Session 1

Opening Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father, we come before you with hearts full of gratitude and wonder. Meanwhille we examine the scriptures, may your Spirit guide our hearts and minds. Open our eyes to see the beauty of Your design and our purpose in this rational age. In your holy name, we pray. Amen.

Read Genesis 1:1-2:3 and Psalm 104

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2LFrg3BIlbs

Genesis 1:1-2:3: Explore the biblical account of creation, emphasizing God’s intentional design.

This passage lays the groundwork for understanding God’s intentional design in bringing the universe into existence. Let’s explore the richness of this narrative and draw insights into the purposeful creation of the world.

Contextual Overview: A. Authorship and Purpose:

1. Establishing the authorship of Moses and the divine inspiration behind Genesis.
2. Recognizing the overarching purpose of Genesis as a theological and historical account.

Literary Structure:

1. Examining the literary structure of Genesis 1:1-2:3, emphasizing the poetic and structured nature of the narrative.
2. Recognizing the repeated refrain, “And God saw that it was good,” highlighting the order and goodness in God’s creation.

Theology of Creation: A. Monotheism and Creation ex nihilo:

1. Affirming the monotheistic worldview presented in Genesis, emphasizing the uniqueness and sovereignty of God.
2. Exploring the concept of creation ex nihilo – creation out of nothing – as a foundational theological principle.

Intentional Design:

1. Analyzing the intentional and purposeful nature of God’s creative acts.
2. Highlighting the differentiation between the created elements, demonstrating God’s wisdom and design.

The Six Days of Creation: A. Day 1: Light and Darkness (Genesis 1:3-5)

1. Understanding the significance of light and its separation from darkness.
2. Reflecting on the spiritual implications of God bringing light into the world.

. Days 2-3: Sky, Sea, and Earth (Genesis 1:6-13)

1. Examining the creation of the expanse, seas, and dry land.
2. Recognizing the divine order and purpose in establishing boundaries.

. Days 4-6: Sun, Moon, Stars, and Living Creatures (Genesis 1:14-31)

1. Exploring the purpose of celestial bodies and their role in marking seasons and times.
2. Delving into the intentional creation of living creatures, including humanity, in the image of God.

Sabbath Rest (Genesis 2:1-3): A. Theological Significance:

I. Contextual Overview: A. Authorship and Purpose:

1. Establishing the authorship of Moses and the divine inspiration behind Genesis.
2. Recognizing the overarching purpose of Genesis as a theological and historical account.

B. Literary Structure:

1. Examining the literary structure of Genesis 1:1-2:3, emphasizing the poetic and structured nature of the narrative.
2. Recognizing the repeated refrain, “And God saw that it was good,” highlighting the order and goodness in God’s creation.

II. Theology of Creation: A. Monotheism and Creation ex nihilo:

1. Affirming the monotheistic worldview presented in Genesis, emphasizing the uniqueness and sovereignty of God.
2. Exploring the concept of creation ex nihilo – creation out of nothing – as a foundational theological principle.

B. Intentional Design:

1. Analyzing the intentional and purposeful nature of God’s creative acts.
2. Highlighting the differentiation between the created elements, demonstrating God’s wisdom and design.

III. The Six Days of Creation: A. Day 1: Light and Darkness (Genesis 1:3-5)

1. Understanding the significance of light and its separation from darkness.
2. Reflecting on the spiritual implications of God bringing light into the world.

B. Days 2-3: Sky, Sea, and Earth (Genesis 1:6-13)

1. Examining the creation of the expanse, seas, and dry land.
2. Recognizing the divine order and purpose in establishing boundaries.

C. Days 4-6: Sun, Moon, Stars, and Living Creatures (Genesis 1:14-31)

1. Exploring the purpose of celestial bodies and their role in marking seasons and times.
2. Delving into the intentional creation of living creatures, including humanity, in the image of God.

IV. Sabbath Rest (Genesis 2:1-3): A. Theological Significance:

I. Contextual Overview: A. Authorship and Purpose:

1. Establishing the authorship of Moses and the divine inspiration behind Genesis.
2. Recognizing the overarching purpose of Genesis as a theological and historical account.

B. Literary Structure:

1. Examining the literary structure of Genesis 1:1-2:3, emphasizing the poetic and structured nature of the narrative.
2. Recognizing the repeated refrain, “And God saw that it was good,” highlighting the order and goodness in God’s creation.

