The Genesis Debate

This Sunday we will look more into the biblical and scientific claims of creation.  Was the creation formed in six sequential days, each 24 hours long?  Or, was creation six sequential ages of time of unspecified but finite duration.  Perhaps the creation days are presented as normal days, but the picture of God's creating in six days and resting on the seventh is figurative.  Click on the video to see some of John Piper's views on creation, including these issues.  Derek will be leading us in our study and will present the arguments from leading evangelicals on each of these views.  What will your conclusion be?

What have we learned?

We learn that God takes pleasure in his creation.  Why?  (1) His works are an expression of his glory (Psalm 19); (2) His works praise him (Psalm 148:3-5,7); (3) His works reveal his wisdom (Psalm 104:24); His works reveal his power (Isaiah 40:26); and, (5) His works point us beyond themselves to God himself (Psalm 104:31-34).

We learn that we have been created in God's image.  We are hearers, rulers, and sons and daughters.  Although our earthly image reflects God's glory, our destiny is to bear the image of Christ.  I Corinthians 15:49:  "and just as we have borne the likeness of the earthly man, so shall we bear the likeness of the man from heaven."  Let us not forget our focus as we press on to win the prize for which God has called us heavenward in Christ Jesus!

We learn that God declared the sabbath day holy.  And, Jesus promised rest for our weary souls. (Matthew 11:28-30)  "Our hearts are restless 'til they find their rest in thee." St. Augustine

Psalm 104:31

Psalm 104:31 says, "May the glory of the Lord endure forever, may the Lord rejoice in his works."  There are two questions that come to mind:  (1) does God rejoice in his creation?; and, (2) if yes, why?  Perhaps the first question is easy to answer; but will you consider why this may be true.  I would suggest there are a number of reasons which we can discuss on Sunday.  Two Psalms which may be helpful in this regard are Psalm 104 and Psalm 19.  You might want to read these before Sunday.

Also, take a look at Austin's post in the comment section from Nov. 7th.  There are some great questions to consider; come prepared to discuss and grow!!!!  See you Sunday.

Thou Lovely Source of True Delight

This week we will focus on God's creation set forth in the first two chapters of Genesis.  Try to read through these chapters a few times before Sunday. 

When considering the beauty of creation, I'm reminded of a Hymn written by Anne Steele:  vs. 1 says:

Thou lovely source of true delight
whom I unseen adore, unveil thy beauties to my sight
that I might love thee more,
Oh that I might love thee more.

Will you ask God to unveil his beauty in creation to you this week that you too may love him more?  I trust yes!

Listen to this great Hymn sung by Indelible Grace by clicking play to the right!  A copy of the lyrics can be found here: 

http://www.igracemusic.com/indeliblegrace-cd/indeliblegrace-8.html