Foundations Class Weekly August 22 2026

Q3 2026 Focus

Jehovah Jireh — The LORD Will Provide

This Quarter's Memory Verse • Romans 8:28

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

Romans 8:28

We memorize one verse a quarter, and this is the one. Say it out loud this week until it comes without looking — in the car, at the sink, before you close your eyes at night.

It pairs with our Q3 focus on Jehovah Jireh, the name Abraham gave the mountain when God supplied what he could not. The same God who provided then is still providing now, and Romans 8:28 is His promise that nothing in your week is wasted.

Friends, if you're just joining us, there's still plenty of quarter left. Start today.

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Men on a Mission

Trail Boss Richard Sounds the Call: The BBQ Trail Rides Again This Month

It started with a song.  Trail Boss Richard stepped up and serenaded the class with his own barbecue-flavored spin on a certain country classic about life on the road — and just like that, the trail is calling again.

This ride comes with a tip from one of our very own. Ron Chow pointed the Trail Boss toward Old Hickory Inn Barbecue, a Houston institution that's been slow-smoking brisket since 1963. After six decades at its old spot, Old Hickory recently moved into a brand-new building at the corner of Hillcroft and Braeswood — and Richard, who personally scouted it on Friday, reports it may be the nicest barbecue joint the trail has ever visited. New building, same old-fashioned Texas barbecue: brisket, ribs, sausage, and all the fixings.

Next Stop: Old Hickory Inn Barbecue — Thursday, August 27 at 11:20 — 9601 Hillcroft (at Braeswood)

Trail Boss Richard is reserving the table — let him know you're riding along.

Brisket. Brotherhood. And a Trail Boss who knows where all the good smoke is. You've got a few weeks — consider this the bug in your ear. Mark your calendar for Thursday, August 27, and come hungry, friends. The trail rides on.

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Sermon Recap

Moving with God Together: Plan to Succeed

Numbers 1–2; Genesis 12:1–4 • Pastor Gregg • August 16, 2026

Pastor Gregg opened the book of Numbers by introducing it five different ways — once for each generation in the room, from Gen Z to the silent generation, who needed only one sentence and gave it a round of applause. The point underneath the fun was serious. Every generation has read this book, and one generation in it never reached the promised land.

Numbers takes its name from the two census counts that bracket it. The first counts a generation that will wander and die in the wilderness. The second counts their children, who will cross over. Leviticus covered one year of the journey. Numbers covers the next thirty-eight or thirty-nine, from Sinai to the edge of the Jordan.

God speaks to those who listen. Chapter one opens with the Lord speaking to Moses in the tent. All of Leviticus happened outside it. Now the purity work is done and the meeting can happen. Many of us plan to move as soon as we feel ready to have faith — but that's backward. Pastor Gregg also gave the order worth keeping: God speaks through His Word first, then His Spirit, then His people. We tend to reverse it, hunting for a good feeling and then a verse to confirm what we already decided.

God hits moving targets.

Pastor Gregg

The Lincoln photograph made it concrete. In the tent you get the plans; from the plans you go out and win the war.

God always has a plan. To see it, Pastor Gregg took us back to Genesis 12 and the covenant with Abram — a chosen people, a chosen place, a clear promise, and a clear purpose. That last one matters most: all the peoples of earth will be blessed through you. The plan was never only for Israel. It built toward one blessing, and His name is Jesus.

He addressed replacement theology directly and called it theologically incorrect, pointing to Romans 11 — Gentiles are grafted in, not substituted, and the promises of God are irrevocable. If God could break a promise with Israel, He could break one with anybody. And he named the heart behind it plainly: this isn't politics, it's the same desire Paul carried, that Jewish friends and Gentile friends alike would come to know Jesus as Messiah.

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Applications

Take inventory of your life. Moses knew his people, tribe by tribe and leader by leader — men whose very names pointed to the character of God. An unexamined life isn't worth living. Are you walking with God right now, honestly?

Arrange your life with God at the center. Israel camped around the tent of meeting, each tribe in its assigned place. God is not the fringe of your life. Seek first His kingdom, and the rest gets added.

Trust instead of complaining when life isn't what you expected. The complaints run through Numbers 11, 12, 14, 16, 20, 21, and 26 — always some version of it was better in Egypt. That generation missed the promised land for two reasons: unbelief and ingratitude. So we come back to our own hearts and say, I'm going to believe, and I'm going to be grateful.

Pastor Gregg closed with Susan Barnett, who believed the vacant land across from the Sienna campus belonged to the church and walked it seven times in prayer, the way Joshua circled Jericho. The staff joined her. People park cars on that ground today. His final call was simple — more people coming to the altar than to the exit.

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Lesson Recap

A Call to Live in Freedom

"A Call to Live in Freedom" • Galatians 5:1–6:18 • Don Sweat • August 16, 2026

Don Sweat closed our summer study by covering two chapters in one morning, opening right where Paul does: "For freedom, Christ has set us free." Paul finally names circumcision head-on — not because the act is wrong, but because taking on one requirement of the law to earn standing with God obligates you to all of it.

The opposite of faith is not doubt. The opposite of faith is control.

