The Biblical Path of Life

Tag: Genesis

  • The Law

    “But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.”
    Psalm 1:2

    We are taught that obeying laws is important and that there are penalties to be paid if we break them. Consider the importance of laws. We are to understand that God has laws. His laws are significant, and obedience is very important to God as we can see throughout His Word, and most notably in the Old Testament. Often we recognize God’s discipline on those who break His laws.

    The first five books in the Old Testament are referred to as “The Law.” Within these books we find the first 2,500 years of history recorded by Moses. The first book, Genesis, begins with the creation, records the ruin of man through sin, but it also reveals the sovereignty of God. The word sovereignty means “supreme in power; possessing supreme dominion; as a sovereign ruler of the universe.” We understand that God is the sovereign God of all who love and obey Him.

    One easy way to remember Genesis and the events within is to recognize:

    Four main events take place:

    • The Creation
    • The Fall
    • The Flood
    • The Tower of Babel  

    Genesis deals mainly with Four People:

    • Abraham
    • Isaac
    • Jacob
    • Joseph

    After about four hundred years, God’s people grew into a nation numbering around two to three million people in Egypt. This is where Exodus (which means “the way out” or “outgoing”) begins. At the culmination of the ten plagues, we see the mighty deliverance of God’s people from a land of bondage. Shortly after this they meet at the foot of Mount Sinai. It was at Mount Sinai that the Law was given (beginning with the Ten Commandments; Exodus 19-20). The Israelites were taught that obedience to God is necessary. They could not be a redeemed, set-apart people unless they obeyed God’s command.

    In Leviticus, God spoke to Moses from the tabernacle instead of Mount Sinai. The people needed to know how to live. God instituted the offerings, the priesthood, a clean lifestyle, and the different feasts. These things were teach the people how to live as a people wholly given to God in every aspect of their lives. Leviticus shows the ability to have fellowship with God when we come to Him as a sanctified people (because He is holy, and we are a sinful people). Leviticus ends with the blessings of obedience and the penalties for disobedience. Only about a month’s time passes during Leviticus.

    The name Numbers comes from a numbering of the people at the beginning of the book and then again at the end. There were two groups of people, an old generation and a new generation. When the twelve spies were sent into the land promised to Abraham, only Joshua and Caleb brought back report that God would allow them to conquer the land. When the Israelites disobeyed God’s command to cross over into the Promised Land, they were disciplined. The old generation would die and not enter because they refused to obey God. Only Joshua and Caleb escaped God’s discipline (wandering in the wilderness for forty years). Fewer than forty years elapse during Numbers where we see God guiding, providing, and protecting His people.

    Deuteronomy begins by looking back to what God had done for His people and then looking forward. The entire book shows the faithfulness of God revealing that God loves His people. Moses warned the people to not forget the words of God’s Law, revealing the blessings for following God’s Law and the curse of God if they failed to obey. Joshua is appointed the new leader of the new generation, and Moses dies.

    After remembering the books of “The Law,” see that they help us understand God and what He expects from His people. We also learn that it is quite impossible to obey every law that God has given us. In the New Testament we gain some insight as to why it is important to know “The Law” of the Old Testament. “24. Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. 25. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. 26. For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:24-26).

    Have you understood “The Law” is a schoolmaster to show the need for Jesus?

    Originally posted at Lighthouse Gospel Beacon

  • God Made Me

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    “All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.”   John 1:3

    Have you ever stopped to think about God’s creation? Have you ever thought, “What is the greatest thing God created?” There are so many wonderful and beautiful things that God made. Picture the mountains, beautiful sunsets, the ocean, a full moon as it rises, and so many other amazing things in God’s creation. But have you ever considered that the greatest thing God created was you? There are a few things we can find in God’s Word that brings us to this conclusion. 

    Remember first that God created the world in six days. At the end of the first five days, God declared that it was good. Even on the sixth day after God created all of the animals and everything that creeps on the earth, God declared that it was good. But on that sixth day there was a special creation. “26. And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. 27. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them” (Genesis 1:26-27). God made man in His image; a man and a woman. After this, we find that God declared that his creation was “very good.”

    God created man perfect, without sin. He made man with the intent that they would be “holy and without blame” (see Ephesians 1:4). But more than that, God created man to have fellowship with Him. “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10). He wanted to walk with us.

