Week 1 OTC
Per what Kat said at small group on thurs, OTC starts MONDAY, nov 7th... Just incase you haven't bought the bk yet like me or it hasn't come in... No problem! Don't wait till it comes, here's the first week. I'm really excited to do this with ya'll. Its gonna be awesome.
Week 1 Challenge:
Look for…
□ God’s creation of the universe
□ Humanity’s rebellion against God
□ God’s provision for his wayward children
□ The ark built and Noah rescued from the Flood
□ The Tower of Babel built and a prideful “pseudo-community” dispersed
Activity
This week you are on a “God-Hunt”. Imagine you know every little about God. What do these early chapters of the Bible teach you about him? What are his likes and dislikes? How powerful is he? What is his nature? Also pay attention to what you see of God in your everyday life through such things as answered prayer, experiences of beauty, or a prompting to reach out to someone.
This week's prayer:
Pray this prayer throughout the week: Heavenly Father, I want to know you through your Word and meet you in my life. What do you want to teach me about yourself today
Day 1: God’s Good Creation
Genesis 1, Psalms 1
What Hint about the “community nature” of God (the Trinity) can you see in Genesis 1:2 and 26-27?
If God is invisible, what do you think “created in the image of God” means?
How would we all treat each other differently if we really believed we were made in God’s image – even with all our faults?
Tuesday: God’s Breath of Life and the Fall of Humanity
Genesis 2-3
What clue about our need for community is contained in Genesis 2:18? Is a spouse the only solution for this need? (hint: 1 John 4:7-8, 12)?
How did the serpent twist God’s words in Genesis 3:1 and 4 (compare Genesis 2:16-17)?
In spite of the curses, how did God show grace after the Fall? What does this tell you about him?
What New Testament event does Genesis 3:15 foreshadow?
Wednesday: Sin Spreads to Family
Genesis 4: Psalms 2
In Genesis 4, sin spreads from the individual to the family. How are families you know still experiencing the fallout from sin today?
In addition to the offering itself. What (or rather, who) was “out of favor” (Genesis 4:4-5)?
What details from the story of Cain and Abel does Hebrews 11:4 stress?
What insights about sin’s effects do you get from Genesis 4:7?
Thursday: Sin Spreads Worldwide
Genesis 5-6
In Genesis 5, the pattern is… “… and he died” after each person’s name – except for what exception is verse 24?
What does Hebrew 11:5 say about Enoch’s special status?
What was true about Noah that made him the exception to the rest of the world?
Why do you suppose God waited so long (120 years) to begin the Flood after telling Noah it was coming?
What does it tell you about God’s character that so many years went by before He judged sin? How are you doing these days mimicking God’s patience even when retribution is justified?
Friday: The Flood
Genesis 7-8; Psalm 3
The ark was one and a half football fields long, holding the volume of 569 railroad cars. Imagine yourself building such a huge structure – and so far away from any body of water, with hostile neighbors watching!
What do you think might be the significance of who closed the ark? ( Genesis 7:16)? Does this teach you anything about God?
What do you learn from these New Testament passages that comment on Noah and the Flood: Hebrews 11:7, 1 Peter 3:18-22; 2 Peter 2:5 and Matthew 24:37-39?
What was God’s response to Noah’s offering (Genesis 8:20-22)?
Weekend: God’s Covenant: Tower of Babel
Genesis 9-11; Psalm 4
What covenant did God make with Noah and his descendants in Genesis 9:8-17? What did Noah have to do? What insight does this give you about God’s nature?
What were the purposes for the tower in Genesis 11:4?
Compare Genesis 9:7; Psalm 2; and Isaiah 14:12-15. What sins do you think were committed by the people who built this monument?
How does such pride and rejection of God’s rule show up in our day? In what ways are you tempted to build your own monument to “Almighty Me”?