GEN 1:1-5

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 10 x 253 10 .

 “Let us admit that no matter how small the chance it could happen, one molecule could be created by such astronomical odds of chance. However, one molecule is of no use. Hundreds of millions of identical ones are necessary. Thus we either admit the miracle or doubt the absolute truth of science.”

Whatever the odds, no chance was involved in the universe’s formation.

 “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. And God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light. And God saw that the light was good. And God separated the light from the darkness. God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, the first day” (Gn 1:1 5, ESV).

 THE BEGINNING GOD   THE BROODING GOD THE BREAKING GOD

The Beginning God

V 1

 “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth” (v 1, ESV).

  “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth” (v 1, ESV).

This passage likely serves as a heading for the entire passage.

   “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth” (v 1, ESV).

This passage likely serves as a heading for the entire passage.

This is an important sentence with which to begin the account of God’s activity.

 Scripture begins with no evidences of God’s existence.

 Scripture begins with no evidences of God’s existence.

 The Bible simply begins with a simply affirmation that God is.

 Scripture begins with no evidences of God’s existence.

  The Bible simply begins with a simply affirmation that God is.

Those who first read Genesis needed no evidence of God’s existence.

 Scripture begins with no evidences of God’s existence.

   The Bible simply begins with a simply affirmation that God is.

Those who first read Genesis needed no evidence of God’s existence.

Another reason is likely the simple nature of Scripture.

 Scripture begins with no evidences of God’s existence.

   The Bible simply begins with a simply affirmation that God is.

Those who first read Genesis needed no evidence of God’s existence.

Another reason is likely the simple nature of Scripture.

 Scripture begins with no evidences of God’s existence.

   The Bible simply begins with a simply affirmation that God is.

Those who first read Genesis needed no evidence of God’s existence.

Another reason is likely the simple nature of Scripture.

 Scripture simply tells events without any embellishment.

 Scripture begins with no evidences of God’s existence.

   The Bible simply begins with a simply affirmation that God is.

Those who first read Genesis needed no evidence of God’s existence.

Another reason is likely the simple nature of Scripture.

 Scripture simply tells events without any embellishment.

 Because God is, there is no need for proof of God’s existence.

 We know without any doubt that God is.

 We know without any doubt that God is.

 How can anyone logically say that there is no God?

 We know without any doubt that God is.

 How can anyone logically say that there is no God?

 “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork” (Ps 19:1, ESV).

 We know without any doubt that God is.

 How can anyone logically say that there is no God?

 “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork” (Ps 19:1, ESV).  “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” (Rm 1:20, ESV).

 We know without any doubt that God is.

  How can anyone logically say that there is no God?

 “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork” (Ps 19:1, ESV).  “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” (Rm 1:20, ESV).

“The fool says in his heart, 'There is no God'” (Ps 14:1, ESV).

 Gn 1:1 is important, for it declares that God existed before all things.

 Gn 1:1 is important, for it declares that God existed before all things.

 If God made the heavens and the earth “in the beginning,” logically he existed before the Creation.

 Gn 1:1 is important, for it declares that God existed before all things.

 If God made the heavens and the earth “in the beginning,” logically he existed before the Creation.

 If God made the heavens and the earth “in the beginning,” logically he existed before the Creation.

 Gn 1:1 is important, for it declares that God existed before all things.

 If God made the heavens and the earth “in the beginning,” logically he existed before the Creation.

 If God made the heavens and the earth “in the beginning,” logically he existed before the Creation.

 We know that God existed before all things.

 Gn 1:1 is important, for it declares that God existed before all things.

 If God made the heavens and the earth “in the beginning,” logically he existed before the Creation.

 If God made the heavens and the earth “in the beginning,” logically he existed before the Creation.

 We know that God existed before all things.

 “The eternal God is your dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms” (Deut 33:37, ESV).

 Gn 1:1 is important, for it declares that God existed before all things.

 If God made the heavens and the earth “in the beginning,” logically he existed before the Creation.

 If God made the heavens and the earth “in the beginning,” logically he existed before the Creation.

 We know that God existed before all things.

 “The eternal God is your dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms” (Deut 33:37, ESV).

