New Sermon Series
Back to Basics
Starts tomorrow!
Beginning Saturday, September 12th at 9am:
Ignite Men's Ministry
Children's Ministry News
Movie Night for Children, Friday, Oct. 2nd
Saturday, September 5, 2015
Wednesday, September 2, 2015
God Creates Part III (Genesis 1:26-31)
Genesis 1:26-31 (NASB):
Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” 27 God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. 28 God blessed them; and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it; and rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” 29 Then God said, “Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the surface of all the earth, and every tree which has fruit yielding seed; it shall be food for you; 30 and to every beast of the earth and to every bird of the sky and to every thing that moves on the earth which has life, I have given every green plant for food”; and it was so. 31 God saw all that He had made, and behold, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day.
We have looked at how God has created the universe out of nothing and by the power of His Word and Spirit. Today, we want to look at how God created us in His image.
Considering God's vast creation, the psalmist was awed that God should be mindful of human beings (Psalm 8). Yet God fashioned the man and woman as the crowning point of His creation. People were not an afterthought to God.
Before making human beings, God fashioned the perfect environment for them. When everything was ready to sustain human life, He then made the man and woman and placed them in the responsible position of enjoying and overseeing the world.
Bible students have debated the meaning of the plural pronouns Us and Our in this verse. This is the first of four instances in the Old Testament where the plural is used in divine speech (Gen. 1:26; 3:22; 11:7; Isa. 6:8). Some suggest that these are examples of the deliberative plural (inner reflection) or plural of majesty (expression of honor). Others (myself included) hold that the plurals are intentional references to the Trinity.
The Triune God fashioned humanity-unlike all other living creatures-to be in His image and likeness. I believe that verse 26 uses plural pronouns for God while verse 27 uses the singular form to demonstrate Scripture's affirmation of one God who exists in three Persons.
The terms image and likeness translate two Hebrew terms with similar but distinct meanings. The first refers to a replica or representation, much like a statue depicts someone but is not actually that person (Daniel 3:1). The second term refers to a similitude or resemblance, either in form (Ezekiel 1:5) or nature (Genesis 5:3). These two words support and define one another. The Creator intended humans to be like Him and to reflect His nature.
To be sure, we as humans are creatures and not little gods. Unlike other creatures, however, we possess a spiritual nature as well as a physical nature. We are able to relate to God-that is, to enjoy His presence and to worship, pray, and commune with Him-as no other part of creation can do. Our sin broke that relationship. However, at salvation the Holy Spirit regenerates and inhabits the human spirit, bearing witness that we are God's children (Romans 8:16).
Because human beings can relate to God in this way, He gave them the task of ruling over ("have dominion over,") all of the other creatures. At least two principles derive from this truth. First, human authority in the world is delegated, not inherent. People exercise their God-given authority best when they live in humble submission to the Creator. Second, human authority in the world is stewardship, not ownership. People are to care for and manage the world for God's glory. After all, He is the Owner.
Applying the Scriptures: What is the best thing to you about being made in God's image? What are some ways that believers can practice and promote good stewardship of God's creation? What role does thanking God for the provision He has made for our well-being play in this stewardship?
Serving Christ, Loving Others, and Growing Together,
Dr. Bryan Cox
Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” 27 God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. 28 God blessed them; and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it; and rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” 29 Then God said, “Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the surface of all the earth, and every tree which has fruit yielding seed; it shall be food for you; 30 and to every beast of the earth and to every bird of the sky and to every thing that moves on the earth which has life, I have given every green plant for food”; and it was so. 31 God saw all that He had made, and behold, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day.
We have looked at how God has created the universe out of nothing and by the power of His Word and Spirit. Today, we want to look at how God created us in His image.
Considering God's vast creation, the psalmist was awed that God should be mindful of human beings (Psalm 8). Yet God fashioned the man and woman as the crowning point of His creation. People were not an afterthought to God.
Before making human beings, God fashioned the perfect environment for them. When everything was ready to sustain human life, He then made the man and woman and placed them in the responsible position of enjoying and overseeing the world.
