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five Psalms per day.
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In the beginning, God crafted a masterpiece. Genesis 2:1-3 describes the climax of creation: "Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. And on the seventh day God finished his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he had done. So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy" (ESV). This isn't God tiring out—He's the inexhaustible Creator (Isaiah 40:28). His rest signifies completion, a divine pause to celebrate a perfect world ready for redemption's story.
Let's contrast the biblical account with naturalism's billions-of-years story, where life evolves chaotically from microbes to humans. Genesis insists on six literal 24-hour days: Earth first on Day 1, plants on Day 3, sun, moon, and stars on Day 4, sea creatures and birds on Day 5, land animals and humans on Day 6. Scoffers deny this (2 Peter 3:5), but Scripture proclaims a purposeful design by the Triune God.
God created dual realms. The spiritual heaven, home to angels in everlasting light (Job 38:7; Revelation 22:5), exist by sight. Our physical heavens and earth, starting in darkness until God's light pierced it (Genesis 1:3), demands faith (2 Corinthians 5:7). These unite in God's plan, setting the stage for humanity's fall and Christ's redemption.
The earth was fitted for life's drama: atmosphere on Day 2, plants on Day 3, celestial bodies on Day 4, creatures on Days 5-6—all "very good" (Genesis 1:31). This defies evolution's random order, affirming intentionality. Every breath, sunrise, and smile reflects God's care, not chance.
On Day 7, God ceased (shabbat), blessing and sanctifying the day—a pattern for our Sabbath (Exodus 20:8-11; Hebrews 4:1-11). It prefigures rest in Christ, inviting us to trust His provision amid a frantic world.
Today, marvel at creation (Psalm 33:6-9), practice rest as worship, and proclaim truth boldly. In a skeptical age, Genesis anchors our faith: We're not accidents but actors in God's redemptive tapestry. Rest in Him, and share His glory.
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West Side CoC, Cleveland, Ohio — 2025
On the sixth day, as Genesis 1:24-31 declares, God filled the earth with life—cattle grazing, insects scurrying, and mighty beasts like the Behemoth and dinosaurs roaming, all created in one literal, twenty-four-hour day. Psalm 104:24-26 marvels at God’s wisdom, crafting countless creatures, from sea leviathans to land giants, each reflecting His glory. Then, in a divine crescendo, God said, “Let Us make man in Our image” (Genesis 1:26), creating Adam and Eve to bear His likeness, distinct from all creatures. This day, God’s masterpiece, reveals three gifts for us today: dignity, duty, and destiny.
Our dignity as image-bearers sets us apart. Unlike dinosaurs, which grazed peacefully on plants (Genesis 1:29-30), humans ponder eternity and morality, crafted to reflect God’s character. In a world blurring identity, Genesis 1:27 affirms two genders—male and female—equal yet distinct, each life sacred, from the unborn to the overlooked. Our duty flows from this: “Be fruitful and multiply, fill the earth, and subdue it” (Genesis 1:28). This stewardship, not exploitation, calls us to care for creation—farming sustainably, sharing the gospel, and honoring God in every task. Adam named creatures, from ants to sauropods, in a vegetarian world without death, a harmony we echo today.
Our destiny anchors our hope. Sin disrupted the sixth day’s “very good” world (Genesis 1:31), but Jesus, the second Adam, restores it (1 Corinthians 15:45). Isaiah 11:6-9 envisions a renewed creation where “the wolf shall dwell with the lamb,” echoing the original peace. Fossils, often misread as evidence of ancient carnage, reflect a post-Fall world, yet point to God’s promise in Revelation 21:4—a new earth without death. In 2025, amidst life’s struggles, the sixth day calls us to live with purpose, steward faithfully, and trust God’s restoration. As Psalm 104:24 sings, “O Lord, how manifold are Your works!” Let the sixth day stir your faith to reflect God’s image and hope in His coming kingdom.
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West Side CoC, Cleveland, Ohio — 2025
On the fifth day of creation, God spoke, and the seas and skies burst into life. Genesis 1:20–23 records a literal, 24-hour day, about 6,000 years ago, when God filled the oceans with “great sea creatures” (tanninim in Hebrew, meaning “great dragons” or “monsters”) and swarming life, and the skies with birds. This wasn’t a slow evolution over millions of years but an instant act of divine power, as Psalm 33:6 declares: “By the word of the Lord the heavens were made.” Young Earth Creationism, rooted in a historical Genesis, affirms this truth, rejecting billions of years and celebrating a vibrant pre-Flood world.
Imagine the tanninim—majestic creatures like whales, sharks, or even extinct mosasaurs, 50-foot marine reptiles with fearsome jaws, as hinted in Job 41’s Leviathan. These weren’t myths but real beasts, created fully formed, showcasing God’s might. The seas also teemed with swarming creatures—fish shimmering in schools, octopuses blending into reefs, jellyfish glowing like lanterns. Psalm 104:25 captures this: “The sea, great and wide, teems with creatures innumerable.” Skies, too, were alive with birds—eagles soaring, hummingbirds hovering—likely joined by pterosaurs with 30-foot wingspans, now lost to the Flood.
The global Flood, dated roughly 4,500 years ago via Genesis genealogies, reshaped this world. Fossils of mosasaurs, plesiosaurs, and ammonites, buried in sediment, reflect a richer pre-Flood diversity, not millions of years of evolution. Post-Flood, oceans and skies changed, and many kinds vanished, but God’s blessing to “be fruitful and multiply” (Genesis 1:22) ensured survivors thrived. Today’s coral reefs and soaring falcons are echoes of Day 5’s grandeur.
This truth strengthens our faith. Genesis 1–11 is history, not allegory, confirmed by fossils and Scripture like 2 Peter 3:5–6, which speaks of a world “deluged and destroyed.” Every whale’s breach or hawk’s dive points to a Creator, not chance. Let’s marvel at this young Earth, trust God’s Word, and share His creative power with others, praising the God who spoke life into being in a single day.
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West Side CoC, Cleveland, Ohio — 2025
On Day 4, God adorned the heavens with sun, moon, and stars, a breathtaking display of His power and purpose. Yet skeptics challenge this, pointing to distant starlight—13 billion light-years away—as proof of an ancient universe, clashing with the Bible’s 6,000-year timeline. How can we see stars so far if their light hasn’t had time to reach us? Psalm 19:1 offers the answer: “The heavens declare the glory of God.” Day 4 isn’t a problem—it’s a triumph.
Consider mature creation. Genesis 1:15 says God made lights to “give light on the earth”—instantly. Just as Adam was created a man, not an embryo, and trees bore fruit on Day 3, the universe was born mature, with starlight already in place. Isaiah 45:18 confirms God formed the heavens to be inhabited, not to leave Earth in darkness for eons.
Another possibility is cosmic stretching. Psalm 104:2 describes God stretching the heavens like a tent. Creationist Dr. Russell Humphreys suggests that during Day 4, God expanded space rapidly, leveraging Einstein’s relativity. Time dilated near Earth’s gravitational core, allowing billions of years of starlight travel to occur in a single 24-hour day. By evening, light was here, and God called it “good.”
Skeptics assume uniformitarianism—today’s laws always applied. But 2 Peter 3:4 warns they “deliberately forget” God’s unique acts. Day 4 was a one-time miracle, not bound by current physics. Science studies the present; Genesis reveals the past. Romans 3:4 stands firm: “Let God be true, and every human being a liar.”
The stars preach a silent sermon. Psalm 19:2–4 says their voiceless message reaches all the earth, proclaiming God’s infinity, trustworthiness, and nearness. They call us to action: defend the faith with gentleness (1 Peter 3:15), worship with fresh awe (Psalm 96:1), trust God’s power (Philippians 4:19), rest in His order (Ecclesiastes 3:1), and shine as His light (Matthew 5:14).
Day 4’s victory isn’t just a debate won—it’s a call to live boldly. The heavens don’t disprove Genesis; they declare a God who lit the cosmos in a day. Look up, trust Him, and let your life reflect His glory.
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West Side CoC, Cleveland, Ohio — 2025
Fatherhood is a divine calling, rooted in Scripture, that shapes families and reflects God’s heart. The Bible outlines five key roles for fathers, pointing us ultimately to God as the perfect Father.
Spiritual Leadership
Fathers are called to guide their families in faith. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 urges fathers to teach God’s commandments diligently, weaving them into daily life—whether at home, on a walk, or at bedtime. A father’s faith sets the spiritual tone, planting seeds for lifelong devotion.
