1-BSG-1A: WORSHIP GUIDE.
Genesis 1: Worship Guide/ 1-BSG-1A, (Genesis 1:1-31)/ Theme: In the Beginning/ Hymn: O worship the King, All glorious above! (SDAH 83).Exploration: God as the Creator of the Universe (Gen 1:1-2:3; Neh. 9:6; Ps 24:1-2; Eccl. 3:11; Acts 4:24; 7:50; 14:15; 17:24); Jesus Christ as the agent of Creation (Jn 1:3, 10; 1 Cor. 8:6; Col 1:16; Heb 1:2).
Reflection: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” (Genesis 1:1) “As the earth came forth from the hand of its Maker, it was exceedingly beautiful. Its surface was diversified with mountains, hills, and plains, interspersed with noble rivers and lovely lakes; but the hills and mountains were not abrupt and rugged, abounding in terrific steeps and frightful chasms, as they now do; the sharp, ragged edges of earth’s rocky framework were buried beneath the fruitful soil, which everywhere produced a luxuriant growth of verdure. There were no loathsome swamps or barren deserts. Graceful shrubs and delicate flowers greeted the eye at every turn. The heights were crowned with trees more majestic than any that now exist. The air, untainted by foul miasma, was clear and healthful. The entire landscape outvied in beauty the decorated grounds of the proudest palace. The angelic host viewed the scene with delight, and rejoiced at the wonderful works of God.” -- [The Story of Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 44].
Devotional Implication: “These words (In the Beginning) remind us of the fact that everything human has a beginning. He alone who sits enthroned the sovereign Lord of time, is without beginning or end. The opening words of Scripture thus draw a striking contrast between all that is human, temporal, and finite, and that which is divine, eternal, and infinite. Reminding us of our human limitations, these words point us to Him who is ever the same, and whose years have no end (Heb. 1:10–12; Ps. 90:2, 10). Our finite minds cannot think of “the beginning” without thinking of God, for He “is the beginning” (Col. 1:18; cf. John 1:1–3). Wisdom, and all other good things, have their beginning with Him (Ps. 111:10; James 1:17). And if we are ever again to resemble our Maker, our lives and all our plans must have a new beginning in Him (Gen. 1:26, 27; cf. John 3:5; 1 John 3:1–3). It is our privilege to enjoy the confident assurance that “he which hath begun a good work” in us “will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ” (Phil. 1:6). He is “the author and finisher of our faith” (Heb. 12:2). Let us never forget the sublime fact implicit in these words—“in the beginning God.” --[The Seventh-Day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 1, p. 207].
The Gospel’s Voice: This section is written as if God were speaking directly to you—because He does. What does the LORD say to me this morning? My son, it is I the LORD who created you (Isa. 43:1; 44:24; Jer. 1:5). You did not evolve (from animal or plants), but I made you ‘in My image, according to My likeness’ (Gen 1:26). You are the crown of my handiwork (Ps. 8:3-5). I desire that you obey, honor and worship Me as the Creator God (Ex 20:8-11; Rev 14:6-7). I desire that you resemble Me in character and tell the Nations about My goodness. Would you?
My Desire: By God’s grace, I want to – 1. Believe that there is God! 2. Believe that He created the heavens and the earth; 3. Fear the LORD; 4. Give thanks to the LORD for creating me; 5. Acknowledge God by surrendering my life to Him; 6. Proclaim the goodness of the LORD to the Nations, (Isa. 12:4).
Have A Blessed Day: “By the word of the LORD the heavens were made, And all the host of them by the breath of His mouth. He gathers the waters of the sea together as a heap; He lays up the deep in storehouses. Let all the earth fear the LORD; Let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him. For He spoke, and it was done; He commanded, and it stood fast.” (Psalm 33:6–9, NKJV)
