Destruction and Deliverance (Nov. 5)...34 A New Name (Nov. 9)...35 Old Habits (Nov. 10)...36 Older Than Dirt (Nov. 11)...37 Well Planned Out Chaos

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1 Contents How to Use this Guide...3 The Beginning (Sept. 15)...4 Creation of the World (Sept. 16)...5 The Creation of Man (Sept. 17)...6 God Creates (Sept. 21)...7 God Breathes Life (Sept. 22)...7 God s Good Provision (Sept. 23)...8 God Provides Again (Sept. 24)...10 Made in His Image (Sept. 28)...11 What Went Wrong? (Sept. 29)...12 Who Will Fix This? (Sept. 30)...13 Cain and Abel (Oct. 1)...14 Humanity s Fall (Oct. 5)...15 Walking With God (Oct. 6)...16 Noah Walked With God (Oct. 7)...17 Enter into the Ark of Safety (Oct. 8)...18 God Saves (Oct. 12)...19 A Picture of Salvation (Oct. 13)...19 Lasting Promises (Oct. 14)...20 A Fresh Start for Mankind? (Oct. 15)...21 A New Beginning Offered (Oct. 19)...22 Journey of Faith (Oct. 20)...23 Who s Number One? (Oct. 21)...24 Abram to the Rescue! (Oct. 22)...25 When God Calls (Oct. 26)...26 Faith Counted as Righteousness (Oct. 27)...27 God s Covenant with Abram (Oct. 28)...28 God Fulfills His Promises (Oct. 29)...30 Waiting for the Promise (Nov. 2)...31 Shortcuts Sometimes Lead Down Long Roads (Nov. 3)...31 A Reminder of God s Promises (Nov. 4)

2 Destruction and Deliverance (Nov. 5)...34 A New Name (Nov. 9)...35 Old Habits (Nov. 10)...36 Older Than Dirt (Nov. 11)...37 Well Planned Out Chaos (Nov. 12)...38 Keeping His Promise (Nov. 16)...39 God Tests Abraham (Nov. 17)...40 Abraham Obeys God (Nov. 18)...41 The Death of Sarah (Nov. 19)...42 The Faith Test (Nov. 23)...43 A Chance Meeting? Perhaps Not (Nov. 24)...44 On Barrenness and Conflict (Nov. 25)...45 Hasty Decisions (Nov. 26)

3 How to Use this Guide These guides are scheduled to be read four times a week beginning September 15. If you stay faithful to these readings, you will read Genesis 1-25 during our small group study. As you can see by the dates assigned to the readings, there are guides for Monday through Thursday of each week (except for the first week, which begins on a Tuesday). Monday s guide will always be a review of the lesson from Sunday morning, while Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday guides will help you study in preparation for the upcoming lesson. Our prayer is that these study guides help you: understand these absolutely critical chapters of Scripture even better than you normally would. engage Scripture more deeply in your small group meeting on Sunday. make a habit of the daily study of God s Word. We are praying that the Word would dwell in you richly. Creek Small Group Leaders 3

4 The Beginning (Sept. 15) Read Genesis 1:1-2 As its name implies, the book of Genesis is a book of beginnings. Two particular beginnings are emphasized in this book. First, in regard to the material world, we read of the beginning of all that exists from abstract concepts like time, space, matter, sin, evil, and redemption, to important human institutions like marriage, family, and the nations. Second, in regard to our spiritual state, we read of the beginning of the divinely initiated plan of redemption, as we see God s choice of Abel over Cain, Enoch over other men, Noah over all men, Abraham over Lot, Isaac over Ishmael, Jacob over Esau, and Joseph over his brothers. These twin beginnings in Genesis teach us that God made the material world and that God has a plan that He is sovereignly carrying out in the world that He made. This plan unfolds throughout the rest of Scripture and culminates in the atonement of Jesus Christ, in the formation of the church, and in our eternal salvation. Genesis 1:1 begins with the well-known phrase, In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The next verse teaches us that the newly formed earth was void and covered in darkness. However, hope is seen as the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters (Gen. 1:2). Indeed, God always sends his Holy Spirit to create order out of chaos and to bring life, for this is His ministry (see John 7:37 39). As Gen. 1:3ff explains, the Spirit of God overcame the void and darkness of the material world, and this can be true in regard to the spiritual void and darkness that marks the lives of those without a relationship with God. When God s Spirit arrives, so does light, flourishing, order, joy, and life. In Gen. 1:1 God does not offer any proof of His own existence, He just assumes that He is. Why is this so? Would there be fewer atheists in the world if God had offered some arguments for His own existence (see Heb. 11:3)? God the Father and Jesus Christ knew that the creation of the world would result in Jesus death, for He is the Lamb who was slain before the foundation of the world (see Eph. 1:4; 1 Pet. 1:20; Rev. 13:8). With this knowledge, why did God still create the world? Written by David W. Jones 4

