THE ORIGIN of LIFE MATTER to a CHRISTIAN? Page 20

DECEMBER 2011 WHAT DOES THE ORIGIN OF LIFE MATTER TO A CHRISTIAN? Page 20

CURRENTCURRENT ISSUESISSUES FROMFROM AA DISTINCTLYDISTINCTLY CHRISTIANCHRISTIAN VIEWVIEW

THE ORIGIN OF LIFE A STUMBLING BLOCK FOR EVOLUTION

NOT ENOUGH FAITH WHAT’S IN A CELL? PANSPERMIA

$3.95 forever 16 DECEMBER 2011

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FEATURES INTHISISSUE The Creation of Man: From Dust or Disorder? ...... 13 Physically Blessed, Either man came from dust of the ground or he came about Spiritually Responsible...... 9 from a state of disorder. … Eddy Gilpin Can We Trust the Not Enough Faith in the World For That…...... 16 Both the Creation and Evolution Models require faith. Gospel of John? ...... 12 But which requires more? … Brad Harrub, Ph.D.

Panspermia: The Latest Evolutionary Science Fiction ..18 D EPARTMENTS Richard Dawkins believes life may have come from outer space. But does that really answer the question? … Dewayne Bryant from the editors...... 4 mailbag ...... 6 A Living Soul ...... 20 daily walk ...... 7 Are the brain and soul the same thing—simply a product faith and finance ...... 8 of evolution … David Campbell, D.Sc. game plan...... 10 Why Does the Origin of Life Matter to a Christian?...... 22 families of faith...... 11 Why does the origin debate play a key role in the issue of absolutely...... 26 trust and intergrity for the entire Bible? … Steve Higginbotham a woman’s perspective...... 27 ...... man to man ...... 28 What’s in a Cell? 23 heart of the matter...... 30 A biochemist considers cellular processes in view a little R&R ...... 31 of the origins debate … Joe Deweese, Ph.D. Professing to Be Wise...... 24 Advances in true science have dashed hopes that life somehow spontaneously arose. … Mike Houts

THINK / DECEMBER 2011 3 from the editors / Brad Harrub, Glenn Colley, David Longley, and David Shannon

The ORIGIN of Life She had sat through eighteen years of Bible classes, from cradle roll What is the truth regarding the origin of life? Textbooks not withstanding, through high school. This young lady was in the church building every time the topic of the origin of life is the Achilles heel of the evolutionary theo- the doors were open, minus a few rare occasions when she came down ry. Biology books wax on eloquently about how just the right conditions could with childhood sicknesses. She was a “poster child” for her congregation— have given rise to some primordial soup, which again under the right con- polite, kind, and she seemed to have a pretty good knowledge of the ma- ditions, could have given rise to DNA particles—which under the right con- terial they covered in Bible class. Eighteen years she spent at the feet of ditions could have replicated and given rise to life. Not just one life either, faithful Christians. but two so that the species could procreate! It’s the biggest leap of faith All of that was unraveled in a mere two years. This young lady went in existence—the theory that non-living things gave rise to living materi- off to college and enrolled in many “core” classes her first two years. Her al. And yet, sadly the vast majority of students look at the charts, the pic- second semester found her sitting in a general biology class discussing tures, and the graphs, and they buy it hook, line, and sinker. the origin of life. She had never heard of the material the professor was A much better and more plausible explanation is the one we find in God’s teaching, and the textbook seemed very convincing. (After all, there were Word when we read Genesis 1. We can read how the living God spoke into colorful pictures, charts, and graphs.) Week by week she began to feel the existence life; the birds, fish, and creeping things. And then after His cre- seeds of doubt and skepticism, but she never talked to anyone about it. ation was complete, He created man in His own image and likeness—breath- In hindsight, this was the first crack in her wall. ing into his nostrils the breath of life. All Christians, both young and old, The following semester she was hit by a one-two punch. She enrolled must be grounded firm enough in the Book about beginnings that they are in general psychology and a survey of world religions. She was not aware able to defend the Biblical worldview of the earth and man’s origin. that her psychology class would begin with the evolution of man and man’s But couldn’t the issue of origins be considered a relatively small mat- brain. And this naive young lady never expected a professor to proclaim ter––interesting fodder for conversation over coffee, but nothing to become too upset about? Not when you consider what’s at stake. First, without faith it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6). If God is real (and He is), All Christians must be grounded to deny His creation is to excite His wrath. Much is at stake. I cannot ex- pect to live eternally in Heaven if I’ve defiantly denied Him on earth. Sec- firm enough in the Book about ond, to claim we came about from non-living matter is to deny morals; for beginnings that they are able to if there is no Creator, then who has the right to determine and enforce any particular system of morality? The individual man becomes his own high- defend the Biblical worldview est authority. While he may choose to conform to the morals of his society, he isn’t obligated to do so. Just think of that. of the earth and man’s origin. In this issue of Think, we are going to go back to the beginning—the real beginning––and discuss the origin of life. We pray that this issue will that basically all religions were the same—and that they were all man- be a tool that you can use to teach your family and friends, but we also made institutions. By the final semester of her sophomore year, this young hope it will be a resource for those struggling—those who already have lady had stopped attending church and was now hanging out with a dif- some seeds of doubt that are taking root. As always, we hope that you will ferent group of students. They weren’t bad kids or trouble-makers by any think on these things. L means. In fact, they were considered the “intellectuals” on campus. The one major difference was that none of them took seriously the notion of God. Her spiritual foundation was now crumbled into ruins. All of her doubts and skepticism started with just one question: Where did life come from? This account, like so many others, is not uncommon today. Young people attend Bible classes, but leave unprepared to actually defend their faith. After enrolling in a university, they hear theories and hypotheses about the origin of life and the Big Bang. It all sounds so plausible, so real.

