Avatar feed
Responses: 34
PO1 H Gene Lawrence
35
35
0
Edited 5 y ago
Good morning my RP Family. I hope and pray your Memorial Weekend is a good one, as we reflect, remember and honor those who have fallen in service to our great Country. May you be blessed as you experience Nature in your life.
I found an interesting article on Nature, Natural that I am going to share with you today that may get you to thinking about creation and what it all means. I hope y’all receive a blessing as you read it.

Taken from biblestudytools.com

Nature, Natural
Bible / Our Library / Dictionaries / Quick Reference Dictionary / Nature, Natural
Dictionaries - Baker's Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology - Nature, Natural
Nature, Natural
The Hebrew language has no word for "nature" equivalent to the Greek word physis [fuvsi"]. Hebrew thought and language were essentially concrete. Old Testament writers described the world around them, but spent little time in abstract reflection on it. Their basic interest in nature focused on God as Creator and on heaven and earth as his creation.

Genesis makes it clear that there is a creation order established by God. Plants bear fruit according to their "kind" ( Gen 1:11-12 ). God created fish ( 1:21 ), birds ( 1:21 ), and the other animals ( 1:24-25 ) which multiply according to their "kind." It is clear from these verses that various plants and animals have inherent characteristics that make them distinct from one another. It is also clear that God views these distinctions as "good."

There is a close bond between humankind and the rest of creation ( Gen 3:17-18 ; Psalm 96:10-13 ). There are physiological similarities between humankind and the rest of creation ( Gen 18:27 ; Job 10:8-9 ; Psalm 103:14 ). Humankind shares in creation's dependence on God's goodness for its continuance ( Psalm 103:15 ; 104 Isa 40:6-7 ). Nevertheless, creation order distinctiveness is particularly apparent as it pertains to humankind. Only people were created in the image of God ( Gen 1:26-27 ). Only people were the result of God's direct creative activity ( 2:7 ). Only into humankind did God breathe the breath of life ( 2:7 ). Only to people did God give dominion over the earth and the other creatures in it ( 1:28-30 ). Only to people did God give the responsibility to cultivate the earth ( 2:15 ). Only to humankind did God give special instructions regarding the tree of the knowledge of good and evil ( 2:16-17 ). When a helper for Adam was sought, none of the other creatures was suitable ( 2:18-20 ); only God's special creative act could provide that helper ( 2:21-23 ). Humankind's creation order distinctiveness is also described as "very good" ( 1:31 ).

The fall disrupted God's intended order for creation and for humankind ( Gen 3:16-19 ). Although it is cursed because of sin ( 3:17-18 ), creation is still viewed positively ( Psalm 33:5 ; 119:64 ). God still sustains it (Ps. 104), uses it to fulfill his purposes ( Job 37:1-13 ; Pss. 29 148:8 ), and declares his glory through it ( Psalm 19:1-6 ; 50:6 ; 97:1-6 ). Humankind, however, is regarded less positively. Men and women are viewed as conceived and brought forth in iniquity ( Psalm 51:5 ; 58:3 ). They are rebellious ( Isa 48:8 ), incapable of purity ( Job 14:4 ; 15:14 ), and completely wicked ( Psalm 14:1-3 ). Every intent and thought of their hearts is unremittingly evil ( Gen 6:5-6 ; 8:21 ). They have been corrupted at the very core of their being ( Jer 17:9 ). As a result of the fall, humankind has become absolutely sinful.

The noun physis [fuvsi"] and its cognates occur seventeen times in the New Testament. James uses the noun with the sense of "species" or "kind" ( 3:7 ). Jude uses the adverb (physikos [fusikov"]) with the sense of "by instinct" ( Jude 10 ) to refer to those things men and women know without conscious reflection. Peter uses two different forms of the word. He uses the adjective (physikos [fusikov"]) similarly to Jude ( 2 Peter 2:12 ) in comparing the unrighteous to "creatures of instinct." He uses the noun to refer to the innate character of God when he comments that God's promises have been granted to believers in order that they might become partakers of the "the divine nature" ( 1:4 ).

The other occurrences of physis [fuvsi"] (or physikos [fusikov"]) are in Paul's writings. The basic concept underlying all thirteen uses is that of correspondence to the post-fall creation order. There is a distinction between olive trees that are wild "by nature" and those that are cultivated ( Rom 11:24 ). Each type of tree grows certain branches "by nature" ( Romans 11:21 Romans 11:24 ), and any grafting of branches from one type to the other is "contrary to nature" ( 11:24 ). Similarly, there is an ethnic distinction between those men and women who are Jews "by birth" ( Gal 2:15 ) and those who are "physically" circumcised ( Rom 2:27 ).

