Biological Clocks: Evidence for a Clockmaker by Will Brooks, Ph.D.

http://apologeticspress.org/APContent.aspx?category=12&article=1125

Biological Clocks: Evidence for a Clockmaker

by	Will Brooks, Ph.D.

[EDITOR’S NOTE: The following article was written by A.P. staff scientist Will Brooks, who holds a Ph.D. in Cell Biology from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.]

If one were to ask a clockmaker, “Could this device have constructed itself?” the reply would most certainly be “No.” Clocks are complex instruments designed to accurately and repeatedly keep time to the millisecond. The complexity reaches all the way down to the system of gears and shafts which drive the instrument. It would be inconceivable even to consider the idea that such an instrument would evolve naturalistically over time, eventually reaching a point when it is ready to keep accurate time without missing a single second. Yet, this is exactly what evolutionists would have us to believe regarding an even more complex instrument, the cell division cycle—our own biological clock. [NOTE: The following discussion of cell division is based on Alberts, et al., 2002.]

The cell division cycle is a coordinated sequence of events that drives the division and reproduction of all cells from the single-celled amoeba to cells in the human body. The complexity and coordination of this cycle is staggering. The cell cycle is divided into four primary phases: G1, S, G2, and M.

G1, or the Gap 1 phase, is the time in which cells carry out all of the normal processes of the cell. Some cells remain in this phase for very long periods of time. But, when appropriate stimuli are encountered by a cell, a round of cell division is triggered. This point of no return is known as the restriction point. Once a cell passes this point, it must complete the entire cell cycle and return once more to G1. After a cell reproduces, it must prepare for the next phase of the cell cycle: S-phase or DNA synthesis phase. This preparation requires activating countless genes and making many new proteins that are used only during this one phase of the cell cycle. Once every component is ready, S-phase may begin.

During the DNA synthesis phase, the cell must make an exact copy of its nuclear DNA. This duplication is important because both new cells that will result from cell division must contain equal and identical copies of the parental cell DNA. One human cell contains roughly four billion base pairs of DNA. Copying all of this DNA without error is no small task, yet the cell does so incessantly.

Following completion of DNA synthesis, the cell enters the second gap phase, G2. During this period, the cell prepares for physical division, which involves the production of a whole new set of proteins. At the same time, all those proteins used during S-phase are degraded, since they are no longer needed, and their presence would only promote more DNA synthesis. After all the proper proteins are made and degraded, the cell is ready for physical separation, which takes place during mitosis or M-phase.

Mitosis involves the separation of chromosomes, followed by the separation of the cell. Human cells have 46 pairs of chromosomes when they enter mitosis. Each pair must be separated in the appropriate way in order for each daughter cell to have two copies of the 23 human chromosomes. Once again, this is no small feat. Even one mistake leads to abnormal chromosome numbers in the daughter cells and is harmful—often lethal—to the cell. Yet, the cell achieves this separation without error over and over. At the conclusion of mitosis, two cells result, each identical to the other. Both cells are now once more in G1-phase, able to enter another round of cell division. This cycle is repeated time after time, like clockwork.

In a physical clock or watch, a system of gears and shafts are designed to keep the clock moving, keeping precise, accurate time. What are the driving forces, the gears and shafts if you will, of the cell division cycle? Our cells have their own mechanism for keeping things moving. Two families of proteins lie at the heart of cell cycle progression. They are called cyclins and cyclin-dependent kinases (Cdks). These two groups of proteins work in a cooperative manner to promote each action that takes place during the cell cycle. How they work to keep the biological clock ticking is amazing!

Cyclin-dependent kinases function as enzymes, with the ability to link a small phosphate group (-PO4-3) onto a variety of proteins. This linkage serves as an “on” switch for the targeted protein. By phosphorylating (linking a phosphate) to proteins in the cell, Cdks work to turn on and off other proteins that play roles in the cell cycle. But, Cdks themselves need an “on switch,” which comes from the cyclin proteins. Cyclins are able to bind to cyclin-dependent kinases in order to form a stable protein complex between the two. Once bound together, Cdks are free to phosphorylate their repertoire of targets to promote all the activities of the cell cycle.

It might seem, then, that all cyclins and Cdks are active all of the time and throughout the cell cycle, but they are not. This is where the clockwork activity of the cell is truly seen. During each phase of the cell cycle (G1, S, G2, and M), a different set of cyclin and Cdk proteins are active. Therefore, each pair of proteins is able to promote only those activities which should occur during a phase. For example, during the DNA synthesis phase (S-phase), only those proteins that play a role in making new DNA are activated. This action prevents the phases from occurring out of order or at the wrong time. But, how is only one pair of cyclin-Cdk proteins active at a time? The answer comes in the form of another cyclical event.

