People have been asking me the typical election-year question: "Who are you going to vote for?" And I've noticed that it's caused me to think more deeply about my response.
I've always voted. I remember my first time voting back in 1972. I was proud to be involved in the political process. And, for the most part, I've always been proud to do so. And, no surprise, I've always voted conservative, although at times I've either desired to vote independent or actually did.
As an American, it is my duty to vote. It is not something I do lightly or take lightly.
But this year, it's all changed. I'm not sure what I'll do. No, it's not whether I'm for Obama or McCain. Obama's ties to the Communist Party USA pale in comparison to the things God is more concerned with such as the killing of the unborn and even those who survive botched abortions (Obama voted against the Born Alive Protection Act).
And I think that's why I may not be voting this year. It's all about the unborn. Sure, from my understanding, both candidates are globalists and as such would erase our borders. And both have bought into the "global warming" myth. McCain agressively so.
But those things don't bother me so much.
See, I'm not just an "American", I'm a citizen of Heaven. I'm redeemed. And I cannot support those who are pro-abortion and pro-embryonic stem cell research (which calls for the killing of the unborn).
We serve a living King. The peons of this Earth who would call themselves our leaders will one day be judged. And we will all rightfully bow down before the Lord and proclaim that He is indeed Lord. Some prior to entering Heaven but most before being cast into Hell forever.
So I cannot and will not take part in an Earthly political process that calls me to support someone who stands for something that is contrary to God's Holy Word. Nope.
You may say "but Tim, don't you know that for evil to take over our land, all it takes is for good men to do nothing?". And I say "Don't you understand that evil has already taken over this land and that one day God will make it all right?"
This land we call America has given us much. God has blessed us with freedom. In a way, however, that freedom has been a curse. Only in America can we enjoy the false doctrine of "the carnal Christian". You know, where you can name the name of Jesus and live any way you want all the way to Hell. There has been precious little persecution in this country of ours. And maybe it's time to let things slide completely downhill so that those who unrightly claim Christ will be exposed for the phoneys they are.
You say "But if so and so gets elected, he'll take our freedoms away". And I say, I will not beg for my freedom to be paid for on the backs of the unborn through the support of so called embryonic stem cell research. I will not vote for evil that good may come of it.
You say "If you don't vote, you surrender all rights to complain" and I say to you I'm not complaining because the only One Who will make it right is the Lord Jesus Christ when he returns in all His Glory. Therefore I have no Earthly complaints. The only relevant complaints I have I take to God in prayer. No politican can deal with them. None seem to care to.
What will I do in November? I don't know. The landscape may change. But as it is, it looks like "none of the above". But come what may let each and every one of us keep our focus on the heart of God!
Wednesday, July 02, 2008
What're You Whining About?
Just got this from Voice of the Martyrs. We need to be praying for those who are being persecuted for their faith and praying for those who do the persecuting:
"PAKISTAN
Christians Abducted at Gunpoint by Muslim Extremists - VOM Sources
On June 21, 16 Christians were abducted by Muslim extremists when they gathered to pray in Academy Town, Peshawar, Pakistan. According to The Voice of the Martyrs contacts in Pakistan, "Salamat Masih and 30 of his family and close friends were gathered to pray and celebrate the birth of his daughter, when 12 Taliban [members] of the Lashka-e-Islam group broke into his house yelling and shouting. They held the believers at gunpoint. The Muslim house-owner, Haji Muhammad Saraj, was also present at the time to collect rent." VOM contacts added, "With machine and automatic guns, they forcibly separated the men from the women and children. Slapping the Christian men, they commanded all 16 men, including Pastor Zulifqar and Haji Muhammad Saraj, to get into the five waiting vehicles." The 16 Christian men were held captive for an hour. "They were beaten and abused, and had all their money and mobile phones stolen from them. During this time, the Taliban attempted to persuade Pastor Zulifqar to convert to Islam, which he unquestionably refused. After sunset the Taliban took them to another place where they were kept in a cave until their release 10 hours later," VOM contacts reported. Pray for believers in Pakistan. Pray God protects them and provides for all their needs. Also pray their courageous testimonies will draw nonbelievers into fellowship with Him. Psalm 91:1-2
EGYPT
Christian Homes and Businesses Attacked - VOM Sources
On June 19, a mob of local Muslims attacked businesses and homes belonging to Coptic Christians in the village of Al Nazla, Fayoum province. According to VOM contacts, "When a convert from Christianity to Islam left that day on a three-day trip to Cairo, local Muslims concluded that she had gone missing. Rumors circulated that she had been abducted by her Christian family members. A mob of Muslims then went on a rampage in the village, beating and injuring Christians and destroying property." Ask God to strengthen those affected by the mob violence and for them to remain steadfast as they suffer. Pray that the perpetrators of this attack will come to repentance and salvation. Revelation 2:10
INDONESIA
Church Closed Again - VOM Sources
