Genesis by Scott Risley (2017)

The whole story of the Bible starts with the creation of the universe. Through the account of how God creates the universe, we see that God is eternal, all-powerful, personal, decisive, and over and above the natural order.

Moses gives us a creation account relayed to him by God. God created the universe, Earth, and life forms of every kind. We hear 3 views of how to interpret Genesis 1 and God's creation in light of what we know about the formation of Earth.

We look at God's narrative of creation, and compare it to the views of scholars today. The fine tuning of the universe, complexity of life, and lack of an explanation of the formation of the Universe are evidences for God's creative design.

Even though the world is fallen, God says humans have still been made in His image. As such, humans are designed: 1) with a spiritual nature; 2) to enjoy work and creative accomplishment; 3) with the power of free will choice; 4) to enjoy rest. Interwoven throughout are many quotes from "Finding Truth" by Nancy Pearcey.

Adam and Eve had sons named Cain and Abel. Cain killed Abel, and with this Cain committed the first murder. God disciplined Cain for his act of murdering Abel. God also gave us notice that he was going to send His son to save humanity.

Noah built an ark because God commanded him to do so. Noah and his family floated in the ark as the rest of humanity faded away. God used Noah and his family to rebuild humanity. Noah was faithful to God and he tried to warn the people of his time.

After the flood Noah was disgraced by his son Ham, so Noah cursed the descendents of Ham's son Canaan. Noah's family started to multiply, and God told them to spread out across the Earth. When the people decide to stick together, God divided them by giving them different languages at the tower of Babel.

God promises to Abram that he will make him into a great nation, all Abram needed to do was put his trust in God. Abram wavered between trusting God and making his own path in life. God kept coming through for Abram, as Abram saw this he decided to trust God more and more.

Abram met King Melchizedek from Salem. Melchizedek was a priest king who paved the way for the coming messiah. Hebrews tells us that Jesus was a priest king in the order of Melchizedek.

Abraham struggled to wait on God's timing in fulfilling His promises. Abraham had a son with Hagar when he felt he couldn't wait any longer on having a son. God came down and revealed to Abraham that this wasn't His plan, and He showed Abraham the magnitude of His promises. God showed Abraham that through his son with Sarah He would build a great nation.

Lot and Abraham make very different choices in life. Both are true believers in God, but one lives a life of moral compromise whereas the other holds fast to his faith in God.

Abraham had received his promised son through Isaac. Isaac was to become a great nation. Before this came to fruition, Abraham was faced with an unthinkable dilemma: 1. Trust the God he loved or 2. Take matters into his own hands. This story is about incredible faith and a truly loving father.

Esau made a rash decision. He decided to trade his birthright for a bowl of soup. This decision has lasting consequences for both his and the rest of his family. The message of this teaching is that our decisions have consequences.

Jacob finds a woman that he wants to marry, but his is outwitted by his uncle Laban. After many years of service to his uncle, God calls Jacob back to the land of his birth. Jacob spends a night wrestling with the Lord and is transformed into a humble man.

Joseph was Jacob's favorite son. This caused great envy from Joseph's other brothers. His brothers decided to take matters into their own hands and sold Joseph into slavery. We see different ways to respond to suffering illustrated.

Joseph has every right to be angry and bitter at his family. After all, they sold him into slavery and led him to great suffering. Now his family needs his help. Will he finally get his revenge or will he choose a different path?