Genesis
Foundation Book of the Bible
Day #5
Teaching Strategy
The focus of this lesson is the creation of our universe by God. Of special note are the activities and the importance of these on day 5 and 6 of creation.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Know: Understand the reality of creation as recorded in Genesis 1.
- Feel: Defend the reality of creation as recorded in Genesis 1.
- Do: Use the information gained from Genesis to strengthen our faith.
Body of the Lesson
Discussion Questions
Below are suggested questions to use during the guided discussion portion of the lesson. There are also suggested responses to questions to help students grasp the various concepts. These are provided to assist the discussion and are not considered as “right or wrong” responses.
On the fifth day of creation God created the life that exists in water as well as the birds of the air. This represents the creation of a higher form of life than plants. He also created the continuation of life according of its own kind. God blessed them and gave the qualifier that this activity was good. Note also that Genesis records this in a day using the specific language of morning and evening. This supports the measurement we know as time. It also supports that the life in the water and air were created as mature life fully capable of reproduction. The ability to reproduce is an indicator of this life.
This demonstrates that God had a methodical plan rather than random actions with no purpose.
- Evolution – Marine organisms – land plants – Birds
- Genesis – Land plants – Marine organisms – Birds
The evolutionist says that the system of life goes from smallest to greatest. Genesis records that the largest marine creatures were made first.
God creates life on earth in the form of cattle, creeping things and beasts according to their kind. Just as with the creation of life in the seas and air, this represents a continuation of the creation of higher forms of life. These were categorized differently than the forms of life in the seas and air. Furthermore, these creatures were created as mature animals with the ability to reproduce and continue their forms of life.
Yet again, God is showing organization and purpose in His activities. He creates the environment to support increasingly higher forms of life.
Just as with the other days of creations, God offers us a simple explanation of His creation in Genesis 1. Man tries to complicate or explain it away to weaken our faith which is one of the strategies Satan uses to separate us from God. We must simply accept God's word as truth, even if we don't fully understand it. God will grant us understanding as He wills. If we do not accept God's account of creation, then we undermine the truthfulness of all other scripture, especially His promise to reconcile us to Him through Jesus.