Unlike the Cdk proteins, which are always present in the cell, cyclin proteins come and go in a cyclical manner—which accounts for the name cyclin. Production of these proteins is coordinated with the cell cycle phases. When a cell receives signals to undergo division, the G1-cyclins are expressed by the cell. They then partner with G1-Cdks, which already are present to promote those G1 activities of the cell. Additionally, G1 cyclin-Cdks initiate expression of the next group of cyclins—the S-phase cyclins. Once expressed, S-phase cyclin-Cdk partners promote activities of S-phase and turn on the G2-cyclins. This cycle continues for each phase of the cell cycle. Figure 2 illustrates this feature by showing the levels of S-phase cyclin throughout the cell cycle.

This amazing process of cyclin expression is also coupled with cyclin destruction. Once a new cyclin is present in the cell, the previous cyclin is destroyed, which effectively ends the previous cell cycle phase. This constant repetition of cyclin protein production and destruction is the driving force behind every event in the cell division cycle.

Together, the cell cycle and the cycle of cyclin protein production/destruction are an amazingly designed system of events. Such complexity is inexplicable on the basis of naturalism. In this case, the clockmaker is the intelligent Designer, God. It would be impossible for a six-foot-tall grandfather clock or even a small watch to construct itself gradually and start ticking. Equally impossible, the cell could never appear, ready to “tick” through the highly coordinated process of cell division. Just as clocks are constructed by an intelligent designer, the cell cycle is clear evidence for intelligent design in the Universe.

REFERENCE

Alberts, Bruce, et al. (2002), Molecular Biology of the Cell (Oxford: Garland Science).

Fruit of the Spirit – Meekness by Ben Fronczek

http://granvillenychurchofchrist.org/?p=1515

Fruit of the Spirit – Meekness

Fruit of the Spirit – Meekness

We have been looking at Galatians 5:22-23 and I have talked about the various fruits of the Spirit that God would like to see grow and develop within us. As we have studied these fruits I hope that you are not discouraged because you realize that you are lacking in some of these fruits. Maybe you know that you are not as loving, or patient or kind as you should be. Or maybe you have not reached the point where are experiences the joy, peace, or self control mentioned in this text. What I want you to remember is the fact that these attributes are called ‘fruit’, and if you have ever tried to grow any kind fruit, you know that no fruit grows and develops over night. The best fruit and sweetest fruit takes a long time to grow and mature. Raising fruit usually needs a lot of care and attention as well.

The final fruit of the Spirit that I would like to talk about today, which is also seen in our verse is the fruit called ‘meekness.’

Question: If you had all kinds of powers, if you could do anything (yes anything) you wanted to do with just a blink of an eye, or just by thinking of it, how would that change your life? What would you do with that kind of power? How would you act if you had all the powers of God? For me this is a scary thought.

At first meekness may seem like a strange attribute, or fruit of the Spirit. But in all reality it is an amazing attribute to possess, especially since it entails how you perceive yourself, and how you act toward others, how you want others to see you, and how you end up serving God.

As I thought about what it is to be a meek Christian, for some reason I could not help but get a certain individual and the theme song to an old TV show out of my head that I use to watch as a child. I would like to play it for you before we go any further in this lesson to see if you remember it:

PLAY: Adventure of Superman Introduction.  (Click on title to view)

As a boy growing up, Superman was the ultimate good guy and superhero of my youth. He had the most amazing powers. Not only could he fly and go into outer space without a ship or space suit, he had x-ray vision, and eyes that could burn a hole through the hardest substance. He had super hearing, he was bullet proof, seemingly indestructible, and he was unbelievably strong; stronger than a locomotive, stronger that any human could imagine being, and more.

Yet even though he had all those powers he did not exalt himself above others, rather he chose the life of a servant. He stood up for the weak and against all evil, injustice, and crime. Simply put, he lived to serve and make life better for others. And when he wasn’t out saving the world from all kinds of criminals and doing nice things, he disguised himself as a mild mannered reporter for the Daily Planet. He wore thick black glasses, he dressed and acted like everyone else, and was a common worker at the newspaper.

