explain any as needed):
- We do our part to create a safe environment.
- We listen to each other.
- We commit to share our lives with one another.
- We direct each other to God for the solutions to our problems.
- We resolve conflict.
Review from Last Week
Were you able to tell last week’s story to someone this past week?
How did God use last week’s story in your life?
Hook into God’s Word
When you were a child, how did you picture or imagine God? How has this changed through the years?
Context of the Story
God miraculously delivered the Israelites out of slavery, out of Egypt, and out of Pharaoh’s grip. The fledgling nation of Israel, led by Moses, spent their first days of freedom in the wilderness being taught and tested by God. God gave their new nation laws that reflected his character and a covenant that reflected his heart. God lived in the camp of the Israelites. His residence was called the tabernacle.
Tell the Story
Have the storyteller/reader say, “Here is the story from God’s Word,” before telling the story to the group.
Rebuild the Story
- Why does God living among the people in the tabernacle reveal to us about God?
- Why do you think there needed to be some distance between God and the people?
- Did you see anything new in this story?
- Do you have any questions about anything in this story?
- What do you think it would have been like to visibly see God presence in cloud and fire?
Application Questions*:
- How does God communicate with you? Are there any similarities between Moses’ relationship with God and your relationship with God? Any differences?
- What is the your greatest challenge(s) to following God? In what areas would you like to follow God more?
Closing
Choose a storyteller/reader for next week: Numbers 20:1-13; The Story pages 78-79
Share prayer requests and pray for each other.
*feel free pick and choose or to add your own questions -
more questions can be found in the back of The Story book
CHAPTER 4 | Moses Saved
THE STORY PAGES 45-46 // Exodus 3:1-15
Opening Prayer
Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to guide your time together.
Review Group Member Commitments (explain any as needed):
- We do our part to create a safe environment.
- We listen to each other.
- We commit to share our lives with one another.
- We direct each other to God for the solutions to our problems.
- We resolve conflict.
Review from Last Week
Were you able to tell last week’s story to someone this past week?
How did God use last week’s story in your life?
Hook into God’s Word
Who is someone you know who has overcome obstacles and accomplished surprising things? What about that person encourages you?
Context of the Story
Tell the Story
Have the storyteller/reader say, “Here is the story from God’s Word,” before telling the story to the group.
Rebuild the Story
- Looking specifically any verses 7-10, What did God see, hear, and feel? What did God say he would do? What did God call Moses to do?
- What does this story reveal to us about people?
- Did you see anything new in this story?
- Do you have any questions about anything in this story?
- When God gave Moses the “upper story” perspective on the Israelite captivity how did Moses respond?
Application Questions*:
- Has God ever asked to you to something you did not feel qualified to do? What was it? What did you do?
- Do you ever find that your “lower story” perspective on circumstances makes it hard to believe God’s “upper story”?
Closing
- Choose a storyteller/reader for next week: Exodus 33:7-11; 34:10; 40:34-38; The Story pages 67, 68, 70.
- Share prayer requests and pray for each other.
*feel free pick and choose or to add your own questions -
more questions can be found in the back of The Story book
Chapter 3 | JOseph Forgives
THE STORY PAGES 41-42 // Genesis 50:15-21
Opening Prayer
Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to guide your time together.
Review Group Member Commitments (explain any as needed):
- We do our part to create a safe environment.
- We listen to each other.
- We commit to share our lives with one another.
- We direct each other to God for the solutions to our problems.
- We resolve conflict.
Review from Last Week
Were you able to tell last week’s story to someone this past week?
How did God use last week’s story in your life?
Hook into God’s Word
If you have brothers or sisters, share about the general temperament among your siblings while growing up in your home.
Context of the Story
Finally things started moving. Instead of waiting a lifetime for the son of the promise (like Abraham and Sarah had to), God blessed Jacob (Israel) with twelve sons. But they didn’t get along any better than Jacob and Esau did. Instead of one of them running away (like their dad), they decided to sell their annoying brother, Joseph, into slavery.
Tell the Story
Have the storyteller/reader say, “Here is the story from God’s Word,” before telling the story to the group.
Rebuild the Story
- What does Joseph’s statement to his brothers, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good,” tell you about God?
- What does this story reveal to us about people?
- Did you see anything new in this story?
- Do you have any questions about anything in this story?
- How did Joseph’s understanding of what God was doing to save Israel in the Upper Story help him deal with what his brothers did in the Lower Story?
Application Questions*:
- How does Joseph’s attitude toward his brothers challenge you in some of your own difficult relationships?
- Joseph could have retaliated and gotten revenge on his brothers for all the wrong they had done to him. Instead, he provided for them and extended forgiveness. What makes it hard to forgive people who have intentionally wronged us? What can we do to forgive, even when it is difficult?
Closing
Choose a storyteller/reader for next week: Exodus 3:1-15; The Story pages 45-46.
Share prayer requests and pray for each other.
*feel free pick and choose or to add your own questions -
more questions can be found in the back of The Story book
Chapter 2 | Jacob & Esau
THE STORY PAGES 22-24 // Genesis 32:3-30
Hook into God’s Word
Tell about a time God did something in your life (or the life of someone close to you) that was totally unexpected and surprising.
Context of the Story
Jacob and Esau were the twin grandsons of Abraham. In Chapter 1 of The Story, God made humans in his image, but they sinned against God and brought all sorts of evil into the world. Sin tainted everything, but God made significant promises to Adam and Eve, Noah, and then Abraham. God chose Jacob to start his new nation, Israel, but his feuding with Esau seemed to stand in the way of accomplishing God’s purposes.
Tell the Story
Have the storyteller/reader say, “Here is the story from God’s Word,” before telling the story to the group.
Rebuild the Story
- Because Jacob had shrewdly acquired Esau’s birthright and stolen their father’s blessing, Jacob feared his brother’s revenge. How did Jacob prepare for his meeting with Esau?
- What attitude did Jacob have when he wrestled with the “man” who Jacob eventually realized was actually God?
- What does this story reveal to us about God?
- Did you see anything new in this story?
- Do you have any questions about anything in this story?
Application Questions*:
Is there anything that you are wrestling God about? What does your wrestling look like?
Does God’s grace toward Jacob remind you of anything in your own life? Who can you extend grace to this week?
Closing
Choose a storyteller/reader for next week: ________________
Share prayer requests and pray for each other.
*feel free pick and choose or to add your own questions -
more questions can be found in the back of The Story book