Creation

Beginnings

The most basic question of life is this: Why are we here? It’s foundational for virtually every religion and philosophy. It’s a universal question. I don’t even need to ask if you’ve asked that question. We all have…we all do! And let’s not kid ourselves, it’s not easy to answer. Just because we’re in church doesn’t mean we can smugly quote a scripture and pretend this answers the question that all of us continue to wrestle with. The pain of life makes any easy answers seem insufficient. If you have experienced pain, you know the problem. How would you answer their questions about the purpose of life? Or if you are in transition, perhaps a divorce, or moving away from home, or caring for aging parents. Both pain and life experiences force us to answer this question again and again. So, for this foundational question, let’s go back to the beginning—the very beginning:

"In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth." (Genesis 1:1) Such a simple and direct statement, isn’t it? God created everything—absolutely everything. And yet, it’s far more profound than it first appears. While Christianity isn’t the only faith to affirm that God created the world, our understanding of creation sets us apart in a radical way. This isn’t a critique of other beliefs but rather an invitation to explore the unique perspective the Bible offers—and why it matters so deeply.

You see, how we understand this foundational truth shapes how we navigate life’s most difficult moments. It influences whether we live with hope or despair, whether we lean on prayer or give up, whether we find purpose even in the face of seemingly random suffering. So, today, let’s pause and reflect on this straightforward yet deeply significant statement—a statement with far-reaching implications for our lives.

God Created

God created the world. That’s a statement many people agree with today, but when it was first recorded, it was revolutionary. In the ancient Near East, most religions assumed that matter was eternal, and that gods themselves emerged from it. These gods were seen as part of creation, not its cause. Then came the bold declaration of Genesis 1:1: "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth." This wasn’t just a statement—it was a thunderbolt that changed everything. Suddenly, God wasn’t just manipulating material that already existed—He was the Creator, the origin of all things.

And here’s why this matters: whatever we create, we care about. Think about it—have you ever created something? A poem, a painting, a business, a team, a garden, or even a Thanksgiving dinner? What’s the last thing you made? [Pause and share a personal story about something you’ve created, perhaps even show it to the audience.]

To you, this may not look like much, but I love it! Honestly, I kept going back to look at it, to touch it, to admire it again and again. I even asked my family if they’d noticed it—several times! I took a picture, posted it online, and couldn’t help but smile every time I saw it. Why? Because it has my fingerprints on it, and when your fingerprints are on something, your heart is in it.

That instinct is part of who we are because we’re made in the image of a Creator. God embedded His creativity in us. That’s why we’re all so driven to make things—whether it’s art, architecture, music, welding, or interior design. We’re reflecting the creative heart of God, and our creations, in a way, are extensions of ourselves.

If you grasp this truth, you’ll realize something absolutely extraordinary: God is passionately in love with you for one simple reason—you bear His fingerprints. You are His masterpiece, and He can’t help but care deeply about you. You are HIS.

In many ancient creation stories, the gods were portrayed as distant and self-serving. Take the Babylonian creation myth, Enuma Elish, for example. According to this story, humans were created from the blood of a defeated god, and their purpose was to serve the gods by doing their work and offering them sacrifices. These gods didn’t create humanity out of love or care but out of convenience—they wanted someone to handle the labor they didn’t want to do themselves.

Now, contrast that with the God of the Bible. In Genesis, we see a Creator who forms humanity not out of necessity but out of love. He carefully shapes Adam from the dust of the ground and breathes His own breath of life into him, Genesis 2:7 then the LORD God formed man of dust from the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being.

This is an intimate, personal act—a God fully invested in His creation. And beyond just creating us, He walks with humanity in the garden, speaks with them, and even provides for them when they fall. He didn’t have to create you, He wanted to create you, He wanted you the day He created you and He wants you today!

This isn’t a God who is distant or detached. This is a God who calls us His children, who cares for us like a loving Father, and who remains deeply connected to what He has made. Unlike the gods of other myths, our God’s heart is in His creation because it reflects His very essence. He loves us because we are an extension of His creative work, bearing His image and fingerprints.

Unlike the gods of other ancient creation stories, who were distant and detached, our God is fully invested in His creation. What He made is an extension of Himself, and because of that, He is neither distant nor disinterested. He is fully "bought in" and "sold out" to you and to all He has made.

This is profoundly good news! It’s a message of hope and belonging, and it flows straight out of the biblical worldview rooted in Judaism—a perspective unlike any other.

Spirit Created

The very first time we encounter the Holy Spirit in Scripture, He is bringing order out of chaos, preparing an environment where life can thrive under God’s design. That’s not just a one-time act—it’s a perfect description of what the Holy Spirit always does. Wherever there is disorder, He brings order. Wherever there is chaos, He brings healing and restoration.

Right now, in the places of your life that feel disordered or chaotic, the Holy Spirit is actively working, full of divine energy and intention, to draw you closer to your Creator. Let that truth settle in your heart: whatever is on your mind is on God’s heart because of the Spirit’s presence in your life.

The Holy Spirit isn’t just working; He is your advocate, passionately interceding for what matters most to you. He’s not distant or passive—He is actively moving to align your life with God’s will and bring peace where it’s needed most.

As you go about your daily routine, consider how often you feel overwhelmed by the demands of daily life—work schedules, family responsibilities, and societal pressures. Remind yourself that the Holy Spirit is interceding for you, and this brings a sense of peace. This week, commit to a daily quiet time, perhaps in the morning or during lunch. Use this time specifically for prayer and listening. Allow the Holy Spirit the space to guide your thoughts and priorities, bringing clarity to your responsibilities and rest to your spirit.