Before the Beginning | Genesis 1:1-3, John 1-5
Our culture is fascinated with origin stories—DNA tests, family history, superhero backstories—because knowing where you come from helps you understand who you are.
In this opening message of our series Origin Story: A Study of Genesis 1–3, we go back to the very beginning of Scripture to explore why Genesis matters so deeply for our lives today. This message isn’t about settling every scientific debate. Instead, it invites us to see Genesis as the foundation for our worldview—how we understand God, ourselves, others, and the world.
- Before creation, there was God – eternal, intentional, and personal
- Before creation, there was love – a relational God, Father, Son, and Spirit
- Before creation, there was darkness – and God spoke light into chaos
We also see how Jesus—the Word through whom all things were made—steps into our brokenness to bring new creation, hope, and restoration.
- Where did we come from?
- Why are we here?
- What went wrong?
- Is there hope for what’s broken?
Genesis 1–3 begins to answer those questions—and points us forward to Jesus.
Origin Story: Resources
These books, sermons and podcasts have been helpful in diving deeper into Genesis 1-3, especially the creation account. These resources provide support for several of the interpretations of the creation account. While I do not fully endorse or subscribe to all that is contained in these resources, I have found them to be valuable in gaining insight into the various perspectives shared by faithful Christians. We will add to these resources as we go throughout the series.
40 Questions About Creation and Evolution
Creation Debate: Dr. R. Albert Mohler, Jr. and Dr. Jack Collins
Four Views on Creation, Evolution, and Intelligent Design
Reading Genesis Well: Navigating History, Poetry, Science, and Truth in Genesis 1-11
Creation: Believe it or Not (John McArther)
Creation and Fall (Tim Keller)
Did Dinosaurs Exist (Guest Ken Ham)