What Hope for Society? - Genesis 11:-12:9; Proverbs 26:2-6 and 29:2-4 - January 28, 2007

Sunday school Lesson – What Hope for Society? – January 28, 2007

This is lesson four (4) in our series “Creation Faith: Living by GOD’S Design.”

Our background scripture is Genesis 11:1-12:9; Proverbs 28-29.

Our focus scripture is Genesis 11:1-9; Proverbs 28:2-6; 29:2-4.

Our country, the United States of America, was founded upon “In GOD we trust” with the ideal of liberty and justice for all. Are we compromising our very foundation of “In GOD we trust” so as not to offend anyone else’s god? I think we are. Yes, others are free to worship as they choose but we as Americans have chosen WHO we will worship, so don't make us compromise. We as a nation are becoming more liberal every day and compromising our very heritage of “In GOD we trust.”

Our battle in Iraq is not with flesh and blood but with the spirit world. Yes, men and women are dying every day fighting to give Iraq freedom. Our lesson today will open our eyes to the real battle we are waging in Iraq. It is a battle that has been raging for thousands of years. We as Christians must pray that the strongholds of evil will be broken so there will be victory in Iraq. Victory begins with conquering the evil strongholds of Bagdad and Iraq. Babylon has been the focus of anti-god activity for thousands of years.

Let’s read Genesis 11:1-4:

1 At one time the whole earth had the same language and vocabulary.[1] Lit one lip and the same words 2 As people[2] Lit they migrated from the east, they found a valley in the land of • Shinar and settled there. 3 They said to each other, “Come, let us make oven-fired bricks.” They had brick for stone and asphalt for mortar. 4 And they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city and a tower with its top in the sky. Let us make a name for ourselves; otherwise, we will be scattered over the face of the whole earth.”

The people from the east had settled in the land of Shinar. Who are these people and where is the land of Shinar?

When Adam and Eve were cast out of the Garden of Eden, they went east.

The land of Shinar is a plain located between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers or the Babylonian area. It is believed that the Tower of Babel was being built about 30 miles from, what we know today, as Bagdad.

Verse 2 tells us the people came from the east and settled in the land of Shinar. This area is the city of Babylon and the area we know today as Bagdad.

Genesis 3:24:

24 He drove man out, and east of the garden of Eden He stationed • cherubim with a flaming, whirling sword to guard the way to the tree of life.

After Cain killed Abel and GOD dwelt with him, Cain went east.

Genesis 4:16:

16 Then Cain went out from the Lord’s presence and lived in the land of Nod, east of Eden.

In Genesis 10:30 we learn that after the flood they journeyed to the east.

Genesis 10:30:

30 Their settlements extended from Mesha to Sephar, the eastern hill country.

So there are plenty of people who can come from the east.

It seems building a tower is a benign activity. It is a group effort to build a great monument for the entire world to see and it would be a good tourist attraction, provide income and keep the people together.

Archeology has unearthed ruins revealing sophisticated architectural structures in this area. They had the materials to build a very high tower. It would have been a major attraction if completed. The people wanted to build a monument to themselves. They wanted to highlight their achievements and leave GOD out.

Notice the number of times the word “let us” is used. The motivation of the people was self directed and they were unified by all speaking one language and having a common objective. They were going to do their own thing and leave GOD out.

We do the same today. We want to build great things to bring glory to ourselves and to receive the applause of man. There is nothing wrong with ambition. But we must never relegate GOD to the sidelines as a Christian desiring to serve HIM through selfisn ambition. We must serve HIM with obedient lives. That is why we must have the right relationship with HIM so our flesh does not lead us astray.

Man has his plans to use his own efforts to reach god. It is believed that the purpose of the tower was to build a ziggurat. A ziggurat is a pyramid type structure with steps leading to the top of the structure with a temple on top. It was for worshiping the various gods and not the ONE TRUE GOD, JEHOVAH. The purpose of the structure was to make a mountain to get closer to god.

A typically ziggurat was about 70 feet high. It is believed that the Tower Of Babel was to be about 300 feet high. Truly a high structure and an engineering marvel for the period.

So man has his plans to unify mankind using a manmade structure. But man’s efforts to unify are selfish and self-centered.

GOD has HIS plan to unify mankind by sending HIS ONLY SON JESUS into the world to give HIS life. GOD reaches down to mankind to redeem and unify. We see GOD’S plan to unify mankind in Acts 2.

Let’s read Acts 2:1-13:

1 When the day of Pentecost had arrived, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like that of a violent rushing wind came from heaven, and it filled the whole house where they were staying. 3 And tongues, like flames of fire that were divided, appeared to them and rested on each one of them. 4 Then they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different languages, as the Spirit gave them ability for speech. 5 There were Jews living in Jerusalem, devout men from every nation under heaven. 6 When this sound occurred, the multitude came together and was confused because each one heard them speaking in his own language. 7 And they were astounded and amazed, saying,[1] Other mss add to one another “Look, aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 How is it that we hear, each of us, in our own native language? 9 Parthians, Medes, Elamites; those who live in Mesopotamia, in Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and • Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome, both Jews and • proselytes, 11 Cretans and Arabs—we hear them speaking in our own languages the magnificent acts of God.” 12 And they were all astounded and perplexed, saying to one another, “What could this be?” 13 But some sneered and said, “They’re full of new wine!”
What a contrast. The tower of Babel represents man’s efforts to either try to be god or to reach god through his own effort. They all spoke one (1) language and GOD changed that language.

