Dwell: The Garden

Written By Josh Finklea
Full Service

Dwell: WEek 1 : The Garden

We were created to dwell with God, just as Adam and Eve once did in the garden. Sin fractured that closeness, but God never stopped pursuing us. This week invites us to stop hiding, slow down, and seek Him again. Christmas begins with the God who formed us and still longs to walk with us in every season.

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  • DWELL — WEEK 1 BLOG

    “The Garden: Created to Dwell”

    Based on Genesis 1–3 & Romans 3:21–24 Dwell

    From the very first breath of Scripture, God paints a picture of nearness. Not a distant, disengaged deity—but a God who forms, fashions, and then walks with His creation. Before there were traditions, candles, gifts, or nativity scenes, there was a garden. And in that garden, God and humanity dwelled together.

    Eden wasn’t just a place. It was a relationship.

    We Were Created to Dwell

    Genesis tells us that God created a world filled with beauty, order, and life—and then placed humanity at the center, made in His image. Everything about the garden whispered peace, belonging, and presence. God walked with Adam and Eve “in the cool of the evening,” a detail that reminds us of God’s intimacy, not His distance.

    Before sin fractured anything…
    Before division entered relationships…
    Before shame ever shadowed the human heart…

    We lived in unbroken communion with the One who made us.

    It’s no wonder that—even today—we crave what Eden held. We crave peace. We crave connection. We crave belonging. Every longing you carry for closeness with God reflects the design you were created for. You weren’t made to “glance” at God. You were made to dwell with Him.

    But Division Came Through Disobedience

    And then… the serpent slithered into the story.

    Just like a perfect Christmas moment ruined by the missing batteries, or a beautiful dinner undone by burnt food, Eden’s perfection unraveled. With one choice, Adam and Eve exchanged divine closeness for devastating distance.

    Shame replaced peace.
    Fear replaced trust.
    Hiding replaced walking.

    And that moment didn’t just affect Adam and Eve. We feel it today.

    We hide from God when we feel unworthy.
    We distance ourselves when we feel ashamed.
    We numb ourselves when we feel convicted.
    We avoid God’s voice when we fear what He’ll say.

    Romans 3 reminds us that all of us fall short. Sin fractures what God intended to be whole. And if the story ended there, we would be hopeless.

    But God never gave up on closeness. Not then. Not now.

    The God Who Pursues

    Even as God removed Adam and Eve from the garden, He clothed them—a symbol that grace was already moving toward them. He didn’t abandon humanity after disobedience. He began a rescue story that would stretch across generations and lead all the way to Bethlehem.

    The message of Week 1—and the whole series—is simple:

    God created you to dwell with Him, and He still wants that today.

    You can stop running.
    Stop hiding.
    Stop believing the lie that distance is what God wants.

    The truth?
    He is the One walking toward you—even when you are walking away.

    What Do We Do With This?

    The Garden teaches us that dwelling with God is both a design and a decision. And this season invites us to choose closeness again.

    1. Stop.

    Stop hiding. Stop believing God doesn’t want you. Sin creates shame, but Jesus creates a way back home.

    2. Sit.

    Sit in His presence. Slow down. Let your soul exhale. You weren’t built for constant motion—you were built for moments with God.

    3. Surrender.

    Give God access to the parts of your life you’ve been guarding. Surrender isn't losing—it’s finding life again.

    4. Seek.

    Seek Him daily. Seek Him in Scripture. Seek Him in silence. Seek Him while you’re staring at the Christmas lights or driving home from work. He is closer than you think.

    This Christmas, the invitation is simple but sacred:

    Dwell.
    Not in hurry.
    Not in distraction.
    Not in shame.
    But in Him.

  • Small Group Curriculum – DWELL

    Download Week 1 Guide Here

    Week 1: The Garden
    Main Scripture: Genesis 1–3; Romans 3:21–24 (NLT)
    Big Idea: God created us to dwell, sin caused division and death.

    1. Connect (Icebreaker)

    • Fun: What Christmas tradition helps you slow down and enjoy the season?

    • Personal: Share a time you felt especially close to God.

    • Transition: God created us to dwell with Him—but sin caused separation. Christmas reminds us that He came to restore that dwelling.

    2. Discover (Scripture & Discussion)

    Read Genesis 1:27; 2:7–8; 3:1–10 (NLT).

    Discussion Questions

    1. What does the Garden reveal about God’s desire for relationship with us?

    2. How did sin disrupt dwelling with God?

    3. Why do you think Adam and Eve hid instead of coming to God after they sinned?

    4. How do we still “hide” from God today?

    Dig Deeper Scripture: Romans 3:23–24.

    • How does Jesus make it possible for us to dwell with God again?

    • What does it mean to be justified by grace?

    3. Respond (Application & Prayer)

    Personal Application

    • Where in your life do you feel “separated” from God right now?

    • What step can you take this week to stop hiding and start dwelling in His presence?

    Group Prayer Prompt

    • Pray for freedom from shame and hiding.

    • Thank God for sending Jesus to restore dwelling with Him.

    Challenge for the Week

    • Memory Verse: Romans 3:24 (NLT).

    • Next Step: Each day this week, take 5 minutes to “dwell”—sit in silence with God, thanking Him for restoring relationship through Christ.

    ⏱️ Designed for 45–60 minutes

    • Connect (10–15 min)

    • Discover (25–30 min)

    • Respond (10–15 min)

  • CONWAY

    AYNOR

    SOUTH STRAND

Josh Finklea