 “We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty, who is and who was, for you have taken your great power and begun to reign” (Rv 11:17, ESV).

 Gn 1:1 is important, for it tells us that God created the world.

 Gn 1:1 is important, for it tells us that God created the world.

 “In six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them” (Ex 20:11, ESV).

 Gn 1:1 is important, for it tells us that God created the world.

  “In six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them” (Ex 20:11, ESV).

“Have you not known? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth” (Is 40:28, ESV).

Why mention the truths we’ve talked about tonight?

 We need to be reminded that God is the Creator.

 We need to be reminded that God is the Creator.

 In 2000, a series of studies by psychologist Margaret Evans showed that children are learning organic evolution in schools.

 We need to be reminded that God is the Creator.

 In 2000, a series of studies by psychologist Margaret Evans showed that children are learning organic evolution in schools.

 Her studies showed that school children aged 8 to 10 believed almost exclusively in Creation.

 We need to be reminded that God is the Creator.

 In 2000, a series of studies by psychologist Margaret Evans showed that children are learning organic evolution in schools.

 Her studies showed that school children aged 8 to 10 believed almost exclusively in Creation.

 But, school children aged 10.5 to 12 believed almost exclusively in evolution.

 We need to be reminded that God is the Creator.

  In 2000, a series of studies by psychologist Margaret Evans showed that children are learning organic evolution in schools.

 Her studies showed that school children aged 8 to 10 believed almost exclusively in Creation.

 But, school children aged 10.5 to 12 believed almost exclusively in evolution.

We must not despair that we live in a pluralistic society.

 We need to be reminded that God is the Creator.

  In 2000, a series of studies by psychologist Margaret Evans showed that children are learning organic evolution in schools.

 Her studies showed that school children aged 8 to 10 believed almost exclusively in Creation.

 But, school children aged 10.5 to 12 believed almost exclusively in evolution.

We must not despair that we live in a pluralistic society.

 Christianity began & thrived in a pluralistic society.

 We need to be reminded that God is the Creator.

  In 2000, a series of studies by psychologist Margaret Evans showed that children are learning organic evolution in schools.

 Her studies showed that school children aged 8 to 10 believed almost exclusively in Creation.

 But, school children aged 10.5 to 12 believed almost exclusively in evolution.

We must not despair that we live in a pluralistic society.

 Christianity began & thrived in a pluralistic society.

 “Some men joined him and believed” (Acts 17:34, ESV).

 Because God created the heavens & the earth, the heavens & the earth have a purpose.

 Because God created the heavens & the earth, the heavens & the earth have a purpose.

 “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork” (Ps 19:1, ESV).

 Because God created the heavens & the earth, the heavens & the earth have a purpose.

  “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork” (Ps 19:1, ESV).

The earth stands as a testimony to the greatness of God.

 God is not bound by time.

 God is not bound by time. He existed before “the beginning.”

 God is not bound by time. He existed before “the beginning.”  This implies that God can see from the beginning to end & that he can bring history to its proper conclusion.

 God is not bound by time. He existed before “the beginning.”   This implies that God can see from the beginning to end & that he can bring history to its proper conclusion.

God has power to give life when this world is no more.

 God is not bound by time. He existed before “the beginning.”   This implies that God can see from the beginning to end & that he can bring history to its proper conclusion.

God has power to give life when this world is no more.

 “According to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells” (2 Pt 3:13, ESV).

 God is not bound by time. He existed before “the beginning.”   This implies that God can see from the beginning to end & that he can bring history to its proper conclusion.

God has power to give life when this world is no more.

 2 Pt 3:13.

 “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning nor crying nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away” (Rv 21:3-4, ESV).

A Brooding God

V 2

 “The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters” (v 2, ESV).

 The earth was “without form and void.”

 The earth was “without form and void.”  The idea is that the earth was not yet ready for man’s habitation.

 The earth was “without form and void.”   The idea is that the earth was not yet ready for man’s habitation.

“I looked on the earth, and behold, it was without form and void; and to the heavens, and they had no light. I looked on the mountains, and behold, they were quaking, and all the hills moved to and fro. I looked, and behold, there was no man, and all the birds of the air had fled. I looked, and behold, the fruitful land was a desert, and all its cities were laid in ruins before the Lord, before his fierce anger. For thus says the Lord, ‘The whole land shall be a desolation; yet I will not make a full end’ (Jer 4:23-27, ESV).

