"In the beginning God..."
(Genesis 1:1)
(Genesis 1:1)
Dear friend,
Several months ago we discussed studying through the book of Genesis, and I'd like to get that started now. The "problem" is that we're already working through the Psalms, plus other topics that come up. My orderly side wants to pursue one topic and see it through before beginning another. But, why? I read multiple books at a time, and I love to multi-task, accomplishing multiple items all at once. So, let's multi-study!
Genesis 1:1 begins with, "In the beginning God". Yes, that's only part of the sentence. But, WOW, what an introduction! I love a book that grabs my attention from the very first words, don't you?
In Hebrew:
בְּרֵאשִׁ֖ית (be-re-shit): In the beginning
אֱלֹהִ֑ים (e-lo-him) God
At its very onset we are given a phrase which establishes foundational truths.
Without reading too much into the first words and overstepping the bounds of Scripture, let's have a little fun exploring this topic.
What do these words teach us?
Here are a few samples; can you think of any others?
Heavenly Father, Thank You for giving us Your Word! We praise You for You are before all and over all. We long to know You more so that we might love You more and be like You more. Will You guide us in our studies?
Several months ago we discussed studying through the book of Genesis, and I'd like to get that started now. The "problem" is that we're already working through the Psalms, plus other topics that come up. My orderly side wants to pursue one topic and see it through before beginning another. But, why? I read multiple books at a time, and I love to multi-task, accomplishing multiple items all at once. So, let's multi-study!
Genesis 1:1 begins with, "In the beginning God". Yes, that's only part of the sentence. But, WOW, what an introduction! I love a book that grabs my attention from the very first words, don't you?
In Hebrew:
בְּרֵאשִׁ֖ית (be-re-shit): In the beginning
אֱלֹהִ֑ים (e-lo-him) God
At its very onset we are given a phrase which establishes foundational truths.
Without reading too much into the first words and overstepping the bounds of Scripture, let's have a little fun exploring this topic.
What do these words teach us?
Here are a few samples; can you think of any others?
- There was a beginning;
- God existed BEFORE the beginning;
- God is responsible for the beginning;
- The Bible is first and foremost HIS story!
If you have time and are interested, study these words for yourself. What else does it imply? What might they mean for us? How should that guide our reading of the rest of the Word? In what ways should it impact how we live our lives?
Heavenly Father, Thank You for giving us Your Word! We praise You for You are before all and over all. We long to know You more so that we might love You more and be like You more. Will You guide us in our studies?
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