This Is the Old Testament is part of a twelve-week thematic overview of the entire Bible. As we read, we’ll gain a broader understanding of the redemptive story of Scripture. Each day we’ll read a thematic selection from a different book of the Bible, along with supplemental passages that show how the theme of that day’s main reading is found throughout Scripture. We’ll also read a brief summary of each book and a reflection on how the book fits into the larger story of Scripture.
The Book of Genesis: The book of Genesis records the creation of the world, humanity, the Sabbath, the origin of sin and sacrifice, and the covenant promises God made with the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph.
How Genesis Fits Into the Story: Genesis is a book of new beginnings. It reveals the beginning of the heavens and the earth; of humanity, marriage, and work; of sin and nations and languages; and the beginning of our need for a Savior. In Genesis we see that all God’s creation was, in the beginning, thoroughly good, and in Genesis we see humanity’s first sin and the consequences of that sin. Our story of brokenness begins here in the first book of the Bible, as does our purpose and God’s covenant to redeem His people.
Reflection Questions:
1. What does Genesis 1:26–31 say about how and why God created humans?
2. How does today’s reading shape your understanding of the story of redemption?
Take time to reflect on your responses and share what you are learning with others in the community in the comments.
Leave a Reply
74 thoughts on "Genesis"
Genesis is such a literary masterpiece! There is so much in the book of Genesis, that it really is the start of our story. The more you read it, the more you get out of it!
Maybe I see things a little different. It amazes me that God has a plan for his plans despite our circumstances.
I have been a member for a few studies, but I have a hard time keeping consistent. I am really excited about this study and want to reap the benefits of doing this with the group.
Okay…Wendi! Best way is to comment daily and get engaged! :)
1. What does Genesis 1:26–31 say about how and why God created humans? God made humans to rule, and to have authority on the earth. This is really a strong reminder of the believer’s authority, which goes further in Luke 10:19: “I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you”. And to be made in the image of God, to bear the DNA blueprint of the Author of Life is another great honor and privilege we have. Praise God for His signature image on us.
.
2. How does today’s reading shape your understanding of the story of redemption? God foresaw the fall of mankind and still created them anyways, He knows He can redeem all things. Redemption is expensive, messy, and painful. To me that is beyond my limited comprehension. His thoughts are truly above our thoughts. Recently I heard a man spoke on choices (the nature of free will), and why God allows the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, that if there’s no opportunities to do wrong, there won’t be opportunities to do right, if there is only one option, it would simply be the default. If God had created humanity in an environment where it was structurally impossible to do wrong, then doing right would not be a moral choice, or a reflection of holy character (HIM). It would simply be the default state of existence, like a computer program running its code. So God will always present rights and wrongs, for our choices. Our choices matter. If there was no tree, there would be no way to demonstrate trust, no opportunity to do right because doing wrong wasn’t an option. By placing the tree in the garden, God moved humanity out of a state of robotic default and into a state of moral choices/ decision making. And He let the testing begin, “testing of your faith produces patience”.
.
I am asking for prayers ladies, I am in a weary season of many things happening and I cannot keep up (doctor appointments, house and yard maintenance issues, busy work, family). I feel so overwhelmed. I would go to sleep and wake up so tired because I know I am behind. I lack the joy and strength to go on and I question what I am doing. I woke up today with headaches and I prayed in my sleep last night to be healed, of all the hidden stress. Thank you for your prayers. Be blessed dear sisters.
I love how God showed us the stars in the heavens! How beautiful to look at the firmament and see the Lord in his beauty. I love this reading ladies so happy to be reading with you all.
Hey Eileen, so good to see you!
God made all of the heavens and the earth, he knew we would fall into the temptation of the enemy. There will always be temptation but the path taken is our choice alone. There is no limit to his understanding when we make the wrong choice and he forgive you and hold you together while you are living through the consequences of your choice.
I love to re-read the creation story and be reminded that Jesus has always been, right from the beginning. The Trinity didn’t just come along in the New Testament. God is a Trinity and always has been. Jesus, the Son, knew as He was creating humans, that He would have to die to redeem this human race He was creating. It’s a lot to wrap my mind around. I’m not sure we are capable of fully understanding. That’s where faith comes in. I may not fully understand, but through faith, I belive.
