Copyright, 2003

New Life Evangelistic Center, Inc.

Chapter 1     Waking up to the Wonders of Creation

Chapter 2     Worshipping in the Temple of Creation

Chapter 4     In the Light of the Kingdom

Chapter 5     Living in the Kingdom

Chapter 6     It’s Time for Action

Chapter 7     The Discovery of Clean Renewable Energy

Reflections on Chapters 1-7

Waking Up to the Wonders of Creation

creation, preservation, and government

of the universe; which is before our eyes

as a most elegant book, wherein all creatures,

great and small, are as so many characters

leading us to see clearly the invisible things

of God, even His everlasting power and

divinity, as the apostle Paul says (Romans 1:20),

all which things are sufficient to convince men

and leave them without excuse. Second, He

makes Himself more clearly and fully known

to us by His holy and divine Word, that is to

say, as far as is necessary for us to know in this

    The pollution of the earth is nothing short of the willful destruction of creation which is the tearing up of the pages of God’s living word before us. For it is in creation that God’s eternal power and sustaining love can be read in the things He has made. All of creation speaks of His power and love which can be seen in the rising sun, the singing birds, the wind blowing through the trees, the sounds from streams and oceans, the fragrance of flowers and so much more. The question is, when will the giant called the church recognize this miracle of creation and work to protect it.

    In Christ we are made one with the creator of heaven and earth. By experiencing the Living Christ, revealed first in the Scriptures and confirmed through the power of the Holy Spirit and the manifestations of creation, we are able to join the heavens spoken of in Psalm 19:1 and glorify God for "the heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims his handiwork." As Romans 1:20 and 21 declares, "Ever since the creation of the world God’s eternal power and divine nature, invisible though they are, have been understood and seen through the things he has made. So (the Gentiles) are without excuse; for though they knew God, they did not honor Him."

    If one does not really know that nature is the Lord’s the result can be "Worshipping the creation rather than the Creator."(Romans 1:25) Not recognizing God as Creator of creation results in one believing we are gods and can do with the natural world what we desire. As a result the environment becomes simply natural resources to be used for our pleasure. Such an interpretation results in the ongoing destruction of the environment.

    As a result, not only our lives but that of generations to come are affected because life is dependent on the existence of this planet upon which God has placed us. The time has come for us to recognize that the earth is the Lord’s and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it," Psalm 24:1. This realization will enable us, through the redemption that Christ provides, to not only find our place in the natural realm but to move forth as instruments of healing, hope and help.

    As John 3:16 declares, "For God so loved the world (the cosmos, all of creation) that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life." Unless the church recognizes that it is made up of redeemed creatures in the midst of creation, it is nothing more than an irrelevant theological ghost.

    Russian writer and Orthodox priest Gregory Petror wrote shortly before he died in a Soviet labor camp in 1940 these words: "O Lord, how lovely it is to be your guest. Breezes full of scents; mountains reaching to the skies; waters like boundless mirrors, reflecting to the sun’s golden rays and the scudding clouds. All nature murmurs mysteriously, breathing the depth of tenderness. Birds and beasts of the forest bear the imprint of your love. Blessed is mother earth, in your passing loveliness, which awakens our yearning for the happiness that will last forever, in the eternal nature land where, amid beauty that will never grow old, the cry rings out: Alleluia."

    If we believe that, how can we remain silent as creation is destroyed around us? Why are we content to be energy gluttons dependent upon big oil and utility companies whose products are contributing to the wholesale destruction of planet earth? What will it take for us to see that efficient use of energy resources and the use of renewable energy and recycling are all moral issues?

    Presently mankind’s dependence on fossil fuels, rather than the current energy of sun or wind, is contributing to bizarre weather conditions resulting from global warming. When the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change met in Shanghai it released the definitive report that global warming is not only real but man-made.

    The 1990’s were the warmest on record. Most of the rise was caused by the burning of oil, coal, and other fuels for energy along with the use of combustible engines that release carbon dioxide as well as other so-called greenhouse gases. Over the next 100 years they projected that temperatures will rise 2.5 to 10.4 degrees worldwide sparking floods, epidemics, and millions of "environmental refugees."

    As Christians we must begin to think about how energy is produced and the pollution it causes in the process. It’s a fact that pollution hurts people. It violates the Great Commandment to love God and love our neighbor as ourselves as well as the Golden Rule to treat others as we want to be treated.

    According to the Environmental Protection Agency, outdoor air pollution associated with vehicles using fossil fuels in their combustible engines can cause acute respiratory problems, inflammation of lung tissue and aggravation of asthma as well as increase the risk of cancer. Recent studies have linked outdoor air pollution to birth defects, low birth weight, premature births, still births and infant deaths. Pollution from fossil fuels are also directly destroying many other areas of creation, including the ability of plants to produce and grow food, forests and ecosystems, algae blooms in sensitive waterways, and acid rain.

    If we are truly followers of the great Physician Jesus Christ and do indeed love our neighbor as ourselves than we must do everything we can to stop the destruction of creation by lessening our dependence on oil. This dependence directly contributes to global warming. Global warming is a result of the carbon dioxide released through the use of fossil fuels like oil, coal, gas and diesel for transportation, electricity and heating. Because the poor are the hardest hit by global warming it is a justice issue concerning "the least of these," Matthew 25:40,45.

    As global warming reduces agricultural output in developing countries, an additional 80-90 million poor people could be at risk of hunger. Global warming could increase the number of people impacted by flooding 20-50 million, with many more of the poor and elderly dying from the heat in summers. This on-going destruction of creation is also having a direct impact on the health of children. Since 1980, U.S. asthma cases have increased 74% among children and teenagers ages 5-14, and an astounding 160% for children one to four years of age.

    By 2020, asthma suffers are projected to double to 29 million, with one family in five forced to live with disease. Childhood cancers have risen sharply in the last 15 years in the U.S. while brain tumors are up more than 30%, leukemia is up 10% and testicular cancer is up 60%. Now cancer is the second leading cause of childhood death. When will the People of God awaken to this crisis of the on going destruction of creation? One in four children in the U.S. live within one mile of a hazardous waste site. Where is the out-cry from those who claim to be pro-life as fewer than 20% of the 15,000 high-volume synthetic chemicals in the US have been tested to determine whether they pose a danger to unborn children?

    Beyond all the diversity of creation there exists a common unity of all life. Everything is connected. None are inferior or superior just different-Yes man was made in the image of God but that does not give him a license to kill, rape, and destroy the rest of creation. A child of God is one who desires to draw close to God and sees as good that which God saw as good. In the Biblical account of creation we see this in each day--each step of creation presented in Genesis 1. God saw that it was good and then in verse 31 it says "God saw all He had made and it was very good." How can the giant sleep as that which God saw as very good is being destroyed around us daily?

    As Bonaventure stated, "All the creatures of this sensible world lead the soul of the wise and contemplative person to the eternal God. Sure they are the shadows, echoes and pictures, the vestiges, images and manifestations of that most powerful most wise and best first principal of that eternal origin, light and fullness of that productive, exemplary and order giving art. They are set before us for the sake of our Knowing God and are divinely given signs. For every creature is by its very nature a kind of portrayal and likeness of that eternal wisdom."

