In the Word with Jeff Thompson

The seventh day of creation brings us to the subject of the Sabbath. We'll look at what the Sabbath is, why God instituted it, and the role it should play in the lives of Christians today. SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS: Do you think the Pharisees’ desire to figure out how to apply the Law of Moses to every situation in life was commendable or ridiculous? Have you seen anything similar in modern Christ...

In this study, we'll look at the second blessing God gave man as a command - "subdue the earth". The implications of this command should be the basis of the Christian's views on environmental stewardship of the earth's resources. We'll also talk about climate change, the myth of scarcity, and the historicity of the biblical Adam and Eve. SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS: What are so...

When God created Adam & Eve, Scripture tells us He blessed them with a command to have children. We'll look at the implications of this for the Church today and compare it to the views of the culture. Are marriage, children, and family still blessings and commands for Christians today? What about singleness? We'll talk about all of it. SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS: How has personal experience and the...

How should Christians respond to pressing cultural issues around gender, like preferred pronouns, bathrooms, and gay or trans weddings? We'll apply the truth of the Scriptures practically and also look at how churches should respond to seekers who wrestle with issues like same-sex attraction and/or gender dysphoria. SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS: What are your thoughts on preferred pronouns? What sort of...

What is gender dysphoria, and what causes it? Why are we seeing so much more of it? We'll talk about these timely questions and how Christians can think biblically about gender identity issues. SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS: Do you believe in besetting sins (I.E., sins that a Christian will probably wrestle with their whole lives)? Do you believe every Christian can be fully healed from any struggle with...

What does the Bible say about the origins of our gender? How did the subject of gender identity go from something practically nobody was talking about 7-8 years ago to a mainstream cultural issue today? We'll talk about these questions and the answers provided by Romans 1 and the past few centuries of secular philosophy and intellectualism. SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS: What stood out to you most from th...

We pick up our study of creation week by looking at the reasons DNA makes evolutionary theory impossible, and a couple of other reasons why Darwin's proposals are intellectually bankrupt. We'll also delve into the question of what it means that man was created "Imago Dei" - in the image and likeness of God. In the incredible answer, we'll find the purpose of our existence... SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS:...

We pause for a moment to reflect on the size of the universe, question the existence of extra-terrestrials, marvel at God's advanced astronomical revelations in the Book of Job, point out sea monsters in the Creation account, and highlight history's oldest insights into the water cycle before moving on to day 5 and the creation of water and sky creatures. SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS: Just for Fun: The B...

As we study the 3rd and 4th days of creation, we find some surprising parallels between the trees and plants and the process of sanctification in the believer's life. We'll also see similarities between the celestial bodies and the way believers are called to reflect the light of Christ. SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS: Do you believe that the text of Genesis 1 leaves room for evolution and/or an old univer...

On the second day, God separates the waters on the earth from the waters above the earth. We'll learn that recent research has disproved the popular "Canopy Theory" and we'll talk about what that teaches us about the importance of distinguishing between what Scripture is clear about and what Scripture is not clear about. ARTICLES ON THE CANOPY THEORY: What Is the State of the Water Vapor Canopy Mo...

In these verses, we see the creation of light paralleled to the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives, bringing life through the light of God's Word. SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS: What is the significance of God defining a 'day' as an evening and a morning in Genesis 1? How does this impact our interpretation of the creation account? Do you believe the creation of the universe took 6 literal days? Why or...

In this study, we'll examine the general revelation of the moral conscience, as described by Paul in Romans 2. SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS: How would you explain the concept of "absolute moral truths" to someone who believes all morality is relative? In the sermon, Jeff shared that "Satan knows that if he's going to lure people away from the truth, he has to 'help' them br...

As we tackle the first verse of Genesis and the evidence for a God who created the universe, we talk about the Kalam Cosmological Argument, the Teleological Argument, the Multiverse, and more. VIDEOS PLAYED IN THIS MESSAGE: The Kalam Cosmological Argument - Part 1: Scientific The Fine-Tuning of the Universe SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS: Can you share an example of fine-tuning or design in nature that ama...

