Getting the Story Straight

Welcome. My name is Bruce Wesley [music] Welcome. My name is Bruce Wesley [music] and I'm the lead pastor of Clear Creek and I'm the lead pastor of Clear Creek and I'm the lead pastor of Clear Creek Community Church. You should know that Community Church. You should know that Community Church. You should know that Clear Creek is made up of multiple Clear Creek is made up of multiple Clear Creek is made up of multiple campuses located throughout the Bay Area campuses located throughout the Bay Area campuses located throughout the Bay Area of Houston. And while we're so glad that of Houston. And while we're so glad that of Houston. And while we're so glad that you've joined us here to watch [music] you've joined us here to watch [music] you've joined us here to watch [music] this sermon today, I want to invite you this sermon today, I want to invite you this sermon today, I want to invite you to make plans to check us out in person to make plans to check us out in person to make plans to check us out in person at the campus nearest you to see what at the campus nearest you to see what at the campus nearest you to see what [music] worshiping and living in [music] worshiping and living in [music] worshiping and living in community as a people of hope is really community as a people of hope is really community as a people of hope is really all about. And you can visit us at all about. And you can visit us at all about. And you can visit us at clearcreteak.org or to find information clearcreteak.org or to find information clearcreteak.org or to find information about our locations, service times, about our locations, service times, about our locations, service times, [music] and much more. We hope to see [music] and much more. We hope to see [music] and much more. We hope to see you soon. Quick show of hands. How many of you are Quick show of hands. How many of you are Harry Potter fans? So, here's the deal. Harry Potter fans? So, here's the deal. Harry Potter fans? So, here's the deal. I'm a Gen Xer. Uh, so my generation was I'm a Gen Xer. Uh, so my generation was I'm a Gen Xer. Uh, so my generation was a little too old when those books first a little too old when those books first a little too old when those books first came out. Uh, so I I don't have a huge came out. Uh, so I I don't have a huge came out. Uh, so I I don't have a huge attachment to it. Uh, but I I have seen attachment to it. Uh, but I I have seen attachment to it. Uh, but I I have seen almost all the movies and I can see why almost all the movies and I can see why almost all the movies and I can see why everyone likes them, loves them. If everyone likes them, loves them. If everyone likes them, loves them. If you've read the book series, I'm I'm I'm you've read the book series, I'm I'm I'm you've read the book series, I'm I'm I'm sure you know what I'm talking about. If sure you know what I'm talking about. If sure you know what I'm talking about. If you don't know anything about Harry you don't know anything about Harry you don't know anything about Harry Potter, I don't know where you've been Potter, I don't know where you've been Potter, I don't know where you've been for the last 30 years. But I will say for the last 30 years. But I will say for the last 30 years. But I will say this. Um, if the the the story starts this. Um, if the the the story starts this. Um, if the the the story starts off about this little orphan child named off about this little orphan child named off about this little orphan child named Harry Potter, he's living in miserable Harry Potter, he's living in miserable Harry Potter, he's living in miserable conditions because he's living with his conditions because he's living with his conditions because he's living with his aunt and his uncle and their son, a guy aunt and his uncle and their son, a guy aunt and his uncle and their son, a guy named Dudley. And Dudley is incredibly named Dudley. And Dudley is incredibly named Dudley. And Dudley is incredibly well, the whole thing's tragic. Uh, well, the whole thing's tragic. Uh, well, the whole thing's tragic. Uh, Dudley's incred incredibly mean to him.

Dudley's incred incredibly mean to him. Dudley's incred incredibly mean to him. Uh, they give the aunt and uncle give uh Uh, they give the aunt and uncle give uh Uh, they give the aunt and uncle give uh Potterlike clothes four times too big Potterlike clothes four times too big Potterlike clothes four times too big for him to wear. They give him scraps at for him to wear. They give him scraps at for him to wear. They give him scraps at the table. Uh whenever he asks about his the table. Uh whenever he asks about his the table. Uh whenever he asks about his family because he's an orphan, they tell family because he's an orphan, they tell family because he's an orphan, they tell him that his mom and dad died in a car him that his mom and dad died in a car him that his mom and dad died in a car accident because his dad was probably a accident because his dad was probably a accident because his dad was probably a drunk. Uh the reason that Harry has a drunk. Uh the reason that Harry has a drunk. Uh the reason that Harry has a lightningshaped scar on his forehead is lightningshaped scar on his forehead is lightningshaped scar on his forehead is a is a result of that crash. And so a is a result of that crash. And so a is a result of that crash. And so [snorts] [snorts] [snorts] you get this idea, at least Harry does, you get this idea, at least Harry does, you get this idea, at least Harry does, that his family has a their history is that his family has a their history is that his family has a their history is shameful. They're kind of a represent shameful. They're kind of a represent shameful. They're kind of a represent reprehensible people and family. And so reprehensible people and family. And so reprehensible people and family. And so anytime he asks any other questions anytime he asks any other questions anytime he asks any other questions about the kind of the origins of his about the kind of the origins of his about the kind of the origins of his family, he gets cut off at the it's all family, he gets cut off at the it's all family, he gets cut off at the it's all off limits. And so Harry kind of accepts off limits. And so Harry kind of accepts off limits. And so Harry kind of accepts this miserable existence that's this miserable existence that's this miserable existence that's personified in um in where he lives. He personified in um in where he lives. He personified in um in where he lives. He doesn't live in a room. Those of you who doesn't live in a room. Those of you who doesn't live in a room. Those of you who are fans, where does Harry live at the are fans, where does Harry live at the are fans, where does Harry live at the house? house? house? >> He lives under the stairs. So there's an >> He lives under the stairs. So there's an >> He lives under the stairs. So there's an illustration that was given uh for the illustration that was given uh for the illustration that was given uh for the book [clears throat] book [clears throat] book [clears throat] and you can tell like it's not a really and you can tell like it's not a really and you can tell like it's not a really great place to live. He lives under the great place to live. He lives under the great place to live. He lives under the stairs, under the stairwell at the stairs, under the stairwell at the stairs, under the stairwell at the house, and there's cobwebs and spiders house, and there's cobwebs and spiders house, and there's cobwebs and spiders and bugs. And it's supposed to give this and bugs. And it's supposed to give this and bugs. And it's supposed to give this idea like this is his existence. He's idea like this is his existence. He's idea like this is his existence. He's accepted like he's aimless and he's accepted like he's aimless and he's accepted like he's aimless and he's miserable and he's purposeless. Because miserable and he's purposeless. Because miserable and he's purposeless. Because his origin story, excuse me, or story is his origin story, excuse me, or story is his origin story, excuse me, or story is the only story that he's ever known.

the only story that he's ever known. the only story that he's ever known. That is until it all changes one day on That is until it all changes one day on That is until it all changes one day on his 11th birthday to be exact, when this his 11th birthday to be exact, when this his 11th birthday to be exact, when this big guy comes to his door named Hagrid. big guy comes to his door named Hagrid. big guy comes to his door named Hagrid. And Hagrid says to him, "Hey, listen, And Hagrid says to him, "Hey, listen, And Hagrid says to him, "Hey, listen, Harry, you're being invited to this Harry, you're being invited to this Harry, you're being invited to this school for wizards." And he's like, "Why school for wizards." And he's like, "Why school for wizards." And he's like, "Why why would I be invited to a school for why would I be invited to a school for why would I be invited to a school for wizards? Like, what who I don't I don't wizards? Like, what who I don't I don't wizards? Like, what who I don't I don't I'm just a nobody." And Agaran says, I'm just a nobody." And Agaran says, I'm just a nobody." And Agaran says, "Oh, but you are somebody." He says, "Oh, but you are somebody." He says, "Oh, but you are somebody." He says, "Haven't you ever known the your family "Haven't you ever known the your family "Haven't you ever known the your family history?" He's like, "Yeah, my my history?" He's like, "Yeah, my my history?" He's like, "Yeah, my my parents were killed in a car accident. parents were killed in a car accident. parents were killed in a car accident. My dad was a drunk." He's like, "No, My dad was a drunk." He's like, "No, My dad was a drunk." He's like, "No, that's that's not true at all. I mean, that's that's not true at all. I mean, that's that's not true at all. I mean, no, your your your parents were powerful no, your your your parents were powerful no, your your your parents were powerful wizards. In fact, the reason that wizards. In fact, the reason that wizards. In fact, the reason that they're that you're orphaned is because they're that you're orphaned is because they're that you're orphaned is because they fought the worst uh most evil they fought the worst uh most evil they fought the worst uh most evil wizard of them all and they perished in wizard of them all and they perished in wizard of them all and they perished in it. But yet, you're you're pretty it. But yet, you're you're pretty it. But yet, you're you're pretty popular. And here's why. That scar on popular. And here's why. That scar on popular. And here's why. That scar on your forehead wasn't because of a car your forehead wasn't because of a car your forehead wasn't because of a car accident. It's because that evil accident. It's because that evil accident. It's because that evil wizard tried to take your own life. And wizard tried to take your own life. And wizard tried to take your own life. And yet, you're the one that got away. In yet, you're the one that got away. In yet, you're the one that got away. In fact, in our world, Harry, in the world fact, in our world, Harry, in the world fact, in our world, Harry, in the world of wizards, you're famous. You're you're of wizards, you're famous. You're you're of wizards, you're famous. You're you're known as the boy who lived. That's your known as the boy who lived. That's your known as the boy who lived. That's your story. And from this point on, story. And from this point on, story. And from this point on, everything starts to blossom for Harry everything starts to blossom for Harry everything starts to blossom for Harry Potter. I mean, it he takes a lot of Potter. I mean, it he takes a lot of Potter. I mean, it he takes a lot of books to get through it, but he starts books to get through it, but he starts books to get through it, but he starts to figure out who he is and what his to figure out who he is and what his to figure out who he is and what his mission is and what his assignment is in mission is and what his assignment is in mission is and what his assignment is in life. But he knows now that his original life. But he knows now that his original life. But he knows now that his original origin story wasn't the right origin origin story wasn't the right origin origin story wasn't the right origin story. It wasn't the real origin story.

story. It wasn't the real origin story. story. It wasn't the real origin story. His real story changes everything for His real story changes everything for His real story changes everything for him. And I think that's the power of an him. And I think that's the power of an him. And I think that's the power of an origin story. It gives us our bearings, origin story. It gives us our bearings, origin story. It gives us our bearings, helps us see life a rightly. Uh kind of helps us see life a rightly. Uh kind of helps us see life a rightly. Uh kind of stamps out in us our identity and our stamps out in us our identity and our stamps out in us our identity and our purpose. And to know to not know your purpose. And to know to not know your purpose. And to know to not know your origin story or even worse to be told origin story or even worse to be told origin story or even worse to be told like Harry a story of your origins like Harry a story of your origins like Harry a story of your origins that's false that can have a serious that's false that can have a serious that's false that can have a serious impact on how you and I see life. It impact on how you and I see life. It impact on how you and I see life. It could be the difference between having could be the difference between having could be the difference between having direction or being aimless uh finding direction or being aimless uh finding direction or being aimless uh finding meaning or finding a mess. Uh it could meaning or finding a mess. Uh it could meaning or finding a mess. Uh it could be the difference of living with hope or be the difference of living with hope or be the difference of living with hope or if you'll just indulge me uh living life if you'll just indulge me uh living life if you'll just indulge me uh living life under the stairs where you you don't under the stairs where you you don't under the stairs where you you don't have much hope at all. So today here's have much hope at all. So today here's have much hope at all. So today here's the deal. Um, we begin a brand new the deal. Um, we begin a brand new the deal. Um, we begin a brand new series through the book of Genesis. Uh, series through the book of Genesis. Uh, series through the book of Genesis. Uh, we're calling it beginnings. The word we're calling it beginnings. The word we're calling it beginnings. The word Genesis in Greek actually means origins. Genesis in Greek actually means origins. Genesis in Greek actually means origins. So, we're looking at the book of So, we're looking at the book of So, we're looking at the book of origins. In fact, [clears throat] origins. In fact, [clears throat] origins. In fact, [clears throat] the first 11 chapters of the book of the first 11 chapters of the book of the first 11 chapters of the book of Genesis are very fascinating. Scholars Genesis are very fascinating. Scholars Genesis are very fascinating. Scholars call it the protohistory or they'll call call it the protohistory or they'll call call it the protohistory or they'll call it something like the prehistory or even it something like the prehistory or even it something like the prehistory or even the primordial history because when you the primordial history because when you the primordial history because when you look at the first 11 chapters, if you've look at the first 11 chapters, if you've look at the first 11 chapters, if you've ever read Genesis, it's easy to find.

