Creation, Chaos, and the Promise of Renewal

 

Summary

In today's gathering, we delved into the profound truths found in 2 Peter 3, exploring the enduring conflict between the biblical account of creation and the theory of evolution. This discussion was framed within the historical context of the Scopes Monkey Trial, highlighting the ongoing debate between creationism and evolution. The Bible's assertion that God created the world from nothing stands in stark contrast to the concept of uniformitarianism, which suggests that natural processes have remained constant over time. This assumption, often unchallenged, is a cornerstone of evolutionary theory, yet it lacks definitive proof.

Peter's epistle warns of scoffers in the last days, those who dismiss the promise of Christ's return and adhere to a worldview that denies divine intervention. This skepticism is not new; it has been a persistent challenge to faith throughout history. The apostle Peter addresses this by emphasizing the transient nature of the current world and the promise of a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness will dwell.

We explored the concept of three earths: the past, present, and future. The past earth, as described in Genesis, was created perfect but fell into chaos, possibly due to Lucifer's rebellion. The present earth, sustained by God's word, is reserved for judgment. The future earth, as prophesied in Revelation, will be a new creation, free from sin and suffering.

The discussion also touched on the gap theory, which suggests a time gap between Genesis 1:1 and 1:2, allowing for an ancient earth that predates the current creation narrative. This theory provides a framework for reconciling geological evidence with biblical accounts.

Ultimately, the focus is on the transformative power of the new birth in Christ, which transcends all earthly distinctions and unites believers in the hope of eternal life. This new creation in Christ is a profound reality that surpasses any earthly understanding, offering a glimpse into the future renewal of all things.

Key Takeaways:

1. Creation vs. Evolution: The biblical account of creation asserts that God brought the universe into existence from nothing, challenging the assumptions of uniformitarianism and evolution. This ongoing debate highlights the need for faith in divine revelation over human speculation. [04:52]

2. The Three Earths: Scripture speaks of a past, present, and future earth, each serving a distinct purpose in God's redemptive plan. Understanding these phases helps us grasp the transient nature of our current world and the promise of a new creation. [07:33]

3. The Gap Theory: The gap theory suggests a time gap between Genesis 1:1 and 1:2, allowing for an ancient earth that aligns with geological evidence. This perspective invites us to explore the depths of God's creative work beyond our limited understanding. [18:08]

4. Lucifer's Fall and Earth's Chaos: Lucifer's rebellion may have plunged the original earth into chaos, necessitating a divine restoration. This narrative underscores the spiritual battle that influences the physical world and the ultimate victory of God's kingdom. [22:54]

5. The New Birth: The new birth in Christ is a transformative event that creates a new being, distinct from the old. This spiritual rebirth is a profound reality that assures believers of eternal life and a future in the new heaven and new earth. [41:53]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:43] - Introduction to 2 Peter 3
- [01:31] - Scopes Monkey Trial and Creationism
- [04:52] - Uniformitarianism and Evolution
- [06:30] - The Promise of a New Earth
- [07:33] - Understanding the Three Earths
- [08:37] - Absolute vs. Relative Earth
- [09:30] - The Significance of Earth in Scripture
- [11:20] - Darwin and Evolutionary Thought
- [12:13] - The Racial Implications of Darwinism
- [15:05] - The Age of the Earth Debate
- [18:08] - Exploring the Gap Theory
- [19:13] - The Creation and Fall of Lucifer
- [22:54] - Lucifer's Authority and Fall
- [25:28] - Earth's Changes and Magnetic Shifts
- [29:02] - The Impact of the Flood
- [31:33] - Water Above the Heavens
- [33:39] - The Future Earth and Judgment
- [35:12] - The New Earth in Revelation
- [36:49] - The New Birth in Christ
- [39:04] - Calling Out the Bride of Christ
- [41:09] - Assurance of Salvation

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
- 2 Peter 3:1-13
- Genesis 1:1-2
- Isaiah 45:18

