Wednesday Bible Study

I I again again I I again I again I again I again I again I again I again I again I again I again I again again I I I can't can't can't I forget I forget I forget I Hey there, church family. Be sure to Hey there, church family. Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at Wheeler Avenue BC or visit Instagram at Wheeler Avenue BC or visit Instagram at Wheeler Avenue BC or visit our website at wheelerbc.org

our website at wheelerbc.org our website at wheelerbc.org for all other info and updates. Praise the Lord, everybody. Praise the Lord, everybody. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. >> Has God been good to anybody today? >> Has God been good to anybody today? >> Has God been good to anybody today? >> Listen what I say unto you. He has been >> Listen what I say unto you. He has been >> Listen what I say unto you. He has been good to me. Hallelujah. I feel like good to me. Hallelujah. I feel like good to me. Hallelujah. I feel like giving him praise. Anybody feel like giving him praise. Anybody feel like giving him praise. Anybody feel like giving him praise this afternoon? Come giving him praise this afternoon? Come giving him praise this afternoon? Come on, help me. You ready? on, help me. You ready? on, help me. You ready? This is [singing] the day. [music] This This is [singing] the day. [music] This This is [singing] the day. [music] This is the day that the Lord has made. that is the day that the Lord has made. that is the day that the Lord has made. that the Lord has made. I will rejoice. the Lord has made. I will rejoice. the Lord has made. I will rejoice. I will rejoice and be glad in it. And be I will rejoice and be glad in it. And be I will rejoice and be glad in it. And be glad [music] glad [music] glad [music] in it. Oh, this [singing] is the day in it. Oh, this [singing] is the day in it. Oh, this [singing] is the day that the Lord has made. I will rejoice that the Lord has made. I will rejoice that the Lord has made. I will rejoice [music] and be glad in it. Oh, this is [music] and be glad in it. Oh, this is [music] and be glad in it. Oh, this is the day. This is the day [music] that the day. This is the day [music] that the day. This is the day [music] that the Lord the Lord the Lord has made. Oh, this is this is Yeah. Come has made. Oh, this is this is Yeah. Come has made. Oh, this is this is Yeah. Come on.

on. on. That the Lord has made. That the [music] That the Lord has made. That the [music] That the Lord has made. That the [music] Lord has made. Oh, I will rejoice. Lord has made. Oh, I will rejoice. Lord has made. Oh, I will rejoice. I will rejoice [singing] I will rejoice [singing] I will rejoice [singing] and be glad in it. And be glad and be glad in it. And be glad and be glad in it. And be glad [music and singing] in it. Lord, this is [music and singing] in it. Lord, this is [music and singing] in it. Lord, this is the day that the Lord has made and I the day that the Lord has made and I the day that the Lord has made and I will [singing and music] rejoice and be will [singing and music] rejoice and be will [singing and music] rejoice and be glad in it. Oh, this is the day. Come glad in it. Oh, this is the day. Come glad in it. Oh, this is the day. Come on. [music] Yes, God. That the Lord on. [music] Yes, God. That the Lord on. [music] Yes, God. That the Lord [singing] [singing] [singing] has has has Well, I will enter I will enter his Well, I will enter I will enter his Well, I will enter I will enter his gates with thanksgiving in my heart. I gates with thanksgiving in my heart. I gates with thanksgiving in my heart. I will enter his [music] court with will enter his [music] court with will enter his [music] court with praise. I will say [singing] oh yes oh yes and [music and singing] I will with yes. and [music and singing] I will with yes. and [music and singing] I will with yes. I will enter I will [music and singing] I will enter I will [music and singing] I will enter I will [music and singing] enter his gates with thanksgiving in my enter his gates with thanksgiving in my enter his gates with thanksgiving in my heart. [music] I will enter.

I will say I will say [music] [music] [music] yes. yes. yes. I will rejoice for [music] for [music] he has made me glad. he has made me glad. he has made me glad. Oh yes, he has made [music and singing] Oh yes, he has made [music and singing] Oh yes, he has made [music and singing] me glad. I will rejoice for he has made me glad. I will rejoice for he has made me glad. I will rejoice for he has made me. me. me. He [music] has made me glad. He [music] has made me glad. He [music] has made me glad. Oh yes, God. I will rejoice [music] Oh yes, God. I will rejoice [music] Oh yes, God. I will rejoice [music] for he has me. For he has made me glad. for he has me. For he has made me glad. for he has me. For he has made me glad. Oh, he has made [singing and music] me Oh, he has made [singing and music] me Oh, he has made [singing and music] me glad. I will return for he has made me. glad. I will return for he has made me. glad. I will return for he has made me. He [music] has made me glad. He [music] has made me glad. He [music] has made me glad. Oh, he has [singing] made me glad. I Oh, he has [singing] made me glad. I Oh, he has [singing] made me glad. I will trust for Yes. will trust for Yes. will trust for Yes. Lord, this is this is [music] Lord, this is this is [music] Lord, this is this is [music] Come on. [singing] This is Come on. [singing] This is Come on. [singing] This is that the [music] Lord has made.

I will rejoice. I will rejoice. I will rejoice. I will rejoice. I will rejoice. Oh, and be glad in [music] it. I'll be Oh, and be glad in [music] it. I'll be Oh, and be glad in [music] it. I'll be glad. Oh, [singing] glad. Oh, [singing] glad. Oh, [singing] this is the day that the Lord this is the day that the Lord this is the day that the Lord I will rejoice. I will rejoice. I will rejoice. Oh, I'll be gliding. Oh, I'll be gliding. Oh, I'll be gliding. This is the day. This is the day. This is the day. This is the day. Oh, I got the Lord. This is the day. Oh, I got the Lord. This is the day. Oh, I got the Lord. [music] One more. Let's go. Come on. Put [music] One more. Let's go. Come on. Put [music] One more. Let's go. Come on. Put your hands on it. Oh, this is the day. your hands on it. Oh, this is the day. your hands on it. Oh, this is the day. This is the day. [music] This is the day. [music] This is the day. [music] Oh, that the Lord has made that the Lord Oh, that the Lord has made that the Lord Oh, that the Lord has made that the Lord [music and singing] [music and singing] [music and singing] I will rejoice. I will rejoice. I will rejoice. I choose to rejoice I choose to rejoice I choose to rejoice [music] for happy. Yes, Yes, [music and singing] the day that the [music and singing] the day that the [music and singing] the day that the Lord Lord Lord I will rejoice. Oh, this is the [music] day.

Oh, this is the [music] day. This is the day. This is the day. This is the day. This [music] is the day. This [music] is the day. This [music] is the day. A mighty good day. A mighty good day. A mighty good day. This is the day. This is the day [music] This is the day. This is the day [music] This is the day. This is the day [music] that [singing] I choose to bless him that [singing] I choose to bless him that [singing] I choose to bless him that I choose to give him glory. [music] that I choose to give him glory. [music] that I choose to give him glory. [music] This is the day. This is the day. This is the day. This is the day. [music] Oh, this is the This is the day. [music] Oh, this is the This is the day. [music] Oh, this is the day that the [singing] Lord day that the [singing] Lord day that the [singing] Lord has has has made. made. made. [music] Well, that's the way you feel. [music] Well, that's the way you feel. [music] Well, that's the way you feel. COME ON, GIVE HIM PRAISE. HALLELUJAH. COME ON, GIVE HIM PRAISE. HALLELUJAH. COME ON, GIVE HIM PRAISE. HALLELUJAH. Wonderful Jesus. [music] Wonderful Jesus. [music] Wonderful Jesus. [music] Hallelujah. And it is a [singing] mighty good day. And it is a [singing] mighty good day. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. Thank you uh to Minister Willie >> Amen. Thank you uh to Minister Willie >> Amen. Thank you uh to Minister Willie May Sharp and to our own brother Joe May Sharp and to our own brother Joe May Sharp and to our own brother Joe Logan for opening us up. I'll start us Logan for opening us up. I'll start us Logan for opening us up. I'll start us in a word of prayer as we prepare our in a word of prayer as we prepare our in a word of prayer as we prepare our hearts for today's study.

hearts for today's study. hearts for today's study. Creator God, you spoke light into Creator God, you spoke light into Creator God, you spoke light into darkness, darkness, darkness, order into chaos, order into chaos, order into chaos, and life where there had been none. and life where there had been none. and life where there had been none. As we study your word today, open our As we study your word today, open our As we study your word today, open our eyes to see your majesty, eyes to see your majesty, eyes to see your majesty, our minds to understand your truth and our minds to understand your truth and our minds to understand your truth and our hearts to respond in faithful our hearts to respond in faithful our hearts to respond in faithful obedience to you, oh God. May we leave obedience to you, oh God. May we leave obedience to you, oh God. May we leave this place with renewed confidence that this place with renewed confidence that this place with renewed confidence that the God who created all things still the God who created all things still the God who created all things still governs all things. We thank you for governs all things. We thank you for governs all things. We thank you for this time of study and we thank you for this time of study and we thank you for this time of study and we thank you for this time to honor and worship you. We this time to honor and worship you. We this time to honor and worship you. We give it all to you in Jesus' name we give it all to you in Jesus' name we give it all to you in Jesus' name we pray. Amen. Amen. It is with joy that I stand before you It is with joy that I stand before you today. today. today. Reverend Roberts is traveling with his Reverend Roberts is traveling with his Reverend Roberts is traveling with his family to celebrate uh he and Melanie's family to celebrate uh he and Melanie's family to celebrate uh he and Melanie's son's um participation in the Junior son's um participation in the Junior son's um participation in the Junior Olympics.

Olympics. Olympics. >> Amen. [applause] So, we want to lift a >> Amen. [applause] So, we want to lift a >> Amen. [applause] So, we want to lift a prayer for Gavin as he um participates prayer for Gavin as he um participates prayer for Gavin as he um participates in the Junior Olympics up in De Moine, in the Junior Olympics up in De Moine, in the Junior Olympics up in De Moine, Iowa. And um we give God the praise that Iowa. And um we give God the praise that Iowa. And um we give God the praise that um their family has the opportunity to um their family has the opportunity to um their family has the opportunity to go celebrate with him. Amen. go celebrate with him. Amen. go celebrate with him. Amen. >> And so the that's why you have me today. >> And so the that's why you have me today. >> And so the that's why you have me today. >> Praise the Lord. All right. It is a >> Praise the Lord. All right. It is a >> Praise the Lord. All right. It is a privilege. Amen. [applause] privilege. Amen. [applause] privilege. Amen. [applause] It is a privilege. I have not been able It is a privilege. I have not been able It is a privilege. I have not been able to do Bible study. I think I did one to do Bible study. I think I did one to do Bible study. I think I did one Bible study, a couple Bible studies Bible study, a couple Bible studies Bible study, a couple Bible studies during the pandemic. And before that, I during the pandemic. And before that, I during the pandemic. And before that, I did Bible study in our Katy location did Bible study in our Katy location did Bible study in our Katy location back in gosh, 2016, 17, 18, and 19. Um, back in gosh, 2016, 17, 18, and 19. Um, back in gosh, 2016, 17, 18, and 19. Um, and um, I have not had the privilege of and um, I have not had the privilege of and um, I have not had the privilege of doing this in a while, so bear with me doing this in a while, so bear with me doing this in a while, so bear with me and pray with me uh, as I try to get and pray with me uh, as I try to get and pray with me uh, as I try to get back on this bicycle I haven't ridden in back on this bicycle I haven't ridden in back on this bicycle I haven't ridden in a while. Um before we get started, I do a while. Um before we get started, I do a while. Um before we get started, I do want to ask that you would rise just want to ask that you would rise just want to ask that you would rise just briefly with me briefly with me briefly with me and I want you to get your Bibles in and I want you to get your Bibles in and I want you to get your Bibles in your hand.

