Series Title: The Space Between | Week 1
Scripture: Genesis 1-3
Bottom Line: The beginning & end goal are the same in God's story.
Other Scripture Reference:
Book References
The Epic of Eden: A Christian Entry into the Old Testament by Dr. Sandra L Richter
Pastor Matt will be referencing this book throughout the series. He encourages us to take the time to read this book.
Group Check in:
How is it with your soul?
Prayer Request? Praises?
How has God shown up in your life this week?
Ice Breaker:
What is your favorite Bible story? Why
Have you ever read the Bible from start to finish?
Overview:
This message is about rediscovering our own story. During this series, we will pull the Bible out of the realm of vaguely known so that our restored memory of who God is and who we are can guide us into God's future.
Christian amnesia: we have lost our identity. We have forgotten who we are and who God is and how we are to live.
Dysfunctional Closet Syndrome = no order. You can see what's on the surface, but not what's hidden deep inside. Our faith and our identity can be like this as well.
Genesis 1 & 2 (The Creation Story). Adam and Eve's story is the mechanics of the creation story. It tells the story of creation and the story of Truth of who God is and who we are and how we are supposed to live in this world. This first chapter in the bible sets the course and tone for everything after Genesis 2.
Genesis 2 - adds to the understanding of God. God is no longer transcendent, He is present.
The Pre-Fall of Humanity: God provides people, place, and presence, but with one condition: don't eat the fruit from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. The Law of Eden: God is God and we are not. God is the only one to determine good and evil. (See Slide 1)
God's intent was taken by humanity, stolen by the enemy. Adam & Eve (humanity) rejected the covenant and the whole creation shuttered. This caused humanity to lose their home in paradise, access to God's presence, and identity as God's people.
God shows mercy and He allowed Adam/Eve to live. Herein begins the greatest plot twist in history: the rest of scripture is the story of our return to Eden and our identity as the people/place/presence. (See Slide 2)
The language in the last 2 chapters of Revelation (the end of our story) isn’t about destruction, chaos and death, but instead it is about our return, restoration, and redemption. (Revelation 21-22)
Slide 1
Slide 2
Discussion Questions:
Do you find it difficult to connect the Bible to our lives in a meaningful way?
How important is the Bible to you? Why do you read it?
Have you ever been encouraged or helped by reading the Bible? If so, how?
What is the goal of creation? How does the way Genesis is written point to this goal?
What does Genesis 1 teach us about God?
Imagery is used in Genesis and Revelations; how and why is it similar?
How do we come from the depths of the fall to the new Jerusalem?
Have you ever thought about how you personally fit into God's redemption story?
Have you ever made the connection between all the different stories in the Bible and how they ultimately tell one big story? What are you most looking forward to learning about in this series: The Space Between?
Pastor's Challenge:
Take the time to read Genesis chapters 1-3 and the last 2 chapters of Revelations (21-22). Compare the Garden of Eden & the New Jerusalem.
Who in your life needs to hear this story? Who in your life doesn't understand the stories in the Bible? Invite your friends to join you in the journey of our identity in Christ. Save your friends a seat at worship over the next 3 weeks of this series: The Space Between.