Lesson 11 (Dec 9-15), The Elect

Christ and the Law

1. Why is it legalism to feel good about not doing bad things, and about doing good things?
2. What does "end" mean? What are various ways we can understand Paul when he says that "Christ is the end of the law?"

The Election of Grace

1. Did God reject the Jews as a nation or as individuals?
2. Is it fair for God to give the Jews a second chance? 

The Natural Branch

1. Does a grafted branch have the same rights as a natural branch? Do adopted children have the same rights as natural children?
2. Does a natural branch have any advantages over the grafted one? If so, is that fair to the grafted one? If not, is that fair to the natural branch?

All Israel Shall Be Saved

1. What does "all the world" mean? Was the gospel ever preached to all the world? How much more, if any, do we have to do now?
2. What will it take for a Jew to be saved now? Is sincerity enough, or must one become a Christian?

The Salvation of Sinners

1. Did Paul have a special burden for Jews of whom he was one?
2. Is it easier or more difficult to convert your own people?
3. Have Adventists done enough to attract Jews to Christianity seeing that we have so much in common?

Lesson 10 (Dec 2-8), Children of the Promise

Paul's Burden

1. What was God's purpose in selecting Israel as his chosen people? How much of God's purposes for them did the Israelites fulfill?
2. What, if any, are our obligations as heirs of Abraham?

Elected

1. What made Abel, Jacob and the prodigal son, preferred over their older brother? Is the older brother usually less inclined to religious matters?
2. What did God mean when he said "Esau I have hated?"Could Esau have been the one through whom the Messiah came?

Mysteries

1. Why does the Bible say that God hardened Pharaoh's heart? How much choice did the human have in it?
2. Why does God keep some things hidden from humans?
3. How are discoveries made, by accident, or by plan of God?

Ammi: "My People"

1. Why would Father Hosea name his son "Not my people?" Why was his name changed to "my people?'
2. Would God have had His prophet marry a prostitute or was only an object lesson, a parable?

Stumbling

1. In what way did Jesus become a stumbling block for the Jews? Why was it difficult for them to accept Him as their Messiah?
2. What in other people become stumbling blocks for me?
3. Should I be bothered if I am a stumbling block for someone, or is it their own lookout?