your hand. your hand. Uh one of the things that we used to do Uh one of the things that we used to do Uh one of the things that we used to do all the time at our Katy location was um all the time at our Katy location was um all the time at our Katy location was um pronounce a faith profession, a faith pronounce a faith profession, a faith pronounce a faith profession, a faith confession before we got started with confession before we got started with confession before we got started with the word. And I I love to continue with the word. And I I love to continue with the word. And I I love to continue with that. and I ask that you um just bid me that. and I ask that you um just bid me that. and I ask that you um just bid me the pleasure of doing this. So get your the pleasure of doing this. So get your the pleasure of doing this. So get your Bible in your hand, whether it's on your Bible in your hand, whether it's on your Bible in your hand, whether it's on your phone or app, whatever, paper Bible, um phone or app, whatever, paper Bible, um phone or app, whatever, paper Bible, um and repeat after me. This is my Bible. and repeat after me. This is my Bible. and repeat after me. This is my Bible. >> This is my Bible. >> This is my Bible. >> This is my Bible. >> In my Bible >> In my Bible >> In my Bible >> in my Bible >> in my Bible >> in my Bible >> is the word of God >> is the word of God >> is the word of God >> is the word of God. I will >> is the word of God. I will >> is the word of God. I will >> I will >> I will >> I will >> allow >> allow >> allow >> allow >> allow >> allow >> the word of God >> the word of God >> the word of God >> the word of God >> the word of God >> the word of God >> to convict >> to convict >> to convict >> to convict >> to convict >> to convict >> convert >> convert >> convert >> convert >> convert >> convert >> change >> change >> change >> challenge >> challenge >> challenge >> and encourage >> and encourage >> and encourage >> and encourage >> and encourage >> and encourage >> my circumstances >> my circumstances >> my circumstances >> my circumstances >> my circumstances >> my circumstances >> and my situations >> and my situations >> and my situations >> and my situations >> and my situations >> and my situations >> for I walk by faith >> for I walk by faith >> for I walk by faith >> for I walk by faith >> for I walk by faith >> for I walk by faith >> and not by sight >> and not by sight >> and not by sight >> and not by sight. >> and not by sight. >> and not by sight. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> All right. It is the word of God that >> All right. It is the word of God that >> All right. It is the word of God that does the convicting, the converting, the does the convicting, the converting, the does the convicting, the converting, the changing, and the challenging of our changing, and the challenging of our changing, and the challenging of our life, circumstances, and our situations.

life, circumstances, and our situations. life, circumstances, and our situations. And so, um, we can stand on the word of And so, um, we can stand on the word of And so, um, we can stand on the word of God. Amen. Pastor says the word still God. Amen. Pastor says the word still God. Amen. Pastor says the word still works. Amen. works. Amen. works. Amen. >> All right. So, we're going to get >> All right. So, we're going to get >> All right. So, we're going to get started with our lesson tonight or started with our lesson tonight or started with our lesson tonight or today. Um, I'm only used to teaching at today. Um, I'm only used to teaching at today. Um, I'm only used to teaching at night. Um, so, uh, good afternoon, night. Um, so, uh, good afternoon, night. Um, so, uh, good afternoon, church family. Uh throughout this year, church family. Uh throughout this year, church family. Uh throughout this year, Pastor Cosby has challenged us to look Pastor Cosby has challenged us to look Pastor Cosby has challenged us to look for manifested miracles. Those for manifested miracles. Those for manifested miracles. Those unmistakable works that only God could unmistakable works that only God could unmistakable works that only God could accomplish. In his initial sermon of accomplish. In his initial sermon of accomplish. In his initial sermon of this new year, he told us that this new year, he told us that this new year, he told us that manifested miracles are supernatural manifested miracles are supernatural manifested miracles are supernatural things that only God can do. We can be things that only God can do. We can be things that only God can do. We can be used by God to express or perform a used by God to express or perform a used by God to express or perform a miracle, but be sure that it is an act miracle, but be sure that it is an act miracle, but be sure that it is an act of the Holy Spirit through us that's of the Holy Spirit through us that's of the Holy Spirit through us that's doing the work. God does the manifesting doing the work. God does the manifesting doing the work. God does the manifesting and the proving Godself. Amen. and the proving Godself. Amen. and the proving Godself. Amen. >> And if we're honest, we often think of >> And if we're honest, we often think of >> And if we're honest, we often think of miracles only when something unusual miracles only when something unusual miracles only when something unusual happens.

happens. happens. A disease disappears, A disease disappears, A disease disappears, a financial need is met, a storm changes a financial need is met, a storm changes a financial need is met, a storm changes course, a relationship is restored. course, a relationship is restored. course, a relationship is restored. Those are miracles. Those are miracles. Those are miracles. We rightly celebrate those moments We rightly celebrate those moments We rightly celebrate those moments because they testify to God's because they testify to God's because they testify to God's supernatural power. Yet today, I want us supernatural power. Yet today, I want us supernatural power. Yet today, I want us to step back for um before any of those to step back for um before any of those to step back for um before any of those types of miracles even occurred. types of miracles even occurred. types of miracles even occurred. Before there was a Red Sea to divide. Before there was a Red Sea to divide. Before there was a Red Sea to divide. Before there was mana in the wilderness. Before there was mana in the wilderness. Before there was mana in the wilderness. Before Jesus turned water into wine. Before Jesus turned water into wine. Before Jesus turned water into wine. Before blind eyes were opened. Before Before blind eyes were opened. Before Before blind eyes were opened. Before Lazarus walked out from the tomb. Lazarus walked out from the tomb. Lazarus walked out from the tomb. >> Before Pentecost. >> Before Pentecost. >> Before Pentecost. Before any miracle we normally Before any miracle we normally Before any miracle we normally celebrate. celebrate. celebrate. >> There was creation. >> Genesis 1 is not merely the beginning of >> Genesis 1 is not merely the beginning of the Bible. It is the first miracle the Bible. It is the first miracle the Bible. It is the first miracle recorded in scripture.

recorded in scripture. recorded in scripture. >> So our title and uh focus today is on >> So our title and uh focus today is on >> So our title and uh focus today is on the manifested miracle of creation. the manifested miracle of creation. the manifested miracle of creation. >> We'll be coming from Genesis 1:es 1- 27 >> We'll be coming from Genesis 1:es 1- 27 >> We'll be coming from Genesis 1:es 1- 27 is our primary focus for our text today. is our primary focus for our text today. is our primary focus for our text today. Uh this miracle of creation is not Uh this miracle of creation is not Uh this miracle of creation is not merely the opening chapter of scripture. merely the opening chapter of scripture. merely the opening chapter of scripture. It is the foundation for every other It is the foundation for every other It is the foundation for every other recorded miracle thereafter. If God can recorded miracle thereafter. If God can recorded miracle thereafter. If God can create everything from nothing, create everything from nothing, create everything from nothing, then nothing is impossible with God. then nothing is impossible with God. then nothing is impossible with God. >> And that's why Genesis chapter 1 is >> And that's why Genesis chapter 1 is >> And that's why Genesis chapter 1 is important. It matters. It reminds us of important. It matters. It reminds us of important. It matters. It reminds us of who God has always been. He has always who God has always been. He has always who God has always been. He has always been creator. He has always been been creator. He has always been been creator. He has always been sovereign. He has always been speaking sovereign. He has always been speaking sovereign. He has always been speaking life into impossible situations. He has life into impossible situations. He has life into impossible situations. He has always been bringing order out of chaos. always been bringing order out of chaos. always been bringing order out of chaos. And that's the reminder God instructed And that's the reminder God instructed And that's the reminder God instructed me to provide today. I um literally me to provide today. I um literally me to provide today. I um literally asked God a couple weeks ago, few weeks asked God a couple weeks ago, few weeks asked God a couple weeks ago, few weeks ago actually about what he would have me ago actually about what he would have me ago actually about what he would have me uh bring to this um lesson today. And he uh bring to this um lesson today. And he uh bring to this um lesson today. And he kept reminding me of creation.

kept reminding me of creation. kept reminding me of creation. um we and it was through multiple um we and it was through multiple um we and it was through multiple situations where the idea and thought of situations where the idea and thought of situations where the idea and thought of creation came up as our topic for today creation came up as our topic for today creation came up as our topic for today and I'm going to also share a story at and I'm going to also share a story at and I'm going to also share a story at the end with you if I have time of um the end with you if I have time of um the end with you if I have time of um that um confirmation of that that um confirmation of that that um confirmation of that >> our world continues to experience >> our world continues to experience >> our world continues to experience madness madness madness uncertainty uncertainty uncertainty we witness conflict amongst nations s we witness conflict amongst nations s we witness conflict amongst nations s political division, economic political division, economic political division, economic instability, and personal struggles that instability, and personal struggles that instability, and personal struggles that weigh heavily on our hearts. Yet, weigh heavily on our hearts. Yet, weigh heavily on our hearts. Yet, Genesis refuses to let us believe that Genesis refuses to let us believe that Genesis refuses to let us believe that chaos has the final word. chaos has the final word. chaos has the final word. >> The first page of scripture reminds us >> The first page of scripture reminds us >> The first page of scripture reminds us that before there was order, there that before there was order, there that before there was order, there appeared to be disorder. appeared to be disorder. appeared to be disorder. >> Before there was light, there was >> Before there was light, there was >> Before there was light, there was darkness. darkness. darkness. Before there was life, there was Before there was life, there was Before there was life, there was emptiness. emptiness. emptiness. God was already present, already God was already present, already God was already present, already sovereign, and already at work. And the sovereign, and already at work. And the sovereign, and already at work. And the that truth ought to encourage each of us that truth ought to encourage each of us that truth ought to encourage each of us as believers. So our lesson objective as believers. So our lesson objective as believers. So our lesson objective today is uh to focus on one central today is uh to focus on one central today is uh to focus on one central truth I've already mentioned, but truth I've already mentioned, but truth I've already mentioned, but creation is God's first manifested creation is God's first manifested creation is God's first manifested miracle. And every miracle that flows miracle. And every miracle that flows miracle. And every miracle that flows throughout scripture reveals his ongoing throughout scripture reveals his ongoing throughout scripture reveals his ongoing power to sustain, restore, and renew power to sustain, restore, and renew power to sustain, restore, and renew what he has already created.

what he has already created. what he has already created. So, let's keep that before us today. And So, let's keep that before us today. And So, let's keep that before us today. And I'm going to get a few readers. There I'm going to get a few readers. There I'm going to get a few readers. There you are. I was looking for you earlier. you are. I was looking for you earlier. you are. I was looking for you earlier. Um, is our resident reader here today? I Um, is our resident reader here today? I Um, is our resident reader here today? I know she's not here today. Oh, okay. So, know she's not here today. Oh, okay. So, know she's not here today. Oh, okay. So, I need a couple of readers. um actually I need a couple of readers. um actually I need a couple of readers. um actually three readers. Uh let me get um a couple three readers. Uh let me get um a couple three readers. Uh let me get um a couple of our interns and uh Reverend Tamika, of our interns and uh Reverend Tamika, of our interns and uh Reverend Tamika, will you read as well? So I'm gonna get will you read as well? So I'm gonna get will you read as well? So I'm gonna get uh Reverend Tamika Wear if you'd read um uh Reverend Tamika Wear if you'd read um uh Reverend Tamika Wear if you'd read um Genesis 1:es 1-10 for us. And then I'll Genesis 1:es 1-10 for us. And then I'll Genesis 1:es 1-10 for us. And then I'll get you guys can pick um verses 11-9. get you guys can pick um verses 11-9. get you guys can pick um verses 11-9. You got that, Reverend Claudia? and then You got that, Reverend Claudia? and then You got that, Reverend Claudia? and then 20 through 27 20 through 27 20 through 27 River Miles. River Miles. River Miles. >> Okay. So, I'm reading from the NIV. In >> Okay. So, I'm reading from the NIV. In >> Okay. So, I'm reading from the NIV. In the beginning, God created the heavens the beginning, God created the heavens the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. Now, the earth was and the earth. Now, the earth was and the earth. Now, the earth was formless and empty. Darkness was over formless and empty. Darkness was over formless and empty. Darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the spirit the surface of the deep, and the spirit the surface of the deep, and the spirit of God was hovering over the waters. And of God was hovering over the waters. And of God was hovering over the waters. And God said, "Let there be light." And God said, "Let there be light." And God said, "Let there be light." And there was light. God saw that the light there was light. God saw that the light there was light. God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light was good, and he separated the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness. God called the light from the darkness. God called the light from the darkness. God called the light day, and the darkness he called night.

