Re-exploring Genesis: Uncover the Author's intents, gain clarity, and deepen your faith.

By Joshua A. Adebodun

Have you ever wondered about the deeper intentions behind sacred texts? Do you yearn for a fresh perspective on the timeless truths of the Bible that speak directly to you?

Embark on a transformative exploration of Scriptures to unlock the profound mysteries of biblical intent.

In an age where biblical tex

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jolink Digital
• Release date: Feb 11, 2024
• ISBN: 9789988937508

Joshua A. Adebodun

Joshua A. Adebodun is not just an author; he is a dedicated pastor of theology whose calling is to shepherd people in the profound knowledge of God and His purpose. At the core of his ministry lies the passion for helping people discover their unique mission and harnessing it to fulfill God's purpose. Through his inspirational teachings and pastoral care, he empowers individuals to unlock their potential and align their lives with God's eternal purpose. Joshua's books serve as a beacon of hope and guidance for those seeking to navigate the intricate path of God's divine plan. He is the founder of the Equip Mission centre. Join Pastor Joshua on a profound journey of discovery, faith, and living a purposeful life.

Book preview

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Thank you to

Bishop Simeon D. Ogbonnaya, my trainer in the

things of the Lord; Seth Tandoh, for his unwavering

support in making this book a reality.

preface

As a pastor, my journey has been one of shepherding people in the knowledge of God, particularly in matters related to God’s purpose. The quest to understand and connect with the divine intent has been a driving force in my life and ministry.

One day, while I was studying the Bible, God asked me a question that gave birth to this book series, FOCUS ON INTENT of the Bible. Did you know there are intentions behind biblical thoughts? He asked. Personally, I believe this question is a way to open up a channel of communication with me about biblical intents. So, simply by listening, the Lord revealed to me things that were obvious but were often overlooked by most Bible readers.

The Bible, as we have it, documented things with intentions behind them. This inspired me to explore the depths of sacred texts and seek the intentions revealed behind every thought, and the results were liberating. Guided by the Spirit of the Truth, I have discovered things that have helped me resonate with biblical wisdom, unveil hidden truths in Scripture, have meaningful reflection, and embrace divine intent to live a purposeful life. I believe you too can have this amazing experience by simply approaching the Scripture from the perspective of the authors’ intentions.

Through my shepherding ministry, I’ve seen the powerful impact of understanding the intent of the Bible on people’s lives. This book, therefore, is the culmination of years of study, contemplation, and pastoral care, aimed at bringing you closer to the heart of God’s message. It’s not just a compilation of thoughts, but a heartfelt exploration of the significance of intent, especially in the Bible.

In this book, we step into the world of ancient wisdom and eternal truths. We delve into the stories of the origin of man, faith, hope, love, and resilience that have shaped cultures and inspired generations. Yet, in our exploration, we go beyond mere retelling. We seek the intentions behind these stories—the motives that drove actions, the aspirations that breathed life into verses, and the purpose that lends depth to every word. As you embark on this journey, may you find the revelations within as enlightening as I have.

I believe that by the end of our exploration, you will be equipped with the powerful tool of FOCUS ON INTENT of the Bible and ready to apply it to your spiritual journey, enhancing your understanding of God’s word, your connection with others, and your life’s purpose.

Explore the following pages with an open heart and a curious mind to discover the inspiring truths of the Bible, where intention meets inspiration and where the timeless truths of the Bible come alive in new and enlightening ways.

Focus on Intent!

Joshua A. Adebodun

introduction

In an age where biblical texts are often interpreted in various ways, understanding the intentions behind the words becomes paramount. This Christian wisdom book seeks to shed light on the essence of the Bible’s messages, helping us gain clarity as we analyze the Scripture from the perspective of its authors’ intentions.

The Lord has a purpose for creating us on earth, and of course, there is surely a purpose for what we, the creation of God, do and say. The Bible has a wide range of beautiful thoughts and expressions about human interactions, prayers to God, divine messages to humans, and what God inspires men to write in the sacred Scriptures. These are parameters of what the Bible contains, and they are all expressed with reasons.

