New Gen Faith

30 sec Bible2

Genesis: In the Beginning

Graphic Overview of the Bible

Genesis Exodus

Kings Prophets Jesus

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Kingdom

© Glen Edward Quiring 2014glen@quiring.cotwitter.com/glenequiring

www.linkedin.com/in/glenquiring

The Story (Genesis)

The story of the bible begins with Genesis. It is a big start with events that capture our

imagination and even foster some incredulity: God creates the world in 6 days of creation,

and rests on the seventh day, we encounter the first humans in the Garden of Eden, God

unleashes a Great Flood, men attempt to reach the heavens in the Tower of Babel, The

patriarch Abraham have a son very late in life and God’s covenants with him and his

progeny, finally we encounter the tragic and triumphant story of Joseph.

But there is a strong undercurrent throughout the narrative – Chaos.

The Theology (God)

In the beginning God’s creates order in a chaotic universe. The first creation story (Gen 1.1-2.3) the creative work is good, very good, even complete.

The Second creation story (2.4 – 2.24) introduces an element of chaos in the image of the serpent.

The imprint of chaos remains in the cosmos and so continues as a main character throughout the biblical narrative.

Signs of chaos: Satan in the garden, Cain kills his brother Abel, the increase of sin until the flood becomes necessary, men’s failed attempt to reach the God’s at Babel, Sodom and Gomorrah challenge Abrahams journey, Joseph’s brother sell him to Egypt.

In both scenes, God is pictured as the foundation of the creation event. The Divine doesn’t share power with opposing forces but work’s God’s way according to the Divine initiative.

The Theology (Man)

Genesis is often a casebook for the doctrine of sin. In the story, humanity seems bent on

sabotaging their future. This has led to a belief and doctrine that humanity is somehow

broken and that there exists a malevolent antagonist who hangs around to challenge

humanity.

What if chaos remained as an element in the cosmos? Then we may suggest that

humanity isn’t broken but in need of leadership – a vision and hope that tomorrow can

represent the full fellowship of God within creation.

Genesis paints a picture of humanity that is need of each other, and in need of God’s

word and grace. We see this formalized as the plot develops in the next chapter of the

story – Exodus.

Remember the first commandment Yahweh gave to Moses: don’t make any idols. In order

to seal that deal God’s puts living breath in humanity – we are fashioned in God’s image.

That is the only image we need.

© Glen Edward Quiring 2014

glen@quiring.cotwitter.com/glenequiring

www.linkedin.com/in/glenquiring

230 - Second Bible, Manning, Russell Re, Ed. Ivy Press, 2013.

1We Make the Road by Walking, McLaren, Brian. Jericho Books, 2014.