GENESIS 1:1

The Visible Universe

I. ONE, yet NOT SIMPLE.

1. One. In age, origin, and nature one, “the heavens and the earth” also constitute one vast system. Cohering physically through the force of gravitation, which, in its ultimate analysis, is simply an expression of the Divine power, they are unified spiritually by Christ, who is the
impersonation of the Divine wisdom and love (<430103>John 1:3, 9; <510115>Colossians 1:15, 17). Hence, as constituting one stupendous system, they are not independent, but mutually influential — physically according to science, spiritually according to Scripture (<421507>Luke 15:7, 10; <490310>Ephesians 3:10; <600112>1 Peter 1:12, &c.). Yet —

2. Not simple, but complex, consisting of two parts — of this mundane sphere, with its diversified contents of men, animals, and plants; and of those shining heavens, with their starry hosts and angelic races. Hence the histories of those two realms may be widely divergent — an inference
which astronomy warrants as to their physical developments, and revelation endorses with regard to their spiritual experiences. Hence to argue from the one to the other is to reason hypothetically; as, e.g., to conclude that the planets must be inhabited because the earth is, or to
affirm that the Divine treatment of the human and angelic races must of necessity be alike.


II. VAST, yet NOT INFINITE.

1. Vast. Enlarged as were Shemitic notions of the dimensions of God’s universe, modern astronomy, by the grandeur and sublimity of its revelations, gives definite shape to what were then only vague and shadowy conceptions. Imagination becomes bewildered in the attempt to
comprehend the circle of the universe. Commencing with the sun, the central body of our planetary system, with a diameter about three times our distance from the moon, and passing, on her outward journey, no fewer than seven worlds in addition to our own, most of them immensely larger, she only reaches the outskirts of the first department of creation at a distance of 2,853,800,000 miles. Then, when to this is added that the nearest fixed star is so remote that three years are required for its light to reach the earth; that from some of the more distant nebulae the light has been traveling for millions of years; that the number of the stars is practically infinite; and that each of them may be the center of a system more resplendent than our own, — even then it is but a faint conception which she reaches of the dimensions of the universe (<182614>Job 26:14). Yet—

2. It is not infinite. Immeasurable by man, it has already been measured by God <234012>Isaiah 40:12). Undiscoverable by science, its limits are known to its Creator (<441518>Acts 15:18). The stars which man is unable to compute God calls by their names (<19e704>Psalm 147:4; <234026>Isaiah 40:26). That the universe must have a boundary is involved in its creation. Two finites cannot make an infinite. Hence the measured earth (<350306>Habakkuk 3:6) and the bounded heavens (<182214>Job 22:14) cannot compose an illimitable universe. Still less can there be two infinites, one filling all space, and another outside of it. But Elohim is such an infinite (<235715>Isaiah 57:15; <242324>Jeremiah 23:24); hence the universe is not such another.


III. OLD, yet NOT ETERNAL.

1. Old. How old God has not revealed and man has not discovered; geology and astronomy both say millions of years; one hundred millions at least, Sir W. Thomson alleges the sun to have been burning. Genesis gives ample scope to physicists in their researches by saying they may go as far
back as “the beginning;” only that beginning they must find. For —

2. The universe is not eternal, though its antiquity be vast. The frequency and certainty with which Scripture enunciates the non-eternity of the material universe is one of its most distinguishing characteristics (<199001>Psalm 90:1; 102:25, 26; <580110>Hebrews 1:10). This may also now be regarded as the last word of science: “We have thus reached the beginning as well as the end of the present visible universe, and have come to the conclusion that it began in time, and will in time come to an end” (‘The Unseen Universe,’ p. 93).


IV. EXISTENT, YET NOT SELF-EXISTENT.

1. Existent; i.e. standing out as an entity in the infinite realm of space; standing out from eternity in the sphere of time; and also standing out from God, as essentially distinct from his personality. Yet —

2. Not self-existent, not standing there in virtue of its own inherent energy, being neither self-produced nor self-sustained; but standing solely and always in obedience to the creative fiat of Elohim, the almighty and selfexistent God.

Part 2: What to Expect?

Scripture: Ephesians 4:1-3

I. Introduction: Many times, people begin the Christian life with enthusiasm but later become confused or discouraged. When adversity strikes or loved ones reject the gospel, believers sometimes question whether a life of faith truly works. What should we anticipate when we walk with the Lord?

