Why a Garden City?
Introduction
As you step through the doors of New Haven Church on any given Sunday, a distinct theme unfolds. The steel garden-esque designs adorning our front doors, the occasional sight of individuals proudly donning shirts proclaiming "Madison is a garden. Dig it," and the captivating images on the sanctuary's television screens bearing the inscription, "Our vision is to see Madison, West Virginia transformed into a Garden City for the glory of God," all converge to create a narrative that begs exploration.
Frequently, we encounter a particular question: Why has this unique vision become the defining focus of our church? In the vast expanse of the Coalfields, stumbling upon a church with such a pronounced and purposeful vision, especially one centered around "gardens," is a rarity. Thus, for that reason, I wanted to take the time to share with you all why we have prayerfully chosen this vision to be the vision of our church and the profound meaning it holds for our community.
From Garden to Garden-City
The Genesis narrative unfolds with God speaking creation into existence, forming diverse realms—Heavens above, earth beneath, and the waters beneath the earth—and subsequently filling them with celestial bodies, birds, land beasts, and sea creatures. In Genesis 2, God plants a Garden in the Land of Eden, assigning a man to cultivate and safeguard it, alongside a companion to assist. Bestowing upon them the mandate to be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth, and have dominion over creation, God envisions the entire earth becoming a sacred space through the Garden's expansion.
Eden, a unique and sacred place, signifies the union of heaven and earth. Adam and Eve were tasked with extending this sacred space globally (Gen. 1:28) but faced a fracture in the relationship between heaven and earth in Genesis 3. Deceived by a serpent, they committed an act forbidden by God, leading to the intrusion of sin into creation. The incompatible coexistence of the sacred and the profane necessitated the exile of the man and the woman to wander East of Eden (Gen. 3:22-24).
Yet, God's original intention was never to abandon creation in this fractured state but to dwell with humanity once more. Throughout the biblical narrative, hints of this intention abound. Noah, following the mandate given to Adam and Eve, plants a vineyard-garden (Gen. 9). Abraham encounters God amidst the "Oaks of Mamre" (Gen. 18:1-15), and the construction of the Temple in Israel incorporates Garden imagery with Cedars from Lebanon (Ezra 3:7).
These subtle hints collectively affirm that God's plan was always to reconnect with humanity in a sacred Garden space, marking the presence of God's Kingdom through the imagery of paradise — the Garden. This thematic culmination reaches its apex in the story of Jesus. He likens the Kingdom of God to a mustard seed growing into a "large tree" (Matt. 13:31-32), culminating in His sacrificial death on a tree, reconciling humanity to God. Post-resurrection, Jesus is intriguingly mistaken as "the gardener" in the Gospel of John (Jn. 20:1-9), emphasizing his redemptive work akin to Adam's if he had remained faithful.
The biblical narrative progresses, and the Book of Revelation paints a vivid picture of heaven and earth reunited in a Garden City that encompasses the entire earth (Rev. 22). Perceiving history's trajectory from a Garden to a Garden City, we find ourselves in the "in-between" time, praying, "Your Kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven" (Matt. 6:9-13). Recognizing God's kingdom as akin to a Garden, our prayer aligns with the desire for God's Garden to return to earth, inspiring our vision to witness Madison transformed into a Garden City.
Tree of Death in Madison
In addition to the biblical narrative, the tapestry of Madison's history intricately intertwines with our vision. During my research into the founding of the City of Madison, I uncovered the presence of an old city hall and jail in the downtown area, which was demolished a few years ago. Delving further, I unearthed the unsettling history of an ancient "hanging tree" where criminals faced public execution, a grim spectacle that unfolded less than 100 yards from the current location of New Haven Church on Main Street.
The chilling legacy persisted for years, with locals and visitors invited to witness the morbid display of a Tree of Death. However, in a poignant reversal, New Haven Church now stands prominently on Main Street. We are actively engaged in planting a Tree of Life in the town center, symbolizing our commitment to expanding the Kingdom and presence of God not only throughout the county but also to the farthest reaches of the earth.
Our mission is clear: To witness the transformation of Madison, West Virginia, into a thriving Garden City.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the rich tapestry of biblical narratives weaves a compelling story of God's original intention to create a sacred and harmonious union between heaven and earth. The Genesis account sets the stage with the creation of diverse realms and the establishment of the Garden in Eden, symbolizing a sacred space where humanity was entrusted with the stewardship of creation. However, the tragic events in Genesis 3, marked by the deception and disobedience of Adam and Eve, led to the fracture between heaven and earth, culminating in their exile from Eden.
