FaithCapo.com Bible Studies Faith Lutheran Church

Pastor Rhode begins at Genesis 3:14-15, examining the curses God placed upon the serpent, Satan embodied, and the perpetual enmity between the serpent and the woman. He suggests that the serpent's punishment involves consuming mankind and bearing the consequences of his actions. The ongoing hostility between the woman and the serpent, affecting their offspring, is in view. Pastor Rhode explores the dual meaning of "offspring," identifying Christ as the woman's offspring and the Antichrist as the serpent's. He also considers a broader interpretation encompassing all believers and non-believers, emphasizing the battle between good and evil and the importance of these verses in understanding biblical truths.

False prophets and prophetesses (ch 13); Cases of deception (ch 14); Jerusalem is a useless vine (ch 15); Jerusalem the whore (ch 16); and The allegory of the cedar sprig and the Messiah planted by Yahweh (ch 17)

Genesis 9 states there is retribution for shedding human blood, stating that those who take a life should forfeit their own life. Lifelong imprisonment for murderers is counter to this command of God. This principle emphasizes the sanctity of human life that is rooted in the truth that humans are created in the image of God. God's covenant with Noah and his descendants was made and recorded here, giving the rainbow as a sign of God's mercy and grace. This is contrasted with Satan's attempts to deceive through signs in the sky that ultimately serve to deceive and lead humanity away from God. Luther's perspective on colors in the rainbow, highlight their significance in representing God's judgment and mercy.

This session from Proverbs 27 offers valuable reminders for navigating relationships, making decisions, and living a life aligned with biblical principles:
1. Humility and Reliance on God: Proverbs 27:1 warns against boasting about tomorrow, reminding us of the uncertainty of life and the importance of humility and reliance on God's providence.
2. Parenting with Purpose: The goal of parenting transcends labels like "soft love" or "hard love." Instead, it's about guiding children on their journey toward heaven, instilling in them the fear and knowledge of the Lord while fostering independence.
3. True Friendship and Honest Counsel: True friendship entails offering honest counsel rather than excessive praise. Faithful wounds from a friend are seen as valuable, highlighting the importance of genuine relationships built on trust and truth.
4. Loyalty and Support: In times of need, loyalty from friends and neighbors is emphasized over depending solely on family ties. Meaningful relationships with those around us provide crucial support and strength.
5. Seeking Wisdom and Spiritual Integrity: The session underscores the importance of seeking wisdom from God and maintaining spiritual integrity amidst life's challenges. Beginning and ending each day with prayer is highlighted as a beneficial practice.

In Chapter 12, God gives Ezekiel two action prophecies that indicate the forthcoming deportation after Jerusalem's fall and its associated horrors. Two complaints the people use to discount God's warnings are described. Yet, God's overarching purpose in judgment is to bring forth repentance and create trust in His salvation, freely offered to Israel in Christ's death and resurrection. Chapter 13 declares that all religions do not lead to the same place. There is only one true Gospel of salvation and that is by grace through faith in Christ. False teachers who preach or practice otherwise are condemned. Throughout, God repeats the words "My people" to expresses the Lord's offer of salvation to all who believe.

This first session of this series titled Primer on the Covenants begins in Genesis 6 with a discussion of God's covenant with Noah. Humanity begins to multiply on the earth, leading to intermarriage between the "sons of God" and the "daughters of man." This intermingling produces the Nephilim, or giants, who are depicted negatively as dominating and violent figures. Two primary interpretations of this passage are discussed: the Sethite view, which sees the "sons of God" as the line of Seth and the "daughters of man" as the line of Cain, and the Angelic view, which interprets the "sons of God" as angelic beings who procreate with human women. The wickedness of humanity is described. God responds by , expressing regret for creating humanity due to their continuous evil. Despite this, Noah finds favor in God's eyes, emphasizing his faithfulness amidst widespread corruption. The session discussion delves into theological concepts such as God's transcendence and imminence, exploring the tension between God's unchanging nature and his expressions of sorrow and repentance in the text. Additionally, it touches on the significance of Noah's faith and the broader themes of God�s hierarchy and dominion over creation.