Big Idea

When we look out our world and even our own lives it looks like a beautiful mess. We enjoy so many blessings like the beauties of creation, the gifts of life, love, family and friendship. But we also experience so much pain because of hatred, violence, disease, and death.

So how did we get here? Where did all the good things come from? And why are there so many bad things? In this sermon series, we will look at the origin of everything, the good, the bad, and the ugly. Not only will we discover where it all come from, but we will all see where it is all headed.

Series Breakdown

September 11, 2022: The origin of life

In the beginning God created the Heavens and the Earth. In Genesis 1 we learn that God created, designed, ordered, and organized all of creation to function for our good. He created the sun, moon, and stars to mark our days. He designed the waters, vegetation, and animals to all work together. And then finally he created humans in his image to be his representatives and co-rulers of his good creation.

Humans are not some evolved afterthought because of some unguided, chaotic process. Instead, all over creation and, especially, humans started because of God’s careful and intentional design and desire.

Sermon Text: Genesis 1

Preacher: Bill Limmer

September 18, 2022: The origin of relationships

Humans were not made to be alone. The Bible tells us what we instinctively know by nature. We are social creatures who were designed to live in families of mutual commitment and love. In Genesis 2, God shows us how that first family came to be when he designed Adam and Eve to be married to one another.

We live according to God’s good design when we make the same lifelong commitment to our spouse for the good of our families and the greater community.

Sermon Text: Genesis 2

Preacher: Pastor Ben Sadler

September 25, 2022: The origin of our rebellion

God designed us to live for him. But instead of loving God above all things, we want to be in charge. We want to be our own gods. Where does that selfish impulse come from? Genesis 3 tells the story of the origin of our rebellion from God and what God promised to do to repair our relationship.

Sermon Text: Genesis 3

Preacher: Pastor Bill Limmer

October 2, 2022: The origin of envy

God designed us to live lives of service towards others, so why do we struggle so much with envy? Genesis 4 tells the story of the first two siblings, Cain and Abel, and how Cain became envious of Abel’s success. This story shows us the origin of envy and how we can begin to overcome it.

Sermon Text: Genesis 4

Preacher: Pastor Ben Sadler

October 9, 2022: The origin of corruption

Not only are there individuals who are wicked, but we can see systems and institutions that conspire together in their corruption. Wickedness and evil permeate so much of society that we can’t even so our own contribution. Genesis 6 tells the story of how a whole group of people can be led off into evil, and more importantly, what we can do to remain faithful to the Lord.

Sermon Text: Genesis 6-9

Preacher: Pastor Bill Limmer

October 16, 2022: The origin of pride

We continue to make incredible advances in technology, which are allowing us to do some amazing things. We can communicate across the globe instantaneously. We can gather and communicate large amounts of data. We can explore endless amounts of information. As we continue to grow, we can also fall into the trap of pride and arrogance. We feel like we are in control of everything. But our pride in our advances has not always created a more loving and connected society.

Genesis 11 explores where our pride in our own strength and advances can lead us and what we can do to be connected again.

Sermon Text: Genesis 11

Preacher: Pastor Ben Sadler