Lesson 4

GOD, THE CREATOR

Genesis 1:1-25 (Read 1:1-31)

Key Verse 1:1

"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth."

1. When and how did the heavens and the earth come into existence? (1) When something is created, the creator has a plan and purpose for his creation. (e.g., watch, computer, human brain, ...) What does it mean that God created the heavens and the earth? Why is it important for us to know that God created all things? (Is.44:24) What does this mean to you?

2. Read verse 2. What was the state of things before God spoke? What did God create to change the situation? (3) How can our lives be changed when we accept this God of light? (1Jn.1:5) 3. By what instrument did God create the world? (3,6,9,11, ...; Heb.11:3) How many times do you find the phrases "and God said...and it was so"? What does this suggest about God? About his word? (Ps.33:6-9; Col.1:16) 4. What are the various plants, fish, birds, and animals that God created? (11,12,21,24,25) Think about the character of God who created the plants and animals according to their kinds -- his diversity, wisdom, and artistic sense.

5. Draw a diagram of the 6 days of creation. Try to make your diagram reflect the relationship between the first three days of creation and the last three days. What can you learn from this about God the Creator? About the world he created?

6. What do these verses reveal about God? What must we believe about him?