God in the World & in the Word
January 4, 2008
Avoiding God
Avoiding God in many times and places, has proved so difficult that a very large part of the human race has failed to achieve it. (C.S. Lewis)
What influences and events have led you to faith in God?
His Revelations to Us
General revelation refers to the way that God makes his existence known in the world.
Special revelation is the term for how God makes his will known to his people.
Psalm 19
God’s glory is on tour in the skies, God-craft on exhibit across the horizon.
Madame Day holds classes every morning.
Professor Night lectures each evening.
Their words aren’t heard, their voices aren’t recorded.
But their silence fills the earth
Unspoken truth is spoken everywhere.
God makes a huge dome for the sun- a superdome!
The morning sun’s a new husband leaping from his honeymoon bed,
The day breaking sun an athlete racing to the tape.
That’s how God’s word vaults across the skies from sunrise to sunset.
Melting ice, scorching deserts, warming hearts to faith.
Here are a few questions
What can anyone in the world know about God through creation?
How is God’s glory particularly revealed in the sun?
Which aspects of creation have helped you learn the most about God and His glory?
What are some things about God that can’t be known through creation?
Romans 1: 18-20
Romans 1:18-20 The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, 19since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. 20For since the creation of the world, God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.
Psalm 19: 7-9 God’s Law
The revelation of God is whole and pulls our lives together. The signposts of God are clear and point out the right road. The life-maps of God are right, showing the way to joy. The directions of God are plain and easy on the eyes. God’s reputation is twenty-four-carat gold, with a lifetime guarantee. The decisions of God are accurate down to the ninth degree.
Psalm 19:10
God’s word is better than a diamond, better than a diamond set between emeralds. You’ll like it better than strawberries in spring, better than red, ripe strawberries.
Psalm 19:11-14
There’s more; God’s word warns us of danger and directs us to hidden treasure. Otherwise how will we find our way? Or know when we play the fool? Clean the slate, God, so we can start the day fresh! Keep me from stupid sins, from thinking I can take over your work; Then I can start this day sun-washed, scrubbed clean of the grime of sin. These are the words in my mouth; these are what I chew on and pray. Accept them when I place them on the morning alter, O God, my alter-Rock, God, Priest-of-my-alter.
A few more questions
What words does the psalmist use to describe God’s law?
What are the benefits of knowing God’s law?
What benefits have you received from God’s law?
Why would reflecting on God’s creation and his law cause David to think about his own responsibility before God?
Make it personal
We’ve said that anyone can see there is a God through creation…..but
Romans 10:14-16 How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? 15And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!"
How is God revealing Himself to you?
Look at this crew!
Dave, Cory, Nicole and Tony
Carpenter and the Apple Girls
Callix Jackson was actually born THE NEXT DAY!
and friends
and of couse GAMES!
We are so excited for all our Mommies and can't wait to love on all three of them when they arrive.
Before you laugh too hard at those goofballs...
I love you crazy guys!
And here is where Cory and his "arm candy" bring us a message from the Word dealing with our identity. (Angela actually said that was her role!)
