Genesis Two Types of Sessions
The book of Genesis lays the foundation for the entire Bible, exploring the origins of humanity, the cosmos, and God's covenant relationship with humankind. It grapples with fundamental questions of creation, sin, and redemption, setting the stage for the narratives and theological themes that follow. As theologian and historian Jaroslav Pelikan observed, "Genesis is not just the first book of the Bible; it is the book of beginnings," highlighting its crucial role in understanding the rest of scripture. (There are two types of sessions for Genesis here; the links a the top are for groups that know the bible and are interested in "People and Subjects" of Genesis, the second one is more of an "INTRODUCTION to People and Stories of Genesis".)
PEOPLE AND SUBJECTS
1: "When God Walked With a Man"- Genesis 5:21–24
2: "The God Who Sees Me"- Genesis 16:1–16
3: "Wrestling With God in the Night"- Genesis 32:22–32
4: "A Silent Faith That Saves"- Genesis 22:1–19
5: "Two Nations, One Womb"- Genesis 25:19–34
6: "God Was in This Place"- Genesis 28:10–22 (Jacob's dream at Bethel)
7: "The Woman Who Outwaited a Liar"- Genesis 29:15–30:24 (Leah, Rachel, and Jacob)
8: "The God Who Changes Names"- Genesis 35:1–15 (Jacob to Israel)
9: "A Changed Life"- Genesis 37-44 (Judah's Transformation)
10: "The Forgotten Son Who Saved Them All"- Genesis 38 (Judah and Tamar)
11: "You Meant It for Evil, But God..."- Genesis 45:1–15; 50:15–21
12: "The Altar That Declared War on Heaven"- Genesis 11:1–9
13: "The Covenant Keeper"- Genesis 15:1–21.
"INTRODUCTION to People and Stories of Genesis"
Part 1: Beginnings (4 Sessions)
1: Creation and the First Family (Genesis 1-4)
2: Noah and the Flood (Genesis 5-9)
3: The Tower of Babel and the Call of Abram (Genesis 10-12)
4: Abraham's Journey and the Covenant (Genesis 13-17)
Part 2: The Patriarchs (5 Sessions)
5: Abraham and Sarah (Genesis 18-23)
6: Isaac and Rebekah (Genesis 24-27)
7: Jacob's Journey (Genesis 28-32)
8: Jacob Wrestles with God (Genesis 32-36)
9: Joseph's Story Begins (Genesis 37-41)
Part 3: Joseph in Egypt (4 Sessions)
10: Joseph's Trials (Genesis 41-45)
11: Jacob's Family Moves to Egypt (Genesis 45-47)
12: Jacob's Blessings and Death (Genesis 48-49
An Overview of Genesis: The Foundation of God's Story
The book of Genesis is the first book of the Bible and the foundation for understanding God's relationship with humanity. It reveals the origins of the universe, the creation of mankind, the introduction of sin, and the beginning of God’s redemptive plan. From the first words, "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth" (Genesis 1:1), we see that all things originate from God’s sovereign will. Throughout its 50 chapters, Genesis lays the groundwork for major biblical themes—creation, covenant, faith, and redemption. The lives of key figures such as Adam and Eve, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph illustrate God’s unfolding plan, showing His faithfulness even when humanity falls short.
For a Christian today, Genesis is not merely ancient history but a vital part of God's revelation that continues to shape our faith. The Old Testament, including Genesis, is essential to understanding Jesus and His mission. As the Apostle Paul wrote, "For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope" (Romans 15:4). Genesis points forward to Christ, especially through God’s covenant with Abraham, which ultimately finds fulfillment in Jesus (Galatians 3:29). Pastor R.C. Sproul once said, “The Old Testament is not just background material; it is the very foundation upon which the gospel stands.” In a world that often dismisses the Old Testament, Christians must remember that Genesis helps us understand God's unchanging nature, His justice, and His mercy.
As senior believers in an Independent Christian Church, studying Genesis offers deep wisdom for navigating faith in today’s world. The struggles and victories of Abraham, the mistakes and redemption of Jacob, and the unwavering faith of Joseph remind us that God's promises never fail. Renowned preacher Charles Spurgeon noted, “The book of Genesis is the seed-plot of the Bible; the whole Scripture is but the expansion of its germ.” This means that the rest of the Bible, including the New Testament, grows from the truths established in Genesis. By studying this foundational book, we strengthen our understanding of God’s Word and draw closer to Him, trusting that His promises remain as true for us today as they were for Abraham thousands of years ago.