The first day: Then God said, “Let there be light”;

.... and there was light. And God saw the light, that it was good; He divided light from darkness, and called the light day, and the darkness night (Genesis 1:3-5). We quoted Hugh Ross earlier (The Genesis Question) saying “theory and observation confirm that all planets start with opaque atmospheres.  “Darkness was on the face of the deep” (verse 2) and light (created along with the heavens - verse 1) had not yet penetrate the darkness.  This understanding is consistent with verses 14 to 18 which can be understood as the sun and the moon only then becoming visible from the surface of the earth. In other words at the command “Let there be light,” the atmosphere changed from opaque (no light comes through) to translucent (allows light, but not shapes).  On this first day, however, there was now enough light to distinguish between night (darkness) and day (light verse 4)!

I am told that understanding the present atmosphere of the earth is something of a challenge.  In comparison with other solar systems, it seems that the earth should have a thicker atmosphere than Venus.  As mentioned earlier, Scientist think there was a collision  with the earth of something as large,  or larger than mars. This, they think, impacted the earth ripping away its original atmosphere and producing a thinner one, one that allowed light to penetrate to the surface for the first time (verse 3). From a study of the moon rocks,  we know the moon is younger than the earth, leading researchers to believe the moon was formed by gravity eventually pulling the debris from the collision into the ball we now see. Much of this  is collected in “The Genesis question,” by Hugh Ross, a Canadian Astrophysicist, Christian apologist, and old Earth creationist.

I believe every physical thing has a spiritual analogy. The analogy of good and evil and light and darkness is brought out in Isaiah who warns “Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness (Isaiah 5:20).  Christ, the child born, the Son given of Isaiah 9:6,  came to those who walked in great spiritual darkness (verse 2).  God promises if we extend our soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul, then our light shall dawn in the darkness, and our darkness shall be as the noonday (Isaiah  58:10).  He also promises that when I sit in darkness, He will be a light to me (Mica 7:8). He leads me and guides me by the light of His Word, it is a lamp unto my feet  (Psalm 119:105).  Jesus is the light of the world (John 8:12), and in His light I find light (Psalm 46:9).   C.S. Lewis wrote “I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen; not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else.”

Lord, I once was blind, but You brought me into Your glorious light, and now I see. I knew You as a child Lord, but because I neither glorified You as God nor was thankful, my foolish heart was darkened. I suppressed the truth in unrighteousness exchanging it for a lie (Romans 1:18-21). But You used the pain of my darkness Lord,  to cause me to be become open to Your light. For that I praise and thank You. Give me grace Lord to continue to walk in the light as You are in the light (1 John 1:7) in Jesus Name Amen   

God created, the Spirit vibrated, the Word spoke

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. Then God said, 'Let there be light'; and there was light (Genesis 1:1-3).  According to the Hebrew lexicon “hovering” could also be translated shake, flutter or move.  Scientist Dr. Morris (The Genesis Record pp 56-57) writes “In modern terminology the best translation would probably be 'vibrated.' Waves are typically rapid back and forth movements that are normally produced by a wave generator of some kind. Energy cannot create itself .... If the universe is to be energized, there must be an Energizer. It is most appropriate that the first impartation of energy to the universe is describes as the 'vibrating' movement of the Spirit of God Himself” (The Genesis Record pp 56-57).  

Dan Mccollam sees the Trinity in this morning's three verses. But first, I am told that in order for matter to exist,  you need nuclear forces, gravitational forces and electromagnetic forces.  Mccollam says “The Father created all the nuclear forces from the invisible realm that would be used to make the heavens and the earth (verse 1), but their structure is still described 'without form and void' (verse 2). These atomic particles make up the nuclear forces – the physical structure of building blocks for all that would be created. God the Father makes all the atomic particles. Then God the Holy Spirit energizes created matter with vibratory motions such as gravity waves sound, light  and the other electromagnetic waves. He generates the gravitational forces that allow physical matter to hold together along with sound waves,  so that the voice of the Lord could be spoken (verse 3) over creation” (God vibrations study guide pp 21, 22). Those familiar with it,  will also see consistency with string theory!

Jesus, the third person of the Trinity,  is of course called the Word in John 1:1.  In Colossians 1:16 we read “For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth.” It is not much of a stretch therefore to think of the Word (Jesus) as the one who spoke in Genesis 1:3 and following.

I don't pretend to fully understand all of this, or that these things follow from a simple unpacking of what the text   meant to the original ancient readers. Rather this mornings devotional thoughts are consistent with the text,  and are of course inspired by it.  But what is remarkable to me, is that the text allows for such echos of science in a text originally written to a totally non-scientific audience. And all this speaks to me clearly of the inspiration that Scripture claims for itself.  

