The Explosion
(01/28/04)
Greetings to the Church That Began at Betsy's House,
Recently I was watching a show on TV in which a astronomer was talking about some discoveries that were being made in that field. He explained that with the new, higher powered, telescopes and other devices scientists were able to learn more about the origins of the universe.
In fact, he noted, they were able to go back to the instant of creation. They were able to see that it, the universe, went back to a point so small that it was virtually imperceptible. It was from that minute, almost imperceptible, point that the universe "exploded". It was/is the scientific validation of the "big bang" theory.
What was/is so interesting is the attendant conclusions of that scientific discovery.
First, and foremost, they concluded that the "speck" had to come from some place outside of time and space. They defined that origin in ways that were the definition of the God of the Bible but would not call it that.
Secondly, they noted that the "big bang" was a "controlled" explosion. It was a "designed and purposeful" event. Further it was/is noted that without the perfect "explosion" the earth would not be able to support life. In addition the order of the planets in our solar system are an absolute requirement to sustaining life on planet earth. The "controlled" necessity of all that happened is repeated over and over again.
So, we are currently living in a "expanding" universe that began from a speck that was created by a God outside of time and space. He, that is the Creator, was able to create "ex nihilo", from nothing came something.
What a picture we have of our Father. He is "ever producing". He is the source of all and is a "dynamic" Person, in that He is always producing results. We are created in His image and, as we grow closer to Him, will mirror that aspect, as well as many others, of "producing".
God will never stop creating, producing, because it is inherent in who He is. There is no end to what He will create and we who have trusted Christ will be on a adventure of discovery for all eternity. What a joy that will be as each new "discovery" will reveal more about the One whom we will never completely fathom.
Compare that, if you will, to the simplistic, static and boring world system. While it may be convoluted and mixed up it still manifests common, boring and predictable themes. I'm reminded of a ornate building I once viewed. As I looked at it closely I noted that it was not all that complex but merely repeated a basic theme over an over again. It was, to my mind, reminiscent of the world system. Remember that Satan, even though he was/is brilliant, he is a created being. He can only work with that with to which he has access. So, in our world, he can only work within the restrictions imposed upon mankind. Fallen man cannot go beyond his senses. He, even if he has a "spiritual" dimension can only operate within the limits imposed by his physical perceptions. He cannot conceive of a "Transcendent Being" except in natural terms.
As believers we can accept at "Transcendent Being" by faith produced in and through His Word. We cannot embrace that reality by intellect, it is beyond comprehension. We can see examples of this "Transcendent Being" manifested in the Word which chronicles His Work but are unable to truly comprehend it by human reason.
When we trust Him we then pass over into the realm of the "supernatural" and that is where our lives truly begin. We are then in the "spiritual" arena and living becomes exciting and diverse beyond our wildest imaginations. We are "blessed with all spiritual blessings in Heavenly places".
Operating in the sphere of faith in Christ and by the faith of Christ is to be in the vortex of a truly dynamic faith. A life that is ever producing and expanding. A life that is diverse and manifesting the productivity that comes from being joined with, and a part of, the One who gives us that life. It would be impossible for that Life to produce anything that is contrary, or in opposition to, that from which it came. "As the seed so grows the tree". Even those things in the physical realm validate that simply, yet profound, truth.
Now to enjoy the "wild ride" there are a few things of which we must be aware. Let me illustrate with the following:
Whenever one undertakes to become a pilot they don't just get into the airplane and fly off. There is a lot to learn before they put their hands to the controls and leave the constraints of earth. They spend lot's of time and effort in preparation in what is commonly noted as "ground school".
During that "ground school" they learn all about the controls, the theories of flying and various other things pertaining to flying. The time spent in those pursuits are often tedious, time consuming and boring but essential to flying. The student, to be sure, only wants to get up in the air and experience the thrill and exhilaration of flying. If they were to be allowed to fly without preparation they would most likely crash causing harm to both themselves and others.
So it is with wanting to "fly" in our spiritual lives. We must first become "grounded" in the Word. We must spend time and effort as we learn. We learn about Him and what sort of things that we may have to deal with while in flight. We must learn about how to set up and maintain communications with Him and how to stay on course among many other things.
In order to learn to fly and understand our "Flight Manual" we must be able to read it correctly. We must understand clearly the concepts and ideas that it contains. In order to do that we must understand it "rightly divided". We must see that which pertains directly to us and the directions it provides. We must not be confused about where to find what we need and only follow the "Flight Plan" that is ours. To do otherwise is risk becoming hopelessly lost and crashing.
A great adventure in spiritually "flying" awaits us but before we take to the air we must complete "ground school".
So I invite you to come to our flight school and learn how to understand and read your "Flight Manual" so that you can begin to enjoy the eternal life of adventure and meaning that is provided by a loving, wonderful, living, and ever producing Heavenly Father.
See you this Friday at 7:30 PM at IHOP on Midlothian Turnpike.
In His Love,
Tomme
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