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RANDY & MARLENE BAKER Volume 6, Issue 12 • December 2011 Thank you so much for all you do with Think magazine. I have issues going back to 2007 and often © Focus Press, Inc. 2011 use them in teaching ladies’ classes. We decided shortly after subscribing to Think ourselves to give published monthly by Focus Press, Inc. subscriptions to our four children. One of the wonderful things is to have one of the children call and say, “Have you gotten your new Think?” I so enjoy our conversations that follow that question. Editor: Brad Harrub, Ph.D. Thank you for providing an instant conversation with our children. I would encourage all parents of Editor: Glenn Colley Editor: David Shannon grown children to give them a subscription to Think. It gives the generation connection you talked Editor: David Longley, D.O. about in the current October 2011 issue. Again, thank you for Think magazine and may God continue Director of Youth and Culture: to bless you all in your efforts to spread the Truth. Joe Wells, M.Min. KURT & LOIS PFAFF Director of Marriage and Parenting: Steve Minor Enclosed is a contribution to help Focus Press in its effort to spread the Gospel message. We will Editorial Assistant: endeavor to send some financial help each month and at the end of the year. Tonja McRady Creative Director: Nick Long J. L. TAYLOR Office Manager: Saundra Thornton Next Sunday, I will begin a Bible class on Homosexuality and related “lifestyles,” as is PC. I recall Production Manager: Michael Thornton that an issue of Think had the subject in bold print on the front page. I recall that this came a few Intern: Jack Wilkie months back. I have other issues of Think, which treat the subject, but not the one I need. If I am correct, please FedEx me 15 copies and I will gladly pay. Annual Subscription Rate: Eds’ Note: We are happy to do so. Electronic versions are available online. $30 individual or gift $27 group rate—5 or more to multiple addresses K. SIMMONS $24 bulk rate—5 or more to one address $45 Overseas & Canada Airmail Enjoyed your latest edition of Think and the problems of a segregated teaching program. I have heard this debated both ways and find value in both approaches, at least to a point. The littlest kids Articles in Think magazine may be copied and distributed for Bible study and other small group use, provided that any and all material is used exactly as seem to be unable to follow adult classes and are appropriate for segregated classes suitable to it appears in the publication (i.e., no changes and/or edits). Additionally, por- tions of articles may be used in church bulletins/publications provided that their age, but the youth ought to be in with the adults, as that is the age when segregation causes complete sentences and/or paragraphs are used and titled with the same title used in the magazine, and no changes or edits are made. In all instances, huge troubles. copyright credit must be given to Think magazine: Focus Press, Inc. Brent- wood, TN with month and year of publication included. L. BAGENTS

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6 DECEMBER 2011 / THINK Lindsey Jensen / daily walk

