“The sweetest thing in all my life has been the longing — to reach the Mountain, to find the place where all the beauty came from – my country, the place where I ought to have been born. Do you think it all meant nothing, all the longing? The longing for home? For indeed it now feels not like going, but like going back.”
C.S. Lewis in Till We Have Faces
On August 30-31st, City Bible Forum is hosting a symposium of science and the Scriptures, looking at three views of origins: atheist naturalism, young-earth creationism, and old-earth creationism.
What happened in the beginning? Was there a creator? How old is the earth? How do we understand Genesis? Over 2 days, this symposium brings together experts in three different views of origins to explore science and the Bible. Hear the evidence and decide for yourself.
Event information is available on the City Bible Forum web site.
P.S. Don't forget to check out our own ORIGINS series at CityLife.
Also, Old Testament scholar, John Walton, author of the Genesis NIV Application Commentary is speaking at Ridley College on July 29th on "Genesis through Ancient Eyes."
Sir Isaac Newton was one of the fathers of modern scientific revolution. Interesting, he said that his greatest passion was the Bible over and above science.
“I have a fundamental belief in the Bible as the Word of God, written by those who were inspired. I study the Bible daily.”
His curiosity about the world was entwined with his reverence for the Creator, whom he credited with the existence of the universe. He was able to hold his scientific discoveries in tension with his faith, rather than replacing God with natural laws.
In fact, almost all of the scientific greats of the modern period were also deeply religious people who learned to balance the need for both faith & reason.
“God dwells in His creation and is everywhere indivisibly present in all His works. He is transcendent above all His works even while He is immanent within them.”
A.W. Tozer
A few final comments on guidance and the will of God …
God never guides by part of his navigation system alone, always by all of them. They are like lights that need lining up. God established the principle of 2 or 3 witnesses (see Deut.17:6. 2 Cor.13:1). Not one of these principles works alone.
This is the law of witness. You don’t violate God’s word to do his will. He knows how to confirm. Green lights and only one red one? Wait. Be still. Don’t be stupid.
The bigger the decision, the larger the risk, the more witnesses you need lined up. Take your time. Don’t be hasty.
Consider (1) what the Scriptures say, (2) observe what the circumstances are saying, (3) listen to the inner voice of the Spirit, (4) be open to supernatural guidance, (5) and use wisdom.
Most errors occur when you make too much of one of these principles. Overemphasis will kill you. There is not ONE key to knowing the whole will of God or making wise decisions. Make sure things are in agreement. Don’t move until they are.
Balanced guidance has both an objective and a subjective dimension. Those who are more logical thinkers need to open up to more special revelation and the guidance of the Spirit. Those who are more emotional feelers need to open up to more of God’s word and the gaining of wisdom.
Don't buy into a fatalistic view of God's will. Don't allow negativity or frustration to take a hold of your life. Keep in step with the Spirit and walk forward dependently yet boldly as you live out God's will for your life. You can do it!
A final aspect of how God guides us is …
5. Wisdom.
God created wisdom before he created the world (Prov.8). In the book of Proverbs, we are encouraged, if not urged, to get wisdom. God wants to help us develop wisdom, which is the proper application of knowledge and understanding (Prov.4:7). God gave us a brain – we must use it. He won’t make all the decisions for us. He wants us to use common sense, which isn’t so common any more.
Ask God for wisdom (Jas.1:5), look in the Bible for it, do personal research and listen to wise counselors or advisers. Wise planning and thinking ahead before making decisions is a Biblical concept.In order to make good decisions, you need to be able to think clearly and weigh up the evidence effectively. Here is a simple four-stage decision-making process:
a. The Question. State the decision or the problem as a clear question. Know exactly what the decision you need to make is, what the issue or problem is. This is the foundation stage – understand the background of your situation. Ask key questions.
b. The Alternatives.Think about and come up with as many creative alternatives as possible that answer the question. List all your options. Be creative and avoid judgment at this stage. Get help and feedback from people with knowledge of the subject, skill, experience, responsibility, strength of calling and principle.
c. The Consequences. Evaluate each alternative by thinking through their implications and predicting the likely, as well as the possible, consequences. This prepares you to make a decision and also creates some contingency plans in case the choice proves to partially or totally wrong. Weigh up the advantages (pluses) and disadvantages (minuses) of the different alternatives. Gather and sift through as much information as possible. Think about your choices. Think about each option. Think beyond the decision to any potential “chain reactions” (Prov.22:3).
