HOPE FELLOWSHIP CHURCH

Beginnings: Adam and Eve - Made for Each Other

Genesis 2:18-25 
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?

Beginnings: Adam And The Two Trees

Genesis 2:4-17
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)

Beginnings: Sabbath- Rest, Stop, Worship, Delight

MESSAGE | Pastor Jordan MoodyGenesis 2:1-3
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?

Beginnings: Pinnacle of Creation

Intro: What’s special about human life?
Body: Humanity as God’s Image-Bearers
God Said, “Let Us Make Man in Our Image”
God’s Design: Male and Female
Conclusion: Christ, the Perfect Image
 
Small Group Discussion Questions
What does it mean to you personally to be created in God’s image, and how does this shape your understanding of your own value and purpose?
The sermon discusses humanity’s role as stewards of creation. How can we practically practice responsible stewardship in our daily lives? There are two extreme sides to this; what would those look like? 
The sermon contrasts human life with animal life, emphasizing the unique value of humans. How does this perspective influence the way you view the sanctity of human life in today’s world? Where do you see this truth being lived out or denied?
How does the idea that both male and female bear God’s image influence your understanding of gender, gender roles, and marriage?
Jesus is described as the perfect image of God who restores us. How can trusting in Christ’s work shape the way you live out your identity as God’s image-bearer? (Look at Colossians 1:15-23)

Counter-Cultural Courage - Living Boldly For Christ

MESSAGE | Pastor Josh Prather “Counter-Cultural Courage: Living Boldly for Christ”James 1 
Big Idea: We live boldly not in our own strength, but in Christ who lived boldly for us.
Purpose in Pain (James 1:1–4)
 
2. Wisdom Without Wavering (James 1:5–8)
 
3. Value in Virtue, Not Vanity (James 1:9–11)
 
4. Blessed by Bravery (James 1:12–18)
 
5. Deeds Demonstrate Devotion (James 1:19–27)
 
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?

Beginnings: Let There Be Light

Genesis 1Overview of Genesis
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?

In The Beginning

Genesis 1:1-2
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?

The Art of Wisdom: Building Hope on Wisdom

MESSAGE | Pastor Jordan Moody1 Corinthians 1:17-30; 2:1-5, 12-14
 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?

The Art of Wisdom: Wise Men & Women Build Happy Homes

MESSAGE | Pastor Jordan Moody
I. Portrait of a Wise Man — Biblical Masculinity
II. Portrait of a Wise Woman — Biblical Femininity
 
III. Portrait of a Happy Home — Biblical Family
 
Small Group Discussion Questions
1. The sermon highlights integrity, intrepid faith, and initiative as traits of a wise man. Which of these resonates most with you, and why? How have you seen these qualities (or their absence) impact a family or community?
 
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?
3. Scan through Proverbs 31:10-31 and discuss the different characteristics of a wise woman. What else stands out to you? 
 
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?
5. How can you cultivate gratitude in your home or heart to reflect God’s wisdom and grace?

The Art of Wisdom: Back to School Back to Wisdom 8/24/25

MESSAGE | Pastor Jordan Moody10 Proverbs for Everyone
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?