3/20/19

Evolution and the Laws of Science: The Laws of Thermodynamics by Jeff Miller, Ph.D.

http://apologeticspress.org/APContent.aspx?category=12&article=2786


Evolution and the Laws of Science: The Laws of Thermodynamics

by Jeff Miller, Ph.D.


“[T]he principles of thermodynamics have been in existence since the creation of the universe” (Cengel and Boles, 2002, p. 2, emp. added). So states a prominent textbook used in schools of engineering across America. Indeed, these principles prove themselves to be absolutely critical in today’s science world. Much of the engineering technology available today is based on the foundational truths embodied in the Laws of Thermodynamics. As the writers of one engineering thermodynamics textbook stated: “Energy is a fundamental concept of thermodynamics and one of the most significant aspects of engineering analysis” (Moran and Shapiro, 2000, p. 35). Do these laws have application to the creation/evolution debate as creationists suggest? What do they actually say and mean?
The word “thermodynamics” originally was used in a publication by Lord Kelvin (formerly William Thomson), the man often called the Father of Thermodynamics because of his articulation of the Second Law of Thermodynamics in 1849 (Cengel and Boles, p. 2). The term comes from two Greek words: therme, meaning “heat,” and dunamis, meaning “force” or “power” (American Heritage..., 2000, pp. 558,1795). Thermodynamics can be summarized essentially as the science of energy—including heat, work (defined as the energy required to move a force a certain distance), potential energy, internal energy, and kinetic energy. The basic principles and laws of thermodynamics are understood thoroughly today by the scientific community. Thus, the majority of the work with the principles of thermodynamics is done by engineers who simply utilize the already understood principles in their designs. A thorough understanding of the principles of thermodynamics which govern our Universe can help an engineer to learn effectively to control the impact of heat in his/her designs.

THE FIRST AND SECOND LAWS OF THERMODYNAMICS

Though there are many important thermodynamic principles that govern the behavior of energy, perhaps the most critical principles of significance in the creation/evolution controversy are the First and Second Laws of Thermodynamics. What are these laws that, not only are vital to the work of an engineer, but central to this debate?

The First Law

The First Law of Thermodynamics was formulated originally by Robert Mayer (1814-1878). He stated: “I therefore hope that I may reckon on the reader’s assent when I lay down as an axiomatic truth that, just as in the case of matter, so also in the case of force [the term used at that time for energy—JM], only a transformation but never a creation takes place” (as quoted in King, 1962, p. 5). That is, given a certain amount of energy in a closed system, that energy will remain constant, though it will change form (see Figure 1). As evolutionist Willard Young says in defining the First Law, “Energy can be neither created nor destroyed, but can only be converted from one form to another” (1985, p. 8).
Figure 1
This principle, also known as the “conservation of energy principle” (Cengel and Boles, p. 2), can be demonstrated by the burning of a piece of wood. When the wood is burned, it is transformed into a different state. The original amount of energy present before the burning is still present. However, much of that energy was transformed into a different state, namely, heat. No energy disappeared from the Universe, and no energy was brought into the Universe through burning the wood. Concerning the First Law, Young further explains that
the principle of the conservation of energy is considered to be the single most important and fundamental ‘law of nature’ presently known to science, and is one of the most firmly established. Endless studies and experiments have confirmed its validity over and over again under a multitude of different conditions (p. 165, emp. added).
This principle is known to be a fact about nature—without exception. One thermodynamics textbook, Fundamentals of Thermodynamics, says:
The basis of every law of nature is experimental evidence, and this is true also of the first law of thermodynamics. Many different experiments have been conducted on the first law, and every one thus far has verified it either directly or indirectly. The first law has never been disproved (Borgnakke and Sonntag, 2009, p. 116, emp. added).
That is why the McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Scientific and Technical Terms defines a scientific law as “a regularity which applies to all members of a broad class of phenomena” (2003, p. 1182, emp. added). Famous atheist, theoretical physicist, and cosmologist of Cambridge University, Stephen Hawking, concurred:
But what’s really important is that these physical laws, as well as being unchangeable, are universal. They apply not just to the flight of the ball, but to the motion of a planet and everything else in the Universe. Unlike laws made by humans, the laws of nature cannot ever be broken. That’s why they are so powerful…. [T]he laws of nature are fixed(“Curiosity: Did God Create the Universe?” 2011, emp. added).

The Second Law

In the nineteenth century, Lord Kelvin and Rudolph Clausius (1822-1888) separately made findings that became known as the Second Law of Thermodynamics (Suplee, 2000, p. 156). The Second Law builds on the First, stating that though there is a constant amount of energy in a given system that is merely transforming into different states, that energy is becoming less usable. Extending our wood burning illustration above, after the wood is burned, the total amount of energy is still the same, but transformed into other energy states. Those energy states (e.g., ash and dissipated heat to the environment) are less retrievable and less accessible (see Figure 2).
Figure 2
Well-known atheist, physicist, cosmologist, and astrobiologist of Arizona State University, Paul Davies, explained it this way:
[T]he celebrated second law of thermodynamics…says, roughly speaking, that in any change the Universe becomes a slightly more disorderly place; the entropy goes up, the information content goes down. This natural tendency towards disintegration and chaos is evident all around us (1978, 80[1129]:506).
This process is irreversible. Lord Kelvin stated that energy is “irrecoverably lost to man and therefore ‘wasted,’ although not annihilated” (Thomson, 1882, p. 189, ital. in orig.). This principle is known as entropy. Simply put, entropy states that nature is tending towards disorder and chaos. Will the paint job on your house maintain its fresh appearance over time? Will your son’s room actually become cleaner on its own, or will it tend toward disorder? Even without your son’s assistance, dust and decay take their toll. Although work can slow the entropy, it cannot stop it. Renowned evolutionary science writer Isaac Asimov explained:
Another way of stating the Second Law then is “The universe is constantly getting more disorderly!” Viewed that way we can see the Second Law all about us. We have to work hard to straighten a room, but left to itself it becomes a mess again very quickly and very easily. Even if we never enter it, it becomes dusty and musty. How difficult to maintain houses, and machinery, and our own bodies in perfect working order: how easy to let them deteriorate. In fact, all we have to do is nothing, and everything deteriorates, collapses, breaks down, wears out, all by itself—and that is what the Second Law is all about (1970, p. 6).
Entropy is simply a fact of nature. Entropy can be minimized in this Universe, but it cannot be eradicated. That is where engineers come in. Engineers work to discover ways of minimizing energy loss and maximizing useful energy before it is forever lost. Thousands of engineering jobs are dedicated to addressing this fundamental fact of the Second Law of Thermodynamics. Your energy bill is affected directly by it. If the Second Law was not fixed—unchanging—engineers could not develop the technology necessary to maximize usable energy, thereby lowering your energy costs.
Some engineers devote their entire careers to minimizing entropy in the generation of power from energy. All this effort is based on the principles established by the Second Law of Thermodynamics. These principles are established as fact in the scientific community. The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language defines “law” as “a statement describing a relationship observed to be invariable between or among phenomena for all cases in which the specified conditions are met” (2000, p. 993, emp. added). Since laws are invariable, i.e., unchanging and constant, they have no exceptions. Otherwise, they would not be classified as laws. Tracy Walters, a mechanical engineer working in thermal engineering, observed:
It has been my experience that many people do not appreciate how uncompromising the Laws of Thermodynamics actually are. It is felt, perhaps, that the Laws are merely general tendencies or possibly only theoretical considerations. In reality, though, the Laws of Thermodynamics are hard as nails, and...the more one works with these Laws, the deeper respect one gains for them (1986, 9[2]:8, emp. added).
Evolutionist Jeremy Rifkin stated that “the Entropy Law will preside as the ruling paradigm over the next period of history. Albert Einstein said that it is the premier law of all science; Sir Arthur Eddington referred to it as the ‘supreme metaphysical law of the entire universe’” (1980, p. 6). Borgnakke and Sonntag, in Fundamentals of Thermodynamics, explain:
[W]e can say that the second law of thermodynamics (like every other law of nature) rests on experimental evidence. Every relevant experiment that has been conducted, either directly or indirectly, verifies the second law, and no experiment has ever been conducted that contradicts the second law. The basis of the second law is therefore experimental evidence (2009, p. 220, emp. added, parenthetical item in orig.).
Another thermal science textbook says, concerning the Second Law of Thermodynamics, “To date, no experiment has been conducted that contradicts the second law, and this should be taken as sufficient proof of its validity” (Cengel, Turner, and Cimbala, 2008, p. 266, emp. added).