ever read Genesis, it's easy to find. ever read Genesis, it's easy to find. It's the first book of the Bible. Um, if It's the first book of the Bible. Um, if It's the first book of the Bible. Um, if you've ever read the first 11 chapters you've ever read the first 11 chapters you've ever read the first 11 chapters of Genesis, there are fantastical of Genesis, there are fantastical of Genesis, there are fantastical stories in there. There's a talking stories in there. There's a talking stories in there. There's a talking snake, there's a guy created out of snake, there's a guy created out of snake, there's a guy created out of dust, a woman created from the rib, dust, a woman created from the rib, dust, a woman created from the rib, there's a tower that goes all the way to there's a tower that goes all the way to there's a tower that goes all the way to heaven, and they seem rather heaven, and they seem rather heaven, and they seem rather fantastical. When you look at it, it's fantastical. When you look at it, it's fantastical. When you look at it, it's like, oh my gosh, this doesn't read like like, oh my gosh, this doesn't read like like, oh my gosh, this doesn't read like regular history at all. And it's not regular history at all. And it's not regular history at all. And it's not supposed to read like regular history at supposed to read like regular history at supposed to read like regular history at all. Uh, Christians have known that for all. Uh, Christians have known that for all. Uh, Christians have known that for real literally almost the entirety of real literally almost the entirety of real literally almost the entirety of the church. Doesn't mean not real, but the church. Doesn't mean not real, but the church. Doesn't mean not real, but what kind of truth is it trying to what kind of truth is it trying to what kind of truth is it trying to purport to us? And over those 11 purport to us? And over those 11 purport to us? And over those 11 chapters, it's all theological history chapters, it's all theological history chapters, it's all theological history that they're they're trying to show you that they're they're trying to show you that they're they're trying to show you about who God is. Now, God uh in the Old about who God is. Now, God uh in the Old about who God is. Now, God uh in the Old Testament goes by the name of Yahweh, Testament goes by the name of Yahweh, Testament goes by the name of Yahweh, God's covenant name with Israel. And so, God's covenant name with Israel. And so, God's covenant name with Israel. And so, all that Genesis is trying to do is to all that Genesis is trying to do is to all that Genesis is trying to do is to show us who Yahweh is, who we are, and show us who Yahweh is, who we are, and show us who Yahweh is, who we are, and the mess that's in between. And so, what the mess that's in between. And so, what the mess that's in between. And so, what do all these stories mean? We're going do all these stories mean? We're going do all these stories mean? We're going to walk through a lot of them. And to walk through a lot of them. And to walk through a lot of them. And ultimately, all these stories point us ultimately, all these stories point us ultimately, all these stories point us forward to the ultimate story of the forward to the ultimate story of the forward to the ultimate story of the Bible, which finds its culmination. It's Bible, which finds its culmination. It's Bible, which finds its culmination. It's apex, it's zenith, whatever word you apex, it's zenith, whatever word you apex, it's zenith, whatever word you want to use in Jesus. In Jesus. And I'll want to use in Jesus. In Jesus. And I'll want to use in Jesus. In Jesus. And I'll hope to share with you in the end why hope to share with you in the end why hope to share with you in the end why Jesus is the tie, the thing, the person Jesus is the tie, the thing, the person Jesus is the tie, the thing, the person that ties this all together, even that ties this all together, even that ties this all together, even creation. Uh, but you got to know about creation. Uh, but you got to know about creation. Uh, but you got to know about our beginnings because you and I need to our beginnings because you and I need to our beginnings because you and I need to know our origin story. And you may have know our origin story. And you may have know our origin story. And you may have heard a different origin story growing heard a different origin story growing heard a different origin story growing up. And you wouldn't be alone, right?

up. And you wouldn't be alone, right? up. And you wouldn't be alone, right? Um, what foundations are to a house is Um, what foundations are to a house is Um, what foundations are to a house is what Genesis is. for everything that we what Genesis is. for everything that we what Genesis is. for everything that we know about God and creation and man and know about God and creation and man and know about God and creation and man and marriage and gender and sexuality. All marriage and gender and sexuality. All marriage and gender and sexuality. All that kind of stuff is in the first two that kind of stuff is in the first two that kind of stuff is in the first two chapters of Genesis. You will see uh chapters of Genesis. You will see uh chapters of Genesis. You will see uh people in the New Testament go back to people in the New Testament go back to people in the New Testament go back to you'll see Jesus quote this passage you'll see Jesus quote this passage you'll see Jesus quote this passage these section Genesis 1 and 2 because these section Genesis 1 and 2 because these section Genesis 1 and 2 because this is the foundation. And so what if I this is the foundation. And so what if I this is the foundation. And so what if I were to tell you um there are some of us were to tell you um there are some of us were to tell you um there are some of us in this room I wouldn't assume all of us in this room I wouldn't assume all of us in this room I wouldn't assume all of us or even maybe most of us but there are or even maybe most of us but there are or even maybe most of us but there are some of us in this room um you grew up some of us in this room um you grew up some of us in this room um you grew up like Harry Potter. No, you're not a like Harry Potter. No, you're not a like Harry Potter. No, you're not a wizard. You grew up like Harry Potter wizard. You grew up like Harry Potter wizard. You grew up like Harry Potter and that you have been taught since you and that you have been taught since you and that you have been taught since you were a little child about your origins, were a little child about your origins, were a little child about your origins, about how you came into this world. And about how you came into this world. And about how you came into this world. And I don't mean your ancestry.com origins. I don't mean your ancestry.com origins. I don't mean your ancestry.com origins. I mean like this is what it is to be a I mean like this is what it is to be a I mean like this is what it is to be a human being. human being. human being. And because you've been taught this all And because you've been taught this all And because you've been taught this all of your life, consequently, it's given of your life, consequently, it's given of your life, consequently, it's given you a life under the stairs where you you a life under the stairs where you you a life under the stairs where you don't think that life really means much. don't think that life really means much. don't think that life really means much. You're not excited about much anything You're not excited about much anything You're not excited about much anything because you don't see a lot of purpose because you don't see a lot of purpose because you don't see a lot of purpose and design in anything because that's and design in anything because that's and design in anything because that's how you were taught. Well, what you how you were taught. Well, what you how you were taught. Well, what you should know is that you're not the only should know is that you're not the only should know is that you're not the only ones that got sold to pagan origin story ones that got sold to pagan origin story ones that got sold to pagan origin story and not just Harry Potter and not just and not just Harry Potter and not just and not just Harry Potter and not just us, but the ancient Israelites. So, us, but the ancient Israelites. So, us, but the ancient Israelites. So, here's what I want you to understand.

here's what I want you to understand. here's what I want you to understand. We're about to jump in today a lot of We're about to jump in today a lot of We're about to jump in today a lot of text. Genesis chapter 1 verse one all text. Genesis chapter 1 verse one all text. Genesis chapter 1 verse one all the way to chapter 2, I think verse the way to chapter 2, I think verse the way to chapter 2, I think verse three. It's a huge section of text and three. It's a huge section of text and three. It's a huge section of text and I'd love for you to turn with me and I'd love for you to turn with me and I'd love for you to turn with me and read along with me in your Bibles, read along with me in your Bibles, read along with me in your Bibles, whether it's on your smartphones because whether it's on your smartphones because whether it's on your smartphones because we got a lot of ground to cover. But we got a lot of ground to cover. But we got a lot of ground to cover. But here's what I need to say. here's what I need to say. here's what I need to say. [clears throat] [clears throat] [clears throat] Genesis was not written to you. It was Genesis was not written to you. It was Genesis was not written to you. It was not written to me. It was written for us not written to me. It was written for us not written to me. It was written for us but not to us. It was written to the but not to us. It was written to the but not to us. It was written to the ancient Israelites centuries upon ancient Israelites centuries upon ancient Israelites centuries upon centuries upon centuries ago. And they centuries upon centuries ago. And they centuries upon centuries ago. And they grew up uh if you remember where did grew up uh if you remember where did grew up uh if you remember where did Moses rescue them from? The land of Moses rescue them from? The land of Moses rescue them from? The land of Egypt. So you imagine being an Israelite Egypt. So you imagine being an Israelite Egypt. So you imagine being an Israelite in the ancient world and you grew up not in the ancient world and you grew up not in the ancient world and you grew up not going to Sunday school with the rest of going to Sunday school with the rest of going to Sunday school with the rest of the Jews. I guess Israelites wouldn't be the Jews. I guess Israelites wouldn't be the Jews. I guess Israelites wouldn't be called Jews yet. um you grew up going to called Jews yet. um you grew up going to called Jews yet. um you grew up going to Egyptian Sunday school, pagan Sunday Egyptian Sunday school, pagan Sunday Egyptian Sunday school, pagan Sunday school, and those Egyptians were also school, and those Egyptians were also school, and those Egyptians were also influenced by the Acadians, by all of influenced by the Acadians, by all of influenced by the Acadians, by all of Mesopotamia, the Babylonians, so on and Mesopotamia, the Babylonians, so on and Mesopotamia, the Babylonians, so on and so forth. And so now what you understood so forth. And so now what you understood so forth. And so now what you understood is how did the world how was it created?

is how did the world how was it created? is how did the world how was it created? Well, there there was this and they Well, there there was this and they Well, there there was this and they would start telling their story. And I'm would start telling their story. And I'm would start telling their story. And I'm I'm going to tell you how important that I'm going to tell you how important that I'm going to tell you how important that is in this passage because when you look is in this passage because when you look is in this passage because when you look at Genesis 1 and2, in order for us to at Genesis 1 and2, in order for us to at Genesis 1 and2, in order for us to understand it well, we can't just understand it well, we can't just understand it well, we can't just understand the story it's telling. We understand the story it's telling. We understand the story it's telling. We have to understand the stories it's have to understand the stories it's have to understand the stories it's speaking against. Because Genesis 1 and2 speaking against. Because Genesis 1 and2 speaking against. Because Genesis 1 and2 is known as a pymic. is known as a pymic. is known as a pymic. Uh it is a finely mastercrafted spirit Uh it is a finely mastercrafted spirit Uh it is a finely mastercrafted spirit inspired work that intentionally goes inspired work that intentionally goes inspired work that intentionally goes after the the pagan false origin after the the pagan false origin after the the pagan false origin stories that the Israelites grew up stories that the Israelites grew up stories that the Israelites grew up hearing. I'll show you from the very hearing. I'll show you from the very hearing. I'll show you from the very beginning of this text. So, let's just beginning of this text. So, let's just beginning of this text. So, let's just let's just here's the here's the let's just here's the here's the let's just here's the here's the softball pitch. Look at Genesis 1 verse softball pitch. Look at Genesis 1 verse softball pitch. Look at Genesis 1 verse one. I'll I'll just take the first two one. I'll I'll just take the first two one. I'll I'll just take the first two verses. So, here's Genesis 1:1. verses. So, here's Genesis 1:1. verses. So, here's Genesis 1:1. [clears throat] [clears throat] [clears throat] In the beginning, God created the In the beginning, God created the In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. Now, what you heavens and the earth. Now, what you heavens and the earth. Now, what you need to understand is this is the title need to understand is this is the title need to understand is this is the title to the section below. It's about to tell to the section below. It's about to tell to the section below. It's about to tell us here. Sweet. This is the easiest part us here. Sweet. This is the easiest part us here. Sweet. This is the easiest part of Genesis. What are we about to read? of Genesis. What are we about to read? of Genesis. What are we about to read? We're about to read the origins of the We're about to read the origins of the We're about to read the origins of the universe. Cool. Easy. Got it. All right.

