HZY | BRP Week 2 - Who Is God?Sample

God's Intention For Humanity

Over the next 4 days, we are going to look into why the work of Jesus on the cross is so important.

In Genesis 2, we find an account of the first humans living in a free relationship with God. They were naked but unashamed and given the responsibility to look after the garden. This intimate friendship with God is what God intended for all mankind.​​

In the middle of the garden were the Tree of Life and the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. Adam is invited to eat from all of the trees in the garden, but was given only one prohibitive command: do not touch or eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. The Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil presents humanity with a choice. The choice is: will you trust Me (God) and live in My Kingdom, or will you instead choose to trust yourselves, try to be your own god?

Choice is a necessary and beautiful foundation for a true relationship. The ability to exercise our free will is essential for a true relationship to exist. If there was no choice but to obey God, then there would be no freedom to choose Him. The ability we have to choose to have a relationship with God is what gives our relationship with Him weight and purpose. It also shows us how much God loves us, that He wouldn’t force us to love Him, but we have the ability to choose Him and live with Him forever OR to choose to live separate from Him.

DAILY RECAP:

1. What stands out to you most in the verses provided?

2. How does free will shape your understanding of God’s love for you?