Tag: Beginnings and Belongings

The End of the Beginning

• Lesson 13 for the week of December 23 to December 30

Read: Genesis 41:42 – 50:26 The book of Genesis closes with powerful examples of forgiveness and providence. Yet it is also a story that reveals the lingering effects of sin even after forgiveness has been...

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From Prison Cell to Palace

• Lesson 12 for the week of December 16 to December 23

Read: Genesis 37:2 – 41:40 Discussion themes and questions: The story of Joseph is one in which an overriding providence carries Joseph through a series of heartbreaking setbacks to a remarkable position of honor. The...

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Jacob becomes Israel

• Lesson 11 for the week of December 9 to December 16

Read: Genesis 25:19 – 29:30 Crooked Jacob, still haunted by his flawed genes and chromosomes, is still being blessed by God. And as he nears his homeland again, Jacob tussles with God until he receives...

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The Price of Duplicity

• Lesson 10 for the week of December 2 to December 9

Read: Genesis 25:19 – 29:30 The whole family knew how to cheat: Jacob cheated his brother and lied to his father; Jacob’s uncle, Laban, deceived both his daughters and Jacob by switching them on the...

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The Triumph of Faith

• Lesson 9 for the week of November 25 to December 2

Read: Genesis 20:1 – 25:10 The last years of Abraham’s life are a collage of failures, triumphs, and tragedies. He fails the test of honesty with Abimelech; he passes the test of loyalty on Mt....

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Faith and Frailty

• Lesson 8 for the week of November 18 to November 25

Read: Genesis 16:1 — 19:38 The story of Abraham brings out amazing highs and lows, from victories won with God to striking human failings. Discussion themes and questions: Hagar and Ishmael (Genesis 16). The story...

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The Man Abram

• Lesson 7 for the week of November 11 to November 18

Read: Genesis 11:27-15:21 After a long series of human disasters, God turns to Abram to help turn the tide. The early chapters of his life raise significant questions worth exploring: Discussion Themes and Questions: Joshua...

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The Earth After the Flood

• Lesson 6 for the week of November 4 to November 11

Read: Genesis 9-11 When compared with the good earth as it came from God’s hand after creation, the “new” earth after the flood presents a stark contrast — and a fruitful opportunity for some searching...

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Destruction and Renewal

• Lesson 5 for the week of October 28 to November 4

Read: Genesis 5:32 – 9:29 The story of the flood is a stark reminder that God’s perfect world did not last long. The impact of the flood is worth pondering, both from the standpoint of...

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Paradise Lost

• Lesson 4 for the week of October 21 to October 28

Read: Genesis 3:1 – 4:26 Crucial aspects of human existence are rooted in the story of the Fall and the on-going tragedy of our first parents. Discussion Themes and Questions: The subtle serpent. The serpent,...

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The Early Earth

• Lesson 3 for the week of October 14 to October 21

Read: Genesis 2 The second chapter in Genesis points to several key concepts which continue to shape Christian thinking. Discussion Themes and Questions: Sabbath. Genesis 2 opens with account of how God blessed the Sabbath....

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“In the Beginning…”

• Lesson 2 for the week of October 7 to October 14

Read: Genesis 1 Those of us who look forward to a restored world, look back to Genesis 1 as the foundation of our hope. Discussion themes and questions: Clarities. Though there are many issues about...

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Foundations

• Lesson 1 for the week of September 30 to October 7

Read: Matt. 19:3-8; Luke 17:26-30; Acts 7:1-15; Heb. 11:1-22 One of the key features which distinguishes the Judeo-Christian perspective from other “natural” perspectives is that history has a goal. You can chart the key events...

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