Our Small Group Study of Genesis 1-11 begins Sunday!
Good morning, Church!
We are excited to begin our next small group Bible study this coming Sunday at 6PM! We will be looking into the first eleven chapters of the Book of Genesis following the excellent study book written by Dr. John MacArthur. In the introduction, Dr. MacArthur says,
Every story, like every life, has a beginning. It is no surprise, then, to discover that the Bible begins the story of mankind at the very beginning, before there was life of any kind, and planet earth itself had just been shaped. Yet even then there was one life - that of God Himself, Who is Life. As we go through the twelve studies in this book, we will discover that the Bible is not so much the history of mankind as the history of Life - that is, God - and His love and grace toward mankind.
Our study will consist of twelve lessons, one for each chapter in the book. If you haven't picked up your copy of the book, please grab one Wednesday evening. We strongly encourage you to read each chapter throughout each week, and to be sure and read the full introduction to the book before you begin, for important context and setting. When we come together, we hope you'll share about what the Lord is saying to you or to us about the important themes found in Genesis, and we'll discuss the questions found in the book.
Chapter 1 covers Genesis 1:1 through Genesis 2:2, so prayerfully read those verses each day this week, and read at least 1/5 of the lesson each day and you'll be done by Friday!
Here are the questions found in Chapter 1 of the book [Note: I won't publish ALL questions every week, but am doing so today for those who have not yet grabbed their copy of the study book]:
The first chapter of Genesis tells of the creation of the universe. How is that different or similar to what is commonly taught today in public schools [and many private schools]?
What aspects of creation do you find interesting or surprising?
In what ways is mankind different from the rest of creation? In what ways is mankind similar to the rest of creation?
What details of creation disagree with the doctrines of evolution? Can the two views - creation by God versus evolution - be reconciled in any way?
What hints do you find that show the love of God in Genesis chapter 1, verse 1 through chapter 2, verse 2?
How does the passage in Genesis 1:1 thru 2:2 emphasize the gentleness and love of God toward creation? What does this suggest about His view of you personally?
What aspects of creation did God name? What aspects did He allow mankind to name? What are the implications of this?
Why did God "rest" on the seventh day? What does it mean that he blessed the seventh day?
How do you respond to the fact that Genesis 1 disagrees with the teachings of modern science?
How do you respond to the concept of God's created order? How do you respond to the idea that God has ordained levels of authority?
What do you learn about God's love from the passages in Genesis 1:1 thru 2:2? How does this affect your relationship with Him?
I know it seems like A LOT! But remember, you've got SEVEN DAYS to consider each lesson. Take it in bite-sized chunks, and you'll find yourself being blessed in learning how God established so many foundations of the faith in the very beginning of His Book.
Looking forward to this important and amazing study!
Tommy Alderman