He was the most powerful being on the planet, yet rather than choosing glory for himself, and ruling over others, he lived a humble life and choose to serve those weaker than himself and he seemed very happy and content doing so.

This is a good example of what means to be meek.

Some you have studied the word meek or meekness, and have probably come across the phrase that, ‘meekness is not weakness, rather it is power under control.’

Actually the Hebrew and Greek words that are translated meekness in some of our Bibles are difficult words to translate because no one English word was considered an adequate translation. The Greek idea behind this word meekness in that New Testament period often referred to someone who had power yet they were ‘gentle or soft’. It is said that such an individual had a lot more impact on the world than the proud, arrogant ones with a big mouth.

In the Bible it refers to someone who had power or strength, yet because of their relationship with God they put themselves in a position to serve Him and others rather than themselves; individuals like Joseph, Moses and Jesus come to mind.

In Matthew 5, in His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said that it will be the meek who will inherit the earth.

I wonder what he meant by this and then I read, ‘A spirit of meekness is what enables it’s possessor to get so much enjoyment out of his earthy portion be it small or large. Delivered from greed and a grasping disposition, he is satisfied and content with what he has. Being content is actually a byproduct of being a meek individual. The haughty and covetous are not the ones who will inherit the earth even though they may own many acres of it now. A meek and humble Christian is far happier in a small cottage than the wicked in a palace.’ (Authur Pink)

See what happens is this, as you grow stronger and more mature as a Christian, you wake up to who and what you really are in Christ and because of Him. As you do, you become aware of how important you are to God and to this world. You realize that you are not insignificant, you are important and that you have been created in God’s own image.

Can you understand how important and big that knowledge is, how important you are in light of all eternity?  We are God’s children.

We are told that at present we are a little lower than angelic beings (Heb. 2:7), but we have Heaven and eternity before us. And at present, right now, God’s own Spirit is living in us. His Spirit is grooming us, teaching us, prompting us, and preparing us to be all that we were meant to be as God own sons and daughters here on this earth.

Now, you may never exhibit super human powers like Superman. You may never do a miracle like Jesus or the apostles because God has a unique role for each of us to play, just like He had for them in His kingdom here on earth.

We are therefore unique, amazing, powerful beings, created by the Almighty God of this universe and we are His children.

Now I believe that the devil has tried to mess with our heads by trying to get us to believe one of two lies :

#1. He want us to see ourselves and believe that we are insignificant, a worthless nobody, just another organism using up the raw materials of this earth, nothing more than another virus like creature spreading across this planet consuming it. Thoughts like that, are such a lie. Not one of us should ever think or say, ’I am worthless, or insignificant, or I am unimportant,’ because you are important whether you feel like it or not, because you are significant and important to the God of this universe.

#2. I believe the devil gets others to think more of them self than they should. Somehow I think he actually leads others to believe that they are above, or superior and better than others. This in turn creates other problems like; pride, arrogance, prejudice, thinking that they are better than others and deserve more. That was what Hitler and the Nazis believed, that they were the superior race. But the same attitude can surface in the workplace, in our schools, in government, even in our church if we are not careful. (Rom. 12:3 “Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought,”)

Sadly both views are wrong in God’s eyes.

I believe that God wants us to have a healthy, realistic and clear understanding of who we are, what we mean to Him, and what He wants for us to become. He would like to see His own character and attributes in us. And then I believe He would like to see us use those attributes and talents to serve Him and others, and enjoy doing that. It is a theme we see repeated over and over and over in the Bible!

So what’s it going to take to get there – to be this meek person that God wants us to become?

First of all we need to realize that no matter where we are in life, whether one has very little education, or a lot, or if one has lots of money in the bank, or none at all, or whether a person is very old, or very young, there is a danger of having an improper image or perception of our self. Some may feel superior because of what they have, others may feel inferior or insignificant because of what they don’t have.

BUT in all reality, what’s more important is what God thinks, how He looks at us. Quite frankly that’s far more important than your own opinion. I believe God actually knows more than we do… even about our self.

So the first thing that I believe we need to do is base our significance and worth on how God looks at us.

Second, I believe we need to recognize that God made each of us unique, with our own unique talents, and abilities, our own unique ways of thinking and doing things, to use in the various roles as we live out our life. If God has9pol; put you in a certain place in life, if He has allowed you to do a certain job, or played a certain role then look at it as if it were from God. Do your best as if working for the Lord. Don’t feel insignificant because you aren’t doing something stupendous, and don’t look down on others who may seem to have mundane jobs. Being meek is using what power you have to serve God and serve others (with whatever ability or talent you may have), and feeling good about doing whatever you can without seeking honor and glory for yourself.