day, and the darkness he called night. day, and the darkness he called night. And there was evening, and there was And there was evening, and there was And there was evening, and there was morning, the first day. And God said, morning, the first day. And God said, morning, the first day. And God said, "Let there be a vault between the waters "Let there be a vault between the waters "Let there be a vault between the waters to separate water from water." So God to separate water from water." So God to separate water from water." So God made the vault, and separated the water made the vault, and separated the water made the vault, and separated the water under the vault from the water above it. under the vault from the water above it. under the vault from the water above it. And it was so. God called the vault sky. And it was so. God called the vault sky. And it was so. God called the vault sky. And there was evening, and there was And there was evening, and there was And there was evening, and there was morning, the second day. And God said, morning, the second day. And God said, morning, the second day. And God said, "Let the water under the sky be gathered "Let the water under the sky be gathered "Let the water under the sky be gathered to one place, and let dry ground to one place, and let dry ground to one place, and let dry ground appear." And it was so. God called the appear." And it was so. God called the appear." And it was so. God called the dry ground land, and gathered the dry ground land, and gathered the dry ground land, and gathered the waters, excuse me, and the gathered waters, excuse me, and the gathered waters, excuse me, and the gathered waters he called seas. And God saw that waters he called seas. And God saw that waters he called seas. And God saw that it was good. it was good. it was good. >> Amen. Thank you. Deuce vegetation, Deuce vegetation, seedbearing plants and trees on the land seedbearing plants and trees on the land seedbearing plants and trees on the land that bear fruit with seed in it that bear fruit with seed in it that bear fruit with seed in it according to their various kinds. And it according to their various kinds. And it according to their various kinds. And it was so. The land produced vegetation, was so. The land produced vegetation, was so. The land produced vegetation, plants bearing seed according to their plants bearing seed according to their plants bearing seed according to their kinds, and trees bearing fruit with seed kinds, and trees bearing fruit with seed kinds, and trees bearing fruit with seed in it according to their kinds. And God in it according to their kinds. And God in it according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good. And there was saw that it was good. And there was saw that it was good. And there was evening, and there was morning. the evening, and there was morning. the evening, and there was morning. the third day. And God said, "Let there be third day. And God said, "Let there be third day. And God said, "Let there be lights in the vault of the sky, to lights in the vault of the sky, to lights in the vault of the sky, to separate the day from the night, and let separate the day from the night, and let separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark sacred times them serve as signs to mark sacred times them serve as signs to mark sacred times and days and years, and let them be and days and years, and let them be and days and years, and let them be lights in the vault of the sky, to give lights in the vault of the sky, to give lights in the vault of the sky, to give light on the earth, and it was so." God light on the earth, and it was so." God light on the earth, and it was so." God made two great lights, the greater light

made two great lights, the greater light made two great lights, the greater light to govern the day, and the lesser light to govern the day, and the lesser light to govern the day, and the lesser light to govern the night. He also made the to govern the night. He also made the to govern the night. He also made the stars. God set them in the vault of the stars. God set them in the vault of the stars. God set them in the vault of the sky to give light on the earth to govern sky to give light on the earth to govern sky to give light on the earth to govern the day and the night and to separate the day and the night and to separate the day and the night and to separate light from darkness. And God saw that it light from darkness. And God saw that it light from darkness. And God saw that it was good. And there was evening and was good. And there was evening and was good. And there was evening and there was morning, the fourth day. >> And God said, "Let the water team with >> And God said, "Let the water team with living creatures, and let birds fly living creatures, and let birds fly living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the vault of the above the earth across the vault of the above the earth across the vault of the sky." So God created the great creatures sky." So God created the great creatures sky." So God created the great creatures of the sea and every living thing with of the sea and every living thing with of the sea and every living thing with water, the teams and that moves about in water, the teams and that moves about in water, the teams and that moves about in it according to their kinds and every it according to their kinds and every it according to their kinds and every winged bird according to its kind. And winged bird according to its kind. And winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. God blessed God saw that it was good. God blessed God saw that it was good. God blessed them and said, "Be fruitful and increase them and said, "Be fruitful and increase them and said, "Be fruitful and increase in number and fill the water in the seas in number and fill the water in the seas in number and fill the water in the seas and let the birds increase on the and let the birds increase on the and let the birds increase on the earth." And there was evening, and there earth." And there was evening, and there earth." And there was evening, and there was morning, the fifth day. And God was morning, the fifth day. And God was morning, the fifth day. And God said, "Let the land produce living said, "Let the land produce living said, "Let the land produce living creatures according to their kinds, the creatures according to their kinds, the creatures according to their kinds, the livestock, the creatures that move along livestock, the creatures that move along livestock, the creatures that move along the ground, and the wild animals, each the ground, and the wild animals, each the ground, and the wild animals, each according to its kind." And it was so.

according to its kind." And it was so. according to its kind." And it was so. God made the wild animals according to God made the wild animals according to God made the wild animals according to their kinds, the livestock according to their kinds, the livestock according to their kinds, the livestock according to their kinds, and all the creatures that their kinds, and all the creatures that their kinds, and all the creatures that move along the ground according to their move along the ground according to their move along the ground according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good. kinds. And God saw that it was good. kinds. And God saw that it was good. Then God said, "Let us make mankind in Then God said, "Let us make mankind in Then God said, "Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they our image, in our likeness, so that they our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and may rule over the fish in the sea and may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the the birds in the sky, over the the birds in the sky, over the livestock, and all the wild animals, and livestock, and all the wild animals, and livestock, and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along over all the creatures that move along over all the creatures that move along the ground." So God created mankind in the ground." So God created mankind in the ground." So God created mankind in his own image. In the image of God, he his own image. In the image of God, he his own image. In the image of God, he created them. Male and female, he created them. Male and female, he created them. Male and female, he created them. created them. created them. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. So when we look at the Genesis um one So when we look at the Genesis um one So when we look at the Genesis um one account, we recognize Genesis 2 also has account, we recognize Genesis 2 also has account, we recognize Genesis 2 also has an account of this creation story. Um an account of this creation story. Um an account of this creation story. Um but I want to highlight the fact that but I want to highlight the fact that but I want to highlight the fact that while uh researchers and scientists um while uh researchers and scientists um while uh researchers and scientists um uh often um challenge actually let me uh often um challenge actually let me uh often um challenge actually let me start back with this uh Genesis the book start back with this uh Genesis the book start back with this uh Genesis the book of Genesis re researchers and um those of Genesis re researchers and um those of Genesis re researchers and um those who study uh the Bible challenge some who study uh the Bible challenge some who study uh the Bible challenge some will challenge the full understanding of will challenge the full understanding of will challenge the full understanding of Genesis's authorship. Okay. Um but Genesis's authorship. Okay. Um but Genesis's authorship. Okay. Um but historically Jews and Christians alike historically Jews and Christians alike historically Jews and Christians alike have held that Moses is the author of have held that Moses is the author of have held that Moses is the author of the four first five books of the Old the four first five books of the Old the four first five books of the Old Testament um known as the Torah or the Testament um known as the Torah or the Testament um known as the Torah or the Pentatuk. The first five books being

Pentatuk. The first five books being Pentatuk. The first five books being Genesis, Genesis, Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. All right. When we consider Deuteronomy. All right. When we consider Deuteronomy. All right. When we consider today's text, theologians and scientists today's text, theologians and scientists today's text, theologians and scientists often argue um with this um thing of often argue um with this um thing of often argue um with this um thing of creation. Um but we trust and stand on creation. Um but we trust and stand on creation. Um but we trust and stand on what the word of God says. Amen. Um and what the word of God says. Amen. Um and what the word of God says. Amen. Um and so there may be questions that arise for so there may be questions that arise for so there may be questions that arise for some people. Some people are analytical some people. Some people are analytical some people. Some people are analytical like me. Um there's things I read in the like me. Um there's things I read in the like me. Um there's things I read in the Bible and I'm like, "Huh, I wonder how Bible and I'm like, "Huh, I wonder how Bible and I'm like, "Huh, I wonder how that happened." that happened." that happened." Some may ask, "How long were the days Some may ask, "How long were the days Some may ask, "How long were the days that they're talking about, right? We we that they're talking about, right? We we that they're talking about, right? We we know a 24-hour clock, but what do those know a 24-hour clock, but what do those know a 24-hour clock, but what do those hours look like?" Right? How exactly did hours look like?" Right? How exactly did hours look like?" Right? How exactly did creation happen? Right? Because, you creation happen? Right? Because, you creation happen? Right? Because, you know, um God said, "Let there be." Um know, um God said, "Let there be." Um know, um God said, "Let there be." Um and those questions, they have their and those questions, they have their and those questions, they have their place. Amen. Um, but Genesis focuses on place. Amen. Um, but Genesis focuses on place. Amen. Um, but Genesis focuses on answering a much more important answering a much more important answering a much more important question.

question. question. It's not telling us about how creation It's not telling us about how creation It's not telling us about how creation happened. Genesis tells us who created. happened. Genesis tells us who created. happened. Genesis tells us who created. >> It's more important. >> It's more important. >> It's more important. >> The emphasis falls not on the mechanics >> The emphasis falls not on the mechanics >> The emphasis falls not on the mechanics of creation, but on the majesty of the of creation, but on the majesty of the of creation, but on the majesty of the creator. creator. creator. Everything begins with God. Everything begins with God. Everything begins with God. So our first point for our lesson today So our first point for our lesson today So our first point for our lesson today is the redeemer's creativity. is the redeemer's creativity. is the redeemer's creativity. The redeemer's creativity. The redeemer's creativity. The redeemer's creativity. Genesis opens with this profound Genesis opens with this profound Genesis opens with this profound statement. In the beginning, God created statement. In the beginning, God created statement. In the beginning, God created >> the heavens and the earth. There's so >> the heavens and the earth. There's so >> the heavens and the earth. There's so much packed in that one statement. much packed in that one statement. much packed in that one statement. The meaning of created, the word uh the The meaning of created, the word uh the The meaning of created, the word uh the Hebrew word translated created is barah. Hebrew word translated created is barah. Hebrew word translated created is barah. Unlike the other other Hebrew words that Unlike the other other Hebrew words that Unlike the other other Hebrew words that can describe human craftsmanship, can describe human craftsmanship, can describe human craftsmanship, barra is used uniquely about God. It barra is used uniquely about God. It barra is used uniquely about God. It refers to divine creative activity that refers to divine creative activity that refers to divine creative activity that only God could perform. When scripture only God could perform. When scripture only God could perform. When scripture says God created, it is declaring says God created, it is declaring says God created, it is declaring something no human being could ever something no human being could ever something no human being could ever claim. God alone possesses the power to claim. God alone possesses the power to claim. God alone possesses the power to call into existence what did not call into existence what did not call into existence what did not previously exist.

