As I write my article for my blog, a number of issues are prominent in the news. On an international level, Muslims are lobbying for the UN to pass a resolution making it a criminal offense to speak against their faith (which by definition includes witnessing for Christ).
In Wichita KS, a pastor and his people were arrested for passing out Gospels of John on a public street near a mosque.
In the state of Oklahoma, a federal judge has issued a judicial stay on a state amendment which expressly upholds the Constitution of the US as the rule of law. The issue is Muslim’s in that state want Sharia law to be added to the court system. Ibrahim Hooper stating that it was his hopes that “America’s Government would be Islamic sometime in the future,” And Omar Ahmed adding that he wanted “the Koran to be the highest authority in America.”
In a suburb of Detroit, a federal court ordered a Christian church to stop ringing it’s bells at noon, since the tunes were distinctly Christian, while a week later that same court ruled that the Muslim Mosque was within their rights to broadcast over a PA system their noon prayers for all to hear.
The Ground Zero Mosque continues to be a great debate. Some argue that it is not actually on the site of the World Trade Center complex but we must remember that the reason this is so important to the Muslim community is because in Muslim tradition, Mosques are built to commemorate great victories. That is the real issue here–more than actual location. That aside, what we are not hearing in these diatribes is that a large portion of the funding for the Mosque is our federal tax-dollars at work.
I could go on and on, mentioning the Isalmic public school in Minnesota (totally funded by our tax dollars,) or the myriad of school systems across our Country who, while forbidding Christian prayers on campus allow and promote Islamic public praying in cafeterias and classrooms.
As we approach this Christmas season, we do so with the awareness that these two great world religions–Christianity with the Manger and Islam with their Mosques–are on a collision course. No, there can be no peace between them; no, there is no happy medium. History has proven that where Islam goes, Islam must prevail. Erwin Lutzer tells of visiting Istanbul where the church of Holy Wisdom was quickly turned into a Mosque after the Muslim conquest of 1453. His guide informed him that this act proved the great triumph of Allah over Christianity.
What are we to do? First, we must always remember that we are representatives of Christ and has such must always act in a Christ-like, God honoring way.
Second, we must proclaim the message of truth clearly and unashamedly. God has brought these Muslims into our midst so they can hear and perhaps respond to the gospel without fear of death. Let us use the time we have wisely.
Thirdly, at Christmas time, let us point to the manger, where God chose to come to us rather than requiring that we go to Him. The truth of the matter is, had He not come to us, we could never get to Him.
The manger stands in stark contrast to every world religion. All these religions require that we try our best to get to God, but in the manger, we see God Himself coming to us! That is the glory of the Christmas message. Let’s proclaim it for all to hear!
From my house to yours, Merry Christmas and should He delay His return, may you have a happy New Year as well!
Pastor John
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Monday, November 22, 2010
Made with Eternity in Mind
“We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield. 21 In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name.” (Psalm 33:20-21 NIV).
At the risk of sounding pessimistic (I’m not trying to get your day off to a bad start, really), life at times is tough. In fact, if this life is all there is, Solomon was right when he wrote, “So I recommend having fun, because there is nothing better for people to do in this world than to eat, drink, and enjoy life. That way they will experience some happiness along with all the hard work God gives them.” (Ecclesiastes 8:15 NLT).
Now that is good advice as long as we keep it in proper perspective. I do believe God desires us to have fun, and I do believe that He graciously gives us those times of refreshment as we need them. But I also know that sometimes life is hard work. That is the result of the fall. In this life we struggle and suffer and eventually die. “If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men.” (1 Corinthians 15:19 NIV). Or, as The Message puts it, “If all we get out of Christ is a little inspiration for a few short years, we’re a pretty sorry lot.” But our hope is not only for this life. The Bible says, “11 God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end.” (Ecclesiastes 3:11 Nlt–emphasis mine).
We were not made for this temporary fallen existence. We were not made for death, we were made for life. The rebellion of Adam brought death. The obedience of Christ brings life. It may be tough at times but, “We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield. 21 In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name.” Hang in there dear friend. This life is just the beginning.
At the risk of sounding pessimistic (I’m not trying to get your day off to a bad start, really), life at times is tough. In fact, if this life is all there is, Solomon was right when he wrote, “So I recommend having fun, because there is nothing better for people to do in this world than to eat, drink, and enjoy life. That way they will experience some happiness along with all the hard work God gives them.” (Ecclesiastes 8:15 NLT).
Now that is good advice as long as we keep it in proper perspective. I do believe God desires us to have fun, and I do believe that He graciously gives us those times of refreshment as we need them. But I also know that sometimes life is hard work. That is the result of the fall. In this life we struggle and suffer and eventually die. “If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men.” (1 Corinthians 15:19 NIV). Or, as The Message puts it, “If all we get out of Christ is a little inspiration for a few short years, we’re a pretty sorry lot.” But our hope is not only for this life. The Bible says, “11 God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end.” (Ecclesiastes 3:11 Nlt–emphasis mine).
We were not made for this temporary fallen existence. We were not made for death, we were made for life. The rebellion of Adam brought death. The obedience of Christ brings life. It may be tough at times but, “We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield. 21 In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name.” Hang in there dear friend. This life is just the beginning.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Where's Your Trust?
“16 No king is saved by the size of his army; no warrior escapes by his great strength. 17 A horse is a vain hope for deliverance; despite all its great strength it cannot save. 18 But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love, 19 to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine.” (Psalm 33:16-19 NIV).
In whom or in what have you placed your trust today? Far too many believers give lip service to God but are looking to the things of this world to bring security, comfort and happiness. These things cannot save. The happiness and fulfillment they bring are temporary at best. Solomon wrote, “Whoever loves money never has money enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income.” (Ecclesiastes 5:10 NIV). Neither money or men are a safe bet for personal safety.
God on the other hand is a safe bet. He who spoke the worlds into existence cares about you immensely! He does have the power to protect, deliver and give you purpose and meaning. Notice that the Psalmist is careful to point out that “the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love.” While God sees everything (Yesterday’s TFTD), He only watches (with the intent of personal care) those who put their faith in Him. Are you under His care today? Have you put your faith in Him? I pray that you have.
In whom or in what have you placed your trust today? Far too many believers give lip service to God but are looking to the things of this world to bring security, comfort and happiness. These things cannot save. The happiness and fulfillment they bring are temporary at best. Solomon wrote, “Whoever loves money never has money enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income.” (Ecclesiastes 5:10 NIV). Neither money or men are a safe bet for personal safety.
God on the other hand is a safe bet. He who spoke the worlds into existence cares about you immensely! He does have the power to protect, deliver and give you purpose and meaning. Notice that the Psalmist is careful to point out that “the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love.” While God sees everything (Yesterday’s TFTD), He only watches (with the intent of personal care) those who put their faith in Him. Are you under His care today? Have you put your faith in Him? I pray that you have.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
God is Watching--He is Aware of What is Going On
“13 From heaven the Lord looks down and sees all mankind; 14 from his dwelling place he watches all who live on earth— 15 he who forms the hearts of all, who considers everything they do.” (Psalm 33:13-15 NIV).
During the founding of this country, deism was the popular philosophical/religious thought of the day. Despite the claims of revisionist historians, the founding fathers were not deists. One cannot read what they wrote and believe that. Certainly they were influenced by this philosophy, but having been influenced by the philosophy and being a deist are two different things. Only after 1962 did this country start claiming that George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and others were not Christians but deists. It is interesting that this claim came hand in hand with the movement that removed prayer from the public classroom. John Dunphy, speaking on the role of the teacher in our educational system stated, “I am convinced that the battle for humankind’s future must be waged and won in the public school classrooms by teachers who correctly perceive their role as the proselytizers of a new faith; a religion of humanity . . . the classroom must and will become an arena of conflict between the old and the new -- the rotting corpse of Christianity, together with all its adjacent evils and misery, and the new faith of humanism.” The removal of prayer and Bible reading from our schools removed the final barrier to the “new faith” of humanism. Don’t think for one minute that our children are not learning religion in the public school classrooms, they are being indoctrinated in it every day.