universe. Cool. Easy. Got it. All right. universe. Cool. Easy. Got it. All right. Let's go to verse two. Verse two says Let's go to verse two. Verse two says Let's go to verse two. Verse two says this. So imagine that's the title. What this. So imagine that's the title. What this. So imagine that's the title. What you're about to see is the origins of you're about to see is the origins of you're about to see is the origins of the universe. Now the curtain parts and the universe. Now the curtain parts and the universe. Now the curtain parts and the film starts to run. Here's the the film starts to run. Here's the the film starts to run. Here's the opening scene. The earth was without opening scene. The earth was without opening scene. The earth was without form or void. Hold on for a second. Why form or void. Hold on for a second. Why form or void. Hold on for a second. Why is the earth already here? Y'all ever is the earth already here? Y'all ever is the earth already here? Y'all ever have y'all ever asked that question? have y'all ever asked that question? have y'all ever asked that question? Like God didn't just create the earth. Like God didn't just create the earth. Like God didn't just create the earth. The earth is there. Well, that's kind of The earth is there. Well, that's kind of The earth is there. Well, that's kind of messed up. It's even worse. The earth messed up. It's even worse. The earth messed up. It's even worse. The earth isn't just there. It's without form and isn't just there. It's without form and isn't just there. It's without form and void. void. void. What do you mean without without form? What do you mean without without form? What do you mean without without form? What does that have to do with anything? What does that have to do with anything? What does that have to do with anything? Well, here's an interesting part in Well, here's an interesting part in Well, here's an interesting part in Hebrew, which is this book was Hebrew, which is this book was Hebrew, which is this book was originally written in that actually has originally written in that actually has originally written in that actually has a funny word for formless and void uh or a funny word for formless and void uh or a funny word for formless and void uh or form without form and void. It's the form without form and void. It's the form without form and void. It's the word toou wabohou. word toou wabohou. word toou wabohou. It's kind of funny, right? To is like It's kind of funny, right? To is like It's kind of funny, right? To is like you're at the you feel like you're at a you're at the you feel like you're at a you're at the you feel like you're at a luau, right? To wabohu. It's not luau, right? To wabohu. It's not luau, right? To wabohu. It's not Hawaiian. It's Hebrew. And the idea Hawaiian. It's Hebrew. And the idea Hawaiian. It's Hebrew. And the idea behind it, it's supposed to have kind of behind it, it's supposed to have kind of behind it, it's supposed to have kind of almost a poetic sense, a rhyme to it. almost a poetic sense, a rhyme to it. almost a poetic sense, a rhyme to it. Tou means um well it's where we get in Tou means um well it's where we get in Tou means um well it's where we get in English without form or formless and English without form or formless and English without form or formless and void but it denotes waste and futility void but it denotes waste and futility void but it denotes waste and futility like being in a desert but the idea is like being in a desert but the idea is like being in a desert but the idea is like it's chaotic. Uh and so notice the like it's chaotic. Uh and so notice the like it's chaotic. Uh and so notice the opening scene of Genesis and this is how opening scene of Genesis and this is how opening scene of Genesis and this is how the universe was created. The earth was the universe was created. The earth was the universe was created. The earth was messed up. What why would God make a messed up. What why would God make a messed up. What why would God make a messed up world? I that that's a good messed up world? I that that's a good messed up world? I that that's a good question to ask. And not only that question to ask. And not only that question to ask. And not only that notice what it says here. It says uh notice what it says here. It says uh notice what it says here. It says uh that there are waters on covering the that there are waters on covering the that there are waters on covering the land. What? The spirit of God was land. What? The spirit of God was land. What? The spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.

hovering over the face of the waters. hovering over the face of the waters. Where did the waters come from? Where did the waters come from? Where did the waters come from? Does anyone have a clue about where the Does anyone have a clue about where the Does anyone have a clue about where the waters came from? Why are there waters waters came from? Why are there waters waters came from? Why are there waters here? I thought God was creating. He here? I thought God was creating. He here? I thought God was creating. He shows up and there's already waters shows up and there's already waters shows up and there's already waters there. What's going on? Sounds kind of there. What's going on? Sounds kind of there. What's going on? Sounds kind of messed up. All right, have fun. Have fun messed up. All right, have fun. Have fun messed up. All right, have fun. Have fun with the rest of Genesis. That's how with the rest of Genesis. That's how with the rest of Genesis. That's how tough this is. People just assume uh a tough this is. People just assume uh a tough this is. People just assume uh a lot of things until you actually look at lot of things until you actually look at lot of things until you actually look at the text. The text is kind of like, the text. The text is kind of like, the text. The text is kind of like, well, this is I don't know what's going well, this is I don't know what's going well, this is I don't know what's going on here. Well, here's what happens. If on here. Well, here's what happens. If on here. Well, here's what happens. If you lived back during the time of the you lived back during the time of the you lived back during the time of the Israelites and you went to your Egyptian Israelites and you went to your Egyptian Israelites and you went to your Egyptian Sunday school, here's what they had told Sunday school, here's what they had told Sunday school, here's what they had told you. Then it said, here's what the you. Then it said, here's what the you. Then it said, here's what the beginning of the world was like. That beginning of the world was like. That beginning of the world was like. That there was this watery chaos, there was this watery chaos, there was this watery chaos, these primordial waters that always have these primordial waters that always have these primordial waters that always have existed. And they were inhabited by the existed. And they were inhabited by the existed. And they were inhabited by the gods. Some would call it Yam, others gods. Some would call it Yam, others gods. Some would call it Yam, others would call it Tiiamat. And those waters would call it Tiiamat. And those waters would call it Tiiamat. And those waters were chaotic and could not be controlled were chaotic and could not be controlled were chaotic and could not be controlled until a bigger god came along. whether until a bigger god came along. whether until a bigger god came along. whether his name was Baal or Marduk. And they his name was Baal or Marduk. And they his name was Baal or Marduk. And they would say, "Listen, we're going to fight would say, "Listen, we're going to fight would say, "Listen, we're going to fight it out." And in the fight between the it out." And in the fight between the it out." And in the fight between the big god and the water god, all of a big god and the water god, all of a big god and the water god, all of a sudden the waters got separated.

sudden the waters got separated. sudden the waters got separated. And then in the and and then when the And then in the and and then when the And then in the and and then when the the water god lost, the land started to the water god lost, the land started to the water god lost, the land started to form. Like this is all the stories they form. Like this is all the stories they form. Like this is all the stories they would have heard. Everything's a god. would have heard. Everything's a god. would have heard. Everything's a god. They're all fighting each other. And the They're all fighting each other. And the They're all fighting each other. And the reason that you're here is because reason that you're here is because reason that you're here is because you're the product of a conflict between you're the product of a conflict between you're the product of a conflict between the gods. barely a thought in their the gods. barely a thought in their the gods. barely a thought in their imagination. So, here's what Genesis imagination. So, here's what Genesis imagination. So, here's what Genesis does brilliantly. does brilliantly. does brilliantly. It takes the same stories. It uses the It takes the same stories. It uses the It takes the same stories. It uses the same elements that young Israelites same elements that young Israelites same elements that young Israelites would have grown up hearing for years would have grown up hearing for years would have grown up hearing for years and years and years and years and it and years and years and years and it and years and years and years and it just subverts them saying, "All right, just subverts them saying, "All right, just subverts them saying, "All right, we'll tell you the true story using the we'll tell you the true story using the we'll tell you the true story using the same exact elements." And then you come same exact elements." And then you come same exact elements." And then you come into here and you go, "What happens?" into here and you go, "What happens?" into here and you go, "What happens?" Well, first two verses, let me tell you Well, first two verses, let me tell you Well, first two verses, let me tell you how the universe starts. Israelites, how the universe starts. Israelites, how the universe starts. Israelites, those chaotic waters, there's no gods those chaotic waters, there's no gods those chaotic waters, there's no gods there. God just shows up and says, "I'll there. God just shows up and says, "I'll there. God just shows up and says, "I'll settle it." Well, what other gods does settle it." Well, what other gods does settle it." Well, what other gods does he have to fight? He doesn't fight any he have to fight? He doesn't fight any he have to fight? He doesn't fight any gods, kids. Yahweh's only one God gods, kids. Yahweh's only one God gods, kids. Yahweh's only one God because there's only one God. So, God because there's only one God. So, God because there's only one God. So, God shows up and goes, "What? Does he fight shows up and goes, "What? Does he fight shows up and goes, "What? Does he fight the waters?" No. He just hovers on He the waters?" No. He just hovers on He the waters?" No. He just hovers on He just walks on the water and he's going just walks on the water and he's going just walks on the water and he's going to tell the water what to do. Well, but to tell the water what to do. Well, but to tell the water what to do. Well, but but where are the where are the things but where are the where are the things but where are the where are the things that are threatening him? Nothing that are threatening him? Nothing that are threatening him? Nothing threatens Yahweh.

threatens Yahweh. threatens Yahweh. He's sovereign. He's God alone and he'll He's sovereign. He's God alone and he'll He's sovereign. He's God alone and he'll tell everything to do. Oh, excuse me. tell everything to do. Oh, excuse me. tell everything to do. Oh, excuse me. He'll tell everybody and everything and He'll tell everybody and everything and He'll tell everybody and everything and what to do and where to go. Just watch what to do and where to go. Just watch what to do and where to go. Just watch this. What we just read, those first two this. What we just read, those first two this. What we just read, those first two verses would have blown the Israelites verses would have blown the Israelites verses would have blown the Israelites mind because it's like, well, it sounds mind because it's like, well, it sounds mind because it's like, well, it sounds like the stories we've heard, but this like the stories we've heard, but this like the stories we've heard, but this is nothing like the story that they've is nothing like the story that they've is nothing like the story that they've told. Well, get ready because now we're told. Well, get ready because now we're told. Well, get ready because now we're going to read some big chunks of text going to read some big chunks of text going to read some big chunks of text here. And you'll just have to indulge me here. And you'll just have to indulge me here. And you'll just have to indulge me because we're going to read through this because we're going to read through this because we're going to read through this text. They also had days of creation as text. They also had days of creation as text. They also had days of creation as well. But notice what happens here in well. But notice what happens here in well. But notice what happens here in the first three days of creation, day the first three days of creation, day the first three days of creation, day one, two, and three, and the days four, one, two, and three, and the days four, one, two, and three, and the days four, five, and six. They're intentionally five, and six. They're intentionally five, and six. They're intentionally there for a reason. Just remember to there for a reason. Just remember to there for a reason. Just remember to wabhoo. And we'll come back to that. wabhoo. And we'll come back to that. wabhoo. And we'll come back to that. Okay? Okay? Okay? All right. Verse three. [clears throat] All right. Verse three. [clears throat] All right. Verse three. [clears throat] Get ready to read a lot. And God said, Get ready to read a lot. And God said, Get ready to read a lot. And God said, "Let there be light." And there was "Let there be light." And there was "Let there be light." And there was light. And God saw that the light was light. And God saw that the light was light. And God saw that the light was good. And God separated the light from good. And God separated the light from good. And God separated the light from the darkness. And God called the light the darkness. And God called the light the darkness. And God called the light day, and the darkness he called night. day, and the darkness he called night. day, and the darkness he called night. And there was evening, and there was And there was evening, and there was And there was evening, and there was morning, the first day. And God said, morning, the first day. And God said, morning, the first day. And God said, "Let there be an expanse in the midst of "Let there be an expanse in the midst of "Let there be an expanse in the midst of the waters, and let it separate the the waters, and let it separate the the waters, and let it separate the waters from the waters." What? The waters from the waters." What? The waters from the waters." What? The waters from the waters. See, if you knew waters from the waters. See, if you knew waters from the waters. See, if you knew the ancient world, they had waters. They the ancient world, they had waters. They the ancient world, they had waters. They had to be split apart. There were waters had to be split apart. There were waters had to be split apart. There were waters above and waters below. Okay, cool. I above and waters below. Okay, cool. I above and waters below. Okay, cool. I guess that makes sense to them. That was guess that makes sense to them. That was guess that makes sense to them. That was weird to me because this just gets weird to me because this just gets weird to me because this just gets convoluted. Verse 7. And God made the convoluted. Verse 7. And God made the convoluted. Verse 7. And God made the expanse and separated the waters that expanse and separated the waters that expanse and separated the waters that were under the expanse from the waters were under the expanse from the waters were under the expanse from the waters that were above the expanse. What? And that were above the expanse. What? And that were above the expanse. What? And it was so. And God called the expanse it was so. And God called the expanse it was so. And God called the expanse heaven. And there was evening and there heaven. And there was evening and there heaven. And there was evening and there was morning, the second day. And God was morning, the second day. And God was morning, the second day. And God said, ' Let the waters under the heavens said, ' Let the waters under the heavens said, ' Let the waters under the heavens be gathered together into one place, and be gathered together into one place, and be gathered together into one place, and let the dry land appear. And it was so.

