Pope Francis Claims God Will Save Atheists by Kyle Butt, M.Div.

 

https://apologeticspress.org/APContent.aspx?category=12&article=4667

Pope Francis Claims God Will Save Atheists

by	Kyle Butt, M.Div.

On Wednesday, May 22, 2013 Pope Francis conducted Mass in Rome. During that service, he made one of the most memorable and astonishing statements ever spoken by anyone who calls himself a Christian. The theme of his sermon was that all humans should do good deeds for others. In the course of the talk he stated:

The Lord has redeemed all of us, all of us, with the Blood of Christ: all of us, not just Catholics. Everyone! “Father, the atheists?” Even the atheists. Everyone! And this Blood makes us children of God of the first class! We are created children in the likeness of God and the Blood of Christ has redeemed us all! And we all have a duty to do good. And this commandment for everyone to do good, I think, is a beautiful path towards peace. If we, each doing our own part, if we do good to others, if we meet there, doing good, and we go slowly, gently, little by little, we will make that culture of encounter: we need that so much. We must meet one another doing good. “But I don’t believe, Father, I am an atheist!” But do good: we will meet one another there (“Pope at Mass...,” 2013, emp. added).

The Pope’s statement highlights two very important issues. First, it shows how far the Pope and the Catholic Church have fallen from the teachings of Jesus Christ. Jesus explained to the first-century Jews: “If you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins” (John 8:24). His point could not have been more clear: acceptance of the fact that Jesus is the Son of God is required for salvation. That is why Jesus told His apostles: “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6). Furthermore, the inspired apostle Paul explained that Jesus Christ is coming “from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Thessalonians 1:7-8, emp. added). John, the disciple whom Jesus loved, boldly stated: “Who is a liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist who denies the Father and the Son. Whoever denies the Son does not have the Father either; he who acknowledges the Son has the Father also.” Make no mistake, neither Jesus nor His inspired apostles ever once hinted at the possibility that people who do not believe in God will be saved. They will not. Revelation 21:8 explains: “But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral…shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death” (emp. added).

The second issue evident in Francis’ statement is the fact that pressure from the unbelieving community is mounting. As the number of unbelievers gradually increases, so does the temptation to appease them and attempt to bend the truth to ingratiate one’s self or organization with unbelievers. As Christians—followers of Jesus Christ—we must resist this tempation at all cost. Yes, praise God, Jesus’ blood is powerful enough to redeem unbelievers, if and only if, those unbelievers turn to Him with humble hearts, confess that He is God’s son, and obey the Gospel (Lyons and Butt, n.d.). Barring that response, unbelievers can look forward to nothing in the afterlife except a “certain fearful expectation of judgment” (Hebrews 10:27).

REFERENCES

Lyons, Eric and Kyle Butt (No Date), Receiving the Gift of Salvation, Apologetics Press, http://apologeticspress.org/pdfs/e-books_pdf/Receiving%20the%20Gift%20of%20Salvation.pdf.

“Pope at Mass: Culture of Encounter Is the Foundation of Peace” (2013), Vatican Radio, http://en.radiovaticana.va/news/2013/05/22/pope_at_mass:_culture_of_encounter_is_the_foundation_of_peace/en1-694445.

"THE GOSPEL OF MARK" Beware Of Pretentious Scribes (12:38-40) by Mark Copeland

 

"THE GOSPEL OF MARK"

 Beware Of Pretentious Scribes (12:38-40)

INTRODUCTION

1. Teaching in the temple on Tuesday of the Last Week, Jesus has
   countered the doctrines of various religious and political leaders...
   a. The Pharisees and Herodians
   b. The Sadducees and scribes

2. Toward the end, He then addressed the practices of some of them...
   a. Especially the scribes - Mk 12:38-40
   b. But also the Pharisees - cf. Mt 23:1-39

[Mark’s gospel limits Jesus’ censure to pretentious (self-important and
affected, made to look or sound important) scribes, which we shall also
do in this lesson.  Let’s begin with what is said about the...]