Praying for each request.
It’s so helpful to be reminded of what we were created for, to know what we need to be redeemed back to!
This study is opening my eyes to a deeper understanding of the Bible and the life that God intended for me to live.
Todays reading really convicted me on just how heartbreaking our rejection of God was–and yet how miraculous, how merciful, how gracious, how loving He is to continue to make ways and pull us back into rrlatipnship with Him. I am in awe of His love for us. How often I am qui k to reject what had rejected me and really ait in my hurt. God has lavished forgiveness and love on me and it really puts into perspective what His redemption truly costed and means. It alsp helps me realize how close I am to Eve in my desire to take control from God. How often do I reach for power and control that isnt mine and continue to tell Him I know better. I am the creature and He is the Creator. I must learn to find rest and joy in my role in our relationshop.
I love the image of God communing with the Trinity, to create us, in the image of God. Its an image of being set apart. Something I usually forget on the daily.
God is a master artist and through His creation and what we see here on earth is prof that He is real. God is so amazing and so intentional with all creaton that He made He made with purpose and reason just like us❤️❤️✝️✝️✝️
Happy Monday sweeties!! Looking forward to dive into this study with you all.
In the beginning….. Our God has always had a plan. Though Adam and Eve messed up (as we all do), OUR God already had a plan. And here we are.
For those who have loved ones who have served or currently serving. Please thank them from all-of-us!
Thanks everyone for praying for our list of prodigals! Thank you Tami for creating and updating it! ♥️
We are His image bearers! Everyone is created in His image. We were created to faithful steward what He has given us. But we wanted more…then comes sin…and separation….but God’s love is so Great He sends Jesus who was there at the beginning!!
He made a way for us and now we are given the privilege to teach out to all and guide them back into a relationship with God!
I’m so excited for this study!!!
1)In reflection, Gen 1.26-31 shows us that God created the heavens & earth, & He wanted a partner, someone in His likeness, to care for & multiply within the world. To love Him and each other and reflect His glory and glorify Him!
2) It’s the beginning of the need, the showing of why we need redeeming. WHY we NEED, so desperately, a Savior!
Yes Amen! Good to see you Erica!
As I pondered that reflection question, it only truly hit me today that wow, in His image… we are so wonderfully and fearfully made! What an honour. To be made in His image… we are so special, deeply loved, intentionally made. We were made for more, and our identity is in Him who created all things. Amen!
Yes, so many people stuggle today with how they are made and look! I have people that come for altar prayer, 2 just yesterday, that deal with anxiety and self worth, and physical things about themselves. It is sad that we don’t see our value in God alone, created by him wonderfully and perfectly made.
This is going to be a great study! Redemption was needed since the beginning, God has been faithful for all of eternity.
I’m excited to be doing this study again with SRT. I believe we did it in 2021 and it was right when my family moved out of state. Here we are 5 years later! So much has changed in these 5 years and I’m so grateful for the work God is doing in my family.
Yes, I recognize your name and remember that! Glad you are here!
From the very moment sun entered the world God’s redemption story was written—all to restore us to “how it was supposed to be.” I love the Bible. It’s such a story of His relentless pursuit of us. His desire to bring us back into perfect relationship with Him. ❤️
yes it is
Sitting outside listening to creation while I read this nothing is such a powerful illustration of Gods love and faithfulness. I am looking forward to walking through this study each day.
Agreed, love sitting out in the morning (I live in SWF so get to most every morning!) hearing and seeing God’s miraculous creation!!
“Let US make man in OUR image, according to OUR likeness.”
.
Let that sink in. I just love that. John reinforces that, too, of course, but we know that scripture backs itself up!
.
Have a blessed day, She’s.
.
Prayer request… I’ve mentioned my mom, Connie, falling before. We appear to be going down that road again. I’m not sure how to approach this. Is it just a temporary thing? I really hope so. I don’t want to have the conversation about moving to a nursing home. She has been “falling asleep” and falling. Hubby thinks she is just standing, for instance, gets tired and lays down right where she is. (That, of course, would match having no broken bones or pain.) Some medical friends left me feeling optimistic yesterday. She has not been wearing her C-PAP machine at night, which we hope is the cause of the tiredness, and the tiredness is causing the “falling”. She drove herself to the store the other day, and while this reduces a chance of falling, could she fall asleep behind the wheel? Oh my! I am not sure that she is saved, either. I think she is, but… Prayers for us both as we navigate this period of time. Our oldest son lives with her, but he plans to move out in the near future.
