Some questions to enhance your study

Here are a few questions to get you thinking deeper about your Scripture reading this week:

1: Is there evidence for the Trinity in creation? Aside from the constant mention of "God said, let there be..." look for a reference to the Spirit in v. 2. Then look in Colossians 1:15 and John 1:1-4 and see what it says about Jesus role in creation.

2: Was Eve alone when she was tempted? What does Genesis 1:6 say?

3: In Genesis 3:21 we see the first animal sacrifice for sin. Hebrews 9:22 reminds us that only a blood sacrifice can cover sin.

4: One of the tough spots - sometimes we run across parts of scripture that sound strange or are difficult to understand. Genesis 6:4 is one of those verses and some have been led to believe that the Nephilim were "bred" by humans having relationship with demons. There are problems with this theory though, so let's note a few points:

• Demons do not have creative power, therefore they cannot take on human form. While it is true that we see examples of angels coming in human form in the scriptures, they do so God's messengers at God's command. They do not have the prerogative to take human form at their own volition.
• While it is true that Scripture supports the idea that demons can possess a person, a child conceived by a possessed person would not be half human and half demon. Demons are fallen-angels and are not sexual creatures, therefore they cannot reproduce.
• The idea that demons could take on human form presents huge problems for the authenticity of the resurrection of Christ. When Jesus appeared to his disciples after the resurrection he said to them, "a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have." (Luke 24:39) If in fact a demon could take on human form then the disciples could have no assurance that Jesus was really raised. It could in fact have been a demon masquerading as Jesus to deceive them. If demons could take on physical form at will, we would have no reason to believe the resurrection account.

So, what do the phrases "sons of God" and "daughters of men" mean? The sons of God is a reference to those called by God. The daughters of men is a reference to those who were in rebellion against God. This is a reference to the wickedness of men that leads to the flood.

I hope these items will enhance your study this week. Remember, you only have one more day to get your reading done! See you Sunday!