Love and Care
Psalm 103:13 compares a father’s compassion to God’s, emphasizing tender care. Colossians 3:21 warns against embittering children, encouraging fathers to nurture with kindness. A father’s love creates a safe space where children feel valued, mirroring God’s unconditional love.
Provision and Responsibility
1 Timothy 5:8 underscores a father’s duty to provide for his household, not just materially but emotionally and spiritually. This responsibility reflects a commitment to family well-being, trusting God to sustain the effort. A father’s provision builds security and trust.
Discipline and Guidance
Proverbs 22:6 instructs fathers to train children in the right path, ensuring lasting impact. Hebrews 12:7-11 likens fatherly discipline to God’s, done in love to shape character. Through patient correction, fathers guide children toward wisdom and righteousness.
Role Model
Proverbs 20:7 promises blessings to children of righteous fathers. A father’s life—his integrity, humility, and faith—serves as a living example. 1 Thessalonians 2:11-12 calls fathers to encourage children toward godliness, shaping their values through actions.
God as the Ultimate Father
These roles reflect God, our ultimate Father. Matthew 6:9 introduces Him as “Our Father in heaven,” and John 1:12 welcomes us as His children through faith. Unlike earthly fathers, God’s love, provision, and guidance are perfect. Isaiah 64:8 calls Him the potter, shaping us with care.
Fathers, you’re not alone in this high calling. Look to your Heavenly Father for strength to lead, love, provide, discipline, and model righteousness. For all of us, let’s honor God by reflecting His fatherly heart in our families, trusting His perfect love to guide us.
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West Side CoC, Cleveland, Ohio — 2025
On the fourth day of Creation, as described in Genesis 1:14–19, God spoke, and the heavens erupted with light. The sun, moon, and countless stars burst into existence, not as a cosmic afterthought but as a divine symphony showcasing God’s glory. This moment, part of a literal 24-hour day, reveals His unmatched power and care for humanity.
Genesis tells us God created “lights in the vault of the sky” for three purposes: to separate day from night, to serve as signs for sacred times, days, and years, and to give light on the earth. The sun governs the day with its blazing warmth, the moon softens the night with its gentle glow, and the stars—trillions across 200 billion galaxies—sparkle as a testament to God’s vastness. As Psalm 33:6 declares, “By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth.” One command, one day, and the cosmos obeyed.
This wasn’t a slow process. Unlike human endeavors, which take years, God’s creation was instantaneous. Isaiah 40:26 reminds us He calls each star by name, yet He crafted them in a single day, as Exodus 20:11 affirms: “In six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth.” The light of Day 1, mysterious and possibly divine, gave way to these celestial bodies, which now govern time and seasons, from Israel’s ancient festivals to our modern calendars.
Day 4’s lessons resonate today. The sun’s daily rise, as Matthew 5:45 notes, reflects God’s care for all. The stars invite worship, as Psalm 95:5 urges us to praise the Creator. Their order calls us to live with purpose—working, resting, and praying in rhythm with God’s design. Most importantly, they point to Jesus, the “light of the world” (John 8:12), whose grace was planned before time began (2 Timothy 1:9).
As you gaze at the night sky, let the stars remind you of God’s finished work. Day 4 is a love letter written in light, calling us to trust His Word, worship His power, and shine for His glory. Marvel at the Creator who stretched the heavens for your delight.
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West Side CoC, Cleveland, Ohio — 2025
The sermon from the evening of March 9, 2025, titled "Beginnings: Day 3, Part 2 – Origin of Life," dives into Genesis 1:11-13, where God commands the earth to bring forth plants, herbs, and fruit trees “after their kind.” This passage isn’t an allegory but a historical record of God’s intentional design. We're invited to marvel at three wonders of this third day of creation, revealing God’s heart, power, and purpose.
First, “after their kind” underscores God’s order. Unlike modern science’s narrow “species” concept, the Hebrew min refers to broader, stable categories—like a “dog kind” encompassing wolves and terriers or a “plant kind” covering roses and wildflowers. Dr. John Morris from the Institute of Creation Research explains that these kinds allow variation but not transformation into other forms, challenging evolution’s single-tree model. Fossils support this, showing distinct kinds without transitional forms, like a fern with fins.
Second, God’s choice to start life with plants is profound. Evolution suggests a slow climb from microbes to land plants over millions of years, but Genesis places lush vegetation on a young earth, about 6,000 years old per biblical genealogies. Plants, as Apologetics Press notes, are a thoughtful gift—oxygenating air, stabilizing soil, and providing food—preparing the earth for animals and humans (Psalm 104:14).
Third, these plants emerged mature, laden with fruit and seeds, not as seedlings. Dr. Duane Gish emphasizes a ready-made creation, bypassing slow growth cycles. Imagine Adam tasting fruit born that week in a world instantly abundant, a miracle of God’s power unbound by time.
These wonders—orderly kinds, foundational plants, and mature provision—paint a Creator who speaks life into being with purpose and care. Contrast this with uniformitarianism’s slow, chance-driven worldview, 2 Peter 3:5, affirms God’s word as the force behind creation. Fossils align with Genesis, showing life appearing suddenly, complete, and distinct. This young earth anchors our faith, tying to Romans 5:12, where death enters through sin, and Christ’s redemption (1 Corinthians 15:45). We’re called to embrace this truth, seeing God’s kindness in every leaf and breath.
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West Side CoC, Cleveland, Ohio — 2025
In our journey through Genesis 1, we’ve reached Day 3—a pivotal moment when God transforms a water-covered earth into a world ready for life. As Genesis 1:9-10 (NASB) declares, “Then God said, ‘Let the waters below the heavens be gathered into one place, and let the dry land appear’; and it was so. God called the dry land earth, and the gathering of the waters He called seas; and God saw that it was good.”
Picture the earth as a formless, watery sphere, shrouded in darkness. On Day 1, God created light and the heavens, both spiritual and physical (Nehemiah 9:6). On Day 2, He formed the atmosphere, separating waters above from below, perhaps under a global ice layer. Now, on Day 3, God speaks, and the waters gather into one sea, revealing dry land—possibly a single supercontinent. The Hebrew word for “appear” suggests the land was already there, hidden beneath the waves, now unveiled by God’s command. This wasn’t a slow, natural process but a supernatural act, far beyond today’s geological cycles.
Isaiah 45:18 (NASB) captures God’s purpose: He “formed the earth… to be inhabited.” Every step reflects His intentional design, preparing a stage for life. Genesis 2:1-3 tells us God rested on the seventh day, having completed His unique work of creation—acts like bringing matter from nothing, witnessed by angels (Job 38:4-7). Peter warns in 2 Peter 3:4-5 against those who deny this supernatural origin, insisting the earth was formed “by the word of God.”
What does this mean for us? Day 3 shows God’s power to bring order from chaos. Just as He shaped the earth, He can transform our struggles into purpose. Trust His design, even when life feels overwhelming. Reflect this week: Where do I need God’s order? Let’s worship the Creator who speaks, and the world obeys.
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West Side CoC, Cleveland, Ohio — 2025
Mother’s Day invites us to celebrate the profound influence of mothers, and the Bible offers a shining example in Eunice, the mother of Timothy, and her mother Lois. These women, mentioned in 2 Timothy 1:5 and 3:14-15, embody the power of a mother’s faith in raising and training a child for God’s purpose. Their story is a timeless inspiration for mothers seeking to nurture their children in faith and wisdom.
Eunice, a Jewish believer married to a Greek, faced the challenge of raising Timothy in a mixed-faith household. Alongside her mother Lois, she instilled in Timothy a “sincere faith” (2 Timothy 1:5) that shaped him into a key figure in the early church. The Scriptures note that Timothy was well-acquainted with the sacred writings “from infancy” (2 Timothy 3:15), a testament to the deliberate, faith-filled instruction provided by these women. Their legacy highlights the impact of a mother’s spiritual guidance, even in complex circumstances.
What scriptural instruction might Eunice and Lois have given Timothy? Drawing from the Jewish tradition, they likely taught him the Torah, emphasizing foundational texts like Deuteronomy 6:4-7, the Shema, which commands parents to teach God’s commands diligently to their children. They would have shared stories of God’s faithfulness—Abraham’s covenant, Moses’ leadership, and David’s psalms—embedding a deep trust in God’s promises. These teachings equipped Timothy with wisdom and salvation through faith in Christ (2 Timothy 3:15), preparing him for his role as Paul’s protégé.