Nevertheless, a thread of redemption runs through the biblical narrative, revealing God's continuous desire to dwell with humanity. The stories of Noah, Abraham, and the construction of the Temple in Israel all serve as glimpses into God's intention to reestablish a sacred connection with humanity — a connection marked by the imagery of a Garden. This redemptive theme reaches its pinnacle in the story of Jesus, who not only likens the Kingdom of God to a growing seed but also sacrifices himself on a tree, echoing the Garden imagery and the reversal of Adam's disobedience.
As the biblical narrative unfolds, the Book of Revelation presents a profound vision of heaven and earth rejoined in a magnificent Garden City, filling the entire earth. This image encapsulates the culmination of God's plan to restore the sacred space that was lost in Eden, emphasizing the transformative power of divine redemption.
Understanding this trajectory from a Garden to a Garden City, we find ourselves in the "in-between" time, a period of anticipation and prayer. Our collective prayer, "Your Kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven," resonates with the overarching theme of God's Kingdom resembling a Garden. It is a prayer that echoes the desire for God's original sacred space, the Garden, to return to earth and manifest in Madison.
Therefore, our vision for Madison's transformation into a Garden City is not just a mere aspiration; it is a reflection of our deep understanding of the biblical narrative and a commitment to participating in the ongoing story of God's redemptive plan. As we embark on this transformative journey of discipleship, we invite all to join us in cultivating a flourishing Garden City — a living testament to the divine reconciliation of heaven and earth. Through our collective efforts, may Madison become a radiant example of the Kingdom of God, and the Garden blooms anew on Main Street, spreading its transformative influence to the ends of the county and beyond.
In conclusion, our vision to transform Madison into a Garden City is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative and resonates with the history of this community. We invite you to be part of this transformative work, where a Tree of Life replaces the haunting memories of a Tree of Death. Together, let us contribute to Madison's glorification into a flourishing Garden City, a testament to the redemptive power of God's presence and kingdom.
As you step through the doors of New Haven Church on any given Sunday, a distinct theme unfolds. The steel garden-esque designs adorning our front doors, the occasional sight of individuals proudly donning shirts proclaiming "Madison is a garden. Dig it," and the captivating images on the sanctuary's television screens bearing the inscription, "Our vision is to see Madison, West Virginia transformed into a Garden City for the glory of God," all converge to create a narrative that begs exploration.
Frequently, we encounter a particular question: Why has this unique vision become the defining focus of our church? In the vast expanse of the Coalfields, stumbling upon a church with such a pronounced and purposeful vision, especially one centered around "gardens," is a rarity. Thus, for that reason, I wanted to take the time to share with you all why we have prayerfully chosen this vision to be the vision of our church and the profound meaning it holds for our community.
From Garden to Garden-City
The Genesis narrative unfolds with God speaking creation into existence, forming diverse realms—Heavens above, earth beneath, and the waters beneath the earth—and subsequently filling them with celestial bodies, birds, land beasts, and sea creatures. In Genesis 2, God plants a Garden in the Land of Eden, assigning a man to cultivate and safeguard it, alongside a companion to assist. Bestowing upon them the mandate to be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth, and have dominion over creation, God envisions the entire earth becoming a sacred space through the Garden's expansion.
Eden, a unique and sacred place, signifies the union of heaven and earth. Adam and Eve were tasked with extending this sacred space globally (Gen. 1:28) but faced a fracture in the relationship between heaven and earth in Genesis 3. Deceived by a serpent, they committed an act forbidden by God, leading to the intrusion of sin into creation. The incompatible coexistence of the sacred and the profane necessitated the exile of the man and the woman to wander East of Eden (Gen. 3:22-24).
Yet, God's original intention was never to abandon creation in this fractured state but to dwell with humanity once more. Throughout the biblical narrative, hints of this intention abound. Noah, following the mandate given to Adam and Eve, plants a vineyard-garden (Gen. 9). Abraham encounters God amidst the "Oaks of Mamre" (Gen. 18:1-15), and the construction of the Temple in Israel incorporates Garden imagery with Cedars from Lebanon (Ezra 3:7).