previously exist. previously exist. >> Every invention, every painting, every >> Every invention, every painting, every >> Every invention, every painting, every song, every building, every song, every building, every song, every building, every technological advancement begins with technological advancement begins with technological advancement begins with materials that are already available. materials that are already available. materials that are already available. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. >> One writer said, "Human beings >> One writer said, "Human beings >> One writer said, "Human beings rearranged things. God originated it." rearranged things. God originated it." rearranged things. God originated it." >> And that distinction is very critical. >> And that distinction is very critical. >> And that distinction is very critical. When we admire the creativity of When we admire the creativity of When we admire the creativity of artists, engineers, our beautiful artists, engineers, our beautiful artists, engineers, our beautiful musicians and singers, our architects musicians and singers, our architects musicians and singers, our architects and physicians or scientists, we are and physicians or scientists, we are and physicians or scientists, we are witnessing reflections of the creator's witnessing reflections of the creator's witnessing reflections of the creator's image within humanity. image within humanity. image within humanity. But only God creates in its fullest in But only God creates in its fullest in But only God creates in its fullest in his fullest sense. his fullest sense. his fullest sense. God's creativity reveals his character. God's creativity reveals his character. God's creativity reveals his character. Notice something remarkable. God could Notice something remarkable. God could Notice something remarkable. God could have created everything instantaneously. have created everything instantaneously. have created everything instantaneously. Instead, Genesis presents creation as Instead, Genesis presents creation as Instead, Genesis presents creation as unfolding with beautiful intentionality. unfolding with beautiful intentionality. unfolding with beautiful intentionality. light, light, light, sky, sky, sky, land, land, land, vegetation, vegetation, vegetation, sun, moon, and stars. Creatures of the sun, moon, and stars. Creatures of the sun, moon, and stars. Creatures of the sea and animals and creatures of the sea and animals and creatures of the sea and animals and creatures of the sky. The speed of light, the expanse of sky. The speed of light, the expanse of sky. The speed of light, the expanse of the sky, differences in terrain, the sky, differences in terrain, the sky, differences in terrain, the unique characteristics of the unique characteristics of the unique characteristics of vegetation, vegetation, vegetation, the heat of the sun, [clears throat] the the heat of the sun, [clears throat] the the heat of the sun, [clears throat] the moon and the other planets, the stars, moon and the other planets, the stars, moon and the other planets, the stars, the vastness of the sea and all of its the vastness of the sea and all of its the vastness of the sea and all of its creatures, the expanse of the sky and

creatures, the expanse of the sky and creatures, the expanse of the sky and flying creatures, and the varieties of flying creatures, and the varieties of flying creatures, and the varieties of animals, the long neck of the giraffe, animals, the long neck of the giraffe, animals, the long neck of the giraffe, the horn of the rhinoceros, the horn of the rhinoceros, the horn of the rhinoceros, the roar of the lion the roar of the lion the roar of the lion and make Yes, and make Yes, and make Yes, we have to pay attention to all that we have to pay attention to all that we have to pay attention to all that went into creating went into creating went into creating um all of which God conceived first, um all of which God conceived first, um all of which God conceived first, then he created, he made it manifest. then he created, he made it manifest. then he created, he made it manifest. God thought about each of these elements God thought about each of these elements God thought about each of these elements and the intricate workings of each of and the intricate workings of each of and the intricate workings of each of them before uttering the words let there them before uttering the words let there them before uttering the words let there be. be. be. >> So if you think about it um uh >> So if you think about it um uh >> So if you think about it um uh I always tell people it takes a lot more I always tell people it takes a lot more I always tell people it takes a lot more faith to believe in a bang creating all faith to believe in a bang creating all faith to believe in a bang creating all of this of this of this >> than it does to believe in a creator >> than it does to believe in a creator >> than it does to believe in a creator God.

God. God. it. Bang. >> And wouldn't everything be a rock? >> And wouldn't everything be a rock? >> I really believe that that everything >> I really believe that that everything >> I really believe that that everything would be a rock if it just came from a would be a rock if it just came from a would be a rock if it just came from a bang. It matter wouldn't know how to go bang. It matter wouldn't know how to go bang. It matter wouldn't know how to go out out out >> and do anything >> and do anything >> and do anything >> without a holy God. >> without a holy God. >> without a holy God. So it takes a holy God So it takes a holy God So it takes a holy God >> to conceive >> to conceive >> to conceive >> of each thing >> of each thing >> of each thing >> and then say let there be >> and then say let there be >> and then say let there be [applause] >> it's it's a beautiful picture >> it's it's a beautiful picture >> and and then with humanity >> and and then with humanity >> and and then with humanity >> he he shaped and formed us >> he he shaped and formed us >> he he shaped and formed us >> male and female. >> male and female. >> male and female. by hand, by hand, by hand, >> putting everything in right order, >> capillaries, >> capillaries, >> your eyes know to see and your ears know >> your eyes know to see and your ears know >> your eyes know to see and your ears know to hear.

to hear. to hear. >> Your heart notes knows to beat and >> Your heart notes knows to beat and >> Your heart notes knows to beat and regulate blood flow. regulate blood flow. regulate blood flow. Your lungs know to expand and contract, Your lungs know to expand and contract, Your lungs know to expand and contract, >> taking in oxygen. >> taking in oxygen. >> taking in oxygen. >> It's >> It's >> It's creative. creative. creative. >> It's beautiful. >> It's beautiful. >> It's beautiful. >> Uh once God fully formed the shell of >> Uh once God fully formed the shell of >> Uh once God fully formed the shell of Adam, God breathed life into Adam. Adam, God breathed life into Adam. Adam, God breathed life into Adam. And that breath signaled to the lungs to And that breath signaled to the lungs to And that breath signaled to the lungs to expand and contract, expand and contract, expand and contract, >> the heart to beat. >> the heart to beat. >> the heart to beat. the blood to flow through our veins, the the blood to flow through our veins, the the blood to flow through our veins, the brain to orchestrate and regulate brain to orchestrate and regulate brain to orchestrate and regulate everything in this body. everything in this body. everything in this body. That's not random. That's not random. That's not random. >> It's purposeful wisdom. >> It's purposeful wisdom. >> It's purposeful wisdom. >> Creation teaches us that God is not >> Creation teaches us that God is not >> Creation teaches us that God is not merely powerful, but God is purposeful merely powerful, but God is purposeful merely powerful, but God is purposeful and precise. and precise. and precise. >> He did not simply produce, he prepared.

>> He did not simply produce, he prepared. >> He did not simply produce, he prepared. He established the environments before He established the environments before He established the environments before introducing life into them. introducing life into them. introducing life into them. Land and sea, Land and sea, Land and sea, >> vegetation, and then animals were >> vegetation, and then animals were >> vegetation, and then animals were created. How often has God done the same created. How often has God done the same created. How often has God done the same in your life? in your life? in your life? >> Looking backward, we discovered that God >> Looking backward, we discovered that God >> Looking backward, we discovered that God had already been arranging circumstances had already been arranging circumstances had already been arranging circumstances before we even knew to pray about it. before we even knew to pray about it. before we even knew to pray about it. God, God, God, his creative creative nature, his his creative creative nature, his his creative creative nature, his creativity reveals his character, creativity reveals his character, creativity reveals his character, thoughtful, [snorts] thoughtful, [snorts] thoughtful, [snorts] wise. I always think in terms of um uh wise. I always think in terms of um uh wise. I always think in terms of um uh wisdom when we prepare for things, some wisdom when we prepare for things, some wisdom when we prepare for things, some people get frustrated. We think we people get frustrated. We think we people get frustrated. We think we should be spontaneous about everything. should be spontaneous about everything. should be spontaneous about everything. >> And but that's not our God. Our God was >> And but that's not our God. Our God was >> And but that's not our God. Our God was a God of order. It it took thought to a God of order. It it took thought to a God of order. It it took thought to make you and me. make you and me. make you and me. >> It took thought to conceive that air >> It took thought to conceive that air >> It took thought to conceive that air would be available for our lungs to even would be available for our lungs to even would be available for our lungs to even expand and contract. Right? It it it's expand and contract. Right? It it it's expand and contract. Right? It it it's inconceivable that this heart pumps inconceivable that this heart pumps inconceivable that this heart pumps blood continuously. And when things blood continuously. And when things blood continuously. And when things don't work properly, don't work properly, don't work properly, >> we know it >> we know it >> we know it >> immediately.

>> immediately. >> immediately. So God's uh God's uh creativity reveals So God's uh God's uh creativity reveals So God's uh God's uh creativity reveals his character. God's creativity reveals his character. God's creativity reveals his character. God's creativity reveals that God is likewise a God of order. that God is likewise a God of order. that God is likewise a God of order. >> One of the most beautiful >> One of the most beautiful >> One of the most beautiful characteristics of creation is its characteristics of creation is its characteristics of creation is its order. order. order. >> Nothing competes really. Uh nothing >> Nothing competes really. Uh nothing >> Nothing competes really. Uh nothing overlaps accidentally. Nothing exists overlaps accidentally. Nothing exists overlaps accidentally. Nothing exists without purpose. without purpose. without purpose. Modern science continues to discover Modern science continues to discover Modern science continues to discover astonishing levels of interconnectedness astonishing levels of interconnectedness astonishing levels of interconnectedness within creation. The Earth's systems within creation. The Earth's systems within creation. The Earth's systems operate together in remarkable harmony operate together in remarkable harmony operate together in remarkable harmony and the human body itself consists of and the human body itself consists of and the human body itself consists of intricately coordinated systems designed intricately coordinated systems designed intricately coordinated systems designed to sustain our lives. You're uh the when to sustain our lives. You're uh the when to sustain our lives. You're uh the when you think about it uh the the uh human you think about it uh the the uh human you think about it uh the the uh human body we have uh the muscular system, we body we have uh the muscular system, we body we have uh the muscular system, we have the skeletal system, we have the have the skeletal system, we have the have the skeletal system, we have the reproductive system, we have the urinary reproductive system, we have the urinary reproductive system, we have the urinary system, we have all these systems system, we have all these systems system, we have all these systems working together.

working together. working together. Uh that skeletal system has its own Uh that skeletal system has its own Uh that skeletal system has its own parts, right? Thigh bone connected to parts, right? Thigh bone connected to parts, right? Thigh bone connected to the you know, all right, the hipbone the you know, all right, the hipbone the you know, all right, the hipbone connected to all of it's working connected to all of it's working connected to all of it's working together. And and guess what? If you're together. And and guess what? If you're together. And and guess what? If you're born with a hipbone up on your shoulder, born with a hipbone up on your shoulder, born with a hipbone up on your shoulder, they would say that's a defect. they would say that's a defect. they would say that's a defect. >> All of us have the hipbone in the >> All of us have the hipbone in the >> All of us have the hipbone in the hipbone place. Now, some of us have to hipbone place. Now, some of us have to hipbone place. Now, some of us have to get them replaced. get them replaced. get them replaced. >> We understand that knees have to be >> We understand that knees have to be >> We understand that knees have to be replaced. There has to some work has to replaced. There has to some work has to replaced. There has to some work has to be done sometimes, right? But be done sometimes, right? But be done sometimes, right? But ultimately, God designed this body, this ultimately, God designed this body, this ultimately, God designed this body, this frame to hold us. frame to hold us. frame to hold us. Yes, Yes, Yes, >> it's important for us to really think >> it's important for us to really think >> it's important for us to really think about every discovery becomes another about every discovery becomes another about every discovery becomes another witness to God's brilliance. witness to God's brilliance. witness to God's brilliance. >> The more humanity learns about creation, >> The more humanity learns about creation, >> The more humanity learns about creation, the more reasons we have to worship the the more reasons we have to worship the the more reasons we have to worship the creator. creator. creator. Your heart beats while your lung Your heart beats while your lung Your heart beats while your lung breathe. [clears throat] Your nervous breathe. [clears throat] Your nervous breathe. [clears throat] Your nervous system communicates with your muscles. system communicates with your muscles. system communicates with your muscles. Your bones support your frame. Your Your bones support your frame. Your Your bones support your frame. Your immune system protects your body. immune system protects your body. immune system protects your body. Thousands of processes are occurring Thousands of processes are occurring Thousands of processes are occurring inside you at this very moment without inside you at this very moment without inside you at this very moment without your conscious awareness.

your conscious awareness. your conscious awareness. >> That's not accidental. >> That's not accidental. >> That's not accidental. >> That is divine wisdom. >> That is divine wisdom. >> That is divine wisdom. >> When we look at the earth, same things. >> When we look at the earth, same things. >> When we look at the earth, same things. We have the biosphere, we have the We have the biosphere, we have the We have the biosphere, we have the cryossphere, we have the atmosphere. All cryossphere, we have the atmosphere. All cryossphere, we have the atmosphere. All these spheres working together. Yeah, these spheres working together. Yeah, these spheres working together. Yeah, >> it's a beautiful picture of a creative >> it's a beautiful picture of a creative >> it's a beautiful picture of a creative God God God >> who thought through all of these things >> who thought through all of these things >> who thought through all of these things to make them work together and then he to make them work together and then he to make them work together and then he said, "Let there be said, "Let there be said, "Let there be >> or a blue life into the nostril." Amen. >> or a blue life into the nostril." Amen. >> or a blue life into the nostril." Amen. >> So, let me suggest something. Sometimes >> So, let me suggest something. Sometimes >> So, let me suggest something. Sometimes we ask God for spectacular miracles we ask God for spectacular miracles we ask God for spectacular miracles while overlooking the miraculous reality while overlooking the miraculous reality while overlooking the miraculous reality already sustaining us. already sustaining us. already sustaining us. We breathe thousands of times in a day. We breathe thousands of times in a day. We breathe thousands of times in a day. Our heart continues to beat. Our brain Our heart continues to beat. Our brain Our heart continues to beat. Our brain processes countless thoughts. Our eyes processes countless thoughts. Our eyes processes countless thoughts. Our eyes interpret light. Our ears translate interpret light. Our ears translate interpret light. Our ears translate sound. Most of us, including me, may not sound. Most of us, including me, may not sound. Most of us, including me, may not have stopped to thank God for all that have stopped to thank God for all that have stopped to thank God for all that he's already done.