Recently, Muslims closed a church and blocked Christians from entering and holding services in Jatimula, Bekasi, West Java, Indonesia. According to The Voice of the Martyrs contacts in Indonesia, "Muslims blocked the alley leading to the church building. Pastor Anna and Huta Julu had to lead worship outside their church building and believers had to sit in the dirty alley to pray outside their church." VOM contacts added, "The sign outside the church building stated, ‘This church building is sealed,’ and it was written on a letterhead belonging to the Tambun Selatan district of Bekasi local government." This is the second time Muslims have closed the church in Bekasi. The church was first closed on September 10, 2005, when a mob of 100 Muslims nailed boards over doors and windows and prohibited believers from entering the building. Praise God for the unwavering faith of believers in Indonesia. Ask God to watch over Pastor Anna and Huta Julu as they continue to lead other believers in Indonesia. Pray for protection for believers as they courageously live for Christ in the midst of hardships. John 15: 18-21
AZERBAIJAN
Pastor Arrested - Forum 18 News
On June 20, Pastor Hamid Shabanov was arrested after police claimed to find an illegal weapon while searching his home in Aliabad. According to Forum 18 News, "Pastor Shabanov's family and congregation insist that police planted the gun they claimed to discover. Shabanov's brother sees the arrest as a direct attack on the pastor's Baptist church and an attempt to halt Christian activity in the area. Shabanov's home was among those searched when another local pastor arrested on fabricated charges, Pastor Zaur Balaev, was detained in May 2007." Pray that the truth of this situation will be made known and that Pastor Shabanov will be released. Pray that Christians in Azerbaijan will be emboldened to follow in their Savior’s footsteps. 1 Corinthians 4:9-16"
Christians Abducted at Gunpoint by Muslim Extremists - VOM Sources
On June 21, 16 Christians were abducted by Muslim extremists when they gathered to pray in Academy Town, Peshawar, Pakistan. According to The Voice of the Martyrs contacts in Pakistan, "Salamat Masih and 30 of his family and close friends were gathered to pray and celebrate the birth of his daughter, when 12 Taliban [members] of the Lashka-e-Islam group broke into his house yelling and shouting. They held the believers at gunpoint. The Muslim house-owner, Haji Muhammad Saraj, was also present at the time to collect rent." VOM contacts added, "With machine and automatic guns, they forcibly separated the men from the women and children. Slapping the Christian men, they commanded all 16 men, including Pastor Zulifqar and Haji Muhammad Saraj, to get into the five waiting vehicles." The 16 Christian men were held captive for an hour. "They were beaten and abused, and had all their money and mobile phones stolen from them. During this time, the Taliban attempted to persuade Pastor Zulifqar to convert to Islam, which he unquestionably refused. After sunset the Taliban took them to another place where they were kept in a cave until their release 10 hours later," VOM contacts reported. Pray for believers in Pakistan. Pray God protects them and provides for all their needs. Also pray their courageous testimonies will draw nonbelievers into fellowship with Him. Psalm 91:1-2
EGYPT
Christian Homes and Businesses Attacked - VOM Sources
On June 19, a mob of local Muslims attacked businesses and homes belonging to Coptic Christians in the village of Al Nazla, Fayoum province. According to VOM contacts, "When a convert from Christianity to Islam left that day on a three-day trip to Cairo, local Muslims concluded that she had gone missing. Rumors circulated that she had been abducted by her Christian family members. A mob of Muslims then went on a rampage in the village, beating and injuring Christians and destroying property." Ask God to strengthen those affected by the mob violence and for them to remain steadfast as they suffer. Pray that the perpetrators of this attack will come to repentance and salvation. Revelation 2:10
INDONESIA
Church Closed Again - VOM Sources
Recently, Muslims closed a church and blocked Christians from entering and holding services in Jatimula, Bekasi, West Java, Indonesia. According to The Voice of the Martyrs contacts in Indonesia, "Muslims blocked the alley leading to the church building. Pastor Anna and Huta Julu had to lead worship outside their church building and believers had to sit in the dirty alley to pray outside their church." VOM contacts added, "The sign outside the church building stated, ‘This church building is sealed,’ and it was written on a letterhead belonging to the Tambun Selatan district of Bekasi local government." This is the second time Muslims have closed the church in Bekasi. The church was first closed on September 10, 2005, when a mob of 100 Muslims nailed boards over doors and windows and prohibited believers from entering the building. Praise God for the unwavering faith of believers in Indonesia. Ask God to watch over Pastor Anna and Huta Julu as they continue to lead other believers in Indonesia. Pray for protection for believers as they courageously live for Christ in the midst of hardships. John 15: 18-21
AZERBAIJAN
Pastor Arrested - Forum 18 News
On June 20, Pastor Hamid Shabanov was arrested after police claimed to find an illegal weapon while searching his home in Aliabad. According to Forum 18 News, "Pastor Shabanov's family and congregation insist that police planted the gun they claimed to discover. Shabanov's brother sees the arrest as a direct attack on the pastor's Baptist church and an attempt to halt Christian activity in the area. Shabanov's home was among those searched when another local pastor arrested on fabricated charges, Pastor Zaur Balaev, was detained in May 2007." Pray that the truth of this situation will be made known and that Pastor Shabanov will be released. Pray that Christians in Azerbaijan will be emboldened to follow in their Savior’s footsteps. 1 Corinthians 4:9-16"
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
Paul Washer: A Grab Bag
No, I haven't given you the title of what he's talking about in the video at this link. I figure if I do that, there will be too many people making presuppositions and saying "I don't need to hear that, I'm ok. I know what he's going to say".
