Creation from Love

 Creation from Love

Did God create everything we see and touch from nothing? From the stars to the worms and his masterpiece, man and woman, did he create all of this from nothing? Throughout my childhood and into adult life, that’s what I was taught – what I heard from others including teachers of the Bible. John 1:3 tells us, “Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.” I take this to mean that God created all things and nothing that he made existed before creation. The Bible also tells us that God is love (Hebrews 4:12), that he created everything from love. That sparks a new question: does love have substance? If so, then God created everything from something – not nothing.

Taking the direction of the premise that “love has substance,” what is that substance? We know from experience that love can have a tangible result: a birthday present given in love, an act of kindness like helping an elderly neighbor rake her leaves or feeding a homeless family. In a way, we create something from something when we reflect love onto others. But is the source tangible? Does love actually have substance?

There is a similar question scientists have debated for centuries: is light a wave or a particle? Does light have substance? (But I won’t go down that scientific rabbit-hole.) It also reminds me of “cause and effect.” Love has an effect. But does the “cause” of this effect have substance?

The Bible also tells us that God is spirit (John 4:24). Then, does his spirit have substance? This takes us into the next question about God’s existence – his eternal existence. Since God transcends both time and space, and space has substance, perhaps his love transcends space. We know his love transcends time since his forgiveness is described as, “He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west.” (Psalm 103:12) [Keep in mind that “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins. – 1 John 1:9.] And how is it that God is love? Love is an action. Not just a simple ideal. A solitary person cannot love without others of which to display said love. Prior to the creation of everything, God’s existence was (is and will be) the “us,” as described in Genesis 1:26 when he said, “Let us make man in our image.” He loved and loves Jesus the Christ and the Holy Spirit, and the three equally love one another. But this still does not answer the main question of this article: does love have substance? Even if his love transcends time and space, could it still have substance? If so, then I repeat, God created everything from something. Again, what is that substance? What is that “something”? Did God actually create everything from nothing? Or if indeed love is tangible, did he create everything from something?

God is infinite (Psalm 147:5), meaning he has no beginning and no end – he was not created. Things of substance are finite. The earth is finite; it had a beginning. If I say, “love has substance,” then I would be limiting God to the finite. (Jesus is also infinite as spirit, but his body was and is finite since it had a beginning at the time of his immaculate conception. Nevertheless, this does not diminish his infinite existence.)

To continue, does love need to have substance in order to be something? In the cosmic realm of God’s glory, perhaps not. Therefore God created everything from the one “something” – love. Perhaps we can look at all this as: he created from himself.

This could be one of those many incredible mysteries we will not understand during our lifetime on earth. Perhaps, we will only understand this concept – in part or in whole – when we as believers in Jesus the Christ (John 3:16) will be with God, Jesus and Spirit in glory forever. For now, I am content with and in the awe of God and his love. At least I know the source of love.

And may I reflect his love onto others so they may experience its effect.

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"In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters." 

- Genesis 1:1-2 (ESV)

His Return - Acts 1:9-11

... [Jesus] was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.

They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. "Men of Galilee," they said, "why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven."

- Acts 1:9-11

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Day of Pentecost: Acts 2:4, 16-17

All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit...

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Praise the LORD, all you nations; extol him, all you peoples.

For great is his love toward us, and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever.

- Psalm 117

Power Over Death and Rock

Power Over Death and Rock

And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door and sat on it...

But the angel answered and said to the women... "He is not here. He is risen." - Matthew 28: 2 & 5-6

[For the full account (in NIV), please click here.]

Commentary: The earthquake is a sign of our Lord's great victory over death,... Note that the angel does not roll back the stone to let Jesus out, for in His glory, Christ could pass through solid rock. Rather, this allows the witnesses in to see that He has already risen. 

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Scripture credit: Old Testament Text

St. Athanasius Academy Septuagint [TM]

Copyright (C) 2008 by St. Athanasius Academy of Orthodox Theology

Commentary credit: The Orthodox Study Bible

Copyright (C) 2008 by St. Athanasius Academy of Orthodox Theology

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Additional Commentary: It's fascinating and awesome that Jesus, the Rock, would choose to pass through rock when he defeated death and left his grave. For he is all powerful! And he will return.

A Prayer from the Lamb of God - Psalm 101 (102)

A Prayer from the Lamb of God - Psalm 101 (102)

Hear my prayer, O Lord
And let my cry come to You.

Do not turn Your face from me;

In the day when I am afflicted, 

Incline Your ear to me;

In the day when I call upon You,

Hear me quickly...

[From Psalm 101, the Orthodox count; and Psalm 102, the Western count. Be sure to read the remaining chapter (NKJV). For the Orthodox Bible Online select the Book and Chapter.]

Commentary: Psalm 101 (102) "is about a poor man, when he was depressed and poured out his supplication before the Lord. This Man is Jesus, who became poor for our sakes and interceded with the Father for our salvation. The Lord to whom He prays is the Father and describe Jesus' extreme anguish for us. He also rose again for our salvation, for He is the Lord over death..."

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Scripture credit: Old Testament Text

St. Athanasius Academy Septuagint [TM]

Copyright (C) 2008 by St. Athanasius Academy of Orthodox Theology

Commentary credit: The Orthodox Study Bible

Copyright (C) 2008 by St. Athanasius Academy of Orthodox Theology

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"The Doe in the Morning" - a Psalm of David [a prophecy about Jesus on the cross]

My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?

Why are you so far from saving me, so far from my cries of anguish? 

- Psalm 22:1 (NIV)

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Prophecy Fulfilled

From noon until three in the afternoon darkness came over the land. About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?" (which means "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?") 

- Matthew 27:45-46 (NIV)

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HE IS RISEN!

A Morning Prayer - Psalm 89 (90) 1-4, 17

A Morning Prayer - Psalm 89 (90) 1-4, 17
A prayer of Moses, a man of God.

O Lord, You became a refuge to us in generation and generation;
Before the mountains were made,
And before the earth and the world were formed.
And from everlasting to everlasting, You are.
Do not let man be turned back to humiliation,
And You said, "Return your sons of men."
For a thousand years in Your sight are like yesterday, which passed,
And like a watch in the night...

And let the brightness of the Lord our God be upon us.

And prosper for us the works of our hands.

[From Psalm 89, the Orthodox count; and Psalm 90, the Western count. Be sure to read the remaining chapter (NKJV). For the Orthodox Bible Online select the Book and Chapter.]

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Commentary: [This] "is a morning prayer designed to keep one focused on the Lord rather than on this temporal life and its hopelessness. For He exists outside of time, and is therefore our only refuge. Every morning is an opportunity to return to Him in repentance [i.e.: turn around], and He is very patient, because a thousand years in His 'sight are like yesterday, which passed, and like a watch in the night.'... because He does not will that anyone should perish. Therefore, when we focus on the Lord every morning, we look for His return (2 Peter 3:13) and for His mercy, joy, enlightenment, and prosperity [*] throughout each day." {[*] Defined as a Heavenly prosperity.} 

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Scripture credit: Old Testament Text

St. Athanasius Academy Septuagint [TM]

Copyright (C) 2008 by St. Athanasius Academy of Orthodox Theology

Commentary credit: The Orthodox Study Bible

Copyright (C) 2008 by St. Athanasius Academy of Orthodox Theology

God's Work of Art

 GOD’s Work of Art

All of us were children at one time. For some of us that’s hard to remember. The experience of childhood is different from one person to the next because we are all different people and we all experienced different environments. But we all have one thing in common, we were once children, and we all grew up to be adults. Throughout that process, and even into adulthood, we may have had times when we looked in the mirror and felt inadequate or insufficient. Maybe we felt we weren’t good enough at a certain sport. Or we were shy. Or maybe we didn’t care for a certain physical feature.

But GOD made us the way he wanted to make us. GOD made you the way he wanted to make you. When we look at ourselves through the GOD’s eyes, there is a completely different perspective – a completely different view of who we are.

“Then GOD said, ‘Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. … So GOD created man in his own image, in the image of GOD he created him; male and female he created them.” (Genesis 1:26a & 27) GOD thought so highly of his creation, he created us in his image. Since GOD is love, we are created to reflect his love.

“Let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” (Genesis 1:26b) GOD thought so highly of his creation, he created us to be in charge of the rest of creation. That means we are created above the animals – not equivalent to the them.

“For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.” (Psalm 139:13-14) GOD thought so highly of his creation, he created us with care as he took his time to “knit” us together.

Whenever we see a painting, especially an exceptional painting, one of the first things we do after admiring the work of art is we look to see who painted it. When we look into the mirror, we should see that we are created by GOD. When we look at other people in the world, we should look at them and know who the artist is – GOD. We should not be defined by what other people think or say. As GOD’s creation, we should define ourselves as his work of art.

   

Planted by Streams of Water - Psalm 1:1-3

Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the LORD, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not whither - whatever they do prospers. - Psalm 1:1-3

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Commentary: In a world that rejects the instructions of absolute truth, which is found in GOD's law, it is encouraging to know that it is blessing to be refreshed like a tree planted by the water when His instructions are followed. Those that stray from his instructions - whether by a lack of integrity, vengeful actions or a lifestyle displeasing to GOD, to name a few - may prosper in an earthly sense, they will miss out on GOD's heavenly prosperity. 

The Return of the King - Christ Jesus

"Immediately after the distress of those days, 'the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken.' Then will appear the sign of the Son of Man [Jesus] in heaven. And then all the peoples of the earth will mourn when they see the Son of Man coming in the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory. And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather the elect [believers] from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other." - Matthew 24:29-31 (NIV)

"For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father's [Almighty GOD] glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what they have done." - Matthew 16:27 (NIV)

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Everyone is invited. Today is the time to respond.

True Peace

True Peace

Who doesn’t want peace? We all want peace. Peace on Earth. Peace and goodwill toward mankind. Peace throughout the day. Peace for tomorrow. What is the source of peace? The perfect way to ask that question is, “Who is the source of peace?” John 14:27, Jesus said that he is the source of peace. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.”

But is one reason we ask for peace from God due to any selfish reason? What is “selfish peace”? Asking for peace for just one. A couple of examples include, do we want peace to “escape” the drama of life? Do we want peace to ease our suffering? This is difficult to swallow.

But the Bible promises peace that surpasses all understanding. Peace that transcends. Philippians 4:17 says, “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” The prophet Isaiah wrote, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways … For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” This is why his ways are higher than our ways.

If we can’t understand his ways, how then, can we fully experience God’s peace?

Faith. Simple faith. The author of Hebrews said, “Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” You can’t see faith. Like the wind, you can only see the effects of the wind. You can only see the effects of faith. Of peace. Peace in our hearts.

God called King David, “… a man after God’s own heart.” While on this earth, we will never fully understand God’s ways. But do we strive to be men and women “after God’s own heart”? Do we abide in him? Jesus said, “Abide in me, and I in you.” All that Jesus offers, including peace, is for the asking when we abide in him.

Another important question is, “What are God’s ways?” Does the Bible give any indication? Jesus gave us a glimpse of that answer when he taught his disciples how to pray:

“Our Father, who is in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come; your will be done; on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day, our daily bread. Forgive us our debts as we have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.” (Matt. 6:9-13)

What does this tell us about God’s heart, his ways? His ways are kingdom ways. We will not understand the “how” of his kingdom ways, but at least we know that his ways are kingdom ways. This also takes faith. “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” He desires for us to experience his kingdom forever. When does that “forever” begin? For those who call Jesus Lord and Savior, it starts here on earth. His kingdom is here now. Being built one believer at a time. And peace is one of the many blessings experienced in his kingdom. But while we are still on earth, our flesh can be an obstruction to experiencing his peace.

But when we ask for peace, is it for a selfish reason, or for kingdom reasons?

Jesus also instructed us to pray, “Give us this day our daily bread.” Notice the plural pronoun “us.” Jesus wants us to pray for “daily bread” for those on earth, for the community of believers. This is not a selfish prayer. And what is “daily bread”? Food? Yes. And also, spiritual food. What is “spiritual food”? His Word. When we read his Word, we receive spiritual food. The Word of God, his Bible, contains an infinite amount of spiritual food. It is reasonable to conclude that when the Apostle Paul wrote to the Galatians the list of the fruits of the Spirit, “…love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control,” that he presented them with a menu of spiritual food. Peace is on that menu. And God’s peace is eternal.

That eternal peace can be received now on earth. The Psalmist David wrote, “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” Notice the psalm as a prayer. David says that his shepherd (his Lord God), comforts with his rod and staff. In ancient times, this is imagery for a shepherd guiding his sheep. The sheep know their shepherd and his tools of the trade to provide guidance. David goes onto say, “He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.” Doesn’t the image of green pastures provide a sense of peace? The mention of “still waters” is exceptionally profound because sheep, by nature, do not drink from a fast-moving stream. In fact, a sea or rough waters was seen as chaotic. And the evil one brings chaos to this earth. Jesus brings the opposite: order and peace. Even amid chaos, our good shepherd provides peace.

