Back to the Basics

June 7-13

• Can you name specific promises God has fulfilled in your life? (Joshua 21)
• Why is unity fragile even among God’s people? (Joshua 22)
• How can compromise initially appear practical or harmless? (Judges 1)
• What is the difference between punishment and discipline in this chapter? (Judges 2)
• What would it look like to break unhealthy spiritual cycles? (Judges 3)

June 14-20

• Why does God often use unlikely people to accomplish His purposes? (Judges 4)
• Is courage the absence of fear — or movement despite fear? (Judges 4)
• Can genuine faith coexist with fear and doubt? (Judges 6)
• Why is finishing well often harder than starting well? (Judges 8)
• How do you discern healthy leadership? (Judges 9)

June 21-27

• What gifts or opportunities has God entrusted to you? Are you developing character alongside ability? (Joshua 13)
• How does unchecked desire distort judgment? (Judges 14)
• Can outward strength hide inward weakness? (Judges 16)

June 28 – July 4

• What similarities exist between this chapter and Book of Genesis 19 (Sodom)? (Judges 19)
• Why does the abuse of vulnerable people signal societal collapse? (Judges 19)
• Have you ever mistaken unanswered prayer for God’s absence? (1 Samuel 1)
• What would it look like to genuinely say, “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening”? (1 Samuel 2)

Exodus 7-13

• Why do you think Pharaoh continues to resist even after seeing God’s power?

(Exodus 7-10)

• How do fear, pride, or control keep people from responding to God today? (Exodus 7-10)
• Why does God rescue His people through a meal and a sacrifice? (Exodus 11-13)
• What does the Passover teach about God’s desire to save rather than destroy?

(Exodus 11-13)

• Why is remembering so important to faith and identity? (Exodus 11-13)

Exodus 14-20

• What fears cause the people to doubt God even after seeing miracles? (Exodus 14)
• Why does celebration quickly give way to complaint later in the chapter? (Exodus 15)
• What does this chapter teach about gratitude as part of faith? (Exodus 15)
• Why does God provide food one day at a time instead of all at once? (Exodus 16)
• What does this chapter teach about leadership burnout and delegation? (Exodus 18)
• Why are the commandments given after rescue, not before? (Exodus 20)

Exodus 21-27

• Why is obedience meant to shape community life, not just personal faith?

(Exodus 21-23)

• Why do you think God invites the leaders into His presence after giving the law?

(Exodus 24)

• What does the tabernacle show about God’s desire to live among His people?

(Exodus 25-27)

Exodus 31-34

• Why is rest an act of faith rather than laziness? (Exodus 31)
• How does fear lead to misplaced worship? (Exodus 32)
• What does it mean that God knows Moses by name? (Exodus 33)
• As God revealed Himself to Moses, what do his words in verse 6 reveal about His glory? (Exodus 34)

Exodus 35-39

• How does generosity reflect a heart for God rather than obligation? (Exodus 35)
• How does careful attention to detail reflect reverence for God? (Exodus 36)
• How can skill and creativity be an act of worship? (Exodus 37)
• Why does God provide specific garments for the priests? (Exodus 39)

Genesis 1-7

• “God creates the world by speaking in Genesis (‘Let there be…’). In John’s Gospel (John 1:1-3), Jesus is called ‘the Word of God.’ What do you think that connection tells us about who Jesus is?” (Genesis 1)

• Why do you think rest is built into creation before sin ever enters the world? (Genesis 1)

• What does God’s statement, “It is not good that the man should be alone,” reveal about human identity and community? (Genesis 2)

• Even in judgment, God provides clothing. What does that act communicate about grace? (Genesis 3)

• Why does the repeated phrase “and he died” matter in the story? (Genesis 5)

• What does waiting inside the ark teach us about faith when circumstances don’t immediately change? (Genesis 7)

Genesis 8-14

• Why do you think God makes a promise (the rainbow) knowing humans will still fail? (Genesis 9)

• Why do you think God cares enough to name nations and families instead of skipping ahead in the story? (Genesis 10)

• What do you think God is protecting humanity from by confusing their language? (Genesis 11)

• What stands out to you about God making promises before Abram does anything to earn them? (Genesis 12)

Genesis 15-21

• God tells Abram to look at the stars. How do visible reminders help us trust invisible promises? (Genesis 15)

• What does it mean to “believe the Lord,” and how is that different from having everything figured out? (Genesis 15)

• Why is waiting on God often harder than taking matters into our own hands? (Genesis 16)

• What does this chapter teach about the seriousness of sin and God’s desire to save? (Genesis 19)

• Why is laughter a fitting response when God finally keeps His promise? (Genesis 21)

Genesis 22-28

• What does this chapter teach us about obedience that flows from faith rather than fear? (Genesis 22)

• How might this story shape how we trust God with what we love most? (Genesis 22)

• What does it say about God that His plans still move forward through broken choices? (Genesis 27)

• Jacob is on the run and far from home. Why do you think God meets him at this moment? (Genesis 28)

Genesis 29-35

• • What does this chapter teach us about God’s plans not depending on perfect people or situations? (Genesis 29)
  • Where do you see people trying to control blessing instead of receiving it? (Genesis 30)
  • The name Jacob means “Deceiver” or “Heal-Grabber.” Why does God change Jacob’s name at this moment? (Genesis 32)

Genesis 36-42

• Why do you think God allows Joseph’s story to begin with injustice? (Genesis 37)
• Why doesn’t doing the right thing always lead to immediate reward? (Genesis 39)
• How does Joseph remain faithful when no one else sees his integrity? (Genesis 39)
• How can God use past pain to prepare someone for future purpose? (Genesis 41)

Genesis 43-49

• How does guilt shape the brothers’ actions years later? (Genesis 44)
• Why does Joseph test his brothers before revealing himself? (Genesis 44)
• What does Joseph’s leadership teach us about humility and wisdom? (Genesis 45-47)
• How does Joseph’s forgiveness reflect deep trust in God’s plan? (Genesis 47)
• Did Jacob’s sons ever fulfill their father’s burial wishes? (see Exodus 13:19; Joshua 24:32)

Genesis 50-Exodus 6

• Jacob lived with Joseph in Egypt for another 17 years. Why were the brothers so afraid of Joseph after all of these years of peace and reconciliation? (Genesis 50)
• What does Joseph mean when he says God used evil intentions for good? (Genesis 50)
• What does this chapter teach about God shaping leaders over time? (Exodus 2)
• What does God’s name (“I AM”) reveal about who He is? (Exodus 3)
• Why does Moses doubt himself—and how does God respond? (Exodus 3)