http://creationconnection.org/blog en telohman@comcast.net Copyright 2011 2011-11-22T18:45:08+00:00 http://creationconnection.org/blog/entry/terra_nova_not_the_new_earth_i_am_looking_for /blog/entry/terra_nova_not_the_new_earth_i_am_looking_for Recently, Fox aired its newest TV show titled “Terra Nova”. As a guy who seeks to stay tuned in with the “comings and goings” of dinosaurs, this seemed like something I should check out since the previews were full of these grand creatures. Digging bones out of the ground is really cool, but I also pay attention to the mass produced cultural impact dinosaurs make too. Recently, Fox aired its newest TV show titled “Terra Nova”. As a guy who seeks to stay tuned in with the “comings and goings” of dinosaurs, this seemed like something I should check out since the previews were full of these grand creatures. Digging bones out of the ground is really cool, but I also pay attention to the mass produced cultural impact dinosaurs make too. And, if the truth be told (which it should be), I still enjoy watching programming about dinosaurs…so, I’ll call this research, but it sounds like fun also. The show opens in the year 2149 and earth is on the verge of collapse from pollution. Mankind has obviously not heeded the pleas of Al Gore; so, the planet is decaying and on the brink of total ruin. (How convenient of Fox to throw Al this bone.) So, in a “we need a break” moment, mankind finds a crack in a “space-time continuum” which enables him to travel back some 85 million years into the dinosaur-rich prehistoric past. The hope of a reinvented future now lies with a fortunate group of self-invented moralists who seek to make better use of a second chance of a more pristine earth.   Terra Nova   The personal side of the story is told through a family of five whose journey back in time gives them a “second chance” together at family life. But this new world is not really a new world, but the same old world just being lived out at a different point in history. The Shannon family is quickly reminded of the true nature of humanity as rebellious tendencies and selfish motives rear their ugly heads once again. This brave new world called Terra Nova is full of “old world” sins, no surprise there. Fresh starts and second chances in life can breathe a breath of fresh air into anyone’s lungs, but is this what we really need? The Shannon family left the filth of a dying earth for a chance to start life again in a pristine world of 85 million years ago, what they found was “becoming new” requires more than a new address.   A Real New Earth   In the beginning, God created a new world in perfection, this world was one that had not existed before, its design, purpose and existence came fully from the mind of God and His spoken word. There is a Latin phrase best describing what took place in the beginning… “ex nihilo” meaning “out of nothing”. If you can, imagine a time when nothing but a triune God existed and from Him everything came to be; no pre-existing material, energy or elements, just God. This is the fabric of the original new earth and it was inhabited by the first man and woman, Adam and Eve. For a short period of time, they lived in perfection. The object the Shannon family of Terra Nova was attempting to escape was the results of a sin cursed world. In a “save the planet” move, the show’s producers made pollution look like the bad guy, but pollution is not the result of bad choices by humans; it is a by-product of the sin cursed world and the fallen nature of humanity. The first new world was plunged into chaos by Adam and Eve’s sin, a sin that was judged by death of the body and soul; and cursed in its ability to perfectly function by God. The Shannon family was not trying to escape the smog of their current world; they were attempting to escape the weight of a sin cursed world. As the apostle Paul points out in Romans 8, as God’s bidding, the world feels the weight of our sin and God’s curse… For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves… The thing the Shannon family was looking for was a new earth in which they could be the god. The flesh does not easily or willfully give up its place as god of your life. The Shannon family are so indicative of people, if we can bring our own good works or merits with us, we are happy to go, but do not ask me to lay down everything I have. But this is exactly what following Jesus Christ means, not simple being saved from eternal damnation, but trusting and following Him as Lord too. There is coming a new earth, but Jesus Christ will be the king of that new earth. For those who are in Christ, there is a new earth coming and it will be a place untarnished by sin and death will be vanquished. Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God… Entrance into Terra Nova may only require the right paper work or ID badge, but entrance into this “kainos ghay” is only gained by the saving work of Jesus Christ in a person’s life. No forms to fill out, no fees to pay and treasure can be offered; entrance here is a free gift from God. Terra Nova would have us believe that simply escaping the putrid smog of our dying planet is all that is needed to be saved, but not only is this not possible, but it does not address the real problem. The real nature of fallen man’s heart; made of stone and dead. We need a savior who can pay the price we cannot pay, Jesus paid the price and His work is finished. Theology, Foundations, News, 2011-11-22T18:45:08+00:00 http://creationconnection.org/blog/entry/a_return_to_babel /blog/entry/a_return_to_babel After the water of the Genesis flood subsided, God told Noah to, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth.” Within a few hundred years, mankind was building a city and tower in defiance of God’s command, rather than trusting in His sovereign control over the planet. Today, “save the planet” movements such as the global warming thriller, “An Inconvenient Truth” or Earth Day celebrations, hearken back to the early, post-flood days of Nimrod and the Tower of Babel through their “self-preservation” philosophies. A Return to Babel After the water of the Genesis flood subsided, God told Noah to, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth.” Within a few hundred years, mankind was building a city and tower in defiance of God’s command, rather than trusting in His sovereign control over the planet. Today, “save the planet” movements such as the global warming thriller, “An Inconvenient Truth” or Earth Day celebrations, hearken back to the early, post-flood days of Nimrod and the Tower of Babel through their “self-preservation” philosophies. Movements such as these should not be supported by Christians. Green earth movements are self-serving ploys that seek to circumvent the will of God, instill fear into the mainstream population that we are killing our planet and their underlying philosophy of worshipping the creation rather than its creator. As harmless as the “green” movement may look, it is does not trust God as the sovereign Creator nor does it tie planet preserving initiatives back to sound Biblical principles. Starting in 1958 at the Mauna Loa Observatory in Hawaii, Charles Keeling (a young researcher hired by Roger Revelle) began measuring carbon dioxide levels from the atmosphere. The chart (Figure 1) noted three interesting features: 1. The trend is carbon dioxide concentration shows an increase with time. 2. Carbon dioxide concentration in the atmosphere has increased by about 20 percent between 1958 and 2006. 3. There is a strong annual oscillation in the concentration of about 7 ppm. Image 1 Without thoroughly considering all of the ramifications of this information, “most climatologists were so convinced by the data in Figure 1 and the results of a simple radiation model that they insisted that man-caused global warming had to be occurring.” This is much of the problem today in the “save-the-planet” campaigns, get just enough information to kindle emotional fires and fill the masses with half information cries of the “sky is falling.” As noted above, Charles Keeling was the man who did the carbon dioxide measuring, but he was doing this on behalf of oceanographer, Roger Revelle. Roger taught that, “Industrialization after World War II would introduce large quantities of carbon dioxide and particulates into the atmosphere.” One of Roger Revelle’s students was Al Gore, who put together the highly acclaimed movie, “An Inconvenient Truth.” Mr. Gore’s movie was based largely upon the influence of Roger Revelle who generated and promoted the information found in Figure 1. This information did not consider the “many feedbacks and subsystems that are not considered in the basic radiation model.” The end result is a global warming phenomenon sweeping the world based upon incomplete findings and a rejection of other influencing factors. The scientific community is “so convinced that man-made global warming is occurring that they have closed their eyes to any evidence to the contrary.” Ultimately, the global warming model is simply not credible and it should be held at arm’s length. Global warming was dealt a significant blow to its credibility in 2009 when Climate gate surfaced. Climate gate was the successful attempt by computer hackers to access privately exchanged emails from the Climate Research Unit in England. Once these emails were made public, it was discovered that there was a conspiracy against the anti-global warming scientists. It was reported that they were, “brazenly discussing the destruction and hiding of data that did not support global warming claims.” As Christians, we may have wonderful intentions about being good stewards of our planet, but to buy in to global warming rhetoric is dangerous considering the poor research that exists and the internal fighting that occurs when scientists disagree. Another dangerous movement is Earth Day. Earth Day is “the annual U.S. celebration of the environment and a time for Americans to assess the work still needed to protect the natural gifts of our planet.” This may seem all well and good, but upon further inspection, Earth Day celebrations include, “New Age crystals for people to ‘channel’ through, and material can be found on how to worship ‘Mother Earth.’” Gaylord Nelson, founder of Earth Day, believed, “The fate of the living planet is the most important issue facing mankind." Here is another example of a movement that on the surface looks basic and wholesome, however, when the layers are removed, the heart of the belief system is worship of “Mother Earth.” The most important issue facing mankind is not the fate of the planet, but eternal destination of our souls. Christians should not be so foolish as to accept these “save-the-planet” movements as being benign. At the heart of these movements is the same self-preservation mentality that existed in Nimrod and the people of Babel. They knew of God’s past judgment of the world by water and they were determined to not let it happen again. Today, humanity is aware of a coming judgment and they are hoping to stem the tide against God’s mighty hand. Christian men, women and children should be respectful of the world, the dominion mandate of Genesis 1 is clear: “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it; and rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” Humanity’s charge is clear; rule the planet, but do not worship it.. References: New American Standard Bible : 1995 Update. LaHabra, CA : The Lockman Foundation, 1995, S. Ge 9:1 New American Standard Bible : 1995 Update. LaHabra, CA : The Lockman Foundation, 1995, S. Genesis 10:8-9 Larry Vardiman, 2010. Climategate: Begging the Question. Acts & Facts. 39 (5): 12-13. John Lott, Why You Should Be Hot and Bothered About ‘Climate-gate’ November 24, 2009, http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2009/11/24/john-lott-climate-change-emails-copenhagen/ Accessed May 14, 2010 Timothy Brown, What is Earth Day? April 16, 2008, http://www.america.gov/st/washfile-english/2007/April/20070420114325jtnworb0.9966699.html Accessed May 14, 2010 Ken Ham, Earth Day-A Creationist Perspective, April 22, 2010, http://www.answersingenesis.org/articles/2010/04/22/earth-day-creationist-perspective Accessed May 14, 2010 Earth Day 2006, http://usparks.about.com/library/weekly/aa042203.htm Accessed May 14, 2010 New American Standard Bible : 1995 Update. LaHabra, CA : The Lockman Foundation, 1995, S. Ge 1:28 Apologetics, Foundations, Science, News, 2011-08-16T01:41:09+00:00 http://creationconnection.org/blog/entry/rooting_our_children_in_genesis /blog/entry/rooting_our_children_in_genesis As Christian parents, educators and mentors, we want our children to hear the gospel message, understand the meaning of the cross and be transformed by the truths in its proclamation, but as leaders of this upcoming generation, we have failed mightily to root this message in genuine history of the world as found in the early chapters of Genesis. We have turned our noses up at the book of Genesis because... As Christian parents, educators and mentors, we want our children to hear the gospel message, understand the meaning of the cross and be transformed by the truths in its proclamation, but as leaders of this upcoming generation, we have failed mightily to root this message in genuine history of the world as found in the early chapters of Genesis. We have turned our noses up at the book of Genesis because we now see history in the context of mainstream science. In the process, many Christians now believe the earth is 4.6 billion years old, the Big Bang is a legitimate theory to our origin and dinosaurs are some great mysterious beasts from prehistoric times. We don’t want to see ourselves as being evolved from apes, but we are OK with seeing a world that “just happens” and Mother Nature (whoever she is) being left in charge. The philosophy of evolution has reached far beyond the science classroom into the entertainment world; it's claws are set deep into the hearts and minds of our children. A flippant denial of evolution only hides the fact that we are all evolutionists in our fleshly nature. We push back from the early chapters of Genesis because it reveals the authority of a sovereign Creator and the utter depravity of humanity. Genesis is not some allegorical story giving vague insights and random pieces of somewhat useful information about “generally” how the world began; this book is history right from the very first verse. In the early chapters we discover the bedrock of our faith and the roots of the gospel of Christ. This gospel’s good news is rooted in some very, very bad news that involves you and me! At the fall, Adam, the head of the human race, plunge all of humanity into darkness, depravity and a level of separation that no man’s effort can ever restore. At its core, rebellion is idolatry. To rebel against our maker is an attempt to set ourselves against our maker and seek that which we were never created to have; the status of God. Genesis, in plain historic terms, gives us a glimpse of this rebellion in a way that is clear. Jesus, in dying on the cross, did not just bridge the chasm between us and God; He choose us, saved us, showed us the way, declared us innocent of wrong doing and set our feet upon the path of