>>> Creation

7.
Our world belongs to God—
not to us or earthly powers,[1]
not to demons, fate, or chance.
The earth is the Lord's!

[1 Deut. 10:12-14]

8.
In the beginning, God—[1]
Father, Word, and Spirit—[2]
called this world into being[3]
out of nothing,
and gave it
shape and order.

[1 Gen. 1]
[2 Ps. 33:1-11]
[3 Isa. 40]

9.
God formed the land, the sky, and the seas,[1]
making the earth a fitting home
for the plants, animals,[2]
and humans he created.
The world was filled with color, beauty, and variety;
it provided room for
work and play,
worship and service,
love and laughter.
God rested—[3]
and gave us rest.
In the beginning
everything was very good.

[1 Gen. 1-2]
[2 Ps. 104]
[3 Mark 2:27-28]

10.
As God's creatures we are made in his image[1]
to represent him on earth,[2]
and to live in loving communion with him.
By sovereign appointment we are[3]
earthkeepers and caretakers:
loving our neighbor,
tending the creation,
and meeting our needs.
God uses our skills
in the unfolding and well-being of his world.

[1 Gen. 1:26-30]
[2 Ps. 8]
[3 Matt. 22:35-40]

11.
Male and female,[1]
all of us are to represent God[2]
as we do our tasks.
Whether single or married,
we are called to live within God's order[3]
in lives of loving service.

[1 Gen. 1:26-28]
[2 Gal. 3:26-28]
[3 1 Cor. 7]

12.
No matter what our age, or race, or color,[1]
we are the human family together,
for the Creator made us all.
Since life is his gift,
we foster the well-being of others,[2]
protecting the unborn and helpless from harm.[3]

[1 Acts 17:22-31]
[2 Ps. 139]
[3 Lev. 19; 25:35-38]

13.
God directs and bends to his will[1]
all that happens in his world.
As history unfolds in ways we only know in part,[2]
all things—
from crops to grades,
from jobs to laws—
are under his control.
God is present in our world
by his Word and Spirit.
The faithfulness[3]
of our great Provider
gives sense to our days
and hope to our years.
The future is secure,
for our world belongs to God.

[1 Matt. 6:25-34]
[2 Ps. 147, 148]
[3 Ps. 111]