 Modern science tells us that this is the way the earth was first created.

 Modern science tells us that this is the way the earth was first created.

 When it first formed, the earth was far too hot to allow for any form of life.

 Modern science tells us that this is the way the earth was first created.

  When it first formed, the earth was far too hot to allow for any form of life.

Then, the earth gradually cooled to where life was possible.

 Modern science tells us that this is the way the earth was first created.

  When it first formed, the earth was far too hot to allow for any form of life.

Then, the earth gradually cooled to where life was possible.

 Man was also created in two steps.

 Modern science tells us that this is the way the earth was first created.

  When it first formed, the earth was far too hot to allow for any form of life.

Then, the earth gradually cooled to where life was possible.

 Man was also created in two steps.

 “The LORD God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature” (Gn 2:7, ESV).

 Modern science tells us that this is the way the earth was first created.

  When it first formed, the earth was far too hot to allow for any form of life.

Then, the earth gradually cooled to where life was possible.

 Man was also created in two steps.

  “The LORD God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature” (Gn 2:7, ESV).

God made Adam as a lifeless corpse & then breathed life into him.

What process allowed the earth to cool?

What process allowed the earth to cool?

“THE SPIRIT OF GOD WAS HOVERING OVER THE FACE OF THE WATERS.”

 The idea of hovering reminds us of a bird’s brooding over her nest.

 The idea of hovering reminds us of a bird’s brooding over her nest.

 A bird broods over a next to prepare eggs to hatch.

 The idea of hovering reminds us of a bird’s brooding over her nest.

 A bird broods over a next to prepare eggs to hatch.

 The Spirit is brooding over the earth to prepare it for life.

Why is the Spirit the One hovering over the waters?

Why is the Spirit the One hovering over the waters?

IT IS THE SPIRIT WHO GIVES LIFE.

 The Hebrew term for “spirit” here can refer to breath.

 The Hebrew term for “spirit” here can refer to breath.

 “By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, and by the breath of his mouth all their host” (Ps 33:6, ESV).

 The Hebrew term for “spirit” here can refer to breath.

  “By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, and by the breath of his mouth all their host” (Ps 33:6, ESV).

“And I looked, and behold, there were sinews on them, and flesh had come upon them, and skin had covered them. But there was no breath in them” (Ezek 37:8, EV).

What does a brooding God tell us of our Creator?

 This tells us that God acts purposefully.

 This tells us that God acts purposefully.

 The Creation was not an event that occurred haphazardly.

 This tells us that God acts purposefully.

  The Creation was not an event that occurred haphazardly.

God had a purpose for the earth: “For thus says the LORD, who created the heavens (he is God!), who formed the earth and made it (he established it; he did not create it empty, he formed it to be inhabited!): 'I am the LORD, and there is no other'” (Is 45:18, ESV).

 God continues to act purposefully.

 God continues to act purposefully.

 “When the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons” (Gal 4:4-5, ESV).

 God continues to act purposefully.

 “When the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons” (Gal 4:4-5, ESV). God sent Jesus into the world at just the right time to fulfill his purpose & plan.

 God continues to act purposefully.

  “When the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons” (Gal 4:4-5, ESV).

“I myself did not know him, but for this purpose I came baptizing with water, that he might be revealed to Israel” (Jn 1:31, ESV).

 This also tells us that God is a preparing God.

 This also tells us that God is a preparing God.

 God planned the earth for man's habitation & here he is preparing it for man's habitation through the work of the Holy Spirit.

 This also tells us that God is a preparing God.

  God planned the earth for man's habitation & here he is preparing it for man's habitation through the work of the Holy Spirit. God continues to prepare.

 This also tells us that God is a preparing God.

  God planned the earth for man's habitation & here he is preparing it for man's habitation through the work of the Holy Spirit. God continues to prepare.

 “In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?” (Jn 14:2, ESV).

 This also tells us that God is a preparing God.

  God planned the earth for man's habitation & here he is preparing it for man's habitation through the work of the Holy Spirit. God continues to prepare.

 “In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?” (Jn 14:2, ESV).

