Everything that God does is important, but theology texts usually describe God with adjectives rather than verbs. God is good, holy, and great. This does not lead to action on our part as naturally as focusing on WHAT HE DOES. Amazingly, it is possible to describe most of the things that the Bible says God does in just 101 points.
The list of 101 things that God does should be given to group members. A short introductory study to the list should include the fact that it is open to question and could be improved. After the introduction, the study leader should turn to what God did in the lives of various Bible character on the Bible Top 55 list.
What did God do in the life of ADAM? (#53 on the Bible Top 55 list)
This should be asked and answered at first without the group members consulting the God 101 list. Someone would probably quickly say that God created Adam. Great, but there was more to it than that. So the leader would then refer the group to points #2 and #3 on the list, to show that God created man in his own image rather than as just an animal. Moreover God created the woman to be Adams fitting helper since no mere animal was appropriate for him.
Much could also be said about God confronting Adam regarding his sin (#65) and providing for his salvation (#61). Although the incarnation and the cross did not take place until thousands of years later, it was in view from the beginning and predicted through the famous seed-of-the-woman lines (Gen. 3:15). Thus by thinking about Adam, it is possible to think about and discuss various important aspects of what God does.
At the end of the study, there are two key questions to be answered. 1.) What similar things has God done in my life or for me? and 2.) What should I do in response? The second column of the God 101 list is helpful with this closing application question. Those who are saved should go on to serve.
What did God do in the life of NOAH? (#47 on the Bible Top 55 list)
The study leader should begin this discussion by encouraging group members to think and speak about what they believe was the main thing that God did for and through Noah. Someone likely would say that God spared Noah's life and the life of his family. Another member probably would then go further saying that God saved all of future mankind by saving Noah's three sons and their wives. Most group members would probably agree that this was the main thing which God did in the life of Noah.
Somewhat in contrast to this conclusion, the study leader should then turn to points #17 and #18 on the God 101 list and speak about God needing to destroy the preflood world in order to limit evil in the world. If this had not been done, sinfulness and evil in the world would have continued to expand, like the spreading of a highly infectious disease in a crowded city.
Next the study leader might ask if the world-wide flood and the new beginning through Noah's descendants was sufficient to prevent the spread of evil. Obviously, it was not, because God needed to confound human language as well a few generations later as seen in Genesis chapter eleven. Point #20 of the God 101 list is about this.
Finally, the question becomes what should I do in response to what the Lord did for and through Noah? Various good answers are possible. Obviously, one of them is to be thankful that the Lord is in control and cares for his people. Beyond that, each of us need to be sensitive to the Lord's leading in what specific ways we should try to save our families from the evil world that is around us. We should not just go along with the world system. Like Noah, we need to be different in active ways.
What did God do in the life of MOSES? (#3 on the Bible Top 55 list)
God obviously did many things for and through Moses. So this study could begin with group members making many short and quick statements, one after another in answer. -- God protected Moses as a baby. The Lord allowed Moses to be with his mother at first. God allowed Moses to have a special education. The Lord worked in Moses' heart. God humbled him. The Lord gave Moses a wife and children. God gave Moses valuable experience in the desert. The Lord prepared Moses and called him. God gave Moses some good helpers. The Lord enabled Moses to speak and act for him in some amazing ways. God directed and guided Moses all the way. The Lord gave Moses his Word. God answered Moses prayers. The Lord rebuked Moses when he sinned. God allowed Moses to see the promised land. The Lord buried him. --
After such a long list, the discussion should turn to what are the most important things that God did for and through Moses, some of which can be easily found on the God 101 list. For instance, Moses was involved in the judging of Egypt (point #41) and the giving of the Law (points #26 and #27). Some other points are not as visible. For example, God humbling Moses was very important, but points #81 through #84 use different terminology.
Finally, it's clear that the Lord used Moses as his main human agent to help save Israel from Egypt and prepare them to be his nation in the promised land. God has not given most of us such huge tasks, but each believer was saved to serve. So like Moses, add virtue, i.e. courageous deeds, to your faith (2 Peter 1:5) day by day.
What did God do in the life of JEREMIAH? (#19 on the Bible Top 55 list)
Since Jeremiah is not as well known as Moses and many others one the Bible Top 55 list help is needed in order to discuss what God did in his life. He is, of course, covered in the Top 55 Booklet, but there is a mountain of additional helpful information clearly on display in the color-coded summary chart of the book of Jeremiah the website's Jeremiah page.
