Thought for Monday, 24 April 2023

 

The Story of Creation - Genesis Chapter 1-3

1 In the beginning, when God created the universe, ² the earth was formless and desolate. The raging ocean

that covered everything was engulfed in total darkness, and the Spirit of God was moving over the water. ³ Then God commanded, “Let there be light”—and light appeared. 

Many of you reading this article will have fond memories of bible stories and readings, some of which you learned as a child and have read to others with so much enjoyment and memories. You may still remember or even possess the picture book that you received for attendance at Sunday School with many favourite stories and illustrations.  I am sure you have found a long-lost Bible belonging to a relative with turned down pages at favourite passages and perhaps even some pressed flowers within.     Sadly many of us have moved away from reading our Bibles each day and growing in our faith.  If it’s been a while, many of us go back to the beginning – Old Testament, Chapter 1 and read once again the story of the Creation. 

There are three main ways of interpreting Genesis 1:1–3. These interpretations are sometimes categorised by Christians as:

·        Literalist:  Christians who believe the Bible is the actual word of God. They reject scientific theories such as the Big Bang and evolution.

·        Conservatist:  Christians who do not think the Bible was actually written by God – instead, they believe that the writers of the Bible were inspired by God’s actions.  

·        Liberal:  Christians who interpret the Bible metaphorically.  They accept the Bible will have contradictions within it as it was written by humans and so is imperfect.

Genesis 1 states that the Spirit of God was moving over the waters . For Christians, it was the Spirit of God that created the universe out of nothing. This is important because it shows that God is omnipotent and the source of all life.  It also shows that the concept of the Holy Spirit has been part of the universe since the beginning of time.

The account of Creation is mentioned again in the Gospel of John. John starts his Gospel with the words, In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God (John 1:1).

John uses ‘the Word’ to refer to Jesus, showing that Jesus was present at the Creation of the universe.

When looked at together, these two accounts are very significant for Christians because they indicate that the Trinity has existed since the beginning of time.

Trinity, in Christian doctrine, the unity of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as three persons in one Godhead. The doctrine of the Trinity is considered to be one of the central Christian affirmations about God.

 

In simple terms - The Trinity is like an egg. Just as ONE egg has THREE different parts – the shell, the white, the yoke – ONE God has THREE different Persons – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Similarly, we often hear the Trinity compared to an Apple. ONE apple has three different parts – the skin, the flesh, and the seed.

 

If you attend our regular Sunday service at 10 am, you will be able to not only hear the word of God but enjoy the singing of Psalms & Hymns, traditional and modern.  Our singing has been improved with the increase in numbers attending and we also have the Children’s address where we sing some well known Children’s songs such as Jesus Loves Me, this I know for the Bible tells me so.  I will make you Fishers of Men…..if you follow me.   Not so long ago we sung “Read your Bible pray every day….pray  every day…pray every day…..Read your Bible, pray every day and you’ll grow grow grow.

 

Prayer:  Lord Jesus, help us to read our Bible on a regular and consistent basis and grow every day in our Christian journey.  We know that when we read our Bible and pray, we are showing you, our God’s character. Help us to learn of your wonderful world and how you wish us to lead our lives as you have taught us.  The word of God itself becomes alive in us as we read it, and it leads us to take action. Through your teachings we will grow in our knowledge of the One who loves us and gave His life for us.  All this we ask in Jesus name,  Amen.