The Complexity of the Design Process by Jeff Miller, Ph.D.

 

https://apologeticspress.org/APContent.aspx?category=12&article=2647

The Complexity of the Design Process

by	Jeff Miller, Ph.D.

Typically, in the first semester of engineering school, an introductory course presents broad concepts about engineering. Students may learn the basic differences in the engineering fields (e.g., civil, electrical, mechanical, chemical, structural, etc.). They may spend some time considering ethical dilemmas that engineers have often faced in their careers. First-year students also usually give some consideration to the design process. Even in its basic form, the design process proves to be very complex, even before considering the specialized scientific knowledge required to design a given item.

Many steps are necessary in order to get a product to the public. Consider one introductory engineering textbook’s template for the design process (see Introduction to Engineering..., 2004, pp. 10,32):

1. Problem symptom or expression; definition of product need; marketing information
2. Problem definition, including statement of desired outcome
3. Conceptual design and evaluation; feasibility study
4. Design analysis; codes/standards review; physical and analytical models
5. Synthesis of alternative solutions (back to design analysis for iterations)
6. Decision (selection of one alternative)
7. Prototype production; testing and evaluation (back to design analysis for more iterations)
8. Production drawings; instruction manuals
9. Material specification; process and equipment selection; safety review
10. Pilot production
11. Production
12. Inspection and quality assurance
13. Packaging; marketing and sales literature
14. Product

The design process is unquestionably lengthy, technical, complex, and calculated.

Now consider the Universe. Consider the perfect interaction between all entities in this Universe: between plants and animals; between animals and humans; between the Sun and Earth; between the Moon and Earth; between insects and plants; between the circulatory system and the respiratory system. The list could go on infinitely. The finely-tuned machine that we call the Universe is an engineering feat of amazing proportions. Consider the knowledge level and expertise that would be necessary for such perfect design—knowledge and expertise that humans lack. The created order implies an omniscient and eternal Designer, Who must be the Chief Engineer of all engineers, to have produced such a product.

Will a series of random accidents over millions of years result in sophisticated photographic equipment? And then, if given enough time, will that camera eventually spontaneously come to life? And then, given enough additional time, will that living camera grow legs and start walking around? The first step is impossible, much less the subsequent steps. The complexity and design inherent in the camera demands more than mere happenstance. However, turning to the design that the camera emulates, the human eye, scientists assert that the eye could have just happened on its own by accident. But that viewpoint is incorrect. Both products required design in order to get them to the “consumer”—and one took much more knowledge and insight than the other.

If someone were to throw a rock into space, would it eventually spontaneously explode? And from that explosion, is it logical to conclude that that rock would come to life, grow wings, and have babies that evolve into other creatures? To ask is to answer.

Scientists recognize the complexity of the design process. However, when they peer into the amazing Universe, many of these scientists abandon logic and reason, and assert that it all just happened by accident. Many of the engineering feats of the creation are unparalleled by human designs and always will be, even if we spent countless hours, millions of dollars, and used a multitude of engineers. Evolutionists believe that this Universe, which is infinitely more complex and sophisticated than anything humans could ever design, especially without engaging in biomimicry, just happened on its own? Go figure.

REFERENCE

Introduction to Engineering at Auburn University: Manufacturing—Industrial and Systems Engineering (2004), (Boston, MA: Pearson Custom Publishing).

The Cause of Cuttlefish by Eric Lyons, M.Min.

 

https://apologeticspress.org/APContent.aspx?category=12&article=2505

The Cause of Cuttlefish

by	Eric Lyons, M.Min.

Two colorful, eight-legged cephalopods, known as cuttlefish, recently graced the cover of the journal New Scientist. With bluish-green blood, iridescent skin color, feeding tentacles that shoot from their mouths like birthday party blowers, and eyes like something from a Batman movie, it is no surprise that the editors of New Scientist used the term “alien” in its description of the cuttlefish; the animals do look bizarre—plain and simple. Make no mistake, however, these creatures are anything but simple. In fact, just above the cuttlefish was the cover title, “Alien Intelligence: Secret Code of an Eight-Legged Genius” (Brooks, 2008, emp. added). Michael Brooks, author of the feature article, declared that the cuttlefish is “the world’s most inventive mollusk” (2008, 198[2653]:31, emp. added) with a “sophisticated system for talking to one another” (p. 28, emp. added). Scientists have documented “around 40 different cuttlefish body patterns, many of which are used to communicate with other cuttlefish” (p. 29). At other times, cuttlefish send “tailor-made” signals to predators (p. 29, emp. added).