IMPLICATIONS OF THE LAWS

When understood properly, the Laws of Thermodynamics apply directly to the creation/evolution controversy in precisely the same way they apply in the engineering world today (cf. Miller, 2007). In fact, these foundational truths, utilized daily by the engineering world, have eternally significant, spiritual implications in that they prove that God exists. How so?
If there is no God, the existence of the Universe must be explained without Him. The Big Bang theory claims that all matter in the Universe initially was condensed in a sphere smaller than the size of a period at the end of this sentence. That sphere exploded and helps to explain why the Universe, according to many cosmologists, appears to be expanding or inflating (see Thompson, et al., 2003, 23[5]:32-34,36-47). Even if the Big Bang were true (and it is not, cf. Thompson, et al.), this theory offers no explanation for the origin of that sphere. Evolutionist Alan Guth, a cosmologist and physics professor at M.I.T., admitted that “[i]nflation itself takes a very small universe and produces from it a very big universe. But inflation by itself does not explain where that very small universe came from” (as quoted in Heeren, 1995, p. 148). He further stated, “[A] proposal that the universe was created from empty space is no more fundamental than a proposal that the universe was spawned by a piece of rubber. It might be true, but one would still want to ask where the piece of rubber came from” (Guth, 1997, p. 273). So where could the “rubber” have come from?
The only logical possibilities for the origin of the matter and energy comprising the Universe are that they are responsible for their own existence (i.e., they popped into existence out of nothing—spontaneous generation or they always existed—eternality) or Someone is responsible for their existence (i.e., they were placed here by something outside of the Universe—Creation) (see Figure 3).
Figure 3
As the well-known philosopher and evolutionist from the 19th century, Herbert Spencer said, “Respecting the origin of the Universe three verbally intelligible suppositions may be made. We may assert that it is self-existent [i.e., eternal—JM]; or that it is self-created [i.e., spontaneously generated—JM]; or that it is created by an external agency” (1882, p. 30).

Possibility 1: Spontaneous Generation of the Universe

Consider the entire physical Universe as a system consisting of all mass, matter, and energy that exists in the Universe. If one believes in the Big Bang model, the system’s boundary would be outside of the blast radius of the Big Bang, or outside of the original cosmic dot that exploded. Without God(i.e., something outside of the bounds of the Universe—something supernatural), this Universe would have to be a closed system. Since our system encompasses the entire Universe, there is no more mass that can cross into our system from the outside, which necessitates our system being closed. If mass, matter, and energy could enter and/or exit the system, the system would be an open system[NOTE: The creationist contends that the Universe is an open system, since there is Someone outside of the natural Universe Who can cross the boundary and put matter and energy into the system. However, without God, the entire physical Universe as a system logically would have to be a closed system. Atheists must so believe in order to explain the Universe without God.].
Evolutionary physicist Victor Stenger, in his book, God: The Failed Hypothesis, said:
Conservation of energy [i.e., the First Law—JM] and other basic laws hold true in the most distant observed galaxy and in the cosmic microwave background, implying that these laws have been valid for over thirteen billion years. Surely any observation of their violation during the puny human life span would be reasonably termed a miracle…. In principle, the creation hypothesis could be confirmed by the direct observation or theoretical requirement that conservation of energy was violated 13.7 billion years ago at the start of the big bang (2007, pp. 115-116, emp. added).
The First Law of Thermodynamics states that in a closed system, the amount of energy present in that system is constant, though it transforms into other forms of energy. So, if the Universe as a whole initially contained no mass, matter, or energy, and then all of the mass, matter, and energy in the Universe spontaneously generated, the First Law would be violated. Without intervention from an outside force, the amount of mass, matter, and energy in the Universe would have remained constant (unchanged) at nothing. According to the scientific evidence, matter/energy could not have originally spontaneously generated. Thus, according to Stenger, the creation hypothesis is confirmed based on the scientific evidence. The initial creation of energy from nothing amounted to a miracle.
As was mentioned earlier, there are no exceptions to laws, or else they would not be laws. The First Law of Thermodynamics has no known exceptions. The Law is accepted as fact by all scientists in general and utilized by engineers in particular. Therefore, the Universe, composed of all mass, matter, and energy, could not have spontaneously generated (popped into existence on its own) without violating the exceptionless and highly respected First Law of Thermodynamics. The energy level of the Universe would not have been constant. Spontaneous generation would amount to the creation of energy from nothing (see Figure 4). The Universe could not have come into existence without the presence and intervention of a Force outside of the closed system of the entire physical Universe. The Universe therefore must be an open system that was created by a non-physical Force (i.e., a Force not composed of mass, matter, and energy) outside of the physical boundary of this Universe (above nature, or supernatural) with the capability of bringing it into existence out of nothing. That Force can be none other than a supernatural God. To develop a theory that requires the violation of that principle would be against the scientific evidence. It would be unscientific. The evidence from science indicates that matter could not and cannot spontaneously generate.
Figure 4
Unfortunately, though this truth is so glaringly obvious to many, there has been a recent surge of sentiment in the impossible notion that this Universe could have created itself—that something could come from nothing. British evolutionist Anthony Kenny (1980), physics professor from City University in New York, Edward Tryon (1984), and physicists Alan Guth from M.I.T. and Paul Steinhardt of Princeton (1984) are just a few who are open proponents of this notion. Stephen Hawking said, “Bodies such as stars or black holes cannot just appear out of nothing. But a whole universe can…. Because there is a law like gravity, the universe can and will create itself from nothing” (2010, p. 180). However, the truth still stands. Until the First Law of Thermodynamics ceases to be a fundamental law explaining this Universe, the spontaneous generation of this Universe from nothing is impossible.
No wonder Victor Stenger, a proponent of the idea of spontaneous generation, said, “I must admit that there are yet no empirical or observational tests that can be used to test the idea of an accidental origin” (1987, 7[3]:30). According to Stenger, the idea is “speculative” (p. 30). No solid evidence. Just speculation. Famous evolutionary astronomer, Robert Jastrow, the founder and former director of the Goddard Institute for Space Studies at NASA, said:
But the creation of matter out of nothing would violate a cherished concept in science—the principle of the conservation of matter and energy—which states that matter and energy can be neither created nor destroyed. Matter can be converted into energy, and vice versa, but the total amount of all matter and energy in the Universe must remain unchanged forever. It is difficult to accept a theory that violates such a firmly established scientific fact (1977, p. 32).
Science studies what occurs in nature, not super-nature. In nature, matter and energy can be neither created or destroyed, but “must remain unchanged forever.” This is a “firmly established fact.” Nothing comes from nothing. If a molecule will not pop into existence from nothing, a sphere containing all of the matter and energy of the entire Universe will certainly not pop into existence.

