Make-Up:
We ask you to read the material below. The material will include "deep thought", our key words (definition), scripture (link - please read) and some general thoughts. We ask you to read all material and then comment in the comments section. Share one key thought or concept that came to you and how it will make a difference.
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Article One
Today, we took a look at the first article of the creed (remember there are three)
Here is the video that we used to "emphasize" the creed:
Bible Text:
Genesis 1:1—2:25
Lesson Focus:
God's creative work in the world is ongoing.
Big Question:
How do we know God is still creating stuff today?
Key Words:
CREATE, CREATION, SUSTAIN, EX NIHILO, STEWARDSHIP
Definitions of Key Words
CREATE: to make from nothing.
CREATION: all that exists; all that God has made.
SUSTAIN: to keep, preserve, and maintain.
EX NIHILO: Latin for "out of nothing."
STEWARDSHIP: responsibility for care and proper use.
Going Deep
Genesis records two accounts (1:1–2:4a and 2:4b–25) of God creating the heavens and the earth and their creatures. The first account focuses on God's speaking—God's word forming an orderly creation from chaos. God separates, for example, light from darkness, to create. The second, older account focuses more specifically on human beings and their relationship to the rest of creation. Human beings are formed from the dust of creation and are intended to care for creation. God is creator of all that is. The visible creation helps human beings understand the invisible, including God's "eternal power and divine nature" (Romans 1:20).
God's creation is fallen (Genesis 3). The entire sweep of history is moving to a final reconciliation of God and creation (Romans 8:19–25) in a new creation. This new creation is the aim of God's relationship with us and our relationship with God. God's creative power was not only in the beginning but continues (2 Corinthians 5:17). Finally, God's creative power will make all things new, a new heaven and a new earth (Isaiah 65:17; 66:22; Revelation 21:1–4).
This is who God is and what God does. God created all that exists, and not just "in the beginning" but always. God's creativity continues to sustain all that exists. This includes each one of us and all creatures. God's creation also includes homes, schools, workplaces, libraries, stadiums, train stations, and all other places. It includes relationships—our personal relationships with friends, family, neighbors, and people we don't like so much, and "bigger" relationships among nations and peoples. God's creation includes organizations and institutions, such as governments, health-care systems, charities, and social services. Out of fatherly love, God created and sustains all that exists. Our relationship with God as God's creatures is one of thanksgiving and dependence, resembling a relationship between parent and child. We have and do nothing on our own apart from God. God has also created and given us the ability to share with God in the work of creation. Manual dexterity, insight, physical strength, powers of concentration, stamina, language, persistence, and intelligence are among the gifts of God's creation that enable us to join in God's creative work.
The Genesis accounts of creation arose in the ancient Near East, where vast deserts and seas provided a concrete sense of chaos and threat from the natural world. Gods were understood to be embodied in natural forces such as storms and the sea. Ancient Near Eastern creation myths told of a god or gods achieving a violent triumph over gods of chaos. These creation stories were not about primal creation from nothing, but about the victorious gods bringing order and, therefore, security and safety. The Genesis stories can be understood in this context, but with two striking differences from the myths of the surrounding world. First, the Genesis account as it is read and interpreted introduces monotheism. There is one God alone. Second, creation comes not from violence or force of any kind but from God's speaking (1:1–2:4a) and from God's artisanship and breath (2:4b–25). Ironically, the Apostles' Creed arose in part to reaffirm monotheism. In the face of Marcion's contrary claim, the Apostles' Creed tied together the Creator God of the Old Testament with the God known in Jesus Christ.
Small Group Connection
God's Good Creation
Invite the class (you) to go outside for a nature walk. Look around the church grounds, neighborhood, and street for as many signs of God's good creation as you can find. Provide each student with a piece of paper and a pencil. Ask them to record as many different things as they can.
Another option is to divide into small groups and give each group a digital camera. Allow students in each group to take turns taking pictures of things they see as signs of God's good creation. The pictures could be shared as part of a PowerPoint presentation or put together in a collage.
Debrief your walk with these questions:
• What signs did you see of God's good creation?
• How well are we taking care of creation today?
• How can we help better care for creation?
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