Introduction to Genesis - Harding · PDF fileWe name the songs in the church song book by the first ... educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians and was powerful in speech and ...

Introduction to GenesisKey Text:

Title: 1. Hebrew Bible:

Bereshith The Jews frequently named their books for Illus. We name the songs in the church song book by the first words.Interesting Fact: When Jesus cried “Eloi, Eloi …”

Application: 2. English Bible

Genesis comes from the Greek word for Appropriate because it describes the origins ofa. b. c. d. e.

Author:1.

Christ said so. 26x Moses is referred to as the author of Gen.–Deut.Jews referred to the OT as the Law and the Prophets. Jesus referred to it as Moses and the Prophets. “And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.” (Luke 24:27).The OT said so. “Then the LORD said to Moses, "Write this on a scroll as something to be remembered and make sure that Joshua hears it, because I will completely blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven.” (Ex. 17;14).

“Moses was educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians and was powerful in speech and action.” (Acts 7:22).

2. Some modern scholars believe in the “ ”.J for Jahweh, E for Elohim, D for Deuteronomic and P for Priestly. However, this is hardly a piece of literature.Throw out mosaic authorship and you throw out…

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Old Testament Survey Notes, Shawn Daggett, Harding University

Date of Writing:1. 966 B.C. - 480 years. “In the four hundred and eightieth year after the Israelites had

come out of Egypt, in the fourth year of Solomon's reign over Israel, in the month of Ziv, the second month, he began to build the temple of the LORD. (1 Ki 6:1).

2. (1446 B.C. date of the Exodus)

Time Span: 1. From __________ to the time of __________.2. Covering the ____________ (date unknown) through ________ B.C.

Archeology:1. Events are not ___________ nor ___________.2. They are ________________. cf NIV Study Bible list in preference.

Enuma elish – similar but different (polytheistic and chaotic) story of creation.Gilgamesh Epic – one man saved from the flood.Mari Letters - names of the patriarch are commonNuzi Tablets - the brother must bear children for widowed sister-in-law.

Theme and Message:1. Beginnings2. Foundational3. God over nature4. God’s relationship with Man5. Israel’s roots6. The nature of Faith

Literary Features:1. Ten main sections divide by “this is the account of…”2. Preference of the later son to the first born.3. Frequent numbers: 10, 7, 12, 40.4. “God remembered” or “God heard”5. Parallel with John 1:1 The new creation.

Christ in the Book:1. The “seed” of woman. 3:152. The “seed” of Abraham 12:1-43. Types/Anti types.

Adam. Ro. 5:14Isaac Ge. 22Jacob’s Ladder Jn. 1:51

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Illus. Have you ever played hide and seek and been left out hiding with no one looking for you? In Genesis, man hides but God seeks him out.

Genesis One: The Fingerprints of God1. Slides of Creation— Is this really our Father’s World?2. What is the most beautiful or awe striking part of creation for you?

3. What do you learn about God from his creation?

4. How do the date and circumstances of the writing of this book bear on its meaning?

The Hebrews were a people in need of _______. In the desert. After _____ years of slavery there were coming to know God and morality for their first time.The world around them was pagan.a. Baalb. Molechc. Ashtorethd. El

People become like the ____________________. These aren’t facts for the history buff. This is God revealing himself through his creation.“…For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities--his eternal power and divine nature--have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made…” (Romans 1:18-25).Enuma Elish— The Babylonian creation account has pagan gods fighting for power. Ti’amat, the ocean is killed by the younger Marduk who becomes chief god.

5. What 3 concepts does Genesis one teach us about God?God is ____________________ — he is over and above and in complete control. We tend to take control or to want to be independent.Surrounding gods are _________________ :a. The seas is just water.b. The stars are created, they don’t control us. Application: Horoscopes are

pagan.c. The sun and moon are two great lights, not gods to bow down to.

God is interested in _____________.a. In Mesopotamia, the creation of man is incidental.b. In Jewish Scriptures, we are created in His image.

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6. What are some applications from all this? We ought to

Genesis Chapter Two: Who Am I?1. What will happen to a swan hatched with ducks?

2. Is self-esteem a valid concept?What happens to a country that print more money to pay its debts? Bragging on self, putting others down, manipulating people to receive attention or compliments result in emotional inflation. The affections of others become worthless.Our esteem/worth is based on: Genesis 1:26-27

God doesn’t ________ _________3. What do you learn about God’s care?

He provides…He provides…He provides…Note: These are the first recorded words of a man: The man said, "This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called `woman', for she was taken out of man." (Ge 2:23).