5 Creation of the World (Sept. 16) Read Genesis 1:3-25 In Gen. 1:3 25 we read of the creation of all that exists in the natural world in six literal days. The first three days detail the forming of the earth, as on day 1 God made light and darkness, on day 2 God made the sky and oceans, and on day 3 God made the land and vegetation. The second three days detail the filling of the earth, as on day 4 God made sun and moon, on day 5 God made birds and fish, and on day 6 God made animals and man. Note the parallelism between days 1 and 4, 2 and 5, and 3 and 6. The entire creation, and each individual part of it, was first formed and then filled. God made all things according to His plan with order, purpose, and design. In fact, as we re told seven times in Genesis 1, all that God made was good (see Gen. 1:4, 10, 12, 18, 21, 25, 31). The goodness of the material world is so important to understand. Some Christians have the errant idea that the material world is bad and the spiritual world is good. Yet, Scripture teaches us that the material world is good indeed very good (Gen. 1:31) and it is the realm in which God made for us to dwell. True, in Genesis 3 we learn that our sin has currently impacted the material world; but as Paul teaches us in Rom. 8:19-21, The creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God..... [One day] the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. Our sin has brought a curse upon the good world that God made; yet, because of Christ, we look forward to the restoration of all things (Acts 3:21), including a renewed heavens and earth. Why do many people uncritically accept the idea of evolution, which is only a theory, yet they criticize the Bible s account of divine creation? The first time God blesses anything in the Bible is at Gen. 1:22 when God blesses the animals. What does this blessing entail? What are the animals supposed to do? How do they glorify God? Written by David W. Jones 5

6 The Creation of Man (Sept. 17) Read Genesis 1:26-2:3 Gen. 1:26-31 are some of the most important verses in Scripture as they summarize the creation of mankind. Here, after some inter-trinitarian discussion Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness (Gen. 1:26) God makes mankind. The concept of the image of God is a theological topic with some depth to it, yet the explanation of what it means in a practical sense unfolds rather simply in Gen. 1:28. In this verse God tells mankind to engage in two basic tasks: (1) filling the earth with other image-bearers and (2) subduing and exercising dominion over the creation. The rationale for these two tasks is the fact that man is made in God s image. Said differently: just as God is a Creator, so mankind is to pro-create; just as God is sovereign over all, so mankind is to subdue the earth. In a basic sense, then, bearing God s image for mankind entails functioning like God. Following the creation of man, in Gen. 2:1 3 we read of God s resting from His work of creation on the seventh day. While this event may be easy to pass over, we learn in later passages about the importance of this event of God s resting. For example, in Exod. 20:8 11 God appeals to His own rest as the basis for the fourth commandment that is, the moral law about keeping the Sabbath. Furthermore, much later in Scripture, the author of Hebrews teaches that God s resting from His work is a picture of salvation. Heb. 4:9-10 says, There remains therefore a rest for the people of God. For he who has entered His rest has himself also ceased from his works as God did from His. So, Gen. 2:1-3 is more than just a narrative about God s resting: it is an example for all mankind and an object lesson that communicates that salvation is not by works, but by faith (that is, resting) in God alone. Statistically speaking, Christians tend to have more children than non-christians. Why is this the case? Should believers be concerned with overpopulation? Are you more prone toward being slothful in your labors or overworking? Does your life evidence the rest you claim to have in Christ, or is your life marked by anxiety (see Matt. 11:28-30)? Written by David W. Jones 6

7 God Creates (Sept. 21) Read Genesis 1:1-2:3 Each Monday in this study guide we will pause to review the key concepts from this past weekend s lesson in the Scriptures. The main idea in these verses is that God created the whole universe out of nothing, and He did so with purpose. The opening verses of the Bible invite us to reflect on the beginning of the world, and very specifically on the God who made everything. All creation, the Bible tells us, was called into existence by God out of nothing. God is the only uncreated being; every other being and thing in the universe comes from Him. We saw also that God created by His word. God made everything simply by speaking it into existence, when it previously did not exist. We speak of human beings as being creative, but we are really rearranging what already exists. Only God creates out of nothing, by His word. We also saw that God created for His glory. God called everything he made very good, signifying that its perfect existence reflected a perfect Creator. Now that the creative work was done, God rested and thus provided a pattern of work and rest for us as well. Written by Pastor Jason Hall God Breathes Life (Sept. 22) Read Genesis 2:4-9 In Genesis chapter 1, we read the story of God creating the heavens and the earth. The picture is of an all-powerful, creative, and wise God who spoke into nothingness, perfectly creating space and earth and all that they contain. In chapter 2, we see another description of creation, but the focus now is on the intimacy of the Creator with His creation. Rather than envisioning the entire galaxy, we see a glimpse into one very special place, and the very special people who would reside in this paradise. The author uses the phrase, These are the generations here in verse 4 and 10 more times throughout the book of Genesis (cf. 5:1; 6:9; 10:1; 11:10; 11:27; 25:12; 25:19; 36:1; 36:9; 37:2). In this way, the 7

