The Beginning
Before we go all the way back to the beginning, read John 3:16-17. Think of this as the centerpiece of the gospel. This tells us WHY God designed a plan for us to be rescued from the curse of sin and restored to relationship with Him.
16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
– John 3:16-17
1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2 Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.
– Genesis 1:1-2
26 Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.”
27 So God created mankind in his own image,
in the image of God he created them;
male and female he created them.28 God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.”
29 Then God said, “I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food. 30 And to all the beasts of the earth and all the birds in the sky and all the creatures that move along the ground—everything that has the breath of life in it—I give every green plant for food.” And it was so.
– Genesis 1:26-30
About this passage
This is the beginning. There’s a saying by author Stephen Covey that says, “Begin with the end in mind.” As we read the beginning of God’s story, we should remember that He ALWAYS had the end in mind. God spoke the earth and everything in it into existence. He created mankind and immediately gave them purpose – to rule over the earth. Maybe you have read the creation account before. Consider reading the whole chapter if you have time. As you read, think about the characteristics of God’s nature that you can observe through the creation story.
Scripture – read the passage once, then again to see what stands out
Observation – be curious; what is unique or something you need to study more
Application – what is God saying to you; is there a nudge to respond or act on something
Prayer – turn your notes, questions, and nudges into a prayer; ask God to lead you