November 18, 2008

  • FOUNDATIONS [#3]

    taught at Awana Varsity 11/12/2008
    based on the series www.marshillchurch.org/sermonseries/doctrine/
    reference the book "Bible Doctrine" by Wayne Grudem

    Audio of this message can be found here -> http://audio.xanga.com/Eek_71/544452833452/audio.html

    God Makes... Creation

    INTRO
      •  God created the entire universe out of nothing; it was initially very good; and He created it to glorify himself.


    1.  GOD CREATED THE UNIVERSE OUT OF NOTHING
        •  READ Gen 1:1-2;  1:26-27;  2:7
        •  Psa 33:6,9;  Neh 9:6;  Jn 1:3;  Col 1:16;  Heb 11:3
        •  the fact that God created the universe out of nothing means that everything that exists was created with a meaning and a purpose. 

    2.  GOD IS DISTINCT FROM HIS CREATION
        •  God is both TRANSCENDANT and IMMANENT. Creation is distinct from God but always dependant on Him.  God is far above creation yet always involved in it. 

    3.  GOD CREATED THE UNIVERSE TO SHOW HIS GLORY
        •  Isaiah 43:7;  Psalms 19:1-2;  Revelation 4:11 
        •  The creation of the universe was a totally FREE ACT of God. God freely chose to create the universe to demonstrate His excellence & to put all of His attributes on display.

    4.  THE UNIVERSE WAS CREATED AS "VERY GOOD"
        •  see Gen. 1:4, 10, 12, 18, 21, 25, & 31

    5.  CREATION vs. SCIENCE
        •  Is Christianity at odds with Science?... NO, in reality, real science is impossible without a Christian worldview.
        •  Theory of evolution?… Age of the earth?...

    CONCLUSION
      •  The doctrine of creation teaches us the material universe is good in itself… it encourages us to do scientific and technological research... It helps promote worship & praise to God… & it reminds us that God is sovereign over the universe He created.  All of the universe is created for His purposes and will ultimately fulfill His plan.