If you happen to be in a position of authority or just happen to be blessed with an abundance of talent and ability, or if you do have a lot of money, possessions or property, realize that those are gifts from God.

Jesus once said, “For everyone to whom much is given, of him shall much be required” Luke 12:48

God did not bless you with those talents, abilities, and things just to make you look good and feel powerful, rather the best thing you can do is to humble yourself and use those things to benefit others and glorify God by doing them in a meek joyful manner.

Superman was a fictitious character who was portrayed as the most powerful man on the planet. Yet because he was meek he chose to use what ever ability he had to help and serve others, which gave him joy in his life.

Jesus was not a fictitious character made up by men. Rather, He is as real as can be. He is God’s Son, and He is quite literally the incarnation of God Himself. In other words He is God in the flesh.

In scripture, like in John 1 and other places we are told that everything that is seen and unseen was made by Him and for Him, yet despite all that power and authority He came into the world as flesh and blood and chose to serve and help you and me.

In Matthew 11:28-30 Jesus said, “28 Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

I believe God the Son (Jesus) was simply saying here, ‘If you have a burden that seems to heavy for you, come to me. Don’t worry for I am meek. I will help, learn from me and you will find rest for your soul.‘                          

The fruit of the Spirit is Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, goodness, faithfulness, meekness and self control. All these attributes and fruits are what God wants to help us develop in our life.

All come from Love… All will produce joy and peace.

They will help us to be a more faithful and trust worthy and self controlled person…so that we can humbly serve one another’s with what gifts and talents we have, to bring glory not to our self, but to God

We just need to do our best to keep in step with the spirit and choose to do His will, and do our best to heed His promptings, and stop doing things we should not be doing. Each of us can do this. We are also God’s sons and daughters, made in His image. And we can do all things thru Christ, because He will give us the strength we need!

For more lessons click on the following link: http://granvillenychurchofchrist.org/?page_id=566

All comments can be emailed to: bfronzek@gmail.com

The Same God by T. Pierce Brown

http://www.oldpaths.com/Archive/Brown/T/Pierce/1923/samegod.html

The Same God

In recent years we have heard and read an increasing number of statements to the effect that almost everyone is worshipping the same God, although some may call Him Allah, others Jehovah and others by some other name. That is supposed to prove, it seems, that how we worship does not matter, and perhaps all of us have an equal chance of being saved.

The theory is wrong from start to finish, but even if it were right in its basic assumption, the conclusion does not follow. Let us try to clarify.

We wonder if those who make those statements would also continue with that idea that we all worship the same God if we added Baal, Zeus, Pluto, Jupiter and/or Beelzebub. If not, why not? The truth is that even those who claim to worship Jehovah do not really worship the same God, for a great majority of people with whom I talk do not have the God in their mind that I have, revealed in the Bible. The average person has a god that is a sort of grandfather type -- a giant of a man with white hair and benevolent eyes who loves his little children and grandchildren so much that he could not think of punishing them for anything, but is willing to spoil them and grant their every wish. The God I worship is a God that is both loving and just. He has goodness and severity (Rom. 11:22). The real God that is revealed in the Bible is an unknown God to the majority of people. 

The Calvinist has a god that created men all of whom are now hereditarily and totally depraved, and arbitrarily determined that some of them are going to heaven and some are going to hell, and the number is so fixed that it cannot be changed by any choice or will or act of man.

The God that I serve made man upright and he sought out many inventions (Eccl. 7:29). He made man with freedom of choice and allows him to make the choice to serve God or Satan (Josh.24:15). It has been said that "God created man in his own image; philosophers have reversed the process; they create god in theirs." It is true, not only of philosophers, but of mankind in general. 

It is important to know that the kind of god you believe in will determine, to a large degree, the kind of person you are. It is philosophically, theologically and pragmatically true that one becomes more like that which he adores and worships. Be careful that Jehovah God is your God.

T. Pierce Brown

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

Kill Jesus, again? by Gary Rose

Two days ago, I did something that I normally don’t do; I checked my email just before going to bed. One thing led to another and while on Facebook, I saw this picture and frankly it bothered me a lot. I couldn’t get over WHY someone would want to kill Jesus again. After all, he was already crucified for our sins and rose from the dead. His resurrection should prove beyond a doubt that Jesus told the absolute truth and he was in fact everything he said he was. To me, this is a very elementary concept, but obviously this sign holder just doesn’t get it. He hates Jesus with enough hatred to want to see him die again.