    But every one who has spent any time in the great outdoors also knows that creation, which many commonly refer to as nature, can also be violent and even deadly as Romans 8:19,20 says, "The creation waits in eager expectation of the sons 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."

    Creation is hurting because of the invasion of sin. The revelation of Scripture shares the hope for all creation is the redemption provided through Jesus Christ. If there were ever a time the giant of the church needs to wake up and preach the redemption of Christ and its relevance to creation, it is now. Verse 21 in Romans 8 goes on to say... "in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom for the children of God." Those who are truly born again into this living hope that Christ provides are a people set free from an addictive materialism that continues only with the wholesale destruction of creation. Planet earth’s hope for a future rests upon the redeemed not only talking the message of redemption, but also living in response to the preservation of creation. This involves life style changes which cause us to ask, "What would Jesus desire, how would Jesus live in harmony with God’s gift of creation?"

Worshipping in the Temple of Creation

    Many have lost their spontaneous joy over the wonders of creation. This disconnection has directly affected their ability to experience the joy of the presence of God in the midst of His wonderful works of creation. The time has come for us to find and express genuine joy in the miracle of creation. This involves being careful and humble in the way we use creation. This includes avoiding greed and the mindless acquisition of things which contributes to the destruction of creation, which is called by many simply the environment. As we rejoice in the wonders of God’s work reflected in creation, we will speak about creation and our responsibility for it.

    Instead of rejoicing in creation, many, through their consumptive lifestyle, are destroying it. Hosea 4:1,3 declares, "There is no faithfulness, no love, no acknowledgment of God in the land...Because of this the land mourns, and all who live in it waste away; the beasts of the field and the birds of the air and the fish of the sea are dying."

    When anyone fails to care for creation, the cost is passed to the generation of the future. An Amish proverb says, "We did not inherit the land from our fathers. We are borrowing it from our children." Creation defines our place in the cosmos, our position before God and our common bonds to the rest of creation. Psalms 29:9 says, "And in His temple all cry, "Glory." Then in Psalms 11:4 we read, "The Lord is in His Holy Temple; The Lord is on His heavenly throne." The temple of God is all of His creation. Psalm 113:5-7 says, "Who is like the Lord our God, the one who sits enthroned on high, who stoops down to look on the heavens and the earth? He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap;" No true worshipper of the Living God could remain silent if someone came into the sanctuary of the church and started tearing it up. Why is it that so many say nothing as God’s temple of creation is destroyed? Isaiah 40:22 declares, "He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth, and its people are like grasshoppers. He stretches out the heavens like a canopy, and spreads them out like a tent to live in." As we recognize creation as the temple of God we will no longer be able to stand back and watch the destruction of this temple. We will realize that each species of life that is destroyed is one more form of praise and worship silenced that will no longer be able to praise God as Psalm 146:21 says, "Let every creature praise His holy name for ever and ever."

    The awakened church is a body of believers who knows that the silencing of creation involves silencing the voice of God. (Psalms 29:4-5, 8-9). It sees itself as a community of stewards (Luke 12:42-44) that know God as creator. The awakened church is a church that refuses to remain silent in the midst of the destruction of creation. It knows that its silence will result in its people being disconnected from the wonders of God’s creation. As this happens individual members become disconnected from one another and even God the creator. They slip into a theology of words, void of worship that can touch, taste, smell, hear, see and meditate on the works and wonders of creation.

    The solution for stopping the destruction of the environment (referred to by believers as creation) lies in the awakening of the sleeping giant of the church. Max Oelschlaeger has declared, "There is no solution to the systemic causes of eco-crisis, at least in democratic societies, apart from religious narrative."

    The time has come for the sleeping giant of the church to awaken and proclaim a new creation ethic. This involves the realization that one can become a new creation through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, as 2 Corinthians. 5:17 says, "If anyone be in Christ, they are a new creation. The old has passed away and the new has come." Experiencing this new creation involves living and acting on the mandates of Scripture to preserve creation and be instruments of justice.

    The new creation ethic involves leadership on the part of the church, when it comes to recycling, experiencing creation in the light of the Scriptures, utilizing renewable energy and compact fluorescent light bulbs, engaging in energy conservation and the use of vehicles that get the most miles per gallon. Christianity is different than "nature religions" in that it is centered in the redeemer Jesus Christ and has a prophetic message that directly confronts both personal and structural evil.

    Lovers of God will recognize the love of God at work in the wonders of creation and the miracle of redemption through Jesus Christ. (Colossians 1:15-23) They not only acknowledge God as creator but also as sustainer. (Psalm 104:27-30) Believers refuse to sell their inheritance and that of their children like Esau did for immediate gratification. They know they cannot let the economy be their excuse not to respond to the U.N. panel’s prediction that the average global temperatures could rise as much as 10 degrees Fahrenheit over the next century. This is a result of heat-trapping gases from human industry and combustible engines accumulating in the atmosphere. Already scientists have determined that a one degree increase in global warming is having a significant impact. Camille Parmesan, a biologist at the University of Texas, reviewed studies that tracked 1700 species. She says, "The climate scientists have really shown that global warming is happening. What we’ve found is that it’s not only happening but it’s having a big impact."

    The time has come for the church to take steps now to build an ark in which Biblically informed, morally responsible people will stand up against the special interests who are determined to destroy creation for their own economic gain. This means the community of believers cannot afford to be silenced, as so many politicians are by the contributions of those who become rich at the expense of creation. They know that in God’s design all creatures are so connected, so chained together that if one is destroyed it effects all of creation, including humanity. They believe that God’s covenant is with all of creation as reflected in Gen 9:13-15 and in John 3:16 where it says, "God so loved the world (all of creation) that He gave His only begotten Son."

    Christ’s death and resurrection was for all of creation, Col. 1:19,20. 1 Cor. 4:1-2 says, we have been commissioned as believers to realize we are "servants of Christ" and those "entrusted with (stewardship) of the secret things of God." Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful. Deuteronomy 30:19-20 declares, "I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live, and that you may live, and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to His voice, and hold fast to Him." Romans 1:20 says, "For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities--His eternal power and divine nature--have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse."

    Isaac Newton, who gave us the Universal Law of Gravity said, "This most beautiful system of sun, planets and comets could only proceed from the counsel and dominion of an intelligent and powerful Being. He is eternal and infinite, omnipotent and omniscient, His duration reaches from eternity to eternity; His presence from infinity to infinity." The church that realizes that is a worshipping church in accordance with Psalm 150:6, "Let everything that has breath praise the Lord." A worshipping church is a community of believers who, although they may have problems, they are able to recognize and appreciate God’s great gift of creation. They realize that the giver of all things has not only rewarded them with the wonders of creation but has given them Jesus, creation’s redeemer and hope for eternity. The tragedy is that the miracles of life demonstrated through the wonders of creation and the revelation of redemption are often taken for granted.

