GARDEN TO GARDEN SERIES: MADE FOR THE GARDEN Week 2 Study by: Dean Brookes This seven-week series tracks the recurring theme/symbol of Gardens within Scripture. Each of the Garden stories reveals understandings about the nature of God, human identity, and the world (present and future). By exploring the Garden of Eden (In Genesis 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. Looking Back Suggested songs: Morning has Broken, and/or How Great Thou Art. Lead into a prayer that flows from the song. As a group or in twos or threes consider: What was your highlight of the past week? What made it so? Share any points of thanksgiving or concern as you reflect on your last week or two. Consider in discussion any needs, challenges or growth areas identified in the group. Pray as a group or in twos or threes based on what has been shared above. Looking Up What does The Garden of Eden teach us about being human? In the opening pages of Genesis, we see God create humanity as his co-rulers of creation, but things quickly go wrong when humans rebel and forfeit their role. Jesus comes to set right humanity's rebellion, opening a new way of being human through his life, death, and resurrection. Read Chapters 1 and 2 of Genesis endeavouring to picture the creative activity of God. What particularly do you notice? Compare Genesis 1:24-25 with Genesis 1:26-28. God makes animals, patterning them after their kind. What likeness does God pattern humans after, and what does he bless them to do? What does this convey about your purpose, about mission? Consider again how God creates his living images to rule with him as you compare Genesis 1:27-28 with Exodus 20:4-5. What ends up ruling over humans when they create carved images for themselves? Jesus shows us the mindset we need to rule as images of God. Read Philippians 2:3-15 and describe the attitude of Jesus, the complete image of God. What is one way we can shift our mindset to be like him? Looking Ahead What is your next step? How can you live out what God is teaching you? What issue in your life can this study help you navigate in a new way with God's help? What is one way this week you will think, act or pray differently because of what God has shown you through his word? Pray for each other Pray for one another, especially bringing before God any fresh truth learnt, any need expressed, or any intention conveyed. Pray for people beyond the church to come closer to God and for Jesus to become real to them.