The most snow ever to accumulate from a single storm happened from February 13-19th in 1959. The storm hit Mount Shasta Ski Bowl in California with a total of 15.75 feet of snow (Guinness Book of World Records).
Snow appears only a handful of times in the Bible, but when it does, it gives the reader some powerful illustrations. In a Middle Eastern climate where snowfall was pretty rare and memorable, snow became an image to describe God’s purity, or forgiveness, and even His ultimate authority over nature.
One of the most famous references is found in Isaiah 1:18, where God declares, “Though your sins be as scarlet, they will be as white as snow.” Here, snow represents a total cleansing — a visual for guilt being completely erased. The contrast between blood-red sin and snow-white purity made the promise pop to ancient readers— and not lost on the modern reader.
Snow is also used to describe God’s control over the natural world. Job 37:6 says, “For to the snow he says, be on the earth.” Unlike modern scientific explanations, the Bible portrays snow as something that responds directly to God’s command. God established natural law and order so either way, even the most powerful weather phenomena are under divine authority.
In Psalm 147:16, snow becomes a symbol of provision, with a little mystery: “He gives snow like wool.” The comparison to wool is referring to the softness and abundance. The point? That which seems harsh and cold is still part of God’s sustaining design.
Even the terrifying becomes symbolic. When Moses’ hand turns leprous in Exodus 4:6, it is described as “white as snow,” and this really makes that cleansing of sin stand out more. Instead of being left with a disease as white as snow, we’re sanctified and made clean, like snow.
Throughout Scripture, snow is used as a powerful image of transformation — from sin to cleansing, fear to awe, and then it’s obvious beauty. It’s a good reminder that even the coldest seasons are held within the hand of God.
“Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.”
The first book of the Bible is one that has always intrigued its readers. Here’s a profile of the contents and context of this inspired work.
Earliest Date
The traditional view says that Moses composed Genesis during or shortly after the Exodus (1400-1200 BC). This was the standard belief of ancient Israel and early Christianity. Later, there was some debate (lacking satisfying proof) over whether it was written closer to 900-500BC. However, nearly everyone seems to agree that the accounts themselves preserve much older material.
Historical Coverage
Genesis spans from creation to the death of Joseph in Egypt. During this period, major events like the Flood, the Tower of Babel, and the Patriarchs. Depending on what source you use you’ll find timelines from 2,600 years (Masoretic chronology) to over 5,000 years (According to Flavius Josephus).
Incredible Accuracy
The universe had a definite beginning, but before that was acknowledged, it was something that even 19th century scientists resisted.
Humans are made from the “dust of the earth.” Modern biochemistry shows the human body is literally made of the same elements found in soil—carbon, iron, oxygen, trace metals.
Purpose
To explain the origins of the world and humanity. It answers big questions like where everything came from and why we exist. It explains why the world we live in is both beautiful and broken.
It establishes Israel’s Identity. The twelve tribes and their ancestry would trickle down through history to produce the promised Messiah (Gen. 49.8-12).
God speaks of Himself as simply “I Am.” This is one powerful statement depicts His infinite presence and His existence through every age. What does it mean to know Him? How do you know if you do? To know of Jesus is very different than knowing Him.
John is one of those books in the New Testament that will help us to become better aquatinted with the Christ. It’s the last of the gospels that paints a vivid picture of who He was and is on a deeper level than even the three previous gospels. He’s the Bread of life, Light of the world, the Gate, Good Shepherd, Resurrection and Life, the Truth, and the Vine. All of these titles found within the book teach us a little more about the Savior of the world.
There are seven “I Am” statements in John referring to Jesus and three hundred throughout the entire Bible. They begin in Genesis and end in Revelation, and in many books in-between. You just can’t read very far without discovering something very profound about its Writer. He’s eternal. God’s desired response to this is simply for us to believe, respond, and live with our minds and hearts prepared to live with Him. When Jesus describes Himself as the “I Am” it makes the religious leaders want to kill Him (John 8).
To know Jesus, to really know Him, is something that many people have not fully understood. Even as Jesus walked among us mortals and we witnessed His miraculous power there were still several that didn’t realize what it meant to follow Him (Luke 9:57-62). While it’s true that everyone is made in the image of God, few reflect the Father’s image.
Those that know Jesus introduce others to Him. With the knowledge that we are imperfect, let’s not forget that we also have the ability to have a relationship with Him. I am flawed and I am weak, but the Great I Am is interested in who I am. By the grace of God, we are called His children. He is the bread of life that sustains us, the light that guides us, the gate we’ll walk through, and the Truth that will save us. It’s not how great I am, but how great the Great I Am is.
After the six days of creation God rested (Gen. 2.2). The word rest literally meant to stop or, according to Strongs, “desist from exertion” (H7673). Once He finished His work, God does something else that carries a mysterious significance— God blessed a day. So what does that actually mean? Looking at our passage (Gen. 2.3) it says that He does two things and the two verbs that are used are important to help us grasp what’s being said. God blessed the seventh day and made it holy.
Blessed (barak):
In ancient Hebrew thought, to bless something was to fill it with life, fruitfulness, or some kind of ongoing benefit. When God blesses living creatures (both man and beast), they multiply (Gen. 1.22, 28, 9.1). When He blesses the seventh day, He bestows on time itself some kind of divine favor. It was a day that gives spiritual renewal rather than physical productivity. Maybe all the details of that won’t be fully understood or appreciated on this side of eternity.
Made holy (qadash):
To “make holy” meant to set apart. This is also the first time in the Bible that anything is called holy — not a place or an object, but a day. The early Hebrew understanding saw the seventh day as more than a simple pause in labor. God gave them this and He made it a healthy spiritual function of creation.
What’s so significant about all that? This is God blending the spiritual and physical elements of His creation together. It wasn’t like a model train that a boy puts together just for fun. This was proof that existence would be more than a complex physical shell. God “created” an entire day, in part, so we could reflect on that.
The argument is often made that biblical writers ripped off much older myths and adapted them for a monotheistic faith. The problem with this is that, while creation order and chaos are indeed reflected in many of these legends, that’s basically where the similarities end.