righteousness. Jesus, our propitiation, satisfied the demands of God’s wrath in His finished work on the cross. In teaching about Genesis, I am not attempting to add a yoke to the things you need to believe in order for salvation to be made whole, but as a foundation that is helpful for sound spiritual footing. Genesis is where parents, teachers and mentors of our children should start in order to clearly articulate the truths of the gospel of Christ. May we all be diligent as we seek to regain a tumbleweed generation. Apologetics, Theology, Foundations, 2011-08-10T21:37:23+00:00 http://creationconnection.org/blog/entry/end_of_time /blog/entry/end_of_time Tomorrow (May 21) is supposed to be the day the world comes to an end; I am skeptical about its reality. However, one thing I am certain about is the fact that “one day” the end will come to us all. This fact is cannot be escaped and in many respects, this time should be longed for. Recent earthquakes and tsunamis in Japan have stirred people’s thoughts about signs of the end, but I prefer to look at these events as...Tomorrow (May 21) is supposed to be the day the world comes to an end; I am skeptical about its reality. However, one thing I am certain about is the fact that “one day” the end will come to us all. This fact is cannot be escaped and in many respects, this time should be longed for. Recent earthquakes and tsunamis in Japan have stirred people’s thoughts about signs of the end, but I prefer to look at these events as “signs of the past”; not just the future. Approximately 4,000 years ago God judged the wickedness of mankind with a global flood. The effects of that flood brought about catastrophic changes to our earth; continents were shifted, mountains were lifted, earth’s crust sank to create valleys, volcanic activity erupted and mankind was wiped off of the face of the earth with only the 8 and the animals on the great ark surviving. The unrest we feel in the earth today is leftovers from this global deluge and not random signs of end times events. As far as “signs of the times”, they are difficult to assess. No doubt, there is much geological and human unrest in our world today. But when has there not been unrest in these areas? The aforementioned Genesis flood brought about geological unrest and in the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve set themselves against God with their rebellion and Cain did not waste any time killing Abel because of the sin in his heart. It seems that “unrest, rebellion and upheaval” can be poor and unclear markers for knowing the time of the end, but they do reveal the true nature of our world and the character of humanity. What can we know? In John 14:2-3, Jesus says, “I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.” Here, Jesus sets before us a framework of eschatology (study of the end times), He went away in the ascension and one day He will return for His bride; the church. We (the church) should eagerly look forward to Jesus’ return, but can we know “when” He will return? Looking further at the words of Jesus… “But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only. For as were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, and they were unaware until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. Then two men will be in the field; one will be taken and one left. Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken and one left. Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” Matthew 24:36-44 A few basic things to pull out from this text; first, “no one knows (the hour)”; there is no exception clause here allowing for anyone to know when Jesus will return. We might be able to make the argument that Jesus did not know the hour of His return before His resurrection, but humanly speaking, this information is off limits. Secondly, His return will be “sudden”, to provide humanity with a warning months in advance is not in keeping with what Jesus is teaching here. As in the “days of Noah” mankind is going to be caught off guard by the return of Jesus. Finally, not everyone is going to be in the rapture, only the church. As Jesus noted above, “one will be taken and one left.” Untold millions and even billions will not spend eternity in heaven because of the hardness of their hearts. The gospel points out that all deserve eternal judgment, but by the grace of God people are saved. We may try to scare people into heaven by setting end times dates, but only the through the work of the Holy Spirit and the presentation of the gospel of Jesus Christ are lives changed and souls redeemed. Fear is a poor motivator for eternity; “fervent prayer” for lost souls and a clear presentation of the gospel are the means through which the Holy Spirit works; not fear and ultimatums. “I do all things for the sake of the gospel, so that I may become a fellow partaker of it. Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things they then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.” 