Hosts Bill Gorman and Paul Brandes talk with Dr. Charles Yu, a biblical scholar and pastor, about the rich complexities of Genesis 1. They explore how ancient Israelites would have understood the creation account, emphasizing that the text was written for us, but not to us. Dr. Charles Yu unpacks the historical, cultural, and theological context behind Genesis 1, offering fresh perspectives on perennial questions like the age of the earth, scientific evolution, and the meaning of the "days" of creation.

If you’ve ever wrestled with how to reconcile the Bible's creation story with modern science—or  debated young earth versus old earth interpretations—this episode is for you. Dr. Charles Yu discusses how Genesis 1 focuses less on scientific details and more on profound truths: God’s sovereignty, intentional design, and humanity’s identity and purpose. The conversation also addresses how to navigate differing views within the church with humility and grace.

3 Main Takeaways

1. Genesis 1 is About Identity, Not Science
   Dr. Charles Yu emphasizes that Genesis 1 was written to help the original audience—the ancient Israelites—understand who their God is and who they are, especially in contrast to the surrounding cultures. Rather than a scientific account of how the world was created, Genesis 1 is more a theological declaration that Israel’s God is the true creator, utterly distinct and superior to other gods. The text’s structure and language were aimed at identity formation, not addressing modern scientific questions.
2. Modern Science and Genesis 1 Aren’t in Conflict
   The episode highlights that apparent conflicts between science (e.g., evolution, the age of the earth) and Genesis 1 largely arise because modern readers bring their own questions to the text—questions the original audience wasn’t asking. Dr. Charles Yu encourages readers to focus on the timeless truths Genesis 1 is teaching: God is the creator, creation is intentional and ordered, and humanity is the culmination of God’s creative purpose. Genesis 1 doesn’t address modern scientific theories, so it need not be threatened by them.
3. Charity and Humility in Debating Interpretation
   Throughout the episode, the hosts and Dr. Charles Yu stress the importance of holding charitable, humble conversations with fellow Christians who may interpret Genesis 1 differently. Multiple faithful readings are possible (e.g., young earth, old earth, framework hypotheses), as long as they recognize God as creator. The episode encourages listeners not to create unnecessary divisions and to support those struggling with faith and science, especially students navigating these questions.

Resources:

• Old Testament Theology for Christians: From Ancient Context to Enduring Belief: https://a.co/d/4z9otRQ
• Evangelical Convictions (EFCA Statement of Faith): https://www.efca.org/sof

Timestamps:

00:00 "Genesis, Science, and Theology"

05:40 "Modern Questions, Ancient Context"

08:17 "Genesis and Modern Science Conflict"

12:09 Ancient Cosmology and the Firmament

14:43 "Timeless Truths from Genesis 1"

16:27 "Structured Creation and Divine Planning"

22:07 "Week's Origins and Interpretations"

24:40 "Interpreting 'Days' in Genesis"

29:15 "Primary History's Purpose Explained"

33:17 "Young Earth vs. Genesis Interpretation"

35:28 "Genesis, Numerology, and Meaning"

37:59 "Biblical Numbers: Precision vs. Accuracy"

41:04 "Faith, Science, Genesis Explained"

45:31 "theFormed.life Podcast Recap"

Poem:

Lord,

Dine with us,

Sit with us,

You are welcome here.

Stay with us, 

Speak with us,

You are welcome here.

Laugh with us,

Cry with us,

You are welcome here.

Pray with us,

Think with us,

You are welcome here.

Be still with us, 

Your will with us,

You are welcome here. 

~ Esther Huhn, You Are Welcome Here

Poem:

O come, O come, and be our God-with-us

O long-sought With-ness for a world without, 

O secret seed, O hidden spring of light. 

Come to us Wisdom, come unspoken Name, 

Come Root, and Key, and King, and holy Flame.

O quickened little wick so tightly curled,

Be folded with us into time and place,

Unfold for us the mystery of grace

And make a womb of all this wounded world. 

O heart of heaven beating in the earth, 

O tiny hope within our hopelessness

Come to be born, to bear us to our birth,

To touch a dying world with new-made hands

And make these rags of time our swaddling bands. 

~ Malcolm Guite

Hosts Bill Gorman and Jacob Nannie sat down with Andrew DeKanter, founder of Better Story Ministries and a passionate advocate for connecting young adults to the deeper, richer story of the gospel. The conversation explores what it means to "re-enchant" college students and young adults who are navigating complex cultural narratives–from the pursuit of achievement and romance to the overarching influence of secularism.

Andrew DeKanter shares his hands-on work with students at the University of Louisville, his thoughts on revival on campus, and how he helps young people live out the biblical narrative of creation, fall, redemption, and restoration. This episode offers practical wisdom for parents, mentors, and anyone eager to make biblical truth compelling in a world full of competing stories.

