2:4 “Genesis” – “towlĕdah” – Origins – Source – Genealogy – Beginnings – History – Time
When? “In the beginning”
Who? “God”
Did What? “Created”
To What? The heavens and the earth
Why? For His glory; to reveal Himself
Purpose? Plan? Design?
From nothing to nothing (Evolution) or from Dust to Glory (God)? Grown up, highly evolved goo or Worth and Purpose? Can natural forces (Mother Nature) account for the universe?
What happens if you replace God? Man is the product of genetic coincidence; he is not accountable to a higher being; truth is relative; marriage is a social convenience; man is the center of the universe; a vacuum of unanswered questions. In the beginning God created man, now man returns the complement.
Psa 11 3 If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?
Who am I? Why am I?
God – Eternal – Creator – Elohim (a plural noun with singular verbs) - Originator - Sustainer
"God is greater than the mind itself. His greatness cannot be conceived. All our thoughts about Him will be less than He, and our loftiest utterances will be trivialities in comparison with Him. He had no origin, no beginning, He suffers no change, and in His essential being there are no limitations. He is exalted far above the created universe, so far above that human thought cannot imagine it! We must not compare the being of God with any other. We must not think of God as highest in an ascending order of beings, starting with the single cell organism and going on up from the fish to the bird to mind of God. This would be to grant Him eminence, even pre-eminence, but that is not enough...we must grant Him transcendence in the fullest meaning of that word. Forever God stands apart, in light unapproachable. While we might be tempted to say that God is as high above an archangel as an archangel is above a caterpillar, the gulf that separates the archangel from a caterpillar is finite, but the gulf between God and the archangel is infinite! For the caterpillar and the archangel are but creations...God alone is the Creator!" (A.W. Tozer)
Earth - not eternal
1) Formless – chaotic
2) Emptiness – worst sensation of the soul
3) Darkness – not the presence, but the absence of something
Spirit of God “hovering” – moving – brooding
The Word of God “And God said” - Trinity
Who is The Word? Why does He speak? Does His return void? Perfect execution. No disobedience. Tells it to be and it be’d.
Isaiah 55 11 “So shall My word be which goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me empty, without accomplishing what I desire, and without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it.”
Colossians 1 15 Jesus Christ is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For by Him all things were created things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by Him and for Him. 17 He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.
Hebrews 11 3 By faith we understand that the universe was formed by the Word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible. (no inventory/backstock).
Psalm 33 9 For He spoke, and it came to be; He commanded, and it stood firm.
Day 1: Light
“God’s glory is like the sun; you can’t look directly at it, but without it, you can see nothing else.”
GK Chesterton
-Vanquishes the darkness
-essential to life
-Not the sun, moon or stars
-The glory of God – God is
Light and in Him there is no
darkness at all (1Jo 1:5b)
Matthew 4 16 the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.
2Corinthians 4 6 For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made His light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.
Day 2: Separation of Water from Water – atmosphere and the waters on the earth
Day 3: Seas, Land, and Fruitful Vegetation -- “kinds”
Day 4: Sun, Moon, Stars, and Celestial Heavens
Day 5: Fish and Birds – “kinds” – full
Day 6: Animals, Man and Woman
“In His image” “likeness” – One of those things God can’t do: create another God. By definition, anything He “creates” would have to be a “creature.”
How are we made in the image of God? Being – Reflect My Glory – Dominion – Worth - Responsibility – Morality – Soul – Choice – Reason – to Know Him and Fellowship with Him.
What is older than creation itself?
Eph 1:4 For he chose us in Him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5 He predestined us to be adopted as His sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with His pleasure and will— 6 to the praise of His glorious grace, which He has freely given us in the One He loves.
“Not good”; “Very Good”
Day 7: Rest
Pattern for Work and a Week
Holy – Sacred
What have you heard? What do you see?
Romans 1 20 since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities His eternal power and divine nature have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.
Isaiah 40 21 Do you not know? Have you not heard? Has it not been told you from the beginning? Have you not understood since the earth was founded? 28 The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth.
Job 42:5 My ears had heard of You, but now my eyes have seen You.
Psa 19:1-4 The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world.
Job 12:7‑10 Ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds of the air, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish of the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of the LORD has done this? In His hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind.
From looking at Creation, what is God like?
"Earth is crammed with heaven and every common bush afire with God. But only he who sees takes off his shoes. The rest sit around it and pluck blackberries."
Elizabeth Barrett Browning
Eternal
Creative
Structure/Order
Wise
Powerful
Loving
Intentional
Glorious
Awe
Laws/Boundaries/Rules
Faithful
Purposeful
Sovereign
Actively Working
Eye for Beauty
Detailed
Good
Sense of Humor
Provider
Created dependent upon the Creator
Connectedness/Synergy
Gracious
Creation vs. Recreation – Valid Comparison?
Dark à Light
Chaotic à Order and Meaning and Purpose
Empty à Fullness of Life, Fellowship, and Love
Response to His Word
Matthew 44 “Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God. – Life – Obedience – Pu
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Sunday, January 20, 2008
How can I discern what ministry God wants me to pursue?- John Piper
In our Bible study, we stress how crucial it is to find your ministry (with your marriage being your #1 ministry). Below is a nice little nugget from pastor John Piper about some simple steps you can take when you detect a calling to a ministry to serve in some capacity. I've also provided a link if you want to download the entire podcast. -Logan
The following is an edited transcription of the audio.
How can I discern what ministry God wants me to pursue?
Discerning the will of God for your ministry would start with a deep and recurrent desire, which is a good thing. Then you must test it. You test it by its recurrence, asking, "Does it last?" And you test it biblically by asking whether it's a godly desire. Does it come from a desire to glorify Christ? Will the pursuit of this work lead to the glory of Christ?
After that you test it in the community. You bounce it off of wise counselors. The Bible makes much of good counsel.
Finally you look for opportunity. You don't so much wait for the Lord to give some explicit command to do it. You look for opportunity. You ask yourself, "Is the Lord opening the door for this good and godly vision that I have?"
But even that, I would say, might be too passive. Because if you have a deep passion that something good be done, and there is nothing wrong with doing it, and the people around you say that you're gifted to do it, you may just knock down the door. If there's no real reason why you shouldn't do it, then knock down the door and pursue your passion.
You shouldn't be hung up on waiting. If it would be a good thing, if it would benefit the church, and the people around you endorse it, then I think you should move and not wait.
http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/AskPastorJohn/ByTopic/92/2567_How_can_I_discern_what_ministry_God_wants_me_to_pursue/
The following is an edited transcription of the audio.
How can I discern what ministry God wants me to pursue?
Discerning the will of God for your ministry would start with a deep and recurrent desire, which is a good thing. Then you must test it. You test it by its recurrence, asking, "Does it last?" And you test it biblically by asking whether it's a godly desire. Does it come from a desire to glorify Christ? Will the pursuit of this work lead to the glory of Christ?
After that you test it in the community. You bounce it off of wise counselors. The Bible makes much of good counsel.
Finally you look for opportunity. You don't so much wait for the Lord to give some explicit command to do it. You look for opportunity. You ask yourself, "Is the Lord opening the door for this good and godly vision that I have?"
But even that, I would say, might be too passive. Because if you have a deep passion that something good be done, and there is nothing wrong with doing it, and the people around you say that you're gifted to do it, you may just knock down the door. If there's no real reason why you shouldn't do it, then knock down the door and pursue your passion.
You shouldn't be hung up on waiting. If it would be a good thing, if it would benefit the church, and the people around you endorse it, then I think you should move and not wait.
http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/AskPastorJohn/ByTopic/92/2567_How_can_I_discern_what_ministry_God_wants_me_to_pursue/
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Flip-Side 1/15
What an awesome word tonight! Jenni, thank you for bringing the WORD. In case you missed it, Jenni's complete Lesson Notes are below. If anyone is "BLOG SAAVY" please help me shorten the view of posts so it doesn't go down the entire page. Thanks!
Logan
Logan
Genesis 1:1-2 Jenni McCollum 1/15
Intro: The Story- IN THE BEGINNING…. SOUNDS SIMPLE
LIKE EVERY STORY BOOK…ONCE UPON A TIME…..
YET MOST CANNOT MOVE BEYOND THE 1ST 3 WORDS OF THE BIBLE WITHOUT DEMANDING MORE INFORMATION.
IN THE BEGINNING OF WHAT?
WHO’S ACCOUNT IS THIS?
IS THIS AN ACCURATE ACCOUNT?
Eyewitness: recently in the news there had been the case of Drew Peterson and his missing 4th wife.
In all the accounting and speculating, it would really make a difference if there were an EYEWITNESS. BECAUSE AN EYEWITNESS IS IRREFUTABLE.