he's already done. he's already done. >> [applause] >> And perhaps one of the greatest miracles >> And perhaps one of the greatest miracles is not merely that God occasionally is not merely that God occasionally is not merely that God occasionally intervenes in creation. It is that he intervenes in creation. It is that he intervenes in creation. It is that he faithfully sustains creation every faithfully sustains creation every faithfully sustains creation every moment of every day. moment of every day. moment of every day. >> What part of God's creation fills you >> What part of God's creation fills you >> What part of God's creation fills you with the greatest sense of awe? with the greatest sense of awe? with the greatest sense of awe? I want you to take that with you today. I want you to take that with you today. I want you to take that with you today. I want you to think about that. What I want you to think about that. What I want you to think about that. What what aspect of God's creation fills you what aspect of God's creation fills you what aspect of God's creation fills you with the greatest sense of awe? And they with the greatest sense of awe? And they with the greatest sense of awe? And they could be multiple things. For me, I love could be multiple things. For me, I love could be multiple things. For me, I love trees. I don't know what it is about a trees. I don't know what it is about a trees. I don't know what it is about a tree. Uh and and different trees. The tree. Uh and and different trees. The tree. Uh and and different trees. The fact that God made palms and oaks and fact that God made palms and oaks and fact that God made palms and oaks and and ash trees and crepe myrtles and I and ash trees and crepe myrtles and I and ash trees and crepe myrtles and I mean all of these different It's just a mean all of these different It's just a mean all of these different It's just a beautiful beautiful beautiful picture picture picture if we pay attention. if we pay attention. if we pay attention. Recognizing God's intentional order Recognizing God's intentional order Recognizing God's intentional order should strengthen our trust when we feel should strengthen our trust when we feel should strengthen our trust when we feel that life is chaotic.

that life is chaotic. that life is chaotic. God has created order and he's going to God has created order and he's going to God has created order and he's going to keep things in order. keep things in order. keep things in order. >> It It looks nuts right now. >> It It looks nuts right now. >> It It looks nuts right now. >> It does. I'm a witness. But he's still >> It does. I'm a witness. But he's still >> It does. I'm a witness. But he's still creating order. Amen. creating order. Amen. creating order. Amen. Genesis teaches us that God did not Genesis teaches us that God did not Genesis teaches us that God did not create a meaningless universe. He create a meaningless universe. He create a meaningless universe. He created a world filled with purpose. And created a world filled with purpose. And created a world filled with purpose. And if creation itself has purpose, then if creation itself has purpose, then if creation itself has purpose, then those who bear God's image also have those who bear God's image also have those who bear God's image also have purpose. The question naturally becomes, purpose. The question naturally becomes, purpose. The question naturally becomes, how are we called to live in the world how are we called to live in the world how are we called to live in the world God so intentionally created? And that's God so intentionally created? And that's God so intentionally created? And that's where we're going to turn our attention where we're going to turn our attention where we're going to turn our attention to next. There is the relationship or to next. There is the relationship or to next. There is the relationship or the responsibility I should say of the responsibility I should say of the responsibility I should say of creation. Creation's responsibility. creation. Creation's responsibility. creation. Creation's responsibility. During our first point, we discovered During our first point, we discovered During our first point, we discovered something important. God did not create something important. God did not create something important. God did not create randomly. He created intentionally. randomly. He created intentionally. randomly. He created intentionally. Everything I said has a purpose. Everything I said has a purpose. Everything I said has a purpose. Everything reflects his wisdom. But the Everything reflects his wisdom. But the Everything reflects his wisdom. But the story doesn't end with God creating a story doesn't end with God creating a story doesn't end with God creating a beautiful world. Genesis tells us that beautiful world. Genesis tells us that beautiful world. Genesis tells us that after God prepared the world, he placed after God prepared the world, he placed after God prepared the world, he placed someone within it who would represent someone within it who would represent someone within it who would represent him.

him. him. that someone was humanity. that someone was humanity. that someone was humanity. So unlike the stars, the oceans, the So unlike the stars, the oceans, the So unlike the stars, the oceans, the mountains, we were not simply created to mountains, we were not simply created to mountains, we were not simply created to exist. We were created to participate. exist. We were created to participate. exist. We were created to participate. God entrusted his creation God entrusted his creation God entrusted his creation people made in his image to watch after people made in his image to watch after people made in his image to watch after creation. creation. creation. And that brings me to this next part, And that brings me to this next part, And that brings me to this next part, our responsibility for creation. We our responsibility for creation. We our responsibility for creation. We represent the creator. represent the creator. represent the creator. Genesis 1 reaches its climax not with Genesis 1 reaches its climax not with Genesis 1 reaches its climax not with the creation of the sun, moon, and the creation of the sun, moon, and the creation of the sun, moon, and stars, but with the creation of stars, but with the creation of stars, but with the creation of humanity. humanity. humanity. It is very good. Listen again to these It is very good. Listen again to these It is very good. Listen again to these familiar words. Then God said, "Let us familiar words. Then God said, "Let us familiar words. Then God said, "Let us make man, mankind in our image, in our make man, mankind in our image, in our make man, mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the likeness, so that they may rule over the likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the fish in the sea and the birds in the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild sky, over the livestock and all the wild sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that animals, and over all the creatures that animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground. So God created move along the ground. So God created move along the ground. So God created mankind in his own image. In the image mankind in his own image. In the image mankind in his own image. In the image of God, he created them. Male and female of God, he created them. Male and female of God, he created them. Male and female he created them." Notice the he created them." Notice the he created them." Notice the progression.

progression. progression. God creates, God blesses, and then God God creates, God blesses, and then God God creates, God blesses, and then God commisss. commisss. commisss. Our modern culture thinks the word Our modern culture thinks the word Our modern culture thinks the word dominion used in that text gave God gave dominion used in that text gave God gave dominion used in that text gave God gave man dominion over um what was in the man dominion over um what was in the man dominion over um what was in the earth. Um it biblically speaks of earth. Um it biblically speaks of earth. Um it biblically speaks of stewardship and actually that's in verse stewardship and actually that's in verse stewardship and actually that's in verse I'm sorry that's in chapter 2 verse1 15. I'm sorry that's in chapter 2 verse1 15. I'm sorry that's in chapter 2 verse1 15. I need to pull that up. Does somebody I need to pull that up. Does somebody I need to pull that up. Does somebody have Genesis 2:15 for me? Okay. Okay. >> You want me to read it, Dr. P? >> You want me to read it, Dr. P? >> You want me to read it, Dr. P? >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> The Lord God took the man and put him in >> The Lord God took the man and put him in >> The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and take the garden of Eden to work it and take the garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. care of it. care of it. >> Amen. So, he gave the assignment for man >> Amen. So, he gave the assignment for man >> Amen. So, he gave the assignment for man to work the earth and take care of it. to work the earth and take care of it. to work the earth and take care of it. He gave man dominion over it. Um and we He gave man dominion over it. Um and we He gave man dominion over it. Um and we often think of the term dominion as often think of the term dominion as often think of the term dominion as being dominance, but dominion actually being dominance, but dominion actually being dominance, but dominion actually means stewardship.

means stewardship. means stewardship. >> Um kings in the ancient world placed >> Um kings in the ancient world placed >> Um kings in the ancient world placed their image throughout their kingdoms as their image throughout their kingdoms as their image throughout their kingdoms as visible reminders of their authority. visible reminders of their authority. visible reminders of their authority. So you think about Nebuchadnezzar in the So you think about Nebuchadnezzar in the So you think about Nebuchadnezzar in the statue. statue. statue. >> That's what kings would do. they would >> That's what kings would do. they would >> That's what kings would do. they would place their image throughout their place their image throughout their place their image throughout their kingdoms to establish their authority. kingdoms to establish their authority. kingdoms to establish their authority. Likewise, God places his imagebearers Likewise, God places his imagebearers Likewise, God places his imagebearers throughout his creation throughout his creation throughout his creation >> to reflect his character and to >> to reflect his character and to >> to reflect his character and to represent his rule. represent his rule. represent his rule. Think about that. When people encounter Think about that. When people encounter Think about that. When people encounter us, they ought to encounter something of us, they ought to encounter something of us, they ought to encounter something of God's wisdom, God's wisdom, God's wisdom, God's justice, God's compassion, God's God's justice, God's compassion, God's God's justice, God's compassion, God's holiness, God's mercy. We are created to holiness, God's mercy. We are created to holiness, God's mercy. We are created to glorify our God. glorify our God. glorify our God. >> I have to say this over and over again. >> I have to say this over and over again. >> I have to say this over and over again. I used to teach this with young adults. I used to teach this with young adults. I used to teach this with young adults. Um Um Um there are doctors and nurses, lawyers, there are doctors and nurses, lawyers, there are doctors and nurses, lawyers, teachers all throughout this place.

teachers all throughout this place. teachers all throughout this place. Do you know that you were not created to Do you know that you were not created to Do you know that you were not created to be that thing? We were created to give God glory. We were created to give God glory. >> The means by which we do it >> The means by which we do it >> The means by which we do it >> are those things in life. >> are those things in life. >> are those things in life. >> Does that make sense? >> Does that make sense? >> Does that make sense? >> We weren't created to go to the colleges >> We weren't created to go to the colleges >> We weren't created to go to the colleges we went to or to have the degrees that we went to or to have the degrees that we went to or to have the degrees that we have. We were created we have. We were created we have. We were created to give God glory. to give God glory. to give God glory. The means by which we accomplish it are The means by which we accomplish it are The means by which we accomplish it are the degrees and the think the the degrees and the think the the degrees and the think the assignments God gives us. You may not assignments God gives us. You may not assignments God gives us. You may not have a degree. It does not matter. God have a degree. It does not matter. God have a degree. It does not matter. God has an assignment for each and every one has an assignment for each and every one has an assignment for each and every one of us in the earth. of us in the earth. of us in the earth. It's the means by which you live out It's the means by which you live out It's the means by which you live out what God has called you to do. We were what God has called you to do. We were what God has called you to do. We were created to give God glory. created to give God glory. created to give God glory. When we talk about dominion, Genesis When we talk about dominion, Genesis When we talk about dominion, Genesis Genesis 1:28 says, "God blessed them and Genesis 1:28 says, "God blessed them and Genesis 1:28 says, "God blessed them and said to them, be fruitful and multiply, said to them, be fruitful and multiply, said to them, be fruitful and multiply, fill the earth, subdue it." Um, we fill the earth, subdue it." Um, we fill the earth, subdue it." Um, we already read uh Genesis uh chapter 2:15.

already read uh Genesis uh chapter 2:15. already read uh Genesis uh chapter 2:15. Uh notice that Adam was not placed in Uh notice that Adam was not placed in Uh notice that Adam was not placed in the garden merely to enjoy it. the garden merely to enjoy it. the garden merely to enjoy it. >> He was assigned responsibility. >> He was assigned responsibility. >> He was assigned responsibility. Work itself is not the curse. Sin is the curse, right? Sin is the curse, right? >> Meaningful work existed before sin >> Meaningful work existed before sin >> Meaningful work existed before sin entered the earth. entered the earth. entered the earth. >> God invited humanity into his ongoing >> God invited humanity into his ongoing >> God invited humanity into his ongoing care of creation. care of creation. care of creation. >> Stewardship means faithfully managing >> Stewardship means faithfully managing >> Stewardship means faithfully managing something that ultimately belongs to something that ultimately belongs to something that ultimately belongs to someone else. And this celestial ball, someone else. And this celestial ball, someone else. And this celestial ball, as the hymnwriter calls it, was given by as the hymnwriter calls it, was given by as the hymnwriter calls it, was given by God for us to represent him in the God for us to represent him in the God for us to represent him in the earth. Psalm 24 reminds us that the earth. Psalm 24 reminds us that the earth. Psalm 24 reminds us that the earth is the Lord's, earth is the Lord's, earth is the Lord's, >> the fullness thereof, the world, and >> the fullness thereof, the world, and >> the fullness thereof, the world, and they that dwell therein. they that dwell therein. they that dwell therein. That includes our bodies, our homes, our That includes our bodies, our homes, our That includes our bodies, our homes, our careers, our finances, our families, careers, our finances, our families, careers, our finances, our families, even our influence, our spiritual gifts, even our influence, our spiritual gifts, even our influence, our spiritual gifts, our church. It's important to note that our church. It's important to note that our church. It's important to note that we were created to worship and give God we were created to worship and give God we were created to worship and give God glory. Nothing ultimately belongs to us.