#### Observation Questions
1. What does 2 Peter 3:3-4 say about the attitude of scoffers in the last days? How does this relate to the concept of uniformitarianism? [04:52]
2. According to 2 Peter 3:5-7, what are the three different states of the earth mentioned, and how are they described? [07:33]
3. How does the sermon describe the gap theory, and what biblical evidence is used to support it? [18:08]
4. What role does Lucifer's fall play in the narrative of the earth's chaos, according to the sermon? [22:54]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of uniformitarianism challenge the biblical account of creation, and why is it significant for believers to understand this conflict? [04:52]
2. In what ways does the promise of a new heaven and a new earth provide hope for believers, as discussed in 2 Peter 3:13? [06:30]
3. How does the gap theory attempt to reconcile the biblical creation account with geological evidence, and what are the implications for our understanding of God's creative work? [18:08]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the spiritual significance of the new birth in Christ, and how does it relate to the concept of a new creation? [41:53]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the ongoing debate between creationism and evolution. How does your understanding of this debate impact your faith and conversations with others? [01:31]
2. Considering the transient nature of the current world, how can you live with a focus on the promise of a new creation? What changes might you need to make in your daily life? [06:30]
3. How does the idea of three earths (past, present, future) influence your perspective on environmental stewardship and care for the world we live in today? [07:33]
4. The sermon discusses the gap theory as a way to understand the age of the earth. How does this perspective affect your view of scientific discoveries and their relationship to faith? [18:08]
5. In what ways can the story of Lucifer's fall and the resulting chaos on earth serve as a reminder of the spiritual battles we face today? How can you prepare yourself for these battles? [22:54]
6. The new birth in Christ is described as a transformative event. How have you experienced this transformation in your own life, and how can you share this experience with others? [41:53]
7. How can the hope of a new heaven and a new earth motivate you to live a life of righteousness and godliness in the present? [06:30]

Devotional

Day 1: Faith in Divine Creation
The biblical account of creation presents a profound challenge to the assumptions of uniformitarianism and evolutionary theory. According to Scripture, God created the universe ex nihilo, or out of nothing, which stands in stark contrast to the idea that natural processes have remained constant over time. This perspective requires faith in divine revelation rather than reliance on human speculation. The ongoing debate between creationism and evolution, highlighted by historical events like the Scopes Monkey Trial, underscores the importance of holding fast to the truths of Scripture in a world that often dismisses them. Believers are called to trust in God's creative power and His sovereign plan for the universe. [04:52]

"For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him." (Colossians 1:16, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you deepen your trust in God's creative power and His plan for your life today?


Day 2: Understanding the Three Earths
Scripture reveals a narrative of three distinct earths: the past, present, and future. The past earth, as described in Genesis, was created perfect but fell into chaos, possibly due to Lucifer's rebellion. The present earth is sustained by God's word and is reserved for judgment. The future earth, as prophesied in Revelation, will be a new creation, free from sin and suffering. This understanding helps believers grasp the transient nature of our current world and the promise of a new creation where righteousness will dwell. It invites reflection on God's redemptive plan and the hope of eternal life in a renewed creation. [07:33]

"Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more." (Revelation 21:1, ESV)

Reflection: How does the promise of a new creation influence your perspective on the challenges you face in the present world?


Day 3: Exploring the Gap Theory
The gap theory suggests a time gap between Genesis 1:1 and 1:2, allowing for an ancient earth that aligns with geological evidence. This perspective invites believers to explore the depths of God's creative work beyond our limited understanding. It provides a framework for reconciling scientific discoveries with biblical accounts, encouraging a deeper exploration of the mysteries of creation. By considering the gap theory, believers can appreciate the complexity and grandeur of God's creation, while remaining grounded in the truth of Scripture. [18:08]

"The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law." (Deuteronomy 29:29, ESV)

Reflection: What steps can you take to explore and appreciate the mysteries of God's creation in your daily life?


