The Story Begins

The Story of Salvation Begins

Week 1 – Jan. 2-6

The Big Picture: Despite knowing humans would sin and need redeeming, God still creates the heavens and the earth and places humanity at earth’s pinnacle.

Monday – Ephesians 1:3-14
1. The Story of Salvation begins before creation. What phrase does Paul use to emphasize this point? Note similar phrases in Eph 3:11; 2 Tim 1:9; 1 Pet 1:18-20.
2. Don’t get bogged down by the weighty theological terms (we’ll address those at a future time), but from the passage provided, make a list of all the blessings that find their origin before the creation.
3. Meditate on the fact that before God spoke the first molecule into existence, He had a plan in place to save you from your sins. In what ways does this truth strengthen your faith in God to save you?

Tuesday – Genesis 1:1-2:3
1. Genesis 1:1 and the creation account forms the foundation of our faith. Using Heb 11:1-3 as your guide, write a short expression of faith in God as the creator.
2. What do you think God wants us to learn about Himself, His Word, the world, and ourselves from the phrases: “And God said, ‘Let… and it was so’” and “It was good” or “It was very good”?
3. The creation account ends with God blessing the seventh day and resting from His work. While this statement influenced the Sabbath Day (Exd 20:8-11), where do we find its ultimate fulfilment? (Mat 11:28-20; Heb 3:7-13)

Wednesday – Genesis 2:4-25
1. Today’s reading amplifies Gen 1:26-30. List some of the new details you notice.
2. Gen 1:27 & 2:7 states we are made in God’s “image” and His “breath of life” animates us. How should these two facts shape the way we view God, ourselves, and others?
3. The extended creation account of the first man and woman ends with and they “were both naked and were not ashamed.” What do you think this phrase implies about Adam and Eve?

Thursday – John 1:1-18
1. The apostle John began his gospel connecting Jesus back to the creation. Write down everything he says about the Word. What do you find significant about Jesus being the Word?
2. What do Col 1:15-20 & Heb 1:1-3 add to your understanding of Jesus’ connection to the creation?
3. Based on John’s prologue, how would you answer the person who claimed that Jesus was just a good man or a wise teacher?

Friday –Acts 4:23-31; Matthew 19:1-12 (cf. Ephesians 5:22-33); Ephesians 4:17-32; Revelation 4:11
1. Several teachings and actions are based on God as Creator, consider these four:
a. Why is it important to see God as creator when praying to Him?
b. Briefly explain how Jesus and Paul used the creation in their teachings on marriage.
c. In your own words, in what ways is salvation a re-creation of who we are as people?
d. What is the basis for God being worthy of praise and worship?
2. List any other passages you can think of that basis some teaching on God as creator.