WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:07.160 We are in the middle this summer of a sermon series entitled Christ and Culture. 00:00:08.839 --> 00:00:14.679 ! Another way to say that is a biblical worldview. 00:00:14.679 --> 00:00:23.800 ! Gaining a biblical worldview so that in specific areas we can bring glory to God 00:00:23.800 --> 00:00:26.900 ! by living out the gospel in those areas. 00:00:26.900 --> 00:00:29.660 For example, we had money and finances. 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:33.060 We've had work, our vocation. 00:00:33.380 --> 00:00:36.740 We've had arts, creativity. 00:00:37.500 --> 00:00:39.759 We've had words, words we speak. 00:00:40.280 --> 00:00:45.780 We've had patriotism during the fourth couple weeks ago. 00:00:46.140 --> 00:00:55.000 How we live in that by not offending but proclaiming the gospel and having a proper biblical worldview 00:00:55.000 --> 00:00:55.659 in that. 00:00:55.659 --> 00:01:00.339 This morning, our topic is the environment or creation. 00:01:00.899 --> 00:01:04.819 What we live in and around and what is around us. 00:01:05.519 --> 00:01:09.079 What I want to do is begin by asking you a couple questions. 00:01:09.079 --> 00:01:18.039 The first question is, what do you think or feel when you're standing at the highest peak you've ever been on, 00:01:18.099 --> 00:01:22.480 the highest mountain you've ever been on, and you're looking out at the most magnificent view? 00:01:23.539 --> 00:01:24.679 What do you feel? 00:01:24.959 --> 00:01:25.920 What do you think? 00:01:25.920 --> 00:01:26.939 What do you think? 00:01:26.939 --> 00:01:31.640 Or when you look upon a beautiful flower blooming in springtime? 00:01:32.299 --> 00:01:33.599 What are your thoughts? 00:01:33.599 --> 00:01:36.839 How do you feel about that? 00:01:36.839 --> 00:01:46.439 Are your affections drawn to the creator of that vast valley, that beautiful flower? 00:01:48.899 --> 00:01:53.739 Well, how about, what do you think or feel when you drive by a normal field of pine trees? 00:01:53.739 --> 00:01:59.979 Or when you see a moth fluttering around the light on your house? 00:02:01.479 --> 00:02:04.280 Are your affections drawn to the creator as the same? 00:02:06.379 --> 00:02:14.240 Now, every leaf on the tree, every breeze that blows, every flower that blooms participates in a symphony 00:02:14.240 --> 00:02:19.240 proclaiming the glory and majesty of Jesus Christ. 00:02:23.400 --> 00:02:29.540 Every bit of creation, no matter how mundane, moths, pine trees here in Georgia, 00:02:30.640 --> 00:02:33.640 was crafted and made by God. 00:02:34.340 --> 00:02:37.219 And this is to point us to the creator. 00:02:38.840 --> 00:02:40.820 Turn to Colossians chapter 1. 00:02:40.819 --> 00:03:10.799 Colossians chapter 1. 00:03:10.819 --> 00:03:12.639 Colossians 1 verse 15. 00:03:13.840 --> 00:03:20.359 He, being Christ, is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 00:03:21.459 --> 00:03:27.120 For by Him all things were created in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, 00:03:27.659 --> 00:03:34.019 whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities, all things were created through Him and for Him. 00:03:34.539 --> 00:03:40.000 And He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. 00:03:40.819 --> 00:03:42.639 Join me in a word of prayer. 00:03:42.639 --> 00:03:51.979 Father, we are here gathered together to hear a word from You. 00:03:52.979 --> 00:03:55.559 God, I pray that that would occur this morning. 00:03:55.560 --> 00:04:01.280 God, that You would use me this morning to speak Your word to all of us. 00:04:02.379 --> 00:04:04.219 That they would not be my opinions or my thoughts. 00:04:04.379 --> 00:04:06.900 God, they would be Your words to us this morning. 00:04:08.219 --> 00:04:11.939 Help us to not grow numb to Your word. 00:04:11.939 --> 00:04:15.060 Help us to not take advantage of Your word. 00:04:15.759 --> 00:04:19.480 Help us to be moved. 00:04:20.360 --> 00:04:31.699 Have our eyes opened to Your truth that affects the way we live and not just gains some knowledge. 00:04:31.699 --> 00:04:36.360 We look to You for all things. 00:04:36.500 --> 00:04:38.439 None of this can be possible outside of You. 00:04:40.120 --> 00:04:41.539 Be merciful to us. 00:04:43.079 --> 00:04:44.680 That Your will be done this morning. 00:04:45.620 --> 00:04:46.579 In Jesus' name. 00:04:47.500 --> 00:04:47.759 Amen. 00:04:47.759 --> 00:04:47.839 Amen. 00:04:49.899 --> 00:04:53.980 Before we dig into Colossians, I want to kind of establish a starting point. 00:04:53.980 --> 00:04:57.860 And a lot of you, when I say this first point, you'll go, yeah, of course. 00:04:58.019 --> 00:04:58.879 Yeah, got it. 00:04:58.959 --> 00:04:59.199 Check. 00:05:00.219 --> 00:05:03.560 Which I've actually already mentioned it once already in the introduction. 00:05:04.300 --> 00:05:07.079 My first point is that God created everything. 00:05:07.860 --> 00:05:09.779 And everything was created for His glory. 00:05:10.300 --> 00:05:13.800 Now that's an elementary truth, but I think we need to establish this 00:05:13.800 --> 00:05:18.520 so that we can then move forward with our discussion this morning. 00:05:19.439 --> 00:05:20.900 God created everything. 00:05:21.300 --> 00:05:22.680 And everything for His glory. 00:05:23.379 --> 00:05:24.139 Genesis 1 says, 00:05:24.240 --> 00:05:25.040 In the beginning, God. 00:05:25.620 --> 00:05:26.900 In the beginning, God created. 00:05:27.360 --> 00:05:28.180 It was only God. 00:05:29.259 --> 00:05:30.120 We have God. 00:05:30.960 --> 00:05:32.259 And then we have everything else. 00:05:33.160 --> 00:05:35.699 We have God creating everything else. 00:05:35.699 --> 00:05:36.819 Everything we see. 00:05:37.540 --> 00:05:38.500 Everything we enjoy. 00:05:38.600 --> 00:05:39.639 Everything we breathe. 00:05:39.780 --> 00:05:40.620 The good and the bad. 00:05:40.620 --> 00:05:45.060 God is created by God. 00:05:46.259 --> 00:05:48.040 It's very important. 00:05:49.720 --> 00:05:52.300 And in the end of chapter 1 in Genesis, God says, 00:05:53.199 --> 00:05:56.199 Moses writes that it is very good what He created. 00:05:56.600 --> 00:05:58.699 Earlier in chapter 1, He said it was good. 00:05:59.399 --> 00:06:02.139 He finishes and says it is very good. 00:06:04.019 --> 00:06:07.240 Now, the Olympics are coming up at the end of the month. 00:06:07.300 --> 00:06:08.240 And I love the Olympics. 00:06:08.240 --> 00:06:12.340 A lot of people, I have a lot of friends who just hate the Olympics. 00:06:12.540 --> 00:06:13.379 I love the Olympics. 00:06:13.519 --> 00:06:14.540 I just love competition. 00:06:15.560 --> 00:06:21.980 And it's very important to be judged by someone who is qualified to judge. 00:06:22.460 --> 00:06:25.060 For example, the gymnastics. 00:06:26.120 --> 00:06:27.939 They're not going to walk out on the street and say, 00:06:28.040 --> 00:06:28.639 Hey, you, come on. 00:06:28.680 --> 00:06:29.400 We need to judge. 00:06:29.960 --> 00:06:32.639 No, they're going to have somebody who knows what they're looking for 00:06:32.639 --> 00:06:34.379 and have the specific scores. 00:06:34.379 --> 00:06:38.480 And if you've paid attention to gymnastics at all, it's a little complicated. 