The Story Begins: In the Beginning, God Created...

The Story Begins : In the Beginning, God Created…

Genesis 1:1-26

January 5, 2019

God’s Story: 

1. Creation - Explains how everything began.

2. Rebellion - Explains how everything went wrong.

3. Rescue - Explains how people can be forgiven and reconciled to God through Jesus Christ.

4. Restoration - Explains how God will renew this world and restore us to be His image bearers.

I. The Creator Created Everything (Genesis 1:1-2)

Marvin Lubenow – “I have no ethical right to use my superiority, achieved purely by chance, to violate the rights of other animals, who through no fault of their own didn't evolve the same abilities.”

Charles Darwin – “I am determined to escape from design and a personal God at all costs.”

Romans 1:20 – “For 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 people are without excuse.”

2 Peter 3:3 – “… in the last days mockers will come with their mocking, to follow after their own lusts…”

Hebrews 11:3 – “By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.”

Hebrews 11:6 – “Now without faith it is impossible to please God, for the one who draws near to Him must believe that He exists and rewards those who seek Him.

II. The Creator is the Only God (Genesis 1:4-8)

Isaiah 45:18 – “For thus says the Lord, who created the heavens…who formed the earth and made it… ‘I am the Lord, and there is no other.’”

Nehemiah 9:6 – “You are the Lord, you alone. You have made heaven, the heaven of heavens…and the host of heaven worships you.”

III. Everything Else is His Creation (Genesis 1:2-30)

Acts 17:24-28 – “The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth… gives to all mankind life and breath…He made from one man every nation…having determined allotted times and…boundaries of their dwelling place…for ‘In him we live and move and have our being…’”

IV. The Creator’s Word and Joy Starts Each Day (Genesis 1:3-12)

Psalm 90:14 – “Satisfy us in the morning…that we may rejoice…all our days.”

John 17:17 – “Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.”

Psalm 25:4 – “Show me Your ways, O LORD; teach me Your paths.”

V. The Creator’s Joy is Expressed Each Day (Genesis 1:10-12)

Psalm 19:1 – “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.”

1 Timothy 4:4-5 – “For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving…”

Psalm 104:15 – “(God gives) wine to gladden the heart of man, oil to make his face shine and bread to strengthen man's heart.”

1 Timothy 6:17 – “…God richly provides us with everything to enjoy.”

Colossians 1:16 – “For by Him [Jesus] all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth…All things were created through Him and for Him.”

Augustine - “During all those years [of rebellion], where was my free will?…How sweet all at once it was for me to be rid of those fruitless joys which I had once feared to lose…you drove them from me, you who are the true, the sovereign joy…(more satisfying) than all pleasure,…you…outshine all light…surpass all honor, though not in the eyes of men who see all honor in themselves…O Lord my God, my Light, my Wealth, and my Salvation.”     - Confessions, Chapter 9

Discussion Questions for the Week

1. Read Genesis 1:1-25. What stands out to you as you read about our beginning?

2. Discuss creation, rebellion, rescue and restoration. See if each person can explain the basics.

3. What does it reveal about God that He created with variety and made us in His image?

4. In what ways lately have you experienced the joy of God’s creation?

5. Discuss how you view materials things, food and money now versus when you were younger.

6. Read 1 Corinthians 8:5-6. In what ways should knowing that God created everything through His Son affect our thoughts, emotions and actions regarding the Lord Jesus?

7. Respond in prayer and share something you learned with your family and others this week.