Unfortunately, countless others have hated Jesus and all who would DARE to follow him. As I thought of Jesus’ crucifixion, I remembered Jesus’ “trial” before Pontius Pilate and read it again to refresh my memory…

Mark 15 ( World English Bible )

Mar 15:1, Immediately in the morning the chief priests, with the elders and scribes, and the whole council, held a consultation, and bound Jesus, and carried him away, and delivered him up to Pilate.

Mar 15:2, Pilate asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” He answered, “So you say.”

Mar 15:3, The chief priests accused him of many things.

Mar 15:4, Pilate again asked him, “Have you no answer? See how many things they testify against you!”

Mar 15:5, But Jesus made no further answer, so that Pilate marveled.

Mar 15:6, Now at the feast he used to release to them one prisoner, whom they asked of him.

Mar 15:7, There was one called Barabbas, bound with those who had made insurrection, men who in the insurrection had committed murder.

Mar 15:8, The multitude, crying aloud, began to ask him to do as he always did for them.

Mar 15:9, Pilate answered them, saying, “Do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?”

Mar 15:10, For he perceived that for envy the chief priests had delivered him up.

Mar 15:11, But the chief priests stirred up the multitude, that he should release Barabbas to them instead.

Mar 15:12, Pilate again asked them, “What then should I do to him whom you call the King of the Jews?”

Mar 15:13, They cried out again, “Crucify him!”

Mar 15:14, Pilate said to them, “Why, what evil has he done?” But they cried out exceedingly, “Crucify him!” (emphasis added)

Mar 15:15, Pilate, wishing to please the multitude, released Barabbas to them, and handed over Jesus, when he had flogged him, to be crucified.

Power corrupted the life of the chief priests and they just couldn’t have Jesus holding power that they thought they should have. So, they stirred up the mob to influence Pilate to free a criminal named Barabbas instead of Jesus. The mob then called for Jesus’ crucifixion. Pilate complied and Jesus died a horrible death.

Fortunately, the story doesn’t end there, for Jesus rose from the dead and ascended to heaven (Acts 1:1-11). Two men in white clothing (Angels?) announced that Jesus would return and this protester is referencing this prophecy. Perhaps this person should have read the end of the Bible, for when Jesus returns, it won’t be as a weak victim that is willingly crucified, but as Lord of Lords. The book of Revelation says…

Revelation 19 ( WEB )

Rev 19:11, I saw the heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and he who sat on it is called Faithful and True. In righteousness he judges and makes war.

Rev 19:12, His eyes are a flame of fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has names written and a name written which no one knows but he himself.

Rev 19:13, He is clothed in a garment sprinkled with blood. His name is called “The Word of God.”

Rev 19:14, The armies which are in heaven followed him on white horses, clothed in white, pure, fine linen.

Rev 19:15, Out of his mouth proceeds a sharp, double-edged sword, that with it he should strike the nations. He will rule them with an iron rod.* He treads the winepress of the fierceness of the wrath of God, the Almighty.

Rev 19:16, He has on his garment and on his thigh a name written, “KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.”

Personally, I think this person should be VERY, VERY AFRAID! Jesus will judge all according to their works and it would seem that this protester will be in a world of trouble.

PS. I strongly encourage you not to go to the website referenced on that sign. If you do, you will find half-truths, outright lies and a statement of purpose declaring that they do what they do out of love. I have been unable to reconcile their “love” with the desire to kill Jesus again; I don’t think I will ever be able to do so.

Plain and simple by Gary Rose

Translation:

ONLY PEOPLE WITH OCD CAN READ

THIS ENCRYPTED MESSAGE BECAUSE

OF THEIR UNIQUE AWARENESS OF

COMPLEX PATTERNS

SHARE ONLY IF YOU AGREE!!

Why is it that this generation is departing from normal communication? I see things like this picture on the INTERNET on a regular basis and wonder WHY? If you have ever received a text message from someone under 40 (could be any age, really) you will immediately notice all sorts of abbreviations that make it difficult to understand.

This made me think: Gary, aren’t you glad that God doesn’t act like that? What you need to know to “get right and stay right” with God is in plain and very straightforward language.

There is truth, there is right and wrong; you choose whether or not you will accept it or reject it and reap the consequences.