    As this happens, joy diminishes and sincere worship soon becomes obsolete. Those experiencing such are encouraged to once again look at Gen 1:2, where it shares how in the midst of emptiness and darkness the Spirit of God came and God said, "Let there be light and there was light." So the Spirit enters and the word is proclaimed: eyes, minds, and hearts are opened and worship flows. The realization of the truth of creation and the realization of the resurrected Christ allow the springs of living water to come forth. As this happens new life comes forth (2 Cor 5:17) and worshippers engage in more then just words of gratitude but actually become instruments of hope, help and healing in a hurting world. They know that injustice and the destruction of creation is opposite of true worship because every act of abuse both of humanity and creation is an act of treason against God and will be punished, Rev 11:18.

 Chapter 3

Experiencing Strength for Daily Living Through the Wonders of Creation and the Promises of Scriptures

    The time has come for Christians to acknowledge God as Creator, not only in word but also in deed. This will happen as we are immersed in the order and integrity of the universe. Then we will declare, along with Psalmist in Psalms 34:1, "I will extol the Lord at all times; His praise will always be on my lips." When we are awakened to the reality of the Living Christ, we will grow in our sense of awe and wonder for creation and begin to grasp the fact that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us and provides a redemption that all of creation is waiting for now to be brought into being as described in Romans 8:22-25. This awakening causes one to praise God with Psalm 35:2,3 as it proclaims, "My soul will boast in the Lord; let the afflicted hear and rejoice. Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt His name together."

    The awakened know that as they make this proclamation that there are still many who feel more pain than victory and more hopelessness than hope. That’s why a journey into the Scriptures provides more than words of hope but actually promises backed up by the Creator of heaven and earth. His faithfulness is testified to daily by the provisions of creation. Psalm 36:5-9 declares, "Your love, O Lord, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies. Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, your justice like the great deep. O Lord you preserve both man and beast. How priceless is your unfailing love! Both high and low among men find refuge in the shadow of your wings-They feast on the abundance of your house; you give them drink from your river of delights. For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light."

    This revelation of God’s love through His provision for all of creation and the redemption provided through the Resurrected Christ enables the believer to stand steadfast in adversity, knowing the reality of God’s presence. As trials, tribulations and temptations mount, the truth of Psalm 34:4-6 is driven home: "I sought the Lord and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to Him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. This poor man called, and the Lord heard him; He saved him out of all his troubles."

    An awakening to the Living Lord enables one to recognize His love reaching into the skies as He directs the sun to rise and set each day. His faithfulness is testified to daily by the very fact that creation continues to exist, sustained daily as Psalm 33:5 says, "The earth is full of his unfailing love." This reality enables those struggling in the middle of their needs and impossibilities to look to the heavens and declare, "I believe you Lord," for as verse seven of Psalm 34 says, "The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them." It enables the believer to declare, "I’m believing you Lord to send that great host of angels as you did to deliver Elisha in 2 Kings 6:13-23."

    Such belief enables one to resist the waves of negativism and hopelessness as Psalm 34:8 says, "Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him." Recognizing the wonders of God’s creation drives home the truth of Psalm 34:9, 10, "Fear the Lord you His saints, for those who fear Him lack nothing. The lions may grow weak and hungry; but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing."

    As one seeks the Lord, longing for Him and desiring Him above all, he becomes willing to pattern his life in accordance with Scripture. That means taking responsibility for what one says and does as outlined in Psalm 34:13-14, "Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies. Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it."

    Turning from evil and doing good involves the realization that the earth is the Lord’s (Psalm 24:1). It is sin that leads us to the destruction of the Creator’s handiwork. "Because of this the land mourns, and all who live in it waste away; the beasts of the field and the birds of the air and the fish, of the sea are dying." (Hosea 4:3) Seeking peace with all of creation and pursuing it involves the realization that when technology gets separated from ethics, it moves from understanding creation to declaring war upon it to the extent that it is changed to benefit mankind exclusively. When science and its investigation into how creation works is approached from motives to gain power over it, then the principle of dominion is changed from "care" to "oppression." Such oppression has a direct impact on the environment and all of creation.

    The Environmental Protection Agency has concluded that man-made global warming is inflicting serious permanent changes on the American environment. An EPA report goes on to say that if America’s economic growth is to be protected, the country will have to adapt to a climate that is between five and nine degrees warmer. Such an adapting will have a devastating impact on creation. The U.S. insistence on putting materialism over the preservation of God’s creation results in the direct fulfillment of Isaiah 24:4-5, which proclaims, "The earth dries up and withers...The earth is defiled by its people."

    The on-going interchange between the earth’s resources and America’s materialistic lifestyle is affecting all life, "All creatures, great and small," "All people rich and poor." Jeremiah 2:7 says, "I brought you into a fertile land to eat its fruit and rich produce. But you came and defiled my land and made my inheritance detestable."

    Deforestation, draining wetlands, burning petroleum, coal and wood produces increased levels of carbon dioxide, which allows less heat to escape back to outer space, is resulting in global warming. Deuteronomy 32:6 cries out, "Is this the way you repay the Lord, O foolish and unwise people? Is He not your Father, your Creator, who made you and formed you?" Realizing this one may ask, "What does God want from me?" to which Micah 6:8 replies, "And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."

    What a contrast to a society that is determined to milk everything out of creation to make as much money as possible. Some have even perverted religion to justify the accumulation of more and more wealth. But this accumulation of wealth instead of fostering compassion toward the poor often hardens the hearts of those who accumulate them. Scripture is filled with references to those whose desire to get more and more money resulted in an unconcern for the poor at their doorsteps. Examples can be found in Isaiah 5:8-10, Amos 6:4-7, Luke 16:19-31, James 5:1-5. As Brazilian archbishop Don Helder Camara stated, "I used to think when I was a child, that Christ might have been exaggerating when He warned about the dangers of wealth. Today, I know better. I know how very hard it is to be rich and still keep the milk of human kindness. Money has a dangerous way of putting scales on one’s eyes, a dangerous way of freezing people’s hands, eyes, and heart."

    But what if you are one of those who is a victim of oppression? If that is the case it is critical that you remember you can become better rather than bitter. Romans 8:28 declares, "We know that all things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose." Accepting the truth of this statement enables us to rise up inspite of the circumstances, knowing that God has everything under control.

    The death of evil upon the seashore, described in Exodus 14:30, is just one of the multitude of historical examples of how, through the power of the living God, the oppressed will be victorious. In that passage we read, "That day the Lord saved Israel from the hands of the Egyptians and Israel saw the Egyptians lying dead on the shore."

    At times you may feel the forces of Pharoah are pursuing you. You may feel powerless and the situation may seem hopeless, but let the word of God burn deep in your heart. Let the words of Psalm 139:7-10 offer the assurance that you need at this time as this Psalm declares: "Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast."

    Beholding the wonders of creation enables us to grasp the promises and presence of God in a new way through the gifts of sight, smell, hearing, touching and tasting of creation that is all around us. The promises of God are affirmed through the power of the Holy Spirit at work in creation and the power of Scripture.

    Remember the promises in Psalm 34. In verse 15 we read, "The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous" and then another promise as it goes on to say, "His ears are attentive to their cry." But that’s not all, as verse 16 declares, "The face of the Lord is against those who do evil, to cut off the memory of them from the earth."

