Genesis Day One Thru Six
Prepared by Bobby Stafford of the church of Christ at Granby, MO

The Most Profound Statement Ever Written
Genesis 1:1 proclaims, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” This foundational truth is arguably the most profound statement in all of Scripture. It affirms God's eternal existence, supreme power, and authorship of all that is. The entire creation account is a series of divine acts, each brought forth by nothing more than the spoken word of God: “Then God said…” This is often called divine fiat—creation by command.

Day One: Light and Darkness
God’s first creative act was to speak light into existence, separating it from the darkness. He called the light “day” and the darkness “night,” and so the first day concluded with “evening and morning.” This clearly defined day and night cycle refutes any theory of vast ages or symbolic time periods. It was a literal 24-hour day, just like we experience today.

Day Two: The Expanse and the Waters
On the second day, God created an expanse (firmament) to separate the waters above from the waters below. This expanse—likely our atmosphere—made possible life-sustaining conditions. Again, we see God defining the structure of His creation by division and order, establishing balance in the physical world.

Day Three: Land, Seas, and Vegetation
God caused the dry land to appear, calling it “earth,” and the waters “seas.” He then created vegetation: grasses, herbs, and fruit trees—each fully grown and able to reproduce “according to its kind.” The soil was instantly filled with nutrients to sustain plant life. This was not a slow process over eons; it was immediate and complete.

Day Four: Sun, Moon, and Stars
God appointed the sun to govern the day and the moon to govern the night. These celestial bodies serve as markers for signs, seasons, days, and years. The text clearly defines them as functional timekeepers. The repeated phrase, “evening and morning,” confirms these were literal days, not symbolic ages.

Day Five: Sea Creatures and Birds
God filled the seas and skies with life, again creating fully mature creatures capable of reproducing. He told them to “be fruitful and multiply.” There was no evolutionary process—each kind was created by God’s direct command. Again, the day ends with the same wording: “evening and morning,” the fifth day.

Divisions That Sustain Life
Every act of creation in the first five days involved necessary divisions: light from darkness, waters above from below, land from sea, day from night. These divisions are essential for human survival and serve a greater purpose: to prepare the earth as a habitable dwelling for mankind, the crown of God’s creation.

Rejecting the Lies of Modern Theories
Many reject the plain meaning of Genesis to fit evolutionary theories. But the only reason to reinterpret these verses is to align with worldly thinking. God wrote this so clearly that even a child can understand it. “The evening and the morning were the first day” leaves no room for ambiguity. The modern attempt to force millions of years into this chapter ignores God's truth for man’s speculation.

God’s Purpose in Creation
All of creation was designed for mankind—to glorify God and provide a place for us to live, thrive, and know Him. Everything was “good” because it fulfilled its purpose. As with any well-designed home prepared for a child’s arrival, God lovingly prepared the earth for His children.

Our Response to the Creator
The creation account calls us to acknowledge God’s authority and glory. He made the world. He made us. And He made us for Himself. Our response must be to glorify Him in return—by obeying His word, seeking forgiveness of sins, and living lives of gratitude and reverence.

Sermon Outline: In the Beginning, God Created

1. The Power of God’s Word (Genesis 1:1–3)
   • God created all things by simply speaking.
   • No physical process needed—divine fiat.
2. The Days of Creation Are Literal (Genesis 1:5, 8, 13, 19, 23)
   • Each day marked by “evening and morning.”
   • No indication of symbolic time.
3. Divisions in Creation Sustain Life
   • Light from darkness, waters from waters, land from sea.
   • Essential for human survival.
4. Creation Was Made for Mankind
   • Everything prepared in advance for man’s arrival.
   • Earth’s design reflects God’s care.
5. Reproduction After Its Kind (Genesis 1:11–12, 21)
   • Each plant and creature fully formed.
   • Created mature, not through evolution.
6. Celestial Bodies Serve Specific Purposes (Genesis 1:14–18)
   • Sun, moon, and stars measure time.
   • Order, beauty, and function.
7. The Foolishness of Denying God’s Word
   • People reject Genesis to conform to worldly theories.
   • Only one reason: to reject divine authority.
8. God Deserves Our Reverence
   • We glorify Him by obeying the gospel.
   • Our purpose is to honor our Creator.

Call to Action

If God created this world for us, and if He breathed life into us, shouldn’t we live to glorify Him? You were created in His image and made to reflect His glory. If you’ve not yet obeyed the gospel—repent of your sins, be baptized, and begin walking with the God who formed you. And if you’ve strayed from His purpose, return to the One who made you. He longs to forgive and restore you.

Scripture Reference List

• Genesis 1:1–31 – The six days of creation
• Genesis 1:3–5, 8, 13, 19, 23, 31 – Literal days defined by “evening and morning”
• James 1:17 – Every good and perfect gift comes from God
• John 1:1–3 – All things made through the Word
• Psalm 33:6–9 – God spoke, and it was done
• Hebrews 11:3 – The worlds were framed by God’s word
• Romans 1:20–25 – Men exchanged the truth of God for a lie
• Psalm 19:1 – The heavens declare the glory of God
• Acts 17:24–28 – God made the world and gives life to all
• John 3:5 – Born again by water and Spirit
• Romans 6:3–4 – Buried with Christ in baptism