So here is a commercial running currently for the Creation Museum in Kentuky that I just got back from a few days ago. It was unbelieveable and I am writing a big post about it including many pictures. It should be up in a couple days, but until then I wanted to give you something neat to watch. (^_^)
Click to play
I don't know about you guys, but I need some springtime pick me up music. Things are wearing on me a bit. Nothing that is too much, heck half of it isn't even my troubles, but still. Now is a good time for some light and breezy, good spirited music. I'll update the playlist to the right sometime soon to reflect it.
The problems on deck these days are ones I can't divulge on and they put me in a mood to not write much about personal reflection or new understandings. So instead I'll just mention that I just got done watching season 5 of Scrubs and it was hilarious. It is a goofy show I know and I have to watch it on DVD as I have no cable, but man it is just such a genuine show to me. It mixes potentially devastating and realistic troubles with relatively clean humor. The characters are well developed and the writing is good. I love all the flashbacks and interaction; quirky comments and the like. It was nice to sit for a couple nights and just watch and giggle at them for a time.
I am also looking forward to Sunday morning. I am filling in a Sunday school lesson for one of the regulars. I will only have a few kids, but I have a lot planned. It should be exciting considering how early it is. We'll be talking about evidences in creation and design. I even have a game planned which is a rarity. Should be cool.
Also, a fun thing on the horizon is this coming Monday when the Creation museum is opening. My friend and I are taking a couple days off to trek down and check it out. It is a very exciting time and a big moment in history whether you're Christian or not.
That's about it for post 201...
(Post 200!!! Might as well make it a good one so forgive me if this seems a recount or is just "too long". I assure you it needs to be and will be good assuming I was clear enough about it. It is sparked from an article I just finished reading at ApologeticsPress.org.)
"Imagine donning a gown and mask, and walking into the operating suite of a Level One trauma center. That cool, sterile environment exudes extreme order and neatness—after all, surgeons need to have instant access to a multitude of surgical supplies. Lives are at stake, and time is of the utmost importance. Now, consider for a moment if someone were to suggest that this precisely ordered surgical suite happened by mere chance, and that every single item just “happened” to find its way there by chance. Sound ludicrous? Well, then, consider for a moment how ludicrous it is for men dressed in starched white lab coats to stand before college students and proclaim that this finely tuned Universe just “happened” without any intervention. It is an undeniable fact that the Universe is delicately ordered and intricately complex—far more so than any operating room. Yet, we continue to be told that we, and the Universe around us, are the end result of some vast, inexplicable cosmological accident that occurred 13.7 billion years ago."
The idea that this world is of chance is a fairly common one these days and some of us are being called to give answer on this. What do we say and where do we start? (...aside from quoting the creation account.) First and foremost, it is baseless to assume that something can come from nothing but past that stumbling block their are other equally significant problems such as the mechanics of "chance". As was mentioned before in the quote above, people see design, order, and purpose in what man creates, but can look at Gods greater creations and see chance. Why? Desire to rebel and maintain a certain feeling of control aside, I do not know.
On this topic of chance mechanics, let us just skip over for this post the insane idea that somehow things can come from nothing. Now, let me say that chance is itself not a real thing in reality. Sound nutty? "But wait theirs more!" (^_^) When we flip a coin we say their is a "50/50 chance" because their can be only two outcomes (which is not true since the edge of a coin is still valid landing area, but whatever). We are taught, not reasoned to think that this action is chance, but in reality down to the details this outcome is all mapped out by the way the coin is flipped, any interference it may find, the way it will land, and the type surface it will land on. These factors are also known as height, speed, gravity, wind, atmospheric conditions, friction, inertia, etc. "But doing the same action (a coin flip for instance) may result in different outcomes each time." Not really, each time you flip the coin you will set a minutely different amount of direction and force to it. Each time you flip the coin it will start off on a minutely different trajectory given how you launch it. Each time it lands it will hit a different area of surface material and no surface is free of imperfections which will effect its landing. All these things are not chance in truth, but are the result of design. The creator designed gravity, wind-resistance, inertia, friction, centrifugal force, and much much more. Each one not acting randomly but in precise order. The flip of a coin may then be "chance" in practical terms, but in the big picture it is hardly chance that a coin falls on one side or the other. It just happens to be out of our control and so we 'call' it chance. True chance is quite possibly an illusion in reality as chance exists only in practical use terms.
