His-Story Vol 1, Ch 1: Beginnings
Sermon Notes
HIS-STORY: The Bible in 18 Weeks
1. The Theme of the Bible: God’s Salvation (the Kingdom of God)
2. The Progress of the Story: God’s CovenantsVolume I: The Old Testament Story
Chapter 1: Beginnings (Genesis 1–11)
1. Genesis: Place in Scripture
2. Genesis: Structure
a. Primeval History (chs. 1–11)
b. Patriarchal History (chs. 12–50)
3. Primeval History: Key Passages
a. Creation (Gen. 1–2)
b. The Fall (Gen. 3–5)
c. The Flood (Gen. 6–9)
d. The Tower of Babel (Gen. 10–11)
Study/Discussion Questions:
What are the central themes of the Creation account in Genesis 1-2? What do we learn about the nature of God? About the status of human beings?
What would you say is the overall theme of the Primeval History of Genesis 1–11? What does this teach us about human beings? About God’s grace?
What does the Fall teach us about the origin of evil, sin, disease and death? Who was responsible for this? How does this help to answer the question of the “Problem of Evil” (how a good and all-powerful God can allow evil in the world)?
In what sense is the story of the Tower of Babel about both God’s judgment and his grace?
Jesus talks about two ways or roads one may take in life. Dr. Mark Strauss takes us through the two paths and how we can choose the right one.
Should Christians ever judge others? Dr. Mark Strauss breaks down what Jesus says about judgement and generosity in the Sermon on the Mount.
Is it okay to worry about some things in life? Why or why not? Can we completely eliminate worry and anxiety from our life? Watch as Pastor Ken unpacks what the Sermon on the Mount says about worry and anxiety.
Have you ever fasted for spiritual purposes? What was the experience like for you? Join Pastor Ken Ingold as he unpacks fasting and what it means to store up treasures in heaven.
Why is it important not to practice our righteousness so that others can observe it? What does Jesus mean that, if we do this, we have already received our reward?
Is biblical love a feeling or an action? Learn what it means to say that transforming love takes the offensive, and how God demonstrates his love for his enemies.
The Sermon on the Mount: Antithesis. What does Jesus teach about murder, adultery, divorce, and oaths?
The Sermon on the Mount: Fulfilling the Law. Did Jesus come to fulfill or replace the Old Testament Law?
Salvation comes by Jesus Christ through his death on the cross. Are cult members or Mormons or JWs saved? Any religious tradition that says you are saved through works is contrary to what the Bible says: you are saved by faith alone. We can do nothing to save ourselves. God alone is judge. Our responsibility is to love people and pray for them.
Mark Strauss is University Professor of New Testament at Bethel Seminary San Diego, where he has served since 1993. Mark has a heart for ministry and preaches and teaches regularly at churches, conferences and college campuses.