8 book is organized as God s story of beginnings is gradually revealed. Verses 5 and 6 describe a time after the creation of the land, but before man was created or rain had fallen on the earth. God takes some of the dust of the ground and forms a man. Like a potter skillfully crafts a masterpiece, God molds the first human much like he formed the animals (2:19), giving them living, physical bodies. But unlike the animals, God breathes into man s nostrils the breath of life, perhaps denoting the spiritual nature of man (Job 32:8, Is. 42:5), which distinguishes him from the rest of creation (see 1:26-28). Notice God s sovereignty and man s passivity during this creation process. God creates the earth, man s habitat. God forms the man and God breathes into him life. God plants a garden for the man and puts the man in the garden. God causes a vast variety of trees to spring up to provide food for the man. God s generous grace is on display here! Man did not create himself nor did he provide for himself anything necessary for his survival. God provided the land, an abundant supply of food, and the very breath that he breathed. This is not the story of a Divine Being who creates the world and remains aloof, but of a loving Creator actively providing for His prized creation. Do you see how God is both transcendent (above creation in power and holiness) and immanent (close in intimacy and grace) in His creation of mankind? In His creation of you? Praise Him for both realities. Have you considered your dependence on God for all that you have and all that you are? Are you abiding in His life-giving grace today (see John 15)? Written by Robin Hall God s Good Provision (Sept. 23) Read Genesis 2:10-17 Yesterday we read about the creation of the first human being and how God put him in the garden in Eden (which means luxury or paradise ). Today we read more details about this land and about the man s purpose there. As we continue reading through Genesis 2, notice not only how it relates to chapter 1 and the creation account there, but also how it sets the stage for what is to come in chapter 3. 8

9 Despite the information given regarding Eden, the exact location is still unknown. We do know, because of the mention of the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers, that Eden resided somewhere in or around the Fertile Crescent, and can also be associated with the land later promised to Abraham (15:18). We also see that the land was rich with resources of gold and precious stones. In verse 15 we read that the Lord puts the man in the garden to work it and keep it (some translate, to worship and obey ). Then God instructs Adam that he may eat of any of the varieties of trees except one. Thus the land that God provides for man is to be enjoyed with one condition - obedience. This relationship of God and man - of God s provision and man s trust; of God s commandment and man s obedience; of God s sovereignty and man s worship - is established. But can man hold up his end of the bargain? This garden of Eden contains all that the first couple need: food, water, a safe environment, and relationships with each other and with their Creator. Yet this is the setting for the first sin. Don t miss the foreshadowing: The shrub of the field and the plant of the field anticipate the thorns and thistles and plants of the field that come (in 3:18) as a result of the curse The reference to no man to work the ground points to the time when the man and the woman are cast from the garden to work the ground (3:23) (Sailhamer, NIV Compact Bible Commentary, p. 14). The man is created from dust, yet to dust he will return as the curse reaches its culmination (3:19). Although God provides every tree that is pleasant to the sight and good for food, Eve would long for the one forbidden tree, which alone seems pleasant and good to her (3:6). Understanding these verses are crucial for understanding the rest of Genesis and the rest of the Bible. God s desire for mankind remains the same: that we trust and obey Him. Yet, like our first parents, we too have sinned. Read Eph. 2:8-10. What is the relationship between our salvation, faith and obedience? How has God provided for you? Are you trusting in His provision or longing for something else? Written by Robin Hall 9

10 God Provides Again (Sept. 24) Read Genesis 2:18-25 After the Lord creates the man and puts him in the garden to fulfill his purpose, He acknowledges that something is missing. God s plan for mankind to, Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, will require a helper for Adam. Although God knows how he will provide for this need, perhaps He lets Adam think through the other possibilities by parading the animals before him as options for a helpmate. During this parade, we see Adam working with God as Adam is given authority to name the diversity of animals. After the parade comes to a close, the need for a helper is immanently evident. Again, the Lord s sovereignty is clear as He provides for Adam s need while Adam is passive - this time asleep. God provides a help-mate in the most astounding way. He creates woman using the flesh and bone of man. Adam awakens to this immediate realization, proclaiming, This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh. The distinguished nature of mankind is again established. The animals, despite their power and beauty, are not on the same level as God s image-bearers; no animal could relate to man completely. Now Adam can relate both to God, his Creator, and to another image-bearer, Eve. Notice that in God s perfect design, He brings one wife for Adam, ordaining marriage between one man and one woman for life. This marriage relationship is the closest human relationship on earth, even superseding a man s relationship with his parents (see 2:24). Christ uses this passage as an indictment against divorce, concluding, So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate (Matt. 19:6). This underscores the fact that God did not only bring Eve to Adam but also joins together other marriages as well. Therefore, since God Himself provides our spouse for us, we are called to hold fast in thankfulness and joy to this precious gift. Verse 25 concludes the chapter, again foreshadowing the events to come. This blessed and blissful union of marriage and intimacy will soon be damaged by the effects of sin. If you are unmarried, are you trusting in God to provide for you? God has not called all people to marriage (Matt. 19:10-12), but whether you are to one day be married or singly committed to His 10

11 kingdom work, how can you trust in the Lord s provision today? If you are married, are you thankful for the spouse that God has provided? Are you holding fast to His gift? Read Hebrews 13:4 and pray that you would honor this holy covenant. Read Ephesians 5: How does Paul relate the institution of marriage with Christ s relationship with the church? How can our marriages point others to this picture of Christ and His bride? Written by Robin Hall Made in His Image (Sept. 28) Read Genesis 2:4-25 Each Monday in this study guide we will pause to review the key concepts from this past weekend s lesson in the Scriptures. The main idea in these verses is that God created humans and gave them important work to do; obedience would bring fulfillment, but disobedience would bring death. What is my place in the world? What is my purpose? These are questions that we all ask, at one point or another. Our study from this weekend helped us begin to understand that we were made to glorify God and enjoy a relationship with Him. We see in the text that man was formed from the dust of the ground. We are a part of God s good creation, and in that way we are similar to others of God s creatures. God created a place specifically for us to call home. Our job, the text tells us, was to work in that place and watch over it. We further saw that God placed restrictions on the choices of the first man and woman. They could eat of every tree but one, because God wanted to protect them from the die consequences of disobedience. God s warning to Adam and Eve were part of His gracious provision for them. Finally we saw that men and women complement each other. Men and women are different, each with an equally important place in the home and society. God s creation has a purpose, and we have a purpose: To glorify God and enjoy being His. Written by Pastor Jason Hall 11

