Image Bearers
Watch or listen to
the full sermon here.
Preached by Pastor Mike Woodard
Follow The Valley Church
We’re starting a new series called The Big Picture, where we’ll look at the entire story of God in just four weeks: creation, fall, redemption, and restoration. This sweeping story, known in theology as the metanarrative, helps us see the Bible not as disconnected stories but as one unified story of God’s love, power, and plan for humanity.
And like every story, it begins with the opening chapter—creation.
The Wonder of Creation
In Genesis 1, we read how God spoke light into existence, separated the seas, placed the stars, and filled the earth with life. From the vastness of the galaxies to the intricate design of plants and animals, creation shouts the glory of an intelligent and loving Creator.
Romans 1 reminds us that God’s eternal power and divine nature are clearly seen in what He has made—leaving us without excuse. When we look up at the stars, feel the changing seasons, or even examine the complexity of our own bodies, we can’t help but see His fingerprint everywhere.
Humanity: The Crown of Creation
While creation reveals God’s power, humanity reveals His heart. Genesis 1:26–27 tells us that God created mankind in His image—male and female. Unlike anything else in creation, humans were given God’s breath, His likeness, and His purpose.
Being made in God’s image means we are marked with divine significance. We reflect Him in our ability to love, create, feel, and relate. It also means we were created to walk in perfect relationship with Him, as Adam and Eve did in the garden.
Three Truths About Being Image Bearers
So why did God create us? The creation story answers that question with three key truths:
We were created for God’s glory. Our primary purpose in life is to glorify God—to worship Him and reflect His love in everything we do.
God makes the rules. Just as He set the boundaries of creation, God sets the frequency for our lives. Our role isn’t to bend His ways to fit ours but to tune our lives to His.
God desires a relationship with us. He didn’t create us to be distant followers, but sons and daughters who walk with Him daily. From the garden to the cross, the story of Scripture reveals God’s longing to be with His people.
Looking Ahead
Of course, the story doesn’t stop in Genesis 2. Next comes the fall—when humanity chose sin and broke the image of God within them. But even then, God already had a plan for redemption through Jesus.
For now, the creation story reminds us of who we are: image bearers of God, created to glorify Him, called to live by His ways, and invited into a relationship with Him.
That’s the big picture.