Introduction to Genesis

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Friday August 14, 2015
Jeff Lampl

On Sunday I will begin a four week series on the creation accounts of Genesis, concluding with how creation went wrong and what we can do about it.  

I’ll begin by addressing the questions relating to the origins of the universe.   Were the “days” in the first chapter of Genesis literal 24 hour periods of time or something else?   Must the creation accounts be read as literal word for word descriptions of how the physical universe came into being or could the authors have intended these accounts to be heard as stories using the physical world as they understood it, writing these stories down in memorable prose and poetry so that they could be retold accurately generation after generation around campfires and in temple courts, stories with brilliant and vivid word pictures, given by God to provide us with exactly what need to know for life and faith?   Did God create only by special creation over a brief period of several thousand years or did God create over billions of years using evolutionary processes?   It is important to remember that both perspectives believe that the Genesis accounts are the inspired Word of God, and both perspectives agree that God is the creator of the material world in which we live.   Could it be possible that these accounts tell us not so much how God created the universe, cosmos, and humanity, but that God did so and why?  

After addressing these questions at the beginning of each of the four messages, I’ll then explain exactly why all of this matters at every moment of time, and in every corner of your world, be it home, your place of work or elsewhere.   I am convinced that these three chapters of Genesis are three of the most important and powerful writings ever composed, and that they more than fulfill the apostle Paul’s description of scripture in his letter to his apprentice, Timothy. 

              "All Scripture is inspired by God and is 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)  

My expectation is that this series will ground you in the fundamental reality of God, and in the fundamental knowledge of what it takes to live a new and flourishing life in your brief time on earth.  

I hope to see you Sunday!   Jeff

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