Get counsel and input from other people (see Prov.12:15; 13:10; 15:22; 19:20; 20:18). No one has all the wisdom. In the multitude of counsel there is wisdom and safety. Get more than one. Major decisions – do you speak to wise people about it first? Approval of those God has put in your life. Get multiple opinions.
Observe your own feelings. What are you “comfortable” with? What seems “good”? Go slowly on this step and take your feelings seriously (not just other people’s). The peace of God is to rule in your heart and mind (Phil.4:6-7). Don’t do anything you feel unsettled about it that violates your conscience. Our conscience gives us a sense of right and wrong. It is most effective when we have invested God’s word into our minds.
Do a quick check at this point: Have you asked the right question? Have all credible alternatives been considered? Have all possible consequences for each alternative been thought through? Have all foreseeable contingencies been provided for, as far as possible?
d. The Decision. Use your best judgment to make a decision. Discard the other options. No backtracking. Avoid going back again and again to step 3 and delaying the decision. Don’t expect the feeling to come first, and the decision to follow. Its time to move ahead now.
Commit to the decision. It is rarely possible to make the perfect decision”. Every course of action will lead to more choices and will throw up some unexpected difficulties. If you are too worried about the pursuit of the perfect decision, you will be more likely to become painfully indecisive.
Indecision ruins many people’s potential and causes costly delays. Many of us freeze when faced with decisions. We’re afraid of making the wrong choice. We tend to be abdicators not decision-makers. This results in lost opportunities, endless procrastination, frustration and doubt.
In few instances is one decision better than another. It is usually the decision-maker, not the choice itself, that makes it work. Any failure has little to do with the choice. It is directly related to lack of dedicated commitment. Choices are often good only if we make them good.
Do everything to make the decision work. Other decisions might have worked just as well, but be loyal and optimistic to the one you’ve chosen. Don’t abandon the decision at signs of difficulty and become pessimistic about the choice.
[Part 6]
How does God guide us? What is his navigation system for our life? So far we have looked at the Scriptures and circumstances. Let's discuss a few more today …
3. The inner witness of the Holy Spirit.
God has sent the Holy Spirit to guide us and lead us. We should pray and commit all of our ways to the Lord, asking for his guidance and direction. God wants to reveal His thoughts and feelings to us. He does this through His Word but also through the person of the Holy Spirit. He has been sent to be our friend and our helper (see Rom.8:14. 1 Jn.2:20,27).
God led the Israelites through the external means of a cloud by day and a fire by night symbolising the Holy Spirit. Pretty simple, just watch the cloud. When it’s moving, get a move on! Other decisions were made with the Urim and Thummin in the priest’s breastplate. God would give an indication of “Yes” or “No” when a question was asked. We now have an inner witness of the Spirit to guide us … if we'll only listen.
4. The supernatural.
God sometimes uses "special revelation" to guide and direct us. This could include prophecy, which is primarily given for strengthening, encouragement and comfort (1 Cor.14:3). Be careful of directive prophecy. You don’t get the will of God from a prophecy only. God does not lead you by one sign. You need to test the word. Get some more confirmation. Who knows whether the prophet is right and the word? Check it out. Paul had a prophecy from Agabus but did not let it turn him from what God had already spoken to him about (Acts 21:10-15).
God also speaks at times through dreams and visions, and occasionally through an audible voice or through angels (but never contrary to God's word – see Gal.1:8).
[Part 5]
God does guide us. His will is good, pleasing and perfect. He wants us to find it and fulfill it. We need to adopt a proper attitude and perspective on God’s will for your life. Don’t be fatalistic, negative or frustrated. Don’t give up or get mystical. Learn to make wise decisions. Decisions determine destiny.
