Wednesday Bible Study

that more people are going [music] to that more people are going [music] to come into the FAMILY OF GOD. SO move come into the FAMILY OF GOD. SO move come into the FAMILY OF GOD. SO move upon their hearts and minds even now. upon their hearts and minds even now. upon their hearts and minds even now. CAUSE THEM TO MAKE A DECISION FOR YOU CAUSE THEM TO MAKE A DECISION FOR YOU CAUSE THEM TO MAKE A DECISION FOR YOU EVEN NOW. EVEN NOW. EVEN NOW. And may they meet you in this space. And may they meet you in this space. And may they meet you in this space. Cleanse us of all of our Cleanse us of all of our Cleanse us of all of our unrighteousness. unrighteousness. unrighteousness. >> Blot out our transgressions. Purge us of >> Blot out our transgressions. Purge us of >> Blot out our transgressions. Purge us of all of our iniquities. Refine us with all of our iniquities. Refine us with all of our iniquities. Refine us with your fire, [music] Lord God, that we your fire, [music] Lord God, that we your fire, [music] Lord God, that we might be clean vessels ready, usable might be clean vessels ready, usable might be clean vessels ready, usable [music] [music] [music] for you. for you. for you. It's my prayer in Jesus name. It's my prayer in Jesus name. It's my prayer in Jesus name. Amen. Amen. Amen. [music] [music] [music] Thank you all so much for joining us for Thank you all so much for joining us for Thank you all so much for joining us for prayer service tonight. prayer service tonight. prayer service tonight. We encourage [music] you to stay with us We encourage [music] you to stay with us We encourage [music] you to stay with us as we transition now into Bible study. as we transition now into Bible study. as we transition now into Bible study. We know that there are so many other We know that there are so many other We know that there are so many other things going on here on the avenue. So, things going on here on the avenue. So, things going on here on the avenue. So, [music] our prayers and our uh praise [music] our prayers and our uh praise [music] our prayers and our uh praise goes with you to whatever your next goes with you to whatever your next goes with you to whatever your next assignment is. [music] Blessings to all assignment is. [music] Blessings to all assignment is. [music] Blessings to all of you.

Praise the Lord. Everybody, Praise the Lord. Everybody, come on. Let's worship [music] tonight. Just want to praise you Just want to praise you [music] forever [music] forever [music] forever and ever [singing] and ever [singing] and ever [singing] [music] and ever [music] and ever [music] and ever for all [music] for all [music] for all [music] you've done you've done you've done for me. for me. for me. >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> Oh, there's a blessing and glory >> Oh, there's a blessing and glory >> Oh, there's a blessing and glory blessings and and I now [music] blessings and and I now [music] blessings and and I now [music] they [singing] all belong they [singing] all belong they [singing] all belong belong [music] to you. belong [music] to you. belong [music] to you. Thank you Jesus [singing] Thank you Jesus [singing] Thank you Jesus [singing] for blessing me for [music] blessing for blessing me for [music] blessing for blessing me for [music] blessing me. me. me. Oh, [music and singing] Oh, [music and singing] Oh, [music and singing] I just want to praise you. I really want I just want to praise you. I really want I just want to praise you. I really want to do it, God. [music] And ever to do it, God. [music] And ever to do it, God. [music] And ever and ever and ever and ever for all that [music and singing] you've for all that [music and singing] you've for all that [music and singing] you've done. When I think about what you done done. When I think about what you done done. When I think about what you done for me, for me, for me, for me. [music] for me. [music] for me. [music] That's a blessing and glory That's a blessing and glory That's a blessing and glory [music] has done.

[music] has done. [music] has done. They all belong. They all belong They all belong. They all belong They all belong. They all belong [music and singing] to you. Thank you [music and singing] to you. Thank you [music and singing] to you. Thank you Jesus song for blessing me Jesus song for blessing me Jesus song for blessing me [music and singing] lamb. [music and singing] lamb. [music and singing] lamb. Sing me. Sing me. Sing me. Oh [singing] I just want to praise you. Oh [singing] I just want to praise you. Oh [singing] I just want to praise you. I really want to do it God [music] I really want to do it God [music] I really want to do it God [music] and ever and ever and ever and ever and ever and ever [music] [music] [music] for all that you've done. Everything for all that you've done. Everything for all that you've done. Everything you've done [singing] you've done [singing] you've done [singing] for me [music] for me. Glory as blessing for me [music] for me. Glory as blessing for me [music] for me. Glory as blessing and glory [singing] and glory [singing] and honor. and honor. [music] They all [music] They all [music] They all belong [singing] to you. belong [singing] to you. belong [singing] to you. Thank you [music] Jesus Thank you [music] Jesus Thank you [music] Jesus for blessing me. [singing] Blessing. You [music] got it. Come on. Blessing. You [music] got it. Come on. Oh, I just want to praise you. [music] Oh, I just want to praise you. [music] Oh, I just want to praise you. [music] I really want to do God I really want to do God I really want to do God forever.

forever. forever. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> and ever >> and ever >> and ever for all that you've done [music] for me. [music] for me. For me, [singing] for me, there's a For me, [singing] for me, there's a For me, [singing] for me, there's a blessing and glory blessing and glory blessing and glory [music] [music] [music] and honor. [music] [music] Oh, Oh, Oh, thank you Jesus thank you Jesus thank you Jesus for blessing me, [singing] for bless for blessing me, [singing] for bless for blessing me, [singing] for bless [music] [music] [music] blessing me. Oh, [singing] blessing me. Oh, [singing] blessing me. Oh, [singing] I just want to praise you. I just want to praise you. I just want to praise you. Yeah. [music] Come on, let's go. Yeah. [music] Come on, let's go. Yeah. [music] Come on, let's go. I never I never I never God God God [music] for [singing] [music] for [singing] [music] for [singing] that. that. that. Everything you've done for me, for Everything you've done for me, for Everything you've done for me, for [music] me, for me as a blessing and [music] me, for me as a blessing and [music] me, for me as a blessing and glory glory glory and honor. [music] Thank you, Jesus, Thank you, Jesus, for blessing me. [music] for blessing me. [music] for blessing me. [music] Yes.

Oh, [singing] Oh, [singing] I just want to praise you. I just want to praise you. I just want to praise you. I really [music] want to do it from the I really [music] want to do it from the I really [music] want to do it from the right above my heart to the depths right above my heart to the depths right above my heart to the depths [music] of my soul. [music] of my soul. [music] of my soul. Yes, God. For all you've done [music] Yes, God. For all you've done [music] Yes, God. For all you've done [music] for me. for me. for me. For me, [singing] for me, there's a For me, [singing] for me, there's a For me, [singing] for me, there's a blessing in all we [music] blessing in all we [music] blessing in all we [music] have. have. have. They all [music and singing] belong. They all [music and singing] belong. They all [music and singing] belong. Yes, God. There's blessing and [music] Yes, God. There's blessing and [music] Yes, God. There's blessing and [music] glory. Yeah. [music] Come on, lift your voice Yeah. [music] Come on, lift your voice tonight. Yeah. God, there's tonight. Yeah. God, there's tonight. Yeah. God, there's [music and singing] blessing and glory. They allow. They allow. Come on, put your [music] hands on the Come on, put your [music] hands on the Come on, put your [music] hands on the blessing and glory. blessing and glory. blessing and glory. Yeah [music] Yeah [music] Yeah [music] God. God. God. Yeah God. Yeah God. Yeah God. Hallelujah. God is blessing and glory.

Hallelujah. God is blessing and glory. Hallelujah. God is blessing and glory. [music and singing] [music and singing] [music and singing] Yes God. Yes God. Yes God. [music] Yes God Yes God [singing] blessing and glory. [music] [singing] blessing and glory. [music] [singing] blessing and glory. [music] Yeah God Yeah God Yeah God alone. alone. alone. Yes God. [music] Yes God. [music] Yes God. [music] Thank you Jesus Thank you Jesus Thank you Jesus for [music and singing] blessing me for for [music and singing] blessing me for for [music and singing] blessing me for the land for blessing the land for blessing the land for blessing for blessing. [music] Oh hallelujah. Oh hallelujah. Yes Jesus. [music] Praise the [music] Lord everybody. Praise the [music] Lord everybody. >> Just drop my phone. Praise the Lord >> Just drop my phone. Praise the Lord >> Just drop my phone. Praise the Lord everybody. We are so [music] grateful everybody. We are so [music] grateful everybody. We are so [music] grateful for a great God who deserves all of our for a great God who deserves all of our for a great God who deserves all of our praise. It's a great God. [music] It's a praise. It's a great God. [music] It's a praise. It's a great God. [music] It's a faithful God. Nobody like him.

We are grateful for [music] this We are grateful for [music] this opportunity. Um they did one of my opportunity. Um they did one of my opportunity. Um they did one of my favorite songs and started singing loud favorite songs and started singing loud favorite songs and started singing loud and I was like I don't have much voice and I was like I don't have much voice and I was like I don't have much voice already. Um, so I'll recapture that in already. Um, so I'll recapture that in already. Um, so I'll recapture that in just a few moments. [music] Let us pray. just a few moments. [music] Let us pray. just a few moments. [music] Let us pray. Creator God, you spoke light into Creator God, you spoke light into Creator God, you spoke light into darkness. darkness. darkness. [music] You spoke order into chaos. [music] You spoke order into chaos. [music] You spoke order into chaos. You spoke life where there had been You spoke life where there had been You spoke life where there had been none. none. none. And as [music] we study your word And as [music] we study your word And as [music] we study your word tonight, tonight, tonight, we invite your presence. Your presence we invite your presence. Your presence we invite your presence. Your presence is already here. But we invite your is already here. But we invite your is already here. But we invite your presence to open our eyes to see your presence to open our eyes to see your presence to open our eyes to see your majesty. [music] majesty. [music] majesty. [music] Open our minds to understand your truth Open our minds to understand your truth Open our minds to understand your truth and open our hearts to respond in and open our hearts to respond in and open our hearts to respond in [music] faithful obedience to you, oh [music] faithful obedience to you, oh [music] faithful obedience to you, oh God. May we leave this place with God. May we leave this place with God. May we leave this place with renewed confidence [music] that the God renewed confidence [music] that the God renewed confidence [music] that the God who created all things still governs who created all things still governs who created all things still governs [music] all things. [music] all things. [music] all things. We thank you, oh God, for this We thank you, oh God, for this We thank you, oh God, for this opportunity to worship you in spirit and opportunity to worship you in spirit and opportunity to worship you in spirit and in truth. [music] And now, oh God, in truth. [music] And now, oh God, in truth. [music] And now, oh God, settle my heart and my spirit, oh God, settle my heart and my spirit, oh God, settle my heart and my spirit, oh God, by the power of your spirit.

by the power of your spirit. by the power of your spirit. May your people leave here better than May your people leave here better than May your people leave here better than when they came in. We give it all to you when they came in. We give it all to you when they came in. We give it all to you in the precious and in the precious and in the precious and [music] magnificent, [music] magnificent, [music] magnificent, the majestic, the marvelous name of the majestic, the marvelous name of the majestic, the marvelous name of Jesus the Christ we pray. Amen. Amen. Jesus the Christ we pray. Amen. Amen. Jesus the Christ we pray. Amen. Amen. [music] [music] [music] To God be the glory. To God be the glory. To God be the glory. Before you claim your seats, Before you claim your seats, Before you claim your seats, I want to invite you um I was going to I want to invite you um I was going to I want to invite you um I was going to do a an introduction. I will still, but do a an introduction. I will still, but do a an introduction. I will still, but while you're standing, I'd like for you while you're standing, I'd like for you while you're standing, I'd like for you to get your Bibles in your hands, to get your Bibles in your hands, to get your Bibles in your hands, whatever medium you have them on, whatever medium you have them on, whatever medium you have them on, whether it's a phone, your paper Bible. whether it's a phone, your paper Bible. whether it's a phone, your paper Bible. We want to affirm We want to affirm We want to affirm uh this faith confession as we get uh this faith confession as we get uh this faith confession as we get started with our lesson tonight. And I started with our lesson tonight. And I started with our lesson tonight. And I invite you to repeat after me. This is invite you to repeat after me. This is invite you to repeat after me. This is my Bible. my Bible. 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 >> encourage >> encourage >> 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 [clears throat] walk by faith >> for I [clears throat] walk by faith >> for I [clears throat] walk by faith >> and not by sight >> and not by sight >> and not by sight >> and not by >> and not by >> and not by >> Amen.

>> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. You may claim your seats. >> Amen. You may claim your seats. >> Amen. You may claim your seats. uh we affirm that the word of God is the uh we affirm that the word of God is the uh we affirm that the word of God is the the work in our lives by the power of the work in our lives by the power of the work in our lives by the power of the Holy Spirit and I come before you. I the Holy Spirit and I come before you. I the Holy Spirit and I come before you. I am not Reverend Dave Roberts. Uh he is am not Reverend Dave Roberts. Uh he is am not Reverend Dave Roberts. Uh he is traveling with his family. So we invite traveling with his family. So we invite traveling with his family. So we invite your prayers uh for he and um his wife your prayers uh for he and um his wife your prayers uh for he and um his wife Melanie and their children. Uh they are Melanie and their children. Uh they are Melanie and their children. Uh they are traveling. Um, brother Gavin, their son traveling. Um, brother Gavin, their son traveling. Um, brother Gavin, their son is participating in the Junior Olympics is participating in the Junior Olympics is participating in the Junior Olympics in De Moine, Iowa. So, we are grateful in De Moine, Iowa. So, we are grateful in De Moine, Iowa. So, we are grateful uh that they have that opportunity to uh that they have that opportunity to uh that they have that opportunity to share with him. And so, you got me. share with him. And so, you got me. share with him. And so, you got me. You have me tonight. Praise the Lord. You have me tonight. Praise the Lord. You have me tonight. Praise the Lord. All right. So, [applause] it's a All right. So, [applause] it's a All right. So, [applause] it's a privilege to be here before you. Uh, privilege to be here before you. Uh, privilege to be here before you. Uh, there's a kind of a whistle in the there's a kind of a whistle in the there's a kind of a whistle in the microphone. Um, I'm picking up. Um so uh microphone. Um, I'm picking up. Um so uh microphone. Um, I'm picking up. Um so uh good evening to everyone here. I have good evening to everyone here. I have good evening to everyone here. I have not done Bible study in a uh I did one not done Bible study in a uh I did one not done Bible study in a uh I did one earlier today but um I used to lead earlier today but um I used to lead earlier today but um I used to lead Bible study in our Katy location many Bible study in our Katy location many Bible study in our Katy location many years ago pre- pandemic. Um and um it is years ago pre- pandemic. Um and um it is years ago pre- pandemic. Um and um it is always a joy and a privilege to be able always a joy and a privilege to be able always a joy and a privilege to be able to teach the word of God which is to teach the word of God which is to teach the word of God which is probably one of my favorite things to probably one of my favorite things to probably one of my favorite things to do. Um so I am grateful that uh Reverend do. Um so I am grateful that uh Reverend do. Um so I am grateful that uh Reverend Dave um asked and um this privilege was Dave um asked and um this privilege was Dave um asked and um this privilege was allowed to me. So as we get to ready for allowed to me. So as we get to ready for allowed to me. So as we get to ready for tonight tonight tonight um throughout this year, Pastor Cosby

um throughout this year, Pastor Cosby um throughout this year, Pastor Cosby has challenged us to look for manifested has challenged us to look for manifested has challenged us to look for manifested miracles. Amen. Amen. miracles. Amen. Amen. miracles. Amen. Amen. >> And he uh said that those uh miracles >> And he uh said that those uh miracles >> And he uh said that those uh miracles are unmistakable works that only God can are unmistakable works that only God can are unmistakable works that only God can accomplish. accomplish. accomplish. In his initial sermon for the new year, In his initial sermon for the new year, In his initial sermon for the new year, he told us that manifested miracles are he told us that manifested miracles are he told us that manifested miracles are the supernatural things that only God the supernatural things that only God the supernatural things that only God can do. can do. can do. We can only we can be used by God to We can only we can be used by God to We can only we can be used by God to express or perform a miracle, but be express or perform a miracle, but be express or perform a miracle, but be sure that it is an act of the Holy sure that it is an act of the Holy sure that it is an act of the Holy Spirit through us. Spirit through us. Spirit through us. God does the manifesting and God does God does the manifesting and God does God does the manifesting and God does the proving. And if we're honest, the proving. And if we're honest, the proving. And if we're honest, we often think of miracles only when we often think of miracles only when we often think of miracles only when something unusual happens. something unusual happens. something unusual 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 its course, a relationship is restored. its course, a relationship is restored. its course, a relationship is restored. 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.

supernatural power. supernatural power. Yet today, I want us to step back before Yet today, I want us to step back before Yet today, I want us to step back before any of those types of miracles ever any of those types of miracles ever any of those types of miracles ever occurred. occurred. 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 of the tomb. Before Lazarus walked out of the tomb. Before Lazarus walked out of the tomb. Before even Pentecost. even Pentecost. even Pentecost. Before any miracle we normally Before any miracle we normally Before any miracle we normally celebrate, there was creation. Tonight's lesson is focused on Genesis Tonight's lesson is focused on Genesis chapter 1. And the focus of it is the chapter 1. And the focus of it is the chapter 1. And the focus of it is the manifested miracle of creation. manifested miracle of creation. manifested miracle of creation. Genesis 1:es 1- 27. Genesis 1:es 1- 27. Genesis 1:es 1- 27. Genesis 1 is not merely the beginning of Genesis 1 is not merely the beginning of Genesis 1 is not merely the beginning of the Bible. It is likewise the first the Bible. It is likewise the first the Bible. It is likewise the first miracle recorded in scripture. miracle recorded in scripture. miracle recorded in scripture. The miracle is not merely the opening The miracle is not merely the opening The miracle is not merely the opening chapter of scripture. It is the chapter of scripture. It is the chapter of scripture. It is the foundation for every other miracle foundation for every other miracle foundation for every other miracle recorded after it. If God can create recorded after it. If God can create recorded after it. If God can create everything from nothing, everything from nothing, 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 it's important for us to >> And that's why it's important for us to >> And that's why it's important for us to look at Genesis chapter 1. It reminds us look at Genesis chapter 1. It reminds us look at Genesis chapter 1. It reminds us of who God has always been. That he's of who God has always been. That he's of who God has always been. That he's always been the creator. He's always always been the creator. He's always always been the creator. He's always been sovereign. He's always been been sovereign. He's always been been sovereign. He's always been speaking life into impossible speaking life into impossible speaking life into impossible situations. situations. situations. He's always bringing chaos, bringing He's always bringing chaos, bringing He's always bringing chaos, bringing order out of chaos. order out of chaos. order out of chaos. And um that's the reminder that God And um that's the reminder that God And um that's the reminder that God instructed me to provide today that he's instructed me to provide today that he's instructed me to provide today that he's still in full control. still in full control. still in full control. Our world continues to experience Our world continues to experience Our world continues to experience uncertainty. It looks crazy. uncertainty. It looks crazy. uncertainty. It looks crazy. We witness conflict among nations, We witness conflict among nations, We witness conflict among nations, 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 upon us. Yet, Genesis weigh heavily upon us. Yet, Genesis weigh heavily upon us. Yet, Genesis refuses to let us believe that chaos has refuses to let us believe that chaos has refuses to let us believe that chaos has the final word. the final word. 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. Before there was life, there darkness. Before there was life, there darkness. Before there was life, there was emptiness. was emptiness. was emptiness. God was already present, already God was already present, already God was already present, already sovereign, and already working. And that sovereign, and already working. And that sovereign, and already working. And that truth is there to encourage each and truth is there to encourage each and truth is there to encourage each and every one of us as believers. every one of us as believers. every one of us as believers. So today I want us to focus on this one So today I want us to focus on this one So today I want us to focus on this one central truth. central truth. central truth. Creation is God's first manifested Creation is God's first manifested Creation is God's first manifested miracle. And every other miracle that miracle. And every other miracle that miracle. And every other miracle that follows throughout scripture reveals his follows throughout scripture reveals his follows throughout scripture reveals his ongoing power to sustain, to restore, ongoing power to sustain, to restore, ongoing power to sustain, to restore, and to renew what he has already and to renew what he has already and to renew what he has already created. created. created. We're going to start with uh scripture We're going to start with uh scripture We're going to start with uh scripture reading Genesis 1:es 1- 27. And this reading Genesis 1:es 1- 27. And this reading Genesis 1:es 1- 27. And this will be our last opportunity to hear will be our last opportunity to hear will be our last opportunity to hear from our um interns in Bible study. They from our um interns in Bible study. They from our um interns in Bible study. They will be preaching uh for us next um on will be preaching uh for us next um on will be preaching uh for us next um on Sunday. Um so I need um three readers.

Sunday. Um so I need um three readers. Sunday. Um so I need um three readers. Um let me get I know I'd already asked Um let me get I know I'd already asked Um let me get I know I'd already asked uh Reverend Jquil. I want to get uh Reverend Jquil. I want to get uh Reverend Jquil. I want to get Reverend Chris. So, Reverend Chris, go Reverend Chris. So, Reverend Chris, go Reverend Chris. So, Reverend Chris, go ahead and read verses 1-10. Uh, Reverend ahead and read verses 1-10. Uh, Reverend ahead and read verses 1-10. Uh, Reverend Jaquil, I'll get you on 11 through 19, Jaquil, I'll get you on 11 through 19, Jaquil, I'll get you on 11 through 19, and one of the two of you can pick the and one of the two of you can pick the and one of the two of you can pick the last up. last up. last up. >> In the beginning, God created the >> In the beginning, God created the >> In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. Now, the earth heavens and the earth. Now, the earth heavens and the earth. Now, the earth was formless and empty. Darkness was was formless and empty. Darkness was was formless and empty. Darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the over the surface of the deep, and the over the surface of the deep, and the spirit of God was hovering over the spirit of God was hovering over the spirit of God was hovering over the waters. And God said, "Let there be waters. And God said, "Let there be waters. And God said, "Let there be light." And there was light. Mhm. light." And there was light. Mhm. light." And there was light. Mhm. >> God saw the light was good and he >> God saw the light was good and he >> God saw the light was good and he separated the light from the darkness. separated the light from the darkness. separated the light from the darkness. God called the light day and the God called the light day and the God called the light day and the darkness he called night. And there was darkness he called night. And there was darkness he called night. And there was evening and there was morning the first evening and there was morning the first evening and there was morning the first day. And God said, "Let there be a vault day. And God said, "Let there be a vault day. And God said, "Let there be a vault between the waters to separate water between the waters to separate water between the waters to separate water from water." So God made the vault and from water." So God made the vault and from water." So God made the vault and separated from water under the vault separated from water under the vault separated from water under the vault from the water above it. And it was so.

from the water above it. And it was so. from the water above it. And it was so. God called the vault sky. And there was God called the vault sky. And there was God called the vault sky. And there was a and there was evening and there was a and there was evening and there was a 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 the dry ground to one place, and let the dry ground to one place, and let the 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 the gathered waters dry ground land, and the gathered waters dry ground land, and the gathered waters he called seeds. And God saw that it was he called seeds. And God saw that it was he called seeds. And God saw that it was good. Verse 11. Verse 11. Then God said, "Let the land sprout with Then God said, "Let the land sprout with Then God said, "Let the land sprout with veget vegetation, veget vegetation, veget vegetation, every sort of seedbearing plants and every sort of seedbearing plants and every sort of seedbearing plants and trees that grow seedbearing fruit. These trees that grow seedbearing fruit. These trees that grow seedbearing fruit. These seeds will then produce the kind of seeds will then produce the kind of seeds will then produce the kind of plants and trees from which they came." plants and trees from which they came." plants and trees from which they came." And then that is what happened. The land And then that is what happened. The land And then that is what happened. The land produced vegetation, all sorts of produced vegetation, all sorts of produced vegetation, all sorts of seedbearing plants and trees with seedbearing plants and trees with seedbearing plants and trees with seedbearing fruit. Their seeds produced seedbearing fruit. Their seeds produced seedbearing fruit. Their seeds produced plants and trees of the same kind. And plants and trees of the same kind. And plants and trees of the same kind. And God saw that it was good. And evening God saw that it was good. And evening God saw that it was good. And evening passed and morning came, marking the passed and morning came, marking the passed and morning came, marking the third day. Then God said, "Let the third day. Then God said, "Let the third day. Then God said, "Let the lights appear in the sky to separate the lights appear in the sky to separate the lights appear in the sky to separate the day from the night. Let them be signs to day from the night. Let them be signs to day from the night. Let them be signs to mark the seasons, days, and years. Let mark the seasons, days, and years. Let mark the seasons, days, and years. Let these lights in the sky shine down on these lights in the sky shine down on these lights in the sky shine down on the earth. And that is what happened.