Even more incredible than their communication skills, is the cuttlefishes’ ability to blend in to their surroundings. Brooks described them as having “the world’s best camouflage skills” (p. 29). Similar to how these mollusks (cuttlefish have an internal shell called a cuttlebone, thus, scientists classify them as mollusks) communicate with other animals via a variety of body patterns, they also move their bodies into a variety of positions in hopes of staying hidden. For example, while swimming next to large seaweed, a cuttlefish can mimic the grass’s motion by positioning and waving its eight arms in a similar way that the seaweed sways in the water. This makes it very difficult for both attackers and possible prey to locate the cuttlefish. In a recent study, scientists placed either horizontal or vertical stripes on the walls of cuttlefish tanks. How did the cuttlefish react? According to Dr. Roger Hanlon, “If the stripes were vertical they would raise an arm. If the stripes were horizontal they would stretch their bodies out horizontally” (as quoted in Brooks, p. 31). Amazing! Cuttlefish can even change the texture of their skin to mimic the shape of certain barnacle-encrusted rocks or corals.

Finally, what must give other sea life more problems than anything is the cuttlefish’s ability to change color—and to do it so quickly. A cuttlefish can change the color of its entire body in the blink of an eye. If this mollusk wants to change to red, it sends signals from its brain to its “pigment” sacs (called chromatophores) to change to red. Cuttlefish can hide from other sea life by changing to the color of sand or seaweed. They can also appear as a strobe lights, blinking “on an off” very quickly. So extraordinary are these “masters of camouflage” (p. 28) that government researchers are even “looking into the possibility of copying cuttlefish camouflage for use in the military” (p. 31). Researchers are enamored with “how cuttlefish achieve their quick and convincing camouflage” (p. 30). Nevertheless, “[i]t’s highly unlikely that anyone could achieve that same level of camouflage” (p. 30). Scientists admittedly find it difficult “mimicking the colour-matching abilities of the cuttlefish...and its texture-matching ability, which utilizes the muscles beneath it” (p. 30). In fact, “[n]o one knows exactly” how cuttlefish match their backgrounds so effectively, especially since “[e]xperiments have shown that cuttlefish don’t look at their skin to check how well it matches the background” (p. 31, emp. added). What’s more, if, as scientists believe, this animal is colorblind, only seeing in shades of green (p. 31), how does it always choose the color most helpful (like changing to the color of sand when on the ocean floor)?

Cuttlefish are remarkable creatures. Evolutionists have called the animal a “genius.” Scientists admit that cuttlefish are “sophisticated,” “intelligent,” “tailor-made” creatures with a “secret code.” Yet the very first word Michael Brooks used in his New Scientist article to explain the existence of cuttlefish is “evolution” (p. 29). But how can intelligence arise from non-intelligence? How can something “tailor-made” have no tailor? No one would suggest that Morse code is the product of time and chance, yet Brooks and other evolutionists would have us believe that the cuttlefish’s “secret code” is the product of millions of years of mindless evolution (p. 31)? Preposterous! Nature cannot explain the cuttlefish. The real Code-Giver, the Intelligent Designer Who “tailor-made” the cuttlefish, is God. He “created great sea creatures and every living thing that moves, with which the waters abounded, according to their kind” (Genesis 1:21).

REFERENCE

Brooks, Michael (2008), “Do You Speak Cuttlefish?” New Scientist, 198[2653]:28-31, April 26.

The Case for Christianity by Robert C. Veil, J.D.

 

https://apologeticspress.org/APContent.aspx?category=12&article=478

The Case for Christianity

by	Robert C. Veil, J.D.

[EDITOR’S NOTE: A.P. auxiliary writer Robert Veil, Jr. formerly served as a district attorney for the Washington County State’s Attorney’s Office, and previously maintained an active private law practice. He graduated from the University of Maryland School of Law, and currently preaches in Martinsburg, West Virginia.]

