Understanding Genesis 1 & 2

Getting started

Here you'll find participant handout for a day of teaching on Genesis 1 and 2. You'll find accompanying Powerpoints (which fill out the notes) in the following sections. You'll also find a link to John Mark Comer's excellent book which shows us that more important than understanding Genesis is living it.

• Read thisNotes on Creation
• Read thisGarden City: Work, Rest and the Art of Being Human by John Mark Comer

Making sense of Genesis 1

Here we look at two foundational themes: allowing the text to speak on its own terms, and paying close attention to the text.

• Look at thisMaking Sense of Genesis 1 Powerpoint
• Watch thisGenesis through ancient eyes by John Walton
• Read thisThe Babylonian Creation Myth (Enuma Elish)
• Read thisThe Meaning of Creation from The Good God by Michael Reeves
• Read thisSurprised by Hope by Tom Wright

Can Genesis be harmonised with a scientific account of origins?

You'll find a fuller range of resources in our Science and Creation section - https://gracetruro.org/resources/science-and-creation/

• Look at thisGenesis and Science Powerpoint
• Watch thisCreation story from the movie Noah
• Watch thisScientists in Congregations (Andrew Sampson)

The creation gift of time

Resources on the Spiritual practice of sabbath. This theme is given very good treatment in Comer's book Garden City which is profiled elsewhere on this page. Also included is a link to his teaching series on sabbath which is outstanding. The teaching from Comer and his team is extremely challenging but presented in an atmosphere of grace. Be careful: it could very well change your life.

• Look at thisThe Creation Gift of Time Powerpoint
• Listen to thisSabbath: sermon series from Bridge Town Chuch

The creation gift of place

Introducing the theology of work (which may or may not entail paid employment). It's imperative that we have a biblical vision for the work that we do.

• Look at thisThe Creation Gift of Place Powerpoint
• Watch thisImage of God by The Bible Project
• Read thisEvery Good Endeavour: Connecting Your Work to God's Plan for the World by Timothy Keller

Genesis and creation care

Genesis 1 and 2 have important implications for how we respond to the environmental crisis. This video, made by Dan Osmond when he was a biology student and member of Grace Church, is a thoughtful reflection on how biblical theology inspires interest in conservation work.

• Watch thisScientists in Congregations (Dan Osmond)