I. PRETENTIOUS SCRIBES IN JESUS’ DAY

   A. DESIRED TO WEAR THEIR LONG ROBES...
      1. Their "flowing robes" were full-length prayer shawls with
         tassels attached to the four corners, in contrast to the
         colorful common Jewish dress. - J.R. Edwards (PNTC)
      2. Made of wool or linen, these blanket-like mantles, known as
         tallits, distinguished rabbis and scholars as men of wealth and eminence. - ibid.
      -- They relished the distinction of their robes and the attention it gave them

   B. LOVED GREETINGS IN THE MARKETPLACES...
      1. "the formal salutations in the market-places, and to have the
         people address them as ‘rabbi.’ " - Hendriksen (NTC); cf. Mt 23:6
      2. What the men who are here rebuked were always longing for was
         not a mere token of friendliness but rather a demonstration of
         respect, a public recognition of their prominence. - ibid.
      -- They wanted to be addressed by titles that distinguished and elevated them

   C. BEST SEATS IN THE SYNAGOGUES...
      1. Refers to the benches along the walls of the synagogues, and
         especially to the dais at the front of the synagogue, which
         faced the congregation seated on the floor in the middle of the
         synagogue. - Edwards (PNTC)
      2. These "first seats," as they were called in Greek, were
         reserved for teachers and persons of rank, and afforded the
         best position from which to address the congregation. - ibid.
      -- They loved the honor and attention such seats gave them

   D. BEST PLACES AT FEASTS...
      1. Seating at banquets was either according to age or according to
         importance. - C.A. Evans (WBC)
      2. Jesus had warned against seeking out the best places at a feast - Lk 14:7-11
      -- They wanted privileges they felt due their position and stature

   E. DEVOUR WIDOWS’ HOUSES...
      1. By embezzling funds set up for the care of widows - Evans (WBC)
      2. By freeloading on the hospitality of widows - ibid.
      3. By mismanaging estates or wills of widows entrusted to them - ibid.
      -- They took advantage of widows who trusted them

   F. FOR SHOW OFFER LONG PRAYERS...
      1. The scribes were capable of lengthy, eloquent prayers - Evans (WBC)
      2. But this they did in pretense, consistent with their
         ostentation in dress and pursuit of honors and recognition - ibid.
      -- They paraded their religious knowledge and supposed piety

[Human nature being what it is, it should not surprise us that there can also be...]

II. PRETENTIOUS ‘SCRIBES’ IN OUR DAY

   A. MINISTERS ARE OFTEN ELEVATED...
      1. Distinctive clerical garb, without NT authority
      2. Religious titles (Reverend, Father, Pastor, Preacher) - contra Mt 23:8-10
         a. Apostle, prophet, pastor, elder, evangelist, teacher are
            descriptive terms in the NT
         b. They are never used as religious titles in the NT
      3. Reserved seating in worship
      4. Preferred treatment at social gatherings
      5. Unaccountable control of financial resources
      6. Always being asked to lead public prayers
      -- Even well-intentioned respect can easily lead to pretentiousness

   B. MINISTERS OFTEN ELEVATE THEMSELVES...
      1. Preferring to wear distinctive clothing to stand out, gain respect
      2. Expecting others to address them by religious titles
      3. Demanding special seating in worship
      4. Assuming preferred treatment in social settings
      5. Embezzling church funds, taking advantage of widows
      6. Praying long, showy prayers by rote
      -- Ministers of Christ are called to be humble servants - Mt 23:11-12

CONCLUSION

1. The words of Jesus should serve as a warning...
   a. Not just to those who might be led astray by the pretentiousness of religious leaders
   b. But by religious leaders themselves, lest they no longer serve as
      true ministers of Christ

2. It is not just religious leaders who can have problems with pretentiousness...
   a. The average Christian can easily be ostentatious in their conduct and clothing
   b. Thus we should give careful thought to these words of Jesus:

   And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles
   himself will be exalted. - Mt 23:12         

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2016

5 Things to Do During Troubling Times by Ken Weliever, The Preacherman

 

https://thepreachersword.com/2020/10/08/5-things-to-do-during-troubling-times/#more-14321

5 Things to Do During Troubling Times

“I’m in trouble.”

