Christ Fellowship Northwest

Welcome to Before the Word, a podcast from Christ Fellowship Northwest, where we seek God’s truth in God’s Word, so that we can speak the truth to one another in the loving context of the local Church.

Resource

"Death and the Afterlife" Paul R. Williamson

Summary

This week we walk through the genealogy of Genesis 5, tracing the family line from Adam to Noah. The repeated refrain of death reminds us of the consequences of sin, but the chapter also highlights Enoch, who walked with God, and points us toward Noah and the continuation of God's purposes.

Truth Statement

Death is the consequence of sin, but God continues his purposes through generations of his people.

Instruction

Walk faithfully with God, trusting him to accomplish his purposes even in a world marked by death.

Welcome to Before the Word, a podcast from Christ Fellowship Northwest, where we seek God’s truth in God’s Word, so that we can speak the truth to one another in the loving context of the local Church.

Resource

"Blood Speaks?" by Kyle Jackson

Summary

This week we look at Genesis 4 and the story of Cain and Abel. Cain and Abel bring offerings to the Lord, but Cain becomes angry when his offering is not regarded. His anger leads to murder, and the chapter shows sin spreading beyond the garden and into the relationships and lives of Adam and Eve's children.

Truth Statement

Sin continues to spread and corrupt human hearts and relationships.

Instruction

Guard your heart against sin and bring your anger and desires honestly before God.

Before the Word: Genesis 3:8–24

Welcome to Before the Word, a podcast from Christ Fellowship Northwest, where we seek God’s truth in God’s Word, so that we can speak the truth to one another in the loving context of the local Church.

Resource

Exile by Matthew Harmon

Summary

This week we continue the story of the fall as Adam and Eve hide from God and face the consequences of their sin. God confronts their disobedience, announces judgment on the serpent, the woman, and the man, and sends them out of the garden. Even in the midst of judgment, we begin to see God's promise of a coming victory over the serpent.

Truth Statement

Sin brings judgment and separation from God, but God promises a Savior who will defeat the serpent.

Instruction

Turn to God in repentance and trust his promise of redemption.

Preacher: Jared Thomas

Date Preached: October 11th, 2026

Genesis 3:1–7 brings us to the entrance of sin into God's good creation. The serpent questions God's Word and goodness, the woman takes the forbidden fruit, and the man joins her in disobedience. Their sin changes everything, introducing shame, guilt, and brokenness into the human experience.

Before the Word: Genesis 3:1–7

Welcome to Before the Word, a podcast from Christ Fellowship Northwest, where we seek God’s truth in God’s Word, so that we can speak the truth to one another in the loving context of the local Church.

Resource

The Origin of Sin by Richard Phillips

Summary

This week we come to the temptation and fall of Adam and Eve in Genesis 3:1–7. The serpent questions God's Word, Eve considers the forbidden fruit, and Adam and Eve choose to disobey God's command. Their eyes are opened, and they become aware of their shame.

Truth Statement

Sin begins when we distrust God's Word and choose our own way instead.

Instruction

Trust God's Word and resist the temptation to doubt his goodness or pursue your own way.

Before the Word is a podcast series by Christ Fellowship Northwest in Greenville, SC. Before the Word episodes air weekly, and in each episode one of our pastors walks phrase by phrase through the biblical text that will be preached the following Sunday.

This week we turn to Genesis 2:4–24, where we see a more detailed account of God's creation of humanity. We consider God's formation of Adam, his placement in the garden, the command concerning the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, and God's provision of the woman as a fitting companion for the man.

Truth Statement

God created humanity in his image and designed us to live in relationship with him and one another.

Instruction

Trust God's good design and seek to live faithfully in the relationships he has given you.

Resource:

The Creation Mandate (TGC Essays).

Preacher: Daniel Barta

Date Preached: September 27th, 2026

God speaks, and creation begins to take shape. Genesis 1:3–2:3 walks us through the six days of God's creative work, as he brings light, order, life, and purpose to his creation, culminating in the seventh day when God rests from his work. This passage invites us to see the goodness of God's creation and the wisdom and power of its Creator.

Before the Word is a podcast series by Christ Fellowship Northwest in Greenville, SC. Before the Word episodes air weekly, and in each episode one of our pastors walks phrase by phrase through the biblical text that will be preached the following Sunday.

This week we continue the creation account as God speaks the world into order and fills it with life. We follow the six days of creation and the climax of the seventh day, when God rests from his work and declares all that he has made to be very good.

Truth Statement

God created all things by his powerful Word, and his creation is very good.

Instruction

Receive God's good creation with gratitude and worship the Creator.

Resource:

COMA Bible Study Questions (David Helm).

Real Reality | Genesis 1:1–2

Preacher: Daniel Barta

Date Preached: September 20th, 2026

Genesis begins with the most fundamental truth of Scripture: God created the heavens and the earth. These opening verses introduce us to the Creator and give us a glimpse of creation before God begins his work of ordering and filling the world. As we begin Genesis 1, we are invited to consider the God who stands behind all that exists.

Before the Word is a podcast series by Christ Fellowship Northwest in Greenville, SC. Before the Word episodes air weekly, and in each episode one of our pastors walks phrase by phrase through the biblical text that will be preached the following Sunday.

This week we begin the story of creation in Genesis 1:1–2. We consider the opening words of Scripture, the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the picture of the world before God begins to bring order and life through his Word.

Truth Statement

God created the heavens and the earth, and all creation belongs to him.

Instruction

Trust God as your Creator and look to him with humility and worship.

Resource:

The First Call to Worship: Twelve Attributes of God in One Verse (Desiring God).

COMA Questions for Bible Study (David Helm).