A NewWay Course

study
guide
 FINDING GOD
study guide

Written by
Sheryl Baar Moon

© Copyright 1993

Copyright NewWay Ministries/Dr. Larry Crabb. All rights reserved.

This document may not be reproduced or distributed without the expressed permission of NewWay Ministries.
introduction
Are you searching to find God? To really find Him? Have you been through an experience that has left
you confused and asking if God is real? Do you want to experience his love for you as his child?

In this video series Dr. Larry Crabb shares with us the pathway to finding God in the midst of our
struggles. The information in this series is based on his book, Finding God, which grew out of his own
intense struggle to experience God’s presence. This is not another self-help series that will give you new
formulas or pat answers. Rather, these sessions will challenge you to look deep within yourself to face
the question: “Do I believe in a good God?”

This series is for those who are willing to find God through a soul-searching process. In a culture that
believes in quick fixes and immediate answers, Larry Crabb invites us to take time to reflect, to be honest,
and to focus on God. Those who dare to take the journey will be richly blessed!

how to use this series in a group environment

This series is divided into six one-hour sessions. Each session is designed to use the video for half of the
session and discussion for the other half. Additional discussion material is provided so you may extend
your sessions beyond one hour, spend two sessions on the same topic, or simply add questions from the
Extended Session to your regular meeting time. The material in the extended sessions is more personal
in nature and will require more self-disclosure.

Due to the interactive nature of the material, a small group (six to eight individuals) would best facilitate
the processing of information. However, if you have a large group interested in this video series, we
suggest watching the video together and then breaking into small groups for discussions. The small
groups should remain the same throughout the entire series as trust needs to be built between members
in order to facilitate sharing. The atmosphere should be one of a warm and caring community of believers
gathered together to encourage one another.

A facilitator, as with most small groups, does not need to have all the answers. However, they should be
willing to honestly share their own struggles, to conscientiously prepare for each group session, to
consistently pray for the group, and to be a person who can guide interaction, offer support, and assist
with follow-up. They need to realize that they are investing time in people who are on a very important
journey. Trust God to give his wisdom.

Copyright NewWay Ministries/Dr. Larry Crabb. All rights reserved. This document may
not be reproduced or distributed without the expressed permission of NewWay Ministries. STUDY GUIDE — 2
each session contains
Section 1:
• Main ideas expressed in the video.

• Scripture passages referred to in the video: The references listed are for all the passages used in
the sessions. This includes those places where Dr. Crabb quotes the Scripture as part of his text,
but does not cite where it is from in the Bible. The references are provided for your use.

Section 2:
• Session overview with approximate times for each section.

• Warm-up: Ideas to get you into the topic material.

• View video.

• Video reflection.

• Your own questions for discussion.

• Close the session with prayer.

Section 3:
• Extended session ideas for additional discussion, substitute questions or an additional session on
the same topic.

Section 4:
• This contains additional material for personal reflection and study along with related reading
suggestions. This material is optional. It is provided as an additional resource for those interested in
thinking about the material outside of the session.

Additional:
• In session 4 and in session 6, there is an additional page to refer to before watching the video.
The diagram will help you understand the information presented in the session.

Copyright NewWay Ministries/Dr. Larry Crabb. All rights reserved. This document may
not be reproduced or distributed without the expressed permission of NewWay Ministries. STUDY GUIDE — 3
before the first session
• Read the book, Finding God, by Dr. Larry Crabb.
• If facilitating a group, preview the video (this should be done before each session).
• Pray for wisdom.

ten tips for facilitating group discussion

1. Develop a genuine interest in each person.

2. Be trustworthy. Remind the group that what they discuss should remain within the group.

3. Model openness and honesty. Share your own insights and struggles.

4. Allow group members to participate at their own comfort level. Everyone need not answer
every question.

5. Ask your questions with interest and warmth.

6. Be flexible: Reword questions if necessary. Take the liberty of adding or deleting questions to
accommodate the needs of your group members.

7. Listen carefully.

8. Remember: No answer is insignificant. Encourage and affirm each

person’s participation.

9. Allow for (and expect) differences of opinion and experience.

10. Do not be afraid of silence! Allow people time to think—don’t panic. Sometimes ten seconds
of silence seems like an eternity. Some of this material is difficult to process—allow people
time to digest the questions and then respond.