Trouble.

It’s a word that stops us in our tracks. Gets our attention. And causes us to listen.

There are all kinds of trouble. Car trouble. Financial trouble. Relational trouble. Legal trouble. Marital trouble.

Some troubles are physical. Others are mental. Emotional. Or even spiritual.

We encounter trouble in our jobs. At home. In our neighborhoods. And even at church.

Sometimes, we sing a hymn by Bill Gaither that begins like this.

Troublesome times are here, filling men’s hearts with fear
Freedom we all hold dear now is at stake
Humbling your hearts to God saves from the chastening rod
Seek the way pilgrims trod, Christians awake

During this highly polarized, and partisan election year we talk about our country being in trouble. It reminds me of a quip by the American novelist and social critic Sinclair Lewis “The trouble with this country is that there are too many people going about saying, ‘The trouble with this country is….’”

Whatever trouble you’re facing right now, here are 5 suggestions from Scripture that will help you deal with trouble.

#1 Realize your troubles are not unique or unusual.

The patriarch Job affirmed, “Man who is born of woman Is of few days and full of trouble” (Job 14:1).

Some of life’s troubles are the result of others’ misdeeds or mistreatment. Some troubles are self-inflicted. And other troubles are simply the result of time and chance (Eccl. 9:11). Also God may use trouble as a means of discipline (Heb 12:3-11).

The advice columnist Ann Landers was once asked what the single piece of advice she would offer humanity. She replied, “Expect trouble as an inevitable part of life, and when it comes, hold your head high, look it squarely in the eye and say, ‘I will be bigger than you. You cannot defeat me.”

#2 Call on the Lord.

The Psalms often speak of the trial of trouble. David’s often repeated answer was, “I will call upon God (Ps. 55:16). Asaph said, In the day of trouble I sought the Lord (Ps. 77:2).

The Bible teaches that God knows about our troubles. Cares about our problems. Hears our cry. And will answer our fervent prayer.

#3 Remember past blessings.

When Asaph faced trouble, he said, “I will remember the works of the Lord.” He recalled the Lord’s works of old. His greatness. His goodness. His grace. And the blessings he received through the years (Ps. 77:10-15).

When we’re in the midst of some troubling situation, it’s easy to forget about all the good things we’ve enjoyed. How God has blessed us. And the Divine promise to never leave us or forsake us.

#4 Meditate on the Word.

In our hectic, fast-paced culture, with a demanding agenda, never-ending task lists, and jam-packed schedules, meditation is a lost virtue.

Unfortunately, when trouble comes, we may waste time wringing our hands and worrying, instead of meditating on God’s Word. His works. And His will for our lives.

In the face of trouble, Asaph resolved to meditate on God’s mighty deeds. David provides for us the right focus when he wrote in Ps 119:15-16

I will meditate on Your precepts,
And contemplate Your ways.
I will delight myself in Your statutes;
I will not forget Your word.

“Meditation is vital to spiritual development,” opined Dee Bowman. And it’s vital to look at our troubles with the right perspective and moving forward.

#5 Declare God’s goodness.

As Asaph worked his way through trouble, he realized that God is great, works wonders, and offers redemption. So he exclaimed, “I will declare your strength among the peoples” (Ps 77:13-15).

Too often we grumble and grip against God when we face trouble. Or worse yet, we blame God.

You will feel better and your troubles will be easier to face and resolve when you enlist God’s help. Praise Him. And verbally proclaim His presence, providence and power working in your life.

Finally, it’s well to remember the succinct advice of William Arthur Ward. “Wise are they who have learned these truths: Trouble is temporary. Time is tonic. Tribulation is a test tube.”