Yes, we live in a world often marked by haste and distraction, where the noise of modern life clamors for our attention, but there remains an ageless source of wisdom and guidance—the Bible. Within its pages lie not only profound stories and teachings but also a deeper layer of intention that has the power to illuminate our journey through life. A journey of exploration into the intentions that underlie the sacred words of Scripture.

In this book, we will travel beyond the surface, beyond the familiar narratives, but into the heart of the biblical intent. This would show us that the Bible is more than ink on parchment; it’s a living testament to faith and humanity. Its pages contain answers to universal questions, solutions to life’s challenges, and a lifelong pursuit of spiritual wisdom. It’s a timeless storehouse of wisdom, parables, and profound truths. Its impact spans generations, cultures, and civilizations.

Your journey is bound to be transformative, enlightening, and deeply rewarding as you explore the pages of the Bible through the lens of its authors’ intentions.

Book format analysis

Here, I’ll briefly explore the format of this book to help you make the most of your reading experience. Each chapter of this book is carefully crafted to address specific aspects of biblical intent. I have adopted this style to help us grasp the depth of this book’s potential. Here’s how you can make the most of this exploration:

Navigation: Navigating through the book is straightforward. You can read it sequentially from Genesis’s first chapter to the last chapter, exploring the biblical context question by question. Alternatively, you can use the table of contents to jump to specific themes that interest you.

Structure: Every page is organized into a series of sections, each focusing on a specific point that relates to the context of the verse in focus. The concise format of the series of sections per page allows for easy comprehension and reflection.

Reflection and Application: I encourage you to engage actively with the material. After the exploration of each topic, take a moment to reflect on its significance in your spiritual journey. Consider how the insights provided might apply to your life, your faith, or your study of the Bible.

Content Structure for Each Topic

Revealer Words: These are the words used in the original KJV Bible text to introduce the intent of a thought in a particular text. The revealer words are: That, For, To, Because, and Lest. These five purpose-driven words are the pillars that strengthen the concept of FOCUS ON INTENT book series. For example, because is the revealer word in the following verse. And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made. Gen 2:3.

Question From Context: This section presents a question framed to help the readers of the Bible connect to the intent of the text. These questions are the gateways to unlocking the sacred intent woven into each verse or story. For example, the QFC in Gen 2:3 will be Why did God bless the seventh day and sanctify it?

Intent From Context: In response to the question posed, the IFC section provides explanations that help you understand the intent behind the biblical text. These intentions are like hidden treasures waiting to be discovered and cherished. For example, the IFC in this same Gen 2:3 says, God blessed and sanctified the seventh day because He had rested in it.

Contextual Explanation: In every chapter, I provide a contextual explanation that sets the stage for the topic at hand. A brief explanation of the situations surrounding the QFC and the IFC of the verse that is in focus.

Did You Know? I have included intriguing facts and additional information related to the topics covered. This section offers fascinating insights into the historical and cultural context of the biblical passages.

Meditation or Prayer Prompts: Reflective thought or prayer related to the topic. I use this to encourage moments of reflection and meditation for readers to contemplate how these newfound revelations resonate with their own spiritual journey and faith.

Group Discussion or Practical Application: After the meditation or prayer prompts section, you’ll find Group Discussion or Practical Application. These prompts are designed to spark conversations, whether in a group setting, a Bible study, or your personal reflections. Use them to deepen your understanding. Use them to take actionable steps inspired by the content, helping you integrate the lessons learned into your daily life and spiritual practice.

Having shared the format, remember that the Focus on Intent book is a resource for both personal growth and group discussion. So, as you journey through it, annotate, highlight, and make notes in the margins as you explore the biblical intent together. My prayer is that this format will guide you in considering biblical intentions in its context, enriching your spiritual journey, and fostering meaningful discussions.

re-exploring genesis

We begin the exploration of our transformative journey in the book of Genesis. Re-exploring Genesis researches the foundational book of the Bible, delving into the origins of God’s plan for humanity. This volume reveals the gems of intent in the story of creation and the promise found in the book of Genesis.

