In The Beginning, God…

By Ps Alby Yip & Danny Chua

Those are the opening words of Genesis, the Bible, and Creation. Yes, we at Zion Bishan will be studying Genesis 1:1-12:3 from 4 August to 24 November. So, why are we studying Genesis in this season of Zion Bishan’s life, worship and service?

First, we believe it is a healthy practice to alternate between the Old and New Testament from the pulpit. Why? Because we trust that “all Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that [we] the servants of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Tim. 3:16-17)

Plus, the last time we had a detailed look at the book of Genesis was at least 10 years ago and we focused then on Abraham’s life (Gen. 12-25) and Joseph’s life (Gen. 30-50). So, as we now turn to the earlier section of Genesis 1:1-12:3, and as we continue to read, teach and preach from whole books of the Bible from both Testaments, we are confident that the Spirit works through the “whole counsel of God” to mature us in Christ.

Secondly, we have just completed our study of the book of Revelation in the first half of 2024. We learnt in Revelation that the old creation order must go and the New Heaven and New Earth must and will come as we await King Jesus’ return. But why? What was good about the world God made in the beginning? What went wrong? What remains wrong today? The study of Genesis, bringing us back to the beginning, will help us better appreciate why this is so.

Lastly, Zion Bishan has just on 2 April 2024 renewed a fresh 30-year lease on this year of our 30th Anniversary. It is a good time for us to remember and review why God led us here. More importantly, how can we be faithful to God’s plan and purpose? What did He intend for His very first image-bearers? How has our responsibility changed in light of the gospel of Jesus Christ now?

We believe that the study of Genesis will give us a full picture of God’s plan for creation, especially humans, His image-bearers. It will also remind us about the brokenness of this world and encourage us to “Set our minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” (Col 3:10) Foremost, it will enable us to live life truly as God’s people fulfilling God’s plan and purpose.