Restoring Creation: A Call to Prayer and Harmony

 

Summary

In the beginning, the universe was a harmonious and perfect creation, where every being, from the mighty angels to the smallest star, paid homage to God. The universe revolved around the throne of God, and all creation was filled with holiness, purity, and happiness. This world, too, was once a place of unparalleled beauty and joy, a dwelling of praise and song. It was a place where angels loved to visit, and the morning stars sang together in delight. However, the world has changed significantly from its original state of beauty and holiness.

Now, it is our responsibility to recognize this transformation and to earnestly pray for the restoration of the earth to its former glory. We are called to bend our knees in devotion and seek God's presence, asking that His glory may once again fill the entire earth. This call to prayer is not just a duty but a profound opportunity to participate in God's redemptive work, longing for the day when the earth will be restored to its original splendor and harmony.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Original Harmony of Creation: The universe was once a place of perfect harmony, where every being and element paid homage to God. This reminds us of the beauty and order that God intended for His creation, encouraging us to seek and promote harmony in our own lives and communities. [00:12]

2. The Beauty of the Earth: The earth was originally a place of unparalleled beauty and joy, a dwelling of praise and song. This serves as a reminder of the potential for beauty and goodness in the world, inspiring us to appreciate and care for the creation around us. [01:05]

3. The Change in the World: The world has undergone a significant transformation from its original state of beauty and holiness. This change calls us to reflect on the impact of sin and brokenness in the world and to seek God's guidance in restoring what has been lost. [01:40]

4. The Call to Prayer: We are called to devoutly bend our knees and pray for the restoration of the earth. This call to prayer is an invitation to participate in God's redemptive work, seeking His presence and glory in our lives and the world around us. [02:00]

5. Longing for Restoration: Our prayers for the earth to be filled with God's glory reflect a deep longing for restoration and renewal. This longing encourages us to actively participate in God's mission, working towards a world that reflects His original design and purpose. [02:00]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:12] - The Original Harmony of Creation
[00:30] - Homage to the Throne of God
[00:47] - Holiness and Purity of the Universe
[01:05] - The Beauty of the Earth
[01:22] - A Dwelling of Praise and Song
[01:40] - The Change in the World
[02:00] - The Call to Prayer
[02:00] - Longing for Restoration
[02:00] - Conclusion and Benediction

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Genesis 1:31 - "God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day."
2. Psalm 19:1 - "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands."
3. Romans 8:19-21 - "For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God."

#### Observation Questions
1. What was the original state of the universe according to the sermon, and how did it reflect God's intention for creation? [00:12]
2. How does the sermon describe the earth's original beauty and joy? [01:05]
3. What significant changes in the world are highlighted in the sermon, and what are the causes of these changes? [01:40]
4. What is the call to action mentioned in the sermon regarding the current state of the world? [02:00]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the description of the original harmony of creation in the sermon relate to the passage in Genesis 1:31?
2. In what ways does Psalm 19:1 support the sermon’s depiction of the universe paying homage to God?
3. How does Romans 8:19-21 provide hope for the restoration of the earth as discussed in the sermon? [02:00]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the role of prayer in participating in God's redemptive work? [02:00]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced a sense of harmony and beauty in nature. How did it impact your relationship with God?
2. In what ways can you promote harmony and beauty in your community, reflecting the original design of creation? [00:12]
3. How can you actively participate in caring for the environment as a reflection of the earth's original beauty and joy? [01:05]
4. What specific steps can you take to address the brokenness and sin in the world, as highlighted in the sermon? [01:40]
5. How can you incorporate regular prayer for the restoration of the earth into your spiritual practice? [02:00]
6. Identify one area in your life where you long for restoration. How can you seek God's presence and guidance in that area?
7. How can you encourage others in your community to join in prayer and action for the earth's restoration? [02:00]

Devotional

Day 1: The Universe's Original Harmony
In the beginning, the universe was a place of perfect harmony, where every being and element paid homage to God. This original state of creation was marked by beauty and order, reflecting God's intention for His creation. The universe revolved around the throne of God, filled with holiness, purity, and happiness. This harmony serves as a reminder of the beauty and order that God intended, encouraging us to seek and promote harmony in our own lives and communities. As we reflect on this original state, we are called to consider how we can contribute to restoring harmony in our surroundings. [00:12]

Psalm 19:1-4 (ESV): "The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there words, whose voice is not heard. Their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world."

