Pastor Mary Haley

Genesis:  The Beginning  

God, His Word and Babel 1-13-16 

READ:  Genesis 10:1-11:9

Yesterday, we looked at the blessings and curses associated with Noah and his descendants following the flood. Today, we are going to read about the building up of nations through Noah’s descendants over generations, as well as their migration.  Scripture teaches the LORD God instructed Noah.  Restated, the LORD released His Word to Noah’s care for this new beginning.  In response, Noah did everything the LORD spoke to him.  This shared and connected Word—from God to and through Noah—brings Yahweh glory and Noah blessing.  (Please note the order—glorifying God by honoring His Word then receiving God’s blessing).   

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Genesis:  The Beginning  

Noah’s Promise from God 1-12-16 

READ:  Genesis 9

Yesterday, we read about the flood the LORD God sent as judgment against the acts of evil (wickedness) on the earth.  Today, in Chapter 9, we will explore the blessing and merciful promise God made to Noah, his three sons and their descendants, as well as all the animals on the boat.   We will also notice, God speaks a follow-up curse on the son of Ham, Canaan.  It appears there are conditions to God’s blessing, doesn’t it?

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Genesis:  The Beginning  

The Flood 1-11-16 

READ:  Genesis 7-8

Yesterday, our Genesis reading brought to our attention a world of wickedness—humans originally made in God’s image had allowed that perfect image of Love to be trashed.  As we read further today, we notice God brings clarity to His initial instruction to Noah in order to get ready for the rain that will wash away the filth or false image (symbolic of baptism).  

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Genesis:  The Beginning  

Noah and the Ark 1-10-16 

READ:  Genesis 6

Yesterday, we read about Cain’s choice that led to Abel’s murder.   Today, we will read about the wickedness that led to Noah’s instruction from God to build an ark.

We seldom think about it, but our Scripture today brings it plainly to our attention; it is possible for God’s human creation to break His heart.  In the days of Noah, evil behavior is so prevalent the LORD God is sorry He created the human race (vv. 5-6).  Humanity, as a whole during this time, prefers sin, corruption, and violence.  In other words, humanity becomes a false image of God not the Truth.

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Genesis:  The Beginning  

Developing a Human Culture 1-9-16 

READ:  Genesis Chapters 4-5

Now Adam and Eve are outside the garden, so life takes on a new beginning as a human culture or society develops.  God leaves His word to this couple on how to practice faith and live outside the garden; they are to pass God’s instructions down as the culture grows. 

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Genesis:  The Beginning  

The Beginning of Choice 1-8-16

READ:  Genesis 3

Yesterday, we read how the LORD God created people.  Today we will read how because of a desire for authentic relationship based on trust, Yahweh–who is self-giving and unfailing Love–extends man and woman the freedom of choice.  

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Genesis:  The Beginning  

God Created People

READ:  Genesis 2:4-25

Yesterday, we focused our attention on God’s creation of His Earth; on the sixth day people were a part of that creation.  Today, we will read an expanded explanation of God’s creation of human beings—it is like bringing a magnifying glass to small print so we can understand more—as God creates Adam and Eve.   The phrase that helps us understand this is an expanded explanation is the phrase, “When the Lord…”

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Now that you have read Genesis 1:1-2:3, let’s break down some important words in each verse.

Genesis 1:1-2

v.1 “In the Beginning” refers to the beginning of when God created; not to the beginning of eternity.

v.1 “God” (Elohim—Creator and Judge is plural—supreme power) has existed in eternity.  

v.1 “Created” God—created the universe out of ex nihilo (out of nothing).

v.1 “Heavens and earth” refers to the entire cosmos.

v.2 “Formless” or “empty” refers to substance in the creation process.  God created matter that was otherwise without order/chaos.

v.2 “darkness covered the waters” darkness existed.

v.2 “Spirit of God”  refers to the Holy Spirit; Breath of God.

Genesis 1:3-31

v.3  “Then God said” refers to creative time of bringing order and the way God chose to create…He spoke and it manifest.

v.3 “Light” evidently existed prior to the creation of the sun (day 4).  Scripture teaches God is the source of light but it appears he made a temporary light at this time.

v.4 “God made space between or separated” the light/darkness; waters below and above the sky; land/sea.  In this separation, God gives form to creation and fills it so it is no longer formless or empty.   

v.5 “Day..Night”  God created time by determining what a day would be. Ends Day 1.

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I invite you to enjoy the study of Genesis “The Beginning” for the next few weeks (ending Ash Wednesday).  Along with my own personal study, I have explored thoughts from other studies on Genesis.  May we all learn and grow from this time together.

Genesis is a book of beginnings that are waiting to be discovered.   The word Genesis is translated “Beginning.”

* The Beginning of Creation:  Our readings include the beginning of the universe and the beginning of humanity that is loved and taken care of by a sovereign God.  

* The Beginning of Choice: How sin happened and the suffering and death that followed human disobedience.  

* The Beginning of Redemption:  God makes and keeps His promises to be faithful to all He has created; so as we read we will see God’s follow up work of redemption.  

* The Beginning of Faith:  In return, humanity needs to remain faithful to the Creator, because only God can help humanity overcome the evil that plagues the human soul. 

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