Today we discussed the beginning of Moses' story, the context he was born into and raised in, and how it prepares us for the important moment when he was called by God to speak to and for his people.

This week, we explored a single line in Exodus 1, "A new Pharaoh who didn't know Joseph." We explored how Egypt's success was due to Joseph's work and how refusing to remember people and stories is the source of many injustices.

This week we covered the story of Isaac, Jacob, and Esau--how God's people got the name "Israel," meaning "wrestles with God."

Today we talked about the flood narrative and the beginning of the people of Israel with Abraham.

This week we focused on the meaning of being created "In God's Image" and what really happened at "the Fall."

Today we didn't get very far! But that was ok. We began our discussion of Genesis 1 by discussing some different theories on Creation. We talked about the supposed "disagreement" between science and creationism and discussed young earth theory as well as other theories such as theistic evolution and old earth creationism.

Today we began our study of the entire Old Testament with a survey of "introductory studies." This was much more like an interactive discussion and we focused on reading the Old Testament through a Christocentric lens. We're looking forward to a great study!

We finished up our study of James today by studying James' teaching on prayer. Some of the things James says can give the wrong impression if we don't read them properly.

In the prior passage, James addresses oppressive employers--the wealthy and poweful. In this passage, James addresses the oppressed with hope and with encouragement to endure difficulty together.

Many of us have work situations which are less-than pleasant. However, some people end up trapped in jobs which are downright oppressive. In this chapter, James gives a warning to the rich and powerful, those who lead in the workplace, that they have a responsibility to the people who work for them. And we learn that God will hold people accountable for the way they treat others.