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Welcome to Before the Word, a podcast from Christ Fellowship Northwest, where we seek God’s truth in God’s Word, so that we can speak the truth to one another in the loving context of the local Church. Resource "Death and the Afterlife" Paul R. Williamson Summary This week we walk through the genealogy of Genesis 5, tracing the family line from Adam to Noah. The repeated refrain of death reminds us of the consequences of sin, but the chapter also highlights Enoch, who walked with God, and points us toward Noah and the continuation of God's purposes. Truth Statement Death is the consequence of sin, but God continues his purposes through generations of his people. Instruction Walk faithfully with God, trusting him to accomplish his purposes even in a world marked by death.

Welcome to Before the Word, a podcast from Christ Fellowship Northwest, where we seek God’s truth in God’s Word, so that we can speak the truth to one another in the loving context of the local Church. Resource "Blood Speaks?" by Kyle Jackson Summary This week we look at Genesis 4 and the story of Cain and Abel. Cain and Abel bring offerings to the Lord, but Cain becomes angry when his offering is not regarded. His anger leads to murder, and the chapter shows sin spreading beyond the garden and into the relationships and lives of Adam and Eve's children. Truth Statement Sin continues to spread and corrupt human hearts and relationships. Instruction Guard your heart against sin and bring your anger and desires honestly before God.

Before the Word: Genesis 3:8–24 Welcome to Before the Word, a podcast from Christ Fellowship Northwest, where we seek God’s truth in God’s Word, so that we can speak the truth to one another in the loving context of the local Church. Resource Exile by Matthew Harmon Summary This week we continue the story of the fall as Adam and Eve hide from God and face the consequences of their sin. God confronts their disobedience, announces judgment on the serpent, the woman, and the man, and sends them out of the garden. Even in the midst of judgment, we begin to see God's promise of a coming victory over the serpent. Truth Statement Sin brings judgment and separation from God, but God promises a Savior who will defeat the serpent. Instruction Turn to God in repentance and trust his promise of redemption.

Preacher: Jared Thomas Date Preached: October 11th, 2026 Genesis 3:1–7 brings us to the entrance of sin into God's good creation. The serpent questions God's Word and goodness, the woman takes the forbidden fruit, and the man joins her in disobedience. Their sin changes everything, introducing shame, guilt, and brokenness into the human experience.

Before the Word: Genesis 3:1–7 Welcome to Before the Word, a podcast from Christ Fellowship Northwest, where we seek God’s truth in God’s Word, so that we can speak the truth to one another in the loving context of the local Church. Resource The Origin of Sin by Richard Phillips Summary This week we come to the temptation and fall of Adam and Eve in Genesis 3:1–7. The serpent questions God's Word, Eve considers the forbidden fruit, and Adam and Eve choose to disobey God's command. Their eyes are opened, and they become aware of their shame. Truth Statement Sin begins when we distrust God's Word and choose our own way instead. Instruction Trust God's Word and resist the temptation to doubt his goodness or pursue your own way.

Before the Word is a podcast series by Christ Fellowship Northwest in Greenville, SC. Before the Word episodes air weekly, and in each episode one of our pastors walks phrase by phrase through the biblical text that will be preached the following Sunday. This week we turn to Genesis 2:4–24, where we see a more detailed account of God's creation of humanity. We consider God's formation of Adam, his placement in the garden, the command concerning the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, and God's provision of the woman as a fitting companion for the man. Truth Statement God created humanity in his image and designed us to live in relationship with him and one another. Instruction Trust God's good design and seek to live faithfully in the relationships he has given you. Resource: The Creation Mandate (TGC Essays).

Preacher: Daniel Barta Date Preached: September 27th, 2026 God speaks, and creation begins to take shape. Genesis 1:3–2:3 walks us through the six days of God's creative work, as he brings light, order, life, and purpose to his creation, culminating in the seventh day when God rests from his work. This passage invites us to see the goodness of God's creation and the wisdom and power of its Creator.

Before the Word is a podcast series by Christ Fellowship Northwest in Greenville, SC. Before the Word episodes air weekly, and in each episode one of our pastors walks phrase by phrase through the biblical text that will be preached the following Sunday. This week we continue the creation account as God speaks the world into order and fills it with life. We follow the six days of creation and the climax of the seventh day, when God rests from his work and declares all that he has made to be very good. Truth Statement God created all things by his powerful Word, and his creation is very good. Instruction Receive God's good creation with gratitude and worship the Creator. Resource: COMA Bible Study Questions (David Helm).