00:06:38.639 --> 00:06:40.879 So they just can't pull anybody off the street to do that. 00:06:41.680 --> 00:06:44.180 They're going to pull somebody who's qualified to judge. 00:06:44.939 --> 00:06:47.540 Well, in Genesis chapter 1, verse 31, 00:06:48.319 --> 00:06:52.860 God is the most qualified to claim His creation is very good. 00:06:52.920 --> 00:06:54.120 Because God is perfect. 00:06:54.319 --> 00:06:55.560 He is good. 00:06:56.620 --> 00:06:59.519 He is qualified to judge. 00:06:59.800 --> 00:07:00.620 He is perfect. 00:07:00.620 --> 00:07:02.300 He has no flaws. 00:07:02.780 --> 00:07:04.860 And His creation was without flaw. 00:07:05.660 --> 00:07:07.840 It was exact as He had designed. 00:07:08.420 --> 00:07:11.480 So we can say it was very good. 00:07:12.280 --> 00:07:13.540 And because it was perfect, 00:07:14.699 --> 00:07:17.319 it was perfect for what it was created. 00:07:18.579 --> 00:07:20.160 What it was created to do. 00:07:20.480 --> 00:07:22.920 For it was created to bring glory to Him. 00:07:22.920 --> 00:07:31.620 See, what makes an artist special, I think, in my opinion, a sculptor, an architect, 00:07:32.220 --> 00:07:35.319 is that they make something out of nothing. 00:07:35.960 --> 00:07:37.120 They dream up. 00:07:37.960 --> 00:07:41.100 And, of course, an architect and an artist do it within the rules of this world. 00:07:41.540 --> 00:07:45.000 So if an artist would have a blank canvas, 00:07:45.319 --> 00:07:49.400 well, they'd have to have a canvas and paint and color within the creative order. 00:07:49.399 --> 00:07:52.879 An architect would have an old dilapidated building. 00:07:53.019 --> 00:07:54.719 A sculptor would have a piece of marble. 00:07:55.419 --> 00:07:58.519 So they'd have these rules that they would have to abide in. 00:07:59.299 --> 00:08:02.219 What makes God so amazing is that He had nothing. 00:08:03.060 --> 00:08:04.679 And He created out of nothing. 00:08:05.719 --> 00:08:07.699 What we see did not exist. 00:08:08.019 --> 00:08:10.060 And God created it. 00:08:10.579 --> 00:08:12.859 And God says it was very good. 00:08:12.860 --> 00:08:16.480 An artist has a picture in their head, 00:08:16.540 --> 00:08:19.520 an idea of what they want to create, 00:08:20.020 --> 00:08:22.900 what they want to draw or paint or carve out. 00:08:23.400 --> 00:08:25.300 They have this picture, but nobody can see it. 00:08:25.580 --> 00:08:26.360 Only the artist. 00:08:26.840 --> 00:08:27.780 Only the sculptor. 00:08:28.740 --> 00:08:31.780 It's only when that piece of work is finished 00:08:31.780 --> 00:08:34.360 that the audience, the people around, 00:08:35.480 --> 00:08:37.080 knows what it is 00:08:37.080 --> 00:08:38.860 and knows that the work is completed. 00:08:38.860 --> 00:08:41.320 It is that moment of completion 00:08:41.320 --> 00:08:43.779 when the artist or sculptor is proud of his work 00:08:43.779 --> 00:08:45.879 and quite possibly may say, 00:08:46.240 --> 00:08:47.240 it is very good. 00:08:47.539 --> 00:08:48.919 And that is what God has done. 00:08:49.000 --> 00:08:49.779 He has created, 00:08:50.360 --> 00:08:52.580 and He says it is very good. 00:08:53.560 --> 00:08:56.340 God created everything out of nothing. 00:08:59.019 --> 00:09:02.779 When you see a Frank Lloyd Wright house, 00:09:03.500 --> 00:09:04.420 and if you don't know who he is, 00:09:04.440 --> 00:09:05.340 he's a famous architect, 00:09:06.340 --> 00:09:08.740 you know it's a Frank Lloyd Wright house. 00:09:09.600 --> 00:09:11.200 When you see a Van Gogh painting, 00:09:11.320 --> 00:09:12.620 you know it's a Van Gogh painting. 00:09:12.720 --> 00:09:14.039 He just has his own style. 00:09:15.039 --> 00:09:20.419 And the painting, the picture, the art, 00:09:20.779 --> 00:09:21.940 points to the artist. 00:09:24.560 --> 00:09:28.300 The work brings glory to the artist or the author. 00:09:28.919 --> 00:09:31.060 And so God's creation then 00:09:31.060 --> 00:09:33.460 is to bring glory to Himself. 00:09:34.279 --> 00:09:35.440 So He can say, 00:09:35.440 --> 00:09:37.260 it is very good for His doing 00:09:37.260 --> 00:09:39.240 what it was created to do. 00:09:42.520 --> 00:09:45.840 Creation brings glory to God. 00:09:45.960 --> 00:09:47.660 It points to the Creator. 00:09:48.880 --> 00:09:49.800 Now Jonathan Edwards, 00:09:50.000 --> 00:09:51.700 in speaking about relationships, 00:09:52.200 --> 00:09:53.640 he's talking about relationships here, 00:09:53.680 --> 00:09:54.900 but the principle applies. 00:09:55.040 --> 00:09:55.660 Listen to this. 00:09:56.400 --> 00:09:57.500 Fathers and mothers, 00:09:58.220 --> 00:09:59.800 husbands, wives, or children, 00:10:00.140 --> 00:10:02.000 or the company of earthly friends, 00:10:02.000 --> 00:10:03.259 are but shadows, 00:10:04.259 --> 00:10:07.279 but God is the substance. 00:10:08.399 --> 00:10:10.340 These are but scattered beams, 00:10:11.000 --> 00:10:12.600 but God is the sun. 00:10:13.539 --> 00:10:14.899 These are but streams, 00:10:15.059 --> 00:10:16.299 but God is the ocean. 00:10:18.000 --> 00:10:19.779 Gifts should point to the giver. 00:10:19.960 --> 00:10:21.860 Creation points to the Creator. 00:10:21.860 --> 00:10:24.879 God created everything, 00:10:25.000 --> 00:10:27.240 and everything is to point to Him. 00:10:28.620 --> 00:10:30.379 Now, what about the fall? 00:10:30.779 --> 00:10:31.560 Some of you may be thinking, 00:10:31.680 --> 00:10:32.240 what about the fall? 00:10:32.300 --> 00:10:32.919 What about sin? 00:10:33.379 --> 00:10:34.779 Now everything can't be perfect. 00:10:36.120 --> 00:10:38.300 All of creation was affected by the fall. 00:10:39.200 --> 00:10:40.000 By sin. 00:10:40.600 --> 00:10:42.600 This was not just a man issue. 00:10:42.740 --> 00:10:45.200 It was not just hearts that had been affected. 00:10:46.440 --> 00:10:48.080 The choice of Adam and Eve 00:10:48.080 --> 00:10:51.279 affected nature and creation. 00:10:51.860 --> 00:10:55.240 They brought devastation upon creation 00:10:55.240 --> 00:10:58.139 in the form of things such as 00:10:58.139 --> 00:10:59.759 ugliness and corruption. 00:11:01.740 --> 00:11:02.779 In Romans 8, 00:11:02.820 --> 00:11:04.740 we know that nature is groaning, 00:11:04.940 --> 00:11:05.980 awaiting redemption, 00:11:06.700 --> 00:11:08.360 awaiting for that time of perfection. 00:11:09.680 --> 00:11:12.080 See, creation though is still beautiful. 00:11:12.919 --> 00:11:14.580 We can still look out and see 00:11:14.580 --> 00:11:16.659 shades of green that we haven't seen before. 00:11:16.759 --> 00:11:18.360 We can still see shades of color 00:11:18.360 --> 00:11:19.820 that we have not seen. 00:11:19.820 --> 00:11:23.020 We can still get our breath taken away by beauty. 00:11:23.900 --> 00:11:25.280 But this beauty is limited. 00:11:26.540 --> 00:11:27.100 And truthfully, 00:11:27.200 --> 00:11:30.120 it pales in comparison to the beauty of Christ. 00:11:30.800 --> 00:11:32.400 The beauty of the Creator. 00:11:33.860 --> 00:11:36.000 So, now that we have that established, 00:11:36.340 --> 00:11:37.760 we're all on the same page 00:11:37.760 --> 00:11:39.060 that God created everything, 00:11:39.440 --> 00:11:40.780 and everything for His glory. 