The story of Christianity can be captured in this simple way: Creation, Fall, Redemption, New Creation. Our hearts cling to stories. We must be captivated by the story of Christianity if we are to be shaped by it. That’s where the Doctrine of Creation comes in. #1: Everything is good (Creation). God made everything good, and Satan, sin, and death can twist or pervert God’s good creation, but they cannot erase the core goodness of it. The goodness of this world precedes its brokenness. We must start here. #2: Everything is gutted (Fall). When sin entered the world, God’s immediate and intimate presence was stripped away. A separation between God and mankind began. That’s why this world is gutted. Nothing in this world can ultimately satisfy because our hearts can only find lasting rest in Christ. #3: We are groaning (Redemption). We are living in the “already, but not yet.” The Kingdom of God is here, and yet not here at the same time. This is why Paul uses the metaphor of birth pains in Romans chapter 8. The baby is here, and yet not here. We who have the Spirit of God are groaning because the world is good and gutted: We groan for the return of Jesus to make all things right. #4: We will be glorious (New Creation). The Bible teaches that in the twinkling of an eye, when either Christ returns or we are called home, we will be made glorious for all eternity with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This hope is why we can stay steadfast, immovable, and committed to serving God. None of our labor in the Lord is in vain. Sample Questions for GCs: #1: Everything is good and gutted. God’s creation is good, but it is also fallen. When we hold these together, it gives us godly optimism in times of darkness and godly pessimism in times of plenty. How does holding these truths together make us wise? #2: Read Romans 8:22-23. Paul says we groan within ourselves. Why? Because we are longing to see redemption and eagerly waiting for God make all things right. What makes you groan? (i.e. your sin, troubles in this world, suffering, pain, loss, etc.) #3: Read 1 Corinthians 15:50-52 + 58. Notice the words “steadfast” and “immovable” in verse 58. We could also use the words “patient” and “rooted.” According to Paul’s teaching, if we aren’t patient / steadfast and rooted / immovable, what must we believe more fully to grow in those things? For the young disciples: Look at verse 52 – When we finally see Jesus face-to-face, how long will it take for us to become perfect? (Answer: in the twinkling of an eye, which means, immediately!). What does this tell us about how wonderful Jesus is? (Answer: He is so wonderful and powerful, that just seeing Him is enough to radically transform us.)