    As fear is replaced by faith, Psalm 34:17,18 goes on to make four more promises to those who believe. These are promises by the Creator, Sustainer and Redeemer whose faithfulness is fulfilled around us daily: "The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them, he delivers them from all their troubles, the Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."

    Beholding God at work in creation can strengthen one’s faith and affirm the promises of His word in a new and powerful way. Jurgen Moltman in his work, God in Creation, shows the Trinitarian concept of creation provides a balanced view supported by the Scriptures. "The One who sends the Son and the Spirit is the Creator--the Father. The One who gathers the world under his liberating lordship, and redeems it, is the Word of Creation-the Son. The One who gives life to the world and allows it to participate in God’s eternal life is the Creative Energy--the Spirit. The Father is the creating origin of creation, the Son its shaping origin, and the Spirit its life-giving origin." Creation exists in the Spirit, is molded by the Son and is created by the Father. It is therefore from God through God and in God. Moltman uses Scriptures, such as Psalm 104:29,30, to demonstrate the Spirit at work in creation. The church’s fear of pantheism has driven it into a deistic view of creation at best. Jurgen Moltman feels it is only in the Trinitarian view of creation that the church gets a balanced view. "The Trinitarian concept of creation binds together God’s transcendence and his immanence. The one-sided stress on God’s transcendence in relation to the world led to deism, as with Newton. The one-sided stress on God’s immanence in the world led to pantheism, as with Spinoza. The Trinitarian concept of creation integrates the elements of truth in monotheism and pantheism. In the pantheistic view, God, having created the world, also dwells in it, and conversely the world, which he has created, exists in Him. This is a concept which can really only be thought and described in Trinitarian terms."

    Understanding the Holy Spirit’s work in the life of creation gives one a new appreciation of creation. In Genesis 1:2 we see the divine Spirit is the creative power and presence of God in His creation. As a result the whole creation is a fabric woven by the Spirit, and is therefore a reality to which the Spirit gives form. As a result we begin to see that all created things are individual expressions of the community of creation and manifestations of the divine Spirit. To move in the Spirit is to be led by God into the fabric of creation with the Spirit who dwells in creation. Such a movement of the Spirit causes us to feel the pain of creation and the groaning expressed in Romans 8:22-25, "We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently."

    It is hope that Christianity brings to the environmental movement. Hope through the Trinitarian concept of creation with the Father’s sustaining love and promises for a future, the Son’s redemptive power and the Spirit’s oneness with creation’s suffering turned into creation’s hope. As a people who have been converted from being earth breakers to earth keepers, we are a part of this hope. As a result we become a people who have gained a new understanding of what it means to live in the Kingdom of God.

In the Light of the Kingdom

    In the midst of chaos, confusion, environmental destruction and social injustice, how does taking refuge in the Living God make a difference? Jesus consistently communicated in word and deed that relating one’s faith to not only personal problems, but also those within society is essential if such faith is a living, vibrant faith. In Matthew 5:13-16 Jesus emphasized this by declaring, "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It’s no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."

    Christianity that exists for only an hour a week while the preacher is preaching is not authentic Christianity. As James 1:22 says, "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says." After all, according to Jesus, those who claim to be His followers are citizens of a new Kingdom which Jesus introduced in Matthew 4:16,17. "The people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned." From that time on, Jesus began to preach, ‘Repent for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.’ Jesus ushered in a new order and called people to repent. Those who are a part of the Kingdom of God will recognize that God cares about His creation including the poor, the fatherless, the widowed, the homeless and the elderly. We read in Psalm 35:10, "You rescue the poor from those too strong for them, the poor and needy from those who rob them."

    So much of what is passed off as Christianity today is far removed from Jesus’ message of repentance for the Kingdom of heaven is near. Many who claim to be followers of Jesus Christ are actually following the rich pied pipers of this materialistic age until they have lost their Biblically prophetic voices that are so urgently needed at this time. The sleeping giant of the church has allowed the world to mold it into the world’s image to the extent that the image of the living Christ is no longer seen in the lives of its members.

    Listen to Paul’s appeal in Romans 12:1-2, "I appeal to you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be comforted to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is the will of God, which is good and acceptable and perfect." The will of God involves being a part of the Kingdom of God where we value that which God values. It means being a people who will fight for justice and work to preserve creation as oceans are overfished, skies polluted, fresh water supplies exhausted, topsoil, forests, and species of animal and plant life destroyed. The Creator asks, "Is it not enough to feed on good pasture? Must you also trample the rest of the pasture with your feet? Is it not enough for you to drink clear water? Must you also muddy the rest with your feet?" (Ezekiel 34:18) God has called us to be earth keepers not earth destroyers. Instead of being good stewards, we have remained silent as billions of people, along with creation itself, are in imminent danger of destruction as a global economic order revolves around an affluent minority of people.

    The sleeping giant of the church must wake up because no longer can government be trusted to protect creation, which is commonly referred to as the environment. In January, 2003 the Knight Ridder news agency asked three dozen experts in the environmental protection and business communities to assess the Bush administration’s record on the environment. They discovered more than 50 major changes in policy, including: (1) "Dramatically stepping up drilling for oil and natural gas on public lands." (2) "Loosening environmental restrictions on logging and mining on federal property." (3) "Easing rules that require environmental impact assessments before thinning national forests, starting certain military activities such as bombing practice and building major transportation projects such as airports or highways." (4) "The Bush administration is cleaning up 31 percent fewer superfund sites per month than the Clinton administration did, and polluters are paying 64 percent less in fines per month than during the late 1990’s, according to a Knight Ridder analysis of settlements published in the Federal Register." (5). "Rejecting a worldwide treaty to curb global warming and pushing an energy plan that stresses reliance on fossil fuels, which causes global warming and air pollution." (6) "Proposing to weaken the cornerstone air and water pollution laws enacted in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s."

    The report goes on to point out that recently, "the Environmental Protection Agency permitted more than 17,000 old coal-fired utilities, oil refineries and other factories to expand or renovate without installing pollution-control equipment, as the agency previously required. Earlier this month, the administration issued rules that would remove up to 20 million acres of isolated wetlands from federal protection under the Clean Energy Water Act. In addition, Bush’s EPA has taken modest steps to reduce soot emissions from diesel engines, which experts say is probably the nation’s biggest air-pollution problem."

    It is a well established fact that as industry makes political contributions, it is essentially buying influence. The Knight Ridder report points out that, "More than two dozen political appointees have backgrounds in the energy, chemical, timber, agri-business and mining industries. According to the non-partisan Center for Responsive Politics, the oil and gas industry gave nearly $17 million to Republicans in 2002 and $1.9 million to the Bush campaign."

