New Beginnings | God's Plan (3/9/2025)
New Beginnings | God’s Plan
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Service Invocation:
Holy Father, in this ever-changing world we live thank you for your unchanging grace & mercy toward us. Thank you for hearing our prayers and allowing the privilege to encounter you in Spirit & truth today. Lead us in worship and lead us to your plan. May we learn to get in step with your plan and stay in step with your perfect will. Yes, your perfect will. Amen.
Opening Word & Reading for Worship:
“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1 NIV 2011).
The Bible begins with the story of creation, declares at the outset that God is the Creator, and reiterates this understanding of origins from Genesis to Revelation. The Bible’s teachings on creation clearly are foundational to Christian faith. In studying the biblical doctrine of creation, it should be understood that the Bible makes no claim to be a scientific textbook. Nor should the Bible, which is intended to communicate to people throughout the ages, be expected to utilize modern scientific terminology. Nonetheless, the Bible declares itself to be trustworthy in whatever it teaches to be true, whether relating to matters of faith, history, or the created order. “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16 NIV). We affirm with Jesus the authority, certainty, and finality of God’s eternal Word, for “Scripture cannot be broken” (John 10:35 NASB; Matthew 5:18 NIV) (Cite 3). In his Fulfillment of the Law, Jesus the Christ our Lord himself declared according to Matthew 5:18
"For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. [Mat 5:18 NIV]" -Jesus Christ
Sermon Thesis:
God plans with eternal purpose.
Intro:
In this homily series thus far, we’ve examined New Beginnings Born Someplace Between History & Hope. We explored the idea that God plans with purpose, and we examined some of the attributes that are present in new beginnings such as Fear, Pain & Discomfort, Changes & Resistance to Change, Plans, purpose & hope. All of this with emphasis in dependency upon God & how the LORD is trustworthy with all our cares, our plans, purpose & hope. Invariably trustworthy!
Today I would like to talk with you about the supernatural, expounding on God’s eternal plan. In New Beginnings | Born Someplace Between, within that message are some less obvious patterns. Please let me highlight three divine patterns of birth that promoted an advancing of God’s Kingdom reign after the fall (Gen 3:6, 3:15). These three divine types are: Joseph, Moses & Jesus. A fourth type, Adam. Remember that Joseph was casted into captivity later providing an escape to the casting brothers during famine. Generations later Moses is forced into the Nile but leads the exodus out from under the yoke of the Egyptians. And Jesus through the Spirit infiltrates behind adversarial lines and destroys the power of death.
MAIN TEXT/TOPIC
Immutable. Sovereignty, Supernatural, Born-again.
"[Gen 1:1, 20-22, 26-27 NIV] In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. ... 20 And God said, "Let the water teem with living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the vault of the sky." 21 So God created the great creatures of the sea and every living thing with which the water teems and that moves about in it, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. 22 God blessed them and said, "Be fruitful and increase in number and fill the water in the seas, and let the birds increase on the earth." ... 26 Then God said, "Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground." 27 So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them." -God, through Moses
Emphasis mine.
1. God is supernatural.
These events in creation and the accounting therein are relevant to existence outside the naturalistic world (See Note 2). When “us” made “mankind” in their “image,” “in [their] likeness” it was in the image of the attributes of a power that seems to violate or go beyond natural forces. There is very much evidence within scripture that indicates God is supernatural and if we are made in his likeness then we have a DNA that is subject to the Deity who made us. The Sovereignty of God is miraculous and immutable. All have been born, but not all have been born again. The “born-again” reality is supernormal. These events in Genesis are a supernal explanation of God creating all that we can observe. Look at your neighbor and tell them “You are made in the image of God.” We are made in God’s “likeness.”
Before sin entered the “garden of Eden” death had no place within the mind of man or in this paranormal scene of creation (Gen. 3:6). Paul describes in Romans 6:23 that, “the wages of sin is death.” These wages are supernatural & eternal in nature.
"For the wages of sin [is] death; but the gift of God [is] eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. [Rom 6:23 KJV]" -Apostle Paul to the church in Rome
Life and death are supernatural yet we often in our fleshly minds think naturalistic more than we do supernaturalistic. Paul refers to this in Ro. 1:28 as a “debased mind” (NKJV).
"And even as they did not like to retain God in [their] knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; [Rom 1:28 NKJV]" Apostle Paul to the church in Rome
I am not suggesting that your nature is “debased” but let this reference from Paul be a mirror for you to compare your reality to. You judge for yourself, are you experiencing the lower qualities of character described by Paul in Ro. 1:28-1:32. If yes, then these attributes are causes of Unbelief, and such attributes are the Consequences.
