Category: Genesis

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Why does Genesis describe the plurality of God?

Pastor Chris,

GENESIS cHAPTER ONE; VERSE 26- pLEASE HELP ME WITH THIS. AND GOD SAID, “LET uS MAKE MAN IN OUR IMAGE”. “TO OUR LIKENESS”. I THINK YOU KNOW WHERE I AM GOING WITH THIS. I GREW UP A CATHOLIC. I READ THE CATHOLIC BIBLE FROM COVER TO COVER. ONLY RECENTLY DID I NOTICE THE “us” (THE U IN CAPS) AND THE “OUR”. WHAT IS THE BIBLE TRYING TO TELL US? I BELIEVE IT WAS JUST GOD BACK THEN, BUT I MAY BE WRONG. IF I AM, WHY THE PLULARITY? I HAVE NEVER HEARD THIS DISCUSSED BEFORE, IN CATHOLIC CHURCH OR ANY OTHER DENOMONATION. I WOULD LIKE YOUR INTERPRETATION OF THIS SIMPLE YET HUGE PART (AT LEAST TO ME) OF THE OLD TESTAMENT.

THANK YOU IN ADVANCE,

~ KURK

Answer

Kurk,

The plurality reference to God that you identify in Genesis is the first mention of what theologians term the Godhead. The Godhead is further revealed in Scripture as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We often use the term Trinity to refer to the Godhead. All three persons within the Godhead are co-eternal and co-equal. God the Father is God. God the Son is God. And God the Holy Spirit is God.

You mention that you are a Catholic. You might consider reading the book titled The Trinity: An Introduction to Catholic Doctrine on the Triune God (Thomistic Ressourcement). Another resource (one that I highly recommend) is Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine.

Pastor Chris

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WERE THE SHEMITES PRESENT WHEN THE TOWER OF BABEL WAS BUILT?

Pastor Chris,

 

WERE THE SHEMITES PRESENT WHEN THE TOWER OF BABEL WAS BUILT?

~ H.B.

 

 

ANSWER

 

Dear H.B.,

 

Yes, the Shemites were present at the time of the Tower of Babel. The story of the tower is recorded in Genesis 11. The tower was built after the flood. Shem and his descendants are listed in Genesis 10:21-31.

 

Pastor Chris

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What does Genesis 3:16 mean when it says your desire will be for your husband?

Pastor Chris,

I was reading in genesis about the fall of man. I came across a verse I never noticed before and do not quite understand. I was wondering if you could offer some insight into the meaning of this verse. In genesis3:16, the bible says, “and god said to the woman, ‘your desire will be for you husband but he shall rule over you.'”

I Am very confused as to what this verse is saying about e husbanD/wife relationship.

~ Leanna 

 

ANSWER

Leeanna,

 

You have asked a significant question. I commend you for searching the Scriptures thoughtfully, prayerfully, and diligently.

 

God has perfect relationships within the Trinity. There is perfect communion between Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. When God put Adam and Eve in the garden they had perfect relationships, too. They had perfect communion with each other and with God.

 

Genesis 3:16 comes after Adam and Eve sinned. When they sinned they broke fellowship with God and with each other. Relationships were fractured.

 

Sin carries consequences. Genesis 3:16 speaks to some of the consequences of Adam and Eve’s sin.

 

It is interesting to read how different versions of the Bible translate this verse.

 

And you will desire to control your husband,

but he will rule over you. NLT

 

You’ll want to please your husband,

but he’ll lord it over you. THE MESSAGE

 

Your desire will be for your husband,

yet he will dominate you. HCSB

 

you shall welcome your husband’s affections,

and he shall be your master. TLB

 

Your desire will be for your husband,

and he will rule over you.” NIV

 

When a husband is acting out of his flesh (sin nature) he can become unreasonable and demanding. When a wife is acting out of her flesh she can become controlling (NLT) and can put her husband before God (your desire will be for your husband).

 

In all of life the first priority is God Himself. When that priority is in place we live better, we treat each other better, and we know God’s perfect peace. The Bible says, “live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature”

(Galatians 5:16, NIV).

 

Some good books on the roles and responsibilities of husbands and wives in marriage from a biblical perspective are:

 

Strike the Original Match by Charles R. Swindoll

 

Different by Design by John MacArthur, Jr.

 

Love and Respect by Emerson Eggerichs

 

His Needs, Her Needs by Willard F. Harley, Jr.

 

The 5 Love Languages by Gary D. Chapman

 

God bless you!

~ Pastor Chris