So, how does God lead his people? What is his navigation system? Let's look at a few components of how God guides us:
1. The Scriptures.
God’s Word contains God’s will. As we read and meditate on the Scriptures, we will begin to think like God thinks and act like he acts. No other means of guidance should contradict the inerrant Word of God. Nothing he calls you to do will contradict the Word. [See Ps.119:89, 105. Matt.4:4; 24:35. Jn.17:17] God’s word is compared to light and it leads us a step of a time on our journey. He gives us just enough light to make the next step.
Success was guaranteed for those who meditated upon and obeyed God’s commands and principles for life (see Josh.1:8. Ps.1. 2 Tim.3:16-17). God’s word contains principles for every area of our life. There are warnings to be heeded and characters to be studied. There are narratives (records of God’s works and ways), segments of wisdom literature, songs of praise and worship, prophetic messages, teaching and instruction (of Jesus and the early church leaders). God's people are often destroyed through lack of knowledge (Hosea 4:6). Don't ignore God's instruction manual for life or just refer to it when things aren't working properly.
2. Circumstances.
Circumstances define the context of every decision. God can use circumstances to direct us, but never by themselves. Don’t let circumstances alone dictate your decision. It’s one way of guidance. You can’t be led by it alone.
Open doors are God-given opportunities for service … not always specific guidance from God requiring you to enter. Is there a fire in house? Move! have you lost your job? Look elsewhere.
What about "fleeces?" God allowed Gideon to do this because of his fear and lack of faith in what God had already told him.
God is in control and he will orchestrate circumstances to be a part of the guidance He gives us.
[Part 4]
Let's continue speaking about a number of wrong approaches to knowing and doing God's will.
3. Frustration.
God’s will is not meant to be complicated or confusing. Yet sometimes we can feel like, "God loves me and has a wonderful plan for my life, but He’s not telling me!" God’s will is not some secret formula you need to discover.
Sometime our frustration is based on the belief that God has a detailed plan for our life that he has hidden and that we need to discover. We think we must try to find the next step that he wants us to take every moment of the day so as to not please him. Is God's will a circle in which we need to find the "dot" in the middle in order to be in the very "centre of His will?" Does God have a perfect plan for every one of our decisions, which we need to discover?
Let’s look at Adam and Eve. God gave them one commandment – "Don’t eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil." He them gave them the freedom to eat of any of the other trees in the garden. One “No” and dozens of “Yes’s” (see Gen.2:15-17). God defined clear boundaries, then gave them the freedom to live within them. Adam and Eve were also free to daily decide their work and activity focused on the overall objectives given to them by God ("take care of the garden and take dominion over the earth").
The Bible indicates that God has a general purpose and plan for our lives, which he communicates to us. He also communicates any limitations or areas that are restricted to us. Within these parameters, we are free to choose what we want to do.
There is much more freedom in God’s will than we often realise. More often than not, there are many options we could choose from, all of which are in God’s will. God’s will is more of a relationship than a set of rules or guidelines. He gives us a compass rather than a detailed road-map. It is "dynamic" and ever changing rather than a "closed system." He allows for our failures and our mistakes. We need to focus on God not just on guidance.
Without this understanding, multiple options produce a lot of fear and frustration at "missing the dot" rather than gratitude for more than one opportunity. It also results in costly delays because of uncertainty about God’s specific will.
Parents have general desires for their children and they direct them in ways that are right. But they don’t have a detailed plan for every aspect of their children's life. That would breed immaturity rather than maturity.
Consider these choices: what to eat for lunch today, where to live, which house to buy, which job to take, which career to take, or which person to marry. Except for the clear prohibitions of Scripture, you are free to choose based on the desires of your heart and the wisdom available to you. If God has something specific in mind, then He will guide us toward it clearly.
The right question may be, "How do I make wise decisions?" rather than "How do I find the will of God?"
[Part 3]
One of the most common questions I have been asked over the years is, "How do I know God's will for my life?" Many people struggle to know God's will and, as a result, find it difficult to make life decisions. The truth is that God does have a will – a sense of purpose. He has intentions and desires, thoughts and plans. He is not aimless or wondering what to do next.
