Let's start at the very beginning...

Genesis 

First impression: finding the context

What do you see in this book that tells you about the original reader?

   The original reader was the Israelites, who at the time of the account were actually slaves to the Egyptians. This book was a way to re-introduce God to the people of Israel: after approximately 400 years of slavery and with all of their forefathers dead and long gone, the people of God were very far from being called that anymore. They had adopted the Egyptian culture and with that their gods! This is the account of a person telling the story of the Creation, the Fall and a God who never gave up on humanity. The author it telling the story to his own people, to his own family and ultimately to all of his relatives, present and future ones… and that includes you and me.

What do you see in this book that tells you about the author?

   According to history, Moses wrote this book, and we can see that he wasn’t there for all of the events of the book, which makes us believe that all of these stories came to him as an oral account, either from other people and/or God himself!

What are the main themes, and repeated ideas in this book, and what is a one sentence summary of the “main idea”?

   I would say that the main idea of Genesis is God’s plan for creation and redemption through a family.

   The repeated ideas are supporting that same concept of love of God for his fallen creation. And even though He confesses that He feels regret for creating humans (Gen.6:7) He has a plan (redemption). God establishes covenants (Gen.9:8-17) and God keeps his promises - the faithfulness of God (Gen.28:15 “…I will not leave you until I have finished giving you everything I have promised you.”).

What is the primary reason this book was written?

   This book was written because God wanted His people to know about Him, and to have a relationship with them (Gen.1:27), His love for humanity, and to tell them about the plan for salvation (Gen.3:15 foreshadows that the woman’s offspring will strike the snake)!

Theme tracing

What does this book show about the character and nature of God?

Creator: The book’s first chapters explain how God created and gave life to all creatures, even man.

Provider: God also keeps assuring His provision to His people from the very beginning (Gen.1:29 He created all seeds and trees for humans to eat from) He also gives animals to Noah for food (Gen.9:3) after the flood is over.

Just: He punishes Adam and Eve for the wrong they’ve done.

Protector: He gives instructions to Noah so He can protect his life during the flood.

What does this book show about God’s redemptive plan for mankind?

There is a lot of upside downs in the relationship between God and humans in Genesis, but God is always faithful to remember His redemption plan. For example, He kept Joseph save so he could, in the long run, save his family and the other Israelite families as well. He made right what was wrong.

Personal application

Is there a timeless truth, or maybe a specific verse, or perhaps the main idea of the book you are studying that is challenging you in your life?

   I believe that the idea of God’s sovereignty is a difficult idea for me to grasp… but specially in the area of control. I feel most of the time we tell God “step aside, I got this”, and then when things don’t go the way we thought, we ask for help! So Genesis is challenging me to let go of certain things and letting God taking control and tell Him “I’ll step aside, you have this.”

What area of your life is God encouraging you, convincing you or empowering you in through this book?

   I feel God is encouraging me in the area of trust. I have always believed that everything works well in the end. And when I look back, it always has!

   He’s also convincing me to wait and not to take things in my hands. The book mentions several stories that have to do with not waiting for God’s timing and most of those stories did not go well… so, I’ll try to sit back and wait for God’s perfect timing.

Point of passion

Whether it is a people group or a sphere of society, God’s word can speak into all areas of life. Share in a paragraph or two how the message of this book, or a truth from this book relates to your  point of passion, and how your ministry to this area can use the message from this book to share Christ in your passion.

   Anyone who knows me can tell that I am passionate about food! I enjoy cooking it and I love eating it!!! And I noticed right away that God created trees with fruit for humans to eat… and throughout Genesis He keeps providing.

   I have a calling to feed the homeless and the poor, so, food in the Bible and specially the miraculous provision of God is my point of passion. I will keep on the lookout for instances when God provides food for the peoples.

   Maybe that will make you hungry for more…