The goodness of God is evident in creation as it was originally made. Both in the product/generations of each day of creation week as well as in the paradise of the Garden of Eden, God showered upon man His blessed goodness. The human heart pines for restoration to such a paradise as this. God knows our longing and this nostalgia for good is the beginning of the story of the world seen from His eyes. How paradise was lost and how it is to be regained is what we will see in Gen. 3 next week.

This study introduces the book of Genesis in terms of its placement in the Pentateuch, its human author and immediate historical context, and its divine author (the Holy Spirit). We also give consideration to how Scripture should be interpreted, the topic of hermeneutics, its necessity and its proper method. The three principles of hermeneutics covered are: the centrality of Christ (sound interpretation must be christocentric), exegesis (it must be exegetical), and the analogy of Scripture and faith (it must be analogous).

Jesus concludes His message to His disciples with the salvation promise of peace. This is a peace that is found in Christ, it withstands tribulation of the world, and it is grounded in the victory of Christ over the world. This peace is for all who join themselves to Christ and abide in Him.

In the opening two chapters of Genesis, the Holy Spirit through Moses reveals the goodness of God displayed in creation. This is first seen in the six days of creation, then it is brightly lit up in God’s goodness pouring over man in Eden.

Believers intercede for the brethren, for those who sincerely seek repentance. John assures us that all such prayers are answered by God, because it is indeed His will that His elect be sanctified. Moreover, we have the assurance that Jesus guards His own to the very end and loses none.

Believers intercede for the brethren, for those who sincerely seek repentance. John assures us that all such prayers are answered by God, because it is indeed His will that His elect be sanctified. Moreover, we have the assurance that Jesus guards His own to the very end and loses none.

Israel had been in the land for multiple generations, but while the temple had been rebuilt, the people had rebelled. They, like their forefathers, had taken foreign wives, resulting in the worship of foreign gods. So Ezra, eighty years aft er Cyrus’ decree, led a second group to return to Jerusalem. This return, made successful by “the hand of God,” led to the repentance of God’s people and the restoration of true worship.

It had been almost 70 years since Nebuchadnezzar had forced the Jews from their own country. The Jews remembered Jeremiah’s prophecy that they would return to Jerusalem after 70 years (Jer 25:11), and they long for that day to happen. Would God keep his promise to bring His people back to their land and to their God?

So far, we have seen Daniel has been faithfully trusting and obeying God’s command throughout his entire life. Now that he is serving under a new king in the Medo-Persian Empire, will Daniel continue to obey the God’s commands, or will he disobey God’s commands?