“Rejoice in the Lord.” That phrase is written on plaques and hung on walls all over America. However, as we take time to think about it, do we really? How many times do we find ourselves going day to day with a ho- hum attitude, or simply going through the motions? As Christians, we should be the most joyful people on earth because we understand our purpose and have the gift of Life. I believe that one of the biggest keys to appre- ciating the wonderful gift of salvation is to understand the ugliness of sin. Worldliness and sin abound in every place we go, and it’s normal to get used to something if it’s around us 24\7. However we must fight this if we’re to remain holy. We’re not to be conformed to this world. We’re to be transformed (Romans 12:2). The state we’d be in if God had never shown His love by sending His Son is truly sobering, but it’s one that we must peri- odically think on to remind us of the great blessing we’ve received. It’s not possible for evil to dwell with God (Psalm 5:4), and God’s face is against those who act wickedly (Psalm 34:16). God does not tolerate sin. Even though He might not destroy mankind for such evildoing as He did in the days of the Flood, that doesn’t mean He doesn’t feel just as strong- ly about it today as He did then. Sin is serious and we can’t afford to become numbed by it. Sure, we might not be practicing homosexuality, but what about the “smaller” sins of greed, jealousy, fits of anger, impure speech or envy (Galatians 5:19-21)? These things are every bit as detrimental to our spiritual lives as the “big” issues, and are more of a struggle for most Christians. Sin cannot dwell with God. We’re imperfect human beings, and we fall. Over and over, we need to ask God for His forgiveness. However, the beauty of what God has given us is that if we’re trying to do right and follow Him to the best of our ability, we are continually cleansed and for- given (1 John 1:7). How should the knowledge that we have a way to escape death and eternal punishment make us feel? The knowledge that God still would have sent His Son to die in my place, even if I were the only one He did it for? I can’t think of anything under the sun that can fill me with more joy. We don’t deserve life, but God loved us so much that He gave it to us anyway. What a gift! (Ephesians 2:8). That being said, when we go to worship, why do we sometimes have ho-hum a less than enthusiastic attitude? We should feel honored to be able to praise Him, thank Him, remember Him, and give back to Him. Let’s be glad when they say to us, “Let us go into the house of the Lord” (Psalm 122:1). With the knowledge we have, our everyday lives can and should be filled with joy and peace. Do we go about our days in a state of semi-apathy, with a slightly dreary attitude? The Psalms are full of verses telling us to rejoice and have a happy heart, praising God in our thankfulness. In my mind, the picture that’s painted from those verses isn’t one of negativity and solem- nity. Our hope should bring joy, resulting in a glad heart, which in turn makes a cheerful face. If you’re not having the best day, try counting some of your blessings and make a conscious effort to speak cheerful words––not to be ungenuine, but feelings often follow actions. If you go into your workplace with a ho-hum attitude every day, it shows, and if we don’t show joy or even happiness in our lives, why should people in the world want what we have? We’re to be lights in the world, a city on a hill that can’t be hidden. Think for a moment even about your Face- book page. What do our statuses reflect? So many times I see people post over and again how a certain something annoyed them, disappointed them, or angered them, often never thinking to note what was pleasant or pos- itive in their lives. This isn’t a healthy attitude, and certainly not a Christ- like outlook on life. Let’s truly delight in the Lord, exult in every new day He brings, appreciate the wonderful gift of salvation, and look forward to opportunities that might come our way! “A glad heart makes a cheerful face, but by sorrow of heart the spirit is crushed” (Proverbs 15:13 ESV). L

THINK / DECEMBER 2011 7 faith and finance / Westley Hazel Compliments: The Priceless Gift love this time of the year! The lights, the parties, and the presents are do also to them.” The possibilities are limitless as to how we can do this. just a small part of what make this a magical time of the year. I am like Bring back an extra drink for a friend or coworker, help someone with a heavy Ia kid waiting to see the looks on the faces of my children on Christ- load or a pressing assignment, cook a little extra and share a meal, or even mas morning as they open their presents from under the tree. What Je- let someone have their way when it doesn’t really matter. There are mil- sus said is true, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). lions of ways we can give this gift to others. Think of things that you wish That being said, all those gifts can also make this an expensive time of others would do for you, and then do it for someone else. Acts 9:36 tells the year. Some people take all year either saving for or trying to pay off us about a woman named Tabitha who was “abounding with deeds of kind- the money spent on presents and various other luxuries. With that in mind, ness and charity which she continually did.” Tabitha may have never had I wanted to remind us that you don’t have to spend a lot of money to give a lot of money but she touched many lives with her golden deeds. “So then some wonderful gifts. As a matter of fact some of the most priceless gifts while we have opportunity, let us do good to all men, and especially to those don’t cost a thing. If money is tight or even if it is not, you might consid- who are of the household of faith” (Galatians 6:10) er giving some of these wonderful gifts. Finally, we need to know that we can give a great gift to everyone who A sincere compliment can make someone’s day and encourage them knows us simply by having a cheerful disposition. We all know people that to keep doing the good they might otherwise become weary in doing. make life brighter by their very presence in our day. They give us more than Proverbs 3:27 reminds us, “Do not withhold good from those to whom it they may ever know. I want to be that person for someone else. Proverbs is due, when it is in your power to do it.” While it might not be within our reminds us that “a joyful heart makes a cheerful face” (15:13 NASB) and power to give someone a day off or a big raise, we all are able to give a that “a joyful heart is good medicine” (17:22 NASB). It doesn’t cost a dime compliment. Tell someone that you have noticed and appreciate the things to put a smile on our face and share a contagious excitement for life and that they do for you or others. Jesus complimented the centurion’s faith, our relationship with God, but it might be just what someone needs in their Matthew 8:10 saying, “Truly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith time of distress. with anyone in Israel (NASB).” That man was only being what he should I’ve been given a lot of gifts through the years. Some were quite ex- have been. Jesus did not have to say anything, but do you think he ever pensive and I have no idea what happened to them. I can tell you where forgot what Jesus said about him on that day? Would you? Look for those I keep the encouraging words people have sent to me over the years. who are going above and beyond expectations and let them know I will never forget the people who have done things for me that that someone noticed. Look for those who are just dependable they didn’t have to do but did anyway out of the goodness in doing what they are supposed to do and thank them. of their hearts. I also have no trouble thinking of the peo- The truth is that you can find something worthy of a sin- ple who have shown me the brighter side of life even cere compliment in almost any man, and you just might when it was hard to see. I hope that you have a won- inspire his or her life with your priceless gift. derful holiday season filled with family, parties, A golden deed shows others that we care about sweets, and even presents. Just don’t forget that them enough to give up some of our own time and some of the most priceless presents don’t cost us resources for their benefit. Jesus reminds us in a thing. L Matthew 7:12, “whatever you want men to do to you