Possibility 2: Eternal Existence of the Universe

Again, considering the entire Universe as a system necessitates that it be a closed system. The Second Law of Thermodynamics states that though energy in a closed system is constant (First Law of Thermodynamics), that energy is transforming into less usable forms of energy (i.e., the Universe is “running down”). This process is irreversible. There is a finite amount of usable energy in the Universe (which explains the widespread interest in conserving energy). In the Big Bang model, that energy was originally in the cosmic egg that exploded, and now would be found within the blast radius of the original explosion. That usable energy is depleting according to the Second Law. Engineers strive to slow this inevitable depletion of energy, but it cannot be stopped.
If the Universe has always existed (i.e., it is eternal), but there is a finite amount of usable energy, then all usable energy already should be expended (see Figure 5). Yet, usable energy still exists. So, the Universe cannot have existed forever. It had to have a beginning. The eternality of matter would be the equivalent of a system with an energy input and 100% usable energy output (see Figure 6). It would be the equivalent of describing the Universe as a perpetual motion machine—a design that attempts to violate either the First or Second Law of Thermodynamics by, for instance, running forever without an energy input. No such machine has ever been designed, since such a machine would violate the laws of thermodynamics. Philip Yam, writing in Scientific American said, “Claims for perpetual-motion machines and other free-energy devices still persist, of course, even though they inevitably turn out to violate at least one law of thermodynamics” (1997, 277[6]:82).
Figure 5
Figure 6
No wonder evolutionists, themselves, have long conceded this truth. In his book, Until the Sun Dies, renowned evolutionary astronomer Robert Jastrow stated:
The lingering decline predicted by astronomers for the end of the world differs from the explosive conditions they have calculated for its birth, but the impact is the same: modern science denies an eternal existence of the Universe, either in the past or in the future (1977, p. 30, emp. added).
In his book, God and the Astronomers, Jastrow reiterated this truth:
And concurrently there was a great deal of discussion about the fact that the second law of thermodynamics, applied to the Cosmos, indicates the Universe is running down like a clock. If it is running down, there must have been a time when it was fully wound up…. Now three lines of evidence—the motions of the galaxies, the laws of thermodynamics, the life story of the stars—pointed to one conclusion; all indicated that the Universe had a beginning (1978, pp. 48-49, 111).
Evolutionist Kitty Ferguson, award-winning science writer, agreed. She said, “It’s also common knowledge that the universe isn’t eternal but had a beginning” (1994, p. 89). Any person who develops a theory that claims that the Universe could be a perpetual motion machine, is guilty of contradicting the solid evidence from science. They are being unscientific, and their unscientific mindset has resulted in an unscientific theory.

Possibility 3: The Inevitable Implication

What does the scientific evidence actually say about the matter of origins? Forget speculation, conjecture, hypothesis, and theory—wishful, hopeful thinking that there might be some way to avoid a supernatural explanation and the restrictions that Being might have on our desires. What does the evidence say?
To repeat, logically, there are only three possible explanations for the existence of matter in the Universe. Either it spontaneously generated, it is eternal, or it was created by a non-physical Being outside of the boundaries of the Universe. Atheists use the theory of evolution in an attempt to explain the existence and state of the Universe today. In order for the theory of evolution to be true, thereby accounting for the existence of mankind, either all of the mass, matter, and energy of the Universe spontaneously generated (i.e., it popped into existence out of nothing), or it has always existed(i.e., it is eternal.). Without an outside force (a transcendent, omnipotent, eternal, superior Being), no other options for the existence of the Universe are available. However, as the Laws of Thermodynamics prove, the spontaneous generation and the eternality of matter are logically and scientifically impossible. One and only one possible option remains: the Universe was created by the Creator. The scientific evidence points to the existence of God. Bottom line: God designed the laws of thermodynamics. Creationists believe them. Engineers use them. Atheists cannot harmonize them with their beloved theory.

