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Home » Genesis » Page 11

Posts that reference the book of Genesis

Study Tip: Do This!

By Paula

Success or Failure- Which Way?We've been looking at the different "types" of statements for in Scripture. So far we've considered God's promises, looking for those "I will" statements that He makes. Last week, we discussed the long (boring) sections of straight factual information and what encouragement those might have for us. Today, let's consider the commands.

One of the complaints folks often give about the Bible is that it's just a collection of "thou shalt nots". In fact, there are far more positive commands in God's word. Generally, they are easy to find.

Look for verbs. After God created Adam and Eve, He blessed them, then He issued His first command. "Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it…" (Genesis 1:28) See all those verbs? Be… multiply… fill… subdue… If you remember back to English class, that was the imperative form of the verb. The speaker expects the listener to take action.

Now, there's a caution- not every command is for us. I'm not trying to weasel out of certain commands. However, context is critical to our understanding of any passage. So when you look for those imperative verbs…

Look for application. When God called Moses, He gave him some incredible signs to perform to validate his message. "Cast [your rod] on the ground," God said, and the rod became a snake. Then God said, "Reach out your hand and take it by the tail." When Moses did, the snake became his rod once again. (Exodus 4:3-4). Does that mean we should throw down sticks, expecting them to transform? Or can we grab snakes by the tail? Of course not. God's instructions were exclusively for Moses in that situation.
On the other hand, Jesus says, "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28) Did that just apply to the group listening that particular day? That one is an open invitation to all hearers and readers.

How do you tell the difference? I haven't reviewed EVERY command, but some guidelines that may help are…

  • If the instruction is about an attitude or a response to God, it applies. (Like, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, strength and mind.")
  • If the commands is about how to treat others, it still applies. (Love your enemies, for example.)
  • If the speaker or writer is addressing a crowd, the commands usually still apply, like Paul's letters, or the Sermon on the Mount
  • In the Old Testament, commands involving offerings, feasts, sacrifices and the Law, no longer apply. Jesus fulfilled all those so we are freed.
  • Depend on the Holy Spirit's guidance if you're unsure.

"Whoever hears these sayings of Mine and does them, I will liken to a wise man who builds his house on the rock." (Matthew 7:24)

Filed Under: Study Tip Tuesday Tagged With: Exodus, Genesis, Matthew

Not Like Water

By Paula

Sun from underwaterUnstable as water… Genesis 49:4

…[O]ne who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. James 1:6
 

LORD,
Don't let me be like water, always shifting, changing.
At the mercy of the elements.
Driven by my environment.
Readily conforming to my surroundings.
Unable to clearly reflect Your image.

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Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Genesis, James

Study Tip: Begin at the Beginning

By Paula

Today, I want to offer some quick tips for studying the book of Genesis."The Beginning" Road Sign with dramatic blue sky and clouds. First tip – Don’t worry about all the “begats”.

The first book of the Bible is a great place to start studying God’s Word.  It is the “book of beginnings”.  Reading two chapters each day will finish off the book in under a month  Kay Arthur’s notes in The New Inductive Study Bible divides the book into two sections.  Chapters 1-11 describe four great events while chapters 12-50 look at the lives of four great people.  Here are some things to look for as you read through Genesis:

Firsts – Of course Genesis tells of the  first man and woman and so on, but it also describes the first act of worship.  Interestingly, the first mention of love in the Scripture occurs in the context of a father’s love (ch. 22). That story of Abraham and Isaac is one of my favorites in all of Scripture.

God’s Revelation of Himself – God becomes more personal as the story unfolds. From Elohim in the opening words to God Almighty and the God Who Sees, God displays more of His character to His people

God Initiates – Everything we are and have comes from the will and hand of God.  He made us, revealed Himself to us, and sought a relationship with us.  After man’s failure, God’s in love and grace initiated redemption for a hopeless humanity.  The story of His pursuit of us begins in Genesis.

Filed Under: Study Tip Tuesday Tagged With: Genesis

Study Tip: Fly Over

By Paula

Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Bell 206 ...
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Welcome back to the blog and a new study tip. I think I have things in hand well enough to get back on schedule. Thank you for your patience!

Next time you begin a new study of a book of the Bible, sit down and read the book through in one sitting. (Okay, Genesis, Psalms, Jeremiah and some of the others may take more than one.) Don’t make any notes- just read it like you would any other pleasure book. Take the pressure off yourself to retain, or to analyze it. Just read it. This does two things for you. First, it makes Bible study less of a chore and more like enjoying time with your Father while you read this wonderful journal He left for you. Second, it gives you context for deeper study.

This quick, overview read is like a view from a helicopter. When you fly over an area, you get an idea of the topography, the roads or waterways, and the landmarks. In a quick read, you get the tone of the book – Job ‘sounds’ different than Jeremiah. You also get the big themes and ideas. If you read the Kings, you see there were good kings and bad kings. In Leviticus, there’s a lot about offerings and feasts. In Luke, the Son of Man is on a mission. In Philippians, there is joy.

I admit, this is a tough one for me. I like the details, and I find myself easily pulled into a word by word examination. However, the overview is critical for a deeper understanding of Scripture, especially how the parts relate to the whole. It may help to read in a different translation than you typically use, especially for the narrative books like the Old Testament histories or Acts or even the Gospels.

Next week, we’ll try a ‘drive-by’ reading to follow the ‘fly-over’.

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Filed Under: Study Tip Tuesday Tagged With: Acts, Genesis, Jeremiah, Job, Leviticus, Luke, Philippians, Psalms

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Encounters Series

From the opening pages of Scripture, no one who has encountered a holy God has come away unchanged. Adam, Abraham, Hagar, Moses and many, many others realized that God is not distant but a God who … Read More

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Covenant of Trust Series

A covenant is a solemn, binding agreement. God chose to unilaterally enter into a covenant with Abraham. No matter what Abraham said or did, God vowed to uphold the terms and bless Abraham. Marriage … Read More...

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Foundations Series

Jesus told a parable about a wise builder and a foolish one, underscoring how important it is to have a solid foundation. He declared that obedience to His word was the surest foundation of all. In … Read More...

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