When it comes to researching the “supernatural” it is no coincidence that there is an endless supply of knowledge. The word “supernatural” itself does not appear transparently in the Lexiconic Search by English translations of Genesis chapters 1 and 2. But just because the Hebrew & Greek vocabulary lack explicit definition does not mean the supernatural is not within the text. In a Blue Letter Bible Theological FAQ Search (Page 1 / 8 | 193 documents were found for "supernatural" Results are in order of relevancy.)
2. God’s plan is God’s plan.
"[Pro 16:3 NIV] Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.
"[Pro 19:21 NIV] Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails."
"[Pro 21:5 NIV] The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty."
"[Isa 32:8 NIV] But the noble make noble plans, and by noble deeds they stand."
"[Jer 29:11 NIV] For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Examining the spiritual plan of God, the supernatural and attempting to understand the inexplicable can lead us to poor interpretation of the bible by over-spiritualizing a person, place, or thing within scripture. I think on the other side of this coin we can over-naturalize person, places & events if we are not careful too. God is in control. This idea regarding the sovereignty of God is hard for the unlearned, the rebellious and/or the sinner. Humankind disobeyed not God (Gen. 3:6). For more about over-spiritualization visit Growing Christians.org and/or (See Note 3). Let us get back on topic into the reliability of God’s plan.
Like that of some examples of God’s nature being immutable (unchanging). When changes occur at a rate, we do not like we can trust in God’s faithfulness and unchanging way. For example:
"[Num 23:19 NIV] God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?"
"[Psa 33:11 NIV] But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations."
"[Jas 1:17 NIV] Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."
After 20 years of traveling the globe. I have grown to appreciate the four seasons of winter, spring, summer & fall. In the middle of the Pacific the seasons do change, but it seems more like two seasons not four. The calendar was needed to keep track of the more familiar four-season pattern.
The patterns of seasonal climate change are a consistent reliable feature designed by God to provide us direction. But when was the last time you could put complete confidence in the weather forecaster? We think we are so clever with our tools of science and technology. Do not get me wrong, I appreciate such forecasting professionals. One thing I appreciate about the seasons is it grants me an eagle’s perspective of the big picture.
Top of the mast, eagle like perspective helps me see beyond the tip of my nose. Reminds me of the storm that Jesus calms when the Apostles are crossing the raging sea (Mk 4:35). And this miracle granted to Jesus helps me see beyond the skies of an eagle’s perspective. Where the predictable seasons fall short God’s Word provides unchanging timeless truth that comforts me in an ever-changing environment.
3. God is supernatural therefore the Spirit calls the “born-again” person to live miraculously too.
When we read the Bible, it is important to remember that the OT is Jesus Christ concealed (less obvious) and the NT Jesus Christ revealed (more obvious).
John 1:13
The Word Became Flesh
(Gen 1:1—2:3 )
"[Jhn 1:12-14 NIV] Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God-- 13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God. 14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth."
Emphasis mine.
"[Jhn 3:3, 7 NIV] 3 Jesus replied, "Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again." ... 7 You should not be surprised at my saying, 'You must be born again.'"
"[1Pe 1:23 NIV] For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God."
4. At our 6pm Study Ken Ham founder of Answers in Genesis presents “Six Days of Creation & the Eisegesis Problem” (Cite 5). Next week we will, Lord willing, continue in this series about New Beginnings & Creation.
Sermon Summary & Conclusion:
God is supernatural, God’s plan is God’s plan and because you are made in the image of God. You are called to live the born-again, spiritually renewed life in the Spirit of God who is supernatural. I am not suggesting that you or I are a divine type of persons like Adam, Joseph, Moses & Jesus of Nazareth. This would be an example of over-spiritualization. A form of false claim to be Jesus (Mt 24:24). I am NOT the Messiah rising in Perilous times as Jesus himself prophesied would happen (Perilous Times (Mar 13:14–23; Luk 17:23, 24, 37; 21:20–24).
I do however sense that God has directed me to renounce the pride of life, the lust of the eyes & the lust of the flesh (Do Not Love the World 1Jn 2:16). And to pronounce the new covenant over my life and yours. Scripture declares that we are all called to divinity with God. I am born again. I am a child of God, because of Jesus. I declare and decree that God’s Spirit has empowered me to accept Jesus as Lord and led me here to where I am today in the flesh. Walking in the Spirit and living in the Spirit of the new covenant promises (2 Co. 7:1).
