Tearfund have pulled together a series of Bible study videos looking at the topic of creation care.
According to the website:
‘In the first four films, prominent church leaders from Scotland remind us that our hope is in a God whose majesty is written across creation. We need to be reconciled to him and to others, revitalised in our faith, and continually renewed and bearing fruit. And, as part of this restoration plan, we need to care for his good earth.
‘The fifth bonus film is of US New Testament theologian Professor Doug Moo speaking about creation care to an audience at a Tearfund Scotland event in Edinburgh in late 2023.’
1. Creation in the psalms (Psalms 8, 19 and 24)
Dr Jamie A Grant, Vice Principal (Academic), PhD coordinator and lecturer specialising in biblical studies, Highland Theological College
Jamie considers what these three psalms have to say about God, and our relationship with him and with creation. God is Lord over all the earth and his reign is good, so our actions as his people should reflect his goodness. Psalm 8 tells us how the created order speaks of God’s character, his majesty and the vastness of creation, while Psalm 19 tells us about the beauty of creation and its missional impact in reflecting God’s glory. Psalm 24 is a profound reminder that our care for the environment is inextricably linked with our care for people.
2, My Father is the gardener (John 15:1–5)
Simon Dennis, Lead Pastor, Sheddocksley Baptist Church
In this familiar passage, Simon looks at God our Father as a gardener and considers how we can join with him in bearing fruit. Importantly, it is only in Jesus that we can live fruitful and flourishing lives. In him, all things are being made new, and all creation is longing for us to be who we were made to be. We are called to plant gardens and bear fruit wherever we are, whatever our sphere of influence, bearing his image and worshipping God.
3. Hope (Colossians 1:19–20)
Rev Ian Watson, Hope Free Church, Blackwood and Kirkmuirhill
What is our attitude to warnings about climate change? As Christians we can take the Bible seriously when it says there is a future for planet earth. We have this hope because of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. God will reconcile all things to himself, which will include all of creation, not just his people. Our redeemer God will transform this fallen world and there will be no end to all of creation praising God. But in the meantime we have an obligation to care for this present creation, even as we look forward to the new one.
4. Strengthen what remains (Revelation 3:1–6)
Rev Peter Turnbull, Burghead Free Church, Elgin
In this study, Peter focuses on the call in Revelation 3:1–6 to ‘strengthen what remains’ within the church. Revitalisation and renewal are close to God’s heart and are a constant theme of scripture. Do we need to re-energise ourselves and our church for the witness and work of Christ? There is a desperate need to make Jesus known in this world, but to be effective, we must regain our first love of the gospel and strengthen the church.
5. The hermeneutics of creation care
Prof Doug Moo, Blanchard Professor of New Testament (retired)
Doug focuses on the importance of having a mind that is being renewed (Romans 12:1–2), which means applying biblical values to every aspect of life, including caring for creation. All things are being reconciled to God, including his good earth, and when his restoration plan is accomplished, this earth too will be renewed.
The videos, including transcripts, are available from here.
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