Welcome to the Weekend Sermon. I hope that you have all had a very good week so far. As always, I would like to thank the Lord for the opportunity He has given me to post the sermon this week.
In today's message, I want to continue with our series on the Bible and Social Justice. In today's sermon, I want us to look at what the Bible has to say about taking care of the earth that God has created. What is humanity's responsibility?
Without a doubt, we are living in a time that is bringing significant climate change. Scientists are almost universally agreed that global climate change is occurring. Scientists have pointed out that changes in the climate have already led to more significant rainfall and storm events. Other significant impacts are predicted for the future. These impacts will disproportionately affect the most vulnerable populations on the planet.
In addition to this problem, we are seeing what some scientists are calling a new mass extinction. Multiple animals are becoming extinct. The bird and insect populations are on the decline. This has been proven in a number of different studies. The bee population is being decimated by pesticides used by humans in agriculture.
Because of the impacts that these environmental problems have on the poor and others, this is a social justice matter. The Bible is clear on what humans' duties are to the earth and to the creation in general.
Genesis 2:15 tells us what people are to do in regard to taking care of the world that the Lord has made. People were commanded by the Lord to take care of the world. Humans are in charge of the world in order to be good stewards of what God has made. According to Deuteronomy 10:14, the earth and everything that is in it belongs to the Lord. This earth and the animals in it do not belong to us. We are to take care of these things for the Lord. If we don't do it properly, we will be held responsible.
Some hold to the mistaken belief that this earth and the animals in it where made for humans. We see that exact opposite of this idea in Colossians 1:16 which states, "For in Him all things were created: things in heaven, and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through Him and for Him." In other words, Jesus is the creator and ruler of all, and everything was made for Him and belongs to Him.
Leviticus 25:1-7 tells us that God expects us to take care of the land in a proper manner. One way that this is done is by not running the land into ruin by overuse. Every seventh year, the land and the fruit trees were not to planted or harvested. They were to be given rest. Every seventh day, people were supposed to rest, and animals were supposed to be allowed to rest too.
The Lord cares about all that He has created. He cares about people, and He cares about animals and the plants. Jesus said in Matthew 6 that the Father makes sure that the birds of the air have food to eat.
As those who are followers of the Lord, we have the responsibility to work to make this world a better place. We need to be advocates for those policies that will help to reduce pollution of the air and the water. We need to be at the forefront of those calling for an end to habitat destruction and the decimation of animals.
The Lord has called us to take care of what He has made. Part of that means that each of us must find ways to waste less and conserve more. Recycling is a start. We can also find ways to pollute less and reduce our contributions to greenhouse gas emissions.
If those who follow the Lord would take seriously the command of the Lord to take care of what He has made, I believe that we could see a change in the course that the world is taking. This would help others to have a decent life for the honor and glory of God. Amen.
Prayer requests and other matters.
This week I had a lot of writing to do, and I thank the Lord for that. I am having some issues with my car, and I would ask that you would please pray that I will have the wisdom from the Lord to know what to do about this matter.
In other prayer matters, I would like you to pray for my uncle. He is in the hospital right now. Please pray that he will get well soon.
Please continue to pray for peace in the world. Afghanistan, Syria, Libya and Somalia need peace and need our prayers. There is also a lot of strife and conflict in some areas of the world. There continues to be unrest in Hong Kong, Bolivia and in Venezuela. Pray of peace and justice in this world.
Let us continue to pray for those who are still dealing with storm damage. I heard hat there is still a great deal of need in the Bahamas.
Please pray for those in the Congo dealing with the Ebola outbreak. Pray that this will end.
For our prayer focus countries this week, let us pray of those who live in Western Sahara and Azerbaijan. Pray that many will hear about the love of Jesus.
Next week, I will post the final message in our series on the Bible and Social Justice. I will post the sermon on Saturday. I will be posting the verses on Monday, and I will try to get a review posted on Wednesday. May God bless you all. Amen.
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