His-Story Vol 1, Ch 1: Beginnings

Sermon Notes

HIS-STORY: The Bible in 18 Weeks

1. The Theme of the Bible: God’s Salvation (the Kingdom of God)

2. The Progress of the Story: God’s CovenantsVolume I: The Old Testament Story

Chapter 1: Beginnings (Genesis 1–11)

1. Genesis: Place in Scripture

2. Genesis: Structure

a. Primeval History (chs. 1–11)

b. Patriarchal History (chs. 12–50)

3. Primeval History: Key Passages

a. Creation (Gen. 1–2)

b. The Fall (Gen. 3–5)

c. The Flood (Gen. 6–9)

d. The Tower of Babel (Gen. 10–11)

Study/Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the central themes of the Creation account in Genesis 1-2? What do we learn about the nature of God? About the status of human beings?

  2. What would you say is the overall theme of the Primeval History of Genesis 1–11? What does this teach us about human beings? About God’s grace?

  3. What does the Fall teach us about the origin of evil, sin, disease and death? Who was responsible for this? How does this help to answer the question of the “Problem of Evil” (how a good and all-powerful God can allow evil in the world)?

  4. In what sense is the story of the Tower of Babel about both God’s judgment and his grace?


Mark Strauss

Mark Strauss is University Professor of New Testament at Bethel Seminary San Diego, where he has served since 1993.  Mark has a heart for ministry and preaches and teaches regularly at churches, conferences and college campuses.

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His-Story Vol 1, Ch 2: Patriarchs

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Part 9: Conclusion