Text Study for Sunday, September 28th, 2025.

Series Theme: First Things

Reading: Genesis 17:1-9

CONNECTING QUESTIONS

Tell about an elder that inspired you. Why?

PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION

Loving God, as I see Your great wisdom reflected in Your wonderful creation, I want to praise You with my whole being. Thank you for the creative Word of God. Who not only spoke the world into being from nothing but died for me so that I could have life – everlasting life and life more abundantly. Thank You, in Jesus' name, AMEN.

CONTEXT

Let us focus on some of the firsts from Genesis and Exodus, in all these stories God does something new! God takes the time to show the people more than they expected. Our series, First Things, will question what this means for us as we prepare to do something new here at Easter. What is God doing in our familiar things? September is a time when Easter returns to certain elements of programming, let’s look at those things in a new light. A light where God is up to something new with Easter, our community, and each of us!

From Dr Terry Fretheim at EntertheBible.org:

God “elects” or chooses creatures in and through which God will work in the world. The special election of Abraham (and his descendants) is for the sake of “all the families of the earth” (Genesis 12:3). This initially exclusive divine move is for the sake of a maximally inclusive end.

LOOK AT THE BOOK

How is it with your spirit this week?
Our series is named “First Things.” What is a “first thing” in your life? Or, what is a “first thing” in your daily life?
What was one take-away from listening to the Carry On Cast podcast that connects with this Grow Guide?
Open to Genesis 17. Who is the central character of this story? What do we know about him? Why is his name so short?
Three major world religions trace their roots to Abraham. Can you name them? Can you name someone who practices those faiths?
What is God establishing or creating with Abram? What is that?
How old is Abram? Who do you think this detail is mentioned?
In verse one, God says three things to Abram. What are they?
Scan the rest of the passage. How many times does the word “covenant” appear? Last week, Pastora Karen Castillo of Guatemala told the story of Noah. What was a sign of the covenant?
The theme of God making covenant promises is key to understanding Genesis. What does Abram do to make God create this covenant relationship?
What is Abram’s response to God’s promise in verse 3?
God chooses one family to begin blessing the entire world. How might that connect to Jesus and his call to us be “the light of the world?”
What happens in verse 5 to Abram?
How does having an unshakable promise from God help you love those around you?
The promise contains hope for future generations. What is one thing you are doing to support future generations?
What would you like to talk about that we have not yet?

TAKING IT HOME

Pray for the children, youth, and young adults of Easter. Learn more about specific programs at easter.org/kids.

God of the promise, you call your people together into your one mission in Christ’s name. Make us brave, grant us peace, challenge our expectations, and empower us to truly follow your Spirit’s lead. You are our one God who calls us together as one people, and we thank you in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Grow Guide | Sept 28, 2025