WHAT ONE HAS SEEN WITH HIS OWN EYES, HEARD WITH HIS OWN EARS, OR TOUCHED WITH HIS OWN HANDS…BECOMES CREDIBLE
IF WE COULD FIND AN EYE WITNESS FOR CREATION, WOULDN’T THAT SUBSTANTIALLY ALTER THE CONCLUSION OF MANY?
DEBATES OF EVOLUTION VS CREATION STILL RAGE ON…..
BUT THE TRUTH IS: WE DO HAVE AN EYE WITNESS! AND MORE IMPORTANTLY THIS EYEWITNESS HAS GONE ON RECORD!
AND IT BEGINS LIKE THIS: “In the beginning, God….”
On November 8 1981, the New York times reported results of a data analysis by a computer at the Technion, Israels’s institute of technology in Haifa. Scholars fed the computer information related to the Pentateuch (1st 5 books of the bible) including writing style, vocabulary, the conclusion – one single author wrote all 5 books.
According to Jewish tradition and biblical testimony, Moses was that author. And He composed those books in appros 1450 bcScholars believed he compiled historical family records into an accurate account of the years that preceded his time.
Whenever he begins with a family record it is recorded with the following phrase….”This is the account of….” Gen 2:4 5:1 6:9 10:1 11:10, 27
This means that Genesis IS THE EYEWTINESS ACCOUNT OF MAN’S EARLISEST YEARS.
YET – WHO WAS THE EYEWITNESS OF CREATION?
WHO SAW AND RECORDED THE EVENTS OF THE 1ST TWO CHAPTERS OF THE BIBLE BEFORE MAN EVER EXISTED?
THE ANSWER: GOD HIMSELF!
PERHAPS HE REVEALED IT TO MOSES, IN THE SAME WAY HE REVEALED THE FUTURE EVENTS TO JOHN IN THE BOOK OF REVELATION.
PERHAPS HE CARVED THE WORDS IN STONE, AS HE DID WITH THE LAW TO MOSES.
REGARDLESS OF HOW GOD DID IT, OR WHO SERVED AS HIS INSTRUMENT… 2 TIMOTHY 3:16 SAYS IT IS NOT CONJECTURE
Commentators have stated God’s book is not written as proof of His existence, but rather one of purpose for our existence.
Genesis 1-11 are God’s eyewitness memoirs of creation and the early history of civilization.
But as with any eyewitness ; credibility is attacked, character maligned.
Because the verdict : GOD IS OUR CREATOR WOULD IMPLY WE ARE ACCOUNTABLE TO HIM!
BUT WHAT DIFFERENCE DOES THIS MAKE TO US FOR EVERYDAY LIVING?
IT SHOULD MAKE LIFE MAKE SENSE!
IT SHOULD GIVE EACH OF US PURPOSE
IT SHOULD GIVE EVERYONE DIRECTION
NO MATTER HOW YOU HAVE VIEWED GENESIS 1-2 BEFORE, LETS NOT MISS THE FACT THAT IT IS GOD’S EYEWITNESS ACCOUNT OF HIS STORY!
HISTORY FROM HIS PERSPECTIVE, RECORDED IN HIS OWN WORDS!
PRIMARY PURPOSE OF GENESIS IS TO REVEAL GOD.
ONLY OTHER PLACE WHERE GOD IS REVEALED THIS POWERFULLY IS THRU THE PERSON OF JESUS.
JESUS DID NOT BEGIN IN THE GOSPELS, HE WAS ALREADY THERE IN THE BEGINNING. BEFORE TIME AND BEFORE HISTORY
SO IF THE PRIMARY PURPOSE OF GENESIS IS TO REVEAL GOD, THEN IT MAKES SENSE THAT BY THE STUDY OF IT: WE CAN KNOW GOD!
THIS IS WHAT WE ARE ABOUT TO EMBARK ON: KNOWING GOD!
WE CAN KNOW GOD LIKE ADAM KNEW HIM: WE CAN WALK WITH HIM AND TALK WITH HIM
WE CAN KNOW GOD LIKE ENOCH: SO THAT HIS PRESENCE SO FILLS OUR LIFE THAT WE ARE AWARE OF NOTHING ELSE BUT GOD.
WE CAN KNOW HIM LIKE NOAH: SO THAT WE ARE WILLING TO RISK REPUTATION, AND EVERYTHING TO BE OBEDIENT TO HIS CALL . THAT WE CARE MORE ABOUT WHAT GOD THINKS OF US, THAN MAN
WE CAN KNOW HIM LIKE ABRAHAM; WE CAN CALL HIM FRIEND, BUT MORE IMPORTANTLY HE WILL CALL US FRIEND.
He is the God you can know!
We can know Him thru His story, His power, His love, His Person, His glory!
CATHOLIC CATECHISM, ANGLICAN CATACHISM… A QUESTION IS ASKED:
WHAT IS THE CHIEF END OF MAN?
TO GLORIFY HIM AND ENJOY HIM FOREVER!
1. Genesis 1:1 IN THE BEGINNING, God…..
He was there – He is eternal,
He is not bound by time.
He created time
2 Peter 3:8 to the Lord a day is as a 1000….. Hebrew word for day is “yom” it can mean 24 hours period or an unspecified space of time.
What does this mean? The Eternity of Godcan mean wonderful comfort in the face of finality, in the face of death.
He transcends all time – because all time for God is NOW He sees everything at once. Past- Present- Future.
B. He is not bound by Space
He can be everywhere at once.
As I travel the same Jesus that I know here is there.
Jesus is there with the tribes in Africa who shout His name. He is in the underground churches in China – who pray diligently for an increase in the Kingdom
He is with you and with me!
****The only time God has been bound by time and space….
Was when He chose to be – in the person of Jesus.
Phil 2:7-8 making himself nothing
Luke 1:26-38 he was bound in a woman’s womb
Luke 2:7 He was bound in a manager
Luke 2:40, 52 in an infants body
In the body of a young boy
On a Roman Cross
By a borrowed tomb
Why did He chose to be bound? SO THAT HE COULD SET US FREE!
FREE FROM THAT WHICH BINDS US!
FREE FROM THAT WHICH KEEPS US FROM FULFILLING GOD’S INTENDED PURPOSE FOR OUR LIVES
FREE FROM EMPTINESS, BROKENNESS, SINFULNESS, BITTERNESS, LONLINESS, WEAKNESS, HOPELESSNESS.
FREE FROM WHATEVER KEEPS US FROM LIVING FOR HIM.
WE CAN BE FREE FROM WHATEVER BINDS US, BECAUSE THE ONE WHO IS GLORIOUSLY ETERNAL, THE ONE WHO IS UNBOUND BY SPACE AND TIME
WAS WILLING TO BE BOUND!
2. In the beginning, GOD : Elohim – plural noun occurs over 2000x in OT.
It is a plural noun used with singular verbs.
1:26 Let US make man in our image….
3:22 become like one of US…
ISAIAH 6 When Isaiah saw God (elohim) God said: Who should I send, who will go for US?
The trinity is in Creation,
Incarnation – Gabriel
Baptism of Christ – Father and the Spirit
Resurrection -
He reveals Himself as Trinity from the beginning of time.
Father,
Son
Holy Spirit
Do you know Him as Father:
Ie. Abba on the plane…they availed themselves to their abba, who could do all and provide all.
Little girl on the train – when it became dark, she threw herself on the one who would provide comfort and security.
Do you know Him as Son:
In the beginning was the Word – Jesus (logos) the outward expression of all that God is. The Word was with God (separate being)
And the Word was God.
We can know what God is like by looking at Jesus!
Do you know the Spirit? That hovered over the earth….
He fully indwelt Jesus John 3:34
He is the Spirit of Truth
He is our counselor
He lives in you and in me!
He is our pledge, our promise, our seal, our guarantee we will receive all He has promised.
Is 40:28 Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the creator of the ends of the earth! Does not become weary or tired. His understanding is inscrutable, He gives strength to the weary and to him who lacks might He increases power.
V. 2 The spirit hovered over the darkness……
WE don’t know how long the spirit hovered. But when nothing else was moving – the spirit was.
But it’s purpose was to fill the darkness!
To fill the emptiness.
Do you know Elohim – your creator?
3. “In the beginning, God CREATED….”
He is the God of creation.
1st of all, He is separate from creation. So He is greater than creation.
Why is this important? Because God is not “in the sunset” or “in a redwood tree” He is greater than creation. You can destroy a redwood, but you cannot destroy God – Elohim
He created… “The heaven’s and the earth”
A. Heavens: He created the big things……
400 billion stars in the milky way galaxy
our galaxy is one of a cluster of 30 glaxies
closest galaxy to us is 978 trillion miles away
MAY 9, 1979 9 satellites simultaneously recorded an event.