II. What to expect once you trust Jesus as Savior:

1. Intimate relationship: When we walk with Christ, we will have a close friendship with Him (John 17). Following the pattern of our Savior, we should talk daily to the Lord, enjoy His love, and seek His guidance (Mark 1:35).
2. Clear guidance: Especially when we must make life-changing choices, we need direction beyond our understanding. Only a foolish person attempts to live without any guidance from almighty God (Prov. 3:5-6). When we obey the Father, our lives are guaranteed to please Him, and He will honor our efforts (Prov. 4:10-12).
3. Adequate provision: Whatever our financial situation, we need God's wisdom to manage our money well. Jesus told His disciples not to worry—the Father would supply the basic necessities of life: food, clothing, and shelter (Matt. 6:25-31). One reason the Lord provides all our needs is so that we can share with others (Phil. 4:19; 2 Cor. 9:6, 8).
4. The Holy Spirit, our Helper: When you received Jesus Christ as your personal Savior, the Holy Spirit came into your life (Rom. 8:9). He helps you pray when words fail (Rom. 8:26), gives you discernment (John 14:26), and spurs you on to repentance (John 14:16-18). Most importantly, the Spirit is our constant Helper and Companion (John 16:8-13). Without the spiritual and physical energy He provides, the Christian life would be impossible.
5. Confidence to face the trials of life: When we walk in step with God, we respond correctly to trying circumstances—even suffering and pain. The Father uses difficulty to strengthen, mature, and equip us to help others. No matter what we face in life, we can have confidence that God will never abandon us (Heb. 13:5).
6. Inescapable conflict: Many people expect the Christian life to be trouble-free. But 2 Timothy 3:12 says, "All who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted." You will be misunderstood and misjudged at times. Jesus Himself was persecuted, and controversy surrounded His ministry (John 7:11-12). When you are mistreated because of your faith, find comfort by drawing near to the Lord.
7. Positive impact: By walking in step with God, you can make a difference in your community. Whether through your countenance, your actions, or your words, the Holy Spirit will work through you to minister to others. Begin now to serve the Lord's purpose in your generation (Acts 13:36).
8. Service: Speaking of Himself, Christ told the disciples, "The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve" (Mark 10:45). As we walk in step with Jesus, we will also serve Him. Our lives—time, money, possessions, family, leisure—are no longer ours alone.
9. God's eternal, unconditional love: Only the Lord loves you with perfect, unconditional love (Rom. 8:35-39). We may not always sense His affection, but as we walk in step with God, the Holy Spirit makes us more aware of this awesome, indescribable gift.
   

III. Conclusion: Walking with God is an exciting adventure, but it isn't always easy. Knowing both the benefits and the costs of a relationship with Him will better equip us to handle life's challenges. Get in step with God, and watch Him do an amazing work in your life.

Part 1: Walking in Step with God

Scripture: Ephesians 4:1-3

1. Introduction: Walking in step with God means sustaining intimate fellowship with our heavenly Father. A close relationship with Him brings us joy, peace, contentment, and purpose. When we walk in step with the Lord, other people see Him through our lives, and we make an impact for His kingdom.
2. What does it mean to walk with God?
1. In Scripture, this phrase describes the lives of righteous people who have an intimate friendship with God, characterized by divine guidance (Gen. 3:8; 5:24; Is. 30:21; 40:31; Eph. 4:1-3).
2. God calls every person to four things:
• Salvation from sin and death—faith in Christ brings forgiveness and eternal life .
• Sanctification—a life-long process of maturing and increasing in righteousness..
• Service in some fashion throughout life.
• Accountability for both foolish and wise choices.
3. What defines a worthy Christian walk? We faithfully read the Bible, obey God, and believe His promises. In our daily lives, we exhibit love, wisdom, faith, and transparency (Eph. 5:15-16).
3. How do we walk in step with God?
1. Surrender: Wholly submitting to God ensures our ability to walk with Him consistently.
2. Sensitivity: Listening to the Lord is a vital part of enjoying intimate fellowship with Him throughout the day (John 8:28-29). The ability to hear His voice is an absolute essential for the Christian life.
3. Studying: By learning biblical principles, we discover what pleases the Lord and which attitudes and actions to avoid (Eph. 4:17-18).
4. Supplication: Passionate, specific prayer is vital to walking with God. Jesus often withdrew to pray alone in the early morning hours (Mark 1:35).
5. Self-denial: We must die to the temptations of the world and allow Christ to live through us (Gal. 2:20).
6. Service: Jesus gave of Himself by healing, befriending, meeting the needs of others, and ultimately by dying on a cross for the sins of the world (Mark 10:45). Our intimacy with Him naturally results in service.

Conclusion: An exciting adventure begins when we walk in step with Jesus. Peace, joy, contentment, confidence, comfort, and direction belong to us when we obediently submit to Him. Nothing is more fulfilling than knowing God and accomplishing His plan for your life.