00:11:41.640 --> 00:11:44.340 Everything was created for Jesus, 00:11:44.340 --> 00:11:45.660 by Jesus, 00:11:45.660 --> 00:11:47.000 and through Jesus. 00:11:47.220 --> 00:11:48.139 This is where we dig into 00:11:48.139 --> 00:11:49.879 Colossians chapter 1. 00:11:51.180 --> 00:11:52.879 Now, verse 15 says, 00:11:53.240 --> 00:11:55.600 He is the image of the invisible God, 00:11:55.920 --> 00:11:58.019 the firstborn of all creation. 00:11:58.420 --> 00:11:59.860 He being Jesus. 00:12:00.840 --> 00:12:03.060 The heading at the top of this section, 00:12:03.259 --> 00:12:04.139 my Bible says, 00:12:04.220 --> 00:12:05.500 the preeminence of Christ. 00:12:06.200 --> 00:12:07.860 Speaking of Jesus Christ, 00:12:08.500 --> 00:12:10.139 He is the image of the invisible God. 00:12:10.139 --> 00:12:14.399 Now, this statement here, 00:12:14.460 --> 00:12:15.740 the image of the invisible God, 00:12:15.799 --> 00:12:17.179 was considered blasphemous 00:12:17.179 --> 00:12:19.620 to Orthodox Jews. 00:12:20.259 --> 00:12:22.899 The Old Testament forbid images of God 00:12:22.899 --> 00:12:24.819 because every image 00:12:24.819 --> 00:12:25.519 and every picture 00:12:25.519 --> 00:12:26.679 that we tried to create 00:12:26.679 --> 00:12:27.600 would fall short 00:12:27.600 --> 00:12:28.960 of the beauty 00:12:28.960 --> 00:12:29.939 and the awe 00:12:29.939 --> 00:12:30.779 and the greatness 00:12:30.779 --> 00:12:32.059 of God 00:12:32.059 --> 00:12:32.919 and who He is. 00:12:33.179 --> 00:12:34.639 So they would ban, 00:12:34.799 --> 00:12:35.539 they would allow you, 00:12:35.600 --> 00:12:35.819 no, 00:12:36.019 --> 00:12:37.639 we do not do images of God. 00:12:37.700 --> 00:12:38.620 We do not try to create 00:12:38.620 --> 00:12:39.860 a picture of who God is. 00:12:40.299 --> 00:12:41.620 So for Paul to say 00:12:41.620 --> 00:12:42.259 that Jesus 00:12:42.259 --> 00:12:44.240 is the image 00:12:44.240 --> 00:12:45.759 of the invisible God, 00:12:46.860 --> 00:12:49.480 he's making a statement here. 00:12:50.560 --> 00:12:51.539 He is saying 00:12:51.539 --> 00:12:53.560 that Jesus is God. 00:12:54.240 --> 00:12:56.120 Not just that He's a representation, 00:12:57.060 --> 00:12:59.539 not that He's a reflection of, 00:12:59.600 --> 00:13:00.139 but He's saying 00:13:00.139 --> 00:13:01.799 that Jesus is God. 00:13:04.279 --> 00:13:05.799 So Jesus is actually 00:13:05.799 --> 00:13:07.379 not just God, 00:13:07.379 --> 00:13:08.960 but He is Creator God. 00:13:09.740 --> 00:13:10.620 Same Creator 00:13:10.620 --> 00:13:12.059 who created everything. 00:13:15.460 --> 00:13:16.600 The firstborn 00:13:16.600 --> 00:13:17.980 of all creation. 00:13:18.480 --> 00:13:19.019 Now, some people 00:13:19.019 --> 00:13:19.740 want to make an argument 00:13:19.740 --> 00:13:20.100 and say that, 00:13:20.179 --> 00:13:20.379 well, see, 00:13:20.419 --> 00:13:21.120 Jesus was created, 00:13:21.200 --> 00:13:22.379 He comes in second here. 00:13:23.000 --> 00:13:23.939 Well, this statement 00:13:23.939 --> 00:13:24.799 is not about 00:13:24.799 --> 00:13:25.820 Him being born 00:13:25.820 --> 00:13:26.439 or created. 00:13:26.559 --> 00:13:27.120 It's actually about 00:13:27.120 --> 00:13:27.860 His status. 00:13:28.620 --> 00:13:29.799 That Jesus is above 00:13:29.799 --> 00:13:31.200 all creation. 00:13:31.960 --> 00:13:33.379 So Paul has established 00:13:33.379 --> 00:13:34.320 in one verse 00:13:34.320 --> 00:13:35.759 that Jesus is God 00:13:35.759 --> 00:13:38.259 and because He's God, 00:13:38.360 --> 00:13:39.899 He's above all creation. 00:13:41.100 --> 00:13:41.399 So, 00:13:41.939 --> 00:13:43.379 He's making a big, 00:13:43.559 --> 00:13:44.360 bold statement here 00:13:44.360 --> 00:13:46.120 for all of us readers 00:13:46.120 --> 00:13:47.480 to grasp. 00:13:47.799 --> 00:13:48.600 Jesus is God. 00:13:50.179 --> 00:13:51.039 Now, earlier I said 00:13:51.039 --> 00:13:52.360 that God created everything 00:13:52.360 --> 00:13:54.200 just a few minutes ago. 00:13:54.700 --> 00:13:55.620 And now I'm saying 00:13:55.620 --> 00:13:56.600 that everything was created 00:13:56.600 --> 00:13:57.460 for Jesus, 00:13:57.899 --> 00:13:58.620 by Jesus, 00:13:58.620 --> 00:13:59.519 and through Jesus. 00:14:00.779 --> 00:14:01.740 So what gives? 00:14:02.039 --> 00:14:02.679 Well, the easy, 00:14:03.120 --> 00:14:03.679 fast answer 00:14:03.679 --> 00:14:04.620 is that Jesus is God. 00:14:04.620 --> 00:14:06.580 that's simple. 00:14:07.720 --> 00:14:08.960 But let's dig in a little bit 00:14:08.960 --> 00:14:10.399 into verse 16. 00:14:11.740 --> 00:14:12.720 Verse 16, 00:14:12.840 --> 00:14:13.279 it says, 00:14:13.659 --> 00:14:14.620 For by Him 00:14:14.620 --> 00:14:16.580 all things were created. 00:14:17.659 --> 00:14:18.620 By Him 00:14:18.620 --> 00:14:19.460 all things 00:14:19.460 --> 00:14:20.440 were created. 00:14:21.220 --> 00:14:22.320 In John 1, 00:14:22.460 --> 00:14:22.960 verse 3, 00:14:23.019 --> 00:14:23.500 it says that 00:14:23.500 --> 00:14:24.659 all things were made 00:14:24.659 --> 00:14:25.320 through Him. 00:14:25.860 --> 00:14:26.820 And without Him 00:14:26.820 --> 00:14:28.320 was not anything made 00:14:28.320 --> 00:14:29.360 that was made. 00:14:30.080 --> 00:14:30.820 Hebrews 1, 00:14:30.879 --> 00:14:31.379 verse 2, 00:14:31.460 --> 00:14:31.700 says, 00:14:31.779 --> 00:14:32.340 Through Him 00:14:32.340 --> 00:14:33.980 also He created 00:14:33.980 --> 00:14:34.420 the world, 00:14:34.540 --> 00:14:35.600 Him being Jesus, 00:14:36.139 --> 00:14:37.139 John 1 being 00:14:37.139 --> 00:14:38.040 Jesus the Word. 00:14:41.960 --> 00:14:43.139 The picture here 00:14:43.139 --> 00:14:45.360 in Colossians 00:14:45.360 --> 00:14:46.080 and in John 00:14:46.080 --> 00:14:46.740 and in Hebrews 00:14:46.740 --> 00:14:47.280 is that 00:14:47.280 --> 00:14:48.440 the God the Father 00:14:48.440 --> 00:14:49.200 is the architect. 00:14:49.720 --> 00:14:50.620 He's the designer. 00:14:50.980 --> 00:14:51.580 He's the guy 00:14:51.580 --> 00:14:52.399 with the dream. 00:14:52.399 --> 00:14:54.740 He's the guy. 00:14:55.819 --> 00:14:56.840 Don't judge me 00:14:56.840 --> 00:14:57.360 on that statement. 00:14:58.240 --> 00:14:59.500 God is the architect. 00:15:01.360 --> 00:15:02.480 He's the dreamer. 00:15:02.579 --> 00:15:03.439 He's the guy 00:15:03.439 --> 00:15:04.340 who has the plan. 00:15:05.439 --> 00:15:05.939 And Jesus 00:15:05.939 --> 00:15:06.980 brings the plans 00:15:06.980 --> 00:15:07.659 into existence. 00:15:08.500 --> 00:15:08.899 So everything 00:15:08.899 --> 00:15:09.500 was created 00:15:09.500 --> 00:15:10.220 by Him. 00:15:14.720 --> 00:15:15.459 The Father 00:15:15.459 --> 00:15:16.220 is the developer 00:15:16.220 --> 00:15:17.120 of a property. 00:15:18.259 --> 00:15:19.759 Jesus is the builder 00:15:19.759 --> 00:15:21.600 of that property. 00:15:23.500 --> 00:15:24.759 Both working together 00:15:24.759 --> 00:15:26.100 to accomplish creation. 00:15:29.039 --> 00:15:30.039 And the Spirit 00:15:30.039 --> 00:15:30.659 then does 00:15:30.659 --> 00:15:31.759 the actual work 00:15:31.759 --> 00:15:33.019 of applying the plans 00:15:33.019 --> 00:15:34.360 in a hands-on 00:15:34.360 --> 00:15:34.939 relationship 00:15:34.939 --> 00:15:35.759 to creation. 