5/7/21

Tampering with the Chief Engineer's Design by Jeff Miller, Ph.D.

 

https://apologeticspress.org/APContent.aspx?category=12&article=3725

Tampering with the Chief Engineer's Design

by  Jeff Miller, Ph.D.

The Great Designer designed designers. An exploding mass cannot design anything, much less design a designer. Genesis 1:28 confirms concerning mankind: “Then God blessed them, and God said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply; fill the Earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the Earth.’” Thus began the field of engineering. Using our ingenuity, humans have since engineered many ways to fulfill the commands to “subdue” and have “dominion over” the Earth, from harnesses for oxen to automobiles to space shuttles and beyond. God created the Universe with potential for infinite growth in human knowledge that can lead to many improvements in living conditions when we learn to harness and utilize the phenomena God designed and implemented on Earth for us to discover. Consider the effect that harnessing the power of electricity, magnetic fields, nuclear reactions, and chemical reactions has had on life as we know it. Unfortunately, as the poison of atheism becomes more prevalent in society, encroaching into the field of engineering, we can be guaranteed that progress will be slowed, and eventually, stopped or even reversed.

An image of an artificial heart exhibited at the London science museum.
A few years ago, I attended a Bio-engineering seminar concerning design improvements on artificial hearts for use in transplants. After the presentation, during the question and answer period, a professor stood up and asked the presenter a question that went something like this: “Has nature optimized the heart yet after all of these millions of years of its evolution, or is it still necessary for us to help it along with our designs?” At that moment, it struck me how dangerous the Theory of Evolution can be if allowed to run rampant in the field of engineering. Those who follow out the implications of the Theory of Evolution could cause not only a hindrance to scientific and technological progress, but could actually place us in mortal danger. How so?

If engineering design is approached from an evolutionary perspective, the above question is appropriate. Has nature optimized the ______, or do we need to fix it? If the Theory of Evolution is true, there should be a multitude of examples in the physical world of creatures and plants, and the components that comprise them, that are sub-optimal—since they are all in the process of evolving to better states. [NOTE: Such is not the case, which is further proof that the Theory of Evolution cannot effectively account for the state of the world.] After all, an explosion, plus a series of random accidents, no matter how many, do not produce optimized systems. Vast improvements would be necessary. Thus, the intelligence, experience, and wisdom of mankind could improve the condition of the system that “Mother Nature” dealt us. [Also note: the fact that we have the ability even to consider improving nature, implies that we as humans are too advanced to be the result of a series of random accidents. Nature could not create and then improve us to the point that we can take over and improve it. Mother Nature could not produce an entity greater than herself. The effect cannot be greater than the cause.]

However, if the Theory of Evolution is false, and the God of the Bible is the Chief Engineer of the Universe, an evolutionary approach could be very dangerous. To tamper with the design of the Almighty Engineer of the Universe would be tantamount to placing oneself above Him in knowledge and declaring oneself to be omniscient. Consider also that science is constantly evolving as research is conducted. Views once held as fact have been radically revised or even abandoned. Though some people for centuries held that the Earth was flat, modern science has proven that the Earth is spherical. The medical practice of “bleeding” a sick patient to eliminate ailments in the blood was common only 200 years ago. However, through further research and scientific investigation, and following many deaths, such a practice now seems barbaric.

Now consider an example that could be directly relevant today. If humans become arrogant enough to think that we have the knowledge necessary to improve the design of the heart, act on those feelings, and then find out through further research that the design of the heart was actually already optimal, what damage could have been done in the process? Those whose hearts had been “improved” by the wisdom of mankind, could have shorter life spans or suffer major physical complications due to the arrogance of atheistic engineers. Thus, humans could potentially be harmed due to atheist engineers making design decisions without adequate understanding of the intricacies of God’s design! No wonder Almighty God, by the hand of Paul, warned: “Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you seems to be wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, ‘He catches the wise in their own craftiness’; and again, ‘The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile’” (1 Corinthians 3:18-21).

