CHRISTIANS AND THE ENVIRONMENT

By Samantha Du, for WHCC High School Sunday School

July 14, 2013

Worship: “Indescribable” by Chris Tomlin

Why go green?

Creation Care

What is creation care?

It is our responsibility to care for and honor the work of God’s hands.

Psalm 24:1-2

The earth is the LORD’s and the fullness thereof,the world and those who dwell therein,for he founded it upon the seas and established it upon the rivers.

So…should we go green?

YES!!!

Is it right or wrong to litter?

Taking care of the earth is a moral issue

Going green is a moral issue

Is it good to limit car exhaust?

Should we keep as much out of the landfill as possible?

Is it right to reduce paper consumption?

You get the gist…

As Christians, we are called to serve God with all our hearts, souls, and minds.

Let’s do the right thing!

Caring for the earth

Creation care video contest entry

God’s justice

Indeed environmentalism is a very serious issue.

The nations raged, but your wrath came, and the time for the dead to be judged, and for rewarding your servants, the prophets and saints, and those who fear your name, both small and great, and for destroying the destroyers of the earth. –Revelation 11:18

Defiling the land (is bad) video Creation care video contest runner-up

God’s mercy

Because He showed us great mercy through the cross, we can live free from the penalty of sin.

He’s blessed us abundantly with the earth.

We should be MORE inclined to seek environmental justice.

What’s it gonna take?

Creation care video contest winner

Get outdoors!

1 The heavens declare the glory of

God,and the sky above proclaims his

handiwork.

2 Day to day pours out speech,

    and night to night reveals knowledge.

3 There is no speech, nor are there

words,

    whose voice is not heard.

4 Their voice goes out through all the

earth,

    and their words to the end of the

world.

In them he has set a tent for the sun,

5     which comes out like a bridegroom

leaving his chamber,

    and, like a strong man, runs its course

with joy.

6 Its rising is from the end of the

heavens,

    and its circuit to the end of them,

    and there is nothing hidden from its

heat. 7 The law of the LORD is perfect,

    reviving the soul;

the testimony of the LORD is sure,

    making wise the simple;

8 the precepts of the LORD are right,

    rejoicing the heart;

the commandment of the LORD is pure,

    enlightening the eyes;

9 the fear of the LORD is clean,

    enduring forever;

the rules of the LORD are true,

    and righteous altogether.

10 More to be desired are they than gold,

    even much fine gold;

sweeter also than honey

    and drippings of the honeycomb.

11 Moreover, by them is your servant warned;

    in keeping them there is great reward.

12 Who can discern his errors?

    Declare me innocent from hidden faults.

13 Keep back your servant also from

presumptuous sins;

let them not have dominion over me!

Then I shall be blameless,

    and innocent of great transgression.

14 Let the words of my mouth and the

meditation of my heart be acceptable in your

sight,

    O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.

Psalm 19

1 The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his

handiwork.

2 Day to day pours out speech,

    and night to night reveals knowledge.

3 There is no speech, nor are there

words,

    whose voice is not heard.

4 Their voice goes out through all the

earth,

    and their words to the end of the

world.

In them he has set a tent for the sun,

5     which comes out like a bridegroom

leaving his chamber,

    and, like a strong man, runs its course

with joy.

6 Its rising is from the end of the

heavens,

    and its circuit to the end of them,

and there is nothing hidden from its

heat.

My older brother and I at Palo Duro Canyon State Park (TX) on 7/5/2013.

Ecclesiastes 11:7

Light is sweet, and it is pleasant for the eyes to see the sun.

Spend time outdoors

Smell the roses

Get out from behind the computer

And go for a walk (outdoor activity, etc.)

And maybe God will speak to you through the skies…

Because we can’t “go green” without an appreciation for the earth first and a true love for His creation.

Application

Make environmentally-friendly decisions

Bring reusable bags to the grocery store Use a reusable water bottle Turn off the shower when shampooing Regularly clean the lint trap of the

laundry Go local, buy organic Use eco-friendly products

WHCC Green Team Ministry

Ideas for the church…

Boxes, utensils, cups… for lunch

Biodegradable eating ware

Reduce paper towel usage in bathrooms

Super strong hand dryers

Wind is a sustainable source

Purchase wind energy

Or collaborative recycling collection

Have more recycling bins

Recyclable crafts and activities for the kiddos

Such as beach clean up, trail clearing, or habitat restoration

“Environmental Missions”

How is God calling you to care for His creation?

Discussion Questions

What is your takeaway message from today’s lesson?

Was there a particular Bible verse, video, or slide that stuck out to you?

How would you like to see the church be more environmentally friendly?

Praise and Worship

“God of Wonders” by Third Day