12 What Went Wrong? (Sept. 29) Read Genesis 3:1-13 In this chapter we see the entrance of sin into God s good creation and it begins with a crafty serpent, identified elsewhere as Satan (Jn. 8:44; Rev. 12:9). Using the same tactics as he does today, he tempted the woman by questioning and twisting what God had clearly said, encouraging her to think and consider for herself whether or not God was right. After seeing that the tree was good for food, that it looked good to her, and that it could make her wise like God, knowing good and evil, she took and ate, and gave some to her husband (who was with her) and he ate. Immediately we begin to see the consequences of sin. Their eyes were opened, and attempting to hide their nakedness, they clothed themselves with leaves. Then they hid from God as they heard him walking in the garden. This is a very different picture than what we saw at the end of chapter 2. Instead of walking with God they are now hiding from Him. Instead of singing about his wife, Adam, when questioned by the Lord, is willing to throw her to the judgment of God to save his own skin. Sin has turned man against his dearest companion and alienated him from his all caring creator (G. J. Wenham). Interestingly, even in this first occurrence of sin we see something wonderful about our God. As God approaches and asks, Where are you? we see God the Creator now as God the Redeemer seeking the lost (Wenham). As God questioned them, He was not looking for an answer, but a confession. We are reminded in 1 John 1:9, If we will confess our sins, He is faithful and Just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness! As the story of Scripture unfolds, this forgiveness would ultimately be made possible by the death, burial, and resurrection of God s only Son, Jesus Christ our Redeemer! What are some examples of how God s word is questioned and twisted today? Can you remember a situation that began with a temptation that appealed to your opinion and led to you overruling what God had clearly said? Are you able to recognize when that type of negotiation begins to take place in your heart? 12

13 How might Psalm 119:9-11 help us in our battle against temptation and sin? Written by Pastor Alan Bryan Who Will Fix This? (Sept. 30) Read Genesis 3:14-24 As a result of the rebellion, God cursed the serpent, the woman, and Adam. Just as His creation had rebelled against Him, creation that humans were to have dominion over would now work against them. For the woman, giving birth would be terribly painful and she would desire to rule over her husband. Perhaps in response to her attempt to lead, the husband would rule harshly over her. For Adam, the ground he was to work would work against him until he died. Ultimately, they were cast out of the garden, cut off from direct fellowship with God and from the tree of life. Relationships and responsibilities are now ruined. Where there was harmony, now there is strife. Where there was joy, now there is pain. And concerning life, death is on its way. Who will fix this? God himself will, by sending his Son to die in our place, paying the price for our sin, and making forgiveness and restoration possible for all who believe in Him for their salvation! And we get a glimpse of this in this very chapter. We see God as Redeemer seeking the lost as he called out Where are you? Perhaps today God is asking, Where are you? Why are you hiding? He knows will you confess? I have sinned! 1 John 1:9 says that if we will confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness! Also, we see a glimpse of His plan in His curse concerning the serpent. The offspring of the woman (Jesus) will crush the head of the serpent (Satan) (Rom. 16:20; Heb. 2:14; Rev. 12). Though it is vague and shadowy at this point, this is the first glimpse of the gospel in the Bible. Finally, we see the grace and mercy of God. Before he expels them from the garden He clothes them. They did need to be covered, but leaves would not do. God himself made coverings for them from animal skins. This shedding of blood is the first step of in the institution of a long chain of sacrifices that point us to the ultimate, once for all 13

14 sacrifice Jesus. (D. A. Carson). How does Paul s concern for the church at Corinth in 2 Cor. 11:3 echo Gen. 3 and serve as a warning for us today? How does this chapter motivate us to hate sin? How does this chapter motivate us to run to Jesus? Written by Pastor Alan Bryan Cain and Abel (Oct. 1) Read Genesis 4:1-26 The story of Cain and Abel is one of the most well-known in the Bible, but also one of the saddest. You see, the very first sibling relationship in the world ended in jealousy, bloodshed, and brokenness. How quickly the sin of chapter 3 has shown its terrifying effects in the lives of humanity! Both Cain and Abel clearly had a relationship with God. They both brought sacrifices. But while Abel brought an acceptable sacrifice, Cain s was unacceptable. We re not told exactly why Cain s sacrifice was unacceptable - perhaps it was not the best of what he had, as Abel s clearly was. In any case, Cain s reaction to God is telling - he was very angry, and his face fell (verse 5). Instead of coming to God in repentance, Cain recoils in pride. This shows us that at the heart of Cain s unacceptable offering was his heart toward God. God warns Cain that his anger and frustration is leading him down a dark path. But instead of listening, Cain doubles down on his sin by murdering his innocent brother. Cain s guilt leads to earthly condemnation, being taken away from the land that he loves (remember, Cain was a farmer) and forced to live as a fugitive. Moreover, God put a mark on him that in essence forced him to live with the knowledge of his crime. Cain s experience is instructive in so many ways. We note the importance of an acceptable sacrifice and the necessity of a contrite heart. Further, we see the Lord s kindness. Just like he warned Cain about the destructiveness of sin, so he continually warns us: (Sin s) desire is for you, but you must rule over it. 14