Eunice and Lois also modeled resilience. Living in a Greco-Roman world, they faced cultural pressures yet remained steadfast in their faith. Their example taught Timothy perseverance, a trait Paul later commended (2 Timothy 4:2). By praying with him, sharing Scripture, and living out their beliefs, they cultivated a faith that was not just intellectual but deeply personal.
This Mother’s Day, Eunice and Lois remind us that a mother’s influence is profound. Their commitment to teaching Timothy Scripture and modeling faith offers a blueprint for modern mothers. Whether through bedtime prayers, shared Bible stories, or steadfast example, mothers can shape their children for a life of purpose. Eunice and Lois show us that faith, passed down through a mother’s love, can change the world.
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West Side CoC, Cleveland, Ohio — 2025
For some reason or another Christians have changed the commission of spreading the Good News of Jesus from “go” to “come”. We build nice, fancy church buildings and meeting halls then say to the world, “Come and hear about Jesus!” It’s a noteworthy invitation no doubt but how does it compare to the biblical instruction?
It’s easy to see that we are to “go” and take the message to the people rather than expecting them to come to us.
From Jay Launius, 2019, Maud coC, Maud, Texas
It was the first day of the week and three days had passed since the execution of Jesus on the cross at Golgotha. Before daybreak, Mary Magdalene and the other women went to the tomb to anoint His body. But as they arrived at the place, they discovered an empty tomb. Worried that someone had taken the body, they ran to tell Peter and the other disciples. Peter and John ran to the grave, John arriving first and then Peter. The bible says, “Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb; and he saw the linen cloths lying there, and the handkerchief that had been around His head, not lying with the linen cloths, but folded together in a place by itself.” (John 20:6–7)
Yes, the Savior was risen and was no longer in the tomb! However, according to a traditional view of the passage, the folded cloth held a deeper meaning which would be unknown to those of us unschooled in ancient Jewish tradition. In those days, if a person excused himself from the table leaving his napkin folded, it indicated that he would return to the place. Those who adhere to this view say that this was an indication that Jesus was giving a sign that He would return someday. Regardless of whether you take this view or not, there are two undeniable truths. Jesus rose from the dead and He will return someday. (Rom. 14:9; Matt. 24:30)
From Jay Launius, 2024, Maud coC, Maud, Texas
On Day Two of creation, God worked a quiet miracle. Genesis 1:6-8 (NASB) says, “God said, ‘Let there be an expanse in the midst of the waters, and let it separate the waters from the waters.’” He made this expanse, separated the waters below from those above, and called it “heaven.” In these few words, God crafted the sky—a gift we often overlook.
Imagine the earth after Day One: a water-covered planet, possibly frozen under space’s icy grip, with no air or light until God spoke. The Spirit hovered over this dark deep, ready for action. On Day Two, God created the expanse, likely the atmosphere we breathe. But what were the “waters above”? Not clouds—there was no sky yet to hold them. Not land—that comes later. The text suggests a vertical split, with the expanse in the middle of the waters.
Here’s a thought: what if the ocean’s surface froze into a global ice shell? God could have formed the atmosphere beneath it, trapping air like bubbles under ice. This air would spread, separating liquid seas below from the frozen waters above. It’s a guess, but it fits the idea of an expanse dividing waters. The result? A breathable sky, ready for life.
This brief account shows God’s immense power. Creating an atmosphere—gases perfectly balanced—is no small task, yet He speaks, and it’s done. It also reveals His purpose, preparing the earth for plants, animals, and us. Day Two is like a house’s hidden foundation: essential, even if unnoticed. As Proverbs 25:2 says, “It is the glory of God to conceal things, but the glory of kings is to search things out” (ESV). Exploring this mystery draws us closer to Him.
What’s the takeaway? Trust God’s unseen work. Day Two feels vague, but it’s vital. God may be shaping your life in hidden ways—trust Him. And marvel at creation. Every breath you take comes from this day. Look up at the sky and thank God for His genius. Day Two reminds us: our Creator turns chaos into beauty with a word. Let’s worship Him for it.
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West Side CoC, Cleveland, Ohio — 2025
Why does salvation require faith? I’ve been pondering this while teaching a series on Genesis 1–11, sparked by Kevin Cain’s article "Why Are We Losing Them?" He suggests that compromising on Creation leaves young people doubting the Bible, driving them from faith amid evolution’s cultural dominance. If God’s truth is so clear, why not just appear and prove it? Why faith over sight?
Hebrews 11:1 calls faith "the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." It’s not blind—creation reveals God’s "eternal power and divine nature" (Romans 1:18-20). Yet, He stays hidden. John says, "No one has seen God" (1 John 4:12); Paul calls Him "invisible" (1 Timothy 1:17). Why? The Bible shows two realms: the spiritual (God, angels, the Holy Spirit—Genesis 1:1-2, John 4:24) and the physical (us). Normally, we can’t see the spiritual—though God occasionally opens eyes, like Balaam’s (Numbers 22:31) or Elisha’s servant’s (2 Kings 6:15-17).
This divide makes the spiritual the "Realm of Sight," where God’s glory is experienced, and the physical the "Realm of Faith," where we trust without seeing. Why design it this way? It’s about salvation. God created angels and humans with choice. Both rebelled—angels fell (Jude 1:6; 2 Peter 2:4), and we sinned (Genesis 3). But only humans get redemption. Angels, in the Realm of Sight, reject God with full knowledge; they’re bound for judgment, not grace. We, in the Realm of Faith, don’t see Him fully. Our rejection carries ignorance, prompting Jesus’ prayer: "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do" (Luke 23:34).
Hebrews 2:16 declares that Christ aids "the descendants of Abraham," not angels, highlighting a redemption uniquely tailored to humanity. Faith is essential because the veiled nature of the spiritual realm preserves the possibility of our salvation. If we, like the angels, beheld God’s glory and still rebelled, would redemption even be extended to us? The angels, after all, received no such offer. As 2 Corinthians 5:7 states, "We walk by faith, not by sight," and Ephesians 2:8 affirms we are "saved by grace through faith." This design reflects God’s righteousness, enabling Him to be "just and the justifier of those who have faith in Jesus" (Romans 3:26). Faith, then, becomes the gateway to hope, where sight might otherwise seal our fate.
Even naturalists lean on faith—assuming unobservable eons for rock layers. But God’s faith leads to salvation. Genesis 1–11 lays this foundation, calling us to trust His truth. Does this resonate with you as faith’s purpose?
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West Side CoC, Cleveland, Ohio — 2025
Imagine the moment everything began—not just the earth, but two realms, spiritual and physical, crafted by a God beyond time. Welcome to Beginnings, where we’re exploring Genesis 1, starting with day one. Let’s dive into what happened when God spoke the universe into being—and why it matters to us.
Before creation, there’s God—eternal, self-existent. He tells Moses, “I AM WHO I AM” (Exodus 3:14)—YHWH, “I exist.” No beginning, no end, just pure being. Then, in Genesis 1:1, “God created the heavens and the earth.” The Trinity shines here: the Father wills it, Jesus speaks it, the Spirit hovers. On day one, they form the physical cosmos—earth, space—and the spiritual “heaven of heavens,” home to angels.
Picture it: “The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep” (Genesis 1:2). A formless, water-covered earth, cloaked in darkness. The Spirit moves, and God says, “Let there be light” (Genesis 1:3). Not the sun—that’s day four—but divine light, splitting darkness into day and night as the earth spins. Day one also births space, the earth’s core, and the angelic realm, where “sons of God” sing (Job 38:7). It’s a cosmic launch, vast and purposeful.
Here’s the twist: God creates darkness (Isaiah 45:7). Before the physical universe, only His light existed in the spiritual realm. Darkness comes with the cosmos, a space where we walk by faith, not sight. Angels see God directly; we trust through His Word and creation. That faith unlocks salvation—a gift unique to us.
So, day one’s creations? The spiritual realm with its angels, the dark expanse of space, the formless earth with water, and God’s light piercing through. He’s the source—“God is light” (1 John 1:5)—a preview of eternity when He’ll shine forever (Revelation 22:5).
Why care? Day one reveals a God of power and purpose, crafting a world where faith thrives. The darkness and light, the angels’ song—they point to a reality beyond, a Creator who calls it “good” and invites us to trust Him. Reflect: what stirs you most about this beginning? Lean into the One who started it all—He’s still writing your story.