It was the most powerful burst of energy (gamma radiation). In 1/10th of a second it emitted as much energy as the sun emits in 3000 yrs.
The burst was 100 billion x greater than the energy of the sun.
If it had happened in our galaxy, our solar system – we would have been vaporized.
Astronomers estimate there are more than 100 billion galaxies each with 100 billion stars
** and He knows each one of them by name!
Ps 8 When I consider the heavens, the work of your fingers… what is man?
The stars are just fingerwork to God!
Ps 19 the heavens declare your glory!
He spreads out the heavens with his hands…. FINGERWORK
AND WE ARE DOWN HERE ON EARTH SAYING: “I AM NOT SURE GOD CAN HANDLE THIS ONE, THIS IS TOO BIG, THIS IS TOO MUCH, THIS IS TOO HARD.”
HE CREATED SMALL THINGS: …”AND HE CREATED THE EARTH…”
He created Earth – the snowflakes, birds, plants, flowers…..
What are some small things in your life that you think have gone unnoticed by God?
Hurt feelings? an insult? A tear?
There is nothing TOO BIG FOR GOD, and THERE IS NOTHING TOO SMALL FOR GOD YOUR CREATOR.
HE IS THE GOD OF LAZARUS, THE GOD WHO FED 5000, WHO CALMED A STORM
AND HE IS THE GOD WHO NOTICED THE WIDOWS MITE, WHO TOUCHED THE LEPER, WHO NOTICED MARY’S GIFT.
CREATED: HEBREW WORD “BARA” to create something out of nothing.
It is only employed with the use of ELOHIM. IT THEREFORE IS IDENTIFIED CHARACTERISTICALLY AS DIVINE ACTIVITY!
AND ENGLISH WORD, THAT MAY CAPTURE THE SAME IDEA IS THE WORD “DESIGN” IT INCLUDES BOTH PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTING.
Interesting to believe the Scientist view of how the earth was created is to believe
NOTHING CREATED SOMETHING OUT OF NOTHING.
But to believe God’s word, is to believe SOMEONE CREATED SOMETHING OUT OF NOTHING.
C. HIS CREATIVE POWER IS ENERGY RELEASED….. HE IS AN ACTIVE GOD.
V. 2 “Now the earth was formless and void and darkness was over the surface of the deep and the Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the waters.”
God is active in unseen ways. If we had been there at this point in Creation, we might have assumed because there was no VISIBLE evidence of His Activity – that He was not doing anything.
Yet at that time, His Spirit – The Spirit (THE RUAH- WIND) of God was moving!
And what He was doing was PREPARING THE EARTH TO RECEIVE THE WORD.
TO BRING ORDER WHERE THERE WAS CHAOS
PREPARING THE EARTH TO BE TRANSFORMED INTO:
A PLACE OF PURPOSE.
A PLACE THAT WOULD REFLECT HIS IMAGE
A PLACE THAT WOULD BRING HIM PLEASURE!
**WE MAY HAVE SITUATIONS OR PEOPLE THAT WE FEEL THIS VERSE DESCRIBES THEIR LIFE: V. 2 DESCRIBES CHAOS -
EMPTY, VOID, FULL OF DARKNESS.
***YOU MAY HAVE BEEN PRAYING FOR THE ACTIVITY OF GOD IN THEIR LIVES!
*JUST BECAUSE YOU CANNOT SEE THE ACTIVITY OF GOD – DO NOT CONCLUDE THAT HE IS INACTIVE!
THE GOD OF CREATION CANNOT BE LESS THAN HE IS: ACTIVE!
WHETHER WE SEE IT OR NOT!
** ALSO IT WAS IN THE DARKNESS OF THE CHAOS WHERE THE SPIRIT OF GOD MOVED TO PREPARE THE WORLD FOR THE CREATIVE WORD OF GOD.
*** WHEN CHRIST HUNG ON THE CROSS, IT WAS IN DARKNESS THAT GOD DID HIS GREATEST WORK FOR US.
*JUST BECAUSE YOU CANNOT SEE THE ACTIVITY OF GOD – DO NOT CONCLUDE THAT HE IS INACTIVE!
AND WE CAN PRAY FOR HIM TO WORK IN A HUMAN HEART – JUST THE SAME WAY HE WORKED IN VERSE 2.
-MANY THEOLOGIANS BELIEVED THE EARTH WAS FORMLESS AND VOID BECAUSE OF SIN.
ISAIAH 45:18 For thus says the Lord, who created the heavens, He is the God who formed the earth and made it. He established it and did not create it a waste place. But formed it to be inhabited.
NIV: Created the earth with form.
Many believe God created it with form and when Satan was cast down he destroyed earth and v.3 was God re-creating the Earth.
V. 2 WAS THE CONDITION OF THE WORLD
V.3 WAS GOD’S RENOVATION OF THE CHAOS
The Spirit hovered over the empty darkness… and God filled it!
He filled it with light, with life, with sound.
GOD OUR CREATOR, BRINGS SHAPE AND FULNESS TO THE FORMLESS AND EMPTY.
He filled the emptiness.
** He can fill your emptiness!
4. v. 3 Then God SAID…… THE WORD OF GOD
Word: And God said…. 10 x in ch 1
Every day of creation…. God’s word went forth
Every day of creation…. God’s word was received
Every day of creation… change took place!
Day after day…. The earth was transformed
The same holds true for us.. Let God’s word SPEAK- RECEIVE IT!
CHANGE WILL TAKE PLACE.
TRANSFORMATION IS A PROCESS
BUT IS POSSIBLE WITH THE DAILY APPLICATION OF THE WORD OF GOD.
DON’T UNDERESTIMATE IT’S TRANSFORMING POWER,
A. THE WORD OF GOD GIVES ILLUMINATION- day 1
v. 3-5 LET THERE BE LIGHT….the light came in response to God’s Word
God didn’t leave our world dark and murkey, He brought forth illumination
Ps 119:130 The unfolding of thy words gives light. It gives understanding to the simple.
Ps Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.
His word brings truth, clarity, spiritual understanding, and discernment.
When we have discouragement about the future, when we are disillusioned by life
We need the light of the word of God to illumine our path.
We can be like Saul pursuing the truth on a wrong path and God’s word can suddenly shine ablaze in our path.
What are we looking to as light?
B. THE WORD OF GOD CAN LIFT BURDENS- day 2
V. 6-8 After God turned on the light – he then began to draw out the potential.
He made the EXPANSE – He separated water from water. To do this He increased the earths’s diameter 120 miles.
He formed a vapor canopy over the earth – possibly it looked like a ring.
The earth at this point was like a giant greenhouse, a giant terranium
Scientist believed our atmosphere weighs about 5.7 quadrillion tons.
Before the separation of the expanse – the atmosphere weighed much more. And therefore cause much more pressure on the earth.
THE POWER OF GOD’S WORD LIFTED THE BILLIONS OF TONS OF WATER UP FROM THE EARTH INTO A VAPOR CANOPY. AND THE EARTH HAD BREATHING ROOM!
ONLY GOD HAS THE POWER TO LIFT THE PRESSURE OFF OF YOU.
YOUR CIRCUMSTANCES MAY REMAIN THE SAME, BUT HE HAS THE POWER TO GIVE YOU BREATHING ROOM.
C. THE WORD OF GOD GIVES US A FOUNDATION- day 3
V. 9-10 GOD GATHERED ALL THE SEAS INOT ONE PLACE (SEA LEVEL) AND HE SET BOUNDARIES. HE RAISED THE LAND AND GAVE THE EARTH FOUNDATION.
A house on our street was sinking, shifting. They brought in a foundation crew to set it right, give it a firm foundation to support it.
When we live our lives on a flawed and cracked foundation there is fear that everything may give way, it may all come tumbling down.
Do you remember the Mineapolis bridge collapse?
Authorities still do not know what caused the collapse. Engineers had theories including heavy traffic and construction work that might have put an undue burden on the span. The bridge was deemed "structurally deficient" by the federal government as far back as 1990.
Many people today are living “structurally deficient” lives. Something difficult happens and their whole world falls apart because there is no foundation.
How stable is your foundation? God’s word gives our lives a stable foundation.
D. GOD’S WORD BRINGS BEAUTY TO BARRENNESS. – day 3
V. 11-13
This time God did not create anything new, He only called it forth from its existence. It was already there.
He made it beautiful! Thru the power of His word!
When we submit our lives to His word, to the power of His word, He can bring forth beauty.
E. GOD’S WORD GIVES DIRECTION. – day 4
V. 14-19 BEFORE this the earth was spinning aimless on its axis, going nowhere.
God made the sun and the moon – not just to illumine, but to help give the Earth direction and purpose, days, time, seasons, navigation, migration…
Because life needs direction w/o it, it is only existence.