II. Theology of Creation: A. Monotheism and Creation ex nihilo:

1. Affirming the monotheistic worldview presented in Genesis, emphasizing the uniqueness and sovereignty of God.
2. Exploring the concept of creation ex nihilo – creation out of nothing – as a foundational theological principle.

B. Intentional Design:

1. Analyzing the intentional and purposeful nature of God’s creative acts.
2. Highlighting the differentiation between the created elements, demonstrating God’s wisdom and design.

III. The Six Days of Creation: A. Day 1: Light and Darkness (Genesis 1:3-5)

1. Understanding the significance of light and its separation from darkness.
2. Reflecting on the spiritual implications of God bringing light into the world.

B. Days 2-3: Sky, Sea, and Earth (Genesis 1:6-13)

1. Examining the creation of the expanse, seas, and dry land.
2. Recognizing the divine order and purpose in establishing boundaries.

C. Days 4-6: Sun, Moon, Stars, and Living Creatures (Genesis 1:14-31)

1. Exploring the purpose of celestial bodies and their role in marking seasons and times.
2. Delving into the intentional creation of living creatures, including humanity, in the image of God.

IV. Sabbath rest (Genesis 2:1-3): A. Theological Significance:

1. Unpacking the theological importance of God’s rest on the seventh day.
2. Understanding the Sabbath as a symbol of completion and perfection in God’s creation.

VII. Application and Prayer:

V. Themes and Applications: A. Stewardship and Responsibility (Genesis 1:26-30):

1. Reflecting on humanity’s role as stewards of God’s creation.
2. Discussing the responsibility to care for the earth and its resources, recognizing our accountability to the Creator.

B. Image of God (Genesis 1:26-27):

1. Exploring the profound truth that humanity is created in the image of God.
2. Considering the implications of this image in our relationships, actions, and treatment of others.

C. Unity in Diversity (Genesis 1:11-12, 20-25):

1. Celebrating the diversity of plant and animal life, emphasizing God’s intentional design.
2. Applying the principle of unity in diversity to our communities, embracing the richness found in differences.

VI. Discussion Questions:

1. How does the concept of creation ex nihilo impact our understanding of God’s power and creativity?
2. In what ways does recognizing the intentional design of creation influence our perspective on environmental stewardship?
3. What does it mean to be created in the image of God, and how does this truth shape our identity and purpose?
4. How can the idea of Sabbath rest inform our understanding of work, rest, and the rhythm of life?
5. How might the theme of unity in diversity impact our relationships and interactions with people from different backgrounds?

VII. Application and Prayer:

1. Reflect on specific areas of their lives where they can better appreciate and live out the intentional design of creation.
2. Lead a time of prayer, thanking God for His intentional design and seeking His guidance in applying these truths to daily living.

VIII. Reflecting on Creation in Light of Redemption: A. Christ as the New Creation (2 Corinthians 5:17):

1. Connecting the themes of creation and redemption.
2. Considering the transformative work of Christ in making all things new.

B. The Role of the Holy Spirit (Genesis 1:2; John 16:13)

a. The Hovering Spirit:

• Discuss the significance of the Holy Spirit hovering over the formless and empty earth. How does this image convey the Spirit’s involvement in the creative process?

b. Renewal and Transformation:

• Explore how the Holy Spirit’s presence signifies the potential for renewal and transformation in the midst of chaos. How does the Spirit bring order out of disorder in creation?

Understanding John 16:13: a. The Spirit of Truth:

• Reflect on the title “Spirit of truth” and its implications for understanding the Holy Spirit’s role. How does the truth revealed by the Spirit relate to the truth manifested in God’s creation?

b. Guidance into All Truth:

• Discuss the idea that the Holy Spirit guides believers into all truth. In what ways does this guidance extend beyond spiritual understanding and encompass a broader comprehension of God’s creation?

Discuss the idea that the Holy Spirit guides believers into all truth. In what ways does this guidance extend beyond spiritual understanding and encompass a broader comprehension of God’s creation?

Application and Reflection: a. Personal Encounter with the Holy Spirit:

• Encourage participants to share personal experiences of encountering the Holy Spirit in their lives. How has the Spirit brought clarity, renewal, or transformation?

b. Seeking Guidance in Creation Care:

• Discuss how the guidance of the Holy Spirit, as described in John 16:13, can influence our approach to environmental stewardship and creation care.

IX. The Cosmic Story: A. The Fall and Its Impact (Genesis 3):

1. Acknowledging the entrance of sin and its consequences.
2. Discussing how sin disrupts the intended harmony in God’s creation.

