This lesson introduces three foundational questions that shape the entire story of the Bible: Why we are here, what went wrong, and whether this life is all there is. Using the books of Genesis and Job, the lesson begins with God as Creator, establishing that human life is intentional, dependent, and designed for meaning and purpose. Job reinforces this truth when God speaks of creation as the basis of His authority and wisdom.

The lesson then turns to what went wrong. Genesis introduces Satan as the antagonist who challenges God’s goodness and invites humanity to trust an alternative to relationship with God. Job expands our understanding by revealing Satan’s limited power, his role as accuser, and his subordination to God. While Satan can cause real harm, his actions are always under God’s control.

Finally, the lesson addresses the question of life after death. Job provides one of the earliest and clearest affirmations of bodily resurrection in the Bible. Job’s confidence that he will see God in his own flesh shows that suffering and death are not the end of the story. This hope places all human suffering into an eternal perspective and anchors faith in God’s ultimate redemption.

Following is the podcast and the video on the lesson. NOTES, and an all new DISCUSSION Guide that can also be used as a journal are below the podcast and video. Click on the cover images to download the handouts.

For FREE, editable source material to teach the lesson yourself, go to the Bible805 Academy, where you can also download all the resources you need to teach the lesson.

This lesson introduces the opening of the Bible’s storyline: “In the beginning, God” (Genesis 1:1). From start to finish, the Bible is God’s story—His creation, His purposes, and His redemptive plan after humanity turns away from Him and believes Satan’s lie.

The lesson also explains why Job is read very early in chronological Bible reading plans, even though it appears near the middle of most Bibles. Reading Job early gives foundational truths that shape how we understand God, suffering, and spiritual reality.

A key emphasis is that Genesis and Job are best understood as true historical accounts, not fictional stories. The lesson argues Moses authored (or more precisely, edited) both books using God’s revelation and available records. Job’s reality is confirmed by later biblical references (Ezekiel 14:14 and James 5:11).

The lesson concludes by introducing several major “Big Questions of Life” that Genesis and Job help answer, while also reminding us that the Bible may not give every answer we want—but it gives something better: God Himself shows up.

Following is the podcast and the video on the lesson. For NOTES, and an all new DISCUSSION Guide that can also be used as a journal are below the podcast and video. Click on the cover images to download the handouts.

For FREE, editable source material to teach the lesson yourself, go to the Bible805 Academy, where you can also download all the resources you need to teach the lesson.

 

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