The lights were made for a reason – to give direction and purpose.
F. GOD’S WORD GIVES ANIMATION. – day 5
AT THIS POINT , it looked like a painting. There was no movement, no feeling.
Then God created every living and moving thing.
He filled it with life!
He came to the earth to give you and me LIFE, ABUNDANT LIFE.
JOHN 10:10 I CAME THAT THEY MIGHT HAVE LIFE AND MIGHT HAVE IT ABUNDANTLY.
The earth was prepared. PREPARED FOR THE CLIMAX….
Every day of creation…. God’s word went forth
Every day of creation…. God’s word was received
Every day of creation… change took place!
Day after day…. The earth was transformed
The same holds true for us.. Let God’s word SPEAK- RECEIVE IT!
CHANGE WILL TAKE PLACE.
TRANSFORMATION IS A PROCESS
BUT IS POSSIBLE WITH THE DAILY APPLICATION OF THE WORD OF GOD.
DON’T UNDERESTIMATE IT’S TRANSFORMING POWER,
DAY 6 CREATION’S CLIMAX
V. 26-27 THE EARTH HAD BEEN PREPARED AND WAITING FOR MAN.
5. THE COMPLETION OF THE EARTH WAS THE CREATION OF MAN.
MAN REFLECTED GOD’S IMAGE V. 26-27
“IN THE IMAGE OF GOD” means we were created wit the capacity to know the Creator in a personal way.
We were created to know Him, to walk and talk with Him, to love and obey Him, to listen and to learn from Him, to serve and to please Him.
To Glorify God and enjoy Him forever.
(NO OTHER PART OF CREATION WAS CREATED IN HIS IMAGE- ONLY MAN)
The whole reason for our existence is to Know Him !
In the large and existential way
And in the small everyday stuff.
Changes brought about in your life by God’s word are for the Primary Purpose
THAT WE MIGHT KNOW HIM FULLY, AND INTIMATELY….FOR HIS GLORY
THAT WE MIGHT REFLECT HIM IN ALL WE ARE AND SAY AND DO.
THAT WE MIGHT BRING GLORY TO THE ONE WHO CREATED US.
MAN RECEIVED GOD’S BLESSING 1:28- be fruitful and multiply
BLESSINGS – BENEFITS what we call blessings are temporary
Stuff, money,
GOD’S BENEFITS are grace, acceptance, hope, peace, mercy, nearness….
Forgiveness, love, redemption
And He stood back looked at all He had done and was pleased and said
It is good.
IF GOD CAN FILL THE EMPTINESS OF THE EARTH SO THAT IT REFLECTS HIS GLORY,
HE CAN FILL THE EMPTINESS OF YOUR LIFE, SO THAT IT TOO REFELCTS HIS GLORY,
CHAPTER 2.
DIRECTIONS, PATTERNS.
I HATE READING DIRECTIONS. MARK IS KNOWN FOR A FEW REPEATED FATHERLY QUOTES AND THE TOP OF THE LIST IS : IF SOMETHING ISN’T WORKING - “READ THE DIRECTIONS”
HE RECENTLY GOT A BLACKBERRY , THE REST OF US HAVE ONE AND HE HAS BEEN CAUGHT BY BOTH CHILDREN WHEN HE ASKED FOR SHORTCUTS “READ THE DIRECTIONS DAD!”
YOU SAVE TIME AND MAKE LIFE EASIER WHEN YOU READ THE DIRECTIONS.
GOD NEVER INTENDED FOR MAN TO BE BROKEN
HE ALSO DIDN’T JUST PLOP MAN DOWN ON EARTH AND SAY “GOOD LUCK”
AFTER GOD CREATED MAN, HE GAVE HIM SPECIFIC DIRECTIONS. AND HE SAID IF YOU LIVE BY THESE DIRECTIONS, LIFE WILL WORK.
GOD NEVER INTENDED FOR US TO BE BROKEN.
HE GAVE US DIRECTIONS AND A PATTERN TO PREVENT BROKENNESS. AND A PATTERN THAT WILL MEND BROKENNESS.
V. 1-2 A PATTERN FOR DISCIPLINE: WORK CONSISTENTLY FOR 6 DAYS, complete the job, THEN REST.
Whatever the job God has given you, let your work week follow the Creator’s example.
Consistent- complete
V. 3 A PATTERN FOR DEVOTION: 7TH DAY HE RESTED, HE CALLED IT HOLY. Which means set apart, or different from ordinary things.
It represented PERFECT CREATION, SANCTIFIED AND AT REST.
ONE DAY OF DEVOTION – TO FOCUS COMPLETELY ON HIM
ISAIAH 58:13-14 IF BECAUSE OF THE SABBATH YOU TURN YOUR FOOT FROM DOIN YOUR OWN PLEASURE ON MY HOLY DAY AND CALL THE SABBATH A DELIGHT , THE HOLY DAY OF THE LORD, HONORABLE, AND SHALL HONOR IT DESISTING FROM YOUR OWN WAYS, FROM SEEKING YOUR OWN PLEASURE AND SPEAKING YOUR OWN WORD, THEN YOU WILL TAKE DELIGHT IN THE LORD AND I WILL MAKE YOU RIDE ON THE HEIGHTS OF THE EARTH AND I WILL FIEED YOU WITH THE HERITAGE OF JACOB YOUR FATHER FOR THE MOUTH OF THE LORD HAS SPOKEN.
ARE YOU RIDING ON THE HEIGHTS OF THE EARTH?
ARE YOU FOLLOWING YOUR CREATORS PATTERN FOR DEVOTION?
IS SUNDAY IN YOU HOME DIFFERENT FROM ALL THE REST?
A PLACE FOR LIVING: V. 4-8 GOD PREPARED A PLACE FOR MAN TO LIVE.
GOD IS THE ORIGINAL HOMEMAKER.
Elohim was the name used for God in ch. 1 but now the name Jehovah Elohim is used and it is translated “Lord God” – which implies He was revealing Himself in a personal way.
THE FIRST TIME GOD REVEALED HIMSELF PERSONALLY WAS IN A HOME!
THE FIRST TIME JESUS REVEALED HIMSELF PUBLICLY WAS IN A HOME.
DOES YOUR HOME REVEAL THE PRESENSE OF GOD?
IF A STRANGER WALKED IN WOULD THEY BE AWARE OF GOD’S PRESENCE?
IE: KAY ARTHUR- COMING TO MY HOUSE, I GOT VERY MOTIVATED TO MAKE IT PRESENTABLE.
MOST IMPORTANT THING WAS I PRAYED IT WAS A HOME WHERE ONE WOULD KNOW GOD WAS THERE.
PRAYER CLOSET – TAKE ME THERE!
A PLACE OF BLESSING – V. 10-14
A RIVER , THAT FLOWED IN TO 4 RIVERS.
GOD PATTERN IS THAT AS HE HAS BLESSED OUR HOMES, THEY SHOULD BE A BLESSING TO OTHERS.
IE: ENGAGEMENT PARTY – BLESSING, SO MANY WERE BLESSED, NOT BY THE FOOD, THE DECORATIONS, THE PEOPLE, BUT BY THE BLESSING THAT TOOK PLACE.
THE RIVER FLOWED FROM OUR HOME TO OUR CHILDREN, AND OUT TO OUR GUESTS.
A PLACE OF BENEFITS. V. 9,16-17
GOD PLACED BOUNDARIES ON MAN- FOR HIS BENEFIT
GOD PLACED ABUNDANCE IN THE GARDEN- WITH FRUIT!
WHAT KIND OF FRUIT IS THERE IN YOUR HOME?
THE CREATION OF MAN V. 7, 18
FORMED MAN – YATSAR – “to mold” like a potter molding or shaping clay.
GOD spoke everything else into existence, but HE personally shaped the physical characteristics of man – then breathed into man HIS OWN LIFE!
We were created for GOD!
THERE WILL NEVER BE ANYTHING THIS LIFE CAN AFFORD THAT WILL SATISFY OR FULFILL APART FROM GOD!
THIS GARDEN (HOME) GOD CREATED FOR MAN WAS NOT ONLY A PLACE FOR MAN TO LIVE, BUT ALSO A PLACE FOR MAN TO SERVE.
MAN WAS CREATED FOR COMMITMENT TO GOD AND HIS PURPOSE.
- God gave man responsibilities to name the animals v. 19-20
Adam – finished the task!
Is there a responsibility God has given you? Establish your home in His name?
Strengthen your marriage? Be the spiritual leader of your home?
GOD LET ADAM SEE HIS NEED!
