WEEK ONE: ABSTRACT
Reading: Genesis 1-11; John
1:1-3; Psalm 8, Psalm 104, Psalm 12
This week we read Genesis 1-11. Our reading began well:
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THE GRAND STORY OF CREATION (Genesis 1-2); God first cause of all things. Man, imbued
with dignity, purpose, and companionship.
What started out so well
began a downward spiral that gathered momentum with every generation; not
exactly the best way to inspire our reading!
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THE FALL (Genesis
3): Rebellion; Shame; Judgment; Murder; Polygamy (Genesis 4:19); However, Seth is born and people began to call upon
the name of the Lord (Gen. 4:26)
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THE FLOOD (Genesis 6-9): God is grieved; The flood destroys all but
Noah’s family; God establishes His covenant with Noah and gives as a sign of
his promise the rainbow.
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THE NATIONS (Genesis
10-11) The children of Noah populate the earth, forming the early nations; The
people rebel and God confuses the language of the whole world at The Tower Of
Babel.
John
1:1-3
was included in our reading in order to provide additional insight into the creation
account. This text reveals the role that Jesus played in Creation and that His
arrival marks a new beginning.
John 1:1–3 (NIV84) — 1 In the beginning was the Word,
and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in
the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing
was made that has been made.
In the beginning was the Word . . . Jesus is eternal
and the Word was with God . . . Jesus is distinct
in personality from the Father and the Spirit
and the Word was God . . . Jesus is Divine