24-1117a - Detailed Summary

The speaker begins by greeting the audience and introduces that the sermon is influenced by two recent studies.

Equipping of the Saints Series: Discusses the role of the saints as a royal priesthood, aimed at fostering unity in faith and with God, through the concept of "unio mystica" and understanding of Jesus Christ.

Apologetics Press Article: Refers to an article from October 20th titled "Why Are We Losing Them?", focusing on the significance of maintaining faith in the first 11 chapters of Genesis.

The sermon will explore the narrative beginning with Genesis 1:1, emphasizing the beginning of creation by God.

Genesis Narrative: Highlights that the Bible starts with the assertion of a temporal beginning, implying a specific start point for time as understood by humans.

Creation Details: Discusses the creation of heavens and earth, which also includes the establishment of a temporal framework, distinguishing between spiritual and worldly affairs.

Divine Pre-Existence: Points out that in Genesis 1:1, God is the subject, existing before His creation, and is described as self-existing.

Moses' Encounter: Describes Moses' encounter with the Angel of the Lord at the burning bush, setting the stage for his mission to lead the Israelites out of Egypt.

Divine Identity: The Angel of the Lord identifies as the second person of the Godhead, revealed to Moses as "I AM WHO I AM."

Sacred Name: Discusses the four-letter Hebrew word for God (YHWH), its pronunciation (Yahweh or Jehovah), and its significance as "I AM" or "He who brings into existence."

Eternal Existence: Explains how God’s name reflects His self-existence and eternal nature, referencing Psalm 90:2.

Dual Realms: Notes that God is spirit, existing in a realm not constrained by physical limitations.

Temporary Universe: Contrasts the temporary nature of the cosmos with the eternal nature of God, citing Second Peter 3:10.

Scriptural References: Provides biblical texts from Isaiah and Hebrews indicating the eventual dissolution of the earth and heavens.

Jesus Before Creation: Jesus prays to have the glory He had before the world began, indicating His pre-existence with God.

Creative Word: Relates Jesus as "the Word" through whom all things were made, linking to Psalms where creation is spoken into existence.

Spirit’s Role: The Holy Spirit is present at creation’s beginning, described as hovering over the waters, involved in creation and sustaining life.

All Three Persons: Explains how all three Persons of the Godhead participated in creation, citing verses from Genesis, Hebrews, and Psalms.

Divine Foreknowledge: Discusses how God had plans for salvation and eternal life before the creation of the world, referencing Ephesians, Titus, and Second Timothy.

Eternal Grace and Purpose: Further elaborates on God’s plan for redemption and grace in Jesus Christ before time, underscoring the temporal creation of time itself.

Foreknown Before Creation: Jesus was known by God before the foundation of the world, appearing for the believers' sake, as mentioned in First Peter, to bring faith and hope through His resurrection and glorification.

Wisdom in Creation: References Proverbs 8:22-31, which describes God using wisdom in the creation process.

Pre-Creation Plans: Reiterates that God planned both creation and redemption before time began.

Next Topic: Announces that the next discussion will focus on the heavens, angels, and morning stars, which were created before the earth.

Invitation to Worship: Concludes with an invitation for the congregation to stand and sing, extending an invitation to all present.