This week’s class presentation is on the days of creation and the various views held by both Christians and non-Christians. Understanding Genesis, and the teachings therein, are foundational to understanding God’s “big picture” for the entire Bible. Last week, in part one, we learned about the majesty of God’s character. This week we learn about the awesomeness of His creative power!

Watch this week’s class presentation:

Overview Notes from the presentation

A Case for Genesis

Fall 2022:  Session 3, Part Two – The Days of Creation and the Views

Days of Creation

DAYS OF CREATION	EVENTS
First Day	Heavens, Earth and light the universe was formed light and darkness were established the Earth’s rotation and the beginning of time was instituted
Second Day	Sky and water the waters separated creating the atmosphere that is divided from water on the earth
Third Day	Land, seas and vegetation dry land formed oceans/seas formed plants and trees were created
Fourth Day	Sun, moon, and stars the great lights were created to fill the universe, govern day and night, and to mark the seasons, days and years
Fifth Day	Fish and birds fish were created to fill the seas birds were created to fill the sky
Sixth Day	Animals the second wave of animals were created to fill the dry land Man and woman the best for last—the image of God was given to humans (rulership) to care for the earth and all it had been filled with, and to be in relationship with God
Seventh Day	God rested He modeled the importance of rest He declared all He had made, “very good” He set a model for our work week

And God said, “Let the land produce living creatures according to their kinds: the livestock, the creatures that move along the ground, and the wild animals, each according to its kind.” And it was so. God made the wild animals according to their kinds, the livestock according to their kinds, and all the creatures that move along the ground according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good.

Genesis 1:24-25 (NIV)

Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.

Genesis 1:26-27 (NIV)

But God gives it a body as he has determined, and to each kind of seed he gives its own body. Not all flesh is the same: People have one kind of flesh, animals have another, birds another and fish another.

1 Corinthians 15:38-39 (NIV)

Origin Theories: An Overview

• Evolutionary Theory (Neo-Darwinian Evolution—opposed to any kind of creation; “old earth” dating)
• Theistic Evolution (Belief that God used evolution with creation; “old earth” dating)
• Old Earth Creation (Belief that God created over long periods of time, not days, resulting in an “old earth” dating)
• Gap Theory (Belief in a long gap between Genesis 1:1 and 1:2 that accounts for an “old earth” dating)
• Young Earth Creation (Belief in a literal six-day creation as presented in Genesis 1)

Note: There are variations within each of these

Class Resources and References (for ongoing study)

1. breakpoint.org – Colson Center for Christian Worldview – Daily email subscription, podcasts and resources
2. isgenesishistory.com – Is Genesis History? – Documentary, video clips, lectures and more
3. searchcreation.org – Search 1000’s of questions for answers on Genesis and creation topics
4. genesisapologetics.com – Easy-to-understand web, video, and written products for pastors, parents, and students. The materials are “core” to the Creationist position
5. creation.com – (CMI) Creation Ministries International’s website: Speakers, videos, articles, tours and more (including topics on aliens and dinosaurs!)
6. creationtoday.org – A Community oriented group hosted by Eric Hovind with weekly interviews, podcasts and an online community
7. creationministries.org – Recommended Book: “The Cost” by Russ Miller – See his website for more materials and Grand Canyon tours
8. answersingenesis.org – Books, articles and conferences geared for all ages, with excellent resources for children; designer and host of “the Ark Encounter” in Williamstown, KY
9. icr.org – Academic experts from all fields of science related to creation and Genesis; designer and host of the “Creation Museum” in Dallas, TX
10. discovery.org – Discovery Institute, Center for Science and Culture: Research that focuses on “Intelligent Design” and anti-Darwinian Evolutionary teachings in education through science and research. Note: Many of the Scholars and Fellows from this Institute are from various faiths and backgrounds

Going Deeper

For those of you who want to go deeper into the topic of “days of Creation” you can explore the three main Christian views (Young Earth Creation, Old Earth/Day-Age Creation, and Theistic Evolution) by watching this friendly Christian discussion (debate):

“Origins Conference,” hosted by Dr. Sean McDowell, Professor at Biola University (2 hours, 40 minutes):

Bible Study

Each week we will have Bible study following the presentation. There will be questions presented here on the weekend, and basic answers will be posted mid-week for your review. This can also be used to make a leader’s guide for your own small group and future studies!

Always remember to pray before you study and ask the Holy Spirit to teach you and lead you into the truth found in God’s Word – pray for protection from the evil one who will try to discourage, distract and deceive us when we commit to growing closer to the LORD.

Note: Questions are taken directly from the chapters, and answers should be found and cited from the Scripture text in order to be Biblically accurate (unless asked to summarize in your own words). Study Bibles, commentaries and your own thoughts can be used for Discussion or Going Deeper questions. If you use these kinds of sources share them with your group.

1.  Review of Class Topic:

With your table group, discuss today’s presentation by summarizing what you learned, commenting or asking any questions.

Read Genesis Chapter 2 with your group then, to the best of your ability, answer the following questions:

2.  What did God do on the seventh day? Cross-reference by reading Exodus 20:9-11—How does this passage support the Creation account in Genesis? How is the concept of the seven-day week still relevant to us today (and do we follow God’s model of a day of rest)?

3.  Discuss: In chapter two, notice the great relationship Adam had with God when they were in the Garden together, and God let Adam name all the animals! What is our role in relationship to the rest of creation, and how are we fulfilling that role God gave us?

4.  Application: Re-read Genesis 2:19-25, then cross-reference by reading Matthew 19:4-6. When is the only time God uses “it is not good” in the creation account and why? From these passages what do you think God’s desire and design for marriage is, and how are we following, or not following, His original intention today?

5.  Going Deeper: In Hebrew literature authors often give an overview of a story and then retell it with a specific emphasis. Genesis chapter one is the overview. What is being emphasized in chapter two? What does it mean to be made in the “image of God” and why is that important for us to understand?

Please join us each week as we continue our case for Genesis!

———————————————————————

You will not find this material in the public school curriculum even though it is based on solid evidence and grounded in research. It is ironic that following the evidence to where it leads stops at the door of our public schools as they will not let a “Divine footprint” in!  Join us as we examine evidence for Christianity and learn how to become a thoughtful defender and ambassador of your faith.

Click into the resource page of this website to view many of the top Christian thinkers and apologists along with some of their work; connecting to these types of resources is essential in your Christian growth.

Please let me know what you think: Give feedback, ask questions or send concerns in the comment section of the blog.

Teri Dugan

TeriDugan@truthfaithandreason.com

1 Peter 3:15