Day 1

Genesis 1:1‐2:25; Matthew 1:1‐2:12; Psalm 1:1‐6; Proverbs 1:1-6

New Beginnings!

Welcome! Let’s get started with new beginnings! The opening chapters of Genesis set forth the major themes of the Bible: Creation, Fall, Redemption. God takes the chaos and void and creates by His Word vibrant light from the deep void, wondrous form and order from random chaos, glorious life from lifelessness.

The crowning achievement of the creation was man and woman designed uniquely to bear in their nature the reflected image of God–Very Good! The divine order reaches its denouement with Divine Rest, and so the order of creation, time, space, and all that exists is in perfect harmonious peace. In Genesis 2, we learn that the creator God has an intimate personal relationship with humanity. God’s name is YHWH, and YHWH God names the man Adam. God provides instruction and resources for provision. The ultimate provision was for a complementary and suitable helpmate, Eve. YHWH God is Good.

The Genealogy and birth of Jesus in Matthew reveal the fulfillment of God’s plan of redemption of all people through the promises God made through Abraham and David to a people who had received the ultimate consequence of the Fall: exile. No matter how far we fall away from the plan and will of God, His plan is to bring us back to Him through the Gift of His Son, Jesus. Jesus’ name means “YHWH saves.” He is the one who restores fallen humanity back to a reconciled personal relationship with YHWH God. Indeed, He is Immanuel, God with us.

This year, plant your roots deeply in the Word of God. YHWH God wants to bring light, order, and life out of the formless and chaotic places in your life through the study of His Word spoken in the Bible and through a personal relationship with Jesus. Will you take the Bible Challenge and plant your roots deep in the Word of The Lord?

The Rev. Charlie Holt