As we enter the summer months here at Westminster, we will be embarking on a sermon series on the book of Genesis.
Genesis is a fascinating book. It spans more time than any other book in the Bible. The total duration is from the time of creation to the time when the Israelites arrived in Egypt and grew into a nation (about 1800 B.C.).
Genesis means beginning and opens the Bible proclaiming that God is the source of all creation. The story continues as God makes a covenant with Abraham and promises to bless his descendants. It is through Abraham’s family that all the families of the earth shall be blessed. Genesis takes us on a journey that ultimately provides us a solid foundation for who we are as God’s people and emphasizes that God’s plan is larger than any one person. Included below is a portion of A Brief Statement of Faith, the latest confession to be added to the Book of Confessions (Part One of the constitution of the Presbyterian Church, USA). This section succinctly describes covenant which is central to our theology. It can aid us in our understanding as we journey through Genesis together.
We trust in God,
whom Jesus called Abba, Father.
In sovereign love God created the world good
and makes everyone equally in God’s image,
male and female, of every race and people,
to live as one community.
But we rebel against God; we hide from our creator.
Ignoring God’s commandments,
We violate the image of God in others and ourselves,
accept lies as truth,
exploit neighbor and nature,
and threaten death to the planet entrusted to our care.
We deserve God’s condemnation.
Yet God acts with justice and mercy to redeem creation.
In everlasting love,
the God of Abraham and Sarah chose a covenant
People to bless all families of the earth.
Hearing their cry,
God delivered the children of Israel
from the house of bondage.
Loving us still,
God makes us heirs with Christ of the covenant.
Like a mother who will not forsake her nursing child,
Like a father who runs to welcome the prodigal home,
God is faithful still.
In Christ,
Bill and Dave
In Christ,
Bill and Dave |