Gary Pollard
“Chaoskampf” is a prominent theme in the myths of Babylon, Egypt, Canaan, Greece, and even the Norse sagas. It’s also in our Bible, but with obvious differences. In the Babylonian tablets collectively called the Enuma Elish, creation begins with a great battle. Marduk defeats Tiamat, a sea goddess who represents chaos. He fashions the heavens and the earth from her remains after defeating her in battle. In Canaanite myth, Baal battles Yam, the sea god, also a symbol of chaos. In Egyptian stories, Ra must overcome the serpent Apep every night—a coiling monster of darkness and disorder (and don’t forget Osiris/Seth). In Norse mythology, at the edge of the world lies Jörmungandr, the world serpent, who they said will one day rise in Ragnarök, the day of final chaos. In Greek mythology, the Titans battle the Olympians and the victors reorder the destroyed world.
The pattern is the same: a divine being, representing order and stability, faces the chaos of the sea, often personified as a serpent. Genesis 1 is greatly simplified and much cleaner — “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was formless and empty, and darkness covered the deep waters. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters.” The great patriarchs were raised in these traditions: Abraham was from Ur of Babylonia, and Moses was raised and educated in Egypt. Asaph wrote, “With your great power you split open the sea and broke the heads of the sea monster. Yes, you smashed the heads of Leviathan and left his body for the animals to eat. You make the springs and rivers flow, you make the rivers dry up. You control day and night. You made the sun and moon. You set limits for everything on earth, and you created summer and winter” (Ps 74).
The argument is often made that biblical writers ripped off much older myths and adapted them for a monotheistic faith. The problem with this is that, while creation order and chaos are indeed reflected in many of these legends, that’s basically where the similarities end. Unlike other cultures, whose myths are all about cosmic battles between gods, Moses and Asaph speak of the unchallenged power of the God who tamed the seas and chaos with just his words.
Revelation ties this theme up nicely. John says, “Then I saw a new sky and a new earth. The first sky and first earth had disappeared. Now there was no sea. And I saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down from God, down from the sky.” The detail about the sea might seem out of place, but it’s not. “Sea” was often synonymous with chaos, violence, death, and fear. It was personified as a great enemy that had to be defeated. On New Earth, tehom — chaos, the abyss, Tiamat, Leviathan, the sea — is finally gone forever.
Three quick things:
Chaos is nothing to panic over. We serve the God who calmed the seas with a word (Mk 4).
God can and does bring order from chaos. Our life might feel “formless and void” but God will ultimately bring order and beauty (Rom 8).
God has already won — the sea is on borrowed time, Leviathan has lost.
Revelation 21 isn’t fantasy; it’s certain. God will fulfill this promise. For early Christians and us, it’s a call to persevere.
Carl Pollard
The book of Revelation is often misunderstood, neglected, and misused. Its complex imagery and cultural gap make it tough for 21st-century readers. As Peter noted in 2 Peter 3:16, some “twist” such texts to their own destruction. Sadly, Revelation suffers this fate.
In Revelation 21, John shares a vision given to the seven churches of Asia—a message of victory through Christ. Written for Christians under Roman persecution, it offered hope amid suffering. Its Hebrew numerology and imagery resonated then, but today, many distort its meaning. Yet, Christ’s victory remains clear.
John sees the end: God’s triumph over evil, a glimpse of the world’s future, and the faithful’s reward. This prophecy is certain, like all God’s promises. For those in Christ, it’s the ultimate experience. Revelation 21 shows God making “all things new.” Notice what is new:
A New Creation (Verses 1-2)
John sees a new heaven and earth, the old gone. No sea—symbol of chaos—remains. The New Jerusalem descends, God’s people radiant, ready for eternal fellowship. God restores creation, erasing all brokenness.
A New Connection (Verses 3-4)
God will dwell with His people, His presence intimate. Tears, death, and pain vanish. This is perfect fellowship, every sorrow erased by God’s nearness.
A Final Condition (Verses 6-8)
God declares, “I am making all things new!” He offers eternal life freely, but those rejecting Him face separation. This is God’s final justice and mercy.
Revelation 21 isn’t fantasy; it’s certain. God will fulfill this promise. For early Christians and us, it’s a call to persevere. In a broken world, we await a new creation, connection, and condition. Let’s live faithfully, eyes on the day God makes all things new.
Some interpret verses like Isaiah 40:22 (“God stretches out the heavens like a curtain”) as suggesting the expansion of the universe. It’s possible that this could simply be taken as poetic license but if the expanding universe theory is correct, then perhaps the poetic description carries some literal significance as well.
Jeremiah states that “the host of heaven cannot be numbered, neither the sand of the sea measured” (33:22), even though the number of visible stars was limited at the time.
But Isaiah 40:22 states that God “sits above the circle of the earth” and this passage has been the subject of intense scrutiny and interesting debate.
Circle Means Spherical, Right?
The Hebrew word for “circle” doesn’t necessarily mean spherical, in fact the word was pretty flexible. It could depict the shape of a compass (Josh. 6.11), or something vaulted, as well as something arched. The question is, could it have been used to refer to something that was/is spherical in shape?
Smart People Seemed To Think So!
We know Isaiah described the sky as being circular— but then there’s Solomon. He possessed an intellect so impressive that I Kings 4.29ff states that, “God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding beyond measure, and breadth of mind like the sand on the seashore…”. He also authored one of the oldest proverbs in the book of Proverbs and It’s here that the word “circle” is used for the third time in the Bible. What’s even more interesting is that Solomon was likely quoting Job (written aprox. 2100 BC).
Solomon wrote this,
“…He established the heavens, I was there; when he drew a circle on the face of the deep” (Proverbs 8.27).
Job wrote this,
“He has inscribed a circle on the face of the waters
at the boundary between light and darkness” (Job 26.10).
To appreciate this mysterious verse even more let’s explore the surrounding verses that dive into the very origin of wisdom.
THE HISTORY OF WISDOM
The Hebrew noun for wisdom is feminine which is likely why wisdom is often referred to as “she” in Proverbs.
