Questions for each chapter can be found in the back of the book. Our pastors have written additional questions below.

Additional Questions for Chapter 1: Creation
Sep 11-17

The book has six questions on page 473 to aid in your discussion. But here are a few more.
1)    Remember how the Gospel of John tells us that “In the beginning was the Word”?  Notice how each day of creation begins with God’s word, “And God said . . . . “  How is God speaking to you today and how is God re-creating you?
2)    In this version of the Bible, the text says that Adam could find no “suitable helper.”  The NRSV translates this same word as “partner.” Do you think Eve was Adam’s helper or were they more like partners in what they did?
3)    Which of the three – Adam, Eve, or the Serpent – received the worst punishment from God for their sin?
4)    Does it bother you that the LORD would not accept Cain’s sacrifice?  Would that make you angry too?
5)    What do you think is heart of the covenant between God and Noah?

Additional Questions for Chapter 2: God Builds a Nation 
Sep 18-24

1)    How many times in this story does God remind Abraham that he will be a blessing? And what are the different ways that God describes this blessing?
2)    Notice the struggles between people in this chapter. Sarah vs. Hagar. Leah vs. Rachel. Jacob vs. Esau. Sometimes God’s people do not see eye-to-eye. Do you ever notice this in your family? In the church family?
3)    One of the most difficult and troubling stories in the Bible is the sacrifice of Isaac. How did this one sit with you?
4)    Notice Jacob’s family tree (page 26). Did you catch that Leah was in their twice? Jacob did have 12 sons but from 4 different women. But do you remember who the favorites were?

Additional Questions for Chapter 3: Joseph: From Slave to Deputy Pharaoh
Sep 25-Oct 1

1.      There is a lot of personal and system dysfunction in this story. List some of them in the story and discuss whether they are the same now. Thankfully, God is not limited by human dysfunction!  
2.    God uses our human failures. [Remember chapter 1, and where evil comes from!) Share some other biblical examples or personal experiences of God bringing good out of evil. What is the difference between God causing evil to do good, or God using evil to do good?  
3.    What do you make of dreams in this story and Joseph’s dream interpreting. Can you name a few other places in the New Testament where God speaks through dreams.
4.    Hunger, even climate induced famine, shapes this story, and the world still today. Some have food, some do not. What do you think of Joseph using food to manipulate Potiphar, his father Israel (formerly Jacob) and his brothers? 

Additional Questions for Chapter 4: Deliverance
Oct 2-8
 
1. One of the best lines in Exodus is right away, “Now a new king arose over Egypt, who did not know Joseph.” Who are the pillars of faith in your life that might have faded over time? What implications come when we forget our ancestors and the works they have done?

2. When Moses encounters God in the burning bush, he asks him to take off his sandals because it is holy ground. Holy means to be set apart. What are the places in your life that are holy?

3. The plagues are an undoing of God’s creation from calm back into chaos.  What part about the plagues stuck with you most reading it this time?

4. I am always surprised how fast the people want to go back to Egypt, where they were slaves. Is there a time in your life when you have finally felt free, but you still feel called to go back?

Additional Questions for Chapter 5: New Commands and a New Covenant
Oct 9-15

1.    One of the best-known parts of scripture is the 10 commandments. As you reflect on reading about them, which one is the hardest to follow? Which one would best improve your relationship with God and others if you followed closer? How are these commandments still relevant?

2.    The people became impatient with God and that caused them to move to idolatry. What happens when you get impatient with God? What modern idols have we formed?

3.    The imagery in the Bible is great, these word pictures help us understand more clearly what God is saying. When you read they are a stiff-necked people or a land of milk and honey, what do you imagine?

Additional Questions for Chapter 6: Wandering
Oct 16-22

1. In this chapter we learn more about Moses, and Aaron, and Miriam. If a director were casting a movie, which one would you be cast as?
2.  There are some cruel consequences for sin, including death. Does sin always have consequences in our lives?
   In the last verse, Moses is described as the greatest prophet ever. When you think of Israel’s prophets, do you usually think of Moses as one of them?
3. Moses brings water from a rock to save the Israelites from dying of thirst. What amazing things have happened in your life on your journey with God?

Additional Questions for Chapter 7: The Battle Begins
Oct 23-29

1. God asks Joshua to “obey all the law” in this chapter. How do Joshua and the people of Israel handle that commandment?
2. God uses the prostitute Rahab to help the people of Israel. Can you think of other places in the Bible when God uses people that we might think are “taboo” to do God’s will?
3. There is a lot of brutality in this chapter. Page 98 describes Joshua and the people of Israel killing everyone, putting the heads of kings on poles and throwing their bodies in a cave? Does God really expect these same things from us as a sign of loyalty or faith?
4. The end of page 102 describes the death of Joshua. How is this similar or different from the death of Moses (page 88) in the previous chapter?

