Undecided - Biology 201
Exploring Genesis 1-3: Creation, Life, and Faith | Undecided Series
Dive deeper into the story of creation with this insightful episode from our Undecided series! Join South Strand Campus Pastor Josh Phillips as we explore Genesis chapters 1-3 and unpack key questions about the origin of life, God’s creation, and what it means to be made in His image.
In this discussion, we tackle:
• The six days of creation: Were they literal 24-hour days or symbolic time periods?
• The profound truth of being created by God, on purpose and for a purpose.
• How Genesis 1:1 (“In the beginning, God created”) shapes our understanding of faith and identity.
Perfect for anyone seeking clarity about the Bible’s opening chapters or looking to strengthen their faith, this episode offers biblical insights and practical encouragement for your spiritual journey.
Explore how the timeless truths of Genesis apply to your life today!
Watch now and grow in your understanding of God’s Word.
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Blog Week 3 — Biology 101
Living Between the Trees: Finding a life that matters
Imagine this: the Bible begins and ends with trees. In Genesis, we find the Tree of Life in the Garden of Eden, and in Revelation, the Tree of Life appears again in the heavenly city. These trees symbolize the beginning and the end of our journey, both earthly and eternal. But what about the space in between?
Created on Purpose, for a Purpose
Let's start with a foundational truth: you are not an accident. Whether you're sitting in a coffee shop, a dorm room, or your favorite spot in the park, know this—God created you on purpose, for a purpose. In a world that often feels random and chaotic, this is a game-changer. You were designed by an intelligent Creator who wants to be in relationship with you.
For those of us who sometimes feel like we're just drifting through life, this is a reminder that there's more. You have a unique role to play, a purpose that only you can fulfill. And it start with understanding that your life is intentional.
Earthly Life vs. Eternal Life
The sermon we’re reflecting on highlighted two types of life: earthly and eternal. Our earthly life is the here and now, filled with joys, challenges, and opportunities to grow. It's where we make choices that shape our character and our future.
But there's also an eternal life waiting for us—a life that promises perfection, peace, and the presence of God. The choices we make now, between these two trees, determine the quality of both our earthly and eternal lives.
Accepting Love and Lordship
So, how do we navigate this life between the trees? It starts with a decision to accept Jesus' love and lordship. For believers, this might be a reaffirmation of faith. For those investigating faith, it means accepting an invitation to follow Jesus.
Accepting Jesus isn't about earning your way to heaven. It's about receiving a gift—a gift of grace that transforms your life from the inside out. It's about letting go of the things that hold you back and embracing what matters...a life of purpose and fulfillment.
Living with Intention
We’re often caught up in the hustle and bustle of life—studies, careers, relationships. But what if we paused to consider how we're living between the trees? Are we making choices that reflect our purpose? Are we preparing for the eternal life that awaits us?
Here are a few practical steps to help you live with intention:
1. Daily Connection: Spend time each day in prayer or meditation, seeking guidance and strength for your journey. The Rock reading plan is a great resource to help you with this.
2. Service: Look for opportunities to serve others and live on purpose.
3. Community: Surround yourself with people who encourage and challenge you to grow in your faith.
Whether you're a believer or someone exploring faith, remember that your life matters. You are living between the trees, and every moment is an opportunity to embrace the life God has for you. So, let's live with purpose, love deeply, and look forward to the eternal life that awaits us.
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Week 3 Small Group — Biology 101
Connect:
1. Share with the group one thing that brings you life or joy in your daily routine. It could be a hobby, a favorite food, or a special moment with family or friends.
Discover:
1. Read Genesis 2:7-9 and Revelation 22:1-2. - Question: How do these passages describe the beginning and the end of life as depicted in the Bible? What significance do the trees hold in these passages? (Significance we saw in the sermon is one reflects the beginning of the earthly life and one represents the beginning of the eternal life.). With that in mind how should you LIVE between the two trees?
2. Read 1 Corinthians 15:45-47 and Genesis 2:7-9 and Discuss the concept of being created "on purpose, for a purpose." - Question: How does understanding that God created you with intention change your perspective on your daily life and decisions?
3. Reflect on the sermon’s comparison between earthly life and eternal life.** - Question: What are some ways the sermon suggests we can live our earthly life in preparation for eternal life? (Again, this concept comes back to the question of how should you live between the trees)
4. Explore the idea of accepting Jesus' love and lordship. - Question: What does it mean to you to accept Jesus' love and lordship? How does this decision impact both your earthly and eternal life?
Respond:
1. Personal Reflection: - Spend a few minutes in silent prayer or journaling, asking God to reveal areas in your life where you need to fully accept His love and lordship.
2. Group Prayer: - Pray together as a group, asking for strength and guidance to live purposefully between the two trees, focusing on both earthly and eternal life.
3. Practical Steps: - Daily Devotion: Commit to spending time each day in prayer and reading the Bible to deepen your relationship with God. - Daily Action: What can you do this week to make sure you are living on purpose and for a purpose?
Closing Thought: - Encourage each member to reflect on how they can live intentionally between the two trees, embracing the life God has given them and preparing for the eternal life to come.
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Coming Soon