Walla Walla University Good Word Broadcasts Walla Walla University Good Word

Opening Question



Why do people often blame themselves for a painful loss or suffering even when they had no control over such events?



IntroductionThis lesson describes the effects of the crucible used in chemistry and engineering processes. It’s valued for its ability to create generous tremendous heat, to purify, separate, mix, and transform base metals and other elements.



Although the terms crucible or kiln or melting pot are not used in Genesis 4:22, the implication of Tubal-Cain as a metalworker in bronze and iron implies the use of such an instrument. The process of smelting and refining metal begins early in the ...

Opening Question
When have you traveled through a dangerous area where you felt unsafe?
Introduction
A recent viral video on social media showed a field filled with sheep. Visitors approached the fence and were invited to call the sheep with the exact same phrases as the shepherd used. But when strangers called, the sheep never even looked up from their meal of grass. When the shepherd approached the fence and cried out the same call, the sheep lifted their heads, then ran down to the fence to meet him. The sheep knew the shepherd’s voice.

Our study this week explores the 23rd Psalm ...

Theme: Family Reconciliation

Leading Question: Is it possible to redeem negative events of the past?

With this lesson, the study of the Book of Genesis concludes. It carries the title Genesis, the Book of the Beginnings. However, to truly understand the storyline of this book one must pay attention to its ending.

Genesis ends with three significant scenes. First, Jacob blesses his grandsons, Joseph’s sons, Ephraim and Manasseh. Second, Jacob blesses his twelve sons. In these the blessings spoken over his three eldest sons, Ruben, Simeon and Levi, reflect a significant amount of tension in the family. And third, after the death ...

Theme: The Risks of Power

Leading Question: What does a powerful position do to the person who holds that power?

Genesis tells of one of the most sudden and radical transformations in the Bible. Joseph, in a single day, moves from zero to hero, from forgotten, languishing prisoner to viceroy of Egypt, the most powerful man in the land, in control of the nation’s economy.

Joseph has been asked to interpret Pharaoh’s dreams. But he does far more than that. First, he interprets the dreams. Second, he projects the Egyptian economy for the next 14 years. He also diagnoses the problem. The ...

Theme: Living the Dream

Leading Question: How do you turn dreams into realities?

The “master of dreams” (Gen 37:19) is the mocking label put on the young man named Joseph by his older brothers.

Question: How does a label of disdain become a title of honor?

From chapter 37 on the book of Genesis is devoted to the story of Joseph except for one puzzling interlude, which is the story about Judah and Tamar in chapter 38. The focus of the long narrative is about the question, ‘Who will lead the family of Jacob into the future?’ Will it be the firstborn of ...

Relevant Verses: Genesis 32-36

Theme: A Changed Life

Leading Question: What if victory looks more like being defeated? What if strength feels more like being weak?

After his wrestling match with the unnamed man at Jabbok, Jacob was told: “Your name shall no longer be Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with men, and have prevailed” (Gen 32:29, NASB). This change of name takes place not once but twice. After the encounter with Esau, and the episode of Dina and Shechem, God told Jacob to go to Bethel. Then we read: “After Jacob returned from Paddan Aram, God ...