Many other examples illustrate the dangers of atheistic engineering. Since sin entered the world in Genesis three and mankind was evicted from the Garden of Eden, the pristine conditions of life on Earth have severely deteriorated. The Earth, as well as the general condition of the human body, is running down as the Second Law of Thermodynamics implies. Disease and genetic mutation, for example, attest to this. Isaiah declared: “Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look on the Earth beneath. For the heavens will vanish away like smoke. The Earth will grow old like a garment, and those who dwell in it will die in like manner....” (51:6). We have used God-given engineering abilities to combat some of this decline through designs of our own, including, for example, medicine to combat disease, and sophisticated structures to withstand the forces of natural calamity. However, with a warped perspective about Who the Author and Designer of the Universe is, mankind could attempt to fix things that do not need fixing, and thereby bring calamity, suffering, and unhappiness.

Now consider: If engineers would respect the Chief Engineer Who has surrounded us with amazing prototypes—an engineering school into which we have all been admitted—they could make quicker and better advancements in technology. Engineers of the past understood this. The Wright brothers, for example, analyzed birds to determine how to get an airplane to stay in the air (Fausz, 2008; Root, 1905), thereby achieving their objective. However, evolutionists will tend not to use God’s optimized designs since, to them, there is no ultimate Engineer to mimic. Rather, they are the results of a multitude of random accidents. Evolutionists would, therefore, have to recognize that optimized designs could not possibly come from an explosion. [NOTE: Ironically, many evolutionists openly gape at the amazing complexity and seeming design of the world, and yet fail to recognize the implications of their awe (Block, 1980, p. 52; Jastrow, 1981, pp. 96-97; Lipson, 1980, 31:138; Wylie, 1962, p. 25).] Thus, technological advancement is slowed and designs often will fail to reach their potential.

If scientists fail to ask the right question, we will begin to see notable deleterious effects in the field of engineering. If engineers ask the right question, they, and indirectly we, will continue to have major advancements in technology as blessings from the Chief Engineer. What is the right question? The correct question to ask is, “Why did the Chief Engineer do it that way?” Studying that question will help us to have better “dominion” over the Earth. He designed the Earth, and we can be assured that His design, and the rationale behind His design, will be very useful. After all, who could possibly out-design the Chief Engineer of the Universe?

REFERENCES

Block, Irvin (1980), “The Worlds Within You,” Science Digest, special edition:49-53,118, September/October.

Fausz, Jerry (2008), “Designed to Fly,” Reason & Revelation, 28[2]:9-15, February, [On-line], URL: http://apologeticspress.org/articles/3599.

Jastrow, Robert (1981), The Enchanted Loom: Mind in the Universe (New York: Simon and Schuster).

Lipson, H. S. (1980), “A Physicist Looks at Evolution,” Physics Bulletin, 31:138, May.

Root, Amos Ives (1905), “First Published Account of the Wright Brothers Flight,” Gleanings in Bee Culture (Medina, OH: A.I. Root Company), [On-line], URL: http://www.rootcandles.com/about/wrightbrothers.cfm.

Wylie, Evan M. (1962), Today’s Health, July.

Taking Cues from Nature’s Designer by Kyle Butt, M.Div.

 

https://apologeticspress.org/APContent.aspx?category=12&article=1878

Taking Cues from Nature’s Designer

by  Kyle Butt, M.Div.

The field of biomimicry (copying biological systems) is beginning to see an influx in funds and research as scientists across the globe recognize its potential. In a recent article titled “Scientists Taking Cues From Nature,” Associated Press writer, Greg Bluestein, noted that many scientists are beginning to look to biomimicry to help them solve perplexing technological problems, such as helping bipedal robots to walk more fluidly and less robotically.

In the course of the article, Bluestein interviewed Marc Weissburg, the co-director of the new Georgia Tech’s Center for Biologically Inspired Design. In his comments, Weissburg suggested that evolution is responsible for the amazing abilities we find in the natural world. He stated: “If you think of organisms as products, all the bad ones have been recalled. Those that have survived evolved over millions of years” (Bluestein, 2006).

