CREATION CLUB APRIL 2, 2014

HEBREWS 11:3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. What exactly is faith? How would you define it? HEBREWS 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. What does this last statement mean to you? Does this definition of faith apply only to a belief in God?

ROMANS 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. What is meant here by the “word of God”? So what is one of the best ways to strengthen our faith in God? HEBREWS 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

HEBREWS 11:3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. What does “word of God” refer to in this verse? Do you know of other verses in the Bible that would verify this statement? GENESIS 1:3 - And God said, Let there be light… GENESIS 1:6 - And God said, Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters… GENESIS 1:9 - And God said, Let the waters under the heaven be gathered together unto one place… GENESIS 1:11 - And God said, Let the earth bring forth grass… GENESIS 1:14 - And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven… GENESIS 1:20 - And God said, Let the waters bring forth abundantly the moving creature that hath life… GENESIS 1:24 - And God said, Let the earth bring forth the living creature after his kind…

GENESIS 1:26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness… Why is God speaking in a plural tense in this verse? What does this tell us about Jesus and the Holy Spirit? JOHN 1:1-3 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 The same was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. Who is being discussed in this first verse? What three things do we learn about Jesus from this verse?

HEBREWS 11:3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. Does the context of John 1:1-3 give you any new insights into the first line of this verse? So how does one get a faith that allows them to “understand” that Jesus created the world? HEBREWS 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith… ROMANS 12:3 …according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

How would you now paraphrase or explain this verse? HEBREWS 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Could we then consider our own faith as “proof” of God’s creation? HEBREWS 11:3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. JEREMIAH 29:13 And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.

1 CORINTHIANS 1:18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

CREATION CLUB APRIL 16, 2014

HEBREWS 11:3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. HEBREWS 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. HEBREWS 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith… JOHN 1:1-3 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 The same was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

Our faith, which is given to us by God himself, allows us to understand and believe that Jesus spoke the universe into existence. The fact that we have this faith from God, who reveals himself to us when we seek after him, is a type of evidence for this truth. Our personal relationship with Jesus, is proof of his existence and that his word is true. Watch short video clip of Ray Comfort interviewing Peter Nonacs, Professor, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, UCLAvideo clip Evolution vs. God (31:52-32:42)

What does it mean by “things which are seen”? HEBREWS 11:3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. ROMANS 1:20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse How is God clearly seen and understood by the things that are made? Why does the verse say people are “without excuse”? What does this imply?

What is this statement getting at? How would you explain it? Would you agree or disagree with the following paraphrase? We cannot explain how things originated by looking at the things that currently exist HEBREWS 11:3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. How does evolutionary thinking try to prove or explain the origins of the universe? What is the primary source of information for that belief ?

 The act of God creating the world is a supernatural event  The world around us is a natural environment  Trying to use natural evidence to explain a supernatural event is illogical USING A RULER TO WEIGH A CHICKEN!

The book of Hebrews was written around 65 AD Darwin’s book “The Origin of Species” was published in 1859 That’s nearly 1,800 years between God’s claim, and Darwin’s idea What are some things this reveals to us about the nature of God ? HEBREWS 11:3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.

ROMANS 1: For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: 21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, “Often a cold shudder has run through me, and I have asked myself whether I may have not devoted myself to a fantasy.” ~ Charles Darwin Watch short video clip?video clip

HEBREWS 11:3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. What should you take away from this verse? Encouragement Confidence in Scripture Boldness (Loss of Shame) in Belief