While we are here on this broken earth, this imperfect world, God’s peace is peace amid life’s drama. Peace is not meant to be a selfish request from life’s drama (although sometimes God does resolve an earthly problem, which is great). Again, his peace is peace amid earthly problems.

So the question is, do we seek God’s peace? And do we seek his peace not just for ourselves but for others? Do we ask for his peace from God’s kingdom point of view? “Your kingdom come your will be done; on earth as it is in heaven.” And peace in heaven is eternal.

GOD’s Infinite Forgiveness

 GOD’s Infinite Forgiveness

Have you ever done something against a friend, a neighbor, a stranger or even directly against the GOD of creation? It may be something that the current society frowns upon more than other offenses. Have you asked for forgiveness from the person who was offended? And from GOD? Then, that is all a person needs to do in order to receive forgiveness from the GOD who provides infinite forgiveness and grace. However, since we are still stuck in these imperfect human bodies, we sometimes forget about GOD’s forgiveness. And we allow past sins to haunt us.

May the following scripture encourage you: “If we confess our sins, he [GOD] is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” – 1 John 1:9. Did you see that keyword in that scripture? “All.” Not some or a little. But all!

The Psalmist wrote thousands of years ago and it still holds true: “For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgression from us.” – Psalm 103: 11-12. The imagery of “east from the west” is that of infinity. Infinite forgiveness.

“And Peter remembered the saying of Jesus, ‘Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.’ And he went out and wept bitterly.” (See Matthew 26:69-75 for the entire passage.) Amazingly, Jesus forgave Peter. He forgave him what some may consider quite the heavy sin. [But all sin is equal in the eyes of GOD. (See James 2:10).] Later, Jesus made certain that Peter knew he was forgiven. John 21 records the account when Jesus restores Peter. Jesus asks Peter three times – the number of times Peter denied Jesus – “Do you love me?” Peter replied in the affirmative each time. Jesus not only forgives Peter, but he restores him to being a shepherd of his people when Jesus instructed him, “Feed my sheep.” Have you ever felt like GOD forgives you but are not worthy to be a part of his work? The example of Jesus restoring Peter to his previous role as follower and shepherd should give us great encouragement.

The sin of King David is a similar story. David committed adultery and then murder. (See 2 Samuel 11-12) These are two offenses that current society frowns heavily upon. But after the prophet Nathan confronted David he “… said to Nathan, ‘I have sinned against the LORD.’ And Nathan said to David, “The LORD also has put away your sin; you shall not die.” 2 Samuel 12:13. David went on to write Psalm 51, “Have mercy on me, O GOD, according to your love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions.” And GOD did as David repented. GOD restored his soul. He also did not take away his service as King. There were consequences for David’s sin. The child born from his adultery would not live. (2 Samuel 12:14). Also, David would not see the completion of the temple. (1 Chronicles 22:8). In this example, GOD did not take away his sovereign leadership nor his new wife. Nevertheless, he experienced the discipline of GOD. The important lesson here is not to consider GOD’s discipline as a message he is holding back his forgiveness. Never! Remember, the aforementioned scripture, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” – 1 John 1:9.

The Apostle Paul wrote to the church in Rome, “For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.” Did you see the keyword in that scripture? Justified. Meaning, being freed from the guilt of sin and being made right with GOD. Not only are we forgiven by GOD but just as he has removed it “as far as the east is from the west,” we no longer should feel the guilt of sin. This is an incredible promise, especially when our fallible minds prompt otherwise. In his forgiveness, he sees us without sin. 

Test All Things - 1 Thessalonians 5:19-21 (ESV)

 Do not quench the Holy Spirit. Do not despise prophecies (*), but test everything; hold fast what is good.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:19-21

(*) In the year of our Lord [AD], this means to test and interpret the foretold in retrospect by means of forthtelling as interpretation of established Biblical written prophecy. In other words, nothing new added.  

Beware of Heresy

Scripture Warnings Against Heresy

But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed.

– 2 Peter 2:1-2
 
… we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, …
– Ephesians 4:14
 
For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.
– 2 Timothy 4:3-4