Introduction: East of Eden

Walkthrough: Why No Regard for Cain?

The Crouching Sin (Gen 4:7)

Conclusion:  The Better Word (Hebrews 12:24)

Small Group Discussion Questions

Have you ever envied someone who seemed more blessed or accepted by God (like Abel)? How did that envy affect your heart or your relationship with them?

Cain asked, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” What’s meant by this? In what ways do we still ask that question today, avoiding responsibility for the people around us and our own personal responsibility in our sin? How is this similar to the blame-shifting of Adam and Eve in Genesis 3?  

Steinbeck’s word was “Timshel”—“Thou mayest” (you might be able to overcome, Gen. 4:7) from his novel “East of Eden”, which teaches about the “possibility” of overcoming sin. The gospel’s word is stronger: because of Jesus, you will overcome, and you are more than conquerors. How does that difference give you hope when you feel stuck in old patterns?

The sermon contrasts the blood of Abel (crying “Vengeance!”) with the blood of Jesus (crying “Forgiven!”). Which voice feels louder in your life right now—accusation or grace? Why?

John Owen said, “Be killing sin, or it will be killing you.” What is one practical way you can “kill” a crouching sin this week instead of feeding it? What Spirit-empowered Spiritual disciplines are vital in this transformation? 

THE FALL INTO SIN – SATAN’S 5-STEP STRATEGY

1. Doubt 

2. Desire

3. Deception 

4. Disobedience

5. Disgrace/Death 

The Curse of Sin 

CONCLUSION – THE SNAKE-CRUSHER

Small Group Discussion Questions

2. How can recognizing the cycle of temptation and fall into sin (doubt, desire, deception, disobedience, disgrace) help us in our lives today?

3. What role does repentance play in breaking the cycle of sin as described in the sermon? How does blame-shifting keep it going? 

4. Why does God cover them with animal skins in Genesis 3:21? 

5. In Genesis 3:15's "First Gospel," how do the ideas of the seed of the Serpent and the Seed of the Woman and the coming  'Snake Crusher' shape your view of Jesus as Savior? Trace this through the Biblical narrative.

1. The Origin of the Serpent — The Cause

2. The Origin of Satan — The Adversary

3. The Origin of Sin — The Curse

4. The Bronze Serpent — The Cure

Small Group Discussion Questions

The serpent was described as “crafty” and subtle (Genesis 3:1). Where do you think the enemy works most subtly in your own life or in our culture today?

The first temptation began with, “Did God really say?” What are some modern versions of that question we might hear in our minds or society? 

Ephesians 6:12 says our battle is not against flesh and blood. How can we “arm ourselves” and renew our minds to resist the devil’s lies this week?

Sin is often “the unwillingness to trust that what God wants for me is my deepest happiness.” In what areas of life do you find it hardest to trust that God’s ways are truly for your good?

In Numbers 21, those who were bitten by serpents were healed simply by looking at the bronze serpent. What does it mean for us to “look to Christ and live”? How do we practically do that today?

Revelation 20:10 promises that Satan’s defeat is certain. How does knowing the end of the story—Christ’s ultimate victory—give you courage in daily spiritual battles?

1. The Problem – “It Is Not Good” (v. 18)

2. The Provision – God Makes a Helper (vv. 19–22)

3. The Pattern – Bone of My Bones (vv. 23–24)

4. The Purity – Naked and Unashamed (v. 25)

5. The Promise – From Shame to Redemption

Small Group Discussion Questions

Why do you think God said it was “not good for man to be alone”? What does this teach us about our need for relationships and community? How does singleness fit into all of this?

How does Genesis 2 show that men and women are both equal in value but different in role? What happens when we ignore or twist God’s design for gender and marriage? 

Adam and Eve were “naked and unashamed” before sin entered the world. How does sin bring shame into our lives, and how does Jesus bring us freedom from that shame?

1 Corinthians 6:11 says, “Such were some of you… but you were washed.” How does Jesus wash and restore us from our past? How does that truth help you face guilt or shame?

Romans 8:1 says, “There is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus.” What does it look like to live free from condemnation and guilt in daily life?

Introduction

Zooming In on the Story of Humanity (2:4)

Walking Through the Garden (Genesis 2:5–17)

Who: Adam 

Where: Garden 

What: Two Trees 

Why: Work and Keep

Conclusion

Small Group Discussion Questions

How does the shift from Genesis 1’s cosmic view of creation (parataxis) to Genesis 2’s intimate story of creation (hypotaxis) impact you, and what can we draw from this

How do you see the "ache for eternity" in today's culture or your own life? (“struggling to live forever”)

Why do you think God gave Adam a choice between the two trees?

