Throughout our foundations series the focus of the GPS will be to dig deeper into scripture about the part of the creed we discussed the previous week in worship.
Further there is an open invitation to join us for conversation at Foster’s Grille Thursdays beginning at 6:30 for deeper conversation. Come for as long as you can for good food and great conversation.
Finally you can visit https://faithpointum.org/foundations-series/ for other weekly resources and a printable version of the creed worksheet so that you can create your own creed by the end of the series.
Monday: Read Genesis 1:1-2:2
This is one of the most poetic and beautiful passages of scripture. This creation story and the one in the second chapter of Genesis paint a very rich picture of the character of who God is to us.
- Take a moment and underline the phrases that have repetition in this passage. (hint: “And God said” or “and it was so.”) Then reflect on the beauty of the passage without the propensity to apply your world view or scientific method so that the power, order and beauty of God may wash over you.
- Take some time and write down what you glean from this chapter about the character of God. You may want to think about this in terms of telling someone else about God is if describing a friend (how old is God, what does God look like, what does God like to do, who does God hang out with). Try and limit yourself to reflections on the first chapter of Genesis and not bring any other preconceived notions into the description.
Tuesday: Read Genesis 2:4-25
In the second creation account we see a bit different view of creation. Also we see that God sets man to work in the garden, and also that it is not good for man to be alone.
- What does this passage reveal about us that we are set out to do some kind of work rather than just consume what creation has to offer? Does this say anything about the way that God has entrusted us with creation?
- It is not good for us to be alone, and so there is a companion that has been made for man. Community is a very important part of who we are and living into the full potential of what God has in store for us. Today, even though we are more “plugged-in” with the world we are often the least connected with one another and rates of depression seem to attest to the disconnect from true community many feel. In what ways can you personally connect with others? How can FaithPoint be a connection point for others as well (send your ideas to Chris@faithpointum.org or give him a call 301-639-9583)
Wednesday: Read Romans 8:15-17, Galatians 4:1-7
Abba is one of the most personal and familiar words we hear to describe God. This is a very personal and relational way of addressing the One who brought everything into being.
- Do you have trouble thinking abou addressing God in such a familiar tone? God is the One who brought everything into being, is the one who is the judge, and the one who shows grace. God’s power and might is HUGE and can bring some awesome blessing and punishment, so who are we to address God with such a familiar air?
- Is it difficult for you to address God as a father? Is God strictly male? How does it feel to think about or pray to God as a loving mother? What are the benefits and pitfalls of addressing God as only male or female?
Thursday: Read Psalm 24
“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it” (Ps. 24: 1). Meditate on this phrase as an affirmation of faith. Let your mind swell with the expansive content of “everything in it.” Imagine now the Lord coming to his Creation, standing at the gates and preparing to enter as the King of glory. Imagine now this God knocking on the gate of your life. Declare to the gates of your heart, “Lift up your heads, O you gates … that the King of glory may come in” (Ps. 24: 7).
- Go outside and find a small bit of creation (a blade of grass, leaf, bug…), then inspect it maybe with a magnifying glass even. Look at the veins in a leaf or the small hairs on a bee. God’s hand was at work in crafting that. How awe-some
- Do you know the song “Clean Hands” by Charlie Hall? If not, do a quick search online and listen to the lyrics. Sing the song as an act of meditative prayer.
- Don’t forget tonight at 6:30 conversation will begin at Foster’s Grille about this past week’s worship.
Friday: Read Psalm 19
Psalm 19 captures what many have called the two books of revelation: the Creation itself and the Torah (the law or Word of God). Everything God creates points back to God. Every word God speaks reveals more of his nature.
- Many people say that they find God in nature, and this may be how some who never hear the name of Jesus connect with the Creator. This is called God’s general revelation (with Jesus being the special revelation). Where do you most connect with God’s general revelation?
- Make your prayer today the last bit of the psalm: Psalm 19:12-14
Saturday: Read Genesis 3:1-24
Walking in the garden, God was just hanging out with Adam and Eve. This was not the first time this happened we could presume and yet humanity hid from God.
- What does God do as a consequence of the actions of Genesis 3? What is a punishment and what is an act of protection?
- What does this say about who God is?
- Take some time and reflect on what your thoughts are about the assertion that you believe in God. You can use the creed worksheet to help this (download it here )