Successful Scientists’ Retreat by Jeff Miller, Ph.D.

 

https://apologeticspress.org/APContent.aspx?category=12&article=2596

Successful Scientists’ Retreat

by	Jeff Miller, Ph.D.

January 6-7 marked an historic date in the history of Apologetics Press: the first annual A.P. scientist retreat. The six professional scientists currently writing for Apologetics Press gathered in Huntsville, Alabama to discuss potential avenues whereby the Kingdom of Christ can be advanced through a more concerted team effort. Geologist James Spencer and Drs. Joe Deweese (biochemist), Jerry Fausz (aerospace engineer), Mike Houts (nuclear engineer), Branyon May (astrophysicist), and myself (biomechanical engineer) spent several hours together brainstorming how our efforts for the Lord could be expanded (see http://apologeticspress.org/Auxiliary.aspx for more information on these scientists).

One important element of our discussions involved the importance of getting the truth out on the Creation/Evolution controversy. Why? Who cares? Does it really matter what a person believes with regard to how the Universe was created—in six days or six billion years? Our conclusion, with one accord, was an unequivocal, resounding, “Yes!” If sections of the Bible, which have no indication of being anything other than literal, historical truth, are taken to be symbolic, figurative, or poetic, what’s to keep a person from viewing the virgin birth, death, burial, and resurrection of Christ as figurative—as some have done? Or what about the God-ordained plan of salvation, involving water baptism for the remission of sins? Further, an evolutionary stance on the Creation account pits the Bible against itself, since the Bible elsewhere confirms a literal, historical interpretation of the Genesis events—Jesus Himself putting His stamp of approval on such a position (e.g., Mark 10:6; Matthew 19:4; Romans 1:20; Luke 11:45-52; John 8:44; Exodus 20:11; Isaiah 40:21; see http://apologeticspress.org/pdfs/e-books_pdf/cre_comp.pdf for more information on theistic evolution). Will a person believe in God and His Word, as He requires of us (Hebrews 11:6), or capitulate to the pressures of today’s pseudoscience in his interpretation of Scripture? The truth is, there is no need to take the Genesis account as anything other than literal. True science supports the Bible without exception. We, the A.P. scientists, firmly stand on this truth.

The first joint effort of this team is to present a seminar featuring all six scientists. Though arranging our schedules to accommodate such an ambitious goal is a daunting task, we all believe such an effort would be well worth the difficulty, and we believe God will bless this venture with success. The Jacksonville church of Christ in Jacksonville, Alabama will host the first A.P. scientists’ seminar on February 26-29, 2012. Each speaker will present material, largely in his field of scientific expertise, that points to the fact that the evidence demands a Designer—not random chance, as the atheistic viewpoint contends. We hope to produce a companion book and DVD of the seminar in the coming months.

Also, like last year, the scientists plan to have a presence during the A.P. youth camps this summer. Be sure to enroll your 3^rd-12^th graders for camp before space runs out! Other exciting potential ideas were discussed during the retreat as well, including long-term joint projects. Stay tuned over the coming months for more exciting details concerning the A.P. scientist projects.

Successful Scientists Seminar by Jeff Miller, Ph.D.

 

https://apologeticspress.org/APContent.aspx?category=12&article=1658

Successful Scientists Seminar

by	Jeff Miller, Ph.D.

February 26-29 of this year marked the first-ever Apologetics Press Scientists Seminar. Held at the Jacksonville church of Christ, across the street from Jacksonville State University in Jacksonville, Alabama, the seminar proved to be an unqualified success. The goal of the seminar was to show that the scientific evidence points to the presence of design in the Universe—not random chance, as evolutionary theories suggest.

The seminar kicked off with a general look at the concept of design and the Teleological Argument for the existence of God. Dr. Joe Deweese, a biochemist, presented evidence for design at the molecular level. James Spencer, a geologist, presented evidence of design in the waters of the Earth—specifically the microorganisms that cause natural attenuation. Dr. Jerry Fausz, an aerospace engineer, presented evidence pointing to design in the air. I presented evidence for design in human beings—specifically the human bio-thermal system. Dr. Branyon May, an astrophysicist, presented evidence for design in the cosmos, and Dr. Michael Houts, a nuclear engineer, wrapped up the seminar, looking at the concept of design as a whole.

The seminar was a testament to the fact that there are many qualified scientists who hold to the biblical view of Creation, because we believe that is where the scientific evidence leads. Belief in God and the Bible is not a “blind leap into the dark” without evidence. Rest assured, the Christian’s faith is based on evidence.

