Time and Times: Day 1

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.

Genesis 1:1

This first verse of the Bible tells us about three creations of God: three things He brought into being that previously, had not existed. They were the heavens, what is above us; the earth, what is around us and beneath us; and time, specifically, when it started (the beginning).

As Scripture pictures it, this thing we call time:

• Separates the mystery of eternity past from the glory of eternity future
• Is the dimension in which the Bible’s story will be told (the big “when” for journalists)
• Has the same purpose as the rest of Creation—to reveal its Creator. (Romans 1:20) 
• Has a beginning (Gen. 1:1) and an end (Rev. 21:1-5)

Because of this, the way the Bible teaches us about time is called linear, by those who name such things. (What we will find out later on in the week is that not everybody views time this way.) How we see time effects both how we understand God and how we see ourselves. 

FYI: Because this is a New Year and the topic is time, you might think we are headed in the direction of time management/New Year’s resolutions. I wouldn’t do that to you. However, if you need to lose weight or exercise more, hang up and call Marie Osmond.

With that settled, pass the cookies down this way and let’s get started. We have some great stuff to talk about.

Nancy Shirah