Arise and Abide

Reading from Genesis 13:1-18 (NLT) ~Abram and Lot Separate~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. The prosperity of Abram and Lot created a tension that was resolved by parting ways. Abram giving Lot the choice of Land shows his faith in God. Abram wants good things for his nephew. Showing others love contrasts with living in fear. Abram shows consistent worship. The cross was the final alter; Jesus calls us to pick up our cross daily.

Reading from Genesis 11:27-12:20 (NLT) ~The Family of Terah, The Call of Abram, Abram and Sarai in Egypt~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. God’s concern is first with an individual’s heart response to God’s call. Abram shows a lot of faith by packing up and going, and then is fearful when he goes into Egypt. God shows Abram favor even when Abram makes a choice out of fear.  Roman’s 8:28. When we think we are about to die, God can still work all things for Good.  

Reading from Genesis 11:1-9 (NLT) ~The Tower of Babel~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. The people wanting to stick together and not listen to the call of God to spread out, multiply, and fill the earth. The tower itself becoming an idol. Humanity trying to see how far we can go and what we can accomplish, history repeating. God not forcing His own way, knows how to get us on the right track.

Reading Psalms 31 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Remembering God’s character in the moments of panic. Realizing that God is there, always faithful. Sin separates us from God, creating in us an orphan mentality. The LORD loves it when people humble themselves and recognize they need God. The motive of God is His love for us. The presence of the LORD is still here.

Reading from Genesis 9:1-29 (NLT) ~God Confirms His Covenant, Noah’s Sons~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. God changes His approach to violence and murder, even with the animals. Confirming His promise to never wipe everyone out again. How quickly the consequences of eating the fruit show up again.  

Reading from Genesis 7:5-16, & 8 1-22(NLT) ~The Flood Covers the Earth, The Flood Recedes~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. God, so fed up with all the violence and bloodshed, starts over with a righteous man and his family, even though the propensity to sin remains. God knows our hearts need to be addressed and sent His Son as The Way. It is not in God’s character to force His own way, even when the human way breaks His heart.

Reading from Genesis 6:1-22 (NLT) ~A World Gond Wrong, The Story of Noah~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Read the genealogy in Genesis 5. God shows us that the propensity to sin is not limited to Cain’s line of descendants it effects all people. Noah was truly a righteous person, walking in fellowship with God. The close relationship Noah must have with the LORD. Noah preparing for something that he has no point of reference to, walking our faith.

Reading from Genesis 4:16-5:2 (NLT) ~The Descendants of Cain, The Birth of Seth~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Cain’s line continues to grow in sin, pride, and murder. Seth’s line will bring Noah, whose line God chooses to repopulate the earth. The first becoming last. Lamech declared himself innocent and takes the place of God in his own life with his declaration. The heart of God is forgiveness and love.