00:15:36.879 --> 00:15:37.519 So the Spirit 00:15:37.519 --> 00:15:38.480 is even at work. 00:15:38.720 --> 00:15:39.600 In Genesis 1, 00:15:39.659 --> 00:15:40.059 the Spirit 00:15:40.059 --> 00:15:40.639 was hovering 00:15:40.639 --> 00:15:42.200 over the earth. 00:15:43.740 --> 00:15:44.500 The Spirit 00:15:44.500 --> 00:15:46.319 does the actual work. 00:15:46.759 --> 00:15:47.860 So creation 00:15:47.860 --> 00:15:48.539 then is 00:15:48.539 --> 00:15:49.120 trinitary. 00:15:49.659 --> 00:15:50.599 And this is as deep 00:15:50.599 --> 00:15:51.000 as I'm getting 00:15:51.000 --> 00:15:51.339 for you, 00:15:51.360 --> 00:15:51.699 I promise. 00:15:52.099 --> 00:15:53.339 Creation is trinitary 00:15:53.339 --> 00:15:54.759 like the Gospel. 00:15:55.639 --> 00:15:55.819 Okay? 00:15:56.219 --> 00:15:57.099 God the Father 00:15:57.099 --> 00:15:57.719 sends, 00:15:59.159 --> 00:16:00.039 calls, 00:16:00.740 --> 00:16:01.360 God the Son 00:16:01.360 --> 00:16:02.259 makes it possible 00:16:02.259 --> 00:16:03.139 by His life, 00:16:03.259 --> 00:16:03.439 death, 00:16:03.480 --> 00:16:04.120 and resurrection. 00:16:04.879 --> 00:16:05.839 And God the Spirit 00:16:05.839 --> 00:16:06.699 draws and opens 00:16:06.699 --> 00:16:07.579 the eyes of the heart. 00:16:08.379 --> 00:16:08.959 So creation 00:16:08.959 --> 00:16:10.339 is like the Gospel 00:16:10.339 --> 00:16:10.679 there, 00:16:11.379 --> 00:16:11.839 trinitarian. 00:16:13.799 --> 00:16:14.279 Creation 00:16:14.279 --> 00:16:16.360 by Him. 00:16:16.480 --> 00:16:16.839 Everything 00:16:16.839 --> 00:16:17.480 was created 00:16:17.480 --> 00:16:18.099 by Him. 00:16:18.100 --> 00:16:18.940 What we see 00:16:18.940 --> 00:16:20.139 came about 00:16:20.139 --> 00:16:20.899 through the working 00:16:20.899 --> 00:16:21.540 of Jesus' 00:16:21.840 --> 00:16:22.740 power and ability. 00:16:23.680 --> 00:16:24.820 Jesus is the power. 00:16:24.899 --> 00:16:25.659 He is the agent 00:16:25.659 --> 00:16:26.720 of creation. 00:16:27.300 --> 00:16:29.240 He brought the plans 00:16:29.240 --> 00:16:30.560 into existence. 00:16:31.899 --> 00:16:32.879 Look at the end 00:16:32.879 --> 00:16:34.180 of verse 16 00:16:34.180 --> 00:16:35.060 of Colossians. 00:16:36.060 --> 00:16:36.820 It says, 00:16:37.060 --> 00:16:37.580 all things 00:16:37.580 --> 00:16:38.399 were created 00:16:38.399 --> 00:16:39.040 through Him 00:16:39.040 --> 00:16:41.620 and for Him. 00:16:41.620 --> 00:16:42.179 creation. 00:16:42.179 --> 00:16:43.919 This means that 00:16:43.919 --> 00:16:44.980 Jesus is the goal 00:16:44.980 --> 00:16:46.279 of all creation. 00:16:47.379 --> 00:16:48.879 Of all creation. 00:16:49.000 --> 00:16:50.060 He is the goal. 00:16:50.560 --> 00:16:51.700 Everything exists 00:16:51.700 --> 00:16:52.940 to display His glory. 00:16:53.799 --> 00:16:54.700 That's the third point 00:16:54.700 --> 00:16:55.120 this morning 00:16:55.120 --> 00:16:56.060 if you're following along. 00:16:56.419 --> 00:16:57.600 Everything exists 00:16:57.600 --> 00:16:59.560 to display His glory. 00:17:00.539 --> 00:17:01.539 Creation declares 00:17:01.539 --> 00:17:02.560 the glory of Jesus. 00:17:04.119 --> 00:17:05.299 Now remember the artist, 00:17:05.420 --> 00:17:06.019 the sculptor, 00:17:06.279 --> 00:17:06.740 creating? 00:17:06.740 --> 00:17:09.079 Once the piece 00:17:09.079 --> 00:17:09.779 is complete, 00:17:10.420 --> 00:17:11.259 those who admire 00:17:11.259 --> 00:17:12.240 the finished work 00:17:12.240 --> 00:17:13.839 think of the artist 00:17:13.839 --> 00:17:15.160 and admire the artist 00:17:15.160 --> 00:17:17.099 who imagined 00:17:17.099 --> 00:17:17.700 and planned 00:17:17.700 --> 00:17:18.500 and accomplished 00:17:18.500 --> 00:17:19.559 this work of beauty. 00:17:20.079 --> 00:17:21.140 As long as that 00:17:21.140 --> 00:17:22.220 sculpture stands, 00:17:22.620 --> 00:17:23.440 as long as that 00:17:23.440 --> 00:17:25.019 artwork is on the wall 00:17:25.019 --> 00:17:26.099 displayed for people 00:17:26.099 --> 00:17:26.539 to see, 00:17:27.579 --> 00:17:28.380 people remember 00:17:28.380 --> 00:17:29.559 and admire the artist. 00:17:29.559 --> 00:17:32.039 Jesus is the artist 00:17:32.039 --> 00:17:32.720 to be admired. 00:17:33.359 --> 00:17:34.119 He is exalted 00:17:34.119 --> 00:17:35.319 through creation. 00:17:36.519 --> 00:17:37.859 He's the central point 00:17:37.859 --> 00:17:38.619 of creation 00:17:38.619 --> 00:17:40.059 and He is why we exist. 00:17:40.899 --> 00:17:41.779 So when we look out 00:17:41.779 --> 00:17:43.059 and we see something beautiful, 00:17:43.819 --> 00:17:45.220 we think of Jesus. 00:17:45.879 --> 00:17:47.200 We thank Jesus 00:17:47.200 --> 00:17:48.279 for it. 00:17:49.099 --> 00:17:50.599 Psalm 19.1 says, 00:17:51.240 --> 00:17:52.539 The heavens declare 00:17:52.539 --> 00:17:53.500 the glory of God 00:17:53.500 --> 00:17:55.039 and the sky above 00:17:55.039 --> 00:17:57.119 proclaims His handiwork. 00:17:57.960 --> 00:17:59.339 So when that cool breeze 00:17:59.339 --> 00:18:00.480 in a 90 degree day 00:18:00.480 --> 00:18:01.359 hits our cheek, 00:18:02.659 --> 00:18:03.119 rejoice, 00:18:03.279 --> 00:18:04.379 for Jesus had a hand 00:18:04.379 --> 00:18:06.859 in that breeze. 00:18:07.919 --> 00:18:09.619 When you visit paradise 00:18:09.619 --> 00:18:10.319 here on earth, 00:18:10.399 --> 00:18:11.439 wherever that is for you, 00:18:12.240 --> 00:18:13.500 when you visit paradise, 00:18:13.959 --> 00:18:15.399 thank God for His creation, 00:18:15.639 --> 00:18:17.119 for Jesus making it possible. 00:18:19.799 --> 00:18:21.939 Don't complain about the weather 00:18:21.939 --> 00:18:24.000 that God in His sovereignty planned. 00:18:25.579 --> 00:18:26.879 He created it. 00:18:26.980 --> 00:18:27.859 He ordains it 00:18:27.859 --> 00:18:28.519 for that moment 00:18:28.519 --> 00:18:29.179 and that time. 00:18:29.339 --> 00:18:32.779 Every time I think of that, 00:18:33.099 --> 00:18:34.199 complaining about weather, 00:18:34.359 --> 00:18:36.500 my mind goes straight to Facebook. 00:18:37.519 --> 00:18:38.500 Facebook has become 00:18:38.500 --> 00:18:40.240 the complaining capital of, 00:18:41.319 --> 00:18:41.699 I don't know, 00:18:41.740 --> 00:18:42.319 it's where we can all 00:18:42.319 --> 00:18:43.259 just drop our complaints 00:18:43.259 --> 00:18:44.099 and just run away. 00:18:44.519 --> 00:18:45.339 We can just say whatever 00:18:45.339 --> 00:18:46.000 and just leave. 00:18:46.779 --> 00:18:47.919 And it doesn't take very long, 00:18:48.059 --> 00:18:51.259 so we had a warm winter 00:18:51.259 --> 00:18:53.980 and those cold days we had, 00:18:54.019 --> 00:18:54.920 we were waiting for summertime. 00:18:55.420 --> 00:18:56.420 And as soon as summer hits, 00:18:56.460 --> 00:18:57.640 we're waiting for wintertime. 00:18:57.740 --> 00:18:58.579 As soon as winter hits, 00:18:58.640 --> 00:18:59.379 we're waiting for summertime. 00:18:59.839 --> 00:19:00.759 It's just a cycle. 00:19:02.000 --> 00:19:02.200 Well, 00:19:02.660 --> 00:19:03.420 why complain? 