The first eleven chapters of the book of Genesis hold the keys to the beginning—but not so much as a history of the world or of the human race, but as a history of God's love, grace, and promise to his creations. In this study, pastor John MacArthur will guide you through an in-depth look at the creation story and some of our earliest interactions with each other and with our Creator. From the first murder to the first covenant, this study includes close-up examinations of Adam, Eve, Cain, Abel, and Noah, as well as careful considerations of doctrinal themes such as "The Fall of Man" and "Heritage and Family." It's from this point that you'll find your footing to understand the rest of the Bible more easily. So much happens in these first eleven chapters, they need their own study. —ABOUT THE SERIES— The MacArthur Bible Study series is designed to help you study the Word of God with guidance from widely respected pastor and author John MacArthur. Each guide provides intriguing examinations of the whole of Scripture by examining its parts and incorporates: Extensive, but straight-forward commentary on the text. - Detailed observations on overriding themes, timelines, history, and context. - Word and phrase studies to help you unlock the broader meaning and apply it to your life. - Probing, interactive questions with plenty of space to write down your response and thoughts. Widely known for his thorough, candid approach to teaching God's Word, John MacArthur is a popular author and conference speaker. He has served as pastor-teacher of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California, since 1969. John and his wife, Patricia, have four married children and fifteen grandchildren. John's pulpit ministry has been extended around the globe through his media ministry, Grace to You, and its satellite offices in seven countries. In addition to producing daily radio programs for nearly two thousand English and Spanish radio outlets worldwide, Grace to You distributes books, software, and digital recordings by John MacArthur. John is chancellor of The Master's University and Seminary and has written hundreds of books and study guides, each one biblical and practical. Bestselling titles include The Gospel According to Jesus , Twelve Ordinary Men , Twelve Extraordinary Women , Slave , and The MacArthur Study Bible , a 1998 ECPA Gold Medallion recipient. Genesis 1-11 Creation, Sin, and the Nature of God By John MacArthur Thomas Nelson Copyright © 2008 John MacArthur All rights reserved. ISBN: 978-0-7180-3374-3 Contents Introduction, v, 1. Creation of the World Genesis 1:1–2:2, 1, 2. Adam and Eve Genesis 2:3–25, 13, 3. The Fall of Man Genesis 3:1–24, 25, 4. Cain and Abel Genesis 4:1–8, 39, 5. The First Murder Genesis 4:8–16, 51, 6. Noah and the Ark Genesis 6:5–22, 61, 7. The Great Flood Genesis 7:1–8:22, 69, 8. The First Covenant Genesis 9:1–17, 79, 9. The Sons of Noah Genesis 9:18–29, 87, 10. Heritage and Family Genesis 10:1–32, 97, 11. The Tower of Babel Genesis 11:1–8, 107, 12. Reviewing Key Principles, 117, CHAPTER 1 Creation of the World Genesis 1:1–2:2 Drawing Near The first chapter of Genesis tells of the creation of the universe. How is that similar or different to what is commonly taught today in public schools? ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ The Context There is actually no historical background for our opening passage, because there was no history prior to Genesis 1:1. The Bible begins at the very beginning, appropriately enough — and only God is there. In this chapter, we will meet God, and He will reveal Himself to our eyes right from the beginning of time. We will see Him issuing commands from heaven while also hovering over the waters of the newly forming planet earth. As we begin our study of God's earliest dealings with mankind, it is important that we properly understand Genesis, the "book of beginnings." Genesis is written as a book of history. It is a literal account of literal people who experienced literal events. It is not a collection of myths, nor is it a figurative treatment of metaphors or abstract concepts. It is not even a "polemic," a book whose sole purpose is to argue against some other teaching or popular belief. The book of Genesis is intended to teach God's people about His interaction with mankind, beginning at the dawn of creation and continuing through the life of Joseph. In an age when most of the world has embraced the teachings of evolution, God's people may need to recognize that this teaching on the origins of mankind will require an act of faith. However, whether we believe in the teachings of Darwin or the teachings of Moses, we will alike be exercising faith. Genesis begins not only with an account of the origins of mankind but also all forms of life on earth and