Weissburg also commented on the superior abilities that biological systems maintain compared to many of the ones humans have made. He said: “It really captures the imagination to show how much better organisms are at doing things. The natural world doesn’t waste energy, accumulate a large amount of toxins or produce more materials than it uses” (Bluestein, 2006).

But is seems that Weissburg, like many of his evolutionary colleagues, has missed the implication that follows from his line of work. If brilliant scientists spend decades of their lives attempting to identify and mimic superior design found in the natural world, then a conscious intellect—the Designer of nature—must maintain a superior intellect than the scientists who are attempting to mimic His systems.

Ironically, the very last sentence of Bluestein’s article is a quote from Weissburg saying: “Every organism is designed to solve a problem.” How can a person make such a statement and miss the fact that if every organism is “designed,” then that design demands a Designer? Weissburg is exactly right, every organism was designed to solve a problem. One of the main purposes for the intricate, complex organisms Weissburg and his fellow scientists are studying is to prove to such men that a superior Intellect does exist. All those who fail to make the proper connection between the magnificent world of nature and the Designer’s hand in the process will ultimately be “without excuse” (Romans 1:20).

REFERENCE

Bluestein, Greg (2006), “Scientists Taking Cues From Nature,” [On-line], URL: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060619/ap_on_hi_te/nurturing_nature;_ylt= AtCpSxfCdFaFLwCMytY1XoGs0NUE;_ylu=X3oDMTA3cjE0b2MwBHNlYwM3Mzg-.


Super Blue Blood Moon by Alana May, M.S.

 

https://apologeticspress.org/APContent.aspx?category=12&article=5508

Super Blue Blood Moon

by  Alana May, M.S.

[Editor’s Note: Alana holds a Master’s degree in Astrophysics from the University of Alabama.]

In the early morning hours of January 31, 2018, much of North America will get the privilege of witnessing a rare celestial event: Super Blue Blood Moon. But what exactly is this trifecta of lunar phenomena? Is it a harbinger of doom or apocalyptic events? Let’s break it down.

Supermoon

Like the Earth’s orbit around the Sun, the Moon travels in an elliptical orbit around the Earth. Because of this, the Moon has a closest approach (perigee) and a farthest approach (appogee) to the Earth. A Supermoon occurs when the Moon reaches its perigee and will therefore, appear up to 16% larger and 30% brighter than usual.1 The January 31st Supermoon is the last in a trio of back-to-back Supermoon Full Moons, the previous occurring on December 3, 2017 and January 2, 2018.

Blue Moon

The Moon orbits around the Earth in approximately a 29.5 day cycle. During this cycle, the Moon appears to go through phases: New Moon, Crescent Moon, Quarter Moon, Gibbous Moon, and Full Moon. Occasionally, there will be two Full Moons in a calendar month. The second of these Full Moons is called a Blue Moon.

Image credit: https://mars.nasa.gov/images/Lunar_eclipse_sideview.jpg

Blood Moon

 A lunar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes through Earth’s shadow, blocking the sunlight on the Moon. One of the first things a spectator of this event might notice is the reddish color the Moon seems to turn. (The red color is caused by the scattering of sunlight through Earth’s atmosphere as the Moon enters Earth’s shadow and reflects only the scattered light.)

Super Blue Blood Moon

On January 31st, the Moon will be in its orbital perigee (Supermoon) at the time of the second full Moon of the month (Blue Moon) and will reach the lunar eclipse maximum in the early morning hours appearing completely awash in a reddish hue (Blood Moon), therefore giving it the name: Super Blue Blood Moon.

While total solar eclipses might be considered more spectacular than lunar eclipses, lunar eclipses are quite impressive, too. While the precise alignment of a solar eclipse means that only those in the narrow path of the shadow can see it, a lunar eclipse can be enjoyed by entire continents of people.

These naturally occurring events are part of the physical laws God put into place when He created the Universe, and are not harbingers of doom. Rather than being characterized by chaos, as though from an explosion, the Universe displays magnificent order, which attests to a Grand Designer. The machine-like behavior of the Universe allows scientists to understand and even predict celestial events long before they occur. The beauty, magnificence, and complexity of such celestial events should fill us with awe toward the Designer of the Universe.