00:19:03.519 --> 00:19:04.839 Because God has created it. 00:19:04.920 --> 00:19:05.960 He's ordained it 00:19:05.960 --> 00:19:07.200 for us in that moment 00:19:07.200 --> 00:19:07.819 and that time. 00:19:07.819 --> 00:19:10.799 Martin Luther said, 00:19:10.899 --> 00:19:11.839 Our Lord has written 00:19:11.839 --> 00:19:13.599 the promise of the resurrection 00:19:13.599 --> 00:19:15.480 not in words alone, 00:19:15.939 --> 00:19:16.659 which is what we hold 00:19:16.659 --> 00:19:17.939 in our laps and in our hands, 00:19:18.599 --> 00:19:21.439 but in every leaf in springtime. 00:19:22.299 --> 00:19:23.960 So when every leaf comes out 00:19:23.960 --> 00:19:25.779 and grows and blooms, 00:19:28.259 --> 00:19:29.559 speaks to the resurrection 00:19:29.559 --> 00:19:31.460 of Jesus Christ. 00:19:31.460 --> 00:19:33.600 And all of creation speaks 00:19:33.600 --> 00:19:34.779 to the glory of Christ, 00:19:35.380 --> 00:19:37.200 not just a leaf on a tree. 00:19:38.380 --> 00:19:39.660 Nature and creation 00:19:39.660 --> 00:19:41.059 performs a symphony 00:19:41.059 --> 00:19:43.059 for the glory of Jesus Christ. 00:19:45.360 --> 00:19:46.480 I want to combine 00:19:46.480 --> 00:19:47.840 a couple thoughts here for us. 00:19:48.519 --> 00:19:48.680 Now, 00:19:48.799 --> 00:19:49.700 if creation, 00:19:49.900 --> 00:19:50.799 all of creation 00:19:50.799 --> 00:19:51.900 points to Jesus, 00:19:52.240 --> 00:19:53.039 if everything 00:19:53.039 --> 00:19:55.079 points to Jesus, 00:19:55.600 --> 00:19:56.700 so creation is here 00:19:56.700 --> 00:19:57.640 and we are to enjoy it 00:19:57.640 --> 00:19:59.360 for the glory of Jesus. 00:20:00.240 --> 00:20:00.960 It was created 00:20:00.960 --> 00:20:01.819 for Him 00:20:01.819 --> 00:20:03.360 as the end of verse 16 says. 00:20:04.259 --> 00:20:06.039 And the Westminster Confession, 00:20:06.140 --> 00:20:06.940 which is not Scripture, 00:20:07.039 --> 00:20:07.980 but based on Scripture, 00:20:08.160 --> 00:20:09.640 says that the chief end of man, 00:20:10.079 --> 00:20:11.120 our Logos question, 00:20:11.539 --> 00:20:12.519 what we were made for 00:20:12.519 --> 00:20:13.779 is to glorify God 00:20:13.779 --> 00:20:15.360 and enjoy Him forever. 00:20:15.880 --> 00:20:16.539 We were created 00:20:16.539 --> 00:20:17.579 to glorify God 00:20:17.579 --> 00:20:18.559 and enjoy Him forever. 00:20:19.440 --> 00:20:20.480 We too join 00:20:20.480 --> 00:20:22.380 in all of creation 00:20:22.380 --> 00:20:23.920 and glorify Jesus. 00:20:24.500 --> 00:20:28.620 That's the end there. 00:20:28.620 --> 00:20:30.700 We join in all of creation 00:20:30.700 --> 00:20:33.519 and we also enjoy Him forever. 00:20:34.799 --> 00:20:36.140 And one way we enjoy Him 00:20:36.140 --> 00:20:37.640 is by enjoying His creation. 00:20:38.160 --> 00:20:40.360 We enjoy what He's created. 00:20:40.500 --> 00:20:42.059 We enjoy the weather. 00:20:42.180 --> 00:20:45.080 We enjoy a nice flat field 00:20:45.080 --> 00:20:46.059 to play football on. 00:20:46.120 --> 00:20:48.759 We enjoy these things 00:20:48.759 --> 00:20:51.120 that God has created for us. 00:20:52.120 --> 00:20:53.680 See, the builder of the boat, 00:20:53.819 --> 00:20:55.420 the builder of a boat, 00:20:55.500 --> 00:20:56.819 rejoices when that boat 00:20:56.819 --> 00:20:58.500 is finally put out in the water 00:20:58.500 --> 00:20:59.399 and it doesn't sink. 00:21:00.559 --> 00:21:01.939 He rejoices when people 00:21:01.939 --> 00:21:02.819 are on that boat 00:21:02.819 --> 00:21:04.019 and they're able to have fun 00:21:04.019 --> 00:21:04.720 in that boat. 00:21:05.279 --> 00:21:05.980 Same way, 00:21:06.079 --> 00:21:07.299 God rejoices in us 00:21:07.299 --> 00:21:09.139 enjoying His creation. 00:21:09.299 --> 00:21:10.599 That points to Him 00:21:10.599 --> 00:21:14.000 and is for our joy. 00:21:15.500 --> 00:21:17.859 Theologian Joseph Sittler said, 00:21:17.960 --> 00:21:19.720 delight is the basis 00:21:19.720 --> 00:21:21.259 of right use. 00:21:21.259 --> 00:21:23.579 The light is the basis 00:21:23.579 --> 00:21:25.099 of right use. 00:21:25.839 --> 00:21:26.680 Enjoying Him 00:21:26.680 --> 00:21:27.440 is the basis 00:21:27.440 --> 00:21:28.660 of right use. 00:21:28.740 --> 00:21:31.339 It's not just enjoying creation, 00:21:32.240 --> 00:21:33.980 but using it rightly 00:21:33.980 --> 00:21:35.480 for His glory and our joy. 00:21:36.039 --> 00:21:37.779 We can all think of abuses 00:21:37.779 --> 00:21:40.819 used here on earth, 00:21:41.420 --> 00:21:42.480 on the earth. 00:21:43.920 --> 00:21:46.299 You're growing a field of marijuana. 00:21:46.420 --> 00:21:47.180 Well, that's a negative. 00:21:47.480 --> 00:21:48.299 That's not good. 00:21:48.299 --> 00:21:50.839 If you're cutting down trees 00:21:50.839 --> 00:21:51.819 for lumber 00:21:51.819 --> 00:21:52.799 to build houses 00:21:52.799 --> 00:21:53.539 for people, 00:21:53.720 --> 00:21:55.299 that's not necessarily bad. 00:21:56.319 --> 00:21:58.079 You've got to kind of balance 00:21:58.079 --> 00:21:59.700 and think about 00:21:59.700 --> 00:22:02.859 using it rightly. 00:22:03.440 --> 00:22:05.399 If creation points to Jesus, 00:22:06.500 --> 00:22:07.759 then we can point to Jesus 00:22:07.759 --> 00:22:09.299 with how we use His creation, 00:22:10.119 --> 00:22:11.680 how we use what He has created 00:22:11.680 --> 00:22:13.200 for us. 00:22:14.059 --> 00:22:15.099 Now, that does not mean 00:22:15.099 --> 00:22:16.399 we all drive Priuses. 00:22:17.200 --> 00:22:17.980 It does not mean 00:22:17.980 --> 00:22:19.180 that we all recycle 00:22:19.180 --> 00:22:21.099 and wear hemp clothing 00:22:21.099 --> 00:22:22.019 and live in trees. 00:22:22.140 --> 00:22:23.220 It doesn't mean any of that. 00:22:24.000 --> 00:22:25.059 But it does mean 00:22:25.059 --> 00:22:26.740 that we have concern 00:22:26.740 --> 00:22:27.559 and care 00:22:27.559 --> 00:22:28.940 for this world. 00:22:30.099 --> 00:22:31.980 Apathy is not allowed 00:22:31.980 --> 00:22:33.440 where the Gospel is concerned. 00:22:34.019 --> 00:22:35.180 Apathy does not work. 00:22:36.519 --> 00:22:37.579 Just not care 00:22:37.579 --> 00:22:39.099 doesn't fit in the Gospel. 00:22:39.099 --> 00:22:42.219 So if all creation 00:22:42.219 --> 00:22:43.559 was created for Him, 00:22:43.559 --> 00:22:44.000 Jesus, 00:22:44.359 --> 00:22:45.219 by Him 00:22:45.219 --> 00:22:45.899 and through Him, 00:22:46.679 --> 00:22:48.379 let us make much of Him 00:22:48.379 --> 00:22:50.819 in the way that we care 00:22:50.819 --> 00:22:51.480 for this world. 00:22:52.939 --> 00:22:54.599 In the way that we are concerned 00:22:54.599 --> 00:22:55.759 for this world. 00:22:58.000 --> 00:22:59.319 Now, I expect all of you 00:22:59.319 --> 00:23:00.500 to go and sell your cars 00:23:00.500 --> 00:23:01.439 after today. 00:23:02.379 --> 00:23:03.539 Stop buying fuels. 00:23:03.539 --> 00:23:05.339 No. 00:23:06.559 --> 00:23:09.500 Here's five practical ways 00:23:09.500 --> 00:23:10.420 we can live this out. 00:23:11.180 --> 00:23:12.299 And I stole this from 00:23:12.299 --> 00:23:13.379 Owen Strand's book 00:23:13.379 --> 00:23:14.379 on Jonathan Edwards, 00:23:14.500 --> 00:23:15.899 so these five points are his, 00:23:16.460 --> 00:23:18.779 but they're right on. 00:23:20.139 --> 00:23:21.519 Five practical ways 00:23:21.519 --> 00:23:23.480 that we can live this out. 00:23:25.259 --> 00:23:26.119 Point number one. 00:23:26.180 --> 00:23:27.000 We can appreciate 00:23:27.000 --> 00:23:28.659 the design of creation. 