    As we read Genesis chapter three, we find that Adam and Eve disobeyed God when Eve was beguiled by Satan, bringing sin into the word which caused separation from God for all of mankind. This meant that man could no longer fellowship with God as before because of this separation (remembering that before this they had walked and talked with God in the garden). Even though man failed greatly, God promised One would come to bridge the gap between sinful man and God (see the first promise of this in Genesis 3:15) which would restore that fellowship. Although Adam and Eve did not know who that One was, they believed God’s Word.

    Throughout the Old Testament, there were many who watched for that One promised by God to come. Jesus, God’s only Son, came into the world for me (and you). He came so that I could have the opportunity to fellowship with God again – if only I would believe. “Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works” (Titus 2:14). When Jesus came, He came to destroy the work of Satan. “He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil” (1 John 3:8).

    God made each and every one of us. If one would take time to read Psalm 139:1-18, they could understand that even King David understood just how special each person created by God is. One of the most important things that each person should understand is that God created me. He made me a unique individual. And God created me to have fellowship with Him. God has a plan for me. But because of sin that separated man from God, each person must trust Jesus to reconcile them, restoring that relationship.

    Sadly, there are few people in the world today that truly understand their worth in God’s eyes. By remembering the importance of each person, and the great love God has for them in the sending of His only Son, Jesus, to bring them back to Him, we can once again understand the importance on our part to receive the great gift God has made available to us.

    What have you done with this realization?

    Originally posted at: http://lighthouse.pub/blog/2020/04/06/god-made-me/?src=n

  • Lesson 4 (Lesson 17): Genesis 37 – 50: Joseph

    Key Verse

    “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”  Romans 6:23

    As you read the verse Romans 6:23, help your students understand this key verse as they complete the opening worksheet.  Make sure your students understand the key verse and the importance of recognizing the greatest gift God ever gave – His Son, Jesus, to pay the penalty for our sins.

    Summary:  In this lesson we will remember the familiar Bible events of Jacob and one of his sons, Joseph.

    Joseph was the 11th son born to Jacob.  He was a godly young man in spite of adverse circumstances in his life.  God used him to save his family from starvation during a time of famine throughout the lands.

    Today we will recognize God’s blessings upon Joseph’s life – for although he endured many problems (his brothers hated him; sold into slavery; falsely imprisoned; forgotten; etc.) he remained faithful to God.  And God blessed Joseph’s life.  Joseph was the last major person in the book of Genesis.

    In the Old Testament, Joseph is one of the people we compare to a picture of Christ.  In the past few weeks, we have seen where God promised to send One who would deliver a sinful people from their sins.  The first was when man sinned in the Garden (Gen. 3:15).  Then we saw where God promised Abraham that all people would be blessed through his descendants (Gen. 22:18).  We even saw a picture of what God would do – lay down the life of His Son.  This week, we see once again the promise of a mighty deliverer that would come (Gen. 28:14).  And better yet, we see a picture of a mighty deliverer in Jacob’s son, Joseph.  When Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery, they meant it for evil – Genesis 50:20:  “But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.”  God sent His Son, Jesus to save the world from their sin.  He was the greatest gift ever given.  But sinful man crucified him (evil against Him), and God took what man intended to be evil and delivered us from our sins by Jesus’ death.  Just as Joseph recognized when he was placed in a position to save the world from starvation, Jesus came to save the world from “the wages of sin … death” and instead give us the “gift of God … eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”  Notice the faithfulness of Joseph, and the blessings of God upon him.

    Encourage your students to bring their Bibles and use them!

     

    Optional Worksheets to be downloaded:

    Lesson 17 – Volume 1 Children’s Worksheet 1

    Lesson 17 – Volume 1 Children’s Reinforcement Worksheet

     

    Ideas for children:

    Stickers always work well with children. Often times I watch Wal-Mart or Oriental Trading Company for specials or deals on things I can use for crafts for Sunday School (i.e. foam sheets, Bible Story scene stickers, crowns, stick on jewels, construction paper, etc.).  I keep a stash and when I need something, I go search in my stash!  Pinterest always has great ideas!

    You could have a coloring sheet that goes with the lesson.

    One idea for today’s lesson:  (See picture below). We made a foam book with pages inside that we wrote (or drew) ways to “Honor God” (much like Joseph did in his life). Another time we took a picture of Joseph’s coat and used foam stickers to “color” it, or tissue paper glued to make it many colors.