Don Sweat

That line reframed the lesson. Falling away from grace isn't a dramatic collapse; it's quietly taking back the wheel. Quiet time and journaling are good things — until they become a box to check or a scoreboard against the person next to you.

The clearest point of the morning came from Galatians 5:19–23. The works of the flesh are entirely mine to own. But I cannot manufacture fruit. It grows only as the Holy Spirit works through me — which leaves nothing to boast about.

Chapter six turns warm. The letter that opened with a scolding now calls them brothers. Restore gently. Bear one another's burdens, Don said, because when we carry a friend's load we are being Christ to them — carrying ours to the cross is exactly what He did.

Paul closes in his own hand, in large letters, boasting in nothing but the cross.

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Takeaways

Freedom is the point. Adding anything to faith subtracts from what Christ already finished.

Check the motive, not just the habit. Are you doing it to know God better, or to measure well against your neighbor?

Carry someone's burden this week. Grace creates faith, and faith produces obedience.

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Series Review

Pop Quiz, Friends — No Grades, No Pressure

Galatians Series Review • Galatians 1–6 • Sunday, August 23, 2026

This week we look back. Before we set out on a new path in September, we're taking a Sunday to review what a summer in Galatians left with us.

Some of it was the big theological turns. Some of it was the illustrations that made us laugh and then stuck around all week anyway — a drone on the porch, a courtroom verdict, a letter written in oversized handwriting by a man who could barely see.

Underneath all of it, one verse.

For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore.

Galatians 5:1

Here's a little insight into where we're headed Sunday. Take a few minutes with the ten questions below, reveal the answers as you go, and see what surfaces. No grades, friends.

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Galatians Series Quiz: Freedom in Christ

1. Who were the Galatians originally?

• A) Roman legions stationed in Syria
• B) Celtic Gauls who migrated to north-central Anatolia in 278-277 BCE
• C) Greek merchants living in Ephesus

Reveal Answer

Correct Answer: B

The Galatians were originally Celtic Gauls who migrated to central Turkey, making them a "Celtic Island in a Roman Sea."

2. Why did Paul confront Peter (Cephas) to his face in Antioch, as described in Galatians 2?

• A) Because Peter insisted that Paul was not a true apostle since he was not one of the original twelve.
• B) Because Peter acted like a "chameleon" by withdrawing from Gentile fellowship due to fear of the circumcision party.
• C) Because Peter refused to help collect the offering for the poor in Jerusalem.

Reveal Answer

Correct Answer: B

Paul publicly opposed Peter for his hypocritical behavior, showing Peter was "not in step with the truth of the gospel" due to peer pressure.

3. What is the "vivid portrayal" Paul refers to in Galatians 3:1 that he uses to challenge the Galatians' move toward legalism?

• A) The specific list of 613 commandments in the Talmud.
• B) Jesus Christ publicly portrayed as crucified.
• C) The sacrifice of Isaac on Mount Moriah.

Reveal Answer

Correct Answer: B

Paul challenges them by reminding them that they had already received a vivid portrayal of Christ crucified, demonstrating that work on the cross was complete.

4. What did Paul suggest about his physical condition in Galatians 4 and 6, and how did it affect his writing?

• A) He had a paralyzed arm, making it impossible for him to write anything himself.
• B) He had poor vision, possibly resulting in his use of "large letters" when writing in his own hand.
• C) He suffered from severe malaria, which prevented him from traveling.

Reveal Answer

Correct Answer: B

Paul notes the Galatians would have "plucked out their eyes" for him, and points out the "large letters" he used to write with his own hand.

5. In Lesson 6, Jeff Pennington used which modern metaphor to describe how the Holy Spirit works, challenging the idea that the Spirit is just a static "package"?

• A) A self-driving electric car steering our path
• B) A Walmart drone delivering a package to our doorstep
• C) A streaming service with an endless queue

Reveal Answer

Correct Answer: B

Jeff used the Walmart drone delivery metaphor to emphasize that the Spirit is an active, living force initiating new life, not just a dropped-off cardboard box.

6. According to Don Sweat's teaching in the series finale, what is the true opposite of faith?

• A) Doubt and intellectual skepticism
• B) Control
• C) Fear of physical persecution

Reveal Answer

Correct Answer: B

Don taught that trying to justify or perfect ourselves through rules is ultimately an attempt to maintain control rather than trusting God.

7. Which theological analogy did Don Sweat use to illustrate the stages of salvation (Justification, Sanctification, and Glorification)?

• A) A three-stage SpaceX Starship rocket blasting off, traveling, and landing
• B) An accounting ledger balancing sin debts and infinite righteousness credits
• C) A legal courtroom with a judge declaring a pardon

Reveal Answer

Correct Answer: A

Don likened Justification to the dramatic rocket blast-off, Sanctification to the journey through space, and Glorification to the final touchdown.

8. What central distinction did Rand Wall make in Lesson 7 to separate Christianity from all other world religions?

• A) "Sacrifice" vs. "Sovereignty"
• B) "Do" religions vs. "Done" religion
• C) "Written Law" vs. "Oral Tradition"

Reveal Answer

Correct Answer: B

Every other faith tells humanity what they must "do" to reach God; Christianity is built on what has already been "done" by Christ on the cross.