Chapter 8.22-31 elucidates her role in creation:
It describes Lady Wisdom as being with God at the beginning of creation, and she’s the one who brought order from chaos. We’re told that she existed (in the mind of God) before the oceans, mountains, and even, “the first dust of the world.”
She’s God’s wisdom, so divine, but this is the part of God that He used to create. It’s like the relationship between a seed and an apple. The skin, flesh, core, and seeds all make up an apple but the seed is the only part that can produce more apples. Wisdom is both distinct from God and a part of Him at same time.
What does this have to do with circles? It was the part of God which was utilized in the creation of a circular earth. Since we know that the earth is not flat, then circle must mean spherical because this isn’t man’s wisdom being discussed here.
The Spheroid Springs
Proverbs 8.28-29
“…when he made firm the skies above,
when he established the fountains of the deep
when he assigned to the sea its limit,
so that the waters might not transgress his command,
when he marked out the foundations of the earth.”
The word used for fountains (or springs, ESV) is also the Hebrew word for “eye.” While it may be a curious coincidence, the human eye, like the Earth, isn’t a perfect sphere, but rather a funny-looking shape called a spheroid. That imagery complements the creation account when one compares the language used to describe how God gathered (bound/collected) the elements, earth and water, into one place (Genesis 1.9-10).
SUMMARY
Earth must be a kind of circle that serves as a fixed boarder between the outer darkness of space (Proverbs 8.27, Job 26.22).
A circle containing the sky above and the deep below (Proverbs 8.28)— must be spherical.
The Hebrew word for “circle” is ambiguous enough that it can describe anything which “goes around” or “covers” something.
Have you ever made a list of why God is worthy to be praised? David did, in Psalm 111. Take a moment and explore his inspired, itemized list…
Neal Pollard
WORTHY OF PRAISE (PSALM 111)
Neal Pollard
One of those names that remind me of my childhood love of singing is Tillit S. Teddlie, a prolific songwriter and member of the church of Christ who lived to be 102. His songs have a trademark sound, and we have sung so many of them: “Heaven Holds All To Me,” “When We Meet In Sweet Communion,” “Oft We Come Together,” “Singing Redemption’s Song,” “Hear Me When I Call,” “Don’t Wait Too Long,” and “Into Our Hands.” He wrote about soul-winning and personal devotion, but he also devoted a lot of his hymns to worship. I love his song, “Worthy Art Thou.”
It is said that Teddlie wrote this hymn in 1930, sitting on his front porch on a Sunday morning. He was studying a commentary, Johnson’s Notes, looking for something to put into his sermon. His Bible was open to Revelation, where the elders are before the throne and singing, “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing” (Rev. 5:11)(biographical info via hymnstudies.blog). Teddlie could as easily have been studying Psalm 111. While the phrase, “worthy of praise,” is not found in the psalm, the psalmist calls for praise and then sets out to show why.
HIS WORKS ARE WORTHY OF PRAISE
The psalm’s writer mentions God’s “work” and “works” four times in this brief psalm. They are “great” and “studied” by those who delight in Him (2). They are splendid and majestic (3). They are “powerful” (6). “The works of His hands are truth and justice” (7). The God who created everything did not step back and cease His activity among men after the creation. The God who calls for our works of obedience sets the example by continuing to work in the affairs of mankind. Whether His natural laws set in motion at the creation, His providential care, His answer to prayer, or His redemption, He is at work! For this, He deserves our praise.
HIS WONDERS ARE WORTHY OF PRAISE
“He has made His wonders to be remembered” (4). These are unusual things beyond human capabilities. It means “to be wonderful” or “to cause a wonderful thing to happen” (TWOT 723). While the psalmist doesn’t mention specifically what these wonders are or give examples, any of the attributes and actions would qualify. The psalmist mentions who He is and what He has done. If we think deeply about those, we are left to dwell on how incredible and awesome our God is!
HIS WORD IS WORTHY OF PRAISE
The psalmist does not confine his praise to God’s nature and activity. There are His precepts (7), His commandments (10), and His covenant (5,9). God’s greatness is found in what He has revealed to us and what that revelation does for us in this life and for the life to come. My maker has seen to it we have the owner’s manual, to help us know how to best live. I am blessed by His truth (7,8).
HIS WISDOM IS WORTHY OF PRAISE
While I must obtain wisdom myself, it is truly a “wisdom from above” (Jas. 3:17). I get wisdom through the fear of the Lord (10). This good understanding, brought about by His Word (see above), helps me avoid the folly of the unbeliever and the heartache of the rebellious.
When I assemble with the saints to worship, I need to have a proper frame of mind. That occurs by intentional preparation beforehand. It helps me to meditate on who God is and what I am about to do in worship. This can help me focus and bring a better offering. There is no shortage of matters to consider. This psalm shows me just a few of the reasons why the object of my worship is praiseworthy!
Do you remember going to bed on Christmas Eve as a child? Time seemed to go by at a snail’s pace! As children, we felt like we were always waiting—for birthdays, Christmas, or Halloween. Tuesday evenings felt endless because in our house we had Waffle Wednesday. Even those small joys filled us with excitement. Sadly, as we grow older, that anticipation often fades. We should strive to foster that child-like excitement in our Christian walk as we consider what’s ahead.
In 2 Corinthians 5:1-10, the Apostle Paul speaks of our future bodily resurrection. These verses remind us of God’s promise and encourage us to live differently, focusing on the hope of a Better Dwelling. Many Christians are motivated by a fear of hell rather than the reward of eternal life. However, if we embrace the truth of God’s Word, we find a greater motivation—hope.
Paul describes our bodies as temporary, like tents or clay jars (2 Corinthians 5:1-2, 4). Decline is an inevitable part of life, and our bodies are not meant to last. This leads to a natural response: groaning, expressing discomfort. For many, the desire is for relief from physical pain, but for Christians, that “something better” is the promise of resurrection life and restoration.
An essential theme of Genesis is that God created everything as good, and He is committed to restoring His creation. According to 2 Corinthians 5:1-10, He will undo death through the resurrection of our bodies. The Spirit given to us is a guarantee that God has started the work of restoration in us and will see it through to completion.