For more information on the A.P. scientists seminar, By Accident…or Design?, please click here, or contact our offices at 334-272-8558 to book a seminar in your area.

Struggling Leads to Strength by Eric Lyons, M.Min.

 

https://apologeticspress.org/APContent.aspx?category=12&article=844

Struggling Leads to Strength

by	Eric Lyons, M.Min.

Much truth is contained in the statement, “a smooth sea never made a skillful mariner.” One who does not undergo the intensity of physical training hardly can expect to become an outstanding athlete. For example, if a man desires to participate in weight training, but at the same time refuses to endure the resistance that comes with adding weight day after day, his chances of becoming stronger are very slim indeed. After all, the whole concept behind lifting weights is resistance. A person struggles with the weight in order to build muscle mass and become stronger physically. Similarly, one who seeks intelligence must struggle through the learning process. He must work at reading, writing, and figuring out problems. The same is true of faith. In order to grow and become stronger, Christians must face some resistance. That is to say, on occasion we must struggle in order to strengthen our spiritual bodies. Jesus told His apostles the night of His betrayal: “In the world you will have tribulation” (John 16:33). Paul told Timothy: “All who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3:12).

Sometimes people wonder why God allows trials and tribulations in this world. Why did He not create us so that everything we experience is painless? One of the answers to this oft’-asked question is that sometimes we can benefit greatly from experiencing mental and/or physical pain. We witness this same principle at work in the animal world. The emperor moth must struggle from its cocoon in order to properly develop its body and wings. If it does not struggle, the result is a flightless moth. In Hebrews 11, one reads of Abraham being tested (17), Moses suffering affliction (24-25), and others being mocked, scourged, and imprisoned (36). Did these trials benefit them in any way? James wrote: “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing” (James 1:2-4, emp. added). In writing to the Corinthian brethren Paul said, “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory” (2 Corinthians 4:17). The struggles Paul endured while on the Earth were a momentary trifle compared with the eternal glory before him.

You will struggle in this life. When you do, look to the Lord and trust in Him (Proverbs 3:5-6). Realize that different forms of suffering can make us stronger if we permit them to do so. We can be confident that “all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). This does not mean that everything that happens to us is good. But it does mean that if we are living godly lives, whatever does happen will work out for the best in the long run.

"THE GOSPEL OF MARK" Jesus Predicts Peter's Denial (14:27-31)

 

 

 

 

 

 

"THE GOSPEL OF MARK"

Jesus Predicts Peter's Denial (14:27-31)

INTRODUCTION

1. How well do we know ourselves...?
   a. Confident that our faith is strong?
   b. Certain that we would never deny our Lord?

2. In our text (Mk 14:27-31) we find examples of over-confidence...
   a. Not just in Peter who denied the Lord
   b. But in all the apostles who stumbled and fled

[Let’s begin with a reading of our text, with the Lord and His disciples
having just completed the Last Supper and on their way to the Mount of  Olives...]

I. NARRATIVE

   A. DESERTION AND REUNION FORETOLD...
      1. Jesus speaks of desertion by His disciples - Mk 14:27
      2. As foretold by Zechariah - cf. Zec 13:7
      3. But also of His resurrection and reunion in Galilee - Mk 14:28; cf. Mk 16:7

   B. PETER’S DENIAL FORETOLD...
      1. Peter asserts that even if all others stumble, not him! - Mk 14:29
      2. Jesus tells Peter that he will deny Him three times that night - Mk 14:30
      3. Peter angrily disagrees, even if it means death - Mk 14:31
      4. The rest of the disciples all say the same thing - Mk 14:31

[Jesus’ prediction soon came true (Mk 14:50,66-72).  What would we have
done if we were one of Jesus’ disciples at that time?  Before answering
too quickly, consider a few lessons from the text...]

II. APPLICATION

   A. THE LIMITS OF SELF-KNOWLEDGE...
      1. How well do we really know ourselves?
         a. The disciples seem so certain in their faithfulness
         b. Yet they all stumbled and Peter denied the Lord, just as He said
         c. Like Hazael, they really did not know their true selves- cf. 2Ki 8:12-13
         d. Indeed, can any of us know our true selves? - cf. Jer 17:9
      2. Then what can we do?
         a. Acknowledge that only God truly knows us - cf. Jer 17:10;Ps 139:1-16; He 4:13  

         b. Look to the Word of God to see ourselves as we really are  - He 4:12
         c. Look to God in prayer for help - Ps 19:12; 139:23-24; e.g., 2Th 3:5

   B. BEWARE OF COMFORT MISSED BY SELFISHNESS...
      1. Notice how the disciples ignored Jesus’ words of comfort
         a. He spoke plainly of His resurrection - Mk 14:28
         b. Yet they focused on defending themselves - Mk 14:29-31
      2. Might we be guilty of the same?
         a. We have been given many comforting words - e.g., Ro 8:31-39
         b. We can enjoy comfort from both God and one another - cf. 2Co 1:3-4
         c. But we can overlook such comfort when focused on selfish concerns!

