Genesis session 1
- 1. Short Term Disciple Bible Study Invitation to Genesis Sept. 10, 2012 Opening Prayer Gathering Around God’s Word - Scripture - In the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth, the earth was a formless void and darkness covered the face of the deep, while a wind from God swept over the face of the waters. – Genesis 1:1-2 Clear your mind of all thoughts of the day…Be in silence as we listen to the video… What image(s) came to your mind as you listened to the story? What word(s) did hearing the story spoken aloud call to your attention? What motivates the actions or attitudes of the characters in this story? How would you describe the new beginning conveyed by this story? Encountering God’s Word in the Text - The readings in this week not only introduce us to the God of creation, but they also set the stage for how God intends to solve the dilemma set into motion by humankind. How does our view of God affect our reading of the opening chapters of Genesis? How does our understanding of the world affect our reading of the opening chapters of Genesis? How is our understanding of God & the world different from that of the early Israelites? How does that difference affect our reading of these opening chapters of Genesis? Psalm 19 Examining God’s Word in Context – The temptation story of Adam and Eve brings conflict to God’s perfect creation. God’s desire for reconciliation is foundational to this story and the Bible as a whole. Prepare to View Video: Listen for what is said about the different ways the temptation story has been interpreted in Jewish and Christian tradition. Video Discussion: What distinguishes the ways Jews and Christians have historically interpreted the temptation story? Consider the temptation itself: What is the nature of the offence in the temptation story? How does the offense in the temptation story compare to the temptations we face? What is meant by the phrase “then the eyes of both were opened” (Gen. 3:7)
- 2. Short Term Disciple Bible Study Invitation to Genesis Sept. 10, 2012 Consider the role of the serpent in the story, casting doubt on God’s motives: What are the “serpents” in our world that lead us into temptation? How should we respond when we encounter these serpents? In the video interview, Michael Williams observes that creation is both good and broken and we must live in the tension. How do we do that? Going Forth With God’s Word: An Invitation to Discipleship – Genesis speaks of two extremes: the glorious acts of God and the destructive acts of humanity. In pairs discuss the following questions: What does it mean to live as the crown of creation but at the same time to be aware of the plight of human sinfulness? How might our worship reflect both our joy in God’s creativity and remorse for our destructiveness? Closing and Prayer You are invited to share any prayer concerns as we end this session in prayer.