To “make a case” for something is to explain convincingly why it is true or to be believed. This may be done in any number of ways. It involves looking at the evidence in support of something, and considering its implications. This may also involve considering arguments opposed to it and analyzing what, if any, validity they may possess.

The case for Christianity is strong and convincing. Studying the arguments in favor of Christianity with an open mind can be a faith-building and truly life-changing experience. Such an analysis provides hope and encouragement not only as to this earthly life, but into eternity.

Christianity, as a system of belief, is far and away superior to the religions and inventions of man. It holds up extremely well by comparison. Consider a few of the major areas in which the case for Christianity is so clearly convincing.

First, Christianity makes sense. It makes good sense, not only from a theoretical and philosophical standpoint, but in a very tangible and practical way. Christianity, unlike manmade systems, is a religion of reason and common sense. It presents the honest student with a logical, reasonable way of life. Paul said, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service. And be not fashioned according to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, and ye may prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (Romans 12:1-2). The word “spiritual” in verse 1 translates in the American Standard Version a word meaning “of or belonging to the reason.” That is, it pertains to our faculty of thinking, our reason. It is translated in the KJV and NKJV with the English word “reasonable.” The footnote in the NASB suggests the word “rational” and Young’s Literal Translation has “intelligent.”

The Gospel appeals to our understanding. It is a system of belief based, not solely upon emotions (although there is an emotional element), but upon careful thought and reasonable conclusions. “For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for you Gentiles—if indeed you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which was given to me for you, how that by revelation He made known to me the mystery (as I have briefly written already, by which, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)” (Ephesians 3:1-4). By reading and considering what the inspired apostle wrote, one can discern or perceive that it makes sense—that it contributes to an understanding of the mystery of Christ.

Second, the God of the Bible is infinitely above all of the gods of human creation. One of the tell-tale characteristics of the various religions invented by men down through the years is how their gods tend to reflect and look like the people and cultures who created them. They are of human origin, and they look all too human. As Robert Milligan observed long ago, “Like people like gods is true to every earth-born system of theology.”^[1] Even the most enlightened cultures have created gods who pale by comparison to the God of the Bible. Quoting further from Milligan:

Take, for example, the theology of the ancient Greeks, the most enlightened, elevated, and refined heathen nation known in history. They excelled in all of the [civilized] arts…But, nevertheless, their theology was but a transcript of depraved and fallen humanity. In it is clearly seen every element of man’s [sinful nature].² Uranus, the most ancient of their gods, is said to have hated and imprisoned his own children. Saturn made war against his father Uranus, and also attempted to devour his own male children. But his son Jupiter drove him from Crete into Latium, where, for a long time, he remained concealed from his ambitious and revengeful offspring. In Greece was also worshiped Venus, the goddess of licentiousness; Bacchus, the god of drunkenness; and many other gods and goddesses of like character.³

Third, Christianity is beneficial to mankind. Wherever its influence goes, mankind benefits. Cultures touched by the influence of Christianity tend to fare much better than secular societies, so long as they persist in their adherence to Bible principles. A few examples will illustrate this point:

a) Women. Unlike the creeds of men, the Bible is filled with noble women. Eve, the mother of all living; Abigail, the beautiful, intelligent, and wise wife; Esther, the queen who saved her people; Ruth, the loyal friend; Lydia, an example of hospitality, and the first Christian of Europe; the widow, whose lowly mite was the greatest contribution of them all; and Mary Magdalene, loyal to the Savior to the end. These, and scores of others, illustrate how women are depicted on the pages of the Bible. Their character is described in admirable and lofty terms. Their conduct is presented in a manner consistent with their good character. Anyone (man or woman) can read their life stories and be inspired to imitate them.

Also, the doctrine of the Bible with regard to women elevates them to a high, imitable standard. Consider the “worthy woman” as described in Proverbs 31:10-31. In summary, she is rare, valuable, trustworthy, profitable, beneficial, vigilant, efficient, hard-working, well-organized, supervisory, wise, strong, perceptive, capable, compassionate, brave, well-endowed, supportive, optimistic, kind, hard-working, revered, and praiseworthy. That is a far cry from the way women are depicted in the creeds and doctrinal statements of manmade religions. Such depictions would have been revolutionary in manmade works only a few generations ago.