9. According to Butch in Lesson 1, where did the very first attack on the Christian church originate?

• A) Outside the church, from Roman political authorities
• B) Within the church itself, through false teachers distorting the gospel
• C) From secular Greek philosophical schools

Reveal Answer

Correct Answer: B

Butch opened the series by warning that the earliest and most dangerous threat to the gospel came from inside the community (the Judaizers).

10. Which verse serves as the core "Freedom Theme" anchor of the entire Galatians summer series?

• A) Galatians 2:20 ("I have been crucified with Christ...")
• B) Galatians 5:1 ("For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore...")
• C) Galatians 6:8 ("For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption...")

Reveal Answer

Correct Answer: B

Galatians 5:1 is the theological apex of the letter and the anchor of the series' "The Well-Worn Path" branding and tri-fold materials.

Foundations Fellowship • Save the Date

We Love Our Sundays — But Have You Tried Our Sundaes?

The sundae truck is rolling back around — Friday, September 11!

Every Sunday, the Foundations Class gathers around something sweet — God's Word and great friends. But on Friday, September 11 at 7:30 PM, we're gathering around the other kind of sundae. Back by popular demand, our How Sweet It Is dessert fellowship returns, hosted by the Butchers!

Here's the plan — and it starts before dessert is served. Plan a dinner meet-up first! Gather a small group and head out for dinner together earlier that evening. Invite a class member you've been wanting to know better. Invite a guest or a friend — from church or beyond — who could use some fellowship. This is a wonderful opportunity to open a seat at the table and make room for new and growing Christian friendships.

“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.”

— Proverbs 25:11 (ESV)

Sometimes the sweetest word fitly spoken is simply, “Come join us for dinner.” Who will you invite?

Then, after your dinner meet-ups, everyone comes together at the Butchers' at 7:30 PM for a sweet after-dinner fellowship — sundaes, floats, toppings galore, and laughter in every room. If you were there last time, you already know. And if you missed it, here's your second scoop!

How Sweet It Is — Dessert Fellowship

Friday, September 11 • 7:30 PM

Hosted by the Butchers • Plan your dinner meet-up first!
Address and details on GroupMe

Our friendships aren't just for Sunday mornings. Start planning your dinner group now — because dessert is always better shared with friends.

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Fall 2026 Series Announcement

Coming This Fall: Hebrews 11 — The Hall of Faith

Every great story deserves a great trailer, and our next series just got one. This fall, Foundations begins a 14-week journey through Hebrews 11 — the Hall of Faith — walking the chapter’s roll call of ordinary people who trusted an extraordinary God: Noah building before the rain, Abraham answering before he knew the destination, and walls that fell because somebody kept marching.

And if the movie-trailer-style announcement looks a little familiar… let’s just say one of our own may have been spotted on set alongside the heroes of the faith.

Share the trailer with a friend, a neighbor, or anyone looking for a Bible study home this fall. Hebrews 11 reminds us that faith isn’t reserved for spiritual giants — it’s for everyone willing to take the next step without seeing the whole staircase. Full schedule and details coming soon.

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Midweek · Every Wednesday

The Midweek Refreshment of Shared Prayer

Join our community as we pause together for the Sweet Hour of Prayer every Wednesday at noon. Please send your prayer requests to Karen at 713-204-8384 by Tuesday so they may be included.

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Giving Opportunity · Family Camp

A Seat at the Campfire — Reserved by You

Every year, Family Camp gives single-parent and blended families at Houston’s First something the calendar rarely allows: a weekend to exhale. Three days to step away from the daily grind, strengthen relationships, grow in faith, and discover they are not walking their road alone.

Last year, nearly 50 families gathered around the theme Endure. They heard Philip and Elizabeth Varjas share how God carried them through hardship — and you could feel the room lean in. Kids tackled the ropes course, went fishing, and braved the putt-putt. Parents finally rested over an ice cream social. By Sunday morning, families who had arrived worn down left with renewed joy, new friendships, and one anchoring truth: God’s Word endures forever (Isaiah 40:8) — and through Christ, so can we.

This year, several families would love to come but can’t cover the cost. And here’s the part worth sitting with:

A scholarship of just $50–75 per person is often the only thing standing between a struggling family and a weekend that could change their year.

That’s the whole gap. We can close it.

Would our class sponsor one or more campers? Every gift — any amount — removes a financial barrier and hands a family a weekend they’ll carry home in their hearts. Your generosity can have an eternal impact.

Learn More or Give →

Read last year’s Family Camp recap →

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Ministry · Encore Activities

Connecting Through Encore Activities

For Encore information click here →

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Stay Connected · GroupMe

You’re in Control — Join or Step Back Anytime

We’ve created a Foundations Class GroupMe message center as a convenient, real-time way to share prayer requests, announcements, and encouraging messages. Join or leave anytime — no pressure. Mute notifications if you prefer silence, or jump into the conversation when something grabs your heart.

Sign up here: https://3zs8.short.gy/FoundationsGM →

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HFBC · Path to Membership

Click for Membership Information →

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