This week the sermon gave a summary of Genesis chapters 1 and 2. In the summary Joe mentioned five main truths that are learned from these two chapters. The truths are:

1. Everything is ultimately about the almighty God who created the heavens, the earth, and everything within.
2. God is powerful, good, gracious, and relational.
3. Humans bear the image of God (though now deformed).
4. Though we are made in the image of God, even in our perfect state we were but dust- fully dependent on God for life and sustenance.
5. The thing that made paradise, paradise is that all worship was directed toward the one Person to whom worship is due.

The following is a list of 5 application questions corresponding to each truth.

1. How has your past week reflected this truth? Are you viewing your daily life as being a part of Gods ultimate plan? Are you viewing your life as God’s process of spiritual formation as we are being shaped into the person that God will use for eternity? How so? Why or why not? Share with your group.
2. How has your view of God changed as you have grown closer to him? What do you struggle with in your perception of God? (i.e. He will not be faithful, He will take something/someone from me, He is angry with me, etc.)
3. What does it mean to “bear the image of God”? Discuss with your group.
4. At our core, we are designed to be dependent on God for all things. Where do you struggle in this area (money, love, job, security, purpose)?
5. What does it mean to “worship” God. Discuss. Be sure to reference scripture.

OIA questions based on sermon given 01-14-12
The sermon this week focused on Genesis 1. Genesis means “origins” and explains the beginning of mankind’s existence. The following is a series of observation and application questions bases on Genesis 1.
Observation

1. Who is the intended audience in this passage?

2. Are there any cultural or background issues that are important in understanding this passage?

3. When was this scripture written?

4. What key word(s)/phrase(s) really stand(s) out to you in this passage of scripture? Why are/is they/it important?

5. If you had to sum up all five of theses passages of scripture in one sentence, what would it be?
Application

After hearing the sermon on Genesis 1, do you view this portion of scripture different in any way? How? Why?

As made clear in the sermon, Genesis is not a scientific piece of literature. However, that does not mean that Genesis does not help in a scientific understanding of creation. How is Genesis useful in support of science and how is it not? Explain.

How does current scientific research support Genesis? How does it not? Do some research. Share your findings with your group. (Hint: look at recent findings in astronomy and planetary science)

Why is the information found in Genesis 1 absolutely essential in properly understanding salvation?

What other questions has this weeks sermon brought up for you? Share with your group.