4. What difference does it make to you that you are made in God’s image?

5. According to the creation account, what is woman’s position?St. Augustine said that God did not make woman out of Adam’s foot to be trampled by him, nor of his head to rule over him, but from his side to be with him.

Genesis Chapter Three: Paradise Lost1. What does the word “temptation” mean?

2. If you were Satan, what would your strategy be to get you to lose your soul?3. What were Satan’s tricks?

Satan attempts to…Satan questions…Satan asserts …

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4. Application: There will always be rules. What attitude do you have toward the rules? We will be happiest if we have eyes to see our freedom rather than be obsessed with a few restrictions.

5. What were the consequences of the fall?

6. What did they feel after their sin?

Genesis Chapter Four: Family Problems1. What do we learn about God and worship from this passage?

Abel’s offering was acceptable because:a. b.

Application: God doesn’t want our leftovers.

2. What choice did God tell Cain that he had?

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Genesis 6-10: Keeping Your Head above Water1. Who are the sons of God?

Four possibilities:a.

Mt 22:30 Mr 12:25 Lu 20:36

b.

“son of God”=King 2 Sam. 7:14; 1Ch 17:13 28:6.

c. *

Application: Will your children be sons of God or of men? Our thinking ought to be in heaven, Col. 3:1.

d. *

6:1-5 is parallel to the Fall.a. they…b. they…c. they…d. desire to become like God on their own. cf. 6:4: 11:4, 6

Application: Pr 31:30

2. What do we learn about God from the flood story?v 3 2Pe 3:9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

6:6cf. Eph. 4:306:14

6:20; 7:9; 7:15

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3. Why did Noah find favor in the eyes of God? 6:86:9 6:20

4. What does the ark represent? 1 Peter 3:16-21

5. What promise did God make after Noah and his family are out of the ark?8:20-21

6. What was God’s covenant with the inhabitants of the earth?9:11

2 Peter 3:3-11

7. What did Ham do that dishonored his father?9:22 Application: There are some things that we ought not to see. There are some things that we can’t help seeing but we shouldn’t look at them. What is the 5th commandment? What does it mean to honor your parents today?

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Genesis Chapter 11: Babbling On1. Where are these locations on the map?

ShinarUrHaranCanaanShechemBethel (Luz)

2. What did a ziggurat look like?This was was dedicated to ______ the moon god and was located near __.

3. What was the great sin of Babel?11:4 They wanted to 11:4 They wanted to 11:4 They wanted to

Application: Unity in the Lord, for the right purposes and with obedience can be very powerful. Nothing we plan to do will be impossible. “Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven.” (Mt 18:19).

4. How many languages are there in the world today?

5. Who are Abram’s ancestors? cf. Transparency

Genesis Chapter 12: Election Day1. Abram’s Call

The difficulty…

The Promise…

The Plan…

2. Two steps backwards…Why did Abram lie?a. for …b. for …c. for …

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Note: God’s response in 12:17. Our sin can inflict serious injury on others who are completely innocent.

Genesis Chapter 13: Quarreling1. Is wealth a blessing or a curse?

13:4 Even people who call on the Lord have…

13:6 The land could not…13:9 How is this conflict resolved? 13:10 How did Lot make his choice?a. b. This is the theme of the Fall.

Application: Warnings of wealth. a. Mt 13:22 The one who received the seed that fell among the thorns is the man who

hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke it, making it unfruitful.

b. Mt 19:22 When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth.

c. 1Ti 6:9 People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction.

d. 1Ti 6:10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

e. 1Ti 6:17 Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.

13:12 __________ towards SodomConsequence of Lot’s choice was …

Genesis Chapter 14: A friend in need is a friend indeed1. Why was Abram so loyal?

14:12 Lot was caught in war and carried off.Abram could have made …

14:16 14:18-20 . Note: Prefigured Christ: Heb 5:6,10 6:20 7:1,10,11,15,17

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Genesis Chapter 15: Promises, promises1. How did God work with Abram?

15:1 15:5 15:6 15:8 15:12-15 Visions of the future:a. Strangers in a foreign landb. Mistreatedc. Will returnd. Why? 15:6 Because of the sin of the Amorites.

After the LORD your God has driven them out before you, do not say to yourself, "The LORD has brought me here to take possession of this land because of my righteousness." No, it is on account of the wickedness of these nations that the LORD is going to drive them out before you. (Deut 9:4).

