Welcome to the second half of the year! This month, we’ll be taking a fresh look at the first part of the book of Genesis, as we commence a series of messages called ORIGINS. Sometimes it helps to look backward before you move forward, so you live your life from God’s perspective. By going back to the beginning, we can glean some amazing insights about God’s original purpose for this world, all of which are incredibly relevant for our lives today in the 21st century. History really is HIS-story and you and I are called to play a significant part in the unfolding redemptive narrative. As we explore the first 12 chapters of Genesis, we pray that the gift of hindsight creates in each of us a fresh vision (foresight) of who we are as the people of God.
1. Genesis (July 13-14th)
Genesis is the first book of the Bible and is often called “the book of beginnings.” Reading an ancient text like this raises lots of questions, especially for those of us who live in the modern world. In this introduction to the ORIGINS series, we will be answering many of these questions and presenting some important principles for reading and applying Genesis today.
2. Creation (July 20-21st)
Science and faith, dinosaurs and the big bang. These just a few of the kinds of questions people come to book of Genesis for, hoping to find some answers. This weekend, we will take an in-depth look at the story of creation, which clearly shows us who created the world and why.
3. Image (July 27-28th)
C.S. Lewis once said, “There are no ordinary people. You have never met a mere mortal.” Unlike all other creatures, humans alone were made in “the image of God.” What is this image and what are the implications for how we live our lives today? That’s our focus for this weekend.
4. Lost (Aug.3-4th)
Paradise Lost – one of history’s saddest moments. This weekend, we look at the Fall, which is not just a singular event but the trajectory of humanity moving away from God’s plan. Can we be rescued from our wandering?
5. Brother's Keeper (Aug.10-11th)
To live in God’s world on God’s terms is enough of a problem but to live with God’s other creatures, especially humans, is even more of a dilemma. The story of Cain and Abel paints a vivid picture of the first human conflict and the tragic consequences of jealousy and anger. Are we still our brother’s keeper?
6. Never Again (Aug.17-18th)
Noah’s Ark and the Flood – the classic Sunday School story! Humans fail to be faithful covenant partners in God’s world. Chaos and destruction ensue but God does not forget his covenant. In His mercy, God promises that “never again will there be a flood that destroys the earth.”
7. Roots (Aug.31-Sept.1st)
Genealogies and family trees tell us that origins matter. We are united by our bloodline. On this Father’s Day weekend, we examine the importance of our roots and what it means to be a child of God who is now “in Christ.”
8. Towers (Sept.7-8th)
The tower of Babel – languages and nations all began there. God scattered people from their safety and comfort, as well as from their self-serving unity. Years later, on the Day of Pentecost, prayerful unity led to the good news being spoken in many languages leading to a scattering to the nations once again.
9. The Call (Sept.14-15th)
Abraham is the proto-type for all people of faith. Following the risky call of God, he took a leap of faith into the lifetime adventure of being a pilgrim. In the same way, our journey is to be a life of faith, not one of safety and comfort. Can you hear the call?