Lesson 2:
in the beginning

​In the Beginning

 

“In the beginning.” From these first drops of ink, the drama of God’s creation proceeds. All that has been and all that will be in the physical world has its genesis here, in the beginning. Reality came into existence. The Bible is not a scientific treatise, though the realities which science, logic, and mathematics seek to understand were brought into being by the God who wrote the laws of physics, and who crafted the deeper fabric of reality which mathematics seek to define. 

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Through the powerful and awesome spoken word of the God of the universe, reality was birthed. Beauty found its expression. Though suffering and pain would follow, abundant joy would be the result. The story that unfolds from this drama of creation is the story of us. It is the story of you. Have no doubt, when Almighty God spoke into being all that was and all that will be, when he breathed beauty into being and when He spoke the laws of science into existence, and as he defined the boundaries and characteristics of the universe itself, He also spoke you into being. And He saw that it was good.

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1. What are some observations or thoughts you have about the creation narrative?

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Discuss these with your guide/Bible study partner. There is much here. For example, some will focus on the order of events recorded in the creation narrative. For our purposes in this introductory Bible study, I want to focus on this: That God created everything with intentionality and with order.

 

​2. What are some examples you see in the narrative of God’s intentionality? What examples do you see of order in the creation account? What does this matter?

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If God had intention for everything in creation, and if all that exists was made to fit within an order that He created, and that is good, then what does that mean for you? Quite simply, that you were created with intentionality and purpose, as part of the wonderfully ordered creation that He declares as good. You are not an accident, but an important part of the world, created with unique gists and talents, but also with unique needs. Your life has purpose and meaning, although His purposes for you may not yet be revealed. You belong here.

 

Read Jeremiah 29:11 below, or you can read in your preferred language or translation by following the link at  top.

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• “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”

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These words were spoken by God through the prophet Jeremiah. Though these words were originally spoken to the children of Israel at a time they were walking in rebellion, they now apply to all who have put their faith in Christ.

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Reflect on this verse as a word from God Himself to you. What does this mean for you?

​Discuss this with your guide.

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As you enter into the next week, begin to look for signs of God’s intentionality and order in the world around you. Ask him to begin to reveal aspects of your unique role in the world. ​

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Always conclude a time of study with prayer, asking the Lord to water the seeds that have been planted. Pray for the Lord to reveal to you unique aspects of Himself through the created world that reflects aspects of His glory.