What passed through the animals?a. Smoking fire pot representing…b. The meaning of this is:

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Genesis Chapter 21: Laughter is the best medicine1. How did God keep his promise? vv 1–7

__________________Not only was Isaac was born but by being born exactly at the time God had said, they could know it was God’s hand.Application: We may doubt God and despair, but his timing is always perfect. Can you think of some prayer requests that he had granted but that you haven’t given him credit for? This is why it is important to pray with faith, faith that God is working and is answering.God brought _______________to their lives. And I’m sure God got to laugh some times at the sight 100 year olds changing diapers. Note: The intensity of our laughter or joy is often directly proportional to the intensity of difficulties we have overcome. No pain, no gain.Who are the happiest people you know?

2. Was it God’s will to exile Hagar & Ishmael?v 8 It was _________—God allowed it and work his plan through it.vv 17-18 God is just, he takes…

3. What happened between Abimelech and Abraham?While on the subject of kindness Abraham makes…

Abimelech took…

Application: Do you ever feel that you did the work and some one else got the credit? We ourselves drink from wells we did not dig—we need to be grateful. Who was the bigger man? The one throwing his weight around or the one who was light hearted? Who was the happiest?

Other Scripture: The very fact that you have lawsuits among you means you have been completely defeated already. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated? (1 Cor. 6:7). When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. (1 Pet 2:23). God is keeping score.

Genesis Chapter 22: Rich but possessing nothing1. How difficult was this test?

v 2 God showed that he knew and he cared by how…

John 3:16 God would some day do …Mt. Moriah was a three days journey. (Later would be the __________ __________ and site of all sacrifices).

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2. How did Abraham show obedient faith?v 3 He was…v 5 He was…NT insight: “By faith Abraham, when God tested him, offered Isaac as a sacrifice. He who had received the promises was about to sacrifice his one and only son, even though God had said to him, "It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned." Abraham reasoned that God could raise the dead, and figuratively speaking, he did receive Isaac back from death. (Hebrews 11:17-19).v 8 He …

v 9–10 He…

Thought Question: Was this test for God (v 12)? Does God not know everything? Who benefits the most from our tests in life? Illus. Does a teacher need to give you a final to find out if you have mastered the material? No, but you might not master the material with out the final.

Genesis Chapter 23: The Life of an Alien1. What did Abraham have to buy?

v 4 “I am an ________ ” sell me some property for ____________.

NT insight: By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God. (Heb. 11:9-10).

Application: We are…

1Pe 1:1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To God's elect, strangers in the world, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia,1Pe 1:17 Since you call on a Father who judges each man's work impartially, live your lives as strangers here in reverent fear.1Pe 2:11 Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.

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Genesis 24: How to Get a Wife, Mail Order Bride?1. How is a wife chosen for Isaac?

v 3 The right qualitiesa.

b.

c. 26:40 Esau chose…From the right place.v 24 Rebekah’s family was…v 63 Isaac was…

Genesis Chapter 25: The Great Circle of Life1. How did Abraham die?

v 1 He was remarried to Keturahv 5 He gave everything to Isaac.v 8 He died at a good old age. 175 years.v 18 Ishmael’s sons lived in hostility toward all their brothers.

2. Who could wait?v 20 Isaac and Rebekah waited 20 years.v 27-28 Playing favorites is unwise.vv 29-34 Esau couldn’t wait and sold out his birthright.Application: Do we sell out our birthright? What are some things worth waiting for ?NT Insight: See that no-one is sexually immoral, or is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his inheritance rights as the oldest son. (Heb. 12:16).

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Genesis Chapter 26: Like Father, Like Son1. What does Isaac learn from his father?

25:28 to play 26:5 to trust 26:7 to give in to Application: Children most often learn from what their parents are and what they do; not as much from what they say. Two consequences:a. You are more like your parents than you realize, and in some things you

will need to make conscious corrective measures to change.b. You should give as much attention to living right before your children as

to teaching right.Discussion: Was Isaac’s sin worse than his Father’s?How much of our sin is done from fear? (Heb. 2:14f)

2. Why did Isaac keep digging?26:14-15 In their jealousy the Philistines hurt .26:19-22 Rather than go to ____ he lived in peace.Application: Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. (Ro 12:16-18). "You have heard that it was said, `Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.' But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. (Mt 5:38-41).

3. What brought grief to Isaac and Rebekah?26:24-35 Esau married_________ women. cf. 27:46Application: The Scriptures teach us to marry…a. 2 Cor. 6:14b. 1 Cor. 7:39c. 1 Cor. 9:5

Genesis Chapter 27: Is Honesty the Best Policy?1. What did Jacob do to deceive his own father and brother?

