Re-write of Psalm 25 (God My Saviour)

I re-wrote this song and recorded it and put it on my music site. Attached is the link to my site.


http://www.reverbnation.com/joshfarrell1/songs

My own Psalm

What am I but a speck here on this earth

Yet You Lord delight in me

You see me as the apple of your eye

Interlude

You are Lord of heaven and earth

Your greatness none can fathom

When I seem to slip away

You are the one to bring me back

For you are faithful, forever faithful

Interlude

Your love oh Lord is like an endless ocean

Day after day I find myself drowning in Your love

Samuel

Original reader:

1&2 Samuel is written sometime after the the nation of Israel split into two kingdoms (southern and northern). It is addressed to both kingdoms for the future generations to show the biographical contrast between Israel's first two kings and how they lead the nation.

Author:

The author for 1 Samuel is not entirely sure, though it does mention that Samuel the prophet made some written records (1 Sam 10:25). Also the biblical text suggests both Nathan and Gad the seers helped compose both books of Samuel. (1 Chron 29:29) This is just surface evidence of authorship of 1&2 Samuel, nobody really knows who the exact author is.

Main themes, and repeated ideas in this book, and one sentence summary of the main idea:

One of the major themes and repeated ideas shown throughout 1&2 Samuel is the transitions of leadership. We see that God raises people up and then tears them down all in accordance with his plan. We see the transition of Eli the judge/priest passed onto Samuel. (1 Sam 3:19-4:1, 4:18, 7:3) We then see the leadership change from priest to king. The nation of Israel wanted to be like the nations around them so they demand a king to reign over them opposed to God as their ultimate king. So we see Samuel anoint Saul.(1 Sam 8:5, 10:20-25) After the downfall of Saul we see the transition of kingship passed onto David. (1 Sam 15:10-18:9)

Another common occurrence in 1&2 Samuel is the victories that God gives to both Saul and David. (1 Sam 7:1-17, 2 Sam 6:1-10:19) Another big theme is the contrast between the character of Saul opposed to the character of David. We see Saul starts out with a great beginning but then concludes in absolute failure. He tends to lead and live by his emotions rather than the law of God. ( 1 Sam 13:7-14, 15:9) We see the character of David addressed as "one after my own heart" (1 Sam 13:13-14). David became more and more powerful because God was with him. (2 Sam 5:10) After disobeying God we see Saul trying to justify what he did was right. (1 Sam 15:1-21) Where as David has a heart of repentance after he sins. (2 Sam 12:13)

In conclusion these are a couple of the main themes and repeated ideas throughout 1&2 Samuel.

The main idea of this book is stated in 1 Sam 2:30 "But I will honor those who honor me and I will despise those who think lightly of me."

Primary reason book was written:

The primary reason 1&2 Samuel was written was to continue the history of Israel and their relationship with God and to connect the era from the time of judges to the time of kings. Also it strongly emphasizes the consequences of faithfulness and disobedience.

Character and Nature of God:

God shows his faithfulness and super natural power to Hannah by enabling her to become pregnant when she was barren.  (1 Sam 1:19) We see the holiness and raw power of God displayed when the Philistines captured the Ark of God. God ends up shattering the Philistine god and sending a plague of tumors on the people. (1 Sam 5:1-12) Also more of God's holiness is displayed when Israel gets the Ark of God back and 70 men look into the Ark, God kills them because they are not pure and it just in general not allowed to look into it. (1 Sam 6:19-20)

God looks at the heart of people not their outward appearance. (1 Sam 16:7) It was the hand of the Lord that was upon David that gave him his victories. (2 Sam 8:6) God's forgiveness and judgement is shown to David after he sins by committing adultery with Bathsheba and having Uriah murdered. (2 Sam 12:7-14) God shows his protection to David by rescuing him from his enemies and from Saul. (22:1-3)

As you can see a lot of the character and nature of God is shown throughout both books of Samuel.