15 Read Psalm 51:17. Can you see how Cain s unacceptable sacrifice began not in the harvest. but in the heart. What about you? Are you heeding God s warning about sin, or are you letting it rule over you? Sin will destroy you, if you do not deal with it. Do you receive correction with humility and grace, or pride and anger? Note how you react when you are corrected, and what it says about your heart condition before God. Written by Pastor Jason Hall Humanity s Fall (Oct. 5) Read Genesis 3:1-4:26 Each Monday in this study guide we will pause to review the key concepts from this past weekend s lesson in the Scriptures. The main idea in these verses is that humanity s disobedience exchanged God s blessings for judgment and a curse. These verses are perhaps the most depressing in all of Scripture. We are surrounded by sin every day, and it is especially difficult to see how this degradation began. We saw that it began with deception, particularly the serpent deceiving Eve into thinking that she was right, and God was wrong. This deception led to disobedience by both Adam and Eve. Not surprisingly, God s warnings about disobedence came true. Instead of being free, Adam and Eve were trapped by sin and death. They were held in the grips of shame and guilt. But God in His mercy even here gives glimpses of grace. While pronouncing judgment on the serpent, God promised that the seed of the woman will crush the head of the serpent. This is a reference to the work of Christ, who came to earth as a human and by his atoning death and glorious resurrection broke the curse and grip of sin for all who believe. Written by Pastor Jason Hall 15

16 Walking With God (Oct. 6) Read Genesis 5:1-6:8 Genesis 5 the book of the generations of Adam (5:1) opens looking back to the beginning when God created man in His likeness, how He made them male and female, and blessed them and named them Man (5:2). With that in mind, the rest of this section traces the result of sin. In stark contrast with the godless line of Cain, the godly line of Seth is introduced (4:25-5:32). It was through this line that the Messiah would eventually be born (Luke 3:36) fulfilling God s promise of Genesis 3:15. Ten generations are given from Adam to Noah (5:3-32). Eight times in chapter 5 we find the phrase and he died, for death was now reigning over mankind because of Adam s sin (see Gen. 2:17; Rom. 5:12-17, 21). Sin and death still reign today, but through Jesus Christ we can reign in life. The phrase and he died is not used in the case of Enoch: Enoch walked with God and God took him (5:24). By faith Enoch was taken up so that he would not see death (Heb. 11:5). At the conclusion of the generations of Adam and before the account of the flood, we have a summary of the condition of Adam s descendants (6:1-4). This short passage has been the subject of many debates. But in the end, it s clear that these verses show how wicked humanity had become. Man and sin both multiplied on the earth until God was compelled to destroy man - except Noah, because Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD (6:8, NASB). Other genealogies are given in Scripture without the phrase and he died. Why in Adam s generations are we told with each descendent and he died? Except of course for Enoch. For the author of Genesis walking with God is much more than keeping the law. It is a way of life. Enoch walked with God (5:22); Noah walked with God (6:9); and Abraham believed the LORD and He reckoned it to him as righteousness (15:6). What did these patriarchs have in common (see Deut. 30:15-16)? What does walking with God look like? Written by Jamie O Brien 16

17 Noah Walked With God (Oct. 7) Read Genesis 6:9-22 The flood account begins in verse 9 with a description of Noah s righteousness. The author s main purpose was not to show why God sent a flood but rather to show why God saved Noah. In the opening verses of this section Noah s righteousness is contrasted with the corruption of all flesh (6:9-12). God saved Noah because he walked with God. The author deliberately parallels Noah s deliverance from the flood and Enoch s deliverance from death (5:22-24). God delivers those who walk with Him and do not corrupt their way. We are not told the specific nature of Enoch s righteousness or what it means to walk with God; but in Noah s account we are able to see his righteousness at work. Noah s life becomes a model of faithful obedience to God s commands and trust in His provision (6:13-22). Mankind had become so corrupt and filled with violence (12) that God was going to destroy all life on the earth (17), except for Noah and his family (18). God instructed Noah to build an ark of gopher wood that would survive the flood and keep his family safe. It was a huge wooden box that would float on the water and keep its contents dry. Scholars have calculated that it would hold 125,000 animals. In verse 18, God established a covenant with Noah. This is the first time the word covenant is used in the Bible. The fact that God made a covenant to care for Noah and his family gave them the peace and confidence they needed not only to build the ark but to live in it for over a year. God is faithful to keep His promises, and as God s covenant people, Noah and his family had nothing to fear. In what ways do we see Noah s faith and obedience working together with God s sovereignty in this passage? In what ways is the covenant God made with Noah like the New Covenant? What did Jesus mean when He said, For the coming of the Son of Man will be like the days of Noah? Written by Jamie O Brien 17