CONCLUSION

Evolutionists claim that science and the idea of God are irreconcilable. “Only one of them can be true,” they say, “and you cannot prove there is a God.” Not all theistic models for the origin of the Universe are in keeping with science. For instance, according to Enuma Elish, the Babylonian creation account, the polytheistic Babylonians believed that matter is eternal (Pfeiffer, 1972, p. 226). This has been shown to be false. However, although not all Creation models are in harmony with the scientific evidence, one would expect the true Creation model to be in keeping with the evidence. The Laws of Thermodynamics, which science itself recognizes in its explanations of the phenomena in the Universe, were written by the Chief Engineer (cf. Miller, 2012). As expected, they prove to be in complete harmony with His existence, contrary to the claims of evolutionists. God, Himself, articulated these laws centuries ago in the Bible.
At the very beginning of the Bible, the First Law of Thermodynamics was expressed when Moses penned, “Thus the heavens and the Earth, and all the host of them, were finished. And on the seventh day, God ended His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done” (Genesis 2:1-2, emp. added). In Exodus 20:11, Moses wrote, “For in six days, the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested (i.e., ceased) the seventh day.” Everything in the Universe was made in six days, and then the Lord stopped creating. Nothing else is coming into existence naturally. After the six days of Creation, the mass, matter, and energy creation process was terminated. As evolutionist Willard Young said regarding the First Law: “Energy can be neither created nor destroyed, but can only be converted from one form to another.” The thrust of the First Law of Thermodynamics was expressed in the Bible thousands of years ago, although it was not discovered and formally articulated by scientists until the 19th century.
Through the hand of the psalmist, God also stated centuries ago what scientists call the Second Law of Thermodynamics: “Of old You laid the foundation of the Earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. They will perish, but You will endure; yes, they will all grow old like a garment; like a cloak You will change them, and they will be changed. But You are the same, and Your years will have no end” (102:25-27, emp. added). The Universe is wearing out—decaying, like an old shirt: the Second Law of Thermodynamics. Once again, the Creation model is in perfect harmony with science. The evolutionary model fails its thermodynamics test.
The inspired writer wrote in Hebrews 11:3, “By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.” Paul declared in Acts 14:17, “Nevertheless He did not leave Himself without witness, in that He did good, gave us rain from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.” The psalmist affirmed, “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork” (19:1). Paul assured the Romans, “For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse” (1:20, emp. added). The scientific evidence points to God. There will be no excuse in the end for those who deny it.
In closing, we return to Lord Kelvin, the Father of Thermodynamics, for fitting final thoughts. In a short public speech in 1903, reported by The Times and followed up by an amending letter to the paper by Kelvin, Kelvin said:
I do not say that, with regard to the origin of life, science neither affirms nor denies Creative Power. Science positively affirms Creative Power…. It is not in dead matter that we live and move and have our being [Acts 17:28—JM], but in the creating and directive Power which science compels us to accept as an article of belief.... There is nothing between absolute scientific belief in a Creative Power, and the acceptance of the theory of a fortuitous concourse of atoms.... Forty years ago I asked Liebig, walking somewhere in the country if he believed that the grass and flowers that we saw around us grew by mere chemical forces. He answered, “No, no more than I could believe that a book of botany describing them grew by mere chemical forces”.... Do not be afraid of being free thinkers! If you think strongly enough you will be forced by science to the belief in God, which is the foundation of all Religion. You will find science not antagonistic but helpful to Religion (as quoted in Thompson, 1910, pp. 1097-1100, emp. added).
According to the Father of Thermodynamics, evolutionists are failing to “think strongly enough.” No wonder the psalmist asserted: “The fool has said in his heart, ‘There is no God’” (14:1).

REFERENCES

American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language (2000), (Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin), fourth edition.
Asimov, Isaac (1970), “In the Game of Energy and Thermodynamics You Can’t Even Break Even,” Smithsonian Institute Journal, pp. 4-10, June.
Borgnakke, Claus and Richard E. Sonntag (2009), Fundamentals of Thermodynamics (Asia: John Wiley and Sons), seventh edition.
Cengel, Yunus A. and Michael A. Boles (2002), Thermodynamics: An Engineering Approach (New York: McGraw-Hill), fourth edition.
Cengel, Yunus A., Robert H. Turner, and John M. Cimbala (2008), Thermal-Fluid Sciences (New York, NY: McGraw-Hill).
“Curiosity: Did God Create the Universe?” (2011), Discovery Channel, August 7.
Davies, Paul (1978), “Chance or Choice: Is the Universe an Accident?” New Scientist, 80[1129]:506-508, November.
Ferguson, Kitty (1994), The Fire in the Equations: Science, Religion, and the Search for God (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans).
Guth, Alan (1997), The Inflationary Universe (New York: Perseus Books).
Guth, Alan and Paul Steinhardt (1984), “The Inflationary Universe,” Scientific American, 250:116-128, May.
Hawking, Stephen (2010), The Grand Design (New York, NY: Bantam Books).
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Jastrow, Robert (1977), Until the Sun Dies (New York: W.W. Norton).
Jastrow, Robert (1978), God and the Astro­nomers (New York: W.W. Norton).
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King, A.L. (1962), Thermophysics (San Francisco, CA: W.H. Freeman).
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Miller, Jeff (2007), “God and the Laws of Thermodynamics: A Mechanical Engineer’s Perspective,” Reason & Revelation, 27[4]:25-31, April, http://www.apologeticspress.org/articles/3293.
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Eclipses and the Totality of 2017 by Alana May, M.S. & Branyon May, Ph.D.

http://apologeticspress.org/APContent.aspx?category=12&article=5448

Eclipses and the Totality of 2017

by Alana May, M.S. & Branyon May, Ph.D.


On Monday, August 21st, the entire United States was treated to the exciting experience of seeing a solar eclipse, with a total solar eclipse visible to millions along the path of totality from Oregon to South Carolina. This event was a magnificent showing of an alignment between the Earth, Moon, and Sun. At just after 9:00 a.m. PDT the partial eclipse made its debut on the Western shores of Oregon. Shortly before 4:00 p.m. EDT the Moon’s remaining shadow moved off South Carolina’s coastal region. The umbral shadow of totality had a 70-mile wide diameter as it made its way across the country. While the entire continental United States was able to view the eclipse to some degree, only the regions within the 70-mile swath saw a total solar eclipse.
So what causes an eclipse? Although the Sun is physically 400 times larger than the Moon, it is also 400 times farther away. The Moon is approximately 240,000 miles from Earth, while the Sun is 93 million miles away. Yet from our view on Earth, the Sun and the Moon appear to be about the same angular size. This correspondence in apparent size is why we on Earth are able to experience solar eclipses. This type of eclipse (solar) is when the Moon passes exactly through our view toward the Sun, and it blocks the Sun’s light casting a shadow of darkness on Earth during the daytime.
When we consider this amazing event, we find Earth is the only planet where life can view a total solar eclipse. Mars is the only other terrestrial planet with moons. However, they are irregularly shaped and too small to eclipse the Sun. The Gas Giant planets cannot host life to view any possible eclipses. God’s design of the Earth-Moon-Sun system includes the precise correspondence necessary for such a rare and unique event to occur. Humanity has made use of eclipses throughout history to mark time and probe further the details of the Sun and Moon.

Dragonfly Flight and the Designer by Dave Miller, Ph.D.

http://apologeticspress.org/APContent.aspx?category=12&article=1796


Dragonfly Flight and the Designer

by Dave Miller, Ph.D.


