So.... there was a beginning.
It is not eternal.
In this beginning God CREATED.
There is no need to create that which has always existed.
As far as “Last Thursday-ism” you struck on why it is preposterous your very first try - it makes God out to be a liar. By suggesting the universe was created to mimic the appearance of being eternal - it is you who make God out to be a liar.
A shame to waste it by denying what simply IS...
Apparently, our views on God are fairly divergent.