Copyright NewWay Ministries/Dr. Larry Crabb. All rights reserved. This document may
not be reproduced or distributed without the expressed permission of NewWay Ministries. STUDY GUIDE — 4
 Session 1

a new passion:
i must find god

main ideas
• “Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God.” (John 17:3)

• There are no guarantees in life.

• Life is fundamentally tragic: filled with mystery and pain.

• “‘You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you’,
declares the Lord.” (Jeremiah 29:13)

• We have two options in life: to use our problems to find God or to use God to solve
our problems.

• We use predictable formulas to reduce the mystery in our lives and to gain control over our pain.

• We handle disappointment in our lives by numbing our deepest desires and then gratifying
lesser ones.

scriptures referred to in the video

John 17:3
Ecclesiastes 7:2-4
Revelation 7:17
Jeremiah 29:13
Matthew 22:37

Copyright NewWay Ministries/Dr. Larry Crabb. All rights reserved. This document may
not be reproduced or distributed without the expressed permission of NewWay Ministries. STUDY GUIDE — 5
session overview
Warm-Up (10 minutes)
Participants introduce themselves to the others in the group and share
briefly what they hope to learn and/or experience in this class.

View Video (30 minutes)

Video Reflection (20 minutes)

1. What is your initial reaction to this material?
Ideas:
• Disappointment: This isn’t what I thought it would be.
• Panic: This goes against everything I believe in.
• Relief: Finally, I’m allowed to admit my struggle.
• Excitement: This is just what I’ve been looking for!
• Challenge: I’m going to learn many new things.
• Confusion: I just don’t understand —it’s so new.
• Other

2. Which concept or idea stands out most to you?

3. Why is it difficult for us to really face the questions we have about God?

4. The title of this session is “A New Passion: I Must Find God.”

a. How does Larry Crabb express the idea of passion in this presentation?

b. When have you experienced a passion to find God? What happened?

Your Own Questions for Discussion:

Close the session with prayer.

Copyright NewWay Ministries/Dr. Larry Crabb. All rights reserved. This document may
not be reproduced or distributed without the expressed permission of NewWay Ministries. STUDY GUIDE — 6

extended session
1. Why is it that in our pain we seek God?

2. Why is it difficult for us to ask God the tough questions?

3. What are some of the formulas we use to reduce the mystery in our lives?

4. Why are we tempted to substitute techniques for getting to God instead of really looking at
our feelings toward God?

5. Dr. Crabb explained the concept of finding God vs. using God.

a. What is your initial reaction to this perspective?

b. In what ways do people “use God”?

6. Read Psalm 25:4-5 and Psalm 86:11. What are David’s desires?

7. Read Psalm 103. What does this psalm tell us about God?

Copyright NewWay Ministries/Dr. Larry Crabb. All rights reserved. This document may
not be reproduced or distributed without the expressed permission of NewWay Ministries. STUDY GUIDE — 7
 personal study/reflection sheet
finding god
session 1: a new passion: i must find god

• When in your life have you used God to achieve your own purposes?
What were God’s purposes in that situation?

• What is your present “passion”?

• What changes would you need to make in your life if you were to have a “passion”
to find God?

• What are God’s purposes for your life at this time?

• Read Isaiah 57:15 and Psalm 34:18-19. What do these verses tell us about our passion
to know God better?

optional related readings

• Finding God: Introduction through page 28. (Different sections of this book will be
listed as optional reading throughout the series. This book was written by Dr. Larry
Crabb and published by Zondervan Publishing House, 1993.)

• My Utmost for His Highest: a daily devotional by Oswald Chambers. This book is
considered a “Christian classic.” Most Christian bookstores will carry it—there are
several different publishers.

Copyright NewWay Ministries/Dr. Larry Crabb. All rights reserved. This document may
not be reproduced or distributed without the expressed permission of NewWay Ministries. STUDY GUIDE — 8
 Session 2

competing agendas:
what is god up to? vs.
what am i after?
main ideas
• We have two options in life: to use our problems to find God or to use God to solve our problems.

• Each of us is naturally driven by a purpose that directly competes with the purpose of God.

• Weare committed to “city building,” to making our lives work by figuring out how to control our lives.
God is committed to “kingdom building,” to revealing his goodness through his son.

• We struggle to believe that God is good or good enough.

scriptures referred to in the video

Hebrews 11 (various references)
Genesis 5:4-31
Amos 3:3
Proverbs 20:5
Jude 1:3, 14
Genesis 4:17-24 (the story of Lamech)
Genesis 4:26 (reference to Seth)
Genesis 4:1-17 (the story of Cain)
Matthew 6:19-21 (the warning against treasures on earth)
Genesis 3 (the fall of Adam and Eve)
Moses (story told primarily in the book of Exodus)
David (story told primarily in 1 & 2 Samuel)
Jesus (story of his life told in Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John)
John 14:1

Copyright NewWay Ministries/Dr. Larry Crabb. All rights reserved. This document may
not be reproduced or distributed without the expressed permission of NewWay Ministries. STUDY GUIDE — 9
session overview
Warm-Up (10 minutes)
• What thoughts have you had, since we last met, about having a passion to find God?

• Today’s topic is agendas. What are the different types of agendas people have for their lives?
Ideas:
• Making money
• Feeling good about themselves
• Building relationships
• Having people like them
• Keeping busy
• Having fun

View Video (30 minutes)

Video Reflection (20 minutes)

1. We have two options in life: to use our problems to find God or to use God to solve
our problems.

This concept is a basic premise for this study. What is your reaction and/or response?

2. What are some areas in our lives that we try to control?

3. What is our definition of “good”?

4. What is God’s definition of “good”?

5. Read Romans 5:1-11

a. In this passage, what do we learn about our relationship with Christ?

b. What is God’s agenda for us?

c. For what purpose does God have this agenda?

Your Own Questions for Discussion:

Close the session with prayer.

Copyright NewWay Ministries/Dr. Larry Crabb. All rights reserved. This document may
not be reproduced or distributed without the expressed permission of NewWay Ministries. STUDY GUIDE — 10
extended session
1. When have you “used God”?

2. When have you allowed God to use you?

3. Why is it difficult to accept God’s plan for our lives?

4. Read Jeremiah 17:1-16

a. Verses 1-6: What do we learn about human nature in these verses?

b. Verses 7-11: What do these verses tell us about God’s relationship with us?

c. Verses 12-16: What is Jeremiah experiencing? What is Jeremiah feeling?

Where is Jeremiah’s trust?

5. Read Isaiah 55:8-9

a. What do these verses tell us about God’s thoughts and plans?

b. What in your life makes it difficult for you to accept this as God’s design?

6. Read Romans 11:33. What does this verse tell us about God?

Copyright NewWay Ministries/Dr. Larry Crabb. All rights reserved. This document may
not be reproduced or distributed without the expressed permission of NewWay Ministries. STUDY GUIDE — 11
 personal study/reflection sheet
finding god
session 2: competing agendas: what is god up to? vs.
what am i after?

• Identify the times in your life when you have been a “city builder.”

• Identify the times in your life when you have been a “kingdom builder.”

• Keep a journal for this week in which you record the times in your life when you notice there
are competing agendas. How do you feel? How do you react?

• Bible Study: Contrast the ways of man as described in Romans 9 with the ways of God as
described in James 1.

optional related readings

• Finding God: pages 29-66.

• A Closer Walk by Catherine Marshall (Revell, 1986).

Copyright NewWay Ministries/Dr. Larry Crabb. All rights reserved. This document may
not be reproduced or distributed without the expressed permission of NewWay Ministries. STUDY GUIDE — 12
 Session 3

cheapened appetites:
learning to desire a god
who won’t answer questions

main ideas
• We need to get in a “condition of soul” where our “appetite for God” is very focused and determined.

• If God is going to increase our passion for him, then he is going to have to weaken our appetites
for lesser things.

• There are three levels of Christian maturity:

1. Little children: Ask, “God, do you love me?”
2. Young men: Ask, “God, will you help me?” and “God, will you heal me?”
3. Fathers: Ask, “God, will you let me find you?”

scriptures referred to in the video

Psalm 56:4
1 John 2:12-17
Hosea 5:15
Hosea 7:13-14

Copyright NewWay Ministries/Dr. Larry Crabb. All rights reserved. This document may
not be reproduced or distributed without the expressed permission of NewWay Ministries. STUDY GUIDE — 13
session outline
Warm-Up (15 minutes)
• Did anyone keep a journal this past week? What types of competing agendas did you encounter?
How did you resolve them?