So what did God do in the life of Jeremiah? Here are some many correct answers. The Lord told Jeremiah what to say. God used Jeremiah to predict divine judgment upon Israel. God used Jeremiah to confront sinful leaders. God used Jeremiah to predict divine judgment upon Babylon and other nations. God protected Jeremiah from his enemies. (The Lord gave Jeremiah a long ministry.) God provided a few helpers. The Lord gave Jeremiah a message of hope as well as of judgment. God gave Jeremiah a message about the new covenant. God encouraged Jeremiah. The Lord guided Jeremiah in his various writings (Jeremiah, Lamentations, Psalm 119?). God saw to it that Jeremiah was well respected in the end.
Several of the points above are also on the God 101 list. God sent the prophets (#25). God inspired the Scriptures (#26). God searches hearts (#30). God used Babylon and judged Babylon (#43). God convicts of sin (#65). God protects his servants (#95). These various points should be clearly linked with Jeremiah.
Regarding personal applications, we should first of all be thankful for the inner working of the Holy Spirit, the new covenant, and the new birth which Jeremiah predicted (point #75 on the God 101 list). Second, we should speak against sin like Jeremiah did. Third, we should be encouraged through God's word like Jeremiah was (Jer. 15:16, Psa. 119:72) rather than be afraid of those who oppose God's word and servants (Jer. 15:20, Psa. 119:46).
What did God do in the life of MARY? (#52 on the Bible Top 55 list)
Most people in church and even many outside of church know the basic Christmas story. So it is easy to get a simple answers to the question above. God chose Mary to be the mother of the Savior.
Many more answers and points are needed, however, to get the full story. God explained to Mary how the virgin birth was possible. God used Elisabeth to encourage Mary. God protected Mary by explaining the situation to Joseph. God used Joseph to protect Mary and her Firstborn. God helped Mary think deeply about Jesus' birth through what various other people said. God provided the Savior to save Mary from her sins. God gave Mary other children through Joseph. God (Jesus) corrected Mary twice that we know of. God used the apostle John to care for Mary in her old age.
After the group talks about various points like those above, the conversation should be turned to what is the most important thing that God did in the life of Mary. Many, of course, will quickly say that it was the incarnation which is point #59 on the God 101 list. This, however, does not go far enough. Mary's first Son was also her Savior who died for her sins (#61).
Finally, what did God do in the life of Mary that has parallels in our lives? Undoubtedly, the most important thing was that God provided for Mary's salvation from sin. So the most basic application is to believe in the Lord Jesus like she did. In addition, we should be open to divine correct and instruction like she was (#66, #84). Of course, Mary's life shows that we should also be thankful for divine protection (#94) and be courageous in ministry because of that protection.
It is, of course, possible to use the God 101 list for various topical studies on what God does, and two such are suggested below. However, character studies like those above are much easier to do and much easier for ordinary people to relate to. They do not require as much understanding of theology.
How does God communicate? (God 101 list #23)
This question would lead to a discussion of God communicating with mankind through his creation, through Scripture, and through the Son. After these points have been made by group members, the study leader should call attention to the points #24 through #28 on the God 101 list, emphasizing point #28 about the Son in a special way in light of Hebrews 1:1-3. In addition, the inner working of the Holy Spirit in hearts and minds in connection with the Scriptures should not be overlooked (#63).
How does God listen and hear? (God 101 list #97)
This question would lead to a discussion of the Lord answering prayer and acting on behalf of his people. Of course, he does not answer selfish prayers in the way those praying wish, and this must be part of the discussion. In addition, Exodus 2:24, 3:7, and 6:5 show that God heard the groaning and crying of his captive people. Moreover, God also heard the complaining of the Israelites against Moses and Himself (Exodus 16:9, 12).
Points #97 through #100 on the God 101 list should be considered since they are about prayer, but perhaps some additional points could be added in order to stress the fact that God also hears moaning and complaining as well. The God 101 list is helpful, but unavoidably somewhat incomplete.
Notice that the God 101 lists has practical application suggestions line after line. So each study should conclude with applications. This is practical theology, and the purpose is not to promote the God 101 list though it is helpful.
