Table Talk | April 18 & 19

Published April 19, 2026

Growth Group Guide: "I AM" - Understanding the Eternal Christ

OPENING PRAYER & Ice Breaker

Prayer: Begin your group time by asking God to help you understand His eternal nature and to increase your faith as you discuss these deep truths together.
Icebreaker: Share about a time when you had to trust someone else's perspective or plan even though you couldn't see the full picture. What made that difficult? What made it easier?

Key Concepts Review

The Big Ideas:

1. 1. Oikos - The group of people in the "front row" of our lives who watch us live out our faith
  2. The Divine Oikos - God exists as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in eternal relationship
  3. Time vs. Eternity - Jesus exists both inside our timeline (as Jesus) and outside of it (as the eternal Christ)
  4. "I AM" - Jesus' claim to be the same God who spoke to Moses, existing in the eternal present

Discussion Questions

Understanding the Text (John 8:48-59)

1. Why did the religious leaders react so violently to Jesus saying "Before Abraham was born, I am"?

What claim was Jesus making about himself?
How does this connect to Exodus 3:14?

2. Read Colossians 1:17. Why does Paul use "is before" instead of "was before"? What does this tell us about Christ's nature?

Going Deeper

3. Pastor Tom explained that inside our universe, there is only past and future—never a true "now." How does this help you understand why God calls Himself "I AM"?

What does it mean that God lives in eternal "now"?
How is this different from how we experience time?

4. Discuss the concept that "God finished your life journey before you even started it." How does this truth affect:

Your current worries or anxieties?
Your understanding of God's sovereignty?
Your need for control?

5. Pastor Tom mentioned that "a bump in your joy requires a bump in your faith." What does this mean practically?

Where in your life do you need more joy right now?
What would it look like to increase your faith in that area?

Personal Application

6. Which of these three takeaways resonates most with you right now, and why?

God is present
His perspective is bigger than yours
God's plan has always been to save, prosper, and bless you

7. Pastor Tom shared about his upcoming move to Arizona and needing to trust God with major life changes. What transitions or uncertainties are you facing?

How can the truth of Christ's eternal nature help you face these?
What does it mean to trust someone who sees your "beginning to end"?

8. Read Philippians 4:4-7. Paul says "Do not be anxious about anything."

Why is this so hard for us?
How does knowing Christ exists outside of time help reduce anxiety?
What specific situation do you need to bring to God in prayer this week?

Key Takeaways

Write these down and commit one to memory this week:

1. 1. God is present - He's not just aware of your past or planning your future; He sees and knows your present condition and pain.
  2. His perspective is bigger than yours - God's ways are higher because He transcends time and space. He sees causality from beginning to end.
  3. God's plan has always been to save, prosper, and bless you - This isn't wishful thinking; it's the confident declaration of One who has already seen it accomplished.

practical application

This Week's Challenge:

Choose ONE of these to practice:

Practice Present Trust: Each time you feel anxious this week, pause and say aloud: "The great I AM is present with me right now." Journal about how this changes your perspective.
Eternal Perspective Exercise: Write down your biggest current concern. Then write a prayer acknowledging that God has already been to your future and knows how this resolves. Ask Him for peace that transcends understanding.
Oikos Mission: Identify 1-2 people in your "front row" (your oikos) who need to know about Jesus. Pray for them daily, asking God to give you natural opportunities to share how Christ makes a difference in your life.
Rejoice Always: Following Philippians 4:4, set three alarms on your phone each day. When they go off, stop and find one reason to rejoice in the Lord—even if circumstances are difficult.

Group Prayer Time

Prayer Prompts:

Praise God for being the eternal "I AM" who transcends time and space
Confess areas where you've been anxious instead of trusting His bigger perspective
Thank Him for being present with you in your current circumstances
Ask for increased faith to trust His plans, even when you can't see the full picture

Closing Thought

"God really is present. He understands your past. He's already been to your future. But he's also present. Why? Because he's the great I AM. He sees your present condition. He sees you. He knows what it is like to have suffered... But he also knows what it is like to be resurrected."