Genesis 1:1-25

Kicking off the series, this sermon should set up what is to come. In the opening chapters of Genesis we find the beginning of threads that weave through the Bible and give a foundational understanding of a myriad of topics that are crucial to our experience of life.

In general, the series will not focus on the scientific questions of ‘how’ and ‘when’ creation occurred, but rather the theological questions of ‘who’ and why’. That said, it probably does need acknowledging in this sermon that there are a variety of orthodox Christian positions on this, and perhaps a recommendation of resources for any who wish to look into it further. You may find the ‘Making a House vs Making a Home’ analogy from the introduction video a helpful way of introducing the purpose of the series.

Some Key Points:

• In the beginning, God. He is the ultimate reality and everything else that exists is contingent upon him.
• Creation is a deliberate work of God. We are not here by accident.
• God created by his word out of nothing. He has ultimate power in creation.
• God declared his creation good (perhaps take time marvelling in the different aspects of what God has made – the stars and planets, the mountains and trees, the birds and animals, etc). Sin and brokenness are not part of the world as it was originally made, but are unnatural incursions into God’s good world.

Following the Threads:

• Psalm 19:1-6 is one of many passages that teach us that God’s creation is pointing us to our creator and inviting us to worship him.
• John 1:1 fleshes out the act of God in creation – It was by and through the ‘Word’ (who then became flesh and entered into the world that he had made).
• Revelation 21:1-5 teaches that God is making all things new, as we see in a new heaven and a new earth. God has not given up on his material creation but will renew it and restore it for his kingdom purposes.

Potential Applications:

• Worship – God’s creation is an incredible display of his glory. As we see the work of his hands it should lead us to marvel and wonder at the one who made it all.
• The Importance of the Physical – God’s creation and his new creation do not focus on some ‘other’ realm, but here in our physical world. God has honoured and works through the physical. He came in the flesh, he meets with us through bread and wine. Reflecting on God’s creation is a challenge not to see our faith as a thing that is primarily ‘spiritual’ but as something that encompasses both physical and spiritual, and dignifies the physical world we live in.
• Creation Care – As stewards of God’s created world, we have a responsibility to look after this creation. As Christians, we should be at the forefront of the conversation about how we can take care of the world God made.