    Being salt and light in the kingdom of God as Jesus proclaims in Matthew 4:16-17 means letting "those living in the land of the shadow of death know that a light has dawned." It means repenting over the fact that, rather than treating the earth as God’s gift for all God’s children, the church has allowed creation’s resources to be wasted to profit a few. It means responding to the fact that the imperialism of today is not restricted to a specific territory, but involves the control of all of creation. Today in the United States, 20% of the public control 80% of the wealth. For many the "free world" is defined as any place where U.S. interests can operate freely. Instead of planting more signs and bumper stickers that say, "God Bless America," the church should be awakening to the Christ who is calling this country (built on land taken from Native Americans, the backs of black slaves and ethnic immigrants) to repentance. Presently the United States national addiction to oil is causing the great USA to engage in the conquest of every area of the earth that can feed this addiction. The time has come for the prophetic voice of the Sleeping Giant of the church to come forth in the light of Isaiah 3:12-15 which declares, "O, my people, your leaders mislead you, and confuse the course of your paths. The Lord has taken His place to contend. He stands to judge His people. The Lord enters into judgment with the elders and princes of his people: ‘It is you who have devoured the vineyard, the spoil of the poor is in your houses. What do you mean by crushing my people, by grinding the face of the poor?’ says the Lord God of hosts."

    It takes faith to live in the Kingdom of God and to be the courageous people He is calling us to be. The Kingdom of God confronts all economic systems that reward the rich by destroying creation and punishing the poor. Jesus proclaimed the Kingdom of God is at hand which means that God’s people will stand with the oppressed, preserve creation and oppose those systems that reward the rich at the expense of creation and the poor. In Luke 6:24-25 Jesus declares, "Woe to you that are rich, for you have received your consolation. Woe to you that are full now, for you shall hunger." In Luke 12:15 He said, "Take heed and beware of all covetousness; for a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of His possessions." In response to those who, in the name of economic development, justify the destruction of creation, Jesus says in Matthew 6:24, "No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money."

    To enter the Kingdom of God means to trust God and break strong attachments to possessions. It means to value that which God values as described in Matthew 25:31-46. It means opposing the principalities and powers that resist the Kingdom of God. Ephesians 6:12 says, "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities against the powers of this dark world and against the forces of evil in the heavenly realms." Ephesians 6:12 is calling the People of God to rise up in light of the Scriptures against those institutions, philosophies and spiritual forces that stand against the Kingdom of God. These institutions include those powers that continue to subvert the majority of the population to the will of the minority of the rich. It means resisting philosophies that allow services to the most vulnerable in society, along with the protection of creation, to be cut while perpetuating the social Darwinistic theories of survival of the fittest.

    Christ-centered people are a people who will not, like Esau, sell their inheritance for a bowl of stew for immediate gratification. (Genesis 25:29-34) They will arise and redefine the meaning of "pro-life" in the light of Scripture, cherishing and seeking to protect all of life and the treasures that creation provides. They will work to build an ark to offer an alternative to those who are slaves to an oil-driven economy that results in the pollution, wars and tampering with the climate through global warming. The Biblically-based pro-lifer will not be deceived to believe that those legislators who claim to care about the unborn are being honest, as they vote on behalf of the special interests that are poisoning the air, the land and the water for future generations. How can one claim to be pro-life and then remain silent as the extinction of species is taking place at a pace not seen since the age of the dinosaurs? Biologists now say that between 22 and 47% of all plant species worldwide are threatened with extinction.

    Like Esau, many who call themselves recipients of the inheritance are quick to sell this inheritance for the immediate gratification of whatever craving they may feel at the moment. Many, in the name of religion and prosperity theology, have turned Matthew 6:33 upside down to read, "Seek first yourself, and the Kingdom will be added unto you" when the text actually reads, "Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." Some, by turning this text upside down, have actually taken greed, long recognized as a vice, and have declared it to be a virtue. It is tragic that all too often greed motivates those who claim to love God to put their personal economic development over caring for the Creator’s handiwork. This is tragic because Christians really should be sharing in word and deed the good news that Jesus Christ is Creator, Reconciler, Redeemer and Harmonizer of all things. Instead they overlook, neglect and in some cases even despise, Christ’s creative, sustaining, and reconciling works in creation. These creative works of Jesus are expressed in Colossians 1:15-20, "Christ is the image of the invisible God, the first-born over all creation. For by Him all things were created...all things were created by Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together...For God was pleased to have all His fullness dwell in Him, and through Him to reconcile to himself all things."

    Jesus is creator and reconciler, yet many who call on His name do not care about His creation. How is it that all those who say they love the creator can abuse His masterpiece of creation through their dependence on fossil fuels and a gluttonous life-style? This abuse of creation, resulting from a lifestyle of self-centered consumerism, directly contributes to global toxification, species extinction, deforestation and soil erosion. The children of God will not, in the name of prosperity theology, directly destroy and degrade creation. Instead, they will act as caretakers and reconcilers. Those who value their eternal inheritance will demonstrate such a value for their present inheritance of creation by refusing to allow it to be converted into a natural resource with a price tag placed on it. After all, some things are priceless like a sunset, clean air, colorful trees in the fall, and the list goes on and on. When we allow the inheritance of creation to be reduced to "natural resources," we as humanity degenerate into "consumers" rather than "children of God."

    The number one religion of self in America leads us to worship the creation as a resource, rather than worship the Creator. The marketplace becomes the sanctuary and the preservation of the good life becomes the pursuit of a self-made god with a desire for the heavenly inheritance falling by the way side. As a result Christ’s incarnation, death and resurrection becomes secondary in life and the pursuit of the Kingdom of God destroyed. But this is not the case for those for whom Jesus Christ is Lord because they view creation as a dynamic web of interconnected processes. It involves the redeemed letting their light shine in word and deed, for as Psalm 36:9 proclaims concerning the Holy Triune God, "For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light."

    In this fountain of life provided through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the followers of Christ will arise, providing the light and hope that is needed in a dark world bent upon the destruction of the creator’s handiwork.

Living in the Kingdom

    Now that we understand what it means to live in the Kingdom of God, we must ask ourselves, "What kind of world do we want to live in? Do we want to live in a world where there are more billboards than trees along our interstate highways? Do we want a world where holes in the ozone layer cause us to stay inside lest we get skin cancer? Or what about a world where arsenic levels go up on our drinking water and fish die from polluted rivers? All this is a result of forgetting Whose earth we live on. "The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it; for He founded it upon the seas and established it upon the waters," Psalms 24:1,2.

    There is no question about it, the Creator God holds the title to the earth. He is the Lord and landlord. When we forget that we are but tenants on this earth, the results are dangerous holes in the ozone layer, poisoning our rivers, streams, and oceans and their inhabitants, and the destruction of our trees, forests, and minerals. Such destruction is a result of greed wanting more power and profit. Such sin against the environment results in death, not only of vegetation and animals, but also of the physical and spiritual lives of humanity.

    God placed Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden and told them in Genesis 2:15 to work in it and take care of His creation. With this action, God made humanity stewards of His earth. To be a steward of the earth is a commission to be an earth keeper and not an earth breaker. Such earth keeping involves the realization that the earth is the Lord’s (Psalm 24:1). He has created it (Genesis 1 and 2, Job 38:4, Psalm 19:1), sustains it (Matthew 6:26), redeemed it (Colossians 1:15-30) and has the power to destroy it (Genesis 6:7, Psalm 104:29). Creation is the manifestation of His work (Genesis 9:12-17, Hosea 2:21-22, Matthew 5:45). Creation is good and valuable (1:31, Job 38-41, Psalm 148:1-10, Matthew 10:29). Creation is connected to Him by His word (Genesis 1:3-9, John 1:1-5, Hebrews 1:3). Creation is also separate from God (Genesis 2:20) and has been saved through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ (John 3:16, Mark 4:41, Ephesians 1:22, Philippians 2:10-11).