So, click on the link and find out what the video is about. Set aside everything else, watch (or listen) and pay close attention.
So, click on the link and find out what the video is about. Set aside everything else, watch (or listen) and pay close attention.
Destroying the Myth of Global Warming
Brannon Howse
Just got a link to this in my email from Christian Worldview Network. It's a clip of a DVD you can purchase. It's worth your time!
Monday, June 30, 2008
Has God Sent This Delusion?
Just got this in my email. And yes, I think she is right:
HAS GOD SENT THIS DELUSION?
By Jan Markell
I quote my good friend and ministry colleague Jim Hutchens of "The Jerusalem Connection International" when he says, "The veiled anti-Israel action by the Presbyterian Church USA is nothing less than blatant anti-Semitism." I also agree with him. So what is the issue?
As I write truthful but unpleasant comments about the Presbyterian Church, I know many Presbyterian readers of this do not agree with their church leadership. But at the recent Presbyterian Church USA annual meeting a number of Presbyterian leaders pled passionately for a declaration of solidarity with the Palestinian Arabs. The appeal included a recommendation to adopt a series of anti-Israel measures, including proposals for divestment and for backing a suspension of American military aid to the Jewish state. In essence they called for Presbyterians to side with the Palestinians and take serious shots at the Israelis.
"The situation in Palestine is dire. The call from our Palestinian brothers and sisters has fallen on deaf ears," a Presbyterian minister, Reverend William McGarvey of San Francisco, said. "The American Christian church has largely watched this catastrophe continue as if we did not care."
Some Presbyterian leaders spoke out against the anti-Israel proposals and offered alternatives calling for a "nonpartisan" approach to the Israeli-Palestinian dispute. But a Palestinian religious leader attending this annual meeting said, "I urge you to get your hands dirty, to take sides."
Six senators who are Presbyterians urged the church not to endorse the proposal to cut off defense help to Israel. "We are adamantly opposed to the call for the U.S. government to temporarily suspend military aid to Israel," Senators Kyl of Arizona, Bond of Missouri, DeMint of South Carolina, Carper of Delaware, Shelby of Alabama, and Inhofe of Oklahoma wrote. "We ask that you take no action that would make a case for moral equivalency between the Israeli military, which is fighting to keep Israel safe, and Palestinian terrorists, who seek to destroy it."
A former American negotiator in the Middle East, Dennis Ross, also warned against taking the Palestinian side in the long-running dispute. "If your church is going to adopt a position that is one-sided in favor of the Palestinians, it takes no account of what the Israelis have done," Mr. Ross said in a videotaped message to delegates. "I find the resolution on divestment from companies doing business with Israel and the others who criticize Israel to be divorced from reality. They don't take into account the price the Israelis have paid or the concessions they made or the many times the Israelis in negotiations have been prepared to go very far and not found responsiveness on the other side."
With these men weighing in with truth, doesn't this all sound just a bit delusional?
So, in a sense, whether any bill passes this year or next, the Presbyterian Church USA has declared war on our only ally in the Middle East. This is what happens when denominations hold to Replacement Theology; that is, that the Church is now Israel. The Church has replaced Israel in all New Testament references. It remains a mystery to me how they deal with Romans 9 - 11.
But the Presbyterian Church USA and others who think like they do miss the most important point. It is not Israel making the Palestinians miserable; it is the Palestinian leadership and the United Nations who keep them in bondage so they can be political pawns.
Also, it is difficult to find a more neglected story than the relative satisfaction of Palestinian Arabs living in Israel -- about 20% of the population in Israel -- as revealed by a recent Harvard study. Researchers asked Palestinian Arabs if they would rather live in Israel than any other country in the world. Dream away, folks. You can fantasize that they said they would rather be in Dubai or the U.K. or the U.S. But nearly 80% said they like Israel best. These are Arabs living in Israel who are under Israeli rule, not corrupt Palestinian rule.
Arabs in Israel are not subject to compulsory military service though they may volunteer to serve in the military and some do. So we have some Arabs living in Israel serving in Israel's military while the Presbyterian Church USA suggests America suspend all military aid to Israel! Have I fallen into Alice's Wonderland or has the Presbyterian Church USA fallen down the hole? Where's the Mad Hatter?
This issue will not die. Other denominations are following suit and making similar proposals at annual meetings. In the past there have usually been enough in high church leadership to denounce these proposals, but it is my belief that will not always be the case.
Is it any wonder that the church today is in a mess? All Mainline Protestant denominations hold to Replacement Theology. I am not saying all Mainline Protestants hold to the proposals stated above. But Mainline Protestants and Catholics today almost universally adhere to the false teaching that the Church today is the new Israel. A remnant in these categories would disagree with this theology.