8 DECEMBER 2011 / THINK PHYSICALLY BLESSED, SPIRITUALLY RESPONSIBLE Luke Griffin

We are surrounded by talk of double-dip median income in the U.S. and type it in that poor excuses indeed on the Day of Judgment. recession, unemployment, and world-wide box, you find that you are in the top 1% of the That day, every knee will bow before Christ economic difficulties. Sometimes it is easy people in the world. In fact, you currently (Romans 14:11) and every person who has to forget just how blessed we really are. would come up as the 58,943,478th richest ever lived will be divided into one of two cat- America is one of the most prosperous person in the world. While it is true that won’t egories—saved (sheep) or lost (goats) countries in the world. We should put you on the Fortune 500 list any time soon, (Matthew 25:33-34). Have you considered that stop and think about the things we often take it would be good to point out that this num- you can increase the population of Heaven for granted. ber means that there are over six billion, nine with your evangelism efforts? If you can go to the tap and get drinking hundred million people who are making Make the commitment right now to reach water out of the faucet that won’t make you less than you. out. (If you would like to discuss using Think sick, you are more blessed than 13% of the We are probably far more blessed than magazine or House to House/Heart to Heart world’s population. About 900 million people we have ever considered. In addition to these in your community, we would love to talk to do not have safe drinking water.1 material things, consider this. you about these efforts. For information on If you have a toilet in your house, you are With these material blessings comes a Think magazine call Focus Press at 866-313- more blessed than 38% of the world’s pop- spiritual responsibility (Acts 20:35; 2 Corinthi- 6474 or email [email protected]. ulation.2 ans 8:7). It is our mission to spread the Gospel For information on House to House call If you own a car, even an old jalopy, you message, and we have the means to do it. If 877.338.3397 or email promotion@houseto- are more blessed than approximately 80% of you know the truth about God and the Bible, house.com. people of driving age throughout the world.3 and have heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ, Keep in mind just how blessed we are. If you have electricity in your home, you then you are more spiritually blessed than an Isn’t it time to do something? L are more blessed than 25% of the world’s estimated 41% of the world’s population.8 The population. In third-world countries, an es- fact that God has blessed us so much by timated 79% of people live without access to sending His Son to die for our sins should 1 Progress on Drinking Water and Sanitation Special Focus on Sani- electricity.4 push us to want to share that same blessing tation. World Health Organization. Pg. 23. If you had enough to eat today, you are with as many people as we can. http://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/monitoring/jmp_re- more blessed than 13% of the world’s pop- There are many inexpensive ways to port_7_10_lores.pdf ulation. Over 925 million people go hungry reach out, including inviting friends over to 2 Pg. 12. each day throughout the world.5 study the Bible, bringing someone to worship 3 Based on figures showing just over 1 billion cars in operation and At the beginning of the 21st century, services with you, personally distributing by world population figures. Many in the U.S. own more than one vehicle. Several sources show worldwide ownership of a vehicle is nearly one billion people were unable to read tracts, sending out the Gospel via bulk mail, about 148 per 1000 people. 6 this article or even sign their own name. answering Bible questions on the Inter- 4 Gronewold, Nathanial, “One-Quarter of World’s Population Lacks The median household income in the net/Facebook, going on a mission trip, door Electricity” Scientific American, November 24, 2009 7 U.S. is $50,221. Perhaps your household in- knocking, correspondence courses, helping 5 Based on figures from worldhunger.org come is less than that, and perhaps it is more. with prison ministry, and many more oppor- 6 The State of the World’s Children. UNICEF 1999. Whatever your income is, I invite you to take tunities to share the Gospel and reach out to 7 US Census Bureau State and County Quick Facts accessed at that number and type it into the search box the lost world. http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/00000.html on 10/6/11 at http://www.globalrichlist.com/. What that Typically the only thing holding us back is 8 Statistics from The Joshua Project, at will tell you is how rich you are in compari- either a lack of knowledge or fear. Given that http://www.joshuaproject.net/great-commission-statistics.php on son to the rest of the world. If you take the we have been so blessed, these will seem 10/14/11

