Title: God the Creator (2)
Contents
2002·11·16
When we believe that God created the heavens and the earth, the mysteries of the world and the problems of life begin to be solved. God, who created the heavens and the earth, rules everything and takes care of us with his almighty power. Therefore, believers who believe in God the Almighty Creator will not be shaken under any circumstances.
Creation of the Triune God
The Bible is clear about the origin of this world. “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” This world did not arise by chance or evolved. It was created by God. But verse 2 tells us that the Holy Spirit was with us in this creation work. "The Spirit of God moved on the waters." Therefore, we can know that the Holy Spirit was present when God the Father created the heavens and the earth. Although it is not recorded in Genesis, the Son Jesus also participated in the creation. “All things were made through him, and nothing that was made was made without him” (John 1:3). Therefore, we can know that the Son and the Holy Spirit were together in the work of creation when God created the heavens and the earth.
God's Spirit moves on the surface of the water
Before God had yet created this beautiful world, the Holy Spirit was at work when the earth was void and empty and darkness was over the deep. Many Bible scholars explain that this must have been a preliminary work for God's creative work. It is a kind of fertility ministry. In many places the Bible describes the Holy Spirit as the source of all life. “By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, and by the breath of his mouth were their hosts” (Psalm 33:6) Job 26:13 speaks of the work of the Holy Spirit. "And adorning the heavens with his god," the Holy Spirit was working to breathe life into a barren, barren, desolate, lifeless earth.
Likewise, when the Holy Spirit comes to us, the dead spirit comes to life and power comes upon us. All the people of faith who overcame the world were people of the Holy Spirit. All those who were held in God's hand and were used wonderfully were people of the Holy Spirit. John the Baptist, Mary, and the apostles were all filled with the Holy Spirit. Why are the believers today so incompetent? Because they cannot be filled with the Holy Spirit. Let's become believers who earnestly long for the filling of the Holy Spirit. I hope that all of you will be filled with the Holy Spirit and become believers who live powerfully. I hope that the amazing power of God who created the heavens and the earth will work strongly on us.
The Holy Spirit at work with the Word
After saying that the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of God, works on the surface of the water, from verse 3, it is recorded that God created the heavens and the earth with his words. “God said, Let there be light, and there was light” (verse 3). Psalm 33:6 also explains this fact. “By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, and by the breath of his mouth all their hosts were made.” Here we confirm an important truth, that the Holy Spirit works with the Word. Not only was this the case with the creation of the heavens and the earth, but so was the Bible. The Bible, the word of God, was written by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Even when we read or listen to the Bible, the Holy Spirit must work for us to receive salvation and change.
You cannot receive the filling of the Holy Spirit only by praying without reading the Bible. Sometimes you can see people who just pray without a word and then derail. Likewise, if you only read the Word without longing for the Holy Spirit, you will not be able to fully understand the Word. In the book 'If I Die, I'll Die' by Ahn Yi-sook, a clever Southern Labor Party executive named Lee Kang-guk reads the Bible in prison. After reading the Bible, when asked about his impressions, he replied, "Your God is a terrible person." The God of love, the God of salvation, has not been discovered. However, if the Holy Spirit works when you meditate on or listen to the Word, you will not only understand the Word clearly, but will also be transformed by the power of the Word. You will be able to hear the voice of God. You will understand the will of God clearly.
Today, when we read the Word, meditate, or listen to the sermon, if we are not moved and do not receive grace, it is because we have not been empowered by the Holy Spirit. It is because we have not received the filling of the Holy Spirit if we do not have power and miracles in our life of faith. Preaching without the inspiration of the Holy Spirit is nothing but human words. Without the working of the Holy Spirit, you cannot hear God's voice if you read and listen to the Word. I hope that the Holy Spirit will work strongly when we meditate on the Word and listen to the sermon. I hope that both those who preach the word and those who hear it will be captivated by the Holy Spirit. For that, let us long for the Holy Spirit and always pray for the filling of the Holy Spirit.
Today, at the command of the Lord, we are invited to participate in the sacrament meeting. The Lord grants us the grace to share in His body and blood when we participate in this rite by faith. But even at this time, the Holy Spirit must work. At this time, please open your heart and participate in the Lord's Supper with a sincere heart of faith and longing. I hope that you will join us in earnest prayer so that the Holy Spirit may work strong in us so that we may experience the Lord who is spiritually present among us. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God and the Spirit of Christ. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit who gives life, renews, and empowers us. Therefore, only when the Holy Spirit works can you experience meeting the Lord at this time. As the Holy Spirit works strongly at this time, I hope that the abundant grace of meeting the Lord will be with all the members who participate in this ceremony with longing hearts.