Providence Baptist Church Christian Education Battle for the Beginning Page 1 of Why is the issue of origins so universally controversial?

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Curtis Baker
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1 Lesson - 1: Introduction (Part 1) Discuss several questions related to the to set the context for the study. The questions in this section are intended to open the dialogue for the class by obtaining views and thoughts around creation, evolution, and the Bible. As you consider each question look back over your life and look at opportunities where you may have been introduced to both sides of the argument. The class itself will help reveal the answers in the weeks to come. 1. Why is the issue of origins so universally controversial? 2. Does the Bible contradict modern science? 3. Which side of the argument does scientific evidence support? 4. What roles should science and the Bible play in a person's beliefs about the physical universe? 5. What roles has science and the Bible played in your life? Providence Baptist Church Christian Education Battle for the Beginning Page 1 of 18

2 Lesson - 2: Introduction (Part 2) Discuss several questions related to the to set the context for the study. 1. Naturalism What is and the claims of naturalism? 2. Theism What is and the claims of theism? 3. Evolutionism What is and the claims of evolutionism? 4. Christianity What is and the claims of Christianity? 5. Look up these individuals/terms and discuss their theories as it relates to evolution and/or creation. a. Carl Sagan b. Darwinism c. Social Darwinism d. Friedrich Nietzsche Providence Baptist Church Christian Education Battle for the Beginning Page 2 of 18

3 Lesson - 3: Introduction (Part 3) Discuss several questions related to the to set the context for the study. 1. If the creation story is only symbolic, what impact would that have on your interpretation on Genesis? 2. Research and share your views on the Framework Hypothesis? 3. What is the pattern given by the New Testament scriptures in interpreting Genesis? 4. How does the fall of humanity and judgment contribute to the discussion? 5. What are the challenges of science and scripture? Providence Baptist Church Christian Education Battle for the Beginning Page 3 of 18

4 Lesson - 4: Creation: Believe it or Not: Genesis 1:1 Discuss the Big Bang Theory Uncover how evolution is degrading to humanity, hostile toe reason and antithetical 1. What is the Big Bang Theory? 2. Evolution suggests humans and animals are equal, what are your thoughts and what was God s plan? 3. Look up the word, ex nihilo and contrast the naturalist view with Christian theology. Read Genesis 1:1. 4. What if Genesis 1:1 was not true? What are the implications? 5. Evolution combats the beginning, but how does it contrasts to the biblical ending? Providence Baptist Church Christian Education Battle for the Beginning Page 4 of 18

5 Lesson - 5: How Did Creation Happen? Review the uniformitarianism views on creation Contrast the scripture view and the uniformitarianism beliefs about creation Determine the appraisal of scripture Discuss progressive creationism 1. What is uniformitarianism and it foundational beliefs? 2. Read 2 Peter 3:4; how does scripture contrasts the uniformitarianism beliefs? 3. What should be Christians response to the question of which came first, the chicken or the egg? 4. Should we appraise scripture by science, or vice versa? 5. What is progressive creationism? Providence Baptist Church Christian Education Battle for the Beginning Page 5 of 18

6 Lesson - 6: Light on Day One: Genesis 1:2-5 Discover the account of light and its importance on the first day 1. What did the created light represent? 2. What was the condition of the earth before the light was created? 3. Read Genesis 1:2, what is the activity of the Holy Spirit? 4. What is light? 5. What was accomplished with the created light? 6. How do evolutionists explain the origin of light? Providence Baptist Church Christian Education Battle for the Beginning Page 6 of 18

7 Lesson 7: When He marked out the Foundation of the Earth: Genesis 1:6-13 Discuss day two and three ceration activities and contrast with evolutionary views 1. What were the firmament that was created and its purpose? 2. What is the canopy theory? 3. Is it unreasonable to think the dry land and plant life rose up out of the sea in a day s time? 4. How does science respond to the creation of land and vegetation? 5. Discuss what you know about genetics and the creation of all species. 6. What is science challenged with to explain the details in creating the various unique species? Providence Baptist Church Christian Education Battle for the Beginning Page 7 of 18

8 Lesson - 8: Lights in Heavens: Genesis 1:14-19 Explore the day and light correlations and examine the reasons the heavenly bodies were created 1. What conclusions can you draw from the correlation of days 1-3 and days 4-6 of the creation story? Day 1: light - Day 4: illumination Day 2: the firmament and the waters below - Day 5: birds and fish Day 3: dry Land - Day 6: land creatures 2. Explore the different reasons why the stars and heavenly bodies were created and contrast with scientific views a. Separation b. Regulation c. Illumination Providence Baptist Church Christian Education Battle for the Beginning Page 8 of 18

9 Lesson - 9: An Abundance of Living Creatures: Genesis 1:20-23 Explore the creation of the living creatures and contrast to evolutionary theories Define procreation 1. Read Genesis 1:20-23 and note some of the specifics in the creation of the living creatures? 2. How does science counter the creation of the living creatures? 3. What is procreation? 4. What is DNA and what is it used for? 5. How does the doctrine of evolution attempt to address procreation? Providence Baptist Church Christian Education Battle for the Beginning Page 9 of 18