1 Corinthians 9:23-25 Finish the race, run to win! Apologetics, Theology, Foundations, News, 2011-05-20T15:17:44+00:00 http://creationconnection.org/blog/entry/peace_found_in_creation_and_the_creator /blog/entry/peace_found_in_creation_and_the_creator As I sit in a screened-in porch in a cabin just outside of Maryville, TN, I am captured by the simplicity of God’s creation; a babbling brook, chirping birds and gently swaying trees all existing in peaceful harmony. This picture is in stark contrast to the noise and chaos that populates a typical day back in the real world; cell phones ringing, deadlines to meet, social networking being maintained, children’s practices to attend, etc. Sometimes the noise and chaos from life comes from within my own head. Moments of peace and quiet can be just as elusive in my mind as anywhere. Couldn’t we all use a few more “screened-in porch” moments in our lives? As I sit in a screened-in porch in a cabin just outside of Maryville, TN, I am captured by the simplicity of God’s creation; a babbling brook, chirping birds and gently swaying trees all existing in peaceful harmony. This picture is in stark contrast to the noise and chaos that populates a typical day back in the real world; cell phones ringing, deadlines to meet, social networking being maintained, children’s practices to attend, etc. Sometimes the noise and chaos from life comes from within our own head. Moments of peace and quiet can be just as elusive in my mind as anywhere. Couldn’t we all use a few more “screened-in porch” moments in our lives? Precious moments, such as the one at the cabin, afford us those times to get back to the simpler things in life by getting back to the simplicity of creation. The brook, birds and trees all exist together in such a beautiful, harmonious and uniform fashion because they were created to function in that way. Over the week of creation, God created a world that existed in perfect harmony; the water from the brook waters the birds and the trees, the trees provide shelter for the birds and the birds reseed the trees at new locations. It is certainly worth taking time to sit down in a rocking chair and enjoy God’s creation. Even in peaceful moments, we recognize we live in a fallen world, as Christians, we know this place is not our permanent home; heaven is, but the Bible does indicate that peace can and even should exist in the heart of a believer even in the midst of the storms of life. After all, was this not the point Jesus was making to the disciples when the storm was raging on the Sea of Galilee? You can have peace in Me in the midst of the storms of life. God wants you to rest in Him when the storm is raging and when it is quiet. Peace comes when, after recognizing that I am hopelessly lost without Jesus Christ as my Savior and He gave His life as a ransom for my lost soul. I bask in the joy of knowing He has given me a good gift far beyond what I could think of or hope for; the gift of eternal salvation and peace. Thank you Jesus Christ for the calm in my soul, the good gifts you give to my family and for the joy of basking in your creation. Grace be with you, Tommy Personal, 2011-05-09T19:37:02+00:00 http://creationconnection.org/blog/entry/the_gospel_unifies_the_church /blog/entry/the_gospel_unifies_the_church My dad used to tell me, “Do as I say, don’t do as I do.” Now, my dad is not a man of low character and values, he was just pointing out the difficulty we all have living out our perceived values. As Christians, we all struggle with the fact that our actions and words don’t always line up. Churches have many struggles...My dad used to tell me, “Do as I say, don’t do as I do.” Now, my dad is not a man of low character and values, he was just pointing out the difficulty we all have living out our perceived values. As Christians, we all struggle with the fact that our actions and words don’t always line up. Churches have many struggles with internal conflict. As a friend of mine once noted, “not everyone will always see eye-to-eye on things, but those things should not split up a church”. This is true, but what is it that still causes churches to have splits when this should not happen? As the body of Christ, we lose sight of the cross. The “I am right, you are wrong” mentality certainly permeates our churches and the end result is a lack of compassion and mercy; and a growing sense of pride when humility should be at the core of our hearts. This leads to division and a fracturing of relationships; resulting in splits and broken relationships. When Christians stand at the foot of the cross, we are all reminded of who we really are without Christ; lost, blind, dead and hopelessly unable to find our way. As we stand closer to the cross, we will begin to smell the sweat of the Roman soldiers and hear the clanging of the hammer upon the nails being driven into our Savior. We all need to stand close to the cross so we can be reminded of who is holding the hammer; you and me. It is vitally important to the health of the church to apply a rich understanding of the gospel of Christ to every part of our lives. It is not our good works or programs that maintain unity in the fellowship, it is recognizing the shed