What is still to come? Paul says we have “a building from God, eternal in the heavens” (vv. 1-2). This is a NEW body. In the resurrection, Paul says we will be “putting on” a new body. “What is mortal will be swallowed up by life” (v. 4). Life as we know it will be overshadowed by eternal, perfect existence. The best part is being “at home with the Lord” (v. 8).
The promise of resurrection promotes a different way of living. Are you willing to give up a resurrected body for a tent? Paul affirms three resolutions we should have. First, remember what we ought to believe; we know of God’s promise of resurrection. Second, remember the resurrection as encouragement during decline. Third, remember where you would rather be: “We would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord” (v. 8).
With these in mind, we will “walk” according to what we believe about the future and trust that God will keep His promise. Paul phrases it as “walking by faith and not by sight” (v. 7).
Our anticipation for new life in the presence of God shapes how we live today. If you’ve lost sight of this, refocus now. Let’s strive to be resurrected and spend eternity together with the Lord.
There was a chaotic, inky, and endless cosmic ocean raging in the great nothingness before time began. But, if we could traverse back in time and glimpse the earth after it had just started spinning we’d likely surmise that we had stepped onto another planet. Animals spoke in a tongue which the first humans understood, bipedal serpents stalked the infant earth, and a mighty conflict exploded in the heavens among the sons of God. The thundering footsteps of giants could be heard roaming the ancient landscape; turning the blood of our ancestors to ice. Sorcery and witchcraft, though banned by our Creator, was successfully practiced and the consequences of those actions are not understood. From the garden of God to the hellscape of godless cities came accounts of good and evil. These accounts left a permanent impact on every generation that followed and the stories that have been passed down feel almost familiar somehow. It’s as if they were tattooed on our hearts or that eternity was ingrained in the human psyche.
A plethora of ancient cultures echo the same biblical imagery in their written and oral traditions. Mainstream astronomers, geologists, archeologists, and the secular slew of mighty minds have fooled themselves and others into believing that they’ve made discoveries that have enlightened the modern age. Our ancestors, as they’re painted in the history books, stumbled about in blind ignorance— longing to have access to the vast amounts of wisdom we’re privy to. This is simply not the case. The Bible serves as mankind’s one and only peek behind the spiritual veil. It’s a book that was attacked during its formation and ever since the completion of its closing revelation. Of all the accusations and allegations levied against the inspired texts, only the ignorant could make the claim that the Bible is boring. There’s a wide range of baggage one might bring with them as they crack open its precious pages but who could close the book and walk away with such a thought? It’s fascinating. It’s a gripping literary masterpiece with such historical, scientific, and spiritual implications that it’s powerful enough to upend the lives of its readers and reroute their eternal destination. The Bible is a book of life. It’s about life back then and right now. It’s about spiritual life; the bleak state of it then and our justified life now. It’s about the Creator of life. It elucidates, improves, elevates, and transforms. So, the Book is quite literally everything for everyone.
The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous rules endures forever (Psalm 119:160).
Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him (Proverbs 30:5).
The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever (Isaiah 40:8).
Why does everyone’s creation stories, from ancient myths onward, talk about there being water in the beginning? And why is this important for the Christian who believes the Bible is God-breathed?
Dale Pollard
“For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.”
Romans 1:20
For a moment I want to walk through some newer findings in the realm of secular based science that match the biblical narrative perfectly.
WATER WAS PRESENT IN THE EARLIEST STAGES OF THE UNIVERSE
According to Tel Aviv University & NASA researchers (2016):
“Astronomers have long held that water—two hydrogen atoms and an oxygen atom—was a relative latecomer to the universe. They believed that any element heavier than helium had to have been formed in the cores of stars and not by the Big Bang itself. Since the earliest stars would have taken some time to form, mature, and die, it was presumed that it took billions of years for oxygen atoms to disperse throughout the universe and attach to hydrogen to produce the first interstellar ‘water.'”
However, they go on to say,
“…new research poised for publication in Astrophysical Journal Letters by Tel Aviv University and Harvard University researchers reveals that the universe’s first reservoirs of water may have formed much earlier than previously thought…” (via https://www.aftau.org).
In Genesis (1.2ff), we read that the Spirit of God hovered over the face of the waters.
Then God said, “Let there be a space between the waters, to separate the waters of the heavens from the waters of the earth.”
There are countless ancient myths from around the world that somehow include this not-so-coincidental detail that in the very beginning, water was present. Whether or not God intended for that element to speak to something other than its order in the account of creation, it’s fitting. God is the maker and maintainer of life— and water is absolutely essential for life to exist. We’re physically alive because of it and we’re spiritually saved through it (I Peter 3.21).
It’s a thread that satisfyingly runs through the entirety of scripture and it seems as though science is finally beginning to catch up with what God told us thousands of years ago.
How does one argue human value without the existence of God?
Gary Pollard
“What makes human life valuable?”
A purely naturalistic answer is not adequate. Life begets life, which is true. Self-preservation is built into our programming, that’s true. Life is valuable because of its potential to contribute to future generations (the reproductive success aspect of biological imperatives), which is also true. Humans rely on each other for survival, that’s true. We have a unique capacity for empathy, true. We have consciousness and recognize the value of others, true (kinda). And there are cultural narratives that emphasize the value of human life (depends on the cultural narrative).
But what stops a society from devolving into the practice of eugenics? If some have superior genetics in the mental and physical health department, why not be more selective about who gets to reproduce? Why would we allow the survival of those who don’t or can’t contribute to future generations? Why would we allow/desire the survival of those who don’t or can’t meaningfully contribute to society? What about empathy’s subjective nature? We don’t usually show empathy (as much anyways) to those whose experiences or values are very different from our own, not without a transcendent directive that calls us to aim higher than self. We have consciousness and recognize the value of others…until we decide that they aren’t valuable any longer (see all militant religious conflicts over the last fifteen centuries). And those cultural narratives that value human life are primarily religious in their nature, with none emphasizing absolute selfless love more than Christianity. By Christianity, of course, I mean actual Christians. Not godless pagans who use iconography and distorted narratives to manipulate others for personal elevation. They are not — and cannot by definition be — Christians.
