In the Beginning: God the Creator Who Brings Life

January 4th, 2026
by Pastor Bob

This Sunday we began a new sermon series in the book of Genesis, focusing on creation through the fall of humanity. Along the way, this series will raise big questions—about creation and evolution, the nature of Scripture, and what Genesis teaches us about God, humanity, and the world we live in.

But before diving into debates or theories, we started with a foundational truth: the Bible is first and foremost about God. Scripture is not primarily a rulebook, nor is it mainly a story about humanity. It is God’s revelation of Himself—His character, His purposes, and His ongoing work in the world. From beginning to end, the Bible tells God’s story.

Scripture Shapes Our Worldview
The opening chapters of Genesis do more than tell us how things began. They shape our worldview. Genesis 1–3 sets the tone for all of Scripture and, ultimately, for all of life and history. While this series will engage theology deeply, it will also remain practical—because God’s Word is meant to shape how we live every day.

We began with Genesis 1:1–2:
“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.”

These opening words declare a staggering truth: before time, space, matter, or the universe existed, God existed. There was nothing—except God.

God Is Eternal and Uncreated
This truth raises natural questions. Where did God come from? Does everything have a beginning? Scripture answers clearly: God was not created. He has no beginning and no end. God created time itself. He exists outside of it.

Isaiah reminds us that God is everlasting, never growing weary, with understanding beyond our ability to search out. Revelation describes Him as the Alpha and the Omega—the beginning and the end. Everything begins and ends with Him.
Because of this, our purpose, hope, and future are inseparably tied to God. The answers to why we are here and where we are going are only known because God has chosen to reveal Himself through Scripture.

God Creates Out of Nothing
Genesis tells us that God created the heavens and the earth—not by reshaping something that already existed, but by calling everything into existence out of nothing. When humans create, we use materials that already exist. God alone creates ex nihilo—out of nothing.
Scripture consistently affirms this truth. Romans tells us that God “calls into existence the things that do not exist” and “gives life to the dead.” This reveals the unmatched power of the God of the Bible—utterly unlike the false gods of mythology, who exist within creation rather than creating it.

God Brings Order and Light
Genesis also tells us that the earth was formless, void, and covered in darkness. When God speaks, He brings order, purpose, and light into chaos. While theologians debate the specifics, the central truth is clear: God brings light into darkness and order into disorder.
This is not just a statement about the universe—it is a pattern we see throughout Scripture and in our own lives.

The Triune God at Work in Creation
Remarkably, the second verse of the Bible introduces us to the Holy Spirit, hovering over the waters. The Hebrew word used here paints a picture of a mother bird hovering over her nest—full of care, warmth, and intentionality. Creation was not cold or mechanical; it flowed from God’s joy and love.

Scripture also teaches that Jesus was present and active in creation. John tells us that the Word was with God, was God, and that all things were made through Him. Colossians explains that everything was created through Jesus and for Jesus—and that He holds all things together.

This means creation was the work of the Triune God:

The Father planned and spoke
The Son created and sustains
The Spirit hovered, shaped, and brought life

God did not create because He was lonely. Within the Trinity, God existed eternally in perfect love and communion. Creation flowed out of that love and joy—not necessity.

The God Who Creates Is the God Who Restores
The same God who creates out of nothing also brings life to what is dead. This truth runs throughout Scripture—from Elijah and Elisha raising the dead, to Jesus raising Lazarus, to His own resurrection.

Ezekiel’s vision of the valley of dry bones powerfully illustrates this reality. What appeared utterly lifeless was restored by the breath of God. This vision pointed to God’s promise to restore His people—and it also points to the gospel.

As believers, we were once dead in our sins and made alive in Christ. God is not only concerned with our future resurrection; He is actively bringing life into dead places now.

Where Does God Want to Bring Life?
As we look back on what God has done and forward into a new year, the question becomes deeply personal:

Where do you need God’s creative power in your life?
Maybe it’s a broken relationship, a struggling marriage, an addiction, deep discouragement, financial stress, or hopelessness that feels overwhelming. Maybe it’s a spiritual dryness or a longing for renewed faith.

The God who spoke the universe into existence still speaks today. The God who brings light into darkness and life into death is still at work.

As we continue this Genesis series, we invite you to look back with gratitude—and look forward with hope—trusting that the Creator God is still making all things new.

Scriptures Referenced