As we begin 2024, here is your official invite to join us on our journey, How it all began. We will begin by looking at how the Bible began and how to read it. One of the comments I often hear from people who are interested in following Jesus is this, “How do I read the Bible? It seems so confusing.” Through our time together, we are going to go back to the very first book of the Bible, the book of Genesis, as a way of learning how to read the Bible, but also to better understand God’s intentions for our world and for us. How it all began will start with giving us tools to read and understand the whole Bible, but then we will dig deep into the first 11 chapters of Genesis. It’s a can’t miss series if you want to better understand the Bible and its role in our lives. We will look together at creation, the fall, and stories like Cain and Abel, the Tower of Babel, and Noah and the great flood. Scripture comes alive when we are navigating it together! So come and join in the discussion, not only for yourself, but for others who are seeking to follow Jesus in our day and time.
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Scripture: Genesis 11:1-9
Memory Verse: “All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.” Acts 2:4
Questions to Consider:
What do you think was the significance of the people coming together to build the tower of Babel?
How do you interpret God’s response to the people’s efforts to build the tower?
In what ways do you see pride and self-sufficiency playing a role in the construction of the tower?
What lessons can we draw from the story of the tower of Babel regarding human ambition and God’s sovereignty?
What role does being a disciple of Jesus play in applying lessons from the tower of Babel in response to God’s sovereignty and our own ambitions in light of the story?
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Scripture: Genesis 6:9-22
Memory Verse: “But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus.” Ephesians 2:4-6
Questions to Consider:
How do you see the impact of sin in the world around you? In your own life?
The Hebrew word for sin is 'khata', and it literally means to 'miss the mark'. What are some of the ways that you would say humanity collectively 'misses the mark' in living as God's image bearers?
What parallels do you see in the story of the flood and the story of Jesus?
What doors is God opening for you to embrace opportunities for new beginnings?
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Memory Verse:
“Whoever does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.” Mark 3:35Scripture: Genesis 4:1-12
Questions to Consider:
Reflecting on the concept of being our "brother's keeper," how do you see this principle applying in your own life and relationships? Are there areas where you feel challenged to take responsibility for others, or perhaps where you've felt others falling short in this regard?
Considering the theme of offering and worship in the story of Cain and Abel, what do you think it means to give our "best" to God in our context today? How can we ensure our worship is genuine and not merely going through the motions?
The story of Cain focuses in on the struggle between flesh and spirit. In your own life, how do you navigate this internal wrestling match? What steps do you take to ensure that your faith isn't just a surface-level practice but a transformative force in your daily living?
God gives this intense picture of the concept of sin as a beast, always crouching and desiring to have us. How do you view the impact of sin in your life? How does recognizing the seriousness of sin influence your decisions and relationships?
In light of the mark placed on Cain, representing the lasting impact of sin, how do you personally deal with the marks of sin in your life? Do you allow them to define you, or do you seek redemption and transformation through God's grace?
In your personal faith journey, how has the hospitality of God's family through Jesus impacted your sense of belonging and identity? Are there specific moments or experiences that stand out in making you feel a part of something greater than yourself?
In light of the message about God's grace and redemption being available for anyone, how can we, as a church, reach out to those who may feel marked by their past sins or struggles? How can we create an environment where people feel safe to share their stories and find healing in Christ?
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Memory Verse: “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.” Romans 16:20
Scripture: Genesis 3:9-19
Questions to Consider:
What does it mean to be saved?
What are we saved from?
Does being saved only mean going to heaven one day?
When do you feel distant from God?
What is one area of your life that you often feel tempted?
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Memory Verse: “fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. “ - Hebrews 12:2
Scripture: Genesis 3:1-10
Questions to Consider:
Discuss the tactics the serpent used to deceive Eve in the garden. How do these tactics resemble the ways that we are tempted and deceived in our own lives?
What does God’s response to Adam and Eve’s sin reveal about His character and His approach to justice and mercy?
Reflect on Adam and Eve’s response to their sin, particularly in verses 7-13. How do their actions and attitudes toward God and each other teach us about the nature of sin and our relationship with God?
In Genesis 3:15, God speaks of the “seed of the woman” who will crush the serpent’s head. How does this verse foreshadow the coming of Jesus and provide hope for you?
When you think about our three-fold vision for learning through this series of information, inspiration, and imitation. Which do you often gravitate towards? Gaining information, being moved and receiving inspiration from the word of God, or receiving the call to action to imitate our Lord with words and actions?
