Beginnings - Fall

When we were kids, mistakes were magically fixed with a “do-over.” As adults, God knows we still need “do-overs.” Good thing the Bible begins with a book called “Genesis.” It is not merely the beginning—it tells the story of “new-beginnings.” Generation after generation—Adam, Noah, and Abraham—God gave second chances. Perhaps it’s time for a reboot for you, your church, or your community! Scripture: Genesis 3:1-6 Question: What is my problem?

Introduction

A number of years ago, when I lived in Joplin, MO, I had a home on an acre lot that had its own water well and septic system. It was really great when it came to utility bills. It wasn’t so great when my septic line got clogged and I had to dig a new line. This is more info about me than you want to know BUT I’m a do-it-yourselfer…in the extreme. I figured, “How hard can it be to dig a septic line?” So I rented a backhoe and researched the right pitch. You don’t want it all flowing to the end, and you certainly don’t want it backing up. I wasn’t positive I was doing it right so I asked a friend of a friend to come examine my work before I covered it up. He was impressed. YES! But then he asked a question: I don’t see a posted dig permit. You did get one didn’t you?! [Pause] Well, actually, I didn’t even know I needed a dig permit. That’s the truth. But that’s not what came out my mouth. Without blinking…without thinking, I lied as easy as you please, “Yes, of course!”

I lied because I am a liar, period.

Our Problem

What is my problem? It is pride. That’s your problem as well. In fact, this is a universal human experience. It goes back to our parents—Adam and Eve. Perhaps we should read the story again. If you have a Bible, open with me to Genesis 3. We find ourselves in a Garden. It is, literally, paradise. We were naked and unashamed. We walked with God in the cool of the day. There was neither sexism nor racism, greed nor poverty, violence nor sickness. All that changed in an instance.

Eve found herself at the base of a tree—the tree ... View this full sermon with PRO Premium