HOPE FELLOWSHIP CHURCH

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?

 Introduction:

 From Wise Guys to Wise Men / From Dragoned to Undragoned

Body: 

God’s Power, Not Man's Power

Foolishness and Weakness of God

We Preach Christ Crucified

Conclusion: 

Vision for 2026: Building Hope on God’s Wisdom

Small Group Discussion Questions

Read 1 Corinthians 1:17–25. How does the “word of the cross” seem foolish to the world but powerful to those being saved? Can you share an example of when the gospel felt like “foolishness” to you or someone you know before it became clear?

The sermon contrasted “wise guys” (who follow their own wisdom) with “wise men and women” (who fear God and follow Jesus). What are some ways we might be tempted to rely on human wisdom instead of God’s in our daily lives?

In the story of Eustace from The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, how does his transformation from a “dragon” to being “undragoned” reflect the process of salvation? Have you experienced or witnessed a moment of transformation in your own life or someone else’s?

Eustace tried to shed his dragon skin on his own but failed until Aslan intervened. What does this teach us about our inability to save ourselves and the need for God’s power?

Proverbs 24:3 says, “By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established.” The church’s building project is a tool for advancing the gospel, not an end in itself. How can we ensure that our efforts (like building projects or programs) remain centered on God’s glory and not human achievement?

I. Portrait of a Wise Man — Biblical Masculinity

III. Portrait of a Happy Home — Biblical Family

Small Group Discussion Questions

2. The Proverbs 31 woman is described as accomplished, beloved, and caring & confident. How do these qualities challenge or align with societal expectations of women today, especially in light of social media influences like Instagram or TikTok?

4. Which of the six principles for a happy home (e.g., persons before things, spiritual before material) feels easiest or hardest for you, and why?

1. Wait Patiently — Trust God’s Timing  (Proverbs 19:2; 16:3)

2. Walk Wisely — Choose Godly Friends (Proverbs 13:20; 27:17) 

3. Watch Carefully — Words Matter (Proverbs 18:21; 12:18) 

4. Work Diligently — Give Your Best (Proverbs 12:24; Proverbs 26:13-16)

5. Wonder Always — Worship God in Awe (Proverbs 9:10; 28:14)

Small Group Discussion Questions

From the sermon's five main points, what resonated with you the most? Share why this lesson from Proverbs has significantly impacted your life.

2. Who are the three people currently shaping your life the most?

3. Which part of God’s creation (the human body, the stars, mathematics, story, or history) most fills you with awe right now? Why?

4. If you could go back in time and tell your younger self something from Proverbs, what would it be?

Proverbs 4:20-27; 6:16-19

The Abomination: The Ultimate Fool (Proverbs 6:16-19)

The Wisdom Walker:  (Proverbs 4:20-27)

Conclusion: The Power to Pursue Wisdom

Small Group Discussion Questions

1. Using Proverbs 4:20-27 and Proverbs 6:16-19, create character profiles for the "Wisdom Walker" and the "Ultimate Fool" based on their traits (e.g., eyes, heart, speech, actions). Then, imagine these characters in a modern-day scenario (e.g., at work, home, or in the community). How do their traits from Proverbs shape their actions and impact others? Discuss how choosing the Wisdom Walker's traits over the Ultimate Fool's could change the outcome.

Examples: 

 - Wisdom Walker (Proverbs 4:20-27): List traits like listening ear, truthful speech, etc.. Show how they reflect God's wisdom.

- Ultimate Fool (Proverbs 6:16-19): List traits like proud eyes, lying tongue, etc.. Show how they reflect folly.

Scenario example:

 - In a family argument, the Wisdom Walker listens and speaks kindly to resolve conflict, while the Ultimate Fool gossips and stirs trouble. 

Discuss the results and how wisdom changes things and how each character would operate in difference situations. 

2. Where does the real power to talk in wisdom truly come from? (Eze 36:25–27, Prov. 4:23, John 7:38, John 4:14; Col. 3:10)