God’s story begins. Before the creation of the world, He existed. By merely speaking, He created the world we live in…every plant, animal, and star in the sky. Then He created man and woman in His own image. Neither Adam nor Eve looked like God, but they both reflected who God is. Humans were unique because God created them to have a special relationship with Him and to share in His purpose to one day be worshiped by all peoples. As part of this purpose, God gave them the command to “be fruitful and multiply, fill the earth and subdue it” (Genesis 1:28). God’s original desire was to see humans who reflected His image filling the earth so that His glory would cover the earth.
Bible:
Read Genesis 1:1-28 with your family.
Family Activity 1:
Teaching Time: 10 minutes
Materials: 1 empty paper plate, 2 paper plates with cheese slice and crackers
Note: For families with fewer than three children, the same child can try more than one of the snack-making scenarios.
Give the first child an empty plate. Give the second and third child identical plates with two items to make a simple snack (like cheese slice and crackers). Tell the second child to keep his hands behind his back at all times. Ask all three children to make you a snack. Give them a 30-second time limit. Observe their reactions and discuss the following.
Discuss:
- What made the task difficult to complete? What made it easy? People need supplies and their hands to create something.
- By what power did God create the world? What materials did He use? Only God can create something from nothing. His powerful words are enough.
Family Activity 2:
Teaching Time: 8 minutes
Materials: a large mirror
Stand in front of a large mirror with your family. As you look at your reflections, discuss similarities and differences in your appearance.
Discuss:
- God created people all around the world. How can people who look so different from each other all bear the image of God, reflecting who God is?
- Mirrors reflect our physical image, but our words and actions reflect our heart. When people look at our family’s life, what do our words and actions reflect about God?
Pray:
When God looks across the world, He sees people of all cultures who bear His image. Pray that God will receive the glory among all nations.