GOD SAID I WILL MAKE A HELPER SUITABLE – HELP MEET, TO AID, SURROUND
** FOR ADAM TO FIND GOD’S WILL – HE SIMPLY RESTED IN GOD!
FASHIONED WOMAN – BANAH - BUILT, ESTABLISHED, REBUILD
WOMAN WAS CREATED: AFTER MAN V. 18
FOR MAN V. 18
FROM MAN V. 22
*PRIMARY PURPOSE FOR THE CREATION OF WOMAN WAS FOR MUTUAL HAPPINESS.
WOMEN WERE CREATED TO BE THE RIB – TO SURROUND OUR HUSBANDS’S HEART! (NOT THE FOOT, NOT THE HEAD- BUT THE SIDE)
V. 24 MAN AND WOMAN TOGETHER WERE CREATED FOR COMMITMENT –
FOR UNITY –
TO LEAVE AND CLEAVE
TO ESTABLISH THEIR OWN HOME.
WE NEED TO LEAVE (RELEASE) OUR EMOTIONAL ATTACHMENTS FROM OUR PARENTS,
YOUR RELATIONSHIP AS HUSBAND AND WIFE SHOULD ECLIPSE EVERY OTHER RELATIONSHIP YOU HAVE:
YOUR PARENTS
YOUR CHILDREN
WHEN JESUS WAS PRESSURED TO ANSWER A QUESTION ON DIVORCE, (MATT 19) HE SIGHTED THESE VERSED IN GENESIS.
GOD’S INTENT FOR MARRIAGE IS A COVENANT –
THE TWO SHOULD BE ONE IN TERMS OF INTIMACY, AND PURPOSE.
Is there some part of your marriage today – that is not a SHOWCASE OF THE CREATOR’S GLORY?
ACCORDING TO GOD’S PATTERN – HAVE YOU ESTABLISHED YOUR HOME AS A PLACE WHERE GOD IS CENTRAL, AND YOU ARE FULFILLING THE UNIQUE PURPOSE FOR WHICH YOU WERE CREATED?
ONE BIBLE TEACHER ONCE TOOK A PIECE OF PAPER AND TORE IT AS SHE SAID THIS IS THE SOUND GOD HEARS WHEN WHAT HE BROUGHT TOGETHER IS TORN APART.
JEREMIAH 18: 1-6 The old clay pot was cracked, shattered and broken so the man took it to the Potter, who broke it down even further, moistening the clay with water, making it soft and pliable before He put it on His wheel. Then he began to remake it into a vessel pleasing to Himself. HE firmly applied pressure on some areas, touched lightly on areas, added more clay to a specific spot that needed filling and removed clay that hindered and marred the shape He had in mind. As He turned the wheel, His loving , gentle hands never left the clay as he molded and made it after His will.
Finally the potter was finished. He took what had once been a broken clay pot off the wheel, but now it was unrecognizable. It had been transformed into a vessel of beauty. The potter put it in his showcase that others might see the revelation of His glory in the work that He does.
This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord: “Go down to the potter’s house and there I will give you my message. So I went down to the potter’s house and I saw him working at the wheel. But the pot he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands so the potter formed it into another pot shaping it as seemed best to him. Then the word of the lord came to me: Can I not do with you as the potter does? Like clay in the hand of the potter , so are you in my hand.
LIKE EVERY STORY BOOK…ONCE UPON A TIME…..
YET MOST CANNOT MOVE BEYOND THE 1ST 3 WORDS OF THE BIBLE WITHOUT DEMANDING MORE INFORMATION.
IN THE BEGINNING OF WHAT?
WHO’S ACCOUNT IS THIS?
IS THIS AN ACCURATE ACCOUNT?
Eyewitness: recently in the news there had been the case of Drew Peterson and his missing 4th wife.
In all the accounting and speculating, it would really make a difference if there were an EYEWITNESS. BECAUSE AN EYEWITNESS IS IRREFUTABLE.
WHAT ONE HAS SEEN WITH HIS OWN EYES, HEARD WITH HIS OWN EARS, OR TOUCHED WITH HIS OWN HANDS…BECOMES CREDIBLE
IF WE COULD FIND AN EYE WITNESS FOR CREATION, WOULDN’T THAT SUBSTANTIALLY ALTER THE CONCLUSION OF MANY?
DEBATES OF EVOLUTION VS CREATION STILL RAGE ON…..
BUT THE TRUTH IS: WE DO HAVE AN EYE WITNESS! AND MORE IMPORTANTLY THIS EYEWITNESS HAS GONE ON RECORD!
AND IT BEGINS LIKE THIS: “In the beginning, God….”
On November 8 1981, the New York times reported results of a data analysis by a computer at the Technion, Israels’s institute of technology in Haifa. Scholars fed the computer information related to the Pentateuch (1st 5 books of the bible) including writing style, vocabulary, the conclusion – one single author wrote all 5 books.
According to Jewish tradition and biblical testimony, Moses was that author. And He composed those books in appros 1450 bcScholars believed he compiled historical family records into an accurate account of the years that preceded his time.
Whenever he begins with a family record it is recorded with the following phrase….”This is the account of….” Gen 2:4 5:1 6:9 10:1 11:10, 27
This means that Genesis IS THE EYEWTINESS ACCOUNT OF MAN’S EARLISEST YEARS.
YET – WHO WAS THE EYEWITNESS OF CREATION?
WHO SAW AND RECORDED THE EVENTS OF THE 1ST TWO CHAPTERS OF THE BIBLE BEFORE MAN EVER EXISTED?
THE ANSWER: GOD HIMSELF!
PERHAPS HE REVEALED IT TO MOSES, IN THE SAME WAY HE REVEALED THE FUTURE EVENTS TO JOHN IN THE BOOK OF REVELATION.
PERHAPS HE CARVED THE WORDS IN STONE, AS HE DID WITH THE LAW TO MOSES.
REGARDLESS OF HOW GOD DID IT, OR WHO SERVED AS HIS INSTRUMENT… 2 TIMOTHY 3:16 SAYS IT IS NOT CONJECTURE
Commentators have stated God’s book is not written as proof of His existence, but rather one of purpose for our existence.
Genesis 1-11 are God’s eyewitness memoirs of creation and the early history of civilization.
But as with any eyewitness ; credibility is attacked, character maligned.
Because the verdict : GOD IS OUR CREATOR WOULD IMPLY WE ARE ACCOUNTABLE TO HIM!
BUT WHAT DIFFERENCE DOES THIS MAKE TO US FOR EVERYDAY LIVING?
IT SHOULD MAKE LIFE MAKE SENSE!
IT SHOULD GIVE EACH OF US PURPOSE
IT SHOULD GIVE EVERYONE DIRECTION
NO MATTER HOW YOU HAVE VIEWED GENESIS 1-2 BEFORE, LETS NOT MISS THE FACT THAT IT IS GOD’S EYEWITNESS ACCOUNT OF HIS STORY!
HISTORY FROM HIS PERSPECTIVE, RECORDED IN HIS OWN WORDS!
PRIMARY PURPOSE OF GENESIS IS TO REVEAL GOD.
ONLY OTHER PLACE WHERE GOD IS REVEALED THIS POWERFULLY IS THRU THE PERSON OF JESUS.
JESUS DID NOT BEGIN IN THE GOSPELS, HE WAS ALREADY THERE IN THE BEGINNING. BEFORE TIME AND BEFORE HISTORY
SO IF THE PRIMARY PURPOSE OF GENESIS IS TO REVEAL GOD, THEN IT MAKES SENSE THAT BY THE STUDY OF IT: WE CAN KNOW GOD!
THIS IS WHAT WE ARE ABOUT TO EMBARK ON: KNOWING GOD!
WE CAN KNOW GOD LIKE ADAM KNEW HIM: WE CAN WALK WITH HIM AND TALK WITH HIM
WE CAN KNOW GOD LIKE ENOCH: SO THAT HIS PRESENCE SO FILLS OUR LIFE THAT WE ARE AWARE OF NOTHING ELSE BUT GOD.
WE CAN KNOW HIM LIKE NOAH: SO THAT WE ARE WILLING TO RISK REPUTATION, AND EVERYTHING TO BE OBEDIENT TO HIS CALL . THAT WE CARE MORE ABOUT WHAT GOD THINKS OF US, THAN MAN
WE CAN KNOW HIM LIKE ABRAHAM; WE CAN CALL HIM FRIEND, BUT MORE IMPORTANTLY HE WILL CALL US FRIEND.
He is the God you can know!
We can know Him thru His story, His power, His love, His Person, His glory!
CATHOLIC CATECHISM, ANGLICAN CATACHISM… A QUESTION IS ASKED:
WHAT IS THE CHIEF END OF MAN?
TO GLORIFY HIM AND ENJOY HIM FOREVER!