The Bible says, "I also will choose their delusions, and will bring their fears upon them; because when I called, none did answer; when I spoke, they did not hear: But they did evil before mine eyes, and chose that in which I delighted not" (Isa. 66:4). So it begs the question: Did God send them this delusion because in their hearts they just have serious issues and are blind to the truth about Israel's miraculous rebirth? The Bible indicates that when one remains firm in a lie and rejects the truth, they will become blinded. (2 Thess. 2:11)
The desire to harm a nation that is a friend and ally and a nation that remains God's Chosen People, makes little sense in the natural.
RADIO: Both hours of this past weekend's radio provide provocative commentary. Dr. Michael Coffman explains the hidden agenda behind the man-made global warming myth. The real agenda is global government. Hour two is for anyone discouraged about reaching a loved one with the gospel who refuses to hear or see biblical truth. These are found at "Radio Archives." For podcasting, check this link. For more radio information including outlets, go here.
Awaiting His return,
Jan Markell"
HAS GOD SENT THIS DELUSION?
By Jan Markell
I quote my good friend and ministry colleague Jim Hutchens of "The Jerusalem Connection International" when he says, "The veiled anti-Israel action by the Presbyterian Church USA is nothing less than blatant anti-Semitism." I also agree with him. So what is the issue?
As I write truthful but unpleasant comments about the Presbyterian Church, I know many Presbyterian readers of this do not agree with their church leadership. But at the recent Presbyterian Church USA annual meeting a number of Presbyterian leaders pled passionately for a declaration of solidarity with the Palestinian Arabs. The appeal included a recommendation to adopt a series of anti-Israel measures, including proposals for divestment and for backing a suspension of American military aid to the Jewish state. In essence they called for Presbyterians to side with the Palestinians and take serious shots at the Israelis.
"The situation in Palestine is dire. The call from our Palestinian brothers and sisters has fallen on deaf ears," a Presbyterian minister, Reverend William McGarvey of San Francisco, said. "The American Christian church has largely watched this catastrophe continue as if we did not care."
Some Presbyterian leaders spoke out against the anti-Israel proposals and offered alternatives calling for a "nonpartisan" approach to the Israeli-Palestinian dispute. But a Palestinian religious leader attending this annual meeting said, "I urge you to get your hands dirty, to take sides."
Six senators who are Presbyterians urged the church not to endorse the proposal to cut off defense help to Israel. "We are adamantly opposed to the call for the U.S. government to temporarily suspend military aid to Israel," Senators Kyl of Arizona, Bond of Missouri, DeMint of South Carolina, Carper of Delaware, Shelby of Alabama, and Inhofe of Oklahoma wrote. "We ask that you take no action that would make a case for moral equivalency between the Israeli military, which is fighting to keep Israel safe, and Palestinian terrorists, who seek to destroy it."
A former American negotiator in the Middle East, Dennis Ross, also warned against taking the Palestinian side in the long-running dispute. "If your church is going to adopt a position that is one-sided in favor of the Palestinians, it takes no account of what the Israelis have done," Mr. Ross said in a videotaped message to delegates. "I find the resolution on divestment from companies doing business with Israel and the others who criticize Israel to be divorced from reality. They don't take into account the price the Israelis have paid or the concessions they made or the many times the Israelis in negotiations have been prepared to go very far and not found responsiveness on the other side."
With these men weighing in with truth, doesn't this all sound just a bit delusional?
So, in a sense, whether any bill passes this year or next, the Presbyterian Church USA has declared war on our only ally in the Middle East. This is what happens when denominations hold to Replacement Theology; that is, that the Church is now Israel. The Church has replaced Israel in all New Testament references. It remains a mystery to me how they deal with Romans 9 - 11.
But the Presbyterian Church USA and others who think like they do miss the most important point. It is not Israel making the Palestinians miserable; it is the Palestinian leadership and the United Nations who keep them in bondage so they can be political pawns.
Also, it is difficult to find a more neglected story than the relative satisfaction of Palestinian Arabs living in Israel -- about 20% of the population in Israel -- as revealed by a recent Harvard study. Researchers asked Palestinian Arabs if they would rather live in Israel than any other country in the world. Dream away, folks. You can fantasize that they said they would rather be in Dubai or the U.K. or the U.S. But nearly 80% said they like Israel best. These are Arabs living in Israel who are under Israeli rule, not corrupt Palestinian rule.
Arabs in Israel are not subject to compulsory military service though they may volunteer to serve in the military and some do. So we have some Arabs living in Israel serving in Israel's military while the Presbyterian Church USA suggests America suspend all military aid to Israel! Have I fallen into Alice's Wonderland or has the Presbyterian Church USA fallen down the hole? Where's the Mad Hatter?
This issue will not die. Other denominations are following suit and making similar proposals at annual meetings. In the past there have usually been enough in high church leadership to denounce these proposals, but it is my belief that will not always be the case.
Is it any wonder that the church today is in a mess? All Mainline Protestant denominations hold to Replacement Theology. I am not saying all Mainline Protestants hold to the proposals stated above. But Mainline Protestants and Catholics today almost universally adhere to the false teaching that the Church today is the new Israel. A remnant in these categories would disagree with this theology.