the earth. And that is what happened. the earth. And that is what happened. God made two great lights. The larger God made two great lights. The larger God made two great lights. The larger one to govern the day and the smaller one to govern the day and the smaller one to govern the day and the smaller one to govern the night. He also made one to govern the night. He also made one to govern the night. He also made the stars. God set these lights in the the stars. God set these lights in the the stars. God set these lights in the sky to light the earth, to govern the sky to light the earth, to govern the sky to light the earth, to govern the day and night, and to separate the light day and night, and to separate the light day and night, and to separate the light from the darkness. And God saw that it from the darkness. And God saw that it from the darkness. And God saw that it was good. Verse 19, "And there was evening, and Verse 19, "And there was evening, and there was morning, the fourth day. And there was morning, the fourth day. And there was morning, the fourth day. And God said, "Let the water team with God said, "Let the water team with 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 which with which the water teams and which with which the water teams and which with which the water teams and that moves about in it, according to that moves about in it, according to that moves about in it, according to their kinds, their kinds, their kinds, and every winged bird according to its and every winged bird according to its and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. God kind. And God saw that it was good. God kind. And God saw that it was good. God blessed them and said, "Be fruitful and blessed them and said, "Be fruitful and blessed them and said, "Be fruitful and increase in number and fill the water in increase in number and fill the water in increase in number and fill the water in the seas and let the birds increase on the seas and let the birds increase on the seas and let the birds increase on the earth." And there was evening and the earth." And there was evening and the earth." And there was evening and there was morning, the fifth day. And there was morning, the fifth day. And there was morning, the fifth day. And God said, "Let the land produce living God said, "Let the land produce living God 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 livestock the birds in the sky, over the livestock the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild wild animals, and over and all the wild wild animals, and over and all the wild wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the all the creatures that move along the all the creatures that move along the ground." So God created mankind in his ground." So God created mankind in his ground." So God created mankind in his own image. In the image of God he own image. In the image of God he own image. In the image of God he created them. Male and female he created created them. Male and female he created created them. Male and female he created them. them. them. >> Amen. Thank you so much. Um and you you >> Amen. Thank you so much. Um and you you >> Amen. Thank you so much. Um and you you guys are really quiet, guys are really quiet, guys are really quiet, but we going to um y'all can talk back but we going to um y'all can talk back but we going to um y'all can talk back to me. Um we are so grateful um that God to me. Um we are so grateful um that God to me. Um we are so grateful um that God gives us this word. Um I tell our new gives us this word. Um I tell our new gives us this word. Um I tell our new members joining that um um pastor is members joining that um um pastor is members joining that um um pastor is known for one central statement. What is known for one central statement. What is known for one central statement. What is that?

that? that? >> And the bible says we believe in the >> And the bible says we believe in the >> And the bible says we believe in the authority of scripture. We trust the authority of scripture. We trust the authority of scripture. We trust the word and what it says. Amen. And that word and what it says. Amen. And that word and what it says. Amen. And that god gave us this word as a gift. So god gave us this word as a gift. So god gave us this word as a gift. So while researchers and and people will while researchers and and people will while researchers and and people will argue the um ver um the authorship of uh argue the um ver um the authorship of uh argue the um ver um the authorship of uh Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. Historically, Jews and Deuteronomy. Historically, Jews and Deuteronomy. Historically, Jews and Christians alike have held that Moses Christians alike have held that Moses Christians alike have held that Moses was the author or compiler of the first was the author or compiler of the first was the author or compiler of the first five books of the Old Testament known as five books of the Old Testament known as five books of the Old Testament known as the Pentatuk or the Torah. Genesis, the Pentatuk or the Torah. Genesis, the Pentatuk or the Torah. Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy make up that this segment of Deuteronomy make up that this segment of Deuteronomy make up that this segment of scripture. And when considering today's scripture. And when considering today's scripture. And when considering today's text, theologians and people, text, theologians and people, text, theologians and people, theologians, scientists, people, they theologians, scientists, people, they theologians, scientists, people, they often open these verses and see um God often open these verses and see um God often open these verses and see um God created and let there be and and created and let there be and and created and let there be and and questions may arise. How long were the questions may arise. How long were the questions may arise. How long were the days?

days? days? Are the days literal 24-hour periods or Are the days literal 24-hour periods or Are the days literal 24-hour periods or or long errors? How long was their light or long errors? How long was their light or long errors? How long was their light on day one? on day one? on day one? And how was their light on day one when And how was their light on day one when And how was their light on day one when the sun wasn't created until day four? the sun wasn't created until day four? the sun wasn't created until day four? There there's things you can examine. There there's things you can examine. There there's things you can examine. And it's okay to ask questions of the And it's okay to ask questions of the And it's okay to ask questions of the text. text. text. The Bible tells us that um those The Bible tells us that um those The Bible tells us that um those questions and as we read over uh Genesis questions and as we read over uh Genesis questions and as we read over uh Genesis chapter 1, those questions and chapter 1, those questions and chapter 1, those questions and discussions have their place, but the discussions have their place, but the discussions have their place, but the focus for this lesson and the focus, if focus for this lesson and the focus, if focus for this lesson and the focus, if you really pay attention to Genesis, you really pay attention to Genesis, you really pay attention to Genesis, focuses on answering a more important focuses on answering a more important focuses on answering a more important question. It isn't primarily telling question. It isn't primarily telling question. It isn't primarily telling Israel or us how creation happened. The Israel or us how creation happened. The Israel or us how creation happened. The focus of it is who created. focus of it is who created. focus of it is who created. 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. >> Everything. And so that's the focus of >> Everything. And so that's the focus of >> Everything. And so that's the focus of our lesson tonight. So point one on your our lesson tonight. So point one on your our lesson tonight. So point one on your handout you'll see it says the handout you'll see it says the handout you'll see it says the redeemer's redeemer's redeemer's creativity. And I'm going to tell you creativity. And I'm going to tell you creativity. And I'm going to tell you the Lord gave me this lesson. And so I'm the Lord gave me this lesson. And so I'm the Lord gave me this lesson. And so I'm going to focus on um some very specific going to focus on um some very specific going to focus on um some very specific things about the redeemer's creativity. things about the redeemer's creativity. things about the redeemer's creativity. Genesis opens with this profound Genesis opens with this profound Genesis opens with this profound statement and there's so much packed statement and there's so much packed statement and there's so much packed into it. In the beginning, God created. into it. In the beginning, God created. into it. In the beginning, God created. He created the heavens and the earth. He created the heavens and the earth. He created the heavens and the earth. The meaning of the word created in The meaning of the word created in The meaning of the word created in Hebrew, the word is translated bar. Hebrew, the word is translated bar. Hebrew, the word is translated bar. Unlike other Hebrew words that can Unlike other Hebrew words that can Unlike other Hebrew words that can describe human craftsmanship, describe human craftsmanship, describe human craftsmanship, barra is used uniquely of God. barra is used uniquely of God. barra is used uniquely of God. It refers to divine creativity It refers to divine creativity It refers to divine creativity and activity that only God could and activity that only God could and activity that only God could perform. When scripture says God perform. When scripture says God perform. When scripture says God created, it is declaring something that created, it is declaring something that created, it is declaring something that no human being could ever claim. God no human being could ever claim. God no human being could ever claim. God alone possesses the power to call into alone possesses the power to call into alone possesses the power to call into existence what did not previously exist.

existence what did not previously exist. existence what did not previously exist. Every invention, every painting, every Every invention, every painting, every Every invention, every painting, every song, every building, song, every building, song, every building, every technological advancement begins every technological advancement begins every technological advancement begins with mir materials that were already with mir materials that were already with mir materials that were already available. available. available. One writer said, "Human beings rearrange One writer said, "Human beings rearrange One writer said, "Human beings rearrange stuff, but God originates." stuff, but God originates." stuff, but God originates." >> That distinction is critical. When we >> That distinction is critical. When we >> That distinction is critical. When we admire the creativity of our artists and admire the creativity of our artists and admire the creativity of our artists and our beautiful musicians and our our beautiful musicians and our our beautiful musicians and our engineers and our architects, our engineers and our architects, our engineers and our architects, our physicians and our scientists, we are physicians and our scientists, we are physicians and our scientists, we are witnessing reflections of the creator's witnessing reflections of the creator's witnessing reflections of the creator's image within us as human beings. image within us as human beings. image within us as human beings. They are creative. All those people I They are creative. All those people I They are creative. All those people I named, engineers and scientists and named, engineers and scientists and named, engineers and scientists and physicians, but only God creates in the physicians, but only God creates in the physicians, but only God creates in the fullest sense of the word. fullest sense of the word. fullest sense of the word. God's creativity reveals God's God's creativity reveals God's God's creativity reveals God's character. I think that's your sub point character. I think that's your sub point character. I think that's your sub point on your handout. God's creativity on your handout. God's creativity on your handout. God's creativity reveals God's character. Notice reveals God's character. Notice reveals God's character. Notice something remarkable. God could have something remarkable. God could have something remarkable. God could have created everything instantaneously.

created everything instantaneously. created everything instantaneously. He could have said He could have said He could have said nothing and made it. nothing and made it. nothing and made it. Instead though, Genesis presents Instead though, Genesis presents Instead though, Genesis presents creation as an unfolding creation as an unfolding creation as an unfolding uh uh beautiful intentional plan of God. uh uh beautiful intentional plan of God. uh uh beautiful intentional plan of God. So verses 1- 25 that were read um in our So verses 1- 25 that were read um in our So verses 1- 25 that were read um in our hearing, we hear about light. We hear hearing, we hear about light. We hear hearing, we hear about light. We hear about sky and land and ve vegetation and about sky and land and ve vegetation and about sky and land and ve vegetation and sun, moon and stars, creatures of the sun, moon and stars, creatures of the sun, moon and stars, creatures of the sea and the sky, even animals. sea and the sky, even animals. sea and the sky, even animals. I want you to consider just for a moment I want you to consider just for a moment I want you to consider just for a moment though the speed of light, though the speed of light, though the speed of light, the expanse of the sky, the differences the expanse of the sky, the differences the expanse of the sky, the differences in terrain when we uh I'm from Northern in terrain when we uh I'm from Northern in terrain when we uh I'm from Northern California. It's a different terrain in California. It's a different terrain in California. It's a different terrain in Northern California than Northern California than Northern California than >> Houston, Texas. >> Houston, Texas. >> Houston, Texas. It's a different temperature, too. Uh, It's a different temperature, too. Uh, It's a different temperature, too. Uh, the sun and its heat, the moon and the the sun and its heat, the moon and the the sun and its heat, the moon and the other planets and stars, the vastness of other planets and stars, the vastness of other planets and stars, the vastness of the sea and all its creatures and the the sea and all its creatures and the the sea and all its creatures and the sky and her flying creatures, the sky and her flying creatures, the sky and her flying creatures, the varieties of animals that walk the varieties of animals that walk the varieties of animals that walk the earth, the long neck of the giraffe earth, the long neck of the giraffe earth, the long neck of the giraffe looks very different than the horn of looks very different than the horn of looks very different than the horn of the [clears throat] rhinoceros.

