Era One: Nothing

I hope that everyone has been able to get their books and that you have had a chance to begin reading through the first few chapters.  For our first meeting, on June 28th, we will cover the first four eras of the Old Testament.  This will take us through the book of Judges.

As you work through your book, note questions in the margin as they arise.  Also, feel free to post questions here so we can all be thinking about them, or so we can dialogue back and forth as we reason our way through Scripture.

As I worked through Era 1: The Nothing Era...I realized how often I "skim" over these well-known, often-heard parts of scripture and don't really stop to contemplate the awesomeness of creation from NOTHING.  I was struck by God's amazing love for us, His creation.  As the author points out, not the Hebrew race...but the HUMAN race.  All of us.  All who were.  All who are.  All who will be.  Everywhere.  His greatest creation...from NOTHING....was us...humanity.  And He desired and had perfect fellowship with us in the beginning.

Some of you know my love of maps.  I think the reason I use them so much when I study the Bible is because it helps me get perspective about a land that I have never set foot on.  I am so glad this book shows us Old Testament countries as well as those of our modern day.  With all the conflict in the Middle East, is it a surprise to think that God's first place to fellowship with His creation was in that same location?  That in those lands walked man and God in perfect communion?  That the perfection of a sinless creation was suddenly marred by the scar of evil that would appear and never vanish from our world and or let go of humanity until the End comes?

Here are some questions or ideas as you think over creation, the fall, and the Bible.

1.     Why does God give commands to humanity?  Do you believe this?

2.     How does the devil entice us?  Has his game plan and tactics really changed since the beginning?  How can you be on the offensive?

3.     What is the main topic of the Bible?  It’s true…but do you know it in your head but not as much in your heart?  Knowing this, do you desire more time in God’s Word seeing this truth throughout scripture? 

4.     Where is Jesus first mentioned (or referred to) in scripture?  Does that surprise you?  Does that change how you view God and/or the importance of studying the Old Testament?

What do you think?  Can’t wait to hear!