God's redemptive plan:

I see God's redemptive plan show in 2 Sam 7:13-16. The Lord spoke to Nathan to give a message to David about David's house and kingdom and throne being secure forever, implying that Jesus is the one to come and his kingdom is the one to reign forever. Jesus' genealogy also stems from David, so David is a representation of Christ. 

Personal Application:

1 Sam 2:30

 "But I will honor those who honor me and I will despise those who think lightly of me."

I feel God is wanting to give me a greater understanding of the fear of the Lord. That he does not take relationships with him lightly. There are so many levels of intimacy that God desires and i feel he is inviting me to go deeper with him.

POP

I feel the above verse applies to my point of passion. That as I grow in the fear of the Lord and my relationship with him i will be able to reflect more of his character and be an example to the youth. Not just the youth though but also in regards to worship leading and having more of God's heart and being able to bring people into the presence of God

Judges

Original reader:

The book of Judges is written to the Israel and is written in the time of the kings. (21:25) 

Author:

Both the Sourceview Bible and Nelson's Complete Book of Maps and Charts state that Jewish tradition points to the prophet Samuel to have written the book of Judges. Also another good indicator that points to Samuel as the author is the last verse in Judges. (21:25) Samuel was the crucial link between the time of the judges and the time of the kings.

Main themes, and repeated ideas in this book, and one sentence summary of the main idea:

One of the biggest themes in the book of Judges is the tragic cycle of sin and redemption that is repeated many times. The people of Israel turn from God. (3:7,12, 4:1, 6:1,8:33-34, etc) God then delivers Israel into the hands of their enemies to be oppressed because of their disobedience. (3:8;13, 4:2, 6:1, etc) Israel then cries out to God and repents. (3:9;15, 4:3, 6:6) After Israel cries out and repents God raises up a judge to rescue Israel. (3:9-10; 15, 4:4-5, 6:14) Once God raises up a judge there then is peace in the land. (2:18) As you can see this was the main repeated cycle throughout the book of Judges.

The book of Judges is about Israel repeating a tragic cycle of sin and repentance towards God.

Primary reason book was written:

The primary reason that Judges was written was because it played an important role in their history. God put so called hereos called judges to rescue his people. It also was written to show God's heart of mercy towards his people.

Character and Nature of God:

In the second chapter we see God's judgement towards israel because they broke the covenant with God by disobeying the command God gave them. (2:1-3) God's mercy is shown a lot throughout this book by raising up judges to rescue Israel from their sin after they cry out to God. (3:9-10; 15, 4:4-5, etc) We also see the kindness God displays to Gideon by assuring him he is with him as God calls him to fulfill his purpose.(6:12-16) We also see God show his nature to Gideon by proving three signs to assure Gideon it is the Lord that was talking with him and the Lord that was calling Gideon to rescue Israel. (6:17-40) We also see the unique power of God portrayed when God gives Gideon and his 300 men victory over the Midianties. (7:21-22) The character and nature of God is uniquely displayed in Judges.

God's redemptive plan:

The redemptive plan I see throughout Judges is all the judges that God raises up is a foreshadow of the coming of Jesus, who will be the final judge and bring eternal peace to Israel and the world. (2:18)

Personal Application:

6:12

"Mighty hero, the LORD is with you."

I love this verse because God sees Gideon for who he really is, his true identity, whereas Gideon sees himself through his own insecurities. I feel that we as sons and daughters of God need to start looking at ourselves through heavens eyes more often and in that way we will have less doubt about ourselves and be able to step into the fulness God has for us sooner. There is power in our words and for me I feel God is saying to speak life and truth over myself so that I can walk out in my true identity as a son of God and confidently as one called by God

POP

The above verse I feel the Lord speaking to me. A lot of the youth back home look up to me as a role model and I know sometimes I doubt the gift of God in me. With that said I feel that God is continually reassuring me that he is with me and is wanting to use me for his purposes.

Joshua

Original reader:

After the death of Moses, Joshua is elected by God to lead the people of Israel into the Promised Land. (1:2) So as you can see this book is written to the new generation of Israel who will be entering the land that God is giving them. 

