Paul summarizes the essence of Christianity in Acts 17:16-32 as he speaks before the meeting of the Areopagus. He begins by introducing the fact that God created the heavens and the earth, which is foundational to our Christian faith. This one simple truth mandates not only the way we relate to God, but also the way we look at the world and each other.

God created the heavens and the earth. This means He is all-powerful and incomparably greater than man. However, from the very beginning of the world, man has persistently tried to surpass God. Adam and Eve ate from the tree of knowledge of good and evil in order to become like God. Their descendants built the Tower of Babel to reach the heavens and to create a name for themselves. Then THEIR descendants despised and killed God’s prophets, even crucifying the Messiah. Even today we live in an age where people play God in the name of science. But if we truly believe that God created the heavens and the earth, we should know to be humble and to fear God. He does not live in temples built by men nor does He need our offerings or sacrifice.

Again, God created the heavens and the earth. This means that everything and everyone He has created is valuable. In a world that emphasizes overpriced self-sufficiency, worth is assigned according to one’s wealth, influence, power, and usefulness. It is a world that looks down upon the weak and the poor. However, God loves all His children and He will provide for us even when we fail to do so.

God has given us proof by raising His son Jesus Christ from the dead and we need to look no farther than the Cross to see His saving grace and repent as He has commanded.

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