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman

MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS UNDER THE NEW COVENANT? BY STEVE FINNELL

 

https://steve-finnell.blogspot.com/2016/11/musical-instruments-under-new-covenant.html

MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS UNDER THE NEW COVENANT? BY STEVE FINNELL

Did God authorize the use of musical instruments under the New Covenant? Yes, He did. Not only did God authorize musical instrument in the New Testament, He commanded them. He also commanded we sing without instruments.

Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. (NKJV)

We are commanded to sing psalms. Colossians 3:16, Ephesians 5:19.

What is a psalm? Psalm 81:2 Raise a song, strike the timbrel, The sweet sounding lyre with the harp. (NASB)

PSALM DEFINED

1. Word Origin: Old English, from Late Latin psalmus. from Greek psalmos accompanied on the harp, from psallein to play (the harp) (Ref. Collins English Dictionary)

 2. Primarily denoted a striking or twitching with the finger (on musical strings), then, a sacred song, sung to musical accompaniment, a psalm. (Ref. Vine's Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words)

3. Word Origin and History for psalm: Old English psealm, salm, partly from Old French psaume, saume, partly from Church Latin psalmus, from Greek psalmos "song sung to a harp," originally "performance on stringed instrument; a plucking of a harp (cf. psaltes "harper"), from psallein "play on a stringed instrument, pull, twitch"

Used in Septuagint for Hebrew mizmor "song," especially the sort sung by David to the harp. Related: Psalmodize; psalmody.... (Ref. Online Etymology Dictionary, 2010 Douglas Harper)

4. Origin of Psalm: Middle English, from Old English psealm, from Late Latin psalmus, from Greek psalmos, literally, twanging of a harp. from psallein to pluck, play a stringed instrument. First Known Use: before 12th century. (REF. Merriam Webster)

God did not change the definition of the word psalm from the Old Testament to the New Testament. Psalm did not mean with musical instruments on 32 AD and then on the Day of Pentecost change to mean without instruments.

If God says it, it is His tradition. If men speak things that God did not, it is man-made tradition.

I believe worshipping with or without musical instruments is acceptable to God. It should never be a test of fellowship.   

The Teacher by Sandra F. Cobble

 

https://www.oldpaths.com/Archive/Cobble/Sandra/Fontaine/1933/teacher.html

The Teacher

Sandy almost wished she was not required to wear her helmet. The warm June breeze would feel good flowing through her hair as she rode home on her motor scooter. She was happy. Today, her whole world seemed right to her. Last week she had led the procession through graduation exercises. When she finished the quarter for which she had just registered, she would receive her Associate of Arts Degree, Magna cum laude. And she had already been accepted by David Lipscomb College where she would pursue her Bachelor's Degree, and perhaps even her Master's. After nearly forty-four years, a seemingly impossible dream of teaching was becoming a reality.

The desire to become a teacher had taken root when Sandy was seven. She had been in an orphanage several months. As usual, that morning the children were scattered out by two's and three's along the several blocks to the school. Sandy preferred to walk alone. She liked to think about things. But this morning was different. There was something about the little girl she had just passed. Sandy turned and went back. The girl was dragging -- really dragging her feet -- making every step last as long as possible.

As they talked, Sandy learned that the girl was terrified of crossing streets. Having been raised in Los Angeles, Sandy had known how to read signals and observe traffic almost by the time she could walk. When they got to the first crossing, Sandy even had to help the girl off the curb. As she helped, she also explained the signals, and how important it was to look both ways before crossing. The next street was easier. Then their steps quickened. By the time they reached school, the girl was eagerly explaining to Sandy how to cross safely!

But the climax came that afternoon. The girl was walking with a group a little ahead of Sandy. One girl in the group started to cross before the light changed. The girl whom Sandy had taught held her back and began explaining the proper way to cross! It was a thrill to Sandy. She had done her job well. And she knew she must teach.

