The first few minutes were not recorded, but it was basically review and setting the context for today's teaching. We took a closer look at God's prohibition concerning "the tree of the knowledge of good and evil" and the declared consequence, "death". After that we surveyed the next section, verses 18-25 -- noting that verse 18 drives the unfolding narrative.

Genesis 2:7-17

Adam is formed from dirt; at the same time, the LORD God uniquely makes him in His own image, breathing into his nostrils the "breath of life!"

Minor Prophet: Joel 1-2

Our own Dylan Ackley preaches on important themes from Joel chapters 1-2 -- focusing especially on the significance and importance of "the day of the LORD."

Matthew 27:45 - 28:9

Curt Fleck, the Executive Director of Civil Servant Ministry, preaches a "condensed" message from the regular Bible study series (Matthew's gospel) he hosts with various State governmental officials in Springfield.

Genesis 2:5-17

In today's message we consider difference between vegetation created by God on Day 3 and the description in 2:5, "When no bush of the field was yet in the land and no small plant of the field had yet sprung up—for the LORD God had not caused it to rain on the land, and there was no man to work the ground".

We also survey the larger context of verses 5-17 to glean what we can know about the LORD God.

Genesis 2:4 - Genesis 1:1-2:3 narrates seven chronological days of creation (6 days of activity followed by an explicit day of cessation). Then (apparently without adequate explanation) chapter 2:4ff recounts what appears to be creation with significantly different details. Are the two "versions" of creation irreconcilable, or are they complimentary?

Resurrection Sunday!

On this year's resurrection Sunday we take a closer look at Death, because it's only as we face the reality of death that we can (by the grace of God) celebrate Jesus's resurrection!

Genesis 1:26-31

NOTE: The First five minutes (or so) are missing from the recording. What was emphasized at the beginning is that the word translated in verses 26-27, "man" is the Hebrew word transliterated, "Adam," and that word is used in these verses as a collective noun for BOTH the first man and the first woman. Both male & female are created in God's image & likeness, emphasizing a perfect unity and harmony. I prefer the New English Translating the word as "humankind." Later in the Bible, "Adam" is used as the personal name for the first man. Otherwise, the message helps in understanding what it means to be created in God's image.