Got questions and prayer intentions for Curtis and Dr. Sri? Send them in here.

Want supplemental resources? Here is the FOCUS Salvation History Bible Study and The Real Story by Curtis and Dr. Sri.

Discussion Questions

1. Like the Israelites, have you ever struggled to trust in God’s promises? Like Caleb and Joshua have you ever boldly believed? What does this story teach us about trusting God, even when things are difficult or other people are unfaithful?
2. The Israelites were scared to take what God had given them: the Promised Land. When in your life have you doubted what God had in store for you or been scared to receive it?
3. How does “everyone doing what is right in their own eyes” lead to problems? In opposition to simply “doing what is right in our own eyes,” how are we called to live as Christians?

Discussion Questions

1. What are ways that, like the Israelites, you “murmur” about God’s plan for your life? How can we overcome a habit or temptation of complaining about the way that God is leading us?
2. Israel possessed the law—so knew what was good—but they do not seem to have the ability to keep it. Have you experienced this reality in your own life? How so?
3. Because of God’s grace in Christ, we now have the ability to keep God’s law. Do you trust that God can truly enable you to follow Him faithfully? Why or why not? Or in what ways is it easy to trust in God’s grace in your life, and in what areas of your life is that difficult?

Discussion Questions

1. At Sinai, Moses first proclaims the Word of God and then leads the people in sacrifice, a blood ritual, and a communion meal. How does this parallel what Catholics do at Mass? Are there any insights from today’s class that might change the way you experience the Mass?
2. Have you ever experienced being separated from God? How do our sins lead us away from him? What was it like to be reunited?
3. God’s many gifts to his chosen people (the law, the prophets, the covenant) were meant to be used by Israel to bring all nations into relationship with God. What additional gifts has God given us since the time of Moses? How do you use these gifts to bring others into relationship with him?

Discussion Questions

1. What are some of the “pagan gods” or “idols” of the culture we live in? (Some examples might be success, popularity, or technology) What steps have you taken to get “out of Egypt”?
2. How are you still working on getting “Egypt out of you?” What might God be asking you to sacrifice that is “sacred” to many people in our contemporary culture?
3. The Passover was a bold challenge to the Israelites to make their faith public in a hostile environment. Have you ever felt like God was calling you to display your faith publicly, even though you knew it might not be well-received? What did you do? How did it turn out?

Discussion Questions

1. Jacob’s family experiences the negative effects of not abiding by God’s plan for marriage. How does a neglect of God’s plan for marriage impact people today? How has it impacted you?
2. In what ways does Jacob grasp? How do you grasp rather than receive what God desires to give you? Or in what ways have you attempted to achieve something good, but used the wrong means to do so?
3. We see that, when people in salvation history are walking in God’s ways and striving to follow Him, even their failure can be used by God to bring good. What does the story of Joseph have to teach you about trust in God?

Discussion Questions

1. Abraham is considered a model of the virtue of faith. How can Abraham’s story help inspire us to grow in this virtue?
2. Like Abraham with Hagar, how are you tempted to “take things into your own hands”? In what areas of your life do you struggle to trust in God’s plan for you?
3. In our reading of salvation history, we see God give people “do-overs,” “second tries.” Why does He do that? When has He done that in your life?

Verses: Genesis 6:5 – 11

Discussion Questions

1. Sometimes we may wonder what our world would be like if Adam and Eve never fell. What does this story teach us about fresh starts? When is the last time you’ve tried to solve a problem with a “fresh start”?
2. We are saved by the wood of the cross through the waters of baptism. How is this foreshadowed in the life of Noah? For further reflection see Wisdom 14:1-7 and CCC 1219-1220.
3. The children of Noah’s sons, Ham and Shem, take radically different paths. How have you seen the sins and virtues of your ancestors affect your family? What virtues do you hope to pass on to future generations of your family?

Discussion Questions

1. The first paragraph of the Catechism reads, “God, infinitely perfect and blessed in himself, in a plan of sheer goodness freely created man to make him share in his own blessed life” (CCC 1). How do you see this truth revealed in God’s relationship with Adam and Eve? How do you see it revealed in your own life?
2. The devil tempted Adam and Eve to see God as a rival who wanted to restrict their freedom. In what ways do you experience the temptation to deny God’s loving Fatherhood, to exaggerate God’s restrictions or to paint him as a law-giver?
3. What kind of family did you grow up in (Trustee, Nuclear, Atomistic)? What are some traditions or activities you can do with your family and/or friends to help live as part of the Trustee family of God?”

This Lent, join Curtis Martin and Dr. Edward Sri for a twelve-week walk through “the big picture” of the Bible. This Bible study is perfect for small groups or self-study.

Participants will…

• Come away with the “Big Picture” of the Bible
• See the Catholic Faith in Scripture
• Discover the role they play in the story
• Learn how to share the story with others

Receive the word.

Share it with others.

This is our call.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT ARE THE DATES OF THE SESSIONS?

• Week 1 (Jan. 23)
• Week 2 (Jan. 30)
• Week 3 (Feb. 6)
• Week 4 (Feb. 13)
• Week 5 (Feb. 20)
• Week 6 (Feb. 27)
• Week 7 (Mar. 6)
• Week 8 (Mar. 13)
• Week 9 (Mar. 20)
• Week 10 (Mar. 27)
• Week 11 (Apr. 3)
• Week 12 (Apr. 10)

HOW DO I VIEW THE BIBLE STUDY?

A link will be sent to all registered participants.

HOW DO I FIND A GROUP?

You will be responsible for finding a group of people to participate locally. We recommend inviting people in your local parish, friends, and family!

WHY IS FOCUS HOSTING THIS BIBLE STUDY?

Many have expressed a desire to receive some of the training in evangelization and discipleship that FOCUS has successfully employed for nearly 25 years. This is an opportunity to receive specialized formative content and proven evangelization skills to enter more deeply into mission.