let the dry land appear. And it was so. let the dry land appear. And it was so. And God called the dry land earth. And And God called the dry land earth. And And God called the dry land earth. And the waters that were gathered together, the waters that were gathered together, the waters that were gathered together, he called seas. And God saw that it was he called seas. And God saw that it was he called seas. And God saw that it was good. [clears throat] And God said, "Let good. [clears throat] And God said, "Let good. [clears throat] And God said, "Let the earth sprout vegetation and plants the earth sprout vegetation and plants the earth sprout vegetation and plants yielding seed, and fruit trees bearing yielding seed, and fruit trees bearing yielding seed, and fruit trees bearing fruit which is in their seed, which is fruit which is in their seed, which is fruit which is in their seed, which is their seed, each according to its kind their seed, each according to its kind their seed, each according to its kind on the earth." And it was so. And the on the earth." And it was so. And the on the earth." And it was so. And the earth brought forth vegetation and earth brought forth vegetation and earth brought forth vegetation and plants yielding seed according to their plants yielding seed according to their plants yielding seed according to their own kinds. And the trees bearing fruit own kinds. And the trees bearing fruit own kinds. And the trees bearing fruit in which it was their seed, each in which it was their seed, each in which it was their seed, each according to its kind. And God saw that according to its kind. And God saw that according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. And there was evening and it was good. And there was evening and it was good. And there was evening and there was morning, the third day. All there was morning, the third day. All there was morning, the third day. All right, we're going to stop there. That's right, we're going to stop there. That's right, we're going to stop there. That's a lot of reading. So, here's what God a lot of reading. So, here's what God a lot of reading. So, here's what God does. God organizes chaos. Remember, the does. God organizes chaos. Remember, the does. God organizes chaos. Remember, the opening scene is the earth's messed up. opening scene is the earth's messed up. opening scene is the earth's messed up. It's formless and void. It is to waboo, It's formless and void. It is to waboo, It's formless and void. It is to waboo, right? It is um it's a wasteland, so to right? It is um it's a wasteland, so to right? It is um it's a wasteland, so to speak. And so, what does God do? He speak. And so, what does God do? He speak. And so, what does God do? He fights nobody. He just starts bringing fights nobody. He just starts bringing fights nobody. He just starts bringing order from the chaos. And so, each day order from the chaos. And so, each day order from the chaos. And so, each day has a pattern. I want you want you to has a pattern. I want you want you to has a pattern. I want you want you to see here. Uh we'll put it on the screen see here. Uh we'll put it on the screen see here. Uh we'll put it on the screen here. So each day of the first three here. So each day of the first three here. So each day of the first three days, God is forming the universe. Why?

days, God is forming the universe. Why? days, God is forming the universe. Why? Because it's the toou of the toou Because it's the toou of the toou Because it's the toou of the toou wabohu. Remember in your English wabohu. Remember in your English wabohu. Remember in your English versions, it says the earth was versions, it says the earth was versions, it says the earth was formless. So what's God do? I'll form formless. So what's God do? I'll form formless. So what's God do? I'll form the universe. And notice it goes from the universe. And notice it goes from the universe. And notice it goes from larger to smaller. I'll start with larger to smaller. I'll start with larger to smaller. I'll start with space. Day one, it's the universe, the space. Day one, it's the universe, the space. Day one, it's the universe, the heavens. Day two, I'll take the skies heavens. Day two, I'll take the skies heavens. Day two, I'll take the skies and the seas. Day three, I'll stick with and the seas. Day three, I'll stick with and the seas. Day three, I'll stick with us on the planet Earth, right? the land. us on the planet Earth, right? the land. us on the planet Earth, right? the land. That's just how that works. So, what is That's just how that works. So, what is That's just how that works. So, what is God doing? He's bringing order from God doing? He's bringing order from God doing? He's bringing order from chaos. So, guess what? Let's keep going. chaos. So, guess what? Let's keep going. chaos. So, guess what? Let's keep going. Now, what happens in the next three Now, what happens in the next three Now, what happens in the next three days? Watch this. Verses uh days four, days? Watch this. Verses uh days four, days? Watch this. Verses uh days four, five, and six. Verse 14. And God said, five, and six. Verse 14. And God said, five, and six. Verse 14. And God said, "Let there be lights in the expanse of "Let there be lights in the expanse of "Let there be lights in the expanse of the heavens to separate the day from the the heavens to separate the day from the the heavens to separate the day from the night. And let them be for signs and for night. And let them be for signs and for night. And let them be for signs and for seasons and for days and for years." In seasons and for days and for years." In seasons and for days and for years." In other words, God's creating time. other words, God's creating time. other words, God's creating time. And let them be lights in the expanse of And let them be lights in the expanse of And let them be lights in the expanse of the heavens to give them light upon the the heavens to give them light upon the the heavens to give them light upon the earth. And it was so. And God made two earth. And it was so. And God made two earth. And it was so. And God made two great lights. What do you think the two great lights. What do you think the two great lights. What do you think the two great lights God made? Sun and moon. great lights God made? Sun and moon. great lights God made? Sun and moon. Moon's technically not a light. It Moon's technically not a light. It Moon's technically not a light. It doesn't generate any light. It just doesn't generate any light. It just doesn't generate any light. It just reflects it. But this is how they saw reflects it. But this is how they saw reflects it. But this is how they saw it, right? And so it was so. it, right? And so it was so. it, right? And so it was so. [clears throat] God made two great [clears throat] God made two great [clears throat] God made two great lights. The greater light to rule the lights. The greater light to rule the lights. The greater light to rule the day, the lesser light to rule the night day, the lesser light to rule the night day, the lesser light to rule the night and the stars. And God set them in the and the stars. And God set them in the and the stars. And God set them in the expanse of the heavens to give light on expanse of the heavens to give light on expanse of the heavens to give light on the earth to rule over the day and over the earth to rule over the day and over the earth to rule over the day and over the night and to separate the light from the night and to separate the light from the night and to separate the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was the darkness. And God saw that it was the darkness. And God saw that it was good. And there was evening and there good. And there was evening and there good. And there was evening and there was morning, the fourth day. All right.

was morning, the fourth day. All right. was morning, the fourth day. All right. Now we get to day five. Pardon me. Now we get to day five. Pardon me. Now we get to day five. Pardon me. [clears throat] [clears throat] [clears throat] And God said, "Let the waters swarm with And God said, "Let the waters swarm with And God said, "Let the waters swarm with swarms." That's one of my favorite swarms." That's one of my favorite swarms." That's one of my favorite lines. "Let it swarm with swarms." How lines. "Let it swarm with swarms." How lines. "Let it swarm with swarms." How many swarms do you want? A lot of many swarms do you want? A lot of many swarms do you want? A lot of swarms. Let the waters swarm with swarms swarms. Let the waters swarm with swarms swarms. Let the waters swarm with swarms of living creatures, and let birds fly of living creatures, and let birds fly of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the expanse of above the earth across the expanse of above the earth across the expanse of the heavens. So God created the sea the heavens. So God created the sea the heavens. So God created the sea creatures, the great sea creatures, and creatures, the great sea creatures, and creatures, the great sea creatures, and every living creature that moves with every living creature that moves with every living creature that moves with which the waters swarm according to which the waters swarm according to which the waters swarm according to their kinds, and every winged bird their kinds, and every winged bird their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that according to its kind. And God saw that according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. And God blessed them, it was good. And God blessed them, it was good. And God blessed them, saying, "Be fruitful and multiply and saying, "Be fruitful and multiply and saying, "Be fruitful and multiply and fill the waters and the seas, and let fill the waters and the seas, and let fill the waters and the seas, and let the birds multiply on earth." And there the birds multiply on earth." And there the birds multiply on earth." And there was evening and there was morning, the was evening and there was morning, the was evening and there was morning, the fifth day. Now, I'm going to get I'm fifth day. Now, I'm going to get I'm fifth day. Now, I'm going to get I'm going to I'm going to read half of the going to I'm going to read half of the going to I'm going to read half of the sixth day, and you'll see why here in a sixth day, and you'll see why here in a sixth day, and you'll see why here in a second. Then God said, "Let the earth second. Then God said, "Let the earth second. Then God said, "Let the earth bring forth living creatures according bring forth living creatures according bring forth living creatures according to their kinds, livestock, and creeping to their kinds, livestock, and creeping to their kinds, livestock, and creeping things." Yes, that includes mosquitoes, things." Yes, that includes mosquitoes, things." Yes, that includes mosquitoes, I'm sorry. And beasts of the earth I'm sorry. And beasts of the earth I'm sorry. And beasts of the earth according to their kinds. And it was so. according to their kinds. And it was so. according to their kinds. And it was so. And God made the beasts of the earth And God made the beasts of the earth And God made the beasts of the earth according to their kinds, and the according to their kinds, and the according to their kinds, and the livestock according to their kinds, and livestock according to their kinds, and livestock according to their kinds, and everything that creeps on the ground everything that creeps on the ground everything that creeps on the ground according to its kind. And God saw that according to its kind. And God saw that according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. Now, I'm going to stop it was good. Now, I'm going to stop it was good. Now, I'm going to stop there. There's more to go, but let me there. There's more to go, but let me there. There's more to go, but let me just stop there. I want you to see the just stop there. I want you to see the just stop there. I want you to see the pattern cuz some people get really pattern cuz some people get really pattern cuz some people get really tripped up with this. Like, y is it tripped up with this. Like, y is it tripped up with this. Like, y is it 24-hour days of creation the six? Is it 24-hour days of creation the six? Is it 24-hour days of creation the six? Is it is a day a thousand years? Is it a is a day a thousand years? Is it a is a day a thousand years? Is it a billion years? It's like that's not even billion years? It's like that's not even billion years? It's like that's not even in the minds of the writers of Genesis in the minds of the writers of Genesis in the minds of the writers of Genesis at all. That they're doing something at all. That they're doing something at all. That they're doing something bigger and better. They're showing us bigger and better. They're showing us bigger and better. They're showing us kind of the relation in a poetic sense kind of the relation in a poetic sense kind of the relation in a poetic sense about how God created the universe.

