Creation & Order

-Happy New Year!

-Food Pantry & Mudd ES collection bins

-Wednesday Night Bible Study (at the building and on zoom @7pm)

-2 year celebration! 1/21. We will also be doing Baptisms this Sunday if anyone is interested(sign up sheet).

-Word of the Year: Transformation!

In the Bible transformation means “change or renewal from a life that no longer conforms to the ways of the world to one that pleases God” (Romans 12:2). This is accomplished by the renewing of our minds, an inward spiritual transformation that will manifest itself in outward actions. The Bible presents the transformed life in Christ as demonstrated through our “bearing fruit in every good work [and] growing in the knowledge of God” (Colossians 1:10). Transformation involves those who were once far from God being “drawn near” to Him through the blood of Christ (Ephesians 2:13).

-In order for us to experience transformation personally and corporately we have to be in close proximity to Jesus. We want too see thios take place in everyones life, in this church and in this community.

-Its going to require us to realign our priorities and making our relationship with Him top priority. By engaging in His word (which we will be continuing to do on Sunday mornings as well as Wednesday nights) but we must make time for this everyday in our lives..As we humbly seek after Him trhough His word and prayer we will truly begin to see transformation.

Im Excited for this new series!

-In a world that often seems chaotic, where uncertainty and confusion abound, it becomes imperative for us to seek a source of clarity and purpose. The book of Genesis serves as an unparalleled foundation for understanding not only the origins of our existence but also as a timeless guide for finding meaning and order amidst life's tumultuous circumstances. Through the lens of Genesis, we embark on a transformative sermon series aptly titled "Clarity in the Chaos."

-Genesis unfolds the narrative of creation, revealing a God who, in the midst of formless darkness, speaks order and beauty into existence. It takes us to the Garden of Eden, a paradisiacal sanctuary that symbolizes God's intentional design and order. As we explore this foundational text, we discover profound insights into the nature of God, our identity as His creation, and our responsibility to bring order to the world around us.

-"Clarity in the Chaos" is not just an exploration of ancient scriptures; it's a relevant and timely journey that invites us to find God's wisdom and direction amid the complexities of our contemporary lives. Each week we will peel back layers of the Genesis narrative, uncovering the powerful truths that provide clarity, purpose, and hope in the midst of chaos.

-Through this series, we aim to inspire a deeper understanding of our role as stewards of God's creation, emphasizing the transformative power of God's Word in bringing order to our personal lives and communities. As we delve into the richness of Genesis, may we discover the profound clarity that God's narrative imparts, enabling us to navigate the chaos of the world with faith, resilience, and a renewed sense of purpose.

Intro Into Genesis/What it is saying and isn't saying. What is the purpose Section:

-We have no certain information about the authorship of Genesis, though early Biblical tradition views Moses as having a significant role in transmitting and perhaps even formulating the traditions preserved in the book. The oral nature of ancient culture may suggest that actual written forms of the traditions came much later, though whenever they were produced, they maintained their connectedness to the authority figures, such as Moses, who were instrumental. Regardless of the date of the final writing, the text largely preserves its mid-second-millennium BC context and perspective.

-Ron Rivera uses a phrase I think will be helpful for all of us as we move into Genesis “Don’t make what’s interesting important”

He explains why here: “It’s just interesting to me that people jump on something and make a big deal of it. I’ve never truly understood why people do that. Something that’s interesting becomes important — it’s one of our biggest problems. It detracts on what really is the significant thing that you should be focused on. So I do that because I want to make sure the guys are focusing on what truly needs to be focused on.”

-The Book of Genesis, as the first book of the Bible, is a rich and foundational text that provides an account of the origins of the world, humanity, and the covenantal relationship between God and His people. It is important to approach Genesis with an understanding of its literary and theological context, recognizing what the text is saying and what it may not be saying. TO truly focus in on what God is drawing our attention to!

What Genesis Is Saying:

Creation and Order:

Genesis 1 presents a theological account of creation, emphasizing God's power, intentionality, and the goodness of His created order.It affirms that God created the world in an orderly manner, separating light from darkness, land from sea, and creating living beings, culminating in the creation of humans in His own image.

