February 2000
What's the world coming to?
Its origin, ownership, purpose and destiny are all disputed. The word of God gives us the facts!
How did it all begin?
Genesis 1:1 says, "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth", How? - "He spake and it was done, commanded and it stood fast" (Psalm 33:9)
What is its purpose?
"The heavens declare the glory of God and the firmament sheweth his handywork" (Psalm 19:1). "The invisible things of God from the creation of the world are clearly seen ... even His eternal power and Godhead" (Romans 1:20)
Who does the world belong to?
"The earth is the Lord's and the fulness thereof, the world, and they that dwell therein" (Psalm 24:1)
What is going to happen to it?
"They all shall wax old as a garment" (Hebrews 1:11). Please note that there is an ageing process working in the world and that it has a defined lifespan determined by God.
How will it finish?
"The heavens shall pass away with a great noise, the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works shall be burned up" (2 Peter 3:10).
What happens then?
"According to His promise, we look for new heavens and a new earth wherein dwelleth righteousness" (2 Peter 3:13).
A life of Faith...
A Life of Service
"Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect in whom my soul delighteth" Isaiah 42:1
"For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me" John 6:38
"I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater that he that sent him" John 13:16
"O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt" Matthew 26:39
"Christ Jesus: who being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: but made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" Philippians 2:5-8
"I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do" John 17:4
A Life of Sinlessness
"Then said Pilate to the chief priests and to the people, I find no fault in this man" Luke 23:4
"Now when the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, Certainly this was a righteous man" Luke 23:47
"Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth" 1 Peter 2:22
"And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin" 1 John 3:5
"For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him" 2 Corinthians 5:21
A Life of Sacrifice
"And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins" Matthew 1:21
"This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief" 1 Timothy 1:15
"Whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many" Mark 10:44-45
"I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God who loved me, and gave himself for me" Galatians 2:20
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