Study Guide and Daily Devotion
Monday, January 30
As you look over yesterday’s sermon notes, take a moment to reflect
upon the struggles Christians have had with evolution over the last hundred
years. How do you view each of these? Read Isaiah 65:17-18 about God’s
continuing act of creation. What does this say about God’s involvement
in the world? Evolution would conflict with this view only if the entire process
is seen as unplanned, impersonal, and completely naturalistic. On the other
hand the idea that God is a part of a continuing process of creation is Biblically
sound. In prayer invite God to help you know God’s purpose in your life.
Tuesday, January 31
Look over the sermon notes and select the Christian view of evolution that
you most closely agree with. Why do you hold this view? What is lacking in
the other views? Today we will read the entire Genesis account in chapter
1 through 2:3. This is the first of two creation stories in Genesis. Can you
believe the literal and historic account described here? What questions are
raised for you? How does your understanding of this account change if you
see it as a way for God to communicate meaning and theological truth as different
from scientific facts? What does it teach us about God? About Creation? About
humankind?
Wednesday, February 1
Today let’s look at what is called the second creation story. Many scholars
see this story as being older oral tradition than the one recorded in Genesis
1. Read Genesis 2:4-25. These two different accounts use different names for
God. Genesis 1 uses the name Elohim exclusively, whereas Genesis 2:4 and following
adds the name Yahweh to Elohim. They also offer a different order of creation.
Try to identify the differences. These stories have a compatible theology
that complements each other, especially if we do not read them as scientific
fact. What does this passage teach us about God? About humanity? How does
being made from the dust of the earth compare to modern science’s view
of human origins?
Thursday, February 2
Today we turn to one of the most beautiful Psalms, which speaks of the Psalmist’s
marvel at God’s presence with us, and at God’s role in forming
us. Read Psalm 139:1-24. What does the Psalmist teach us about God? What does
this Psalm teach us about God’s presence in creation? The Psalm takes
a turn in versus 19-22, a section that seems to lack the lofty ideas of the
rest of the Psalm. How does Jesus bring about a change in how we see our enemies
in the New Testament? Can you relate to how the Psalmist felt about those
who were adversaries? Use verses 23-24 as the basis for your own prayer time.
How does the overall theme of this Psalm influence your views on creation
and evolution?
Friday, February 3
Most modern scientists question the early view of Natural Selection that emphasized
the survival of the fittest individuals within species. By the 1950’s
biologists realized that many species survive through the mechanism of cooperation
of individuals within a species. A simple example is the soldier within termite
colonies. The soldier has such large jaws used to defend the colony that it
cannot feed itself. Others in the colony feed the soldiers. Individuals within
species do not insure the survival of the species without a strong interconnection
with other individuals within the specie and often even with other species
in the local environment. Cooperation is a strong link in the process of survival.
In the most complex species such as humans, cooperation is encouraged through
feelings of compassion. According to the teaching of Jesus the very essence
of God is compassion and love. Read John 1:1-18 to see the meaning and purpose
of God’s creation.
First
United Methodist Church 