Men and women are "by nature" objects of wrath ( Eph 2:3 ), but some dimly reflect the goodness of God's creation order in that they do "by nature" the things of the law ( Rom 2:14 ). "Nature" also makes a distinction between men and women ( 1 Cor 11:14 ). This distinction is respected in "natural" sexual relations between heterosexual partners ( Rom 1:26-27 ), but is contravened by sexual relations between homosexual partners who are described as acting contrary to nature ( 1:26 ).

The fact that Paul can describe idols as those that are "by nature" not gods ( Gal 4:8 ) suggests that there is One who has a divine "nature." As in the Old Testament, some of the attributes of this divine nature can be seen in the visible world of creation ( Rom 1:18-20 ).

God's original creation order established certain distinctions that he declared to be good. That creation order was disrupted by the fall, but it was not destroyed. The visible world of creation still displays, but remains distinct from, God's divine nature. Certain innate qualities remain that distinguish plants from animals. Distinctions among species (kinds) separate various plants from one another; the same is true of animals. Humankind retains its creation order distinctiveness, and within the unity of humankind certain ethnic and sexual distinctions are evident. Although the fall corrupted human nature and predisposed people to turn away from God, Christ's work on the cross has made it possible for redeemed humankind to turn toward God and partake of his divine nature once again. Similarly, although creation suffers under the curse of the fall, it too looks forward to the restoration of the original creation order.

John D. Harvey

Bibliography. F. H. Colson and G. H. Whitaker, Philo in Ten Volumes; C. E. B. Cranfield, A Critical and Exegetical Commentary on the Epistle to the Romans; P. Evdokimov, SJT18 (1965): 1-22; G. Harder, NIDNTT, 2:656-11; H. D. McDonald, EDT, pp. 676-80.

Baker's Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology. Edited by Walter A. Elwell
Copyright © 1996 by Walter A. Elwell. Published by Baker Books, a division of
Baker Book House Company, Grand Rapids, Michigan USA.
All rights reserved. Used by permission.
For usage information, please read the Baker Book House Copyright Statement.

Bibliography Information
Elwell, Walter A. "Entry for 'Nature, Natural'". "Evangelical Dictionary of Theology". . 1997.

SFC (Join to see) SPC Robert Pulliam TSgt Carl Johnson TSgt George Rodriguez SGT Thomas Seward PO1 Richard Nyberg SFC Alvin Miller PO3 Aaron Hassay SSgt Richard Kensinger
LTC Orlando Illi MSgt James "Buck" Buchanan CPO Nate S. SGT Mike Williams PO2 Geoffrey LeNoir CPO Robert (Mac) McGovern
SrA Marianne Santangelo LTC David Brown SFC (Join to see) Maj Wayne Crist
(35)
Comment
(0)
PO1 H Gene Lawrence
PO1 H Gene Lawrence
5 y
COL Mikel J. Burroughs - Thank you my friend. Yes, we will definitely be enjoying the pool, at least the dogs and I will. Linda does enjoy it it but not to the extent that the dogs and I do. LOL. Have a blessed day my friend.
(6)
Reply
(0)
SPC Joseph F Dolloff
SPC Joseph F Dolloff
5 y
Spent my afternoon honoring those Vets who did not return home on their own accord.
(6)
Reply
(0)
LTC Stephen F.
LTC Stephen F.
5 y
I pray that you and I have wonderful memories of our friends and family members who fell in battle or succumbed to their wounds, my friend and brother-in-Christ PO1 H Gene Lawrence and sister-in-Christ Linda Lawrence.
I pray dear God that YOU pour a special blessing on those whose loved ones committed suicide this Memorial Day weekend. Give them peace and restore the joy they long for to each.
LORD YOU have perfect knowledge of everything and everyone for all time. We are finite for now and yet we who are YOURs by adoption through the Atonement of the Christ shall dwell with YOU for eternity future. I pray that YOU comfort the grieving children, grandchildren and spouses and other family members and friends of the deceased this weekend
This nation honors Memorial Day in many ways. I pray that we will be gracious and inclusive this Memorial Day. People are grieving their own departed family members and friends throughout the year and others are rejoicing in the three-day weekend. Let this Memorial Day be a time of fellowship, remembrance, reconciliation and above all peace and joy.
By the power and authority of the Name above all names, Jesus the Christ.
(1)
Reply
(0)
PO1 H Gene Lawrence
PO1 H Gene Lawrence
5 y
LTC Stephen F. - and I will say Amen as well my friend.
(2)
Reply
(0)
Avatar small
SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL
35
35
0
Edited 5 y ago
2bb8bdfb
COL Mikel J. Burroughs good morning good read/share: for the Colonel's Motivational Quotes of the Day. Where the mighty American Bald Eagles roam in the mighty MOUNTAINS OF CASTLE ROCK, COLORADO AMONG THIER EAGLES-NEST. I know the view must be MAGNIFICIENT this morning on May 26, 2019 as you might glance upon the mighty snow capped mountains even in the month of May going into June.

