Sermon Notes
In the Beginning, God Said
Genesis 1:1-31
Dr. Tony Chute, Lead Pastor
Overview: The Bible begins with the assertion that God speaks and all creation obediently responds. With His Word, God creates out of nothing, brings order out of chaos, makes distinctions in accordance with His will, pronounces a blessing on His creation, and issues a command for humanity to follow. The original audience of Genesis—the Israelites who were delivered from slavery in Egypt—needed to recognize the authority, beauty, and life-giving power of God’s Word as they were called to be distinct from all nations of the earth. The same God who called the universe into existence called Israel to be His people; the same God who brought order out of chaos redeemed Israel from slavery; the same God who blessed His creation promised blessings for His people; and the same God who made distinctions in accordance with His will gave instructions and commandments for Israel to follow. Given the importance of God’s Word for knowing, loving, and following the Lord, it is no surprise that the first act of rebellion in world history began with the words, “Did God actually say?”