More proof of the existence of the Master Designer comes from research conducted by Z. Jane Wang, professor of theoretical and applied mechanics at Cornell University (Gold, 2006). Centering on flying systems and fluid dynamics, Dr. Wang notes that the best way to learn about flight is by first looking at what happens naturally. Interesting. In order for the complex human mind to comprehend the principles of flight, that mind must focus on the natural order—the Creation. So mind must learn from that which, according to evolutionists, came into being and developed without any mind. Intelligence is dependent on non-intelligence. Who can believe it?
Reporting her findings at the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, Dr. Wang observed that her research calls into question the conventional wisdom that ascribes to airplanes (human inventions) more flight efficiency than the flying creatures of the natural realm. Dragonflies, for example, are “a marvel of engineering” (Gold, 2006). “Marvel of engineering”—without an Engineer? So claims the evolutionist—despite the irrationality of such a conclusion.
Indeed, the dragonfly possesses four wings, instead of the standard two, enabling it to dash forward at speeds approaching 60 kph. Its unusual pitching stroke allows this amazing insect to hover and even shift into reverse. According to Wang: “Dragonflies have a very odd stroke. It’s an up-and-down stroke instead of a back-and-forth stroke.... Dragonflies are one of the most maneuverable insects, so if they’re doing that they’re probably doing it for a reason” (Gold, 2006, emp. added). “For a reason”? But doesn’t “a reason” imply a reasonable mind behind the reason that thinks and assigns a logical rationale to specific phenomena?
The more scientists study dragonflies the more they are impressed with these “marvels of flight engineering” (“How Do Things...,” n.d.). They appear to twist their wings on the downward stroke, creating a whirlwind of air that flows across the wings, facilitating the lift that keeps them flying. Even more amazing, one Australian scientist, Akiko Mizu­tani, of the Centre for Visual Science at the Australian National University, has studied dragonflies at length in the past few years. She observes that, while chasing its prey, dragonflies “shadow their enemies in complex manoeuvres that military fighter pilots can only dream of. Their tricks create the visual illusion that they’re not moving” (as quoted in “How Stealthy...,” 2003, 2398:26, emp. added). In fact, according to Dr. Javaan Chahl, the quick aerial movements allow the dragonfly to disguise itself as a motionless object (“Military Looks to Mimic...,” 2003, emp. added). These insights are not lost on the military establishment. They recognize the incredible implications for technological development—from the ability of fighter aircraft to approach the enemy undetected, to greater maneuverability, to enhanced helicopter logistics. Indeed, “scientists believe the insect’s flight control could have applications in new planes and helicopters” (2003). Is it any wonder that one of the very first helicopters produced was named “Dragonfly” (“Sikorsky...,” 2003)? If no one considers the helicopter as the product of time and chance, why would any reasonable person believe that the insect to which scientists are looking for an understanding of principles of flight evolved from mindless, mechanistic forces of nature?
If the human mind, with all of its complexity and ingenious design, is necessary to engineer flight capability (e.g., airplanes), what must be said for the Mind behind the human mind? If scores of intelligent scientists must expend vast amounts of time, energy, intention, deliberation, knowledge, and thought in order to discover the secrets of the “efficient motions” of the dragonfly, what must have been required to create that dragonfly in the first place? Mindless, non-intelligent, unconscious, non-purposive “evolutionary forces”? Ridiculous! Time and chance do not and cannot account for the amazing design found in insects like the dragonfly. The only logical, plausible explanation is that dragonflies were designed by the God of the Bible, and they testify to His wisdom: “You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and by Your will they exist and were created” (Revelation 4:11).

REFERENCES

Gold, Lauren (2006), “On the Wings of Dragonflies: Flapping Insect Uses Drag to Carry its Weight, Offering Insight into Intricacies of Flight,” Cornell University Chronicle, February 19, [On-line], URL: http://www.news.cornell.edu/stories/Feb06/AAAS.dragonflies.lg.html.
“How Do Things Fly?” (no date), Boeing, [On-line], URL: http://www.boeing.com/compan yoffices/aboutus/wonder_of_flight/dragon.html.
“Military Looks to Mimic Dragonflies” (2003), ABC News, June 5, [On-line], URL: http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200306/s872489.htm.
“How Stealthy Insects Outsmart Their Foe” (2003), New Scientist, 2398:26, June 7.
“Sikorsky HO2S-1/HO3S-1G ‘Dragonfly’” (2003), USCG Homepage, [On-line], URL: http://www.uscg.mil/hq/g-cp/history/WEBAIRCRAFT/AC_Sikorsky_HO3S.html.