THINK / DECEMBER 2011 9 game plan / Jack Wilkie KNOCKED OUT One of the biggest discussions in all of sports over the last few years has centered on the topic of concussions. With players getting bigger, stronger, and faster, it seems like more players are sustaining head in- juries every year. Former American League Most Valuable Player Justin Morneau was concussed in 2008 and hasn’t returned to form since. Sidney Crosby, the best hockey player in the world, has missed half of a season, the playoffs, and part of this season after hits to the head in back-to-back games. Countless NFL players have been sidelined with concussions. Retired hockey and football players have faced depression from concussion symptoms, with some going so far as to claim their own lives. Clearly, it’s a serious issue. The commissioners of each sport have had to look long and hard into how to prevent such in- juries. New helmets have been invented, rule changes have been implemented, and medical at- Sin doesn’t simply go away. tention has increased exponentially. While it’s probably not possible to eliminate all concussions, the fact that such serious interest has been shown in preventing them is a huge step in the right direction. When you think about it, sin is to our spiritual health what concussions can be to physical health. Sin is dangerous. It can have permanent consequences. Ultimately, it can kill you. However, the difference is that the sports world has gone to great lengths to take care of their concussion problems, while we have had a difficult time addressing the problem of sin. Many times, we are afraid to confess our sins, or to turn to others to help us with out temptations. As a result, many Christians have fallen away, and many others continually struggle with their sins. Sin doesn’t simply go away. We must be proac- tive in attacking it, and guarding ourselves against it. So, what do we do? Let’s look at three Biblical examples of how to fight sin and temptation. First, we have to know the Bible. When Jesus faced temptation, His answers came straight from the Scriptures. Of course, that means that He had to be well-studied in them beforehand. We can’t assume that we will be fully prepared to take on Satan by simply attending Bible classes and listening to sermons. Furthermore, we have to realize that daily Bible reading, while useful, isn’t the same as in-depth study. “Your Word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against you” (Psalm 119:11, NASB). Second, we need to be accountable to our fellow Christians. One of the church’s greatest strengths is the fact that we don’t have to try to navigate this life alone. WE MUST ATTACKGod IT! has given us help in the form of our brothers and sisters, and we would be foolish to refuse to lean on each other. The phrase, “Confess your sins to one another and pray for one another” in James 5:16 was a command, not a sug- gestion. This requires us to swallow our pride, but it is something we must do. As Romans 3:23 shows, no one is strong enough to face every temptation on their own. Finally, we must be good stewards of our time. As the STUDY YOUR BIBLE. saying goes, “Idle hands are the devil’s workshop.” If we don’t keep our time occupied with good works, we leave opportunity for temptation. We all know what happened to David when he had too much time on his hands. We’ve only been given a short amount of time here. We should make sure to use as much of it as possible in service to others and to God. If we fill our time with service, we won’t leave room for temptation. As the sports world has learned with concussions, serious problems don’t just take care of themselves. It would be foolish of athletes, coaches, and trainers to simply sit back and hope the problem goes away, and it would be just as foolish of us to bury our heads in the sand and hope that sin and temptation go away. Problems like anger, gossip, selfishness, lust, and countless others continue to plague Christians. We are obligated to do everything in our power to make sure that our families (both physical and spiritual) do not fall victim to the snare of sin. Study your Bible. Make yourself available to both give and receive help. Spend your time wisely to avoid temptation. We can’t allow ourselves to be injured (or worse––killed) by sin. L

