Dear Church Family,
After more than thirty years I still remember the teenager’s words as his church’s youth group met with mine in Macon, Georgia. He stated that he believed in evolution because in Genesis 2 “God admits He made a mistake.” Even now I still get a little surprised (though sad is more accurate) when someone holds to evolution. He got my attention when he said that God made a mistake. How would you respond?
I did not get to answer him that evening as his youth pastor quickly cut him off and said he would talk to him about that at some other time. Guess what my youth group asked me about as soon as that meeting ended. My explanation first affirmed that God created all things in the space of six days. Creation has always reflected the perfections of God. God cannot make one mistake. If He does, then He is not God.
In Genesis 2:17 God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone.” God did not slap His head and mutter, “Silly me. I forgot to make a woman!” God is the God of order. The way God brought forth humanity distinct from the rest of creation shows clear order. God made man in His image out of the dust of the ground. He declares He never intended for people to live alone. God designed us to live in community.
Jesus taught that by faith we must live in relationship with Him. Just think about what a glorious community you have as you live in union with the Creator of the universe! Jesus also demonstrated community by living with His twelve disciples for more than three years. Imagine the conversations they shared and how they got to see “God in the flesh” in daily life. Jesus calls us to live in community by being His chosen people – the saints who comprise His church. We have the “one another” instructions scattered throughout the New Testament that tell us how we are to interact with one another. I close with great words from Romans 12:10-13 that show how we can live in community – though the pandemic makes it a challenge. Try to practice at least one of these today to the glory of God.
“Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.
Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”
May we show the world that God did not make a mistake as He created us to live in community – with Him and with our brothers and sisters in Christ!
Living by grace to His glory,
Pastor Gillikin