Remember this, when all seems to not be going our way, we have someone who cares for us, is with us and will fight for us. He is our blessed hope. God gives us hope in hopeless places, circumstances, and situations (see Note 4).
Like the stars aligning within the universe only God could have orchestrated such an opportunity such as Pastoring as an under shepherd. He is the faithful Alpha & Omega.
Sermon Exhortation:
Life & Death are supernatural. Everlasting to everlasting is supernatural. The physical realm only exists because God permits it. If you have not put all your faith and trust in the Creator, will you do it today? Will you pledge to trust in God today?
You have been trusting in His trustworthy unchanging way. Would you be willing to share a testimony March 30th (5th Sonday Singspiration)? It is the faith of others we need to see to build our own.
Again, the physical realm only exists because God permits it. Do not die in a naturalistic state of mind. Choose to believe in Jesus and receive the key to eternal, regenerative life. Choose to live the supernormal life in the Spirit of God (live in the spirit).
Sermon Altar Call to Action:
God is calling you to advance the Kingdom of eternal life. If you are committed to being a child of God and/or to becoming a child of God please stand and join us at the altar for prayer and song.
Sermon Prayer & song:
Service Benediction:
Holy Father, bless each person today and carry them along their way into the path you have planned in advance. Almighty God thank you for the grace and mercy you very generously pour out upon us. Remove all doubt from our minds that we can walk with you in the Spirit. We trust and obey, for there is no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey (Cite 6). Amen.
Next Week:
{Space for coming Insert to Blog Next Message and Video the Great Flood}
Sources, Credits, Citations & Notes:
- Translations used and resourced from Blue Letter Bible NIV, KJV, NKJV,
- Cite & Note. The Doctrine of Creation Assemblies of God position paper 2010; revised August 2014.
- Note. What does spiritualizing scripture mean? According to Growing Christians.org Spiritualizing is finding a spiritual “picture meaning” in the historical items seen in a text: in the people, places, things, events, etc., that are in the text. [So in the “Bridge from Then to Now” diagram (from Principle 11), the category designated as “Picture” refers to this Principle: Be Careful about Spiritualization.]
Spiritualization of a text of Scripture can be good and legitimate if the use of certain persons, places, things, events, and other items in the text is [exegetically] to illustrate biblical teaching.
But we need to be careful about spiritualization. Some biblical persons, places or events are [properly interpreted] as “spiritual pictures.” Spiritualizing items that are not [exegetically] to be “spiritual pictures” can lead to unbiblical teaching (allegorization) or biblical over-spiritualization.
All that to help us understand Adam as another type of divine pattern that only God could orchestrate. Let us look at Adam as the fourth type.
LEGITIMATE SPIRITUALIZATION
Types in the Old Testament
A type is the divinely intended picture of an Old Testament person, place, thing, event, or other item, used to illustrate New Testament truth. Some types are specifically identified in Scripture. Others may not be specifically designated as types but are hard to miss. Here are some examples in the New Testament.
Romans 5:14 (NLT Bible Gateway)
“Still, everyone died—from the time of Adam to the time of Moses—even those who did not disobey an explicit commandment of God, as Adam did. Now Adam is a symbol, a representation of Christ, who was yet to come.”
Adam, the first man and the head of humanity, is a type (or picture) of Christ, who is the head of the new race of believers.
For some examples on illegitimate spiritualization, you will have to visit the website of Growing Christian Ministries. Or connect with me and we can cover these teachings in greater depth together.
Our appointment to lead here as a couple at First Assembly of God has been planned with purpose & prayer. It has been ordained by God. At my conversion to Christianity, I understood that I was accepting salvation shared by the Forgiver of sins. Initially all I cared about was my own salvation, my new life in Christ and being a loving neighbor. As I learned to love God back my desire to share Jesus with others grew larger and larger. The peace I had about my eternal destiny was satisfying and still is, yet the news that had been incredibly good to me became a burden when not shared with others. In taking steps toward the idea of credentialing & ordination, I did not know that the outcome would lead to a Pastorate. I figured that if I do not qualify, I will share this gospel without religious governments validation, concluding to simply follow Christ. After certification Christian friends and mentors asked, “what’s next?” my response, “Listen, Obey & Trust (LOT) in His way. The steps are being ordained by God, now Kelli & I stand here before you, serving and ready to come alongside you to serve the greater region of Dove Creek & Delores County.
Answers in Genesis, Ken Ham, Creation Science Lecture Small Group. Six Days of Creation and the Eisegesis Problem.
Help from Melodies of Praise pg.57. Trust & obey.
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