Jesus said…

John 8 ( World English Bible )

 ³⁰  As he spoke these things, many believed in him.  ³¹ Jesus therefore said to those Jews who had believed him, “If you remain in my word, then you are truly my disciples.   ³²  You will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” 

So, what truth does God want you to know?

1 Corinthians 15 ( WEB )

  ¹ Now I declare to you, brothers, the Good News which I preached to you, which also you received, in which you also stand,  ² by which also you are saved, if you hold firmly the word which I preached to you—unless you believed in vain.  ³ For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures,  ⁴ that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,  ⁵ and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve.  ⁶ Then he appeared to over five hundred brothers at once, most of whom remain until now, but some have also fallen asleep.

Looking again to the words of Jesus…

John 3 ( WEB )

 ¹ Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews.  ² The same came to him by night, and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do, unless God is with him.”

  ³  Jesus answered him, “Most certainly, I tell you, unless one is born anew, he can’t see the Kingdom of God.”

  ⁴  Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb, and be born?”

  ⁵  Jesus answered, “Most certainly I tell you, unless one is born of water and spirit, he can’t enter into the Kingdom of God!   ⁶  That which is born of the flesh is flesh. That which is born of the Spirit is spirit.   ⁷  Don’t marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born anew.’ 

Once again, Jesus said…

Matthew 28 ( WEB)

 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.

And what did his apostles teach?

Acts 2 ( WEB )

  ²²  “Men of Israel, hear these words! Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved by God to you by mighty works and wonders and signs which God did by him in your midst, even as you yourselves know,  ²³ him, being delivered up by the determined counsel and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by the hand of lawless men, crucified and killed;  ²⁴ whom God raised up, having freed him from the agony of death, because it was not possible that he should be held by it.  ²⁵ For David says concerning him,
‘I saw the Lord always before my face,
For he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved.
  ²⁶ Therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced.
Moreover my flesh also will dwell in hope;
  ²⁷ because you will not leave my soul in Hades,
neither will you allow your Holy One to see decay.
  ²⁸ You made known to me the ways of life.
You will make me full of gladness with your presence.’

  ²⁹  “Brothers, I may tell you freely of the patriarch David, that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day.  ³⁰ Therefore, being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that of the fruit of his body, according to the flesh, he would raise up the Christ to sit on his throne,  ³¹ he foreseeing this spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, that neither was his soul left in Hades, nor did his flesh see decay.  ³² This Jesus God raised up, to which we all are witnesses.  ³³ Being therefore exalted by the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this, which you now see and hear.  ³⁴ For David didn’t ascend into the heavens, but he says himself,
‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit by my right hand,
  ³⁵ until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.”’

  ³⁶  “Let all the house of Israel therefore know certainly that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.”

  ³⁷  Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”

  ³⁸  Peter said to them, “Repent, and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.  ³⁹ For the promise is to you, and to your children, and to all who are far off, even as many as the Lord our God will call to himself.”  ⁴⁰ With many other words he testified, and exhorted them, saying, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation!”

  ⁴¹  Then those who gladly received his word were baptized. There were added that day about three thousand souls.  ⁴² They continued steadfastly in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and prayer.  ⁴³ Fear came on every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles.  ⁴⁴ All who believed were together, and had all things in common.  ⁴⁵ They sold their possessions and goods, and distributed them to all, according as anyone had need.  ⁴⁶ Day by day, continuing steadfastly with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread at home, they took their food with gladness and singleness of heart,  ⁴⁷ praising God, and having favor with all the people. The Lord added to the assembly day by day those who were being saved. 

And lastly…

2 Timothy 4 ( WEB )

  ¹ I command you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at his appearing and his Kingdom: ² preach the word; be urgent in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with all patience and teaching.  ³ For the time will come when they will not listen to the sound doctrine, but, having itching ears, will heap up for themselves teachers after their own lusts;  ⁴ and will turn away their ears from the truth, and turn aside to fables.  ⁵ But you be sober in all things, suffer hardship, do the work of an evangelist, and fulfill your ministry.

  ⁶  For I am already being offered, and the time of my departure has come.  ⁷ I have fought the good fight. I have finished the course. I have kept the faith.  ⁸ From now on, there is stored up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give to me on that day; and not to me only, but also to all those who have loved his appearing.

Believe in Jesus, repent of sin, be baptized for the forgiveness of your sins and remain faithful unto death.

Simple, direct and easy to understand. I for one am very glad God gave me a Bible and NOT A TEXT MESSAGE.