     

    Mural idea:

    Refer to the wall in your classroom that has become a mural. Today, have them think of the greatest gift they can remember.  Have them recognize that as great as that gift was, Jesus is the greatest gift of all.  Have them think of ways they can, and should, tell others about the greatest gift ever, Jesus.  Help them decorate a picture of a gift box telling that Jesus is God’s gift to us.  Remind them that just as Joseph saved from starvation, Jesus came to save mankind from their sin.

    Have them each add anything else they may have brought to add to the wall.  Encourage everyone to participate.

    Lesson 17

     

  • Lesson 2 (Lesson 15): Genesis 12 – 24: Abraham and Isaac

    Key Verse

    “And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.” James 2:23

    Read today’s key verse with your class.  Help them understand with the following:  imputed means counted; to put to his account, either in his favor or what he must be answerable.  Righteousness means that righteousness which has regard to God and the divine law; especially internally where the heart is right with God; piety toward God, and hence righteousness; i.e.:  to regard as evidence of piety, hence the righteousness which is in or through faith in Christ.

    Summary:  Abraham believed the promise God made in Genesis 3:15 (God would send one to deliver mankind from their sins).  It is proven in his faithfulness to obey God’s call upon his life.  He was faithful to leave his home and walk the land God promised would belong to his descendants (even though at this point he and Sarah were old and without any children).  Abraham believed God would give him a son, just like He promised.  Even when the promise was fulfilled and he had his son, Isaac, Abraham was faithful to obey God when God asked Abraham to give him back.  And because of his righteousness (faith that Jesus would come), he was called the Friend of God.

    This lesson helps us to understand that “righteousness” before God is when we have faith in Jesus:  see II Corinthians 5:21:  “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”

     

    Optional Worksheets to be downloaded:

    Lesson 15 – Volume 1 Children’s Worksheet 1

    Lesson 15 – Volume 1 Children’s Reinforcement Worksheet

     

    Ideas for children:

    Stickers always work well with children. Often times I watch Wal-Mart or Oriental Trading Company for specials or deals on things I can use for crafts for Sunday School (i.e. foam sheets, Bible Story scene stickers, crowns, stick on jewels, construction paper, etc.).  I keep a stash and when I need something, I go search in my stash!

    For today’s lesson, we took a 5×7 foam sheet and put a sticker of a Bible looking man on the bottom.  The children then put a whole bunch of stickers of stars on the top. We placed the verse James 2:23 on the bottom to remind them that because Abraham believed God (and acted upon that belief), he was called the friend of God.

     

    Mural idea:

    Refer to the wall in your classroom that has become a mural.  Today, have them consider Abraham.  Are they willing to change the course of their life to follow God, just like Abraham did?  Have them write (on a puzzle piece or construction paper) ways we can live a righteous life before God.  Add these to your mural, as a reminder to please God with our lives.

    Have them each add anything else they may have brought to add to the wall.  Encourage everyone to participate.

     

  • Lesson 1 (Lesson 14): Genesis 1 – 11: 4 Main Events: Creation, Fall, Flood, Babel

    Key Verse

    “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.” Proverbs 3:5

    After reading today’s Key Verse with your class, help them understand by explaining that because we are humans, we cannot understand the things of God.  We must learn to trust Him with all of our heart.

    The events in today’s lesson are mainly things we cannot really understand.  That is why we must rely upon God and not our own understanding (see today’s Key Verse.)  God created everything out of nothing.  That is amazing if you think about it.  Who can understand how that is possible?  God gave mankind everything they would ever need inside the garden.  He only asked one thing – don’t eat of the fruit of one particular tree in the garden (Genesis 2:15-17.)  But that is exactly what Adam and Eve did.  They disobeyed God and ate of that one fruit.  They didn’t trust God’s Word, but leaned on their own understanding.  When Eve saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and that it was a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit and ate it (Genesis 3:6.)   She tried to understand.  She didn’t trust God’s Words.  By the time you get to Genesis chapter 6 mankind had become exceedingly wicked.  So wicked, God wanted to destroy all of His creation.  “But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord.” Genesis 6:8.  God spared Noah and his family.  But by chapter 11 of Genesis, the people had once again decided to choose what they wanted over what God told them to do.  God had told the people to go and to fill the earth, but they came together and built a city and a tower to the heavens – to make a name for themselves.  Once again, God intervened in man’s affairs.