00:23:28.660 --> 00:23:30.080 We can appreciate 00:23:30.080 --> 00:23:32.420 the design of creation. 00:23:33.380 --> 00:23:35.259 God's wise design 00:23:35.259 --> 00:23:36.540 from spiders, 00:23:36.960 --> 00:23:38.060 if they creep you out, 00:23:38.580 --> 00:23:40.380 eight legs walking on webs, 00:23:40.540 --> 00:23:41.440 that's pretty amazing. 00:23:43.019 --> 00:23:45.360 To silkworms spitting silk. 00:23:47.440 --> 00:23:48.420 To the human body, 00:23:48.540 --> 00:23:49.100 the cell, 00:23:49.759 --> 00:23:51.259 just the cell in the human body 00:23:51.259 --> 00:23:52.759 that makes up who we are. 00:23:53.920 --> 00:23:56.019 God's complexity in His mind. 00:23:56.019 --> 00:23:59.480 Appreciate the design of creation. 00:24:00.680 --> 00:24:01.940 And this next statement 00:24:01.940 --> 00:24:03.299 may hurt some of us, 00:24:03.379 --> 00:24:03.920 and it hurts me 00:24:03.920 --> 00:24:04.759 just writing it down. 00:24:05.859 --> 00:24:06.759 Take a break 00:24:06.759 --> 00:24:08.299 from our technologically 00:24:08.299 --> 00:24:09.660 saturated lives 00:24:09.660 --> 00:24:12.680 to see God's creation 00:24:12.680 --> 00:24:13.440 in His mind. 00:24:14.079 --> 00:24:15.379 To see His design. 00:24:15.759 --> 00:24:16.799 To see His work. 00:24:18.559 --> 00:24:20.900 Put praise on God, 00:24:21.259 --> 00:24:22.059 to God, 00:24:22.139 --> 00:24:23.400 and not on humanity 00:24:23.400 --> 00:24:24.420 and our accomplishments. 00:24:24.420 --> 00:24:26.100 Because reality check 00:24:26.100 --> 00:24:27.000 is our accomplishments 00:24:27.000 --> 00:24:27.860 are going to pale 00:24:27.860 --> 00:24:28.920 in comparison 00:24:28.920 --> 00:24:30.320 to what God has created 00:24:30.320 --> 00:24:32.259 and what He has accomplished. 00:24:36.539 --> 00:24:38.580 Next practical way. 00:24:39.160 --> 00:24:41.440 Marvel at the beauty of nature. 00:24:42.420 --> 00:24:43.539 Marvel at the beauty. 00:24:44.259 --> 00:24:45.580 We must find time 00:24:45.580 --> 00:24:48.060 to consume God in nature 00:24:48.060 --> 00:24:50.920 within our busy schedules, 00:24:51.680 --> 00:24:52.519 our busy worlds 00:24:52.519 --> 00:24:53.200 that we live in. 00:24:53.200 --> 00:24:55.019 We must find time 00:24:55.019 --> 00:24:56.200 to consume God, 00:24:56.380 --> 00:24:58.299 to be with God 00:24:58.299 --> 00:25:00.440 outside of four walls 00:25:00.440 --> 00:25:01.039 and a roof 00:25:01.039 --> 00:25:02.480 and a cubicle 00:25:02.480 --> 00:25:03.700 or a cell phone 00:25:03.700 --> 00:25:04.380 in our face. 00:25:06.180 --> 00:25:07.819 Romans 1.20 says 00:25:07.819 --> 00:25:09.340 that God's divine nature 00:25:09.340 --> 00:25:10.559 and eternal power 00:25:10.559 --> 00:25:12.220 has been clearly displayed 00:25:12.220 --> 00:25:13.340 in creation. 00:25:14.140 --> 00:25:15.180 Clearly displayed. 00:25:16.200 --> 00:25:17.600 We can go out 00:25:17.600 --> 00:25:18.720 and see God. 00:25:19.860 --> 00:25:20.340 Now hear me, 00:25:20.380 --> 00:25:20.799 I'm not saying 00:25:20.799 --> 00:25:21.720 God is in nature. 00:25:21.720 --> 00:25:23.440 I'm not making up 00:25:23.440 --> 00:25:24.680 a new religion here 00:25:24.680 --> 00:25:25.660 at Christ Family Church. 00:25:26.079 --> 00:25:26.920 We can go out though 00:25:26.920 --> 00:25:27.940 and see His creation 00:25:27.940 --> 00:25:28.860 and see His mind 00:25:28.860 --> 00:25:29.720 and see His design 00:25:29.720 --> 00:25:30.900 and enjoy 00:25:30.900 --> 00:25:32.380 what He has created. 00:25:36.180 --> 00:25:37.480 God reveals Himself 00:25:37.480 --> 00:25:38.200 in nature 00:25:38.200 --> 00:25:39.019 and His creation. 00:25:40.440 --> 00:25:41.460 We can start 00:25:41.460 --> 00:25:42.819 by watching 00:25:42.819 --> 00:25:43.920 far less TV 00:25:43.920 --> 00:25:45.339 or taking in 00:25:45.339 --> 00:25:46.680 far less web content. 00:25:47.380 --> 00:25:48.319 We can stop 00:25:48.319 --> 00:25:49.120 by taking in 00:25:49.119 --> 00:25:49.839 our experiences 00:25:49.839 --> 00:25:50.739 through a three 00:25:50.739 --> 00:25:51.819 and a half inch screen. 00:25:52.979 --> 00:25:53.699 I don't have my 00:25:53.699 --> 00:25:54.259 iPhone on me 00:25:54.259 --> 00:25:55.279 but I can hold that up 00:25:55.279 --> 00:25:55.699 and start 00:25:55.699 --> 00:25:56.519 reporting you guys 00:25:56.519 --> 00:25:56.899 for that. 00:25:59.500 --> 00:26:00.879 Get out for a walk. 00:26:01.000 --> 00:26:01.879 Enjoy creation. 00:26:01.979 --> 00:26:02.659 This does not mean 00:26:02.659 --> 00:26:03.979 to go to the Appalachian Trail 00:26:03.979 --> 00:26:04.819 and start hiking. 00:26:05.819 --> 00:26:06.599 Get outside. 00:26:06.799 --> 00:26:07.519 We can get outside 00:26:07.519 --> 00:26:08.500 and enjoy His creation. 00:26:08.599 --> 00:26:09.339 We can play football 00:26:09.339 --> 00:26:10.459 and enjoy His creation. 00:26:10.579 --> 00:26:11.439 We can play basketball. 00:26:11.959 --> 00:26:12.799 We can do all sorts 00:26:12.799 --> 00:26:13.240 of things 00:26:13.240 --> 00:26:14.899 and enjoy God's creation 00:26:14.899 --> 00:26:16.579 and marvel 00:26:16.579 --> 00:26:17.339 at the beauty 00:26:17.339 --> 00:26:18.319 of nature. 00:26:19.859 --> 00:26:21.180 We can praise God. 00:26:21.259 --> 00:26:22.079 We can sing to God. 00:26:22.159 --> 00:26:23.220 We can celebrate God 00:26:23.220 --> 00:26:24.779 while being in the very realm 00:26:24.779 --> 00:26:25.940 that was created 00:26:25.940 --> 00:26:27.759 to testify for Him. 00:26:33.759 --> 00:26:34.619 Third point. 00:26:35.079 --> 00:26:35.659 We can look 00:26:35.659 --> 00:26:36.940 for spiritual truth 00:26:36.940 --> 00:26:37.859 in nature. 00:26:39.779 --> 00:26:40.579 Joseph Sittler, 00:26:40.659 --> 00:26:41.720 I quoted him a second ago, 00:26:41.720 --> 00:26:42.480 says that nature 00:26:42.480 --> 00:26:44.640 is a theater of grace. 00:26:46.319 --> 00:26:48.019 Nature is a theater of grace. 00:26:48.120 --> 00:26:48.660 We can sit 00:26:48.660 --> 00:26:49.200 and just be 00:26:49.200 --> 00:26:51.339 in awe of God's grace. 00:26:51.480 --> 00:26:52.700 In awe of His creation. 00:26:53.180 --> 00:26:54.100 Nature is a theater 00:26:54.100 --> 00:26:55.140 of grace. 00:26:55.519 --> 00:26:56.519 Psalm 19.1 00:26:56.519 --> 00:26:57.620 I quoted a second ago. 00:26:57.940 --> 00:26:59.160 The heavens declare 00:26:59.160 --> 00:27:00.740 His handiwork. 00:27:03.079 --> 00:27:05.000 Look for natural signs 00:27:05.000 --> 00:27:05.640 of truth 00:27:05.640 --> 00:27:07.100 of the Bible. 00:27:08.140 --> 00:27:08.579 Mercy. 00:27:09.579 --> 00:27:10.079 Judgment. 00:27:10.079 --> 00:27:11.759 Mercy. 00:27:12.279 --> 00:27:13.519 A long-needed rain. 00:27:14.720 --> 00:27:15.960 A rain that comes 00:27:15.960 --> 00:27:16.980 on a drought. 00:27:19.480 --> 00:27:19.919 Judgment. 00:27:21.039 --> 00:27:21.599 We'll look at the 00:27:21.599 --> 00:27:22.500 raging storm 00:27:22.500 --> 00:27:23.679 of lightning and thunder. 00:27:24.480 --> 00:27:25.199 Raging storms 00:27:25.199 --> 00:27:25.879 of tornadoes 00:27:25.879 --> 00:27:26.460 and hurricanes. 00:27:29.299 --> 00:27:29.960 Jonathan Edwards. 00:27:30.119 --> 00:27:30.259 Now, 00:27:30.740 --> 00:27:31.539 none of us in here 00:27:31.539 --> 00:27:32.279 are Jonathan Edwards. 