January 1, 2025 -The Beginning

GENESIS 1:1-3:24

Chronological Bible Readings

Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

Here we are at the beginning of a new year reading about the beginning of all creation. Let us begin a chronological reading of the bible. I pray that God blesses our time in His word and makes it very good.

Genesis 1:31 God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day.

It all started vert good. Even man.

Genesis 1:26 Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, ....”

Genesis 2:7 Then the Lord God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.

God had spoke the heavens and earth into creation but the creation of man was much more personal. More hands on. He formed man from the dust of the ground. He personally shaped him in His own image. Then He didn't just give man breath and life but He gave man His breath of life.

Genesis 1:26 Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.”

Genesis 2:19 Now the Lord God had formed out of the ground all the wild animals and all the birds in the sky. He brought them to the man to see what he would name them; and whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name.

In this translation it says that God formed the animals out of the ground as well so there is distinction between living creatures and the heavens, earth such as grass, trees, mountains, oceans. But the animals are under the rule of man and under the care of man. Man is of greater position and importance.

2:18 The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.”

Adam was of great concern to God. So much so that He knew that a helper was needed and that no animal would be suitable for him so He made Eve. At this point everything He created was very good. Adam and Eve had a personal relationship with God and would spend time with Him. It was very good. But it didn't remain that way.

Genesis 3:8 Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden.

After the fall, humanity is no longer good and we know it. That is why no human will seek after God on their own. Just as Adam and Eve hid from God because of their sin we try to hide from Him also. Without being drawn by God we will hide from Him and make excuses about our sin.

Genesis 3:9 But the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?”

10 He answered, “I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.”

11 And he said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from?”

But just as God pursued Adam and Eve and He call out to all of His children. When the Holy Spirit draws a person to seek God that person will be convicted of their sin and confess it.

Genesis 3:21 The Lord God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them.

There were consequences for their sin but there was also care and concern. God made clothes for them to cover their nakedness which represents sinfulness. For us Jesus dresses us in new clothes that were washed in His blood to cover our sin. This is a day of many beginnings. I pray it is a day that begins a deeper walk with God for each one of us. Not just in the cool of the day but in the coldness of night and heat of struggles.