1. Genesis 1-2

3. How did Creation Happen? The world exists because God willed it into existence

4. Understanding the Context Written by the Hebrews Before the story was written – they believed water resided in 2 places – Below the sky (sea) and above the sky (rainfall) A great shell-like dome was thought to hold back the water above

5. The First Creation Story God created everything over a period of 6 days and on Day 7 He rests Poetic, repetitive style – WHY?? – Because this story was passed on orally for generations therefore it made the story entertaining, easy to remember and repeat

6. Pattern of Creation Story Each of the 6 days have the same pattern: 1.Introducing the day: “God commanded…” 2.Expressing a command: “Let the water…” 3.Obeying the command: “It was done…” 4.Rejoicing at the result: “God was pleased…” 5.Identifying the day: “The third day…”

7. Pattern of the Week Three days of separation: – Light/dark – Water above/water below – Water/land Three days of Population: – Sea animals & birds – Land vegetation – humans/animals One day of Celebration – rest

8. 4 Truths of the Creation Story 1.There is only one God 2.God planned everything– Creation did not happen by chance 3.God created everything good – God was pleased with everything 4.God made the Sabbath holy – God blessed the day as a day of rest and prayer