glory. Nothing ultimately belongs to us. glory. Nothing ultimately belongs to us. Everything belongs to God. Everything belongs to God. Everything belongs to God. >> We are simply entrusted with it for a >> We are simply entrusted with it for a >> We are simply entrusted with it for a season, the season in which we are season, the season in which we are season, the season in which we are called to live in the earth. called to live in the earth. called to live in the earth. And it has a start and a finish. And it has a start and a finish. And it has a start and a finish. >> One of the greatest questions I believe >> One of the greatest questions I believe >> One of the greatest questions I believe a Christian can ask um we can ask a Christian can ask um we can ask a Christian can ask um we can ask ourselves is what has God entrusted to ourselves is what has God entrusted to ourselves is what has God entrusted to my care? >> Instead of becoming the owner of it, we >> Instead of becoming the owner of it, we become the steward of it. become the steward of it. become the steward of it. >> What has God placed in my care? My house >> What has God placed in my care? My house >> What has God placed in my care? My house is God's house. is God's house. is God's house. >> So when something break, I always say, >> So when something break, I always say, >> So when something break, I always say, "Lord, what we going to do? I lived there by myself. I'm like, Lord, I lived there by myself. I'm like, Lord, I don't know. The roof is leaking. I I don't know. The roof is leaking. I I don't know. The roof is leaking. I don't know what we going to do. That don't know what we going to do. That don't know what we going to do. That literally happened. And for 5 days, I literally happened. And for 5 days, I literally happened. And for 5 days, I walked into my house and I was like, I walked into my house and I was like, I walked into my house and I was like, I don't know what we going to do. And don't know what we going to do. And don't know what we going to do. And about the sixth day, he sent somebody about the sixth day, he sent somebody about the sixth day, he sent somebody that answered that question. Amen.

that answered that question. Amen. that answered that question. Amen. God says, "Seek first the his kingdom God says, "Seek first the his kingdom God says, "Seek first the his kingdom and his righteousness and all these and his righteousness and all these and his righteousness and all these other things will be added unto us." other things will be added unto us." other things will be added unto us." Remember what we observed earlier. Remember what we observed earlier. Remember what we observed earlier. Creation itself reflects order. The Creation itself reflects order. The Creation itself reflects order. The heavens move with precision. The earth heavens move with precision. The earth heavens move with precision. The earth sustains life through interconnected sustains life through interconnected sustains life through interconnected systems. The human body functions systems. The human body functions systems. The human body functions because every part contributes to the because every part contributes to the because every part contributes to the whole. If God is a God of order, whole. If God is a God of order, whole. If God is a God of order, shouldn't his people reflect that same shouldn't his people reflect that same shouldn't his people reflect that same order? >> What area of your life is God presently >> What area of your life is God presently asking you to steward more faithfully? What area of your life is God asking you What area of your life is God asking you presently to steward more faithfully? presently to steward more faithfully? presently to steward more faithfully? Remember that each um I believe in Remember that each um I believe in Remember that each um I believe in assignments. I I um I do believe that we assignments. I I um I do believe that we assignments. I I um I do believe that we have purpose in this life. Um but I find have purpose in this life. Um but I find have purpose in this life. Um but I find that trying to seek out purpose can be a that trying to seek out purpose can be a that trying to seek out purpose can be a little overwhelming.

little overwhelming. little overwhelming. >> So I believe in if if you fulfill each >> So I believe in if if you fulfill each >> So I believe in if if you fulfill each assignment as God gives to you, you will assignment as God gives to you, you will assignment as God gives to you, you will fulfill your purpose. You can't miss fulfill your purpose. You can't miss fulfill your purpose. You can't miss purpose. If I'm doing what God says do, purpose. If I'm doing what God says do, purpose. If I'm doing what God says do, >> I can't miss it. >> I can't miss it. >> I can't miss it. So, we're called here to consider our So, we're called here to consider our So, we're called here to consider our role as stewards. role as stewards. role as stewards. And that um I think on your handout And that um I think on your handout And that um I think on your handout it is we represent the creator. it is we represent the creator. it is we represent the creator. But the next one is we reverence the But the next one is we reverence the But the next one is we reverence the creator. creator. creator. Remembering that we represent God should Remembering that we represent God should Remembering that we represent God should naturally lead to reverence. naturally lead to reverence. naturally lead to reverence. The more we understand God's greatness, The more we understand God's greatness, The more we understand God's greatness, the more worship becomes a natural the more worship becomes a natural the more worship becomes a natural response. response. response. David understood this in Psalm 19:1-6 David understood this in Psalm 19:1-6 David understood this in Psalm 19:1-6 says, "The heavens declare the glory of says, "The heavens declare the glory of says, "The heavens declare the glory of God. The skies proclaim the work of his God. The skies proclaim the work of his God. The skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day, they pour forth hands. Day after day, they pour forth hands. Day after day, they pour forth pour forth speech.

pour forth speech. pour forth speech. Night after night they reveal knowledge. Night after night they reveal knowledge. Night after night they reveal knowledge. They have no speech. They use no words. They have no speech. They use no words. They have no speech. They use no words. No sound is actually heard from them. No sound is actually heard from them. No sound is actually heard from them. Yet their voice goes out into all the Yet their voice goes out into all the Yet their voice goes out into all the earth. Their words to the ends of the earth. Their words to the ends of the earth. Their words to the ends of the world. In the heavens, God has pitched a world. In the heavens, God has pitched a world. In the heavens, God has pitched a tent for the sun. It is a It is like a tent for the sun. It is a It is like a tent for the sun. It is a It is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, bridegroom coming out of his chamber, bridegroom coming out of his chamber, like a champion rate rejoicing to run like a champion rate rejoicing to run like a champion rate rejoicing to run his course. It rises at one end of the his course. It rises at one end of the his course. It rises at one end of the heavens and makes its circuit to the heavens and makes its circuit to the heavens and makes its circuit to the other. Nothing is deprived of its other. Nothing is deprived of its other. Nothing is deprived of its warmth. What fascinates me about this warmth. What fascinates me about this warmth. What fascinates me about this passage is that creation never actually passage is that creation never actually passage is that creation never actually preaches a sermon, preaches a sermon, preaches a sermon, never sings as part of the mass choir, never sings as part of the mass choir, never sings as part of the mass choir, never teaches a Bible study, never um never teaches a Bible study, never um never teaches a Bible study, never um never goes out amongst people. And yet never goes out amongst people. And yet never goes out amongst people. And yet every sunrise every sunrise every sunrise proclaims the goodness of God. proclaims the goodness of God. proclaims the goodness of God. Every thunderstorm, every mountain Every thunderstorm, every mountain Every thunderstorm, every mountain range, every ocean tide, every newborn range, every ocean tide, every newborn range, every ocean tide, every newborn baby that cries out, constantly baby that cries out, constantly baby that cries out, constantly proclaiming there is a creator.

proclaiming there is a creator. proclaiming there is a creator. >> Creation pray praises God simply by >> Creation pray praises God simply by >> Creation pray praises God simply by being what God designed it to be >> and humanity is without excuse. >> and humanity is without excuse. >> Paul builds on David's thought in Romans >> Paul builds on David's thought in Romans >> Paul builds on David's thought in Romans 1:20. He writes, "For since the creation 1:20. He writes, "For since the creation 1:20. He writes, "For since the creation of the world, God's invisible qualities, of the world, God's invisible qualities, of the world, God's invisible qualities, his eternal power and divine nature have his eternal power and divine nature have his eternal power and divine nature have been clearly seen, being understood from been clearly seen, being understood from been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are what has been made, so that people are what has been made, so that people are without excuse. without excuse. without excuse. No one will be able to have an excuse No one will be able to have an excuse No one will be able to have an excuse when it comes time to stand before God. when it comes time to stand before God. when it comes time to stand before God. >> You can't pretend you didn't know there >> You can't pretend you didn't know there >> You can't pretend you didn't know there was one." was one." was one." >> And and I I I say this in all earnest. >> And and I I I say this in all earnest. >> And and I I I say this in all earnest. God does not cease to be God God does not cease to be God God does not cease to be God >> when humanity will not recognize him. >> At the name of Jesus, >> At the name of Jesus, >> every knee is going to bow. Every tongue >> every knee is going to bow. Every tongue >> every knee is going to bow. Every tongue is going to confess that Jesus is Lord is going to confess that Jesus is Lord is going to confess that Jesus is Lord to the glory of God the Father. Amen.

to the glory of God the Father. Amen. to the glory of God the Father. Amen. That's a true statement. That's a true statement. That's a true statement. If creation continually reveals God and If creation continually reveals God and If creation continually reveals God and humanity is called to represent God, we humanity is called to represent God, we humanity is called to represent God, we we need to understand that we're called we need to understand that we're called we need to understand that we're called to give him glory. to give him glory. to give him glory. >> We're going to be without excuse. He >> We're going to be without excuse. He >> We're going to be without excuse. He wants us. The thing that God kept saying wants us. The thing that God kept saying wants us. The thing that God kept saying to me is, Janella, keep pointing them to me is, Janella, keep pointing them to me is, Janella, keep pointing them back to me. back to me. back to me. >> Just keep pointing them back to me. The >> Just keep pointing them back to me. The >> Just keep pointing them back to me. The world looks crazy, world looks crazy, world looks crazy, >> but keep pointing them back. >> but keep pointing them back. >> but keep pointing them back. the these these systems and and the these these systems and and the these these systems and and injustice and madness. It's it No, keep injustice and madness. It's it No, keep injustice and madness. It's it No, keep keep pointing them back to me. keep pointing them back to me. keep pointing them back to me. >> Keep keep looking >> Keep keep looking >> Keep keep looking >> to the author, >> to the author, >> to the author, >> the finisher, >> the finisher, >> the finisher, >> the creator, the maker, the sovereign >> the creator, the maker, the sovereign >> the creator, the maker, the sovereign one, every time it looks nuts, one, every time it looks nuts, one, every time it looks nuts, >> say, "I still serve a great God." >> say, "I still serve a great God." >> say, "I still serve a great God." >> We're called to respond to that creator. >> We're called to respond to that creator. >> We're called to respond to that creator. The question moves naturally uh for us The question moves naturally uh for us The question moves naturally uh for us to consider this. Everything God created to consider this. Everything God created to consider this. Everything God created recognizes his authority. [snorts] recognizes his authority. [snorts] recognizes his authority. [snorts] >> The stars obey him.