about how God created the universe. about how God created the universe. Watch. Let's go back to our original Watch. Let's go back to our original Watch. Let's go back to our original graph. What are the first three days? graph. What are the first three days? graph. What are the first three days? It's the forming. God's dealing with the It's the forming. God's dealing with the It's the forming. God's dealing with the tooo, tooo, tooo, the the the without form. So what's he the the the without form. So what's he the the the without form. So what's he doing in the next three? He's got to doing in the next three? He's got to doing in the next three? He's got to deal with the wabohoo, right? To is deal with the wabohoo, right? To is deal with the wabohoo, right? To is formless and without form. And then the formless and without form. And then the formless and without form. And then the other one's void. It's empty. So what other one's void. It's empty. So what other one's void. It's empty. So what does God do? He fills the same. What does God do? He fills the same. What does God do? He fills the same. What does he do? How does he know how to does he do? How does he know how to does he do? How does he know how to fill? Well, he's going to do the same fill? Well, he's going to do the same fill? Well, he's going to do the same thing. He's going to match up the first thing. He's going to match up the first thing. He's going to match up the first three days and do the next three days. three days and do the next three days. three days and do the next three days. Watch this. Light and darkness get Watch this. Light and darkness get Watch this. Light and darkness get filled with what in day four? Well, filled with what in day four? Well, filled with what in day four? Well, let's let's see. Sun, moons, and sun, let's let's see. Sun, moons, and sun, let's let's see. Sun, moons, and sun, moon, and stars. Where do they go? They moon, and stars. Where do they go? They moon, and stars. Where do they go? They go with day one. All right. All right, go with day one. All right. All right, go with day one. All right. All right, the fifth day, what happens? Oh, that's the fifth day, what happens? Oh, that's the fifth day, what happens? Oh, that's right. It's the birds and the fishes. right. It's the birds and the fishes. right. It's the birds and the fishes. Where do they go from? They're in the Where do they go from? They're in the Where do they go from? They're in the skies and the seas. Well, then if you skies and the seas. Well, then if you skies and the seas. Well, then if you just see the pattern here, right? It's just see the pattern here, right? It's just see the pattern here, right? It's not trying to give us some scientific not trying to give us some scientific not trying to give us some scientific answer. It's it's actually just matching answer. It's it's actually just matching answer. It's it's actually just matching up like Hebrew poetry would by saying up like Hebrew poetry would by saying up like Hebrew poetry would by saying the light and darkness will have the sun the light and darkness will have the sun the light and darkness will have the sun and the moon and the stars. The skies and the moon and the stars. The skies and the moon and the stars. The skies and the seas have the birds and the and the seas have the birds and the and the seas have the birds and the fishes. And now the dry land and plants fishes. And now the dry land and plants fishes. And now the dry land and plants get filled with what? Animals and man. get filled with what? Animals and man. get filled with what? Animals and man. That's why it is the way that it is. That's why it is the way that it is. That's why it is the way that it is. Rides just simply there. So, what is God Rides just simply there. So, what is God Rides just simply there. So, what is God doing? Notice what we say, y'all. Formed doing? Notice what we say, y'all. Formed doing? Notice what we say, y'all. Formed and filled. The anti of that is to and filled. The anti of that is to and filled. The anti of that is to wabohu. That's how the universe starts.

wabohu. That's how the universe starts. wabohu. That's how the universe starts. How does God finish it? I will form it How does God finish it? I will form it How does God finish it? I will form it and I will fill it. I will take that and I will fill it. I will take that and I will fill it. I will take that which is create uh chaotic and I will which is create uh chaotic and I will which is create uh chaotic and I will make it in order. It's no longer a make it in order. It's no longer a make it in order. It's no longer a wasteland. It has now been formed and wasteland. It has now been formed and wasteland. It has now been formed and now it has been filled from the larger now it has been filled from the larger now it has been filled from the larger all the way to the smaller, if you will. all the way to the smaller, if you will. all the way to the smaller, if you will. And remember, here's what God's doing. And remember, here's what God's doing. And remember, here's what God's doing. It's not just not empty anymore. God's It's not just not empty anymore. God's It's not just not empty anymore. God's just telling things. He creates them and just telling things. He creates them and just telling things. He creates them and then he tells them where to go. Now then he tells them where to go. Now then he tells them where to go. Now listen, here's one I want you to just listen, here's one I want you to just listen, here's one I want you to just let's go back in the time machine with let's go back in the time machine with let's go back in the time machine with ancient Israel. ancient Israel. ancient Israel. Ancient Israelites grew up in Egypt Ancient Israelites grew up in Egypt Ancient Israelites grew up in Egypt hearing that everything is a god. hearing that everything is a god. hearing that everything is a god. Divinity is everywhere. Um Divinity is everywhere. Um Divinity is everywhere. Um maybe not in them. Uh definitely would maybe not in them. Uh definitely would maybe not in them. Uh definitely would be in their emperor uh but or their be in their emperor uh but or their be in their emperor uh but or their pharaoh but [clears throat] everywhere pharaoh but [clears throat] everywhere pharaoh but [clears throat] everywhere else. Listen uh the river is a god. The else. Listen uh the river is a god. The else. Listen uh the river is a god. The the birds are gods. Uh the mountains are the birds are gods. Uh the mountains are the birds are gods. Uh the mountains are gods. Plus, there's just gods. The son's gods. Plus, there's just gods. The son's gods. Plus, there's just gods. The son's a god. Son god, Ra, uh, Anubis, the a god. Son god, Ra, uh, Anubis, the a god. Son god, Ra, uh, Anubis, the death god. Everything is a god. death god. Everything is a god. death god. Everything is a god. Everything's a god. And then Genesis Everything's a god. And then Genesis Everything's a god. And then Genesis just comes on the scene and goes, "Yeah, just comes on the scene and goes, "Yeah, just comes on the scene and goes, "Yeah, that's dumb. that's dumb. that's dumb. Birds are just, get this, birds.

Birds are just, get this, birds. Birds are just, get this, birds. Water. Catch this. It's just water. Uh, Water. Catch this. It's just water. Uh, Water. Catch this. It's just water. Uh, the stars. No, no, no. Just stars." And the stars. No, no, no. Just stars." And the stars. No, no, no. Just stars." And that would have been mindboggling. See, that would have been mindboggling. See, that would have been mindboggling. See, we we're moderns. We don't think we we're moderns. We don't think we we're moderns. We don't think anything about this, but this would be anything about this, but this would be anything about this, but this would be just like I mean um throwing salt in the just like I mean um throwing salt in the just like I mean um throwing salt in the eyes of all the ancients because they eyes of all the ancients because they eyes of all the ancients because they thought no no no you don't understand thought no no no you don't understand thought no no no you don't understand like these all are all gods and they all like these all are all gods and they all like these all are all gods and they all have to fight each other. And Genesis have to fight each other. And Genesis have to fight each other. And Genesis comes along and goes no they don't. comes along and goes no they don't. comes along and goes no they don't. There's only one God. His name is There's only one God. His name is There's only one God. His name is Yahweh. And he just creates and not only Yahweh. And he just creates and not only Yahweh. And he just creates and not only does God create God creates these things does God create God creates these things does God create God creates these things and then he assigns them. All right? He and then he assigns them. All right? He and then he assigns them. All right? He says, "All right, stars you do this. says, "All right, stars you do this. says, "All right, stars you do this. Sun, moon, you do that. Uh, birds, y'all Sun, moon, you do that. Uh, birds, y'all Sun, moon, you do that. Uh, birds, y'all do this. Fish, y'all do that. Animals, do this. Fish, y'all do that. Animals, do this. Fish, y'all do that. Animals, you do this. And he's about to say this. you do this. And he's about to say this. you do this. And he's about to say this. Humanity, you do this. See, in the Humanity, you do this. See, in the Humanity, you do this. See, in the ancient world, to be created didn't mean ancient world, to be created didn't mean ancient world, to be created didn't mean just to exist. It's when you got your just to exist. It's when you got your just to exist. It's when you got your assignment. assignment. assignment. Notice what happens here. Creation isn't Notice what happens here. Creation isn't Notice what happens here. Creation isn't done until God's finished assigning the done until God's finished assigning the done until God's finished assigning the objects he's created to what their objects he's created to what their objects he's created to what their commission is. Just hold on to that commission is. Just hold on to that commission is. Just hold on to that because notice what I've dropped here.

because notice what I've dropped here. because notice what I've dropped here. Animals and man. And we haven't gotten Animals and man. And we haven't gotten Animals and man. And we haven't gotten to man yet, but [clears throat] we're to man yet, but [clears throat] we're to man yet, but [clears throat] we're about to. Now, here's what I want us to about to. Now, here's what I want us to about to. Now, here's what I want us to do. Uh, let's read this text here. Uh, do. Uh, let's read this text here. Uh, do. Uh, let's read this text here. Uh, Genesis 26 through31. It's the end of Genesis 26 through31. It's the end of Genesis 26 through31. It's the end of chapter 1. [clears throat] chapter 1. [clears throat] chapter 1. [clears throat] It says here, It says here, It says here, because I want to get to man that God because I want to get to man that God because I want to get to man that God said, "Let us make man in our image, said, "Let us make man in our image, said, "Let us make man in our image, after our likeness, and let them have after our likeness, and let them have after our likeness, and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and dominion over the fish of the sea, and dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds and of the heavens, over the birds and of the heavens, over the birds and of the heavens, and over the livestock, and over all the and over the livestock, and over all the and over the livestock, and over all the earth, and every other creeping thing earth, and every other creeping thing earth, and every other creeping thing that creeps on earth." So, God created that creeps on earth." So, God created that creeps on earth." So, God created man in his own image. This is a famous man in his own image. This is a famous man in his own image. This is a famous line. In the image of God, he created line. In the image of God, he created line. In the image of God, he created him. male and female he created them and him. male and female he created them and him. male and female he created them and that God blessed them. And God blessed that God blessed them. And God blessed that God blessed them. And God blessed them and he said to them, "Be fruitful them and he said to them, "Be fruitful them and he said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and and multiply and fill the earth and and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it and have dominion over the subdue it and have dominion over the subdue it and have dominion over the fish of the seas and over the birds of fish of the seas and over the birds of fish of the seas and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing the heavens and over every living thing the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth." And God said, that moves on the earth." And God said, that moves on the earth." And God said, "Behold, I have given you every plant "Behold, I have given you every plant "Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the face of the yielding seed that is on the face of the yielding seed that is on the face of the earth and every tree with seed in its earth and every tree with seed in its earth and every tree with seed in its fruit, you shall have them for food. and fruit, you shall have them for food. and fruit, you shall have them for food. and to every beast of the earth and to every to every beast of the earth and to every to every beast of the earth and to every bird of the heavens and to everything bird of the heavens and to everything bird of the heavens and to everything that creeps on the earth everything that that creeps on the earth everything that that creeps on the earth everything that has the breath of life I've given every has the breath of life I've given every has the breath of life I've given every green plant for food and it was so and green plant for food and it was so and green plant for food and it was so and God saw everything that he had made all God saw everything that he had made all God saw everything that he had made all this point every day he says it's good this point every day he says it's good this point every day he says it's good it's good it's good it's good now he it's good it's good it's good now he it's good it's good it's good now he gets to the end of the sixth day and it gets to the end of the sixth day and it gets to the end of the sixth day and it says and it was what says and it was what says and it was what >> he says very good he changes it that's >> he says very good he changes it that's >> he says very good he changes it that's not good good very good why very good not good good very good why very good not good good very good why very good it's because of you and me it's because of you and me it's because of you and me watch out you're going to hear your watch out you're going to hear your watch out you're going to hear your origin story here it was very good and origin story here it was very good and origin story here it was very good and then there was evening And there was then there was evening And there was then there was evening And there was morning the sixth day. Now watch this.

