...a note of introduction:
Genesis: alpha, birth, commencement, dawn, dawning, engendering, formation, generation, inception, opening, origin, outset, propagation, provenance, provenience, root, source, beginning commencement, conception, creation, discovery, innovation, introduction, launch, source, start, starting point. (Thesaurus.com)
The above words are descriptive of the events of Genesis. These words also continue to chronicle the stages and growth of God’s relationship with man from Genesis to John’s Revelation. You see, Genesis is just the first chapter of an eternal love story between the Creator and his beloved creation. It’s the opening scene in the drama of God setting His God-breathed creation on a path that will lead to him. Genesis launches the master plan for man: a comprehensive plan that is positive, hopeful, and full of blessing. God’s relationship with man originates when man is created in a physical form and placed in the garden. God creates man to begin their relationship with flesh and blood, walking and talking with him in the garden. But as Genesis progresses, it becomes clear that God’s purpose for man is more elaborate and profound than being bound in a physical body.
Genesis is the germinating seed for man’s designed transformation through Christ so that the created physical body can be resurrected into a spiritual body, fit and adapted to live with God forever (I Corinthians 15:46-47). When God created the garden and put man in it, he set the stage for man to live with him eternally.
In this study we will refrain from allowing the events in Genesis 3, the account of the fall of man and ensuing consequences, define the scope of Genesis, for Genesis is much more than the historical account of man’s devastating choice. Genesis is the dawning of hope and mercy and grace and love that God, the Almighty Creator, desires to bestow on man, who is created in His Own Image.
Genesis is the beginning account of a glorious revelation about the Creator, his desire to be chosen and loved by man, and his promise of eternal blessing for those who exalt him.
Genesis provides a vivid illustration of how a relationship with God is birthed, nurtured and matured through a journey of trust, respect, obedience, and submission to his sovereignty. In this first volume Faith Pioneers, such as Noah and Abraham, will mentor bringing God glory, honor and praise on earth. In spite of the pitfalls of sin, the ruggedness of life on earth, the daily distractions, and the temptation to live for self instead of living in submission to God they will do God’s will without total understanding.
As you begin this study we hope you will resolve to embark on an intimate journey of growing acquaintance and bonding with the God who created you with purpose for spiritual prosperity...“for I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV).
May the study of Genesis introduce you to more discoveries of the Creator who delights in the birth of new creations (II Corinthians 5:16-21; Galatians 6:15).
Connie Barker and Karla Taylor
