Origins

The Song of Creation

September 10, 2023 • Pastor Steve Swinburne • Genesis 1:1—2:3, John 1:1–23

Looking to the Bible's creation story to answer questions of "how" can generate some interesting conversations. However, this story is more interested in answering the "why" questions regarding our existence and relationship with the infinite Creator-God. The Biblical account reads more like the lyrics of poetry and song, so what does that mean for our interpretation of these events?

Naked & Unashamed

September 17, 2023 • Pastor Steve Swinburne • Genesis 2:4–25, Genesis 1:26–30

Why are we here? We ask, longing for answers to the bigger questions of life. Genesis 2 offers two critical answers to this question. God's design for mankind centers on stewardship of his good creation and relationship.

Naked and Afraid

September 24, 2023 • Pastor Steve Swinburne • Genesis 3:1–19

The Fall of mankind, through Adam & Eve, tells us a lot regarding the origins of pain, suffering, and sin in this world. We learn where sin comes from and the results of evil in the hearts of mankind. Yet, this origin story offers a glimmer of hope; hope in a coming messiah, Jesus.

A Broken Family

October 1, 2023 • Pastor Steve Swinburne • Genesis 4:1–16

The first family in Genesis stumbles into profound brokenness when the first murder in scripture is recorded. The effects of sin are in full throws as Cain kills his brother Abel. The story unfolds in three movements: Attitude, Action, & Accountability. Within the story is our own reflection of brokenness, anger, and jealousy.

The Flood

October 22, 2023 • Pastor Steve Swinburne • Genesis 6—8

As humans we have this false idea that we can save ourselves. We attempt it through all kinds of means; money, power, fame, planning. The Flood narrative helps us see our need for a savior outside of ourselves. The gospel story is intricately weaved into the details of the story of Noah and the Great Flood.

A Broken World

October 15, 2023 • Pastor Steve Swinburne • Genesis 6:1–8

The idea of a divine judgement can be a hindrance to belief in a loving and good God. When we look at the issue of God's justice in scripture we have to hold it in tension with his character to understand what God is doing.

The Rainbow

November 5, 2023 • Pastor Steve Swinburne • Genesis 9:1–16

Covenants are a major element of the Biblical story. To understand what God is doing in the Biblical narrative we have to understand why he makes covenants with his people. The rainbow is explicitly tied to the covenant the Lord makes with Noah in Genesis 9. There, God sets the rainbow as a sign, a marker, a reminder of his promise. So, when we see a rainbow we need to stop and remember God's persevering love.

Tower of Babel

November 19, 2023 • Pastor Steve Swinburne • Genesis 10:8–12, Genesis 12:1–4, Acts 2:1–4, Genesis 11:1–9

The story of the Tower of Babel illustrates humanity's intentions to control access to God. We as humans are often more concerned with our own creation projects than being part of God's creation project. If we participate in God's creation project we will experience blessing, but if we participate in the world's creation project we will experience judgement.

Price Chapel

Creation, Fall, Flood, & Babel