Holy Spirit,  in 2 Timothy 3:16 we read that all Scripture is inspired by You.  I find the word translated 'inspired' is interesting Lord. In the Greek it is a combination two words Theos and pneustos. Theos is God, and pneustos can mean breath or,  spirit or wind. One translation has it as Scripture is God breathed, but God- Spirited also works. Holy Spirit You both inspired the Word, and You illuminate it  – teaching us all things through it (John 14:26). The Word is so rich and there is so much to know. Help us Lord to be diligent to study and rightly discern it,  so that we may be approved unto the Father  (2 Timothy 2:15) in Jesus Name Amen

The earth was without form, and empty;

…. and darkness was on the face of the deep (Genesis 1:2).  We suggested last day, that saying God “made” the earth, sun and moon, as opposed to creating them (verses 16, 1), is fully consistent with them being formed from created matter, by natural processes. We will look at this today.  But I want to say first, notwithstanding the many disputes both in Science,  and in the way believers interpret things,  that compared with the various ancient creation myths, the Biblical account of beginnings is more than a little consistent with what Science is currently telling us about these things. Much of what I am saying here today can be found in astrophysicist Hugh Ross's well documented book “The Genesis question.”

Concerning “without form,” and natural processes, most researchers posit a series of collisions that took place after the solar system coalesced.  According to most models, more than 10 impacts with other bodies added bulk to our growing planet. The final collision, they believe, was with Theia, a rocky planetoid perhaps the size of Mars. Theia is said to have sideswiped Earth, leaving Earth mostly intact,  but destroying itself in the process. Its vaporized debris then eventually came together under gravity,  to form the  moon.

Concerning “empty,” scientists confirm that these terms describe what the early Earth was like. Some of this comes from observation of how other planets are being formed. Technological advances in the late 1970s gave astronomers their first opportunity to observe young stellar objects. More than 100 such objects have been studied,  and each one is surrounded by an extensive shell of gas and dust. Theory and observation confirm that planets start with opaque atmospheres (“darkness,” no light passes through). Thick layers of gases such as hydrogen, helium, methane and ammonia surrounds them. These clouds, combined with the dense shroud of interplanetary dust and debris, guarantees that no light or starlight can reach the surface of a young planet such as the young Earth. Scientists also confirm Earth started as a water world (“surface of the deep”), and that landmasses arose gradually as a result of volcanic activity and plate tectonics (Genesis 1:9).

So then the formless and empty condition of the young Earth as well as the initial darkness is entirely consistent with what science is currently telling us. Without light, photo synthesis could not occur the large pieces of interplanetary debris crashing into the earth’s surface at that time would generate catastrophes that nothing could survive,  making it empty of life.

Father, it seems that Science has tried hard to dismiss You, but You are not so easily dismissed. Science keeps tripping up over mystery, mystery about beginnings, mystery about black holes, and quirks and quarks etc., etc. I don't know how much You intervened in the formation of Earth, but if we are willing to put away our pride and open our eyes to see, I believe we will see signs of You everywhere. What I do know in the spiritual, is that You have not left us to struggle alone, but You are a very present help in time of need (Psalm 46:1). I also know that we do not have because we do not ask (James 4:2).  In terms of the mess we are in, Your church is in grave need of repentance Lord, the first step in claiming Your promise of a healed land (2 Chronicles 7:14). Come and fill our emptiness Lord, in Jesus Name Amen

Creation (bârâ), and natural processes

The Hebrew word bârâ (created),  is used in the Bible only in connection with the activity of God. It indicates something completely new coming into existence.  The heavens and the earth (every material thing) had a beginning, before the beginning there was nothing.  Thus “God created the heaven and the earth” (Genesis 1:1),  can only mean He created all that exists out of nothing. On the other hand He “made” the sun, moon and the stars (verse 16).  Psalm 90:2 speaks of the earth being formed. What then is the difference,  between 'created' and 'made?' An illustration comes to mind. They say that Sir Christopher Wren built St. Paul's cathedral in London,  England.  But this does not mean he physically built it,  but rather that he designed, commissioned and facilitated the building of it. Likewise 'God made,' as distinct from 'God created' allows for an understanding that the particulars of the formation of the sun, moon and stars was not necessarily hands on, so to speak. In other words the text allows for an understanding that the formation of the sun,  moon and stars, involved what we would call natural processes.

The question remains “Can natural process explain matter coming into existence?”  Certainly natural processes exist, but we are asking if something coming out of nothing can be explained in terms of natural processes. To assume so seems to me,  to be an unsubstantiated quantum leap of faith. But this is what many Scientists believe.  It is in fact hidden in the presuppositions of their methodology.