the [clears throat] rhinoceros. the [clears throat] rhinoceros. The roar of the lion sounds very The roar of the lion sounds very The roar of the lion sounds very different than the laugh of the hyena. different than the laugh of the hyena. different than the laugh of the hyena. All of that was created by a holy god. All of that was created by a holy god. All of that was created by a holy god. Unique and different and varied and Unique and different and varied and Unique and different and varied and special. special. special. I have to admit I still have not uh I have to admit I still have not uh I have to admit I still have not uh found the meaning of roaches. Just I I just have not. I just haven't. Just I I just have not. I just haven't. flies, roaches, there's something I just flies, roaches, there's something I just flies, roaches, there's something I just I have not. But they're still a part of I have not. But they're still a part of I have not. But they're still a part of God's creation God's creation God's creation >> buried in different different bugs and >> buried in different different bugs and >> buried in different different bugs and where you live can bring up different where you live can bring up different where you live can bring up different other types of creatures. How God other types of creatures. How God other types of creatures. How God thought all of that through thought all of that through thought all of that through >> when he created >> when he created >> when he created >> all of it, God conceived first >> all of it, God conceived first >> all of it, God conceived first >> and then he created what was manifest. >> and then he created what was manifest. >> and then he created what was manifest. God thought of each element. He designed God thought of each element. He designed God thought of each element. He designed it intricate workings before ever it intricate workings before ever it intricate workings before ever uttering the words let there be.

uttering the words let there be. uttering the words let there be. And then And then And then humanity humanity humanity he shaped and formed male and female. So he shaped and formed male and female. So he shaped and formed male and female. So we know in the Genesis account in uh we know in the Genesis account in uh we know in the Genesis account in uh chapter 2 he tells us about forming man chapter 2 he tells us about forming man chapter 2 he tells us about forming man from dust. from dust. from dust. >> Yeah. He put his hands on us >> Yeah. He put his hands on us >> Yeah. He put his hands on us and he put everything in us in right and he put everything in us in right and he put everything in us in right order. So we think of the dust he order. So we think of the dust he order. So we think of the dust he created, right? But the muscular system, created, right? But the muscular system, created, right? But the muscular system, the the circulatory system, the the circulatory system, the the circulatory system, the the the the our renal glands and all the the the the our renal glands and all the the the the our renal glands and all the body. Listen, I went out to um I the body. Listen, I went out to um I the body. Listen, I went out to um I went out to um National Geographic. went out to um National Geographic. went out to um National Geographic. There are 10 major systems in the human There are 10 major systems in the human There are 10 major systems in the human body. Skeletal, body. Skeletal, body. Skeletal, muscular, muscular, muscular, cardiovascular or circulatory, our cardiovascular or circulatory, our cardiovascular or circulatory, our nervous system, our endocrine system, nervous system, our endocrine system, nervous system, our endocrine system, our lymphatic system or our immune our lymphatic system or our immune our lymphatic system or our immune system, respiratory system, our urinary system, respiratory system, our urinary system, respiratory system, our urinary and digestive systems, and the and digestive systems, and the and digestive systems, and the reproductive system. All of that, all of reproductive system. All of that, all of reproductive system. All of that, all of that as he shaped that dust, he he that as he shaped that dust, he he that as he shaped that dust, he he thought it all through.

thought it all through. thought it all through. And then, and then and then he breathed And then, and then and then he breathed And then, and then and then he breathed life into it. life into it. life into it. And that breath when he breathed life And that breath when he breathed life And that breath when he breathed life into Adam, it signaled the lungs to into Adam, it signaled the lungs to into Adam, it signaled the lungs to start expanding and contracting. start expanding and contracting. start expanding and contracting. It told the heart to start its rhythm. It told the heart to start its rhythm. It told the heart to start its rhythm. It told blood to flow through our veins, It told blood to flow through our veins, It told blood to flow through our veins, told the brain to orchestrate and to told the brain to orchestrate and to told the brain to orchestrate and to regulate the body. It's it's marvelous. regulate the body. It's it's marvelous. regulate the body. It's it's marvelous. >> It's a miracle. >> It's a miracle. >> It's a miracle. >> It's not random power. It's purposeful >> It's not random power. It's purposeful >> It's not random power. It's purposeful wisdom. wisdom. 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 p purposeful merely powerful, but God is p purposeful merely powerful, but God is p purposeful and he's precise. and he's precise. and he's precise. He did not simply produce, He did not simply produce, He did not simply produce, he prepared. he prepared. he prepared. >> I I think of the when I think of the >> I I think of the when I think of the >> I I think of the when I think of the body and all of its different workings body and all of its different workings body and all of its different workings and I started thinking of, you know, and I started thinking of, you know, and I started thinking of, you know, cartilage cartilage cartilage and capillaries.

and capillaries. and capillaries. The eye knows to see and the ears know The eye knows to see and the ears know The eye knows to see and the ears know to hear. You got the soft tissue in the to hear. You got the soft tissue in the to hear. You got the soft tissue in the body and you have the organs work. It's body and you have the organs work. It's body and you have the organs work. It's marvelous. marvelous. marvelous. That's a holy God making and forming his That's a holy God making and forming his That's a holy God making and forming his creation. creation. creation. >> He did not he established the >> He did not he established the >> He did not he established the environment before introducing life into it. So we before introducing life into it. So we saw that he he created the the land and saw that he he created the the land and saw that he he created the the land and the sea and created vegetation. He was the sea and created vegetation. He was the sea and created vegetation. He was preparing life for his creation. preparing life for his creation. preparing life for his creation. And how often has God done the same in And how often has God done the same in And how often has God done the same in your life? your life? your life? >> Take a look backward in your life and >> Take a look backward in your life and >> Take a look backward in your life and you'll discover God has already been you'll discover God has already been you'll discover God has already been arranging circumstances arranging circumstances arranging circumstances before we even know to pray for them. before we even know to pray for them. before we even know to pray for them. >> Yeah, he's a great God. >> Yeah, he's a great God. >> Yeah, he's a great God. >> Marvelous in all his ways. God's >> Marvelous in all his ways. God's >> Marvelous in all his ways. God's creativity reveals his character. But creativity reveals his character. But creativity reveals his character. But God's creativity likewise reveals that God's creativity likewise reveals that God's creativity likewise reveals that God is a God of order.

God is a God of order. God is a God of order. >> I've already talked a little bit about >> I've already talked a little bit about >> I've already talked a little bit about those systems. One of the most beautiful those systems. One of the most beautiful those systems. One of the most beautiful characteristics of creation is order. characteristics of creation is order. characteristics of creation is order. Nothing exists without purpose. Modern Nothing exists without purpose. Modern Nothing exists without purpose. Modern science continues to discover science continues to discover science continues to discover astonishing levels of interconnectedness astonishing levels of interconnectedness astonishing levels of interconnectedness within creation. within creation. within creation. I mentioned the earth's systems. I I mentioned the earth's systems. I I mentioned the earth's systems. I mentioned the body systems, but the mentioned the body systems, but the mentioned the body systems, but the earth's systems operate together in earth's systems operate together in earth's systems operate together in remarkable harmony as well. Just like remarkable harmony as well. Just like remarkable harmony as well. Just like the human body, every discovery becomes the human body, every discovery becomes the human body, every discovery becomes another witness to God's brilliance. The another witness to God's brilliance. The another 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 more reasons we have to worship the more reasons we have to worship the creator. creator. creator. >> I want you to consider this. Our hearts >> I want you to consider this. Our hearts >> I want you to consider this. Our hearts beat while our lungs breathe. Our beat while our lungs breathe. Our beat while our lungs breathe. Our nervous system communicates with our nervous system communicates with our nervous system communicates with our muscles. Our bones support our frame and muscles. Our bones support our frame and muscles. Our bones support our frame and give us shape and form. Our immune give us shape and form. Our immune give us shape and form. Our immune system protects our bodies. Thousands of system protects our bodies. Thousands of system protects our bodies. Thousands of processes are occurring inside us at processes are occurring inside us at processes are occurring inside us at this very moment without our conscious this very moment without our conscious this very moment without our conscious awareness of them.

awareness of them. awareness of them. >> I simply don't have time to go through >> I simply don't have time to go through >> I simply don't have time to go through every system. Boy, I sure wanted to. I every system. Boy, I sure wanted to. I every system. Boy, I sure wanted to. I am a nerd by heart. I'm I'm a nerd. But am a nerd by heart. I'm I'm a nerd. But am a nerd by heart. I'm I'm a nerd. But I hope to convey how intricate each of I hope to convey how intricate each of I hope to convey how intricate each of these systems are. Each of them these systems are. Each of them these systems are. Each of them welldesigned, well planned, well thought welldesigned, well planned, well thought welldesigned, well planned, well thought out by a God as he formed humanity. out by a God as he formed humanity. out by a God as he formed humanity. That's not accidental. That is divine That's not accidental. That is divine That's not accidental. That is divine wisdom on display. wisdom on display. wisdom on display. And if God ordered creation with that And if God ordered creation with that And if God ordered creation with that much intentionality and detail down to much intentionality and detail down to much intentionality and detail down to the very bones holding you up right now, the very bones holding you up right now, the very bones holding you up right now, then nothing about you or this world is then nothing about you or this world is then nothing about you or this world is accidental. accidental. accidental. >> But being made with that kind of care >> But being made with that kind of care >> But being made with that kind of care >> isn't just something to admire from a >> isn't just something to admire from a >> isn't just something to admire from a distance. It comes with some distance. It comes with some distance. It comes with some responsibility. Okay. responsibility. Okay. responsibility. Okay. >> And so for a moment, I want you to think >> And so for a moment, I want you to think >> And so for a moment, I want you to think about what part of God's creation fills about what part of God's creation fills about what part of God's creation fills you with the greatest sense of awe.

you with the greatest sense of awe. you with the greatest sense of awe. We don't often think about we we walked We don't often think about we we walked We don't often think about we we walked in this building. in this building. in this building. Did you stop and smell the roses, as Did you stop and smell the roses, as Did you stop and smell the roses, as they say? they say? they say? Pay attention to the trees as they as Pay attention to the trees as they as Pay attention to the trees as they as you walked past them? looked at the you walked past them? looked at the you walked past them? looked at the grass, the ants on the ground. We got to grass, the ants on the ground. We got to grass, the ants on the ground. We got to pay attention to all of what God even pay attention to all of what God even pay attention to all of what God even them roaches got to pay attention to all them roaches got to pay attention to all them roaches got to pay attention to all of God's creation. Now, I'm trying to of God's creation. Now, I'm trying to of God's creation. Now, I'm trying to get them, make sure they don't come in get them, make sure they don't come in get them, make sure they don't come in the house or any place near me, right? the house or any place near me, right? the house or any place near me, right? But ultimately still a part of God's But ultimately still a part of God's But ultimately still a part of God's creation. creation. creation. Perhaps one of the greatest miracles is Perhaps one of the greatest miracles is Perhaps one of the greatest miracles is not merely that God occasionally not merely that God occasionally not merely that God occasionally intervenes in creation miraculously. intervenes in creation miraculously. intervenes in creation miraculously. It is that he faithfully sustains us It is that he faithfully sustains us It is that he faithfully sustains us every single moment of the day. every single moment of the day. every single moment of the day. >> It's a miracle. >> It's a miracle. >> It's a miracle. So recognizing God's intentional order So recognizing God's intentional order So recognizing God's intentional order should strengthen our trust when life should strengthen our trust when life should strengthen our trust when life feels chaotic. feels chaotic. feels chaotic. >> Amen.

