SCRIPTURE: GENESIS 1
INTRODUCTION:
“Genesis” in Greek means “generations”., “beginnings” or “origins”. It is the first book called the Pentateuch (first 5 books of the Bible) which is the Book of Laws that contain God’s instructions and laws for the people of Israel. Traditionally, Moses was considered as the author of Genesis. The theme of Genesis is creation, sin, provision and assurance of salvation. It reveals the person and nature of God as the creator, sustainer, judge and redeemer. It also tells the history of how Israel became God’s chosen people.
BIBLE VERSES:
“ In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2 Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.” (Genesis 1:1-2)
“So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.” (Genesis 1:27-28)
“Then God said, “I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food. 30 And to all the beasts of the earth and all the birds in the sky and all the creatures that move along the ground—everything that has the breath of life in it—I give every green plant for food.” And it was so..” (Genesis 1:29-30)
THE BEGINNING:
GOD’S CREATION IN 6 DAYS:
1st day – Light-day / darkness-night
2nd day – sky
3rd day – land and sea / plants and trees
4rd day – sun to govern day / moon and stars to govern night
5th day – creatures of the sea / winged birds
6th day – wild animals / livestocks / man-Adam, woman-Eve
God blessed Adam and Eve and said: “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground. ” (v. 28). God also gave them the fruits and green plants for food.
THOUGHTS:
The Book of Genesis gives encouragement and hope. God has a plan for us no matter how insignificant we feel or how sinful we are. His salvation is always available for us if we choose to follow Him.
God made man in His own image. Therefore, we should treat everybody fairly and justly without discrimination. We have also to take good care of our body and reflect his character of love, patience, forgiveness, kindness and faithfulness.
God delegated man the authority to take care of the plants and trees and rule over the living creatures. We have the responsibility to take good care of the environment and other creatures that God has entrusted to us.
The Spirit was the “WORD” in many ways. The Word has the power to create things, to bring light (sun and moon) and to divide (light and darkness, water and land).
SCRIPTURES ABOUT THE “WORD”
John 1:1 – “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God”
Hebrews 4:12 – “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing sould and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart”
Psalms 119:105 – “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path”
Psalms 119:160 – All your words are true. All your righteous laws are eternal”
2 Samuel 22:31 ‘ As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the Lord is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him
Matthew 24:35 – “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away”
Matthew 4:4 – “It is written: ‘Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God”
Isaiah 40:8 – “The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever”
John 15:7 – If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish and it will be given you”
Proverbs 4:20-21 – “My son, pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my word. Do not let them out of your sight. Keep them within your heart.