Endnotes

1 https://www.space.com/34515-supermoon-guide.html.

"THE GOSPEL OF MARK" The Garden Of Gethsemane (14:32-42) by Mark Copeland

 







"THE GOSPEL OF MARK"

The Garden Of Gethsemane (14:32-42) 
 
 INTRODUCTION

1. Following the last supper, Jesus and His disciples went to Gethsemane... - Mk 14:32
   a. A garden outside the city, across the Kidron brook and on the Mount of Olives
   b. It’s name meaning "olive press", and was possibly a remote walled garden
   c. A place where Jesus often went with His disciples - Jn 18:1-2

2. Note the contrast between the Garden of Eden and the Garden of Gethsemane...
   a. In Eden, the first man (Adam) fell by yielding to temptation and disobeyed God
   b. In Gethsemane, the second man (cf. 1Co 15:47) conquered by
      yielding to the will of God

[Yes, "The Garden Of Gethsemane" was a place of victory for Jesus (and
consequently for us as well).  But the victory did not come easy, as we
consider first that...]

I. THE GARDEN WAS A PLACE OF SUFFERING

   A. WHERE JESUS EXPERIENCED GREAT DISTRESS...
      1. He went to pray, accompanied only by Peter, James, and John- Mk 14:32-33
      2. Before He began praying, He was "troubled and deeply distressed" - Mk 14:33
      3. Later, Luke records that He was "in agony", and His sweat
         became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground - Lk 22:44
      5. He was likely troubled for He knew that His hour had come - cf. Jn 12:27
      6. He knew what was imminent, for He had told His disciples earlier - Mk 10:32-34

   B. WHERE JESUS ENDURED INTENSE SORROW...
      1. He described Himself as "exceedingly sorrowful, even to death" - Mk 14:34
      2. The writer of Hebrews refers to His "vehement cries and tears" - He 5:7
      3. His grief and sorrow was partly due to the fact that He was
         taking upon Himself our own grief and sorrow! - cf. Isa 53:4-5

   C. WHERE JESUS ENCOUNTERED SOLEMN LONELINESS...
      1. He wanted His closest disciples to watch with Him - Mk 14:33
         a. Those who had been with Him from the beginning - Mk 1:16-20
         b. Those who were privy to one of His greatest miracles - Mk 5:37-43
         c. Those who saw Him transfigured on the mountain - Mt 9:1-2
         d. Including the disciple "whom He loved" - Jn 13:23; 19:26; 20:2; 21:7,20,24
      2. Yet after each episode of praying, He found them sleeping - Mk 14:37,40,41
         a. When He desired fellowship for comfort, there was none to be found
         b. The Psalmist foretold this would happen - cf. Ps 69:20

[Alone in His distress and sorrow, our Lord found "The Garden Of
Gethsemane" to be a place of great suffering for Him.  Then something
happened.  Before He left to face the mob led by Judas to arrest Him,
Jesus found that...]

II. THE GARDEN WAS A PLACE OF STRENGTH

   A. WHEN JESUS EXPRESSED AGONIZING PRAYER...
      1. The agony in His prayer is:
         a. Seen by His posture:  "He...fell on the ground" - Mk 14:35
         b. Heard in His words:  "Abba, Father, take this cup away from Me" - Mk 14:36
      2. It was "godly fear" Jesus expressed, and for such His prayer
         was heard - He 5:7
         a. Not that the cup (of suffering) was removed
         b. But that He would be able to drink it

   B. WHEN JESUS EXTENDED ENTIRE RESIGNATION...
      1. As evidenced by His words:
         a. "Not what I will, but what You will." - Mk 14:36
         b. "if this cup cannot pass away from Me unless I drink it,
            Your will be done." - Mt 26:42
      2. When man first said "My will, not Thine be done..."
         a. It opened the flood gate of sin
         b. It turned man out of the Paradise of God
      3. But when Jesus said "Not as I will, but as You will..."
         a. Victory over sin and access to the Tree of Life became possible
         b. For it prepared Jesus to go to the cross to make it possible

   C. WHEN JESUS ENJOYED SPECIAL COMFORT...
      1. Jesus received an answer to His prayer - cf. Lk 22:43
         a. Not the answer He requested (let this cup pass from Me)
         b. But strength from an angel!
      2. Like the apostle Paul would pray later - cf. 2Co 12:7-10
         a. Asking the Lord to remove his thorn in the flesh
         b. Receiving an answer different than requested, but sufficient
            to meet the need!