Author:

It is believed that Joshua wrote the book of Joshua. The evidence to back this belief up is many times it is written "The LORD spoke to Joshua" (1:1, 3:7, 4:1;15, 7:10, etc) In ending it also states that Joshua recorded these things in the Book of God's Instructions. (24:26)

Main themes, and repeated ideas in this book, and one sentence summary of the main idea:

One repeated theme I see in the book of Joshua is "be strong and courageous" (1:6;9;18, 10:25) We see this take shape in many forms, God speaking to Moses as he leads the people of israel, the people saying it to Moses and Moses to the people though at different times. Another repeated theme i see in this book is, God speaks a promise to Joshua and fulfills it. God tells Joshua He has given him victory over his enemies and as Joshua walks in faith those promises are fulfilled. (1:3 fulfilled in 2:9, 6:1 fulfilled in 6:20, 8:1 fulfilled in 8:22-23, 11:6 fulfilled in 11:8, 21:43) Another repeated theme displayed is covenant. Joshua makes a covenant with Israel, committing them to follow the decrees and regulations of the LORD. (23:25) In conclusion these are the main themes repeated throughout the book of Joshua.

The book of Joshua is the conquest to take the land that God promised Joshua and the israelites.

Primary reason book was written:

The primary reason Joshua was written was for Israel to see the faithfulness of God. God had previously prepared Israel for the Promise Land and He was now giving them that land. By the end of the book we see the whole fulfillment of God's promise. (21:43) It was also written for the future generations to know of God's faithfulness

Character and Nature of God:

The biggest character trait of God in the book of Joshua is God's faithfulness. As I mentioned in the above question we see God fulfill his promise to Israel and bring them into the Promise Land. (21:43) We see the favour of God shown to Rahab the prostitute because she kept the treaty she made with the spies, so God spared her and her families lives when Israel destroyed Jericho. (6:23) We also see the judgement of God brought on Achan and his family because Achan disobeyed God and took plunder for himself after God told Israel not to take any possessions for themselves when they captured Jericho. The result of this was Achan and his family was stoned to death. (7:25) As you can see this is some of God's character and nature displayed in Joshua

God's redemptive plan:

The meaning of the name "Joshua" is One whom God saves. So you can see that as Joshua leads the people of Israel into their possessions it is symbolic and foreshadows Jesus being the One who will bring people to the glory of God. Secondly the scarlet cord that provides safety of Rahab and her family symbolizes safety through the blood of Christ. (2:17-22)

Personal Application:

Joshua 1:8

"Study this book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do."

I feel that through this verse God is saying that in order to be prosperous in all you do is to know the word of God. For it is applicable to our everyday circumstances.

POP

I have a desire to help mentor and raise up the youth into their true identities as sons and daughters of God. I feel that the above verse is a key that will help teach me and grow me in my knowledge of God's word and that the result of that I can speak into youth lives.

Deuteronomy

Original reader:

Deuteronomy is directed at the new generation because they are the ones who will be entering the promise land. (9:1-3). Previously in Numbers the parents of the new generation are not able to come into the promise land because of their disobedience to the lord. 

Author:

It is stated very clearly in chapter 31:9 that Moses is the author of Deuteronomy. " So Moses wrote this entire body of instruction in a book and gave it to the priests, who carried the Ark of the Lord's Covenant, and to the elders of Israel." As well as Nelson's Complete Book of Maps and Charts suggest that Moses is the author of Deuteronomy.

Main themes, and repeated ideas in this book, and one sentence summary of the main idea:

Deuteronomy is broken down into three parts (sermons). The first sermon is Moses reminding the Israelites what God has done for them in regards to the Exodus in Egypt. He reminds them of God's power, provision and protection as well as their disobedience which led to their ultimate punishment. (1- 4:44). The second sermon Moses tells the people what God expects of them and how they should conduct their lives. He expands on much of the original law. (5:1 - 26:19). The last sermon he speaks is a prophetical foretelling of what God is going to do. (27:1 - 32:48). As you can see this is Deuteronomy at a glance. The three sermons reflect the main themes.

