Read an Excerpt
Invitation to Genesis
Leader Guide
By Abingdon Press Abingdon Press
Copyright © 2006 Abingdon Press
All rights reserved.
ISBN: 978-1-4267-6938-2
CHAPTER 1
SESSION
1
The Beginning ... and What Went Wrong
Gathering Around God's Word
(15–20 minutes)
Welcome
Begin on time by welcoming the group to the study. Ideally, this should be the second time the group has been together. During the orientation meeting the previous week, group participants met to preview the materials, discuss expectations of the study, and receive the assignment for the week. In case group participants arrive at this first session who were not present at the orientation meeting, be prepared to summarize as briefly as possible what they can expect from the study and what the study will expect from them.
Prayer
Establish a particular ritual of praying together at the start of the study. Keep in mind that the text of this study—the Bible—is a rich source of meaningful prayers. When appropriate, make use of other Bible translations when praying the Scriptures. Psalms 8, 19, and 104 in particular have as their focus the praise of creation. As a way of highlighting this study's theme of beginnings, consider selecting a portion of one of these psalms to use when praying together.
Invitation From Scripture
In the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth, the earth was a formless void and darkness covered the face of the deep, while a wind from God swept over the face of the waters. —Genesis 1:1-2
Viewing the Video: Session 1, Part 1
The video component in the series has two parts, and both are central to the group's study. Part 1 is a narrative presentation of a portion of Scripture read in each lesson designed to invite reflection and discussion of a specific text. The purpose of this video segment is to make available to the group a rich, aural experience of the stories of Genesis. The recommended procedure for using this video is as follows: (1) Silence: Rather than preparing for the video by having a question or two to keep in mind, group members should clear their minds in anticipation of receiving a new insight from a fresh hearing of God's Word. (2) Listening: Rather than taking notes during the video presentation, group members should listen carefully to the narrative and try to visualize the story as it unfolds. (3) Discussion: Thoughtful discussion should follow careful listening. Use the set of questions below to guide the group's responses after viewing the video.
• Character: What motivates the actions or attitudes of the characters in this story?
• Conflict: What conflict drives the story?
• Key word: What word(s) did hearing the story spoken aloud call to your attention?
• Image: What image(s) came to mind as you listened to the story?
• How would you describe the new beginning conveyed by this story?
Encountering God's Word in the Text
(20–25 minutes)
The readings this week not only introduce us to the God of creation, but they also set the stage for how God intends to solve the dilemma set into motion by humankind.
In groups of two to four, discuss the following questions:
• How does our view of God affect our reading of the opening chapters of Genesis?
• How does our understanding of how the world works affect our reading of the opening chapters of Genesis?
• How is our understanding of God and the world different from that of the early Israelites? How does that difference affect our reading of these opening chapters of Genesis?
Have each person paraphrase Psalm 19. Invite those who will to share their paraphrases with the group. Then discuss this question: What is the connection between Law and creation?
Examining God's Word in Context
(15–20 minutes)
The temptation story of Adam and Eve brings conflict to God's perfect creation. God's desire for reconciliation is foundational to this story and the Bible as a whole.
Viewing the Video: Session 1, Part 2
Prepare to View Video:
Listen for what is said about the different ways the temptation story has been interpreted in Jewish and Christian tradition.
Discuss After Viewing Video:
What distinguishes the ways Jews and Christians have historically interpreted the temptation story?
Consider the temptation itself:
• What is the nature of the offense in the temptation story?
• How does the offense in the temptation story compare to the temptations we face?
• What is meant by the phrase "then the eyes of both were opened" (Genesis 3:7)?
Consider the role of the serpent in the story, casting doubt on God's motives:
• What are the "serpents" in our world that lead us into temptation?
• How should we respond when we encounter these serpents?
In the video interview, Michael Williams observes that creation is both good and broken and we must live in that tension. How do we do that?
Going Forth With God's Word: An Invitation to Discipleship
(10–15 minutes)
Genesis speaks of two extremes: the glorious acts of God and the destructive acts of humanity. In pairs, discuss the following questions:
• What does it mean to live as the crown of creation but at the same time to be aware of the plight of human sinfulness?
• How might our worship reflect both our joy in God's creativity and remorse for our destructiveness?
Call attention to the "For Reflection" section on page 21 in the participant book. Ask pairs to share responses to the questions.
If time permits, conclude this section of the group meeting by inviting persons to share their thoughts about the quotation printed in the participant book on page 22 under "For Further Reflection."
Closing and Prayer
Turn to Session 2, and review the focus of the lesson and the assignments for the week ahead. Establish a pattern of inviting prayer concerns and praying together at this time.
