Genesis Series, Scripture Guide 2
Over the next three summers, as we work our way through the scroll of Genesis, we will dive into the practice of Scripture in our Communities. Because Jesus was immersed in, lived by, and ultimately lived out Scripture, we engage in this formational practice to learn how to recognize God's voice, to understand his character, and to find ourselves in the story of his world and mission to make all things new.
Leader note: Do you have a story from your Community’s time together, whether it’s a moment of transformation, breakthrough in prayer, or a story from a recent practice you’d like to share? We would love to hear from you.
Take Communion (2 minutes)
Leader Note: Begin this time by taking communion together, whether as a full meal or some version of the bread and the cup before or after your meal. If you don’t already have a Communion liturgy, have someone read through the Psalm below.
Psalm 104v1–3, 33–34
Praise the Lord, my soul.
Lord my God, you are very great;
you are clothed with splendor and majesty.
The Lord wraps himself in light as with a garment;
he stretches out the heavens like a tent
and lays the beams of his upper chambers on their waters.
He makes the clouds his chariot
and rides on the wings of the wind.
He makes winds his messengers,
flames of fire his servants.
He set the earth on its foundations;
it can never be moved…
I will sing to the Lord all my life;
I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.
May my meditation be pleasing to him,
as I rejoice in the Lord.
Review the Last Practice (5 minutes)
Leader Note: Take your time here—don't rush. Give space and invite anyone who feels led to share about how God is deepening their engagement with Scripture this summer. If the group feels quiet or uncertain, offer a few practical options (e.g. reading the Genesis text that follows along with the teaching series, memorizing a Psalm or Gospel passage, practicing Lectio through BREAD or the Lectio 365 app, or something else that the Spirit highlighted). Then, simply pray, asking God to meet each person exactly where they are, before moving into reading the overview.
Let’s take some time to check in with one another about how the practice of Scripture is going.
How have you chosen to practice Scripture this summer, and what was your experience engaging with it this week? (e.g. rich, dry, surprising, difficult, refreshing)
What do you want God to do in you, through your Scripture practice this summer?
Did you notice any internal pushback or resistance during your Scripture practice this week?
Read this Overview (5 minutes)
Formation into the image of Jesus is a lifelong journey, marked by steady intention and openness to the Spirit's transforming presence. As followers of Jesus, we long not only to know Scripture but also to embody it, allowing the truth of God’s word to reshape every part of our minds, hearts, and actions. Scripture isn’t simply text on a page; it's a place of encounter with the living God, who graciously meets us right where we are.
Last time we gathered, each person was invited to select a specific practice of Scripture to lean into this summer. This intentional choice helps us actively engage our minds, bodies, and hearts with Scripture, following the example of Jesus who lived in joyful submission to God's revealed truth. Tonight, we get to build on our practice through the corporate reading of Scripture, listening carefully to the Spirit as we enter into the story together.
Specifically, we will read the story of Cain and Abel from this week's teaching text, Genesis 4v1–16. In corporate reading, we pay attention to the story as it was intended to be heard by the original audience, wondering what God may be speaking to our present lives through these ancient words. As we read and discuss, we reaffirm our commitment to growing as a community rooted deeply in Scripture, expectant and open to how God might shape us through the living word this summer.
Practice for the Night (20 minutes)
There are many beautiful ways to engage Scripture – individually or corporately, silently or aloud, single verses at a time or in large chunks. The Scripture’s original audience would have been hearing and receiving this story in a very similar way as we will this evening. So, tonight, we are going to take some time to practice Scripture by reading a larger story out loud. As we do, we trust the Spirit to meet us in our reflection as a Community.
Leader note: Before jumping in, choose two people to read Genesis 4v1–16 out loud.
Get Comfortable.
Before we begin, let’s take a moment to settle in. Put phones away, check on kids in the other room if needed, and take a few deep breaths. Try to find a posture that feels relaxed yet attentive and open to the Spirit's presence.
Leader note: Invite one person to read Genesis 4v1-16.
Read Genesis 4v1–16.
We’ll read through the passage together twice. As the Scripture is read by the first person, simply listen carefully, paying attention to words, phrases, or themes that seem significant or meaningful to you. After they read it, we’ll hold silence together for about a minute.
Read the Scripture passage again.
Before the second person reads the passage again, let’s pay attention to any emotions or questions that surface within you. Again, once they read it, we’ll hold another minute of silence together.
Reflect and Share.
Take a few minutes to share briefly as a group:
How was your experience reading in this way (i.e. a large portion out loud together in one sitting) different for you from when you read your Bible by yourself?
As you listened to this passage being read out loud, what stood out to you? How did corporately reading this together impact the way you engaged the story?
Are there ways God might be inviting you carry this practice forward into your chosen summer Scripture practice?
As we close this portion of the night, let’s carry these reflections into the week ahead and remember that we are part of a much bigger story God is writing in his mission to restore all things, for his glory and his purpose.
Practice for the Week Ahead (5 minutes)
This week we will continue pressing into each of our chosen practices of Scripture. If it serves to deepen your practice, consider incorporating reading longer passages like we did tonight, on your own or with a friend.
If you haven't yet landed on your practice, take this next week to prayerfully discern how God is inviting you to engage Scripture. Next week, come ready to share what practice you’ve chosen and how it’s going.
Again, here are some options:
Follow along with the Genesis texts for the upcoming Sundays:
July 20: Genesis 4v17–26
July 27: Genesis 5v1–32
Aug 3: Genesis 6v1–22
Aug 10: Genesis 7v1–9v17
Aug 17: Genesis 9v8–29
Aug 24: Genesis 10v1–11v9
Aug 31: Genesis 11v10–12v3
Memorize a Psalm or Gospel passage
Engage in Lectio Divina using BREAD or the Lectio 365 app
Or any other Scripture practice the Spirit is highlighting for you
End in Prayer (1 minute)
Leader: Pray to close your time, asking the Spirit to guide each person in their practice of Scripture.