blood of our Savior and His free gift of grace and applying it to every part of our mind, body and soul. Grace and Mercy, Tommy Theology, Personal, 2011-02-26T16:56:04+00:00 http://creationconnection.org/blog/entry/why_should_we_emphasize_the_idea_of_one_blood_in_our_society_today /blog/entry/why_should_we_emphasize_the_idea_of_one_blood_in_our_society_today It is not uncommon to hear reports of prejudice against people of differing skin colors these days. Events like these, can serve as reminders of the division and separation still existing in the world today. This sin of oppression is clearly illustrated in current events and through historic reminders of our nation’s past. Even now, we are still a people divided by our skin color; but why...?It is not uncommon to hear reports of prejudice against people of differing skin colors these days. Events like these, can serve as reminders of the division and separation still existing in the world today. This sin of oppression is clearly illustrated in current events and through historic reminders of our nation’s past. Even now, we are still a people divided by our skin color; but why...? We have not been taught the real history of humanity. We are all men and women of the first set of parents; Adam and Eve. The term “one blood” comes from the apostle Paul’s sermon on Mars Hill. In this sermon, Paul points out to the Athenians and to us today that we are all descendants of the first couple. God created a man, Adam, and a woman, Eve. Adam stands alone as the head of the human race. God, who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands. Nor is He worshiped with men’s hands, as though He needed anything, since He gives to all life, breath, and all things. And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings." Acts 17:24-26 NKJV We often look down at other men and women, judging them by their skin color and forgetting the fact we are all of “one blood”. We are not products of evolution having descended from some lower order of apes; we are created with purpose and meaning by a Holy God. Sadly, the teaching of evolution serves not as an ointment to heal wounds, but as a knife to open them; dividing men along the lines of skin color. Leading evolutionist, Stephen Jay Gould said, “Biological arguments for racism may have been common before 1859 (the year Charles Darwin’s Origin of Species was released), but they increased by orders of magnitude following the acceptance of evolutionary theory.” Here, Gould frankly reveals the negative impact evolution has had upon a society. We use skin color as a dividing point when, in reality, man’s belief in evolution is the divider. Evolution positions man along an imaginary evolution timeline placing some men more highly evolved than other men. The further down the line you stand, the further evolved and “superior” you believe you have become. The fact is we all stand as equal; united by one man and woman “from the beginning” and the sin nature we are born with. Unable to save ourselves, we are left to desperately cling to our own perceived good works and self-righteousness; these things do nothing for us when we stand at the foot of the cross. Skin color differences and the paper-thin framework of evolution disappear when we recognize who we really are; fallen and lost without Jesus Christ. Jesus’ shed blood not only paid the price of our great debt, but established Him as Lord of all. Blessings, Tommy Apologetics, Theology, Foundations, 2010-12-27T19:48:53+00:00 http://creationconnection.org/blog/entry/if_noahs_ark_were_found_today_would_it_change_peoples_opinion_about_the_bib /blog/entry/if_noahs_ark_were_found_today_would_it_change_peoples_opinion_about_the_bib It is not likely people would change the way they view the Bible. However, it could serrve as a great encouragement to Christians. If such proof were possible to attain, it would reinforce the belief in a real Noah's ark and greatly encourage those who were somewhat skeptical. A person who had already rejected the Bible would likely not be swayed by any such evidence. It is not likely people would change the way they view the Bible. However, it could serrve as a great encouragement to Christians. If such proof were possible to attain, it would reinforce the belief in a real Noah's ark and greatly encourage those who were somewhat skeptical. A person who had already rejected the Bible would likely not be swayed by any such evidence. In the first chapter of Romans, Paul says, “For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.” It would be so fascinating to find Noah's Ark, but to the person who rejects the clear testimony of the created world; it would be foolishness. We cannot expect to convince people of something they have already determined is not true. Full Scale Noah's Ark at the Creation Museum in Hebron, KY In my opinion, I do not believe the ark will ever be discovered and if something was found that fit the ark’s description, how could you ever conclusively prove that it was the great boat Noah built? Providing a sound defense of the faith is very important, but