Practical Lessons From Genesis (Part 1)
We're beginning a new series today primarily from the Old Testament books of law and history. Although we enjoy studying the Old Testament and breaking it down verse by verse in an effort to understand its meaning, this series will not focus so much upon the fascinating details as it will the bigger picture; that is, lessons that have practical application for our lives today. We will explore many Old Testament books looking for these timeless ideas. These are truths that we all need to learn and be reminded of periodically (cf. Rom. 15:4).

We will first state each principle and then read the Bible passage from which the idea is based. We will then elaborate briefly on each lesson.

1. THERE IS A GOD IN HEAVEN.
Genesis 1:1 - "In the beginning God..."
Atheism is false and it makes little sense. How could something as great as the Universe, as great as the world, as great as the human race, etc., just happen on accident (cf. Psa. 139:14)? Yet that is what atheism affirms. Additionally, this principle is an important lesson for all believers. When your world feels like it is spinning out of control, remember there is a God in heaven. When you are tempted to do something wrong and don't think you'll get caught, remember there is a God in heaven (cf. Eccl. 12:13,14).

2. GOD MADE EVERYTHING.
Genesis 1:1 - "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth."
Macro-evolution is false. Evidences of design are everywhere, and there must be a designer (as we have shown on our Reasons for Believing CD). That designer is God (cf. Heb. 3:4). This principle, too, is important for believers to remember. When you're swelling with pride at an accomplishment, remember that God made everything out of nothing--and He made it wonderful! May we always be thankful to the great Creator and Sustainer!

3. IT IS GOOD TO REST ONE DAY EACH WEEK.
Genesis 2:3 - "Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made."
Friends, don't be lazy, but don't allow your work to interfere with needed rest and other important priorities. Either extreme leads to improper stewardship. If you wish your life could be full of leisure, remember that it is good to rest one day each week (cf. Luke 12:16-20). If you convince yourself it is impossible to work too much, remember that it is good to rest one day each week (cf. Prov. 23:4). We suggest this not as a law for Christians, but as good, practical advice in most situations.

4. GOD HAS ALWAYS HAD COMMANDS FOR MANKIND TO OBEY FOR HIS OWN GOOD.
Genesis 2:16,17 - "And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, 'Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die."
Because man is not God, he needs guidance and even commands. Man's knowledge and understanding is finite and often flawed. When you think a command from God is unreasonable or illogical, remember that God's commands are for our own good. He wants to bless us and protect us, not deprive us. Man does not have the ability to properly direct his own path alone (cf. Jer. 10:23).

5. MAN & WOMAN ARE MADE TO BE COMPANIONS FOR EACH OTHER.
Genesis 2:24 - "Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh."
Adam & Eve were made for each other on multiple levels--physically, emotionally, psychologically, etc. They are complementary in all these ways and more. It is good to have a proper companion, though we must be cautious not to let anyone lead us astray. God never designed for men to be with men and women with women in a sexual relationship. This has always been an abomination to Him.