In the Word with Jeff Thompson

When someone approaches you to discuss an offense or sin you've committed against them, how should you receive them? We'll talk about how to walk humbly in that kind of situation, and how gossip and slander can tear apart a church. SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS: - Read the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant in Matthew 18:21-35. What strikes you about this teaching by Jesus? - Have you ever struggl...

When someone has offended or sinned against us and we've determined the issue needs to be addressed, what does Jesus command us to do? And how can we practically do it in a way that's pleasing to Him? In this study, we'll break down some of the most popular excuses we use to justify ignoring Christ's command in Matthew 18:5a, and how we can instead move toward reconciliation in obe...

In John 17, Jesus prayed that His Church would be "one". In this study, we'll talk about one of the practical areas of church life that has to be addressed if a congregation is going to walk in unity - conflict resolution. SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS: - Was there an aspect of this study you felt specifically challenged by? - How do you normally decide whether you respond to an offense or o...

Biblical thoughts on the life and passing of Charlie Kirk.

As Noah and his family step foot off the Ark to see a world destroyed by the wrath of God, they are overcome by gratitude toward God for His unmerited mercy and grace toward them. This leads Noah to offer a lavish, generous sacrice to the Lord and reminds us that we should live our lives from a place of thankfulness for our equally undeserved salvation. SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS: - Does anyone in your...

In this study, the catastrophic global flood of Noah's day overtakes the earth. We'll learn more about what actually happened and gain insights into our salvation, how God grows our trust in Him, and the importance of setting an example of faith for our children. SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS: - Share about a time when you had to exercise faith while waiting patiently in hope for God to do somethi...

In this study, the Lord reveals His plans to flood the earth but save Noah and his family by having them find safety in an ark, along with at least two of every land animal and bird. We'll learn how this follows a pattern found throughout Scripture - God protects and preserves His people when He pours out His wrath in judgment. SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS: - Do you have any theories on what the mark...

In this study, we'll explore the parallels between the earths' first great day of judgment, the Flood, and what will be its second great day judgment - the end times. Most importantly, we'll look at what the Flood reveals about the judgment every person will face when they stand before the throne of Jesus, and the steps we must take right now to prepare ourselves for that moment. SMALL...

In this study, we'll talk about something big that may have been going on behind the scenes during the angel incursion of Genesis 6:1-4 - something that may also explain the genocides God later instructed Israel to commit in the Promised Land. We'll also look at how angels came to be on the earth after the Flood, why God may have let that happen, and why it's not still happening today....

In this study, we'll dive into some of the most controversial verses in the Bible and tackle questions like, Who are the sons of God? Who are the Nephilim? Where did the giants in the Promised Land come from? SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS: - What do you think of the concept of angels and humans marrying and producing giants? Why do you, or don’t you, find it believable? - Do you think of God’s limitin...

In this study, we'll walk through a genealogy that takes us from Adam all the way up to Noah and his sons - from creation to the Flood. We'll make some fascinating discoveries along the way, including the first man to be raptured, pictures of the end times and God's gracious patience, and some secrets coded into the biblical text. SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS: - If someone asked you to descri...

In this study, we'll see how sin's consequences can echo through generations. But we'll also see that no matter your family background or personal struggles, God can change the course of your life and future family line. SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS: - What’s one of the best things your father or mother passed down to you (e.g., a natural giftedness, a habit, a perspective, a belief)? - Is th...

Continuing our study of Cain's murder of his brother, Abel, we see how our emotional responses to the conviction of our sin can lead us down dangerous paths if not properly managed. We'll also talk about some practical steps we can take to help us manage our fleshly reactions and instead be ruled by the Spirit. SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS: - Have you ever experienced how holding onto a fleshly e...

In this study, we take our first look at the infamous biblical account of Cain and Abel, which includes the first recorded murder. We'll see the Holy Spirit contrast the beleiver with the stubborn rebel who refuses to repent, and we'll learn about the kind of worship God desires from His people. Finally, we'll be reminded how precious God's conviction of our sins truly is. SMALL GR...

As the aftermath of Adam and Eve's sin continues to unfold, we find unexpected hope as the light of the Gospel pierces the darkness of Genesis 3 with the promise of a savior, an invitation to hope and faith, and the gift of atonement. SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS: - What does Adam's act of naming Eve teach us about the nature of faith? How can we cultivate a similar faith that believes God's...

As God reveals his curse on the man's primary sphere of life - work and the ground - we'll examine how the human race has been affected and how this curse can be mitigated and even redeemed by God's grace and the power of the Holy Spirit. SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS: - What are some practical ways wives can support and encourage their husbands in their role as spiritual leaders of the family...

God reveals that in addition to curses on motherhood, woman is going to experience a curse on her marriage. We'll look at how this typically plays out, and then contrast it with the great redemptive hope for marriages provided through the Cross, the Holy Spirit, and God's Word. SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS: - What are some practical ways husbands can love their wives “as Christ loved the Church”? - What...

In addition to the natural consequences of Adam and Eve's sin, God reveals there will be specific judgments upon them, the serpent, and Satan, due to the gravity of their rebellion. But in the midst of the darkest chapter in the Bible, we find the glorious Protoevangelium - the first appearance of the Gospel. SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS: Do you believe there is a third spiritual category of people who a...

This study focuses on the immediate aftermath of Adam and Eve's sin in the Garden of Eden, as God gently confronts them about their rebellion. We'll look at how the sinner responds to their sin, and how hopeless we are without God's merciful intervention - the only solution to our guilt and shame. SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS: In what ways do we, like Adam and Eve, sometimes try to hide from...

In this study, we'll examine one of the most controversial verses in the Bible and trace it to its origins in Genesis 3. We'll also reveal how Satan continues to target women using the same tactic he used on Eve in the Garden of Eden, and how we can protect ourselves from similar deceptions. SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS: Do you agree or disagree that, in general, women have a greater susceptibili...

In this study, we'll talk about how mature Christians view their own sinfulness and how their perspective affects the way they approach conflict and brokenness in relationships. We'll also look at the incredible scope of the Gospel and some of the many reasons we have to be thankful for God's love for us. SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS: Was there ever a time when you viewed God's commands a...

Genesis 3 documents the saddest day in the history of Earth, when Adam and Eve disobeyed God and fell into sin, ushering brokenness into our world and our relationship with our maker. In this study, we'll look at the deceitful tactics of Satan and how our sin answers the classic apologetics question known as "The Problem of Evil." SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS: What causes us to focus on wha...

In this message, we'll explore God's original plan for marriage and sexuality, emphasizing the sacred nature of the "one flesh" union between husband and wife. We'll also dig into what Scripture reveals about the origins of Satan and why he was allowed to be in the Gaden of Eden. SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS: What stuck out to you from this sermon? Pride was at the root of Satan&#39...

In this study, we'll explore the creation of Eve and God's purpose for the two trees in Eden. We'll highlight God's intentional design for free will, the importance of genuine love in our relationship with Him, and His perfect plan for marriage. SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS: Do you believe the Bible teaches we have free will? Why or why not? How has God both revealed and concealed Himself...

Following up on our previous study, we'll talk more about salvation by faith alone and explore what Jesus means when uses the word "believe" to describe the "work" man must do in John 6:29. We'll also learn more about the Garden in Eden and the creation of Adam. SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS: What does submitting to Christ as Lord look like in your daily life? In what ways migh...