   D. WHEN JESUS EVINCED RENEWED RESOLVE...
      1. Strengthened, Jesus was ready to face the hour at hand - Mk 14:41
      2. He was ready to meet His betrayer and those with him - Mk 14:42

CONCLUSION

1. So "The Garden Of Gethsemane" was a place of both suffering and strength...
   a. Jesus entered the garden suffering
   b. He left the garden strengthened

2. Notice what turned the place of suffering into a place of strength...
   a. Prayer that was fervent and persistent
   b. Prayer that submitted to the will of God
   c. Prayer in which one was strengthened
   d. Prayer that enabled one to face the cup of life given Him

There will be times when we must enter our "Garden Of Gethsemane":
times of distress, sorrow, loneliness.  But such times can also be a
time of comfort and strength, provided we spend them in prayer, willing
to accept the Father’s will in our lives... - cf. Php 4:6-7                  
 
Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2016

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4 Lessons Learned from the Titanic by Ken Weliever, The Preacherman

 

https://thepreachersword.com/2016/04/15/4-lessons-learned-from-the-titanic/

4 Lessons Learned from the Titanic

1932 --- Sinking of the Titanic by Willy Stoewer --- Image by © Bettmann/CORBIS

“God himself could not sink this ship,” replied a deck hand as Sylvia Caldwell marveled at the majesty of the great Titanic and wondered aloud if it really was unsinkable as advertised.

Talk about famous last words!

It was on this day 104 years ago, April 15, 1912, that the “Unsinkable Ship” sank in the icy waters of the North Atlantic after hitting an iceberg late on the 14th.  1517 people died in that disaster.

Caldwell, a second class passenger, on the Titanic’s maiden voyage, was one of only 705 people to survive.  There are many interesting stories of heroism and unselfish sacrifice of those who lost their lives while trying to save others.

One of the survivors, Ernst Ulrik Persson, by his own account, was pulled into one of the lifeboats by Lady Jacob Astor, the wife of millionaire developer John Jacob Astor — the richest passenger on the ship who did not survive.

Several lessons come to mind in reflecting on this historic tragedy.

(1) When disaster strikes, everyone is in the same boat. Rich and poor. Young and old. Male and female. First class. Second class. And deck hands. Problems, pain and suffering is no respector of persons. Death eventually comes to all. The ancient Preacher of Ecclesiastes observed it was so. That was true on that fateful night 104 years ago.   It is still true today.

(2) Values are quickly altered in dire circumstances. What was once important is inconsequential. And what once seemed insignificant takes on greater worth. The story is told of a wealthy lady who was in her state room when she heard the orders to abandon ship. There was no time to pack possessions. On her dressing table she saw her jewelry box and a bowl or oranges. She quickly decided that the jewels were “worthless” in this situation, but that the fruit might nourish her on the open sea. Even more valuable is the soul–of greater worth than all the world’s riches. (Matt 16:26)

(3) The Titanic reminds us how quickly life can change. One moment we’re enjoying pleasure. The next our life hangs in the balance. Our peaceful lives are disturbed by events out of our control. Survivor Eva Hart remembers the night,”I saw all the horror of its sinking, and I heard, even more dreadful, the cries of drowning people.” Truly, James was right, our lives are but “a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away” (Jas. 4:13).

(4) Man’s boasting is vain. Columnist Cal Thomas wrote, “The Titanic was a monument to the glory and presumed omnipotence of human ingenuity, which was also destroyed.” Indeed, “Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall” (Prov 16:18). The ship once thought virtually unsinkable, sank!