Adrienne, that is so scary and YES she could fall asleep at the wheel. She needs to be re-evaluated with that CPAP. Why isn’t she using it- uncomfortable, etc.? She also needs to be aware of the danger of driving while experiencing sleep apnea episodes. My husband fought sleep apnea for years to the point I was afraid for him to drive anywhere. He once almost hit a mailbox when he dozed off while driving. I know that only because our young son was with him. He has been using a CPAP for 5-6 years, bur it took a year or so to get it set just right and get the best fit on the mask. Hence my comment about re-evaluation. I would have said this in messenger on the FB page, but thought it might be helpful to someone else, tooAnother thing that could be beneficial- physical therapy to help with balance and strength. That won’t stop apnea related ‘falls’ but it could be helpful in the long run. Glad you have those ‘medical’ friends and pray for agreement for resolution on your mom’s part ! ❤
Praying for you and your mom. Praying she has accepted The Lord’s loving offer of salvation. I know how it feels my father accepted Christ three days before he died. Praise God he did too
Adrienne, I’m praying for your mom to get the medical evaluation and treatment she needs. And praying for you as you navigate this with her. I pray she comes to know Jesus as her Savior.
Praying Adrienne for this challenging time.
If God so wondrously made us in His image, we should also walk and live in His image. But alas, we are sinners. God in all of His perfect plan in creation also looked ahead to the need of fallen man – so along with everything else He planned, in the very beginning He set His redemption plan in place. What a loving, forgiving, provider God we serve.
—
Excited to be starting this new study with you all!
—
@Lanie H – I am so sorry to hear of your latest miscarriage. I continue to pray for you. May God give you continued peace, comfort, and hope. And may He answer your prayer. ❤️
—
Happy Monday She’s!
God created humans to serve as his Earthly Representatives. Tasked with caring for the Earth and designed us to reflect his character. To enjoy his Blessing and Thrive within his very good creation.
I don’t purchase the study guides so my comment is just what came to mind with this reading.
.
We have this account if the origial creation. The crowning touch was God “forming” man from dust. He knew exactly how He wanted this man to look and what emotions, etc., to craft into him.
Today’s takeaway- God is “still forming” each of us as we walk with Him. Human comlarison- a parent’s care for a child- teaching right from wrong, how to treat others, even little things. I think of a parent lightly brushing wayward curls back into place or brushing dirt or lint off of a child ti make hin/her looj presentable.
God is constantly with us, molding us and shaping us with even more ‘attention to detail’. I need to thank Him more for His efforts in making me look presentable- but not just look presentable, but to be counted worthy. I am just ‘clay in the Hands of the Potter’.
.
LANIE H- so sorry about your recent miscarriage. Thankful you are healing physically as I pray for emotional healing, too.
.
WENDY B- praying for you! I need to go back and catch up on your recent comments.
.
KELLY NEO- How is your mom doing?
.
SEARCHING- any updates on prayer requests? Teens and those facing surgeries, etc.?
.
Love, hugs, and prayers! ❤
.
SONG SHARE:
Casting Crowns ~ In The Hands Of The Potter (Lyrics)
❤️
God created man in His image, in His likeness for good. All of creation was for man’s provision, to be fruitful, to multiple and all that was needed was available. What a place of perfect beauty and paradise we see in these verses (vs26-31) and what delight God must have had. We know this paradise didn’t last long but so thankful that we know with assurance He had a plan and still holds it all together. ❤️
Yes this looks very interesting ❤️
Good morning, y’all! I am looking forward to journeying thru Scripture with you.
My takeaway from today’s reading:
Having been created in His image, we are image bearers tasked with caring for His creation. He is intimately aware of the details of His creation. We should desire to be as intimately knowledgeable of Him.
NIV Life Application Commentary On The Bible summed this really nice: ” Being made in the image of God confers on us dignity, entrusts us with responsibility, and implants in us a certain potential,namely the capacity to mirror our Creator. As Christians , our redemption has greatly enhanced this capacity and, in the process, has made us more sensitive to the responsibility we have and the dignity shared by all humankind.”
My own thoughts: we are spiritual beings with emotions, the power to create, the power to speak, the power to do good, and the power to love. We have the power to create with our words.
Genesis reminds me when Adam and Eve broke God’s rule they opened the door for evil to totally come into this planet to destroy and corrupt everything God had made. They gave death, suffering and sin a foothold on this planet. They changed the trajectory of humanity by allowing death and evil to reside with them.
Looking forward to this study & overview of the Bible.
.
Reminded of the words of v 1, What A Beautiful Name, Hillsong Worship & Brooke Ligertwood
.
You were the Word at the beginning
One with God the Lord Most High
Your hidden glory in creation
Now revealed in You our Christ
.
Q1 – let “US” make man (male & female) in “OUR” image. We were carefully crafted (thanks KELLY (NEO) for Gen 2:7) in the image of God the Father, Christ His Son and the Holy Spirit and then blessed by God to multiply and to oversee all that had been created. What a life to be in the midst of an earthly paradise without worries or dangers, but for the temptation to which they succumbed.
.
WENDY B thankful for a good day Saturday and praying for healing and more good days in the waiting
.
TRACI GENDRON praying for positive, healthy thinking! Thoughts of more losses can nearly overwhelm me at times, along with thinking about my own aging. Helps to remind myself of Philippians 4:8 -Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these
.
LANIE H so sorry for your losses, praying for comfort, peace and healing
CEE GEE ❤️
MERCY ❤️
MARTHA HIX ❤️
ALEIDA POLANCO ❤️
❤️
Another beautiful song, that is a favorite!
Yes…love that’s song too!! ❤️
Praying over requests
❤️
“healthy thinking” ❤️ thank you Searching.
GM She’s!
I remember this study and the following “this is the new testament” being really good studies with great impact. Many Christians aren’t opening their bible and actually reading the Word themselves, it is daunting and easy to put off. But this study is a great way to get the highlights and overview. I suggest sharing the study on your FB page!
I have read the Bible many times now, front to back only a couple. And it is not just fascinating but the actual formation of a relationship with God Almighty. Learning what our purpose is. For He made us in Their image. For his purposes, and it was good! Ruled the land and worked it from the beginning. Then sin came. This is fundamental knowledge, yet many do not even start here, from the beginning. Kids aren’t taught in secular schools of course.. You know most kids don’t even know the highlights that unchurched kids knew back in the day- Noah’s ark, Jonah and the well, 3 boys in the fire, fighting a giant with a stone? And even today churches are entertaining kids rather than focusing on Bible reading. It is sad. But we can do better, we can bring the Bible back to the center. Not church, but the Bible. In every home. People are hungry to connect to something true and fruitful, to fill the void in their life. Lets make “the book” the book again, the must have, must read, valuable! Vital.
You just can’t know what you need to know if you don’t make it your center, foundation, most important thing you own and use, right, amen? We’ve got dust on our Bibles, but brand new iphones, that we stare at all day. We can’t leave home without those, we can’t go on vacation without those. We look at them first thing in the morning and check our emails, social media and on and on. Kids want a phone more than anything as they get in the know. They see their parents on it all day. I’m just saying…priorities. God is my priority, so I value the book of Him. I read it, use it, apply it, meditate on it (day and night), memorize it, question and answer, mark and underline it, wear it out and have multiple. It IS my passion, and it is wonderful. Thank you Lord for your gift to your people. YOU! Created by and for You! Let us delight in you as you delight in us! And put your word on our hearts, souls, and minds! May it be so thoroughly apart of us that it is fruitful and manifest in every part of our lives!
We thank you!
Can’t wait to dive in again with all of you for a second time!
We got dust on our Bible’s and brand new iphones and we wonder why we feel this way!
I could not resist when I read that in your post.
Amen to everything you just said.
Yes the iphone is much more coveted than the Bible. Really really sad. I have been guilty myself. True laziness to check my phone before I even get out of bed.
God created everything good. He created everything because it brought Him joy. It’s why He created us – it brought Him joy. From the beginning His desire was a relationship with His creation. Even though we messed it up, He still desires that relationship. Even though things are crazy and chaotic, He still holds it all together.
I couldn’t help but reflect on how a all-knowing God took such intention and care to create us when He already knew we would fall so far from His glory. He declared his work not just “good” but “very good”- there is pride, joy and excitement in that declaration. ❤️
God created us with intention. It’s easy to fall into the comparison game with beauty standards and expectations, but God created us just as He intended! What a beautiful thing it is to be uniquely created by our Maker.
Being made in His likeness, we are called to reflect God in the purpose He gave us to be fruitful, multiply, and have dominion over the creation.
❤️
I love God’s planning in all things! He made us in His image, knowingly adding freedom and therefore giving us potential to be imperfect, but then offering perfection in Jesus so that we might be led back to Him and righteousness. Beautiful!
I agree
How cool that our initial creation instructions are the same, just expanded in Jesus — to fill the earth with disciples who know and love Him & his Word.
This song immediately came to me after reading today’s passages.
Holy Forever by Chris Tomlin
A thousand generations falling down in worship
To sing the song of ages to the Lamb
And all who’ve gone before us and all who will believe
Will sing the song of ages to the Lamb
Your name is the highest
Your name is the greatest
Your name stands above them all
All thrones and dominions
All powers and positions
Your name stands above them all
And the angels cry holy
All creation cries holy
You are lifted high, holy
Holy forever
If you’ve been forgiven and if you’ve been redeemed
Sing the song forever to the Lamb
If you walk in freedom and if you bear His name
Sing the song forever to the Lamb
We’ll sing the song forever and amen
Perfect song for this morning, Tami❤️
Perfect! ❤️
One of my favorite songs!
Just queued it up!! Thanks! Love this one.
I love that song and all the different artists, especially Jen Johnson’s for some reason!
This song always brings chills. So good.
God had specific intention in forming humanity to reflect Him in a way nothing else could. What strikes me that in Genesis 2:7 we are told God formed man
“from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.”
This is a more intimate picture of the care in man’s creation.
.
Today’s reading sets a foundation of truth that God had/has a plan for humanity that will come to pass.
.
Happy Memorial Day to those in the USA. Thankful for the sacrifice of so many for our freedoms.
GM ladies. Excited to be starting this study! Here is our list of prodigals. Add any name in the comment below my name. Have a blessed Memorial Day!
Acts 2:39 For the promise is for you and for your children, and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God will call.”
Acts 26:18:… open their eyes, so they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God. Then they will receive forgiveness for their sins and be given a place among God’s people, who are set apart by faith in me.
Jeremiah 31:16-17 But now this is what the Lord says: “Do not weep any longer, for I will reward you,” says the Lord. “Your children will come back to you from the distant land of the enemy.17 There is hope for your future,” says the Lord.“Your children will come again to their own land.”
Proverbs 20:7 The righteous who walks in his integrity— blessed are his children after him.
Peter 3:8–9 (CSB): 8 Dear friends, don’t overlook this one fact: With the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day. 9 The Lord does not delay his promise, as some understand delay, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish but all to come to repentance.