Excuse Makers – Then and Now by Ben Fronczek

http://granvillenychurchofchrist.org/?p=1564

Excuse Makers – Then and Now


Excuse Makers – Then and Now
Last week I talked about your next step. That’s right, we all have a ‘next step’ we can take, in our growth, in our maturity, in our walk with Jesus, and in our service to God as an individual or even collectively as a church group.
Did God prompt you do anything new this past week? Is He prompting our congregation to go to the next step as a group somehow?
Just in review, last week we talked about when Peter took a great step of faith and what he needed to do that. We saw how he literally stepped out of the boat and walked on water toward Jesus.
And what did he need in order to do that?
–       The first thing that he needed was courage and reassurance from Jesus.
–       And then he simply needed to JDI, or just do it.
With that we read Peter actually walked on water; well at least as long as he kept his eyes on Jesus he was fine. He began to sink when he took his eyes off Jesus and became distracted by everything else that was going on around him. That’s when he began to sink.
And so from that lesson we learned that we need to take courage. If Jesus prompts or directs us to do something He is going to be right there to watch our backs. And then we simply need to step out, or JDI, just do it, and keep our eyes focused on our goal and on Jesus and not get distracted, frightened or dismayed by everything going on around us.
Today I want to discuss a problem even the best of us have when it comes to taking that next step or even doing something that God specifically wants us to do, and that is making up some kind of excuse as to why we can’t do it.
Did you ever feel like God wanted you to do something and you just can’t help but wonder, ‘why me Lord? Lord, are you sure you are asking the right person to do this? Why not someone else?’
Maybe the Lord has laid something on your heart this week, or maybe the Lord has put an opportunity in front of our church but all you can think of is excuses as to why we shouldn’t do it. Maybe how much it’s going to cost, or how much work may be involved, or how much it’s going to incontinence you personally. Even the best of us come up with excuses for not doing things.
But don’t fret. Realize that some of the most renowned men and women in scripture made excuse as to why they couldn’t be the one to do what God wanted them to do. For example:
Moses: Almost everyone know Moses. One day when he was 80 years old and out tending sheep God came to him in flaming bush and gave him a task to do telling Him to go to Pharaoh with the message: to: “Let my people go!”
So at 80 years old Moses was to go down into Egypt and demand that the Pharaoh simply release over a million Jews, which was his primary work force and just let them go.
Well right off we see that Moses is full of excuses when it came to taking this next step in his life. In Exodus we read how Moses respond to God and then how God responds to him. It says in Exodus 3:11,
“But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?”
12 And God said, “I will be with you. And this will be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you[b] will worship God on this mountain.”
“But who am I ?”
There are a number of reasons we come up with excuses:
–       We feel insufficient or inadequate
–       We have a low self image or feel weak
–       Fear – afraid what may happen, or what others may think
–       Laziness or selfishly we simply don’t what to do what’s before us
Like when God prompts us to do something I think Moses may have made a number of excuses in this text for all of these reasons. He probably felt insufficient or inadequate, and to weak for such a task. He was 80 years old. He was probably afraid. That’s why He fled from Egypt 40 years earlier, he feared the Pharaoh. And maybe there was part of him that selfishly wanted to just sit and watch his sheep and not get involved. He was aa old man now.
But God had a job for him to do. And in vs 12 He tells Moses, “I will be with you.”
And then Moses tries to use the excuse that he can’t speak well and slow of speech and slow of tongue.” And then in 4:13 Moses comes right out and tells the Lord, 13 “Pardon your servant, Lord. Please send someone else.”
And so in the next verse we read “Then the anger of the Lord burned against Moses…” and he agreed to send his older brother Aaron to help him.
Later when the Jews finally got out of Egypt and made it to the border of the Promised Land and God wanted them to go in and conquer it they were frightened and made up all kinds of excuses saying,  “We can’t attack those people; they are stronger than we are.”The land we explored devours those living in it. All the people we saw there are of great size. 33 We saw the Nephilim there (the descendants of Anak come from the Nephilim). We seemed like grasshoppers in our own eyes, and we looked the same to them.” (Numbers 13:31-33)
And so because of their lack of faith and distrust in Him, God did not allow any of them to enter the Promised Land except their children 40 years later along with Joshua and Caleb.
There were many others who tried to make excuses as to why they could not do things that God wanted them to do, God wanted to use Gideon rescue his people from the Medianites,
But in Judges 6:15 all Gidieon say to the Lord was, “O Lord, how shall I deliver Israel? Behold, my family is the least in Manasseh, and I am the youngest in my father’s house.”  ‘I am poor, insignificant and way too young.’
But again in Judg. 6:16 the Lord tell him as He told others, “Surely I will be with you, and you shall defeat Midian as one man.”
But that wasn’t enough for Gideon, he needed proof from the Lord, a sign from the Lord.
And then there was Jeremiah  (Jeremiah 1:4-10) “Now the word of the Lord came to me, saying, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.” Then I said, “Ah, Lord God! Behold, I do not know how to speak, for I am only a youth.” But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am only a youth’; for to all to whom I send you, you shall go, and whatever I command you, you shall speak. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you, declares the Lord.”
Do you see a pattern here? Over and over we read that if God prompts us to do something He promises to be right there with us. When God prompts you to take that next step, that step which you may be uncertain about, that you may feel inadequate to make, or unqualified, or because you lack experience, or you are just afraid to do, God is saying, ‘Don’t worry, I am with you. I’ve got your back and I’ll be working behind the scene to make this happen. You just have to have faith and trust me.’
Tony Robbins the motivational speaker said, “Using the power of decision gives you the capacity to get past any excuse to change any and every part of your life in an instant.”  
A decision to trust God and just do it can get you past those insecurities which you may have. I would like to tell you about one more Bible character who tried to make an excuse for not doing something and that was Ester
If you remember the story of Ester, she was a beautiful young Jewish lady who became the queen of Xerxes, the Persian king who ruled over a huge empire which include the areas of what is known as Turkey, as well as Iraq, Iran, Pakistan, Jordan, Lebanon, and Israel; it also encompassed sections of modern-day Egypt, Sudan, Libya, and Saudi Arabia.
Shortly after Ester became queen a man by the name of Haman devise a plot to have all the Jews exterminated not knowing that Queen Ester was a Jew. After Ester’s uncle Mordecai discovers the plot he went to her and asked her to plead the Jew’s case before the king. But what does she do? She makes us an excuse. Let me read this story to you in Ester 4.
“ When Mordecai learned of all that had been done, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and ashes, and went out into the city, wailing loudly and bitterly. 2 But he went only as far as the king’s gate, because no one clothed in sackcloth was allowed to enter it. 3 In every province to which the edict and order of the king came, there was great mourning among the Jews, with fasting, weeping and wailing. Many lay in sackcloth and ashes.
4 When Esther’s eunuchs and female attendants came and told her about Mordecai, she was in great distress. She sent clothes for him to put on instead of his sackcloth, but he would not accept them. 5 Then Esther summoned Hathak, one of the king’s eunuchs assigned to attend her, and ordered him to find out what was troubling Mordecai and why.
6 So Hathak went out to Mordecai in the open square of the city in front of the king’s gate. 7 Mordecai told him everything that had happened to him, including the exact amount of money Haman had promised to pay into the royal treasury for the destruction of the Jews. 8 He also gave him a copy of the text of the edict for their annihilation, which had been published in Susa, to show to Esther and explain it to her, and he told him to instruct her to go into the king’s presence to beg for mercy and plead with him for her people.
9 Hathak went back and reported to Esther what Mordecai had said. 10 Then she instructed him to say to Mordecai, 11 “All the king’s officials and the people of the royal provinces know that for any man or woman who approaches the king in the inner court without being summoned the king has but one law: that they be put to death unless the king extends the gold scepter to them and spares their lives. But thirty days have passed since I was called to go to the king.”
12 When Esther’s words were reported to Mordecai, 13 he sent back this answer: “Do not think that because you are in the king’s house you alone of all the Jews will escape. 14 For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”
15 Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: 16 “Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.”  17 So Mordecai went away and carried out all of Esther’s instructions.
I love verse 14 where Mordecai says, “14 For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place…. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”
The same could be said of you and me, ‘who knows whether we have been put in this position in life for such a time as this, for such a job, for such a service, or even to make this next step.’
God’s will, will be done with or without you. But I truly believe He wants to help us grow and mature, and even partner with us just like when we give new jobs or responsibilities to children which we know that we could do better but we know those duties will help them mature.
So what are you going to do, make excuse as to why you can’t, or why the church can’t or shouldn’t do something? Or will you trust God enough and believe that He’s right there to help you, or help us do some truly unbelievable and amazing things.
When Jesus told his disciples to go out into all the world and make disciples and baptize them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and to teach them to obey everything He commanded, He also told them that He would always be with them (and us), even to the very end of thee age. So all we need to do is trust Him, take courage, and make a decision just do what He prompts us to do and stop making excuses as to why we can’t do something.
For more lessons click on the following link: http://granvillenychurchofchrist.org/?page_id=566
All comments can be emailed to: bfronzek@gmail.com

God loves a cheerful giver by Roy Davison

http://www.oldpaths.com/Archive/Davison/Roy/Allen/1940/give.html

God loves a cheerful giver

“So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7). The Revised Standard Version has “not reluctantly or under compulsion.”