But first, you may object, “What about the Big Bang?” Let's examine that.  The Big Bang hypothesis states that all current and past matter in the Universe came into existence at the same time, roughly 13.8 billion years ago. At that time, all matter was compacted into a very small ball with infinite density and intense heat called a Singularity. The Singularity, so the theory goes,  suddenly began expanding, and the universe as we know it began.”  Please note, this is a description of what is thought to have happened, not an explanation of what caused it! Nothing is said about where the very small ball of infinite density came from, nor about the cause of it suddenly beginning to expand.  When challenged about such things,  those who dismiss the possibility or an external causal agent say something like “We don't know the natural cause yet, but we are sure we will eventually!”

But we need to probe this a bit deeper,  and ask what is the basis for this assurance. In fact it ultimately comes from their presuppositions.  Naturalism for example, states that “nature is the only reality,  there is no such thing as the  supernatural, there is nothing above, beyond, or outside of nature.”  So because this is true, they say, and because there has to be an explanation, then the explanation has to be in terms of natural processes. But this is circular arguing of the type “The moon is made of green cheese, and because this is true, we will eventually discover that the moon is indeed made of green cheese!”

Father, we all have a world view,  and in the end a world view can only be held by faith. They are unprovable by the Scientific method.  So we need to ask which world view best corresponds to reality. And my thesis,  and the thesis of the book I am writing, is that the Bible World view corresponds most closely to reality.  Help us to examine this with an open mind Lord in Jesus Name Amen

Truth: Is all truth relative?

If I had no other reason to be suspicious of the widely held saying that all truth is relative, I would have begun to suspect it when it was used only when the other person was loosing the argument. If we are to be suspicious of anything claiming to be truth,  we should also be suspicious of the “truth” that 'all truth is relative.' If somebody told me they did not think adultery was wrong, I'd likely wonder if that was because they wanted to do it. It's called rationalization, and I have to wonder if it’s a thinly vailed excuse so as not to have to deal with inconvenient truths. The other extreme of course is to see everything in terms of black and white? Situations may arise where we may need to choose the lesser of two evils, telling lies to hide Jews in Nazi Germany for example?

There are two seemingly contradictory Scriptures that are relevant here. The first talks about those who are always learning,  but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth (2 Timothy 3:7). The second is “if anyone thinks he knows something, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know” (1 Corinthians 8:2). As in many apparent contradictions, the resolution is found in the contexts. In the first reference, Paul is talking about the things that hinder coming to a knowledge of salvation (the rationalization that comes from wanting to do what we want to do). Concerning salvation, we are intended to have assurance of the things we have believed (Hebrews 11:1). John tells us the purpose of his writing is so that we may know we have (present possession) eternal life, and that we will not come to the judgement (1 John 5:13; John 5:24).

The Corinthian reference is dealing with what the Bible calls doubtful things such as should we eat meat offered to idols, or should women wear hats in church. There is no problem to be fully persuaded about these things.  But this should not be allowed to cause disunity (Romans 14:1-8; 12:18; 1 Corinthians 11:5, 6).

If we are to study to be approved unto God (2 Timothy 2:15), we need to figure out what are the none-negotiable essentials of the faith, and what are areas on which we can agree to disagree. I have found the statements of faith of para-church organizations such as Inter-Varsity and Operation Mobilization helpful here. Their statements have been forged in the furnace of interdenominational dialogue, and represent their attempts to do exactly what I'm suggesting.  In terms of Genesis 1, this discussion today is relevant to such questions as “How are we to understand the word 'day?' It's controversial, but is an example of something I can get this wrong and still be saved! I am not saved by correct interpretation, but by grace through faith. I'm not saying truth is unimportant, but I have found shutting people out excludes me from the deep insights of others!

Father, if all truth is relative we can be sure of nothing at all, including that all truth is relative. Faith however is being certain of what we have believed in terms of salvation (Hebrews 11:1 again). So no,  not all truth is relative, but sometime the more we are convinced we know,  the less we learn.  And I've learned much from those with whom I disagree. In any case,  knowledge puffs up, but love edifies (1 Corinthians 8:1)!  Grant us humility Lord,  and wisdom and knowledge, in Jesus Name Amen

In the beginning: Science and the Bible

The Bible has outsold,  and continues to outsell every other book in existence. It is of course extremely controversial even among believers, and no more so than in the so called clash between Science and faith.  I want to start by saying that we have arrived neither in science,  nor in our understanding of the Bible.  Too many believers confuse what the Bible says, with their interpretation!  Concerning this, hermeneutics, the theory and methodology of interpretation,  is complex. Furthermore we all tend to interpret it,  and in fact life in general,  though the lens of our pre-determined world view. Very few seem to be aware of this,  including scientists.

