Genesis by James Rochford (2017)

How do we interpret the Biblical account of the creation of the world? This teaching looks at the extreme views on either end of the interpretive spectrum for Genesis 1; namely Young Earth Creationism versus Theistic Evolution. Take a look at what each view entails, the Biblical case for or against each one, as well as the theological, philosophical and scientific cases.

In the beginning...what? How you finish this statement depends on your worldview. The way the Bible finishes it is "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth." This verse is the foundation for the way that Christians view the world. This teaching takes a look at three lines of evidence for belief in this worldview: 1) The Origin of the Universe, 2) The Organization of the Universe, and 3) The Origin of Life.

Throughout our lives we have been inundated with all sorts of different pictures of God. For the most part, they are not true. This passage covers the events at the creation of the world but focuses on what these events reveal about God, and what He is like. It reveals attributes of God; including, He is: eternal, powerful, sovereign, good, creative, personal, and a provider.

For the most part, all humans have an innate sense of right and wrong, a desire to be social, and a deep drive to find our purpose in life. This begs the question: What does it mean to be human? We can look to the Bible for answers to this question. When God created Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, He made it clear what role humans are meant to have; and how that should affect our lives now.

Through the account of the creation of Adam and Eve, God gives us insight into His design for sex and marriage. God is pretty clear about His view on these two topics; however, a lot the world's commonly held views are in direct opposition to what God says. The Bible says the world's view is broken. Take a look at what God has to say, and several statistics from leading studies in this area.

When God created Adam and Eve, they lived in the Garden of Eden in perfect harmony and contentment. However, Satan approached Eve and prompted her to question God's instructions about the Tree of Life. Since God gave them free will, Adam and Eve ate fruit from the tree that God said not to; therefore, rebelling against God and allowing sin to enter the world. Take a look at the causes, effects and the solution to the fall of man-that still has lasting consequences to this day!

After some time in human history, God looked at His creation and saw total depravity across the world. It broke God's heart and He brought judgment on the world through the Flood. There is considerable debate about whether the events of Noah and the Flood were real events in human history or not. There are also 270 accounts of "a flood" in different cultures worldwide which does point to a common historical event. The plausibility of the Flood is discussed as well as if it was a local or global event.

After the flood, humans repopulated the earth. Building the Tower of Babel revealed their rebellion against God and their desire to exalt and rule themselves. God responded by creating different languages and scattering them over the earth. This event teaches us about pride and humility before God and how we can develop biblical humility.

What is biblical faith? Is there a difference between biblical faith and blind faith? Is there room for doubt? Why do some people have more faith than others? Can we grow in our faith in God? Examining key events in the life of Abraham helps us answer these questions and learn what true faith looks like.

Instead of focusing on God, Lot focused his eyes on materialism and the prospect of wealth when he chose to move his family and herds toward Sodom. As a result, he compromised his faith which led to the creation of the Moabites and Ammonites, enemies of Israel, through his own daughters.

Abraham meets Melchizedek after a battle and Melchizedek blesses Abraham. Melchizedek is called the king of Salem and a priest of God Most High, i.e., a king-priest. So what are priests? Do we still need them today? Find answers to these questions through this study of Melchizedek and the implications his life and position have for us.

God calls us to a life of deep trust in Him, just as He tested Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac. Abraham said yes to God, and God provided a substitution. Are we willing to put the gifts God has given us into His hands?

The recounting of Esau and Jacob illustrates that our decisions can have permanent and irreversible consequences. Too often, we make our decisions based on the seen and fleeting rather than the spiritual and eternal. The free will with which God has blessed us must be respected and used with this knowledge.

Jacob was manipulative and self-reliant, rather than dependent on God. After 20 years of failing to meet his own needs, Jacob finally decides to surrender to God's love and care. Through this clinging to God, Jacob is blessed and reconciled to his brother.

Despite the suffering and poor circumstances which Joseph endures, his demonstrates faithful patience because he trusted in God's sovereignty. Through this, God brings reconciliation to his dysfunctional family and salvation from famine to the Hebrew people.