morning the sixth day. Now watch this. morning the sixth day. Now watch this. God fills. He forms the three spheres. God fills. He forms the three spheres. God fills. He forms the three spheres. Day 1, 2, 3. Days four, five, and six. Day 1, 2, 3. Days four, five, and six. Day 1, 2, 3. Days four, five, and six. He fills those same spheres. And then he He fills those same spheres. And then he He fills those same spheres. And then he gets to humanity. He's like, "All right, gets to humanity. He's like, "All right, gets to humanity. He's like, "All right, we're going to do something a little we're going to do something a little we're going to do something a little different." Now, I want you to notice in different." Now, I want you to notice in different." Now, I want you to notice in this story, animals in mankind are this story, animals in mankind are this story, animals in mankind are different things. different things. different things. We're going to come back to that in a We're going to come back to that in a We're going to come back to that in a second here. Not only are they different second here. Not only are they different second here. Not only are they different uh just in their species, but they're uh just in their species, but they're uh just in their species, but they're different period in how they are formed different period in how they are formed different period in how they are formed and their importance in God's eyes. and their importance in God's eyes. and their importance in God's eyes. Notice how God makes them. Uh we'll go Notice how God makes them. Uh we'll go Notice how God makes them. Uh we'll go back to the text here. It says that um back to the text here. It says that um back to the text here. It says that um first line in that section, it says um first line in that section, it says um first line in that section, it says um then God said, "Let us make man in our then God said, "Let us make man in our then God said, "Let us make man in our image after our likeness." Have you ever image after our likeness." Have you ever image after our likeness." Have you ever wondered who's the us? wondered who's the us? wondered who's the us? I thought God was just creating mankind. I thought God was just creating mankind. I thought God was just creating mankind. Who's he talking to? That's kind of Who's he talking to? That's kind of Who's he talking to? That's kind of weird. Let us make I thought just Yahweh weird. Let us make I thought just Yahweh weird. Let us make I thought just Yahweh was creating the world and he is. So was creating the world and he is. So was creating the world and he is. So who's the us behind it? Well, the church who's the us behind it? Well, the church who's the us behind it? Well, the church fathers uh probably the first three, fathers uh probably the first three, fathers uh probably the first three, four, five centuries of the church, four, five centuries of the church, four, five centuries of the church, maybe even longer than that, and even maybe even longer than that, and even maybe even longer than that, and even many today said that this is a reference many today said that this is a reference many today said that this is a reference to uh God the Father speaking to God the to uh God the Father speaking to God the to uh God the Father speaking to God the Son. Uh others have added most likely Son. Uh others have added most likely Son. Uh others have added most likely maybe even the Holy Spirit's there. So maybe even the Holy Spirit's there. So maybe even the Holy Spirit's there. So this the trinity. God is a we believe in this the trinity. God is a we believe in this the trinity. God is a we believe in Christians. If you're new here and Christians. If you're new here and Christians. If you're new here and you're not a Christian, Christians you're not a Christian, Christians you're not a Christian, Christians believe in the triune God. A God is one believe in the triune God. A God is one believe in the triune God. A God is one God and three persons. Father, Son, Holy God and three persons. Father, Son, Holy God and three persons. Father, Son, Holy Spirit. You ever seen people do this Spirit. You ever seen people do this Spirit. You ever seen people do this that come from a Catholic tradition or that come from a Catholic tradition or that come from a Catholic tradition or an Orthodox tradition? They're saying an Orthodox tradition? They're saying an Orthodox tradition? They're saying the father, the son, and the holy the father, the son, and the holy the father, the son, and the holy spirit. The three persons, one god. And spirit. The three persons, one god. And spirit. The three persons, one god. And so many church fathers like that's the so many church fathers like that's the so many church fathers like that's the us. The father's talking to the son or us. The father's talking to the son or us. The father's talking to the son or the son and the spirit. Modern more the son and the spirit. Modern more the son and the spirit. Modern more modern scholars, they they they said

modern scholars, they they they said modern scholars, they they they said that is a view. Some will say no, the us that is a view. Some will say no, the us that is a view. Some will say no, the us is the royal we. That's how just people is the royal we. That's how just people is the royal we. That's how just people in royalty talked. And others will say, in royalty talked. And others will say, in royalty talked. And others will say, "No, he's talking about God's heavenly "No, he's talking about God's heavenly "No, he's talking about God's heavenly court." It doesn't matter for this court." It doesn't matter for this court." It doesn't matter for this message. Here's what you need to know. message. Here's what you need to know. message. Here's what you need to know. God makes mankind in his image. That's God makes mankind in his image. That's God makes mankind in his image. That's the point. And so, theologians have a the point. And so, theologians have a the point. And so, theologians have a term for that. It's called the They like term for that. It's called the They like term for that. It's called the They like to use a lot of Latin because it sounds to use a lot of Latin because it sounds to use a lot of Latin because it sounds cool. It's called IMO day or the imo cool. It's called IMO day or the imo cool. It's called IMO day or the imo day, the image of God. Who is humanity? day, the image of God. Who is humanity? day, the image of God. Who is humanity? Humanity is made in the imo day. They Humanity is made in the imo day. They Humanity is made in the imo day. They are made in God's image. Now, what does are made in God's image. Now, what does are made in God's image. Now, what does that mean? Well, theologians offer all that mean? Well, theologians offer all that mean? Well, theologians offer all kinds of explanations. They'll say, kinds of explanations. They'll say, kinds of explanations. They'll say, "Well, we think it's because humans have "Well, we think it's because humans have "Well, we think it's because humans have conscience. conscience. conscience. Um, they know morality. Um, they know morality. Um, they know morality. They have a sense of the transcendent. They have a sense of the transcendent. They have a sense of the transcendent. Uh, no, no, they have a relationship Uh, no, no, they have a relationship Uh, no, no, they have a relationship with God. There's all kinds of answers. with God. There's all kinds of answers. with God. There's all kinds of answers. It may be a little bit of all of those It may be a little bit of all of those It may be a little bit of all of those things. I'm not sure. I do know this. things. I'm not sure. I do know this. things. I'm not sure. I do know this. The best way to understand at least in The best way to understand at least in The best way to understand at least in the context of what we're reading here the context of what we're reading here the context of what we're reading here is what's the imo day is to look at what is what's the imo day is to look at what is what's the imo day is to look at what the context we're reading here. Just the context we're reading here. Just the context we're reading here. Just look at the verses here. Uh immediately look at the verses here. Uh immediately look at the verses here. Uh immediately after creating mankind in God's image, after creating mankind in God's image, after creating mankind in God's image, by the way, it says both male and female by the way, it says both male and female by the way, it says both male and female are in God's image. Uh so this is are in God's image. Uh so this is are in God's image. Uh so this is something that man and woman have to be something that man and woman have to be something that man and woman have to be a part of. It says that they're given to a part of. It says that they're given to a part of. It says that they're given to rule over God's creation. Watch this. Uh rule over God's creation. Watch this. Uh rule over God's creation. Watch this. Uh second half of verse 26. In fact, we'll second half of verse 26. In fact, we'll second half of verse 26. In fact, we'll put it here on the screen. He just put it here on the screen. He just put it here on the screen. He just created them and says they're going to created them and says they're going to created them and says they're going to be made in our image. And then it says be made in our image. And then it says be made in our image. And then it says this, "And let them have dominion over this, "And let them have dominion over this, "And let them have dominion over the fish and over the birds and over the the fish and over the birds and over the the fish and over the birds and over the livestock and over creeping things." And livestock and over creeping things." And livestock and over creeping things." And then you go two verses later and guess then you go two verses later and guess then you go two verses later and guess what else he says? Oh, uh, be fruitful.

what else he says? Oh, uh, be fruitful. what else he says? Oh, uh, be fruitful. This is the commission, the mandate from This is the commission, the mandate from This is the commission, the mandate from God to humanity. Be fruitful and God to humanity. Be fruitful and God to humanity. Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth. Subdue it multiply and fill the earth. Subdue it multiply and fill the earth. Subdue it and have what? Dominion. Have dominion. and have what? Dominion. Have dominion. and have what? Dominion. Have dominion. So, here's what I do know. I don't know So, here's what I do know. I don't know So, here's what I do know. I don't know everything probably that there is to everything probably that there is to everything probably that there is to know about what does it mean to be made know about what does it mean to be made know about what does it mean to be made in the image of God as a human being. I in the image of God as a human being. I in the image of God as a human being. I do know this. I know it includes having do know this. I know it includes having do know this. I know it includes having dominion. What does that mean? Here's dominion. What does that mean? Here's dominion. What does that mean? Here's what's crazy. It's God saying, "I'm what's crazy. It's God saying, "I'm what's crazy. It's God saying, "I'm going to I don't have a mommy. I'm going going to I don't have a mommy. I'm going going to I don't have a mommy. I'm going to give you the keys to the car, kid. I to give you the keys to the car, kid. I to give you the keys to the car, kid. I created this world and I want you to created this world and I want you to created this world and I want you to help me run it. help me run it. help me run it. You're you're going to be a vice regent You're you're going to be a vice regent You're you're going to be a vice regent with me. Co-regents, man and woman, with me. Co-regents, man and woman, with me. Co-regents, man and woman, together as they represent me to the together as they represent me to the together as they represent me to the universe." Now, here's why that would universe." Now, here's why that would universe." Now, here's why that would make sense to an ancient and why we kind make sense to an ancient and why we kind make sense to an ancient and why we kind of get tripped up with this kind of of get tripped up with this kind of of get tripped up with this kind of stuff. See, in the ancient world, when a stuff. See, in the ancient world, when a stuff. See, in the ancient world, when a king would take over another territory, king would take over another territory, king would take over another territory, a new territory that he didn't live at, a new territory that he didn't live at, a new territory that he didn't live at, they would set up a big uh statue of his they would set up a big uh statue of his they would set up a big uh statue of his visage, if you will, you know, carved visage, if you will, you know, carved visage, if you will, you know, carved out, it would look just like the king. out, it would look just like the king. out, it would look just like the king. And that image would be somewhere where And that image would be somewhere where And that image would be somewhere where all the people could drive by in that all the people could drive by in that all the people could drive by in that new territory saying, "This guy runs new territory saying, "This guy runs new territory saying, "This guy runs this place." And so, what does God do?

this place." And so, what does God do? this place." And so, what does God do? He doesn't carve a lot of stone statues. He doesn't carve a lot of stone statues. He doesn't carve a lot of stone statues. He creates human beings and says, "You He creates human beings and says, "You He creates human beings and says, "You are my images." And everywhere you go are my images." And everywhere you go are my images." And everywhere you go and everywhere you reign with me and and everywhere you reign with me and and everywhere you reign with me and have dominion with me and steward this have dominion with me and steward this have dominion with me and steward this world, the world will look to you, the world, the world will look to you, the world, the world will look to you, the animals will look to you as like you animals will look to you as like you animals will look to you as like you guys represent the real King, God. guys represent the real King, God. guys represent the real King, God. Sounds like a pretty sweet destiny that Sounds like a pretty sweet destiny that Sounds like a pretty sweet destiny that we have. But you can keep on going with we have. But you can keep on going with we have. But you can keep on going with this. As I look through all this kind of this. As I look through all this kind of this. As I look through all this kind of stuff, here's what blows my mind after I stuff, here's what blows my mind after I stuff, here's what blows my mind after I read through all this stuff is I think read through all this stuff is I think read through all this stuff is I think like, "Okay, cool. Um, we've done six like, "Okay, cool. Um, we've done six like, "Okay, cool. Um, we've done six days. What's God going to create on the days. What's God going to create on the days. What's God going to create on the seventh day? And so you look at the text seventh day? And so you look at the text seventh day? And so you look at the text and we're going to end Genesis. So and we're going to end Genesis. So and we're going to end Genesis. So you're like, "Finally, it's a long you're like, "Finally, it's a long you're like, "Finally, it's a long book." All right, it's a lot longer than book." All right, it's a lot longer than book." All right, it's a lot longer than you get. So here we go. Genesis 2 1-3. you get. So here we go. Genesis 2 1-3. you get. So here we go. Genesis 2 1-3. Here's how it ends. Thus the heavens and Here's how it ends. Thus the heavens and Here's how it ends. Thus the heavens and the earth were finished and the host of the earth were finished and the host of the earth were finished and the host of them, all the host of them. And on the them, all the host of them. And on the them, all the host of them. And on the seventh day, God finished his work uh seventh day, God finished his work uh seventh day, God finished his work uh that he had done. And he rested on the that he had done. And he rested on the that he had done. And he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he seventh day from all his work that he seventh day from all his work that he had done. So God blessed the seventh day had done. So God blessed the seventh day had done. So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy because on it God and made it holy because on it God and made it holy because on it God rested from all the work that he had rested from all the work that he had rested from all the work that he had done. You get the idea that God rested done. You get the idea that God rested done. You get the idea that God rested from the work that all Yeah. So here's from the work that all Yeah. So here's from the work that all Yeah. So here's what God does. God doesn't work on the what God does. God doesn't work on the what God does. God doesn't work on the seventh day. He rests. The question is seventh day. He rests. The question is seventh day. He rests. The question is why?