So what does make human life valuable? We have to posit their value from a transcendent point of view.
We are the only life on the planet that looks like God (Gen 1.27). While there’s been much debate over what “in his image and likeness” means, it’s not exactly ambiguous in scripture. Genesis 5.1 and 5.3 make the best case for this: “When God created people, he made them like himself.” And, “After Adam was 130 years old, he had another son who looked just like himself. Adam named his son Seth.” Same exact wording. Genesis 9.6 says, “God made humans to be like himself. So whoever kills a person must be killed by another person.” The value of human life comes from our resemblance to the Creator.
As Jesus affirmed, the two most important laws are to love God with all of our being and to love other people like self (cf. Mt 22.36-40). If we love God, we’re going to love other people — including people who hate and hurt us (Mt 5.44). That isn’t a natural reaction to hostility! Human life has value because God gave it value.
Human life is valuable because the Creator sacrificed himself to give us life. If God “Doesn’t want anyone to be destroyed, but for everyone to change their lives,” our view of people should be the same (cf. II Pt 3.9).
From a naturalistic point of view, there’s no utility in ensuring the survival of people who can’t contribute to society. Drawing from the reasons we’ve listed James says, “Pure, genuine religion is this: providing for orphans and widows who need help and keeping yourself free from the world’s evil influence” (1.27).
Think about what we have in Christ: the encouragement he has brought us, the comfort of his love, our sharing in his spirit, and the mercy and kindness he has shown us. If you enjoy these blessings, then do what will make my joy complete: Agree with each other, and show your love for each other. Be united in your goals and in the way you think. In whatever you do, don’t let selfishness or pride be your guide. Be humble, and honor others more than yourselves. Don’t be interested only in your own life, but care about the lives of others too (Phil 2.1-4).
Scripture offers deeper insights into the nature of truth. When you choose to integrate faith into your everyday life, you will find meaning and you will be fulfilled.
You will find a purpose driven existence that the world longs to have. With God, life has meaning.
Notice with me 5 biblical truths that shape our worldview. There are many more, but these five have been the fundamentals of our faith. These are the ones that the apostles taught to the world after the ascension of Jesus. I am thankful that God has given to us a framework as Christians, a framework through which we are supposed to interpret the world.
We don’t rely on opinions, or feelings, or traditions, or our families, to tell us these truths. These truths were laid upon us by the Lord of Lords. He tells us these truths so that we would have a lens through which we can interpret the world. Without them we are Velma from Scooby Doo. We NEED these glasses to see the world properly.
Pillar number 1 in the biblical worldview…
We Were Created
How does the world say that we got here?
In the beginning there was a cosmic boom.
This is what our children our taught, and what more and more people are believing.
This is totally contrary to the words of Scripture. We say “In the beginning God created.” The world says, “In the Beginning nothing created.” It takes more faith to believe evolution than it does the first five words of the Bible. Pillar number 1 of a biblical worldview contradicts the very nature of modern historical scientists.
In the beginning God said, “Let us make man in our own imagine, in our own likeness” Gen. 1:26
We were created and molded after the Creator. From this first pillar we learn many things. Because we have a Creator we better understand the world God placed us in.
The knowledge of a Creator helps us understand ourselves better since we were made in the image of God. Because we were created we learn of the Creator who shaped us out of dust and breathed life into our bodies. We were created to ENJOY fellowship with our God.
Pillar number 2…
We Fell
In Genesis 3, man rebelled against God and as a result of that, sin entered into the world. This sin caused
Spiritual separation: Adam and Eve and their children were separated from God, both physically and spiritually. They could no longer walk and talk with God face to face.
Physical changes: Adam and Eve became mortal, and they and their children would experience sickness, pain, and physical death.
Cursed environment: The ground was cursed in the Garden of Eden and throughout the earth.
Loss of righteousness: Adam and Eve became aware of their nakedness and knew that their former perfection was gone.
Guilt and shame: Adam and Eve felt guilt and shame they had NEVER felt this before.
Judgment: Satan was judged with a divine curse. The woman would experience pain in childbirth, and her husband was to rule over her. Man must now labor for his existence on a cursed earth.
And if that wasn’t enough, Paul says this in Romans 5:12: “Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, so also death was passed on to all men, because all sinned.” From the moment we fell, all people are born into a sinful world, and with a desire to rebel against our God. No matter who you are, you will have sin in your life (Romans 3:23).
There are so many people who don’t believe in God because of the consequences of the fall. They’re angry because there is suffering and death in the world. They think if God exists, why is there so much death and pain? Either He doesn’t exist, is too weak to fix it, or just doesn’t care. In their minds, they don’t believe in God because of these things. Why do so many feel this way? They fail to have a biblical worldview. Otherwise they would realize that all of this death and suffering and sorrow is a direct result of the fall. We recognize through a biblical worldview that we live in a fallen world.
And because of this, although God is good and He exists, suffering also exists because we live in a SINFUL world.
Do you see how these worldviews can start changing your attitude? Every tear you’ve ever shed. Every graveside you’ve ever attended. Every hospital you’ve been in. Every NICU a child is taken to. Every war that is fought. Every cancer treatment you take. Every grey hair or lack of hair. Every divorce, every death, every diseases. Every failure, every insecurity, every struggle ALL exists because we LIVE in a fallen world!
What is the point if there is no God to save us from our sin?
Pillar 3…
We Are Redeemed
We are currently living in the Christian era or dispensation. We exist in a time, after the fall, but before the end. We are in the last times. No newer covenant, this is it.
God has given His Son, we either accept Him or reject it. What more could God give?
How else could He prove to His creation that He loves us? He chose us after the fall.
We are now redeemed through Christ. We are living in a time after the resurrection and before the second coming. God is working on this earth to redeem those whose hearts are soft so that we can escape judgment.
We are redeemed by the blood of Christ, and God is going to make sure that everybody has an opportunity to respond.
