Theology/Biblical discussions never turn out well. I say by 5 posts someone will have called someone else a heretic.

However, I say the earth has always cried out for redemption according to Rom 8. Now more than ever? Maybe, closer to the end times.

But, since George B is leaving the White House, won’t all these crazy weather patterns change since it was his fault anyway?

((bishopdave reaches out and hugs Leonard in an affectionate, yet manly way.))

When you take into account the political tensions and uncertainties, not just here in the U.S., but especially in the Mid-East and couple those with the occurrences of tornadoes, earthquakes, floods, etc. it sure can look as though the end is near. Whether it is or not, is not our call, but being ready for the end and being active in making sure as many as possible are ready to see Jesus face to face IS our call and our duty.

True, there have always been floods, earthquakes, wars and rumors of wars but 100 years ago we didn’t know the entire scope of what was happening.  Now, with the monumental advances in information-technology, we not only know about so many more potential “groans” but we hear about it in sustained 24/7 detail.  We’ve even invented new ones.  Remember “Y2K?” Everything was going to fold.  I know of one congregation who turned their entire church building into a giant wedding chapel to welcome Jesus back once the world economy collapsed. 
What I’m wondering is, is this all part of God’s plan or design?  There may have been twice many disasters and conflicts 100 years ago but now we hear 10 versions of each story from 10 different information sources which makes it all sound 10x’s as bad as it’s ever been.
There have always been overly zealous people shouting “the end is near” along with overly complacent who say “it’s always been this way.”
While it may make for some interesting theological discussion & debate (and wacky tv shows) in the end, no one knows when, nd it’s going to be a BIG surprise, right?
What does catch in my throat is the thought Jerry touched on.  When that glorious day come, for how many will it be too late?  What are we (what am I) doing about it?  I think that’s an issue that should burn in all of our hearts.

Evangelicals have been coming up with reasons why the end is near for as long as there have been evangelicals.

1988 and 88 reasons why. Anybody remember that?

It seems like some are implying that my sermon and remarks were an end-times alarmist, “the end is near” call.

I’d encourage you to go listen to the sermon (http://northbrookbc.org/sermons/080615am.html). I think you’ll see that this was not a “the end is near” sort of deal, but a biblical-theological explanation of why disasters of any sort have been happening (not just now, but ever since the fall). And, one of my applications was to long for the day of resurrection.

If we are to be stewards (caretakers) of the earth and we do not do so we are sinning.  Especially if we willingly do so.

There is nothing bogus about it. If we know to do good and don’t do it, it is sin.

Bruce

Here is how I work through these issues (and I by no means am a purist)

Every action has a consequence. I must always be aware of unintended consequences.

Everything has a history. The food that I ate today did not mysteriously appear on my plate. It came from somewhere, was harvested by someone. For me personally, I have an obligation to know the history. The money I spend affects others, so when I buy something I want to know what effect my money has on others. (and I realize it is not always possible)

So, I try and buy local goods. I can readily “see” how my money works. I buy organic because I know it is better for the environment and what i better for the environment is better for my neighbor (and I view the world as my neighbor)

I used to live a few miles away from Harrison Lake.  (Alvordton,Ohio) We lived on the creek that fed into the Lake. I walked parts of that creek and saw many septic systems that emptied their gray and not so gray water right into the creek. That water went right to the lake. At the lake, people were swimming in toilet water.

Here is my point........what is done upstream affects everyone downstream.

China has a HUGE air pollution problem. Due to the wind currents California has an increasing Air problem. China’s problems become California’s problems.

Some of the environmental cause and effect is BS. The best way to determine the validity of the claim is to study the issue, do the math, and most of all, use a bit of common sense.

Am I my brother’s keeper? Our answer to that question will determine how seriously we take our place in the environment.

Bruce

Hey Eric,

Quick question or 2, so I can understand where you are coming from.

I agree with you on the “curse” aspect.

Do see the earth “still” cursed or has it been redeemed through the work of Jesus? Or do you put off that redemption until a later day?

In salvation we are saved, we are being saved ,and we will yet be saved. DO you see any application to the earth itself? (meaning - does God’s redemption plan extend beyond man to ALL of his creation?)

Thanks
Bruce