10 Lesson - 10: Beasts and Creeping Things: Genesis 1:24-25 Explore the creation of the beasts and the creeping things 1. Contrast the Linnaean system with God s created categories and list what conclusions you derive. 2. What animals are included in the categories below and how do science and evolution respond to the unique different abilities and make up of the animals in each of the categories? a. Cattle b. Creeping things c. Beasts of the field 3. What affect did sin have on all of creation? Providence Baptist Church Christian Education Battle for the Beginning Page 10 of 18

11 Lesson - 11: Man in God s Image: Genesis 1:26-31 (Part 1) Explore the meaning and significance in man being created in God s image. 1. What conclusion can be drawn about the first five days of creation and the day six creation of man? 2. Discuss the significance of the Trinity s involvement in creation of the human race. 3. What does it means to be made in the likeliness of God? 4. What is the image of God? 5. Describe some aspects of human nature that are not shared by the animals. Providence Baptist Church Christian Education Battle for the Beginning Page 11 of 18

12 Lesson - 12: Man in God s Image: Genesis 1:26-31 (Part 2) Explore the meaning and significance in man being created in God s image 1. What was God plan in creation for propagating life? 2. What evidences have you observed by evolution in an effort to attack the Creator s plan for propagating life? 3. What was the primary reason for the creation of Eve? 4. What were the divine blessings received at creation? 5. Is the blessing given at creation still available today given the fall of man? Providence Baptist Church Christian Education Battle for the Beginning Page 12 of 18

13 Lesson - 13: Man in God s Image: Genesis 1:26-31 (Part 3) Explore the meaning and significance in man being created in God s image 1. Review the commands given to man and discuss the meaning of each: a. Subdue the planet b. Take dominion c. Rule over 2. What was the impact of sin on man s ability to rule creation? 3. What was the impact of sin on creation and the other created things? 4. How do Christians get back to the pre-fallen paradise? Providence Baptist Church Christian Education Battle for the Beginning Page 13 of 18

14 Lesson - 14: The Rest of Creation: Genesis 2:1-3 Explore the work and activities in the creation story after the sixth day 1. How does the finished work of creation contrast with the views of ages-long evolutionary process? 2. Evolution doctrine argues the creation is a work in progress, what is the suggested ongoing work? 3. What does it mean, God rested from the work of creation? 4. Explain what it meant by God blessing and sanctifying the last day of creation. Discuss the origin of evil from the biblical perspective and the worldly view. Providence Baptist Church Christian Education Battle for the Beginning Page 14 of 18

15 Lesson 15 Paradise Lost: Genesis 3:1-24 (Part 1) Review the condition of the universe after sin entered the universe Explore the plan and strategy of the adversary Examine seduction and it role in the fall of humanity 1. What is the condition of the universe and state of humanity in Genesis 3? 2. How does evolution address the human dilemma of moral and spiritual problems? 3. God declared all of creation was good, where did Satan come from? 4. What is the work and characteristics of Satan? 5. What has been and is Satan s most effective strategy? 6. In your opinion, how effective has Satan s strategy been, considering the evolutionary views? Providence Baptist Church Christian Education Battle for the Beginning Page 15 of 18

16 Lesson - 16: Paradise Lost: Genesis 3:1-24 (Part 2) Review the condition of the universe after sin entered the universe Explore the plan and strategy of the adversary Examine seduction and it role in the fall of humanity Confirm the security in the redeemer 1. What is seduction? 2. Discuss the three features of seduction in the Eve account and the impact to current day Christians: a. Appeal to physical appetite b. Appeal to emotional appetite c. Appeal to intellectual appetite 3. What was the impact of sin to God perfectly created universe? 4. Discuss the naturalist s views on public nudity in contrast to the guilt of Adam and Eve in discovering their nakedness. Providence Baptist Church Christian Education Battle for the Beginning Page 16 of 18

17 Lesson - 17: Epilogue: Blessing from the Curse: Genesis 3:8-21 (Part 1) Review the condition of the universe after sin entered the universe Explore the plan and strategy of the adversary Examine seduction and it role in the fall of humanity Confirm the security in the redeemer 1. What was the penalty for the sin in the garden? 2. What was the curse levied against humanity? 3. Is it possible to have blessings in a curse? Explain. 4. Discuss the three blessings in the curse after the fall of humanity in the garden? a. Assurance of humanity survival b. Guarantee of Satan s destruction c. Promise of a redeemer 5. Discuss the connection between the creation story and the redemption process for humanity. Providence Baptist Church Christian Education Battle for the Beginning Page 17 of 18

18 Lesson - 18: Recap Reflect on the what the bible declares about Creation Discuss the evolutionary beliefs related to Creations Confirm the Bible s authority on the creation story 1. Reflect on what you have learned about the creation story and the contrasting views addressing the creation story 2. Reflect and discuss what you have learned about the theories of evolution and their contrast to bible theology 3. Share your thoughts on the Bible s authority to settle the Battle for the Beginning. Providence Baptist Church Christian Education Battle for the Beginning Page 18 of 18

Jesus: Why We Can Have Good Stuff Genesis 1-2:3

Jesus: Why We Can Have Good Stuff Genesis 1-2:3 Jesus: Why We Genesis 1-2:3 1 In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. 2 The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering