Where Do I Belong?
A First 5 Study Guide: Special Content!
Enhance your study of Where Do I Belong? Finding Our True Home Through the Study of Exile in the Bible with bonus content every week! This page includes a small group discussion guide and six videos that will help you dig deeper into the topics you’re learning about in the study guide. Feel free to watch these videos on your own or with a group. We hope you enjoy this additional biblical content!
Click here to download our Small Group Discussion Guide.
We designed this small group discussion guide as a resource to help you! Here you’ll find intentional discussion questions, conversation topics and prompts you can use to walk alongside a small group of your friends through this six-week study guide.
WEEK 1
Mountaintops and Meeting With God
Do you have somewhere you like to go to pray or meet with God? In the Bible, some of the most significant moments happen at the top of mountains. From creation to Christ’s crucifixion, mountaintops are repeatedly present. So what purpose do mountains play in Scripture, and how does Christ’s mountaintop sacrifice change it all for us as believers?
To download a transcript of this video click here.
Week 1 presenter is Dr. Joel Muddamalle. For further reading from Joel, check out The Hidden Peace, Finding Peace Through Humility Bible Study Guide, and 30 Days with Jesus Bible Study, or listen to him on the Proverbs 31 Ministries podcast Therapy & Theology.
WEEK 2
Purpose Through the Wilderness
In the midst of trial, have you ever asked yourself, Can I make it through this? God’s people ask this question countless times when they are going through the wilderness in exile. But God transforms the wilderness from a place to be dreaded and despised into a place where we can experience His power and presence.
To download a transcript of this video click here.
Week 2 presenter is Dr. Joel Muddamalle. For further reading from Joel, check out The Hidden Peace, Finding Peace Through Humility Bible Study Guide, and 30 Days with Jesus Bible Study, or listen to him on the Proverbs 31 Ministries podcast Therapy & Theology.
WEEK 3
From Exile to Jesus: An Interview With Biblical Scholar Dr. Carol Kaminski
Find answers to the questions you may have about the Babylonian exile and what it means for us today in this conversation between Dr. Carol Kaminski and Eric Gagnon, First 5’s Theological Content Specialist. You’ll learn fascinating details about exile and deepen your understanding of this study as they explore topics ranging from ancient Babylon to how we are seen as exiles today.
To download a transcript of this video click here.
Week 3 presenter is Dr. Carol M. Kaminski, who is interviewed by Eric Gagnon. For further reading, check out Dr. Kaminski’s books: 1 & 2 Chronicles (The Story of God Bible Commentary) and Casket Empty: Old Testament Study Guide: God’s Plan of Redemption Through History. Visit Dr. Kaminski’s website, CASKET EMPTY, for free biblical resources.
WEEK 4
How a Symbol of Shame Became Our Salvation
When you think of the cross, what does it mean to you? The Roman cross is commonly known as a positive biblical symbol, but it hasn’t always been this way. It used to be known globally as a symbol of fear and Roman power. What changed? Watch as Dr. Joel Muddamalle shares how the cross’s meaning transformed overnight.
To download a transcript of this video click here.
Week 4 presenter is Dr. Joel Muddamalle. For further reading from Joel, check out The Hidden Peace, Finding Peace Through Humility Bible Study Guide, and 30 Days with Jesus Bible Study, or listen to him on the Proverbs 31 Ministries podcast Therapy & Theology.
WEEK 5
Is There Any Good in Exile?
When our heart longs for home, how can we possibly live fruitfully in exile? In Jeremiah 29, God’s people experienced this challenge in Babylon. God called them not only to live faithfully while in exile but also to seek the peace and prosperity of the place where they were exiled. As Christ followers, we experience living in exile today. Watch the video to learn how God calls us to fulfill this very same command.
To download a transcript of this video click here.
Week 5 presenter is Wendy Blight. For further reading from Wendy, check out Rest for Your Soul: A Bible Study on Solitude, Silence, and Prayer and 1 John: Walking in the Fullness of God’s Love.
WEEK 6
We Belong With the God Who Belongs With Us
Is it really possible to cling to the hope of our true home when we’re struggling with hard realities on this side of eternity? As we conclude this series on exile, join Melissa Spoelstra for a closer look at Psalm 90, which reminds us that true belonging can be found right now with Jesus no matter what we face.
To download a transcript of this video click here.
Week 6 presenter is Melissa Spoelstra. For further reading from Melissa, check out her most recent book, The Gospel of John: Savoring the Peace of Jesus in a Chaotic World, and Isaiah: Striving Less and Trusting God More.
Meet the Teachers:
