“Where are you?”
This is a deeply profound question in the context of our spiritual life with God. God looks beyond the physical when he asks Adam and Eve in the garden, “Where are you?” He is inquiring about their hearts. God wants to know what is going on with them spiritually. God knows they have sinned against Him. He desires them to understand what is going on in their own hearts.
Adam and Eve respond to their sin and God’s question in 4 common, but ineffective ways. They first respond with fear. They are afraid of God and what He might do. Though this is understandable, it reveals that they do not know God’s heart and understand His continuing grace toward humanity. They secondly respond by being ashamed. They feebly try to cover their nakedness with fig leaves. This shows that they understand they need covering and forgiveness, but have no clue how to actually be forgiven. Third, they try and hide. No one has ever succeeded in hiding from God. It cannot be done. Finally, they admit to their sin, but never actually confess and repent of their sin. God desires us to confess - it is the path to grace.
This Sunday we will look at this passage with a goal of understanding our own hearts. Though we fear God at times, feel ashamed and dirty, try and hide from God, and stop short of confessing our sins, God is there with open arms running toward us! The greatest proof ever of God’s love is the empty cross. Let’s gather and celebrate what God has done and rejoice in our freedom in Jesus.
"Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me." - Psalm 7-10
- Pastor Curt
Theological Word of the Week:
Omnipresence
The doctrine that God does not have size or spatial dimensions and is present at every point of space with his whole being, yet God acts differently in different places.
Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology
Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology
Upcoming Events
Children's Ministry
This week Rock Kids will be digging into the story of when an idol bowed to God's Ark, found in 1 Samuel 5:1-5. The kids will learn the Bible point "God is real, so we believe that he's the one true God." We want to help kids explore modern-day idols. While they don't worship states like Dagon, they likely do put things before God. We want to help kids understand that because God is real, we believe in and worship only him as the one true God.
-Cameron
Sermon Topic - August 18
Genesis: Beginnings
Genesis 3:7-13
“The Story of the Fall - Part 3: Response”
Lectionary Readings
Genesis 45:1-15
Psalm 133
Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32
Matthew 15:21-28
July 2019 YTD