Pentecost is GOD confirming HIS love to all humans through the death and resurrection of HIS ONLY SON JESUS and the gift of the HOLY SPIRIT to all believers. As a result all believer’s speak one (1) language and have been speaking one (1) language ever since. That language is the language of the gospel of CHRIST.

GOD desires for us to be united but for the purpose of obediently serving HIM. HE wants unity in the body of CHRIST. Unity can only be achieved as each Christian yields his or her will to GOD and partners with GOD to build an intimate loving relationship together. When we have the proper relationship with HIM then we can have the proper relationship with our brothers and sisters in CHRIST. Through CHRIST we all fit together to build a living temple to the glory of GOD.

Let’s read Genesis 11:5-9:

5 Then the Lord came down to look over the city and the tower that the • men were building. 6 The Lord said, “If, as one people all having the same language, they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them. 7 Come, let Us go down there and confuse[3] Or confound their language[4] Lit lip so that they will not understand one another’s speech.”[5] Lit understand each man the lip of his companion 8 So the Lord scattered them from there over the face of the whole earth, and they stopped building the city. 9 Therefore its name is called Babylon,[6] The Hb word for confuse sounds like Babylon. for there the Lord confused the language of the whole earth, and from there the Lord scattered them over the face of the whole earth.

Notice man thought he was building such a high structure to reach god. But GOD said let’s go down to see this thing man has built. GOD is showing man that his efforts always fall short of trying to reach GOD.

GOD put an end to man’s effort by confusing their language and they were scattered. Man was headed in the wrong direction and GOD took action to protect mankind until mankind would be redeemed from sin and death through CHRIST.

Let’s read Genesis 6:5 to see that man is capable of some horrific things when GOD is not part of their lives.

Genesis 6:5-8:
5 When the Lord saw that man’s wickedness was widespread on the earth and that every scheme his mind thought of was nothing but evil all the time, 6 the Lord regretted that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart. 7 Then the Lord said, “I will wipe off the face of the earth: man, whom I created, together with the animals, creatures that crawl, and birds of the sky—for I regret that I made them.” 8 Noah, however, found favor in the eyes of the Lord.

We owe our very existence to Noah and his faithfulness. GOD confused the language at the Tower of Babel because HE did not want a repeat of what happened before the flood.

Let’s read Proverbs 28:2-5:

2 When a land is in rebellion, it has many rulers, but with a discerning and knowledgeable person, it endures. 3 A destitute leader[1] LXX reads A wicked man who oppresses the poor is like a driving rain that leaves no food. 4 Those who reject the law praise the wicked, but those who keep the law battle against them. 5 Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the Lord understand everything.[2] 1 Co 2:15

Leadership is critical for any society. Proverbs makes it clear that a country, church, city, home or company with many leaders results in chaos but wise leadership results in strength and endurance.

A poor leader results in making the people he leads poor.

The people who want law and order are in a constant battle with those who want to do their own thing.

Wise leadership is critical for countries, cities, companies, businesses, churches and homes.

Let’s read Proverbs 29:2-4:
2 When the righteous flourish, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, people groan.[2] Pr 28:1; Ex 2:23; 1 Ch 29:9 3 A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, but one who consorts with prostitutes destroys his wealth.[3] Pr 15:20; 23:24–25; Lk 15:13 4 By justice a king brings stability to a land, but a man [who demands]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. “contributions”[4] The Hb word usually refers to offerings in worship. demolishes it.

Again wise leadership is a blessing to the people. The things of the world will result in destruction. True justice is critical for stability in a country. A leader who can be bribed will destroy a country. In such a country where leaders can be bribed, the wealthy can get their way and the poor suffer.

GOD wants HIS children to have the relationship with HIM such that they will see the work that HE is doing in a country and then join HIM in that work.

We live in a world of sin. GOD’S desire is for unity and oneness through CHRIST. The political world calls us the Evangelicals. They recognize us as a force that needs to be considered. So the politicians will be trained to speak our language. Some already know the language of salvation because they are Christians. Others will try to look like and speak like Christians.
GOD gives us the scripture to alert us to recognizing righteous leaders. America will have the opportunity to elect a new leader in 2008. We need to pray for GOD’S choice to be nominated and elected. And, also, pray that we will not be misled by a false leader.

This is a fitting conclusion to our journey from the creation of the world to living as a human in society.

Ephesians 1:4:
4 for He chose[3] Rm 11:5–7; 1 Co 1:26–31; 1 Th 1:4; 2 Th 2:13; 1 Pt 1:1–2 us in Him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and blameless in His sight.[4] Vv. 3–14 are 1 sentence in Gk. In love[5] Or In His sight in love

You and I are special!!!

What Is Life Worth? - Genesis, Psalm, Proverbs - January 21, 2007

Sunday school Lesson – What Is Life Worth? – 01-21-07

This is lesson three (3) in our series of study, “Creation Faith: Living by GOD’S Design.”

Our lesson is on the sanctity of life. Every one of us were conceived, breathed fluid in our mothers womb and in a few minutes went from breathing fluid to breathing air and fully equipped to nurse and develop into a functional human. So each of us are a living miracle.