What to Expect:

Creation Unveiled: Gain deeper insights into the magnificent story of creation and God’s purpose for humankind.

Patriarchs and Matriarchs: Explore the lives of biblical figures like Adam and Eve, Noah, Abraham, and Sarah, and learn from their journeys of faith from the perspective of intent.

God’s Covenant: Understand the significance of God’s covenant with humanity and how it shapes the rest of the Bible.

Contextual Clarity: Gain a comprehensive grasp of Genesis within its historical, cultural, and theological context. Learn the significance of its narratives, genealogies, and overarching themes.

Lessons for Today: Discover how the themes and narratives in Genesis are relevant to your life in the modern world.

FOCUS ON INTENT: Re-exploring Genesis is the first book on a captivating journey that will continue with subsequent titles, each unveiling the profound intentions of different biblical books. Join us as we embark on a deeper understanding of the intent behind biblical thoughts.

Let’s dive into the heart of Scriptures

to unlock hidden intents.

foi #1- the purpose of lights

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And God said, let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years: And let them be for lights in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth: and it was so. Gen 1:14-15.

Revealer Word: To

Question From Context: What is the purpose of the lights in the firmament of the heaven?

Intent From Context: God created the light in the firmament of the heavens to divide the day from the night and to be for signs, for seasons, and for days and years. Moreover, it was given to give light to the earth.

Contextual Explanation: The introduction of lights in the firmament of heaven is not by accident; it’s ultimately to help divide the day from the night. Light, without which we would not know the distinction between day and night, and therefore, we would lack celestial indicators for different various seasons, days, and years. This FOI reveals the reason for the existence of light in the firmament of heaven.

Did You Know? The speaking forth of lights to things is paramount in gaining clarity, resolving issues, restoring balance, and creating new things. 

Meditation or Prayer Prompts: Meditate on the significance of the presence of lights in any place or situation. Pray for manifestations of light in a specific area of your life.

Group Discussion or Practical Application: Contextualize any of the following topics:

The need for light.

The symbolism of light.

foi #2- the greater light

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And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night: he made the stars also. Gen 1:16.

Revealer Word: To

Question From Context: Why did God make the greater light?

Intent From Context: God designed the greater light to fulfill the crucial role of ruling over the day.

Contextual Explanation: The merciful God didn’t neglect the need to make a greater light for His creation. It is in His plans to make available all that the earth will need to function properly. The consistency of the sun in ruling the day highlights God’s sovereignty in providing for His creation. So, as God’s creation, consider the effect of the presence of the sun on earth, and let it inspire you to trust in God’s guidance and leadership in your life. This FOI reveals God’s reason for making the greater light.

Did You Know? The term greater light refers to the sun, which is a central celestial body that provides light and energy to the Earth.

Meditation or Prayer Prompts: Reflect on the balance between the greater light’s consistent presence and its cycles of rising and setting. Pray for stability and rest in the rhythm of God’s providence.

Group Discussion or Practical Application: Contextualize any of the following topics:

The consistency of God’s provision.

The rulership of light.

foi #3- the lesser light

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And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night: he made the stars also. Gen 1:16.

Revealer Word: To

Question From Context: Why did God make the lesser light?

Intent From Context: God created the lesser light with the purpose of ruling over the night.

Contextual Explanation: God didn’t just provide the greater light to rule the day; He also completed the cycle by making the lesser light to rule the night. The term lesser light refers to the moon, a celestial body that reflects the light of the greater light (the sun) and provides a subdued illumination during the night. So, the unveiling of the lesser light to rule the night shows the all-inclusive provision of God in completing the rulership of light over the day and the night. This FOI shows God’s reason for making the lesser light.

Did You Know? The moon’s changing phases result from its position relative to the sun and Earth, and they contribute to the cycle of lunar months.