Now, when you break it all down, whether talking about the coin or a car crash, a tidal wave or a tornado, we see factors that effect the outcome or reasons that the event went the way it did. These are not chance occurrences then are they? No, granted we cannot control the outcome, mechanics are already in place that dictate how the outcome will be found.
Assuming I was clear enough with the preceding point I'll tie it in now to the quote at the start. Those who depend on the world being of chance and not design are unable to explain where these mechanics and processes 'arose from'. Why gravity acts it's way or why inertia is the way it is. True, they can explain "how" it works, but not "why" it works and that is the key to the point. How did these form into steadfast and firm laws or rules? If it has potentially existed from the beginning and has apparently never changed then it is certainly not an evolutionary process, one growing over time and interaction. It has to have been placed there from the start by an outside influence. This is just the tip of one or many icebergs an unbeliever must come to face. Their is no rational or intelligible reasoning behind a chance creation such as the big bang or evolution. This is futile thinking when we see that even our view of "chance" itself is often wrong. Since the mechanics behind chance are in all reality the exact opposite of defined chance then what basis does the claim against Gods design have among proponents of the "chance" arguments?
Romans 1:21 For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened.
Jeremiah 10:8 They are all senseless and foolish; they are taught by worthless wooden idols.
Psalm 94:11 The LORD knows the thoughts of man; he knows that they are futile.
Corinthians 3:20 and again, "The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile."
Recently their was a debate between the Rational Response (those who run the Blasphemy challenge) team and a couple of true evangelists from the Way of the Master program. It was split up (believer then atheist then believer) and as it played out it consisted of arguments I've had with avid atheists. At the start a choice and reason for belief was given, a response was produced from them with mocking tones and confused sciences/philosophies and I wanted to talk it out a bit.
At the beginning it was said that the debate was about proving God, which can only be done to the extent of "beyond reasonable doubt". (A point that was sorely not made...) The Theist started out talking about proof in three ways, one was creation (one of the most compelling proofs) then came two far less scientific points of moral law or conscience and finally personal proof (as a challenge to the unbeliever). I was not expecting this evangelism in the midst of a debate and I doubted it's effectiveness. It just seemed out of place in the midst of a debate and that worried me slightly. No sooner did I feel the concern did the atheists both blast at the evangelist with the usual arguments and mocking. I thought, "In terms of a debate this is over, but it was an evangelism outreach. How much good will it do when those being reached are seeking intellectual autonomy, not a savior." However, when they were done the second theist stood and instead of attempting to press back the waves of arguments put forth he spoke of his personal conversion and acknowledged that he too new the arguments and agreed with them once, but new better now. He made it know that this is about choice more than intellectual debating. I was very happy at that. Even though it was a debate they set up the atheists, knowing that they would focus on the hundreds of so-called arguments the theists side stepped it successfully concentrating their efforts where it is most important. Stifling the work of Satan and the efforts of the atheists.
I was very impressed to see their approach, but I was sorry to say that near the end of the debate (or the end of what I was able to watch) the atheists clobbered the evangelists with the same argument I had posted on recently and am still talking about over at the philosophy club. That of the universes creation. Now in truth, the evangelists had it locked down as they were able to rebuke the atheists claims had they understood it better, but they didn't. (That is the very reason I don't like live debates, their is just not enough time to seek truth in the opponents words or a defense of something you were unprepared for.)