The main theme in the book of Deuteronomy is summed up in 10:12 "And now, israel, what does the Lord require of you? He requires only that you fear the Lord your God and live in a way that pleases Him, and love him and serve him with all your heart and soul." 

Primary reason book was written:

The primary reason this book was written was to remind the new generation of Israel of the importance of obedience to the Lord and to renew the earlier covenant with God that their parents had broken. (29:9) These are Moses last words to Israel so he addresses the importance of loving God with your entire being and serving Him and Him only wholeheartedly.(6:5-6) He is a jealous God. (6:14-15) Moses goes on to reiterate and expand on the law he gave them when at Mt. Sinai, he stresses the importance of obeying all the decrees of the Lord in order to be blessed. (6:24-25)

Character and Nature of God:

This book shows a lot about the character and nature of God. For instance God has unfailing and  unconditional love towards those who follow him. (5:10) Also it displays His great power and faithfulness. (6:22-23) It also shows that He is the ultimate sustainer and provider. (8:3-4). Another big one is that God does not violate freewill. He allows people to make their own choices. (11:9;13) It also mentions that everything God does is just and fair and that he is upright. (32:4) As you can see the book of Deuteronomy shows a lot about the character and nature of God.

God's redemptive plan:

The thing that sticks out to me in this book is that God raises up leaders after His heart. God is bringing Joshua on the scene now because Moses is unable to enter the promised land because of his disobedience. (31:2; 7-8) (34:9) Joshua on the other hand along with Caleb were the only exception because of their loyalty to God. God always has a plan and he is now executing his plan through Joshua, Israel's new leader. In one way I believe this is one way God is showing his redemptive plan. Second, 32:4 says " He is the Rock, his deeds are perfect." I believe this is referring to and foreshadowing Jesus.

Personal Application

Deut 10:12 has been pressed upon my heart.

 "And now, israel, what does the Lord require of you? He requires only that you fear the Lord your God and live in a way that pleases Him, and love him and serve him with all your heart and soul."  

I believe this is God's heart displayed for how he wants everybody to conduct their lives. In a manner that pleases Him. This verse is my prayer, that I would learn to fear God, and live in a way that pleases him. Be so close in relationship with him. This challenges me to live more like God.

Numbers

Original Reader:

The book of Numbers is written to the people of Israel. Two generations are represented, the old generation (1-10) and the new generation (21-36)

Author:

There is strong evidence that points to Moses to be the author of Numbers. There are over 80 claims that "The LORD spoke to Moses.". (3:11; 3:40; 5:11) etc. It is also stated that Moses kept detailed records of the events throughout this book. (33:2)

Main themes, and repeated ideas in this book, and one sentence summary of the main idea:

One of the repeated occurrences found in the book of Numbers is the many complaints of Israel. (11:1; 20:3-5; 21:4-5) First they complain about their hardships, the food they were eating, then leaving Egypt and how they are going to die in the desert. We then see God's anger against them because of their lack of appreciation for all that God has done for them. (11:1; 11:33-35, 20:12, 21:6) In conclusion we see these repeated occurrences throughout Numbers.

Primary reason book was written:

The primary reason Numbers was written was to show God's judgement against sin and to reshape Israel's future by telling the story of their past which resulted in failure by a means of unbelief towards God. Moses sends 12 spies to inspect the promise land and 10 of the spies come back and spread a bad report about the land and how they are unable to take it. (13:31) This then results in Israel's disobedience to God because they refused listen to the Lord. The consequence of their sin is revealed. (14:21-23) They then end up wandering in the desert for 40 years. (14:34)

Character and Nature of God:

As I mentioned in the above question we see the judgement of God displayed in this book. (14:34). Israel wanders a year for everyday the spies took to inspect the land, which was a total of 40 days so that is 40 years of wandering. We also see the justice of God. (15:18-31) In spite of God's judgement and wrath we see the mercy of God is shown to Israel after they sin against the Lord. (21:6-8) We see the great power of God in giving animals the ability to speak and open the eyes to the supernatural. (22:28; 31) As you can see these are some of the God's character and nature throughout Numbers.