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Memory Verse: “Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.” - Psalm 100:3
Scripture: Genesis 2:18-25
Question to Consider:
Read John 4:1-26. What stands out to you in this story? What does Jesus imply about purpose in life?
What do you think your purpose is? If you don't know what your purpose is, what have you seeked purpose and fulfillment in?
Read Genesis 2:7, and John 14:6. In the same way that God breathed life into Adam, Jesus claims to be our source of life. What are some ways that we can more intentionally abide in Jesus' presence and experience His life?
Who are people who have made life better for you? Who is one person in your life that has made life better?
Read Romans 12:1-2. What do you think it means to live as a 'living sacrifice'? How does living this way give our lives purpose?
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Memory Verse: Again Jesus said, “The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.” - Genesis 2:15
Scripture: Genesis 2:4-15
Question to Consider:
How do you personally view work – as a means of survival, a pursuit of passion, or something else?
What does the physical involvement of God in creation (hands in the dirt) communicate to you a unique aspect of God's character?
In your own life, do you ever feel that certain types of work are more dignified than others? How might this perspective change considering how God views all work for the Kingdom?
Explore the idea that work creates oneness, not just between individuals but also with God. How does your current understanding of work align with this concept?
In personal experiences where you've witnessed oneness in the workplace or community, how did it impact the overall environment?
In what instances has work felt enslaving or liberating in your life. How might a Biblical perspective on work bring about true freedom?
Consider the idea that work can be an attempt to fill the void left by the loss of a deep relationship with God. How do you see this shown in the world around you?
How might understanding work as a means of living out God’s grace and purpose contribute to a sense of wholeness in your own life?
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Memory Verse: Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” - John 20:21
Scripture: Genesis 1:26-2:3
Question to Consider:
When you think of keeping the Sabbath holy, what comes to mind?
What surprised you about some of the new information that was referenced in the weekend worship services about Day 1 in creation?
How is God prompting you to not only have a new view of the Sabbath, but to celebrate the seventh day of Creation?
What would it look like to build rest into your weekly/monthly/yearly rhythm?
Where is God sending you today to live in your Sabbath rest and to bear God’s image to the world?
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Memory Verse: “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” —Genesis 1:27
Scripture Reading: Genesis 1:20-2:1
Questions to Consider:
When you read the words at the end of each day of creation, “and God said that is was good,” what comes to mind? When you understand the word derivation which means, just as it was intended to be, how does that enhance the meaning of the text?
The words teem and swarm are used in Genesis 1:20. When have you seen living creatures teem or swarm? What does this say about God’s creativity in the world that He is making?
How does it impact you and your identity when you know that you are created in the image of God?
How does it impact your view of others when you begin to understand that everyone on the planet is created in the image of God?
What is one way you begin to stretch yourself when it comes to regarding others as having been created in the image of God?
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Memory Verse: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.” — Genesis 1:1-2
Scripture Reading: Genesis 1:1-19
Questions to Consider:
In Genesis 1, light is created before the sun and stars. What significance do you find in this order, and how does it impact your understanding of God’s creative process?
Genesis 1: 14, mentions the creation of the sun, moon, and stars to mark the seasons and the days. How does the regularity of these celestial bodies reflect God’s design for order and purpose in our lives?
When you reflect on the truth that God is a God of new beginnings, when have you seen that play out in your past and where would you like to see God create a new beginning currently?
How does the truth that God hovers over the chaos and brings order out of chaos encourage you, discourage you, or even confuse you?
How does your perspective of God change, or even affirm your understanding of God, when you hear that God says, “let there be,” as opposed to “make it so?”
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Memory Verse: “God rewards those who earnestly seek Him.” —Hebrews 11:6
Scripture Reading: 2 Timothy 3:12-17
Questions to Consider:
What is your first memory of reading the Bible?
If could ask God one question about the Bible, what would it be?
Tell your favorite story from the Bible.
How do you see others misusing the Bible?
What is one way I am going to challenge myself through this series when it comes to the Bible? See resources page in booklet.
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How To Read Your Bible Booklet
The Formation of the Biblical Canon, Lee McDonald
The Formation of the New Testament, Bruce Metzger
The Lost World of Genesis One, John H. Walton
The Lost World of Adam and Eve, John H. Walton
The Bible for Grown Ups, Andy Stanley
Covenant and Kingdom, Mike Breen
Playing God, Andy Crouch
Not the Way it is Supposed to Be, Cornelius Plantinga