West Side CoC, Cleveland, Ohio — 2025
Genesis 1-11 is a historical record of God’s creation and humanity’s early story, not mere myth. For those who take it literally, these chapters document real events: the universe’s origin, the first humans, sin’s entry, and God’s judgment and mercy. Let’s explore this as factual history.
Genesis 1-2: Creation in Six Days
“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). Over six literal days, marked by “evening and morning,” God forms light, sky, land, plants, sun, moon, animals, and mankind. Adam is shaped from dust, Eve from his rib—specific acts, not evolution. Eden, with rivers like the Tigris, is a real place. This sets the world’s start at 6,000–10,000 years ago, per later genealogies.
Genesis 3: The Fall Happened
In Genesis 3, a real serpent tempts Eve to eat forbidden fruit, and Adam follows. Their disobedience brings death, pain, and exile—historical consequences, not symbols. This Fall explains suffering, as Paul notes: “Sin entered through one man” (Romans 5:12). God’s promise of a Savior (Genesis 3:15) roots redemption in history.
Genesis 4-5: Early Lives Recorded
Cain kills Abel, a real crime, and is banished to Nod. His descendants, like Lamech, are named with details of their innovations. Genesis 5 lists Adam’s line to Noah, with precise lifespans—Methuselah’s 969 years fit a pre-Flood world. This reads like a family chronicle.
Genesis 6-9: A Global Flood
God floods the earth due to human evil, sparing Noah in a precisely built ark. Waters cover “all the high hills” (Genesis 7:19), a global event. Noah’s family repopulates post-Flood, a fact Jesus affirms (Matthew 24:38).
Genesis 10-11: Nations and Babel
Genesis 10 traces Noah’s sons to nations like Cush. In Genesis 11, unified humanity builds Babel’s tower; God scatters them with new languages. This explains linguistic diversity historically.
Why It Matters
A literal Genesis upholds Scripture’s truth. If these events aren’t real, why trust the Bible? They reveal God as Creator and Judge, humanity as fallen yet redeemable, and Christ’s work as historical necessity. Genesis 1-11 is our origin story—true, foundational, and pointing to God’s plan.
West Side CoC, Cleveland, Ohio — 2025
After a few days of hard work, all the preparations had been made and it was time for the party. The tables were ready, filled with stacks of paper plates, plastic flatware, and cups. Cold drinks were iced and ready while the grill belched out smoke with the smell of cooking steaks. There was sliced fresh watermelon, homemade ice cream and apple pie. Hanging decorations moved gently in the breeze while tunes played from the Bluetooth speaker. It was time for the party!
As the time for the gathering came and went none of the invited guest arrived. Perhaps the traffic was bad or other distractions were holding up the party goers. But as an hour passed, it soon became evident that no one was coming. The time, effort, and expense that had gone into getting ready for the party was all for nothing. The host felt disappointed and embarrassed. “No one came to our party.”
Jesus told two similar stories, one about a wedding, the other about a great supper. (Matt. 22:2-14; Luke 14:16-24) Both had been prepared but some guests made excuses as to why they could not come while others “made light of it and went their ways…” (Matt. 22:5).
Each week, the preparation for worship to God has been made for all of us. We may believe that our lack of attendance doesn’t affect anyone but ourselves. However, by my absence I may be discouraging those who have worked diligently in preparation for me to experience the blessing of worship. Just as in our previous example, the bible class teacher may sit in an empty classroom and say, “No one has come.” Let us all give appreciative consideration to those that work so hard to make it possible for us to worship the Lord in spirit and in truth.
From Jay Launius, 2024, Maud coC, Maud, Texas
(Matt. 26:50-55; Mark 14:46-49; Luke 22:49-53; John 18:3-11) It was a peaceful place. The Garden of Gethsemane had been chosen by Jesus as the place where he would go to pray to the Father concerning His impending suffering. In the midst of the garden’s solitude came the sound of the multitude bearing swords and clubs. Jesus had been betrayed. The scene must have been chaotic, and with His disciples near, the mob laid hands on Jesus and placed Him under arrest. In an act of presumptuous bravery, Simon Peter draws his sword and swings it toward the captors, cutting off the ear of the high priest’s servant, Malchus. At a moment when the fight was sure to ensue, Jesus stopped it dead by saying “Put your sword in its place, for all who take the sword will perish by the sword.” Not only did He stop the violence but reached out and restored the injured man’s right ear.
In our defense of the Gospel, we sometimes act like Peter. We quickly draw our swords of rebuttal with sharp and angry responses. In our brave and noble attempts to protect the truth, we may very well disobey it. Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers.” (Matt. 5:9) While Paul told Timothy, “A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all and in humility correcting those who are in opposition.” (2 Tim. 2:24). Yes, we are to be ready to give an answer and defense to those who oppose God’s word, but we must do so with meekness and respect. (1 Pet. 3:15) Jesus said if it had been God’s will, twelve legions of angels would have come to rescue Him. God’s word doesn’t need saving, it needs sharing and even though there may be naysayers and scripture twisters, we have the wonderful promise that “the word of the Lord endures forever.” (1 Pet. 1:25)
From Jay Launius, 2024, Maud coC, Maud, Texas
You may have wondered and asked, “Why do we send support to missionaries? Shouldn’t we be concentrating on sharing the gospel here at home instead of paying someone to travel the world?” Some may think these questions to be immature while on the other hand there may be those who think this is a legitimate inquiry.
The truth of the matter and short answer is, “Because it’s biblical.” The words “mission” and “missionary” do not appear in our English bibles, however, the work of missionaries is clearly exemplified in the New Testament scriptures. In the Great Commission, Jesus said, “Go and make disciples in ALL nations”, and “Go into ALL the world.” (Matt. 28:19; Mark 16:15). So in order to comply to the commands of the Lord, someone must leave the normalcy of life and travel the world.
So what about financial support of missionaries? What does the bible say about that? The Apostle Paul, along with his companions took three missionary journeys as recorded in the book of Acts. During those trips, there were times that he worked to support himself and others when he was fully supported by the church. (1 Cor. 4:12; 9:14; Phil. 4:16) It is true that some choose pleasant vacation destinations and call them mission fields but one day those who use the gospel for personal gain and selfish pleasure will answer the Lord.
For those who risk life and limb, sacrifice creature comforts, and face the difficulties of living and preaching in a foreign land, we owe our gratitude and support.
From Jay Launius, 2024, Maud coC, Maud, Texas
We all want to be wise. We want to be that person that others will come to and ask for advice. The video feeds we watch are full of people offering words of wisdom on almost any subject. Wisdom defined is the quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgment. We all want to be wise.
In the first chapter of the letter of James, we find a wonderful promise from God, the gift of wisdom. “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” (James 1:5) However, there are conditions to be met while petitioning the Lord concerning wisdom. We must ask in faith, without doubting (v. 6). If we are “wishy-washy” in our asking, then we ought not to expect to be any wiser. (v. 7) The value of wisdom is known even in secular circles. Many of the great thinkers throughout history have commented on the merit of being wise. Of course, the best source for guidance concerning wisdom is found in the bible.
Proverbs 4:5–7The gift of spiritual wisdom comes from knowledge of God’s word. Practical wisdom comes from life’s experiences, including hardships, mistakes, and difficulties. When we combine the two, along with the prayer for wisdom, God will surely bless us to be wise people.
From Jay Launius, 2024, Maud coC, Maud, Texas
Of the nine attributes known as the fruit of the Spirit found in Galatian 5:22-23, the fruit of gentleness seems to have been lost among well-meaning Christians, especially those who do our teaching or preaching. With raised voices and condescending tones, they shake the bible at us with ultimatums of “turn or burn”! But as experience has shown us, the fire and brimstone approach of the past will only convict a limited few. Could the old saying, “You catch more flies with honey” be applicable to sharing the gospel and its principles?
