Comparing the Creation Stories in Genesis 1 and Genesis - Assignment Example

Compare the creation stories in Genesis and Genesis Similarities In genesis God uses the six days for creation andpronouncing the completion of creation after the sixth day. Genesis 2 looks into details of what took place on the sixth day, like the human race origin. Differences Genesis 1 illustrates how God created the universe and the life on earth. It further shows how events took place in sequence. In Genesis 2, there is an expansion of explanation regarding the events that took place from the sixth day. Genesis 1:2, God is portrayed as immanent where the bible states on the formlessness of the earth with darkness al over the water. Can you explain how the 10 Commandments teach about relationships? The last teach commandments teach about relationships by promoting obedience, loyalty, faithfulness and respect. The fifth commandment talks about honor and obedience to parents who are also elders. This cultivates good relationships between parents and their children with a promise of longer life as the reward. The sixth commandment teaches respect for life. By not murdering other people, good relationships are promoted and maintained. The seventh commandment ensures that institutions of marriage are maintained and preserved by preventing out-of-marriage affairs and respect for spouses. On the other hand, the eighth commandment teaches about living peacefully with others and not stealing their property. This enhances good relationships among neighbors and community members. The ninth commandment states “you shall not give false testimony against your neighbor”. In regard to this commandment, people are warned against making false accusations against others which would otherwise lead to unnecessary tension, fights and conflict. According to the tenth commandment, good relationships are promoted by the teaching against coveting your neighbor’s house, wife, male or female servants, and the neighbor’s property. By so doing, neighbors live in harmony and peace, cultivating good relationships. Can you explain why the prophets’ main job was not about predicting the future but about proclaiming reminders about the covenant? Salvation history This is a whereby the patterns of human events in the past are traced as a way of revealing God’s plan. Can you name the key dates in Jewish history that fit into salvation history? In the beginning, the creation of God was good but evil crept in and so God decided to fill the world with flood. However, he salvaged Noah and his relatives. When Israelites were held as slaves, God used Moses to deliver them from Egypt. As the Israelites were headed to Canaan, God made a covenant with them at Mount. Sinai Can you explain how these moments in history shaped their experience and understanding of God? Such moments strengthened the faith of man and made them understand that God was a faithful one and true to his word. They understood that no matter what challenge they would go through, he would eventually deliver them because he does not forsake his own people. Three stages of gospel formation Stage 1- Jesus actual life: Jesus was actually alive, told numerous parables, performed miracles, crucified, died and lived again. Stage 2-Oral tradition: The apostles preached that Jesus was the messiah, they baptized and the church began. Stage 3- writing of the gospel: Paul wrote the earliest letters which are now in the New Testament and later own other gospels were written. Mark: What is the heart of Mark’s gospel and why? The heart of Mark’s gospel is to display the divinity and humanity of jesus. The reason for his gospel was to be read in the assembly of Christians rather than be made private. What is the Messianic Secret, in which gospel is it found and why does Jesus talk with his disciples about it? Messianic secret is found in the gospel of Mark. It explains how Jesus wanted to have his identity hidden from his enemies whereby he asks his disciples to be silent on his mission on earth. This was to ascertain that his mission to be compromised. Can you name the 3 main themes of Mark’s gospel and give examples of each? 1. The suffering of messiah-Jesus was rejected by chief priests hence his crucifixion 2. The messianic secret-Jesus wanted to be a secret so as to avoid the attention of the public. 3. Discipleship- The gospel is an invitation of being in God’s presence. In what way is Mark’s Jesus demanding, especially when it comes to the cross? Jesus demands that discipleship comes with sacrifice and the true commitment on him comes at the time of trials. Matthew: What does it mean when Matthew’s gospel teaches that Jesus is the fulfillment of the Mosaic Law? This means that Jesus did not replace the law although he expanded it. What is the main theme of Matthew’s gospel and why is that important to the first readers? Matthew’s main theme is the fulfillment of the old testament and that is important to the first readers because they get to understand how jesus is Israel’s teacher during his ministry on earth. Why can it be said that Matthew’s Jesus is more demanding than the Mosaic Law (and be able to give examples)? Jesus is more demanding because his law concerns the spirit whereas the mosaic law concerned the flesh. What is Jesus’ central message in Matthew’s gospel? Jesus’ message is that we fulfill his law to see the Kingdom of God. Luke: What are the special themes that are found in Luke’s gospel? Prayer has an important role to believers God introduced Jesus to history through different people Discipleship has gratitude and compassion What is Luke’s main theme? Compassion and respect is Luke’s main theme How is Luke’s Jesus more demanding when it comes to material wealth? Jesus asks people to be rich in spirit and not be rich in material things. What does it mean to say that Luke’s Jesus “shows mercy to the outcasts and dies as one”? This means that we all gain favor from God and no man is righteous. John: What is the opening line of John’s gospel and what is he trying to teach with it? “In the beginning was word, and the word was God” is the opening line. It tries to teach us that Jesus dwells in us. Seven used by John to explain Jesus 1. Jesus healed a blind man 2. Jesus multiplied two fish and seven loaves of bread 3. Jesus rose Lazarus from the dead 4. Healing of the royal official’s son 5. Jesus walking on water 6. Healing of the paralyzed man 7. Changing of water into wine The term Jews, according to John John uses the word Jews to illustrate a period that marked the writing of the Gospel. It is important to us to know how it was misunderstood because Jesus had been treated badly by the Jews What is the significance of Mary Magdalene being the first to encounter the Risen Jesus? The significance of being once a prostitute who was born again and having lived in the cages herself shows that God can use sinners through his son to manifest How is John’s Jesus more demanding when it comes to loving others? Can you name the 5 things Jesus on God’s Kingdom through his parables? Jesus wants people to love one another because that is the greatest commandment. Five things that Jesus taught about his kingdom are 1. Faithful servants-God’s kingdom expects us to obey what is required. 2. The laborer and the vineyard -Those who serve the Lord, no matter the age, will enter his kingdom 3. The ten virgins-we should be ready for the Lord’s coming. 4. The lost sheep illustrates the principles of the kingdom including forgiveness, love and mercy. 5. Wedding banquet illustrates that many are called but very few will be chosen What does it mean to say that when Jesus healed people he restored both their spiritual and social relationships By healing the sick, Jesus was at a position to strengthen their faith and believe that God truly exists. This also helps them respect people around them in terms of social relationships. How do Jesus’ miracles show a God who goes against the ancient worldview about sinfulness, sickness and disabilities? No matter the sins a person has, God is able to forgive easily because He wants his children to walk in the right path and be able to enter his kingdom when the time comes What is “table fellowship”? Table fellowship is whereby people from the same household gather together for worship Why is it an important symbol of the Kingdom of God? It teaches us that God’s Kingdom belongs to his children therefore we should act as one family Why can it be said that the resurrection of Jesus is God’s own parable? This shows how mysterious God is. Read More