00:27:32.439 --> 00:27:33.480 None of us have the mind 00:27:33.480 --> 00:27:34.079 of Jonathan Edwards. 00:27:34.199 --> 00:27:35.179 I've got to say this 00:27:35.179 --> 00:27:35.960 before I read this. 00:27:35.960 --> 00:27:36.159 Okay? 00:27:36.799 --> 00:27:37.639 Because this is a little 00:27:37.640 --> 00:27:38.080 out there, 00:27:38.259 --> 00:27:40.620 but the principle here 00:27:40.620 --> 00:27:42.420 we can certainly grasp. 00:27:43.480 --> 00:27:44.400 Jonathan Edwards saw 00:27:44.400 --> 00:27:45.300 a silkworm 00:27:45.300 --> 00:27:46.180 as a type 00:27:46.180 --> 00:27:47.580 of Christ. 00:27:49.800 --> 00:27:50.360 Listen. 00:27:51.280 --> 00:27:52.100 The silkworm 00:27:52.100 --> 00:27:53.220 is a remarkable, 00:27:53.220 --> 00:27:53.980 this is his words, 00:27:54.060 --> 00:27:54.720 the silkworm 00:27:54.720 --> 00:27:55.580 is a remarkable 00:27:55.580 --> 00:27:56.780 type of Christ, 00:27:57.280 --> 00:27:57.640 which, 00:27:58.000 --> 00:27:58.860 when it dies, 00:27:59.400 --> 00:28:00.160 yields us 00:28:00.160 --> 00:28:01.000 that of which 00:28:01.000 --> 00:28:01.500 we make 00:28:01.500 --> 00:28:02.560 such glorious 00:28:02.560 --> 00:28:03.440 clothing. 00:28:03.440 --> 00:28:05.779 Christ became 00:28:05.779 --> 00:28:06.380 a worm 00:28:06.380 --> 00:28:07.660 for our sakes, 00:28:08.120 --> 00:28:09.240 and by his death 00:28:09.240 --> 00:28:10.600 finished that righteousness 00:28:10.600 --> 00:28:11.759 with which believers 00:28:11.759 --> 00:28:12.960 are clothed, 00:28:13.380 --> 00:28:14.480 and thereby 00:28:14.480 --> 00:28:15.320 procured 00:28:15.320 --> 00:28:16.380 that we should be 00:28:16.380 --> 00:28:17.039 clothed 00:28:17.039 --> 00:28:18.039 with robes 00:28:18.039 --> 00:28:18.880 of glory. 00:28:19.539 --> 00:28:20.279 Jonathan Edwards 00:28:20.279 --> 00:28:21.620 saw biblical truth 00:28:21.620 --> 00:28:22.700 in a silkworm. 00:28:25.220 --> 00:28:26.180 We can look 00:28:26.180 --> 00:28:27.180 for spiritual truth 00:28:27.180 --> 00:28:28.000 in nature. 00:28:29.600 --> 00:28:30.420 Fourth point, 00:28:30.620 --> 00:28:32.180 practical ways 00:28:32.180 --> 00:28:33.140 we can live this out. 00:28:33.940 --> 00:28:34.740 We can care 00:28:34.740 --> 00:28:35.840 for creation. 00:28:36.680 --> 00:28:37.380 We can care 00:28:37.380 --> 00:28:39.160 for creation. 00:28:39.660 --> 00:28:40.240 There are, 00:28:40.420 --> 00:28:40.700 of course, 00:28:40.820 --> 00:28:41.740 extremes of this 00:28:41.740 --> 00:28:42.580 on both sides. 00:28:43.279 --> 00:28:44.440 We have the guy 00:28:44.440 --> 00:28:45.600 who cares too much, 00:28:46.539 --> 00:28:48.320 who doesn't 00:28:48.320 --> 00:28:49.220 buy a vehicle, 00:28:49.440 --> 00:28:50.279 rides a bike, 00:28:50.480 --> 00:28:51.259 uses a bullhorn, 00:28:51.340 --> 00:28:51.900 and yells at people 00:28:51.900 --> 00:28:53.019 who doesn't ride bikes. 00:28:54.200 --> 00:28:55.299 We have the people 00:28:55.299 --> 00:28:56.180 who are the other side 00:28:56.180 --> 00:28:56.420 of that, 00:28:56.440 --> 00:28:57.320 who don't care at all, 00:28:57.620 --> 00:28:58.200 who litter 00:28:58.200 --> 00:28:59.059 and throw their stuff 00:28:59.059 --> 00:28:59.880 all over the place 00:28:59.880 --> 00:29:00.680 and don't take care 00:29:00.680 --> 00:29:01.240 of their property 00:29:01.240 --> 00:29:02.320 and do all sorts of things 00:29:02.320 --> 00:29:02.880 because, 00:29:03.440 --> 00:29:04.000 well, 00:29:04.120 --> 00:29:06.240 if we know 00:29:06.240 --> 00:29:07.100 the Bible says 00:29:07.100 --> 00:29:08.640 that this is not a home, 00:29:08.740 --> 00:29:09.160 that this is going 00:29:09.160 --> 00:29:09.779 to be perfected, 00:29:09.799 --> 00:29:10.799 it's going to all burn up, 00:29:10.900 --> 00:29:11.080 well, 00:29:11.120 --> 00:29:11.600 let's just leave. 00:29:11.680 --> 00:29:12.180 Let's just not 00:29:12.180 --> 00:29:12.720 take care of it. 00:29:13.299 --> 00:29:13.519 Well, 00:29:13.539 --> 00:29:14.420 that's silly 00:29:14.420 --> 00:29:16.460 as well. 00:29:16.460 --> 00:29:20.039 if we have a God-centered 00:29:20.039 --> 00:29:21.360 understanding of creation, 00:29:22.400 --> 00:29:23.740 a gospel-centered 00:29:23.740 --> 00:29:24.920 understanding of creation, 00:29:25.059 --> 00:29:25.980 then we will preserve 00:29:25.980 --> 00:29:27.220 and take care 00:29:27.220 --> 00:29:28.299 of this creation. 00:29:29.299 --> 00:29:30.740 We will manage it. 00:29:30.920 --> 00:29:32.259 We will be faithful stewards 00:29:32.259 --> 00:29:32.759 of it 00:29:32.759 --> 00:29:35.000 because God has given it 00:29:35.000 --> 00:29:36.160 to us. 00:29:37.440 --> 00:29:38.380 Now hear me here. 00:29:38.380 --> 00:29:41.160 we will then possess, 00:29:41.360 --> 00:29:42.400 we will then possess 00:29:42.400 --> 00:29:44.620 a great opportunity 00:29:44.620 --> 00:29:46.560 to witness before people 00:29:46.560 --> 00:29:47.220 who too, 00:29:47.700 --> 00:29:48.560 love the earth 00:29:48.560 --> 00:29:51.040 but have no faith 00:29:51.040 --> 00:29:51.640 in the Creator. 00:29:52.220 --> 00:29:53.020 It would give us 00:29:53.020 --> 00:29:53.740 an opportunity 00:29:53.740 --> 00:29:55.560 to share with those 00:29:55.560 --> 00:29:56.280 who love the earth 00:29:56.280 --> 00:29:57.000 but don't love 00:29:57.000 --> 00:29:57.540 the Creator. 00:29:59.220 --> 00:30:00.760 Our care for the world, 00:30:01.320 --> 00:30:02.200 properly done, 00:30:02.200 --> 00:30:04.740 can be both 00:30:04.740 --> 00:30:05.819 an act of worship, 00:30:06.220 --> 00:30:07.279 worshiping the Creator 00:30:07.279 --> 00:30:08.360 for what He has created 00:30:08.360 --> 00:30:10.519 and a means 00:30:10.519 --> 00:30:11.360 of evangelism, 00:30:11.600 --> 00:30:12.440 being able to share 00:30:12.440 --> 00:30:13.100 with others 00:30:13.100 --> 00:30:15.180 the truth, 00:30:15.279 --> 00:30:16.080 the hope that we have 00:30:16.080 --> 00:30:16.799 in Christ Jesus. 00:30:18.620 --> 00:30:19.100 Finally, 00:30:20.259 --> 00:30:21.819 last practical way 00:30:21.819 --> 00:30:22.700 we can live this out. 00:30:23.920 --> 00:30:25.080 We can yearn, 00:30:25.420 --> 00:30:26.759 we can yearn 00:30:26.759 --> 00:30:28.259 for a greater realm, 00:30:29.080 --> 00:30:30.580 a future glory 00:30:30.580 --> 00:30:31.799 to come. 00:30:32.920 --> 00:30:33.680 This world 00:30:33.680 --> 00:30:34.700 is not our home. 00:30:35.680 --> 00:30:37.519 We should look forward 00:30:37.519 --> 00:30:38.660 to what's to come. 00:30:40.039 --> 00:30:41.440 Not dismissing 00:30:41.440 --> 00:30:42.000 what we have here, 00:30:42.059 --> 00:30:42.759 not being the guy 00:30:42.759 --> 00:30:43.200 who just says 00:30:43.200 --> 00:30:44.160 it's all going to burn anyway. 00:30:46.019 --> 00:30:47.759 Or thinking selfishly 00:30:47.759 --> 00:30:48.440 about the future 00:30:48.440 --> 00:30:49.480 and not being concerned 00:30:49.480 --> 00:30:49.960 with here. 00:30:50.920 --> 00:30:51.220 Thinking, 00:30:51.700 --> 00:30:52.740 that day is going 00:30:52.740 --> 00:30:53.480 to be great, 00:30:53.539 --> 00:30:54.240 right now I'm just 00:30:54.240 --> 00:30:54.900 going to get by. 00:30:56.480 --> 00:30:57.819 Our future here, 00:30:57.819 --> 00:30:58.580 here, 00:30:58.579 --> 00:31:02.859 our future home 00:31:02.859 --> 00:31:03.799 will be better 00:31:03.799 --> 00:31:05.220 because the triune God 00:31:05.220 --> 00:31:05.799 will be there. 