Recaps from 7/17/10 and 7/24/10

The first week we studied Genesis chapters 1-3. We discussed creation and the fall. Here are a few key questions that came up.

• Is the creation story scientifically factual? Does it matter if the story is symbolic or if it is how it actually happened?
• Why did man sin? What was their true sin? Is our own rebellion similar?
• How did God start his process of redemption after the first sin?
• How did the fall affect all of creation? What were specific consequences?

We also spoke about how the pattern of the rest of the Bible is established in the first 3 chapters of Genesis.

1. Humans sin by trying to act independent of God's will
2. God intervenes to try to get us back on track
3. There are physical consequences even after the intervention

This theme introduces us to the need for permanent redemption, which comes in the form of Jesus Christ.

The second week we studied Genesis 6-9 and 11:1-9. These chapters included the stories of Noah and the Tower of Babel. There were a few key questions that came up.

• Who were the "sons of God" and the Nephilim mentioned in chapter 6?
• Was the flood world wide or only in the parts that were inhabited at the time?
• How does this story fit into the pattern of redemption that was discussed above?
• What was the sin that Ham committed in chapter 9?
• What was the sin of the people of Babel?

We did not read chapters 4, 5, 10, or the second half of 11. Feel free to read these chapters on your own if you would like to join us in reading through all of the book of Genesis.

As always, you can join our discussion in person on Sundays, or you can comment below.