Genesis by Dennis McCallum (2004)

The Flood narrative generates many questions and controversies. The Bible presents a story, and the Earth provides some persuasive evidence for this supernatural event. While unique in human history, the Flood presented in Scripture has application today, especially in relation to free will.

Genesis 1 describes the creation of Earth. After walking through several theories and problems related to the origin of life, this teaching focuses on the progressive creation that Genesis puts forth. Learn about varying theories involved in creation and how the Bible harmonizes with the findings of modern science.

The creation presented in Genesis 1 has some implications, including that humans are created in the image of God. This means life has meaning, morality, dignity, freedom, and spirituality. If we believe that humans are meaningful, significant, free, and moral beings, we have to admit that this is incompatible without intelligent design.

The human race is made up of characteristics that became distorted after the Fall: 1) benevolent ruler-ship, 2) creative accomplishment, 3) free moral agency, 4) relational, and 5) intellectual creativity. These have applications in our relationship with God, with each other, and in the afterlife.

Two more characteristics of humans are described: 1) unity and diversity, and 2) being shameless, uninhibited, and free. These ideas relate to the way people view sex, marriage, peace, and anxiety. Because of the choice to eat from the tree in the garden, the previously healthy versions of these have been distorted. The tree of knowledge of good and evil represented autonomy and self rule, while the tree of life represented union with God, which can be regained in Christ.

Before the fall, the world was complete and good. Satan entered the Garden of Eden and distorted the word of and casting suspicion on God, tricking Eve into eating the fruit from the tree of knowledge of good and evil. This caused alienation: psychological, theological, sociological, and ecological. Now, humans have the opportunity to be reunited with God through trust.

The human race is in an abnormal state because of a "fall" from our intended role. This fall resulted in several kinds of alienation from God: theological, psychological, sociological, and ecological. Gradual spiritual growth can help reverse some of the damage that this fall caused, and it is never too late to begin that recovery process.

Cain and Abel offer sacrifices to God, but they are received with different reactions. Abel's was looked on with favor by God, but Cain's was not. Cain's sacrifice represented a ritualistic approach to relating with God, while Abel's was based on faith. Cain allowed his emotional state of bitterness and jealousy affect his behavior, and he murdered his brother. Cain exemplifies a fallen man putting himself at the center, resulting in conflict with God and others.

Babylon decided to build a tower together. It was a symbol of a culture apart from God, so God distributed different languages among them so they would not finish it. The human desire to have a united world system on Earth has not been recognized so far in history, but the Bible does say that it will happen near the End Times. The world today is headed toward this unification, as studied through several current factors.

God creates a covenant with the man Abraham. He establishes it as unconditional, meaning Abraham didn't have to do anything on his own power. After trying to take matters into their own hands, Abraham and his wife, Sarah, ultimately learn that faith means answering God's call and waiting on Him. Human effort and quick-fix solutions don't yield the results God intends.

In Genesis 14, Moses relays a fascinating encounter between Abraham and Melchizedek, a High Priest of God. We learn that God had arranged this encounter as a means of representing His future plan: for Jesus to die and take the place of a priest in our lives?to become an intercessor between humans and God for our sins. Through his death, Jesus had superseded priesthood forever. As a result we are no longer bound to the law, but can draw near to God through faith in Jesus.

We contrast Abraham with his nephew, Lot. Although both men believed in God and were forgiven by Him, their lives bore a striking contrast. Abraham continually sought out God's will and values. He didn't seek immediate gratification, but trusted God would reward him in heaven. Lot, on the other hand, went his own way and followed after the culture's lifestyle, which yielded immediate, yet temporary rewards. While Abraham continually chose God's way, we see that he prospered spiritually. Lot chose his own way and his life ended in catastrophe.

Through the story of God calling Abraham to sacrifice his only son Isaac, we see not only an ideal demonstration of faith, but also an amazing picture of God's eventual solution for humanity's problem of sin: Jesus Christ. We draw several parallels between the account of Jesus' death and this account of Abraham and Isaac. Even though Abraham didn't know what God's plan was, he still obeyed, trusting that God would provide, and God did provide (through a ram then and then later through His son Jesus). \r\n

Esau freely gave up his birthright to his brother Jacob, simultaneously giving up his right to be a major player in God's plan. He found himself caught between an immediate, earthly desire, and a long term spiritual one. We run into choices like these all the time, choices that are often significant and always have consequences. As Esau found, our choices matter.

We often approach our relationship with God incorrectly, looking for what we can gain for self. As Jacob flees Esau, he attempts to live his life looking for what he can get, and finds himself in continuous trouble. He is faced with the choice of either remaining self-reliant and doing things his own way, or clinging to God and having his true needs met.

Joseph seems to have it all, and yet his life is that of misery and pain starting with the day his brothers sell him into slavery. His is a story of long term suffering. Yet, he finds that all the while, it is also a story of God's provision. We, like Joseph, have the choice of whether or not we will stay true to God over the long haul, and see how He comes through.