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?

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?

- How can husbands and fathers lead their families toward Christ even when they feel unqualified or discouraged?

- Have you ever had an experience that revealed you had too much of your identity wrapped up in your career, marriage, or children?

- How does viewing our primary identity as sons and daughters of God, rather than through our roles or accomplishments, change our perspective on life?

- In what ways can we bring our love for God and love for neighbor into our daily work, regardless of our profession?

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 does it look like, practically, for a wife to submit to her husband “as to the Lord”?

- How might focusing on pleasing Christ, rather than our spouse, actually lead to a healthier and more fulfilling marriage?

- How can couples support each other in resisting the natural inclinations brought about by the Curse (women desiring control, men ruling as tyrants) in their marriage?

- A question for married couples in the group: How have you seen the Holy Spirit sanctify your perspective on marriage over the years?

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 are safe from hell yet do not recognize Christ as Lord? Why or why not?

If a person formerly recognized Christ as Lord and then later does not, are they still saved? Why or why not?

Genesis 3 reveals both God's judgment in the form of the Curse but also His incredible mercy in the form of the Protoevangelium (Genesis 3:15). How do you reconcile both curses and blessings coming from God in the same interaction?

Read Revelation 1:6. What does it mean that Jesus has made us "priests to his God and Father"?

A question for mothers in the group: What have you learned about God through being a mother?