Reflection: In what ways can you actively promote harmony and peace in your immediate environment today?


Day 2: The Earth's Original Beauty
The earth was originally a place of unparalleled beauty and joy, a dwelling of praise and song. This serves as a reminder of the potential for beauty and goodness in the world, inspiring us to appreciate and care for the creation around us. The earth's original state was one where angels loved to visit, and the morning stars sang together in delight. As we reflect on this beauty, we are encouraged to recognize the goodness that still exists in the world and to take active steps in preserving and enhancing it. [01:05]

Isaiah 55:12-13 (ESV): "For you shall go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and the hills before you shall break forth into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. Instead of the thorn shall come up the cypress; instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle; and it shall make a name for the Lord, an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off."

Reflection: What is one practical step you can take today to care for and appreciate the beauty of God's creation around you?


Day 3: The Transformation of the World
The world has undergone a significant transformation from its original state of beauty and holiness. This change calls us to reflect on the impact of sin and brokenness in the world and to seek God's guidance in restoring what has been lost. The transformation serves as a reminder of the consequences of turning away from God's original design and the importance of seeking His guidance in our lives. As we acknowledge this change, we are invited to consider how we can be agents of restoration in a world that has strayed from its intended path. [01:40]

Romans 8:20-21 (ESV): "For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God."

Reflection: Identify one area of brokenness in your community. How can you be a part of God's restorative work in that area today?


Day 4: The Call to Prayer
We are called to devoutly bend our knees and pray for the restoration of the earth. This call to prayer is an invitation to participate in God's redemptive work, seeking His presence and glory in our lives and the world around us. Prayer becomes a profound opportunity to align ourselves with God's mission and to long for the day when the earth will be restored to its original splendor and harmony. As we engage in prayer, we are reminded of the power of seeking God's presence and the transformative impact it can have on our lives and the world. [02:00]

2 Chronicles 7:14 (ESV): "If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land."

Reflection: Set aside a specific time today to pray for the restoration of the earth. What specific aspects of the world will you lift up in prayer?


Day 5: Longing for Restoration
Our prayers for the earth to be filled with God's glory reflect a deep longing for restoration and renewal. This longing encourages us to actively participate in God's mission, working towards a world that reflects His original design and purpose. As we pray and long for restoration, we are reminded of the hope that comes from trusting in God's redemptive plan and the role we play in bringing about His kingdom on earth. This longing becomes a driving force that compels us to live out our faith in tangible ways, contributing to the renewal of the world around us. [02:00]

Revelation 21:5 (ESV): "And he who was seated on the throne said, 'Behold, I am making all things new.' Also he said, 'Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.'"

Reflection: What is one specific action you can take today to contribute to the restoration and renewal of your community, reflecting God's original design and purpose?

Quotes

there was an hour never to be forgotten when the serap might have flapped his wing forever and never have found ought of Discord or ought of rebellion or of Anarchy throughout God's Universe when the mighty Angels assembled in the halls of the most high and without exception did reverence to their Le Lord and paid him homage due when the vast creation revolved around its Center the great Metropolis the Throne of God and paid its daily and hourly homage unto him when the harmonies of creation always came to one spot and found their focus near the Throne of God [00:01:36]

there was a time when every star was bright when all space was filled with loveliness when Holiness Purity and happiness were like a robe which mantled the entire creation this world itself was once fair and lovely so fair and lovely that we who live in these earing times can scarcely guess its beauty it was the house of song and the dwelling place of Praise if it had no preeminence among its sister's fears certainly it was inferior to none of them surrounded with beauty Girt with gladness and having in it holy and Heavenly inhabitants it was a house to which the Angels themselves loved to Resort [00:47:92]

where The Holy Spirits the morning Stars delighted to sing together over this beautiful and fair Earth of ours but now how changed how different now it is our duty devoutly to bend our knees and pray that the whole earth May yet be filled with his glory [01:09:32]

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Transcript
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