It is hard to watch a confused group of unbelievers "win" a debate because the theists just don't know better. It's hard to watch them proudly strut around enjoying a false victory. The truth? Their is no rational reasoning that leads to disbelief and so when I see them clap and laugh and deny the Holy Spirit it calms my heart a bit to remember that these people are still given a clear choice and they are simply choosing. On the other hand they are choosing without all understanding, basing their choice on hardened hearts and internal desires instead of reason or logic.
I could write forever it seems, but if you want to see these short clips you can find them at the URL below. I think they just posted the next set of clips so I'm going to watch it now. I'm hopeful, but concerned about the outcome of this. Cheers though...to them who try.
ABC News: Nightline
*Edit: I just finished watching what parts were listed online (at the above link) and I was quite pleased by the end. Their were a few tense moments, but overall it became clearer and clearer as to who believed what and why. One of the most compelling sites in the debate was the demeanor of the evangelist/creationist side compared to the "Rational Response team". Speaks volumes about the foundation and the authority they are servants to.
Hey everyone, hope you're enjoying the year as it is...ups and downs aside. It's nice out... I wanted to stop by and say that the youth lesson on heroes and internal struggles went well and that the Spiderman 3 movie was awesome. (^_^) It is great, getting all these chances to speak and plan. This is the kind of stuff I love...well...more the writing and planning than the speaking, but it's all good. One thing I have to appreciate (aside from the opportunity) is the comfort I receive each time this happens. Making it easier and easier to do each time. It is a praise and a thanks to our God for building up his servants. I'm honored and joyful.
So, complaints and other thoughts this round would be that I would like more time to speak. This might seem a good thing to bring up to the group and or fight for, but I doubt it is the right thing to do. If I'm getting the correct picture of things youth group is not designed for deeper things, it is for fellowship mostly. It is a place that the kids are safe and welcome as well as instructed, but that instruction is on a smaller scale than a Bible study or a Sunday school lesson which would be more my style. I love talking to them, but their is so much to say that, let's be honest, 15 minutes is just not enough to make a dent.
Also, I'm a little down as well because the week long beach trip is cancelled. I'm not upset because I can't go to the beach, I'm not even upset because the kids will miss out on the beach trip. Instead I'm upset because that was a guaranteed time with 6 kids several days in a row to approach heavier and more impacting topics than heroes and the struggle of good and evil. Not that those are light topics to kids, but yea...disappointed.
Anyway, not going to rant forever about the speck in my eye when the plank is gone. Just wanted to stop and give an update. God Bless.
Wow, I'm all kinds of inspired to write today. This will be the third post...as if I have the time to spare. I'm reading up on some topics that interest me and I spotted an article that reminded me of another article I got in the mail. A very potent and very short article. Honestly it was more like a paragraph... It concerns the abortion issue.
Their are no shortages of opinions and heated emotions on this matter and it seems that half of them are born of people being tired of dealing with it. Generally I don't approach it as it is not one of those topics that I have weighing on my heart, but back to the point. This article had one verse on it and then a short paragraph putting it into a question form. The verse was Jeremiah 1:5, 5 "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations." I will add to this that the 6th commandment is do not murder (and that Jesus has linked murder and hatred together in the NT) because this is very important to the point.
Now, you and I have both heard the arguments of the day for abortion. That it can be done up to week 3 or 6 or up to the second trimester or other variations. All these are based on some form of reasoning or rationalization that life does not begin until well after the baby is growing, but when placed up against the God that gives life they are nothing less than foolishness. So what do we say to those who argue for when "life really begins"? Point to your Bible and Jeremiah 1:5, let them know that God had planned for them to live before they were even conceived. Tell them that because God had planned them and had already set aside the breathe of life for them, that they are only arguing to take life. They are advocating murder and defiance of Gods law. They may not understand (but you can explain it if they let you) and they may not appreciate the gravity of it, but they will have no where to hide from that truth. Worried about busting scripture out on someone? (I think I'll write a post about that next.) Fear not, scripture has withstood the advances of and crushed the tyranny of much more than their wicked hearts and plans. Don't be afraid to use it, but please use with love.
