Genesis 3:1-5:32: In Genesis 3, Moses records the fall of mankind. He begins with the temptation of Adam and Eve and moves to their sin, and then the consequences given by God. The LORD God addresses the serpent, the woman and finally the man as he delivers the consequences for their actions in the garden. Sin is and has been since the fall in the garden the problem for all humanity. Jesus alone makes a way of forgiveness, a way to be made right with God again. The fallout begins with removal from the garden, but also is seen in Genesis 4, in the murder of Abel by Cain. Worship is introduced in Genesis 4. The genealogies of Cain and then Seth (Genesis 5) are given in contrast to one another. All of this demonstrates that sin has perverted each of us and radically impacted every facet of our lives. Jesus alone offers hope and deliverance from sin.

Genesis is a book of new beginnings. It offers the origins of the universe, the atmosphere, the human race, language, culture, marriage, language, order, time, worship, and a chosen people. Genesis focuses on God as creator and sustainer of all things. Genesis introduces the patriarchs of Israel and the promises made to them by God. Genesis demonstrates throughout that God has spoken, spoken in creation, spoken in blessing humanity, spoken even in the curses and judgment because of sin and evil of humanity. Genesis is focused on the communication of God with humanity, communication that presents the truths of God, about himself and his world he created.

Mark 6: 1-56 As Mark continues his gospel, the gospel of the Son of God, he addresses various responses to Jesus throughout Mark 6. Initially, Mark addresses the rejection of Jesus by his own hometown. Jesus then sends the twelve out, instructing them how to respond to rejection. Mark recounts the faithfulness of John the Baptist and the undecided response of Herod to his message. The following two accounts work together to demonstrate the hardness of the disciples, their response to who Jesus really is. Finally, Jesus returns to Gennesaret, the region where he freed the demoniac and this time they gladly welcome Jesus back, longing to just touch the hem of his garment. Collectively, these accounts characterize responses of unbelief, rejection, hardness and engagement with Jesus. They collectively beg the question, how do we respond to Jesus? How should we respond to Jesus? How pliable is your heart and mind to the message of Jesus?

The gospel of Mark focuses on the gospel of Jesus, who is the Son of God. Jesus is the Christ, the promised one from God. Mark refers to Jesus as the Son of Man, emphasizing his humanity and the Son of God which emphasizes his deity. The influence of Peter or the teaching of Peter is the foundation of the gospel of Mark. Mark writes to explain Jesus to unbelievers and to call believers to know him and live like him. Mark emphasizes Jesus as a servant, a quality believers should emulate. Mark also emphasizes the discipleship of Jesus. Jesus discipled his followers. Mark hopes to demonstrate the good news (gospel) of Jesus to the world, because he is the Son of God.

Genesis 2:4-25: Genesis 2 continues the creation account, but offers some additional perspective. Moses presents God in a more personal way, he personally forms the creatures of earth like a potter with clay, including Adam and the woman. The Garden of Eden is described and explained as the place for Adam to live, work and steward. God provides the trees and plants for food, except for one tree. Adam is instructed not to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Eating of this tree will bring death. At the end of this account, God sees man without his own companion and creates woman, a fitting helper for him, one who has a corresponding strength to the man. The woman is not inferior to the man - both are made in the image of God, but her role is specifically to help the man. This helping can be accomplished in a myriad of ways, both in the home or out of the home, but certainly in offering perspective that the man lacked without the woman. In all of it, we can see, that God created, commissioned and commanded humanity; and just like in the garden, we too must obey his words for us today.

Genesis is a book of new beginnings. It offers the origins of the universe, the atmosphere, the human race, language, culture, marriage, language, order, time, worship, and a chosen people. Genesis focuses on God as creator and sustainer of all things. Genesis introduces the patriarchs of Israel and the promises made to them by God. Genesis demonstrates throughout that God has spoken, spoken in creation, spoken in blessing humanity, spoken even in the curses and judgment because of sin and evil of humanity. Genesis is focused on the communication of God with humanity, communication that presents the truths of God, about himself and his world he created.

