Introduction

We've been enjoying an evening of Mystery and Suspense.

There are many things about our faith which are a mystery for many of us - some things more of a mystery than others. I thought I would share with you what is to me the greatest mystery of all.

Definition of 'mystery'

I looked up the dictionary to see what is the true meaning of the word. My dictionary says it is "a religious truth divinely revealed, especially one beyond human reason" or, "something hidden"

Some people feel that God is a mystery to them. But, as Paul pointed out in Romans 1: v. 19 & 20: All that may be known of God by men lies plain before their eyes; indeed God has disclosed it to them. His invisible attributes, that is to say, his everlasting power and deity, have been visible, ever since the world began, to the eye of reason, in the things he has made.

(Lights out. Music start)

God in Creation

Readings from Genesis, Chapter 1.

v.1-3: In the beginning of creation, when God made heaven and earth…….. God said, "Let there be light," and there was light; and God saw that the light was good……….

v.6-8:God said, "Let there be a vault between the waters, to separate water from water." So God made the vault, and separated the water under the vault from the water above it, and so it was; and God called the vault heaven.

v.9-10:God said, "Let the waters under heaven be gathered into one place, so that dry land may appear", and so it was. God called the dry land earth, and the gathering of the waters he called seas;

  v.11-12: Then God said,"Let the earth produce fresh growth, let there be on the earth plants bearing seed, fruit trees bearing fruit each with seed according to its kind." So it was; the earth yielded fresh growth, plants bearing seed according to their kind and trees bearing fruit each with seed according to its kind.

  v.14-17: God said,"Let there be lights in the heaven to separate day from night, and let them serve as signs both for festivals and for seasons and years. Let them also shine in the vault of heaven to give light on earth." So it was; god made the two great lights, the greater to govern the day and the lesser to govern the night; and with them he made the stars.

v.20-21  God said,"Let the waters teem with countless living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the vault of heaven." God then created the great sea- monsters and all living creatures that move and swam in the waters, according to their kind, and every kind of bird.

v.24-25  God said,"Let the earth bring forth living creatures, according to their kind: cattle, reptiles, and wild animals, all according to their kind. So it was; God made wild animals, cattle and all reptiles, each according to its kind.

v.26-29Then God said,"Let us make man in our image and likeness to rule the fish in the sea, the birds of heaven, the cattle, all wild animals on earth, and all reptiles that crawl upon the earth." So God created man in his own image; in the image of god he created him; male and female he created them. God blessed them and said to them, "Be fruitful and increase, fill the earth and subdue it, rule over the fish in the sea, the birds of heaven, and every living thing that moves upon the earth."

So, all around us , we see evidence of a wonderfully wise, creative God, who loves beauty and order - and has a great sense of humour - just think about giraffes!

A God of Power and Wonder

Only a God of great power could do such mighty works.

In the bible we read of God doing great and mighty things:

• Parting the waters of the Red Sea to let his people pass through safely to freedom.
• Jesus calming the storm simply by speaking.
• Jesus and the disciples healing the sick of mind and body.

• Advances in medical science - healing people
• Technical achievements - putting satellites into space
• Music and art.
• The equipment available to ordinary people to make life easier.

So, God himself should not be a mystery to us.

But, to me, the greatest mystery of all is that this great, marvellous, all-knowing, all-powerful God, who created and rules the whole universe, cares about me - and you - as an individual person.

In Matthew 10: v. 29-31, Jesus tells us :

"Are not sparrows two a penny? Yet without your Father's leave not one of them can fall to the ground. As for you, even the hairs of your head have all been counted. So have no fear; you are worth more than any number of sparrows."

(Music off)
 

It is so important to God that each one of us has a close relationship with him, that he was willing to go so far as to confine himself to a human form for 33 years in the person of Jesus so that we might be able to understand what kind of God he is. And he was willing to accept an unutterably horrible death on the cross so that it would be possible for us to have a close relationship with him

John 3:16: God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, that everyone who has faith in him may not die but have eternal life.

For me, the greatest mystery of all is that God wants each one of us as his personal friend, and through the death and resurrection of Jesus, has made that possible. All we need to do is accept that fact.

If there is anyone here who has never told God that you love him, that you believe that Jesus died and rose again so that you can accept God's love and friendship, tonight would be a good time to do that - and you will have a friend for life.

Let us pray.

Prayer

(Adoration, confession and acceptance of forgiveness)

(Lights on)
 

Hymn:

"How Great Thou Art"