Additional Questions for Chapter 8: A Few Good Men...and Women
Oct 29 - Nov 5

1.    Tired of reading about military triumph yet? To what extent do you interpret victory (war, sports, life) as from God? Or conversely, defeat as from God? Are winners more faithful, and losers less faithful? How might Christ followers discern such matters? 

2.    Did you catch that someone called by God to “judge” was a leader? God raised up strong leaders in this chapter. How did God do that then? And how do you think God does that now?  

3.    Discerning God’s will is tricky business. What do you make of Gideon’s fleece discernment process? Do you think that actually works? Why? Is it faithful or not? How do you discern God’s will or desire for you?

4.    Some women are finally lifted up in this chapter as significant Israelite leaders. What were the leadership traits of Deborah? Jael? Are those traits today seen as masculine or feminine?

5.    Poor Samson. Strong, but tragic. Ego driven, doesn’t give God much credit. And women are not portrayed so well in this part of the story. Women were culturally described as property, and, in this part of The Story, using the same trope as Eve tempting Adam (and Adam blaming her).  If you were telling Samson’s story as fable, what would the moral be for you? 

Additional Questions for Chapter 9: The Faith of a Foreign Woman
Nov 6 - 12

1. Titles and headings matter in the Bible and can have an influence on how you read it. Some have argued that this book of the Bible should be named Naomi and not Ruth.  How do you think that would change your reading of the chapter?

2.  Naomi’s life turns so hard she asks to be named Bitter (Mara).  Share about a time in your life that was bitter and how you, could or could not, see God active.

3. The Hebrew word khesed can be translated at Steadfast Love, Mercy, Kindness and Goodness. It is something shown from God and between people. In this chapter you can see khesed in so many places. Who do you see display it most? Who in your life shows you khesed?

Additional Questions for Chapter 10: Standing Tall, Falling Hard
Nov 13 -19

1. Do Hannah’s prayers remind you of any of our psalms?  Which ones?
2. Do you prefer strong leaders, like a king, or more of a democratic process?
3. What are the dangers for Israel getting a king?
4. Do you find any good traits in King Saul?  Was he a sympathetic character at all?

Additional Questions for Chapter 11: From Shepherd to King
Nov 20-26

1.    This chapter begins with Samuel anointing a young David. He uses a horn full of oil pouring it over his head! How is the anointing with (much less) oil at your baptism of a similar purpose to this event? 

2.    The relationship of Jonathan and David is an intriguing part of The Story, the king’s son (typically the heir) with the anointed chosen heir. What do you make of this relationship?

3.    Saul’s jealousy is a problem that grows violently. David prays (familiar psalms to us now) and returns Saul’s aggression with peace. Jesus will do the same thing, and teach his disciples to do the same. What might this mean to us? 

4.    The ark of the covenant is moved to Jerusalem, the City of David, with fanfare.  Except Michal, of course. Why do you think the Lord was opposed to David building a house for the ark?

Additional Questions for Chapter 13: The King Who Had It All
Dec 4 - 10

1. We can all benefit from a Nathan in our lives, to help point out our brokenness. Who is that person in your life, and how do you cultivate that relationship?
2. We know the power of forgiveness when we have really messed up.  Is there a time in your life when forgiveness had a great impact?   Is there a place where you still need to seek forgiveness?
3. Psalm 23 is a powerful and prevalent psalm, as you read through it what resonates with you today?  Do you have a preferred translation and why?

Additional Questions for Chapter 14: A Kingdom Torn in Two
Dec 11-17

In chapter 13, we have the proverbs of Solomon.
 
1. Which one did you like the best?
2. Which one do you think is not really true for you?
3. Were there any of these proverbs that you already knew?
4. Were there some of these proverbs that you will now commit to memory?

Additional Questions for Chapter 15: God's Messengers
Jan 8-14

1. Should Elijah really be pouting after his great victory over the prophets of Baal?
2. Why do you think Elijah has lost faith and is so afraid?
3. Why was it important for Elisha to see Elijah leave this earth?
4. Amos and Hosea call for justice and righteousness. Where is justice and righteousness need in our country? In our world?

Additional Questions for Chapter 16: The Beginning of the End (of the Kingdom of Israel)
Jan 15-21

1. King Hezekiah’s father Ahaz did evil in the eyes of the Lord, yet he turns to the Lord.  What are things you have inherited from your family system that you have or need to turn from?
2. Isaiah’s description of being in God’s throne room is striking. What do you think your first line would be to God if you were in the same situation?
3. With a touch of a live coal and God’s word Isaiah is ready to be sent, what words do you need to hear from God to be encouraged to live into the gifts God has created in you?