>> Amen. >> Amen. >> Things look nuts, but he's still seated >> Things look nuts, but he's still seated >> Things look nuts, but he's still seated on the throne on the throne on the throne >> and in full control. >> and in full control. >> and in full control. >> He made it. He made us. He knows all >> He made it. He made us. He knows all >> He made it. He made us. He knows all about the circumstance. Nothing is a about the circumstance. Nothing is a about the circumstance. Nothing is a surprise to a God that paid that much surprise to a God that paid that much surprise to a God that paid that much attention to making his creation. So attention to making his creation. So attention to making his creation. So 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 world filled with created a world world filled with created a world world filled with purpose. And if creation itself has purpose. And if creation itself has purpose. And if creation itself has purpose, then those who bear God's image purpose, then those who bear God's image purpose, then those who bear God's image also have purpose. That is where we turn also have purpose. That is where we turn also have purpose. That is where we turn our attention to uh next. But I do want our attention to uh next. But I do want our attention to uh next. But I do want to make mention of one thing. You and I to make mention of one thing. You and I to make mention of one thing. You and I have very specific purpose. And one of have very specific purpose. And one of have very specific purpose. And one of the things that is often missed, I was the things that is often missed, I was the things that is often missed, I was sharing with the um the earlier um sharing with the um the earlier um sharing with the um the earlier um service that um we often think of service that um we often think of service that um we often think of purpose and it can be a little purpose and it can be a little purpose and it can be a little overwhelming. You know, I'm trying to overwhelming. You know, I'm trying to overwhelming. You know, I'm trying to find my purpose. Um and the fact is you find my purpose. Um and the fact is you find my purpose. Um and the fact is you may have multiple purposes. I mean, the may have multiple purposes. I mean, the may have multiple purposes. I mean, the purpose you may have fulfilled in your purpose you may have fulfilled in your purpose you may have fulfilled in your 20s, that's not the same purpose 20s, that's not the same purpose 20s, that's not the same purpose necessarily in your 40s and 50s. Amen.

necessarily in your 40s and 50s. Amen. necessarily in your 40s and 50s. Amen. So if you and if I um um complete um So if you and if I um um complete um So if you and if I um um complete um pursue God's assignment day in and day pursue God's assignment day in and day pursue God's assignment day in and day out, you're going to bump into purpose. out, you're going to bump into purpose. out, you're going to bump into purpose. >> You can't miss it. >> You can't miss it. >> You can't miss it. >> If every day I'm doing the thing that >> If every day I'm doing the thing that >> If every day I'm doing the thing that God says to do today, God says to do today, God says to do today, >> cuz tomorrow's not promised. >> cuz tomorrow's not promised. >> cuz tomorrow's not promised. >> I cannot miss fulfilling my purpose. >> I cannot miss fulfilling my purpose. >> I cannot miss fulfilling my purpose. The creation story does not end with God The creation story does not end with God The creation story does not end with God creating a beautiful world. creating a beautiful world. creating a beautiful world. Genesis tells us that after God prepared Genesis tells us that after God prepared Genesis tells us that after God prepared the world, he placed us within it who the world, he placed us within it who the world, he placed us within it who would represent him in the earth. would represent him in the earth. would represent him in the earth. >> We were created to participate. God >> We were created to participate. God >> We were created to participate. God entrusted his creation to people made in entrusted his creation to people made in entrusted his creation to people made in his image. So that takes us to our his image. So that takes us to our his image. So that takes us to our second point, our responsibility to second point, our responsibility to second point, our responsibility to creation. creation. creation. Genesis reaches its climax not with the Genesis reaches its climax not with the Genesis reaches its climax not with the creation of the sun or the stars, but creation of the sun or the stars, but creation of the sun or the stars, but with the creation of humanity. Listen with the creation of humanity. Listen with the creation of humanity. Listen again to these familiar words. Then God again to these familiar words. Then God again to these familiar words. Then God said, "Let us make humans in our image, said, "Let us make humans in our image, said, "Let us make humans in our image, according to our likeness, and let them according to our likeness, and let them according to our likeness, and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, have dominion over the fish of the sea, have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the air, and over and over the birds of the air, and over and over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, and over the wild animals of the cattle, and over the wild animals of the cattle, and over the wild animals of the earth, and over every creeping the earth, and over every creeping the earth, and over every creeping things that creeps upon the earth."

things that creeps upon the earth." things that creeps upon the earth." That's in verse 26. God created, but That's in verse 26. God created, but That's in verse 26. God created, but then he commissioned man to do then he commissioned man to do then he commissioned man to do something. We're called to represent our something. We're called to represent our something. We're called to represent our creator in the earth. And uh the word in creator in the earth. And uh the word in creator in the earth. And uh the word in uh the text says give uh have let them uh the text says give uh have let them uh the text says give uh have let them have dominion. have dominion. have dominion. Our modern culture thinks dominion means Our modern culture thinks dominion means Our modern culture thinks dominion means domination. domination. domination. >> But biblically it actually means >> But biblically it actually means >> But biblically it actually means stewardship. Amen. stewardship. Amen. stewardship. Amen. >> Our sister prayed in the earlier uh >> Our sister prayed in the earlier uh >> Our sister prayed in the earlier uh prayer time and she talked about being prayer time and she talked about being prayer time and she talked about being good stewards over what God has given good stewards over what God has given good stewards over what God has given us. us. us. >> Um kings in the ancient world would >> Um kings in the ancient world would >> Um kings in the ancient world would place their image throughout their place their image throughout their place their image throughout their kingdoms as visible reminders of their kingdoms as visible reminders of their kingdoms as visible reminders of their authority. authority. authority. So if you think about Nebuchadnezzar So if you think about Nebuchadnezzar So if you think about Nebuchadnezzar and the statue, he's he's creating his and the statue, he's he's creating his and the statue, he's he's creating his image so that he can uh designate his image so that he can uh designate his image so that he can uh designate his authority in that area. authority in that area. authority in that area. But God places his imagebearers But God places his imagebearers But God places his imagebearers throughout his creation to reflect his throughout his creation to reflect his throughout his creation to reflect his character and represent his rule.

character and represent his rule. character and 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 holiness, God's mercy. We are created holiness, God's mercy. We are created and called to glorify God through our and called to glorify God through our and called to glorify God through our presence in the earth. And one of the presence in the earth. And one of the presence in the earth. And one of the important things we have to make mention important things we have to make mention important things we have to make mention of, you and I were not created uh to be of, you and I were not created uh to be of, you and I were not created uh to be some of the things that we are are um some of the things that we are are um some of the things that we are are um that we're living out. Okay? So there that we're living out. Okay? So there that we're living out. Okay? So there are people in here that are doctors and are people in here that are doctors and are people in here that are doctors and nurses and teachers and and um nurses and teachers and and um nurses and teachers and and um engineers. You were not created to be engineers. You were not created to be engineers. You were not created to be those things. You were created to those things. You were created to those things. You were created to glorify God. glorify God. glorify God. >> And the means by which you accomplish >> And the means by which you accomplish >> And the means by which you accomplish that that that are your degrees and the places you live are your degrees and the places you live are your degrees and the places you live and our um our our experience and our and our um our our experience and our and our um our our experience and our backgrounds. All of that allows us to backgrounds. All of that allows us to backgrounds. All of that allows us to accomplish it. accomplished the one sole accomplish it. accomplished the one sole accomplish it. accomplished the one sole purpose that we were created for and purpose that we were created for and purpose that we were created for and that was to give our God glory.

that was to give our God glory. that was to give our God glory. [applause] [applause] [applause] Dominion is stewardship. We are required Dominion is stewardship. We are required Dominion is stewardship. We are required to be stewards over what God has given to be stewards over what God has given to be stewards over what God has given us. Genesis chapter 1:28 goes on to say, us. Genesis chapter 1:28 goes on to say, us. Genesis chapter 1:28 goes on to say, "God blessed them and God said to them, "God blessed them and God said to them, "God blessed them and God said to them, be fruitful and multiply and fill the be fruitful and multiply and fill the be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it and have dominion earth and subdue it and have dominion earth and subdue it and have dominion over the fish." Right? It says that in over the fish." Right? It says that in over the fish." Right? It says that in verse uh 28. Genesis 2:15 goes on to say verse uh 28. Genesis 2:15 goes on to say verse uh 28. Genesis 2:15 goes on to say give an an additional picture. It says, give an an additional picture. It says, give an an additional picture. It says, "The Lord God took the man and put him "The Lord God took the man and put him "The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and in the Garden of Eden to work it and in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. take care of it. take care of it. >> We're responsible for taking care of >> We're responsible for taking care of >> We're responsible for taking care of this earth." And a lot of times we there this earth." And a lot of times we there this earth." And a lot of times we there are those in Christian thought that are those in Christian thought that are those in Christian thought that believe that because God is going to believe that because God is going to believe that because God is going to give a new heaven and a new earth, we give a new heaven and a new earth, we give a new heaven and a new earth, we can do whatever we want with this one. can do whatever we want with this one. can do whatever we want with this one. Yeah. No, that's not what he said. Yeah. No, that's not what he said. Yeah. No, that's not what he said. >> God told us to take care of it. >> God told us to take care of it. >> God told us to take care of it. >> Notice that Adam was not placed in the >> Notice that Adam was not placed in the >> Notice that Adam was not placed in the garden merely to enjoy it. He was garden merely to enjoy it. He was garden merely to enjoy it. He was assigned responsibility.

assigned responsibility. assigned responsibility. >> Work itself is not the curse. >> Now, I don't necessarily always want to >> Now, I don't necessarily always want to go to work either, but sin is actually go to work either, but sin is actually go to work either, but sin is actually the curse. But meaningful work existed the curse. But meaningful work existed the curse. But meaningful work existed before sin ever entered the world. God before sin ever entered the world. God before sin ever entered the world. God invited humanity into his ongoing care invited humanity into his ongoing care invited humanity into his ongoing care of creation. of creation. 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. someone else. someone else. >> And this celestial ball, as one >> And this celestial ball, as one >> And this celestial ball, as one himwriter says, was given by God to us himwriter says, was given by God to us himwriter says, was given by God to us to take care of. Psalm 24:1 reminds us, to take care of. Psalm 24:1 reminds us, to take care of. Psalm 24:1 reminds us, "The earth is the Lord's, the fullness "The earth is the Lord's, the fullness "The earth is the Lord's, the fullness thereof, the world, and they that dwell thereof, the world, and they that dwell thereof, the world, and they that dwell therein." therein." therein." That includes our bodies and our homes That includes our bodies and our homes That includes our bodies and our homes and our careers, our finances, our and our careers, our finances, our and our careers, our finances, our families, even our influence, our families, even our influence, our families, even our influence, our spiritual gifts, our church. Nothing spiritual gifts, our church. Nothing spiritual gifts, our church. Nothing ultimately belongs to us.

ultimately belongs to us. ultimately belongs to us. >> Everything belongs to God. We are simply >> Everything belongs to God. We are simply >> Everything belongs to God. We are simply entrusted with it for a season in the entrusted with it for a season in the entrusted with it for a season in the season in which we're living here on the season in which we're living here on the season in which we're living here on the earth. An important question for every earth. An important question for every earth. An important question for every believer is what has God entrusted to my believer is what has God entrusted to my believer is what has God entrusted to my care. care. care. >> Instead of thinking of ourselves as >> Instead of thinking of ourselves as >> Instead of thinking of ourselves as owners, we are stewards of God's owners, we are stewards of God's owners, we are stewards of God's possession. When you think of your home, possession. When you think of your home, possession. When you think of your home, where you live, apartment, whatever, where you live, apartment, whatever, where you live, apartment, whatever, think of it as God's home. Oh my god. think of it as God's home. Oh my god. think of it as God's home. Oh my god. >> I I I I was telling the earlier group my >> I I I I was telling the earlier group my >> I I I I was telling the earlier group my my roof was leaking one time. My house my roof was leaking one time. My house my roof was leaking one time. My house in um I had a small house in California in um I had a small house in California in um I had a small house in California and rains came and and I that I came in and rains came and and I that I came in and rains came and and I that I came in and I was like, "Huh?" and I was like, "Huh?" and I was like, "Huh?" It was right in the kitchen. I put a It was right in the kitchen. I put a It was right in the kitchen. I put a bucket out and every day I'd walk past bucket out and every day I'd walk past bucket out and every day I'd walk past I'm like, "What we going to do, Lord, I'm like, "What we going to do, Lord, I'm like, "What we going to do, Lord, with your roof?" I would tell him, with your roof?" I would tell him, with your roof?" I would tell him, "What's we What are we going to do with "What's we What are we going to do with "What's we What are we going to do with your roof?" your roof?" your roof?" And within 5 days, the Lord gave me an And within 5 days, the Lord gave me an And within 5 days, the Lord gave me an answer and he rectified the roof because answer and he rectified the roof because answer and he rectified the roof because it was his roof.