Now, in the process of this shift, prayer and Bible reading had to be removed and nearly 200 years of history had to be rewritten. It was at this same time when our children began to be taught (following the philosophy of Dr. William James, one of the crafters of the new creed, that “Nothing is so absurd that if you repeat it long enough and loud enough people will believe”), that our founding fathers were not Christian but deists. Today that is assumed even by men who should no better. Dr. James was right and the mantra of our educators effective, we have come to believe an absurdity despite the clear indications of history!
All of this sets the stage for today’s devotional. Deism teaches that God is the cosmic watch-maker, who wound up the universe and has now stepped away and is uninvolved until the cosmic watch runs down, at which time He will step in and judge the world. A popular song caught the idea well a few years back, “God is watching us, God is watching us, God is watching us, from a distance.” That is deism put to music.
Our text and the entire Bible teaches us that God is indeed watching us but contrary to the erroneous philosophy of deism, the Bible teaches us that He is intimately involved in His creation. Our text says, “He who forms the hearts of all, who considers everything they do.” The Living Bible puts it, He has made their hearts and closely watches everything they do.” (Emphasis mine). He is not the “deus abscondetis” (absent God) of deism but the personal God of the Scriptures. He cares about you. This God who rules the universe, cares about every detail of your life! Do you question that? Let me ask you a question, what are the number of hairs on your head (including eyelashes and eyebrows for those who are follicually challenged)? Don’t know? God does (See Matthew 10:30). Even though this number changes daily, God cares about you so much that He keeps tab of even this, one of the smallest details, of our lives!
One final thought. This God who “watches closely everything (we) do.” One day is going to call us into account–every one of us. Christians sometimes forget this. We realize of course that there is coming a final judgment, but we think we are immune from it. In one sense of course we are, but let us not forget that the Bible says of believers, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.” (2 Corinthians 5:10 NIV).
What is it that you do that you would not do if you knew someone was watching? Someone is. The Great Someone. The Ultimate Someone, before whom someday everything will be exposed, even the secret sins of our hearts. God is watching. We better live like it.
During the founding of this country, deism was the popular philosophical/religious thought of the day. Despite the claims of revisionist historians, the founding fathers were not deists. One cannot read what they wrote and believe that. Certainly they were influenced by this philosophy, but having been influenced by the philosophy and being a deist are two different things. Only after 1962 did this country start claiming that George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and others were not Christians but deists. It is interesting that this claim came hand in hand with the movement that removed prayer from the public classroom. John Dunphy, speaking on the role of the teacher in our educational system stated, “I am convinced that the battle for humankind’s future must be waged and won in the public school classrooms by teachers who correctly perceive their role as the proselytizers of a new faith; a religion of humanity . . . the classroom must and will become an arena of conflict between the old and the new -- the rotting corpse of Christianity, together with all its adjacent evils and misery, and the new faith of humanism.” The removal of prayer and Bible reading from our schools removed the final barrier to the “new faith” of humanism. Don’t think for one minute that our children are not learning religion in the public school classrooms, they are being indoctrinated in it every day.
Now, in the process of this shift, prayer and Bible reading had to be removed and nearly 200 years of history had to be rewritten. It was at this same time when our children began to be taught (following the philosophy of Dr. William James, one of the crafters of the new creed, that “Nothing is so absurd that if you repeat it long enough and loud enough people will believe”), that our founding fathers were not Christian but deists. Today that is assumed even by men who should no better. Dr. James was right and the mantra of our educators effective, we have come to believe an absurdity despite the clear indications of history!
All of this sets the stage for today’s devotional. Deism teaches that God is the cosmic watch-maker, who wound up the universe and has now stepped away and is uninvolved until the cosmic watch runs down, at which time He will step in and judge the world. A popular song caught the idea well a few years back, “God is watching us, God is watching us, God is watching us, from a distance.” That is deism put to music.
Our text and the entire Bible teaches us that God is indeed watching us but contrary to the erroneous philosophy of deism, the Bible teaches us that He is intimately involved in His creation. Our text says, “He who forms the hearts of all, who considers everything they do.” The Living Bible puts it, He has made their hearts and closely watches everything they do.” (Emphasis mine). He is not the “deus abscondetis” (absent God) of deism but the personal God of the Scriptures. He cares about you. This God who rules the universe, cares about every detail of your life! Do you question that? Let me ask you a question, what are the number of hairs on your head (including eyelashes and eyebrows for those who are follicually challenged)? Don’t know? God does (See Matthew 10:30). Even though this number changes daily, God cares about you so much that He keeps tab of even this, one of the smallest details, of our lives!
One final thought. This God who “watches closely everything (we) do.” One day is going to call us into account–every one of us. Christians sometimes forget this. We realize of course that there is coming a final judgment, but we think we are immune from it. In one sense of course we are, but let us not forget that the Bible says of believers, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.” (2 Corinthians 5:10 NIV).
What is it that you do that you would not do if you knew someone was watching? Someone is. The Great Someone. The Ultimate Someone, before whom someday everything will be exposed, even the secret sins of our hearts. God is watching. We better live like it.
Friday, November 19, 2010
Of False Hopes and Real Saviors
“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people he chose for his inheritance.” (Psalm 33:12 NIV).
Certainly we recognize that this verse is a direct reference to Israel. Israel has a special place in redemptive history and we must never forget that. We are commanded to “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem,” (Psalm 122:6 NIV). We recognize, however, that there will be no peace in Jerusalem until Jerusalem recognizes their Prince of Peace. That Jews today worship the One True God is subject to question. Jesus stated emphatically that if they really knew and recognized The Father, then they would know and recognize Him (see John 8:39-59), that fact that this is not the case is proof that not everyone who claim to call even on the God of the Bible is truly calling on the God of the Bible. Even Jesus said, “Not everyone who says ‘Lord, Lord’ will enter the kingdom of Heaven.” (Matthew 7:21 NIV). There are many today who have their custom designed Savior but have not bowed the knee to the One True Savior. We come to Christ on His terms, any other terms are insignificant. Do you know Him?
While Psalm 33:12 is a reference to the nation of Israel, I believe that it applies by extension to any nation or individual who make the God of the Scriptures, the God who is revealed in the written Word (the Bible) and through the Living Word (Jesus) the Lord of their lives, that person and nation of such people, will be blessed of God. Everyone who is a believer in Christ is a person God has chosen “for his inheritance.”
Certainly we recognize that this verse is a direct reference to Israel. Israel has a special place in redemptive history and we must never forget that. We are commanded to “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem,” (Psalm 122:6 NIV). We recognize, however, that there will be no peace in Jerusalem until Jerusalem recognizes their Prince of Peace. That Jews today worship the One True God is subject to question. Jesus stated emphatically that if they really knew and recognized The Father, then they would know and recognize Him (see John 8:39-59), that fact that this is not the case is proof that not everyone who claim to call even on the God of the Bible is truly calling on the God of the Bible. Even Jesus said, “Not everyone who says ‘Lord, Lord’ will enter the kingdom of Heaven.” (Matthew 7:21 NIV). There are many today who have their custom designed Savior but have not bowed the knee to the One True Savior. We come to Christ on His terms, any other terms are insignificant. Do you know Him?
While Psalm 33:12 is a reference to the nation of Israel, I believe that it applies by extension to any nation or individual who make the God of the Scriptures, the God who is revealed in the written Word (the Bible) and through the Living Word (Jesus) the Lord of their lives, that person and nation of such people, will be blessed of God. Everyone who is a believer in Christ is a person God has chosen “for his inheritance.”
Thursday, November 18, 2010
God's Plans are Sure
“6 By the word of the Lord were the heavens made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth. 7 He gathers the waters of the sea into jars; he puts the deep into storehouses. 8 Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the people of the world revere him. 9 For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm. 10 The Lord foils the plans of the nations; he thwarts the purposes of the peoples. 11 But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.” (Psalm 33:6-11 NIV).
Don’t worry–my soap box was put up yesterday. We did look at verses 6-9 yesterday and focused on their importance. Today, we use these early verses as the backdrop/context of today’s thought. Verses 6-9 remind us that the visible universe is a result of the creative utterance of God. Everything that is came when God spoke. Theologically we call this fiat Creation–God created by the spoken word ex nihilo (out of nothing).