The good news is that God wants us to know and do his will (see Eph.5:15-17. Col.1:9). He does not want to hide it from us. Finding God’s will is not meant to be hard. God wants to lead us and guide us in our lives (see Ps.25:4-5; 48:14; 73:24. Prov.6:20-22. Is.42:16; 48:17; 49:10; 57:18; 58:11. Jn.10:27. Rom.8:14).
However, finding and living in God’s will can seem confusing, hard and frustrating at times. It can be a struggle. Often this is because of wrong attitudes or misconceptions that we have about God’s will. Let’s look at some of them.
1. Fatalism.
This view over-emphasises the sovereignty of God and downplays human responsibility. It denies or minimises the fact that we have a choice and are therefore responsible for our lives.
Yes, there are things beyond our control either caused by God or other people. But we don’t have to be victims of the circumstances or other people’s choices. We are responsible beings. We are responsible for the choices we make and the consequences of those choices.
Don't just resign yourself to God’s will, assuming that it will happen anyway. This is unfair to God, as he often gets the blame for a lot of things he didn’t will or choose. Isn't it interesting how some people refer to catastrophes as "acts of God." Of course, when good things happen, those same people call it "good luck."
Fatalism is also unhealthy for you. You become simply a puppet on a string with no responsibility or life of your own. The truth is that God’s will involves your choice. God’s gift to you is your freedom to choose. He wants us to become mature. A parent who makes all the decisions for their child dooms the child to immaturity. Maturity is when we make our own wise decisions. We can't just sit around, inactive and apathetic. We must rise up and be who God wants us to be.
2. Negativity.
Some people believe that God’s will is meant to make us miserable and depressed. He might make you marry someone you don’t like or send you somewhere you don’t want to go – maybe some deep dark cannibal-infested jungle. No, God’s plans are good and for our benefit (see Jer.29:11).
Don’t think that God has favourites who always get the good jobs and that you’ve been given an uninteresting insignificant leftover role. God’s will is good, pleasing and perfect (Rom.12:1-2). God’s will is an expression of his love. He knows more about what will fulfil us and make us happy than we do. Yes, there will be both problems and challenges. That's part of everyone's journey, even when we are living in God' s will.
[Part 2]
The Genesis Creation Story
Genesis 1 is a simple and majestic opening to the Bible. It introduces the two main subjects of Scripture, God the Creator and humans as his creatures, and sets the scene for their long relationship. Clearly the interests of the author are focused primarily on the patriarchs, given the amount of material allocated to their story (Genesis 12-50), but the background is that the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob is no mere localised or tribal deity, but is the sovereign Lord of the whole earth (Genesis 1-11).
There were a number of creation and flood myths in existence in ancient Mesopotamia that the author would have most likely have been aware of. One of the major goals of the Genesis creation story is to counter these mythical accounts of creation with an alternative worldview about God, the world and humankind. This story shows God as having no peer or competitor. It denies that the various forces of nature are gods or that man was created as an afterthought to serve the gods. Humans are presented as the climax of creation. God cares for and provides for them. He also empowers them to be His delegated representatives on the earth. This creation story is a triumphant affirmation of the power and wisdom of God and the wonder of His creation.
The first creation story (Genesis 1:1–2.4a) looks at the story from a heavenly and divine perspective, while the second creation account (Genesis 2:4b-25) looks at the story from an earthly and human perspective. The order of creation is also different. These are two versions of the same story. In the six days of creation there is a pattern, the first three days are occupied with forming while the second three days are about filling what has been formed.
Creation Theories
When it comes to the creation of the cosmos, Genesis tells us who created the world and why. The author does not tell us when (timing) or how (method). Over the years, a variety of views have developed among people of faith concerning God’s creation of the world, the three primary ones being (“Intelligent Design” is not really a separate view):
1. Young Earth Creationism (see www.answersingenesis.org and www.creation.com). This group believes that God created the world in six literal 24-hour days and that the earth is only 6,000-10,000 years old. God created the earth as already appearing ‘old’ and this was enhanced by the effects of a global flood.