Humanity and Covenant:

Genesis 2 provides a more detailed narrative of the creation of humans (Adam and Eve) and their placement in the Garden of Eden.It establishes the covenantal relationship between God and humanity, where humans are given responsibilities and guidelines.

The Entrance of Sin:

Genesis 3 introduces the concept of human disobedience and the entrance of sin into the world through Adam and Eve's choice to eat from the forbidden tree.It highlights the consequences of disobedience, including the broken relationship between humans and God, as well as the introduction of hardship and toil. (We will be digging into this more next week)

The Call of Abraham:

Genesis 12 marks a pivotal point in the narrative with the calling of Abraham, initiating the covenant with the descendants of Abraham and setting the stage for the rest of the biblical story.

What Genesis Isn't Saying:

Detailed Scientific Explanation:

While Genesis provides a theological understanding of creation, it is not a scientific textbook. It does not aim to offer detailed explanations of scientific processes.

-While we are here we have seen the church way to divided on this topic. How old the Earth is is it 6,000-10,000 years old (YEC) or is it millions of years old (OEC) churches have literally split over this called others heretics over their stance on creation, have based entire theology around this…This is an earthly concern....

-While creation is interesting and fascinating and how God did it is amazing…But God is far more concerned with showing His heart to His creation In Genesis and throughout all scripture more so than He is about how long He took or how He created things from a scientific standpoint.

-He wasn't and still isn't concerned with giving us all the scientific or how details we desire. He was and is far more concerned with how His creation chose their own way and embrace sin rather than follow their creators way and experience true life and freedom. Genesis shows the heart of God and His plan to restore creation.

-He only gives 1 chapter out of 1,189 chapters%

Exact Chronology:

The chronological details in Genesis may not align with modern scientific or historical timelines. The focus is on theological and narrative coherence rather than precise dates.

Comprehensive Historical Record:

Genesis is not a comprehensive historical record in the modern sense. It prioritizes theological and redemptive themes over exhaustive historical details.

-Understanding the intended genre, literary style, and theological focus of Genesis is crucial for a nuanced interpretation. It is a text that has been interpreted in various ways throughout history, and different religious traditions may approach it with different emphases. Engaging with Genesis within its cultural and theological context enhances the appreciation of its profound messages.

Creation, God brings order and creates perfectly Section:

Read Genesis 1

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

This is the opening line of the Bible and a summary statement for all the creative acts God does in Genesis 1. It’s a familiar line of Scripture, but stop for a second—really think. What comes to mind for you as you read that God created the heavens and the earth?

Imagine heaven. What do you see? Clouds? A pearly gate? Golden walls? Are you trying to imagine some mystical, spiritual city where some believe they’ll go after they die? Okay. Now forget all of that. The biblical authors has something else in mind.

If creation is the act of bringing something into existence, we must ask what constituted existence in the ancient world. In our culture, we consider existence to be either material (i.e., having molecules /taking up space and extending to energy and subatomic particles) or experiential (e.g., abstractions such as love or time). those definitions, however, are culturally determined. By contrast, in the ancient world something existed when it had a function - a role to play.

-In Mesopotamia one way to accomplish this was to name something, because a name designated a thing's function or role. In the Babylonian creation account, bringing the cosmos into existence begins "When on high no name was given in heaven, nor below was the netherworld called by name ... When no gods at all had been brought forth, none called by names, none destinies ordained, then were the gods formed." In Egyptian accounts existence was associated with something having been differentiated. The god Atum is conceptualized as the primordial monad - the singularity embodying all the potential of the cosmos, from whom all things were separated and thereby created. The Genesis account includes both of these concepts as God separates and names.

-The actual Hebrew verb "create" (bara) also focuses our attention in this direction.In the Bible, only God can perform this action of bringing something into existence. What is even more intriguing is that the objects of this verb point consistently toward its connection to functional existence rather than material existence; e.g., God "creates" fire, cloud, destruction, calamity, darkness, righteousness and purity. This is much like the ancient Near Eastern way of thinking that it was more important to determine who controlled functions rather than who/what gave something its physical form. In the ancient world something was created when it was given a function. In the ancient world, the cosmos is less like a machine, more like a kingdom.