1. Genesis 1:1 IN THE BEGINNING, God…..
He was there – He is eternal,
He is not bound by time.
He created time
2 Peter 3:8 to the Lord a day is as a 1000….. Hebrew word for day is “yom” it can mean 24 hours period or an unspecified space of time.
What does this mean? The Eternity of Godcan mean wonderful comfort in the face of finality, in the face of death.
He transcends all time – because all time for God is NOW He sees everything at once. Past- Present- Future.
B. He is not bound by Space
He can be everywhere at once.
As I travel the same Jesus that I know here is there.
Jesus is there with the tribes in Africa who shout His name. He is in the underground churches in China – who pray diligently for an increase in the Kingdom
He is with you and with me!
****The only time God has been bound by time and space….
Was when He chose to be – in the person of Jesus.
Phil 2:7-8 making himself nothing
Luke 1:26-38 he was bound in a woman’s womb
Luke 2:7 He was bound in a manager
Luke 2:40, 52 in an infants body
In the body of a young boy
On a Roman Cross
By a borrowed tomb
Why did He chose to be bound? SO THAT HE COULD SET US FREE!
FREE FROM THAT WHICH BINDS US!
FREE FROM THAT WHICH KEEPS US FROM FULFILLING GOD’S INTENDED PURPOSE FOR OUR LIVES
FREE FROM EMPTINESS, BROKENNESS, SINFULNESS, BITTERNESS, LONLINESS, WEAKNESS, HOPELESSNESS.
FREE FROM WHATEVER KEEPS US FROM LIVING FOR HIM.
WE CAN BE FREE FROM WHATEVER BINDS US, BECAUSE THE ONE WHO IS GLORIOUSLY ETERNAL, THE ONE WHO IS UNBOUND BY SPACE AND TIME
WAS WILLING TO BE BOUND!
2. In the beginning, GOD : Elohim – plural noun occurs over 2000x in OT.
It is a plural noun used with singular verbs.
1:26 Let US make man in our image….
3:22 become like one of US…
ISAIAH 6 When Isaiah saw God (elohim) God said: Who should I send, who will go for US?
The trinity is in Creation,
Incarnation – Gabriel
Baptism of Christ – Father and the Spirit
Resurrection -
He reveals Himself as Trinity from the beginning of time.
Father,
Son
Holy Spirit
Do you know Him as Father:
Ie. Abba on the plane…they availed themselves to their abba, who could do all and provide all.
Little girl on the train – when it became dark, she threw herself on the one who would provide comfort and security.
Do you know Him as Son:
In the beginning was the Word – Jesus (logos) the outward expression of all that God is. The Word was with God (separate being)
And the Word was God.
We can know what God is like by looking at Jesus!
Do you know the Spirit? That hovered over the earth….
He fully indwelt Jesus John 3:34
He is the Spirit of Truth
He is our counselor
He lives in you and in me!
He is our pledge, our promise, our seal, our guarantee we will receive all He has promised.
Is 40:28 Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the creator of the ends of the earth! Does not become weary or tired. His understanding is inscrutable, He gives strength to the weary and to him who lacks might He increases power.
V. 2 The spirit hovered over the darkness……
WE don’t know how long the spirit hovered. But when nothing else was moving – the spirit was.
But it’s purpose was to fill the darkness!
To fill the emptiness.
Do you know Elohim – your creator?
3. “In the beginning, God CREATED….”
He is the God of creation.
1st of all, He is separate from creation. So He is greater than creation.
Why is this important? Because God is not “in the sunset” or “in a redwood tree” He is greater than creation. You can destroy a redwood, but you cannot destroy God – Elohim
He created… “The heaven’s and the earth”
A. Heavens: He created the big things……
400 billion stars in the milky way galaxy
our galaxy is one of a cluster of 30 glaxies
closest galaxy to us is 978 trillion miles away
MAY 9, 1979 9 satellites simultaneously recorded an event.
It was the most powerful burst of energy (gamma radiation). In 1/10th of a second it emitted as much energy as the sun emits in 3000 yrs.
The burst was 100 billion x greater than the energy of the sun.
If it had happened in our galaxy, our solar system – we would have been vaporized.
Astronomers estimate there are more than 100 billion galaxies each with 100 billion stars
** and He knows each one of them by name!
Ps 8 When I consider the heavens, the work of your fingers… what is man?
The stars are just fingerwork to God!
Ps 19 the heavens declare your glory!
He spreads out the heavens with his hands…. FINGERWORK
AND WE ARE DOWN HERE ON EARTH SAYING: “I AM NOT SURE GOD CAN HANDLE THIS ONE, THIS IS TOO BIG, THIS IS TOO MUCH, THIS IS TOO HARD.”
HE CREATED SMALL THINGS: …”AND HE CREATED THE EARTH…”
He created Earth – the snowflakes, birds, plants, flowers…..
What are some small things in your life that you think have gone unnoticed by God?
Hurt feelings? an insult? A tear?
There is nothing TOO BIG FOR GOD, and THERE IS NOTHING TOO SMALL FOR GOD YOUR CREATOR.
HE IS THE GOD OF LAZARUS, THE GOD WHO FED 5000, WHO CALMED A STORM
AND HE IS THE GOD WHO NOTICED THE WIDOWS MITE, WHO TOUCHED THE LEPER, WHO NOTICED MARY’S GIFT.
CREATED: HEBREW WORD “BARA” to create something out of nothing.
It is only employed with the use of ELOHIM. IT THEREFORE IS IDENTIFIED CHARACTERISTICALLY AS DIVINE ACTIVITY!
AND ENGLISH WORD, THAT MAY CAPTURE THE SAME IDEA IS THE WORD “DESIGN” IT INCLUDES BOTH PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTING.
Interesting to believe the Scientist view of how the earth was created is to believe
NOTHING CREATED SOMETHING OUT OF NOTHING.
But to believe God’s word, is to believe SOMEONE CREATED SOMETHING OUT OF NOTHING.
C. HIS CREATIVE POWER IS ENERGY RELEASED….. HE IS AN ACTIVE GOD.
V. 2 “Now the earth was formless and void and darkness was over the surface of the deep and the Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the waters.”
God is active in unseen ways. If we had been there at this point in Creation, we might have assumed because there was no VISIBLE evidence of His Activity – that He was not doing anything.
Yet at that time, His Spirit – The Spirit (THE RUAH- WIND) of God was moving!
And what He was doing was PREPARING THE EARTH TO RECEIVE THE WORD.
TO BRING ORDER WHERE THERE WAS CHAOS
PREPARING THE EARTH TO BE TRANSFORMED INTO:
A PLACE OF PURPOSE.
A PLACE THAT WOULD REFLECT HIS IMAGE
A PLACE THAT WOULD BRING HIM PLEASURE!
**WE MAY HAVE SITUATIONS OR PEOPLE THAT WE FEEL THIS VERSE DESCRIBES THEIR LIFE: V. 2 DESCRIBES CHAOS -
EMPTY, VOID, FULL OF DARKNESS.
***YOU MAY HAVE BEEN PRAYING FOR THE ACTIVITY OF GOD IN THEIR LIVES!
*JUST BECAUSE YOU CANNOT SEE THE ACTIVITY OF GOD – DO NOT CONCLUDE THAT HE IS INACTIVE!
THE GOD OF CREATION CANNOT BE LESS THAN HE IS: ACTIVE!
WHETHER WE SEE IT OR NOT!
** ALSO IT WAS IN THE DARKNESS OF THE CHAOS WHERE THE SPIRIT OF GOD MOVED TO PREPARE THE WORLD FOR THE CREATIVE WORD OF GOD.
*** WHEN CHRIST HUNG ON THE CROSS, IT WAS IN DARKNESS THAT GOD DID HIS GREATEST WORK FOR US.
*JUST BECAUSE YOU CANNOT SEE THE ACTIVITY OF GOD – DO NOT CONCLUDE THAT HE IS INACTIVE!
AND WE CAN PRAY FOR HIM TO WORK IN A HUMAN HEART – JUST THE SAME WAY HE WORKED IN VERSE 2.
-MANY THEOLOGIANS BELIEVED THE EARTH WAS FORMLESS AND VOID BECAUSE OF SIN.
ISAIAH 45:18 For thus says the Lord, who created the heavens, He is the God who formed the earth and made it. He established it and did not create it a waste place. But formed it to be inhabited.
NIV: Created the earth with form.
Many believe God created it with form and when Satan was cast down he destroyed earth and v.3 was God re-creating the Earth.
V. 2 WAS THE CONDITION OF THE WORLD
V.3 WAS GOD’S RENOVATION OF THE CHAOS
The Spirit hovered over the empty darkness… and God filled it!