B. Restoration and Hope (Revelation 21:1-5):

1. Exploring the biblical narrative of redemption and restoration.
2. Emphasizing the hope of a new heaven and a new earth where God’s intentional design is fully realized.

X. Living in Light of Creation’s Purpose: A. Environmental Stewardship:

1. Discussing practical ways to care for the environment as an expression of gratitude for God’s creation.
2. Considering how our choices impact the world and future generations.

B. Reflecting God’s Image in Relationships:

1. Applying the principles of the image of God to our interactions with others.
2. Considering how love, respect, and reconciliation reflect God’s intentional design for human relationships.

Creative Response: Express your reflections and insights creatively. This could include writing poems, creating a dance, composing songs, creating artwork, or even engaging in a nature walk to observe and appreciate the intentional design in the world around them. Share and discuss these creations as a group, allowing for a diverse expression of gratitude and awe for God’s creation.

Community Action: Inspire participants to translate their newfound understanding of God’s intentional design into practical actions within their community. This could involve organizing a community clean-up, participating in environmental conservation efforts, or initiating discussions on responsible and sustainable living. The aim is to embody the principles of stewardship and care for creation in tangible ways.

Ongoing Reflection and Study: Encourage participants to continue exploring the themes of creation and intentional design in the Bible.

Additional readings, such as Psalms 104, Job 38-39, and Isaiah 40, to deepen their understanding of God’s creative power and wisdom. Establish a habit of ongoing reflection and study to nurture a continual appreciation for the intentional design evident throughout the Scriptures.

Sharing Testimonies: Invite participants to share personal testimonies of moments when they experienced God’s intentional design in their lives or observed it in the natural world. Encourage open and honest sharing, fostering a sense of community and mutual encouragement in recognizing God’s handiwork in various aspects of life.

Psalm 104: Reflect on the beauty and complexity of God’s creation, highlighting the interconnectedness of all things.

What insights can we draw from Genesis about the nature of God as the Creator?

How do you reconcile the biblical creation story with scientific explanations of the origin of the universe?

In what ways do you see purpose and intentionality in the creation narrative?

Just as a painter carefully plans and executes each stroke, God intricately designed every aspect of creation.

Think of the complexity of a watch; similarly, creation reflects an intelligent designer.

The relationship between science and faith is like two lenses that bring different aspects of truth into focus, creating a richer understanding.

Imagine a symphony where each instrument represents an element of creation working harmoniously together.

Discussion Questions:

1. Observation: What images or descriptions in Psalm 104 stand out to you as vivid expressions of God’s creation?
2. Understanding: How does the psalmist describe God’s role in sustaining and providing for His creation?
3. Application: In what ways can we connect with the psalmist’s appreciation for creation in our modern, rational age?

Reflective Questions:

1. How does Psalm 104 challenge the notion that a rational understanding of the world diminishes its wonder?
2. Consider your daily routine. In what ways can you incorporate moments of reflection on God’s creation amidst the demands of a rational and busy life?
3. How might recognizing God’s purpose in creation bring meaning to your daily activities and responsibilities?

Examples and Analogies:

1. Share a personal experience where you felt a deep connection to God’s creation, whether it was through a natural setting, a work of art, or a moment of stillness.
2. Discuss the intricate design found in the natural world, such as the complexity of ecosystems, to highlight the wisdom and order in God’s creation.
   • A well-designed machine or a carefully crafted piece of music illustrates the idea that rationality and design are not mutually exclusive.

4. Interconnectedness:

How does Psalm 104 emphasize the interconnectedness of God’s creation? Consider the intricate relationships between different elements described in the psalm.

5. Stewardship: In what ways can an awareness of the interconnectedness of creation inspire us to be better stewards of the environment and the resources entrusted to us?
6. Humanity’s Role: As we reflect on the beauty and complexity of God’s creation, how does Psalm 104 highlight humanity’s unique role and responsibility in the ongoing narrative of creation?

Examples and Analogies : Illustrate the concept of interconnectedness by discussing how changes in one part of an ecosystem can have cascading effects on the entire system. This serves as a metaphor for the impact of our actions on the world around us.

5. Compare the intricate relationships in God’s creation to a finely tuned orchestra, where each instrument plays a crucial role in creating a harmonious and beautiful piece of music. Emphasize the importance of each element working together for the overall masterpiece.
6. Share stories or examples of individuals or communities making positive changes to protect the environment, highlighting the impact of small actions on the larger interconnected web of creation.