2. Old Earth Creationism (see www.reasons.org). This group believes in an old earth (possibly 13.8 billions years old) and that the days of creation were extended periods of time or at least that there were periods of time between each day.
3. Theistic Evolution (see www.biologos.org). This group also believes in an old earth and that God initiated the ‘big bang’ and created the world through the process of evolution. They view Genesis 1-2 as inspired Scripture but as poetic literature rather than as a literal description of what took place in the beginning.
Many people in each group are convinced that their view is the correct one and that the others are wrong or even heretical. However, each view has its strengths and weaknesses. The author of Genesis was not seeking to answer many of the questions we have today in the modern world. They are more interested in us know the Creator of the world and His purposes for us. Science and faith don’t need to be opposed to each other. Science simply explains how things work while faith is the foundation of our relationship with God and provides us with a sense of meaning and purpose, something science cannot provide.
Reflections from Creation
1. God is sovereign over creation. Our God rules over the world and the entire universe that he created. He has no rivals and everything is under his control. He is working – in history and even in nature. Of course, we understand that sin has affected our world and everything is not as it was when God created it. It is broken and damaged yet God is working towards restoring everything to its original purpose. God will once again bring order out of chaos. Ultimately, good will triumph over evil.
2. Creation is dependent on God. There was a beginning to the universe. It is not infinite in time. God created everything and therefore everything owes its ongoing existence to Him. God also cares for His creation and the welfare of humans in particular. God actively sustains the universe (Acts 17:28. Colossians 1:15-17).
3. We were created for a purpose. Genesis clearly shows us that we are here (Genesis 1:26-28):
a. For Relationship – God created us to have a relationship with us and for us to be in relationship with each other. God is seen as close not distant, like pagan deities. God wants us to know Him. He makes covenant with his people and promises to bless them.
b. To Reflect God – humans were created in the image of God and given dignity beyond the animals and the rest of creation. All people, regardless of race, gender or social status are equal in value and are to be treated with respect and honour. We have the capacity to mirror our Creator.
c. To be Fruitful – God commands us to be fruitful and multiply (Genesis 1:28). He wants a large family and wants us to fill the earth with loving community, something God later judged the people at Babel for not doing (Genesis 11:1-9).
d. To Steward the Earth – Since we are God’s representatives, ruling over His world, we must treat the world as his, not ours. We are stewards of his planet, a responsibility that requires us to neither worship the earth nor ruin and destroy it. We are living in Someone else’s house and need to treat is as such. Creation care is important.
4. The Sabbath is sacred time. The creation story finishes with the establishment of the Sabbath – holiness in time rather than a holy space. God models for humans the need to rest and enjoy the beauty of God’s world. Sabbath is about ceasing from work and giving worship and honour to God.
Sample Reflection Questions
What impacts you most about the Genesis creation story?
Consider the three creation theories. What is your personal opinion and why? Do you see this is a core issue of faith in Christ or a secondary issue?
Why do you think there is such a battle between faith (or religion) and science today?
What does the creation story tell us about God? What is he like?
Reflect on the four-fold purpose for humans mentioned above. How can followers of Christ outwork their God-given purpose more effectively in the contemporary world?
Read Galatians 3:26-29. How does the work of Christ seek to bring us back to God’s purposes in creation, a world free of racism, gender wars, and the divide between rich and poor?
How important is the principle of the Sabbath today? What should this look like for the follower of Christ?
You can now listen to this entire message on Mark Conner’s podcast at the Podbean website (or app) or in iTunes or Spotify.
The book of Genesis opens simply … "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." The author boldly presents God as Creator then as Redeemer of humanity. Life is not an accident. God has a purpose and he is working to fulfill it throughout history. Men and women are made in the image of God. As partners together, their God-given mandate is to fill the earth with loving community and to give responsible leadership to the planet.
All Christians believe in creation but there are a variety of opinions as to exactly how God created the earth and over what period of time. We have a lot of questions today that the Bible doesn't directly answer (for instance the theory of evolution wasn't even in existence when Genesis was written). After all, the Bible is primarily the story of God's work of redemption. It was not written to be a science textbook, although it does contribute significantly to the study of science.
