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 GROUP QUESTIONS:

- How does the concept of God as a 'righteous judge' challenge or align with your personal view of God's nature?

- In what ways do you see parallels between the wickedness described in Noah's time and the state of our world today?

- How do you decide what media you do/don't consume (e.g., TV shows, movies, music, podcasts)?

- Do you feel like God is always fully present with you?

Have you ever "felt" God's presence?

How do you make it through seasons of life where you don't feel God's presence?

- What does it mean to you to live as though you truly believe in the coming judgment, as Peter exhorts believers to do?

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. Lastly, we'll examine the popular Sethite View and explain why it simply doesn't make sense - especially in light of the rest of Scripture.

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS:

- What do you think about the idea of God ordering the genocide of certain people groups in the Promised Land because their genetic lineage produced giants?

Does it change the way you view Israel's conquest of Canaan?

- How do we reconcile the idea of God commanding the annihilation of entire people groups with His loving nature?

- What conspiracies and schemes do you think Satan might be orchestrating in today's world in his vain attempts to thwart the plans of God?

- How should Christians approach passages in scripture that seem fantastic or hard to believe?

- While God is never the author of evil, we know He regularly permits it and sometimes even uses it to help accomplish His greater purposes and plans. Are you at peace with the idea of your life being used by God as part of His greater plans - even if it includes pain and suffering for you?

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 limiting our lifespans to a maximum of 120 years as a judgment or a mercy? Why?

- Why do you think there were so many giants in the Promised Land?

- How do you think Noah was able to walk with God in a world literally filled with corruption?

How do you manage to walk with God in environments where you’re surrounded by non-believers?

- How do you view the prospect of your own death? Do you have any fear or anxiety? Why or why not?

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 describe what it means to walk with God, how would you answer?

- What differences do you notice in your life when you are walking with God vs. when you’re not walking with God?

- Do you have any questions about the Rapture?

- Do you have a testimony about God’s patience with you during a season of your life?

- What does it mean to you to know that you’ve been adopted into the family of God and made His son or daughter?

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 there anything you’ve had to work to change that you inherited from your family (e.g., a habit, a perspective, a belief)?

- How can an appreciation of the impact our upbringing has on us grow our compassion for people who had a difficult upbringing?

- How can our church be intentional about reaching future generations and “passing the baton” of the faith?

- FOR PARENTS: What’s the best advice you have for new parents?

- FOR PARENTS: What did parenting teach you about your relationship with God?

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 emotion can distort your perception of reality? And have you ever experienced a radical change in perception after you repented?

- Is there anything you have found helpful in learning to respond in the Spirit rather than react in the flesh (e.g., practical pointers, Bible verses)?

- If a brother or sister in Christ were wrestling with depression, how would you approach them? What counsel would you give, if asked?

- If a brother or sister in Christ approached you about a sin issue in your life, how do you honestly think you would react/respond? And why?

- What are some “common graces” we should regularly thank God for?

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 GROUP QUESTIONS:

- When you approach God in a devotional time or by participating in a church worship service, do you give any thought to preparing your heart? What does that look like, practically, for you?

- In what ways do you see the pattern of Cain's anger and refusal to take responsibility for his sins reflected in society today?

- We know God needs nothing, but what do you believe God wants from you?

- What are some practical ways we can 'rule over' sin in our lives, as God instructed Cain to do?

- What are some signs that we might be falling into the trap of

self-righteousness like Cain, rather than embracing true repentance?

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 promises, even when circumstances seem dire?

- Has there ever been a major issue in your life where you knowingly refused to agree with what God’s Word said? What caused you to repent? What happened after you repented?

- What are your honest feelings about God’s response to Adam and Eve’s sin, and the reality of the lake of fire awaiting those who reject Christ? Do you feel it’s fair? Are there any questions you have about these things?

- God’s grace and mercy show up powerfully in the darkness of

Genesis 3. Share a time when you experienced the light of God’s grace in your life during a dark time.

- If Christians aren’t seeking to live forever on the earth and should desire Heaven, why should we care about our health?