Today’s reading: Gen 47:1–48:22, Heb 11:1–40, Eccles 12:1–8
Today’s theme: Faith in the Creator
Today we read the famous chapter on faith. One of the most important exaltations that we find in this passage, is the call for us to believe that God is truly God and that He created the world. In our current day, the person and existence of God is under attack and no area has received more focused, strategic, concentrated attack, as the truth that God created the earth in 6 days, resting on the 7th day, just over six thousand years ago.
We must affirm and defend this truth and as Ecclesiastes tell us, we should affirm this in and to our youth, that God is the Creator of the universe, the one in whom we put our faith and trust.
Genesis 47:1–48:22
Your story while walking with God
And he blessed Joseph and said, “The God before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked, the God who has been my shepherd all my life long to this day, the angel who has redeemed me from all evil, bless the boys; and in them let my name be carried on, and the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac; and let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth.” Genesis 48:15–16 (ESV)
Israel (Jacob) had a testimony about who God was, based on his own walk with the Lord and that of his ancestors. Reflect on your own testimony today.
The freedom of God
But his father refused and said, “I know, my son, I know. He also shall become a people, and he also shall be great. Nevertheless, his younger brother shall be greater than he, and his offspring shall become a multitude of nations.” Genesis 48:19 (ESV)
God’s freedom and purpose in choosing who He wills.
Hebrews 11:1–40
Faith, a working definition
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1 (ESV)
This is the working definition of biblical faith.
Faith in God as Creator
By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible. Hebrews 11:3 (ESV)
This statement actually stands up to scientific scrutiny, it also makes clear that being a six day creationist is a matter of faith in God, because we were not there.
Affirm in your heart that God is God
And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. Hebrews 11:6 (ESV)
One of the core principles of Christianity is that we must believe God exists, this seems obvious but in our atheistic and relativistic culture, this core must be affirmed in the hearts and minds of believers…Lest we enter into idolatry or apathy. Having faith in God and actively using that faith, brings God pleasure and makes our joy full.
The city of heaven
For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God. Hebrews 11:10 (ESV)
It is wonderful that we can look forward to a very tangible heaven.
Live as pilgrims
But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city. Hebrews 11:16 (ESV)
May our faith make us like pilgrims, giving us a strong desire for our own country in heaven, let us make all our investments and set our affection there.
Ecclesiastes 12:1–8
Serve God in your youth
Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come and the years draw near of which you will say, “I have no pleasure in them”; Ecclesiastes 12:1 (ESV)
It is so important to reach young people with the good news and to serve God while young.
Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014
Additional resources
Answers in Genesis on the book of Genesis ( a great 5 minute video as well as additional related content)