The Bible says, "I also will choose their delusions, and will bring their fears upon them; because when I called, none did answer; when I spoke, they did not hear: But they did evil before mine eyes, and chose that in which I delighted not" (Isa. 66:4). So it begs the question: Did God send them this delusion because in their hearts they just have serious issues and are blind to the truth about Israel's miraculous rebirth? The Bible indicates that when one remains firm in a lie and rejects the truth, they will become blinded. (2 Thess. 2:11)
The desire to harm a nation that is a friend and ally and a nation that remains God's Chosen People, makes little sense in the natural.
RADIO: Both hours of this past weekend's radio provide provocative commentary. Dr. Michael Coffman explains the hidden agenda behind the man-made global warming myth. The real agenda is global government. Hour two is for anyone discouraged about reaching a loved one with the gospel who refuses to hear or see biblical truth. These are found at "Radio Archives." For podcasting, check this link. For more radio information including outlets, go here.
Awaiting His return,
Jan Markell"
Sunday, June 29, 2008
No Comment?
part 2
It was back in April that I posted a notice that comments on this blog would be shut down, at least temporarily.
Well, it's been a couple of months and I'm happy to say that everything is ok. No mass exodus of readers, no crickets chirping in the activity logs. And, I've gotten used to the relative peace and quiet, knowing that I'm not doing this for verbal affirmation. True, I've not been posting as much but then much of that comes with warmer weather and the increased activity that comes with it.
I've been thinking a bit about opening comments back up. Just thinking. And I'll think some more about it. Yes, we still get our trolls blowing by on a regular basis, including one that said he'd never come back. That's ok. That's not the reason why comments went out anyway.
But I do know the frustration of seeing things on a blog and not being able to respond in some fashion. It's more often the positive things I want to say that I can't.
So, this is just a post to acknowlege this thought that's been floating around in my mind for a few days.
I'll keep you posted.
Again, thanks for stopping by.
Well, it's been a couple of months and I'm happy to say that everything is ok. No mass exodus of readers, no crickets chirping in the activity logs. And, I've gotten used to the relative peace and quiet, knowing that I'm not doing this for verbal affirmation. True, I've not been posting as much but then much of that comes with warmer weather and the increased activity that comes with it.
I've been thinking a bit about opening comments back up. Just thinking. And I'll think some more about it. Yes, we still get our trolls blowing by on a regular basis, including one that said he'd never come back. That's ok. That's not the reason why comments went out anyway.
But I do know the frustration of seeing things on a blog and not being able to respond in some fashion. It's more often the positive things I want to say that I can't.
So, this is just a post to acknowlege this thought that's been floating around in my mind for a few days.
I'll keep you posted.
Again, thanks for stopping by.
A word about constantly-mutating evolutionists, skeptical philosophers, and speculative theologians
From TeamPyro:
"Here's some background on Spurgeon's argument below. In 1890, William Platt Ball published Heredity and Evolution.; Are the Effects of Use and Disuse Inherited? An Examination of the View Held by [Herbert] Spencer and [Charles] Darwin. Ball was himself an evolutionist, but he (along with others in the same vein) departed from Darwin—and even more so from Herbert Spencer—on the question of whether and how our parents' and ancestors' behavior influences the characteristics we inherit from them. Will the offspring of a hardworking man who uses his muscles inherit any benefits from his working out? Or if the tails of Cocker Spaniels are clipped for enough years so that generation after generation of dogs never use their tails, will a breed of naturally tailless Spaniels eventually result through the evolutionary process?
Spencer, for one, seemed to think so. He pointed to giraffes as proof of the "use and disuse" theory, claiming giraffes could never have evolved such long necks unless their tendency to stretch ever higher had some effect toward actually lengthening the necks of their offspring across many generations. Thus Spencer (and evolutionists who followed him) argued, evolution is a hopeful doctrine for the future of humanity. It suggests that humanity will eventually get better if we act better. That was the standard evolutionary doctrine of salvation through the 1870s or so.
The actual progeny of that brand of humanistic optimism, however, was a whole new species of evolutionists, including William Ball. They pointed out a stubborn fact: the laws of genetics mitigate against our inheriting the effects of our parents' behavior through any kind of purely biological process. As an illustration, Ball pointed out that Jewish men have practiced circumcision from time immemorial, and Jewish infants are nevertheless still always born with fully intact foreskins. Ball insisted that evolutionary changes needed to be explainable by some more scientific means than the theory of use and disuse. He wasn't sure how animals evolved fantastic traits, but he insisted the process could not be explained by the use-and-disuse theory; that was simply unscientific.
Those who held the older evolutionary opinions employed human morality as a counter-example. The use-and-disuse theory is the only way to account for human guilt in the evolutionary paradigm, they insisted. They pointed to the immoral proclivities so evident in human behavior as undeniable proof that we have inherited behavioral influences from our animal ancestors. Suddenly some of the same modernists who had long scoffed at the idea of original sin were now acknowledging the ubiquitous manifestations of original sin in order to prop up their now-outmoded evolutionary theories.