    As redeemed Children of God He has entrusted His creation to us to manage for His glory (Genesis 1:26, Psalm 8:6-8), Genesis 2:15). We must answer to Him for our faithfulness in this calling (Leviticus 25:3-5, 14-17; Luke 12:42-48, 19:12-27, 20:9-18; Revelation 11:18). Our relationship with creation and God has been destroyed through sin (Genesis 3:1-7) but restored through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ (Romans 5 and 8, 1 Corinthians 15:19-22).

    In both Matthew 25:14-28 and Luke 19:11-27 we see the requirements of stewardship. There we see that it is not enough to just keep things the way they are. We must take steps to correct and improve.

    The community of faith must directly confront those who willfully destroy the earth for personal profit. It must declare that it is wrong to destroy the forests, pollute the air and continue to rape the earth to satisfy our nation’s addiction to oil. As the community of faith seeks the Living God for alternatives for the creation of clean energy, we will find ourselves utilizing further the current energy of the sun and wind.

    The first step towards being good stewards in the light of the Scripture involves repenting for our past indifference and trusting God to direct us as to what steps are necessary for the earth’s healing. In the Scriptures, He promises, "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray, and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from Heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land," 2 Chronicles 7:14.

    In order to see our land healed spiritually, socially and environmentally, we must: 1.) Agree that we have sinned against God both through our silence on environmental issues and through our direct sins against the environment as a result of our gluttonous life styles. We have neglected our responsibility to preserve and protect our environment and its resources as well as to be accountable stewards of it. 2.) Change the way we do things. It involves the realization that Scripture speaks of both creation and redemption. Knowing that God has called us to care for His earth as we await the restoration of it through the return of our Lord Jesus Christ. As Paul proclaims in Romans 8:19-24, "The Creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. For the Creation was subjected to frustration not by its own choice, but by the will of one who subjected it, in hope that the Creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God."

    God’s word compels us to become more concerned about our environment. This means we need to repent of our unspoken belief that more is better and that more and more material things bring fulfillment. The time has come for us to consume less and switch to renewable resources. This means breaking free from the exploitation of what was created and see that it is good. It is human sin which spoils the earth. Repeatedly we see throughout the Scriptures God warning that if His people are unfaithful to His covenant the land will suffer. (Hosea 4:1-3)

    The next step in being good stewards involves supporting policies that are pro-earth. A true pro-life ethic also respects the life of the earth and realizes that such respect carries over to human life. Rachel Carson, in her timeless classic, "Silent Spring," points this out when she said, "water, soil, and the earth’s green mantle of plants make up the world that supports the animal life of the earth. Although modern man seldom remembers the fact, he can not exist without the plants that harness the sun’s energy and manufacture the basic food supply he depends upon for life."

    We need a life ethic that respects the life of the earth and realizes that God made and loves the earth and all of our life and health depends on the health of the earth. Now is the time for us to wake up and realize that the preservation of the earth is not just God’s responsibility--it is our responsibility also. It is clear from Genesis 1 and 2 that man and woman are to care for the earth. Sin did not cancel this responsibility, it just makes the issue of stewardship all the more critical. Humankind has miserably failed to fulfill it’s stewardship of the earth, and has exploited, harmed, oppressed, raped and ravaged it as it often does to other human beings. This is direct disobedience to Almighty God.

    We have failed in fulfilling God’s two greatest mandates which include being stewards of Creation and participating with Him in His work of redemption. Colossians 1:13-16 declares, "For He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son He loves, in Whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all Creation. For by Him all things were created: things in Heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by Him and for Him." No matter how hard we try, it is impossible to separate God’s work of Creation and His work of redemption. Jesus is the unifying force in the universe, He is the one who can set us free from a love of things which contributes to the destruction of the environment and, instead, give us a love for all life. You have a mission, Nehemiah said, "You see the trouble we are in: Jerusalem lies in ruins and its gates have been burned with fire. Come, let us rebuild and we will not longer be in disgrace." Nehemiah 2:17. They replied, "Let us start rebuilding, so they began this good work." (verse 18).

    Beginning this good work involves beholding the wonders of creation, as mentioned in Chapter 1. We cannot be stewards of the earth unless we have an emotional bond with creation. With God’s help we must learn to look so deeply into a created part of life that we may see its hidden spiritual dimension.

    Caring for creation is an essential act of worship. Psalm 148 shares how all of creation worships the Living God. For this reason every action which has an impact on creation must be carried out with the question, "Will this act sustain or damage creation’s ability to glorify God?"

    Psalm 104 beautifully describes how God orchestrates the functioning of his world with music which no symphony could ever hope to imitate. When sin invaded God’s wonderful world His love extended to the sending of His son to redeem this sin stricken world. (John 3:16) This redemption involves reclaiming human hearts through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Now the followers of Christ have a mandate to image God, not just spiritually but physically to care for God’s creation.

    The redeemed possess a moral direction which demands they work to save humanity from self-destruction. In response to those who say, "If you are saved and bound for heaven why do you care about the earth?" we declare, "Because the earth is the Lord’s and through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, we have experienced a new life and believe He is reclaiming all life for Himself."

It’s Time for Action

    The redeemed are a revolutionized people who recognize how sin is destroying the natural world. They are not content to watch the growing number of endangered species of plants and animals that are dying daily. The redeemed will not, in the name of economic development, allow the natural resources to be uprooted and destroyed as the fertile lands are covered with asphalt parking lots and sporting stadiums.

    Knowing that as the redeemed we are called to be stewards of God’s creation, we refuse to remain silent as the earth’s oxygen is depleted by the destruction of thousands of acres of rain forest. We can longer sit by and do nothing as the fossil fuels continue to poison creation. As a redeemed people we are not content to look the other way because we know our stay here is only temporary and heaven is our home.

    Throughout the scriptures, we see that God’s people are involved in the political and social issues of the day. In Acts 16:20, Paul and Silas were accused of "throwing their city into an uproar," because they were not part of the status quo.

    Believers are a people whose world view recognizes that Christ is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created; things in Heaven and on Earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities, all things were created by Him and for Him," Colossians 1:15-16. Such a view causes them to identify with the downtrodden and be advocates for human life and all of creation.

    No matter how hard we try we cannot separate God’s work of creation and His work of redemption. God’s two greatest mandates to human beings are to be stewards of creation and share the good news of redemption. In spite of some who have so misinterpreted Second Coming literature that they have no concern for preserving creation, we see throughout the Scriptures the two themes of being good stewards of creation and the work of redemption deeply connected. This means caring about the physical, mental and spiritual needs of others.

