BIAY 2018. Day 2

Day 2.

First questions.

The first question in the whole of the bible is about GOD'S GOODNESS.  "Did God REALLY say..." (Gen 3:1)
Despite the abundant provision of everything good that God gave humans in the beginning, we looked for something more. We were fooled into thinking that disobedience had no consequences  - "you will not certainly die" (Gen 3:4). The mistake was to engage with the serpent in conversation. We are created to converse with God, not the devil. The devil is the father of all lies. How often we swallow lies about God which then leads to swallowing forbidden fruit. Temptation often appears "good" "pleasing to the eye" and "desirable for gaining wisdom", but it so often leads to shame, guilt and covering up.

The first question that God asks in the bible is about US. "Where are you?" (Gen 3:9)
Even though Adam and Eve hid from God because they knew they had sinned, God came looking for them. Whenever you fall away from your relationship with him, God comes searching for you, wanting the relationship to be restored.

The first question human beings ask in the bible is about RESPONSIBILITY. "Am i my brother's keeper?" (Gen 4:9b)
This is a crucial question for today - Do we have responsibility for others?
Arguments, quarrelling, and falling out with others all began here. Try to avoid arguements, you will rarely win one.
You will either master sin (through the power of the cross and the resurrection, and with the help of the Holy Spirit) or sin will master you.
We have responsibility for others. We cannot exempt ourselves from responsibility for what is happening around us - in our city, nation and the world..
Not only do we have responsibility towards our fellow human beings, but it is our privilege to bring blessing and joy to our friends, family and those around us, and to make a difference in the lives of as many people as possible.

The first question in the New Testament is about Jesus "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews?" (Matt 2:2)
Jesus is the fulfillment of the whole of the Old Testament. He fulfilled all of God's promises that the prophets had spoken.

The safest place to be in life is close to Jesus.