In the Beginning… Studies in Genesis

The Testimony of Creation

Testimony A declaration by a witness under oath, as that given before a court… Evidence in support of a fact or assertion; proof A public declaration regarding a religious experience In the Bible, the stone tablets inscribed with the Ten Commandments; or, the ark containing these tablets

The Testimony of Creation The Testimony of Nature The Testimony of Scripture The Testimony of His New Creation

The Testimony of Nature God permitted the nations to go astray, but he did not leave himself without witness (Acts 14:16-17). The heavens declare God’s glory, and their expanse reveals his handiwork (Ps. 19:1-6).

The Testimony of Nature The physical creation testifies to God’s eternal power and divine nature (Rom. 1:18-20). The universe provides evidence of intelligent design: Every house is built by someone, but the builder of all things is God (Heb. 3:1-4).

The Testimony of Creation The Testimony of Nature The Testimony of Scripture The Testimony of His New Creation

The Testimony of Scripture The Scriptures take up where nature leaves off, revealing what nature cannot. The physical creation affirms the fact of God’s existence, but Scripture makes known God’s mind, His will, and His word (Ps. 19:7-11).

The Testimony of Scripture Preaching to the Athenian philosophers, Paul affirmed the physical creation, but pointed to the resurrection of Jesus Christ as proof of God’s power and purpose (Acts 17:22-31).

The Testimony of Scripture Sacred Scripture is a precious gift, revealing wisdom that would otherwise remain inaccessible, making known the mind of Christ (1 Cor. 2:6- 16).

The Testimony of Creation The Testimony of Nature The Testimony of Scripture The Testimony of His New Creation

The Testimony of His New Creation Consider also the testimony that is offered by His new creation, i.e., the changes wrought in the lives of those who have died to the world and are alive unto God (Gal. 6:14-16).

The Testimony of His New Creation Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come (2 Cor. 5:17).

The Testimony of His New Creation Disciples are the handiwork of God, evidence of His workmanship, His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works (Eph. 2:8-10). The gospel of Christ was powerful enough to eliminate the barriers that existed between Jew and Gentile, making the two into one new man, thus establishing peace (Eph. 2:14-16).

The Testimony of His New Creation Amazing spiritual renewal occurs when one lays aside the old self with its evil practices, and puts on the new self that is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of Christ, our Creator (Col. 3:5-11).

Conclusion Wicked men haughtily discount God, foolishly saying, “There is no God” (Ps. 10:4; 14:1-3). Sadly, many modern-day disciples accommodate their understanding of God’s word to fit the worldview of unbelievers. Such conciliation is folly.

Caution When confronted with a culture steeped in evolutionary thinking, let us not become wobbly or weak-kneed. Faith in God and His word is demanded (Heb. 11:1-3, 6). Let God be found true, and every man a liar (Rom. 3:4).

Challenge We must humbly seek and serve Him: “For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond- servant of Christ” (Gal. 1:10).