That debate was raging when Spurgeon preached this sermon, and it explains the setting in which these comments were made. Spurgeon seems to indicate that he expected the theory of evolution itself to be debunked and replaced by some other fallacy in a very short time. If so, he would be disappointed by the tenacity of that theory today. In the most important respect, however, Spurgeon was exactly right: evolutionists have never found a stable, tenable theory to explain the most fundamental difficulty of their system: how did ordered information get programmed into the genetic code in the first place, and why are there zero observable instances of positive mutations in which additional information is added to a species' genetic code by some "natural" process? In their quest for answers to that question, evolutionists keep changing their story, and the textbooks still have to be completely rewritten every three years or so. Spurgeon observed this trend more than 130 years ago.
And for good measure, he threw in a rebuke aimed at the trendy, emerging, modernist church leaders of his day who aped the style of secular scientists and philosophers by shifting their opinions every three years or so to suit the times. Don't miss that part in the closing paragraph of this excerpt."
The rest can be found here. . ..
"Here's some background on Spurgeon's argument below. In 1890, William Platt Ball published Heredity and Evolution.; Are the Effects of Use and Disuse Inherited? An Examination of the View Held by [Herbert] Spencer and [Charles] Darwin. Ball was himself an evolutionist, but he (along with others in the same vein) departed from Darwin—and even more so from Herbert Spencer—on the question of whether and how our parents' and ancestors' behavior influences the characteristics we inherit from them. Will the offspring of a hardworking man who uses his muscles inherit any benefits from his working out? Or if the tails of Cocker Spaniels are clipped for enough years so that generation after generation of dogs never use their tails, will a breed of naturally tailless Spaniels eventually result through the evolutionary process?
Spencer, for one, seemed to think so. He pointed to giraffes as proof of the "use and disuse" theory, claiming giraffes could never have evolved such long necks unless their tendency to stretch ever higher had some effect toward actually lengthening the necks of their offspring across many generations. Thus Spencer (and evolutionists who followed him) argued, evolution is a hopeful doctrine for the future of humanity. It suggests that humanity will eventually get better if we act better. That was the standard evolutionary doctrine of salvation through the 1870s or so.
The actual progeny of that brand of humanistic optimism, however, was a whole new species of evolutionists, including William Ball. They pointed out a stubborn fact: the laws of genetics mitigate against our inheriting the effects of our parents' behavior through any kind of purely biological process. As an illustration, Ball pointed out that Jewish men have practiced circumcision from time immemorial, and Jewish infants are nevertheless still always born with fully intact foreskins. Ball insisted that evolutionary changes needed to be explainable by some more scientific means than the theory of use and disuse. He wasn't sure how animals evolved fantastic traits, but he insisted the process could not be explained by the use-and-disuse theory; that was simply unscientific.
Those who held the older evolutionary opinions employed human morality as a counter-example. The use-and-disuse theory is the only way to account for human guilt in the evolutionary paradigm, they insisted. They pointed to the immoral proclivities so evident in human behavior as undeniable proof that we have inherited behavioral influences from our animal ancestors. Suddenly some of the same modernists who had long scoffed at the idea of original sin were now acknowledging the ubiquitous manifestations of original sin in order to prop up their now-outmoded evolutionary theories.
That debate was raging when Spurgeon preached this sermon, and it explains the setting in which these comments were made. Spurgeon seems to indicate that he expected the theory of evolution itself to be debunked and replaced by some other fallacy in a very short time. If so, he would be disappointed by the tenacity of that theory today. In the most important respect, however, Spurgeon was exactly right: evolutionists have never found a stable, tenable theory to explain the most fundamental difficulty of their system: how did ordered information get programmed into the genetic code in the first place, and why are there zero observable instances of positive mutations in which additional information is added to a species' genetic code by some "natural" process? In their quest for answers to that question, evolutionists keep changing their story, and the textbooks still have to be completely rewritten every three years or so. Spurgeon observed this trend more than 130 years ago.
And for good measure, he threw in a rebuke aimed at the trendy, emerging, modernist church leaders of his day who aped the style of secular scientists and philosophers by shifting their opinions every three years or so to suit the times. Don't miss that part in the closing paragraph of this excerpt."
The rest can be found here. . ..
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Playing the Pharisee Card
Have you been there? You stand up for the truth and someone has to call you a Pharisee.Well, Christian Research Network has an article on this topic. Here's an excerpt:
"Todd Wilken, host of the Issues, Etc. radio program, has a fantastic article in the latest Issues, Etc. Journal that discusses how the average Christian and those in the anti-discernment crowd play the ‘Pharisee card’ as a means of silencing those who Biblically critique and challenge pop evangelicalism. Said Wilken:
I have been called a Pharisee more times than I can remember. It goes with the territory. I host a conservative Christian radio talk show. I publicly defend the teachings and practices of the historic Church. I also publicly point out false teaching and practices in the Church today. For these reasons alone, some believe that I deserve to be called a Pharisee.
But I’m not alone. Today, the label “Pharisee” is applied to many Christians just like me - perhaps you’re one of them. We are Christians who cherish God’s Word, the Church’s historic Creeds, confessions and practices. When we see the Church abandoning these things to follow the latest fads and entertainments, we lament. When we see the Gospel itself being left behind in the Church’s rush to mimic popular culture, we are grieved. And when we question the Church’s infatuation with the spirit of the age, we are labeled Pharisees."
