Welcome to session one of the seven-part Salvation History Bible Study, led by our founder, Curtis Martin, alongside Dr. Edward Sri, theologian and Senior Vice President of Apostolic Outreach at FOCUS, with special guest Fr. Mike Schmitz, host of “The Bible in a Year” podcast!
We’re excited to walk with you through the story of salvation–the most exciting and important story in the world!
- Overview
- Session 1: The Beginning of Salvation History
- What Will You Learn In This Bible Study?
- Discussion Questions
- What’s Next?
- Additional Resources
Overview
What is Salvation History? In this Bible study, we will follow the key moments where God establishes a covenant relationship with leaders from Adam and Noah to Abraham, Moses, David, and finally, with Jesus.
God’s covenant family expands and grows with each relationship, prefiguring God’s ultimate plan to establish a universal family—a Catholic family! (That’s what the word “Catholic” means: a gathering of all of humanity into one covenant family of God.)
Session 1: The Beginning of Salvation History
In this first session, we will begin our journey with Genesis 2:15, exploring God’s command to Adam regarding the tree of knowledge of good and evil. Together, we will unravel the hidden insights and significance of this command, revealing it as a testament to God’s love and concern for humanity’s spiritual journey.
This first Bible study will look closely at the decision to eat from the forbidden tree, ultimately leading to the fall of humanity. In Adam and Eve’s rejection of God’s authority, they wounded the relationship between humanity and its Creator.
Yet, despite the gravity of The Fall, there is hope. Amidst punishment and consequence, God promises redemption through the Protoevangelium, which is the first gospel message found in Genesis 3:15. This promise foretells the coming of a savior who will conquer sin and restore humanity’s relationship with God.
With what started as a universal family with Adam and Eve broken by sin, we’ll watch how God the Father reaches into human history to reestablish his fatherhood with each of us through the Church.
What Will You Learn In This Bible Study?
Key Highlights from the Discussion:
- God’s love for humanity: An understanding of God’s concern for humanity through His commandments.
- Adam and Eve’s disobedience: The fall of humanity, and the promise of redemption found in the Protoevangelium.
- The themes found in the story: Trust in God’s guidance, the nature of sin, and the hope of salvation.
- The Bible and contemporary life: A discovery of how Biblical narratives offer timeless wisdom relevant to contemporary life.
- Guidance on navigating faith: Applying insights from Scripture to daily challenges and experiences.
Join Curtis Martin, Dr. Edward Sri, and Fr. Mike Schmitz as they uncover profound truths and timeless lessons from the pages of the Bible in this engaging and insightful discussion.
Searching for the best Catholic Bible studies? FOCUS offers an array of Bible studies, as well as a comprehensive guide on how to lead your best Bible study.
Discussion Questions
Session One: Adam
Small Group Discussion Guide
Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-6:4
Discussion Questions:
- How is the creation story a “counter-cultural” message? Do you think it is still counter-cultural today? Why or why not?
- What is so significant about being made in God’s image and likeness? How does that change the way we live?
- Why does the enemy tempt us into believing that God isn’t good? How have you experienced that in your life?
- In what ways do you find God’s laws challenging? How can we come to see His laws in light of His great love for us?
- Why is it so significant that God promised salvation immediately after the fall?
Download Discussion Questions — PDF
What’s Next in The Salvation History Bible Study Series?
Don’t miss out on the next session! Join as we dive into Noah’s covenant with God in Genesis, Chapters 6 – 9. Follow along every day this week for new insights and revelations.
Additional Resources
Fr. Mike Schmitz hosts a podcast exploring the Bible, The Bible in a Year. Send your study participants this episode exploring The Fall.
For deeper learning, head over to FOCUS Equip to discover more resources such as Catholic Bible studies, video series, and more.
For even more great Catholic resources, you can also check out our podcast with talks from our SEEK conference and our YouTube channel for videos, and more!
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