18 Enter into the Ark of Safety (Oct. 8) Read Genesis 7:1-24 God had commanded Noah to make the ark and he did according to all God had commanded him (6:22). Chapter 7 opens with God s command for Noah and his household to enter the ark before the coming rains (7:1). When Noah and his family entered the ark they entered into a covenant relationship with God (6:18). God had also instructed Noah to gather two of every kind of living creature, male and female, to the ark. But how was Noah to gather such a large number of animals, birds, and creeping things? God would cause these creatures to come to Noah (6:20; 7:8, 15). This included not only unclean animals able to reproduce after the flood, but also seven pairs of clean animals, some of whom would be used for sacrifices (8:20; 9:3). Noah and his household not only learned about the faithfulness of God, they also saw the sovereignty of God. In His sovereign power, God brought the animals to Noah and they obeyed Him. But even this awesome demonstration of God s power did not penetrate the hearts of Noah s neighbors and they perished in the Flood. The animals heard their Creator s voice and obeyed Him, but people made in the image of God refused to heed His call. At the end of the final week of preparation, Noah and his family entered the ark, and God closed the door behind them (16). For forty days and forty nights the flood of God s judgment came upon a wicked world and all that lived on dry land perished (17-22): Only Noah was left, together with those that were with him in the ark (23), and The water prevailed upon the earth one hundred and fifty days (24). What does the ark reveal about God? How is it representative of Jesus Christ? The world we live in today is not too different from that of Noah. We know that a flood of judgment is coming. God has offered us an ark of safety. His name is Jesus Christ. You can enter into a covenant relationship with God by receiving Christ as your Savior. If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved (Rom. 10:9). Written by Jamie O Brien 18

19 God Saves (Oct. 12) Read Genesis 6:9-7:24 Each Monday in this study guide we will pause to review the key concepts from this past weekend s lesson in the Scriptures. The main idea in these verses is that God judges sin but extends grace. The earth was filled with wickedness in Noah s day. which makes his righteousness all the more admirable by comparison. When God finally decided to judge mankind s wickedness, He spares Noah because of this righteousness. This doesn t mean that Noah was sinless or perfect; rather, God s salvation is an example of His mercy. When God saves, He saves in some unconventional ways. In the case of Noah, God saved through a command to build a huge boat that would survive the coming storm. And sure enough, God s promised means of salvation came through, just as He said it would. It may seem strange to many that God chose to save from sin by sending His own Son to die on the cross, but that is exactly what God in His grace chose to do. And just like the ark of Noah s day, God promised means of salvation is perfectly reliable to get us through the storms of life and into the harbor of His forgiveness. Written by Pastor Jason Hall A Picture of Salvation (Oct. 13) Read Genesis 8:1-19 We find Noah, family, and animals still in the ark after 150 days that the earth had been flooded. The ark here can be seen as a symbol of the Ark of the Covenant that God would give the Israelites to demonstrate His great love and His promise to save them and to keep them until the time they would be fully saved. Salvation is not just spoken of in the Bible as a one-time event, but as a process. Paul speaks to this in 1 Cor. 1:18 when he says The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. So it was foolishness for Noah s contemporaries as they mocked him building the ark and likewise, it is foolishness to all the so-called smart, enlightened people of the world today. 19

20 As with Noah, salvation can be seen as a once and for all event, the truth of our justification. After all, Noah had to make a decision to get on the ark and be saved. But it is also an ongoing process of sanctification. For Noah, that was a seriously long ark ride. For us, that is a lifetime of walking with Christ in faith in the promise of being saved. Finally, when we are saved, we will be glorified with Christ to live forever. Noah, for his part, walked off the ark onto dry land. The dove returning to the ark with the olive leaf was a picture of God s peace with mankind for Noah. As it was the power of God that brought the animals to Noah and closed the door of the ark, so it is His power that saves us from certain eternal death by His work on the Cross in His Son Jesus and His victory over death and the grave by His resurrection as a promise and first fruit of what the believer can look forward to beyond this tumultuous sin-stained life. How does this passage inspire hope in you? Can you see parallels in the promises made to Noah and those made to us? How does Noah s experience generate hope and inspiration in you to trust in God? Written by Larry Lee Lasting Promises (Oct. 14) Read Genesis 8:20-9:28 There is a difference in what we call a promise and what God calls a promise. From His perspective, a promise is a covenant, quite binding, and unless specifically stated for a shorter time, then they are eternal. So it is with salvation, when God promises us that we can have eternal life. In John 3:16, He means this as a forever promise. We see in today s passage that God mad a covenant promise to Noah to never destroy the earth and life again with flood waters. Furthermore, to show that He meant what He said, He set a rainbow in the sky as a symbol and a reminder to Himself that even though we still have every intention on evil, that He will not do that again. The rainbow is God s visual sign to us of the promise he made to Noah millennia ago. 20