However, the realities of life had forced Sandy to lay aside her dream. Then shortly after her husband's death nearly three years before, she had become acquainted with a minister who thought in terms of possibilities, rather than impossibilities. At his encouragement, she had completed her high school studies. Then at her request he had begun teaching her the Koine Greek of the New Testament. As he taught, he also taught her how to meet the challenges of life. Then an opportunity had come for her to attend the local community college. It had been thirty two years since she had sat in a classroom. She was hesitant. But with his encouragement she entered. And now her dream was on its way to becoming a reality.

Sandy fastened the strap securely under her chin and began the five mile trip home. It was good to be alive. "You are in St. Thomas Hospital in Nashville," the voice said. "You have been in an accident." "Apparently your helmet came off," the voice continued. "Your skull has been fractured." "And", the voice went on enumerating, "both of your legs have been broken. You have broken ribs and a punctured lung. The bones of your left hand have been broken." Sandy was left-handed! "And," the voice continued, "two of your vertebrae are cracked. Probably you were thrown forward, then backward. Your spinal cord is severed." Her world stood still.... "You will be permanently paralyzed from your chest down."

"Sandra," her teacher friend told her, "You have climbed mountains before by doing what you can, where you are, with what you have. Now God will enable you to climb another mountain by doing what you can't, where you are not, with what you do not have. Peter could not walk on water, but he did. Jesus, on the cross, did more for the world than any other off the cross. So you may be able to do more to help and inspire mankind, on this cross, or in a wheelchair as you learn and teach than you could walking around on two good legs."

Sandy believed him. Then came the infection in the lining of her heart. "Crash cart, room 226, stat!" came the voice over the intercom. That was her room! But even eight weeks in the hospital did not diminish her determination to continue her education and to become a teacher.

But she cried all night her first night in the nursing home. Within a few days she began physical therapy. Therapy was intense and rigorous. But every effort, no matter how feeble, met with approval. Sometimes, though, it seemed to Sandy that she progressed one inch forward and two inches backwards. When not in therapy, she was free to pursue her own interests. While in college she had begun writing, and some of her work had been published. She wrote an article on being in control of one's own life. It was quickly published. About the same time, her hometown newspaper did a feature story on her. After months of therapy she had finally come to the point of being able to transfer from her chair to the mat. Then while practicing transfers she fell -- on concrete.

She had broken her fall with her left hand. Her hand was not broken. But it was some time before she was allowed to use it in transferring. The fall made Sandy do some serious thinking. Would she ever reach the point where she could live alone? And, if she did, would it be wise? Would not she be imposing too great a burden on her friends? Other paraplegics had been held up to her as examples, but on investigating, Sandy found that each either had a family, or at least part-time help. She would have neither.

There were two paraplegics in the nursing home. Elizabeth had her spinal cord severed at the same point as Sandy's. She had been in the nursing home over thirty years. She could not even bother to dress herself. Nor could she transfer. And there was Don. He, too, was injured as she. And he was helpless. He had been there eight years. Was she not a fool for thinking she could make it on her own? She began to get despondent. And remembering the words which she had written, Sandy became even more despondent. She could write words, but she could not live by her own words!

"Whether you ever reach the point where you can live alone," admonished the therapist, "will depend on you." And Sandy knew he spoke truth. Other things began to come into her consideration. Most of the patients were very elderly. Would she possibly have to spend thirty years or more here? And what about those who cared about her? Would not she be letting them down if she gave up without trying further? She could not give up. She might not make it. But she was not going to give up.

Months passed. To qualify for Medicaid, Sandy had to sell her home. The money she received from her own life insurance for loss of the use of her legs had to go on medical expenses. Then she learned that the drunken driver who had rammed her motor scooter from behind only got a three year sentence, and would probably serve less than one year. She faced a lifetime sentence in a wheelchair. She had already lost everything . Her hopes and dreams, her home, and almost her life. Now this! Bitterly, she slammed the trapeze bar with a left hook. Life was unfair! She had been refused Medicaid again -- this time because of a trust fund her church had established for her.