And that is where we are now. God is redeeming for Himself a people who will spend an eternity with Him. Ephesians 1:7 says, “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.” This word redeemed literally means, to release from a captive condition, to deliver. What are we being released from? What holds us captive? The SIN we find ourselves in as we are living in a fallen world!
Christ is our redeemer who saves us again and again. God has regained His prize possession through the payment of His Son.
Not everyone will be saved, only those who have come in contact with the blood of Christ. This is why call Him our redeemer.
Those who are redeemed will be taken to paradise and saved from the destruction of this world. We live in the era of redemption.
If you don’t have this biblical worldview, you will see no reason to stop sinful behavior.
You will be just like those in the days of Noah, MOCKING the ones who are getting in a boat on dry land. This worldview should shape our perspective of life, to its CORE.
Pillar 4…
We Are A Part of The Kingdom
The Kingdom of God is the reign and rule of God in our lives. We were redeemed to be a new creation in Christ. We are a part of the reign of God in the world. As citizens in this Kingdom, we are called to live in a way that reflects His values and priorities.
We are called to live out the principles of our King in our daily lives. Jesus came, according to Mark one, preaching the kingdom of God is at hand.
It’s here now! Our worldview, that is, our jobs, our families, our friends, our words, our thoughts, our actions, our attitude, our perspective, must ALL be shaped by our citizenship. We. Belong. To God. “But our citizenship is above, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself” (Phil. 3:20).
We are here, but don’t belong. Live like you are in God’s Kingdom.
Pillar 5…
We Will Be Restored
This final pillar looks forward to the ultimate restoration of all things. We are promised that God will make everything new, just as it was in the beginning. Pillars 1 and 5 are connected by redemption and a kingdom.
Through these things we will be restored to God’s original perfection. This is hope greater than any earthly thing. This promise of restoration helps us persevere through this fallen world. This promise helps us live as citizens of the Kingdom. The promise of restoration provides hope for the future.
It encourages the redeemed to work toward godly love, to show mercy and forgiveness.
Another one of the most commonly asked questions is, “What is humanity’s goal?” This seems to be a “purpose” question, but one that specifically asks if we’re pursuing some kind of unity. Many have tackled this question, and most of them are far more qualified to deal with it than I am. But the ancient writings God gave humanity have proved reliable for millennia, so I’ll lean on its principles in this abridged look at our unifying goal(s).
The concept of a “unity” has been explored for a very long time. It serves as the foundational principle for many world religions because we all have an intuitive sense that we’re connected somehow, or that we all come from a common source. We understand that all of us together are greater than any one person, so our destiny must be just as awesome!
The short answer (from a believer’s perspective) is: Humanity’s goal is to see God.
We believe that the Logos created our planet and made it habitable. The universe is the creative expression of his nature and power.
Humanity’s original goal was the explore the Earth and enjoy it (Gen 2.1-15).
We were in a state of perfect harmony with the Creator and his creation.
We lost that when we chose to pursue forbidden gnosis.
All of history (and what remains of our future) is a story — its unifying narrative is our journey back to that initial harmony. This story is only possible because the Creator sacrificed himself to change our inevitable destiny!
Our immediate goal is to emulate the Creator’s character as much as we can. This necessarily means we acknowledge his existence and primacy. He is light and love, so we try to be the same. Done properly, this benefits all people (especially people who struggle). Why voluntarily pursue other peoples’ needs over our own? Why struggle against the body’s impulses? Why view other people as more important than self? Why hold on so tightly to a belief in a God no one has seen? He promised us a return to perfection, an eternal life without any suffering, and a fully-repaired, personal relationship with the Creator (cf. II Pt 3.13; I Jn 3.1-3, Rv 21.1-2).
Now I am coming to you. I will not stay in the world, but these followers of mine are still in the world. Holy Father, keep them safe by the power of your name — the name you gave me. Then they will be one, just like you and I are one (Jn 17.11).
A person has only one body, but that body has many parts. Yes, there are many parts, but all those parts are still just one body. Christ is like that, too (I Cor 12.12).
There is one body and one spirit, and God chose you to have one hope. There is one master, one faith, and one baptism. There is one God and Father of us all, who rules over everyone. He works through all of us and in all of us (Eph 4.4-6).
This week’s question is a new one for me: What is beauty? A follow-up question some of you may ask is, “What does that have to do with Christianity?” More than we might think! Beauty is a powerful evidence of intelligent design, an aspect of reality that inspires both fear and wonder.
God shows us what he’s like through what he created. As Paul puts it, “There are things about God that people can’t see — his eternal power and all that makes him God. But since the beginning of the world, those things have been easy for people to understand. They are made clear in what God has made, so people have no excuse for the evil they do” (Rom 1.20).
Inquisitive minds have marveled at the beauty/symmetry of nature for millennia. A pattern is obvious in so many seemingly-unrelated things! The “Golden Ratio” under various names has been important to our study of reality for thousands of years. It can be seen in the number of leaves on a stem, in the pattern of a nautilus shell, and even the proportions of our faces.1 Not all of us are remotely mathematically minded (at least I’m not), but I don’t need to understand the properties of Φ to appreciate its role in nature’s beauty! I have eyeballs and some level of consciousness, so it’s self-evident.
The question wasn’t, “Why is beauty important to a believer?” Some consider this topic irrelevant or unimportant or even repulsive, but beauty plays such a powerful role in showcasing God’s unlimited power and love!
So what is beauty? In nature, it is symmetry and something that inspires awe. Snowcapped mountains and roaring seas each have their own beauty (see I Cor 15.40-41 for other examples). Awe is fear with beauty, the goosebumps we might get when we see something truly incredible or terrifying.2 God made nature and people beautiful as an expression of himself! From almost the very beginning, humanity’s enemies hijacked beauty to interact with it in ways God never intended. There’s nothing new under the sun — beauty is just one of a few things God created for good that have potential for abuse.
