The Good(?) Book
“The Origins of the Bible” • February 16-22
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Introduction
“In the beginning…” can be a loaded phrase – one that forces us into debate and doubt. But maybe we’re missing the point of Genesis 1:1- a point Moses made to a world where the violence and injustice of the gods justified and legitimized the violence and injustice of human rulers. Many civilizations had creation stories that supported the idea that the human race was an afterthought. Consequently, throughout history, individuals had no rights, hope, intrinsic value… until Moses introduced a radically different, unparalleled, and untested worldview.
Discussion Questions
Read Genesis 1:1 – Have you ever read this sentence before? If so, in what context and what do you think about when you read it?
Have you or someone you know ever tried to explore faith by using “in the beginning” as a starting point? What obstacles have you experienced when using that approach?
We discovered that in Genesis, Moses is not trying to explain how God created the heavens and the earth. Moses is making the case that God (not the gods) created the universe. How does distinction change the way someone can approach reading Genesis and understand creation?
What do you see in nature or life that supports the idea that God created the universe with purpose and intent? And what would change if you embraced the idea that every person created is here on purpose for a purpose?
Take a moment to define these two words: 1) Dignity 2) Purpose
In the beginning God decided every man, woman, and child would be born with a purpose and with dignity because they were made in his image. If you took this perspective what would change about:
Your faith or your willingness to explore faith?
How you see and treat others? (co-workers, family members, neighbors, strangers, rich and poor)
How you view yourself?
Next Step Challenge
Pastor Ronnie posed a question: “Why am I here and why do I matter?” You are here on purpose for a purpose. You are not the result of a cosmic conflict between the gods. You were not created by the universe. God wanted image-bearers who could know him and one another. And in the beginning we are introduced to the God of who saves, redeems, delivers, and never gives up on us. He gave us freedom to choose, and he honors our choices. This week, read through the following scriptures and ask God to help truly see your value and purpose and the purpose of others and answer the question, “Why am I here and why do I matter?” (Genesis 1:1, Psalm 100:3, Psalm 139:13-16, Job 33:4, Matthew 10:30, Ephesians 2:10)
Key Verse
Genesis 1:27
All Other Scripture References:
Genesis 1:1, 27-28
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