21 Just as the rainbow is a symbol of that promise to Noah, so the cross is a symbol of the promise of eternal life given to those of us who have believed in the work accomplished on it by Christ for us. We can look to it and remember each day what Christ has done for us to save and keep us until the end when He calls us home into His presence for eternity. The first thing Noah did upon coming out of the ark was to worship God by building an altar and sending up a burnt offering. Looking to the cross and re-telling ourselves the Gospel each day should inspire the same devotion and desire to worship our Lord and Savior the Risen King, Jesus, the Christ, the Son of God. Just as Noah s offering was a sweet aroma to God, so we are a pleasing aroma of Christ before God as Paul states in 1 Cor. 2:15. He loves us and shows us visually in His signs and symbols His great promises to us. Do you often need to be reminded of God s love for you? If Noah was immediately inspired to worship after the ark, how much more should we be? Does looking at a rainbow give you hope and cause you to trust in God? Written by Larry Lee A Fresh Start for Mankind? (Oct. 15) Read Genesis 10:1 11:32 When we find ourselves grappling with painful circumstances which we have brought on ourselves by our own actions, we often long for a fresh start. Humanity had made a mess of things (Genesis 6:5), and as a result the flood came and destroyed (nearly) everyone. But now there is a chance for a fresh start, beginning with the family of a righteous man, Noah. His family have all seen the Lord s holy judgment against sin and His loving grace in bringing them through the flood and making a covenant sealed with a rainbow to demonstrate His mercy. Will the results be different this time? We have already seen signs of trouble in Genesis 9 when even righteous Noah falls into sin, and his son Ham s behavior brings forth a curse on the family of Ham s son, Canaan. In the genealogy of 21

22 Genesis 10, particular mention is made of Nimrod in verses He founded many important cities, including Nineveh which became the capital of the Assyrian empire and Babel (later known as Babylon). He is described as a mighty hunter before the Lord, which appears to have the negative meaning of against the Lord in this case. The account of the Tower of Babel in Chapter 11 shows that mankind s fresh start after the flood led to exactly the same predicament. Verse 4 reveals a people focused on exalting themselves and resisting God s command to disperse throughout the earth. Instead, they gather together to build a large city in one place and a high tower reaching to the heavens, likely under the direction of Nimrod. Instead of worshiping God as King, they were out to establish a rival Kingdom of man. As a result, God intervenes by confusing their languages and dispersing them, preventing them from carrying out their rebellion. God has promised never to wipe out mankind again in a flood, and clearly something more than a fresh start is required. The end of chapter 11 introduces us to Abram, who is at the center of the next act in the exciting drama of God s redemption of humanity. Why was a fresh start for mankind in a godly family who had seen God s unmistakable power not sufficient to bring about a better result? Are you longing for a fresh start in some area of your life? How does Philippians 3:13-14 help us in considering how to take advantage of new beginnings? Written by Dave Taber A New Beginning Offered (Oct. 19) Read Genesis 8:1-9:17 Each Monday in this study guide we will pause to review the key concepts from this past weekend s lesson in the Scriptures. The main idea in these verses is that God offers people the opportunity for a fresh start based on a covenant relationship. These chapters describe what happened in the aftermath of the terrible flood that destroyed much of life on the earth. After that tragedy, God s grace shines forth. Some of the language of the opening chapters of Genesis is repeated here. Birds and living creatures begin to 22

23 move about once more, and man is given the command to be fruitful and multiply. Further, God makes a promise not to destroy the earth again by water, a promise that is evidence of His grace, not man s goodness. God s covenants are always an indication of his grace, and not man s worthiness. Even here, God s promise not to destroy rests on the fact that one day He will send a deliverer to undo all of the wickedness and evil on the earth. What humanity attempts to ruin, God promises to redeem. Written by Pastor Jason Hall Journey of Faith (Oct. 20) Read Genesis 12:1-20 Against the backdrop of a world filled with spiritual darkness and rebellion against God as we saw in the Tower of Babel, comes God s audacious plan to bring blessing to all the families of the earth starting with a man named Abram. We re not told why God chose Abram - the focus is not on who Abram was at the time he was called by God. Instead, the focus is on God accomplishing His purpose and how Abram will learn to trust Him and walk by faith in God s promises. Some of those promises point far forward in time. The apostle Paul writes in Galatians 3:8: And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying In you shall all the nations be blessed. This blessing continues today to all those who trust in Jesus Christ, a descendent of Abraham, in fulfillment of this promise. God called Abram to take concrete actions that demonstrated his trust in what God revealed to him. The first of these actions is to uproot his family and his considerable possessions and move to the strange land of Canaan, leaving his relatives behind. We see Abram respond with obedience and worship, as he builds altars along the way on his journey of faith. Journey turns to trial when famine strikes and Abram sets off to Egypt. Abram knew he was at risk of being killed by Egyptians who would desire his beautiful wife, Sarai. He devised a plan of deceptive half-truth to pass off Sarai as his unmarried sister. Predictably, Sarai 23

24 was chosen to be a wife of Pharaoh, while Abram was showered with gifts for her sake. God s intervention causes the truth to come out, and a rather annoyed Pharaoh sends Abram and Sarai on their way. Despite Abram s fear-induced plan of deception, God is the one at work to insure His purpose of redemption will succeed, even as He works through imperfect people! Abram s faith was demonstrated in concrete actions that showed his trust in God. What are some of the concrete actions that show that we are walking by faith in the truth of God s promises to us? Fear can be a big challenge for us in trusting God, as it was for Abram. Which fears in particular pose the greatest challenge for you as you seek to trust God? Written by Dave Taber Who s Number One? (Oct. 21) Read Genesis 13:1-18 The test for Abram here was not an easy one, for it involved land and wealth. Besides, he had only partially obeyed God. He had not completely separated from his people, for Lot was still with him. Humanly speaking, the only thing which stood in the way of Abram s divine blessing was his only partial obedience. God removed that barrier by His providentially separating Lot, and by doing so, the promise of God is restated. Sooner or later, God s purposes will come to pass. If we do not see the need for obedience, God will often create one for us. So, Abram dwelt in Canaan, while Lot chose the well-watered plain, and edged closer and closer to Sodom. While the soil there was fertile, and water plentiful, the people there were wicked. The spiritual cost of Lot s decision was great. In the final analysis, the material benefits all became losses. Lot paid a terrible price for his short-lived pleasure. The lesson for us is that material prosperity should never be sought if it costs us our walk with the Lord. 24