He filled it with light, with life, with sound.
GOD OUR CREATOR, BRINGS SHAPE AND FULNESS TO THE FORMLESS AND EMPTY.
He filled the emptiness.
** He can fill your emptiness!
4. v. 3 Then God SAID…… THE WORD OF GOD
Word: And God said…. 10 x in ch 1
Every day of creation…. God’s word went forth
Every day of creation…. God’s word was received
Every day of creation… change took place!
Day after day…. The earth was transformed
The same holds true for us.. Let God’s word SPEAK- RECEIVE IT!
CHANGE WILL TAKE PLACE.
TRANSFORMATION IS A PROCESS
BUT IS POSSIBLE WITH THE DAILY APPLICATION OF THE WORD OF GOD.
DON’T UNDERESTIMATE IT’S TRANSFORMING POWER,
A. THE WORD OF GOD GIVES ILLUMINATION- day 1
v. 3-5 LET THERE BE LIGHT….the light came in response to God’s Word
God didn’t leave our world dark and murkey, He brought forth illumination
Ps 119:130 The unfolding of thy words gives light. It gives understanding to the simple.
Ps Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.
His word brings truth, clarity, spiritual understanding, and discernment.
When we have discouragement about the future, when we are disillusioned by life
We need the light of the word of God to illumine our path.
We can be like Saul pursuing the truth on a wrong path and God’s word can suddenly shine ablaze in our path.
What are we looking to as light?
B. THE WORD OF GOD CAN LIFT BURDENS- day 2
V. 6-8 After God turned on the light – he then began to draw out the potential.
He made the EXPANSE – He separated water from water. To do this He increased the earths’s diameter 120 miles.
He formed a vapor canopy over the earth – possibly it looked like a ring.
The earth at this point was like a giant greenhouse, a giant terranium
Scientist believed our atmosphere weighs about 5.7 quadrillion tons.
Before the separation of the expanse – the atmosphere weighed much more. And therefore cause much more pressure on the earth.
THE POWER OF GOD’S WORD LIFTED THE BILLIONS OF TONS OF WATER UP FROM THE EARTH INTO A VAPOR CANOPY. AND THE EARTH HAD BREATHING ROOM!
ONLY GOD HAS THE POWER TO LIFT THE PRESSURE OFF OF YOU.
YOUR CIRCUMSTANCES MAY REMAIN THE SAME, BUT HE HAS THE POWER TO GIVE YOU BREATHING ROOM.
C. THE WORD OF GOD GIVES US A FOUNDATION- day 3
V. 9-10 GOD GATHERED ALL THE SEAS INOT ONE PLACE (SEA LEVEL) AND HE SET BOUNDARIES. HE RAISED THE LAND AND GAVE THE EARTH FOUNDATION.
A house on our street was sinking, shifting. They brought in a foundation crew to set it right, give it a firm foundation to support it.
When we live our lives on a flawed and cracked foundation there is fear that everything may give way, it may all come tumbling down.
Do you remember the Mineapolis bridge collapse?
Authorities still do not know what caused the collapse. Engineers had theories including heavy traffic and construction work that might have put an undue burden on the span. The bridge was deemed "structurally deficient" by the federal government as far back as 1990.
Many people today are living “structurally deficient” lives. Something difficult happens and their whole world falls apart because there is no foundation.
How stable is your foundation? God’s word gives our lives a stable foundation.
D. GOD’S WORD BRINGS BEAUTY TO BARRENNESS. – day 3
V. 11-13
This time God did not create anything new, He only called it forth from its existence. It was already there.
He made it beautiful! Thru the power of His word!
When we submit our lives to His word, to the power of His word, He can bring forth beauty.
E. GOD’S WORD GIVES DIRECTION. – day 4
V. 14-19 BEFORE this the earth was spinning aimless on its axis, going nowhere.
God made the sun and the moon – not just to illumine, but to help give the Earth direction and purpose, days, time, seasons, navigation, migration…
Because life needs direction w/o it, it is only existence.
The lights were made for a reason – to give direction and purpose.
F. GOD’S WORD GIVES ANIMATION. – day 5
AT THIS POINT , it looked like a painting. There was no movement, no feeling.
Then God created every living and moving thing.
He filled it with life!
He came to the earth to give you and me LIFE, ABUNDANT LIFE.
JOHN 10:10 I CAME THAT THEY MIGHT HAVE LIFE AND MIGHT HAVE IT ABUNDANTLY.
The earth was prepared. PREPARED FOR THE CLIMAX….
Every day of creation…. God’s word went forth
Every day of creation…. God’s word was received
Every day of creation… change took place!
Day after day…. The earth was transformed
The same holds true for us.. Let God’s word SPEAK- RECEIVE IT!
CHANGE WILL TAKE PLACE.
TRANSFORMATION IS A PROCESS
BUT IS POSSIBLE WITH THE DAILY APPLICATION OF THE WORD OF GOD.
DON’T UNDERESTIMATE IT’S TRANSFORMING POWER,
DAY 6 CREATION’S CLIMAX
V. 26-27 THE EARTH HAD BEEN PREPARED AND WAITING FOR MAN.
5. THE COMPLETION OF THE EARTH WAS THE CREATION OF MAN.
MAN REFLECTED GOD’S IMAGE V. 26-27
“IN THE IMAGE OF GOD” means we were created wit the capacity to know the Creator in a personal way.
We were created to know Him, to walk and talk with Him, to love and obey Him, to listen and to learn from Him, to serve and to please Him.
To Glorify God and enjoy Him forever.
(NO OTHER PART OF CREATION WAS CREATED IN HIS IMAGE- ONLY MAN)
The whole reason for our existence is to Know Him !
In the large and existential way
And in the small everyday stuff.
Changes brought about in your life by God’s word are for the Primary Purpose
THAT WE MIGHT KNOW HIM FULLY, AND INTIMATELY….FOR HIS GLORY
THAT WE MIGHT REFLECT HIM IN ALL WE ARE AND SAY AND DO.
THAT WE MIGHT BRING GLORY TO THE ONE WHO CREATED US.
MAN RECEIVED GOD’S BLESSING 1:28- be fruitful and multiply
BLESSINGS – BENEFITS what we call blessings are temporary
Stuff, money,
GOD’S BENEFITS are grace, acceptance, hope, peace, mercy, nearness….
Forgiveness, love, redemption
And He stood back looked at all He had done and was pleased and said
It is good.
IF GOD CAN FILL THE EMPTINESS OF THE EARTH SO THAT IT REFLECTS HIS GLORY,
HE CAN FILL THE EMPTINESS OF YOUR LIFE, SO THAT IT TOO REFELCTS HIS GLORY,
CHAPTER 2.
DIRECTIONS, PATTERNS.
I HATE READING DIRECTIONS. MARK IS KNOWN FOR A FEW REPEATED FATHERLY QUOTES AND THE TOP OF THE LIST IS : IF SOMETHING ISN’T WORKING - “READ THE DIRECTIONS”
HE RECENTLY GOT A BLACKBERRY , THE REST OF US HAVE ONE AND HE HAS BEEN CAUGHT BY BOTH CHILDREN WHEN HE ASKED FOR SHORTCUTS “READ THE DIRECTIONS DAD!”
YOU SAVE TIME AND MAKE LIFE EASIER WHEN YOU READ THE DIRECTIONS.
GOD NEVER INTENDED FOR MAN TO BE BROKEN
HE ALSO DIDN’T JUST PLOP MAN DOWN ON EARTH AND SAY “GOOD LUCK”
AFTER GOD CREATED MAN, HE GAVE HIM SPECIFIC DIRECTIONS. AND HE SAID IF YOU LIVE BY THESE DIRECTIONS, LIFE WILL WORK.
GOD NEVER INTENDED FOR US TO BE BROKEN.
HE GAVE US DIRECTIONS AND A PATTERN TO PREVENT BROKENNESS. AND A PATTERN THAT WILL MEND BROKENNESS.
V. 1-2 A PATTERN FOR DISCIPLINE: WORK CONSISTENTLY FOR 6 DAYS, complete the job, THEN REST.
Whatever the job God has given you, let your work week follow the Creator’s example.
Consistent- complete
V. 3 A PATTERN FOR DEVOTION: 7TH DAY HE RESTED, HE CALLED IT HOLY. Which means set apart, or different from ordinary things.
It represented PERFECT CREATION, SANCTIFIED AND AT REST.