And, of course, the rest can be found here.
Trolls Say The Darndest Things
You never know what you're going to encounter if you decide to "discuss" things with a troll.
In a recent "discussion" on "when life begins", the following was posted. The person was not familiar with the NIH and scientific community establishing that an embryo's identity is established at 14 days of development. Wasn't aware of it and of course didn't know what they had to back up their conclusion. But that didn't stop them from putting their stupidity on display:
"Before I tell you why they are wrong, show me the document".
Presupposition? "No matter what the evidence to back up the conclusion may be, their conclusion is wrong".
You just gotta laugh.
In a recent "discussion" on "when life begins", the following was posted. The person was not familiar with the NIH and scientific community establishing that an embryo's identity is established at 14 days of development. Wasn't aware of it and of course didn't know what they had to back up their conclusion. But that didn't stop them from putting their stupidity on display:
"Before I tell you why they are wrong, show me the document".
Presupposition? "No matter what the evidence to back up the conclusion may be, their conclusion is wrong".
You just gotta laugh.
Friday, June 27, 2008
The Acropolis of the Christian Faith and Being What You Are(Paul Washer)
You may want to watch this. It's always time for Paul Washer.
Here's a good listen on "Being What You Are" (sanctification)
Here's a good listen on "Being What You Are" (sanctification)
Lots of Things Going On
The past 8 weeks or so have been very trying. Seems like so many things are just falling apart but I'm sure that the Lord will show Himself faithful.
No, it doesn't have anything to do with the state of our country although that can be depressing. The Lord, I am convinced, isn't bothered by the issue of our country standing or falling. He is sovereign and the things that are going on are part of his plan. So be it.
There are many things, "large" and "small" that have kind of been a steady drip.
A neice of mine has cervical cancer. She will be doing chemotherapy to try to beat it. Haven't heard anything in a while. I won't go into the details here but maybe the Lord will use this to break her down. She has been a very proud person most of her 40 years. Right now, her lifestyle is much like mine was before I bottomed out 10 years ago prior to my conversion. No, she doesn't profess to be a Christian.
My work is going to become interesting very quickly, to say the least. I do private in home care for an elderly lady. She has had two grandaughters and myself taking care of her. Come Monday, one will be moving a couple hundred miles from here. And the other has a full time job. We aren't sure how we're going to juggle this -- and that doesn't even take into account those out of control variables such as "what if one of us gets sick"? I've been doing this work for a year in late September. I love my work -- it is very rewarding and it does pay relatively well. But this could get very tiring beginning next week. Lots of back and forth trips and even when you aren't there, your cell phone is a call light. So when you're "off" you're not really "off". Needless to say, both the remaining grandaughter and I are going "How're we going to handle this???" Even the lady I take care of is wondering how we'll deal with this. Well, we'll all find out.
Found out we have a hole in our roof. We're making arrangements to get a new roof put on.
And there are other things. Smaller stuff. You'd laugh if I mentioned it, and some of it is being resolved so I won't include it here.
Sometimes, life gets plain messy.
I'm thankful for a church family that I can trust and share my problems with. I am thankful that I have a pastor that, however imperfectly, tries to preach the Word. He also stresses evangelism. So I'll try to focus on those things.
No, it doesn't have anything to do with the state of our country although that can be depressing. The Lord, I am convinced, isn't bothered by the issue of our country standing or falling. He is sovereign and the things that are going on are part of his plan. So be it.
There are many things, "large" and "small" that have kind of been a steady drip.
A neice of mine has cervical cancer. She will be doing chemotherapy to try to beat it. Haven't heard anything in a while. I won't go into the details here but maybe the Lord will use this to break her down. She has been a very proud person most of her 40 years. Right now, her lifestyle is much like mine was before I bottomed out 10 years ago prior to my conversion. No, she doesn't profess to be a Christian.
My work is going to become interesting very quickly, to say the least. I do private in home care for an elderly lady. She has had two grandaughters and myself taking care of her. Come Monday, one will be moving a couple hundred miles from here. And the other has a full time job. We aren't sure how we're going to juggle this -- and that doesn't even take into account those out of control variables such as "what if one of us gets sick"? I've been doing this work for a year in late September. I love my work -- it is very rewarding and it does pay relatively well. But this could get very tiring beginning next week. Lots of back and forth trips and even when you aren't there, your cell phone is a call light. So when you're "off" you're not really "off". Needless to say, both the remaining grandaughter and I are going "How're we going to handle this???" Even the lady I take care of is wondering how we'll deal with this. Well, we'll all find out.
Found out we have a hole in our roof. We're making arrangements to get a new roof put on.
And there are other things. Smaller stuff. You'd laugh if I mentioned it, and some of it is being resolved so I won't include it here.
Sometimes, life gets plain messy.
I'm thankful for a church family that I can trust and share my problems with. I am thankful that I have a pastor that, however imperfectly, tries to preach the Word. He also stresses evangelism. So I'll try to focus on those things.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
One For The Road
As I write this, my wife and I are out on a road trip. We left home Friday to visit some relatives in Missouri. We've been to see part of my family near Jefferson City and are presently in Bethany, where one of my wife's relatives was married.