This lofty ideal is often overlooked or misunderstood in the culture. I remember the first time I heard a college professor refer to the apostle Paul as a “misogynist.” At the time, I did not even know what the word meant. When she said it a second time, I made a note of it, and later looked up the word. It means a hater of women. When the instructor repeated her statement a third time, I questioned her openly in class. I asked her what proof or evidence from Paul’s writings she had for such a statement. Of course, she was unable to produce any, and simply talked around the question. I met with her in her office after class, and pointed out what her word actually meant. I then quoted for her an actual statement of Paul, very much on point: “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself up for it” (Ephesians 5:25). She conceded that perhaps her statement was a bit extreme. I agreed. The inspired writings of the apostle Paul, together with the totality of the Scriptures, have done more to elevate and exalt women over the history of mankind than all feminist and other writings combined. If you are a woman, the Gospel calls you to a life of dignity, value and appreciation!

b) Men: When you stop and think about it, Christianity is the one thing which can give meaning and purpose to the life of a man (Ecclesiastes 12:13; Job 28:28). It confronts him with the lifetime challenge he needs in order to find ultimate fulfillment and happiness.

The Bible presents man made in the very image of God himself (Genesis 1:26-27). Many religions hold their gods at arm’s length, something to be feared, even disdained. Yet the Bible describes the creation of man in the “likeness” of God, in his “image.” In many ways, man is comparable to God. He is capable of great accomplishments, wonderful love and mercy, inventive prowess, and great progress. Christianity calls man to actually be more like the God who wants man to imitate him. It is one of the rare systems of belief which encourages men to assume a higher standard of living. If you are a man, the Gospel calls you to a higher plane of love, leadership, and respect for others.

c) Children: Jesus said, “Suffer the little children to come unto me, for of such is the kingdom of heaven (Luke 18:16). Has it occurred to you that being childlike in heart is requiredto be a Christian? Amazingly, God not only cares about and protects children, but requires his followers to imitate them.

This is one of the reasons why Christian people have such great natural abhorrence toward the common practice of abortion. They have seen in the Word of God a glimpse of the precious value of a child. They see the child’s personhood, moral value, personal worth, and, most of all, purity. The child, yet unborn, is the ultimate image of hope, promise, and prospect for the human family. Christianity does not underestimate children. It embraces and looks to them with admiration. If you are a child at heart, the Gospel calls you to a life of purity, innocence and happiness.

d) The poor, the oppressed, and the down-trodden: The Bible shows us God’s concern for the needy (Leviticus 23:22; James 1:27). This concern, reflected in the ancient harvesting laws for ancient Israel, is alive and well in the Christian dispensation. All around the globe, churches of Christ are actively sheltering and protecting the needy, as envisioned and planned by God. “The poor you have with you always,” but only in Christianity do we find a completely workable plan for caring for them. Take away the compassionate principles of Christianity, and the poor become hordes to be manipulated, abused, and ultimately destroyed. If you are a widow, an orphan, poor, weak, oppressed, neglected, prejudiced, or under-privileged, the Gospel calls you to a life of honor and respect.

e) The imperfect, the mistaken, the lost: The church is not a haven or country club for the perfect, but a hospital for the forgiven. “For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him” (Romans 5:6-9).

When Paul wrote to the church at Corinth, he knew they were ridden with problems. Yet, because of the influence of the Gospel in their lives, there was great hope. “Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God(1 Corinthians 6:9-11).

Christianity is the one system of belief which can make you a better person! It appeals to your higher nature. It calls you from a life of sin and slavery to a life of forgiveness, justification, and hope. It bespeaks a way of life far above anything you have imagined before.

Conclusion

The case for Christianity is strong and convincing. This cannot be truly said of the dreamy confusions of Mysticism, the vacuum of Buddhism, the rituals of Hinduism, or the ravages of Islam. Christianity appeals to one’s heart and soul, one’s higher being; it appeals to the truth.

The next time you or someone you know begins to doubt the value of Christianity, or is tempted to feel like one religion is as good as another, remember what Christianity is. Remember that it makes sense, and that it makes people better, more like the amazing God who created them.

Endnotes

¹ Robert Milligan (1868), Reason and Revelation (Cincinnati, OH: R.W. Carroll & Co.), p.31.

