Genesis 2:5-17

In today's message we consider difference between vegetation created by God on Day 3 and the description in 2:5, "When no bush of the field was yet in the land and no small plant of the field had yet sprung up—for the LORD God had not caused it to rain on the land, and there was no man to work the ground".

We also survey the larger context of verses 5-17 to glean what we can know about the LORD God.

Genesis 2:4 - Genesis 1:1-2:3 narrates seven chronological days of creation (6 days of activity followed by an explicit day of cessation). Then (apparently without adequate explanation) chapter 2:4ff recounts what appears to be creation with significantly different details. Are the two "versions" of creation irreconcilable, or are they complimentary?

Resurrection Sunday!

On this year's resurrection Sunday we take a closer look at Death, because it's only as we face the reality of death that we can (by the grace of God) celebrate Jesus's resurrection!

Genesis 1:26-31

NOTE: The First five minutes (or so) are missing from the recording. What was emphasized at the beginning is that the word translated in verses 26-27, "man" is the Hebrew word transliterated, "Adam," and that word is used in these verses as a collective noun for BOTH the first man and the first woman. Both male & female are created in God's image & likeness, emphasizing a perfect unity and harmony. I prefer the New English Translating the word as "humankind." Later in the Bible, "Adam" is used as the personal name for the first man. Otherwise, the message helps in understanding what it means to be created in God's image.

Guest speaker Robert Chapman preaches a message from Esther chapter four. The highlight of the dramatic narrative comes in verse 14 when Mordecai tells Esther, "For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?"

Genesis 1:20-27 / Days 5 & 6

Note: The first 7 minutes the microphone was cutting out a bit. After that, I used a handheld with better results.

The biggest part of the teaching (and discussion afterward) was on the significance of the designation "living creatures". According to the narrative, fish, birds, animals, and man are ALL created "living creatures." That designation is something that man has in common with other forms of life; it is not what separates him as unique.

Guest: Will Cooper Text: Mark 7:24-30 - The Great Banquet & a Persistent Faith

Genesis 1:6-13

On an earth "without form" (verse 2) finishes creating His intended "forms" or "structures"; after which, He begins to "fill" the empty forms. Day three concludes (culminates!) with God calling forth vegetation on the earth. Today's message pays particular attention on the meaning of God's created "expanse, firmament" and the significance of created vegetation "bearing fruit" or "yielding seed according to it's kind".