00:31:06.439 --> 00:31:07.500 There will be no need 00:31:07.500 --> 00:31:08.159 for the sun. 00:31:08.299 --> 00:31:09.460 God's glory will be 00:31:09.460 --> 00:31:10.220 the light. 00:31:11.199 --> 00:31:12.899 The grass will be greener, 00:31:13.500 --> 00:31:14.579 but not because 00:31:14.579 --> 00:31:15.319 it's going to be better 00:31:15.319 --> 00:31:15.980 for us, 00:31:16.059 --> 00:31:16.859 although it will be. 00:31:17.419 --> 00:31:18.119 Not because we're going 00:31:18.119 --> 00:31:18.980 to gain something, 00:31:19.039 --> 00:31:19.879 something selfish 00:31:19.879 --> 00:31:20.659 out of it. 00:31:20.899 --> 00:31:21.679 It'll be greener 00:31:21.680 --> 00:31:22.360 because of Jesus 00:31:22.360 --> 00:31:22.920 is there. 00:31:23.620 --> 00:31:24.480 And God's glory 00:31:24.480 --> 00:31:25.460 is radiating. 00:31:28.259 --> 00:31:29.600 It will be perfect, 00:31:29.960 --> 00:31:30.360 happy, 00:31:30.700 --> 00:31:31.840 and a holy place. 00:31:33.420 --> 00:31:33.860 So, 00:31:33.980 --> 00:31:34.480 when we see 00:31:34.480 --> 00:31:35.539 the effects of sin 00:31:35.539 --> 00:31:36.820 in our daily lives, 00:31:36.880 --> 00:31:37.240 whether it be 00:31:37.240 --> 00:31:38.560 in a person 00:31:38.560 --> 00:31:40.700 or in this creation, 00:31:41.940 --> 00:31:42.880 we can rejoice 00:31:42.880 --> 00:31:43.799 because this is not 00:31:43.799 --> 00:31:44.220 our home. 00:31:44.860 --> 00:31:46.240 We can rejoice. 00:31:47.279 --> 00:31:48.180 We will enter 00:31:48.180 --> 00:31:48.820 a place 00:31:48.820 --> 00:31:50.140 of beauty 00:31:50.140 --> 00:31:50.779 and love. 00:31:51.680 --> 00:31:53.120 where God dwells 00:31:53.120 --> 00:31:54.620 for all eternity. 00:31:57.000 --> 00:31:57.220 And I, 00:31:57.580 --> 00:31:58.799 if we have this 00:31:58.799 --> 00:31:59.940 proper biblical view, 00:32:00.019 --> 00:32:00.460 if we have this 00:32:00.460 --> 00:32:01.700 proper mindset 00:32:01.700 --> 00:32:03.240 of creation 00:32:03.240 --> 00:32:04.400 and creation 00:32:04.400 --> 00:32:05.700 pointing to Jesus, 00:32:07.620 --> 00:32:08.279 then I know 00:32:08.279 --> 00:32:09.240 the way we live 00:32:09.240 --> 00:32:10.060 and how we treat 00:32:10.060 --> 00:32:10.840 and how we manage 00:32:10.840 --> 00:32:11.720 and how we deal. 00:32:11.779 --> 00:32:12.180 We would be 00:32:12.180 --> 00:32:13.299 conservationists. 00:32:13.360 --> 00:32:14.019 We would love 00:32:14.019 --> 00:32:15.380 this world 00:32:15.380 --> 00:32:19.019 and take care of it 00:32:19.019 --> 00:32:19.779 and manage it. 00:32:19.779 --> 00:32:21.639 this sermon 00:32:21.639 --> 00:32:22.579 was incredibly 00:32:22.579 --> 00:32:24.700 convicting for me 00:32:24.700 --> 00:32:25.359 because I've been 00:32:25.359 --> 00:32:26.339 the apathetic one. 00:32:27.099 --> 00:32:27.799 I've been the guy, 00:32:28.680 --> 00:32:30.220 just enjoy it. 00:32:30.460 --> 00:32:31.680 I've got to cut the grass. 00:32:32.940 --> 00:32:33.279 Geez. 00:32:34.339 --> 00:32:35.000 Those things. 00:32:35.779 --> 00:32:37.440 It's been a burden 00:32:37.440 --> 00:32:37.899 to me. 00:32:38.619 --> 00:32:39.539 But now, 00:32:40.259 --> 00:32:41.200 after studying this 00:32:41.200 --> 00:32:41.799 and really seeing 00:32:41.799 --> 00:32:42.500 the implications 00:32:42.500 --> 00:32:43.160 that everything 00:32:43.160 --> 00:32:44.299 was created for Him 00:32:44.299 --> 00:32:45.420 and by Him 00:32:45.420 --> 00:32:46.059 and through Him, 00:32:46.059 --> 00:32:48.059 everything points 00:32:48.059 --> 00:32:48.480 to Jesus. 00:32:49.259 --> 00:32:50.039 We should revel 00:32:50.039 --> 00:32:50.399 in that 00:32:50.399 --> 00:32:51.240 and celebrate that 00:32:51.240 --> 00:32:52.259 and rejoice in that. 00:32:53.259 --> 00:32:54.059 God created 00:32:54.059 --> 00:32:54.779 everything 00:32:54.779 --> 00:32:55.980 through Jesus Christ 00:32:55.980 --> 00:32:57.460 and everything 00:32:57.460 --> 00:32:58.460 points to Jesus. 00:32:59.559 --> 00:33:00.299 We as Christians 00:33:00.299 --> 00:33:01.599 should love creation 00:33:01.599 --> 00:33:02.240 more than any, 00:33:03.019 --> 00:33:03.799 enjoy it 00:33:03.799 --> 00:33:04.480 more than any, 00:33:05.700 --> 00:33:06.539 and conserve it 00:33:06.539 --> 00:33:07.099 more than any. 00:33:07.799 --> 00:33:09.019 We should enjoy it 00:33:09.019 --> 00:33:09.279 more, 00:33:09.720 --> 00:33:10.539 love it more, 00:33:11.539 --> 00:33:14.700 and conserve it more. 00:33:14.700 --> 00:33:16.480 That's a biblical worldview 00:33:16.480 --> 00:33:17.140 in the arena 00:33:17.140 --> 00:33:18.080 of creation 00:33:18.080 --> 00:33:19.279 and environment. 00:33:21.920 --> 00:33:22.480 So, 00:33:22.680 --> 00:33:24.319 Colossians chapter 1, 00:33:24.380 --> 00:33:25.120 when we read 00:33:25.120 --> 00:33:27.039 15, 16, and 17, 00:33:27.140 --> 00:33:27.740 which I didn't even 00:33:27.740 --> 00:33:28.279 get into, 00:33:28.840 --> 00:33:29.740 He, Jesus, 00:33:29.880 --> 00:33:30.519 is the image 00:33:30.519 --> 00:33:31.500 of the invisible God, 00:33:31.559 --> 00:33:32.299 the firstborn 00:33:32.299 --> 00:33:33.420 of all creation. 00:33:34.039 --> 00:33:35.059 For by Him 00:33:35.059 --> 00:33:36.180 all things 00:33:36.180 --> 00:33:36.779 were created 00:33:36.779 --> 00:33:37.360 in heaven 00:33:37.360 --> 00:33:38.519 and on earth, 00:33:39.120 --> 00:33:40.180 visible and invisible. 00:33:40.559 --> 00:33:41.319 Whether thrones 00:33:41.319 --> 00:33:42.019 or dominions 00:33:42.019 --> 00:33:42.580 or rulers 00:33:42.580 --> 00:33:43.319 or authorities, 00:33:43.319 --> 00:33:44.399 all things 00:33:44.399 --> 00:33:44.879 were created 00:33:44.879 --> 00:33:45.659 through Him 00:33:45.659 --> 00:33:46.879 and for Him. 00:33:47.339 --> 00:33:48.079 And He is before 00:33:48.079 --> 00:33:48.960 all things 00:33:48.960 --> 00:33:49.740 and in Him 00:33:49.740 --> 00:33:50.740 all things 00:33:50.740 --> 00:33:52.279 hold together. 00:33:52.939 --> 00:33:54.099 All of creation 00:33:54.099 --> 00:33:55.059 points to Jesus. 00:33:57.679 --> 00:33:58.720 Our lives 00:33:58.720 --> 00:34:00.079 are not compartmentalized. 00:34:00.539 --> 00:34:01.319 Nature is not 00:34:01.319 --> 00:34:02.919 this thing 00:34:02.919 --> 00:34:03.480 that we just 00:34:03.480 --> 00:34:04.919 have to deal with. 00:34:05.639 --> 00:34:06.419 We live 00:34:06.419 --> 00:34:07.859 in God's creation. 00:34:08.019 --> 00:34:08.539 We live 00:34:08.539 --> 00:34:09.179 in nature. 00:34:11.179 --> 00:34:11.819 We can bring 00:34:11.820 --> 00:34:13.039 great glory, 00:34:13.800 --> 00:34:14.360 great honor 00:34:14.360 --> 00:34:15.240 to Him 00:34:15.240 --> 00:34:16.380 through the way 00:34:16.380 --> 00:34:16.940 that we live. 00:34:17.480 --> 00:34:18.000 Not just 00:34:18.000 --> 00:34:19.360 with people. 00:34:20.360 --> 00:34:21.320 Not just in communication, 00:34:21.480 --> 00:34:22.059 but how we live 00:34:22.059 --> 00:34:23.680 with creation itself. 00:34:24.500 --> 00:34:25.080 Pray with me.