Yet, I remember one boat in history that really was unsinkable. It was the boat on which the apostles were sailing when a ferocious storm arose on the Sea of Galilee.   The winds were fierce. The waves were coming into their little craft. They felt like they were going to die. But, Jesus was on that boat. Asleep. But when he was awakened by the frightened fisherman, he calmly stilled the storm with His words, “Peace, be still.” (Mark 4:35-41)

What storm are you facing? What wind of adversity is blowing? What challenge that looms large like a 100′ iceberg threatens your safety? Jesus can safely navigate your frail vessel across the tempestuous sea of life.

The ships of men can sink. And they will sink. But the one unsinkable ship is the one on which Jesus Christ is the Pilot. Come aboard. Your destination is guaranteed.

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman

THE ACTS 2:38 DECEPTION by steve finnell

 

http://steve-finnell.blogspot.com/2016/11/the-acts-238-deception-by-steve-finnell.html

THE ACTS 2:38 DECEPTION by steve finnell


Preachers who preach that immersion in water is not essential to have sins forgiven first have to deceive their listener of the accuracy of Acts 2:38.

Example: Is Baptism Necessary for Salvation by John MacArthur. Ref: Crosswalk.com May 11,2007

John MacArthur "In Acts 2:38, Peter appears to link forgiveness of sins to baptism. But there are several plausible interpretations of this verse that do not connect forgiveness of sin with baptism. It is possible to translate the Greek preposition eis-"because of, or "on the basis of," instead of "for."
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

There is no translation of the Bible that I am aware of that translates "eis" of Acts 2:38 as "because of, or "on the basis of." In order to teach that as fact you have to be honestly ignorant or willfully deceitful.

TRANSLATION EXAMPLES:

1. Acts 2:38 And Peter said to them, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. (English Standard Version)

2. Acts 2:38 Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. (New International Version)

3. Acts 2:38 Peter said to them, "Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. (New American Standard Bible)

4. Acts 2:38 Then Peter said to them, Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.(New King James Version)

5. Acts 2:38 Then Peter said to them, Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.(King James Version)

6. Acts 2:38 Peter answered them, All of you must turn to God and change the way you think and act, and each of you must be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins will be forgiven. Then you will receive the Holy Spirit as a gift. (God's Word Translation)
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If a preacher told you it appears that in John 14:6 Jesus was saying He was the only way to the Father, however, it could be translated as-- Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life and I am one of many ways to the Father.

Would you believe the preacher or would you believe the translations of the Bible?

In the Hands of Mortal Men by Sandra F. Cobble

 

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

In the Hands of Mortal Men

According the Academic American Encyclopedia, Augustine was second only to Paul as a shaper of Christian theology. Included in his teachings were the erroneous doctrines of original sin and of predestination. During the Middle Ages, the harsh procedures of the Inquisition were defended by appealing to the biblical practices of the church and to Augustine's interpretation of Luke 14:23 as endorsing the use of force against heretics. In the hands of mortal men, the sharp two-edged sword which is the Word of God wrought barbaric tortures, imprisonments, and death, often by burning at the stake.

European witchcraft combined the idea of harmful sorcery with that of serving Satan, thus witchcraft was punishable by both church and state. These ideas crossed over to the Americas with the European colonists. Those who practiced, or who were thought to practice, witchcraft were tried. The jurors for the famous Salem witch trials of 1692 were drawn from church membership. Twenty-seven persons were convicted, nineteen of whom were hanged and one of whom was stoned to death. Later, the jurors admitted their error. The judge publicly admitted his culpability, as did also the minister who had been the chief witness against one of the young girls over whom the Salem witch hysteria had begun.

But then, those were the darker aspects of Christian history, were they not? Those things do not happen today. We are enlightened. We in the church of our Lord have more knowledge of the Scriptures. We could not possibly make errors as serious as those. Or could we?