Life is a mystery and is a gift from GOD. I like being and living as a human. But the greatest gift is eternal life through CHRIST.

I admire all the young mothers both wed or not who choose life for their unborn child. Being a mother or a father is not easy. But when a child or children are conceived the parents are creating and propagating life. GOD gave life and so GOD planned for man and woman to carry on what HE started.

Life is very special. Ephesians 1:3-4:

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavens,[2] Eph 1:20; 2:6; 3:10; 6:12 in Christ; 4 for He chose[3] Rm 11:5–7; 1 Co 1:26–31; 1 Th 1:4; 2 Th 2:13; 1 Pt 1:1–2 us in Him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and blameless in His sight.[4] Vv. 3–14 are 1 sentence in Gk. In love[5]

GOD knew every human ever to be conceived before HE created the world. GOD through HIS omniscience could have decided not to make mankind. But through HIS love for us, even though HE knew that the first man and woman would sin, HE chose to create the human race. At the same time HE had a plan for the redemption of mankind through HIS SON JESUS.

I am glad GOD chose to allow me to experience life in my human body. But I am in awe of HIM that HE allowed HIS only SON JESUS to die for me that I might have eternal life and live with HIM as HIS child, through the miracle of rebirth, forever.

Let’s read Genesis 9:5-6: (Life is Worth Taking Accountability For)

5 I will require the life of every animal and every man for your life and your blood. I will require the life of each man’s brother for a man’s life.[3] Gn 4:2,8 6 Whoever sheds man’s blood, his blood will be shed by man, for God made man in His image.

Before the flood there were massive killings of fellow humans. After the flood, GOD made it clear that human life was precious.

This scripture is where we get the authority for capital punishment.

Life is in the blood. GOD makes it clear that all humans and even the animals are accountable to GOD for taking a human life. If someone takes the life of another, we are to determine was it deliberate or an accident. So we have government with the judicial system to help make that decision. Justice is sought both for the victim and the perpetrator.

Let’s read Psalm 139:13-16: (Life is Worth Praising GOD For)

13 For it was You who created my inward parts;[3] Lit my kidneys You knit me together in my mother’s womb. 14 I will praise You, because I have been remarkably and wonderfully made.[4] DSS, some LXX mss, Syr, Jer read because You are remarkable and wonderful [5] Hb obscure Your works are wonderful, and I know [this]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. very well. 15 My bones were not hidden from You when I was made in secret, when I was formed in the depths of the earth. 16 Your eyes saw me when I was formless; all [my]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. days were written in Your book and planned before a single one of them began.[6] Ps 69:28; Ex 32:32; Jb 14:5

This scripture is the heart of our lesson. It expresses how intimate GOD is with the creation and development of every human. Life is precious.

Now I know this may raise a lot of questions. What about those created who are mentally or physically challenged? What about miscarriages? What about those who turn out to be the dregs of society? If GOD were so intimately involved, why would HE allow a problem child to be born? And the list goes on.

Here are a few thoughts the LORD has revealed over the years:

Just because we have accepted CHRIST as our SAVIOR and LORD does not exempt our loved ones or us from the circumstances of life. We are subject to disease, accidents, death, suffering, financial problems, mental problems and many others. Our life style, our genetics, our environment, habits and other factors have a part in circumstances that come our way.

2 Corinthians 4:7-10:

7 Now we have this treasure in clay jars, so that this extraordinary power may be from God and not from us. 8 We are pressured in every way but not crushed; we are perplexed but not in despair; 9 we are persecuted but not abandoned; we are struck down but not destroyed. 10 We always carry the death of Jesus in our body, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. 11 For we who live are always given over to death because of Jesus, so that Jesus’ life may also be revealed in our mortal flesh.

We, as Christians, are jars of clay but in these jars we have the power of the HOLY SPIRIT and the assurance when we exit these jars of clay we will be in the presence of the LORD. Death is very much a part of living and all humans will die, unless the LORD comes.

2 Corinthians 1:4:
4 He comforts us in all our affliction,[2] Or trouble, or tribulation, or trials, or oppression; the Gk word has a lit meaning of being under pressure. so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any kind of affliction, through the comfort we ourselves receive from God.

Christians still live in their “jars of clay” and are not exempt from the circumstances of life. When bad things happen to good people GOD wants us to come to HIM for comfort and help. HE wants to be with us every step of the way, through tragedy or affliction, so that we can comfort others with the same comfort we received from HIM.

When a life is cut short, we ask why? I have asked GOD that question. The answer, “yes, some lives are shorter, but, would you deny that person eternal life with ME in heaven just because they will not live long upon earth? The key is to enjoy the wonderful memory of those you have known only for a short time knowing that you will be with them in heaven for all eternity.”

Yes, GOD has the power to intervene and protect and we should always pray for the sick and for the protection of our loved ones and ourselves. But there will be a time when GOD decides it is time for that loved one or us to come home.

Mankind sinned and sin ushered in disease, decay, imperfections, death and things that are wrong with the world. GOD intended the world to be the ideal place for mankind to live forever. Thus HE gave Adam and Eve the opportunity for making the right choice by choosing to obey GOD and not eat the forbidden fruit. I believe the right choice would have meant life eternal for them and their offspring. This immortal life would have come from the tree of life, which GOD had planted in the garden.