Sandy knew she was getting into deep water, and she knew she needed help. But she was ashamed to call home. Surely she could work this out by herself. But as the evening wore on, she knew she had better call someone. Thoughts of suicide were already venturing into her mind. It was late, but the local minister stayed until she calmed down. Two elders from her home congregation came the next day. So did her teacher friend. She knew they had been called. But they did not rebuke her. They cared. They were there to help. They were there because they loved her. And together they found a solution. Her world was right again. And her determination was renewed.

Finally the day arrived! It was moving day! A day which Sandy had thought might never come. She was home in her new apartment. She adjusted more quickly to independent living than anyone had anticipated. Sandy had resumed her studies while in the nursing home. Shortly after returning home she had received her degree. Now there was a new class for which she registered.

The assignment called for her to write two short stories. Sandy had chosen to write from her own personal experience. The first had been submitted. Now she was working on the second. "Tell your readers," instructed her professor, "why you were so determined to leave the nursing home." She really had intended to write about some characters and incidents which took place. And she was still free to do so. But his suggestion made her stop and think. Why was she so determined to leave? She knew she could serve God wherever she might be. She knew those who loved her would not be disappointed in her if she had chosen to stay, even after she was capable of leaving. And she knew she was taking a very big risk. But she still had been determined to leave. Why?

As Sandy pondered the question, her understanding began to be opened. Crossing a street can be a challenge in the life of a child. Because Sandy had early learned to meet that challenge, she had been able to teach another through word and example. She had done more than just teach a child to cross a street safely. She had taught her to meet the challenges of life. And now through her writing and through her example of determination she would teach others to meet the challenges in their lives.

God had enabled her to climb another mountain! She had become the teacher she had dreamed of becoming! The textbooks from which she taught were the eternal truths of God, written both in the Bible and in the universe, and the examples of her own life. Her classroom was the hearts and minds of men. And her students were scattered throughout the world. For already those who had seen her life and read her words, were using them to teach others -- even in other nations! The encouragement she had received from those who had heard about her efforts to fight victoriously in the battles of life, including a personal note from Nancy Reagan in the White House, would help her to encourage them to do the same in their battles.

Look! Is not that another mountain out yonder? And is not that a Doctorate in Languages and Linguistics at the peak? What challenges will be along the way?

Sandra F. Cobble

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

If the blind... by Gary Rose

 

Well, what do we have here? Just a shifting selector for an automobile? Look again; why would anyone put braille markings on this? Answer: so a blind person could drive this car, that’s why.

If you see this in a car, do not get into the vehicle. If you are already in it, GET OUT -NOW! Riding with a blind driver at the wheel is not safe, your driver will lead you straight to an accident.

Consider the following two passages from the Bible, they align beautifully with this picture. The Bible says…

Matthew 15 ( World English Bible )

⁸ ‘These people draw near to me with their mouth, and honor me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.

⁹ And in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrine rules made by men.’”

¹⁰ He summoned the multitude, and said to them, “Hear, and understand.

¹¹ That which enters into the mouth doesn’t defile the man; but that which proceeds out of the mouth, this defiles the man.”

¹² Then the disciples came, and said to him, “Do you know that the Pharisees were offended, when they heard this saying?”

¹³ But he answered, “Every plant which my heavenly Father didn’t plant will be uprooted.

¹⁴ Leave them alone. They are blind guides of the blind. If the blind guide the blind, both will fall into a pit.”

WITH...

Matthew 7 ( WEB )

¹³ “Enter in by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many are those who enter in by it.

¹⁴ How narrow is the gate, and restricted is the way that leads to life! Few are those who find it.

¹⁵ “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves.

¹⁶ By their fruits you will know them. Do you gather grapes from thorns, or figs from thistles?

¹⁷ Even so, every good tree produces good fruit; but the corrupt tree produces evil fruit.