Jesus said, “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. ” (Matt. 5:5) Did Jesus mean that those who share the good news with a spirit of gentleness would be more successful? In His invitation for all to come to Him in Matthew 11:28-29, Jesus said, “I am gentle. ” We can see the gentleness of Jesus when He told the adulterous woman of Mark 8 to “go and sin no more. ” Even though the church at Corinth had serious sin issues, Paul asked, “What do you want? Shall I come to you with a rod, or in love and a spirit of gentleness?” (1 Cor. 4:21) In his 2nd letter to the church, Paul pleaded with them by the “meekness and gentleness of Christ.” (2 Cor. 10:1) The trait of gentleness is to be included in the elder’s and the minister’s character (1 Tim. 3:3; 6:11) including their approach to teaching. “And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient… ” (2 Tim. 2:24)
Christians are reminded to “to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men. ” (Titus 3:2) As we share the Good News of Jesus, let us seek the “wisdom that is from above which is first pure, then peaceable and gentle.” (James 3:17)
From Jay Launius, 2024, Maud coC, Maud, Texas
In Luke 13:6-9, Jesus tells the “Parable of the Fig Tree.” A certain man had a fig tree in his vineyard and one day went to get some of the sweet fruit but found none. He then told the gardener to cut down the tree because it had been barren for three years and was just using up good space in his vineyard. The gardener must have been fond of the tree, and he asked if it could stay one more year while he gave it special care. If the tree bore figs, then good, if not, then he would cut it down. The story abruptly ends, and we don’t know the fate of the fig tree, but the message of the story is very clear. God wants those in His vineyard to bear fruit!
Bearing fruit is mentioned at least 50 times in the New Testament. So, we might ask, “What exactly does bearing fruit mean?” Bearing fruit means going out and making disciples and baptizing them. (Matt. 28:19-20). Bearing fruit means continually and regularly offering worship to God in spirit and truth. (John 4:24; Heb. 13:15). Bearing fruit means feeding the hungry, visiting the sick, taking in the stranger, and caring for the widows and orphans (Matt. 25:34-40; James 1:27). Bearing fruit means loving, encouraging, and edifying your church family (John 13:34-35; Col. 2:2; 1 Thess. 5:11). Bearing fruit means I will do my part so that the church will grow as God gives the increase. (Eph. 4:16; 1 Cor. 3:7).
However, the barren, fruitless branches of John 15:2,6 are taken away, cast out, and thrown in the fire. Like the fig tree of the parable, there is no room in the Lord’s kingdom for the fruitless Christian. God wants His people to bear much fruit, so let us all be busy in fruit production!
From Jay Launius, 2024, Maud coC, Maud, Texas
James 1:27 states, “Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.” (James 1:27 NKJV) Although most bible versions use the word “orphans” in this verse, the word “fatherless” carries much more significance when compared to the teaching of the Old Testament. As part of Jewish benevolence, the fatherless, along with widows and strangers were to be cared for by the adherents of the law. (Deut. 10:18; 14:29; 16:11; 24:19-21; 26:12) The law commanded, “You shall not afflict any widow or fatherless child.” Those that would do so, kindled the wrath of God, and were to be killed by the sword. (Exodus 22:22-24) Because God does not change, nor is there any variation with Him (Malachi 3:6; James 1:17). There is no doubt that His concern for the fatherless remains the same as it did during the ancient days of the Law of Moses.
Data from the US Census Bureau shows nearly 18.5 million children are fatherless, leading to the US being the world leader in fatherlessness. It has been said that fatherless kids are more likely to have behavioral problems, go to prison, commit a crime, are 279% more likely to carry guns and deal drugs, two times more likely to drop out of school, and the list goes on.
God’s design for the family, with the father as the leader, is clearly described in the Scriptures. Our culture’s disregard for God’s design has given us unprecedented numbers of fatherless children. Even though our society is at fault, we must do our best to practice “pure religion”, reaching out to the fatherless with our hearts and our hands.
From Jay Launius, 2024, Maud coC, Maud, Texas
The Christmas holiday has come and gone. Time to take down those decorations, Christmas trees, blow-up yard ornaments, and lights, including those religious scenes and figurines. Along with the tinsel and multicolored lights, the little statues of the baby Jesus will be placed in boxes and storage bins and stored away till next December. Folks will stop posting memes that say “Jesus is the Reason for the Season” and “Put Christ Back in Christmas” on social media. The time of year in which so much attention is given to Jesus Christ has past. Sadly, many people will not attend church, pray, or even mention Jesus until the traditional Easter holiday. They will return to their busy lifestyles full of work and play. It would seem that they have put Jesus in a box, only to let Him out on a couple of religious holidays during the year.
It has been said that we should be thankful that so many think about Christ, even if it’s for a short time. However, such traditions practiced only occasionally do not find favor with the Lord. Jesus said if any person desires to follow Him, they must deny themselves, pick up their cross and follow Him every day. (Luke 9:23) What a worthy goal it is to have Christ in the forefront of our daily activities, including bible reading, prayer, evangelism, benevolence and regular worship.
From Jay Launius, 2023, Maud coC, Maud, Texas
Becoming the Good Neighbor
In The Truth Project’s final lesson, “Community and Involvement, God Cares, Do I?”, Dr. Del Tackett guides us through a powerful exploration of God’s heart for the needy, urging Christians to embody the role of the “neighbor” who helps, as taught in the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:36). Rooted in the greatest commandments—to love God fully and our neighbor as ourselves (Matthew 22:36-40)—this lesson challenges us to act with compassion toward the marginalized.
Tackett reframes the parable of the Good Samaritan as the “parable of the good neighbor,” stressing that the neighbor is the one who shows mercy, not the one who receives it. When a lawyer asks Jesus, “Who is my neighbor?” Jesus points to the Samaritan who aids a wounded stranger, teaching that being a neighbor means choosing to help the poor, orphans, widows, prisoners, and outcasts. This call expands our responsibility to anyone in need, urging us to take initiative as helpers.
God’s heart for the lowly shines through in scriptures like Psalm 138:6 and Isaiah 57:15. The Greek word tapeinos (humble or lowly) describes Jesus’ heart in Matthew 11:28-29, seen in acts like washing His disciples’ feet (John 13) and sacrificing His life (John 14:9). Tackett clarifies that this humility is bold, not timid, modeling how we should serve as neighbors who act. Scriptures call us to “humble ourselves” (James 4:10), reflecting God’s humility by serving others, just as the Good Samaritan did.
While The Truth Project lays the foundation for being a neighbor who helps, Tackett’s later Engagement Project offers practical steps for involvement, which Scott’s class will explore next. Lesson 12 challenges us: God cares for the needy—do we? Let’s choose to be neighbors who help, reflecting Christ’s love through bold, compassionate service in our communities.
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Rediscovering Labor as God’s Creative Calling
In a world where work is often seen as a necessary evil, The Truth Project Lesson 11, “Labor: Created to Create,” offers a refreshing biblical perspective. Dr. Del Tackett challenges the cultural narrative that labor is a curse, revealing it as a divine privilege rooted in God’s nature as the Original Worker (Genesis 1:1–2:3). Created in His image, humans are designed to reflect His creativity through work, tending and enhancing His creation (Genesis 2:15).
Far from drudgery, labor is a joyful calling. Tackett dismantles the “TGIF” mindset, arguing that negative views of work stem from Satan’s lies in the “Cosmic Battle” to distort God’s design. Work is the “engine room of culture,” producing wealth to meet physical needs and bearing responsibility to address poverty through job creation, not just handouts (Proverbs 14:31). This perspective challenges Christians to see labor as worship, aligning their efforts with God’s glory.
The lesson outlines seven biblical economic principles: all things belong to God (Psalm 24:1); humans are stewards with ownership rights (Ephesians 6:5–9); theft and coveting are wrong (Exodus 20:15, 17); skills come from God (Exodus 35:30–35); work is good, laziness is not (Proverbs 10:4); love God, not possessions (Matthew 6:24); and be generous to the poor (Deuteronomy 15:7–11). These principles guide employers and employees to manage resources with integrity and compassion.
A special focus is given to arts and media, where beauty must align with God’s standards of truth and goodness (Psalm 101:3). Dr. Francis Schaeffer’s quote, “Whoever controls the media, controls the culture,” urges Christians to create art that glorifies God, countering secular narratives. This call to “Soli Deo Gloria” (for God’s glory alone) inspires believers to shape culture through creative labor.
Lesson 11 invites us to rethink work as a reflection of God’s image, a means to steward His resources, and a platform to serve others. By embracing labor as a divine gift, Christians can transform their workplaces, communities, and culture for God’s glory. How might you view your daily work differently through this biblical lens?
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Uncovering Its Christian Roots
On June 11, 2025, Scott introduced video Lesson 10 of The Truth Project, titled "The American Experiment: Stepping Stones," led by Dr. Del Tackett. This lesson challenges the idea that the United States was founded as a secular nation, presenting evidence of its Christian foundations. Below is a concise summary of the key points.