God's redemptive plan:

I believe the story of the bronze snake attached to a pole symbolizes the crucifixion of Christ. When everyone was bitten they just had to look at the pole and they were healed. (21:9) cross reference to john 3:14. 24:10

Personal Application:

There are so many things that you can take away from Numbers and apply to your life. For me I tend to find myself complaining about campus food sometimes and the revelation God spoke to me was that is he providing food in the first place which I should be thankful for. There were countless times where Israel complained and God got mad at them, so rather then complaining the thing I take away from this story is that I should be thankful in all circumstances. Also we see that Israel factored out God in there equation and tried to do it their own way. For me, that challenges me to be thinking and praying for what God has next for me after DBS opposed to me creating my own plans. Not that creating your own plans is bad but including God in the decision making process is what counts.

Leviticus

Original reader:

I see in the book of Leviticus that Gods intent for Israel is to be holy as he is. (20:26) So with that said Leviticus is addressed to the people of Israel and also for the future generations of Israel to come. Israel is Gods chosen people. Leviticus specifically addresses Gods heart through the law which is put in place to lead Israel to his heart and keep them in continual relationship with him.  So in conclusion we see God defining Israel as a nation and giving them core values to live by.

Author:

Both the sourceview bible and Nelson's complete Book of Maps and Charts suggest that Moses is the author of Leviticus. Out of the 27 chapters of Leviticus 56 times it is stated that God imparts the different laws to Moses. (1:1; 4:1; 6:1, 24; 8:1; 14:1)

Main themes, and repeated ideas in this book, and one sentence summary of the main idea:

Leviticus specifically addresses the concept and main attribute of God which is "holiness". Gods heart for His chosen people is that they would be holy because He is holy. (11:44) It shows how an unholy and corrupt group of people can be sanctified through blood sacrifices and then walk in relationship with God by obeying His laws. (17:11) (25:18) (26:46)

The main idea of the book of Leviticus is God introduces the law for his people to live by so that they can walk in close relationship with Him

Primary reason book was written:

The primary reason Leviticus was written was so that Israel would have a Godly justice system at the root of their establishment as both a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. (21:1; 20:26) God creates a law for them to live by so that they can attain access to God and also maintain unbroken fellowship with Him.

Character and Nature of God:

One of the main character traits of God displayed in the book of Leviticus is holiness. God has always been holy and he takes holiness seriously. (11:45) He is the image of perfection. We also see the justice of God implemented through the law by the different offerings. There are a total of 5 offerings, Burnt offering (1:3-17), Grain Offering (2:1-16), Peace Offering (3:1-17)), Sin Offering (4:1 - 5:13), Trespassing Offering (5:14 - 6:7). These offerings are put in effect to bring one closer to God when one falls away or sins.  As you can see these are the main characteristics of God in the book of Leviticus.

God's redemptive plan:

All the things in Leviticus are just a shadow of the things to come. Four of the five offerings require some type of animal that is without blemish to atone for the sins of the people. (1:3-4) (3:1) etc. The only possible way for purification to take place is for blood to be shed in exchange for a life. (17:11) All these things show Gods redemptive plan for mankind because they foreshadow Jesus as the ultimate sacrifice once for all. 

Personal Application

For me Leviticus really gets me thinking of holiness. I know God takes holiness seriously and I guess we all have areas in our lives where we need to let God come and purify us and make us holy. He is the only one who can make us holy in the first place. (21:8) For me it is the constant surrendering and allowing Him to have his way in my heart and life.

World View Questions & Response

Anonymous Respondent

1. What is really real?

God

2. What is the nature of the universe?

God exists and created.

3. What is a human being?

Created in Gods image.

4. What happens after death?

If you are saved and good you go to heaven. You also have to wait to get in.

5. How do you know right from wrong?

Bible

6. How can you know anything at all?

Bible

7. What is the purpose of history?

To avoid peoples mistakes and predict the future.

