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As the first book of the Bible, Genesis lays the foundation for everything that is to follow. Throughout Genesis is the awesome power, the holy judgment, and the tender mercy of God.
We also witness the fantastic grace of God as He sets in motion His plan to save mankind, first through the founding of the nation of Israel, and ultimately through the sending of Jesus Christ. Genesis is filled with key moments that form the very basis of history.
Theme: Beginnings
Date written: 1445–1405 BC
Author: Moses
Setting: Middle East
Hebrew for Genesis: “In the beginning”
God creates the earth out of nothing, a perfect home for Adam and Eve, the first man and woman. He places them in the perfect Garden of Eden and blesses their relationship.
The perfection of God’s creation is spoiled when Satan tempts Adam and Eve to disobey God, and they give in to this temptation— referred to as “the fall.”
They damage their relationship with God, are put out from the Garden, and must live outside God’s intended blessing. Even in the midst of this calamity, God is setting in motion His plan to redeem humanity.
In His displeasure with man’s wickedness, God determines to destroy man with a flood. Only Noah (a godly man) and his family are spared, from which the earth is repopulated.
God calls Abraham to leave his home country and travel to a promised land. God promises that Abraham—a childless old man—will have many descendants who will form a great nation through whom salvation will come. This promise would be fulfilled in Abraham’s greatest descendant, Jesus Christ.
Growing old and still without a child, Abraham begins to become discouraged. But true to God’s promise, Isaac is born to Abraham and his wife, Sarah, in their old age.
Isaac has two sons, Esau and Jacob. Although Isaac favors Esau, the older brother, Jacob schemes to secure the privileges of the birthright from his father. In fear of Esau’s anger at being swindled out of his birthright, Jacob flees for his life.
After many adventures, Jacob finally matures into the man God intends him to be. Jacob’s 12 sons become the 12 tribes of Israel.
Genesis closes with the account of Joseph, the favored son of Jacob, who is tragically sold into slavery in Egypt by his jealous brothers. But God establishes him as a leader in Egypt, which makes it possible for Joseph’s family to later settle there with him and survive a devastating seven-year famine.
In addition to the great events such as the creation of the universe, the fall, the flood, and the founding of Israel, God also wants readers to know the people who will be a part of His plan for saving the human race. The people He chooses are not perfect saints. They are, at times, deeply flawed in character and action.
Just as with Abraham, Jacob, and others in Genesis, God can do great things through weak vessels, including you. By His grace and because of His powerful plan, your mistakes and faults do not disqualify you from being part of His grand plan, a plan He is still working out in you!
Lord, thank You for Your Word and for Your redemption plan—Jesus Christ. I am in awe of Your ways. Amen.
Bare Bones Bible Handbook for Teens by Jim George—Today’s devotion is from this helpful Bible study toolthat features fascinating overviews of the grand themes and main points of each book of the Bible.
Pick up a copy of The Bare Bones Bible Handbook for adults too! Your purchase comes with a free books of the Bible list printable!
Main Themes of the Book of Matthew
One-Word Themes for All the Books of the Bible
When did you have a chance to start over? How did it feel?
Can you think of a time when God used you—and your flaws—to reveal His strength and goodness?
The God who created us is not finished with us. He is in the business of “re-creating” us, giving us new beginnings and helping us become the kind of people He wants us to be.
Next Encouraging Resource: One-Word Themes of All the Books of the Bible
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Jim and Elizabeth George are bestselling authors and national speakers dedicated to helping people live a life after God’s own heart. Together, they have written over 150 books with more than 14 million copies sold around the world. For over 35 years, the teachings and steadfast example of Elizabeth and Jim have helped countless men and women:
Jim and Elizabeth George are bestselling authors and national speakers dedicated to helping people live a life after God’s own heart. Together, they have written over 150 books with more than 14 million copies sold around the world. For over 35 years, the teachings and steadfast example of Elizabeth and Jim have helped countless men and women:
How did men and women in the Bible accomplish great things for God? There wasn’t any secret formula or bestselling book on success for them. In fact, they were ordinary people like you and me. What made them effective was their willingness to obey God—one decision at a time.
Joshua John
September 19, 2023
Nice helpful source.