These subtle hints collectively affirm that God's plan was always to reconnect with humanity in a sacred Garden space, marking the presence of God's Kingdom through the imagery of paradise — the Garden. This thematic culmination reaches its apex in the story of Jesus. He likens the Kingdom of God to a mustard seed growing into a "large tree" (Matt. 13:31-32), culminating in His sacrificial death on a tree, reconciling humanity to God. Post-resurrection, Jesus is intriguingly mistaken as "the gardener" in the Gospel of John (Jn. 20:1-9), emphasizing his redemptive work akin to Adam's if he had remained faithful.
The biblical narrative progresses, and the Book of Revelation paints a vivid picture of heaven and earth reunited in a Garden City that encompasses the entire earth (Rev. 22). Perceiving history's trajectory from a Garden to a Garden City, we find ourselves in the "in-between" time, praying, "Your Kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven" (Matt. 6:9-13). Recognizing God's kingdom as akin to a Garden, our prayer aligns with the desire for God's Garden to return to earth, inspiring our vision to witness Madison transformed into a Garden City.
Tree of Death in Madison
In addition to the biblical narrative, the tapestry of Madison's history intricately intertwines with our vision. During my research into the founding of the City of Madison, I uncovered the presence of an old city hall and jail in the downtown area, which was demolished a few years ago. Delving further, I unearthed the unsettling history of an ancient "hanging tree" where criminals faced public execution, a grim spectacle that unfolded less than 100 yards from the current location of New Haven Church on Main Street.
The chilling legacy persisted for years, with locals and visitors invited to witness the morbid display of a Tree of Death. However, in a poignant reversal, New Haven Church now stands prominently on Main Street. We are actively engaged in planting a Tree of Life in the town center, symbolizing our commitment to expanding the Kingdom and presence of God not only throughout the county but also to the farthest reaches of the earth.
Our mission is clear: To witness the transformation of Madison, West Virginia, into a thriving Garden City.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the rich tapestry of biblical narratives weaves a compelling story of God's original intention to create a sacred and harmonious union between heaven and earth. The Genesis account sets the stage with the creation of diverse realms and the establishment of the Garden in Eden, symbolizing a sacred space where humanity was entrusted with the stewardship of creation. However, the tragic events in Genesis 3, marked by the deception and disobedience of Adam and Eve, led to the fracture between heaven and earth, culminating in their exile from Eden.
Nevertheless, a thread of redemption runs through the biblical narrative, revealing God's continuous desire to dwell with humanity. The stories of Noah, Abraham, and the construction of the Temple in Israel all serve as glimpses into God's intention to reestablish a sacred connection with humanity — a connection marked by the imagery of a Garden. This redemptive theme reaches its pinnacle in the story of Jesus, who not only likens the Kingdom of God to a growing seed but also sacrifices himself on a tree, echoing the Garden imagery and the reversal of Adam's disobedience.
As the biblical narrative unfolds, the Book of Revelation presents a profound vision of heaven and earth rejoined in a magnificent Garden City, filling the entire earth. This image encapsulates the culmination of God's plan to restore the sacred space that was lost in Eden, emphasizing the transformative power of divine redemption.
Understanding this trajectory from a Garden to a Garden City, we find ourselves in the "in-between" time, a period of anticipation and prayer. Our collective prayer, "Your Kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven," resonates with the overarching theme of God's Kingdom resembling a Garden. It is a prayer that echoes the desire for God's original sacred space, the Garden, to return to earth and manifest in Madison.
Therefore, our vision for Madison's transformation into a Garden City is not just a mere aspiration; it is a reflection of our deep understanding of the biblical narrative and a commitment to participating in the ongoing story of God's redemptive plan. As we embark on this transformative journey of discipleship, we invite all to join us in cultivating a flourishing Garden City — a living testament to the divine reconciliation of heaven and earth. Through our collective efforts, may Madison become a radiant example of the Kingdom of God, and the Garden blooms anew on Main Street, spreading its transformative influence to the ends of the county and beyond.
In conclusion, our vision to transform Madison into a Garden City is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative and resonates with the history of this community. We invite you to be part of this transformative work, where a Tree of Life replaces the haunting memories of a Tree of Death. Together, let us contribute to Madison's glorification into a flourishing Garden City, a testament to the redemptive power of God's presence and kingdom.
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