Today's theme is "Nature Day!" You nailed it my friend! You can't beat it if you tried your hardest: GOD'S GRACE AND MERCY how sweet it is- Nature is awesome my friend!!!

The picture depicts my inner thought:

Maj Marty Hogan SGT (Join to see) SPC Margaret Higgins SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth CW5 Jack Cardwell CPL Dave Hoover SSG William Jones Lt Col Charlie Brown PO1 H Gene Lawrence Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen SCPO Morris Ramsey TSgt Joe C. PVT Mark Zehner LTC (Join to see) Capt Dwayne Conyers PO1 Tony Holland PO1 William "Chip" Nagel Sgt (Join to see) LTC Stephen F.
(35)
Comment
(0)
COL Mikel J. Burroughs
COL Mikel J. Burroughs
5 y
Nature is God's gift to mankind Joe! Have a great day SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL
(5)
Reply
(0)
LTC Stephen F.
LTC Stephen F.
5 y
I pray that you and I have wonderful memories of our friends and family members who fell in battle or succumbed to their wounds, my friend and brother-in-Christ SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL.
I pray dear God that YOU pour a special blessing on those whose loved ones committed suicide this Memorial Day weekend. Give them peace and restore the joy they long for to each.
LORD YOU have perfect knowledge of everything and everyone for all time. We are finite for now and yet we who are YOURs by adoption through the Atonement of the Christ shall dwell with YOU for eternity future. I pray that YOU comfort the grieving children, grandchildren and spouses and other family members and friends of the deceased this weekend
This nation honors Memorial Day in many ways. I pray that we will be gracious and inclusive this Memorial Day. People are grieving their own departed family members and friends throughout the year and others are rejoicing in the three-day weekend. Let this Memorial Day be a time of fellowship, remembrance, reconciliation and above all peace and joy.
By the power and authority of the Name above all names, Jesus the Christ.
(1)
Reply
(0)
Avatar small
SCPO Morris Ramsey
28
28
0
8ac9157
Imagine for a moment the hand of the master as he created The Grand Canyon; now imagine him when he created man in his own image. He is still working on The Grand Canyon and he is still working on us! Have a great Sunday!
(28)
Comment
(0)
COL Mikel J. Burroughs
COL Mikel J. Burroughs
5 y
Amen to that Morris! Awesome quote as well SCPO Morris Ramsey Have a great day in all this awesomeness that God has created for us brother!
(3)
Reply
(0)
SPC Douglas Bolton
SPC Douglas Bolton
5 y
SCPO Morris Ramsey Very well said.
(3)
Reply
(0)
LTC Stephen F.
LTC Stephen F.
5 y
I pray that you and I have wonderful memories of our friends and family members who fell in battle or succumbed to their wounds, my friend and brother-in-Christ SCPO Morris Ramsey.
I pray dear God that YOU pour a special blessing on those whose loved ones committed suicide this Memorial Day weekend. Give them peace and restore the joy they long for to each.
LORD YOU have perfect knowledge of everything and everyone for all time. We are finite for now and yet we who are YOURs by adoption through the Atonement of the Christ shall dwell with YOU for eternity future. I pray that YOU comfort the grieving children, grandchildren and spouses and other family members and friends of the deceased this weekend
This nation honors Memorial Day in many ways. I pray that we will be gracious and inclusive this Memorial Day. People are grieving their own departed family members and friends throughout the year and others are rejoicing in the three-day weekend. Let this Memorial Day be a time of fellowship, remembrance, reconciliation and above all peace and joy.
By the power and authority of the Name above all names, Jesus the Christ.
(0)
Reply
(0)
Debbie Gray
Debbie Gray
5 y
Mine is gonna be great then! Work in progress & under construction..for sure! Agape !
(1)
Reply
(0)
Avatar small

Join nearly 2 million former and current members of the US military, just like you.

close