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In the Beginning God

i. Summery statement of the whole chapter.

“In the beginning” - before time, space, and matter

Before this event there was only God.Consistent with scriptural image of GodTranscends time space and matterHow we can separate God from His creation.God doesn’t have a beginning (but creation does)scripture condemns worshipping “CREATED THINGS”

“God created” - “… and God said ...”

unassistedtotally/ completely by the power of His word

“the heavens and the earth.”

- Includes the entire universe

consistent with our concept of “In the beginning”rejects theory that there was matter floating around the cosmos = BIG BANG!

​ ESVBy the word of the Lord the heavens were made, and by the breath of his mouth all their host.

​ ESVFor he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm.

​ ESVAnd when they heard it, they lifted their voices together to God and said, “Sovereign Lord, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and everything in them,

Quoting OT ScriptureFoundation we believe in Creationism because thats the explanation from scriptureAlso corresponds our understanding of WHO GOD IS Nothing in creation is to be worshipped but GodBecause everything is created by God.Purpose of scripture is not to PROVE God exists (or creationism)However, it does describe God and His creation in detailFrom Genesis - Revelation we see proclamations of God as creator

Logical Support of Creation

a. Yes!

By faith.

​ ESVBy 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.

b.

However Truth is also LOGICAL(RZIM ASK) Must correspond to truth (thru empirical or logical reasoning)Must be coherent (non-contradictory)

Cosmological Argument

i.

What does it say?

​Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Bible Doctrine C. Traditional “Proofs” for the Existence of GodThe cosmological argument considers the fact that every known thing in the universe has a cause.

Therefore, it reasons, the universe itself must also have a cause, and the cause of such a great universe can only be God.

Argument about causation

What was the initial cause?

​ ESV“Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.”

Teleological Argument

i.

What does it say?

​Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Bible Doctrine C. Traditional “Proofs” for the Existence of GodSince the universe appears to be designed with a purpose, there must be an intelligent and purposeful God who created it to function this way.

talk about watchmaker argument

Intelligent design need an intelligent designer

Some argue that evolution refutes this argumentas a subset of cosmological argument (what was the first cause)Creationism vs EvolutionEvolutionist claim to have = Science has won the argumentChristianity doesn’t deny how faith plays a role ()Creationism passes the truth test (logical, non-contradictory)Evolutionist are on the same groundThey have the same evidence as we do.

(different conclusions)Science has not PROVEN evolutionNo empirical dataMacro vs Micro evolutionMacro has NEVER been observedMicro has been observed - (points to an intelligent design)EVOLUTIONISTS ALSO NEED FAITH

We have enough evidence to come to the right conclusion.

​ ESVFor his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made.

So they are without excuse.

Implications of Creation

Creation is distinct and dependent in relation to God

Not only gives an answer of ORIGINAlso an answer or MEANINGWe are made to worship God

​ ESVAnd the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

When you fully understand difference between God and HIS CREATIONWhen you understand how HOLY DIFFERENT God really is (time space matter)THEN you are fully able to appreciate this amazing ACT OF LOVE we have in Christ JesusRejected BY HIS CREATIONGod became LIKE HIS CREATIONIn order to SAVE HIS CREATION