Made In The Image Of God (Imago Dei) Section:

Imago Dei Notes:

-On the last day of creation, God said, “Let us make man in our image, in our likeness” (Genesis 1:26). , He finished His work with a “personal touch.” God formed Adam from the dust and gave him life by sharing His own breath (Genesis 2:7). Accordingly, humanity is unique among all God’s creations, having both a material body and an immaterial soul/spirit. -Having the “image” or “likeness” of God means, in the simplest terms, that we were made to resemble God. Adam did not resemble God in the sense of God’s having flesh and blood. Scripture says that “God is spirit” (John 4:24) and therefore exists without a body. However, Adam’s body did mirror the life of God insofar as it was created in perfect health and was not subject to death. -The image of God (Latin, imago dei) refers to the immaterial part of humanity. It sets human beings apart from the animal world, fits them for the dominion God intended them to have over the earth (Genesis 1:28), and enables them to commune with their Maker. It is a likeness mentally, morally, and socially. -Mentally, humanity was created as a rational, volitional agent. In other words, human beings can reason and choose. This is a reflection of God’s intellect and freedom. Anytime someone invents a machine, writes a book, paints a landscape, enjoys a symphony, calculates a sum, or names a pet, he or she is proclaiming the fact that we are made in God’s image. -Morally, humanity was created in righteousness and perfect innocence, a reflection of God’s holiness. God saw all He had made (humanity included) and called it “very good” (Genesis 1:31). Our conscience or “moral compass” is a vestige of that original state. Whenever someone writes a law, recoils from evil, praises good behavior, or feels guilty, he or she is confirming the fact that we are made in God’s own image. -Socially, humanity was created for fellowship. This reflects God's triune nature and His love. In Eden, humanity’s primary relationship was with God (Genesis 3:8 implies fellowship with God), and God made the first woman because “it is not good for the man to be alone” (Genesis 2:18). Every time someone marries, makes a friend, hugs a child, or attends church, he or she is demonstrating the fact that we are made in the likeness of God.

- Our creation is intentional and reflects the divine deliberation within the Godhead. B. "So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them." (Genesis 1:27) - Both men and women bear the image of God, emphasizing the equality and value of every human life.

The Implications of Imago Dei:

A. Inherent Value:

1. Our value is not based on our achievements or societal standards but on being created in God's image. 2. In a world that often assigns worth based on external factors, recognizing the imago Dei asserts the inherent value of every person.

B. Dignity and Respect:

1. When we grasp the imago Dei, we are compelled to treat each person with dignity and respect.

2. Our interactions, irrespective of differences, should reflect the reverence due to God's image in each individual.

Stewardship of Creation (Genesis 1:28-30):

A. "God blessed them and said to them, 'Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it.'" (Genesis 1:28a) - Recognizing our divine image includes acknowledging our responsibility as stewards of God's creation.

B. "Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground." (Genesis 1:28b) - Our dominion over creation is not domination but a call to care for and protect God's handiwork.

Living Out Our Divine Purpose: Seeking God's Image in Others:

1. When we recognize the imago Dei in ourselves, we are better equipped to see it in others.

2. In our relationships, workplaces, and communities, let's seek God's image in every person. Part of being made in God’s image is that Adam had the capacity to make free choices. Although they were given a righteous nature, Adam and Eve made an evil choice to rebel against their Creator. In so doing, they marred the image of God within themselves, and passed that damaged likeness on to all their descendants (Romans 5:12). Today, we still bear the image of God (James 3:9), but we also bear the scars of sin. Mentally, morally, socially, and physically, we show the effects of sin. The good news is that when God redeems an individual, He begins to restore the original image of God, creating a “new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4:24). That redemption is only available by God’s grace through faith in Jesus Christ as our Savior from the sin that separates us from God (Ephesians 2:8-9). Through Christ, we are made new creations in the likeness of God (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Week 1 Questions:

How does recognizing God's power, intentionality, and the goodness of His created order influence our view of the world and our place in it?

In what ways does the idea of being made in the image of God impact your understanding of your own value and the value of others? How might this perspective influence the way we treat one another?

How can we shift our focus from earthly concerns, such as debates about the age of the Earth, to understanding and embracing God's heart as revealed in Genesis and throughout Scripture?

In what ways might we sometimes focus on less significant details instead of the central themes and messages of the text?