it was his roof. it was his roof. >> I'm just the steward. I'm like, "What >> I'm just the steward. I'm like, "What >> I'm just the steward. I'm like, "What you going to do? What we going to do you going to do? What we going to do you going to do? What we going to do with this? It's your house." with this? It's your house." with this? It's your house." >> Mhm. When you turn it over to him, he >> Mhm. When you turn it over to him, he >> Mhm. When you turn it over to him, he going to take care of it going to take care of it going to take care of it every single time. [applause] every single time. [applause] every single time. [applause] Every single time. So, what has he Every single time. So, what has he Every single time. So, what has he entrusted to you? Remember, we're called entrusted to you? Remember, we're called entrusted to you? Remember, we're called to seek first the kingdom of God. and to seek first the kingdom of God. and to seek first the kingdom of God. and his righteousness and all these things his righteousness and all these things his righteousness and all these things will be added unto us. So dominion is a will be added unto us. So dominion is a will be added unto us. So dominion is a really an idea of stewardship. God then really an idea of stewardship. God then really an idea of stewardship. God then calls us to order. Remember that what we calls us to order. Remember that what we calls us to order. Remember that what we observed earlier creation itself observed earlier creation itself observed earlier creation itself reflects order. The heavens move with reflects order. The heavens move with reflects order. The heavens move with pre with precision. The earth sustains pre with precision. The earth sustains pre with precision. The earth sustains life through interconnected systems. The life through interconnected systems. The life through interconnected systems. The human body functions because every part human body functions because every part human body functions because every part contributes to the whole. We'll talk contributes to the whole. We'll talk contributes to the whole. We'll talk about that in spiritual gifts symposium about that in spiritual gifts symposium about that in spiritual gifts symposium coming up at the end of January. I mean coming up at the end of January. I mean coming up at the end of January. I mean end of August. Shameless plug. end of August. Shameless plug. end of August. Shameless plug. Every part contributes to the body of Every part contributes to the body of Every part contributes to the body of Christ. If God is a God of order, Christ. If God is a God of order, Christ. 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 type of order?

type of order? type of order? >> God's greatest miracle in some of our >> God's greatest miracle in some of our >> God's greatest miracle in some of our lives is not changing our circumstances lives is not changing our circumstances lives is not changing our circumstances overnight. Perhaps it is gradually overnight. Perhaps it is gradually overnight. Perhaps it is gradually bringing the lives his bringing our bringing the lives his bringing our bringing the lives his bringing our lives into his divine order. lives into his divine order. lives into his divine order. >> Our God specializes in taking uh what >> Our God specializes in taking uh what >> Our God specializes in taking uh what has become disordered and restoring it has become disordered and restoring it has become disordered and restoring it according to his purpose. according to his purpose. according to his purpose. >> So what area of your life is God >> So what area of your life is God >> So what area of your life is God presently asking you to steward more presently asking you to steward more presently asking you to steward more faithfully? faithfully? faithfully? >> Faithfulness is not measured by how much >> Faithfulness is not measured by how much >> Faithfulness is not measured by how much we've been given. Faithfulness is we've been given. Faithfulness is we've been given. Faithfulness is measured by what we do with what God has measured by what we do with what God has measured by what we do with what God has entrusted to us. entrusted to us. entrusted to us. >> Second responsibility. So we have a >> Second responsibility. So we have a >> Second responsibility. So we have a responsibility to re represent responsibility to re represent responsibility to re represent the creator but we likewise have a the creator but we likewise have a the creator but we likewise have a responsibility to reverence the creator. responsibility to reverence the creator. responsibility to reverence the creator. Let me get a reader um let me get a Let me get a reader um let me get a Let me get a reader um let me get a reader for oh uh Psalm 19 verses 1-6.

reader for oh uh Psalm 19 verses 1-6. reader for oh uh Psalm 19 verses 1-6. mighty. The heavens declare the glory of God. The heavens declare the glory of God. The skies proclaim the work of his The skies proclaim the work of his 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 speech. Night after night they reveal speech. Night after night they reveal speech. Night after night they reveal knowledge. They have no speech. They use knowledge. They have no speech. They use knowledge. They have no speech. They use no words. No sound is heard from them. no words. No sound is heard from them. no words. No sound is 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 like a tent for the sun. It is like a tent for the sun. 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 rejoicing to run his like a champion rejoicing to run his like a champion rejoicing to run his course. It rises at one end of the course. It rises at one end of the 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. warmth. warmth. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. So, we're called to reverence our So, we're called to reverence our So, we're called to reverence our creator. Those verses though speak of creator. Those verses though speak of creator. Those verses though speak of creation reverencing God.

creation reverencing God. creation reverencing God. Not human creation, Not human creation, Not human creation, but the rest of creation. The heavens but the rest of creation. The heavens but the rest of creation. The heavens declare the glory of God. The skies declare the glory of God. The skies declare the glory of God. The skies proclaim. proclaim. proclaim. Day after day, they pour forth speech. Day after day, they pour forth speech. Day after day, they pour forth speech. What fascinates me about this passage is What fascinates me about this passage is What fascinates me about this passage is that trees never stand at the pull pit that trees never stand at the pull pit that trees never stand at the pull pit and preach a sermon. and preach a sermon. and preach a sermon. Bugs don't sing in the choir, although Bugs don't sing in the choir, although Bugs don't sing in the choir, although we found out possums might. we found out possums might. we found out possums might. We had a possum in this building at one We had a possum in this building at one We had a possum in this building at one point. Goats never teach a Bible study. point. Goats never teach a Bible study. point. Goats never teach a Bible study. And yet every sunrise, every And yet every sunrise, every And yet every sunrise, every thunderstorm, every mountain range, thunderstorm, every mountain range, thunderstorm, every mountain range, every ocean tide constantly proclaim every ocean tide constantly proclaim every ocean tide constantly proclaim there is a creator. there is a creator. there is a creator. Creation praises God simply by being Creation praises God simply by being Creation praises God simply by being what God designed it to be. It's what God designed it to be. It's what God designed it to be. It's important um that the heavens declare important um that the heavens declare important um that the heavens declare when we look out at the heavens, it when we look out at the heavens, it when we look out at the heavens, it declares there's a creator. I was declares there's a creator. I was declares there's a creator. I was telling a a group um it takes a lot more telling a a group um it takes a lot more telling a a group um it takes a lot more faith to believe a bang happened and faith to believe a bang happened and faith to believe a bang happened and made all of this.

made all of this. made all of this. Wouldn't everything be a rock? Wouldn't everything be a rock? Wouldn't everything be a rock? >> Seems like bang and >> Seems like bang and >> Seems like bang and Yeah, it doesn't make sense. Yeah, it doesn't make sense. Yeah, it doesn't make sense. >> A bang can't tell your eyes to see. >> A bang can't tell your eyes to see. >> A bang can't tell your eyes to see. >> A bane can't tell you to grow. I mean, >> A bane can't tell you to grow. I mean, >> A bane can't tell you to grow. I mean, every hair on your head is counted. every hair on your head is counted. every hair on your head is counted. the real ones and the not so real. the real ones and the not so real. the real ones and the not so real. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> And so what that means for us though as >> And so what that means for us though as >> And so what that means for us though as believers is that humanity is without believers is that humanity is without believers is that humanity is without excuse. excuse. excuse. >> If the heavens declare, >> If the heavens declare, >> If the heavens declare, >> shouldn't humanity declare? >> shouldn't humanity declare? >> shouldn't humanity declare? >> Paul builds on David's thought of the >> Paul builds on David's thought of the >> Paul builds on David's thought of the heavens declaring in Psalm 19. And he heavens declaring in Psalm 19. And he heavens declaring in Psalm 19. And he writes in Romans 1 20, for since the writes in Romans 1 20, for since the writes in Romans 1 20, for since the creation of the world, God's invisible creation of the world, God's invisible creation of the world, God's invisible qualities, his eternal power and divine qualities, his eternal power and divine qualities, his eternal power and divine nature have been clearly seen, being nature have been clearly seen, being nature have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made. So understood from what has been made. So understood from what has been made. So that people are without excuse.

that people are without excuse. that people are without excuse. >> We won't be able to stand before a holy >> We won't be able to stand before a holy >> We won't be able to stand before a holy God and say there was no God. God and say there was no God. God and say there was no God. >> We will not. >> We will not. >> We will not. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> All right. We have to remember that at >> All right. We have to remember that at >> All right. We have to remember that at the name of Jesus, the name of Jesus, the name of Jesus, >> every knee is going to bow. [applause] >> every knee is going to bow. [applause] >> every knee is going to bow. [applause] The ones who acknowledge Jesus is Lord The ones who acknowledge Jesus is Lord The ones who acknowledge Jesus is Lord and the ones who did not acknowledge and the ones who did not acknowledge and the ones who did not acknowledge Jesus as Lord. And I'd rather be on the Jesus as Lord. And I'd rather be on the Jesus as Lord. And I'd rather be on the right side of that one. [sighs] right side of that one. [sighs] right side of that one. [sighs] Creation is the evidence of a Creation is the evidence of a Creation is the evidence of a magnificent creator. The sunset points magnificent creator. The sunset points magnificent creator. The sunset points beyond itself to God. The changing beyond itself to God. The changing beyond itself to God. The changing seasons whisper God's faithfulness. seasons whisper God's faithfulness. seasons whisper God's faithfulness. Every turn of the earth's rotation Every turn of the earth's rotation Every turn of the earth's rotation testifies to his sustaining grace and testifies to his sustaining grace and testifies to his sustaining grace and sustaining power. Creation continually sustaining power. Creation continually sustaining power. Creation continually reveals the creator. And the tragedy is reveals the creator. And the tragedy is reveals the creator. And the tragedy is not that God is hidden himself. The not that God is hidden himself. The not that God is hidden himself. The tragedy is that humanity often refuses tragedy is that humanity often refuses tragedy is that humanity often refuses to acknowledge what creation continually to acknowledge what creation continually to acknowledge what creation continually proclaims.

proclaims. proclaims. If creation continually reveals God and If creation continually reveals God and If creation continually reveals God and humanity is called to represent God, humanity is called to represent God, humanity is called to represent God, then there's one closing thing we want then there's one closing thing we want then there's one closing thing we want to consider and that is we have a to consider and that is we have a to consider and that is we have a response to our creator. response to our creator. response to our creator. >> Throughout Genesis chapter 1, God speaks >> Throughout Genesis chapter 1, God speaks >> Throughout Genesis chapter 1, God speaks and every time God speaks, creation and every time God speaks, creation and every time God speaks, creation responds. responds. responds. He said, "Let there be light." He said, "Let there be light." He said, "Let there be light." And there was light. He said, "Let the And there was light. He said, "Let the And there was light. He said, "Let the waters be gathered." And they gathered. waters be gathered." And they gathered. waters be gathered." And they gathered. He said, "Let the earth bring forth He said, "Let the earth bring forth He said, "Let the earth bring forth vegetation." And plants and trees grew. vegetation." And plants and trees grew. vegetation." And plants and trees grew. There was never a hesitation, a There was never a hesitation, a There was never a hesitation, a negotiation, or a resistance by negotiation, or a resistance by negotiation, or a resistance by creation. creation. creation. Creation immediately recognized and Creation immediately recognized and Creation immediately recognized and responded to the voice of its creator. responded to the voice of its creator. responded to the voice of its creator. That pattern does not end in Genesis. It That pattern does not end in Genesis. It That pattern does not end in Genesis. It continues throughout scripture. Genesis continues throughout scripture. Genesis continues throughout scripture. Genesis tells us, "In the beginning, God tells us, "In the beginning, God tells us, "In the beginning, God created." created." created." But then the apostle John comes along But then the apostle John comes along But then the apostle John comes along and he begins his gospel with remarkably and he begins his gospel with remarkably and he begins his gospel with remarkably similar language. He says in the similar language. He says in the similar language. He says in the beginning was the word.