   C. BE CAREFUL OF PROUD ASSERTIONS...
      1. Notice the self-confidence of the disciples
         a. Peter angrily stating that he would die before denying the Lord - Mk 14:29-31
         b. The rest of the disciples said likewise - Mk 14:31
      2. Might we be guilty of the same?
         a. Quick to boast of our faithfulness to the Lord or His church?
         b. Remember the wisdom of Solomon about pride and a haughty spirit - Pr 16:18

CONCLUSION

1. As disciples of Jesus Christ, let us learn...
   a. From His first disciples
   b. From those who were even His apostles

2. What can we learn...?
   a. The limits of self-knowledge
   b. The danger of missing comfort due to selfishness
   c. The need to be careful of proud assertions

We can also learn of our Lord’s grace and mercy, for He was quick to
forgive those who denied Him and fled away.  So He will do for us when
we stumble, if we are willing to repent and return to Him...!             

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2016

 

How Do You Find Strength to Endure The Storms of Life? by Ken Weliever, The Preacherman

 

https://thepreachersword.com/2017/06/14/how-do-you-find-strength-to-endure-the-storms-of-life/#more-10821

How Do You Find Strength to Endure The Storms of Life?

“Some days life is hard. Some days life is harder,” observed Wilson Adams yesterday morning in his lecture “Come to Jesus for Strength to Endure.”

Norma Jean and I are attending the Southside Lectures in Pasadena, Texas, near Houston, and being encouraged and uplifted by the theme “Come to Jesus.

Wilson’s lesson spoke to the common lot of humankind. Job expressed it this way: “Man who is born of woman is of few days and full of trouble” (Job 14:1). Everyone experiences trouble. Trial. Temptation. And adversity. That’s life. The key is not to look at it as something that happens to you. But to see it as an occasion to learn, grow and become stronger.

The text of Wilson’s lesson was Mark 4:35-39. It is the account of Jesus and the disciples crossing to the other side of Sea of Galilee following a busy day of teaching the multitudes. As they were crossing, without warning, a furious storm came down upon the lake. The waves swept over their little boat. It was taking on water. And the disciples were afraid.

Jesus, however, was asleep. Filled with fear, the disciple awoke the Master and implored, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing? Lord save us!”

Jesus asked, “Why are you fearful? O you of little faith?”

Then he got up and said, “Peace, be still.”

The wind ceased. The sea became calm. The storm was over. And the disciples were safe.

Wilson made a great point that the context shows that Jesus’ had been presenting lessons on faith all day. The disciples heard them. But as he opined, “Life is not lived in the controlled environment of the classroom or a church building.” The disciples had to face their fears on the uncertain sea of life. Unfortunately, their faith wavered.

We are reminded that real life can be stormy.

Being a follower of Christ does not exempt us from problems. From Sickness. From Disease. From divorce. Or from death. We are not promised a life of ease. Life can get messy. Complicated. And emotionally challenging. When tough times come, Jesus question resounds, “Where is your faith?”

Our faith is not formed in crises. It is forged day by day as we deal with life’s little challenges. As our faith grows stronger, we are prepared to meet the threatening storm.

There are three take-a-ways that Wilson reminded us from this text.

(1) Calm in your life can quickly turn into a storm.

Skies are blue. The sun is shining. And all is well. Then you get a knock at the door. At phone call. A text message. And in an instant, your world is turned upside down. Are you growing in your faith to be prepared for that unexpected storm?

(2) God’s silence doesn’t mean that He’s uncaring about our problems.

Maybe God is testing our faith. Or saying to hold on for a minute. Maybe he’s trying to teach you patience. Or humility. Or trust. But God always throws you a lifeline. Either through prayer. Or a Bible verse. Or a caring brother in Christ.

(3) Only Jesus can give you strength to endure.

Even though fearful, at least the disciples went to Jesus for help. He’s the answer. He says “Peace be still.” He can soothe your soul. Calm your emotions. Ease your troubled mind. Relieve your conscience. And strengthen your resolve.