10 DECEMBER 2011 / THINK Steve Minor / families of faith ADDICTED TO

As my wife stood in line with the other parents at school who were wait- Busyness?it stop? Satan does not want it to stop. Busy hearts and minds that are ing for their children, she clearly overheard them talking about their cram- stressed out are easy targets! When one works 10 hours a day and then packed schedules. She said the mothers sounded like they were trying to takes the kids to practice while grabbing supper on the run, who has the “one-up” each other in relation to how busy their lives and families were. time or energy to diligently teach and train their children in the ways of It were as if being involved in band, little league baseball, scouts, soccer, God or read and meditate on God’s Word? Satan loves the busy lifestyle! fundraisers, the school carnival, birthday parties, and church activities made Every time we say “Yes” to something or someone, we are saying “No” you an all-star family. It got my wife and me thinking (again) about how to something else. When we add other obligations to our schedule, God easy it is to get too busy. It almost seems nowadays that if you aren’t head- usually has to take a back seat. However, God will not accept the back seat. ing out the door to go somewhere, something must be wrong. Maybe some He wants the driver seat! He wants first place! He desires that we con- parents keep their schedule overstuffed because they feel like their child tinually “be still and know that [He is] God” (Psalm 46:10). An overscheduled will just sit around and play video games while eating junk food all day, life is not putting God first in your family. It is imperative that we balance or they may feel like their child is going to really miss something if they things out in our families so that we are doing healthy activities while put- don’t participate. However, for many, being busy has become a status sym- ting God first in all ways. Certainly, sitting around watching TV and being bol—almost as if a hectic life is equivalent to worldly success. bored is not putting God first either. So, what is the answer? Here are some Has busyness become so second nature that we are afraid to slow down? simple suggestions: Barbara Stanny, a contributing writer for Forbes.com, calls it ATBS––Ad- • Set your priorities in your family. What are we doing in our fam- dicted to Busyness Syndrome. She says that busyness is the drug of choice ilies or individual lives that are interfering with God and His for women, and that if a woman thinks of saying no to a task, her world church? Is family worship time or family dinner time being forsak- would shatter. After taking a year-long sabbatical she stated, “When I slowed en due to our schedules? Your family’s relationship with God and each down, I saw my life more clearly. Decisions became obvious, thus easier other are more important than whether or not you get that promo- to make. Opportunities abounded and I had the energy—and time—to grab tion, meet that next deadline, or get the kids to the game on time. them.” (http://www.forbes.com/sites/barbarastanny/2011/09/20/detox- • Be intentional about your schedule. Build in large amounts of from-busyness) “down-time,” family fun nights, or weekend family outings. Make sure Are you addicted to busyness? Do you feel like every hour of your day you deliberately set aside personal time for your spouse and children. and week must be filled with some activity? Do you start feeling guilty if Bringing work home after a 10-hour day is not being intentional about your family is home on a Saturday with your schedule! no game or event to attend? Do you start • Remember that your to-do list will be there when you die. Life getting antsy in the evenings if there is is going to go on without you. Therefore, what will your legacy be? nothing to do for a few hours? Are you Will it be that you got a lot done at work and kept your home spot- afraid of quiet time? Are you generally less or that you spent a vast amount of time and effort on creating stressed due to getting the kids to the spiritual champions out of your children? next activity? Do you long for a day or • Set your family boundaries. A family with no boundaries will even- week off but feel like it’s impossible to tually be overtaken by Satan! No boundaries means: The television have one? is always on. The kids get to spend endless amounts of time with Being addicted to busyness has media (i.e. video games, Internet, music.) Everyone eats on the run some negative consequences to say the most days. Bedtime varies from night to night. The paycheck is gone least. One of those consequences is that before the month is gone. Frustrations run high due to stress and lack we miss out on many important things of rest. Boundaries mean: There is time for playing, relaxing, read- in life. First, we miss out on seeing God’s ing a good book, napping, laughing, eating together, family worship beauty through nature. Remember that and prayer and Bible reading. “The heavens declare the glory of God; Philip Patterson and Michael Herndon write a powerful book titled Right- And the firmament shows His handi- Sizing Your Life. In their book, they explain the Plimsoll mark. work” (Psalm 19:1). Second, we miss the In the late nineteenth century, some heavily loaded English merchant small blessings of the changes and ships would sink under their own weight, resulting in loss of life and uniqueness of our children. Remember cargo. Compounding the problem was the fact that the ships were heav- that “Behold, children are a heritage ily insured against any loses, giving the owners little motivation to solve from the Lord, The fruit of the womb is the problem. Prompted by Samuel Plimsoll, the English Parliament en- a reward” (Psalm 127:3). Third, we acted the Merchant Shipping Act of 1876. Among other things the Act miss much-needed time with our God. established a requirement that all merchant vessels have a load line Remember the joy of David’s daily de- painted on the hull that would be visible above the water only if the votion to God, “Oh, how I love Your law! ship’s weight was safe. The line became known as the Plimsoll mark It is my meditation all the day” (Psalm (pg. 46). 119:97). The point the authors continue to make is that the way to keep ourselves Constant busyness is not a healthy habit for the family of God. I am re- above our Plimsoll mark (so we don’t sink) is to practice self-control. Liv- minded often of a quote that a dear friend of mine, Tony Hall, who passed ing a life that is too busy leads us to be out of control, which overwhelms away too early in life used to say, “B.U.S.Y. stands for Being Under Satan’s our hearts and spirits. Yoke.” How true! Satan capitalizes in busy families! When Dad and Mom Why not make a list today of things that need to be removed from don’t know whether they are coming or going and the kids are disconnected your family’s schedule or your budget? Try not to add anything in place of from their family and their God, temptations are easier to give in to. Busy- what you drop. Start investing in things that are eternal and allow God to ness seems to blind us from the important things in life. We become over- transform your busy, hectic schedule into a peaceful, fulfilling schedule that stuffed with to-do lists and demands, then we are overworked physical- honors God and His Kingdom. L ly, mentally, and emotionally which leads to being overstressed! When will

