What does every Christian need to believe about creation? What are the different theories out there? What should you do about Christians who believe differently than you?
In this message, Pastor Jamie answers these questions and more.
Things you should know as we discuss creation:
1. Science is not the final authority on truth.
"Science is the belief in the ignorance of the experts" - Richard Feynman
2. How God created is not an essential doctrine of our faith.
Essential doctrines (unity)
Biblical beliefs (charity)
Personal opinions (humility)
God created.
All origin theories must begin with three ingredients: time, energy and matter.
Genesis 1:1 “In the beginning (time) God created (energy) the heavens and the earth (matter).”
There are three main view points on HOW God created:
1. Young Earth Creationism. - Genesis 1-6 is history.
- The earth is somewhere between 6k and 10K years old.
- Humans, animals and plants were created in a complete form with the ability to evolve on a small scale.
- Modern science is wrong about the age of the earth and how humans appeared.
- A worldwide flood destroyed all living things about 4400 years ago. This accounts for much of what looks like an older earth.
- Dinosaurs were created with all the other animals in the garden, but became extinct soon afterwards.
2. Theistic Evolution.
- Genesis 1-6 is a parable meant to illustrate a spiritual truth, not explain the scientific and historical origins of the earth.
- The universe is 13.8 billion years old, the earth is 4.5 billion years old
- Humans, animals and plants evolved from a common ancestor. God created humans over the natural progression of time and put his likeness and image in mankind as we evolved into humans.
- The flood in Genesis was regional, not worldwide – or it’s a parable demonstrating how God makes all things new.
- Dinosaurs lived millions of years ago and eventually evolved into the ancestors of our modern day birds.
3. The Gap theory.
- There is large gap in time between Genesis 1:1 and 1:2.
- The earth is 4.5 billion years old.
- Humanity was created in complete form, per Genesis.
- There was a worldwide flood.
- Dinosaurs were part of the pre-Adamic creation.
How should we respond to the different creation theories?
1. Worship the God of creation.
Revelation 4:11 “Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.”
Psalm 95:6
Let creation cause you to worship the Creator.
2. Help those struggling in their faith because of creation.
According to a study by the Barna Group, one-quarter to one-third of all young adults who lose their faith said it was specifically due to the issue of science and creation.
2 Peter 3:5-6, Romans 1:20
Do you worship the God of creation?