Introduction: Challenging the Secular Narrative
Dr. Tackett opens by debunking the claim that America was not founded as a Christian nation. He promises to provide evidence from the founding fathers’ own words to demonstrate their Christian worldview, setting the stage for a historical exploration.
The Christian Foundations of America
Focusing on the "southwest sector" of the Truth Project’s compass, Lesson 10 examines the state’s biblical role, per Romans 13:4, to administer justice and promote goodness. Dr. Tackett sets three ground rules: not deifying America, its founders, or a yet-to-be-revealed third rule. He highlights the American experiment’s uniqueness, as Christians designed a government from scratch based on biblical principles. The New England Primer and quotes from figures like Benjamin Rush and John Adams reveal a society shaped by scripture, emphasizing that virtue and morality, rooted in Christianity, are essential for a republic’s success. However, Darwinian influences, like those from Christopher Langdell and John Dewey, have shifted America away from these principles, expanding state power.
The Cosmic Battle and Christian Responsibility
Dr. Tackett describes America’s drift as part of a “cosmic battle” in the social realm. He warns that the experiment may fail without deliberate action from Christians, who are called to prayer and repentance (2 Chronicles 7:13-14). The third ground rule urges Christians not to blame non-Christians but to focus on their own responsibility.
The Role of Believers in Sustaining the Experiment
The lesson concludes by emphasizing that Christians initiated and must sustain the American experiment. Dr. Tackett notes the government’s three branches, inspired by Isaiah 33:22, and refutes claims that the founders were pagans, citing their explicit Christian references. He calls believers to preserve this legacy.
Conclusion
Lesson 10 reveals America’s Christian roots through historical evidence, urging Christians to actively maintain its biblical foundations to ensure the nation’s future.
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This tour conflicts many... This is where many find out they have been taken captive by the world. —Del Tackett
The state—government, politics, law—holds immense power to shape society for good or ill. In Lesson 9 of The Truth Project, “The State: Whose Law?”, Dr. Del Tackett explores the state’s divine design, its limits, and the dangers of overstepping its God-given boundaries. Rooted in Scripture, this lesson challenges us to rethink the state’s role in light of God’s sovereignty.
Tackett begins with a question: Can the state steal? Stories like Ahab’s theft of Naboth’s vineyard (1 Kings 21) and Nebuchadnezzar’s humbling (Daniel 4) show that rulers are not above God’s law. Human governments, prone to error, must be held accountable to a higher ethical standard to avoid wreaking havoc. Webster’s 1828 Dictionary defines law and politics as tools to preserve morals—a view rarely held today but critical to understanding the state’s purpose.
Scripture reveals the state as God’s delegate, armed with the sword to punish evil and condone good (Romans 13:1-6). Like the Son’s submission to the Father, the state is subject to God’s authority. Kings and magistrates rule as representatives, not autonomous powers. When they forget this, as Uzziah did by crossing into the priestly sphere (2 Chronicles 26), judgment follows. Sphere sovereignty—distinct roles for family, church, and state—ensures balance, preventing tyranny.
Yet history warns of the state’s potential for abuse. Regimes like Stalin’s and Mao’s show what happens when rulers deny God’s authority, seeking control over every sphere. Tackett argues this “Rise of the State” is resurging today, with people looking to government as savior, supplier, and moral arbiter. This echoes Israel’s demand for a king to “go before us” (1 Samuel 8), rejecting God’s kingship.
Christians must resist this trend. By standing firm on biblical truth, we can hold the state accountable, ensuring it operates within its God-ordained limits. The state is not our savior—God is. As Tackett warns, without a higher moral standard, the state’s power can become pathological, leading to oppression. Let us draw a line in the sand, proclaiming God’s sovereignty over all.
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In Lesson 8 of The Truth Project, Dr. Del Tackett explores the profound concept of Unio Mystica—the mystical union between God and humanity. This sacred bond, described as the heart of Christianity, transcends mere salvation, inviting believers into an intimate relationship with the Creator. Through Christ’s sacrifice, we are not only saved from hell but welcomed into the very life of the Godhead, experiencing oneness with God both personally and corporately.
Dr. Tackett illustrates this mystery using vivid biblical imagery. Corporately, Jesus’ teaching on the vine and branches (John 15:5) emphasizes the necessity of abiding in Him, while His high priestly prayer (John 17) underscores the unity between Father, Son, and believers. Paul’s writings further highlight the church as a unified body, where mutual edification and “one another” commands (e.g., John 13:34-35) foster communal love. On a personal level, scriptures like John 3:7 (being “born again”) and Galatians 2:20 (“Christ lives in me”) reveal the indwelling Spirit, making each believer a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17). This intimate union is the essence of eternal life—knowing God as deeply as a spouse knows their partner.
Yet, this relationship is not without challenges. Dr. Tackett warns against “blurring the spheres,” such as assuming individual worship can replace corporate fellowship or that church attendance alone fulfills the Unio Mystica. He also addresses the human hunger for significance, which, when misdirected, leads to spiritual dysfunction. Like the Israelites “prostituting” themselves to idols (Numbers 15:38-39) or the Pharisees seeking human approval through ostentatious displays (Matthew 6), we risk forsaking God when we chase self-importance outside His covenant.
The Unio Mystica redefines Christianity not as a moral code or philosophy but as a living relationship with a personal God. This truth should evoke wonder, driving us to worship and deepening our hunger for intimacy with Him. By resting in Christ’s love, we find true fulfillment, free from the pathologies of pride and isolation. Ultimately, this lesson calls us to cherish the price paid for this union—Christ’s precious blood—and to pursue a closer walk with God, transformed by His truth and love.
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The Truth Project, a transformative study by Focus on the Family, challenges us to view life through a biblical lens. Led by Dr. Del Tackett, its first seven tours explore truth, humanity, God, and society, urging us to ask, “Do you really believe that what you believe is really real?” Here’s a snapshot of these foundational lessons.
Tour 1: Veritology – What Is Truth? Jesus came to “testify to the truth” (John 18:37), but a “Cosmic Battle” rages between God’s reality and Satan’s lies (John 8:44). Truth, defined as “conformity to fact or reality” (Webster’s 1828), is God’s nature (Colossians 2:2–3). Sin stems from believing lies, so we must align with truth to live free.
Tour 2: Philosophy & Ethics – Says Who? Colossians 2:8 warns against deceptive philosophies like naturalism’s “Cosmic Cube,” which traps reality in a material box. God’s transcendent nature grounds ethics, unlike postmodernism’s shifting standards. Renew your mind (Romans 12:2) to reject worldly lies.
Tour 3: Anthropology – Who Is Man? Created in God’s image yet fallen (Genesis 1:27; Romans 5:12), humanity wrestles with sin (Galatians 5:16–17). Secular views like Maslow’s self-actualization deny our depravity, but redemption restores our purpose.
Tour 4: Theology – Who Is God? Knowing God is eternal life (John 17:3). Despite attacks on His Word (2 Corinthians 10:4–5), God reveals Himself as truth’s source (Colossians 2:2–3), transforming our identity.
Tour 5: Science – What Is True? Creation declares God’s glory (Psalm 19:1). Darwin’s theory falters against irreducible complexity and fossil gaps, pointing to intelligent design. Science glorifies God, not chance.
Tour 6: History – Whose Story? History is God’s narrative (Isaiah 46). Revisionism distorts truth, but remembering God’s works (Deuteronomy 8:10–20) anchors us in His plan.
Tour 7: Sociology – The Divine Imprint. God’s triune order shapes family and church (Ephesians 5). The Fall broke relationships (Genesis 2:18), but God’s design restores unity.
These tours challenge us to live by God’s truth. Which resonates most with you? Reflect won't you?
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God’s design for human society isn’t random—it’s a reflection of His very nature. Dr. R.C. Sproul, as cited in The Truth Project, teaches that social institutions and laws stem not from abstract ideas but from God Himself. This "divine imprint" is most evident in the Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—where authority, submission, and unity coexist perfectly. Dr. Del Tackett applies this pattern to two key institutions: the Family and the Church.
In the Trinity, the Father leads, the Son submits, and the Spirit proceeds, yet all are one in essence and purpose. Similarly, the Family—husband, wife, children—mirrors this structure. Ephesians 5:22-33 paints a vivid picture: husbands love sacrificially like Christ, while wives submit as the Church does to Him, creating a unified "one flesh." The Church follows suit—Christ as head, leaders as shepherds, and the flock united under His authority (Titus 1:5-6; Hebrews 13:17). Elders and pastors guide with care, deserving honor when they lead well (1 Timothy 5:17).
