Resources Related to Genesis (1-3)
GENESIS: Glorious CREATURES
In Psalm 8 the Psalmist does something rather surprising. He writes a Psalmic prayer/song reflecting on the unfathomable glory & honour in which God has clothed his human creatures. Genesis is not primarily *about* we human creatures, yet God does create his human creatures in his image, and crown them with his own glory. In exploring Genesis together we should expect to not simply come to understand ourselves better, but even more so, be moved to wonder at the God who spoke all things into existence.
GENESIS SERIES OUTLINE
Below is the outline of talks for our series in Genesis 1-3. Four of the talks will explore the opening three chapters. Two talks will be topical talks. We are also exploring with the Growth Group leaders the possibility of running a combined mid-week seminar.
1. Genesis 1:1-2:3 (21/07/24)
2. Genesis 2:4-25 (28/07/24)
3. Genesis 3:1-13 (04/08/24)
4. Genesis3:14-24 (11/08/24)
5. Guilt & Shame (18/08/24)
6. Creatureliness: limits & rest (25/08/24)
OTHER RESOURCES:
LINKS & ARTICLES
Below are some recommended resources for exploring Genesis 1-3 further in your own time.
The Good of Our
Creaturely Limits
A helpful podcast from Moore College’s Center for Christian Living reflecting on the good of our creaturely limitations.
YOU’RE ONLY HUMAN
A really helpful book exploring the nature (and goodness) of our creaturely limits.
Click the image above or THIS LINK to buy this book. If you’d like to explore a little bit of what this book is about before buying it the check out the podcast from Moore College above.
Old testament scholar andrew shead on some of the implications of “Male & female he created them”
The article hints at many helpful correctives such as this one…
”Femaleness is something a female possesses by nature; it is not a set of behaviours she must learn. Societies create sets of traits labelled “femininity”, that many females look at only to say, “That’s not me”. The same goes for maleness and “masculinity”.
And this one…
”Genesis 2 suggests that, whether married or single, we are truly being ourselves when we enjoy a deep communion with the opposite sex. “
WHAT IS THE PLACE OF ANIMALS IN CREATION AS THE OTHER CREATURES?
How and why the Temple reflects God’s Design and intention for the Garden of Eden (linked Article)
A brief overview article on how the Temple was designed to reflect the Garden of Eden, and how this helps us understand God’s intent for the Garden of Eden itself. (LINK)
Podcast Introductions
for Genesis 1-2
In the two podcast episodes embedded below, Dr John Walton talks about how we might approach the reading of Genesis as modern believers. How would the original readers have understood the claims of Genesis? What is Genesis 1 describing and how does it relate to history and science? What does it mean to be created in the “image” of God? How do we understand God’s presence in the Garden?
Level *introductory
Dr John Walton has authored several books on the opening chapters of Genesis that are linked in the Book Recommendations below.
How To use Genesis 1-2 as a tool of cultural critique
Click on the image (or here) to read a review that Steve wrote with Rob Smith of this wonderful book. The book is case study in how we can use Genesis 1-2 as a powerful way to engage our secular world’s way of thinking with the power of the gospel.
If anyone is keen to read through this book and discuss it with others, chat with Steve - I’m sure we can organise a reading group!
The Art of Rest: Faith to Hit Pause in a World That Never Rests
LEVEL *devotional
Christians eagerly engage ourselves (by the Spirit’s power) in the work God has given us to do. Yet, our creaturely limitations also warn us against us becoming too wrapped up in what we ourselves do, or do not, achieve. God set aside the 7th day to “rest”; not simply to recuperate for more work ahead, but rather to Joyfully Receive what God’s completed work had achieved for us. We rest in receiving both the fruit of God’s creative and redemptive work in Jesus. This book is the best one I (Steve) has ever read about what it means to both rest now, and to enter into a future rest!
“Good Book” Recommendation. Can be purchased from Reformer’s Bookstore in Stanmore.
Why Science needed Genesis chapter 1 to get going
Antinatalism:
is it morally or ethically problematic to bring children into existence?
Here is a LINK to an article by New Testament scholar Lionel Windsor on how Christians might think about the environmental consequences of having children.
Commentary RECOMMENDATIONS
LEVEL *introductory
The above commentary by John Walton is my (Steve) top recommendation for anyone who’d like to have a book on the shelf that will be a trustworthy companion for exploring Genesis for years to come. It is very accessible.
It comes in both Kindle and Hardback from AMAZON
Below I’ve also linked two shorter (but more in-depth) studies the same author has done on Genesis 1, and Genesis 2-3.
LEVEL *in-depth
In these two books the Old Testament scholar John Walton helps us understand what the author of Genesis was most eager to communicate to us about God and his creation. Click the links of the titles below to buy the paper or kindle versions of the book. These two books can also be purchased as audiobooks.
”The Lost World of Genesis One” This first book frames the evolution versus creationism debates in a way that helps us listen, first and foremost, to what the scriptures themselves are most concerned with teaching us about God, and his creation of the cosmos.
”The Lost World of Adam & Eve”
God’s forming Adam from the dust of the earth and Eve from Adam’s side have inspired both some of the greatest art and moments of scientific controversy. This book is an in-depth exploration of how modern readers of the bible can read the scriptures on the bible’s own terms.
RELATED TEACHING FROM SHC:
Below are some curated teaching from Summer Hill Church; recordings (new and old) along with some answers to submitted Questions from Q&A that might complement your exploration of Genesis.
How can we distinguish between good creaturely limits and the frustrations that come from “the fall”?
Some brief thoughts responding to a Q&A on our creaturely limits.
Let us know if there is something you’ve always wanted to ask about Genesis 1-3. We might not know (!) but we’ll give it a crack.
Q&A PDF outlining other passages that refer to Jesus as giving access to the Tree of Life.
CLICK LINK to download a PDF answering a question asked following the Genesis 3 sermon;
Are there references in the bible to Jesus giving access to the tree of life?
Sermons on Passages Referencing Genesis 1-3
1 CORINTHIANS 11:2-16
In this passage the apostle Paul makes the claim that man…
“is the image and glory of God; but woman is the glory of man.”
What does Paul mean by this? Surely this threatens to undermine the dignity of women!? Does this suggest that in some sense woman is not in the image of God?!?! Steve seeks to unpack how Paul uses Genesis 1-3 and Psalm 8 in describing the way husbands/wives relate.
1 TIMOTHY 2:8-14
In this passage, Paul draws from Genesis 2-3. He states that Adam was “formed” before Eve and that Eve was the one deceived. He also makes a statement about Eve’s cursed experience of childbirth. How is Paul using Genesis in this passage, and how does understanding Genesis better help us avoid distorting Paul’s words?