• Today’s session is about “cheapened appetites.” What is an appetite? What are the appetites of
our culture?

View Video (30 minutes)

Video Reflection (20 minutes)

1. What feelings do we have when God does not respond to our questions?

2. What types of conclusions do we draw about God and our relationship with him when he does
not respond to our questions?

3. Which concept in this video is hard for you to understand or accept?

4. When have you been like the little child and asked God, “Do you love me?”

5. When have you been like the young man and asked God, “Will you help me?
Will you heal me?”

6. When have you been like the father and asked God, “Can I find you?”

7. In what ways do we “cycle” through these three stages?

8. Hosea 7:13-14. What difference do you see between “wailing on our beds” and “crying
from our hearts”?

Your Own Questions for Discussion:

Close the session with prayer.

Copyright NewWay Ministries/Dr. Larry Crabb. All rights reserved. This document may
not be reproduced or distributed without the expressed permission of NewWay Ministries. STUDY GUIDE — 14
extended session
1. How have you responded to individuals who have told you they are asking God if he loves them?
(The question of the children)

2. How have you responded to individuals who have told you they are asking God to help
and/or heal them? (The questions of young men)

3. How can we be an encouragement to those who are seeking to find God? (Like the fathers)

4. What do these verses teach us about finding God?

a. 1 Chronicles 16:11

b. Psalm 27:4-8

c. Matthew 7:7-8

Copyright NewWay Ministries/Dr. Larry Crabb. All rights reserved. This document may
not be reproduced or distributed without the expressed permission of NewWay Ministries. STUDY GUIDE — 15
 personal study/reflection sheet
finding god
session 3: cheapened appetites: learning to desire a god
who won’t answer questions

• Dr. Crabb points out that often in the process of weakening our ungodly appetites, God allows
“pain” into our lives.

1. How do most people respond to pain? How do you respond to pain?

2. When have you personally experienced God working in your life in this way?

• Identify a specific time in your life when you wanted less than what God intended for you.
What were the circumstances? How did you feel? How did you act? What was the outcome?

optional related readings

• Finding God: pages 69-81.

• The Problem of Pain by C.S. Lewis (MacMillan, 1962)

• Your God Is Too Small by J.B. Phillips. This is considered a “Christian Classic.”
(MacMillan, 1961)

• The God Who Is There by Francis A. Schaeffer (InterVarsity Press, 1978)

Copyright NewWay Ministries/Dr. Larry Crabb. All rights reserved. This document may
not be reproduced or distributed without the expressed permission of NewWay Ministries. STUDY GUIDE — 16
 Session 4

our fallen structure:

how mishandled assaults
strengthen our doubt

main ideas
• There is one thing we can count on from life: regular reminders that, in this life, we never get back into
the Garden of Eden.

• What keeps us from finding God is not what has happened to us. It is how we react to what has
happened to us.

• God has designed the assaults of life to drive us to seek him. However, something about how we
approach life naturally leads us to respond to the assaults by trying even harder to find ourselves.

• The Fallen Structure (see next page for a diagram to be used as a handout).
scriptures referred to in the video

Genesis 1-2 (the Garden of Eden)
Isaiah 50
Exodus 4:10-12
James 4:1-3

Copyright NewWay Ministries/Dr. Larry Crabb. All rights reserved. This document may
not be reproduced or distributed without the expressed permission of NewWay Ministries. STUDY GUIDE — 17
 the fallen structure

problems in living

Fifth Floor HERE’S HOW! Foolish and Self-Centered

“If I do this, I’ll feel safer.” Style of Relating

Fourth Floor I WILL SURVIVE Arrogant

“I’ll find some way to Determination
get what I want.”

Third Floor I HATE ME Poor Self-Image

“Something is wrong with me.
That’s why people fail me.”

Second Floor I HATE YOU Interpersonal

“You failed me!” Conflict

First Floor I NEED YOU Demanding

“You better come through for me!” Dependence

Foundation I DOUBT GOD Terror and

“He doesn’t look good to me.” Rage

Finding God, page 148 ©1993 by Dr. Larry Crabb.

