New from Matt Carter: Creation Restored: The Gospel According to Genesis

Looking for a way to open group members’ eyes to the gospel thread that runs through the Old Testament?  You’re going to want to take a look at Creation Restored: The Gospel According to Genesis by Matt Carter and Halim Suh.  An examination of Genesis 12-50, this study “explores how the very first book of the Bible foreshadows the gospel of Jesus Christ–the good news of salvation and redemption that we find only in Him.”

This study is the follow up to Creation Unraveled (released in 2011 an covering Genesis 1 to 11), Carter has said, “Nothing has given me a better understanding of the gospel of Jesus and the purpose of the cross than studying the Book of Genesis.  Genesis hasn’t only increased my knowledge of the gospel; it’s also increased my love for the gospel.”

Developed by Threads (LifeWay’s young adult line of curriculum), Creation Restored finds its roots in a message series on Genesis preached by Matt Carter (lead pastor), Halim Suh (elder and equipping pastor) and others at The Austin Stone Community Church in 2009.  Austin Stone, a dynamic church in Austin, Texas, is known for Carter’s expository preaching and missional small group emphasis.

While created as a curriculum line for young adults, the format lends itself to any group that is looking for a little bit of a challenge.  While there is a DVD, this isn’t a DVD-driven study.  The video segments in Creation Restored are an enhancement, but not an essential ingredient.

The member book is fully loaded with scripture, thought-provoking questions, quotes and excerpts from authors like Tim Keller and Walter Brueggemann, and much more.  Although this isn’t a homework driven study, there is enough here to make it likely that many groups will stretch the material over a couple sessions.

Although the member content is very thorough, you’ll find a very rich collection of leader helps on the DVD.  At the same time, the member book is generously sprinkled with tips and suggestions, along with interesting references to contributing ideas.

There is a lot here.  Certain groups will absolutely love this study.  Others will simply find it too much of a stretch.  If you’ve got groups looking for a serious challenge, Creation Restored definitely needs to be on your radar.