In this study, James will share three marks of a "doer" of the word: controlling our speech, caring for those in need, and maintaining personal holiness. DISCUSSION / REFLECTION QUESTIONS: In what ways might our speech reveal the true condition of our hearts, and how can we use this awareness for spiritual growth? What are some practical ways we can show Christ-like love to those in our...

James continues unpacking the profound truth of V.22 that true faith is transformative, leading to observable changes in our lives. We're encouraged to look 'intently' into God's Word, allowing it to reveal our true selves, show us who God is, and remind us of our identity in Christ. DISCUSSION / REFLECTION QUESTIONS: If increased revelation leads to increased accountability, why s...

James shares one of the most important verses in the Bible, telling us plainly that salvation isn't just about hearing God's Word, but acting on it. This message urges us to reflect on whether we're merely accumulating knowledge or truly allowing God's Word to change our lives. It's a sobering reminder that self-deception is a real danger, and that the evidence of our faith is...

In this study, we'll delve into the critical importance of controlling our anger and speech. We'll learn how to handle our anger in a God-honoring way by turning to reflection, rather a reaction, when we're upset. And we'll learn what the power of grace is supposed to do in our lives with regard to anger, as we grow in godliness over the years. DISCUSSION / REFLECTION QUESTIONS: Ho...

James 1:19 contains three specific commands to believers that profoundly affect how we interact with one another, be it in conversation or conflict. The second and third exhortations are to be "slow to speak, and slow to anger". DISCUSSION / REFLECTION QUESTIONS: In what ways does being 'slow to speak' create space for genuine understanding and empathy in our relationships? Refle...

James 1:19 contains three specific commands to believers that profoundly affect how we interact with one another, be it in conversation or conflict. The first exhortation is to be "quick to listen". DISCUSSION / REFLECTION QUESTIONS: How do you view the task of listening to others? Do you think you're good at it? Why or why not? In what ways might our personality types or cultural ba...

After warning us to not be deceived into thinking God is tempting us or trying to set us up to fail with temptation and sin, James exhorts us to instead have a right view of God as the source of every good and perfect gift. DISCUSSION / REFLECTION QUESTIONS: Reflecting on James 1:17, how have you experienced the goodness of God through the gifts and blessings in your life, and how can gratitude he...

We continue examining the reality of our own evil desires and how they create temptations for us. We'll also look at how James' teaching disproves dangerous lies about LGBTQ+-related issues that are growing in popularity in the Church. DISCUSSION / REFLECTION QUESTIONS: Are there any external factors you often blame for your sins (e.g., circumstances or other people)? Why is it crucial to...

James reveals the shocking source of our temptation in trials and we'll look at ways to live effectively in light of it. DISCUSSION / REFLECTION QUESTIONS: How does understanding that temptation arises from our own evil desires change the way we approach resisting sin in our lives? How would you describe the difference between the desires of the flesh and the desires of the Spirit? Do you have...

In this study, James gives us clarity on questions like, "Does God ever set me up to fail in a trial?" and "Is God ever trying to get me to sin by tempting me?" We'll also learn why love for God motivates endurance in trials. DISCUSSION / REFLECTION QUESTIONS: Have you reached the place where you maintain faith in God's goodness and love when facing difficult trials? If...

In this study, we are reminded that earthly riches and status are fleeting, while our eternal inheritance in Christ is imperishable. As believers, we should find our joy and hope in Him, regardless of our socioeconomic circumstances. The Bible calls both the poor and the rich to focus on the reality of eternity, rather than temporary earthly conditions. This wisdom helps us maintain a proper persp...

This message delves into the wonderful promise of James 1:5-8, which assures us that if we ask God for wisdom in our trials, He will generously provide it. BUT... there are conditions. And we'll dig into those in this study. DISCUSSION / REFLECTION QUESTIONS: Why is it important to be convinced of both God's character and His power when we ask for wisdom? How can being double-minded hinder...