Pastor Kim Jin-tae's Sermon Manuscript
Date: Jan 12, 2025
Text: Genesis 1:1 “First Truth to Believe”
Introduction
The Apostles' Creed begins with "I believe in God Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth." Creation is the first step of faith. So why is creation important? There are two major reasons.
First, because the Bible is the story of God, beginning with the creation of heaven and earth and ending with the creation of a new heaven and earth.
Gen 1:1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
Rev 21:1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth. For the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no more sea.
Second, because creation is the first thing we will praise God for when we go to heaven.
Revelation 4:10 And the twenty-four elders fell down before him that sat on the throne, and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, 11 Thou art worthy, our Lord God, to receive glory and honor and power, for thou hast created all things, and by thy will they are and were created.
In this way, creation is not only the most important truth of the Bible that tells us where we came from but also the first thing we shall praise God for when we go to heaven. Therefore, unless we fasten this first button of faith properly, the meaning and purpose of our lives will be a mess. Then, let's first look at the order of creation described in Genesis 1.
The Order of Creation
Day Verse Creation Work
First àFourth 1:1-19 Creation of the environment for living things
Fifth 1:20-25 Creation of living things and God's blessing
Sixth 1:26-28 Creation of man and God's blessing
1:29-31 Assignment of plants to man and animals
Seventh 2:1-3 Sabbath and blessing
Three meanings of creation
In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. What does this mean? I will suggest three things.
1. God is the only One who existed in eternity.
2. God created all things by His word.
3. Apart from God, everything is created.
Application
So, what does it have to do with my life that all things are God’s creation and that I am one of them?
Above all, we must always remember that God is the Creator and I am a creation. In theological terms, we call it the Creator-creature distinction. That’s the first step of faith.
I will mention two things.
1. Believe in Him as the Creator.
As a creation, our top priority is to firmly believe that the Almighty God who created heaven and earth is our Creator and to please God and give Him glory. That’s why we have it at the beginning of the Apostles’ Creed.
“Why are you saying such an obvious thing? Who doesn’t know that?” Some people might ask back.
However, is it true that’s the obvious thing? You know what? The root of all human problems lies in not practicing this obvious truth. Aren’t we the ones who do not acknowledge the absolute sovereignty of God the Creator and do whatever we want? Sometimes, it seems like we are acting as if we are God.
That is why the writer of Hebrews repeatedly emphasizes this obvious truth to the saints.
Heb 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please God, for he who comes to God must believe that he exists and that he is a rewarder of those who diligently seek him.
Transition Sentence:
James said that faith without action is dead. In Reformed theology, such a life of faith is called the life of Coram Deo.
2. Live the life of Coram Deo.
“Oh, Pastor, why are you using such difficult terms? Let’s make it a little easier.”
I added an explanation in case you asked that.
Coram Deo (Psalm 56:13) is a Latin term meaning “before God.” According to R. C. Sproul, “A life of coram Deo means living one’s entire life under God’s authority and in God’s presence for the glory of God.”
The One who created me knows me best. It is the same whether I am sleeping, sitting, or standing up. Every corner of my personal life, family, business, school, illness, hardship, blessing…
Whatever situation you are in, whatever you say, whatever decision you make, shout out loud first.
1.
I am now in the presence of Almighty God.
2. The God who loves me is watching me now.
3. Glory to God!
Prayer:
Lord, we thank you for the privilege of worshipping you as Father and Creator. Lord, remind us that You are the Creator and we are your creatures. Anoint our minds and thoughts with the power of the Holy Spirit to glorify you wherever we are and whatever we do. Please grant us the ability to live the life of Coram Deo. We pray in the name of Jesus.