Caring Enough to Confront - The Church and the Environment, Part 1

Living on the Edge with Chip Ingram Weekend Podcast

Is global warming true? Is the Earth our sacred Mother? Are human beings responsible for “messing up” the world? In this program, Chip considers these questions from a biblical perspective. While this issue may seem unimportant, Chip reveals that God has some pretty direct things to say about His creation and our responsibilities to care for it.

Main Points

The Question: How are followers of Christ to think, act, and respond to the controversial issue of the environment?

Examining the Scripture: What does God say about the environment?

1. The earth belongs to God. -Psalm 24:1-2 | Implication: We are to honor God’s creation. -Genesis 1:1
2. God appointed mankind “dominion” over the earth. -Psalm 115:16 | Implication: We are the earth’s vice regents. -Genesis 1:28, 2:15
3. The earth/nature has intrinsic value and reflects the character and beauty of the Creator. -Psalm 19:1-2 | Implication: We must explore not exploit; enjoy not worship the earth. -Romans 1:19-21
4. Mankind is placed in the middle of the created hierarchy and is uniquely responsible to God (above) and for the animals, plants and resources (below). -Psalm 8:3-8 | Implication: We are to use not abuse animals, plants, and resources to glorify God.
5. God commands environmental stewardship to protect the land, animals, and vegetation for the common good. -Leviticus 25:1-12, 23; Deuteronomy 25:4; 20:19-20; Matthew 6:26 | Implication: Consumption and productivity must be governed by the boundaries of conservation.
6. Christ’s redemptive work includes the earth. -Romans 8:19-21 | Implication: We must treat the earth with the same priority God does. -Revelation 21:1-4

Where do we go from here?

• Recognize and focus on the 7-8 verifiable issues we can all agree upon.
• Identify the 3 root causes of our poor environmental stewardship: Greed, Ignorance, and Carelessness
• Practical steps for you and your friends/family.

Broadcast Resource

• Download Free MP3
• Message Notes

Additional Resource Mentions

• "Not Beyond Reach" Small Group Study
• "Caring Enough to Confront" Resources

About Chip Ingram

Chip Ingram’s passion is helping Christians really live like Christians. As a pastor, author, and teacher for more than three decades, Chip has helped believers around the world move from spiritual spectators to healthy, authentic disciples of Jesus by living out God’s truth in their lives and relationships in transformational ways.

About Living on the Edge

Living on the Edge exists to help Christians live like Christians. Established in 1995 as the radio ministry of pastor and author Chip Ingram, God has since grown it into a global discipleship ministry. Living on the Edge provides Biblical teaching and discipleship resources that challenge and equip spiritually hungry Christians all over the world to become mature disciples of Jesus.

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