Gardens Series Introduction This seven-week series traces the recurring themes and symbolism of Gardens in Scripture. Each of the Garden stories reveals insights into the nature of God, human identity, and the world (past, present, and future). It is interesting to note that the Bible starts with an account of the primeval Garden of Eden and finishes with the description of the Garden City coming down from heaven. In the middle are two other Garden stories involving Jesus that link the stories of Eden and the new Garden City. By exploring the Garden of Eden (In Genesis chapters 1 to 3), the new creation Garden-city (in Revelation chapters 21 & 22, and the Garden of Gethsemane and the Garden tomb (in the Gospels), we will gain an overarching view of God's creative and redemptive plans. Week 1 by Scott Button Looking Back Listen or sing to “Graves to Gardens” by Brandon Lake/Elevation Worship Lead into a prayer that flows from the song. As a group or in twos or threes: Share any points of thanksgiving or concern as you reflect on your last week or two. Where have you seen the life-creating or re-creating work of God recently? How have you or maybe have not, lived out trusting God in your everyday life? Pray as a group or in twos or threes based on what has been shared above. Looking Up In this study, you will reflect on the story of creation in Genesis chapters 1 and 2. You will find two different accounts. They are not meant to contradict each other but are there to complement each other. While Christians have used these two chapters as a blueprint for how God created all things, that is not their primary purpose. These chapters are not so much about how things were created as about WHO created all things and introduce the unique place God gave humanity in his creation. READ Genesis 2:4-25 What do you learn about God from this passage? As you do, use the sub-questions below to widen your reflection. God's place in relation to creation? God's nature/ability? God's heart/will for people? Who or what do you think the Tree of Life represents? If the things you have gleaned are true, then how should these understandings of who God is impact how you live, think, act, speak, pray, and expect? READ Genesis 1:1 to Genesis 2:3 What more does this passage add to your understanding of God? (using the questions above) If these are also true then how should these understandings of who God is impact how you live, think, act, speak, pray, and expect? Looking Ahead Individually reflecting quietly while you ask the Holy Spirit to show you one thing you can do differently or speak differently, pray differently, or believe for differently because of what you have learned about God? Share as a group, or in twos or threes, your commitment. Pray for each other Pray for God's help for your partner to live out their commitment and that God would give them opportunities to do so this week. Pray for each other that God would give them an opportunity to serve, pray with, encourage or invite someone who is far from God this week.