AGENDA – AND GOD SAW THAT IT WAS GOOD

OPENING PRAYER - Heavenly Father, we thank you for this opportunity to read and study Your Word. Please guide our thoughts and open our hearts to understand the truths You want to reveal. In Jesus' name, Amen.
READ THE SCRIPTURE ALOUD – “CREATION - In the beginning when God created the …..
POINT OF INTEREST - On the sixth day of creation, things are described as "very good." What makes this day different? A “good” and a “very good” on the 6th day. Good for the animals, very good for the humans. All of God’s work is done right, time for a nap!
READ THE SCRIPTURE ALOUD – “GARDEN OF EDEN - In the day that the Lord God made the earth and the heavens…. 
YOU ARE HERE - The serpent changes the words of God just a bit. Look back at the previous page to see exactly what God says about the tree. How do the serpent's words compare With what God says to the man? What might this say to us about listening carefully to God? God says don’t eat or you will die; serpent says you will not die; you will just become like God. Temptation or sin is very powerful – when we try to rationalize our behavior, sin wins.
YOU ARE HERE - When God asks the man and the woman about their behavior, the first thing they do is try to shift responsibility by blaming others. Does this resonate with your life? When we sin, and we know when we do, our natural reaction is to think it is not my fault.
QUESTIONS FOR THE JOURNEY
1.	The Bible tells the story of creation in two different ways. What might this tell us about the nature of creation? What might it tell us about the Bible? 
The Two Creation Stories
The Bible offers two distinct accounts: the "Seven Days" of Genesis 1 and the more intimate story of Adam and Eve in Genesis 2. 
The Nature of Creation: Having two stories suggests that creation is multi-dimensional. One account shows a God who is transcendent and orderly (the Architect), while the other shows a God who is immanent and personal (the Potter). It suggests that the world is both a vast, structured cosmos and a deeply personal home.
The Nature of the Bible: This tells us that the Bible is not a singular "monolith" but a collection of perspectives. It suggests the authors were less concerned with literal, chronological consistency and more interested in theological truth. It invites the reader to look for meaning in the tension between different viewpoints.
2.	According to Genesis 2, the human is put in the garden with a purpose: to till it and keep it. What does this suggest about the relationship between humans and the earth? What does this passage suggest about the relationship between humans and animals? 
Tilling, Keeping, and Relationships
In Genesis 2:15, the human is instructed to "till and keep" the Garden. 
Humans and the Earth: This suggests a relationship of stewardship rather than ownership. The Hebrew words (abad and shamar) imply serving and guarding. Humans are depicted as "gardeners" who are meant to facilitate the flourishing of the earth, suggesting that our well-being is inextricably linked to the health of the planet.
Humans and Animals: In this passage, animals are created as potential "helpers" for the human. While humans are given a unique role in naming the animals (asserting a level of authority), the context is one of seeking companionship. It suggests a kinship where animals are recognized as living beings with their own dignity, though distinct from the human "breath of life."
3.	Before God sends the people out of the garden, he makes clothes for them. How does this act of tenderness relate to the punishment immediately preceding? What might we learn about God from this action? 
The Making of Clothes
After the "fall," God clothes Adam and Eve in skins before they leave Eden. 
Tenderness vs. Punishment: This act suggests that God’s justice is tempered with mercy. Even though the humans face the consequences of their choices (leaving the garden), God provides for their new, vulnerable reality. It implies that "punishment" in this context is more about natural consequences than divine spite.
Learning about God: This reveals a God who is deeply protective. It portrays a Parent figure who, while allowing children to face the world, ensures they are equipped and cared for. It suggests that God’s relationship with humanity remains intact even when the setting changes.
4.	Sin is often defined as "separation from God." Although the word sin doesn't appear in the Bible until later, Adam and Eve's actions in this story are traditionally seen as the entrance of sin into the world. What does this story reveal about the nature and impact of sin? 
The Nature and Impact of Sin
While the word "sin" isn't used, the narrative provides a "map" of how it works. 
The Nature of Sin: It is depicted as a distrust of God's goodness. It begins with the desire to "be like God" on one's own terms, choosing self-governance over the created order.
The Impact of Sin: The story shows sin causing a "ripple effect" of separation:
From Self: They feel shame and hide their bodies.
From God: They hide among the trees.
From Each Other: Adam blames Eve; Eve blames the serpent.
From Nature: The ground becomes difficult to work.
5.	In this chapter, we hear the Bible's story of how the world began. How might this story complement and enhance scientific explanations for the origin of the universe?
Faith and Science
The Genesis narrative and scientific explanations (like the Big Bang or Evolution) serve different purposes. 
Complementing Science: While science explains the "how" (the physical processes and timelines), Genesis addresses the "why" (the purpose and value).
Enhancing the Origin Story: Science provides the awe-inspiring scale of the universe, but Genesis provides a framework of inherent goodness. It enhances the scientific view by suggesting that the "matter" scientists’ study is not accidental or indifferent, but "intentional" and imbued with sacred meaning.
NEXT STEPS 
1.	We have another account of creation in the Bible: It's in the Gospel of John. Read John 1 in the Bible. What connections do you see between John 1 and Genesis 1?
Connections between John 1 and Genesis 1
The Gospel of John intentionally mirrors the opening of Genesis to frame Jesus as the agent of a "new creation." Key parallels include: 
The Opening Phrase: Both begin with "In the beginning," establishing a cosmic starting point.
Creation through the Word: In Genesis, God speaks the world into existence ("And God said..."). John identifies Jesus as "the Word" (Logos) through whom all things were made.
Light vs. Darkness: Genesis 1 features the emergence of light to dispel chaos; John 1 describes Jesus as the "true light" that the darkness cannot overcome.
Life: Both texts credit the Divine as the sole source of life.
2.	Look at the two stories in this chapter about the creation of humans and pay careful attention to the words used. What does each story tell us about what humans are like? What is their relationship to God? What is their relationship to one another?
The Two Stories of Human Creation (Genesis 1 vs. Genesis 2)
While John 1 provides the theological "why," Genesis contains two distinct accounts (1:26–31 and 2:4–25) that offer different perspectives on humanity. 
Genesis 1: The Royal Perspective
•	What humans are like: Humans are the climax of creation, made in the "image and likeness of God." This suggests dignity, intellect, and a "rule" over the earth.
•	Relationship to God: Humans are God's representatives or stewards on Earth. The relationship is one of delegated authority.
•	Relationship to one another: They are created simultaneously as "male and female." There is an emphasis on equality and a shared mandate to be fruitful and multiply. 
Genesis 2: The Intimate Perspective
•	What humans are like: Humans are a paradox—formed from the "dust of the ground" (fragile/earthly) but animated by the "breath of life" directly from God (divine/spiritual).
•	Relationship to God: God is portrayed as a gardener or potter, physically involved in the crafting of humans. The relationship is personal, defined by care and specific boundaries (the tree of knowledge).
•	Relationship to one another: Woman is formed from the man’s side to be a "suitable helper" (partner). This highlights companionship, vulnerability ("naked and unashamed"), and the idea that humans are social beings who are "not good" when alone.
 CLOSING PRAYER - Lord, thank you for this time of study and for Your Word. As we leave, please help us to carry the truths we've learned into our daily lives and to live out Your teachings. May we continue to grow in faith and reflect Your love to others. Amen.