Faith That Travels, but Doesn't Protect?

Greetings!  On April 26 we will be out of the "Prologue" of Genesis and into the Patriarchs.  For this Thursday, read Genesis 12, and we'll discuss both halves (vs. 1-9, and 10-20).  As you read, consider the following questions:

• What are the elements of God's command to go to Canaan?
• Why does Abram build altars?
• At what point does God promise the land?  At what point does He promise Abram will be a great nation?
• How far through Canaan does Abram get?
• What do you think Abram thinks of being a great nation in that land?
• Why does Abram go to Egypt?
• Look at Genesis 11:26-32; what relationship is described between Abram and Sarai?
• What's the problem with Abram's logic as they enter Egypt?
• He seems right about his evaluation of Sarai, but what happens to the Pharaoh when he agrees?
• What does Pharaoh do once the plagues hit his household?

That should get us thinking anyway.  Be sure to note any other questions you have and bring them on Thursday.  I look forward to seeing everyone!

Streaks of Color and "Colorful People"

Coming up this Thursday, April 5, we will be studying Genesis 9.  The oddities in the chapter should make for great conversation.  Read it over a few times, jotting down questions that occur to you.  Also, if you have the opportunity to read it in a few different versions, that might generate some additional questions; jot those down too.

Consider the following on your third or fourth trip through the chapter:

• Read this blog entry I made way back in January this year.  It examines the first seven verses.
• Who is the "bow in the cloud" a reminder for, us or God?
• Look at Gen 8:20-22, then Gen 9:1-7, then Gen 9:8-17 as separate pieces.  Can they rearranged?  Are they "sequential"?  And what are the distinct emphases of each?
• What different (or similar) element of God's character shows in each piece?
• What is up between Noah and Canaan?  Is this a mean "grandpa" or what is it?
• Follow this link to see the range of meaning of this Hebrew word.  It was used in the blessing of Japheth in the first part of verse 27.  Was it necessarily a "blessing"?

That should shake it up enough for now. I look forward to seeing everyone on Thursday!  Have a blessed week, and be sure to post questions and/or prayer requests.

By the way, if you "join" this blog, you get automatic notifications of each posting, and it's easier to post comments.  It's not hard to do, but Google does want you to have a Google account.