>> The stars obey him. >> The stars obey him. >> The seas obey him. >> The seas obey him. >> The seas obey him. >> The wind obeys him. >> The wind obeys him. >> The wind obeys him. >> Disease obeys him. >> Disease obeys him. >> Disease obeys him. >> Death obeys him. >> Death obeys him. >> Death obeys him. >> The question is not whether creation >> The question is not whether creation >> The question is not whether creation recognizes the creator. The question is recognizes the creator. The question is recognizes the creator. The question is whether we do. That is where we'll conclude our lesson That is where we'll conclude our lesson today. I'm moving fast. Uh as we today. I'm moving fast. Uh as we today. I'm moving fast. Uh as we discover that every miracle Jesus discover that every miracle Jesus discover that every miracle Jesus performs is ultimately an act of performs is ultimately an act of performs is ultimately an act of restoring creation to the way its restoring creation to the way its restoring creation to the way its creator intended. creator intended. creator intended. >> Amen. Our response to the creator. We started out talking about um We started out talking about um [clears throat] God speaking and every [clears throat] God speaking and every [clears throat] God speaking and every time God spoke, time God spoke, time God spoke, >> creation responded. >> creation responded. >> creation responded. >> He said, "Let there be." >> He said, "Let there be." >> He said, "Let there be." >> And there was, >> And there was, >> And there was, "Let the waters gathered "Let the waters gathered "Let the waters gathered and they gathered. Let the earth bring and they gathered. Let the earth bring and they gathered. Let the earth bring forth vegetation forth vegetation forth vegetation and plants grew." and plants grew." and plants grew." >> There was never a hesitation from >> There was never a hesitation from >> There was never a hesitation from creation.

creation. creation. There was no negotiation. There was no negotiation. There was no negotiation. There wasn't even resistance from his There wasn't even resistance from his There wasn't even resistance from his creation. Creation immediately creation. Creation immediately creation. Creation immediately recognized and responded to the voice of recognized and responded to the voice of recognized and responded to the voice of its creator. And that pattern does not its creator. And that pattern does not its creator. And that pattern does not end in Genesis. end in Genesis. end in Genesis. Genesis tells us that in the beginning, Genesis tells us that in the beginning, Genesis tells us that in the beginning, God created. God created. God created. Then the apostle John begins his gospel Then the apostle John begins his gospel Then the apostle John begins his gospel >> with remarkably similar language. >> with remarkably similar language. >> with remarkably similar language. >> In the beginning was the word. >> In the beginning was the word. >> In the beginning was the word. >> John wants us to understand something >> John wants us to understand something >> John wants us to understand something extraordinary. extraordinary. extraordinary. The one walking the roads of Galilee, The one walking the roads of Galilee, The one walking the roads of Galilee, >> the ones touching the sick, the one >> the ones touching the sick, the one >> the ones touching the sick, the one forgiving sinners, forgiving sinners, forgiving sinners, >> the one hanging up on the cross is the >> the one hanging up on the cross is the >> the one hanging up on the cross is the very one who was present very one who was present very one who was present >> at creation. >> at creation. >> at creation. >> The creator entered his own creation >> not merely to admire it, but to redeem >> not merely to admire it, but to redeem it.

it. it. And the creator's voice never loses its And the creator's voice never loses its And the creator's voice never loses its authority. authority. authority. God said, "Let there be." One of the God said, "Let there be." One of the God said, "Let there be." One of the beautiful truths of the Bible is that beautiful truths of the Bible is that beautiful truths of the Bible is that the same voice that called creation into the same voice that called creation into the same voice that called creation into existence existence existence continues speaking throughout history. continues speaking throughout history. continues speaking throughout history. When Jesus stood on the shore of Galilee When Jesus stood on the shore of Galilee When Jesus stood on the shore of Galilee and rebuked the wind and the waves, the and rebuked the wind and the waves, the and rebuked the wind and the waves, the storm ceased immediately. storm ceased immediately. storm ceased immediately. >> Why? Because the wind recognized the >> Why? Because the wind recognized the >> Why? Because the wind recognized the same voice that had first assigned its same voice that had first assigned its same voice that had first assigned its boundaries. boundaries. boundaries. >> When Jesus called Lazarus from the tomb, >> When Jesus called Lazarus from the tomb, >> When Jesus called Lazarus from the tomb, death surrendered the prisoner. death surrendered the prisoner. death surrendered the prisoner. >> Why? Because death recognized the voice >> Why? Because death recognized the voice >> Why? Because death recognized the voice of the author of life. of the author of life. of the author of life. >> When he touched lepers, disease >> When he touched lepers, disease >> When he touched lepers, disease retreated. retreated. retreated. >> When he commanded paralysis to leave, >> When he commanded paralysis to leave, >> When he commanded paralysis to leave, strength returned. Every miracle declares one thing. Every miracle declares one thing. Creation still knows its creator.

Creation still knows its creator. Creation still knows its creator. >> What matter of man is this? >> What matter of man is this? >> What matter of man is this? >> The wind and seas obey him. >> The wind and seas obey him. >> The wind and seas obey him. >> Jesus's miracles are not interruptions >> Jesus's miracles are not interruptions >> Jesus's miracles are not interruptions of creation. They are demonstrations of of creation. They are demonstrations of of creation. They are demonstrations of the creator's continuing authority over the creator's continuing authority over the creator's continuing authority over creation. creation. creation. Uh, one of the things that uh, kept Uh, one of the things that uh, kept Uh, one of the things that uh, kept coming to me as I was preparing this uh, coming to me as I was preparing this uh, coming to me as I was preparing this uh, lesson, miracles are acts of lesson, miracles are acts of lesson, miracles are acts of restoration. restoration. restoration. Um, here's what I want to carry I want Um, here's what I want to carry I want Um, here's what I want to carry I want us to carry home. We often define us to carry home. We often define us to carry home. We often define miracles simply as those supernatural miracles simply as those supernatural miracles simply as those supernatural events and that does remain true. But I events and that does remain true. But I events and that does remain true. But I also want to contend that biblically also want to contend that biblically also want to contend that biblically miracles are often something even more miracles are often something even more miracles are often something even more beautiful. beautiful. beautiful. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> A miracle is frequently God restoring >> A miracle is frequently God restoring >> A miracle is frequently God restoring something to its original intention something to its original intention something to its original intention >> and its original design. We started back >> and its original design. We started back >> and its original design. We started back in Genesis and God said, "Let there be." in Genesis and God said, "Let there be." in Genesis and God said, "Let there be." I I said he thought through how it I I said he thought through how it I I said he thought through how it should all work, how it's designed to should all work, how it's designed to should all work, how it's designed to work, how we're designed to function.

work, how we're designed to function. work, how we're designed to function. And so when Jesus uh I think um was it And so when Jesus uh I think um was it And so when Jesus uh I think um was it Claudia, did you do the woman with the Claudia, did you do the woman with the Claudia, did you do the woman with the issue of blood? Okay. So when Jesus issue of blood? Okay. So when Jesus issue of blood? Okay. So when Jesus healed the woman with the issue of healed the woman with the issue of healed the woman with the issue of blood, he was restoring her body blood, he was restoring her body blood, he was restoring her body >> to what he originally designed. >> to what he originally designed. >> to what he originally designed. >> When he opened the blind eyes, he was >> When he opened the blind eyes, he was >> When he opened the blind eyes, he was restoring the sight because he knew how restoring the sight because he knew how restoring the sight because he knew how he created the eye to work. he created the eye to work. he created the eye to work. >> He made it. Yes. >> He made it. Yes. >> He made it. Yes. >> When he enabled the lame to walk, he he >> When he enabled the lame to walk, he he >> When he enabled the lame to walk, he he was restoring movement to that withered was restoring movement to that withered was restoring movement to that withered body. body. body. >> When he cleansed the leper, he was >> When he cleansed the leper, he was >> When he cleansed the leper, he was restoring wholeness. He He made it. restoring wholeness. He He made it. restoring wholeness. He He made it. >> So when Jesus then comes and says, um, >> So when Jesus then comes and says, um, >> So when Jesus then comes and says, um, yeah, I can put that back yeah, I can put that back yeah, I can put that back >> in right order, >> in right order, >> in right order, >> right working order. >> right working order. >> right working order. >> Every healing miracle whispers the same >> Every healing miracle whispers the same >> Every healing miracle whispers the same thing. This is how my creation was thing. This is how my creation was thing. This is how my creation was intended to function.

intended to function. intended to function. >> Jesus was not inventing something new. >> Jesus was not inventing something new. >> Jesus was not inventing something new. He was revealing what the creator He was revealing what the creator He was revealing what the creator intended from the beginning. intended from the beginning. intended from the beginning. >> That is why the miracles of Christ >> That is why the miracles of Christ >> That is why the miracles of Christ inspire us with so much hope. They inspire us with so much hope. They inspire us with so much hope. They remind us that brokenness is never the remind us that brokenness is never the remind us that brokenness is never the final word. final word. final word. >> The miracles of Jesus therefore um >> The miracles of Jesus therefore um >> The miracles of Jesus therefore um therefore uh signs of God's kingdom. therefore uh signs of God's kingdom. therefore uh signs of God's kingdom. It's uh breaking into a broken world. It's uh breaking into a broken world. It's uh breaking into a broken world. Every miracle is a glimpse of Every miracle is a glimpse of Every miracle is a glimpse of restoration. Every miracle points toward restoration. Every miracle points toward restoration. Every miracle points toward the day when all creation will be made the day when all creation will be made the day when all creation will be made new. new. new. >> And so this leads us to creation >> And so this leads us to creation >> And so this leads us to creation rejoicing. There is one final response rejoicing. There is one final response rejoicing. There is one final response of creation. of creation. of creation. >> Creation needs to rejoice. >> Creation needs to rejoice. >> Creation needs to rejoice. >> Jesus declared on his triumphal entry >> Jesus declared on his triumphal entry >> Jesus declared on his triumphal entry into Jerusalem, "If these are silent, into Jerusalem, "If these are silent, into Jerusalem, "If these are silent, the rocks would cry out. the rocks would cry out. the rocks would cry out. [cheering and applause] [cheering and applause] [cheering and applause] >> Think about that. If humanity refuses to >> Think about that. If humanity refuses to >> Think about that. If humanity refuses to praise him, praise him, praise him, >> creation is ready.

>> creation is ready. >> creation is ready. >> I don't listen. I don't want rocks >> I don't listen. I don't want rocks >> I don't listen. I don't want rocks growing mouths and stuff. I know. I growing mouths and stuff. I know. I growing mouths and stuff. I know. I don't want I don't want a rock to cry don't want I don't want a rock to cry don't want I don't want a rock to cry out on my behalf. out on my behalf. out on my behalf. >> The mountains declare his majesty. The >> The mountains declare his majesty. The >> The mountains declare his majesty. The heavens proclaim his glory. The oceans heavens proclaim his glory. The oceans heavens proclaim his glory. The oceans roar his greatness. The stars testify roar his greatness. The stars testify roar his greatness. The stars testify every evening. Creation has never been every evening. Creation has never been every evening. Creation has never been embarrassed to glorify its creator. embarrassed to glorify its creator. embarrassed to glorify its creator. >> And we need to take our cue from >> And we need to take our cue from >> And we need to take our cue from creation. Praise is not merely something creation. Praise is not merely something creation. Praise is not merely something we do on Sunday mornings. Praise is the we do on Sunday mornings. Praise is the we do on Sunday mornings. Praise is the natural response of those who recognize natural response of those who recognize natural response of those who recognize the one who made it. the one who made it. the one who made it. >> So before we conclude, let me ask you to >> So before we conclude, let me ask you to >> So before we conclude, let me ask you to think about your own life. Perhaps your think about your own life. Perhaps your think about your own life. Perhaps your miracle is not spectacular enough. If miracle is not spectacular enough. If miracle is not spectacular enough. If you think to make the evening news, you think to make the evening news, you think to make the evening news, perhaps your miracle looks like peace perhaps your miracle looks like peace perhaps your miracle looks like peace after years of anxiety, after years of anxiety, after years of anxiety, forgiveness after decades of hurt. Your forgiveness after decades of hurt. Your forgiveness after decades of hurt. Your miracle may look like healing after miracle may look like healing after miracle may look like healing after months of treatment, hope after a really months of treatment, hope after a really months of treatment, hope after a really bad disappointment, joy after grief, or bad disappointment, joy after grief, or bad disappointment, joy after grief, or perhaps your miracle is simply waking up perhaps your miracle is simply waking up perhaps your miracle is simply waking up this morning with another opportunity to this morning with another opportunity to this morning with another opportunity to glorify God.

glorify God. glorify God. [applause] Never underestimate ordinary mercies, Never underestimate ordinary mercies, >> brand new mercies. >> brand new mercies. >> brand new mercies. >> Sometimes we overlook today's miracles >> Sometimes we overlook today's miracles >> Sometimes we overlook today's miracles because we're waiting on tomorrow's because we're waiting on tomorrow's because we're waiting on tomorrow's miracles. miracles. miracles. >> But every sunrise is a reminder that God >> But every sunrise is a reminder that God >> But every sunrise is a reminder that God is still faithful is still faithful is still faithful >> morning by morning. >> morning by morning. >> morning by morning. >> New mercies we see. >> New mercies we see. >> New mercies we see. >> Every breath reminds us he will sustain >> Every breath reminds us he will sustain >> Every breath reminds us he will sustain us. Every heartbeat reminds us he has us. Every heartbeat reminds us he has us. Every heartbeat reminds us he has not finished with us. not finished with us. not finished with us. >> The God who created the world has not >> The God who created the world has not >> The God who created the world has not abandoned his creation. He continues to abandoned his creation. He continues to abandoned his creation. He continues to sustain it. He continues to sustain us. sustain it. He continues to sustain us. sustain it. He continues to sustain us. He continues to redeem this world. And He continues to redeem this world. And He continues to redeem this world. And he continues to restore it. And one day he continues to restore it. And one day he continues to restore it. And one day according to his promise, he will make according to his promise, he will make according to his promise, he will make all things new. all things new. all things new. [applause] [applause] [applause] >> We started in Genesis. I I came to the >> We started in Genesis. I I came to the >> We started in Genesis. I I came to the middle with uh John. But John when middle with uh John. But John when middle with uh John. But John when exiled to Patmas was given a vision of exiled to Patmas was given a vision of exiled to Patmas was given a vision of God's ultimate victory over sin, over God's ultimate victory over sin, over God's ultimate victory over sin, over suffering, over death, and every effect suffering, over death, and every effect suffering, over death, and every effect of the fall. He heard the Lord declared, of the fall. He heard the Lord declared, of the fall. He heard the Lord declared, "Behold, I am making all things new."