we are not called to convince people into heaven. The Holy Spirit moves in people's lives as He chooses. The ark can be a great way to converse with a person as you take them to the cross of Christ and present the gospel to them. We are proclaimers of the good news. Sharing the truth of the gospel from the beginning of creation. Tommy Apologetics, Theology, Foundations, 2010-12-20T22:10:36+00:00 http://creationconnection.org/blog/entry/genesis_calls_us_to_remember /blog/entry/genesis_calls_us_to_remember After the death of Moses, Joshua became the leader of Israel; in some of his first words to these people he said, “Remember the word that Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you…” Genesis is relevant for many things, but most of all it should cause us to remember who we are. After the death of Moses, Joshua became the leader of Israel; in some of his first words to these people he said, “Remember the word that Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you…” Genesis is relevant for many things, but most of all it should cause us to remember who we are and where we have come from. Created in the image of God with purpose and value; this reminder should never be missed, and yet… In some of the most disappointing words spoken in the Bible, “And the people of Israel did not remember the LORD their God, who had delivered them from the hand of all their enemies on every side…” Forget God, how could the Israelites forget God? He made them a people through Abraham, He brought them through a famine in Egypt and He parted the Red Sea as a way of escape from Pharoah's chariots; how could they forget? Moses recognized the nature of the human heart with his cry to "remember the days of old". He recognized nature of the human heart; it is self-serving to the core. As much as God did for His chosen people, they lost their focus. You could say they took their eyes off of the prize and in doing so,they rejected God. In our nation, in our homes and even in some cases; our churches, we have forgotten who we are, we have forgotten upon what foundation we were called to stand upon. Remember Genesis, it is the bedrock of who we are and a picture of the nature of God. You are a unique and special creation of God; Genesis should serve as a great reminder of all that we are and to whom we belong. Remember Genesis, Remember God Theology, Foundations, 2010-12-10T03:28:40+00:00 http://creationconnection.org/blog/entry/when_does_day_mean_24_hours /blog/entry/when_does_day_mean_24_hours Back in the day, my grandfather would drive three days to see me; but because there were not any street lights, he would drive only during the day. The question before us is, “Does ‘day’ mean a 24-hour period or ages?” The short answer to this question is…yes. The word “day” is like many words in the English language, it can have multiple meanings and all are based upon the context surrounding the word. It is evident from my grandfather story above, day can be very flexible. In the sentence above, day means a period of time in the past, 24-hour and and the daylight portion of a day. So what does the word day mean within Genesis 1? —Before we go any further, let’s look at some of the different meanings that can be applied to the word "day"… Back in the day, my grandfather would drive three days to see me; but because there were not any street lights, he would drive only during the day. The question before us is, “Does ‘day’ mean a 24-hour period or ages?” The short answer to this question is…yes. The word “day” is like many words in the English language, it can have multiple meanings and all are based upon the context surrounding the word. It is evident from my grandfather story above, day can be very flexible. In the sentence above, day means a period of time in the past, 24-hour and and the daylight portion of a day. So what does the word day mean within Genesis 1? —Before we go any further, let’s look at some of the different meanings that can be applied to the word "day"… 24-hour period of time: “For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day.” In this instance, day is qualified by a number. Any time, within the Old Testament, when a number is used in conjunction with the word day, it always means a 24-hour day. Daylight portion of a day:"The sun shall be no more your light by day, nor for brightness shall the moon give you light…” The context of this passage is in reference to the daylight portion of a day. The length of day is not being described here, but the portion of a day in which the sun is shining. Future age: ““For God knows that in the day you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” Here, the author is using day as a coming event. The conversation between Lucifer and Eve involve an event that had yet to occur. Past age: “and they shall fill your houses and the houses of all your servants and of all the Egyptians, as neither your fathers nor your grandfathers have seen, from the day they came on earth to this day.” Finally, this use of day is used in reference to a past time. Strong indications of this include references