² The phrase “sinful nature” is here used not to describe an innate or inherited tendency, or “original sin”, but a typical and universally observable feature of adult people everywhere, (Romans 3:23).

³ Milligan, pp. 31-32.

"THE GOSPEL OF MARK" Peter’s Denial Of Jesus (14:66-72) by Mark Copeland

 

 

 

 

 

 

"THE GOSPEL OF MARK"

Peter’s Denial Of Jesus (14:66-72) 

 INTRODUCTION

1. Among the things Jesus suffered was the indignity of Peter’s denial...
   a. Three times, with increasing intensity, Peter denied knowing Jesus - Mk 14:66-72
   b. Peter denied knowing Jesus, despite being with Jesus:
      1) From the beginning of His earthly ministry - Mk 1:16-18
      2) At the healing of his own mother-in-law - Mk 1:29-31
      3) On the Sea of Galilee, walking on the water - Mt 14:22-33
      4) On the mount, seeing Jesus with Moses and Elijah - Mk 9:2-6

2. How did Peter come to deny his Lord and Savior...?
   a. What forces were at work, that led to his cowardly deed?
   b. Might they be forces we face today, encouraging us to do the same?

[From "Peter’s Denial Of Jesus", there are important lessons to be
gleaned.  Indeed, Peter himself can help us to avoid making the mistakes
he made when he writes as one who knows the dangers before us.  For
example, we note first of all that...]

I. PETER WAS BETRAYED BY PRIDE

   A. HE BOASTED HE WOULD NEVER DENY JESUS...
      1. Proudly proclaiming that even if all left Jesus, not him! - Mk 14:27-29
      2. In so doing, Peter took the first step in falling away - Pr 16:18
      3. We can also be overconfident in our service to God - cf. 1Co 10:12

   B. PETER LATER COMMANDED HUMILITY...
      1. To be clothed with humility - 1Pe 5:5
      2. To humble ourselves before God - 1Pe 5:6

[Peter learned the hard way about the danger of pride.  Will we learn
from the mistake of Peter, and value the importance of humility?  Next, notice that...]

II. PETER WAS BESIEGED BY LAZINESS

   A. HE KEPT FALLING ASLEEP...
      1. At a time when he needed to be watchful - Mk 14:37-42
      2. His laziness therefore led to lack of preparation
      3. The same thing can happen to us!
         a. Without diligent preparation, we too can be unprepared - cf. Lk 21:34-36
         b. More often than not, we gradually "drift away" because we
            are too lazy to "give the more earnest heed" - cf. He 2:1-3

   B. PETER LATER ENJOINED DILIGENCE...
      1. Commanding vigilant resistance against the devil - 1Pe 5:8-9
      2. Calling for diligence that we might:
         a. Grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus - 2Pe 1:5,10
         b. Be found in peace, without spot and blameless - 2Pe 3:14

[Do we allow simple laziness to keep us from careful preparation?  Do we
fail to attend services, study God’s Word, or even pray, because of
laziness?  If so, how can we hope to stand up for Jesus when put to the
test?  As we continue, we observe that...]

III. PETER WAS BESET BY COWARDICE

   A. HE FOLLOWED JESUS AT A DISTANCE...
      1. Peter still followed Jesus - Mk 14:54
      2. But now that Jesus was unpopular...
         a. He stays far enough away so not to be identified with Him
         b. He was unprepared to face the challenge of ridicule and persecution
      3. Might we be guilty trying to follow Jesus, but with cowardice?
         a. Ashamed to be seen carrying a Bible?
         b. Ashamed to be seen giving thanks?
         c. Ashamed to be seen with other Christians?

   B. PETER LATER EXHORTED GLORIFYING GOD...
      1. Charging us not to be ashamed, but to glorify God - 1Pe 4:16
      2. Thinking not of what things mean to us, but what they mean to
         God! - cf. Mt 5:16

[With cowardice keeping him at a distance from his Lord, Peter was a
prime candidate for succumbing to what came next...]

