2019-07-14

The Church and The Environment

Preacher:
Series:
Passage: Genesis 1:1
Service Type:

Youversion Event

What does God say about the environment?

  1. The earth belongs to God - Psalm 24:1-2
    • We are to Honor God's creation. Genesis 1:1
  2. God appointed mankind "Dominion" over the earth - Psalm 115:16
    • We are the earth's vice-regents. Genesis 1:28, 2:15
  3. The earth and nature has intrinsic value and reflects the character and beauty of the creator. Psalm 19:1-2
    • We must explore not exploit.
    • Enjoy but don't worship the earth Romans 1:19-21
  4. Mankind is placed in the middle of the created hierarchy and is uniquely responsible to God (above) and for the animals, plants and resources (below). Psalm 8:1-9
    • We are to use not abuse animals, plants, and resources to glorify God.
  5. God commans environmental stewardship to protect the land, animals, and vegetation for the common good. Deuteronomy 25:4, Proverbs 12:10, Deuteronomy 20:19
    • Consumption and Productivity must be governed by the boundaries of conservation.
  6. Christ's redemptive work includes the earth - Romans 8:19-21
    • We must treat the earth with the same priority God does. Revelation 21:1-4

What does any of this have to do with our mission?

  1. Part of fully following Jesus includes taking good care of the place He's given us to live.
  2. Part of leading people to Jesus is getting closer to them like Jesus did with us.

My NEXT STEP with God is to....

  • brainstorm new habits I can build to prioritize the 8 issues we can all agree on. (Clean air, clean water, balanced land use, preservation of beauty, productivity & progress with constraints for conservation, waste minimization, limits for biodegradable plastics, and recycling).
  • put into practice at least one of the "4 E's"
    • Explore - Get outside
    • Educate - Develop your appreciation of this incredible planet
    • Engage - Brainstorm new habits beneficial to the earth
    • Empower - Link up with environmentalists
  • share things I learned today with a friend
  • attend a home group to discuss this further