beginning was the word. 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 one touching the sick, the one the one touching the sick, the one the one touching the sick, the one forgiving sinners, the one hanging upon forgiving sinners, the one hanging upon forgiving sinners, the one hanging upon the cross is the very one present at the cross is the very one present at the cross is the very one present at creation. creation. creation. The creator entered his own creation. The creator entered his own creation. The creator entered his own creation. Jesus was at the beginning Jesus was at the beginning Jesus was at the beginning [clears throat] [clears throat] [clears throat] not merely to admire creation but to not merely to admire creation but to not merely to admire creation but to redeem it. And that's where we want to redeem it. And that's where we want to redeem it. And that's where we want to conclude our lesson today as we discover conclude our lesson today as we discover conclude our lesson today as we discover that every miracle Jesus performs is that every miracle Jesus performs is that every miracle Jesus performs is ultimately an act of restoring creation ultimately an act of restoring creation ultimately an act of restoring creation to the way its creator intended it to to the way its creator intended it to to the way its creator intended it to be. be. be. The creator's voice never loses its The creator's voice never loses its The creator's voice never loses its authority. authority. authority. One of the beautiful truths of the Bible One of the beautiful truths of the Bible One of the beautiful truths of the Bible is that the same voice that called is that the same voice that called is that the same voice that called creation into existence continues creation into existence continues creation into existence continues speaking throughout history. speaking throughout history. 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 that Why? Because the wind recognized that Why? Because the wind recognized that 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 its prisoner. death surrendered its prisoner. death surrendered its prisoner. >> Why? >> Why? >> Why? Because death recognized the voice of Because death recognized the voice of Because death recognized the voice of the author of life. the author of life. the author of life. >> When he touched lepers, that disease >> When he touched lepers, that disease >> When he touched lepers, that disease retreated. retreated. retreated. When he commanded paralysis to leave, When he commanded paralysis to leave, When he commanded paralysis to leave, strength returned. strength returned. strength returned. Every miracle declares one great truth Every miracle declares one great truth Every miracle declares one great truth that creation still knows its creator. that creation still knows its creator. that creation still knows its creator. Everything God created recognizes his Everything God created recognizes his Everything God created recognizes his authority. The stars obey him. Disease authority. The stars obey him. Disease authority. The stars obey him. Disease obeys him. Even death obeys him. Jesus's obeys him. Even death obeys him. Jesus's obeys him. Even death obeys him. Jesus's miracles are not interruptions of miracles are not interruptions of miracles are not interruptions of creation. They are demonstration of creation. They are demonstration of creation. They are demonstration of demonstrations of the creator's demonstrations of the creator's demonstrations of the creator's continuing authority over creation.

continuing authority over creation. continuing authority over creation. So I want to argue a point that miracles So I want to argue a point that miracles So I want to argue a point that miracles are acts of restoration. And um what I are acts of restoration. And um what I are acts of restoration. And um what I mean by that is that mean by that is that mean by that is that um a miracle is frequently God restoring um a miracle is frequently God restoring um a miracle is frequently God restoring something to his original design. We something to his original design. We something to his original design. We said at the beginning, said at the beginning, said at the beginning, God formed, God formed, God formed, he spoke, he conceived, and then he he spoke, he conceived, and then he he spoke, he conceived, and then he created. Reverend Miles Cutter, one of our Reverend Miles Cutter, one of our interns, he he spoke about the demoniac interns, he he spoke about the demoniac interns, he he spoke about the demoniac from Mark chapter 5. from Mark chapter 5. from Mark chapter 5. And Jesus delivered that man possessed And Jesus delivered that man possessed And Jesus delivered that man possessed with demons. with demons. with demons. He restored wholeness to that man He restored wholeness to that man He restored wholeness to that man because the original design was for us because the original design was for us because the original design was for us to not be overtaken by a demon. to not be overtaken by a demon. to not be overtaken by a demon. Claudia Allen, Reverend Claudia, she Claudia Allen, Reverend Claudia, she Claudia Allen, Reverend Claudia, she talked about the woman with the issue of talked about the woman with the issue of talked about the woman with the issue of blood. blood. blood. When she touched the hymn of his When she touched the hymn of his When she touched the hymn of his garment, garment, garment, her body went back to what God her body went back to what God her body went back to what God originally designed it to function like.

originally designed it to function like. originally designed it to function like. Reverend Chris and uh Reverend uh Jquil, Reverend Chris and uh Reverend uh Jquil, Reverend Chris and uh Reverend uh Jquil, they they spoke about Jesus raising they they spoke about Jesus raising they they spoke about Jesus raising someone back to life. He was restoring someone back to life. He was restoring someone back to life. He was restoring life because death was never supposed to life because death was never supposed to life because death was never supposed to be part of the picture. He's he's taking be part of the picture. He's he's taking be part of the picture. He's he's taking it back to what he originally created it back to what he originally created it back to what he originally created >> us and designed us to do and to be. So >> us and designed us to do and to be. So >> us and designed us to do and to be. So when he opened the eyes of the blind, he when he opened the eyes of the blind, he when he opened the eyes of the blind, he was restoring sight. And we we call it a was restoring sight. And we we call it a was restoring sight. And we we call it a miracle, and it is, but he's actually miracle, and it is, but he's actually miracle, and it is, but he's actually taking us back to what he originally taking us back to what he originally taking us back to what he originally created. When he enabled the lame to created. When he enabled the lame to created. When he enabled the lame to walk, he was restoring movement and walk, he was restoring movement and walk, he was restoring movement and strength in those bones and those strength in those bones and those strength in those bones and those muscles. When he cleansed the leper, he muscles. When he cleansed the leper, he muscles. When he cleansed the leper, he was restoring wholeness just like he was was restoring wholeness just like he was was restoring wholeness just like he was restoring it to the man with the uh de restoring it to the man with the uh de restoring it to the man with the uh de demonic spirit. Every healing miracle demonic spirit. Every healing miracle demonic spirit. Every healing miracle whispers the same message. This is how whispers the same message. This is how whispers the same message. This is how my creation was intended to function. my creation was intended to function. my creation was intended to function. >> Jesus was not inventing something new. >> Jesus was not inventing something new. >> Jesus was not inventing something new. He had already created it.

He had already created it. He had already created it. >> He was revealing what the creator >> He was revealing what the creator >> He was revealing what the creator intended from the beginning. And that is intended from the beginning. And that is intended from the beginning. And that is why the miracles of Christ inspire us to why the miracles of Christ inspire us to why the miracles of Christ inspire us to so much hope. They remind us that so much hope. They remind us that so much hope. They remind us that brokenness never has the final word. brokenness never has the final word. brokenness never has the final word. Amen. Amen. Amen. >> Every miracle is a glimpse of >> Every miracle is a glimpse of >> Every miracle is a glimpse of restoration and points toward the day restoration and points toward the day restoration and points toward the day when all creation will be made new. when all creation will be made new. when all creation will be made new. >> And so we have a responsibility. Further >> And so we have a responsibility. Further >> And so we have a responsibility. Further responsibility is that we're called to responsibility is that we're called to responsibility is that we're called to rejoice. rejoice. rejoice. >> There's one final response of creation. >> There's one final response of creation. >> There's one final response of creation. We are called to rejoice. Jesus declared We are called to rejoice. Jesus declared We are called to rejoice. Jesus declared on his triumphal entry into Jerusalem, I on his triumphal entry into Jerusalem, I on his triumphal entry into Jerusalem, I tell you, if if these were silent, tell you, if if these were silent, tell you, if if these were silent, >> the rocks would cry out. >> the rocks would cry out. >> the rocks would cry out. >> And now, let me say this. I don't want >> And now, let me say this. I don't want >> And now, let me say this. I don't want rocks growing no lips rocks growing no lips rocks growing no lips >> to cry out for me. >> to cry out for me. >> to cry out for me. If humanity refuses to praise him, the If humanity refuses to praise him, the If humanity refuses to praise him, the rest of creation is ready to do it.

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 to his greatness. The stars testify roar to his greatness. The stars testify roar to his greatness. The stars testify every single evening. every single evening. every single evening. >> Creation has never been embarrassed to >> Creation has never been embarrassed to >> Creation has never been embarrassed to glorify its creator. glorify its creator. glorify its creator. >> Perhaps we can take a cue from creation. >> Perhaps we can take a cue from creation. >> Perhaps we can take a cue from creation. >> Praise is not merely something we do on >> Praise is not merely something we do on >> Praise is not merely something we do on Sunday mornings. Praise is the natural Sunday mornings. Praise is the natural Sunday mornings. Praise is the natural response of those who recognize the one response of those who recognize the one response of those who recognize the one who made it. who made it. who made it. >> Before we conclude, let me let me ask >> Before we conclude, let me let me ask >> Before we conclude, let me let me ask you to think about your own life. you to think about your own life. you to think about your own life. Perhaps your miracle is not as Perhaps your miracle is not as Perhaps your miracle is not as spectacular enough to appear on the spectacular enough to appear on the spectacular enough to appear on the evening news. Perhaps your miracle looks evening news. Perhaps your miracle looks evening news. Perhaps your miracle looks like peace after years of anxiety, like peace after years of anxiety, like peace after years of anxiety, forgiveness after decades of being hurt, forgiveness after decades of being hurt, forgiveness after decades of being hurt, healing after months of treatment, healing after months of treatment, healing after months of treatment, hope after disappointment, joy after hope after disappointment, joy after hope after disappointment, joy after grief, or perhaps your miracle is simply grief, or perhaps your miracle is simply grief, or perhaps your miracle is simply waking up this morning with another waking up this morning with another waking up this morning with another opportunity to glorify God. [applause] Never underestimate Never underestimate ordinary mercies.

ordinary mercies. ordinary mercies. Sometimes we overlook today's miracle Sometimes we overlook today's miracle Sometimes we overlook today's miracle because we're waiting for tomorrow's. because we're waiting for tomorrow's. because we're waiting for tomorrow's. >> Church family, every sunrise is a >> Church family, every sunrise is a >> Church family, every sunrise is a reminder that God is still faithful. reminder that God is still faithful. reminder that God is still faithful. >> Morning by morning, new mercies >> Morning by morning, new mercies >> Morning by morning, new mercies we see. we see. we see. >> And one day, according to his promise, >> And one day, according to his promise, >> And one day, according to his promise, God will make all things new. The Bible God will make all things new. The Bible God will make all things new. The Bible closes with one final promise. John, closes with one final promise. John, closes with one final promise. John, exiled on the island of Patmas, was exiled on the island of Patmas, was exiled on the island of Patmas, was given a vision of God's ultimate victory given a vision of God's ultimate victory given a vision of God's ultimate victory over sin, suffering, death, and every over sin, suffering, death, and every over sin, suffering, death, and every effect of the fall. He heard the Lord effect of the fall. He heard the Lord effect of the fall. He heard the Lord declare, "Behold, I am making all things declare, "Behold, I am making all things declare, "Behold, I am making all things new." In Revelation 21:5, "The same new." In Revelation 21:5, "The same new." In Revelation 21:5, "The same creator who spoke the first creation creator who spoke the first creation creator who spoke the first creation into existence has promised to restore into existence has promised to restore into existence has promised to restore his creation completely. Everything sin his creation completely. Everything sin his creation completely. Everything sin has fractured will be restored by the has fractured will be restored by the has fractured will be restored by the one who created it. That is the greatest one who created it. That is the greatest one who created it. That is the greatest manifested miracle still to come.

manifested miracle still to come. manifested miracle 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 the renewal of all final miracle will be the renewal of all final miracle will be the renewal of all creation. creation. creation. >> And in between those two miracles stands >> And in between those two miracles stands >> And in between those two miracles stands Jesus the Christ, Jesus the Christ, Jesus the Christ, >> our creator, our redeemer, our restorer. >> our creator, our redeemer, our restorer. >> our creator, our redeemer, our restorer. and to him [clears throat] be all glory and to him [clears throat] be all glory and to him [clears throat] be all glory forever and ever. forever and ever. forever and ever. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. [applause] So, lessons from the word of God should So, lessons from the word of God should always make me wonder, what is God always make me wonder, what is God always make me wonder, what is God teaching me today? teaching me today? teaching me today? That's on your handout. I won't read That's on your handout. I won't read That's on your handout. I won't read through all of the um questions. Those through all of the um questions. Those through all of the um questions. Those are for you to consider this week. But I are for you to consider this week. But I are for you to consider this week. But I do want to leave you with a few things. do want to leave you with a few things. do want to leave you with a few things. First, remember the creator. Never First, remember the creator. Never First, remember the creator. Never become so familiar with creation that become so familiar with creation that become so familiar with creation that you lose your sense of wonder. Take this you lose your sense of wonder. Take this you lose your sense of wonder. Take this time or take time this week to notice time or take time this week to notice time or take time this week to notice something you may normally overlook.