    God created a beautiful world and placed man and woman in it to be stewards of it. Sin entered this world destroying this beautiful creation. God’s love resulted in the sending of Christ whose death and resurrection provides redemption for this sin-stricken world, not an escape from it. Jesus has called each of us to be penetrating salt and light. This means we are to be in this world but not of it.

    The time has come now for the Body of Christ to seek God for ways to protect the environment and let love prevail over a consumeristic, materialistic theology that calls for acquiring more and more things resulting in the ongoing destruction of the earth. His love compels us to stop bowing before the gods of comfort and convenience gives us the courage, conviction and compassion to be the people He has called us to be.

    This courage and calling causes us to express outrage that every year each person in the U.S. contributes about 6 tons of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere. Much of this is a result of using energy created from fossil fuels like coal, oil and natural gas.

    It is a fact that nature is not divine, but nature does serve as a witness to the Glory of God from the greatest show on earth of a sunrise every morning, to the glory of His handiwork throughout the day and all night long to the sunrise of the next day. To allow the earth and the skies to be polluted is to allow this glory to be tarnished. We must not forget Who the earth belongs to and how He has entrusted us to be stewards of it.

    This means being earth keepers, not earth destroyers. Pollution of the environment in any shape or form is a result of greed and selfish ambition. As Philippians 2:3-4 says, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." Let’s remember that the next time we are tempted to pour that oil from an oil change on a nearby patch of grass. Every bit of pollution, no matter how small it may seem, adds up to contribute to tarnishing this great planet God has blessed us with.

    Scripture declares, "May the Glory of God endure forever, may the Lord rejoice in His works." Now, in an attempt to do something about the 5.5 billion tons of carbon dioxide that is added to the atmosphere every year, New Life Evangelistic Center is launching a major renewable energy program. It is working toward helping individuals, businesses and churches move toward utilizing solar, wind, biomass and energy conservation methods. This involves the use of compact fluorescent light bulbs, recycling, using solar hot water, making fuel for its diesel vehicles out of used vegetable oil, constructing an electric car and tractor, using solar and wind power as well as constructing affordable energy-efficient buildings. As NLEC moves forth by faith in these areas, it realizes that there are many things that remain to be done as the challenge to preserve creation exists before each of us.

    The first step for the local church is the realization of the problem of the rapid destruction of creation. The next step is seeking God as what He would have each do as individual members of the body of Christ. When the sleeping giant of the church awakens it will indeed realize the presence of God in creation. Jonathan Edwards, in the midst of the first great awakening, stated, "God’s excellency, His wisdom, His purity and love, seemed to appear in everything, in the sun, moon and stars, in the clouds and blue sky, in the grass, flowers, trees, in the water and all nature." So many species of plants and animals that were alive when Jonathan Edwards spoke these words now no longer exists. The time has come for an awakened church that will address the destruction of creation both by confronting the destroyers and working to preserve a creation which reveals the glory of God.

    The time for action is now. We must turn from an escapism Eschatological theology to a Biblical activist second coming teaching believing Jesus meant it when He said, "When the Son of Man comes in His glory...the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world, for I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to eat, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me,’ " Matthew 25. Caring for creation involves direct action to help those whom Jesus referred to as the least of these.

    A Biblically-based second coming theology also addresses the preservation of creation and the judgment for those who refuse to do such. Read what happens when the seventh trumpet is blown as described in Revelations 11:18 where it says, "The time has come for judging the dead, and for rewarding your servants the prophets and your saints and those who reverence your name, both small and great and for destroying those who destroy the earth."

    The time for action is now. Churches must arise, pray and seek God as to what steps of action must be taken now. Jesus said His people are to be the salt and the light, (Matthew 5:13-16). This means engaging in penetrating action and letting the light shine on the darkness of earth’s destruction until those engaged in such destruction run for cover. It also means taking creative steps to offer alternatives to the fossil fuels which drive our cars and light our homes.

    Christ has called His church to be a headlight in this dark world, not a tail light following the world’s direction. As citizens of the Kingdom of heaven which Jesus declared has arrived as a result of His coming, we are directed to awaken and "let your light shine before people that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven," (Matthew 5:16)

    Letting our light shine means taking the direct action that is so critical at this time to awaken the Sleeping Giant of the Church to be an earth-keeper, not an earth-breaker. The hour has come for us to let this light shine to the extent that the world will see our good works when it comes to being stewards of creation and will glorify our Father Who is in heaven.

The Discovery of Clean

Renewable Energy

    Energy shortages at home, dependence on foreign oil and an increase in the use of electronic devices have led to the sky rocketing of utility bills, all of which are causing more and more people to look at alternative sources of energy. People are tired of being slaves--whether it is to the utility bills of gas, electric or propane--or to the prices being arbitrarily set by OPEC at the gas pumps.

    Yet God has created a world that is full of free energy--energy that is not dependent on big oil companies, the wholesale natural gas market or big government. Did you know that the sun radiates more energy in one second than people have used since the beginning of time? Are you aware that every day enough energy strikes the United States to supply the nation’s energy needs for one and a half years?! The question is, where does all this energy go? About 30% is used to evaporate water, which, when lifted into the atmosphere, produces rainfall. Another 15% is reflected back into space. Solar energy is also absorbed by plants, the land and the ocean, while the rest is just waiting for us to be used to supply our energy needs. Don’t you think that the same God who could show George Washington Carver hundreds of uses for a peanut, could also show us how to tap the sun’s resources so that no one has to spend another winter without heat? Oh, if only we could get quiet long enough to hear His voice and be moved into the realms of His love which desires for all of His children to be provided for. As Psalm 31:21 says, "Praise be to the Lord, for he showed His wonderful love to me when I was in a beseiged city."

    Or what about using the free hydrogen that God has provided as a substitute for the oil and natural gas that big business now controls? Did you know that algae growing in a large pond could actually produce enough hydrogen to power 10 cars? Green algae that can be found on many farm ponds has the unique ability to convert water and sunlight into hydrogen gas. This is possible because God has created algae to live in two environments. When living in ordinary air and sunlight, the algae uses photosynthesis like other plants. This process converts sunlight, water and carbon dioxide into oxygen and the life-sustaining chemicals the plant needs. But when the algae is deprived of a key nutrient, sulfur, and is forced to live in an oxygen-free environment, it takes up an adapted lifestyle in order to survive. Under these conditions it produces hydrogen gas, which bubbles up as pure hydrogen. One liter of algae culture, or a little over a quarter of a gallon, produces about one-tenth of a fluid ounce per hour of pure hydrogen.

    Think about it: free energy created by algae from sunlight and water resulting in hydrogen. It is hydrogen that has been used in the space program because when it is combined with oxygen it makes a rocket propellant used in the main engines of the space shuttle.

    Actually there is no real energy shortage, only our inability to tap into the vast energy God has created and use it to help others. Or what about the energy He provides through the wind, just waiting to be harnessed so that those who find themselves in the dark may experience light and life?

    Energy is all around us. Then why can we not tap into it? Could it be that greed motivates many to get what God has provided free of charge so that they can sell it for huge profits? Just look at the wealth that has been accumulated by a few to control the masses when He allowed us to use the fossil fuels of gas and oil. Or perhaps we have not yet been able to effectively harness the unlimited energy all around us because we are such a wasteful people.