IV. PETER WAS BELEAGUERED BY WORLDLINESS

   A. HE WAS INFLUENCED BY THE WORLD...
      1. By sitting with the servants of the High Priest, and warming
         himself by their fire - Mk 14:54
      2. Ashamed to be seen with Christ, it was easy to mingle with
         those of the world and enjoy their comforts
      3. But one cannot be "comforted by the fire" of the world, and not be "burned"!
         a. E.g., close contact with things that can harm has an effect - cf. Pr 6:27-29
         b. So we cannot flirt with the world and walk away untouched - 1Co 15:33

   B. PETER LATER CALLED FOR US TO BE OTHERWORLDLY...
      1. To live as sojourners and pilgrims, abstaining from fleshly
         lusts and with honorable conduct among the nations - 1Pe 2:11-12
      2. To look for that new heavens and new earth, being diligent to
         be found by Christ in peace, without spot and blameless - 2Pe 3:13-14

CONCLUSION

1. When Peter concluded his second epistle, he did so with a warning...
   a. To beware lest you fall from your own steadfastness - 2Pe 3:17
   b. To grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ - 2Pe 3:18

2. These admonitions come from one who was well qualified to speak...
   a. For he knew how easy it was to fall through such things as:
      1) Pride
      2) Laziness
      3) Cowardice
      4) Worldliness
   b. But he also knew how one could grow in grace through such things as:
      1) Humility
      2) Diligence
      3) Glorifying God
      4) Living as strangers and sojourners

Yes, we know that Peter, though he denied Jesus three times and wept
bitterly, received grace when forgiven by Jesus and permitted to fulfill
his role as an apostle.  If we have been guilty of letting our Lord
down, look to Him for the grace to repent and growth that only He can bestow...!     

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2016

How To Turn Tragedy into Triumph by Ken Weliever, The Preacherman

 

https://thepreachersword.com/2013/04/02/how-to-turn-tragedy-into-triumph/#more-3742

How To Turn Tragedy into Triumph

I’ve watched a lot of college basketball games. But none like the one Sunday evening between the University of Louisville and Duke.

It was the most shocking moment I’ve ever seen on a basketball court.  It literally sucked the energy out of the arena as 35, 657 fans who were wildly cheering one moment sat in stunned silence the next. 

With 6:33 remaining in the first half, Louisville guard, Kevin Ware ran and lunged to contest a 3-pointer by Duke’s Tyler Thornton.  He landed awkwardly and his lower right leg snapped.

Immediately everyone knew this was bad. Thornton put his hand over his mouth and turned away in horror.

The Louisville players and coaches were visibly shaken. Russ Smith was sobbing uncontrollably, as he buried his face in his jersey.  Wayne Blackshear was lying on the court crying.  Forward Chane Behanan was standing at the free-throw line.  Doubled-over.  Physically shaking.  Coach Rick Pitino was wiping away tears from his face as he looked down at his fallen player.

“I went over and I was going to help him,” Pitino said. “Then I saw what it was and literally almost threw up.”  The bone was protruding six inches through the flesh.

“It was pretty traumatizing,” Cardinals forward Stephan Van Treese said. “I had to turn my head.”

After medical personnel carried Ware out on a stretcher, and nearly a ten minute stoppage in play, the game resumed.  But what would happen?  How would the players react?

What occurred on that basketball court in Indianapolis serves as a life lesson as we face trials and tragedy.  We saw genuine care and compassion for an injured player.  But there are at least three other lessons we can learn.

(1) Courage to continue.  It seemed almost surreal when the referee signaled for the game to resume.  Admittedly play was a little shaky as the half finished.  And even as the second half began.  But Louisville persevered.  They didn’t give up or quit.  They dug deep and found the courage and resolve to resume play at a high level.  They broke open a close game and won by 22 points.

But isn’t that a metaphor for life? Bad things happen.  Set backs occur. Sickness.  Injury.  Even death.  We’re left speechless.  Where do we turn what do we do?

It’s a cliche’ almost to the point of being trite.  But it’s true.  “Life goes on.”  It did for the Louisville Cardinals in spite of the loss of a key player.  It must for us when we face adversity.

(2) Unselfishness.  This wasn’t completely apparent during the stoppage of play, but as Ware lay there injured and helpless, he wasn’t feeling sorry for himself.  He was thinking about his team. He told Coach Pitino, “I’ll be ok. Just win the game.”  Then he asked for his teammates to come over so he could talk to them.

Star guard Peyton Siva related, “He told us countless times: ‘Just go win this game for me. Just go win this game. Don’t worry about me, I’m fine. Just go win this game.’ I don’t know how he did it. I don’t know how he got strength to do it, but he told us to go out there and win.”