something you may normally overlook. something you may normally overlook. Remember, you represent the creator. You Remember, you represent the creator. You Remember, you represent the creator. You bear God's image. Represent him well. bear God's image. Represent him well. bear God's image. Represent him well. Honor him with your words. Honor him in Honor him with your words. Honor him in Honor him with your words. Honor him in your work. And honor him in your your work. And honor him in your your work. And honor him in your relationships. relationships. relationships. Finally, respond to the creator. Finally, respond to the creator. Finally, respond to the creator. Creation responds immediately to God's Creation responds immediately to God's Creation responds immediately to God's voice. voice. voice. Will we? Will we? Will we? >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Where is God calling you to greater >> Where is God calling you to greater >> Where is God calling you to greater obedience. obedience. obedience. Learn to trust him, remembering that the Learn to trust him, remembering that the Learn to trust him, remembering that the creator still performs miracles. creator still performs miracles. creator still performs miracles. And with that, we want to invite And with that, we want to invite And with that, we want to invite somebody to respond in a different way somebody to respond in a different way somebody to respond in a different way to the creator. to the creator. to the creator. If you hear his voice, If you hear his voice, If you hear his voice, harden not your heart. We invite those harden not your heart. We invite those harden not your heart. We invite those anyone who has not made the decision to anyone who has not made the decision to anyone who has not made the decision to follow after Jesus the Christ to come at follow after Jesus the Christ to come at follow after Jesus the Christ to come at this time. this time. this time. We invite you in [music] to this church We invite you in [music] to this church We invite you in [music] to this church family. Our pastor stands ready to be family. Our pastor stands ready to be family. Our pastor stands ready to be your pastor. Our church family [music] your pastor. Our church family [music] your pastor. Our church family [music] stands ready to be your church family.

stands ready to be your church family. stands ready to be your church family. Likewise, if you have already made a Likewise, if you have already made a Likewise, if you have already made a decision for Jesus Christ, but you don't decision for Jesus Christ, but you don't decision for Jesus Christ, but you don't have a church home, we [music] would have a church home, we [music] would have a church home, we [music] would love to call you a part of this church love to call you a part of this church love to call you a part of this church family. So, would you come at this time? family. So, would you come at this time? family. So, would you come at this time? How great [singing] How great [singing] How great [singing] [music] [music] [music] is our God? is our God? is our God? Sing with me. [music] Sing with me. [music] Sing with me. [music] How great How great How great is our God. is our God. is our God. Oh, and see how great, [music] Oh, and see how great, [music] Oh, and see how great, [music] how great how great how great is our [singing] God. is our [singing] God. is our [singing] God. [music] [music] [music] Come on, help me sing it tonight. How Come on, help me sing it tonight. How Come on, help me sing it tonight. How great, [singing] how great is our God. great, [singing] how great is our God. great, [singing] how great is our God. [music] Oh, [singing] [music] Oh, [singing] [music] Oh, [singing] sing with me. How great sing with me. How great sing with me. How great is our God. is our God. is our God. Oh, see how [music and singing] great, Oh, see how [music and singing] great, Oh, see how [music and singing] great, how great how great how great is our [singing] God. is our [singing] God. is our [singing] God. [music] [music] [music] Is there Is there Is there How great, how great is our God is our How great, how great is our God is our How great, how great is our God is our God. Sing with me. Sing [singing] with God. Sing with me. Sing [singing] with God. Sing with me. Sing [singing] with me. [music] How great is our God is our me. [music] How great is our God is our me. [music] How great is our God is our God. [singing] Oh, all will see [music] God. [singing] Oh, all will see [music] God. [singing] Oh, all will see [music] how great how great how great how great [singing] how great [singing] how great [singing] is our God.

>> How great how [singing] great [music] >> How great how [singing] great [music] >> is our God is our God. >> is our God is our God. >> is our God is our God. >> Sing with me. >> Sing with me. >> Sing with me. >> Sing with me. [singing] >> Sing with me. [singing] >> Sing with me. [singing] >> How great [music] >> How great [music] >> How great [music] our God is our God. our God is our God. our God is our God. Oh, see how great Oh, see how great Oh, see how great [music] how great [singing] is our God is our God to these. We want to welcome you to to these. We want to welcome you to to these. We want to welcome you to Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. It is a Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. It is a Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. It is a privilege to have you here. We're so privilege to have you here. We're so privilege to have you here. We're so glad you made the decision to come. glad you made the decision to come. glad you made the decision to come. Welcome to your new church family. Welcome to your new church family. Welcome to your new church family. [music] You can follow our deacon Sharita Wilson You can follow our deacon Sharita Wilson Rogers and they will get you in the Rogers and they will get you in the Rogers and they will get you in the intake space. To God be the glory. intake space. To God be the glory. intake space. To God be the glory. Praise God for that. Praise God for that. Praise God for that. [music] [applause] [applause] I have to share with you um I was asking I have to share with you um I was asking I have to share with you um I was asking the Lord and I know we were just at time the Lord and I know we were just at time the Lord and I know we were just at time um [music] last week. Uh, Reverend um [music] last week. Uh, Reverend um [music] last week. Uh, Reverend Roberts asked me what lesson I was going Roberts asked me what lesson I was going Roberts asked me what lesson I was going to do and he'd given me a couple of I'd to do and he'd given me a couple of I'd to do and he'd given me a couple of I'd asked him for a couple of the um other asked him for a couple of the um other asked him for a couple of the um other miracles and um but the Lord had given miracles and um but the Lord had given miracles and um but the Lord had given me creation a few weeks ago and um as I me creation a few weeks ago and um as I me creation a few weeks ago and um as I was praying last week, I was like, was praying last week, I was like, was praying last week, I was like, "Well, Lord, is that really what you "Well, Lord, is that really what you "Well, Lord, is that really what you want to do?" And I went in to get a want to do?" And I went in to get a want to do?" And I went in to get a smoothie at this smoothie place. And smoothie at this smoothie place. And smoothie at this smoothie place. And they had a devotional that I read they had a devotional that I read they had a devotional that I read normally, Jesus Calling. [music] And it normally, Jesus Calling. [music] And it normally, Jesus Calling. [music] And it was on July 30th. And I walked in and I

was on July 30th. And I walked in and I was on July 30th. And I walked in and I got my ordered my smoothie and I grabbed got my ordered my smoothie and I grabbed got my ordered my smoothie and I grabbed the book off the shelf and I started to the book off the shelf and I started to the book off the shelf and I started to read as I was um waiting for my read as I was um waiting for my read as I was um waiting for my smoothie. And this is what it said. smoothie. And this is what it said. smoothie. And this is what it said. Worship me in the beauty of holiness. Worship me in the beauty of holiness. Worship me in the beauty of holiness. I created beauty. >> [music and applause] >> [music and applause] >> to declare the existence of my holy >> to declare the existence of my holy >> to declare the existence of my holy being. A magnificent rose, a hauntingly being. A magnificent rose, a hauntingly being. A magnificent rose, a hauntingly glorious sunset, oceanic splendor. All glorious sunset, oceanic splendor. All glorious sunset, oceanic splendor. All these things were meant to proclaim my these things were meant to proclaim my these things were meant to proclaim my presence in the world. Most [music] presence in the world. Most [music] presence in the world. Most [music] people rush past those proclamations people rush past those proclamations people rush past those proclamations without giving them a second thought. without giving them a second thought. without giving them a second thought. Some people use beauty to sell their Some people use beauty to sell their Some people use beauty to sell their products. How precious are my children products. How precious are my children products. How precious are my children who are awed by nature's beauty. This who are awed by nature's beauty. This who are awed by nature's beauty. This opens them up to my holy presence. Even opens them up to my holy presence. Even opens them up to my holy presence. Even before you knew me personally, you before you knew me personally, you before you knew me personally, you responded to my creation with wonder. responded to my creation with wonder. responded to my creation with wonder. This is a gift and it carries This is a gift and it carries This is a gift and it carries responsibility with it. [music] responsibility with it. [music] responsibility with it. [music] Declare my glorious being to the world.

Declare my glorious being to the world. Declare my glorious being to the world. The whole earth [music] is full of my The whole earth [music] is full of my The whole earth [music] is full of my glory. [applause and music] [applause and music] It reminded me It reminded me It reminded me that that was exactly the message he that that was exactly the message he that that was exactly the message he wanted. So, I don't know who that was wanted. So, I don't know who that was wanted. So, I don't know who that was for, but please, I point [music] you for, but please, I point [music] you for, but please, I point [music] you right back to a holy God who knows right back to a holy God who knows right back to a holy God who knows exactly where you are and exactly what exactly where you are and exactly what exactly where you are and exactly what you need. It looks crazy. It sounds you need. It looks crazy. It sounds you need. It looks crazy. It sounds crazy. It feels crazy. It may even smell crazy. It feels crazy. It may even smell crazy. It feels crazy. It may even smell crazy, but our God is still in full crazy, but our God is still in full crazy, but our God is still in full control. To God be the glory. Great control. To God be the glory. Great control. To God be the glory. Great [music] things he has done. Would you [music] things he has done. Would you [music] things he has done. Would you rise? There are no services scheduled the There are no services scheduled the remainder of this week, remainder of this week, remainder of this week, [applause and music] [applause and music] [applause and music] but we do invite your prayer support for but we do invite your prayer support for but we do invite your prayer support for a couple of families that we will have a a couple of families that we will have a a couple of families that we will have a couple of services next week. [music] couple of services next week. [music] couple of services next week. [music] Um, so please keep families in prayer. Um, so please keep families in prayer. Um, so please keep families in prayer. Likewise, those that are sick amongst Likewise, those that are sick amongst Likewise, those that are sick amongst us, [music] we want to keep us, keep us, [music] we want to keep us, keep us, [music] we want to keep us, keep each one of us lifted up, but by the each one of us lifted up, but by the each one of us lifted up, but by the grace of God, [music] and it could be grace of God, [music] and it could be grace of God, [music] and it could be any one of us. So, we want to lift our any one of us. So, we want to lift our any one of us. So, we want to lift our brothers and sisters up in prayer. Let brothers and sisters up in prayer. Let brothers and sisters up in prayer. Let us pray. Creator God, we thank you for us pray. Creator God, we thank you for us pray. Creator God, we thank you for revealing yourself through the majesty revealing yourself through the majesty revealing yourself through the majesty of creation [music] of creation [music] of creation [music] 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 are Thank you for reminding us that you are Thank you for reminding us that you are the God who brings order out of chaos. the God who brings order out of chaos. the God who brings order out of chaos. [music] [music] [music] You bring life out of emptiness and hope You bring life out of emptiness and hope You bring life out of emptiness and hope out of despair. out of despair. out of despair. Teach us to live faith as faithful Teach us to live faith as faithful Teach us to live faith as faithful stewards of all you have entrusted to stewards of all you have entrusted to stewards of all you have entrusted to us. Give us eyes to recognize your us. Give us eyes to recognize your us. Give us eyes to recognize your miracles, hearts to worship you with miracles, hearts to worship you with miracles, hearts to worship you with [music] gratitude, and courage to obey [music] gratitude, and courage to obey [music] gratitude, and courage to obey your voice. May we reflect your image, your voice. May we reflect your image, your voice. May we reflect your image, rejoice in your goodness, and trust your rejoice in your goodness, and trust your rejoice in your goodness, and trust your power to continue restoring what is power to continue restoring what is power to continue restoring what is broken according to your perfect will. broken according to your perfect will. broken according to your perfect will. And now unto him who is able to keep us And now unto him who is able to keep us And now unto him who is able to keep us from falling and present us faultless from falling and present us faultless from falling and present us faultless before his presence [music] with before his presence [music] with before his presence [music] with exceeding great joy. To the only wise exceeding great joy. To the only wise exceeding great joy. To the only wise God be glory, majesty, dominion and God be glory, majesty, dominion and God be glory, majesty, dominion and power [music] power [music] power [music] now henceforth and forever more in Jesus now henceforth and forever more in Jesus now henceforth and forever more in Jesus name. Amen. God bless you.

name. Amen. God bless you. name. Amen. God bless you. [music]