3 Main Takeaways

1. Engaging Young Adults with the "Better Story" of the Gospel
   Andrew DeKanter emphasizes that young adults are often living within “lesser stories” offered by our culture (achievement, romance, and consumerism) that don’t fully satisfy. His ministry, Better Story Ministries, seeks to “re-enchant” students by showing how the grand narrative of Scripture (creation, fall, redemption, restoration) offers deeper meaning, purpose, and fulfillment than these cultural scripts.
2. The Power of Relationship and Story in Ministry
   Relational connection is foundational. Andrew and our hosts stress the importance of being a safe, trustworthy friend who listens well and moves toward others’ pain. It’s through real, ongoing relationships—not just handing out commands or quick answers—that the gospel truly connects to students’ questions about identity, purpose, and suffering. Storytelling—both from Scripture and personal testimony—becomes a bridge between biblical truth and lived experience.
3. Apologetics: From Argument to Invitation
   The discussion considers apologetics today as less about simply proving Christianity is true, and more about showing that it is both good and beautiful. Rather than “winning arguments,” it’s about connecting shared longings (love, justice, meaning) back to the biblical narrative, and inviting people into a story that makes the most sense of their desires and pain. This holistic, story-driven approach re-frames apologetics as an act of hope and hospitality.

Resources:

• Telling a Better Story - Josh Chatraw: https://a.co/d/d4rUOBF
• Cultural Apologetics - Paul Gould: https://a.co/d/3wSShEP

Timestamps:

00:00 "Connecting Gospel to Student Stories"

03:39 Campus Revival and Spiritual Awakening

09:57 Living with Purpose and Freedom

11:57 "Adventure, Suffering, and Hope"

14:36 Forming Lives Through Biblical Story

20:43 "Work and Purpose Through Faith"

21:50 Practical Bible Commands in Story

25:43 "Love in Christian Story"

30:55 Becoming a Safe Person

31:58 "Listening, Learning, and Exposing Scripts"
36:34 "Reenchanting Lives with the Gospel"

39:07 "The Author Steps Into Story"

41:43 College Ministry and Creative Communication

Poem:

Lord Jesus,
I have nothing to give today,
Except you.
I have nothing to receive today,
Except you.

A perfect day.

~ Esther Huhn

On today’s episode, Bill and Paul share some exciting news about an incredible journey Christ Community Church is embarking on in 2026 called “With God.” This isn’t just another sermon series. It's a year-long, church-wide experience that invites everyone, from kids to adults, to engage with the entire story of Scripture from Genesis to Revelation.

They discuss how this initiative will weave together weekly sermons, daily reading plans, special events, and new resources, all designed to help individuals and families immerse themselves more deeply in God's word—not just on Sundays, but all throughout the week. Listen in as they reflect on the history and heart behind this vision, share personal hopes for its impact, and offer a glimpse of what’s to come for Christ Community in this pivotal season of spiritual formation.

3 Main Takeaways

1. Year of the Bible in 2026: Christ Community Church is launching a year-long, church-wide focus called "With God" in 2026. It is a journey from Genesis to Revelation. It’s designed to help everyone engage deeply with the whole story of the Bible—not just on Sundays, but in daily life.
2. Integrated Spiritual Formation: This initiative is much more than a sermon series. It involves multiple layers of engagement, including tailored Bible reading plans, the Formed.life spiritual formation resources, events (like the Story of Scripture seminar with Dr. Yarborough), and children’s and student ministry integration. The desire is for intergenerational participation and transformation.
3. Hope for Deep Transformation: Bill and Paul express their excitement and hope that the church community will fall more in love with God's word and be transformed by being "with God" through Scripture. Their vision is for this year to foster unity, spiritual growth, and a deeper commitment to living out biblical truths both individually and as a community, especially in a season of transition for the church.

Resources:

• Story of Scripture Event: https://www.thestoryofscripture.org/event/kansas-city-mo-january-2026
• theFormed.life: https://theformed.life/
• With God: cckc.church/withgod/
  
  

Timestamps:

00:00 "Engaging God's Timeless Word"

04:28 "Scripture Engagement and Growth"

06:29 "With God, Together Transformed"

Poem:

O King of our desire whom we despise,

King of the nations never on the throne,

Unfound foundation, cast-off cornerstone,

Rejected joiner, making many one,

You have no form or beauty for our eyes,

A King who comes to give away his crown,

A King within our rags of flesh and bone.

We pierce the flesh that pierces our disguise,

For we ourselves are found in you alone.

Come to us now and find in us your throne,

O King within the child within the clay,

O hidden King who shapes us in the play

Of all creation. Shape us for the day

Your coming Kingdom comes into its own.

~  Malcolm Guite

Scripture:
Moses and Aaron and his sons were to camp to the east of the tabernacle, toward the sunrise, in front of the tent of meeting. They were responsible for the care of the sanctuary on behalf of the Israelites. – Numbers 3:38

Poem:

Struggling to fall asleep,

I wrestle with tomorrow.

How will the people respond?

Will everyone cooperate? 

Bone-weary from the enormous task

That will greet me in the morning,

I must surrender

To the need for rest.

The rays of the morning

Slip under the flaps of the tent

To touch my eyelids

And welcome me to the new day.

The gentle sway of the curtain

Brings in dew-kissed morning air, 

But my mind already wrestles

With the burden I must carry.

My muscles protest

As I rise to respond. 

I step through the opening

Into the divine greeting

Of the Creator’s goodness.

I stand in awe of it all– 

As our God feeds us

With his faithfulness.

My feet feel the earth 

As my face soaks in

The gift of sunlight.

The pressure of 

Today’s responsibility

Sets up camp against me

Announcing its threat to my peace.

My God is with me.

I will breathe the next breath.

I will take one step forward. 

~ Esther Huhn, Today’s Responsibility