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Show i ts TheStoryofMan(Partll) Contributed by Pastor R.L Watts Seventh-day AdventLst Church From the Genesis record we learn that "God created man in His own image." (Gen. 1:27). Man came forth from his Creator's hand as the crowning act of creation. In six literal days, the great God of the Universe had called into existence planet Earth with Its teeming life of plants and animals. "And out of the ground the Lord God formed every beast of the field, and every fowl of the air; and brought them unto Adam to see what he would call them: and . whatsoever Adam called every living creature, that was the name thereof. And Adam gave names to all cattle, and to the fowl of the air, and to every beast of the field; but for Adam there was not found a help meet for him." (Gen. 2:19, 20) Here we have the authentic record of the origin of species. Where can we find a man today with such super reasoning power and insight of the animal kingdom that he could rename the whole animal kingdom giving better names than the present names given by Adam? Through the past few decades modern man has been so intent on dethroning God from the universe that he has actually insulted himself In his efforts to insult God. God tells us In His ' Word that He created the Father of our race as 'a super intelligent being, with knowledge far exceeding the knowledge of men today. But what do you read in schoolbooks found In every classroom across the country, and on Just about every sign post In every National Monument? The story is always the same, early man is pictured about on the level of the beast In reasoning capabilities. Little wonder the Apostle Paul in writing to the Romans says this about men who are trying to exclude God from His universe: "For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold tne truth In unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the Invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God Into an Image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and four-footed beasts, and creeping things. . .Who changed the truth of God Into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen." (Rom. 1:18-25) "But for Adam there was not found a help meet for him." As Adam viewed the magnificent animals God had created he noticed that to each was given a mate. But for him there was no companion no creature equal to man. "And the Lord God said, It Is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a help meet for him. . .And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof; And the rib, which the Lord God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man." (Gen. I 2:18, 21-22) How simple and yet how beautiful Is the story of manl God and the holy angels were the ones who participated at the first wedding scene In a garden called "the garden of Eden." "And Adam said, This Is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of man. Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh." (Gen. 2:23,24) Down through the centuries the marriage Institution has stood good In all lands and cultures. It Is only twentieth century man who thinks he can Improve on God s plan for the home. And what an Improvement the divorce courts have brought to American homes! broken lives, bleeding hearts, crushed hopes, bitter remorse, children racked with anguish and bewilderment all because modern man knows better than his Creator. Does not the prophet's message to ancient Israel apply equally to us today: "Ah sinful nation, a people laden with Iniquity, a seed of evildoers, children that are corrupters: they have forsaken the Lord, they have provoked the Holy One of Israel unto anger, they are gone away backward. Why should ye be stricken any more? Ye will revolt more and more: the whole head Is sick, and the whole heart faint. From the sole ol the foot even unto the head there Is no soundness in it; but wounds, and bruises, and putnlying sores: they have not been closed, neither bound up, neither mollified with ointment. " ointment." (Isa 1:4-6) But God does not leave man with this Indictment even though It is so true. Listen to his invitation In the same chapter. "Come now. and let us reason togother, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool." (Vs 18) Here Is hope for modern man with all his problems The promises of God s Word are for me personally. |