 “As it is, they [the patriarchs] desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city” (Heb 11:16, ESV).

A Breathing God

VV 3-5

 “And God said, 'Let there be light,' and there was light. And God saw that the light was good. And God separated the light from the darkness. God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, the first day” (vv 3-5, ESV).

 God spoke the universe into existence.

 God spoke the universe into existence.

 Throughout Gen 1, God spoke & things came to be.

 God spoke the universe into existence.

  Throughout Gen 1, God spoke & things came to be.

We are often told that God’s word brought the universe into existence.

 God spoke the universe into existence.

  Throughout Gen 1, God spoke & things came to be.

We are often told that God’s word brought the universe into existence.

 “By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, and by the breath of his mouth all their host” (Ps 33:6, ESV).

 God spoke the universe into existence.

  Throughout Gen 1, God spoke & things came to be.

We are often told that God’s word brought the universe into existence.

 “By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, and by the breath of his mouth all their host” (Ps 33:6, ESV).  “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” (Heb 11:3, ESV).

 God saw that the light was good.

 God saw that the light was good.

 Because the Creation at this point was precisely what God wanted, it stands that the Lord saw that it was good.

 God saw that the light was good.

  Because the Creation at this point was precisely what God wanted, it stands that the Lord saw that it was good.

Only after man’s creation, however, does God see the creation was very good.

 God saw that the light was good.

  Because the Creation at this point was precisely what God wanted, it stands that the Lord saw that it was good.

Only after man’s creation, however, does God see the creation was very good: “And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good” (Gn 1:31, ESV).

 God separated the light from the darkness.

 God separated the light from the darkness.

 God named the light “Day” & named the darkness “Night.”

 God separated the light from the darkness.

 God named the light “Day” & named the darkness “Night.”  This shows God’s dominion over the Creation.

 God separated the light from the darkness.

 God named the light “Day” & named the darkness “Night.”  This shows God’s dominion over the Creation.

 Man has dominion over the animals: “God said, 'Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth'” (Gn 1:26, ESV).

 God separated the light from the darkness.

 God named the light “Day” & named the darkness “Night.”  This shows God’s dominion over the Creation.

 Man has dominion over the animals: Gen 1:26.

 In his dominion, man named the animals: “The man gave names to all livestock and to the birds of the heavens and to every beast of the field” (Gn 2:20, ESV).

 God separated the light from the darkness.

 God named the light “Day” & named the darkness “Night.”   This shows God’s dominion over the Creation.

 Man has dominion over the animals: Gen 1:26.

 In his dominion, man named the animals: “The man gave names to all livestock and to the birds of the heavens and to every beast of the field” (Gn 2:20, ESV). That God named the light & darkness shows his dominion over the light & darkness.

What do we learn from a Breathing God?

What do we learn from a Breathing God?

WE SEE THE POWER OF GOD’S WORD—GOD SPOKE THE UNIVERSE INTO EXISTENCE.

 The Word of God has great power.

 The Word of God has great power.

 “Because you have spoken this word, behold, I am making my words in your mouth a fire, and this people wood, and the fire shall consume them” (Jer 5:14, ESV).

 The Word of God has great power.

  “Because you have spoken this word, behold, I am making my words in your mouth a fire, and this people wood, and the fire shall consume them” (Jer 5:14, ESV).

“The word of God is living and active, sharper than any two edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart” (Heb 4:12, ESV).

 Some might say there’s a difference between Scripture & the word of God in creation.

  Some might say there’s a difference between Scripture & the word of God in creation. The only difference seems to be in what God spoke.

 “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Mt 4:4, ESV).

  “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Mt 4:4, ESV).

“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness” (2 Tim 3:16, ESV).

  “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Mt 4:4, ESV).

“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness” (2 Tim 3:16, ESV).

 “Breathed out by God” or “Given by inspiration of God” is one compound word in Greek: “breath” & “God.”

  “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Mt 4:4, ESV).

“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness” (2 Tim 3:16, ESV).

  “Breathed out by God” or “Given by inspiration of God” is one compound word in Greek: “breath” & “God.” The idea is that every word of Scripture comes as an utterance from God’s mouth.

Have you responded to that powerful word of God?