The Caves of the Earth
 
Introduction
    I.  I was first introduced to caves forty-five years ago when Janice and I visited
        Ruby Falls near Chattanooga.
        A.  We grew up in an area that did not have caves since the limestone 
	  is much deeper under the soil than in this area.
        B.  Caves are somewhat fearful, but they are also fascinating.
  II.  Twenty of us visited Cumberland Caverns yesterday.
        A.  Other caves that we have visited push the evolutionary concept that the
	  earth has been in existence for billions of years.
        B.  This is not pushed at Cumberland Caverns since those who own it believe
	  in God and in His having created the heavens and the earth.
III.  As is generally true, my earthly experiences are associated in my thinking
        with Biblical concepts.
 IV.  Let us consider some thoughts which relate to the experience of visiting the
        Cumberland Caverns.

Body	

    I.  I am reminded that God created the heavens and the earth.
        A.  I may not know just how Cumberland Caverns and other caves were made,
	  but I believe in the creative power of God.  Gen. 1:1, 2.
              1.  "The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God." Ps. 14:1; 53:1.
	  2.  This enables us to understand the miserable condition of the Gentile
	        world before Christ.  Rom. 1:18-32.
	  3.  The rejection of the existence of God, or the rejection of His word, is a
	       major cause for the condition of the world today.
        B.  The Psalmist helps us understand about the creation and the power and
	  influence of God's word.  Ps. 19:1-14.

  II.  I am reminded of the difficult life that some had to live.  
        A.  After discussing the more prominently faithful, the Hebrew writer 
	  summarized his thoughts.  Heb. 11:32-40.
	  1.  He writes of those who lived in caves and holes of the earth. Vs. 38.
	       a.  David, though faithful to God, had to flee to a cave to escape Saul's
		efforts to destroy him.  I Sam. 22:1, 2; 24:1-15.
	       b.  Prophets hid in caves in Elijah's day.  I Kings 18:1-4.
	       c.  Elijah, one of the greatest of God's prophets fled to a cave following
		his encounter with the false prophets of Baal.  I Kings 19:1-18.
		(1)  Even God's greatest suffered as they did God's will.
		(2)  God assured Elijah that evil would be overcome. Vss. 14-18.
	  2.  The Hebrew writer said that the world was unworthy of these faithful
	       servants of God. Heb. 11:38.
	  3.  All of these great servants of God died without receiving the promise 
	       which is fulfilled for us.  Heb. 11:39, 40.
        B.  Since God has better things for us today, we must recognize our own need
	  to be faithful to God.  Heb. 12:1-3.

Caves, page 2.

 III.  I am reminded that the wicked will be punished and will seek to flee from
        the punishment.  
        A.  A time of great upheaval in the affairs of men is associated with the 
	  breaking of the sixth seal.  Rev. 6:12-17.
        B.  This was punishment of evil men while the world continued.
        C.  Surely the time of God's final punishment of man is to be feared.
	  II Pet. 3:1-13.
	  A.  God wants all men to be saved.  Vs. 9.
	  B.  We can prepare ourselves by living righteous lives.  Vss. 11, 12.
	  C.  We can look forward to living with God in a new heaven and a new 
	        earth.
Conclusion

   I.  You may wish to use a concordance to trace other Biblical teaching that 
        relates to caves. 
  II.  We have been reminded of some thoughts that should be helpful to us.
III.  We will not be able to hide from God when the end comes.
IV.  We should obey him now, and if you have not, render the obedience that God
        requires of you today.

Prepared by:
  David Arnold
  August 26, 1995