ONE DAY OF DEVOTION – TO FOCUS COMPLETELY ON HIM
ISAIAH 58:13-14 IF BECAUSE OF THE SABBATH YOU TURN YOUR FOOT FROM DOIN YOUR OWN PLEASURE ON MY HOLY DAY AND CALL THE SABBATH A DELIGHT , THE HOLY DAY OF THE LORD, HONORABLE, AND SHALL HONOR IT DESISTING FROM YOUR OWN WAYS, FROM SEEKING YOUR OWN PLEASURE AND SPEAKING YOUR OWN WORD, THEN YOU WILL TAKE DELIGHT IN THE LORD AND I WILL MAKE YOU RIDE ON THE HEIGHTS OF THE EARTH AND I WILL FIEED YOU WITH THE HERITAGE OF JACOB YOUR FATHER FOR THE MOUTH OF THE LORD HAS SPOKEN.
ARE YOU RIDING ON THE HEIGHTS OF THE EARTH?
ARE YOU FOLLOWING YOUR CREATORS PATTERN FOR DEVOTION?
IS SUNDAY IN YOU HOME DIFFERENT FROM ALL THE REST?
A PLACE FOR LIVING: V. 4-8 GOD PREPARED A PLACE FOR MAN TO LIVE.
GOD IS THE ORIGINAL HOMEMAKER.
Elohim was the name used for God in ch. 1 but now the name Jehovah Elohim is used and it is translated “Lord God” – which implies He was revealing Himself in a personal way.
THE FIRST TIME GOD REVEALED HIMSELF PERSONALLY WAS IN A HOME!
THE FIRST TIME JESUS REVEALED HIMSELF PUBLICLY WAS IN A HOME.
DOES YOUR HOME REVEAL THE PRESENSE OF GOD?
IF A STRANGER WALKED IN WOULD THEY BE AWARE OF GOD’S PRESENCE?
IE: KAY ARTHUR- COMING TO MY HOUSE, I GOT VERY MOTIVATED TO MAKE IT PRESENTABLE.
MOST IMPORTANT THING WAS I PRAYED IT WAS A HOME WHERE ONE WOULD KNOW GOD WAS THERE.
PRAYER CLOSET – TAKE ME THERE!
A PLACE OF BLESSING – V. 10-14
A RIVER , THAT FLOWED IN TO 4 RIVERS.
GOD PATTERN IS THAT AS HE HAS BLESSED OUR HOMES, THEY SHOULD BE A BLESSING TO OTHERS.
IE: ENGAGEMENT PARTY – BLESSING, SO MANY WERE BLESSED, NOT BY THE FOOD, THE DECORATIONS, THE PEOPLE, BUT BY THE BLESSING THAT TOOK PLACE.
THE RIVER FLOWED FROM OUR HOME TO OUR CHILDREN, AND OUT TO OUR GUESTS.
A PLACE OF BENEFITS. V. 9,16-17
GOD PLACED BOUNDARIES ON MAN- FOR HIS BENEFIT
GOD PLACED ABUNDANCE IN THE GARDEN- WITH FRUIT!
WHAT KIND OF FRUIT IS THERE IN YOUR HOME?
THE CREATION OF MAN V. 7, 18
FORMED MAN – YATSAR – “to mold” like a potter molding or shaping clay.
GOD spoke everything else into existence, but HE personally shaped the physical characteristics of man – then breathed into man HIS OWN LIFE!
We were created for GOD!
THERE WILL NEVER BE ANYTHING THIS LIFE CAN AFFORD THAT WILL SATISFY OR FULFILL APART FROM GOD!
THIS GARDEN (HOME) GOD CREATED FOR MAN WAS NOT ONLY A PLACE FOR MAN TO LIVE, BUT ALSO A PLACE FOR MAN TO SERVE.
MAN WAS CREATED FOR COMMITMENT TO GOD AND HIS PURPOSE.
- God gave man responsibilities to name the animals v. 19-20
Adam – finished the task!
Is there a responsibility God has given you? Establish your home in His name?
Strengthen your marriage? Be the spiritual leader of your home?
GOD LET ADAM SEE HIS NEED!
GOD SAID I WILL MAKE A HELPER SUITABLE – HELP MEET, TO AID, SURROUND
** FOR ADAM TO FIND GOD’S WILL – HE SIMPLY RESTED IN GOD!
FASHIONED WOMAN – BANAH - BUILT, ESTABLISHED, REBUILD
WOMAN WAS CREATED: AFTER MAN V. 18
FOR MAN V. 18
FROM MAN V. 22
*PRIMARY PURPOSE FOR THE CREATION OF WOMAN WAS FOR MUTUAL HAPPINESS.
WOMEN WERE CREATED TO BE THE RIB – TO SURROUND OUR HUSBANDS’S HEART! (NOT THE FOOT, NOT THE HEAD- BUT THE SIDE)
V. 24 MAN AND WOMAN TOGETHER WERE CREATED FOR COMMITMENT –
FOR UNITY –
TO LEAVE AND CLEAVE
TO ESTABLISH THEIR OWN HOME.
WE NEED TO LEAVE (RELEASE) OUR EMOTIONAL ATTACHMENTS FROM OUR PARENTS,
YOUR RELATIONSHIP AS HUSBAND AND WIFE SHOULD ECLIPSE EVERY OTHER RELATIONSHIP YOU HAVE:
YOUR PARENTS
YOUR CHILDREN
WHEN JESUS WAS PRESSURED TO ANSWER A QUESTION ON DIVORCE, (MATT 19) HE SIGHTED THESE VERSED IN GENESIS.
GOD’S INTENT FOR MARRIAGE IS A COVENANT –
THE TWO SHOULD BE ONE IN TERMS OF INTIMACY, AND PURPOSE.
Is there some part of your marriage today – that is not a SHOWCASE OF THE CREATOR’S GLORY?
ACCORDING TO GOD’S PATTERN – HAVE YOU ESTABLISHED YOUR HOME AS A PLACE WHERE GOD IS CENTRAL, AND YOU ARE FULFILLING THE UNIQUE PURPOSE FOR WHICH YOU WERE CREATED?
ONE BIBLE TEACHER ONCE TOOK A PIECE OF PAPER AND TORE IT AS SHE SAID THIS IS THE SOUND GOD HEARS WHEN WHAT HE BROUGHT TOGETHER IS TORN APART.
JEREMIAH 18: 1-6 The old clay pot was cracked, shattered and broken so the man took it to the Potter, who broke it down even further, moistening the clay with water, making it soft and pliable before He put it on His wheel. Then he began to remake it into a vessel pleasing to Himself. HE firmly applied pressure on some areas, touched lightly on areas, added more clay to a specific spot that needed filling and removed clay that hindered and marred the shape He had in mind. As He turned the wheel, His loving , gentle hands never left the clay as he molded and made it after His will.
Finally the potter was finished. He took what had once been a broken clay pot off the wheel, but now it was unrecognizable. It had been transformed into a vessel of beauty. The potter put it in his showcase that others might see the revelation of His glory in the work that He does.
This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord: “Go down to the potter’s house and there I will give you my message. So I went down to the potter’s house and I saw him working at the wheel. But the pot he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands so the potter formed it into another pot shaping it as seemed best to him. Then the word of the lord came to me: Can I not do with you as the potter does? Like clay in the hand of the potter , so are you in my hand.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Community and Commitment
As for making 2008 great, let's all commit to faithfully and consistently attend our Tuesday night fellowship.
Obviously, we're not all about numbers. It's just that we love the personality and fabric of our group when we are ALL together. While we are certainly not trying to replace church, collectively we're still a community...a body of Christ...woven together in love. May we continue to make our gathering and God's Word priorities in our lives.
We are looking forward to 2008 with all of you as well as everything God is going to show us in Genesis!
"Let us not give up meeting together…but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching." Hebrews 10:25 NIV
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
2008 Teachers and Leaders
Mark McCollum- Teacher, Host
Dr. Tim McKenzie- Teacher
Jenny McCollum- Teacher, Host
Logan Lee- Teacher, Director
Kara Lee- Director, Women's Leadership
Jennifer Coe- Prayer
Lauren Erdin- Food/Social
Adam and Lauren Allen- Social
Marci Lane- Social
Dr. Tim McKenzie- Teacher
Jenny McCollum- Teacher, Host
Logan Lee- Teacher, Director
Kara Lee- Director, Women's Leadership
Jennifer Coe- Prayer
Lauren Erdin- Food/Social
Adam and Lauren Allen- Social
Marci Lane- Social
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Flip Side Bible Study Curriculum
Welcome to the Flip Side Blog! We're going to open up 2008 with the book of Genesis. Now is a great opportunity for you to bring friends, co-workers, siblings, neighbors, etc. to go on the journey together. May this year be a year that we strengthen and encourage our relationships as husbands, wives, and friends.
Flip Side Verse of 2008-
Acts 2:42 "And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship to the breaking of bread and prayer."
Flip Side Verse of 2008-
Acts 2:42 "And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship to the breaking of bread and prayer."
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