In the book Three Views on Creation and Evolution, three views on creation are presented [General Editors J.P. Moreland and John Mark Reynolds]:
1. Young Earth Creationism (presented by Paul Nelson and John Mark Reynolds). This view sees the earth being created in six twenty-four hour days about ten thousand years ago. For information on this view, check out www.answersingenesis.org and www.creation.com
2. Old Earth or 'Progressive' Creationism (presented by Robert C. Newman). This view sees the earth being created over an extended period of time many billions years ago. [An intermediate position between views #1 and #2 is referred to as the "Gap Theory", which sees God's original creation in Genesis 1:1, followed by the destruction of the earth's habitat in Genesis 1:2, perhaps due to Satan's rebellion. The rest of the Genesis account then describes the restoration of the earth just a few thousand years ago in six literal days.] For more informaiton on this view, check out www.reasons.org.
3. Theistic Evolution (presented by Howard K. Van Till). This view is the belief that God created the world through the process of evolution, and that Genesis 1-2 are to be taken figuratively, not literally. World renown scientist, Francis S. Collins is an example of a believer who holds this view. His recent book The Language of God endeavours to show the compatibility of modern science and faith (Collins prefers to refer to this view as BioLogos). For more information on this view, check out www.biologos.org
The most important thing is to embrace the truth of creation and of a God who is the designer of all that exists. As we discover his fingerprints in the universe, we can come to know Him better, find and fulfill our purpose in life, and live to please Him.
Additional recommended reading:
* Mapping the Origins Debate: Six Models of the Origins of Everything by Gerard Rau.
* The Case for a Creator by Lee Strobel (author of the best-selling book The Case for Christ), which looks at scientific evidence that points towards God.
* Seven Days that Divide the World (2011) by John Lennox.
* The Evolution Controversy: A Survey of Competing Theories by Thomas B. Fowler and Daniel Kuebler.
* "Intelligent Design” is not really a separate view – www.discovery.org/csc
I enjoy hearing different perspectives on any issue and then taking time to reflect on them. It always enlarges and enriches your own perspective.
P.S. Check out these upcoming special events related to ORIGINS.
If you’ve ever visited one of the great museums of the world you will have noticed the contrast between the extensive and magnificent displays from ancient civilizations such as Egypt, Syria and Mesopotamia, and those from ancient Israel, which are generally unimpressive and difficult to find. Yet one artifact from ancient Israel has survived: its literature. They were people of the book. They told stories and wrote them down. Not only did their literature survive, it became authoritative and then went on to profoundly influence and inspire believers, writers, artists, musicians throughout the world.
While the New Testament was still being written, the apostle Paul described the sacred writings of the Old Testament as “… inspired by God and useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17. NLT).”
In the next few weeks, we will be sharing a series of messages on the book of Genesis. Genesis means ‘beginnings’ and it is the first book of the Bible. As such, it is the foundation for the rest of the Bible. It is a book of ‘origins’, showing the origins of the world (Genesis 1-11) and of the people of Israel, who began with Abraham’s family (Genesis 12-50). These two origins reflect Israel’s theology, their belief in a God who is at once the God of the world in general and the God of the people of Israel in particular. Sometimes it helps to look backward before you move forward, living your life from God’s perspective. Hindsight can give us fresh insight to who God is and who we are as the people of faith.
Let’s lay a foundation for getting the most out of this series on Genesis.
SCRIPTURE
1. What kind of Book is Genesis? The genre of Genesis could be described as ‘theological history.’ It is not a scientific handbook (though scientists are right to investigate its claims), a book of biographies (though there is much to learn from the lives of the men and women it describes), or a history book (though it is historical). It is a book of theology (though not systematic) – telling us about God and his interaction with humanity. The author has been highly selective, telling us what he wants us to know, not everything we would like to know.
2. Who was the author of Genesis? The name of the author is not mentioned in the book but many assume it is Moses. Moses no doubt had a hand in its compilation, though other inspired editors were probably involved over time.
OBSERVATION
Take time to discern the intent of the author and how the readers would have heard the text. What did this text mean back then and there (called ‘exegesis’)?
