Beyond the Weekend: What's the Difference
In What’s the Difference, Guest Speaker John Dickson helps us gain an understanding of the religious beliefs of those around us, while also developing a greater appreciation for Christianity. This series touches specifically on Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Atheism and Religious Pluralism. We see that we need to treat other belief systems fairly, all while holding onto the uniqueness of Jesus’ work on the cross.
Week 1 Verses: Revelations 21:1–5
Week 2 Verses: Romans 3:22b–25a
Week 3 Verses: Acts 17:28-31
The Goodness of Creation and the Body
TODAY'S SCRIPTURE
Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. Revelation 21:1
Read: Revelation 21:1-5
Listen: Revelation 21
TODAY'S MESSAGE
Most religious people believe there is something more than our physical reality. Many followers of Buddhism and Hinduism believe physical reality itself is bad. The goal is often to escape this physical reality. Eastern traditions may differ on how to do this, but almost every way to escape physical reality takes a lot of work on our part.
Christianity calls physical reality creation because God created it. And he created it as “good” (Genesis 1:31). We experience creation's goodness regularly when we watch a sunset, study nature, eat a tasty meal, or hug a loved one. These are things about creation that God gave us to enjoy. Yet, creation isn’t perfect. We experience the brokenness of this world when we say goodbye to loved ones, feel alone, or get hurt by others.
Christians believe that creation is fallen, but good. In Revelation 21:1, God endorses the goodness of his physical creation when he says he will make a new heaven and a new earth. Creation may be fallen—but it is worthy of redemption. The goal of the Christian then is not to escape material reality, but to live on this redeemed earth with God.
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
Spend some time outside in God’s creation. Enjoy a cup of coffee on your porch, take out the kayak, or go for a walk. When you are outside, pause and notice the beauty of God’s creation. Then thank God for making our world beautiful.
Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.