Bible students have debated the meaning of the plural pronouns Us and Our in this verse. This is the first of four instances in the Old Testament where the plural is used in divine speech (Gen. 1:26; 3:22; 11:7; Isa. 6:8). Some suggest that these are examples of the deliberative plural (inner reflection) or plural of majesty (expression of honor). Others (myself included) hold that the plurals are intentional references to the Trinity.
The Triune God fashioned humanity-unlike all other living creatures-to be in His image and likeness. I believe that verse 26 uses plural pronouns for God while verse 27 uses the singular form to demonstrate Scripture's affirmation of one God who exists in three Persons.
The terms image and likeness translate two Hebrew terms with similar but distinct meanings. The first refers to a replica or representation, much like a statue depicts someone but is not actually that person (Daniel 3:1). The second term refers to a similitude or resemblance, either in form (Ezekiel 1:5) or nature (Genesis 5:3). These two words support and define one another. The Creator intended humans to be like Him and to reflect His nature.
To be sure, we as humans are creatures and not little gods. Unlike other creatures, however, we possess a spiritual nature as well as a physical nature. We are able to relate to God-that is, to enjoy His presence and to worship, pray, and commune with Him-as no other part of creation can do. Our sin broke that relationship. However, at salvation the Holy Spirit regenerates and inhabits the human spirit, bearing witness that we are God's children (Romans 8:16).
Because human beings can relate to God in this way, He gave them the task of ruling over ("have dominion over,") all of the other creatures. At least two principles derive from this truth. First, human authority in the world is delegated, not inherent. People exercise their God-given authority best when they live in humble submission to the Creator. Second, human authority in the world is stewardship, not ownership. People are to care for and manage the world for God's glory. After all, He is the Owner.
Applying the Scriptures: What is the best thing to you about being made in God's image? What are some ways that believers can practice and promote good stewardship of God's creation? What role does thanking God for the provision He has made for our well-being play in this stewardship?
Serving Christ, Loving Others, and Growing Together,
Dr. Bryan Cox
Tuesday, September 1, 2015
God Creates Part II (Genesis 1:3-5)
Genesis 1:3-5 (NASB):
Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light. 4 God saw that the light was good; and God separated the light from the darkness. 5 God called the light day, and the darkness He called night. And there was evening and there was morning, one day.
Yesterday we saw how God brought the universe out of nothing in Genesis 1:1-2 by the Holy Spirit. Today, I want us to focus on how God created all things by His Word.
God demonstrated His power by speaking everything into existence. Some mythical creation accounts involved monsters and cosmic struggles. Unlike these myths, Genesis presents one God who spoke creation into being and who is still in control of His creation. God did not create everything at one moment but instead in a specific order and with a specific purpose in mind.
These are the first recorded words of God in Scripture. The Bible affirms that all of creation is the product of "the word of the Lord" and "breath of His mouth" (Psalm 33:6).
Many people debate the method of creation. If we believe in an omnipotent God, such theories are irrelevant. Scripture's testimony is sufficient. God spoke and caused everything to come into being. The phrase, "then God said," reminds us of John 1:1-3, where Christ is called "the Word" who "was with God in the beginning" and who served as the Divine Agent of creation. What Moses proclaimed simply as, "then God said," the Gospel writer further explained as the creative, life-giving force of the eternal Word of God.
In the absence of light there is darkness. God called light into being alongside darkness. At this point, the sun and stars had not been fashioned. We are reminded again of the opening verses of John's Gospel in which the life-giving Word also is "the light of men" that the darkness cannot overcome (John 1:4-5). In the New Jerusalem of heaven, "night will no longer exist" (Revelation 22:5). There will be no need for either sunlight or lamplight, for God Himself will give light to His people. He was, is, and will be the Source of all light.
Naming has important implications in Scripture. It can be an expression of authority over the person or thing named. For example, God gave the first man (Adam) the responsibility of naming all the living creatures over which he was to have dominion (Gen. 2:19). Naming also can be an expression of relating closely with a person of thing named. The risen Lord Jesus promises to write His "new name" on all who endure in faith in the time of testing (Revelation 3:12).
