Session One: Homeless, Estranged & Exiled

THIS WORLD IS NOT AS IT WAS MEANT TO BE...

What images does the word “Homeless” bring into your mind? 

According to the opening passages in the Book of Genesis, the Creation (Our space), and the Kingdom of Heaven (God’s space), overlapped in the Garden of Eden where Humanity dwelled in His presence. Created to be members of His Household, bearing His Image and acting as His Covenant Partners, that we might fulfill His purposes for the Creation. This session explores these ideas, the consequences of Adam's decision to reject God's design and try to do things according to his own understanding, resulting in our estrangement from God's Covenant Household, and exile from His Presence.

1) WATCH THIS VIDEO & TAKE NOTES:

• What stands out you from the video?
• What ideas are discussed in the video that are new to you, or interesting to you?
• What does the imagery of "exile", aka homelessness, stir up in you when you think about life in this world?   

2) READ & REFLECT: Genesis 1:1-3:24

• What is the significance of God's description of Creation as “Good” in Genesis 1:1-25? What is the significance of God’s use of “very Good” in Genesis 1:31?
• What is Humanity's purpose in the Creation according to Genesis 1:26-2:25? How does Humanity, being created as His Image and in His likeness, make it possible for us to fulfill that purpose? 
• What needs does God provide for Humanity, in Genesis 1:1-2:25? How does God's provision help us understand the nature of our covenant relationship with God? 
• What sins are described in Genesis 3:1-6, before Adam ate the fruit of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil? If the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil was just a tree, then why did eating it's fruit carry unique consequences? What does this teach us about Covenant, Faith and Trust in God?
• How does Genesis 3:1-8 show us the consequences of Death entering into Creation even before God confronts Adam and Eve? What does God's emphasis in Genesis 3:9-19 on the dysfunctional relationships that are the consequence of Adam's decision, reveal to us about the world we live in today?
  

3) ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS: 

• What did you learn about yourself in this session?
• What did you learn about God in this session?
• What questions do you have now, after finishing this session? 
• What will you do next?