25 For the present, Abram was not to possess the land, but to inspect it with the eye of faith. The promise of its possession was yet future. God s promises often take time to be received because God planned it that way. How good it is to be reminded that God s Word is as reliable and His promises as certain as is His sovereignty. Abram acted on the ground of faith in a God who had promised to provide, and built an altar and worshipped Him. On the contrary, Lot chose to direct his life on the uncertain foundation of financial security. Abram was greatly blessed, and Lot lost it all. The decisions faced by Abram and Lot are similar to those which confront every believer. We must decide whether to trust in God s sovereignty or in our own devices. A life such as Abrams is an example which should cause our faith to grow. Have you walked through the land s length and breadth that God has given you? Are you satisfied with God s eternal promises for you? Or, are you still looking for the well-watered plain? Written by Bill Lewis Abram to the Rescue! (Oct. 22) Read Genesis 14:1-24 We come to the account of a power struggle between two opposing coalitions of kingdoms. Sodom and Gomorrah are sacked. By now, Lot had chosen not to just live near Sodom, but was dwelling in the city. As far as the victors were concerned, Lot belonged there and was captured. What seems to be a tragic situation, is really the purpose of God being worked out in the lives of two men, Lot and Abram. The meekness of Abram revealed in his dealings with Lot was not weakness! Abram, at great risk, went after his nephew, won the battle, and rescued him. In God s providence, Melchizedek then interrupted the meeting of Abram and the king of Sodom. In effect, his words were a reminder of the covenant God made with Abram. At this critical point in 25

26 Abram s life, God sent a man to set him straight and to keep him from taking his success too seriously. We all need someone to hold us accountable. While the world may give glory to each other, believers must give the glory to God, for any victory is ultimately His, not ours. Lot had chosen Sodom and self-interest above the Lord, and nearly lost everything because of it. Abram had chosen to pursue peace, and thereby was given a decisive military victory. How different our decisions appear in the light of history. This passage also reminds us of God s sovereignty in the affairs of men. He is in control of history. The events which appear to be only secular often have a much deeper spiritual purpose and significance. This event provides us with a beautiful illustration of God s salvation as well. Lot chose to go his own way, and had to face the consequences of his sin. Rather than the peace and prosperity he thought he would get, he found shame and slavery as a result. The good news of the Gospel is that God sent Jesus to rescue us from the penalty and power of sin. The consequence we should have received for those sins was suffered by Him on the cross of Calvary. God s rescue mission has succeeded, and its benefits are free for all who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. Do you need to be rescued from your present bondage to sin? Will you now trust Christ, and Him alone, for your salvation? If you already belong to Him, do you have someone who holds you spiritually accountable for His purposes? Written by Bill Lewis When God Calls (Oct. 26) Read Genesis 12:1-9 Each Monday in this study guide we will pause to review the key concepts from this past weekend s lesson in the Scriptures. The main idea in these verses is that God called Abram to obey Him in faith. The first 11 chapters of Genesis record the earlist history of the world and mankind, but in this part of the book we shift to a focus on one 26

27 man named Abram. There is little to note about Abram at the beginning of the chapter - he is not described as especially righteous or noteworthy. What he is, though, is called. Abram is called by God to leave everything familiar and trust Him for provision. When God called Abram, He made Abram a promise. He promised first to make his family large and his name renowned. This was an interesting promise considering that Abram and his wife were childless. Second, God promised to protect Abram from those who would seek to harm him. Third, God promised that all people, everywhere, would be blessed because of Abram. What is Abram s response to this call and these promises? Verse 4 said Abram went, just as God told him. This was an incredible step of faith, and is instructive for those of us who are Abram s children by faith. Will we display that same courage? Will we understand that these promises are fulfilled in Christ, our Provider and Protecter? Written by Pastor Jason Hall Faith Counted as Righteousness (Oct. 27) Read Genesis 15:1-6 Sometime after the events of Genesis 14, God communicates to Abram about His plans and purposes. The structure of this story is fairly obvious: First, God reveals Himself and makes a promise. Second, Abram complains and asks a question. Third, God reveals His plan and confirms His promise to Abram. God has made big promises to Abram. He has told Abram that from him will come a great nation, and he will reward him greatly. Following on the heels of Genesis 14, when Abram won a military victory but refused to collect the monetary reward, God s pledge to be Abram s shield (in other words, his protector) and to give him a very great reward (presumably more than he could ever receive from earthly battle) are in line with everything God has ever revealed to Abram before these are enormous promises! So perhaps we can forgive Abram for being a bit frustrated at this point. God has made promises, but Abram has seen little in terms of fulfillment. Abram is forced to deal with the possibility that one of his servants will be his heir. 27