Questionnaire

1. Genesis 1:1-2:3: Creation Account

a. What does Genesis 1:1-2:3 reveal about God’s character as the Creator? – Answer: It reveals that God is powerful, intentional, and orderly in His creation.

b. How does the concept of creation ex nihilo (creation out of nothing) impact your understanding of God’s creative power? – Answer: Creation ex nihilo emphasizes the absolute sovereignty and power of God as the sole originator of all things.

c. Identify one aspect of God’s intentional design in Genesis 1:1-2:3 that stood out to you and explain its significance. – Answer: [Personal Reflection]

2. Psalm 104: A Meditation on Creation

a. In Psalm 104, how does the psalmist express the beauty and complexity of God’s creation? – Answer: The psalmist uses vivid imagery and poetic language to describe the wonders of creation, emphasizing God’s role as the sustainer and provider.

b. Reflect on a specific verse or image from Psalm 104 that resonates with you, and explain why. –

Answer: [Personal Reflection]

Survey:

Please rate your agreement with the following statements on a scale from 1 to 5 (1 being strongly disagree, 5 being strongly agree):

1. “I believe that understanding God’s intentional design in creation enhances my appreciation for the natural world.”
2. “After studying Genesis 1:1-2:3 and Psalm 104, I feel a deeper connection to God as the Creator.”
3. “The concept of creation ex nihilo strengthens my confidence in God’s sovereignty.”
4. “Psalm 104 has inspired me to spend more time in reflective worship and gratitude for God’s creation.”
5. “I am motivated to take practical steps to be a better steward of the environment after reflecting on Genesis 1:1-2:3 and Psalm 104.”

Personal Reflection Time:

Reflect on the study, questionnaire and survey questions, connect personally with the themes presented.

Commitment to Stewardship:

Let us make a commitment to be faithful stewards of the environment and the precious gift of life.

1. Gratitude and Awareness:
   • I commit to cultivating an attitude of gratitude for the beauty and complexity of God’s creation, recognizing His intentional design in every aspect of the world around me.
2. Responsible Consumption:
   • I commit to being mindful of my ecological footprint by practicing responsible consumption, reducing waste, and making choices that align with principles of sustainability.
3. Environmental Advocacy:
   • I commit to being an advocate for the environment, raising awareness about the importance of preserving God’s creation and participating in initiatives that promote ecological well-being.
4. Educational Pursuits:
   • I commit to deepening my understanding of environmental issues and the interconnectedness of all living things, seeking knowledge that empowers me to make informed and responsible choices.
5. Stewardship in Daily Life:
   • I commit to integrating stewardship into my daily life, recognizing that small actions, when multiplied, can have a significant impact on the health of our planet.
6. Reflective Worship and Prayer:
   • I commit to incorporating moments of reflective worship and prayer into my routine, expressing gratitude to God for His creation and seeking His guidance in my role as a steward.
7. Community Engagement:
   • I commit to engaging with my community in discussions and actions that promote environmental stewardship, recognizing that collective efforts can bring about positive change.

May this commitment be a tangible expression of our love for God, His creation, and our dedication to fulfilling the role He has entrusted to us as stewards of this beautiful and sophisticated designed world. In the name of Jesus, our Creator and Sustainer, we make this commitment. Amen.

Summary

1. The Genesis account reveals God as a purposeful and intentional Creator, emphasizing the divine plan behind the intricate details of creation.
2. Reconciling the biblical creation story with scientific explanations involves recognizing that Genesis uses metaphorical language, focusing on the theological message rather than a scientific explanation. Science explores the “how,” while religion addresses the “why.”
3. The creation narrative highlights purpose through the intentional order and design, emphasizing humanity’s unique role in stewarding and enjoying God’s creation.

optional reading and video:

Closing Prayer : Gracious Lord, as we conclude our time in Your Word and in reflection, we stand in awe of the beauty and complexity of Your creation. Help us to grasp the interconnectedness of all things, recognizing our role as stewards in this grand tapestry of life. May this awareness inspire us to care for Your creation with love and responsibility. Heavenly Father, we are grateful for the timeless wisdom found in the scriptures. In this rational age, help us see beyond the surface of our busy lives to recognize Your intentional design in every aspect of creation. May our understanding of Your purpose inspire us to live with gratitude, stewardship, and a deep sense of wonder. In the name of our Creator and Sustainer, we pray. Amen.