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Hebrews 1:1-3
We invite you to join us for worship each Sunday morning at 9:30. You can download our service on iTunes or tune in for “The Good Word” each day on AM 1230 WSAL or on Hoosier Country 103.7 FM just after 8am. We must understand there are some things we just don’t and never will understand about our infinite, and eternal God. We must come to the point where we say I just don’t get it, but God does and that is what is important to me. Before we can begin to study what God does in salvation, we must first study how and why God does what He does. The only starting point that ultimately leads to complete harmony, peace, and as much understanding as is humanly possible is – in the beginning God! To start anywhere else can only lead to confusion, turmoil, and utter despair. When we start with, “in the beginning God” we have a rational explanation for the great doctrine of the providence or sovereignty of God. We believe in a personal God Who is infinite in His wisdom, power and righteousness or goodness. We also believe God is the one and only Creator of all that exists; which, by right of creation, makes Him the exclusive owner of all creation in all its parts. We further believe that as a righteous and Holy God, He will act toward His creation in a manner that is always consistent with Who He is. A. H. Strong, defines God’s providence as (on your outline) the actual care and control of the physical, mental, and moral universe. Like all Biblical doctrines, this one can become overwhelming – because it stretches from eternity past into eternity future. So what I want to try to do is answer the question: why do I need to know this in the first place?
In his book, Christian Theology, Millard Erickson gives a clear 4-point answer that helps us see the need, at least for a fundamental knowledge of this doctrine.
First, it is necessary to study the doctrine of providence because it explains how and why God preserves his creation.
Second, the doctrine of providence explains how God is actively engaged in achieving his purposes in his creation and that sin cannot thwart those purposes. Read Ps. 135:5-7; Eph. 3:7-13.
Third, the doctrine of providence explains how prayer brings the Christian in line with God’s purposes, thus enabling God to accomplish those purposes. Read Ps. 84:11; 1 Cor. 12;9-10.
Fourth, the doctrine of providence explains how and why God uses miracles to fulfill his purposes. Read Josh. 10:12-14; John 9:1-7. Mr. Erickson then makes a great concluding statement when he says, for the believer; God is ever present and active in caring for him or her. The Providence or sovereignty of God over all creation should be, to the true Christian, one of the most comforting and reassuring truths in all of Scripture.
If we can help you answer your spiritual questions, call us at (574) 643-9419.