What does this look like practically? For the Family, scripture lays a foundation. Exodus 20:12 calls children to honor parents, while Genesis 2:18-24 establishes marriage as a divine covenant—upheld by Jesus in Matthew 19:4-8 and warned against breaking in Malachi 2:13-16. Husbands and wives have distinct roles: Ephesians 5:22-33 and 1 Peter 3:1-7 urge mutual love and respect, while Colossians 3:18-21 and Titus 2:4-5 emphasize nurturing homes. Fathers, specifically, are tasked with raising children in godly instruction, not provocation (Ephesians 6:4).
The Church reflects this order too. Acts 20:28 commissions elders to shepherd, and Hebrews 13:17 calls believers to submit to them, fostering unity. This isn’t about power—it’s about reflecting God’s relational nature.
Tackett’s point is clear: God’s imprint brings harmony, not chaos. When Family and Church align with this design—authority balanced with love, submission with unity—they echo the Trinity’s beauty. In a world that often rejects structure, this divine pattern offers a timeless blueprint for flourishing relationships and communities.
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Dr. Del Tackett’s Tour 7, "Sociology - the Divine Imprint," begins with Psalm 19:1-4 and Job 12:7-8, where creation declares God’s glory. He introduces the "problem of order" with the chicken egg: its shell, with 10,000 pores, exchanges air for CO2 and H2O; four vessels connect the chick to the yolk and membrane for nutrients and oxygen. By day 19, the chick, low on air, uses its "egg tooth" to break out, relying on a reserve air pocket—offering 6 hours of air—until free. This precision exemplifies the "countless systems of order" Tackett highlights, like DNA, tides, and blood clotting, revealing a God of order.
God’s Genesis refrain, "It is good," affirms this, but Tackett extends it to social order: family, labor, church, state, God and man, and community. He contrasts this with Francis Crick’s evolutionary lens and Charles Darwin’s unease at the eye’s design, arguing that such order points to God. Genesis 2:18—"It is not good for man to be alone"—prompts a question: qualitative or ethical? Tackett points to God’s triune nature—Father, Son, Holy Spirit—whose relational essence shapes creation’s "divine imprint."
Aloneness was "not good" because it defies God’s own relational nature, an ethical issue solved with the addition of Eve. God’s imprint unfolds: one is aloneness, insufficient; two is relationships and intimacy; three is community and fellowship, mirroring the Trinity. The egg’s ordered system reflects God’s glory, but the social realm—where relationships thrive—reveals it more deeply.
In an individualistic age, Tackett’s message resonates. The chick’s 6-hour air pocket bridges it to life, just as relationships bridge us to God’s purpose. Family and community aren’t accidents—they echo the triune God. Creation’s order, from eggs to tides, amazes, but the call to fellowship reflects His nature most profoundly.
History isn’t just a dusty collection of dates and events—it’s a story that shapes who we are and why we’re here. In Tour 6 of "The Truth Project," titled "History: Whose Story?" Dr. Del Tackett dives deep into this idea, and around the 29-minute mark of the session, he hits a powerful stride. With insights from Theodore Dalrymple and Os Guinness, a couple of piercing Bible passages, and a sharp look at today’s cultural trends, Tackett challenges us to see history as more than random chaos—it’s God’s story, and we’re part of it.
The Weight of Remembering
The discussion kicks off with interviews that set the stage. Theodore Dalrymple, a British physician and writer who’s seen the underbelly of societal breakdown, and Os Guinness, a Christian author and social critic who’s spent decades wrestling with faith and culture, both point to the same truth: history matters. Forget it, and we lose our bearings. Dalrymple’s nodding to the mess we make when we ignore the past, while Guinness frames history as the backbone of meaning—a story bigger than ourselves. It’s a sobering start.
Tackett takes us to Deuteronomy 8:10-20, where God speaks to the Israelites after they’ve settled into the Promised Land. “When you’ve eaten and are satisfied, praise the Lord your God for the good land he has given you,” the text says. Sounds simple, right? But then comes the warning: don’t think your wealth or success is all your doing. “Remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth” (Deut. 8:18). The Israelites were prone to amnesia, and so are we. Forgetting God’s role in our story isn’t just careless—it’s dangerous.
A Famine of the Soul
Then comes Amos 8:11, a verse that feels like it was written for 2025: “The days are coming… when I will send a famine through the land—not a famine of food or a thirst for water, but a famine of hearing the words of the Lord.” Tackett lingers here, and you can see why. We’re not starving for bread today; we’re starving for truth. When we ditch the past and God’s voice in it, we’re left hungry, groping for something to make sense of life. This isn’t just poetic—it’s a diagnosis of our world right now.
Tackett ties this to God’s sovereign rule. History isn’t a roll of the dice; it’s His design. From Genesis to the end, He’s the author, declaring “the end from the beginning” (Isaiah 46:10). That’s a comfort if you trust the Writer, but it’s a jolt if you don’t.
Postmodernism’s Dead End
Here’s where it gets gritty. Tackett turns to postmodernism—the cultural mood that says big stories (or “metanarratives”) are suspect. Thinkers like Jean-François Lyotard called it “incredulity toward metanarratives,” and it’s everywhere now. The idea? No single narrative—like the Bible’s account of creation, fall, and redemption—can claim the truth. It’s all just power plays or personal opinions. The result? We’re a society of fragments, with no glue to hold us together. Meaning gets lost in the shuffle, and that famine Amos warned about starts to feel real.
God’s Big Story
But Tackett doesn’t leave us there. Against this backdrop, he lifts up God’s metanarrative—the one story that ties it all together. From the Garden to the Cross to the Kingdom, it’s a plotline of purpose: God creates, humanity rebels, and He redeems. It’s not oppressive or subjective—it’s hope. It’s the answer to a culture that’s rejected big stories and ended up with nothing to say.
So, Whose Story Are We Living?
By the end of this stretch, Tackett’s point is clear: history isn’t neutral. It’s God’s domain, and we’re in it whether we like it or not. Postmodernism might scoff, but the hunger in our souls suggests we need more than skepticism. Deuteronomy calls us to remember. Amos warns us what happens when we don’t. And God’s story invites us in—to find our place, our meaning, in His.
So here’s the question: Whose story are you living? The world’s fragmented script, or the one that’s been unfolding since the beginning? Tackett’s chosen the latter—as have we.
What if history isn’t just a dusty collection of dates and events, but a living story—one with a purpose, a plot, and a divine Author? That’s the question Dr. Del Tackett poses in Tour 6 of The Truth Project, titled “History: Whose Story?” As we watched this session, we couldn’t help but feel a shift in how we see the past—not as a random scramble of human triumphs and failures, but as “His story,” God’s unfolding narrative where every chapter shapes who we are today.
Tackett starts with a word that stuck with us: remember. It’s a command woven through Scripture—like in Joshua 4, where God tells the Israelites to stack twelve stones after crossing the Jordan, a tangible reminder of His deliverance. Or Deuteronomy 8, where forgetting God’s provision is a one-way ticket to spiritual ruin. “Remember” isn’t just nostalgia; it’s a call to anchor ourselves in truth. But here’s the kicker: what happens when that anchor gets yanked away?
History as God’s Stage—and Our Compass
Tackett frames history as the fourth pillar in his “Temple of Truth,” connecting philosophy, ethics, science, and now history under a biblical worldview. He leans on verses like Isaiah 46:9-11, where God declares “the end from the beginning,” and Galatians 4:4-5, where Christ arrives “in the fullness of time.” History isn’t chaos—it’s choreography, directed by God. But Tackett takes it further with a principle that hit us like a ton of bricks: “What you believe in the present is determined by the past.” In other words, the story we accept about yesterday shapes how we see everything today—our values, our identity, our reality.
The Pilgrims signing the Mayflower Compact in 1620 didn’t just stumble into America; they came “for the Glory of God and Advancement of the Christian Faith.” That’s their own words. Knowing that changes how we view their legacy—not as mere settlers, but as people on a mission rooted in faith. History, Tackett says, is our compass. Lose it, and we’re adrift.
The Revisionist Trap
This is where Tackett drops another bombshell: “If I can change your historical context, I can change the way you view the present.” It's called revisionism, and it’s a game-changer. He traces it back to Genesis 3, where the serpent’s “Did God actually say?” sows doubt, and Matthew 28, where priests bribe soldiers to lie about Jesus’ resurrection. These aren’t just old stories—they’re warnings. Control the past, and you control the mind.