to fathers and grandfathers. Genesis One Now let’s move to Genesis 1 and see how the word day is used in this passage. We will use the above examples to determine which context to be applied. Verse 5: God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, the first day. Day appears twice in this passage; first, day is used in reference to the daylight portion of the day; second, the other reference to day is used in conjunction with a number. As we saw above and will find throughout the Old Testament, anytime we have a number with day it is always in reference to a 24-hour day. Verse 8: And God called the expanse Heaven. And there was evening and there was morning, the second day. This is the same as above, day is being used in conjunction with a number and thereby means at 24-hour day. Verse 12-13: The earth brought forth vegetation, plants yielding seed according to their own kinds, and trees bearing fruit in which is their seed, each according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. And there was evening and there was morning, the third day. This is the same as verse 8, a 24-hour day. Verse 17-19: And God set them in the expanse of the heavens to give light on the earth, to rule over the day and over the night, and to separate the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was good. And there was evening and there was morning, the fourth day. This is the same as verse 8, a 24-hour day. Verse 22-23: Be fruitful and multiply and fill the waters in the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth.” And there was evening and there was morning, the fifth day. This is the same as verse 8, a 24-hour day. Verse 33: And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day. This is the same as verse 8, a 24-hour day. One other thing to not in these passages above is the phrase “there was morning and there was evening.” Once again, whenever this phrasing is used throughout the Old Testament, it is referring to a 24-hour day. A few other points to consider when evaluating whether the days of Genesis 1 are 24-hour are not are… • The straight-forward meaning would never lead anyone to read Genesis 1 and think anything other than 24-hour days. Professor Pun of Wheaton College stated, “…the most straightforward understanding of Genesis…is that God created the heavens and the earth in six solar days.” Professor Pun is stating what even a grade school child would conclude; Genesis 1 is a series of six, 24-hour days. • Exodus 20:11 states, “For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.” Here, God is telling the Israelites that they are supposed to work six days and rest on the Sabbath. The basis for this framework of work and rest is the week of creation. If the days of creation are millions of years, consider how, “silly to think that we are supposed to work for the six long ages and then rest for one long age.” It becomes increasingly clear that a sound application of “historical-grammatical exegesis” leads one to conclude that the days of Genesis 1 are six literal 24-hour days. Interpret scripture in light of its historical setting and the context of the grammar. One of the great struggles with understanding and accepting the age of the earth as being “young” and specifically recognizing Genesis 1 as being a record of six, 24-hour days came from a man named Charles Lyell. In 1830, Lyell proposed a theory called “Uniformitarianism.” Lyell’s theory proposed that “only present-day processes at present-day rates of intensity and magnitude should be used to interpret the rock record of past geological activity.” Lyell’s theory not only influenced other scientists such as Charles Darwin, but he also impacted the thinking of theologians. In an attempt to hang onto truths of the Bible, many theologians began to reinterpret the history of Genesis 1 so they could hang onto the spiritual message of the Bible. This compromise of theologians led to many compromise theories such as the Gap Theory and the Day-Age Theory. These theories sought to reinterpret what the word “day” meant in Genesis 1, in order to incorporate the old-earth, millions of years framework that was being promoted. The problem with Lyell’s theory was that he based his assumptions upon a limited amount of information and a total disregard for the authority of the Bible. Lyell’s slow layering of geological ages is better explained by the Genesis Flood than millions of years of layering. It is sad to see how quickly many theologians abandoned the history of Genesis 1. Moses, inspired by the Holy Spirit did not write an opening to the Pentateuch that would dance around such a simple and clear issue. Further, the 10 Commandments affirm what the Israelites believed; the days in Genesis 1 were normal 24-hour days. Charles Lyell, Father of Old Earth Geology The discussion of the length of the days of Genesis 1 or the age of the earth will not be settled with my paper, but if we cannot take a stand upon such a clear teaching then what can we stand upon. “Let God be true though everyone were a liar.” Theology, Foundations, 2010-11-19T01:08:50+00:00