Studies in Genesis
Part 1: Introduction
Genesis – A Foundational Book
Ecc 12:1
Gen 1:1
Col 1:15-18
Outline
Basis for study – the Bible
Genesis – the Foundation
Genesis – the Beginning
Genesis - the Originator of all things – God
Genesis Assumptions
1. Important study – foundational Bible is the Word of God
2. Stick to what the Scriptures teach Bible is an historical document
3. Not debate Creation vs. Evolution God exists and there is no other
4. Teach foundational truth God has spoken to mankind (His Word)
5. Answer our most perplexing questions
“The only proper way to interpret Genesis 1 is not to ‘interpret’ it at all. That is, we accept the fact that it was meant to say exactly what it says.” (Morris)
The Bible – Can I trust it?
1. Most read book in the world – a library of books
a) 4 billion copies in 50 years
b) 66 books
c) 40 Authors – 3 continents, 3 languages, written over 1500 yrs.
d) All agree on one central theme – Jesus Christ the Messiah
Divisions of Bible
1. Old Testament – points to Jesus Christ
2. New Testament – life of Christ to eternal reign of Christ
Five Parts
1. Preparation - Old Testament
2. Manifestation - Gospels
3. Propagation - Acts
4. Information - Epistles
5. Consummation – Revelation
Genesis in 3 Parts (Morgan)
1. Generation (ch. 1-2)
2. Degeneration (ch. 3-11)
3. Regeneration (ch. 12-50)
The Bible – Essential/Eternal Word of God John 1:1 NKJV
Jesus Christ said - "Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.” – Matt 24:35; Mark 13:31; Luke 21:33
Psalms 138:1-2 NKJV
Foundations are Essential!
Genesis is Foundational to the rest of the Bible
Illustration – building a house
1. Foundation is essential
2. Determines the livability and stability of rest of house
3. Foundation supports first floor, that supports second …
4. Ultimately foundation supports them all
Genesis 1 - 11
1. First verse foundation to first chapter
2. First chapter foundation to first 11 chapters
3. First 11 chapters foundation to rest Genesis
4. Genesis foundation to rest of the Bible
5. Genesis quoted over 60 times in NT
Psalms 11:3 NKJV – If the foundations are destroyed, What can the righteous do?
The Universe had a Beginning
Genesis 1:1 NKJV
1. Created by God
2. Before creation – no universe, no earth, no time, no space
3. “there was not even nothing”… Ken Ham
4. Word for create - בָּרָא – - bara – brought into existence materials that had no previous existence to make everything that now exists
Hebrews 11:3 ESV
Hebrews 11:3 NLT
Psalms 33:9 NLTse
God Had No Beginning
God made time – therefore He existed before time
Who is He? – Exodus 3 – to Moses – “I AM WHO I AM.” - Yahweh
The name I AM – God is completely independent; that He relies on nothing for life or existence
The Name – no beginning, no end, and no equal!
Illustration – watchmaker
3 attributes that only God has:
Omnipotent – all powerful
Omniscient – all knowing
Omnipresence - He is everywhere at once
Romans 1:20 NLT
Hebrews 11:1-3, 6 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen… (3) By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible. … (6) But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
(17) "For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.
(18) "He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. John 3:16-18
