TomNicholas.org

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I’m Tom Nicholas — a pastor, teacher, and community builder living in Billings, Montana. My life and ministry flow from one heartbeat: to see the Church alive — Spirit-filled, rooted in Scripture, and moving with Jesus into the world. I serve as a pastor, chaplain, and mentor, helping people grow in faith, leadership, and everyday discipleship. Whether around a campfire, in a coffee shop, or through digital spaces, I believe the gospel belongs where life happens — in the field, among the people, and around the table. Through The Church Alive, I write about biblical leadership, spiritual formation, and building vibrant, missional communities that reflect the love and courage of Christ.

Category 1: Foundations of Faith & Covenant — The Living Word

Discovering the God who creates, calls, promises, and redeems.

The Foundations category walks through the early chapters of Genesis (Bereishit), where God introduces Himself as Creator, Covenant-Maker, Judge, and Redeemer.
Here, the core truths of Scripture begin to unfold:

  • Humanity made in the image of God
  • The entrance of sin
  • God’s desire for fellowship
  • The first promise of a Redeemer
  • Faith as the basis for righteousness
  • Covenant promises that shape the Bible’s entire story

Each week includes gentle Hebrew learning, practical application, and Messiah-centered insight.

🌿 What Foundations Establishes in Our Study

By the end of these six weeks, readers will understand:

  • Creation’s purpose and humanity’s role
  • The entrance and nature of sin
  • God’s covenant plan from the very beginning
  • The pattern of salvation by grace through faith
  • The identity of God’s chosen people
  • How each story points toward Yeshua, the promised Seed

This forms the bedrock for every other category in our Bible study.

WeekStudy TitleScriptureKey ThemeMessianic Focus
1Bereshit: The Word at CreationGenesis 1:1–6:8Creation, Fall, Promise of RedemptionYeshua the Creator and Restorer
2Noach: Righteousness in a Corrupt WorldGenesis 6:9–11:32Obedience and Covenant GraceYeshua as the Ark of Salvation
3Lech Lecha: The Covenant of FaithGenesis 12–17Faith and PromiseYeshua the Seed of Abraham
4Vayera: Faith Tested and RevealedGenesis 18–22Obedience and SubstitutionYeshua the Lamb of God
5Chayei Sarah: Legacy of PromiseGenesis 23–25:18Covenant ContinuityYeshua and His Bride
6Toledot: Covenant Carried Through GenerationsGenesis 25:19–28:9Generational FaithfulnessYeshua the Eternal Heir

Coming Next:
Category 2 — Worship, Sacrifice & Holiness
Discover how God teaches His people to draw near in purity, truth, and reverence — and how Messiah fulfills every pattern.

🔍 For Deeper Study — Inductive Guide

Observation — What do you see?
Look for repeated words, imagery of hope, promises of renewal, contrasts between present suffering and future glory.

Interpretation — What does it mean?
What does this reveal about God’s character?
How does this passage connect to earlier prophecies?
How does it point to Messiah?

Application — How should it shape you?
How does hope strengthen endurance?
Where do you need renewal or repentance?
How does the promise of Messiah’s Kingdom call you to live differently today?

Prayer & Listening —
“Lord, what are You teaching me about hope, redemption, and the world to come?”