The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1942-07-02

created the heaven and the earth.-Gencsis
IL.
What is to become of this world?
That is the question on the mind
and lips of everyone as they see all
mankind engaged in a struggle
which bids fair to wipe out every
thing called civilization.
In such a time it is good to remind
ourselves that man did not make
this world, nor is it the product
of natural forces. God made it.
God, who is eternal, infinite,
knowing all from the beginning, is
not moved by the impulses of the
moment nor staggered by the catas-
trophies of day He made the
world. He made man. He had a
plan for them, and still has plan
which in due season He will work
out for His own glory.
1. God Made the Heavens and
Earth WV is, 24-25).
The plain biblical account of Gre
ation-"In the beginning Cod
stands as a dignifcd, satisfactory,
intelligent explanation of the origin
of things, and in bold contrast to
the confusing and almost unbeliev-
able theories of men.
The best of scientists admit that
they know nothing of the origin of
things, and some even confess that
they never will know. The answer
to the query with which every hui
man philosophy opens is the af-
tirmatlOn with which the divine &C
count in Genesis opens-''In the be-
ginning God"
Space forbids full discussion of the
account of creation, but a study of
it will reveal its beautiful order,
symmetry, and completeness. Sci
ence, when it gets beyond theories
to facts, finds them confirmed by
Scripture. Please do not reverse
that and speak Of science confirming
Scripture. If my watch does not
agree with the time of the stars, it
is the watch that must be reset.
II. God Made Man in His Own
Image wv 28-30).
Although man, under the control
of Satan, does not give much ground
for the observation, it is neverthe-
less true that he was made in the
likeness and image of God. Because
that is true, we never give up hope
for him. That image, no matter
how deeply defaced by sin, still may
be touched by redeeming grace and
restored to fellowship with God.
The likeness and image of God in
man undoubtedly refers to moral
and spiritual likeness. Man is a
living soul with intelligence, feel
ing, and will power. He is a moral
being, knowing the difference be-
tween right and wrong He is a
self-cOnsciOus, personal being.
To man God gave dominion over
the earth and all its potential pow
ers. Sometimes one has been hope
full that man was making good prog
ress il the development of the
earth's resources for his own good
and the glory Of God. But one is
almost tempted to conclude now
that he has used this great God-given
opportunity only for destruction and
death. Only a revival Of real Chris
tianity can bring him back to his
senses. Let us pray and work for it,
Observe that the family was es-
tablished as the center of mans
life on earth, as God gave him a
"help meet unto him." Woman was
taken mot out of mans head that
she should rule over him; nor out
of his feet to be trampled upon;
but out Of his side to be equal with
him, under his arm to be pro-
tected by him, and near his heart
to be loved by him" (MattheW Hen
ry).
The decay of family life and the
substitution of social or civic units
as the basis of life have led to dis
astrous results. Not only do we
need a revival of religion, we also
need a revival of the home life of
the nation.
III. Gods Creation Was Com
plete and Good (1:31; 2:D.
When men do recognize the hand
Of God in creation they all too often
seem to feel that what He made
was very limited and defective. 1t
would almost seem that God ought
to be grateful that man has been
so clever about perfecting His work,
developing il and making il useful