Exodus

Exodus First Impressions:

What do you see in this book that tells you about the Original Reader?

I see that in the book of Exodus it is clearly written to the Israelites. Israel at this time had been oppressed in slavery for over 400 years in the land of Egypt. (3:7) We also see that Israel is increasing in number and becoming more powerful in Egypt. (1:7) We also meet Moses the main character of Exodus whom God uses to lead Israel out of slavery. (3:11) In conclusion we see that the Original reader in the book of Exodus is addressed the the Israelites.

What do you see in this book that tells you about the author?

The sourceview bible indicates that Moses is the author of Exodus. There are a few times mentioned in the bible where God tells Moses to write down of the historical events that happened to and with Israel (17:14; 24:3-4; 34:27) As you can see this is some good evidence that proves Moses was the author of Exodus.

What are the main themes, and repeated ideas in this book, and what is one sentence summary of "the main idea?"

The two main themes in the book of Exodus that I see are deliverance and discipleship. We see that Israel is in bondage in and to Egypt. (1:11) We see God speak with Moses on the mountain and display his plan for deliverance for his people. (3:7-10) God then sends Moses back to Egypt to lead Israel out of slavery. While in Egypt God displays his glorious might through Moses in order to break Pharaohs stubborn heart by sending 10 plagues upon Pharaoh and his people. (7:14 - 12:30) Thus at the final demonstration of God's greatness, Pharaoh gave in and allowed Israel to leave Egypt. From here on out we see God discipling the people of Israel and teaching them the laws in which they are to live their lives towards God. Though it is a journey because they fall back into their old ways and begin to worship man made idols as they did in Egypt. (32:1-6) God being a faithful God he corrects them out of their old ways and wins back their hearts to Him and continues to teach them His ways and renews His covenant with them. (34:1-27) All in all we see God bring deliverance to His people in the first half of Exodus and we God discipling and raising up a holy people before Him.

The main idea of Exodus is God is the almighty deliver and ultimate discipler.

What is the primary reason this book was written?

The primary reason Exodus was written was for God to reveal his character and nature to his future people who don't know him. God calls himself "I AM WHO I AM. Say this to the people of Israel. I AM has sent me to you." (3:14) God is stating clearly who he is, and that he is the almighty God. There are countless stories in the book of Exodus that reveal Gods power, promises, protection and faithfulness. (15:26; 23:20; 32)

Exodus Theme Tracing:

What does this book show about the character and nature of God?

We see Gods love and faithfulness displayed early in Exodus. (3:7-8) God has a plan to rescue his people from bondage in Egypt. We see the affirming character of God presented in the burning bush while talking with Moses. (3:12 - 4:17) Moses doubts himself time after time but God reaffirms him that He will be with him and guide him and tell him what to say. We later see the nature of God through his mighty power demonstrated in Egypt bringing the plagues down on pharaoh and his people. (7:14 - 12:30) Not only do we see Gods glorious power with the plagues but also seperating the Red Sea. (14:21) We also see the orderly detailed nature of God displayed in the building of the tabernacle. (24:12 - 27:21) As you can see there are many attributes of God shown in Exodus.

What does this book show about Gods redemptive plan for mankind?

In the book of Exodus we see two types of redemption to the people of Israel. The first one is the redemption by the blood through the passover. This is where the Lord passes over the houses of Israel in Egypt but strikes down the first born among the Egyptians. (12:1 - 13:16) And the second form of redemption is by the power of God they are brought out of slavery. This is when Pharaoh lets Gods people go free. (13:17 - 15:21) As you can see this book shows God is faithful to His word and does as has planned.

Personal Application:

The one thing that sticks out to me in Exodus is when God speaks with Moses in the burning bush. (3:1 - 4:17) I know I have been in this position where God calls me and I respond like Moses did, why me Lord, I am unable, you should chose someone else. I still seem to respond like Moses did. I tend to focus on my own abilities opposed to Gods abilities which are far greater than mine. What I can take away from this is that God is for me and when he calls on me, I need to lean into his faithfulness and not my own insecurities.