These are just my thoughts and my placement on the issue of abortion.
Next up we have a common Christian phrase, "repent of sin". It hit me square in the head as I was wasting time taking one of those "are you going to heaven or hell" quizzes online. Most of those are directed at informing non-believers or new Christians of their need for salvation through Jesus, but I have seen others that mock the faith. Anyway, I didn't actually finish it...I just wanted to see the questions it posed. One of these questions was "Do you repent of your sins?" I thought to myself, how would a non-Christian even understand that question? They wouldn't I'm willing to say, at least not to a meaningful level. I know plenty of active Christians who are unable to define what sin and repentance really is. If they can't, how can we slide a question like that in front of someone we hope to help find salvation and find (meaningful) success?
I have this opinion (you're surprised I'm sure, haha) that without reason and understanding a faith is fragile and in many cases prone to failure. In fact, I believe that much of our 80% backslider rate is because people try to believe on "faith alone". (Please don't think I am saying faith is not the only means to salvation, but that their is more to our belief and life as Christians than a simple faith.) It's just that people are never given reasons. They don't know how the world is a plain example of Gods existence. They don't know what good the Bible is in this modern day or why it can be trusted. They don't understand why the world is infected with corruption, pain, and death. They don't understand why their prayers don't get answered. They can't stay strong forever like that and, quite honestly, most don't. So, what does all this ranting have to do with the question?
Simply that when asking a question or approaching someone we aught to be instructive before posing such questions. Before asking a question about repentance they need to understand sin as without sin their is no need for repentance. So first we define sin for them quickly but clearly as lawbreaking (1 John 3:4) against God's laws and consequently God Himself. Sinning is breaking that law and being a sinner is just being guilty of breaking those laws, effectively making us criminals. Once sin is defined they can see the connection better when asked questions about stealing, anger, and swearing. At this point, understanding sin, they can hear the definition of repentance which is usually defined as deep sorrow and regret for past wrongdoing or sin, but I would note that this implies change which is a very important implication.
Then, having all the information necessary, they can put it all in context. "Do you repent of your Sins?" means "Do you acknowledge that you have broken the law and are you willing to change your lawbreaking ways?" What seems like an obvious question to a Christian can be one very large stumbling block to someone who does not have the definitions. I don't want to think about all those who never found salvation or who fell away because they were never told these simple things. It's a truly sad thought.
This is all part of a 'very' old evangelism and apologetic method where the speaker explains creation and the fall before attempting to press a hearer for salvation and acceptance of Christ. It gives the hearer a basis for understanding which usually allows for a deeper connection from the start. It is not fool-proof of course and without the Holy Spirit it is all useless, but for our roll in these things it is important to keep in mind.
Isaiah 5:21-23
21 Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes
and clever in their own sight.
22 Woe to those who are heroes at drinking wine
and champions at mixing drinks,
23 who acquit the guilty for a bribe,
but deny justice to the innocent.
I came across this verse while looking for Hero and Villain related verses, but was struck by the reference to drinking. I'm not a drinker myself. If I have more than one beer and a glass of wine in a year I'm over my average, but there are many people around me who love it. I'm not sure what the call to it is exactly and I suppose it ranges from person to person. For some it may be the flavor as liquor has a different flavor and I admit can taste mighty good in the right mix. For others it is an escape, plain and simple. In some cases it may be a means to an end like a way to relax or loosen up the nerves, which in all honestly is a form of escape in itself. Maybe for some people it was a symptom of peer-pressure (or a fad that) never ended. Yet another group is quite truly addicted, but in all these the only one that seems fair is the one that for flavor and even then I can’t understand enjoying it to the point of drunkenness. Seems to be defeating to me...