Notice in last week’s lesson GOD had the tree of life guarded to keep Adam and Eve from eating from the tree and living forever in their sinful state. Adam and Eve made the choice to disobey GOD and as GOD promised the consequence was death, Death both physically and spiritually. So we are left with an imperfect world but with the opportunity to be redeemed by GOD, through CHRIST, to live eternally as HE intended through the miracle of rebirth.

Our world is a mixture of humans. The mix includes those who know GOD through CHRIST, others who are seeking to find GOD and those who care less or even rebel at the thought of GOD. In this imperfect world, bad things happen to all people both those born-again or not.

Disease, accidents, health problems, mental problems, social problems and all sorts of challenges apply to all people. Every human is born into an imperfect world and are imperfect themselves. Through CHRIST every Christian is redeemed but remains in this imperfect world. So Christian and non-Christian alike are subject to the imperfect world and all the problems it can bring our way. Humans have intelligence but I believe GOD reveals to mankind how to repair and heal fellow humans which benefits both Christian and non-Christian alike. I believe GOD can heal through HIS divine healing, through the gift of medicine (This includes surgery, medications, therapy, etc.) and healing the mind to accept the condition one may have.

Some may raise the question about someone taking their own life. Life is precious and all who contemplate taking their own life need to reach out for help. Those who take their own lives are distraught and are mentally sick. GOD does not want anyone to take his or her own life but the mind is subject to disease like any other part of the body. When a person smokes or eats unhealthy and dies of a related disease it is a form of self-destruction. When one has a mental disease and takes his or her life, it is a tragedy, but it is a disease.

Some relate the taking of one’s life to the unpardonable sin but I do not believe that. I believe the unpardonable sin is the absolute rejection of the calling of the HOLY SPIRIT to repentance and salvation. The person rejects the calling of GOD to the point they have hardened their heart and GOD can no longer appeal to them and their need for salvation. Some people worry that they have committed the unpardonable sin. But if a person worries that they have committed the unpardonable sin, then GOOD NEWS, if they had they would not worry about it. So if you are worried, then ask GOD to forgive you and ask CHRIST to come into your heart right NOW!!!!

Let’s read Proverbs 1:10-19: (Life is Worth Valuing)

Pr 6:20–21 10 My son, if sinners entice you, don’t be persuaded.[11] Ps 141:4 11 If they say—“Come with us! Let’s set an ambush and kill someone.[12] Lit Let’s ambush for blood Let’s attack some innocent person just for fun![13] Lit person for no reason 12 Let’s swallow them alive, like • Sheol, still healthy as they go down to the • Pit. 13 We’ll find all kinds of valuable property and fill our houses with plunder.[14] Pr 24:4 14 Throw in your lot with us, and we’ll all share our money”[15] Lit us; one bag will be for all of us — 15 my son, don’t travel that road with them or set foot on their path,[16] Pr 16:19 16 because their feet run toward trouble and they hurry to commit murder.[17] Lit to shed blood [18] Pr 6:17; Isa 59:7 17 It is foolish to spread a net where any bird can see it, 18 but they set an ambush to kill themselves;[19] Lit they ambush for their blood they attack their own lives. 19 Such are the paths of all who pursue gain dishonestly;[20] Pr 11:16–18; Ezk 22:27; Hab 2:6–12 it takes the lives of those who profit from it.[21] Lit takes the life of its masters

Proverbs was written as a father instructing his son. We know that the world offers many opportunities for young men and women to make right and wrong choices. It is important for all of us to make the right choices. The flesh, ego or peer pressure entice some people to try drugs, smoke, engage in premarital sex, homosexual activities, pornography, stealing, etc. The consequences have not changed and apply to the Christian as well as the non-Christian. The consequences always lead to destruction. All humans need to make the right choices.

Let’s read Proverbs 24:10-12: (Life is Worth Protecting)

10 If you do nothing in a difficult time, your strength is limited. 11 Rescue those being taken off to death, and save those stumbling toward slaughter. 12 If you say, “But we didn’t know about this,” won’t He who weighs hearts consider it?[7] Pr 21:2; Ps 44:21 Won’t He who protects your life know? Won’t He repay a person according to his work?[8] Pr 24:29

As Christians we are to be ready to help those who cannot help themselves. Think of the Germans enslaving the Jews. Sadam and his sons had no respect for life. Some of the African countries have ruthless militia who kill the innocent, just for the sake of killing. Has GOD chosen the United States to be the protector of the innocent in other countries?

Have Christians been chosen to protect the rights of unborn children? Not through violence but by establishing and maintaining crisis pregnancy centers to give support to all mothers considering life or death for their unborn child.

Life is precious. GOD wants us to experience life abundantly.

Let’s read Jeremiah 1:1

The Call of Jeremiah
4 The word of the Lord came to me: 5 I chose you before I formed you in the womb;[1] Ps 139:13–16 I set you apart before you were born. I appointed you a prophet to the nations.

GOD has a plan for every life ever to be born. But HE never violates our right to choose. Humans are accountable to GOD for their choices. Choose CHRIST and find forgiveness and eternal life. Serve HIM in obedience, as HE directs you.

Life is precious and HE has a wonderful plan for your life. JESUS came that all who accept HIM may experience life more abundantly. John 10:10 - 10 A thief comes only to steal and to kill and to destroy. I have come that they may have life and have it in abundance.

