Genesis: In The Beginning
In this series we will look at how the foundational stories in the first 11 chapters of Genesis speak to the fundamental questions we ask in every age.
Week 1 | Genesis 1:1-2
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Genesis 1:1 says, "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth." How does knowing that God is the Creator of all things shape your view of the world and your purpose in life?
How does this image of God bringing order out of chaos encourage you in areas of your life that feel chaotic or uncertain? Where do you need to trust God more to bring clarity and order?
In verse 2, the earth is described as "formless and empty," with darkness covering the deep waters. The Spirit of God is mentioned as "hovering over the waters" before creation takes shape.
How does this verse remind you of God's active presence, even when things seem formless or incomplete?
How does this imagery of God’s Spirit hovering over chaos encourage you when you face chaotic or dark moments in your life? Where do you see God's presence, even in difficult situations?
Can you share a time when you felt God's presence in a difficult or uncertain situation?
Since God is the Creator of everything, how should this affect the way we approach worship? How can recognizing God’s creative power deepen your awe and reverence for Him in both personal and corporate worship settings?
Week 2 | Genesis 1
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How have you experienced God bringing order and purpose into areas of your life that felt chaotic or uncertain, similar to how He brought order to creation in Genesis 1?
Reflect on moments in your life where you’ve seen God transform disorder or confusion into clarity and purpose. How can you continue trusting in His presence during difficult seasons?
The sermon emphasizes the dynamic power of God's Word and Spirit in creation. How can you more intentionally partner with God's Word and Spirit to bring life, order, and purpose into your daily activities and relationships.
Think about specific ways you can invite the Holy Spirit and Scripture into your decisions, work, and interactions. How might this change the way you approach challenges or opportunities?
Being created in God’s image gives us the responsibility to reflect His nature in the world. How are you representing God’s character in the places where you have influence, such as your family, workplace, or community?
Consider practical ways to better reflect God’s compassion, creativity, and stewardship in your sphere of influence. What changes might you need to make to align more with His character?
In Genesis 1:31, God saw that His creation was "very good." How does this affect the way you view God's creation, including yourself and others?
Reflect on whether you treat the world and people around you with the dignity and care that God’s "very good" creation deserves, knowing that everything He made has intrinsic value and purpose.
Week 3 | Genesis 2
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1. Take some time to reflect on the key images of dust & breath found in Genesis 2:7 and their application to all of humanity. What does it mean for us that we are all dust (mortal & frail) and yet are created and sustained by the breath of a personal God?
2. The first time we encounter something “not good” in the creation story is God’s declaration that it is not good for humans to be alone. In what ways are we experiencing loneliness or isolation in our community and how can we come together to alleviate this problem?
3. The phrase “suitable helper” to describe the woman God created can often be misconstrued and misapplied. How does it change our understanding of the role both males and females play in capturing and living out the full image of God when we realize the word “helper” is most often used to speak of God himself in his relationship to Israel? What are some ways we can ensure the full image of God and the priestly calling of all believers, male and female, is practiced in our community?
Week 4 | Genesis 3
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In what ways do we see parallels between Adam and Eve’s experience with the serpent and our own struggles with temptation today? What are some deceptive voices that lead you to doubt God’s goodness or provision? How can you better recognize and resist these influences?
The serpent twists God's words from freedom to restriction. How do you interpret the balance between God’s commands as protective boundaries and as restrictions on your freedom? How can this understanding inform your view of God’s guidance in your life?
The sermon emphasizes the danger of asserting moral independence from God, as seen in Adam and Eve's choice. In what areas of your life do you struggle to submit to God's authority? How can you cultivate a heart that seeks to align with God’s will?
Genesis 3 illustrates the immediate and long-term consequences of Adam and Eve’s actions. How can we apply this understanding of choices and consequences in our own lives? Can you share a time when a choice led to unexpected consequences?
Sin disrupts our relationships with God, others, and creation. In what ways do you see this disruption in your personal relationships or in your community? How can we work towards healing and restoration in these areas?
Genesis 3 illustrates the importance of being in relationship with God, as He is the source of life and wisdom. What practices help you stay connected to God’s presence? How can you encourage others to seek this relationship in their own lives?
Week 5 | Genesis 4
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How does the story of Cain and Abel illustrate the ripple effects of sin in our relationships with others and with God? Consider the progression from Adam and Eve’s disobedience to Cain’s murder of Abel.
What can we learn from the way God interacts with Cain in Genesis 4, especially in light of Cain’s anger and God’s warning about sin? Reflect on the significance of God's words, "If you do what is right, will you not be accepted?"
In what ways does sin, as personified in Genesis 4:7, “crouching at the door,” show up in our own lives today? How can we better resist its pull? Share personal experiences where you've faced choices to either follow God's wisdom or be ruled by sin.
In what ways do we see the contrast between the line of Cain and the line of Seth as symbolic of two kinds of humanity? How does this apply to the choices we make today? Reflect on the distinction between those who follow their own way and those who call upon the name of the Lord. What does it mean for us today to “call on the name of the Lord” as people of the line of Seth did in Genesis 4:26? Reflect on how this practice of seeking God’s wisdom can shape our daily lives.
How does the story of Lamech in Cain’s lineage demonstrate the deepening of sin’s influence, and how do we see similar patterns in our own world? Discuss Lamech’s attitude toward violence and vengeance, and its relevance to modern societal issues.
How does Jesus’ blood, which “speaks a better word than the blood of Abel” (Hebrews 12:24), redefine our understanding of justice, mercy, and redemption? Discuss the theological significance of Abel’s blood calling for judgment and Christ’s blood offering salvation.
