GARDEN TO GARDEN Week 3 By: 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 Listen to Jesus Paid It All by Kings Kaleidoscope. Lead into a prayer that flows from the song. As a group or in twos or threes: What are you thankful to God for recently? What is something the Holy Spirit has been speaking to you about and how have you responded? Pray as a group or in twos or threes based on what has been shared above. Looking Up READ Genesis 3. As you take turns reading: While Adam and Eve were to care for the sanctuary of Eden by subduing the beasts and obeying God's word (Gen. 1:28; 2:15–17), they end up being subdued by a serpent by compromising God's word and are exiled from the sanctuary of Eden (Gen. 3:24). Compare carefully how God's instructions are subtly changed from God's original instructions in Genesis 2:16–17 to their recollection in Genesis 3:1–5. What changes do you see? Look carefully at the consequences of sin in Genesis 3:7–13. How does sin break down relationships, both between God and humanity, and between Adam and Eve? However, even in the midst of punishment, God's grace is evident. Describe the promise that is present even in the punishment of Adam and Eve. How is God's grace evident in Genesis 3:20–21? What do you learn about God and His heart for restoration from this passage? What promises and invitations are extended to His people? What fears or questions does this passage raise? How can you live out what God is teaching you? Looking Ahead What is your next step? 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 those places in our lives where we long for restoration. Pray for the truth of Jesus dwelling with us to become more significant. Pray, serve and love the people in our lives who are far from Jesus, to hear His invitation, through us to come and quench their thirst with the water of life.