¹⁸ A good tree can’t produce evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree produce good fruit.

¹⁹ Every tree that doesn’t grow good fruit is cut down, and thrown into the fire.

²⁰ Therefore, by their fruits you will know them.

²¹ Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven; but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.

²² Many will tell me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, didn’t we prophesy in your name, in your name cast out demons, and in your name do many mighty works?’

²³ Then I will tell them, ‘I never knew you. Depart from me, you who work iniquity.’

²⁴ “Everyone therefore who hears these words of mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man, who built his house on a rock.

²⁵ The rain came down, the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat on that house; and it didn’t fall, for it was founded on the rock.

²⁶ Everyone who hears these words of mine, and doesn’t do them will be like a foolish man, who built his house on the sand.

²⁷ The rain came down, the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat on that house; and it fell—and great was its fall.”

²⁸ It happened, when Jesus had finished saying these things, that the multitudes were astonished at his teaching,

²⁹ for he taught them with authority, and not like the scribes.

In matters of religion, who you trust is everything. Those who lead in teaching and preaching may have more education or experience or native intelligence than you, but if they are saying something that is not in-line with what the Bible says- ignore them! They are blind to the truth, so don’t blindly accept what they say. If they cannot provide a Scriptural basis for their teaching, then there is from them and NOT GOD.

Trust in the one who has proven himself, Jesus. Think about it: If he is the one who died for you, who provides a way for you to be right with God, then why not listen to him? Or, you may wish to follow a person blind to God’s truth and then see where you wind up. Remember the shifting gear with the braille on it?

Follow Jesus and be safe, now and forever!

Robotic Hummingbird Defies Evolution by Kyle Butt, M.Div.

 

https://apologeticspress.org/APContent.aspx?category=12&article=3832

Robotic Hummingbird Defies Evolution

by	Kyle Butt, M.Div.

Imagine looking out your window one morning as the birds come to the feeder and seeing a hummingbird. As you look closer, however, you realize this is no ordinary hummingbird. It hovers, moves forward and backward, and is about the same size as other hummingbirds that you have seen, but this one has some striking differences. It is made out of lightweight, synthetic material and has a camera in its stomach, which is pointing right at you, filming everything you are doing! Anyone staring at a camera-laden hummingbird droid would immediately wonder who designed the machine and why it was sent. No one would entertain the idea that the perfectly functioning robot somehow evolved from natural processes that were at work in a junkyard down the street.

While this hummingbird robot sounds more like science fiction than science, it happens to be the latest gismo produced by the California-based company AeroVironment (Watson, 2011). Watson reported that the “Pentagon has poured millions of dollars into the development of tiny drones inspired by biology” (2011, emp. added). The product of this research is a robotic hummingbird “with a 6.5-inch wing span” that weighs “less than a AA battery and can fly at speeds up to 11 mph” (2011). The device has taken AeroVironment five years to produce and cost about four million dollars.

 

 

 

When compared to a “real,” living hummingbird, this contraption looks clumsy. Real hummingbirds can fly 25 miles per hour, and reach diving speeds of 60 miles per hour. They normally flap their wings about 50 times per second, but can flap them up to 200 times per second. If the amazing mechanical hummingbird took millions of dollars, several years, and a host of brilliant engineers to design, what are we forced to conclude about the real thing? Whoever designed it must have been more intelligent than the combined intelligence of the entire human engineering populace, since this latest hummingbird robot represents the very best humans can do. The supposed naturalistic process of evolution could never account for a creature like the hummingbird, nor for a mechanical imitation of it. When God asked the patriarch Job, “Does the hawk fly by your wisdom?” (Job 39:26), He was stressing the fact that flying creatures like hawks and hummingbirds provide outstanding evidence that God exists, and He knows infinitely more about everything than man does.

REFERENCE

Watson, Julie (2011), “Tiny Spy Planes Could Mimic Birds, Insects,” http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110301/ap_on_re_us/us_hummingbird_drone/print.