TomNicholas.org

recent posts

about

I’m Tom Nicholas — a pastor, teacher, and community builder living in Billings, Montana. My life and ministry flow from one heartbeat: to see the Church alive — Spirit-filled, rooted in Scripture, and moving with Jesus into the world. I serve as a pastor, chaplain, and mentor, helping people grow in faith, leadership, and everyday discipleship. Whether around a campfire, in a coffee shop, or through digital spaces, I believe the gospel belongs where life happens — in the field, among the people, and around the table. Through The Church Alive, I write about biblical leadership, spiritual formation, and building vibrant, missional communities that reflect the love and courage of Christ.

📖 Week 1 — Bereshit: The Word at Creation

Main Reading: Genesis 1:1–6:8
Theme: Creation, Purpose, and the First Promise of Redemption
Messianic Focus: Yeshua as the Living Word Through Whom All Things Were Made

🌿 Overview

The Bible opens with one of the most profound statements ever written:

בְּרֵאשִׁית בָּרָא אֱלֹהִים

Bereshit bara Elohim — “In the beginning, God created…”

Here is your Hebrew learning note:

  • Bereshit (בְּרֵאשִׁית)
    • Transliteration: Be-reh-SHEET
    • Pronounced: “beh-reh-SHEET”
    • Meaning: “In the beginning / at the start of everything”

Torah begins with God creating order, beauty, and life by His Word.
Humanity is made in His image—unique among creation—with purpose and dignity.

Even after the fall, God reveals a plan for redemption:
the promise of the Seed who will crush the serpent (Genesis 3:15).

This week sets the foundation for all Scripture:
God is Creator, Lawgiver, Judge, and Redeemer.

🌿 Key Passages

TopicScripture
The Creation DaysGenesis 1
Humanity in God’s ImageGenesis 1:26–31
The Garden and the CommandGenesis 2
The FallGenesis 3
Cain & AbelGenesis 4
Generations of AdamGenesis 5
Corruption of HumanityGenesis 6:1–8

🌿 Supporting Readings

  • Prophets / Writings: Psalm 19; Psalm 8; Isaiah 45:18–25
  • Messianic Writings: John 1:1–14; Colossians 1:15–20; Hebrews 11:1–7

🌿 Hebrew Notes (Integrated)

1. Bereshit — בְּרֵאשִׁית — “In the beginning”

The opening word of the Bible teaches that God is the source and origin of all things.

2. Elohim — אֱלֹהִים — “God / Mighty One”

  • Pronounced: “eh-loh-HEEM”
  • A plural form used with singular verbs, emphasizing majesty and fullness.

3. Tzelem — צֶלֶם — “Image”

  • Pronounced: “TZEH-lehm”
    We are made in God’s image, meaning we reflect His character, creativity, and moral nature.

4. Nefesh Chayah — נֶפֶשׁ חַיָּה — “Living soul”

  • Pronounced: “NEH-fesh khai-YAH”
    God breathes life into Adam, giving him a unique spiritual identity.

5. Nachash — נָחָשׁ — “Serpent”

  • Pronounced: “nah-KHASH”
    The deceiver in Genesis 3.

6. Zera — זֶרַע — “Seed / offspring”

  • Pronounced: “ZEH-rah”
    Genesis 3:15 reveals the first prophecy of Yeshua — the promised Seed who destroys evil.

These Hebrew touches appear only when needed to deepen understanding.

🌿 Messianic Connection

John intentionally opens his gospel with “In the beginning” to reveal that Yeshua is the Word (Logos) through whom all things were made (John 1:1–3).

  • The Light in Genesis finds fulfillment in Yeshua, the Light of the world.
  • The Tree of Life in Eden reappears in Revelation through Messiah.
  • The promise of the coming Zera (Seed) in Genesis 3:15 points directly to Yeshua’s victory at the cross.

Messiah restores what Adam lost — fellowship, purpose, and life.

🌿 Moral and Spiritual Application

  • You were created intentionally, with dignity and purpose.
  • Sin distorts but does not erase the image of God in you.
  • God’s Word still brings order into chaos today.
  • Through Messiah, you become a “new creation.”
  • The promise of redemption was God’s plan from the very beginning.

🕎 7-Day Devotional (with gentle Hebrew integration)

DayReadingFocusHebrew Learning NoteMessianic Insight
Day 1Genesis 1:1–10Creation beginsBereshit (בְּרֵאשִׁית) — in the beginningYeshua is the Word through whom creation came.
Day 2Genesis 1:11–25Order & beauty—Messiah sustains creation.
Day 3Genesis 1:26–31Image of GodTzelem (צֶלֶם) — imageYeshua restores the broken image.
Day 4Genesis 2Garden & covenant—Messiah restores intimacy with God.
Day 5Genesis 3The fallNachash (נָחָשׁ) — serpentMessiah crushes the serpent.
Day 6Genesis 4–5Faith vs. rebellion—Yeshua’s blood “speaks a better word” than Abel’s.
Day 7Genesis 6:1–8Corruption & grace—Grace continues through Messiah, the true refuge.

🌿 Discussion Questions

  1. What does “Bereshit” teach us about God as Creator?
  2. How does understanding the image of God shape how you see yourself and others?
  3. What do you learn about sin and temptation in Genesis 3?
  4. What does the promise of the Zera (Seed) reveal about God’s plan for redemption?
  5. How does the creation story point you to Yeshua?

🌿 Prayer Focus

Thank God for creating you in His image.
Ask Him to renew your heart, restore His image by His Spirit, and help you walk in the purpose He designed for you from the beginning.

🌿 Memory Verse

Genesis 1:1 — “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”