CHAPTER 2
SESSION
2
Another Beginning: The Flood ... and What Went Wrong
Gathering Around God's Word
(15–20 minutes)
Welcome
Begin on time by welcoming the group to the study.
Prayer
Pray together as you begin your study.
Invitation From Scripture
Then the LORD said to Noah, "Go into the ark, you and all your household, for I have seen that you alone are righteous before me in this generation." —Genesis 7:1
Viewing the Video: Session 2, Part 1
Prepare for the video by having group members: (1) clear their minds in anticipation of receiving a new insight from a fresh hearing of God's Word and (2) listen carefully and try to visualize the story as it unfolds.
Use the questions below to guide the group's responses after viewing the video:
• Character: What motivates the actions or attitudes of the characters in this story?
• Conflict: What conflict drives the story?
• Key word: What key word(s) emerged from your hearing the story spoken aloud?
• Image: What image(s) came to mind as you listened to the story?
• How would you describe the new beginning conveyed by this story?
Encountering God's Word in the Text
(20–25 minutes)
The readings this week recount the stories of the Flood and the tower of Babel. Both these stories involve building projects: an ark and a tower. In groups of two to four, discuss the purpose of these projects, what each one says about God, and what each says about humankind.
Listen to Genesis 7:1 read aloud. Then discuss this question: How would you describe the righteousness God saw in Noah?
Recall this statement from the commentary in the participant book: "The Flood is not just a cataclysmic event; it is a reversal of Creation itself" (page 27). Explain what this statement means. How does this understanding of the Flood story shape your image of God?
Listen to Genesis 9:8-17 read aloud, and discuss the relationship between covenant and Creation in the week's readings.
Examining God's Word in Context
(15–20 minutes)
The stories of the Flood and the tower of Babel highlight both the problem of humanity and the judgment of God in the created order.
Viewing the Video: Session 2, Part 2
Prepare to View Video:
Listen for what is said about the distinctiveness of the biblical Flood story in comparison to other ancient flood narratives. What role did the story of the Flood play in the faith of Israel? According to Genesis 6, what was the problem of humanity?
Discuss After Viewing Video:
Encounters with God bring about change. God desires to be in a covenant relationship with us. God intends humanity to be a productive—rather than a destructive—part of the created order.
As a total group, talk about the distinctiveness of the biblical Flood story in comparison to other ancient flood narratives. What insights did the interview yield? Consider what role the story of the Flood played in the faith of Israel.
Form two groups to discuss the following questions:
• What is your understanding of humankind's divine commission?
• If God surveyed humankind today, which of the following would be God's response? (1) "It is very good," or (2) "Great is the evil in the heart of humankind." Explain.
• Reading these stories of the Flood and the tower of Babel today, what is the message we need to hear about the problem of humanity and the judgment of God?
Going Forth With God's Word: An Invitation to Discipleship
(10–15 minutes)
God's way of saving God's people is by providing a new beginning. In pairs, discuss the following question:
• How does your understanding of the righteousness God is looking for affect how you practice your discipleship?
Call attention to the "For Reflection" section on page 31 in the participant book. Ask pairs to share responses to the questions.
If time permits, conclude this section of the group meeting by inviting persons to share their thoughts about the quotation printed in the participant book on page 32 under "For Further Reflection."
Closing and Prayer
Turn to Session 3. Review the focus of the lesson and the assignments for the week ahead. Close with prayer.
CHAPTER 3
SESSION
3
Another Beginning: Abraham and the Patriarchs
Gathering Around God's Word
(15–20 minutes)
Welcome
Begin on time by welcoming the group to the study.
Prayer
Pray together as you begin your study.
Invitation From Scripture
Now the LORD said to Abram, "Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you. I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you, and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing." —Genesis 12:1-2
Viewing the Video: Session 3, Part 1
Prepare for the video by having group members: (1) clear their minds in anticipation of receiving a new insight from a fresh hearing of God's Word and (2) listen carefully and try to visualize the story as it unfolds.
Use the questions below to guide the group's responses after viewing the video:
• Character: What motivates the actions or attitudes of the characters in this story?
• Conflict: What conflict drives the story?
• Key word: What key word(s) emerged from your hearing the story spoken aloud?
• Image: What image(s) came to mind as you listened to the story?
• How would you describe the new beginning conveyed by this story?
Encountering God's Word in the Text
(20–25 minutes)
God calls Abraham (in Genesis 12 he is still called Abram) to create a people through whom all the families of the earth will be blessed. With this in mind, form two groups. Instruct Group 1 to examine the story in Genesis 12:10-20 and Group 2 to examine the story in Genesis 16. Have each group respond to the following questions:
• Who are the characters in the story, and which ones give direction in the story?