Take the Mayflower Compact again. Modern retellings often cast it as a proto-democracy moment, sidelining its God-centered purpose. Or consider the resurrection—witnessed by hundreds, yet dismissed as myth by skeptics spinning their own tale. When we rewrite history, Tackett argues, we don’t just lose facts; we lose meaning. If I convince you the Pilgrims were just chasing freedom, not God, I’ve shifted your lens on faith in America today. If I erase the resurrection, I’ve undercut the hope you carry now. It’s subtle, but it’s power.
Why It Matters in 2025
So, why should this hit home in 2025? Because we’re swimming in a culture that’s allergic to memory. Social media thrives on the now—yesterday’s irrelevant. But Tackett insists history isn’t a buffet we pick from; it’s a map showing where God’s been and where He’s taking us. What we believe about the past—whether it’s God’s hand or human chance—decides what we trust today. And when revisionists tweak that map, they’re not just messing with facts; they’re steering our whole worldview.
We walked away from Tour 6 asking: What past am I believing? Am I swallowing revised versions of my own story, my nation’s story, or God’s story? Tackett doesn’t just lecture; he hands you a lens to see history as a gift—one that reveals God’s character, roots your present, and calls you to trust Him with the future.
History is a battleground of truth, and what we remember—or let others rewrite—shapes everything.
On March 12, 2025, we watched Tour 5b (Part 2) of The Truth Project. Dr. Del Tackett isn’t afraid to tackle the big questions. In Tour 5b of Lesson 5, “Science: What is True?”, he dives headfirst into one of the hottest topics in the science-faith debate: the fossil record. Buckle up, because this isn’t your typical Bible school lesson—it’s a bold challenge to everything you’ve been told about evolution’s “rock-solid” evidence. Let’s unpack what Tackett has to say and why it matters.
The Fossil Record: Evolution’s Smoking Gun or a Big Misunderstanding?
If you’ve ever flipped through a science textbook, you’ve probably seen those neat little diagrams showing fish turning into amphibians, reptiles into birds, and apes into humans—all thanks to the fossil record. It’s the crown jewel of evolutionary theory, right? Not so fast, says Tackett. In Tour 5b, he pulls back the curtain and asks: Where’s the real evidence?
Tackett’s main beef is with the so-called transitional fossils—the “missing links” that are supposed to show one kind of creature morphing into another over millions of years. He zeroes in on Archaeopteryx, the poster child for evolution’s dino-to-bird story. With its feathers, wings, and reptilian features, it’s often hailed as proof of gradual change. But Tackett isn’t buying it. He argues that Archaeopteryx isn’t a halfway house—it’s a fully formed creature, perfectly designed as is. Could it just be a unique species, not a stepping stone? He thinks so, and he’s got a point: if evolution’s true, shouldn’t we have way more of these in-betweeners littering the fossil record?
Gaps That Speak Louder Than Bones
Speaking of missing pieces, Tackett doubles down on the gaps. Evolutionists say fossilization is rare, so we shouldn’t expect a perfect lineup of every step. But Tackett flips that excuse on its head. He sees those gaps as evidence of something else entirely: life showing up suddenly, fully formed, with no slow crawl from one form to the next. Ever heard of the Cambrian Explosion? It’s this wild moment in the fossil record where a ton of animal groups pop up out of nowhere, no gradual build-up in sight. For Tackett, that’s not a glitch in evolution’s story—it’s a neon sign pointing to creation.
He’s not just throwing rocks at science for fun, though. Tackett’s driving at a deeper truth: the fossil record, as he sees it, fits a biblical narrative where God spoke, and life appeared—bam!—just like Genesis says. No millions of years of trial and error needed.
Worldviews in the Rocks
Here’s where Tackett gets really fired up. He argues that the way we read the fossil record isn’t just about bones—it’s about worldview. Evolution, he says, isn’t some neutral fact; it’s a story pushed by folks who’ve already decided God’s out of the picture. If you start with a naturalistic lens, you’ll twist the evidence to fit, even if it’s shaky. But if you start with a Creator, the fossils tell a different tale—one of purpose and design, not random chance.
Tackett’s not shy about the stakes here. He hints at how buying into evolution doesn’t just mess with your science—it messes with your soul. If life’s just an accident, where’s the meaning? He doesn’t fully unpack the history (think Darwinism gone wrong in society), but you can feel the weight of it coming.
Why This Matters to You and Me
Tour 5b isn’t about winning a debate club trophy—it’s about truth. Tackett wants us to question the narrative we’ve been spoon-fed and look at the evidence with fresh eyes. The fossil record, he says, isn’t a slam dunk for evolution; it’s a challenge to dig deeper. Are we seeing what’s really there, or what we’ve been trained to see?
Watching this part of The Truth Project was a wake-up call. It’s not just about rocks and bones—it’s about who we trust to tell us what’s true. Tackett’s critique might ruffle some feathers (pun intended), but it’s a bold invitation to rethink the story of life. What do you think—does the fossil record prove evolution, or is there more to the story?
On March 5, 2025, we watched Del Tackett’s Critique of Evolution in The Truth Project’s Tour 5b. Del Tackett doesn’t shy away from big questions. In Tour 5b (part 1) of this thought-provoking series, titled "Science: What is True?", he takes aim at one of the most famous claims in modern science:
Carl Sagan’s assertion that “evolution is a fact amply demonstrated by the fossil record and contemporary molecular biology.”
For Tackett, this isn’t just a scientific debate—it’s a clash of worldviews. And in this segment, he zeroes in on the molecular machinery of life to argue that evolution’s story doesn’t hold up. Let’s dive into how he makes his case, particularly through the lens of protein synthesis and the idea of irreducible complexity.
Sagan’s Claim Meets a ChallengeWhat do you think? Does the cell’s complexity scream design, or can evolution still explain it? Tour 5b leaves you with that question—and a pretty unforgettable glimpse into the wonders of life at the molecular level.
We began the fifth tour of Dell Tackett's The Truth Project, diving into the contentious intersection of science and faith exploring the challenges of modern science and Christianity.
Tackett argues that today’s scientific thought, fixated on the natural realm, fuels philosophies attacking Christian beliefs. Echoing the Apostle Peter, we are warned that scoffers deliberately forget God’s supernatural act of creation, a theme that resonated as we examined evolution’s rise as a naturalistic counter to divine origins. This materialistic lens—reducing us to mere molecules in motion—rejects the supernatural, a rejection Peter foresaw and Tackett sees mirrored in science’s current trajectory.
Psalm 19:1 and Romans 1:18-20 bolstered our discussion: the heavens declare God’s glory, making His attributes plain. Yet, humanity twists this evidence into a godless philosophy of independence, a deliberate choice to avoid accountability. From stars to cells, the cosmos screams of an intelligent design, a truth revealed through both general (nature) and special (scripture) revelation. Sin, however, blinds us, turning science into a tool attempting to answer existential questions without God.
Evolution, central to this worldview, confines creation to the natural "stuff-in-the-box," excluding God by design. The intelligent design debate crystallized this conflict, with atheists like C. Richard Bozarth claiming evolution negates Jesus’ purpose.
Post-video, we tackled two godless possibilities: an eternal cosmos or one birthed from nothing. Carl Sagan’s eternal universe falls apart—science shows decay, so an eternal cosmos should’ve worn out long ago, like a car with an empty tank after infinite miles. The Big Bang alternative, starting from a mysterious speck, leans on disproven spontaneous generation, demanding more faith than belief in a creator.
Who is man? Where did he come from? What is the meaning and purpose of his existence? There is a fundamental conflict between Christianity and the perspective of contemporary culture.
The Bible teaches that man consists of both body, soul and spirit and is created in the image of God; our culture assumes that he is purely material, the product of mindless, purposeless forces.
The Bible says that man has rebelled against God and fallen from his original state of innocence; contemporary thought maintains that he is “basically good.”
The Bible affirms man’s need for divine grace, redemption, and regeneration; popular thinking asserts that “self-actualization” is the key to happiness and fulfillment.
Christianity represents evil as the product of the Cosmic Battle that rages within man – the conflict between humanity as it was meant to be and what it has actually become as a result of sin. Godless philosophy and psychology, on the other hand, can suggest only one possible solution to the problem of evil in the world: man must throw off the restraints of superimposed social conventions and institutions (i.e., any kind of moral standard) and pursue “self-fulfillment” to the fullest possible extent. This is what Dr. Tackett calls “the pernicious lie.”
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