Genesis

Genesis First Impressions:

What do you see in this book that tells you about the Original Reader?

I see that in the book of Genesis it was clearly written to the israelites. It mentions one of the main characters Abraham and tells the many different stories of him and his family (Isaac, Jacob and Joseph). Abraham was the one whom God chose " for you will be the father of many nations" (17:4-6) and have his covenant with. Secondly the sourceview insights show that "all families on earth will be blessed" (12:3), in a way not only is it written to the Israelites but also to the gentiles. In conclusion we see that the primary group this book is written to is the Israelites but still all people on earth can benefit from the message of Genesis.

What do you see in this book that tells you about the author?

The sourceview insights suggest that Moses is the author of Genesis.

What are the main themes, and repeated ideas in this book, and what is one sentence summary of "the main idea?"

There are a couple main themes in the book of Genesis. One being, God has a plan for redemption (3:15) (14:18). Though man has fallen, God still has a plan to redeem his people and bring them back into relationship with Him. Secondly we see God reassuring his faithfulness and promises to His people. Take Noah for example… "Noah found favour with the Lord" (6:8) God used Noah to restart life on earth. God had decided to "destroy all living creatures, for they have filled the earth with violence" (6:13) but because God found favour with Noah He was able to restart life after the flood. Also look at Sarah, Abrahams wife "Yet I have given Abraham a son in his old age!" (21:7) Sarah was to old to bear children but God was faithful and kept his promise to Sarah saying she would give birth to a son for Abraham. 

The main idea of the book of Genesis is God has a redemptive plan for his people and He is faithful to his word!

What is the primary reason this book was written?

The primary reason Genesis was written was so that the Israelites would know their identity. "Let us make human being in our image, to be like us." (1:26) God clearly says there that they are meant to be like Him. After the fall in the garden of Eden their identity is lost, they no longer see themselves as God saw them. They then see out of the eyes of insecurity. " I heard you walking in the garden, so I hid. I was afraid because I was naked." (3:10) In conclusion I believe the primary reason Genesis was written was to speak hope of identity over a lost/fallen people.

Genesis Theme tracing:

What does this book show about the character and nature of God?

The book of Genesis displays many characteristics of God. We see His love for humanity in the first couple chapters displayed when Adam and Eve sinned. God had a plan for redemption because he loved them so much. " He will strike your head, and you will strike his heel." (3:15)This is God foreshadowing that He is going to save His people because He loves them so much because they are his creation. We also see the orderly creative nature of God in the first couple chapters showed. God seems to get more detailed each day adding more to his creation. (1:6)(1:9)(1:12) We also see Gods mercy shown towards Abraham because he stands in the gap for Sodom and Gomorrah because of how badly they are caught in sin. Abraham takes a step of courage to talk to God about not destroying the city. We see God reason with Abraham which shows Gods mercy.(18:20-32) This is just a few stories that display the character and nature of God.

What does this book show about gods redemptive plan for mankind?

This book shows Gods heart for redemption. He loves His people and wants what is best for them. We see God foreshadow his redemption plan with Abraham when he is about to sacrifice his son to God. "God will provide a sheep for the burnt offering, my son." (24:8) We see God leading his people to the promise land aka Canaan. "And I will give the entire land of Canaan where you now live as a foreigner, to you and your descendants. It will be their possession forever, and I will be their God." (17:8) We also see a promise of God in here that he will give the entire land to the israelites. In conclusion God has a plan for mankind because He loves them so much and we see Him giving promises to His people and proving himself faithful in all circumstances even when people don't remain faithful to Him. God is still faithful and loving and always has a plan to get his people back in relationship with Him.

Genesis Application Questions:

Personal Application

I guess for me the biggest thing in my life right now that applies to this book would be me trusting in Gods faithfulness in my life. Trusting him that he is directing my steps in his ways and that He is going to lead me into the fullness he has for me. Like Abraham even though I do not see the fulness of the promises I believe God is bringing me closer to them as I trust and follow in his steps.

Point of Passion

I have not yet heard clearly on this.