    After all, isn’t it true that up to half the energy used to heat or cool a home is wasted because of poor insulation? And doesn’t the Scripture say that of those to whom much is given, much is required, also to those who are faithful over a little, God will put over much?

    Yet when you mention to most people that they have an opportunity to change the world, their response is often, "I already have enough to do, I can’t even keep track of what all I have to do now!" Even if an angel from heaven handed us the plans to tap into unlimited energy to respond to the energy issues, most of us would say, "I don’t have the energy," or "I don’t have time." Of course, those who saw it as an opportunity to get rich would love to get the source of information, if it meant more money. But the Body of Christ now has the unprecedented opportunity to make use of God’s free energy to help people be set free from rising utility costs and dependence on polluting fossil fuels.

    It is time for caring people to arise, to care, to tap into God’s divine power as manifested through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We need to begin to get the energy we need to not only be overcomers, but also to let our light shine by helping others to get the physical and spiritual power that is so critical at this hour.

    The time has come for the giant of the Church to awaken and respond to the groaning of creation which Romans 8 speaks of. This awakening is a result of the energy poured forth into the hearts of the redeemed.

    When used vegetable oil is mixed with lye and methanol, it can become a useful fuel know as biodiesel. In the same way, when the Scriptures, combined with the wonders of creation and the Spirit of God comes upon the giant of the Church it will provide the fuel that is so vitally needed now for the preservation of creation. Let us pray that, along with all of creation, such an energy force will come forth for "We know that the whole creation has been growing as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time." (Romans 8:22)

    One cannot come to the realization that it is a time for action without having an understanding of his or her personal impact on the earth. Donald W. Lotter in Earth Score Your Personal Environmental Audit & Guide asks each of us to evaluate our impact on the earth with such questions as "my average monthly energy bill per person is approximately _________." "I have invested ________ effort/money in installing solar energy equipment around my home for reducing my dependence on energy from nonrenewable sources." "I have installed energy-saving compact fluorescent lights in _____ of my commonly used light fixtures."

    But it is not only home energy usage that we need to take action on, but also in the area of transportation, as well. Operating an automobile also has a tremendous impact on creation. As it eats up fossil fuels, it contributes to global warming and other air pollution problems. Donald Lotter presents these questions for us to ask ourselves, "My main vehicle gets _____ miles per gallon of gasoline." "I drive _____ miles per year." Lotter declares, "For many, driving becomes an environmentally costly form of meditation. Breaking the habit of unnecessary driving is where spirituality and environment meet in their most immediate way."

    Evaluating our impact upon creation and then taking necessary action is a personal spiritual issue. It is not a basis for the judgment of others but a personal evaluation of how our lifestyle effects creation. Such personal evaluation is one that must be immersed in prayer and in the Scriptures. It causes us to seek God concerning our lifestyles from everything such as recycling to a willingness to wear used clothing instead of buying the latest styles!

    As we become aware of God’s revelations through the wonders of creation, we will become concerned about how our lifestyle impacts such creation.

    As the Scriptures declare, "faith without works is dead," (James 2:26) even so a concern without direct action amounts to nothing. In a further attempt to help you turn those good intentions into direct steps of faith, you are encouraged to visit the Missouri Renewable Energy website. It in no way claims to be conclusive, but simply to help you discover some of the vast material that is available concerning the preservation of creation.

    At www.moreenergy.org, you will find a wide variety of articles and videos showing you how to use the windpower, solar power, bio-diesel, solar hot water and other forms of energy and ways of conserving energy.

    The Mid-American Renewable Energy Center in New Bloomfield, Missouri hosts free energy fairs. At these fairs participants have an opportunity to learn how to use renewable energy, talk to those who are using this clean energy and have installed it in their own homes and church. Both the more energy website and the Renewable Energy Center -- complete with wind generators, solar panels and hot water, bio-diesel production, etc. -- is sponsored by the New Life Evangelistic Center. For further information on these services, call 1-800-228-5284.

1) How can the willful destruction of creation be compared to the tearing up of the pages of Scripture?

2) Why is it important that as Christians we start to think about how energy is produced?

3) Why must we do everything we can to stop our dependence on oil?

4) What are the projected results of global warming?

5) What lies beyond all the diversity of creation?

1) How can a disconnection from creation affect our worship of God?

2) In what way does the silencing of creation involve the silencing of the voice of God?

3) How does the awakening of the church provide a solution for the destruction of the environment?

4) Why is Christianity different than "nature religions"?

5) How can it be said that God’s covenant is with all of creation?

6) How does taking the wonders of creation for granted cause sincere worship to become obsolete?

7) What is required in order for the springs of living water of joy and sincere worship to come forth?

1) How do we grow in our sense of awe and wonder for creation?

2) How does a journey into the Scriptures provide more than just words of hope?

3) How is the believer able to stand steadfast in adversity?

4) What changes take place in a person when they are awakened to the Living Lord?

5) What is global warming and how does it result from a society that tries to milk everything it can out of creation?

6) Describe the work of the Holy Spirit in creation.

7) How does Christianity bring hope to the environment?

1) What is your reaction to the statement "Christianity that exists for only an hour a week while the preacher is preaching is not authentic Christianity"?

2) In what ways has the institutional church become molded into the image of the world?

3) As government backs off of its role of guardian of the environment, how can the church resume the role of earth-keeper?

4) How is the U.S. addiction to oil driving national policies?

5) In what ways does the Kingdom of God confront all economic systems that reward the rich at the expense of creation?

6) How can one claim to be pro-life and then remain silent as the earth and life on it is destroyed?

7) Why is it not possible to truly love the Creator and then be indifferent to the destruction of the masterpiece of creation?

1) What happens when we forget whose earth we are living on?

2) What does it mean to be a steward of the earth?

3) How can our land be healed spiritually, socially and environmentally?

4) In what ways does a true pro-life ethic respect the life of the earth?

5) Why is it impossible to separate God’s work of creation and His work of redemption?

6) Why is an emotional bond with the earth important when it comes to being stewards of the earth?

7) If you are saved and bound for heaven, why should you care about the earth?

1) Why is Colossians 1:13-16 such a revolutionary passage when it comes to Christians being earth-keepers rather than earth-breakers?

3) How are we made one with the creator of heaven and earth?

4) In what way is an unawakened church nothing more than an irrelevant theological ghost?

5) How can it be said that God’s command to Adam was to tend the earth, not to destroy it?

6) As a local church is awakened, what can it do to be an earth-keeper and steward of creation?

7) Why will a Biblically-based second coming theology address the preservation of creation in the light of Revelation 11:18?

1) Why is it important for the people of God to seek Him now for energy alternatives to the fossil fuels?

2) How can it be said that there is no energy shortage, only our inability to tap into the vast energy that God has created?

3) Why is it important for us to do a self-audit or our personal impact upon the earth?

4) What steps do you think you should be taking now to be an earth-keeper rather than an earth-

breaker?

5) How do you plan to implement these steps in the future?