Real Reality | Genesis 1:1–2 Preacher: Daniel Barta Date Preached: September 20th, 2026 Genesis begins with the most fundamental truth of Scripture: God created the heavens and the earth. These opening verses introduce us to the Creator and give us a glimpse of creation before God begins his work of ordering and filling the world. As we begin Genesis 1, we are invited to consider the God who stands behind all that exists.

Before the Word is a podcast series by Christ Fellowship Northwest in Greenville, SC. Before the Word episodes air weekly, and in each episode one of our pastors walks phrase by phrase through the biblical text that will be preached the following Sunday. This week we begin the story of creation in Genesis 1:1–2. We consider the opening words of Scripture, the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the picture of the world before God begins to bring order and life through his Word. Truth Statement God created the heavens and the earth, and all creation belongs to him. Instruction Trust God as your Creator and look to him with humility and worship. Resource: The First Call to Worship: Twelve Attributes of God in One Verse (Desiring God). COMA Questions for Bible Study (David Helm).

Preacher: Nate Cure Date Preached: September 13th, 2026 Genesis is the book of beginnings, introducing us to God, creation, humanity, sin, judgment, covenant, and God's unfolding purposes for his world. As we begin this series, we step back to consider the major questions Genesis raises and the story it begins to tell; questions that shape our understanding of who we are, where we came from, what went wrong, and where God's purposes are ultimately leading.

Our Mission | Isaiah 46:1–13 Preacher: Jared Thomas Date Preached: September 6th, 2026 Isaiah 46 declares that the LORD alone is God, that his purpose will stand, and that he will accomplish all his pleasure. While the nations trust in idols that cannot save, God's people are called to remember who he is and to trust the God who carries his people and brings his salvation to completion. His sovereign purpose gives his people both confidence and a message to proclaim. The church's mission flows from God's purpose rather than competing with it. Because God has promised to accomplish his saving purposes, we can go into the world with confidence, proclaiming the good news of the God who saves. In Christ, God's promised salvation has been revealed, and his people are sent to make that salvation known as they trust his sovereign power and depend upon his faithfulness. Topics: God's purpose, God's mission, God's sovereignty, salvation, evangelism, the church, trust, Christ, God's glory

Our Strength | Isaiah 46:1–13 Preacher: Daniel Barta Date Preached: August 30th, 2026 Isaiah 46 reminds God's people that their strength does not come from themselves but from the LORD who carries them. While the idols of Babylon must be carried because they cannot save or sustain, the LORD promises to carry his people from their beginning to their old age. He is the God who does not grow weary, abandon his people, or fail to accomplish his purpose. Because God is faithful to carry us, we do not have to carry the weight of securing our own future. Our confidence rests in the God whose purpose stands and whose salvation is sure. In Christ, we see the fullest expression of God's commitment to carry his people all the way home. Therefore, we can entrust ourselves to him with confidence, finding our strength not in our own ability but in the God who sustains us by his grace. Topics: God's strength, human weakness, God's faithfulness, God's purpose, providence, trust, perseverance, Christ, salvation

God's Sovereignty | Isaiah 46:1–13 Preacher: Daniel Barta Date Preached: August 23rd, 2026 Isaiah 46 contrasts the LORD with the idols of Babylon. The idols must be carried by their worshipers, but the LORD carries his people. He alone is God, and there is none like him. He declares the end from the beginning, accomplishing his purposes throughout history according to his sovereign will. God's sovereignty is not an abstract doctrine detached from the life of his people. It is the foundation of our confidence and hope. Because the LORD's purpose cannot be thwarted, his people can rest in his wisdom, trust his promises, and remain steadfast even when circumstances seem uncertain. His sovereign purpose reaches its fulfillment in Christ, through whom God is accomplishing his eternal plan to redeem a people for himself. Topics: God's sovereignty, God's purpose, providence, idols, God's faithfulness, trust, Christ, salvation

God's Glory | Isaiah 46:1–13 Preacher: Daniel Barta Date Preached: August 16th, 2026 Isaiah 46 calls God's people to look away from the powerless idols of the nations and to the God who alone is able to save, sustain, and accomplish all that he purposes. Unlike the gods that must be carried by their worshipers, the LORD carries his people. From the beginning to the end, he remains faithful to his covenant people, declaring that his purpose will stand and that he will accomplish all his pleasure. Our hope rests not in a god we must sustain, but in the God who sustains us. His glory is displayed in his sovereign faithfulness, his unchanging purpose, and his determination to bring salvation to his people. The God who declares the end from the beginning has accomplished his saving purpose supremely in Jesus Christ, and therefore we can trust him with our lives, our future, and our eternity. Topics: God's glory, God's sovereignty, idols, faithfulness, salvation, God's purpose, trust in God, Christ