• How do the characters respond to each other?
• What do their responses reveal about them?
• What do you think the story said to those who first heard it?
• What does the story say to us today?
As a total group, listen to God's call of Abraham in Genesis 12:1-3 and then God's covenant with him in Genesis 17:1-8 read aloud. Call attention to the fact that the stories in Genesis 12:10-20 and in Genesis 16 come between the two call stories. Why might this be significant for our understanding of God's call of Abraham and God's covenant with him?
Consider Abraham's response to God's call: He builds two altars (Genesis 12:78).
• What was the purpose of building altars in response to God's call?
• What does this practice of building altars suggest for how we respond to God's call in our own lives?
Examining God's Word in Context
(15–20 minutes)
The story of the call of Abraham and God's covenant with Abraham is another beginning in God's plan. It is a plan that will unfold gradually over the course of Genesis and throughout the Bible.
Viewing the Video: Session 3, Part 2
Listen for what is said about how the Bible makes use of twice-told tales to communicate meaning. How does the Bible's expectation of its readers shape the way the readers find meaning in the texts?
Discuss After Viewing Video:
What should be our approach to reading Genesis? How does our reading of stories differ from other types of literature, such as history, philosophy, or poetry?
These repeated stories in Genesis deal ultimately with relationships. In the stories in Genesis 12, 20, and 26, the relationship is between husband and wife. In Genesis 15 and 17, the relationship is between Abraham and God.
• What is the most important element in these relationships?
• How are our relationships with others shaped by our awareness of God's covenant relationship with us?
• How are our relationships with others put at risk by our neglect of our covenant relationship with God?
In general, how does the repetition of these stories in Genesis support the overall message of the patriarchal narrative?
Going Forth With God's Word: An Invitation to Discipleship
(10–15 minutes)
The story of Abraham is, like the Bible as a whole, ultimately a story of God's grace. It is a story of God using flawed people to do great things, not because they deserve it but because God's promises are true. In pairs, discuss the following question:
• When do you find God's care and grace hard to believe and (like Abraham did, more than once) try taking matters into your own hands?
Call attention to the "For Reflection" section on page 41 in the participant book. Ask pairs to share responses to the questions.
If time permits, conclude this section of the group meeting by inviting persons to share their thoughts about the quotation printed in the participant book on page 42 under "For Further Reflection."
Closing and Prayer
Turn to Session 4. Review the focus of the lesson and the assignments for the week ahead. Close with prayer.
CHAPTER 4
SESSION
4
Abraham and a Glimpse to the Future
Gathering Around God's Word
(15–20 minutes)
Welcome
Begin on time by welcoming the group to the study.
Prayer
Pray together as you begin your study.
Invitation From Scripture
I will establish my covenant between me and you, and your offspring after you throughout their generations, for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your offspring after you. — Genesis 17:7
Viewing the Video: Session 4, Part 1
Prepare for the video by having group members: (1) clear their minds in anticipation of receiving a new insight from a fresh hearing of God's Word and (2) listen carefully and try to visualize the story as it unfolds.
Use the questions below to guide the group's responses after viewing the video.
• Character: What motivates the actions or attitudes of the characters in this story?
• Conflict: What conflict drives the story?
• Key word: What key word(s) emerged from your hearing the story spoken aloud?
• Image: What image(s) came to mind as you listened to the story?
• How would you describe the new beginning conveyed by this story?
Encountering God's Word in the Text
(20–25 minutes)
The interplay between God's initiation of the covenant and human responsibility is a delicate dance throughout the Old Testament. God's covenant with Abraham, signified by the rite of circumcision, is everlasting. He is warned that failure to meet God's obligations will result in his being "cut off from his people" (Genesis 17:14). In groups of two to four, discuss the following questions:
• What kind of commitments or agreements with others have you made in your life?
• What would happen if either party failed to keep his or her end of the agreement?
• How are the commitments or agreements you made like or unlike the covenant God made with Abraham?
Recall all the readings for this week and talk as a total group about how God faithfully upheld God's side of the covenant.
• How does Abraham's faithfulness compare to God's?
• What does the episode of Sodom and Gomorrah have to do with God's covenant with Abraham? What do the stories of Abimelech, Ishmael, and Hagar have to do with God's covenant with Abraham?
• How might our understanding of God's covenant with Abraham shape our agreements with others? Our own covenant with God?
(Continues...)
Excerpted from Invitation to Genesis by Abingdon Press. Copyright © 2006 Abingdon Press. Excerpted by permission of Abingdon Press.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
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