Anyhow, (my view of alcohol aside) the verse takes a stand quite plainly on the topic. (Not of drinking alcohol, but of its abuse or misuse. Bringing judgment down on it's readers as many other verses do bring judgment down upon me.) I am perhaps not one for commenting on a bad habit I don't have (as generally I stick to talking about those I have had or still do have), but this verse 22 above should be taken clearer still given that it is sandwiched between 21 and 23...making it no less important than they. So if you are a drinker who might be struck by this passage don't shy away it is for your own good to be corrected (Proverbs 3:12, Hebrews 12:6, Job 5:17). If you aren't affected by it however, take a long look at the three together. Consider, if you are moved by the plight of those innocents who are convicted and punished or if you can relate to the gravity of verse 21, then maybe dismissing the gravity of verse 22 is a mistake.
I don't have any particular interest in the topic of drinking, but I know a lot that do...both advocates and enemies of it. So I thought I'd weigh in a bit. Enjoy the day everyone, it’s beautiful!
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Proverbs 3:12
12 because the LORD disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.
Hebrews 12:6
6 because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son.
Job 5:17
Blessed is the man whom God corrects; so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty.
This week is another fun one for me. I get another chance to speak to the youth, granted it is the middleschoolers which is not the level I'm used to anymore. I'm not going to complain! This Sunday we are having a sort of field trip to the local I-MAX theater to see Spiderman 3. This is a bit violent and dark, but as much as I think we should be careful about it I also understand that these kids (at the ages they are) have seen and are dealing with much worse. Plus, this is an awesome opportunity to talk about good and evil as the Spiderman plot is without question steeped in such things. Even the sub-title of the film is about internal battles of good and evil. The real downside is that I can think of 4 very good topics to this movie that could easily require hour long lectures to touch on, but all I have is 20 minutes. I figure (being junior high kids) they will be interested and ready to talk about heroes and villains so we'll stick to that.
Start off talking about comics and heroes a bit, I happen to be an ex-comic junkie so I figure it's safe ground for me to start on and might even get a good connection going. Then we'll approach different questions (that I have answered for myself as a guide) like:
-What makes a hero a hero? The idea here being that we can take time to understand that being a hero is not about having powers but what we choose to do with our lives. Do we choose to help or hurt, good or evil? The powers are really of no consequence to whether we will become heroes or villains.
-What do villains to that make them villains? I need to be careful here because if I'm right their will be at least one boy who will act as though a villain is the better of the two, that it is "cool". So I have ready verses that say otherwise; Romans 12:21, 3 John 1:11, 1 Peter 3:9, 1 Thessalonians 5:22, and Isaiah 5:20.
-What heroes can you name? (and) Are their any heroes alive today? Just some exploring into their thoughts and a few thought provoking answers I hope.
-What about heroes in the Bible? Here I hope to shift the view a bit, back to the Bible and the a Christian view. Detailing figures like Daniel, David, Noah, as well as Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. Showing how the Word of God has a criteria for heroes and it has nothing to do with special powers, but instead it is about faith in God and right living.
After having defined what makes a hero a hero and the difference between heroes and villains, we can move on into the personal struggle we face with good and evil (which happen to be the same problems that heroes and villains also face). Things like revenge vs. justice, being mean to weaker or unpopular people, being tempted to steal, feeling pressure to lie, being tempted to cheat, or that prideful need to be better than other people that we all have felt at some point in life. At the end of all this I'll be asking whether we can be heroes and how which should act as a summary and a closing to the lesson.
Ultimately, I'm not going for great lengths here because it is the middleschoolers I'm talking to. They might be a lot smarter than this, but they might have a hard time keeping things straight as it is. (I don't have any experience to gauge it will yet.) Even if all we accomplish is to bond a bit and shine a spotlight on ourselves in terms of good and evil I'll be happy and I don't see a reason that this won't occur.
*Edit: I just found out that I'm speaking to more than just the middleschoolers. Some 15+ kids in all, so this will need a bit refinement now. (o.O) Glad I found out ahead of time, I was expecting 3-5 middle school kids only.