This section of Mark is amazing. Mark demonstrates the authority of Jesus over nature, demonic forces, incurable illness and death. Throughout each account Jesus authority overwhelms each difficulty presented. In each occurrence, people are fearful of the scenario in which they find themselves, but Jesus addresses the difficulty, solving the present issue. All three of these accounts, also present realities in life that scare us. We are often afraid of bad weather, especially really bad weather. We are afraid of the darkness that characterizes the world of the occult and the spirits that inhabit it. We are afraid of illness that we are unable to cure and death that eventually comes to us all. Every one of these three sections contains the word – fear or afraid (phobia)! For us today, the truth is simply, Jesus has authority over all, and we must trust and personally yield to his authority.

The gospel of Mark focuses on the gospel of Jesus, who is the Son of God. Jesus is the Christ, the promised one from God. Mark refers to Jesus as the Son of Man, emphasizing his humanity and the Son of God which emphasizes his deity. The influence of Peter or the teaching of Peter is the foundation of the gospel of Mark. Mark writes to explain Jesus to unbelievers and to call believers to know him and live like him. Mark emphasizes Jesus as a servant, a quality believers should emulate. Mark also emphasizes the discipleship of Jesus. Jesus discipled his followers. Mark hopes to demonstrate the good news (gospel) of Jesus to the world, because he is the Son of God.

In creation, one of the features is that humanity is created in the "image of God" and given dominion over everything else created by God. The meaning of the "image of God" is signficant and carries weight for human identity. Often the "image of God" has been limited to specific attributes like intelligence, reasoning or even having a soul. But, these characteristics do not fully describe the "image of God" in humanity. Instead, it is best to consider the "image of God" as a verbal idea, expressing our status as human beings and our role. We image God as we have dominion, ruling and stewarding the creation that God has made. As imagers of God, it is critical that believers carefully image God to others, and be careful how we treat our fellow image-bearers. Human beings are called to steward the opportunity we've been given to represent God on this earth, that he has created. How are you imaging God today?

Genesis is a book of new beginnings. It offers the origins of the universe, the atmosphere, the human race, language, culture, marriage, language, order, time, worship, and a chosen people. Genesis focuses on God as creator and sustainer of all things. Genesis introduces the patriarchs of Israel and the promises made to them by God. Genesis demonstrates throughout that God has spoken, spoken in creation, spoken in blessing humanity, spoken even in the curses and judgment because of sin and evil of humanity. Genesis is focused on the communication of God with humanity, communication that presents the truths of God, about himself and his world he created.

As Mark continues to explain the gospel of Jesus, the true Son of God, he gives us a sample of the teaching of Jesus in the kingdom parables given here in Mark 4. Jesus first gives us the parable of the sower, and explains the manner in which people receive the message of the word he is teaching. Throughout these teachings, it is clear that Jesus is calling people to hear him, to listen to his instruction and genuinely consider its implications. To truly comprehend the truths of the kingdom, you must genuinely listen and grasp their truths. Hearing is essential for understanding. Jesus calls his audience to hear. Are you listening to the meaning of his words?

The gospel of Mark focuses on the gospel of Jesus, who is the Son of God. Jesus is the Christ, the promised one from God. Mark refers to Jesus as the Son of Man, emphasizing his humanity and the Son of God which emphasizes his deity. The influence of Peter or the teaching of Peter is the foundation of the gospel of Mark. Mark writes to explain Jesus to unbelievers and to call believers to know him and live like him. Mark emphasizes Jesus as a servant, a quality believers should emulate. Mark also emphasizes the discipleship of Jesus. Jesus discipled his followers. Mark hopes to demonstrate the good news (gospel) of Jesus to the world, because he is the Son of God.