Day 4: The Spiritual Battle and Earth's Chaos
Lucifer's rebellion may have plunged the original earth into chaos, necessitating a divine restoration. This narrative underscores the spiritual battle that influences the physical world and the ultimate victory of God's kingdom. Believers are reminded of the reality of spiritual warfare and the need to remain vigilant in their faith. The story of Lucifer's fall serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of pride and rebellion against God, and the hope of restoration through Christ. [22:54]

"For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places." (Ephesians 6:12, ESV)

Reflection: How can you remain vigilant in your faith and resist the spiritual forces that seek to disrupt your relationship with God?


Day 5: The Transformative Power of the New Birth
The new birth in Christ is a transformative event that creates a new being, distinct from the old. This spiritual rebirth assures believers of eternal life and a future in the new heaven and new earth. It transcends all earthly distinctions and unites believers in the hope of eternal life. The new creation in Christ offers a glimpse into the future renewal of all things, inviting believers to live in the reality of this profound transformation. [41:53]

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." (2 Corinthians 5:17, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you embrace and live out the reality of being a new creation in Christ today?

Quotes

"The Bible is very clear in the fact that it says that God created. He created. Bala is the Hebrew word for create in Genesis 1, and that means to bring into nothing what was not there before, bring into existence what was not there from nothing. God created. He did that by his word. He spoke it into creation, spoke it into existence." [00:02:11]

"Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last day scoffers walking after their own lust, and we are inundated with scoffers. They're everywhere. The fact of the matter is it has become fashionable today to criticize the faith and the Bible, and you do it, and they appear to be doing it, but they're not doing it from a scholarly perspective." [00:04:21]

"Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat. Now watch this. Nevertheless, we according to his promise look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness." [00:06:39]

"There are three time periods involved in this, past, present, future, earths. There is a past earth, a present earth, and a future earth. If you look at chapter number 3, verses 5 and 6, it talks about the heavens of old, the earth standing out of the water and in the water, whereby the world that then was, that's the past earth, that's past." [00:07:00]

"The gap theory proposes that the earth was originally created in a pristine condition, and that when God made the earth, that the sons of God shouted for joy. Look at Job chapter number 38. Job 38 in verse number 7 he says in verse 6 he laid the foundations the cornerstone and then the morning stars sang together." [00:19:13]

"Lucifer had authority. He had power. He was placed over this earth. He fell. When he fell, that brought this earth into a state of chaos. This is why that when Adam was made, God crowned Adam. He didn't just make a creature. He made a king. And he crowned him with glory. Hebrews chapter number two." [00:22:54]

"Now, if this is the case, and if you don't believe that, if you don't agree with that, then you're still faced with the issue, when did Satan fall? See? And if he fell after the man fell, then you're in a mess. You're in a mess. All right? If he fell before the man fell, and he did, then this explains what happened in Genesis 1 and Genesis 1-2." [00:24:43]

"Now, we've gotten it out today. I mean, it's taken us a little while, but we've got it out. We've got three earths. Okay. Now, every one of these earths, every one of them represent a period of time when God deals with somebody or man. All right. Something or man. Right now, the earth, right now on this earth, he is calling his bride out of this earth." [00:39:16]

"The new birth is more profound than that. It is an event that takes place in your life that absolutely overwhelms you for the rest of your life and your life. And you know you've passed from death until life. That's the new birth. You didn't sign up with somebody's religion, have somebody sprinkle something over your head, confirm you." [00:41:53]

"That's the new birth. Yeah. He comes into existence. He didn't exist before. Yes. Pardon? Oh. Well, we come in here to study and learn. And hopefully, we can, you know, help each other. Amen. And if we have questions, I've had people pose questions to me. They have a clue what they were talking about." [00:37:36]

"That's the only place on the face of this earth. Never forget that. The halls of Harvard and Columbia and the rest of the intelligentsia of the world, they put on a face for public consumption. But what goes on behind the scenes, a different matter altogether. Don't kid yourself for one minute." [00:13:38]

"Now, science, falsely so-called, may focus on one thing, but as far as the Almighty is concerned, the thing that matters with him is the sin of mankind, for you can never have a relationship with God until sin's been taken care of. That's got to be settled. The issue of sin has to be finished." [00:09:30]

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Transcript
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