In the abstract, beauty is (at least in part) whatever we might call “good” or “beneficial”. When someone helps another person we call that “beautiful”. When a person’s actions and disposition align with what is good, we call that “beautiful”. It is difficult to describe, but God has written a moral code in each person’s heart. Some listen to it, many do not. But we don’t have to delineate this code to know when something is beautiful! Anything done by that ethic is beautiful.
So God created humans in his own image. He created them to be like himself. He created them male and female. God blessed them and said, “Have many children. Fill the earth and take control of it. … God looked at everything he had made. And he saw that everything was very good” (Gen 1.27-28, 31).
1 Examples of the golden ratio you can find in nature. (n.d.) Sacramento State University. https://www.csus.edu/indiv/m/mirzaagham/math1/SQ5.pdf 2 See also Mcphetres, J. & Zickfield, J. (09.2022). The physiological study of emotional piloerection: A systematic review and guide for future research. International Journal of Psychophysiology, 179 (pp. 6-20). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2022.06.010
The greatest secret in the universe has been revealed to humanity: Jesus himself (Col 2.2-3). This is perhaps a hint that the groups harassing the believers at Colossae were Gnostic as well as Jewish. Gnostics were all about secret knowledge and asceticism (at least in this group, cf. 2.18). Paul addressed the Jewish elements in this section too. I’m certainly not dogmatic about this, but it does seem possible that at least elements of Gnostic thought were influencing Colossae, on top of the pervasive traditionalism of the Jewish Christians.
Either way we should pay attention to an important point — all of humanity from the dawn of civilization has been trying to figure out what a specific something is. We’ve always been impressed with a sense that something bigger than us is out there. Since we’ve recently been able to take a crude glimpse into the cosmos itself, we’ve only been more impressed with how powerless we are on this little blue marble. Cosmic scales are something we can’t even wrap our minds around. There’s so much raw power that can only be viewed from distances so vast that we could never hope to travel them physically (eg. supernovas). But a simple cometary fragment could wipe out our little rock, if God willed it!
Most early civilizations deified some element or other natural force on this planet, or they deified what they could observe with the naked eye in the heavens. Many ancient cultures worshipped powerful or beautiful animals, stars, or even political/military celebrities (sometimes all of the above). They were searching everywhere, desperate to find the source of infinite cosmic power, wisdom, and guidance that they instinctively knew existed, but could not identify. Since God is invisible (cf. 1.15), he had to be revealed to us. This great mystery was solved once and for all with the arrival of Jesus on the planet he created (2.16-17). He is that power, and he cares about us! That means he wants to take us with him when this earth is destroyed (2.18-20). The mystery is far more profound (and practical and humbling) than we thought. What is that thing every ancient culture has tried to identify and worship? The Great Mystery of the Eons — Jesus: Creator, Teacher, Civilizer, Rescuer, God.
This message is the secret truth that was hidden since the beginning of time. It was hidden from everyone for ages, but now it has been made known to God’s holy people. God decided to let his people know just how rich and glorious that truth is. That secret truth — which is for all people — is that Christ lives in you, his people. He is our hope for glory (2.27).
Universal constants (ie. truth) exist. They must, or civilization would not be able to sustain itself.
Only one religious system has a flawless narrative from beginning to end: Christianity. The collection of sacred writings we call the bible is uncanny in its preservation and authenticity. No other ancient document has ever held up to academic scrutiny like the bible has.
While no organization is perfect, none have positively impacted the planet like Christianity has. Not even close. No civilization has been as functional as those which have been built on Judeo-Christian principles. Literacy is as wide-spread as it is because of the bible.
Evidence for the existence of a higher power is everywhere. If the bible — which contains a supernaturally infallible narrative — claims that the God we serve is that higher power, it is only rational to serve that God.
“Faith is what makes real the things we hope for. It is proof of what we cannot see. God was pleased with the people who lived a long time ago because they had faith like this. Faith helps us understand that God created the whole world by his command. This means the things we see were created by something that cannot be seen” (Hb 11.1-3).
We were not there 2,000 years ago when Jesus walked the earth. We were not there when he created the earth. We were not there when he came back to life. We were not there to witness any miracles.
But what has been left to us is a series of compelling proofs, such as the complexity and order of the universe from the cosmic scale to the microscopic scale. We have a collection of ancient documents which have been preserved to a degree that no other ancient documents have, and which contain no narrative contradictions. We have a system of belief that, when followed properly, is the most functional way to live. We will not see with our own eyes until Jesus returns. Until then we are satisfied with the evidence we have, and we are confident in who God is and that he exists. This is the very definition of faith.
The first chapter of the Bible’s 1189 provides a helpful reminder that chapter divisions are an act of man (Stephen Langton in 1227) rather than an act of God. Genesis 1:1-2:3 is the inspired record of the creation of the universe followed by a more intimate account of the creation of man (2:4-25). There is incredible structure in the way Moses records the making of the universe, showing the Creator to be a being of order and design.
The skeletal information of the chapter falls out easily enough:
The beginning (of the universe): God created a formless and void earth, and darkness as well as God’s Spirit were over the surface of the water (the deep)(1:1-2). Incidentally, isn’t the “end” implied with the word “beginning”? With perfect foreknowledge, God knew that this world would someday come to an end (see Isaiah 46:10).
Day one: God created light and separated the light from the darkness (1:3-5).
Day two: God created the sky (called the expanse–“beaten, [metal] plate, firmament (i.e. vault of heaven, understood as a solid dome)” (CHALOT, 347) (1:6-8).
Day three: God created dry land and vegetation (1:9-13).
Day four: God created sun, moon, and stars (1:14-19).
Day five: God created water animals and winged creatures (1:20-23).
Day six: God created mammals, reptiles, and man (1:24-31).
Day seven: God rested from all the work which He had done (2:1-3).
Another way to divide this account is through two words Moses uses. Days one through three record God “forming” (1:7) what had been “formless.” Days four through six record God “filling” (1:22,28) what He had “formed” (see Kurt Strasser, Opening Up Genesis, 20-21, for more on how he develops this idea). Despite those who wish to accommodate epochs of time and the theory of evolution “in the beginning,” we have the testimony of chapter one identifying each day of creation as a 24-hour period (5,8,13,19,23,31). The same writer, Moses, will look back on the creation in the establishment of the Sabbath, noting that God created the universe in six days (Ex. 20:11; 31:17). Do you find it interesting that civilizations everywhere throughout time have constructed their calendars and functions around the seven day week? It is sown into the fabric of creation!