What does it mean to trust God's definition of good and evil? And what tempts you to define good and evil on your own? 

How does Jesus as the "Second Adam" give you hope?  (1 Cor. 15:22-26, 45-49)

Introduction

Human Finitude

God’s Pattern and Command for Sabbath

Sabbath: Stop and Rest

Sabbath: Worship and Delight

Conclusion: Embrace the Gift / Live Free or Die 

Small Group Discussion Questions

Genesis 2:1-3 shows God resting on the seventh day, not from exhaustion but to model a rhythm for us. Why do you think God made Sabbath rest holy? How does His example challenge or encourage you to prioritize rest?

Kelly Kapic said, “Creaturely finitude is less an idea we discover than a reality we run into.” How do you see yourself resisting or accepting your human limitations? What might it look like to embrace God’s design for rest in your daily life?

The sermon described Sabbath as rebellion against slavery to time, production, and “accumulation and accomplishment.” In our 24/7 culture of constant connection and competing priorities (like sports or work), how can you practically make Sunday a “sacred temple of time” that prioritizes God? (Deuteronomy 5:12-15) 

Adam Mabry warned that saying “Jesus is my Sabbath” can become an excuse for overwork or skipping worship, sliding into antinomianism (ignoring obedience). How do you balance the freedom we have in Christ (Colossians 2:16-17) with the discipline of regular rest and gathering with the church? What’s one step you could take to make Sunday more intentional?

Small Group Discussion Questions

Purpose in Pain (James 1:1–4)

James says we can find joy in trials because they build endurance. Why do you think God often uses hardship instead of comfort to grow us? How might viewing trials this way change the way we encourage one another during struggles?

2. Wisdom Without Wavering (James 1:5–8)

James contrasts faith-filled asking with being “double-minded.” What does wavering look like in our culture today? How can we as believers help each other discern and follow God’s wisdom with confidence?

3. Value in Virtue, Not Vanity (James 1:9–11)

Our world celebrates wealth, success, and status. What are some subtle ways we may buy into those same values? How could we practice valuing character and godliness over outward success?

4. Blessed by Bravery (James 1:12–18)

James says those who remain steadfast are blessed. What does courage in faith look like in everyday life—not just in dramatic moments, but in ordinary choices? Where might God be calling us, as a community, to stand brave together?

5. Deeds Demonstrate Devotion (James 1:19–27)

James emphasizes being “doers of the word.” Why do you think it’s easier to hear and agree with truth than to act on it? What specific, doable actions could we take this week to show our devotion to Christ in ways others can see?

Views on the Days and Age of the Earth

No Final Conflict: Science and Faith

Functions of the Creation Narrative

Conclusion: Let There Be Light

Small Group Discussion Questions

The sermon discusses various views on the "days" of creation, such as Young Earth Creationism and the Day-Age view, while emphasizing the core truth of God as sovereign Creator. Which view resonates most with you, and why? How should focusing on "mountains" rather than "molehills" impact your faith and your fellowship within a diverse church body?

How can science and faith complement each other in understanding God's creation? How are they fundamentally different, though? Share a personal experience where exploring science has strengthened or challenged your belief in the Bible. (John Lennox and Francis Schaeffer were mentioned and could provide examples) 

Genesis highlights God's intentional distinctions in creation, such as light from darkness, land from sea, and male from female. Why do you think these boundaries are important for human flourishing, and how does modern culture's approach to distinctions (or lack thereof) align or conflict with this biblical view?

The sermon connects the light in Genesis to Jesus as the "Light of the World" in John 1:1-14 and 2 Corinthians 4:4-6. Discuss this connection. 

Following up on question 4. How does recognizing spiritual blindness and the need for Christ's light change the way you navigate daily challenges or share your faith with others?

Introduction:

The Big Question: Where Did Everything Begin? 

The Israelite View: A Fresh Take on Creation 

Our True Beginning: GOD

God's Character Revealed: 1. Powerful, 2. Personal, 3. Savior, 4. Love

Read Genesis 1:1-2. Think about each phrase and what it’s communicating. What catches your attention? Discuss. 

In Genesis, God simply speaks light, life, and order into the void without struggle. What "chaos" in your world (personal or global) needs God's spoken word? How can you invite that in prayer this week?

How does the Bible's peaceful creation account differ from modern Big Bang or ancient myths? How can this provide us with order and peace despite today's chaos?

The sermon describes God as transcendent, existing outside time, space, and matter—the "uncaused cause." How does this view of God's eternality give hope? 

Unlike Babylonian myths where humans serve as slaves, Genesis shows us made in God's image for relationship. How does this truth shift your sense of worth and daily calling?