     

    Optional Worksheets to be downloaded:

    Lesson 14 – Volume 1 Children’s Worksheet 1

    Lesson 14 – Volume 1 Children’s Reinforcement Worksheet

     

    Ideas for children:

    Stickers always work well with children. Often times I watch Wal-Mart or Oriental Trading Company for specials or deals on things I can use for crafts for Sunday School (i.e. foam sheets, Bible Story scene stickers, crowns, stick on jewels, construction paper, etc.).  I keep a stash and when I need something, I go search in my stash!

    For today’s lesson, we had stickers (and cut outs from magazines) of things God created and let the children stick (or glue) them on some construction paper.  We also had the verse Genesis 1:1 printed out for them to glue to the paper.  The idea is to have them understand that God created the world, animals, people, plants, flowers, etc.

     

    Mural idea:

    Refer to the wall in your classroom that has become a mural.  Today, have them choose an area in their lives in which they have not yet trusted God.  Have them write at least one way they can begin to trust God in that area.  Have them each add anything else they may have brought to add to the wall.  Encourage everyone to participate.

     

  • Lesson 5: The Five Books of the Law: Genesis – Deuteronomy

    Key Verse

    “But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.” Psalm 1:2

    After reading this verse, think of some laws or rules we are expected to obey.  Should we break the law?  What happens if we do?  Think about why it is important to have laws.  Understand God has laws.  His laws are the most important, and we are to obey them.  Help them understand the memory verse.  Remind your students that obedience is very important to God as we see throughout His Word.  When Adam and Eve disobeyed God, they were disciplined and cast from the Garden of Eden.  Take a few minutes to think of some examples in the bible where people disobeyed God’s commands and were disciplined, or examples of people obeying God’s commands and Him blessing.

    In this lesson we begin to consider God’s Law, and the importance of obedience to God’s Word.  The word Pentateuch means “five books.”  The first 5 books of the Old Testament are also referred to as “the Law.”  Moses recorded these books.  Within these books, we find the first 2500 years of history.  God’s laws are important.  God demanded obedience from his people.  By knowing and understanding God’s commands to His people, we are better able to live as Christians.

    Optional Worksheets to be downloaded:

    Lesson 5 – Volume 1 Children’s Worksheet 1

    Lesson 5 – Volume 1 Children’s Reinforcement Worksheet

     

    Ideas for children:

    • In any lesson, you may want to work on your coloring timeline – especially when it relates to the lesson.
    • Display the poster of the books of the Old Testament (may be downloaded from lesson 4 blog). Review the books of The Law (showing them on the poster).  You may have them draw a picture of their favorite story from the books of The Law.  Review the 3×5 cards if you made them, practicing the divisions.  Focus on putting the books of The Law in order for today’s lesson.
    • Review last week using their hands of the five divisions of the Old Testament if you made them.  Emphasize that the thumb was for the first division.  Today, for Genesis, begin with the thumb.  Hold up your thumb and say, “For Genesis, there are 4 Main Events to remember.”  As you say them, hold up a different finger for each one until all of your fingers are extended when you finish.  They are:  The Creation, The Fall, The Flood, and The Tower of Babel.  When you finish, repeat the process for the 4 Main People:  Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph.
    1. For Exodus, use both hands to remember:  10 Plagues, and 10 Commandments.
    2. For Leviticus, remind them that God created them and wants them to be His special people.  In Leviticus, God teaches his people to live as special people belonging to God.
    3. For Numbers, God’s people are counted 2 times (hold up two fingers.)  Also, there were 12 spies sent into the Promised Land.  10 said no, 2 said yes (that they should obey God and could conquer the land.)
    4. For Deuteronomy, the last book in this division, Moses reminds the people they will be blessed if they obey God, and they will be cursed if they do not obey God.  Moses died at the end of this book and Joshua (one of the 2 spies that believed they could conquer the land) was appointed their new leader.
    • You could also find a coloring sheet of one of the events you discussed.

     

    Mural idea: 

    Refer to the wall in your classroom that has become a mural.  For this week, have them each add the picture, news article, poem they have written, picture they may have drawn, etc. of something they believe is relevant to the lessons we have been studying.  Encourage everyone to participate.  Watch as it grows weekly, as they express what God is revealing to them through our study of how the Bible fits into His plan to help us become more like Him.

    Today, have them decorate another puzzle piece (may be downloaded from Lesson 3 blog) with some of God’s “laws” they should obey.  Have them come up with them on their own so they are not all the same.  After they have finished, have them share what they wrote on their puzzle piece as they add it to your wall.