Meditation or Prayer Prompts: Meditate on how the moon’s presence during the night can symbolize God’s guidance and comfort during challenging times. Pray for the ever-presence of God’s light in all your endeavors.

Group Discussion or Practical Application: Contextualize any of the following topics:

The God of completion.

The symbolism of the moon.

foi #4- divine placements

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And God set them in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth, and to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness: and God saw that it was good. Gen 1:17-18.

Revealer Word: To

Question From Context: Why did God set the lights He had made in the firmament of the heaven?

Intent From Context: God set the lights in the firmament of the heaven for several purposes: 1. to give light upon the earth, 2. to rule over the day and over the night, 3. to divide the light from the darkness.

Contextual Explanation: Here, the story is not just about the making of the light; it also tells us how God went further to put them in the position where they will function as ordained. The God of heaven and earth left nothing to chance. He created them, and He decided on the position to function from. If the lights should fail in fulfilling any of the intents listed above, the earth would not have been how we have it today. This FOI highlights why the lights were set in the firmament of heaven.

Did You Know? The division of the light from darkness is essential to having meaningful progress in one’s activities.

Meditation or Prayer Prompts: Meditate on the significance of light over darkness. Pray for God’s light to shine in areas that might feel obscured by darkness.

Group Discussion or Practical Application: Contextualize any of the following topics:

Divine responsibilities.

The placement of lights.

foi #5- the seventh day

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And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made. Gen 2:3.

Revealer Word: Because

Question From Context: Why did God bless the seventh day and sanctify it?

Intent From Context: God blessed and sanctified the seventh day because He had rested in it.

Contextual Explanation: When God finished creating and making, He rested on the seventh day. The blessing and sanctification of the seventh day are connected to the day of God’s rest. God will bless and sanctify the place of His rest. By extension, the place of God’s rest attracts God’s blessing, and He will sanctify it for His use. So, whatever becomes a resting place for God, it will be blessed and sanctified by Him. And what the Lord has sanctified will be glorified. This FOI focuses on the reason God blessed the seventh day.

Did You Know? Five of the six earlier days (1, 3, 4, 5, and 6) of creation were declared good, but this seventh day was declared blessed and sanctified.

Meditation or Prayer Prompts: Meditate on the idea of resting in God’s presence. Confess this: I cultivate spiritual rest and renewal in my life.

Group Discussion or Practical Application: Contextualize any of the following topics:

The significance of rest.

Balancing work and rest.

foi #6- the need for waiting

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And every plant of the field before it was in the earth, and every herb of the field before it grew: for the LORD God had not caused it to rain upon the earth, and there was not a man to till the ground. Gen 2:5.

Revealer Word: For

Question From Context: Why was the plant of the field yet in the land and herb of the field had yet grown?

Intent From Context: The plant and herb had not yet grown because the LORD God had not caused it to rain upon the earth, and there was not a man to till the ground.

Contextual Explanation: This verse sheds light on the interconnectedness between God’s providence and human stewardship. God will not fail in making provision for His creation, and man, the head of God’s creation, should be faithful in their given responsibilities. This FOI speaks of the connection between nature and human intervention. Hence, it shows us the reason the plant of the field yet in the land and herb of the field had yet grown.

Did You Know? The imagery of rain symbolizes blessings, refreshment, and provision in many spiritual interpretations.

Meditation or Prayer Prompts: Meditate on the idea of God’s provision and timing. Think about the seasons of waiting and growth in your own life. Pray for the grace to trust God’s timing, even when situations seem unfavorable.

Group Discussion or Practical Application: Contextualize any of the following topics:

Divine provision and sustenance.

Stewardship.

foi #7- divine allocation

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And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it. Gen 2:15.

Revealer Word: To

Question From Context: What did God put the man He had formed in the garden to do?

Intent From Context: To dress and to keep the garden.

Contextual Explanation: At this time, the Lord had finished with creation. But the Lord would not create what He couldn’t maintain; and the way for the Lord to maintain creation is by giving man a role in His creation. So,