Copyright NewWay Ministries/Dr. Larry Crabb. All rights reserved. This document may
not be reproduced or distributed without the expressed permission of NewWay Ministries. STUDY GUIDE — 18
session overview
Warm-Up (10 minutes)

View Video (30 minutes)

Video Reflection (25 minutes)

General Questions:

1. What is your reaction to the fallen structure concept?

2. What are the barriers that keep us from looking at and/or facing our doubt, terror
and/or rage toward God?

3. Why are people afraid to admit or even look at the possibility that they doubt God?

4. How does the model of the fallen structure and its focus on our relationship with God
differ from the world’s focus on self?

The Fallen Structure:

1. What types of situations cause people to doubt God’s goodness?

2. How do we express “I need you?”

3. How does our behavior on the “I hate you” level hurt us?

4. In what ways do we try to fix “I hate me”?

5. “I will survive” is an attempt to gain control of our life situations. In what ways does this
approach hurt us?

6. In what ways does behavior on the “here’s how” floor keep us from truly finding God?

Your Own Questions for Discussion:

Close the session with prayer.

Copyright NewWay Ministries/Dr. Larry Crabb. All rights reserved. This document may
not be reproduced or distributed without the expressed permission of NewWay Ministries. STUDY GUIDE — 19
extended session
• Read the story of Jonah that is found in the Old Testament.

• Identify Jonah’s behavior at each level of the fallen structure.

Copyright NewWay Ministries/Dr. Larry Crabb. All rights reserved. This document may
not be reproduced or distributed without the expressed permission of NewWay Ministries. STUDY GUIDE — 20
 personal study/reflection sheet
finding god
session 4: our fallen structure: how mishandled assaults
strengthen our doubt

• Identify a situation in your life where you have doubted God. Identify your feelings and
attitudes on each level of the fallen structure.

optional related readings

• Finding God: pages 83-149.

Copyright NewWay Ministries/Dr. Larry Crabb. All rights reserved. This document may
not be reproduced or distributed without the expressed permission of NewWay Ministries. STUDY GUIDE — 21
 Session 5

telling our stories:

disrupting what’s bad and
releasing what’s good

main ideas
• The fallen structure must be dismantled by disrupting the bad things that make up the fallen structures
within our souls and releasing the good things that the Lord has placed within our hearts.

• In our unmanageable, unpredictable, frustrating world there is a larger story that provides the promise
of order. In our disappointing, unsatisfying, painful world it is this larger story that provides hope.

• Each of us has a three-part story to tell:

• Our present story
• Our inside story
• Our deepest story

• Communities of Christians need to gather together with a common commitment to find God through:
1. The celebration of worship
2. Studying the Scriptures
3. Telling their stories to one another

scriptures referred to in the video

1 Corinthians 13
2 Corinthians 12:7-10
Psalm 89:38
Philippians 3:13
Hebrews 10:25

Copyright NewWay Ministries/Dr. Larry Crabb. All rights reserved. This document may
not be reproduced or distributed without the expressed permission of NewWay Ministries. STUDY GUIDE — 22
session overview
Warm-Up (5 minutes)
• Did anyone discuss the fallen structure with someone outside of the class during the past week?
What types of reactions did you encounter?

View Video (30 minutes)

Video Reflection (20 minutes)

1. Which idea in this video inspired you the most? How? Why?

2. Which idea frustrated or confused you the most? How? Why?

3. Why is it so difficult, in today’s society, to “tell our story”?

4. Why are you afraid to share your story with others?

5. What helps you or hinders you in sharing your story?

6. What would it take for you to share your deepest story?

7. What keeps you from taking the time to reflect on the changes that need to occur in your life?

Your Own Questions for Discussion:

Close the session with prayer.

Copyright NewWay Ministries/Dr. Larry Crabb. All rights reserved. This document may
not be reproduced or distributed without the expressed permission of NewWay Ministries. STUDY GUIDE — 23
extended session
1. How is all of this a process toward finding God?

