Genesis 1:1-31

We begin by defining three key words in verse 1: "God," "created," and "heavens." Then, we consider the "big picture" of the six days of creation, and does "day" ever mean something other than a twenty-four day?

Genesis 1:1-3

Today's message explains the best reasons why some might advocate for what is commonly known as the "Gap Theory" -- a gap of unspecified duration between Genesis 1:1 and 1:2. To be clear, I am NOT recommending the Gap Theory, but I do want to evaluate it fairly. I personally am unconvinced by the popular arguments that dismiss it. It seems to me a speculative possibility.

Genesis 1:1-3

For our purposes, within Biblical Christianity, there are three general approaches to understanding the first three verses of Genesis. (I am NOT including less Biblical approaches that discount or disregard what the text says.) The point here is to fairly recognize how otherwise good Christians may approach the text different from one's own tradition or persuasion.

Genesis! (Laying the foundation for how the book -- especially the Creation account -- will be approached)

Guest speaker, Jim Johnson, considers select Bible passages on the (inevitable) prospect of believers enduring hardship or affliction -- and how Scripture offers encouragement and guidance during those times.

Psalm 33!

A terrific psalm for the first Sunday of a new year (a week late since the actual first Sunday was cancelled due to inclement weather). Side note: The recording begins with applause, but that's not for me (the pastor) -- rather, it's from a congregational stereo song that just ended that ends with applause. :-)

Psalm 148

A praise psalm if there ever was one! "Praise" occurs 13x in the English Standard Version Bible; "all" occurs 9x. What are you waiting for?

Psalm 112:6-10

Arthur E. Cundall, Daily Devotional Bible Commentary, Psalms–Malachi, vol. 2, (1974), 98

In Psalm 112 the sentiments are, as might be expected, in the tradition of Proverbs, no mention being made of exceptions. Note the link made by v. 3b between the two psalms; since man's righteousness is derived from God, the same affirmation can be made of man's and God's. We should translate v. 4, 'To those who fear God he is like a light that shines in darkness; he is merciful, gracious and righteous' (Weiser); he shows the same type of attributes as does God. The RSV emendation is unfortunate, for we are dealing with the righteous man, not with God's actions. We must link v. 5 with v. 9 (cf. comments on Psa. 15:5). The righteous is always prepared to lend, but when he meets the genuinely poor he gives. This is what is meant by saying he 'conducts his affairs with justice' (5b) — his standard is not human law, but the moral demands of God.