My Timeline - Part 1

Okay, this post got really long fast so next week I will give you verses for our new topic and then keep posting my timeline.   Here is my timeline for how Mankind fits in the bible:

• Adam and Eve sin and it ends mankind's ability to have fellowship with God.  God and sin don't mix.  Because we sinned  God set out his plan to save us.  (note: I was overwhelmed how much God has to step in for mankind throughout history.  We always do a good job of messing it up.  I am just thankful he has not give up on us!)
• Noah and his family are the only ones in the world seeking after God.  In fact, the world is so evil that God floods the earth.  (Note: he could have been done with mankind for good.  We deserved it.  I am thankful he spared Noah and his family.  The cherry on top is that he spared the animals.  Man would have no way of surviving without them)
• God extends his grace even farther by promising Abraham a multitude of offspring of his people and many nations.  Here we see the first group of people labeled as God's chosen people.  (note: Abraham and Noah were in the lineage of Adam so its safe to include them in that group as well as anyone else who followed God)  Again, God extending grace to mankind.
• Jacob wrestles with God and gets his name changed.  Did you notice that the man he wrestled with was God.  It says it at the end of the chapter but only God can do what Jacob asked "bless me".  Also, only God can touch a man's hip and it be dislocated.  It would take alot more than a touch for someone else to dislocate a leg.  There is so much to learn from the passage and I don't want you to miss it.

• Lessons Learned from Jacob wrestling with God.
• Jacob should have been the one apologizing to his brother for stealing his inheritance but he was too much of a "scaredy cat" and sent lots of money with his slaves. 
•  Because he didn't do what God asked him to do, in other words, he didn't do what was right, he had to wrestle with God.  (sound familiar)
• God told Jacob that he prevailed, but Jacob realizes (after he realizes the man was God) that he didn't really prevail.  In stead he says "I have seen God face to face and was spared"  God allowed him to prevail.  This was a big lesson to learn because God would soon allow Israel to prevail.  They would look like a mighty kingdom but it would have nothing to do with themselves.
• God knew Jacob's name He asked Jacob to tell him who he believed to be.  God had a new answer for that question.  His name would now be Israel.
• God gave Jacob something to remember his interaction with God....a limp.  Jacob, for the rest of his life would know who he was and what his purpose was.

See ya next week.  

The Topic - Salvation from Sin