When ominous clouds arise, and you feel threatened by the impending storm, stay calm. Hold on to your faith. Don’t give way to your fears. And hear the voice of Jesus say, “Come unto me, all you who are weary, and I will give you rest.”

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman

IGNORING THE NEW COVENANT by steve finnell

 

http://steve-finnell.blogspot.com/2016/11/ignoring-new-covenant-by-steve-finnell.html

IGNORING THE NEW COVENANT by steve finnell

Those who deny that immersion in water is essential for salvation do so by ignoring the terms for pardon under the new covenant.

The new covenant was not in effect until after the death of Jesus Christ.

Hebrews 9:14-17 And how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? 15 And for this reason He is the Mediator of the new covenant, by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions under the first covenant, that those who are called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance. 16 For where there is a testament, there must also be of necessity be the death of the testator. 17 For a testament is in force after men are dead, since it has no power at all while the testator lives.(NKJV)

The new covenant terms of pardon were only in force after the death of Jesus.

After Jesus died He gave the new covenant terms for pardon. Mark 16:16 "He who believes and is baptized will be saved..(NKJV)

New covenant conversions.

1. Acts 2:22-38. They believed and were baptized.

2. Acts 8:12. They believed and were baptized.
3. Acts 8:35-38. He believed and was baptized.
4. Act 9:1-18, Acts 22:16. He believed and was baptized.
5. Acts 10:34-48 They believed and were baptized.
6. Acts 16:14-15 They believed and were baptized.
7. Acts 16:30-34 They believed and were baptized.
8. Acts 19:3-5 They believed and were baptized.

Examples of those saved before the new covenant was in force.
1. 2 Kings 2:1-11. Whirlwind into heaven. Can men today be saved like Elijah? No, they cannot
2. Hebrews 11:5 Can men today be like Enoch? No, they cannot.
3. Can men today be saved like Moses and Abraham? No, they cannot.
4. Luke 7:37-50. Can men today be saved like this woman who was a sinner? No, they cannot.
5. Matthew 9:2 Can men today be saved like the paralytic? No, they cannot.
6. Luke 18:13-14 Can men today be justified like the Jewish tax collector? No, they cannot.
7. Luke 23:39-43 Can men today be saved like the thief on the cross? No, they cannot.

None of these people who were saved before the the new covenant was in force believed that God raised Jesus from the dead. None of them were baptized into Christ for the forgiveness of their sins.

NEW COVENANT TERMS FOR PARDON
1. FAITH: John 3:16
2. CONFESSION: Romans 10:9
3. REPENTANCE: Acts 2:38, Acts 3:19
4. IMMERSION IN WATER: Acts 2:38, Mark 16:16, 1 Peter 3:21

It does not matter what men say. What did Jesus say? (Mark 16:16)   
 

The Feminist Influence by Sandra F. Cobble

 

http://www.oldpaths.com/Archive/Cobble/Sandra/Fontaine/1933/fem.html

The Feminist Influence

"They [women] will improve not only their own status, but will alter the structure of politics and government, and thereby change the structure of society," (Clout -- Woman Power and Politics; eds. Susan and Martin Tolchin) 247. We, in the church of our Lord, are generally well-aware of a woman's role in the church. However, in my estimation, many of us are unaware of the influence that the feminist movement is exerting in the world, on our congregations, and on us individually.

This article is written to provide information for those who may not have the time, or seen the need, to do the research themselves. Material ABOUT the feminist movement was NOT used. All research has been from feminist writings, written by feminists, for feminists. I leave the interpretation of the feminist's influence on the brotherhood to those more knowledgeable in this area.

In Feminist Quotations, a research source for feminist leaders, Elizabeth Oakes Smith is quoted as having told a Women's Rights Convention in 1852 that their aim was "nothing less than an entire subversion of the present order of society" 243. In the same book, Shulamith Firestone is quoted as saying in the 1970's that feminists have to question all of Western culture, the organization of culture itself, and even the very organization of nature, 247.

"Androgyny" and "patriarchy" are terms frequently encountered in feminists' writings. The former means having the sexual characteristics of both male and female. Jill Johnson says, "Any bioanalytically oriented person knows we were originally one sex" [FQ] 52. Alison M. Jaggar thinks androgyny will be physically possible in the future (Feminist Politics and Human Nature) 132. In fairness, however, most use the term only in regard to psychological, cultural, and religious characteristics. "The becoming of androgynous human persons," writes Mary Daly, "implies a radical change in the fabric of human consciousness and in styles of human behavior" (Beyond God The Father) 15.

