Faith Talk – May 3, 2026

Title: The Doctrine of Man

Scripture: Genesis 1:26-27

Overview: At the very beginning of creation, God makes a clear distinction between humanity and the rest of what He created. Men and women are uniquely formed in His image, designed with purpose, value, and responsibility. But while humanity begins as the pinnacle of God’s creation, sin distorts that design—leaving us in need of redemption and restoration that only God can provide.

Main Points:

• The Pinnacle of God’s Glorious Creation
  Humanity is uniquely created in God’s image, set apart with identity, purpose, and intentional design.
• The Problem of God’s Corrupted Creation
  Sin enters the world and fractures what was once perfect, distorting our relationship with God and our understanding of who we are.
• The Potential of God’s Redeemed Creation
  Through redemption, God restores what was broken, giving us new life and the ability to reflect His image as we were always meant to.

Discussion Questions:
For Kids

• What does it mean that God made you in His image?
• How are people different from animals or the rest of creation?
• Why do we sometimes make wrong choices?
• How does Jesus help us become who God created us to be?

For Students & Adults

• How does being created in the image of God shape your identity and worth?
• In what ways do you see the effects of sin in your life or in the world around you?
• Why is it important to understand both the dignity and the brokenness of humanity?
• How does redemption in Christ restore our purpose and identity?

Application: Take time this week to reflect on your identity—not based on performance, culture, or comparison—but on the truth that you are created in God’s image and redeemed through Christ. Ask God to help you live in that identity daily.

Scripture: John 2:1-11

Christ/Gospel Connections:
All of Scripture points back to Jesus. In our study each week, every age group’s lesson includes a note about how the message connects to Christ. Use these Christ/Gospel Connections as a springboard for meaningful discussion about who Jesus is and what He has done for us.

Preschool – Jesus did miracles to show that He is God the Son. Jesus’ followers who saw His first miracle believed in Him. Jesus wants us to believe in Him too.

Kids – Jesus changed water into wine, revealing His glory and showing that He is God. Like the disciples, we can believe in Jesus. Those who trust in Jesus are saved from their sins and changed to become more like Jesus.

Students – From the beginning of Jesus’s earthly ministry, the people recognized that He was different. Jesus performed miracles to fulfill the purpose of His earthly ministry and to show that He is the Son of God, the One who came to proclaim and provide salvation.

Adults – Jesus is the Creator God and can perform miracles to reveal His glory. His greatest miracle is seen in His resurrection, conquering death and sin for our salvation.

Discussion Questions:
For Kids

• What happened at the wedding when they ran out of something?
• What did Jesus do?
• What does this miracle show us about who Jesus is?
• How can you trust Jesus in your life?

For Students & Adults

• Why do you think Jesus chose this moment for His first miracle?
• What does this miracle reveal about Jesus’ identity and mission?
• How have you seen Jesus meet needs in your own life?
• In what ways is your life being transformed by Him?