why? why? And you can't give the answer because he And you can't give the answer because he And you can't give the answer because he was tired. Because I know the universe was tired. Because I know the universe was tired. Because I know the universe is a pretty big place ever expanding is a pretty big place ever expanding is a pretty big place ever expanding from what I understand. But God can't from what I understand. But God can't from what I understand. But God can't get tired because he's God. He doesn't get tired because he's God. He doesn't get tired because he's God. He doesn't tire. God rests from his work because tire. God rests from his work because tire. God rests from his work because now the universe is in order. Remember now the universe is in order. Remember now the universe is in order. Remember what did it start off with? To waboo. what did it start off with? To waboo. what did it start off with? To waboo. It's formless and void. How does it It's formless and void. How does it It's formless and void. How does it finish? formed and filled and assigned. finish? formed and filled and assigned. finish? formed and filled and assigned. And so here's what you need to And so here's what you need to And so here's what you need to understand. Uh in the ancient world, in understand. Uh in the ancient world, in understand. Uh in the ancient world, in the stories that they heard from their the stories that they heard from their the stories that they heard from their pagan Sunday school growing up, uh when pagan Sunday school growing up, uh when pagan Sunday school growing up, uh when the gods would fight each other and one the gods would fight each other and one the gods would fight each other and one went over another or when order was went over another or when order was went over another or when order was established by the gods, the gods would established by the gods, the gods would established by the gods, the gods would go into their would go into their go into their would go into their go into their would go into their palace. Now gods don't have palaces. palace. Now gods don't have palaces. palace. Now gods don't have palaces. That's where kings, earthly kings live. That's where kings, earthly kings live. That's where kings, earthly kings live. Uh we would call a a a palace for a Uh we would call a a a palace for a Uh we would call a a a palace for a divine being a temple. divine being a temple. divine being a temple. And so in all the ancient world, once And so in all the ancient world, once And so in all the ancient world, once they'd ordered everything, they'd ordered everything, they'd ordered everything, [clears throat] [clears throat] [clears throat] they would go down and they would sit in they would go down and they would sit in they would go down and they would sit in their temple and they would rest. And their temple and they would rest. And their temple and they would rest. And here's what's interesting. In the in the here's what's interesting. In the in the here's what's interesting. In the in the ancient world, uh when a king would come ancient world, uh when a king would come ancient world, uh when a king would come in for his coronation and they would in for his coronation and they would in for his coronation and they would crown him upon the throne in his palace, crown him upon the throne in his palace, crown him upon the throne in his palace, guess how long the coronation festival guess how long the coronation festival guess how long the coronation festival took? Seven days. And on the seventh took? Seven days. And on the seventh took? Seven days. And on the seventh day, the king would sit on his throne day, the king would sit on his throne day, the king would sit on his throne and order would issue and the world and order would issue and the world and order would issue and the world would run. So when you don't read this would run. So when you don't read this would run. So when you don't read this text, when ancients read this text, when text, when ancients read this text, when text, when ancients read this text, when the ancient Israelites read Genesis 2 the ancient Israelites read Genesis 2 the ancient Israelites read Genesis 2 1-3 and they saw God resting on the 1-3 and they saw God resting on the 1-3 and they saw God resting on the seventh day, they understood Yahweh is seventh day, they understood Yahweh is seventh day, they understood Yahweh is now sitting in his temple.

now sitting in his temple. now sitting in his temple. Yahweh has now said, "Here's the world Yahweh has now said, "Here's the world Yahweh has now said, "Here's the world I've ordered and assigned. Let it run I've ordered and assigned. Let it run I've ordered and assigned. Let it run like I want and I'll sit here reigning, like I want and I'll sit here reigning, like I want and I'll sit here reigning, resting on the throne." It's resting on the throne." It's resting on the throne." It's mind-boggling. And we know next week mind-boggling. And we know next week mind-boggling. And we know next week that the name of this place is this that the name of this place is this that the name of this place is this palace place is called what? Eden. Get palace place is called what? Eden. Get palace place is called what? Eden. Get ready. Now listen. Um when I walk ready. Now listen. Um when I walk ready. Now listen. Um when I walk through all this, here's why I wanted to through all this, here's why I wanted to through all this, here's why I wanted to stop and say this. This is our origin stop and say this. This is our origin stop and say this. This is our origin story. This is the real origin story. story. This is the real origin story. story. This is the real origin story. And here's the deal. As important as it And here's the deal. As important as it And here's the deal. As important as it was for the original readers that that was for the original readers that that was for the original readers that that Moses and those he employed to write Moses and those he employed to write Moses and those he employed to write this, wanted the original readers to this, wanted the original readers to this, wanted the original readers to hear, the ancient Israelites to know, hear, the ancient Israelites to know, hear, the ancient Israelites to know, it's just as important for us today. it's just as important for us today. it's just as important for us today. Because here's the deal. We've all been Because here's the deal. We've all been Because here's the deal. We've all been taught at some level what our origin taught at some level what our origin taught at some level what our origin story is. And for many people, you've story is. And for many people, you've story is. And for many people, you've heard the wrong one. Let me give you an heard the wrong one. Let me give you an heard the wrong one. Let me give you an example. In the ancient world, for example. In the ancient world, for example. In the ancient world, for example, uh you know what people were example, uh you know what people were example, uh you know what people were created for? what the Egyptians and the created for? what the Egyptians and the created for? what the Egyptians and the Mesopotamians and the Assyrians and Mesopotamians and the Assyrians and Mesopotamians and the Assyrians and whoever one else would have told them whoever one else would have told them whoever one else would have told them that there was this conflict and once it that there was this conflict and once it that there was this conflict and once it came to be ordered then they created man came to be ordered then they created man came to be ordered then they created man usually from the blood of the gods and usually from the blood of the gods and usually from the blood of the gods and they would fall in the dirt and all of a they would fall in the dirt and all of a they would fall in the dirt and all of a sudden they'd have these human beings sudden they'd have these human beings sudden they'd have these human beings and guess what their job was to be and guess what their job was to be and guess what their job was to be slaves.

slaves. slaves. They did the menial work that the gods They did the menial work that the gods They did the menial work that the gods didn't want to do. Anything that was didn't want to do. Anything that was didn't want to do. Anything that was just menial and task driven, you guys just menial and task driven, you guys just menial and task driven, you guys just did that because you're animals just did that because you're animals just did that because you're animals just like the bear, just like the just like the bear, just like the just like the bear, just like the parakeet. You're just humans. You do parakeet. You're just humans. You do parakeet. You're just humans. You do what we say to do. nothing special about what we say to do. nothing special about what we say to do. nothing special about you at all. Sound familiar? No, we don't you at all. Sound familiar? No, we don't you at all. Sound familiar? No, we don't talk about that at all. And I didn't talk about that at all. And I didn't talk about that at all. And I didn't learn that at all in my science class. learn that at all in my science class. learn that at all in my science class. No, here's what you did learn. You No, here's what you did learn. You No, here's what you did learn. You learned about atheistic evolution called learned about atheistic evolution called learned about atheistic evolution called naturalism. It says that you're just a naturalism. It says that you're just a naturalism. It says that you're just a lump of a clump of cells that got formed lump of a clump of cells that got formed lump of a clump of cells that got formed because somewhere a million or so or two because somewhere a million or so or two because somewhere a million or so or two million or five million or a billion million or five million or a billion million or five million or a billion years ago, some lightning hit some green years ago, some lightning hit some green years ago, some lightning hit some green ooze and all of a sudden popped out us. ooze and all of a sudden popped out us. ooze and all of a sudden popped out us. Pretty similar in the essence of it all. Pretty similar in the essence of it all. Pretty similar in the essence of it all. And what I mean by is this. Um, this is And what I mean by is this. Um, this is And what I mean by is this. Um, this is where Ingred Newkerk, the founder of where Ingred Newkerk, the founder of where Ingred Newkerk, the founder of PETA, the people for the ethical PETA, the people for the ethical PETA, the people for the ethical treatment of animals. Here's what she treatment of animals. Here's what she treatment of animals. Here's what she said famously. She said this, "A rat is said famously. She said this, "A rat is said famously. She said this, "A rat is a pig is a dog is a boy." And what she a pig is a dog is a boy." And what she a pig is a dog is a boy." And what she was saying there is that you're no was saying there is that you're no was saying there is that you're no different than anything. Like, I love my different than anything. Like, I love my different than anything. Like, I love my golden retriever, but she would say, golden retriever, but she would say, golden retriever, but she would say, "I'm on the same level with the golden "I'm on the same level with the golden "I'm on the same level with the golden retriever." And she'd say, "That retriever." And she'd say, "That retriever." And she'd say, "That mosquito that you keep hating, you're on mosquito that you keep hating, you're on mosquito that you keep hating, you're on the same level with that mosquito. A the same level with that mosquito. A the same level with that mosquito. A rat's a pig's a dog is a boy. It's all rat's a pig's a dog is a boy. It's all rat's a pig's a dog is a boy. It's all the same stuff. That's what we That's the same stuff. That's what we That's the same stuff. That's what we That's the origin story." Because when your the origin story." Because when your the origin story." Because when your origin story is that we're just a bunch origin story is that we're just a bunch origin story is that we're just a bunch of accidents, there's no meaning and of accidents, there's no meaning and of accidents, there's no meaning and purpose to life. Well, then then purpose to life. Well, then then purpose to life. Well, then then everyone's just equal and they're all everyone's just equal and they're all everyone's just equal and they're all the wrong ways. There's nothing special the wrong ways. There's nothing special the wrong ways. There's nothing special about being a human. Nothing special about being a human. Nothing special about being a human. Nothing special about being mankind. No, not at all.

about being mankind. No, not at all. about being mankind. No, not at all. This is why the famed American This is why the famed American This is why the famed American psychologist BF Skinner said this once. psychologist BF Skinner said this once. psychologist BF Skinner said this once. He said, "Because of this, humanity He said, "Because of this, humanity He said, "Because of this, humanity doesn't look like they have any will. doesn't look like they have any will. doesn't look like they have any will. They don't have any freedom, and thus They don't have any freedom, and thus They don't have any freedom, and thus humanity has no dignity. They're just humanity has no dignity. They're just humanity has no dignity. They're just animals." animals." animals." I'm going to tell you this. This is just I'm going to tell you this. This is just I'm going to tell you this. This is just my this is my hot take. Uh the the my this is my hot take. Uh the the my this is my hot take. Uh the the ancient origin stories that Israel had ancient origin stories that Israel had ancient origin stories that Israel had to fight against were pretty bad. I to fight against were pretty bad. I to fight against were pretty bad. I think the modern ones more horrific think the modern ones more horrific think the modern ones more horrific because what it tells us is this is that because what it tells us is this is that because what it tells us is this is that you're not even not here for the gods. you're not even not here for the gods. you're not even not here for the gods. You're not here for anybody. You're just You're not here for anybody. You're just You're not here for anybody. You're just randomly here. Have fun. That means life randomly here. Have fun. That means life randomly here. Have fun. That means life has no purpose. Life has no meaning. has no purpose. Life has no meaning. has no purpose. Life has no meaning. Life has no direction. Life has no aim. Life has no direction. Life has no aim. Life has no direction. Life has no aim. So here's what your life gets to consist So here's what your life gets to consist So here's what your life gets to consist of. Get up, go to work, come home, go to of. Get up, go to work, come home, go to of. Get up, go to work, come home, go to bed. Get up, go to work, come home, go bed. Get up, go to work, come home, go bed. Get up, go to work, come home, go to bed. uh tease yourself and entertain to bed. uh tease yourself and entertain to bed. uh tease yourself and entertain yourself and numb yourself to the yourself and numb yourself to the yourself and numb yourself to the reality that you don't have to ever ask reality that you don't have to ever ask reality that you don't have to ever ask the deep questions because there aren't the deep questions because there aren't the deep questions because there aren't any answers. any answers. any answers. And so we wonder why we're in an And so we wonder why we're in an And so we wonder why we're in an existential crisis in America. We wonder existential crisis in America. We wonder existential crisis in America. We wonder why generations of our children are so why generations of our children are so why generations of our children are so doped up because they are so depressed doped up because they are so depressed doped up because they are so depressed because they've been taught in life, because they've been taught in life, because they've been taught in life, you're nothing.