Paul instructed the Ephesians: "And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God" (Ephesians 6:17). The word translated "sword" comes from the Greek "machaira," which Young's Analytical Concordance defines as a fighting weapon. Jesus, using the same word, said, "Think not that I came to send peace on the earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword" (Matthew 10:37). From these passages we can safely deduct that it is right and proper to use the Scriptures as a weapon against the devil and against all untruth. But I wonder. In our defense of the truth do we make a distinction between sin and the sinner? Do we sometimes get to slashing that sword around and slash our brethren for whom Christ died?

Now, let us apply that thought to our everyday living. Most of us are not often in the position of publicly defending the truth. But we do use the sword of the Spirit daily. Most of us can quote Scripture well. But do we know how and when to use it? Do we sometimes wound the very person we are trying to help?

When we attempt to use the sword of the Spirit to help our brethren, do we know all the facts of his situation? The Scripture we use is true. But that particular Scripture may not be the one that is applicable to his situation. Let me illustrate this with a personal example.

The Lord has given me a talent for writing. While I do write occasionally, most of my time at present is spent pursuing my education so that I may more effectively glorify God. Some times after one of my articles is published, someone will approach me with the parable of the talents and tell me that I should be writing more and using the talent God has given me. Some even indicate that pursuing further education is wasting time that should be spent using my talent for writing. The statement that one should not waste the talent God has given him is truth. But yet another truth prevails. One may have more than one talent, and he must use ALL the talents he has. And to do this he must take the time and effort to discover and to develop those talents. If I did not have the firm support of those who know me best and of my elders, I might well be slain by the sword of the Word of God wielded by those who would help, but lack skill in using it properly. You see, I might use the one talent -- but bury four others.

Hebrews 4:12 says, "For the word of God is living, and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and quick to discern the thoughts and intents of the heart." Surely the Scriptures have the power to bring healing to a troubled heart! But that powerful sword is wielded by mortal hands. We must learn to be skillful in its use lest we, like Peter who cut off the right ear of the high priest's servant, interfere with what God plans.

Sandra F. Cobble

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

Imagine that... by Gary Rose

 


This picture was entitled “Imagination” and how appropriate a title it is. It reminds me of the concept of alternative universes, where things are “almost” the same. Those differences make one wonder… “what if”? Imagination can lead to so much and yet...


Science knows so much, but understands so little. The comprehension of the world around us is an ongoing revelation and this we call Science. People today consider “Science” as almost a religion. Question current scientific dogma and you are labeled a heretic or worse.


Human beings need a rather large dose of humility. We as a species are not really progressing, but rather degenerating into a less educated, more technology dependent “know nothings”. I remember hearing this week that in the U.S.A. only half of the entire population even believes that there is a God. For many others, they have made themselves a “god” and if anyone has a different opinion from their own, well, then the other person is absolutely WRONG; without any doubt, whatsoever!


Consider this passage from the old testament…


Isaiah 55 ( World English Bible )

6 Seek Yahweh while he may be found; call you on him while he is near:

7 let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; and let him return to Yahweh, and he will have mercy on him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.

8 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” says Yahweh.

9 “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

10 For as the rain comes down and the snow from the sky, and doesn’t return there, but waters the earth, and makes it bring forth and bud, and gives seed to the sower and bread to the eater;

11 so shall my word be that goes forth out of my mouth: it shall not return to me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing I sent it to do.

12 For you shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing; and all the trees of the fields shall clap their hands.

13 Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree; and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree: and it shall be to Yahweh for a name, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.”


What will it take for unbelievers to seek God? A huge national disaster, a war, a plague, the loss of a loved one or something so shocking that we cannot even conceive of what it might be? Imagination is a wonderful thing, but even the greatest minds cannot compare with the creator of the universe.


What does the Scripture say…


James 4 ( WEB )

8 Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

9 Lament, mourn, and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to gloom.

10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he will exalt you.


Turn to God and live. Humility is the path to spirituality and its end is in the acknowledgment of God Almighty. He and he alone is supreme, and beyond anything we can imagine. The sooner this nation recognizes this fact, the closer we will be to becoming the God-fearing nation we once were. Believe this for it is true!