I really don’t know much about Kevin Ware, but I know in that moment of pain and agony, he demonstrated an uncharacteristic unselfishness.  No playing the victim card.  No feeling sorry for self.  No pity-party.

How much better would our world be, if we could all learn that lesson?  And apply it!

         (3) Ability to Refocus.  Admittedly it was tough to concentrate after witnessing such a gruesome injury to a fellow teammate.  But they did.  The players regained their focus.  And centered their attention on the game.

When life throws something unexpected our way, it diverts our attention. Blurs ours vision.  And obscures our focus.  But the task at hand demands we refocus.  Responsibilities cannot be neglected.  Obligations must be met.  Even in times of great anguish.

What happened Sunday is a testimony to the human heart. To the God-breathed spirit within us all.  The apostle Paul often used sport analogies in Scripture to speak of the need for self-discipline, dedication and desire in fighting the good fight of faith.  That game teaches us how to turn tragedy into triumph as we run the Christian race.

Or as Jesus expressed it in the parable of the unjust steward, some times “the sons of light” can learn valuable lessons from “the sons of this world.”  Sunday was one of those times.

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman

CHRISTIANS LIVING UNREPENTANT LIVES? by steve finnell

 

http://steve-finnell.blogspot.com/2016/11/christians-living-unrepentant-lives.html

 

CHRISTIANS LIVING UNREPENTANT LIVES?  by steve finnell

Most Christians today believe God does not expect them to stop living a sinful lifestyle. Do not all Christians sin? Most churches do not preach that Christian should live a life of holiness. Do not all Christians sin on occasion? Yes, they do. If you are once saved always saved as some contend then you can live a sinful lifestyle and still be saved.

Does repentance include changing the way you live your life?

Romans 6:1-2 What shall we say then? Shall we continue to sin that grace may abound? 2 Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?(NKJV)

Jesus told the women caught in adultery to go and sin no more, He did not tell her to continue in adultery because we all sin. (John 8:1-12)

Jesus told men to repent or perish. He did not say you are all sinners saved by grace and you can never be lost. (Luke 13:1-5)

Jesus told the man that he cured of his thirty-eight year infirmity to sin no more. (John 5:1-14)

The apostle Paul told the followers of Christ to stop sinning or face the wrath of God.

 Ephesians 5:1-6.....3 But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints; 4 neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting , but rather giving thanks. 5 For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man , who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.(NKJV)

Also see: 1 Corinthians 6:1-11 and Galatians 5:16-21.

God never advised Christian that they could continue a sinful lifestyle because they were once saved always saved.

Yes, all Christians sin on occasion, but not all Christians are sinners.

1 John 1:5-10.....8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins , He is faithful  and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.(NKJV)

Christians are to confess sins to God the Father, not a priest nor preacher. The Advocate is Jesus Christ. (1 John 2:1-2)

What will be the fate of unrepentant Christians? You make the call.

Once saved always saved. I do not think so.         

Do You Care Enough to Save a Life? by Sandra F. Cobble

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

 Do You Care Enough to Save a Life?

Some child may need the care that only you can give -- do you care enough to change a life? Having myself been the victim of psychological child abuse, I know how important caring can be -- if only one person had really cared about me and let me know they cared!

Many of us are concerned about the child who is physically abused, and we let our concern show. Physical abuse shows. Psychological abuse shows too, but most people are not aware of what they are seeing. Children react in different ways. Some may become excessively timid. Some may react in socially unacceptable ways such as boisterousness or cursing. Some may have been hurt so much that they have built a seemingly impregnable wall about themselves, becoming "loners." Very likely, you will not realize that a child is a victim of this kind of child abuse. It may even be better if you are not aware of it. There is a difference between pity and love! A child needs and wants love.

Matthew 25:40 reads, "And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." Even when we are least aware of it, we are having influence on someone's life. There may be a child whose life YOU can change. That child may be a neighbor; he may be in your Bible class; he may be in your little league ball team, or he may be in VBS. You may come in contact with him in some unexpected way. If a child seems to want to be around you, CARE! You may be the only influence he will ever have for Christ! If Jesus wanted to be around you, how would you treat him?