We are impressed with God’s active involvement in the creation process (note the verbs–I count 38 in these 34 verses, actions God takes in these seven days of work). As we read the remainder of the Bible, we will appreciate how God remains active and involved with His creation and especially the pinnacle of His creation (1:27). Whether observation, speaking, or otherwise creating, we see God at work.
We are impressed by God’s “triune” nature as revealed in Genesis one. We see the second most common designation for God (2532; YHWH, God’s proper name occurs around 6800 times in the O.T.) and is used for divine beings, associated with might and strength and creation (from the first verse of Scripture). The Spirit of God is first referenced in verse two, and the plurality of personalities is clearly found in this inaugural chapter. How? “Elohim” is a plural noun each of the 35 times it appears in these first 34 verses. Further, as God discusses the creation of man among Himself (even saying it strains the limits of our comprehension), He says, “Let us make man….” (27). Not multiple Gods. The rest of Scripture will show us what it first introduced here. God has an essence and nature. Only One (only God) is all-powerful, all-knowing, uncaused, present everywhere all at once, perfect, sinless, etc. Yet, God is three distinct persons. Two are explicitly identified here (Father, Spirit). One is averred to be the agent of Creation elsewhere (John 1:3; 1 Cor. 8:6; Col. 1:16; Heb. 1:2).
God’s first question for Job is a confession that He created the universe (Job 38:4). Israel sang about the creation (Psalm 104:4-5). Every New Testament writer but Jude (who still refers to events in Genesis) makes reference to the creation account. All divine revelation rests upon the truth of Genesis one. God permitted the universe to be and subsequent chapters will help us understand why.
One of the first and most basic questions most people seek the answer to is “where did I come from?” Since I am here, there must be some explanation. And since that explanation predates me and anyone I could consult personally or through recorded history, I must look for an explanation outside of those sources. Any answer is subject to evaluation for its credibility and reasonableness.
The book of Genesis asserts itself as the all-encompassing answer to all the big questions humanity inevitably asks. One finds its answers feasible, reasonable, and intelligible. Having 50 chapters, 1533 verses, and 32,267 words, it is a large book that sets the tone for the 65 books which follow it. It was first written for the Jews to understand their history and their place in God’s eternal plan. This is accomplished in many ways. One significant way is through Moses’ repeated, periodic use of a word translated “generations,” “account,” “genealogies,” or “order.” The word is used 13 times in Genesis, with apparent intentionality. It is how Moses divides the contents of the entire book (2:4; 5:1; 6:9; 10:1,32; 11:10,27; 25:12-13,19; 36:1,9; 37:2). We will note those transitions as we move through the book.
The book is called “Genesis” because it reflects the idea of “beginnings.” Truly, “The title of the book of Genesis in Hebrew is bereshith, which literally means “in the beginning.” This title is the first word of the first verse. In a similar way the Hebrew titles of each of the first five books of the Old Testament are taken from a significant word in the first sentence of the book, usually the first or second word, or both. This was the practice also in the literature of other ancient languages in the Middle East” (Reyburn, UBS, 19).
The book can be easily divided into two parts, one more general and the other more specific. Genesis 1-11 deals with the creation of the whole world, while Genesis 12-50 deals with the choosing of a single people from among the whole world. James Smith describes Genesis as a book unfolding the construction, destruction, and reconstruction of the world (The Pentateuch, 36). We see the construction in the creation accounts of the first two chapters, the destruction in the fall, the flood, and the foolhardy rebellion at Babel (Gen. 3-11), and the reconstruction through the call of Abram and his descendants (Gen. 12-50).
Look for important themes as you move through the book of Genesis. Again, consider Smith’s suggestion of major theological truths uncovered by the book: the doctrines of creation, sin, judgment, grace, election, promise, and faith as they are repeated not only in Genesis but throughout the rest of the Bible (40). Another way to trace the book is geographically, as much of the book revolves around at least five significant journeys made by Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
Genesis helps us understand the world, its maker, ourselves, and our place in this world. Each chapter will unfold some aspect to help us understand the most important “whys” we will ever think to ask. It is written in narrative form, but is full of rich, theological truth which the subsequent writers and speakers of the Bible frequently look back to as foundational. There are over 100 quotations or allusions to Genesis made to Genesis in the New Testament alone on themes as basic as creation, salvation, human identity, marriage, judgment, the nature of God, the devil, the role of woman, sexuality, and much, much more. Let us journey together with the Bible’s first steps!
For the next couple of weeks, I’ll attempt to condense biblical truths into easy-to-understand sentences. These truths have lifted my own spirit, stimulated thought, caused me to praise God, and fortified confidence in him. These will just be thoughts I’ve found interesting or helpful:
God’s visible form (Logos) created the earth from water (Col 1.15; Jn 1.1-4; II Pt 3.5).
Logos became human to give us a second, permanent life (Col 1.15; Jn 3.17, 11.25, 20.31).
Jesus will save humanity when earth is destroyed (II Pt 3.7, 10; I Thess 4.14-17; Jn 20.31). He will take us to a new, perfect world without any possibility of evil (II Pt 3.13, Mt 19.28).
Jesus defends us when we sin, and forgives every sin (I Tim 2.5; I Jn 1.7; Hb 4.15).
God is more powerful than our guilty consciences (I Jn 3.20).
Logos became human, lived a perfect life, was illegally executed, and came back to life (Jn 1.14; II Cor 5.21, 15.4). This message — and his promise to come back for us — is the core of our faith.
Jesus gives us new life through our faith in him; he freed humanity from a rules-based religious system (Gal 3.11-14, 21).
On a totally unrelated note, exercise and selfless acts are the best cure for seasonal depression (and many other issues). This is by no means a requirement for godly living, but exercise makes it much easier to help others, help self, and discover more about God’s amazing nature!
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