When feminists use the term "patriarchy" they are NOT referring to the ancient patriarchal system of the Hebrews. They are referring to ANY AUTHORITY of male over female, and almost all agree that such authority MUST be abolished in ALL AREAS of personal, religious, and public life.

Ruth Hubbard says that the Judaeo-Christian view is flawed in making man the namer and ruler of all life (Discovering Reality) 48. Susan Brownmiller considers sexual intercourse against a wife's will to be rape. She is referring to a wife being talked into intercourse after she has declined, not to forced intercourse (Against Our Will) 427-28. Some view marriage either as obsolete or an abnormality. Others promote unscriptural forms of "marriage."

Women are demanding the "right" to speak and teach in religious assemblies. Advocating a "full ministerial role" for women, Bernand P. Prusak says that the Genesis myth was written by men to exclude women "from any public role" so that men might assume and retain dominance over civil and religious society (Religion and Sexism) 106-07.

"Patriarchy," writes Jane Flax, "has permeated both our concept of knowledge and the concrete content of bodies of knowledge" [DR] 269. According to Sandra Harding in the same book, masculine perspectives have shaped the most fundamental and formal aspects of systematic thought in philosophy and in the social and the natural sciences. She calls for a more adequate epistemology, metaphysics, methodology, and philosophy of science [DR] Introd. ix-xi. "Beliefs and values that have held sway for thousands of years," writes Daly, "will be questioned as never before" [Beyond] 13-14.

According to former congresswoman Bella Abzug, the "ultimate goal" of women's liberation is "full participation as equal partners with men" in shaping public policy (Gender Gap) 212. This goal includes full control of women's own bodies and complete economic independence. And this goal is world-wide in scope. According to Maxine P. Fisher, the U.N. Conferences on Women have resulted in an organization of women that transcends national boundaries, including those of the Third World (Women in the Third World) 153.

There are many vehicles through which the feminist movement is working to obtain their ultimate goal. One is the Equal Rights Amendment. The ERA was NOT the goal -- it was only one of many vehicles. Jo Freeman points out that "the specific legal consequences of the ERA itself are not really worth the effort that has been put into it" (The Politics of Women's Liberation) 240. Involving tens of thousands of women directly in politics, the ERA battle gave women a "respect for their own ability to change the course of history" [Clout] 134.

Neither is the abortion issue the primary goal. It, along with many other issues, is only a vehicle. According to Barbara Sichtemann, the abortion campaign mobilized many women not directly affected and influenced the higher echelons of politics. "But it was only one branch" of the real organizing force behind the women's movement (Femininity) 93.

According to Bella Abzug, once women prove that their vote can be decisive, they will win recognition for their views [Gap] 213-14. Realizing that they need the full support of other women to make their vote decisive, feminist leaders determine the concerns that are important to specific groups and legislate for these concerns. ANY issue of interest to women can serve as a vehicle to promote feminist interests.

In the process of legislating for these concerns, feminist leaders gather small groups of women together for discussion. This common meeting ground provides them opportunities to educate women in feminist thinking. This is not done in a direct manner. It is done in a very subtle manner -- so that the ones being influenced are unaware that they are being influenced. And they in turn influence others. This method of communicating feminist goals and gaining support is spoken of throughout Feminist writings.

These women are not the stereotyped "Women Libbers" that many of us may picture. They are the woman next door, the business persons we meet every day, our children's teachers, the responsible media journalist. Many are good women. Many are well-educated and articulate. Many of them, deservedly so, hold high public office. They are respected members of the community. And because they are to be respected, their influence can be devastating to our Christian beliefs and practices!

Sandra F. Cobble

Published in The Old Paths Archive
(http://www.oldpaths.com)

"Hang in there" by Gary Rose

 

I like this picture; it says to me: Hang in there, rely on your roots and everything will be OKAY! I know, this tree doesn’t appear to have any hope of survival, but the size of it indicates its been “Hanging in there” for a long time.

Today, it has become fashionable to criticize and even in some places, persecute Christians. This opposition may take the form of being ostracized by friends or relatives or may even cost you financially or professionally even something worse. But “Hang in there”.

Why? Listen to what the Bible says…

Matthew 28 ( World English Bible )

¹⁸ Jesus came to them and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth.

¹⁹ Go, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

²⁰ teaching them to observe all things that I commanded you. Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

Answer: Jesus is with you. Simple answer, yet quite true. If Jesus is in charge (and he is) then even death will not be victorious over you.

Again: Hang in there!