Moses offers a description of the creation to Israel, which still has enormous implications for us today. In the creation account of Genesis, we have the seven days of creation which include: the origin of day and night, sky, land and seas, fish, birds, animals and humanity. But the creation account account is about the creator. The name of God occurs 35 times in this passage and there are 54 action verbs, demonstrating the handiwork of God. God alone created everything from nothing and because he created all things, we can and must trust him. God is worthy of your praise, reverence and submission - because he is truly God and now revealed himself more fully through Jesus. Jesus alone is the means through which we can have a right relationship with God.

Genesis is a book of new beginnings. It offers the origins of the universe, the atmosphere, the human race, language, culture, marriage, language, order, time, worship, and a chosen people. Genesis focuses on God as creator and sustainer of all things. Genesis introduces the patriarchs of Israel and the promises made to them by God. Genesis demonstrates throughout that God has spoken, spoken in creation, spoken in blessing humanity, spoken even in the curses and judgment because of sin and evil of humanity. Genesis is focused on the communication of God with humanity, communication that presents the truths of God, about himself and his world he created.

As Mark continues to explain Jesus, as the true Son of God, he offers three accounts of Jesus engaging with followers or critics who oppose him or appear to oppose him. Large crowds followed Jesus, often hoping to receive something like healing or provision of some kind. Jesus calls followers to something more - he calls them to be with him, so that they can know him and declare him to others. Jesus called 12 apostles for this purpose, Mark provides the list of the twelve with a few comments. The final account included the family of Jesus and their interactions with him, surrounding yet another negative interchange with the scribes. Both accounts demonstrate the response of Jesus to those who oppose or are critical of him and his work. These accounts collectively beg the question, are you a genuine and committed follower of Jesus?

The gospel of Mark focuses on the gospel of Jesus, who is the Son of God. Jesus is the Christ, the promised one from God. Mark refers to Jesus as the Son of Man, emphasizing his humanity and the Son of God which emphasizes his deity. The influence of Peter or the teaching of Peter is the foundation of the gospel of Mark. Mark writes to explain Jesus to unbelievers and to call believers to know him and live like him. Mark emphasizes Jesus as a servant, a quality believers should emulate. Mark also emphasizes the discipleship of Jesus. Jesus discipled his followers. Mark hopes to demonstrate the good news (gospel) of Jesus to the world, because he is the Son of God.

The Bible begins with important words that declare the truth about God - God exists and he created all things. The subject of creation is important throughout the rest of Genesis and the rest of the Old Testament. Creation is referenced by Jesus, Peter, John, Paul and Luke throughout the New Testament. Throughout Scripture, the work of creation evidences the character and action of God toward humanity. As we consider Genesis together, it seems clear, that God has spoken in creation and deserves worship; you must hear and respond.

Genesis is a book of new beginnings. It offers the origins of the universe, the atmosphere, the human race, language, culture, marriage, language, order, time, worship, and a chosen people. Genesis focuses on God as creator and sustainer of all things. Genesis introduces the patriarchs of Israel and the promises made to them by God. Genesis demonstrates throughout that God has spoken, spoken in creation, spoken in blessing humanity, spoken even in the curses and judgment because of sin and evil of humanity. Genesis is focused on the communication of God with humanity, communication that presents the truths of God, about himself and his world he created. 

As one of two ordinances in the New Testament that Jesus calls his people to regularly observe, it is important that believers understand the truth about baptism. Throughout the history of the early church in Acts, Luke records several passages that offer examples of individuals responding in faith to the message of Jesus and then being baptized. Baptism does not and cannot save. Baptism is an illustration, baptism is a picture, a symbol of what is accomplished in a believer when they place their faith in Jesus alone for salvation. Baptism testifies to others that you are a follower of Jesus, that you are a genuine believer. Baptist again, does not and cannot save, but it reminds us of the work of Jesus. Baptism reminds us of his death, burial and resurrection, and it calls believers to live differently. It is essential that believers understand the ordinance of baptism.