Alice V – Brian, Rachel
Kim Mullins – Tyler
Tami – Chela, Quentin
Sharon – Nicholas, Jonathan
Rebecca W – Brett, Jake, Joey, Lindsay, Kelly, Abby, Katelyn, Katie
Emma Rageth – Olivia, Ali
Indiana Elaine – Kent, Shelley
Mari V – Rick, Marta, Toby
Tricia C – David, Allison, Christopher, Lina, Travis, Nicole
Mia Faith – Parker, Isaiah, Alexandra, Griffin, Annalee, Bill
Aleida – Victor
Maddie – Michelle, Julia
Rhonda – Michael
Charlotte Hill – Casey, John, Emma
Deb – Brandon, Angel
Linda J – Matthew
Mollie – Sam
MMD – Ethan, Hayden, Rachel
Carol H – Justin, Ezekiel, Elijah, Andrew
Kari – Rachel, Josh, James, Ayano
Mi Sherry – Kaitlyn, Aaron, Will
Cheryl Read – Renee, Jason, Kayden, Kylee
Wendy B – Amy, Colton, Kirk, Nick
Anne Klinkhammer – Molly
Sue Dalos – Chelsea, Kenny
Bessie – Ben
Annie Hewitt – Annie pls give me name/s:)
Sandy Lynn – Andy
Diane – Jon, Keith, Roger, Mike
Jane K – Leah
B – M, B
Susan B – Tammy, Amy
Carla – Cierra, Stephen
Lisa H – Cora
Kimberk – Megan, Randy
Adrienne – Raelynn, Tyler, Tracy
Brandi – Levi, Sarah, Ellen, India
Robin Bailey – Rodney, Brian
Erin L – Emerson, Zoe
Janet – Ryan, Amanda, Matthew, Stephanie
Sheryl – Adam, LaShonda
Maria J – Benjamin, Mike, Mark, Patrick
Maria B – Chris, Tristan, Madeline, Cristal, Shanty, Nicole, Luis
Melani Fryer – Matthew, Dylan, Courtney, Lydia
Therese – Ryan, Brittany, Sydney
Traci Gendron – Kara, Andrew
Jenny Carmichael – Katy
Mercy – boys in social care system
Kerry Rowley – Preston, Parker, Lindsey
Maria S – Joshua, Katie, Zoe
Melissa – Madison, Richard, Liam, Zac, Wesley
Felicia – Brittin, Tyler
Vicki – Ben, Sian
TC – Randi, Michael, Callie
Elizabeth – Trae, Xavier, Reya
Adie – Monica, Shawn, Stephanie
Susan B – Emma
Penni – Les, Jonah, Emily, Garret, Domi, Connor, Grace
Nat – Marissa, Melody
Martha Hix – Claire, Ralph, Tyler, Whitney, Trey
Phobie – Phobie, Greg, Steve, Jessie
Laura – Jordan, Taliah
April L – Molly, Becca
Karen Breaux – Brittany, Justin, Erin, Jordyn
Heather – Jack, Hudson
Cheryl Blow – Sara
Dianne – Ian
Leap – Liz, Teg, Taylor, Alison
Tara B – Clara Paige, Anna
Debra K – Stephen, Meagan, Daniel, Creg
Margaret W. —David, Matthew, Missy, Becca, Marianna
Melzie K- Jake, Cece & Elijah
Shar – K
Leala – Ryan, AJ, Sam
Jennifer – Matthew, Lauren and families
Cat-tee – A & A, K & T
K-Ann – G, T, S
Cathy McVey – Jeremiah, Brayden, Nolan, Ashlyn
Keri – Finley, Rudy, Scout, Nellie, Polly, Dottie, Goldie
Lena- Andrea,Lanie, Eiley, Everly, Schaefer
LaRae-Levi
Julie G – Matt, Katherine, Ray
AML – Jonathan, Jake, Emma, Becca
Kristin G – Brandon, Melissa
Allegra – Lydia, Nick, Micah, Jonah
Karen- Nathan, Bailey
Jazz – Blake, Zoie, Greg, Elizabeth
Gina – Carolyn, Steven
Cindy – Toby, Clarissa, Katie, Samantha
TS Woodruff – Danielle
Tammy H.- Alyssa
Danielle B-Joelle, Adam
Myra – Mitchell
Debby – Kristen
Jenn F – B&E, J&T
K – Alizabeth
Stephanie – Greg
Melanie C – Casey, Corey, Celeste, Kat
Mollie – Haley, Jeff, Rhonda
Margo – Lindsey,Drew,Lauren,Spencer
Thanks Tami
Thank you for doing this! I have been a longtime SRT reader but don’t comment often. Please pray for my adult daughter, Maddie, and my sister, Brianne
God created us to govern, to make judicial decisions, and to guide. He made us to fill the earth and bring it under our control. He gave us purpose, a mission. And, he gave us resources and instructions. But, we did not abide by his instructions (much as children often hear but do not follow instructions). We are God’s children. He is with us, ready to redeem us. We have to turn back to him and open ourselves to receive and respond to his loving guidance.
Love that song too!! ❤️
I love the meta narrative creation, fall, redemption, restoration .
❤️