Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that needs not be ashamed,

Rightly dividing the Word of Truth

II Timothy 2:15

Welcome to our Bible Book of the Month Club. We invite you to read with us through the Word of God to strengthen your faith and gain a better understanding of its precepts and purpose for your life. While questions and comments are welcome, this is not intended to be an exhaustive study and neither is it an online Bible class; rather it is designed to provide encouragement and guidelines for effective daily Bible reading.

You will find it helpful to read from a translation you can understand such as NIV or RSV.

We suggest the following format to help you understand and retain what you read.

We call it the 3 O’s. Read the passage 3 times: on the Same day or next it’s up to you.

O – Read the passage first to get an overview…. get the big picture, what’s it all about?

O – Read it the next time and try to outline it…record your impressions or questions.

O – Read it a third time to own it. What is God saying to you? How will you apply it?

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The Book of Genesis

The Old Testament is the Covenant of God with mankind about his salvation. It begins with the book of Genesis (origins) and is the first of the five books called “the Pentateuch” (five scrolls) or the books of law… Genesis records the beginnings… of the world, the human race, of sin, and the promise of redemption, of family life and civilization, and the beginning of the nations. The Major themes: Creation, The Fall, The Flood, The Family (Patriarchs) and The Nations. Genesis covers more time than all of the other 65 books of the Bible. It affirms that God created the Universe for His glory and He created mankind in His own image that He might have fellowship with him. Please keep this in mind as you read through this awesome book. And commit to commune personally with The God of Scripture each day that you should know with certainty that you are His chosen one whom He dearly loves and has a wonderful plan for your life.

Note: If you devote 30 minutes a day of reading and reflection, you will be blessed to experience the heart of God for your life as you see His hand in the lives of those in the passage.(Rom15:4)

Key Chapter: Chapter 15

Memory Verse: 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. Hebrews 11:3

Week One: The Beginnings Chapters 1-11

Week Two: Abraham/Isaac Chapters 12-25:18

Week Three: Jacob Chapters 25:19-36

Week Four: Joseph Chapters 37-50

Genesis Week One: The Beginning

Read Chapters 1-11

“Where did I come from and why am I here?” These are questions everyone asks at one time or another. Genesis not only answers these questions but reveals the nature of God as Creator and Redeemer; and explains the value of human life over all other creation. It describes the nature of man and God’s unconditional love towards mankind. We are created in God’s image and for his good pleasure. However, sin separates us from God. While the consequences of sin and disobedience are dire, God still provided a plan of redemption and forgiveness through the a promise of salvation in Christ Jesus.

Memory Verse: “Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” Genesis 1:26

Questions to Ponder:

Having read Gen 1-2, what will be your response to the creation debate?

When you consider the work of God’s hands in creating the world, and man, how does it change/enhance your perspective of God?

Take time to look up the physiology of the human body. What is your response?

Consider the fall and the wickedness of man…what do you think causes people to reject God? What is God’s response to the arrogance of man and his desire to live independent of God? (Ch. 3)

How have you shown arrogance, defiance and/or independence in the face of God?

Consider the cause and the judgment of the flood (Ch. 6-7). How does the behavior of people in Noah’s time compare to the behavior of people today?

What is your response to Noah’s response to God and the Covenant God made with Noah? (Ch. 8-9)

What have you learned from reading Ch. 10-11? What will you differently?

This week: Take time to look for the rainbows and reflect on the bigness and the goodness of God. Choose to be grateful. List reasons you should be grateful.

Week Two: God’s Covenant with Abraham and Isaac

Read Chapters 12-25:18

The life of Abraham is a portrait of the richness of the human experience. We can all identify with the struggles he faced and yet he ultimately trusted in God. He is called the father of faith and ‘a friend of God’. His life is a reflection of the practical walk of faith. Isaac was a man submitted to the sovereignty of God in all things. Even in human frailty, he trusted that God was in control.

Memory Verse: I will make you a great nation; I will bless you, and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, And I will curse him who curses you; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” Genesis 12:2-3

Questions to Ponder:

Reflect on the covenant of God with Abraham. What is your response?

Note: Abraham wasn’t the first man to father a child after he was 100 years old (ch5). What does this say to you about God’s response to the seemingly impossible situations of life?

What do you learn from the relationship between Abraham and his nephew Lot? (ch.13-14) What do you learn about Abraham’s intercession for Lot from Sodom?

Consider Ch 17-18. When have you doubted God? How does developing a closer relationship with? God help fortify your faith?

Consider Abraham’s character: what does it speak to you about your character? (Ch 1-19) What do you learn from the character/conduct of Lot and of Sarah?

Chapter 20 shows us the affect of fear even on those of strong faith. What should you do when you’re afraid? How does prayer help us through fear?

What can you learn about being a faithful servant? (Ch 24)

What can you learn about choosing a spouse?

This week: Pray that God will breathe afresh on your prayer life. Commit to invest time listening in prayer. Practice trusting God in everything.

Week Three: God’s Covenant with Jacob

Read Chapters 25:19 – 36

This week we examine life in a dysfunctional family: relationships between parents and children, and relationships between siblings. We will read about the problem with jealousy, the spirit of deception, the grace of God and the power of forgiveness.

Memory Verse:

Then the man said, “Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with humans and have overcome.” Genesis 32:28.

Questions to Ponder:

In spite of the bitterness and ill feelings between brothers, when Abraham died both Isaac and Ishmael buried him. Now we see Jacob and Esau come together to bury Isaac. What does that say to you about death? About family reunions?
Jacob feared his brother Esau yet Esau embraced his brother in forgiveness. What does that say to you?
Why do you think Jacob made the same mistake as his parents did in favoring one son over the other? (37:3)
What do you think was the turning point in Jacob’s life? What has been the turning point in your life? (27)
What did you learn about Jacob’s relationship with the Lord God?
How do you explain the importance and the value of forgiveness?
What have you learned from the life of Jacob that motivates you to change some things in your life?

This week take time to explore areas in your life where you have been unforgiving and/or jealous of others. Be honest with yourself. Then ask God to help you to forgive and to be grateful for His blessings on your life. Find relative Scriptures and confess them until you have a change of heart.

Thank God for the lessons you’ve learned from the life of Jacob.

Week Four: God’s Covenant with Joseph

Read Chapters 37-50

This week we look at the life of a man who was dreamer, who proved to be an exceptional leader and a man of integrity.

Memory Verse: “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive.” Genesis50:20

Questions to Ponder:

Consider the attitude of the older brothers toward Joseph. How has jealousy impacted your life?
Why do you think Joseph was so hated by his brothers?
What problems are created when parents favor one child over the others?
How would you describe the character/conduct of the young boy Joseph? (37)
How would you describe the change in his character as a grown man? (39-45)
How do you handle temptation? How should you handle it? (39)
What do you learn from the life of Joseph concerning family? Leadership? God-given gifts?
What can you learn about how to handle your emotions when you’ve been deeply wounded? (42-45)
Do you know what are your God-given gifts? Whom have you been called to lead? What wisdom have you been assigned to share with others?

This week reflect on what you have learned from this book. Consider where you are in your life. Do you know what is God’s purpose for your life? Are you living and walking in God’s purpose or just waiting for tomorrow. Look to the Father to lead and guide you to the next level. Please join us next month as we read through the book of EXODUS.

Thank you for reading through the book of Genesis with us.
Please gather your friends and read along with us next month.