_In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth_ THE CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE OF CREATION In considering the subject of creation we see, first of all, that a distinction must be drawn between what I would call primary and secondary creation. Primary creation is creation proper. It is that grand... [ Continue Reading ]
_And the earth was without form and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep_ GENESIS OF ORDER I. EXPLANATION OF THE PASSAGE. 1. The primeval chaos. (1) Origin of chaos. The direct issue of the Creative Will. God created the atoms of the universe, starting with them in a chaotic state.... [ Continue Reading ]
_Let there be light_ THE CREATION OF LIGHT I. DIVINELY PRODUCED. 1. For the protection of life. Plants could not live without light; without it, the flowers would soon wither. Even in a brief night they close their petals, and will only open them again at the gentle approach of the morning light.... [ Continue Reading ]
_And God called the light day, and the darkness He called night:--_ LIGHT, NATURAL AND SPIRITUAL The Holy Ghost mysteriously quickens the dead heart, excites emotions, longings, desires. I. DIVINE FIAT: God said, Let there be light, and there was light. The Lord Himself needed no light to enable... [ Continue Reading ]
_Let there be a firmament_ THE ATMOSPHERE I. THE ATMOSPHERE IS NECESSARY TO THE POSSIBILITY OF HUMAN LIFE. 1. Gathers up the vapours. 2. Throws them down again in rain, snow, or dew, when needed. 3. Modifies and renders more beautiful the light of the sun. 4. Sustains life. II. IT IS NECESSAR... [ Continue Reading ]
_The gathering together of the waters called He seas_ THE SEA AND THE DRY LAND I. THE SEA. “Let the waters. .. unto one place.” 1. The method of their location. Perhaps by volcanic agency. 2. The degree of their proportion. If the sea were smaller, the earth would cease to be verdant and fruitfu... [ Continue Reading ]
_Let the earth bring forth grass_ VEGETATION I. THAT IT IS THE RESULT OF A COMBINED INSTRUMENTALITY. 1. There was the Divine agency. It was the power of God that gave seed and life to the earth. For it is very certain that the earth could not have produced grass, and herb, and tree of itself. 2.... [ Continue Reading ]
_Let there be lights in the firmament_ THE HEAVENLY LUMINARIES I. THESE LIGHTS ARE ALL GOD’S SERVANTS. II. THE MISTAKES MAN’S EYE MAKES IN JUDGING THE WORKS OF GOD. We “limit the Holy One of Israel.” What a small world man’s eye would make of God’s creation! III. THE DEEPEST HUMILITY IS THE TRUE... [ Continue Reading ]
_Let the waters bring forth abundantly_ FISH AND FOWL I. THAT LIFE IS THE IMMEDIATE CREATION OF GOD. 1. Life was not an education. 2. It was not the result of combination. 3. It was a miraculous gift. There are two words in this sentence that should be remembered, and joined together most close... [ Continue Reading ]
_And God blessed them, saying, Be fruitful and multiply_ GOD’S BLESSING ABUNDANT At the close of this day the Lord does what He has not done on any of the other four days; He blesses that which He has created, and the object of His blessing is an abundant and perpetual increase. God is liberal; m... [ Continue Reading ]
_God made the beast of the earth_ THE ANIMAL CREATION I. THAT THE ANIMAL WORLD WAS CREATED BY GOD. 1. We should regard the animal world with due appreciation. Man has too low an estimate of the animal world. We imagine that a tree has as much claim to our attention and regard as a horse. The latt... [ Continue Reading ]
_Let Us make man in Our image, after Our likeness_ THE CREATION OF MAN I. THAT THE CREATION OF MAN WAS PRECEDED BY A DIVINE CONSULTATION. 1. This consultation was Divine. Held by the Three Persons of the Ever-Blessed Trinity, who were one in the creative work. 2. This consultation was solemn Man... [ Continue Reading ]
_Have dominion_ MAN’S DOMINION OVER THE LOWER ANIMALS I. THIS DOMINION GOD HAS MADE TO ARISE FROM THAT MENTAL SUPERIORITY WHICH CONSTITUTES MAN’S DISTINCTION AND GLORY. 1. The power of man is in his mind. 2. The benefit and extent of man’s dominion is made to depend on the moral as well as the i... [ Continue Reading ]
_To you it shall be for meat_ THE UNIVERSE GOD’S GIFT TO MAN I. THE GIFT. 1. Extensive. 2. Valuable. 3. Increasing. Every day becoming better known and more thoroughly appreciated. All the gifts of God are productive; time unfolds their measure, discloses their meaning, and demonstrates their... [ Continue Reading ]
_And God saw everything that He had made, and, behold, it was very good_ CREATION VERY GOOD I. Why was it very good? 1. It was the offspring of infinite wisdom and power and love. 2. Because guided into existence by Jesus. 3. Because there was no evil in it. 4. Because it was like God. II. WH... [ Continue Reading ]