Week 6 | Genesis 6
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The sermon highlights how cities in the Bible, like the one Cain built, became centers of sin, arrogance, and violence. In what ways do you see modern cities reflecting similar struggles, and how can Christians engage in these environments while maintaining their faith and integrity? How do you see God’s grace at work in your own community or city, and in what ways can you contribute to the “redemptive, restorative presence” in your environment?
The passage in Genesis 6 shows God regretting His creation due to human wickedness. How does the idea of God's regret, as expressed in the sermon, challenge, or encourage your understanding of God's character and His involvement in our lives today?
The sermon emphasizes that God is not only eternal but also involved in time, responding to human events. How does this understanding of God’s active presence influence the way you view your current circumstances or challenges?
The contrast between Cain’s descendants (seeking independence) and Seth’s line (those who “called on the name of the Lord”) is central to the sermon. What does it look like for you to "walk with God" in your daily life, and how do you resist the temptation to seek independence from Him?
The sermon speaks of God's future plan for a redeemed city, the “New Jerusalem.” How does this future hope shape your perspective on the brokenness and challenges in today's cities? How can you live in light of this hope, practically seeking the well-being of your city as you look toward God’s ultimate redemption?
Jesus described His followers as a "city on a hill" shining light. What practical steps can you take to reflect this call to be a light, especially in urban settings where there is diversity and complexity? How can you make your words and deeds flow from a life lived with God?
Week 7 | Genesis 6
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1. We read the Bible, first and foremost, as followers of Jesus. This means that we engage with the Scriptures like Jesus engages with the Scriptures, thoughtfully, carefully, slowly, and with the goal of becoming more like him. How do we read the Noah story like Jesus? How does engaging with the story of Noah make us more like Jesus?
2. The God of Israel is so unlike the other ancient near eastern gods, especially in terms of how he relates to his creation. Why does this matter in the Noah story and what does it mean for how we relate to God today?
3. How do we approach the difficult reality of the destruction in the Noah story? What do we learn about God and his feelings toward evil and corruption?
4. In what ways does the Noah story establish a pattern found through the rest of Scripture, culminating ultimately in the person of Jesus? Consider the following themes in the Noah story: new creation, atonement, righteousness, sacrifice, the condition of hearts, sacred space, disorder to order.
5. Why is it significant that God remembers Noah? Do you believe that he remembers you and that his Spirit is moving in your life to bring newness, order, and restoration?
Week 8 | Genesis 7
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The sermon highlights that "humanity may rebel and continually rebel, but God patiently and persistently begins anew." How have you experienced or witnessed God’s patience in your own life or the lives of others? How does recognizing God’s persistent renewal shape your understanding of His character and your own response to failure?
God’s covenant with Noah is described as a partnership, where God commits to sustaining and renewing creation even amid human sinfulness. What are practical ways we can live out this partnership with God in our daily lives? How might viewing our relationship with God as a partnership change how we approach our responsibilities in the world?
Genesis 9:5-6 highlights the importance of justice regarding human life, as each life is made in God’s image. How do these verses shape our understanding of justice in today’s world? How can we balance seeking justice with extending mercy in our relationships and in society?
God uses the rainbow as a sign to remember His covenant with creation. Are there symbols or reminders in your life that help you remember God’s faithfulness and promises? How can you intentionally incorporate such reminders into your daily routine to strengthen your relationship with God?
The sermon mentions God’s commitment to “sustain the world until His creation purposes are fully realized,” even when things seem chaotic. How does this promise of God’s ongoing presence and purpose give you hope during uncertain or challenging times? What practical steps can you take to trust in God’s purposes, even when you don’t fully understand His plan?
The sermon points out that Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of God’s covenants. The new covenant through Jesus promises a deep, inward transformation. How have you experienced this kind of transformation in your own life? Are there areas where you are still seeking God’s renewing work, and how might you open yourself to this transformation?
Week 9 | Genesis 9
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Despite humanity's repeated failures, God continues to pursue relationship and offers new beginnings, as shown through the covenant with Noah and the promised new covenant in Jeremiah. How does this patience and love from God impact the way we view ourselves, especially in times when we feel we have fallen short? How might it change the way we extend grace to others?
Ham responded to Noah’s vulnerability with dishonor, while his brothers covered Noah’s shame. How can we apply this concept of covering someone’s “nakedness” or vulnerability in our own relationships? What does it look like to respond with grace and protection rather than judgment?
God’s promise of inward transformation under the new covenant (Jeremiah 31:33) points to a life where we genuinely desire to love and obey God. What steps can we take to nurture this transformation within ourselves? How might practices like prayer, worship, and studying Scripture help us deepen our desire to live in God’s ways?
Romans 8:1-4 speaks of a life without condemnation because of Christ’s sacrifice and God’s Spirit in us. How does this truth of “no condemnation” change the way we think about our identity and purpose? In what ways can we live more fully from this new foundation of forgiveness and freedom?
The sermon describes God’s covenants as steps in a larger plan leading to Jesus and ultimately, the redemption of all creation. How does it change our perspective to view our faith as part of this larger story? How might we join in God’s redemptive work today, in our families, communities, and beyond?
Week 10 | Genesis 11
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What are some of the key themes we’ve explored in Genesis 1-11?
How do these themes introduce us to the rest of the Biblical narrative?
How does the Tower of Babel story critique human attempts to control or manipulate God?
How does the linguistic confusion at Babel symbolize both judgment and grace?
In what ways does Jesus provide a solution to the problems of Babel?
What does it mean to prioritize people over projects in the context of faith and community?
In what other ways do we still struggle with the “Babel Syndrome” in our modern lives?