Additional Questions for Chapter 17: The Kingdom's Fall
Jan 22-29

1. This chapter focuses on God’s people being brought into exile. Think of the early days of the pandemic, what do you remember to be the most jarring experience?
2. Ezekiel could have just become a priest, as described in Num. 4, when the exile happened. When is a time in your life when you thought you were going one way and everything changed quickly?
3. What happens in your relationships when you go through painful experiences? What wisdom do you have to share?
4. I love the imagery of the dry bones being brought to life, where do you hope to see this same life-giving experience happen in your life?

Additional Questions for Chapter 18: Daniel in Exile
Jan 29-Feb 4

1. When Israel and Judah were captives in exile, God sent prophets to proclaim hope and call them to persevere in faith. In your difficult times, what brought (is bringing) you hope and helped (is helping) you persevere in faith?
2. Of the four heroes of this chapter, three face a fiery trial together. Their witness appears to be that “we believe God will save us, but even if God does not we will not serve other gods.” Notice the word we?
3. Daniel is described as bright, handsome, wise, (vegan) and devout. He rises to influence, craftily maneuvering under evil leaders, without compromising issues of faith. How might prayer be both personally important during times of trouble and a witness to others today?
4. The major prophet Jeremiah is given a minor role in this chapter. In the midst of exile and terror, he weeps and proclaims God’s promise to bring Israel and Judah out of captivity. Do you think God’s promise was more about the people or the land? Why might it matter, then or now?
   
   

Additional Questions for Chapter 19: The Return Home
Jan 29-Feb 4

1. Minor prophets (Haggai, Zechariah) are used by God to bring Israel and Judah home. Haggai reminds them of God’s promise that “I am with you” and therefore you have hope. How does knowing “Emmanuel” (God is with us) give us hope in difficult times of change and transition?
2. Zechariah proclaims God’s desire for all to return, and live in prosperity as the rebuilt the city/people of God. And, they do! Living in harmony again, with equality and wellbeing, was a sign to others of God’s power to restore relationships. How is (or isn’t!) the beloved community of Christ today, a sign of God’s promise for all people?
3. The temple is rebuilt, though considerably smaller than in the past and with the support of the Persian Kings (Cyrus, Darius and Artaxerxes). When finished massive celebrations, sacrifices (the smell!) and worship commence. How can they, or us today, keep God’s acts of mercy for us a priority in our life together?
   

Additional Questions for Chapter 20: The Queen of Beauty and Courage
Feb 5-Feb 11

1. Purim is the Jewish festival that celebrates Queen Esther and the saving of the Jews. In Israel, on this day, lots of people dress up as one of the characters in the story. Who would you dress up as? Queen Esther? Mordecai? Haman? King Xerxes?
 
2. Martin Luther criticized this book of the Bible because it doesn’t talk a lot about God. But do you see God at work in this ancient story?
 
3. Have you noticed that throughout history the Jews never feel safe?  Even today. Why do you think this continues?

Additional Questions for Chapter 21: Rebuilding the Walls
Feb 12-Feb 18

1. Remembering the words of the prophets, the people thought once they returned from exile, rebuilt the temple, and continued to worship God, that the Messiah would come. Yet things fall into disrepair and the people do not change. As we think about the human condition, why is it so hard to change?

2. Malachi is the last book in the Old Testament. It discusses issues people have with God and God with them. Imagine that discussion now. Have things changed since Malachi was written? What is one dispute you would take up with God, and how about God with God’s people?

3. Congratulations you have made it through the Old Testament in The Story. Take some time to reflect back on this journey. What have you found helpful, and what questions are still ruminating? 

What Exactly is The Story?

The Story was developed to help people to become more biblically literate. Unless you have been to seminary or teach the Bible on a regular basis, you are probably not as familiar with the Bible as you could be.

The Story presents the Bible in 31 chapters as a sort of “Cliff Notes” version of the Holy Scripture. It is the Bible but it also is done in a way that is more accessible for the average reader.

You will read large portions of scripture but with the help of occasional editorial remarks and timelines. It will help you get a sense of the “whole” biblical narrative and especially the Old Testament or Hebrew Bible. It will also give you important background to better understand the words of Jesus in the New Testament.

Although lots of people have tried to read straight through the Bible, it is often easier said than done. The Story gives us a way to read through the story of God’s love to us as a whole congregation. We will have weekly help and questions for you and promote as many mini-discussion groups as possible.

We have copies of The Story available for you to pick up in the Narthex.

There is no better time than right now to know God’s word for our lives.

In Christ,
Pastor John D. Morris