THINK / DECEMBER 2011 11 The Gospel of John is the fourth Gospel in the New Testament. In his writing, John moves beyond the obvious facts of Jesus’ life to deeper, more profound meanings. Events and miracles are kept to a minimum.1 It is clear that John is guided more by theological interests than historical interests.2 Clement of Alexandria calls this Gospel by John a spiritual gospel, by which he implied that his portion of the inspired Scripture contains less of historical narrative than any other and more doctrine.3 A good student of God’s holy Word will notice immediately that there are some surpris- ing and obvious differences between the Gospel of John and the synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, CAN and Luke). These include the following:

• John contains no narrative parables, no account of the transfiguration of Christ, no record of the institution of the Lord’s Supper, no mention of the temptation of Jesus, and no record of Jesus casting out demons. • John does include a large amount of material not found in the synoptic tradition, such as the records of extended discussions with Nicodemus, the Samaritan woman and the disciples, as well as of significant miracles (Ex. the turning of water into wine and the resurrection of Lazarus). WE • John recounts an extensive Judean ministry for Jesus, including numerous visits to Russ Vickers Jerusalem, whereas the synoptic Gospels focus primarily on His Galilean ministry. • Certain features of John’s Gospel also raise chronological difficulties for understanding Je- sus’ action in the temple (John 2) and the precise sequence of events during Passion Week. • Perhaps most of the significant, notable stylistic differences emerge between John’s Jesus, who discourses poetically on themes of belief, love, world, light, darkness, sin, judgment, life, witness and truth, as well as the identity of the Messiah. The synoptic Jesus, however, ar- gues forcefully and consistently on the theme of the kingdom of God.

TRUST Fueled by these differences, there has been much speculation regarding the historical reliability of this document as a testimony concerning Jesus (John 20:31). There are, however, many significant reasons for believing John to be historically accurate:

• In any attempt to assess the reliability of John, pride of place should be given to John’s own testimony about the nature of his literary endeavor. John alone among the Gospels provides an explicit “purpose statement” (John 20:30-31). This statement reflects the writer’s inten- tion to present selective accounts of Jesus’ ministry. It is also aimed at persuading the reader that Jesus of Nazareth really is the promised Messiah. The apostle John was well aware THE that Jesus did many other things, commenting at the close of his Gospel account, “And there are also many other things which Jesus did, which if they were written in detail, I suppose that even the world itself would not contain the books that would be written” (John 21:25). Many of the apparent omissions from John’s Gospel are therefore essentially acknowledged by John and, therefore, are not to be considered as evidence against historicity. • No other Gospel addresses the theme of Truth as frequently as John’s. He used a series of signs and a listing of witnesses to reinforce the main thesis of his work. The trustworthiness of these witnesses, including John’s own explicit claim to have been an eyewitness (John 19:35), is integral to his purpose and should remind the reader that accuracy was deeply important GOSPEL to this apostle and author. • This concern for accurate reporting is reflected in the exact recording of numbers (John 2:20; 21:11); the translation of foreign terminology (1:38, 41; 20:16); and the precise depictions of persons, places, and customs (2:6; 4:20; 5:2; 19:40). • A close reading of John reveals numerous agreements with the synoptic Gospels, in terms of both broad themes and specific details.

Even though John traveled with the Lord, heard Him speak, and saw Him work many miracles, it took time for him to believe that Jesus Christ was the Son of God. But once he did, he wrote an OF unequaled masterpiece in order to convince people that Jesus Christ was God who had come to earth in human flesh and we obtain salvation through Him.4 Modern readers of John are wise to refrain both from overstating the apparent contradictions and from excessive efforts at harmoniz- ing John with the other Gospels. John successfully accomplished his stated aim: to present a testimony that is eloquent, accurate, and persuasive that Jesus is indeed the Messiah, the Son of God (John 20:31). L

1 R.F. Youngblood, New Illustrated Bible Dictionary – Gospel of John, Nelson Publishers, 1995, p.693. 2 p. 696. JOHN? 3 Hebert Lockyear, All the Apostles of the Bible, Zondervan, 1972, p. 95 4 Gene A. Getz, Men of Character – The Apostles, 1998, Broadman and Holman, Nashville TN., p. 56.