"Behold, I am making all things new." "Behold, I am making all things new." The same creator who spoke the first The same creator who spoke the first The same creator who spoke the first creation into existence has promised to creation into existence has promised to creation into existence has promised to restore his creation completely. restore his creation completely. restore his creation completely. Everything sin has fractured will be Everything sin has fractured will be Everything sin has fractured will be restored by the one who created. That is restored by the one who created. That is restored by the one who created. That is the greatest manifested miracle that is the greatest manifested miracle that is the greatest manifested miracle that is still to come. still to come. still to come. >> The first miracle was creation. The >> The first miracle was creation. The >> The first miracle was creation. The final miracle will be re the renewal of final miracle will be re the renewal of final miracle will be re the renewal of all creation. And in between those two all creation. And in between those two all creation. And in between those two miracles stands Jesus the Christ, our miracles stands Jesus the Christ, our miracles stands Jesus the Christ, our creator, our redeemer, and our restorer. creator, our redeemer, and our restorer. creator, our redeemer, and our restorer. >> To him be glory forever and ever. Amen. >> To him be glory forever and ever. Amen. >> To him be glory forever and ever. Amen. [applause] >> So, every time we leave a lesson, >> So, every time we leave a lesson, uh, lessons from the word of God, this uh, lessons from the word of God, this uh, lessons from the word of God, this is a statement on the back of your is a statement on the back of your is a statement on the back of your handout, lessons from the word of God handout, lessons from the word of God handout, lessons from the word of God should always make me wonder, what is should always make me wonder, what is should always make me wonder, what is God teaching me today?

God teaching me today? God teaching me today? So, I invite you to consider this. So, I invite you to consider this. So, I invite you to consider this. Remember the creator Remember the creator Remember the creator represent the creator represent the creator represent the creator >> and respond to the creator. >> and respond to the creator. >> and respond to the creator. >> And there's some reflection questions >> And there's some reflection questions >> And there's some reflection questions for you to consider on your handout as for you to consider on your handout as for you to consider on your handout as well for later this week. Does my life well for later this week. Does my life well for later this week. Does my life reflect the character of the one who reflect the character of the one who reflect the character of the one who created me? And in what ways? Where have created me? And in what ways? Where have created me? And in what ways? Where have I seen the order, beauty, and wisdom of I seen the order, beauty, and wisdom of I seen the order, beauty, and wisdom of God displayed in creation re recently? God displayed in creation re recently? God displayed in creation re recently? Just reflect on that. In what area of my Just reflect on that. In what area of my Just reflect on that. In what area of my life is God calling me to exercise more life is God calling me to exercise more life is God calling me to exercise more faithful stewardship? faithful stewardship? faithful stewardship? What has God restored in my life that I What has God restored in my life that I What has God restored in my life that I need to thank him for? need to thank him for? need to thank him for? Where do I need to trust the creator to Where do I need to trust the creator to Where do I need to trust the creator to bring restoration according to his bring restoration according to his bring restoration according to his perfect design? perfect design? perfect design? We give God the praise. We give God the We give God the praise. We give God the We give God the praise. We give God the honor and all the glory honor and all the glory honor and all the glory because he is the great creator of all because he is the great creator of all because he is the great creator of all earth. earth. earth. With that, I want to offer this With that, I want to offer this With that, I want to offer this opportunity for anyone who has not made opportunity for anyone who has not made opportunity for anyone who has not made the decision to follow Christ.

the decision to follow Christ. the decision to follow Christ. If you've not done so, we want to If you've not done so, we want to If you've not done so, we want to introduce you to him today. introduce you to him today. introduce you to him today. He is creator and maker of heaven and He is creator and maker of heaven and He is creator and maker of heaven and earth. But he's likewise the righteous earth. But he's likewise the righteous earth. But he's likewise the righteous redeemer who seeks to restore not just redeemer who seeks to restore not just redeemer who seeks to restore not just creation, the earth, and and all of us creation, the earth, and and all of us creation, the earth, and and all of us in it. He wants to redeem us. in it. He wants to redeem us. in it. He wants to redeem us. for his use. And so, anyone this time, for his use. And so, anyone this time, for his use. And so, anyone this time, if you'd come, if you'd come, if you'd come, we'd love to receive you. we'd love to receive you. we'd love to receive you. Likewise, those that seek a church home, Likewise, those that seek a church home, Likewise, those that seek a church home, you already have a relationship with you already have a relationship with you already have a relationship with Jesus the Christ, and [music] Jesus the Christ, and [music] Jesus the Christ, and [music] you need a fellowship of believers to you need a fellowship of believers to you need a fellowship of believers to come alongside and study with and learn come alongside and study with and learn come alongside and study with and learn with and grow with. with and grow with. with and grow with. We have a great church family. Our We have a great church family. Our We have a great church family. Our pastor stands ready to be your pastor pastor stands ready to be your pastor pastor stands ready to be your pastor and we stand ready to be your brothers and we stand ready to be your brothers and we stand ready to be your brothers and sisters in Christ. and sisters in Christ. and sisters in Christ. Is there anyone?

Is there anyone? Is there anyone? How great [singing] How great [singing] How great [singing] is our God? is our God? is our God? Sing with me. How great [music] is our Sing with me. How great [music] is our Sing with me. How great [music] is our God. God. God. All will sing. [singing] All will sing. [singing] All will sing. [singing] How great. How great. How great. How great How great How great [music] is [singing] our God. Come on, help me sing. How great, how Come on, help me sing. How great, how great is our God. God. Oh, sing with me. great is our God. God. Oh, sing with me. great is our God. God. Oh, sing with me. How great [singing] How great [singing] How great [singing] [music] is our God. [music] is our God. [music] is our God. All will sing. How great. All will sing. How great. All will sing. How great. How great [singing] >> It's ours to extend. >> It's ours to extend. It's yours to accept or reject. It's yours to accept or reject. It's yours to accept or reject. How great is our God. Thank you so much.

[music] [music] As we prepare to depart this place, As we prepare to depart this place, As we prepare to depart this place, there are no services scheduled the there are no services scheduled the there are no services scheduled the remainder of this week. [applause] remainder of this week. [applause] remainder of this week. [applause] We do recognize that we have uh several We do recognize that we have uh several We do recognize that we have uh several families that have lost loved ones. We families that have lost loved ones. We families that have lost loved ones. We want to acknowledge [music] want to acknowledge [music] want to acknowledge [music] that our own uh Deacon SA Buffalo has that our own uh Deacon SA Buffalo has that our own uh Deacon SA Buffalo has made the transition. Services are made the transition. Services are made the transition. Services are pending. Uh so you will hear update on pending. Uh so you will hear update on pending. Uh so you will hear update on um services for Deacon S Buffalo. Uh we um services for Deacon S Buffalo. Uh we um services for Deacon S Buffalo. Uh we do have two services scheduled next do have two services scheduled next do have two services scheduled next week. So you will hear of those. one on week. So you will hear of those. one on week. So you will hear of those. one on Tuesday uh for uh it is for Tuesday uh for uh it is for Tuesday uh for uh it is for they just left my left me. We have two they just left my left me. We have two they just left my left me. We have two sisters next week. Oh, first one is uh sisters next week. Oh, first one is uh sisters next week. Oh, first one is uh Sister Tiffany Brown. Tiffany Brown, not Sister Tiffany Brown. Tiffany Brown, not Sister Tiffany Brown. Tiffany Brown, not Deacon Tiffany Brown though. Sister Deacon Tiffany Brown though. Sister Deacon Tiffany Brown though. Sister Tiffany Monnique Brown. Her service will Tiffany Monnique Brown. Her service will Tiffany Monnique Brown. Her service will be on Tuesday at 11:00. And then Mother be on Tuesday at 11:00. And then Mother be on Tuesday at 11:00. And then Mother Dorothy Sanders, [music] uh Dorothy Dorothy Sanders, [music] uh Dorothy Dorothy Sanders, [music] uh Dorothy Smith will be at 11:00 on Thursday.

Smith will be at 11:00 on Thursday. Smith will be at 11:00 on Thursday. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Um, and please be in prayer for these >> Um, and please be in prayer for these >> Um, and please be in prayer for these families. They run the gamut. One, uh, families. They run the gamut. One, uh, families. They run the gamut. One, uh, Sister Tiffany Brown, um, passed at the Sister Tiffany Brown, um, passed at the Sister Tiffany Brown, um, passed at the age of 46. Today would be her 47th age of 46. Today would be her 47th age of 46. Today would be her 47th birthday. birthday. birthday. Um, and then, um, Mother Dorothy Smith Um, and then, um, Mother Dorothy Smith Um, and then, um, Mother Dorothy Smith died with at the, um, beautiful age of died with at the, um, beautiful age of died with at the, um, beautiful age of 98. Um, so please keep both families in 98. Um, so please keep both families in 98. Um, so please keep both families in prayer. Uh, both families are doing prayer. Uh, both families are doing prayer. Uh, both families are doing well, reasonably well. Um, but we want well, reasonably well. Um, but we want well, reasonably well. Um, but we want to lift them in prayer. to lift them in prayer. to lift them in prayer. If there's nothing else, I invite you to If there's nothing else, I invite you to If there's nothing else, I invite you to stand with me now. Thank you for your stand with me now. Thank you for your stand with me now. Thank you for your participation participation participation and your encouragement this day. Creator God, Creator God, we thank you for revealing yourself we thank you for revealing yourself we thank you for revealing yourself through the majesty of creation through the majesty of creation through the majesty of creation and through the truth of your word. and through the truth of your word. and through the truth of your word. Thank you for reminding us that you Thank you for reminding us that you Thank you for reminding us that you alone our God who brings order out of alone our God who brings order out of alone our God who brings order out of chaos, life out of emptiness, and hope chaos, life out of emptiness, and hope chaos, life out of emptiness, and hope out of despair.

out of despair. out of despair. Teach us to live as faithful stewards of Teach us to live as faithful stewards of Teach us to live as faithful stewards of all you have entrusted to us. Give us all you have entrusted to us. Give us all you have entrusted to us. Give us eyes to recognize your miracles and eyes to recognize your miracles and eyes to recognize your miracles and hearts to worship you with gratitude and hearts to worship you with gratitude and hearts to worship you with gratitude and courage [music] to obey your voice. courage [music] to obey your voice. courage [music] to obey your voice. May we reflect your image, rejoice in May we reflect your image, rejoice in May we reflect your image, rejoice in your goodness, and trust your power to your goodness, and trust your power to your goodness, and trust your power to continue restoring what is broken continue restoring what is broken continue restoring what is broken according to your perfect will. And now according to your perfect will. And now according to your perfect will. And now unto him who is able to keep us from unto him who is able to keep us from unto him who is able to keep us from falling, and to present us faultless falling, and to present us faultless falling, and to present us faultless before his presence with exceeding great before his presence with exceeding great before his presence with exceeding great [music] joy. To the only wise God be [music] joy. To the only wise God be [music] joy. To the only wise God be glory, majesty, dominion, and power now, glory, majesty, dominion, and power now, glory, majesty, dominion, and power now, henceforth, and forever more. In Jesus' henceforth, and forever more. In Jesus' henceforth, and forever more. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. [music] [music] [clears throat] >> [music] >> [music] [bell]