The church is often cited as being the least progressive when it comes to accepting new ideas.  But Thomas Kuhn in his book “The Structure of Scientific Revolutions,”  documents how favourite and widely accepted scientific theories resist change by the Scientific community.  Furthermore, the debates are not always honest. The ancient Greeks hide the fact that the square root of two is not a rational number.  It contradicted the then current “theory of everything!”

One such revolution centred around whether the universe had a beginning (Genesis 1:1a). About a hundred years ago the steady state theory was widely accepted (Google it). It hypothesized that the universe had always existed. This eliminated the inconvenient truth of the existence of a creator to whom we are accountable. The observed redshift in the wavelength of light played a major role in the overthrow of this theory. It was widely resisted and there are still those who are hanging on.

The red shift is similar to the Doppler effect in sound. We  experienced this as the change in pitch of the siren, as an ambulance moves past you. The red shift allowed scientists to deduce that the universe is expanding. It ultimately lead to the theory of the big bang.  But please note, the theory is a description of what Scientists think happened.  An explanation as to its cause,  is completely absent from the theory.

Much of modern science either implicitly or explicitly throws out the God hypothesis. That is that God is the cause of anything is ruled out as inadmissible without evidence,  and without debate.  Most of the time it makes perfect sense. Certainly many things have natural causes, and do not require intervention by God.  However, since the beginning of the Universe must have a cause, the only alternative at that point  to the rejection of some form of god hypothesis boils down to  “In the beginning, nothing created everything that is out of nothing.”  That the true God is the God of the Bible however,  does not immediately follow!

Father, we need to acknowledge that we are all biased, that we all operate out of our understanding of reality, and that that understanding is shaped by a multitude of things. Lord if You are really there, and I believe Your are, it's something of an inconvenient truth. Furthermore, Your Word tells of this  ability we all have to rationalize what we don't want to believe (Romans 1:18). But we don't know what we don't know,  and the ratio of what we know to that of what we don't know is of the order of infinity! We do, however need to know that we have not believed cunningly devised fables. Thank You Lord that You have promised we will find You when we search with all of our hearts (Jeremiah 29:13), in Jesus Name Amen
 

God created the heavens and the earth

As mentioned earlier, I came to believe the Bible because I realized more and more, that it knows me, and knows reality.  And coming to believe that the God of the Bible is the One true God (Jeremiah 10:10), comes hand in hand with that process.   The simplest answer to the fundamental philosophical question of why there is something there, is  “God created” it (Genesis 1:1). It may not be the  most intellectually satisfying answer though! For me it was that because of my pride.  I had come to believe my earlier faith was naive. But the Bible tells us that unless we have the faith of a little child we cannot enter the kingdom (Matthew 18:3).  For me it was not only my pride, but also that I wanted to do what I wanted to do.

The Bible explains this. It tells “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). We know that  creation exists, it is real! It wasn't always there, it had a beginning! It's totally illogical to say that creation caused itself to come into being. Whatever or whoever did this is,  has power far,  far above human abilities, and it has to be a god or God, it (He) has to be divine,  and He has to have incredible power. It's obvious that we will all stand before Him one day.  Will the excuse “I thought it created itself ” hold up on that day?

You may be wondering how my child like faith morphed to thinking that that faith was naive? Romans 1 explains that too! It started when I did not give Him praise and admiration (verse 21). We praise artists and musicians and athletes for their accomplishments,  and that's right.  But what about praise and admiration for creation, and the One who created it? I also became unthankful, and dissatisfied with life. What happened next is that my foolish heart became darkened (still verse 21),  and I suppressed the truth about God because it was inconvenient (verse 18),  and I wanted to do what I wanted to do.  I didn't realize,  either that when God said “no,”  it was to protect and provide for me, and that my selfish choices had consequence. The Bible warns that we reap what we sow.  If we sow to the wind, we reap the whirlwind (Galatians 6:7).

The good news is that with God there is mercy and forgiveness (1 John 1:9). He understands that most of us need to suffer the consequences of our rebellion before we wake up to understand that He is for us,  not against us, He wants our very, very best and He  relationship with Him  (Romans 8:31, 28; John17:3).

Father, You are a good, good Father and I have need to be fathered by You, I have needed Your gentle Fatherhood. Even as a Christian I was  an orphan for very long time,  and operated dysfunctionally out of that orphan spirit. Thank You Your Spirit now testifies to my spirit that I am Your beloved child. Forgive me Lord when I  made You in the image of what I wanted You to be. You are far more wonderful than I could think or imagine,  and I ask You to continue to fascinate me with Yourself, and to draw me ever deeper into Your extravagant healing love. I give You honour glory and praise in Jesus Name Amen