He He He 27:22-24 Isaac Application: Are you who you seem to be? Are you fooling others, God. Gal. 6:7

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2. What would be the consequences of his deception?27:41 He himself would be deceived by

a. His own Discussion: a. How can we seek God’s blessing?

b. Do you have an abundance or a scarcity mentality?

Genesis Chapter 28: Weird Dreams1. What effect did Jacob’s example have on Esau?

28:6-9 Esau sought the approval of his parents without …Syncretism: Application: The good habits that we add must displace evil habits.

2. What did Jacob dream?You would have weird dreams too, if you used a pillow for a rock.He saw a “stairway” between heaven and earth. The stairway was a sign of God’s…NT Scripture: Jesus is our “stairway” to heaven. He then added, "I tell you the truth, you shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man." (Jn 1:51).

3. What did Jacob vow and what were his conditions?

Vow Cond i t ionsThe Lord will be my God If God will be with meI will give 1/10 of everything If God will watch over me

If God will give me foodIf God will help me return safely

Discussion: Can we really make bargains with God?

What would you do if you won the lottery? How would you spend the $?

"Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much” (Luke 16:10).

Genesis Chapters 29 and 30: Kiss & Tell1. How did Jacob win Rachel’s love?

29:10 Seeing Rachel gave Jacob a 29:11 He kissed her and 29:12 She did the right thing…

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2. How to get a wife two wives:Leah was crossed eyed but Rachel was lovely in form.v 20 So strong was Jacob’s love that the time and work passed quickly.Scripture: This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, (1 Jn 5:3).vv 22-25 The deceiver is …

3. Who are the sons of Jacob?Leah Z i l p ah Rache l B i l l h a h

1 Reuben (misery) 7 Gad (lucky) 11 Joseph (add) 5 Dan (vindicated)2 Simeon (one who hears) 8 Asher (glad) 12 Benjamin (right hand) 6 Naphtali (struggle)3 Levi (attached)4 Judah (praise)9 Issachar (reward)10 Zebulun (honor)

4. What sexy line did Leah use with Jacob?30:16

5. How did Jacob become so wealthy?He chose the He mated the 30:39 He was

Genesis Chapter 31: Drawing a Line in the Sand1. What does Jacob return home?

31:1 Laban’s sons were 31:2 Laban’s attitude 31:7 Jacob felt . 31:3 God told him to return31:14 Even his wives felt a. Rachel stole her father’s household idols.b. Is it right to “lift” from your employer?c. 31:34 Rachel was almost caught

2. By what ethics did Jacob operate?31:38 He bore

3. What was Mizpah all about?31:43 Laban was a father-in-law that didn’t know how 31:48 Mizpah means Application: It’s healthy to draw a line with your in laws. The sanctity of your family and marriage must not be polluted by the possessiveness of parents.

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Genesis Chapters 32-33: A Gift a Day Keeps Esau Away1. How did Jacob melt his brother’s anger?

32:3 He sent massagers (spelling mistake intended) and gifts (vv 13, 20) ahead.32:8 He divided his 32:9 He 32:28 He wrestled with …33:4 Esau …Distrust remained.

Genesis Chapter 34: Fall Head over Circumcision in Love1. What happened in Shechem?

33:19 Shechem was the plot of ground mention in John 434:1 Dinah was violated but adored. This is a strange love.Application: Premarital sex is anything but love. Love is putting the best interest of the other before your own. Premarital sex:a. gives guilt/shameb. devalues the relationshipc. brings distrustd. builds the relationship on physical attraction.

34:23 The Shechemites had ulterior motives34:25 The circumcision proved painful.a. 3 days later they were still in painb. Dinah’s brothers killed all of them.

Genesis Chapter 35: Keeping Your Promises1. What promise did Jacob forget to keep?

35:1 to return to worship God at Bethel.35:2 Jacob ordered a house cleaning and they got rid of their foreign gods.35:4 They got rid of the rings in their ears.Discussion: What was the purpose of their ear rings?

2. Who dies?Rachel dies near the present day Bethlehem. This is the background of Herod's slaughter of children.Ben-Oni was bornIsaac dies at the age of 180 years.

