Genesis by Jim Leffel (2016)

The creation account in the Bible offers a different perspective than most other ancient religions and mythologies. God is transcendent over nature, rather than a deity made up of nature. The creation account deals with linear history moving towards a goal, rather than cyclical mythology. Human beings are made with dignity in the image of God, rather than pawns to please the gods. And ultimately, creation is an act of God's gracious salvation.

How does the biblical creation account fit with our modern scientific understanding? In our modern thinking, science and theology are divorced from one another. However, the Bible is not at cross-purposes with the work of science. Modern science affirms the Bible's description of nature as an orderly system, excessive to reason, understandable, and not random chaos.

Part 3 of the Creation account is presented from Genesis 1 and 2. God created man in His own image. So what does it mean to be a human? Humans are unique because of their morality, spirituality, freedom, rationality, and sexuality.

How do we understand and deal with evil? Adam and Eve's fall stemmed from an assault on God's character, their prideful autonomy, and the erroneous belief that satisfying their desires would lead to fulfillment.

With the fall of Adam and Eve, the human condition changes. Alienation enters humanity: alienation within, alienation from God, and alienation from other people. Paradise is lost, but God has an amazing plan for redemption.

A study of Cain and Abel provides a penetrating picture of the human inner life. Cain's legacy was corrupt as he sought to appease God through ritual rather than a trusting relationship. Failure and sin mastered him.

Biblical history from Seth to Abraham includes some difficult passages. Before unpacking the story of the flood, it is important to consider two issues: 1) Is a worldwide flood plausible; 2) Why did the flood happen in the first place? An ABC News clip on the flood is included.

After the flood, God made a covenant with Noah. This covenant provides a platform for us to understand spirituality in our material world and why nature matters. Although nature cannot govern morality, it can reflect God and create in us a sense of awe.

During one of Abraham's travels he meets the priest and king Melchizedek. God reveals Himself through Melchizedek by showing throughout the history of Scripture a prophetic image of the coming of Jesus Christ. Jesus, like Melchizedek, was both priest and king. He came to earth to be the final mediator between God and a fallen humanity. Jesus is also king and ruler over all.

Abraham starts to experience real doubt and fear when it comes to God's promise. God reaffirms His promise to Abraham and declares a covenant with him vowing to come through on His promise. Abraham sets the framework for what biblical faith should look like. Actively and at times imperfectly he trusts in God's promise, receives God's free gift, and is grateful that God is good.

God helps those who help themselves. Is there truth to this common saying? What happens when we take matters into our own hands instead of relying on God? Will God change the plan He has for our lives if we make poor decisions? God promised Abraham He would make a great nation through him but Abraham and Sarah had to wait for a long time. What happens when we do not wait on God? Find answers to these questions through the births and lives of Abraham's sons, Ishmael and Isaac.\r\n

Does prayer matter? Yes! Abraham prayed for the people in his life. He prayed specifically for the people who lived in Sodom and Gomorrah and this saved lives. Abraham interceded on behalf of those in the cities and this changed Lot's life. This passage describes how God answered those prayers and why we\r\nshould be diligent to pray for the people in our lives.\r\n

God calls Abraham to a striking and disturbing task: sacrifice his beloved son Isaac. Does Abraham pass the test? Why would Abraham obey God in this situation? God had previously promised Abraham that He would bless all nations through Abraham's descendants. How will God fulfill this promise? We, like Abraham, will be tested as we respond to God's call in our lives. Will we trust Him?\r\n

How do you see the world and your place in it? Do you focus on temporary things or is your mind set on eternal matters? Think through these questions as you examine the lives of Jacob and Esau. As sons of Isaac, they are key figures in God's plan to bless all nations. Esau makes a short-sighted choice to trade his birthright to Jacob and suffers the consequences. The trajectories of their lives is driven by the way they each see the world and their place in it.

The life of Jacob and his interactions with God are examined.\r\nAt each major point in his life, Jacob had to decide if he was going to obey God or not. Jacob seems to fight God at every turn, relying more on himself and on the plan he has for his own life, rather than on God's. These passages follow Jacob as he flees his homeland to find a wife and as he returns and confronts his brother after years of separation. Believers wrestle with God in similar ways and can learn personal applications from Jacob's life.\r\n

When we face hardships and unjust situations we often focus on the horizontal perspective: how these things affect our lives, goals, and desires. God wants us to have a vertical perspective: to focus on what He is doing and how He is working in our lives, even through times of suffering. These two perspectives are illustrated in life of Joseph. Joseph faced many hardships and encountered unjust trials that were outside of his control. However, God still worked through them. God put Joseph in situations where he became a powerful man who ultimately was able to save and preserve the nation of Israel.\r\n