Jesus House

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Sat, 01/01/2011

GENESIS 1

The Beginning

Commentary

GENESIS 1 – 3

Genesis is the book of beginnings and in the first three chapters, we are introduced to the beginning of the universe, the beginning of all types of life on earth, the beginning of man, the beginning of marriage, the beginning of sin and death, the beginning of the redemption plan and most importantly the introduction to the Ones who created everything; The Father, The Son and the Holy Spirit.

Come on a journey as we experience the awesome creation account and see first hand the work that went into what we call our world today. Look at the creative power of God manifested as He speaks things into being where there once was nothing. Stop for a moment and consider a few amazing facts: if we were as close to the sun as Venus, the heat would be unbearable, if we were as far away as Mars, every region would experience snow and ice nightly. Water solidifies at 0 degrees Celsius, but if the oceans were subject to that law, the amount of thawing in the polar region would mean that we would all be living in the Ice Age. To prevent this, God put salt in the sea to alter its freezing point! Now how’s that for a day’s work? Everything is just right, just so, just perfect, created by the God who knows all things for man.

We move on to see the man made in God’s image exercising his creative muscle in naming the animals, the innate ability of God manifesting in His creation. But God considered it not good for Adam to be alone and then Adam is given a ‘helper’ to complement him, to ensure he is not alone, and he knows at first sight that she is perfect for him, because of the One who made her. There is apparently a Jewish saying that woman was not taken from man’s feet to be under him, nor from his head to be over him, but from his side to be beside him along the journey of life. God’s blueprint for life is clear.

Now we arrive at the temptation and the fall, and we see the deception of Eve, and the conscious sin of Adam (1 Timothy 2:14). Through them the pattern for deception that still holds true today is displayed – the initial casting of doubt over what God has said, the doubt over the consequence of sin, and finally the portrayal of the forbidden as something to be desired. Each must bear the consequence of their choices and the stage is set for the awesome power and wisdom of God to be displayed for all to see.

As we start 2011 and embark on this journey it would seem pertinent to remember a few things:

The first few days of the year are often spent planning and setting goals. As you do so, remember the One who knows all things and ask – what are His plans for you?
The entire Bible is the intricately designed, inspired word of God. There are so many wonderful things to be discovered if you would only plumb its depths. Ask God to show you things you have never seen before and deepen your relationship with Him as he draws you nearer.
It’s all about Jesus – every part of the word, points to the Living Word. God has skilfully interwoven signposts to His Son along the way. For example Eve, the bride of Adam was taken from his side, a foreshadowing of the piercing of the side of Christ for his bride, the Church. As you walk along the path, put markers down that you can come back to, to remind you just what it’s about.

Happy New Year!

PSALM 92:1

It is good to praise the LORD

and make music to your name, O Most High,

Monday 23rd January

Mon, 23/01/2012

Genesis Chapters 32 - 34

GENESIS 32

Jacob Prepares to Meet Esau

Commentary

abbey

Genesis Chapter 4 to 7

Sun, 02/01/2011

GENESIS 4

Cain and Abel

Commentary

by Rev Yemi Adedeji

The lessons from Cain and Abel.
The moral behind the story of Cain and Abel help to understand some biblical principles for day to day living as a believer. Perhaps, we need to ask ourselves how God perceives the offerings that we bring to him. Both Cain and Abel brought offerings to God but God rejected Cain's offering. Could it have been Cain's attitude in giving or could it have been an offering that was not up to God's standard? We must remember that all things are God's in the first place and we should joyfully give to God, offering the best of our time, money, possessions and talents.

How do you react when someone suggests that you have done something wrong? Do you correct the mistake or deny the suggestion? Cain had the opportunity to correct his mistake when the Lord called on him but he refused and denied himself the opportunity to repent and save the generations behind him from God's condemnation.
Sin always leads to more sin. For Cain it was an envious heart that opened the door for jealous anger followed by deception and then cold-blooded murder. Sin is still crouching at our door today, a lifelong battle that we need to master not by our strength but by the power of the Holy Spirit. Like Cain, we could be victims of sin if we do not master it.

Have you wondered why genealogies are included in the bible?
The Hebrews are noted for passing their beliefs through oral tradition for years in places where writing was non existent. Like the folktales told by the older people in our villages, stories were told to children who then passed it on to their own children and for centuries genealogies emerged and were added and passed down as family history line.
Genealogies are complete recordings of family history. Its importance is evident in confirming the promise of God in the lineage of Christ who is linked to Abraham, each believer's connection to God's promise to Abraham and the connection point with Jesus. Whenever you feel wronged, forgotten and alone, you must remember that you share the flesh and blood that came from Adam, the promises of God to Abraham and a connective genealogical root with Christ the Messiah.

An example to a generation
In a society that is full of sin, how do we please God? We can follow Noah's example as a righteous man who was blameless among the people of his time. Does it mean that Noah never sinned, perhaps far from it. I guess Noah must have loved God with all his heart to obey him and be a living example to the sinful and wicked generation around him. Today, we live in a generation that can be compared to the days of Noah. The challenge for us is to constantly look inward and see whether we are influencing others or being influenced by the world.
Noah's closeness to God made God to trust and use him in preserving the human generation. He walked close with God to receive specific instructions and guidance for his assignment. To the natural eye, his assignment in building a cruise ship on dry land far away from the sea looks foolish but for a man who has heard from God, it will not matter if people do not welcome or accept your assignment.

Has God given you an assignment? Go to work now. Obey God and be faithful to his commands.

PSALM 139:14

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;

your works are wonderful,