We often think our moment in history is the most important but the Bible tells a different story. In Genesis 4–5, we see two paths: one marked by success but ending in death, and another seemingly ordinary line that leads to God’s promise. This sermon explores how real meaning isn’t found in achievement, but in being part of what God is doing through history.
Author: the Josh Benner Blog
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East of Eden – Genesis 4:1-16
If you know the story of Cain and Abel, it’s an infamous passage in the Bible where an older brother takes the life of his younger sibling. Because Cain becomes such an infamous figure, it’s easy to let his reputation precede his story. But when we do that, we miss out on some important nuance to Cain’s story: namely the great hope that was placed in him.
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The First Gospel – Genesis 3
It’s hard to even imagine what a world without sin would look like. Since the fall of man, every aspect of life and of our world has been affected by sin. As we’ve studied creation, sin has loomed over the story of God’s good world. In today’s passage, we look at the downfall of man and the first sin. But it’s a passage which is also hopeful. While there are severe consequences, it is the first place in the Bible that tells us of the gospel and of a future offspring of the woman who will finally and forever crush the serpent.
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The First Commission – Genesis 2:5-20
Work is universal to the human experience. In this week’s study, we see that work is good. It exists before the fall. God works and he gives humanity a special task in his creation. While our work is impacted by the fall, it’s something that all Christians are called to. This week, we talk about how work is also not just about an occupation but includes how we also live out our faith in terms of our relationship to our family, our society, and the Church.
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Sermon: The Garden of Heaven – Genesis 2:4-17
From the beginning, God has been making a sacred space for people to dwell in his presence. Humanity was created in God’s unmitigated presence in Eden. Because of the fall, we were cast out. The story doesn’t end there. Throughout the Bible and human history, God is using the creative elements of Eden to continually point back to himself and to his gospel and our ultimate hope through Christ.