Your presence upon earth is no accident. Your life is a gift from GOD. Get to know HIM through a more intimate loving relationship.

What's The Big Problem - Genesis 2:15-3:24 - January 14, 2006

Sunday school Lesson - What’s The Big Problem? - January 14, 2007

This is lesson two (2) in our series “Creation Faith: Living by GOD’S Design.”

Our background scripture is Genesis 2:15-3:24.

Our focus scripture is Genesis 2:15- 3:24.

Let’s read Genesis 2:15-25:

15 The Lord God took the man and placed him in the garden of Eden to work it and watch over it. 16 And the Lord God commanded the man, “You are free to eat from any tree of the garden,[16] Gn 3:1–2 17 but you must not eat[17] Lit eat from it from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for on the day you eat from it, you will certainly die.”[18] Gn 3:5 18 Then the Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is like him.”[19] Pr 31:11–12 19 So the Lord God formed out of the ground each wild animal and each bird of the sky, and brought each to the man to see what he would call it. And whatever the man called a living creature, that was its name. 20 The man gave names to all the livestock, to the birds of the sky, and to every wild animal; but for the man[20] Or for Adam no helper was found who was like him. 21 So the Lord God caused a deep sleep to come over the man, and he slept. God took one of his ribs and closed the flesh at that place. 22 Then the Lord God made the rib He had taken from the man into a woman and brought her to the man.[21] 1 Co 11:8,12 23 And the man said: This one, at last, is bone of my bone, and flesh of my flesh; this one will be called woman, for she was taken from man.[22] Eph 5:28–30 24 This is why a man leaves his father and mother and bonds with his wife, and they become one flesh.[23] Mal 2:15 25 Both the man and his wife were naked, yet felt no shame.

Verses 15, 16 and 17 - GOD placed the man in the Garden to care for it. GOD gives the man specific instructions that he could eat from any tree in the Garden except from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. GOD told him if he does eat of the tree of knowledge of good and evil he will die. Note that GOD did not say anything about not touching it. More on this in Chapter 3.

GOD makes the animals and the man names them. None of the animals were made like the man. So man was lonely. So GOD makes him a helpmate.

Verse 21 – GOD took a part from the man and made woman. Could this be the first clone but altered such that it takes both of them to be complete.

It is interesting when the man first saw woman, he said in essence “WOW!!! This is what I have been waiting for.” The rest is history. Men have been wowed with this creature called woman ever since.

Then in verse 25, both were naked but not ashamed because both knew no evil. AT this time both knew only good.

Let’s read Genesis 3:1-8:

1 Now the serpent was the most cunning of all the wild animals that the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You can’t eat from any tree in the garden’?”[1] 2 Co 11:3

Satan enters the garden in the form of a serpent. Satan always enters our lives disguised as something else. The serpent can communicate with the woman and immediately Satan asks a question that begins a dialogue with the woman. The question is a subtle attack on the nature and character of GOD. “Did GOD really say, ‘You can’t eat from any tree in the garden?” Satan knew exactly what GOD said and we have to know that GOD allowed Satan to be in the garden. This was a test. Now let’s see have things develop.
2 The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat the fruit from the trees in the garden. 3 But about the fruit of the tree in the middle of the garden, God said, ‘You must not eat it or touch it, or you will die.’ ”[2] Gn 2:17
The woman answers the question. Of course we have GOD’S permission to eat from any tree in the garden except the tree that is in the middle of the garden. In fact we cannot even touch it.

In studying for this lesson I understand that in some of the earliest texts of scripture the words “or touch it” do not appear. It is not clear if this statement was in the original text. But if it is we see that GOD’S instructions about the tree have been exaggerated. Did the man exaggerate GOD’S instructions to keep the woman away from the tree or is this an over statement by the woman. We do not know but it does show a very typical nature of the human race. Be what ever it is, the one thing GOD said was do not eat the fruit from the tree.

4 “No! You will not die,” the serpent said to the woman.[3] Jn 8:44 5 “In fact, God knows that when[4] Lit on the day you eat it your eyes will be opened and you will be like God,[5] Or gods, or divine beings knowing good and evil.”

Satan immediately comes back with his authoritative reply. “NO! You will not die.” The reply is as if Satan is shocked at such a dire consequence for just eating a piece of fruit from one tree out of so many trees.

Then the real clincher. GOD is holding something back from you. In essence Satan was saying, “You know GOD made you and is all powerful and is all knowing. Don’t you want to be like GOD?” Just eat the fruit.

If in fact the woman did use the words that GOD said do not touch the fruit, then I believe Satan would have said, “Look I just touched he fruit and nothing happened. Now you try it. Just touch it.”

Disobeying GOD is most often a slow stepwise process. Just do this once. It won’t hurt you. See, isn’t that nice? Any addiction starts with that first step that leads to ultimate destruction. Destruction is the objective of Satan. He wants to discredit GOD and ensnare you. Once you have been poisoned about the power of GOD, you think you have no hope. But GOD is always there waiting for us to reach out to HIM for deliverance and salvation.
6 Then the woman saw that the tree was good for food and delightful to look at, and that it was desirable for obtaining wisdom. So she took some of its fruit and ate [it]* ; she also gave [some]* to her husband, [who was]* with her, and he ate [it]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. .[6] Jms 1:14–15; 1 Jn 2:16 7 Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made loincloths for themselves.
The woman looks at the fruit. It looks harmless. It is pleasing to look at. Does this process ring any bells. Marketing any product is always designed to look good. This product will do wonders for you. How many times have we been lured into buying a car or boat or house or a timeshare or any number of things only to find out that it just is not what we were led to believe.