3. What is the historical context? The content of Genesis refers to the beginnings of the world right through to the call of Abraham, who lived in ancient Mesopotamia (modern day Iraq), to become the father of the Israelite nation, thousands of years ago. It was a poly-theistic world, where people worshipped many gods.
4. What is the literary context? Narratives are stories with a narrator, characters, a plot (and sub-plots), scene(s), dialogue, conflict or tension, and resolution. At the upper level, God is the ultimate character and hero of each story. Stories tell us what happened. They aren’t allegories with hidden meanings or instructions of what we should necessarily do. Think passages more than verses and look for the author’s main point. Consider the wider context of the Scripture also (which ultimately points to Christ).
5. What is the theological message? How does Genesis describe God? The Bible is God’s self-revelation, showing how he relates to people and interacts with his world. In Genesis, we see God as creator, all powerful, the one who brings order out of chaos, the one who is transcendent yet immanent, as one who grieves over sin, one who holds us accountable for our actions, a God who is compassionate and merciful, one who makes covenants and keeps his promises, and one who is active and present in his creation. Also, how does Genesis anticipate Christ? We are to read the Old Testament in the light of Jesus (Luke 24:25-27). In Genesis, we see Jesus as the Word who created all things (John 1:1), the seed of the woman (Genesis 3:15), the ark of Salvation, the seed of Abraham (Galatians 3:15-16), and as Isaac the only begotten Son.
APPLICATION
Now we consider what the text means here and now (referred to as ‘hermeneutics’).
6. What is the cultural relevance? We need discernment to know what parts of the text are cultural for only Bible times and what transcends culture for all seasons. We know we don’t have to obey God’s command to Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac (Genesis 22:2) but we are called to bless others with the blessing we receive, as Abraham was (Genesis 12:1-2). Much of God’s Word back then is still for us today: to reflect the image of God, to steward the earth, to love our neighbor, to obey God, and to follow God’s call to bless our world.
7. What are the transferable principles? How can we extend the application of the text to different contexts? The Bible doesn’t tell us everything we may want to know but it does tell us everything we need to know. It is still relevant and authoritative. Don’t just approach the Bible as a ‘handbook for life’ but rather as a revelation of Jesus to us. Seek to know Him.
PRAYER
8. What is God saying to me today? Take time to reflect on what God may be saying to you through the text. Soren Kierkegaard said, “When you read God’s Word, you must constantly be saying to yourself. ‘It is talking to me, and about me.'” Eugene Peterson says, “The written word has the potential to resurrect the speaking voice and the listening ear.” Listen for the gentle whisper of God’s voice or a prompting from His Spirit.
9. What do I want to say to God? Take some time to talk to God. Share what is on your heart. Ask for grace and courage to live a life of purpose and significance today.
Take some time over the next few weeks to read Genesis 1-11. Allow God to speak to you from these stories about our origins.
Sample Reflection Questions
1. Which story from Genesis do you remember hearing first? How did it affect you?
2. What is your favorite story from Genesis? Why? The story you find most difficult? Why?
3. What puzzles you most about the book of Genesis?
4. Imagine yourself living as Jew in Israel 4,000 years ago. How would a book like Genesis affect you? What importance would it carry?
5. We are a culture addicted to ‘novelty’ – the constant search for something new. What are the benefits of looking back to our origins when thinking about how we should live today?
6. Reflect on the statement, “The Bible tells us everything we need to know not necessarily everything we may want to know.”
7. The Pharisees knew the Scriptures better than anyone but somehow missed Christ (John 5:39-40). How can we ensure that our Bible reading and teaching never blurs the focus of our relationship with God?
You can now listen to this entire message on Mark Conner’s podcast at the Podbean website (or app) or in iTunes or Spotify.
The City Bible Forum is hosting an event in Melbourne on August 16th entitled "Is it reasonable to believe there is a God?" The evening will feature a lively conversation between Lawrence M. Krauss and William Lane Craig.