Probably most of you have been raised in reasonably congenial surroundings with the comfort and support of loving parents. Have you ever thought how it would have affected you, if, instead of loving parents, your parents had told you -- either by word or actions -- that you were in the way? That you were not wanted? That you were a bother? That you were an unwelcome expense? That you were of no value for anything? No matter how hard you tried, that you could not do anything right? Think back a minute and remember how badly you felt when you were just scolded for something, then think how bad it would be to live with that feeling day in and day out? Could you have stood it? Many children DO! Do you care enough to help change some child's life? If so, DO WHAT YOU CAN, WHERE YOU ARE, WITH WHAT YOU HAVE!

The scriptures teach us that a child thinks as a child. He does not have the ability to reason as an adult. A child cannot realize that his parents are the ones who have the problem. It is his nature to believe that his parents are right. Consequently, when they tell him he is at fault, that he is worthless, that he is of no value, he believes that he IS at fault, that he IS worthless, that he IS of no value. Even though a child may be longing to be loved, he probably cannot tell you, "Please love me," for he thinks he is unworthy of love. However, if he never has experienced love, he will not know what he is longing for. He will just want to be around you though he may not know why.

There are two kinds of love spoken of in the Bible. One is phileo, meaning, "I like you very much." The other is agapao, meaning a sacrificial type of love. No child is unlovable, but he may act in such a way as to be unlikable. We may not like a person, but we can love that person as God loved us! Did we act in such a way as to win God's love? Yet He loved us as we were, where we were. A child has a way of seeing through phoniness. Be yourself. Be honest. If he is wrong, tell him, but let him know you love him! A child does not want a "snow job." He just wants to be loved. You can love him even when he is unlikable, and you can express that love.

You probably cannot, and probably should not attempt to change his environment, but you can help him learn to cope with it. You may not approve of the way his parents handle things, but they are the only parents he has. To a child, the unknown holds more terror than the known. His situation may be quite bad, but he would have no way of knowing that another situation such as a foster home or orphanage would be any better. Instead of trying to change the situation, try to teach him a new way of seeing the situation. Show him a new horizon. Build up his self-esteem. Give of yourself. Love him, and let him know you love him! Care enough to change a life! The deep wounds of this kind of child abuse, left unattended, may never heal. Yet properly attended to, they will heal and become just scars of memories. Because someone loved me, I am learning to love myself. Because someone believed in me, I am learning to believe in myself. Because someone could hope in my behalf, I am learning to hope. Someone cared enough to show me new horizons, to change my life! Won't you care enough for someone you may know to show him the love of our Savior?

Sandra F. Cobble

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

Watch by Gary Rose

 

That cat looks scared and you would be too if two Dobermans were after you. Remember the original Magnum P.I.? I remember numerous times that “Zeus and Apollo” chased Magnum and HE RAN FOR HIS LIFE. Why? Because Doberman Pinchers can do much harm, that’s why.

Question: Should Christians be afraid? My answer is Yes and No. Yes, because Satan is powerful and his minions can do much damage within the church ( as well as outside of it ). No, because ultimately, Jesus will be victorious and Satan will be utterly defeated forever.

So, knowing these things, what should Christians do? I like the Apostle Paul’s answer to the Ephesian elders while at Miletus. Paul said…

Acts 20 ( World English Bible )

²⁸ Take heed, therefore, to yourselves, and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the assembly of the Lord and God which he purchased with his own blood.

²⁹ For I know that after my departure, vicious wolves will enter in among you, not sparing the flock.

³⁰ Men will arise from among your own selves, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them.

³¹ Therefore watch, remembering that for a period of three years I didn’t cease to admonish everyone night and day with tears.

Paul’s admonition to “watch” was appropriate then and continues to be until this very day. Think of all the division caused by denominalism, atheism, and humanism. Like Israel in the book of Judges, our world has become one where there are no standards and “...every man did “does” what was right in his own eyes” see Judges 17:6 and 21:25.

Another question: How do we watch? My answer is to use the Scriptures as our guide. Can’t find it in the Bible? Watch out, be careful and diligently search again until you find an answer.

Don’t be afraid, God will never leave you or forsake you ( Hebrews 13:5 ), just be careful and WATCH!

PS. You know, one can learn a lot from a cat (and Dobermans as well).