In the case of the woman, she takes a bite of the fruit. It not only looked good but it also tastes good. The man is apparently standing there with her. He is keeping his mouth shut. Gee, GOD must have not told me the truth because she ate the fruit and did not die.

Who had GOD placed in charge of the garden? Who was the responsible person? You guessed it. The man.

So what happens the moment he takes a bite? Both of their eyes were opened. They see that they are naked.

When we sin our eyes are opened to what we have done. We have a choice. Do we continue or do we stop. We see what Adam and Eve did. They tried to cover themselves. We always want to cover our sin.

Sin’s Consequences

8 Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden at the time of the evening breeze,[7] Lit at the wind of the day and they hid themselves from the Lord God among the trees of the garden.[8] Jb 34:22–23
The very person WHO can help us the most is the ONE we run from. GOD!!!

Now let’s back up for a moment. Several questions came to my mind while studying the foregoing scriptures. When GOD told the man that the day be ate of the fruit from the tree of knowledge of good and evil he would die. What did that mean to the man? I will share with you what GOD revealed.

GOD made man. Man was made good. Man did not know evil. GOD made woman from man. Man was good and so was woman. Both are good because they do not know anything about evil.

Was man and woman made to die? Or were they made to be immortal? Neither were born as an infant and then raised to adult hood. They were both made of sufficient age, size and maturity to function in the garden from day one (1). They were not made as robots but made with the freedom to choose. GOD gave them as HE does the angels the freedom to choose.

Now in the garden is also the tree of life. Now if the man and woman were made to be immortal why would GOD have placed the tree of life in the garden as well? So there was a plan.

This is the verse that GOD used to reveal truth. Romans 6:23:
“23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

The man and woman had the right and freedom to choose. They were made good and knew no evil. GOD gave them instructions about the garden. One specific instruction was not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. It seems that both the man and the woman were both at the forbidden tree. The man could have spoken up but he remained silent. The man had the choice of stepping in as the responsible person and saying NO! The woman had the choice of saying NO. But she didn’t.

If they had made the right choice and said NO, the gift that awaited them was the fruit from the tree of life and they and all their off spring would have lived for ever. Now think about that!
GOD in HIS infinite love for us, gave HIS only SON JESUS to die for our sins. JESUS is the tree of life for all who ask HIM to forgive them of their sins and ask HIM to come into their lives. The miracle of rebirth restores our relationship with GOD and we become HIS children and receive eternal life. Our immortality has been regained but it will be in our spirit until it is fully regained at the second coming of JESUS. Then we receive our glorified bodies.

Let’s read Genesis 3:9-24:

9 So the Lord God called out to the man and said to him, “Where are you?” 10 And he said, “I heard You[9] Lit the sound of You in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked, so I hid.” 11 Then He asked, “Who told you that you were naked? Did you eat from the tree that I had commanded you not to eat from?”

GOD already knows what we have done but HE wants us to confess what we have done to HIM. We are to confess our sins. 1 John 1:9 says “9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
12 Then the man replied, “The woman You gave to be with me—she gave me [some fruit]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. from the tree, and I ate.” 13 So the Lord God asked the woman, “What is this you have done?” And the woman said, “It was the serpent. He deceived me, and I ate.”[10] Rm 7:11; 1 Tm 2:14 14 Then the Lord God said to the serpent: Because you have done this, you are cursed more than any livestock and more than any wild animal. You will move on your belly and eat dust all the days of your life.
We always want to say someone else made us do it. No different from the beginning of time. The woman YOU gave me. See, YOU are at fault for giving me this woman. GOD did not buy that argument. The man had to suffer the consequences of his disobedience, so did the woman and the serpent.

15 I will put hostility between you and the woman, and between your • seed and her seed. He will strike your head, and you will strike his heel.[11] Heb 2:14; 1 Jn 3:8

This is the first prophesy regarding the coming of JESUS to redeem mankind from sin.
16 He said to the woman: I will intensify your labor pains; you will bear children in anguish. Your desire[12] Gn 4:7 will be for your husband, yet he will dominate you. 17 And He said to Adam, “Because you listened to your wife’s voice and ate from the tree about which I commanded you, ‘Do not eat from it’: The ground is cursed because of you. You will eat from it by means of painful labor[13] Lit it through pain all the days of your life. 18 It will produce thorns and thistles for you, and you will eat the plants of the field.[14] Gn 2:5 19 You will eat bread[15] Or food by the sweat of your brow until you return to the ground, since you were taken from it. For you are dust, and you will return to dust.” 20 Adam named his wife Eve[16] Lit Living, or Life because she was the mother of all the living.

Notice this is the first time the woman has a name, Eve.
21 The Lord God made clothing out of skins for Adam and his wife, and He clothed them.

