Day 1 Chronological Bible Study
Timeline. Map. Procedure for study. Introduction to Genesis. Go to today's Bible reading (use your browser arrow to return): Genesis 1–3 Answers to Some of Life's Most Challenging Questions Note: This Bible study is also available in audio format Happy New Year to those who are starting on January 1! Welcome to all others who are starting on a different date. We are thrilled to have you join us! What better place to start our chronological journey through the Bible than to study the book of Genesis—the book of beginnings! In Genesis 1-3, we get answers to some of life’s most challenging questions: •  Is there a God? What is he like? •  How did life begin? •  Who are we, and where did we come from? •  Why are we here, and what is our purpose? •  Where did evil come from? What is he doing about it? •  Is it possible to know God personally? How? Today's study in Genesis will answer these questions in a brief format. Is there a God? What is he like and how did life begin? In the record of Genesis, God doesn’t seek to prove his existence or explain where he came from. God was hovering over the vast nothingness of space, when merely by his spoken words, light and life came into existence. Have you ever asked yourself, even as a child, who made the birds, reptiles, animals, plants, trees, insects, the sea and the creatures within it, the sky, and even the sun, moon, and stars? God spoke words, and everything came into existence within six literal days. That is more might, knowledge, and understanding than we can ever imagine. He is transcendent above his creation in every way, that’s true, but God is also personal, and he cares about all of his creation. How do we know that? Stay tuned. Who are we, and where did we come from? In Genesis 1, God declares we are his unique creation. Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them (Genesis 1:26-27, NIV). Although this is not the main point of the passage, God uses the plural form of the word God and uses plural pronouns to refer to himself. This suggests plurality within the Godhead, not just some majestic expression. The Bible later reveals God is three in one. Like all of God’s creation, he created and assessed us as very good (Genesis 1:31). However, unlike the rest of God’s creation, we are the highest order; he made us in his image. He has given us intelligence, will, emotions, and an eternal soul. What is our purpose in this world? In (Genesis 1:31; Ephesians 1:3-14) we learn God created us for his pleasure. He wanted to create us, and he made us very good. He wanted to bless us, and although we are only human, he wanted to make us a part of his family. Although he transcends all power, majesty, wisdom, and understanding; yet, from the very beginning, he desired to have a personal relationship with people, his unique creation. In the beginning, it was his habit to walk with Adam and Eve in the cool of the day. Where did evil come from?   Adam and Eve listened to the deceptive lies of a sly serpent creature. They disobeyed their Almighty and kind-hearted God, eating from the only tree in the garden which God said they must not eat. Now they were ashamed, filled with guilt, and hiding. Evil comes from sin. Sin is disobedience, rebellion, and any wrongdoing or failure to do what is right (1John 3:4-8; 1Samuel 15:23; James 4:17). Because we are all the descendants of Adam and Eve, we are sinners by nature. But, lest we blame our first parents for everything, we should remember that, like them, we are also sinners by choice. Their sins and ours lead us to physical and spiritual death, and we commit all kinds of evill (Genesis 2:16-17; 1Corinthians 15:22; Romans 6:23; Revelation 21:8). What is God doing about the evil in this world?   God punished Adam and Eve for their disobedience. He placed curses on the man, the woman, and the serpent. Then God sacrificed animals and used their hides to cover the shame and nakedness of our first parents. God punished them for sin, but with the punishment, he offered mercy. Later, God would institute governments to punish wrongdoers. If you have suffered wrongs, God wants you to appeal to the authorities to get justice. Eventually, in the last days of the earth, God will eradicate evil. Is it possible to know God personally? How? Animals are no longer sacrificed in our place to cover our shame and guilt. Today, God provides us a better sacrifice through his Son Jesus (Hebrews 10:10). Through our faith in Christ’s sacrifice for us, God cleanses us from all our sins and guilt (1John 1:7, more...). After he restores our relationship with him, we have eternal spiritual life and peace. This spiritual relationship with God makes it possible to fulfill our purpose in this world—to give God glory and pleasure. Discussion Who is God, and what is he like? How does the Bible say that life began? Where did evil come from? What is the purpose of my life? Focus Verse Hebrews 11:6 (NIV) “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” Watch a video of God's creation here
Write a private prayer response to today’s Bible study Enter your prayer here: Please send your comments to me Looking Ahead: God creates everything good, but when things go bad he exercises Judgment and Grace. Find out more in our Next Lesson. Previous Lesson  |  Next Lesson Back to top of page Return to Chronological Bible Studies main page Go to Scriptures main page Go to Topics main page Go to Home page re-edited 1-1-22

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