Recently, 50 plus scholars, theologians, and pastors from varied Methodist/Wesleyan backgrounds gathered for an event called the Next Methodism. There they produced a document called the Faith Once Delivered: A Wesleyan Witness. In the coming weeks, we will cover parts of their work in this blog.
Paragraphs 56-63…Creation
Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.~ Mark 16:15
We are blessed to live in a beautiful world. Walks through the woods, sunsets painted upon the sky, serendipity in the journey – all of it begun with the Word spoken…’let there be,’ all of it the work of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We take it for granted as we take the air we breathe for granted for it has always been there throughout our whole existence. As we pause, and pay attention – we notice a few things.
Our God has ordered creation in a way which engulfs our curiosity and is recorded as the sciences. The blessings therein and life gained through struggle give us a window into the benevolence and justice of our God. By making creation good, God has shown us his glory. By sustaining creation we see our God to be truly a fountain and foundation of life. By giving us beauty through ongoing processes, we can see God’s grace. Living in God’s creation, we see potential and purpose, promise and presence.
“The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims His handiwork.” Psalm 19:1
Challenge – Go beyond the paved paths of civilization and enter again upon the wild woods, walk along the bubbling brook, or gaze across the glassy lake – and ponder the wonders of our God.