GOD had to sacrifice an animal to make clothes for Adam and Eve. A sacrifice had to made because of Adam and Eve’s disobedience. This is also a foreshadow that without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sin. JESUS had to shed HIS precious blood to redeem us from sin and death. And HE did. HIS resurrection from the dead is proof that HE conquered sin and death that all who believe in HIM have eternal life. Ask HIM into your life right now!!!
22 The Lord God said, “Since man has become like one of Us, knowing good and evil, he must not reach out, and also take from the tree of life, and eat, and live forever.”[17] Rv 2:7 23 So the Lord God sent him away from the garden of Eden to work the ground from which he was taken. 24 He drove man out, and east of the garden of Eden He stationed • cherubim with a flaming, whirling sword to guard the way to the tree of life.

Notice in verse 22 “Become like US.” The US is the FATHER, SON and the HOLY SPIRIT. If they had eaten from the tree of life they would have been immortal. Mankind would have lived in a fallen state. Can you imagine how awful life would be if we had disease and all the horrors that we know of and could not die. Mankind would have been immortal but earth would have been in a state of decay.

GOD intervened and the tree of life is guarded. The Book of Revelation tells us that the tree of life will be in heaven. If you think of it, the tree of life in eternal. Since it is eternal it will be preserved in heaven for safekeeping.

Why Am I Here? - Genesis 1:1 - 2:3 - January 7, 2007

Sunday school Lesson - Why Am I Here? - January 7, 2007

We begin a new series "Creation Faith: Living by GOD'S Design.

Our scripture is Genesis 1:1-2:3.

This to me is exciting scripture because it reveals some of the attributes of GOD and how they relate to our lives as HE creates within us a new mind and a new heart after we ask JESUS into our hearts and lives.

This will be a modified lesson because I am still having computer problems.

Let's read Genesis 1:1 - 2:3:

1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2 Now the earth was[1] Or When God began to create the sky and the earth, 2 the earth was formless and empty, darkness covered the surface of the watery depths, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters. 3 Then God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. 4 God saw that the light was good, and God separated the light from the darkness. 5 God called the light “day,” and He called the darkness “night.” Evening came, and then morning: the first day. 6 Then God said, “Let there be an expanse[2] The Hb word for expanse is from a root meaning “to spread out, stamp, beat firmly,” which suggests something like a dome; Jb 37:16–18; Isaiah 40:22. between the waters, separating water from water.”[3] Isa 44:24 7 So God made the expanse and separated the water under the expanse from the water above the expanse. And it was so. 8 God called the expanse “sky.”[4] Or “heavens” Evening came, and then morning: the second day. 9 Then God said, “Let the water under the sky be gathered into one place, and let the dry land appear.” And it was so. 10 God called the dry land “earth,” and He called the gathering of the water “seas.” And God saw that it was good. 11 Then God said, “Let the earth produce vegetation: seed-bearing plants, and fruit trees on the earth bearing fruit with seed in it, according to their kinds.”[5] Ps 65:9–13 And it was so. 12 The earth brought forth vegetation: seed-bearing plants according to their kinds and trees bearing fruit with seed in it, according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good. 13 Evening came, and then morning: the third day. 14 Then God said, “Let there be lights in the expanse of the sky to separate the day from the night. They will serve as signs for festivals and for days and years.[6] Ps 104:19 15 They will be lights in the expanse of the sky to provide light on the earth.” And it was so. 16 God made the two great lights—the greater light to have dominion over the day and the lesser light to have dominion over the night—as well as the stars.[7] Isa 40:26 17 God placed them in the expanse of the sky to provide light on the earth, 18 to dominate the day and the night, and to separate light from darkness. And God saw that it was good. 19 Evening came, and then morning: the fourth day. 20 Then God said, “Let the water swarm with[8] Lit with swarms of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the expanse of the sky.” 21 So God created the large sea-creatures[9] Or created sea monsters and every living creature that moves and swarms in the water, according to their kinds. [He also created]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. 22 So God blessed them, “Be fruitful, multiply, and fill the waters of the seas, and let the birds multiply on the earth.”[10] Gn 8:17 23 Evening came, and then morning: the fifth day. 24 Then God said, “Let the earth produce living creatures according to their kinds: livestock, creatures that crawl, and the wildlife of the earth according to their kinds.” And it was so. 25 So God made the wildlife of the earth according to their kinds, the livestock according to their kinds, and creatures that crawl on the ground according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good. 26 Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness. They will rule the fish of the sea, the birds of the sky, the livestock, all the earth,[11] Syr reads sky, and over every animal of the land and the creatures that crawl[12] Lit scurry on the earth.” 27 So God created man in His own image; He created him in the image of God; He created them male and female. 28 God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth, and subdue it. Rule the fish of the sea, the birds of the sky, and every creature that crawls[13] Lit and all scurrying animals that scurry on the earth.” 29 God also said, “Look, I have given you every seed-bearing plant on the surface of the entire earth, and every tree whose fruit contains seed. This food will be for you, 30 for all the wildlife of the earth, for every bird of the sky, and for every creature that crawls on the earth—everything having the breath of life in it. [I have given]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. every green plant for food.” And it was so. 31 God saw all that He had made, and it was very good. Evening came, and then morning: the sixth day.