2. What do these verses say about “rest”?

a. Psalm 37:7

b. Psalm 55:6

c. Isaiah 30:15

d. Matthew 11:28

3. Why is it difficult to rest in God?

Copyright NewWay Ministries/Dr. Larry Crabb. All rights reserved. This document may
not be reproduced or distributed without the expressed permission of NewWay Ministries. STUDY GUIDE — 24
 telling my story
• Which of the following tends to be your response to the opportunity to share your
life experiences:

1. I’m just fine. Life is life, and mine is about the same as everyone else’s.

2. I’m good at sharing what has happened in my life in the past because I can filter out the
negative feelings I had during that time in my life. I can focus on the good that came out of
the experience rather than on the pain I experienced.

3. I can share the facts of my present story, but would never dare disclose how I feel about it.

4. I am uncomfortable discussing my deepest story. That is a personal thing between me
and God.

5. I feel comfortable sharing my present inside, and deepest stories.

6. Other

• Sharing: your present story, your inside story, and your deepest story.

1. Identify single words to describe yourself or a situation in each part of the story.

My Present Story My Inside Story My Deepest Story

2. Share with the other group members how these words fit into your story.

3. Share the entire story (or whichever aspect of the story you are most comfortable disclosing).

Copyright NewWay Ministries/Dr. Larry Crabb. All rights reserved. This document may
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 personal study/reflection sheet
finding god
session 5: telling our stories: disrupting what’s bad and
releasing what’s good

• Read Genesis 37-47, the story of Joseph. Identify his present, inside, and deepest story at
various times in his life.

• Reflect: Where and when are you experiencing:

1. Worship

2. Teaching

3. Sharing

optional related readings

• Finding God: pages 153-207.

Copyright NewWay Ministries/Dr. Larry Crabb. All rights reserved. This document may
not be reproduced or distributed without the expressed permission of NewWay Ministries. STUDY GUIDE — 26
 Session 6

coming home:
wanting god more
than anything else

main ideas
• The Godly Structure (see separate page for diagram).

• Maintaining a deep, growing confidence in God’s goodness no matter what happens requires:
1. Remembering
2. Entering
3. Hoping

scriptures referred to in the video

Genesis 4 (references to Cain, Seth, Enoch, and Lamech)
Exodus 12 (Passover)
Luke 22:14-20, Matthew 26:26-28 (the Lord’s Supper)
Matthew 3:13-17, Mark 1:9-11, Luke 3:21-22 (Jesus’ Baptism)
Matthew 17:1-9, Mark 9:1-9, Luke 9:28-36 (Mount of Transfiguration)
John 12:20-36
Acts 27:27
Romans 8:28
Acts 20:35
John 14:27
Revelation 21-22:5

Copyright NewWay Ministries/Dr. Larry Crabb. All rights reserved. This document may
not be reproduced or distributed without the expressed permission of NewWay Ministries. STUDY GUIDE — 27
 the godly structure

fruitful living

Fifth Floor HERE’S HOW! Wise and Other-Centered

“Doing this reflects my Style of Relating
confidence in God’s goodness.”

Fourth Floor I WILL OBEY Humble Cooperation

“I can’t do it perfectly, and Joy
but I’ll do what’s right.”

Third Floor I JUDGE ME Repentance and Rest

“When I fail to love you, I’m wrong.”

Second Floor I ACCEPT YOU Intimacy

“I don’t need you to be different.”

First Floor I LOVE YOU Freedom from

“I want to give something to you.” Dependence

Foundation I BELIEVE GOD Quietness

“All things work together for good because God is good.” Trust
Worship

Finding God, page 149 ©1993 by Dr. Larry Crabb.

Copyright NewWay Ministries/Dr. Larry Crabb. All rights reserved. This document may
not be reproduced or distributed without the expressed permission of NewWay Ministries. STUDY GUIDE — 28
session overview
Warm-Up (5 minutes)
• What does today’s culture tell us we should want out of life?

• What spiritual benefits do we seek from God?

View Video (30 minutes)

Video Reflection (20 minutes)

1. What do you like most about the godly structure concept?

2. What does it take to move from each stage in the fallen structure to the parallel stage
in the godly structure?

3. Remembering:
a. Share a time in your life when it was clear that God arranged the circumstances.
b. Share a time when the Cross, the reality of Christ’s death for you, was very real.

4. Entering:
a. What is God presently doing in and/or through your life?
b. What are you learning at this time?

5. Hoping:
a. What do you most hope for (honestly)?
b. When and where do you go to reflect on your hope in God?

6. In what ways has your search for God changed over the past few weeks?

Your Own Questions for Discussion:

Close the session with prayer.