Just as God created the universe with a specific order and purpose in mind, you too, were created for a specific purpose. Psalm 139:13-16 (ESV) tells us:
For you formed my inward parts;
you knitted me together in my mother's womb.
14 I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Wonderful are your works;
my soul knows it very well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you,
when I was being made in secret,
intricately woven in the depths of the earth.
16 Your eyes saw my unformed substance;
in your book were written, every one of them,
the days that were formed for me,
when as yet there was none of them.
You may be struggling today with circumstances that look bleak. You might even be questioning God as to your purpose in life. Friend, let me encourage you. God created you with a specific plan and purpose in mind. Ask God to reveal that purpose to you today. James 1:5 (NIV) states, "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you."
Trust God's purpose for your life. Seek His will in prayer and His Word. Let the light of the Bible and God's Holy Spirit illuminate your path today.
Apply the Scripture: In what ways has God called light into your darkest days? How does knowing that Christ is the light of the world encourage you to look to Him when your world seems full of darkness? 2 Corinthians 4:6 (NIV): For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.
Serving Christ, Loving Others, and Growing Together,
Dr. Bryan Cox
Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light. 4 God saw that the light was good; and God separated the light from the darkness. 5 God called the light day, and the darkness He called night. And there was evening and there was morning, one day.
Yesterday we saw how God brought the universe out of nothing in Genesis 1:1-2 by the Holy Spirit. Today, I want us to focus on how God created all things by His Word.
God demonstrated His power by speaking everything into existence. Some mythical creation accounts involved monsters and cosmic struggles. Unlike these myths, Genesis presents one God who spoke creation into being and who is still in control of His creation. God did not create everything at one moment but instead in a specific order and with a specific purpose in mind.
These are the first recorded words of God in Scripture. The Bible affirms that all of creation is the product of "the word of the Lord" and "breath of His mouth" (Psalm 33:6).
Many people debate the method of creation. If we believe in an omnipotent God, such theories are irrelevant. Scripture's testimony is sufficient. God spoke and caused everything to come into being. The phrase, "then God said," reminds us of John 1:1-3, where Christ is called "the Word" who "was with God in the beginning" and who served as the Divine Agent of creation. What Moses proclaimed simply as, "then God said," the Gospel writer further explained as the creative, life-giving force of the eternal Word of God.
In the absence of light there is darkness. God called light into being alongside darkness. At this point, the sun and stars had not been fashioned. We are reminded again of the opening verses of John's Gospel in which the life-giving Word also is "the light of men" that the darkness cannot overcome (John 1:4-5). In the New Jerusalem of heaven, "night will no longer exist" (Revelation 22:5). There will be no need for either sunlight or lamplight, for God Himself will give light to His people. He was, is, and will be the Source of all light.
Naming has important implications in Scripture. It can be an expression of authority over the person or thing named. For example, God gave the first man (Adam) the responsibility of naming all the living creatures over which he was to have dominion (Gen. 2:19). Naming also can be an expression of relating closely with a person of thing named. The risen Lord Jesus promises to write His "new name" on all who endure in faith in the time of testing (Revelation 3:12).
Just as God created the universe with a specific order and purpose in mind, you too, were created for a specific purpose. Psalm 139:13-16 (ESV) tells us:
For you formed my inward parts;
you knitted me together in my mother's womb.
14 I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Wonderful are your works;
my soul knows it very well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you,
when I was being made in secret,
intricately woven in the depths of the earth.
16 Your eyes saw my unformed substance;
in your book were written, every one of them,
the days that were formed for me,
when as yet there was none of them.
You may be struggling today with circumstances that look bleak. You might even be questioning God as to your purpose in life. Friend, let me encourage you. God created you with a specific plan and purpose in mind. Ask God to reveal that purpose to you today. James 1:5 (NIV) states, "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you."
Trust God's purpose for your life. Seek His will in prayer and His Word. Let the light of the Bible and God's Holy Spirit illuminate your path today.
Apply the Scripture: In what ways has God called light into your darkest days? How does knowing that Christ is the light of the world encourage you to look to Him when your world seems full of darkness? 2 Corinthians 4:6 (NIV): For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.
Serving Christ, Loving Others, and Growing Together,
Dr. Bryan Cox
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