Creation And Fall

Pastor Kevin Rutledge - 9/15/2024 10:00 AM

As we journey through Scripture from Genesis to Revelation, we're invited to explore the profound narrative of God's redemptive arc. This week, we revisit the Garden of Eden, examining the first sin not just as the eating of forbidden fruit, but as a breakdown in relationship and trust with God. We see how Adam and Eve's failure to consult God directly led to broken relationships - between humans and God, between each other, and with creation itself. This brokenness resonates in our lives today, manifesting in our treatment of others, our stewardship of the earth, and our personal conflicts. Yet, we're reminded that God's love persists, offering us hope through Jesus Christ. As we reflect on this, we're challenged to consider: How often do we, like Adam and Eve, rely on our own understanding instead of seeking God's guidance? In what ways can we work to restore broken relationships in our lives and communities, embodying Christ's love and reconciliation?

Scripture:

  • First Reading: Genesis 2:4b-7, 15-17; 3:1-8
  • Second Reading: Mark 3:20-35
View Order of Worship View Message Transcript View Small Group Discussion Guide

This Week's Reading Plan

Day: Reading:
Monday God Confronts Adam and Eve: Genesis 3:9-19
Tuesday God's Promise and Command to Noah: Genesis 6:9-22
Wednesday The Great Flood: Genesis 7:17-24; 8:6-12
Thursday The Covenant with Noah: Genesis 9:8-17
Friday The Tower of Babel: Genesis 11:1-9
Saturday The Call of Abram: Genesis 12:1-7
Sunday God’s Promise to Abram: Genesis 15:1-6

This includes only the sermon portion of the service.

Reflections and Caring Conversations

Please use the prompts and prayers below to aid you in your devotions for this week.

  • In what ways do we still struggle with relying on our own wisdom instead of seeking God's guidance in our daily lives and decision-making?

  • What are some practical ways we can embody Jesus' teaching of seeing others as family and treating the 'least of these' as we would treat Christ himself?

  • In what ways can we better partner with God in 'tilling the garden' and building His kingdom in our current context, as Adam and Eve were originally called to do?

Top