Jeff Shelnutt Sermons

As the priest of the sacred space called the garden of Eden, the first man is provided with all he needs. However, the Lord makes him aware of his incompleteness, the one way in which Adam's life is "not good." How God chooses to remedy his relational desires tells us that man also needs 1) relationships with others, 2) a specific companion, and 3) a suitable helper.

What did the first man do in the garden where God placed him? He worked. From this passage we learn that work is good and purposeful. We also see that for the Christian, God intends for work to be worship. Finally, in order for Adam to demonstrate love for His Creator, God gives him a test. Love can only be real if one has a choice to love or not.

What will God do with the man He created? Put him in a garden. From this we see the provision of God, the plan of God, and the presence of God. In Eden, heaven met earth. Though the first man lost access to the garden, through Jesus Christ we enjoy fellowship with God once again.

This psalm teaches us something about worship, particularly coming into God's presence in worship. We learn from David's words that 1) God is always present; that 2) we must come into His presence; and 3) the church is where God is most present.

The creation week is over. Or is it? This passage begins a detailed recounting of the sixth day creation of man. In it we see the 1) potential of the first man, 2) the intimacy God shared with the first man, and 3) the power of the last Adam over the first man.

The seventh day of creation is different from all the other days. It sets the pattern for the rest that God offers. But we are only able to enter that rest because He first entered His. In this passage we observe God's rest of satisfaction, God's rest in a cosmic temple, and God's eternal rest. Now, the invitation of Jesus to all is, "Come to Me all you are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest."

We are each created in the image of God. This means we are called to represent God well. But how do we go about doing that? In this passage we discover God's purpose for every human being. We are each called to multiply and fill, subdue and rule, and receive and enjoy. Though this creation commission has been distorted by sin, it has also been transformed into the Great Commission by Jesus Christ.

According to a recent study, most Americans believe Jesus rose from the dead (66%). They just "seem to see little connection between Jesus rising and their daily lives." Yet, the Apostle Paul wrote: "If Christ has not been raised... then your faith also in in vain." The resurrection matters because it is a historical fact, a spiritual necessity, and is future focused.

As imagers of God, we are to represent Him in the ways He intends for us to do so. From this passage we discover man's original identity and responsibility. Though sin now means we no longer reflect God as we should, the Lord does not cease to see us as made in His image, nor should we cease to see one another as image-bearers.

On the fifth and sixth days of creation God creates animated life. The Lord speaks the first blessing in the Bible to the fish and the birds. This establishes the pattern that God's commands always follow His blessings. The abundance, beauty, and creativity of creation are balanced with its variety, functionality, and order.