Lawrence M. Krauss is a renowned cosmologist and science popularizer, and is Foundation Professor in the School of Earth and Space Exploration, and director of the Origins Project at Arizona State University. Hailed by Scientific American as a rare public intellectual, he is also the author of more than three hundred scientific publications and nine books, including the international bestseller, The Physics of Star Trek, and his most recent bestseller entitled A Universe from Nothing, now being translated into 20 languages.
William Lane Craig is Research Professor of Philosophy at Talbot School of Theology in La Mirada, California. He and his wife Jan have two grown children. At the age of sixteen as a junior in high school, he first heard the message of the Christian gospel and yielded his life to Christ. Dr. Craig pursued his undergraduate studies at Wheaton College (B.A. 1971) and graduate studies at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (M.A. 1974; M.A. 1975), the University of Birmingham (England) (Ph.D. 1977), and the University of Munich (Germany) (D.Theol. 1984). From 1980-86 he taught Philosophy of Religion at Trinity, during which time he and Jan started their family. In 1987 they moved to Brussels, Belgium, where Dr. Craig pursued research at the University of Louvain until assuming his position at Talbot in 1994.
You can buy tickets online.
I'm taking my family. It should be a terrific event.
P.S. Don't forget to check out our own ORIGINS series at CityLife.
Welcome to the second half of the year! This month, we’ll be taking a fresh look at the first part of the book of Genesis, as we commence a series of messages called ORIGINS. Sometimes it helps to look backward before you move forward, so you live your life from God’s perspective. By going back to the beginning, we can glean some amazing insights about God’s original purpose for this world, all of which are incredibly relevant for our lives today in the 21st century. History really is HIS-story and you and I are called to play a significant part in the unfolding redemptive narrative. As we explore the first 12 chapters of Genesis, we pray that the gift of hindsight creates in each of us a fresh vision (foresight) of who we are as the people of God.
1. Genesis (July 13-14th)
Genesis is the first book of the Bible and is often called “the book of beginnings.” Reading an ancient text like this raises lots of questions, especially for those of us who live in the modern world. In this introduction to the ORIGINS series, we will be answering many of these questions and presenting some important principles for reading and applying Genesis today.
2. Creation (July 20-21st)
Science and faith, dinosaurs and the big bang. These just a few of the kinds of questions people come to book of Genesis for, hoping to find some answers. This weekend, we will take an in-depth look at the story of creation, which clearly shows us who created the world and why.
3. Image (July 27-28th)
C.S. Lewis once said, “There are no ordinary people. You have never met a mere mortal.” Unlike all other creatures, humans alone were made in “the image of God.” What is this image and what are the implications for how we live our lives today? That’s our focus for this weekend.
4. Lost (Aug.3-4th)
Paradise Lost – one of history’s saddest moments. This weekend, we look at the Fall, which is not just a singular event but the trajectory of humanity moving away from God’s plan. Can we be rescued from our wandering?
5. Brother's Keeper (Aug.10-11th)
To live in God’s world on God’s terms is enough of a problem but to live with God’s other creatures, especially humans, is even more of a dilemma. The story of Cain and Abel paints a vivid picture of the first human conflict and the tragic consequences of jealousy and anger. Are we still our brother’s keeper?
6. Never Again (Aug.17-18th)
Noah’s Ark and the Flood – the classic Sunday School story! Humans fail to be faithful covenant partners in God’s world. Chaos and destruction ensue but God does not forget his covenant. In His mercy, God promises that “never again will there be a flood that destroys the earth.”
7. Roots (Aug.31-Sept.1st)
Genealogies and family trees tell us that origins matter. We are united by our bloodline. On this Father’s Day weekend, we examine the importance of our roots and what it means to be a child of God who is now “in Christ.”
8. Towers (Sept.7-8th)
The tower of Babel – languages and nations all began there. God scattered people from their safety and comfort, as well as from their self-serving unity. Years later, on the Day of Pentecost, prayerful unity led to the good news being spoken in many languages leading to a scattering to the nations once again.
9. The Call (Sept.14-15th)
Abraham is the proto-type for all people of faith. Following the risky call of God, he took a leap of faith into the lifetime adventure of being a pilgrim. In the same way, our journey is to be a life of faith, not one of safety and comfort. Can you hear the call?