Specific Teachings

Genesis 1:26-31 – This is the sixth day of creation.

• God created the universe and everything in it (this does not rule out the Big Bang or evolution).
• Everything that God created was good and was created for a purpose.
• Men and women are created as equals and in the image of God. This means that in some way we reflect God, and we have his ability to be creative.
• Humans were made to be stewards of the planet and all that is within it.

Psalm 19 – a song of praise of God’s creation of the world. It suggests that creation itself points towards the perfection of God. Psalm 8:1-6 – this passage expresses wonder that God thinks so highly of humans that He gave them a special place in creation (verse 5) and put them in charge of all other living creatures on the earth. Psalm 24:1-2 – this teaches us that humans must look after the planet because it was created by God and everything in it belongs to God and reflects God’s glory.

The Sermon on the Mount

• The Sermon on the Mount is found in Matthew chapters 5-7.
• It is a collection of teachings of Jesus about how to live our lives.
• He starts by saying that we need to remember that it is those who put themselves out, who concentrate on things above who are happy in the Beatitudes.
• Although people often find that they suffer on earth, God will reward them in heaven.