HOPE FELLOWSHIP CHURCH

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?

Art of Wisdom: Choose Your Character

Proverbs 4:20-27; 6:16-19Pastor Jordan Moody
Introduction: Choose Your Character  
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) 

The Art of Wisdom: Who Do You Trust?

Introduction 
Tips for Reading Proverbs 
Proverbs are generally true today, but will always prove true later. 
Proverbs are principles, not promises. 
Proverbs are tools, not rules. 
(Proverbs 1:1-12)
Small Group Discussion Questions
1. Describe the difference between pride and humility in making life choices. (Prov. 3:6-7)
2. The sermon mentions that Proverbs are "principles, not promises." What does this mean, and how does it apply to verses like Proverbs 3:1-2?
3. What are some practical examples from the sermon that show how following God’s wisdom leads to a better life? 
4. Connect the "fear of the Lord" to wisdom, and what does this mean for our daily decisions?
5. The sermon references 1 Corinthians 2:16, stating “we have the mind of Christ.” How does this idea influence the way we approach life’s challenges?

The Art of Wisdom in an Artificially Intelligent World

What Is Proverbs About? (Proverbs 1:1-4)
 
To Know Wisdom and Instruction (2a)
To Understand Words of Insight (2b)
To Receive Instruction in Wise Dealings (3)
To Give Prudence to the Young (4)
 
Listen Up! (Proverbs 1:5-6)
 
How to Get Wisdom? (Proverbs 1:7)
 
How to Avoid Foolishness (Proverbs 1:6-19)
 
How to Answer the Call of Wisdom (Proverbs 1:20-33)
 
Wisdom Is a Person
 
Small Group Discussion Questions
 
1. The sermon says wisdom is about living well in God’s design, not just having knowledge. Can you share a time when you relied on information or technology but still needed wisdom to make a good decision?
 
2. What is the purpose of the book of Proverbs? (Prov. 1-4)
 
3. Proverbs 1:7 teaches that the fear of the Lord is the start of wisdom. What does “fearing the Lord” mean to you personally, and how can it guide your choices this week?
 
4. Jesus is called the “Wonderful Counselor” and the embodiment of wisdom (Isaiah 9:6, Colossians 2:3). How has knowing Jesus shaped the way you make decisions or handle challenges
 
5. The sermon challenges us to value real relationships over artificial solutions. Who in your church or community can you connect with this week for wise counsel or encouragement, and how will you reach out?