Do not give grudgingly or under compulsion!
In the church of Christ each one is to give as he purposes in his own heart and there is to be no compulsion.
I once attended a Pentecostal tent meeting in Canada where plastic buckets were passed around several times to collect money. For a half an hour the preacher pled with the people to give more and more. He himself drove a Cadillac.
I once attended a Catholic mass as a visitor in West Flanders where the priest went up and down each row of chairs, holding out the collection basket and looking each person straight in the eye. When he came to me, I said: “No, thank you.”
Worldly churches often use unscriptural methods of obtaining money. When I was a boy there was a building near our home that we called “The Bingo Church.” The only sign was a large billboard with the words: “Bingo Every Thursday Night!” Some denominations sell lottery tickets, have rummage sales and use all kinds of gimmicks to raise money.
Some misuse religion for material gain. Paul warned Timothy about such people, “men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. From such withdraw yourself” (1 Timothy 6:5).
Giving is an important aspect of being a Christian, and an opportunity to give is provided on the Lord’s day (1 Corinthians 16:2). But in the church of Christ we may not pressure people to give or use worldly devices to obtain money. Christians give as they have purposed in their own heart and as the Lord has prospered them.
Church leaders have no right to tell people how much to give or to ask for pledges. How much someone gives is between him and God. We should not ask for funds from non-Christians and visitors are not expected to contribute. 
Paul wrote to Philemon: “But without your consent I wanted to do nothing, that your good deed might not be by compulsion, as it were, but voluntary” (Philemon 14).
God wants us to give willingly out of love. 

We give cheerfully because God has given so much to us.
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights” (James 1:17). “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son” (John 3:16). Jesus “gave Himself for our sins” (Galatians 1:4). “Walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us” (Ephesians 5:2). God is generous and He wants us to be like Him.

God wants us to give ourselves to Him.
Even though they were poor, the churches of Macedonia gave generously because they had first given themselves to God: “Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia: that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality. For I bear witness that according to their ability, yes, and beyond their ability, they were freely willing, imploring us with much urgency that we would receive the gift and the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. And this they did, not as we had hoped, but first gave themselves to the Lord, and then to us by the will of God” (2 Corinthians 8:1-5).
Christians are generous with their time and resources because they have given themselves to God and they love their fellow man.

God wants us to be generous.
“He who has a bountiful eye will be blessed, for he gives of his bread to the poor” (Proverbs 22:9).
We are to be generous even to our enemies: “If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink; for so you will heap coals of fire on his head, and the Lord will reward you” (Proverbs 25:21, 22).

We are to share.
When the people asked John the Baptist, “What shall we do then?” he replied, “He who has two tunics, let him give to him who has none; and he who has food, let him do likewise” (Luke 3:10, 11).
Paul wrote: “Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life” (1 Timothy 6:17-19).

God wants us to lay up treasure in heaven.
Jesus said: “Sell what you have and give alms; provide yourselves money bags which do not grow old, a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches nor moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Luke 12:33, 34).

God will bless us if we are generous.
“Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you” (Luke 6:38). If we use a teaspoon to measure out our gifts, God will use a teaspoon for our blessings. If we use a dump-truck to bless others, God will use a dump-truck to bless us.
Paul explained to the Corinthians that God would provide for their needs if they were generous: “But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, have an abundance for every good work. As it is written: ‘He has dispersed abroad, He has given to the poor; His righteousness remains forever.’ Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness, while you are enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us to God” (2 Corinthians 9:6-11). 
He explains that their sharing brings glory to God: “For the administration of this service not only supplies the needs of the saints, but also is abounding through many thanksgivings to God, while, through the proof of this ministry, they glorify God for the obedience of your confession to the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal sharing with them and all men” (2 Corinthians 9:12, 13). The churches of Galatia were told: “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith” (Galatians 6:10).

God wants us to work so we can give.
Paul had set an example in this for the Christians at Ephesus: “Yes, you yourselves know that these hands have provided for my necessities, and for those who were with me. I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” (Acts 20:34, 35). 
In his letter to this same church, he wrote: “Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need” (Ephesians 4:28).

God wants us to give both personally and through the church.
Our good deeds are to be done discreetly. Jesus said: “But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly” (Matthew 6:3, 4).
Christians give on the first day of the week. Paul told the Christians at Corinth: “On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come” (1 Corinthians 16:2).
Gifts can also be given at other times to meet special needs. We read about the church at Jerusalem: “Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, and laid them at the apostles’ feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need” (Acts 4:34, 35).

A gift that we do not miss is not a real gift.
“Now Jesus sat opposite the treasury and saw how the people put money into the treasury. And many who were rich put in much. Then one poor widow came and threw in two mites, which make a quadrans. So He called His disciples to Him and said to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all those who have given to the treasury; for they all put in out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all that she had, her whole livelihood’” (Mark 12:41-44).
We are not really giving if we just give what is left over. Our giving should be planned. We are to give as we have purposed in our heart.

How then are we to give?
May we not be like the little girl who was given two coins, one to buy candy and one to put in the collection. As she skipped along the street she dropped one of the coins and it rolled into a drain. As she peered through the grate she said: “Whoops! There went the Lord’s money!”
What have we learned?
  • “Let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7).
  • No compulsion is to be used in the church of Christ.
  • We give cheerfully because God has given us so much.
  • God wants us to give ourselves to Him.
  • He wants us to be generous and to share so we can lay up treasure in heaven.
  • God will bless us if we are generous.
  • He wants us to work so we can give.
  • We give both personally and through the church.
  • A gift that we do not miss is not a real gift.
May the Lord bless you richly. Amen.
Roy Davison


The Scripture quotations in this article are from The New King James Version. ©1979,1980,1982, Thomas Nelson Inc., Publishers unless indicated otherwise. Permission for reference use has been granted.

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

Thank you by Gary Rose




I missed Sunday morning service due to health issues, but I heard about the sermon David Stearsman gave on Prayer. Everyone was talking about it, so naturally, when I saw this picture, it caught my attention. Along with the picture, a question came to the forefront of my mind: What do we pray about? First, I thought of Jesus’ “model prayer” in the sermon on the mount and then how many times the apostle Paul mentions prayer in his salutations to the various churches. But, there is nothing like the simplicity of just saying “THANK YOU”. And that is something we should never forget to do. Why? Because Jesus has done everything for us and we SHOULD THANK HIM.
Consider…


Luke 17 ( Modern Literal Version )
Luk 17:12, And while entering into a certain village, ten men who were lepers encountered him there, who stood farther out;
Luk 17:13, and they lifted up their voices, saying, Jesus, Master*, show-mercy to us.
Luk 17:14, ¶ And when* he saw them, he said to them, When* you travel back, show° yourselves to the priests. And it happened, while* they were going, they were cleansed.
Luk 17:15, Now one out of them, having seen that he was healed, turned back with a loud voice, glorifying God; (emphasis added)
Luk 17:16, and he fell upon his face beside his feet, giving-thanks to him, and he was a Samaritan.
Luk 17:17, ¶ But Jesus answered and said, Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine?
Luk 17:18, Was there no one found, except this immigrant, who returned to give glory to God?
Luk 17:19, And he said to him, Stand and travel. Your faith has saved you.