you're nothing. you're nothing. You're just something that came out of You're just something that came out of You're just something that came out of the ground that has no purpose. No the ground that has no purpose. No the ground that has no purpose. No wonder the second cause of death in wonder the second cause of death in wonder the second cause of death in young people is suicide. young people is suicide. young people is suicide. It's because they've been taught the It's because they've been taught the It's because they've been taught the wrong origin story. It's no wonder, not wrong origin story. It's no wonder, not wrong origin story. It's no wonder, not just them, their dads and their moms get just them, their dads and their moms get just them, their dads and their moms get addicted to drugs or porn or sex or addicted to drugs or porn or sex or addicted to drugs or porn or sex or whatever to numb themselves from this whatever to numb themselves from this whatever to numb themselves from this matrix of a world that says this ain't matrix of a world that says this ain't matrix of a world that says this ain't real. real. real. So, um, have fun. That's life under the So, um, have fun. That's life under the So, um, have fun. That's life under the stairs. stairs. stairs. It's a life that's depressing and It's a life that's depressing and It's a life that's depressing and meaningless and aimless because you meaningless and aimless because you meaningless and aimless because you don't see any design in it because you don't see any design in it because you don't see any design in it because you were taught there is no design. Not only were taught there is no design. Not only were taught there is no design. Not only are there no gods, there's no God. are there no gods, there's no God. are there no gods, there's no God. But then this book comes along, all But then this book comes along, all But then this book comes along, all right? Like a if you will, like a right? Like a if you will, like a right? Like a if you will, like a heavenly hagrid heavenly hagrid heavenly hagrid knocks on our soul and says, "What knocks on our soul and says, "What knocks on our soul and says, "What you've been taught is a lie." you've been taught is a lie." you've been taught is a lie." There's a real story here. There's a real story here. There's a real story here. The real story is right here in these The real story is right here in these The real story is right here in these pages. But you got to get the story pages. But you got to get the story pages. But you got to get the story straight. See, the true story is that straight. See, the true story is that straight. See, the true story is that God created a world brimming with God created a world brimming with God created a world brimming with purpose and meaning and beauty and purpose and meaning and beauty and purpose and meaning and beauty and wonder. And he didn't leave us on the wonder. And he didn't leave us on the wonder. And he didn't leave us on the sidelines as slaves. He made us in his sidelines as slaves. He made us in his sidelines as slaves. He made us in his image to be his image bearers to the image to be his image bearers to the image to be his image bearers to the world that we would steward this place world that we would steward this place world that we would steward this place well. And the birds and the fishes and well. And the birds and the fishes and well. And the birds and the fishes and everything else we would steward for everything else we would steward for everything else we would steward for Yahweh. Right? Like Harry Potter, our Yahweh. Right? Like Harry Potter, our Yahweh. Right? Like Harry Potter, our true story is full of direction.

true story is full of direction. true story is full of direction. Gives us a reason to take in air in our Gives us a reason to take in air in our Gives us a reason to take in air in our lungs and our heart to beat in our lungs and our heart to beat in our lungs and our heart to beat in our chest. The real story and that that we chest. The real story and that that we chest. The real story and that that we hear from Genesis is this. You weren't hear from Genesis is this. You weren't hear from Genesis is this. You weren't just created, kids. You were just created, kids. You were just created, kids. You were commissioned. commissioned. commissioned. >> You were given an assignment. Like your >> You were given an assignment. Like your >> You were given an assignment. Like your your life is not your own. You belong to your life is not your own. You belong to your life is not your own. You belong to God. God. God. >> And the reason that you belong to God is >> And the reason that you belong to God is >> And the reason that you belong to God is because you're worth something. And the because you're worth something. And the because you're worth something. And the reason you're worth something is because reason you're worth something is because reason you're worth something is because God's designed the world so that we God's designed the world so that we God's designed the world so that we would come under his his tutelage and would come under his his tutelage and would come under his his tutelage and his kingship and that we would get to his kingship and that we would get to his kingship and that we would get to rule with him. And that's what's rule with him. And that's what's rule with him. And that's what's embedded in the DNA of the universe. And embedded in the DNA of the universe. And embedded in the DNA of the universe. And you've been told a lie if you've heard you've been told a lie if you've heard you've been told a lie if you've heard anything less than that. But it's hard anything less than that. But it's hard anything less than that. But it's hard to live like that if you don't believe to live like that if you don't believe to live like that if you don't believe the story. So you got to get the story the story. So you got to get the story the story. So you got to get the story straight or you'll just be living under straight or you'll just be living under straight or you'll just be living under the stairs. And I got to say this before the stairs. And I got to say this before the stairs. And I got to say this before I close out because I'm my my time's I close out because I'm my my time's I close out because I'm my my time's about up here. Um here's what I want to about up here. Um here's what I want to about up here. Um here's what I want to say. If you want to know this story say. If you want to know this story say. If you want to know this story really well, the origin story, you got really well, the origin story, you got really well, the origin story, you got to put Jesus in the big fat middle of to put Jesus in the big fat middle of to put Jesus in the big fat middle of it. I mean, Jesus is in the middle of it. I mean, Jesus is in the middle of it. I mean, Jesus is in the middle of it. Like, no, no, you don't understand. it. Like, no, no, you don't understand. it. Like, no, no, you don't understand. Jesus came way later. No, you don't Jesus came way later. No, you don't Jesus came way later. No, you don't understand. understand. understand. Jesus is God. He's God's very own son.

Jesus is God. He's God's very own son. Jesus is God. He's God's very own son. And better uh better yet than that, um And better uh better yet than that, um And better uh better yet than that, um he also was there at creation. he also was there at creation. he also was there at creation. Colossians chapter 1 verses 15-1 17 say Colossians chapter 1 verses 15-1 17 say Colossians chapter 1 verses 15-1 17 say this. Let's just put this on the screen. this. Let's just put this on the screen. this. Let's just put this on the screen. Watch this. I'm going to have Eric and Watch this. I'm going to have Eric and Watch this. I'm going to have Eric and the band come out and we're going to the band come out and we're going to the band come out and we're going to move into some more worship through song move into some more worship through song move into some more worship through song and then the supper. But watch this. and then the supper. But watch this. and then the supper. But watch this. Just check this out. Speaking about Just check this out. Speaking about Just check this out. Speaking about Jesus, Paul writes to the Colossians, Jesus, Paul writes to the Colossians, Jesus, Paul writes to the Colossians, "Hey, this Jesus, this Jesus is the "Hey, this Jesus, this Jesus is the "Hey, this Jesus, this Jesus is the image of the invisible God, the image of the invisible God, the image of the invisible God, the firstborn or the preeminent one over all firstborn or the preeminent one over all firstborn or the preeminent one over all creation. For by him, now listen to creation. For by him, now listen to creation. For by him, now listen to this, this is what's mind-blowing. For this, this is what's mind-blowing. For this, this is what's mind-blowing. For by Jesus all things were created in by Jesus all things were created in by Jesus all things were created in heaven and on earth, visible and heaven and on earth, visible and heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions invisible, whether thrones or dominions invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities, all things or rulers or authorities, all things or rulers or authorities, all things were created through him and for him. were created through him and for him. were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him And he is before all things, and in him And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together." all things hold together." all things hold together." This is the New Testament part of This is the New Testament part of This is the New Testament part of Genesis. [clears throat] Genesis. [clears throat] Genesis. [clears throat] What does this tell us? This Jesus What does this tell us? This Jesus What does this tell us? This Jesus didn't just create it. He created it for didn't just create it. He created it for didn't just create it. He created it for him and through him and by him. In fact, him and through him and by him. In fact, him and through him and by him. In fact, it says here that Jesus actually holds it says here that Jesus actually holds it says here that Jesus actually holds the creation together right now because the creation together right now because the creation together right now because of his power. And so, like, if we're of his power. And so, like, if we're of his power. And so, like, if we're going to say that Genesis is going to say that Genesis is going to say that Genesis is is like the foundation of what we is like the foundation of what we is like the foundation of what we believe and how we think, you got to put believe and how we think, you got to put believe and how we think, you got to put Jesus right there, right in the middle Jesus right there, right in the middle Jesus right there, right in the middle of it. I'll say it again. what the of it. I'll say it again. what the of it. I'll say it again. what the foundations are to a building, Genesis foundations are to a building, Genesis foundations are to a building, Genesis is to us because we'll know more about is to us because we'll know more about is to us because we'll know more about God, ourselves, and even the whole God, ourselves, and even the whole God, ourselves, and even the whole universe because of it. But universe because of it. But universe because of it. But [clears throat] if we don't get the [clears throat] if we don't get the [clears throat] if we don't get the story straight, story straight, story straight, you'll choose meandering over meaning.

you'll choose meandering over meaning. you'll choose meandering over meaning. You you'll choose um uh purposelessness You you'll choose um uh purposelessness You you'll choose um uh purposelessness over purposefulness. you'll choose um over purposefulness. you'll choose um over purposefulness. you'll choose um dismissing Jesus as just somebody you dismissing Jesus as just somebody you dismissing Jesus as just somebody you got to believe in to go to heaven got to believe in to go to heaven got to believe in to go to heaven instead of embracing him as the very instead of embracing him as the very instead of embracing him as the very person that this whole universe is for person that this whole universe is for person that this whole universe is for and by and through. But when you get to and by and through. But when you get to and by and through. But when you get to that side of the story, well, that side of the story, well, that side of the story, well, everything changes. But you got to get everything changes. But you got to get everything changes. But you got to get the story straight. So, let's do this. the story straight. So, let's do this. the story straight. So, let's do this. Let's pray and ask God to bless our time Let's pray and ask God to bless our time Let's pray and ask God to bless our time today as he already has. And uh and then today as he already has. And uh and then today as he already has. And uh and then let me come back here and talk a little let me come back here and talk a little let me come back here and talk a little bit about the Lord's supper. Father, bit about the Lord's supper. Father, bit about the Lord's supper. Father, thank you thank you thank you that in the mystery of the ages past, that in the mystery of the ages past, that in the mystery of the ages past, uh, you told your ancient Israelites a uh, you told your ancient Israelites a uh, you told your ancient Israelites a different story, different story, different story, much different than the stories they much different than the stories they much different than the stories they heard growing up about how this whole heard growing up about how this whole heard growing up about how this whole thing came to bath. And um, I'm grateful thing came to bath. And um, I'm grateful thing came to bath. And um, I'm grateful that you told them it's not about the that you told them it's not about the that you told them it's not about the what and the how, it's, the who and the what and the how, it's, the who and the what and the how, it's, the who and the why. It's about you, Yahweh, God, why. It's about you, Yahweh, God, why. It's about you, Yahweh, God, creating all things for your glory. And creating all things for your glory. And creating all things for your glory. And here's what's cool about all of it, here's what's cool about all of it, here's what's cool about all of it, Lord. that you didn't just put us on the Lord. that you didn't just put us on the Lord. that you didn't just put us on the sidelines as slaves. You put us right in sidelines as slaves. You put us right in sidelines as slaves. You put us right in the middle of it to represent you. A the middle of it to represent you. A the middle of it to represent you. A representation that only makes sense representation that only makes sense representation that only makes sense ultimately when we connect our lives ultimately when we connect our lives ultimately when we connect our lives with Jesus. But Lord, I would you just with Jesus. But Lord, I would you just with Jesus. But Lord, I would you just help us in this series? Would you help help us in this series? Would you help help us in this series? Would you help us lean in? Help us just be amazed once us lean in? Help us just be amazed once us lean in? Help us just be amazed once again that our origin story changes again that our origin story changes again that our origin story changes everything and that we get that story everything and that we get that story everything and that we get that story straight. And we pray this in the name straight. And we pray this in the name straight. And we pray this in the name of Jesus the Christ. Amen.