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Genesis Chapter 37: To Dream the Impossible Dream1. What contributed to the problems in Joseph’s family? 37:1-11

2. Was Joseph’s robe a blessing or a curse? 37:12-36v 18 v 23 v 31

3. What attempts were made to save Joseph’s life?v 22 ___________hoped to rescue him from the cisternv 25 They _____while Joseph sankv 26 Judah, not knowing of Reuben’s plans, suggests…v 35 Jacob refused to be…

Genesis Chapter 38: All in the Family1. Was Tamar jinxed?

v 7 Er was in _________. “He was wicked in the Lord’s sight; so the Lord put him to death.” v 8 Onan refused to________________________. This custom of continuing the name and family line of one’s brother was called the “____________ _____________”. (cf. Dt 25:5-6; Mt 22:24; Ru 4:5)v 11 Judah was…v 26 Judah is caught living a…

Genesis Chapter 39: Yield Not to Temptation1. Note the reasons why Potiphar put Joseph in charge:

He saw the…He had…When put in charge the house, everything was … v 5He could totally … v 6. Application: to bring great blessings to your neighborhood, work place?

2. What kind of worker do you think Joseph was?

Application: Is there an advantage in hiring you because you are a Christian? What is your work ethic?

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3. Think of all the reasons why this temptation would have been difficult to resist:• • • • • • • •

4. Joseph handled the temptation:His response “My master ______ me” v 8His question, “How can I sin against ______?” v 9He told her “____”, v 10He refused to even ________________ v 10Application: Do you know who loses the most from fornication? Those who commit it.a. Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside

his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body. (1 Corinthians 6:18).

b. One robs himself because you give away something very precious.Application: What are the secrets to defeating temptation:a. Know the Scripture, self talk. “It is written” Mt. 4b. Pray Matthew 6:13; 26:41c. Look for God’s way out. 1 Corinthians 10:13d. Flee not flirt: 1 Corinthians 6:18; 1 Timothy 6:11; (2 Timothy 2:22).

5. If Joseph had consented, how would he have felt? the nest time Potiphar saw him and complimented him on his trustworthiness?

“that the mirth of the wicked is brief, the joy of the godless lasts but a moment”. (Job 20:5).

Genesis Chapter 40: The Butcher, the Baker, the Candlestick Maker1. How did God work everything out for the best for Joseph?

He interpreted the dreams of both the cup bearer and the baker.Discussion: Do we really want to know our future?vv 14-15 Joseph pleaded his case.v 23 The cup bear quickly forgot.Application: Are there still people in chains waiting for your help? How long does your gratitude last?

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Genesis Chapter 41: Giving Credit to whom Credit is Due1. What did Pharoah’s dreams mean?

v 16 Joseph said that he couldn’t …v 28 The fat cows and good grain represented

v 31 The ugly cows and scorched grain represented …The fact that dream was in two forms meant …

Applications:a. We ought always give God gloryb. There will always be years of plenty and of

scarcity. Financial Peace suggests that you always keep 6 months salary in the bank.

2. Why was Joseph put in charge of famine relief?v 39 There was no one in the land who was…Application: Prepare yourself well in your field. Be the best and you will never be wanting for work.

Genesis Chapters 42-50: Bitter or Better?1. What bitterness did Joseph carry in his heart?

41:50-52toward his toward his toward toward toward

2. At what point did Joseph begin to let go of his bitterness?

41:50-523. What effect did Joseph’s acting and harshness

have on his brothers? 42:7, 14-1742:21

42:28 They saw

42:37 43:8

43:18

44:16, 33

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What are some of the things we need to forgive others for?

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

The only survivor of a shipwreck washed up on a small, uninhabited island. He prayed feverishly for God to rescue him, and every day he scanned the horizon for help, but none seemed forthcoming. Exhausted, he eventually managed to build a little hut out of driftwood to protect him from the elements, and to store his few possessions. But then one day, after scavenging for food, he arrived home to find his little hut in flames, the smoke rolling up to the sky. The worst had happened; everything was lost. He was stung with grief and anger. "God, how could you do this to me!" he cried. Early the next day, however, he was awakened by the sound of a ship that was approaching the island. It had come to rescue him. "How did you know I was here?" asked the weary man of his rescuers. "We saw your smoke signal," they replied. It is easy to get discouraged when things are going bad. But we shouldn't lose heart. Remember next time your little hut is burning to the ground it just may be a smoke signal that summons the grace of God.

4. How did Joseph let them off the hook?45:3 He revealed 45:5-7 He found a. Note v 8 He was father to Pharoah.

45:15 He 45:24 He 50:17-21 He did Application: What are the stages of forgiveness?a. Admit your feelings to yourselfb. Trust God c. Make a gestured. Learn to laugh about ite. Do well for those who hurt you.

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Introduction to Genesis - Harding · PDF fileWe name the songs in the church song book by the first ... educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians and was powerful in speech and ...

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