"“In the Beginning” I Rev. Dr. Howard-John Wesley I September 6, 2026

Main message: Genesis 1:1 is a theological, poetic declaration written to a people in exile to remind them that God — the Creator who exists outside time — is sovereign and still in control of their present circumstances, offering hope and a call to trust him for new beginnings.

Key points:

• Genesis 1:1 was written by the priestly source during the Babylonian exile (6th century BCE), not as an eyewitness scientific account.
• The verse is theological/poetic rather than a scientific or historical primer; its purpose is to comfort and anchor faith in chaotic times.
• "In the beginning" signals that God existed before time and therefore is not subject to the things that control us; God is eternally present and sovereign.
• The Hebrew verb bara (create) is used only of God, emphasizing there are some things only God can do.
• The day-by-day structure of Genesis 1 underscores that God is in control continually — day by day — and invites listeners to trust God for their present situations and new beginnings.

Scriptures mentioned: Genesis 1:1, Psalm 90, John 11:35, Romans 8:28