Why look at this today? Because it sets the stage for our text: 10 The Lord foils the plans of the nations; he thwarts the purposes of the peoples. 11 But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.” The Living Bible renders verses 10-11: “And with a breath he can scatter the plans of all the nations who oppose him, but his own plans stands forever. His intentions are the same for every generation.” Now taking that verse 10 we can easily see the link between these two verses and verses 6-9. Just in case you missed it, let me summarize with a loose translation, “With a breath He created and with a breath He can scatter the plans of all who stand in opposition to Him.” Such is the awesome power of God.
Those who know Jesus Christ are in the hands of that awesome God. He loves you and cares for you as His own! What a comfort that should be when times get tough!
One final thought. Look again at the first part of verse 11, “But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever.” Many times people will ask me, “Do you think I’ve missed God’s will for my life?” All we have to do to answer that is look at Psalm 33:11, God’s plans are not thwarted, and the last time I checked, my strength is not more powerful than His! Is it possible to stray from God’s pathway? Absolutely. That’s what sin is at its very root. But the promise of God is that “He (the one whose word brought everything into being) “who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:6 NIV–emphasis mine). God’s will is not dependant upon my response. His plans “stand firm forever” and no matter how powerful the man may be, he is not going to thwart those plans. Neither are you nor am I. Relax.
Don’t worry–my soap box was put up yesterday. We did look at verses 6-9 yesterday and focused on their importance. Today, we use these early verses as the backdrop/context of today’s thought. Verses 6-9 remind us that the visible universe is a result of the creative utterance of God. Everything that is came when God spoke. Theologically we call this fiat Creation–God created by the spoken word ex nihilo (out of nothing).
Why look at this today? Because it sets the stage for our text: 10 The Lord foils the plans of the nations; he thwarts the purposes of the peoples. 11 But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.” The Living Bible renders verses 10-11: “And with a breath he can scatter the plans of all the nations who oppose him, but his own plans stands forever. His intentions are the same for every generation.” Now taking that verse 10 we can easily see the link between these two verses and verses 6-9. Just in case you missed it, let me summarize with a loose translation, “With a breath He created and with a breath He can scatter the plans of all who stand in opposition to Him.” Such is the awesome power of God.
Those who know Jesus Christ are in the hands of that awesome God. He loves you and cares for you as His own! What a comfort that should be when times get tough!
One final thought. Look again at the first part of verse 11, “But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever.” Many times people will ask me, “Do you think I’ve missed God’s will for my life?” All we have to do to answer that is look at Psalm 33:11, God’s plans are not thwarted, and the last time I checked, my strength is not more powerful than His! Is it possible to stray from God’s pathway? Absolutely. That’s what sin is at its very root. But the promise of God is that “He (the one whose word brought everything into being) “who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:6 NIV–emphasis mine). God’s will is not dependant upon my response. His plans “stand firm forever” and no matter how powerful the man may be, he is not going to thwart those plans. Neither are you nor am I. Relax.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
The Effects of Evolution
“6 By the word of the Lord were the heavens made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth. 7 He gathers the waters of the sea into jars; he puts the deep into storehouses. 8 Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the people of the world revere him. 9 For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm.” (Psalm 33:6-9 NIV).
Today’s devotional is a little different, I’m going to get on my soap-box for just a moment. I don’t think anyone would disagree with me when I state that our world is in pretty sad shape these days. Here in Atlanta, for the last two weeks the headlines on the news every day has been one child shooting another. One in a drive by, one at a birthday party, another after an altercation, and the list goes on and on. It’s scary.
I also doubt that most who read this daily devotional would disagree that the church seems too helpless to effectively respond. We are spiritually emaciated. What has brought us to this condition? At the risk of sounding too simplistic, what has brought the world to its current state of heartlessness and the church to its current state of helplessness is the godless philosophy which disguises itself (very poorly I might add) as science, the philosophy of evolution.
Evolution is not an interesting side item. It is taught as fact in our schools and believed as fact by millions. The result is exactly what we are seeing in society today: hopeless kids trying to better their status by eliminating the weaker members of society. If you don’t think there is a link, you are willfully blind. (Look at the facts on the Columbine massacre or the more recent Minnesota killings). Here’s a synopsis of the major losses of each generation post WW II. The generations of the 50's lost their innocense, the generation of the 60's lost their authority, the generation of the 70's lost their love, the generations of the 80's lost their hope, the generation of the 90's lost their heart and, as I see it and the Bible reveals, the problem is going to continue to get worse. Here’s the interesting thing: each of those losses are directly linked to the growth of acceptance of evolutionary theory.