Not everything in life is complicated, sometimes the best thing we can do is to remember to say THANK YOU. I think that today I will try to make that singular thought the emphasis in my prayers to God. And I hope that you will as well.

3/18/19

"THE EPISTLE OF JAMES" A Servant Of God And The Lord Jesus Christ (1:1) by Mark Copeland


"THE EPISTLE OF JAMES"

A Servant Of God And The Lord Jesus Christ (1:1)

INTRODUCTION

1. In our introductory study, we concluded that James, the Lord's
   brother, was most likely the author

2. If this is so, then it is interesting that James does not identify
   himself as such, but rather as simply "a servant of God and of the
   Lord Jesus Christ" (1:1)

3. Perhaps it was a case of humility; yet, calling himself a "servant"
   was not peculiar to James
   a. Paul described himself as such as well - Ro 1:1; Php 1:1
   b. So did Peter (2Pe 1:1) and Jude (Jude 1)

4. Why did these men refer to themselves as "servants"?
   a. The Greek term (DOULOS) literally means "a slave"
   b. Why use such a term to describe themselves?
   c. And why should WE think of ourselves as "servants"?

5. In this lesson, I shall explain why, and make some other observations
   concerning the idea of being a servant

[First of all...]

I. BEING A SERVANT IS "WHAT A DISCIPLE OF JESUS IS CALLED TO BE"

   A. JESUS STRESSED THIS TRUTH ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS...
      1. While pointing out the faults of the scribes and Pharisees
         - Mt 23:8-12
      2. During the Last Supper, with a vivid demonstration of servitude
         - Jn 13:12-17
      3. Even by His own example, as He came to serve - Mt 20:25-28;Php 2:5-8

   B. SPECIFICALLY, WE ARE CALLED TO SERVE...
      1. God - Jm 1:1; He 9:14
      2. Jesus Christ - Jm 1:1; 1Co 4:1
      3. Righteousness - Ro 6:17-18
      4. Each other - Ga 5:13; 1Co 9:19-23

[The early Christians called themselves "servants", because that is what
they were!

But what is so good about being a "servant"?  For one thing...]

II. BEING A SERVANT IS "A MARK OF SPIRITUAL MATURITY"

   A. AN IMMATURE PERSON IS USUALLY VERY SELFISH...
      1. For example, newborn babies are very ego-centrical
      2. Normally, as people grow older, they begin to concern themselves
         with the needs of others
         a. If they do, they are becoming mature
         b. If they remain selfish, it is an indication of immaturity

   B. A PERSON WHO SERVES OTHERS...
      1. Is certainly not selfish, but concerned with the needs of others
      2. And thereby demonstrates mature behavior

   C. JAMES' DESCRIPTION OF HIMSELF FITS IN VERY WELL WITH THE "THEME"
      OF HIS EPISTLE...
      1. Remember, the theme is:  MARKS OF SPIRITUAL MATURITY
      2. By being a servant, James is demonstrating his own spiritualmaturity
      3. And we can make the point that one of the marks of spiritual
         maturity is truly being "a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus
         Christ"!

[Are we trying to be servants of God, and of His Son, the Lord Jesus
Christ?  If so, then we are on the road to spiritual maturity!

But before we answer too hastily, let's consider that...]

III. BEING A SERVANT HAS SEVERAL "IMPLICATIONS"

   A. IT IMPLIES "ABSOLUTE OBEDIENCE"...
      1. In a slave-master relationship...
         a. The slave knows no law but his master's word
         b. He has no rights of his own
         c. He is the absolute possession of his master
         d. He is bound to give his master unquestioning obedience
      2. Does this describe our relationship to Christ?
         a. It should, especially in light of 1Co 6:19-20
         b. We have to come to Jesus on HIS terms, not our own 
            - Lk 6:46; Mt 7:21

   B. IT IMPLIES "ABSOLUTE HUMILITY"...
      1. Otherwise, absolute obedience is not possible
         a. When we have a humble opinion of ourselves, we are receptive
            to the idea of complete obedience
         b. For example, consider Paul's self-estimation 
            - 1Co 15:9-10;Ep 3:8; 1Ti 1:15
      2. Does this describe our relationship to Christ and His Will?
         a. Jesus said it should! - Lk 17:10
         b. But if we murmur or complain about what Jesus tells us to do,
            can we really be considered "servants"?

   C. IT IMPLIES "ABSOLUTE LOYALTY"...
      1. Since we become servants FREELY, it should be expected that we:
         a. Are to be loyal to Him first - cf. Ga 1:10
         b. Do not consider our own profit or preference important, but
            that of the One we freely serve!
      2. But it is amazing how anyone can claim to be servants of the
         Lord Jesus Christ, while:
         a. Complaining about having to do the will of God, OR...
         b. Being negligent or slothful in carrying out His will
      3. But some act as though they are being forced against their own will!
         a. They don't "have to" serve the Lord Jesus...
            1) Of course, the alternative is not very inviting
            2) If we don't serve Jesus, by default we serve Satan, and
               are destined for hell!
         b. But God by His grace has offered salvation, and how dare we
            ever grumble or complain that He calls us to life of service
            in grateful appreciation!

[These are some of the implications of being called a "servant".  It
is costly in terms of service, pride, and allegiance.

But consider also that...]

IV. BEING A SERVANT IS "A GREAT HONOR"

   A. FAR FROM BEING A TITLE OF DISHONOR, IT WAS THE TITLE BY WHICH THE
      GREATEST MEN OF THE OLD TESTAMENT WERE KNOWN...
      1. Abraham, Isaac, Jacob - Deut 9:27 ("Thy servants")
      2. Moses - 1Ki 8:53 ("Thy servant")
      3. Joshua - Josh 24:29 ("Servant of the Lord")
      4. Caleb - Num 14:24 ("My servant")
      5. Job - Job 1:8 ("My servant")
      6. Isaiah - Isa 20:3 ("My servant")
      7. The prophets - Jer 7:25 ("My servants")

   B. HOW WONDERFUL IT WOULD BE IF GOD LOOKED UPON US AS COMPANIONS OF
      THESE GREAT MEN...
      1. Who found freedom, peace, and glory!
      2. Who found it in perfect submission to the Will of God!

CONCLUSION

1. He will, IF we are willing to accept the call to serve Him and His
   Son Jesus Christ with...
   a. Absolute obedience
   b. Absolute humility
   c. Absolute loyalty

2. And when we are serving God, His Son Jesus Christ, and even each other
   in this manner, we are making great strides towards SPIRITUAL
   MATURITY!

"...a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ" - can this be said
of us?

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2016

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