Genesis 2:1-3:

1 So the heavens and the earth and everything in them[1] Lit and all their host were completed. 2 By the seventh[2] Sam, LXX, Syr read sixth day, God completed His work that He had done, and He rested[3] Or ceased on the seventh day from all His work that He had done. 3 God blessed the seventh day and declared it holy, for on it He rested[4] Ex 31:17 from His work of creation.[5] Lit work that God created to make [6] Ex 20:11; 31:17; Ps 121:2

First of all Moses is the author of Genesis. Remember Moses had an intimate one on one relationship with GOD.

Genesis 1:1 is a summary verse telling us what is going to be discussed. The subject is the creation of the heavens and the earth.

GOD did not have to created Himself because HE already existed along with JESUS and the HOLY SPIRIT. Verse 26 reads "let us". The us is GOD, the FATHGER, JESUS, the SON and the HOLY SPIRIT.

As we review Genesis 1:2-2:3 notice the order and the stepwise work ethic of GOD. This is important because GOD likes order, organization and planning. HE creates first what is needed for the next step in creation. HE creates the plants, seeds, etc. to sustain life which will be HIS next step. HIS crowning creation is mankind.

GOD works in our lives to prepare us to serve HIM. HE prepares within each of us that which is needed first or foundational for the next work HE has planned for us. We have to trust HIS plan and design for our lives just as HE has a plan and design for the heavens and earth.

Genesis 1:2 is a beautiful verse because it reveals several things:

- Just as earth in the beginning is formless and empty, so are our lives before CHRIST.

- "the Spirit of GOD was hovering over earth, preparing earth to be energized and to be inhabited by life. Every thing had to be perfect. Just as the Spirit of GOD was hovering over earth to empower it, the Spirit of GOD hovered over Mary the mother of JESUS to empower her womb to be inhabited by GOD'S only SON JESUS!!!!! The same is true for us when we accept JESUS as our SAVIOR and LORD, the Spirit of GOD empowers us to be HIS sons and daughters through the miracle of rebirth for all eternity. WOW!!!! Think about that!!!!

- Just as a master designer and engineer checks very carefully their design and creation before they push the button or flip the switch on. GOD was checking every detail of earth to ensure every thing was in place before HE said another word.

Verse 3 - GOD is pleased and HE spoke and a special light was created.

I think this special light had a very special purpose. But first let's consider when we first ask JESUS into our lives, HE is the light that floods our souls with HIS light. We were spiritually blind but now we see.

Back to this special light at creation. I think this light is different from the sun as we know it today. I think GOD made the sun later (verses 15-18). Think of a ball of very moist clay and you take a heat lamp and let it shine on one area of that very moist ball of clay. What would happen? That one area would begin to dry out more than the other areas of the very moist ball of clay. I think this is what is happening. To see this, look at a flat map of the world. Doesn't is appear that you can fit the continents together like pieces of a puzzle into one mass? Do you think all of the continents were one mass at this time in creation? I think so.

Now notice what happens next. GOD said the light was good and then HE separated the light from the darkness. I think this is when HE allowed the earth to begin its rotation. This special light continues to bath mother earth with its rays removing some of the moisture.

Now what will rotation do? Rotation applies forces which would try to throw the mass out but at the same time gravity would try to hold the mass in. I think the one, still very moist, land mass, created before rotation, broke apart. Then the broken land masses were positioned such that they gave balance to this watery ball we call earth. We do know that the contintents do flow on water and move.

GOD continues HIS work in an orderly, stepwise, very organized way to create next what is needed to sustain HIS next creation. Read the verses and see how they build upon each other.

Again, as we journey through life think about this as HE works in our lives and as HE prepares us to serve HIM.

Where do we get our oil and natural gas from? We get it from the decaying plant and animal life that has been in the earth under much pressure for a very long time. Same is true for our coal, minerals and precious stones. GOD created order and HE created a system to sustain life for the duration of life upon earth. Just as HE creates in us, who are HIS children, that which is necessary to sustain us through life upon earth and for all eternity.

GOD gives balance to the universe which in turn provides earth a unique position in the solar system. A few degrees different and life as we know it would not exist.

GOD gave us the example of working and then resting.

Some may ask was this literally seven (7) days or was it over many years?

I can accept either. The main point is that we are here and alive upon plant earth.

Some may question GOD'S existence. I challenge those who question the existence of GOD to explain their own existence. I used to question it. But GOD led me to consider my own existence. My own existence is just a much a mystery as HIS. Where did I come from? My mother. But where did my mother come from? Her mother and so on until I came to a point-of-origin. In the beginning GOD.

My favorite verses in scripture Ephesians 1:3-4:

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavens,[2] Eph 1:20; 2:6; 3:10; 6:12 in Christ; 4 for He chose[3] Rm 11:5–7; 1 Co 1:26–31; 1 Th 1:4; 2 Th 2:13; 1 Pt 1:1–2 us in Him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and blameless in His sight.[4] Vv. 3–14 are 1 sentence in Gk. In love[5] Or In His sight in love

Before HE created the world, HE knew us. GOD knew each of us and we were in HIS mind and heart until we were conceived by our parents. Oh yes, GOD has a wonderful plan for each of us. What HE needs is our will to be yielded to HIM to make us into HIS image through the final work of salvation. HE wants to restore our souls and restore our fellowship with HIM through CHRIST.

This to me is awesome!!!!!

My prayer is that each of you will know HIM in a more intimate loving way through a genuine relationship with HIM from this day forward. Happy and Blessed 2007 !!!!!