I hate "hibye" trips. Don't get me wrong, they are better than not seeing family at all but I hate "hibye" trips. We got to Jeff City at 7pm or so on Friday and left at 1pm Saturday so we could be here on time for the weddng. Hibyes. I don't like them. You're barely settled and calmed down enough to visit and you have to leave. And the last time we were here was 11 years ago. Time flies.
And I wanted to get my ozark accent back. I youstacould talk rayt. . .but that therapy will have to wait for another trip.
In any case, my cousin, wife and I were able to go out and spread the Gospel. Nothing major, mind you. No street preaching. But we did go out to breakfast yesterday morning and we gave out some tracts. As things have been in my life lately, I've not been as active as I was maybe a year ago. But having done what we did do, it was a reminder of how simple it is to spread the gospel. It's a simple matter of grabbing yourself by the scruff of the neck and diving in.
And people never seem to mind the tracts we give out. You can get some like ours at LivingWaters.com. They are never thrown out (although in the last four years I think I've seen one torn up. . .but with the pieces left on a table arranged in readable order!).
We gave a drive thru worker a million dollar bill tract. He really enjoyed it. And he grabbed the small stack we offered him so he could give them to his friends. And who knows what may result from the seeds that were planted? And we are called to sow seeds.
So if you are like me, caught in a slump, grab yourself by the scruff of the neck and take the first step toward obeying the Great Commission. Proclaim the gospel. The days are getting dark. The time may be coming soon when evangelism will be risky in our country. Not that the risk matters. But if we won't do it when it is easy, what makes us think we'll do it when it becomes dangerous?
Just one for the road.
I hate "hibye" trips. Don't get me wrong, they are better than not seeing family at all but I hate "hibye" trips. We got to Jeff City at 7pm or so on Friday and left at 1pm Saturday so we could be here on time for the weddng. Hibyes. I don't like them. You're barely settled and calmed down enough to visit and you have to leave. And the last time we were here was 11 years ago. Time flies.
And I wanted to get my ozark accent back. I youstacould talk rayt. . .but that therapy will have to wait for another trip.
In any case, my cousin, wife and I were able to go out and spread the Gospel. Nothing major, mind you. No street preaching. But we did go out to breakfast yesterday morning and we gave out some tracts. As things have been in my life lately, I've not been as active as I was maybe a year ago. But having done what we did do, it was a reminder of how simple it is to spread the gospel. It's a simple matter of grabbing yourself by the scruff of the neck and diving in.
And people never seem to mind the tracts we give out. You can get some like ours at LivingWaters.com. They are never thrown out (although in the last four years I think I've seen one torn up. . .but with the pieces left on a table arranged in readable order!).
We gave a drive thru worker a million dollar bill tract. He really enjoyed it. And he grabbed the small stack we offered him so he could give them to his friends. And who knows what may result from the seeds that were planted? And we are called to sow seeds.
So if you are like me, caught in a slump, grab yourself by the scruff of the neck and take the first step toward obeying the Great Commission. Proclaim the gospel. The days are getting dark. The time may be coming soon when evangelism will be risky in our country. Not that the risk matters. But if we won't do it when it is easy, what makes us think we'll do it when it becomes dangerous?
Just one for the road.
Friday, June 20, 2008
Who Do Ya Love, Baby?
If someone were to be watching you, what would they say you love? Better yet, if you were to write down every thought you had and how you handled it, what would that say about you and what you really love?
We all know them. They used to be called "girl watchers". You know, the ones who are married and say "Yeah, I love my wife, but I love to look at other women".
What would you say about that person's love for his wife? I'm thinking you'd probably not have much of anything positive to say. His words and actions betray his claim to love his wife, doesn't it?
We are told by Jesus that we are to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind. We are to give it 100%. Furthermore, we are told we are to love our neighbors as ourselves. In other words, do for them what we would do for ourselves. Help them in times of need.
But loving our neighbor is really only a subset of how we show love for God.
How's your thought life? Do you claim to love the lord but would have to admit that you put a higher priority on other things? "Yeah, I love God but you gotta have a little fun too"? What?
Do you set aside time for God's Word on a daily basis? Do you weigh your thoughts before God's Law?
I caught myself thinking about this lately, and I thought I'd pass it on to you.
Thanks for reading!
We all know them. They used to be called "girl watchers". You know, the ones who are married and say "Yeah, I love my wife, but I love to look at other women".
What would you say about that person's love for his wife? I'm thinking you'd probably not have much of anything positive to say. His words and actions betray his claim to love his wife, doesn't it?
We are told by Jesus that we are to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind. We are to give it 100%. Furthermore, we are told we are to love our neighbors as ourselves. In other words, do for them what we would do for ourselves. Help them in times of need.
But loving our neighbor is really only a subset of how we show love for God.
How's your thought life? Do you claim to love the lord but would have to admit that you put a higher priority on other things? "Yeah, I love God but you gotta have a little fun too"? What?
Do you set aside time for God's Word on a daily basis? Do you weigh your thoughts before God's Law?
I caught myself thinking about this lately, and I thought I'd pass it on to you.
Thanks for reading!
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