Good morning, friends! Welcome to our online Bible study of 100 essential Bible passages. At first I was a little uncomfortable at the thought of leaving out so much of the Bible. Lord willing, in the future we'll deal in-depth with other books of the Bible. But today, let's start where all good books start, at the beginning. If today's passage doesn't show up in the window below, you can search for it.
"In the beginning God..." We live in a day when so many doubt the very existence of God. Some argue that science has given us all the understanding of our world that we need. Certainly science can tell us the "hows" of our universe, but not the "whys." Why are we here? What is the purpose and meaning of life? We find those kind of answers from God, who has revealed Himself in His creation:
"The heavens declare the glory of God,and the sky above proclaims his handiwork." Psalm 19:1
For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. Romans 1:19-20
We learn why God created us. First, He made us in His image and likeness. What does that mean? Does God look like us? No, it means that in a limited way we are like Him: God creates, and we are creative; God loves, and we can love; God is just, and we have a sense of justice. He made us male and female, each bearing God's image which is completed in one another.
Second, He created us to rule over the earth. Not to trash or abuse it, but to use it wisely for God's glory and our benefit. Adam's first job was to tend the Garden of Eden. God worked, and He has made us to work.
And third, He made us for fellowship, with Him and with one another. It wasn't good for Adam to be alone. He conversed with God, but God knew that he needed something more. So He made woman, a suitable helper, literally, corresponding to him. Adam was happy! "At last! Thank You, Lord!" Adam and Eve enjoyed perfect intimacy, naked yet unashamed, with no sense that they must hide anything from God and each other.
We're off to a perfect beginning! But we know that, as with any good book, there are twists and turns in the plot. Stay tuned! And please add your comments.
"The heavens declare the glory of God,and the sky above proclaims his handiwork." Psalm 19:1
For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. Romans 1:19-20
We learn why God created us. First, He made us in His image and likeness. What does that mean? Does God look like us? No, it means that in a limited way we are like Him: God creates, and we are creative; God loves, and we can love; God is just, and we have a sense of justice. He made us male and female, each bearing God's image which is completed in one another.
Second, He created us to rule over the earth. Not to trash or abuse it, but to use it wisely for God's glory and our benefit. Adam's first job was to tend the Garden of Eden. God worked, and He has made us to work.
And third, He made us for fellowship, with Him and with one another. It wasn't good for Adam to be alone. He conversed with God, but God knew that he needed something more. So He made woman, a suitable helper, literally, corresponding to him. Adam was happy! "At last! Thank You, Lord!" Adam and Eve enjoyed perfect intimacy, naked yet unashamed, with no sense that they must hide anything from God and each other.
We're off to a perfect beginning! But we know that, as with any good book, there are twists and turns in the plot. Stay tuned! And please add your comments.