The reason by the way the church is helpless, is she has, by and large, compromised herself in regard to this important issue. There are those who actively support evolution on the mistaken belief that it is scientific and that the evidence that is suppose to be there is there (in other words they simply have believed the lie without looking at the facts) and there are those who don’t necessarily support evolution, but don’t think it’s important to discuss in a faith setting. As a pastor, I know that 90% of the people I talk with who have walked away from faith cite evolution as one of the key foundations for their abandonment of belief. This is not a simple side issue.
By the way, just for the “what it’s worth department” I’ve studied this subject fairly extensively I believe, and what I have found is that every few years the evolutionist has to change or modify his story in some form or fashion. I, as a Bible believing Creationist, have never had to change my story! Not once.
The Psalmist sees the created world as evidence of God’s creative power and calls mankind to humble reverence of the Creator. It is this direct link of realization and responsibility that chafes fallen man’s heart. Darwin expressed his desire to be done with such beliefs, and evolutionists and atheists everywhere have embraced evolutionary beliefs not because they make sense or have solid support, but rather because they have a desired end to be free from responsibility. The Psalmist saw the link. It’s amazing that we who profess to have a “higher understanding of things.” have failed to see that link. It is this truth that is the true missing link of evolutionary teachings.
Today’s devotional is a little different, I’m going to get on my soap-box for just a moment. I don’t think anyone would disagree with me when I state that our world is in pretty sad shape these days. Here in Atlanta, for the last two weeks the headlines on the news every day has been one child shooting another. One in a drive by, one at a birthday party, another after an altercation, and the list goes on and on. It’s scary.
I also doubt that most who read this daily devotional would disagree that the church seems too helpless to effectively respond. We are spiritually emaciated. What has brought us to this condition? At the risk of sounding too simplistic, what has brought the world to its current state of heartlessness and the church to its current state of helplessness is the godless philosophy which disguises itself (very poorly I might add) as science, the philosophy of evolution.
Evolution is not an interesting side item. It is taught as fact in our schools and believed as fact by millions. The result is exactly what we are seeing in society today: hopeless kids trying to better their status by eliminating the weaker members of society. If you don’t think there is a link, you are willfully blind. (Look at the facts on the Columbine massacre or the more recent Minnesota killings). Here’s a synopsis of the major losses of each generation post WW II. The generations of the 50's lost their innocense, the generation of the 60's lost their authority, the generation of the 70's lost their love, the generations of the 80's lost their hope, the generation of the 90's lost their heart and, as I see it and the Bible reveals, the problem is going to continue to get worse. Here’s the interesting thing: each of those losses are directly linked to the growth of acceptance of evolutionary theory.
The reason by the way the church is helpless, is she has, by and large, compromised herself in regard to this important issue. There are those who actively support evolution on the mistaken belief that it is scientific and that the evidence that is suppose to be there is there (in other words they simply have believed the lie without looking at the facts) and there are those who don’t necessarily support evolution, but don’t think it’s important to discuss in a faith setting. As a pastor, I know that 90% of the people I talk with who have walked away from faith cite evolution as one of the key foundations for their abandonment of belief. This is not a simple side issue.
By the way, just for the “what it’s worth department” I’ve studied this subject fairly extensively I believe, and what I have found is that every few years the evolutionist has to change or modify his story in some form or fashion. I, as a Bible believing Creationist, have never had to change my story! Not once.
The Psalmist sees the created world as evidence of God’s creative power and calls mankind to humble reverence of the Creator. It is this direct link of realization and responsibility that chafes fallen man’s heart. Darwin expressed his desire to be done with such beliefs, and evolutionists and atheists everywhere have embraced evolutionary beliefs not because they make sense or have solid support, but rather because they have a desired end to be free from responsibility. The Psalmist saw the link. It’s amazing that we who profess to have a “higher understanding of things.” have failed to see that link. It is this truth that is the true missing link of evolutionary teachings.
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