Copyright NewWay Ministries/Dr. Larry Crabb. All rights reserved. This document may
not be reproduced or distributed without the expressed permission of NewWay Ministries. STUDY GUIDE — 29
extended session
1. How do you see yourself in the larger story?

2. Share your personal testimony. When did you accept Christ as your personal Savior? How has he
worked in your life? What is he doing now?

3. The Bible is full of imperfect individuals who embraced God’s larger story for their lives. Who are some
of these individuals? What was their story? How did they fit into the larger story?

a. Old Testament
Moses (story told primarily in the book of Exodus)
David (story told primarily in 1 and 2 Samuel)
Ruth (told in the book of Ruth)
Deborah (Judges 4-5)
Jeremiah (found in the book named after him)
Joshua (Numbers 14:6-10, the book of Joshua)
Hosea (his story is told throughout the book of Hosea)

b. New Testament
Nicodemus (John 3:1-12; 7:50-52; 19:39-40)
Paul (Acts 9-28)
Zachariah (Luke 1:5-17)
Peter (story is told throughout the first five books of the New Testament)

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 personal study/reflection sheet
finding god
session 6: coming home: wanting god more than anything else

• Reflect: What have you learned about the process of finding God through this series?

• Scripture Studies: Study the lives of the following individuals to see how they found God.
What principles can you apply to your own life?

Abraham (Genesis 13-25)
Jacob (Genesis 25-50)
Elizabeth (Luke 1:5-25; 39-45)
Timothy (Acts 16, 1 and 2 Timothy)
Anna (Luke 2:36-38)
Elisha (2 Kings 2-13)
Elijah (1 Kings 17-2; Kings 2:18)
Esther and Mordecai (the book of Esther)
Hosea (the book of Hosea)
Nehemiah (the book of Nehemiah)
Daniel (the book of Daniel)
Zaccheus (Luke 19:1-10)

optional related readings

• Finding God: pages 209-217.

• A Chance To Die: The Life and Legacy of Amy Carmichael by Elisabeth Elliot (Revell, 1987)

Copyright NewWay Ministries/Dr. Larry Crabb. All rights reserved. This document may
not be reproduced or distributed without the expressed permission of NewWay Ministries. STUDY GUIDE — 31
larry crabb, jr., ph.d.
Dr. Larry Crabb is a well-known psychologist, conference and seminar speaker, Bible teacher, popular
author, and founder/director of NewWay Ministries. In addition to various other speaking and teaching
opportunities, Dr. Crabb offers weekend conferences throughout the country on several topics,
including 66 Love Letters and Gender (what did God have in mind when he made us male and female?)
and a week-long School of Spiritual Direction held in Colorado Springs, CO or Asheville, NC. He
currently is Scholar in Residence at Colorado Christian University, Visiting Professor for Richmont
University in Georgia, and serves as Spiritual Director for the American Association of Christian
Counselors. Dr. Crabb has authored many books including: Inside Out, Understanding People, The
Marriage Builder, Finding God, Connecting, Becoming a True Spiritual Community, The Pressure’s Off,
Shattered Dreams, SoulTalk, The SoulCare Experience DVD, The PAPA Prayer, Real Church, 66 Love
Letters and his most recent work, God’s Love Letters to You, a 40-day Devotional Experience based
on his book 66 Love Letters. Dr. Crabb and his wife, Rachael, live in the Denver, Colorado area. For
additional information please visit www.newwayministries.org.

sheryl baar moon

Sheryl Baar Moon spent one year as a teacher at the Chinese Culture University in Taipei, Taiwan, and
then held the position of Director of Christian Education and Youth for Peace Reformed Church in
Middleville, Michigan for eight years.

Holding a BME from Hope College, and an MA in Communications from Western Michigan University,
she now resides in Grand Rapids, Michigan where she is a consultant for a variety of churches and
organizations. She and her husband Randy are involved in several ministries.

For additional resources, speaking engagements or questions please go to www.newwayministries.org

Copyright NewWay Ministries/Dr. Larry Crabb. All rights reserved. This document may
not be reproduced or distributed without the expressed permission of NewWay Ministries. STUDY GUIDE — 32