TMG
Tom’s Midweek Greeting
Nevada, MO
April 22, 2021
Dear Crossroads Family —
As I’ve been reading Genesis 1 in preparation for Sunday’s sermon and worship, so many questions come to mind!
Normally, in preparing a sermon, I start out with two questions: (1) What’s the writer talking about? (2) What’s he saying about what he’s talking about?
In Genesis 1, the writer is talking about Creation. But, then the other questions begin:
- When did God create? How old is creation? How long did creation take? Are the seven days of Genesis 1 literal 24-hour days?
- How did God create? How do we deal with questions of evolution?
- What about climate change?
- What about a possible threat of population explosion (“Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth” – Genesis 1:28)?
- What about sexual identity? (God made man in his own image ; male and female He created them – Genesis 1:27)?
- How is Jesus Christ like, and unlike, the first humans? Jesus existed in the “form” of God (Philippians 2:6); Adam and Eve were created in the likeness and image of God (Gen 1:26)?
We’ll dig into some of these questions this Sunday, though certainly not all of them. I think we’ll find that the overriding purpose of Genesis 1 is to direct our attention to God. Who is God? What is his role, really, in our lives? It’s not by accident that the subject of the first sentence of the Bible is God … and that the name of God is found 35 times in the first 34 verses of the Bible. “God said,” … “God created,” … “God made” … are the statements that fill Genesis 1. Be ready this Sunday to encounter the God who made all things well!
It has been a long time since I’ve hummed or sung that old hymn, “All Things Bright and Beautiful.” The lyrics are below. I look forward to seeing you Sunday at 10:00 at the Y! As always, the sermon will be posted on Facebook and on YouTube (Tom Rea Channel) by Saturday evening.
“All things bright and beautiful, all creatures great and small, all things wise and wonderful, the Lord God made them all.
Each little flower that opens, each little bird that sings, He made their glowing color, He made their tiny wings.
The purple-headed mountains, the river running by, the sunset and the morning that brightens up the sky.
The cold wind in the winter, the pleasant summer sun, the ripe fruits in the garden, He made them every one.
He gave us eyes to see them, and lips hat we might tell, how great is the Almighty, who has made all things well.”
A few thoughts on climate change
- Be careful that care for the planet doesn’t turn into worship of the planet. There may exist today, in some circles, a kind of “eco-spirituality.” Romans 1:25 — “They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator ….”
- We can always trust God for our lives, no matter what weather-related or climate-related changes may take place. Psalm 46:1-2 — “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change ….”
- We read of God-caused climate change coming in the Tribulation period. In fact, God has promised to destroythis planet with fire. 2 Peter 3:10 — “The day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be burned up.”
All Scripture is profitable…
One of the themes of our Genesis 1 sermon this Sunday will be to remember that all Scripture (including Genesis 1) is “inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Whatever we may understand or not understand about Genesis 1, it is meant to train us — to grow us — in righteousness (i.e., in our trust in, and obedience to, God).
Erlinda Reichard wrote these thoughts about that word “profitable”: What does “profit” mean? Off the top of my head, it means “more than what’s needed,” or “more than enough.” So Scripture is more than enough for reproof, more than enough for correction, more than enough for training in righteousness. I don’t necessarily need more books on how to live ; if I stay the course with what Scripture says, I’m doing okay. I often feel inadequate, but God’s Word is more than enough!
Thank You!
Dear Friends at Crossroads Community Church: Thank you for your support with our Boomerang Bottle Campaign. Your continued support to our center and those in the community we serve is greatly appreciated. Yours in Christ, Ginger Nowak (Birthright of Nevada)
Coming Up at Crossroads
Youth Group next Wednesday, April 28.
Youth Group for ages 16 through college will happen next Wednesday at the Rodriguez home, *contact us for location*, starting at 6:30. Come for fun, food, and support!
Recognition of Graduating Seniors, May 16
During the worship service on May 16, we’ll have a time to honor and pray for Jaci Servos, our only graduating senior this year! I hope you’ll join us! Congratulations, Jaci!
Are you interested in water baptism?
If you’re interested in being baptized this spring, please let me know. We have at least one person who would like to be baptized.
Women of Joy Conference
Don’t forget to sign up with Heather if you’re interested in attending the Women of Joy conference in October. She would love to help you get registered for this weekend of encouragement and spiritual growth! 417-321-0303
Momentum Home Group
We’re hoping to re-run the Momentum study series on the Beatitudes this spring/summer. Be watching for upcoming details. Consider being part of a small group, and think about someone you’d like to invite to join us!
“Worthy are You, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and because of Your will they existed, and were created” (Rev. 4:11).
I hope to see you this Sunday at 10:00!
— Tom