Recently I was watching a comedy show on TV and one of the talented comedians that I find very clever was doing a comedy skit from some Bible stories. Now let me be clear, this guy is clever and fast on his feet, and I find him most of the time pretty funny. But I just I’ve read some about his life and heard specifics out of his mouth that lead me to believe that he is not likely a deeply devoted Christ follower. But on one show at the end of a skit where he was referring to numerous Bible stories, someone ask him about his Bible knowledge. His answer was that for many years in his younger days he was actually a Sunday School teacher. Everyone laughed. But then he clarified one more time that he was not joking… he was actually a Bible Sunday School teacher.
Without trying to pass total judgement on him, it made me realize something of great importance in so many of our lives. It is easy to know parts of pieces of Bible stories, but sadly often we just leave them as independent and unrelated stories that do not connect us to God’s great story. When this happens we can sadly miss the whole point. Tragically I find this true of the Creation Story.
Last Sunday we launched our series for the academic year that we have titled “From Creation to New Creation.” We began with those famous and familiar words that so many in the world actually know… “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” (Genesis 1:1) It possibly might be the most recognized verse from the Bible, but so often horribly applied.
This Sunday morning as you prepare your hearts and minds for worship with the LifeWay family, I again encourage you to read Genesis chapter 1… the whole chapter. But then go back and focus your attention on Genesis 1:26-31, as this is the pinnacle of His creation, mankind —- us —- YOU. “So God created man in His own image; He created him in the image of God; He created them male and female.” (Genesis 1:27)
This whole year we will connecting the dots of God’s great story — from Creation to New Creation. Our goal this Sunday morning is not only get a grasp of the immense story of the creation of all things… but then step back and realize how that God created us as the crowning event out of His love.
Again, I find it so sad that many know this story, but often treat it as a fairy tale. This is essential not only in all we do, but all we actually are. If you get this, it will change your life. Otherwise, you will just live out your life with random Bible stories that just sit on the shelf.
A side note: It is very common for me to walk into the auditorium of our church building throughout the week and look at the chairs, rearrange the chairs, and enjoy the room. I do this because I truly look forward with great anticipation the Sunday morning gathering of our church family. Some of you know that I arrange chairs often because I like it, but you might enjoy knowing that I do this because I pray for those that will be sitting in those chairs on Sunday morning. May God bless this Church family as we not only gather, but grow in a way that we are useful to Christ in sharing His truth to a world that is searching.
Anxious to see you Sunday morning!
