The Bible is a collection of books written over a long period of time that tells one unified story. Learn that story here.
Talking Points:
- The Bible begins with God taking the chaos of the uncreated universe and bringing about the order and beauty of life in the Garden of Eden. As his crowning achievement, God created humanity, who are made in his image, and gave them the privilege of ruling over the rest of God’s creation. Genesis 1:26
- A serpent tempts Adam and Eve to eat from the Tree of Good and Evil, the one thing God told them not to do. Sin enters the world separating Adam and Eve from God. Genesis 3:1-13
- From Abraham comes the nation of Israel. God gave Abraham three promises: land, descendants and a future blessing who was Jesus. Genesis 12:1-9
- The New testament tells the story of Jesus’ earthly ministry, his death and resurrection and how the early church began.
Discussion:
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- Read Genesis 1:27-28. What role did God give Adam and Eve before they sinned? How do humans still live out – or fail to live out – that original role today?
- Read Genesis 2:15-17. What choice did God give Adam and Eve in the garden? What did this choice represent? How do we still make this choice today?
- Read Genesis 9:1 and Genesis 11:1-4. In what ways do cultures or societies at large seek to redefine good and evil?
- Read Genesis 12:1-9. What purpose did God have in choosing Abraham and Sarah? What happened to their descendants, and why?
- According to this video, why did Jesus need to save us? What does this mean for us today?
- How does the NT show God’s answer to the ongoing issue of humanity rejecting our God-given role in the garden and redefining good and evil?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