12 DECEMBER 2011 / THINK EDDY GILPIN THE CREATION OF MAN: From Dust or from Disorder? In Genesis 1 the Bible gives a very general ergy that caused life to arise therefrom. Further, it is left with the impossible task of explaining how statement regarding the creation of humanity. not just one such human arose, but two, and those simultaneously and with the capabilities of re- Verse 27 simply states, “So God created man in producing. Since it is true (as well as “scientific”) that from nothing comes nothing, there always His own image, in the image of God created He had to be “something” in order for anything to exist currently. And, since it is true (and, again, “sci- him; male and female He created them.” Gene- entific”) that matter is not eternal, that “something” that always has been has to be something oth- sis 2 reveals the process God used in a little more er than the material. The only reasonable alternative is that a mind has always existed––an all-pow- detail. It states: “And the Lord God formed man erful mind that brought matter out of nothing. That “all-powerful mind” is God! of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his Thus, we are left with two choices: Either man came from the dust of the ground (as the Bible nostrils the breath of life; and man became a liv- states), or he came about from a state of disorder (as evolution states). There is no middle ground. ing soul” (vs. 7, KJV). The text then reveals: One cannot have his proverbial cake and eat it, too. After all, if what God states as facts in Gene- And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall sis 1 and 2 are “untruthful, unscientific, and impossible,” how is the Bible to be trusted in any oth- upon Adam, and he slept: and He took one of er area? If we cannot trust a creative God, how can we have confidence in a redemptive God? How his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead there- can we believe a judicious God? How can we rely on a rewarding God? The fact remains, if God is of; And the rib, which the Lord God had tak- untruthful or deceptive in the first two chapters of His Word, how can anything in the remaining en from man, made He a woman, and brought 1187 chapters of it be trusted? her unto the man. And Adam said, “This is now In order further to substantiate the Genesis account, notice some other Biblical passages that bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she reveal this same truth. For example, Jesus stated, “Have ye not read, that He which made them at shall be called Woman, because she was tak- the beginning made them male and female” (Matthew 19:4 KJV). Even more telling, Mark’s record en out of Man” (Genesis 2:21-23, KJV). states, “But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female” (Mark 10:6, emp. added). Hence, if one is going to deny the truthfulness of Genesis 1 and 2, he will also have to deny It was at this point that God instituted mar- the truthfulness of the words of Jesus. Doing so would, of course, make God a liar (cf. Titus 1:2). riage, by bringing together this man and woman Contrariwise, the Bible says, “… let God be true, but every man a liar” (Romans 3:4). whom He had made, as revealed in the twenty- In speaking on the subject of the resurrection, the apostle Paul stated, “And so it is written, ‘The two most important words in marriage (Genesis first man Adam was made a living soul’” (1 Corinthians 15:45, KJV), and, “The first man was of the 2:24). earth, made of dust” (1 Corinthians 15:47). He used the creation of the first man to demonstrate Evolution claims that the Biblical account is the power that will bring about the resurrection. Thus, if there was no creation of man from the dust untruthful, unscientific, and impossible. Its claim there will be no resurrection of man from the dead. And if such is the case, no wonder the apostle is that man ascended (evolved) from some “pri- would state, “If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable” (1 Corinthi- mordial soup” which was in some fashion ener- ans 15:19, KJV). gized and brought about life. In other words, man Whenever man sinned (Genesis 3), God revealed unto him, “In the sweat of your face shall you did not come from dust (as the Bible claims), but eat bread, till you return to the ground; for out of it you were taken; for dust you are, and to dust from a state of randomness guided by nothing or you shall return” (Genesis 3:19). The very fact that man “returns to the dust” is within itself a proof no one. However, even if given the “primordial that he came from the dust. Indeed, man came from dust (through the creative power of God) and soup” scenario, evolution is still left with the not from disorder (via the chaotic proposal of evolution). L quandary of the origin of such “soup” and the en-

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THINK / DECEMBER 2011 13 iThink iLearn iGrow A DAILY DEVOTIONAL BOOK

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February 9-11, 2012 Holiday Inn • Frisco, TX. The retreat starts at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday and ends at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday. Cost: $45 per couple for early bird. $55 after December 15. Make your reservation online at www.focuspress.org or call 866.313.6474 Presented by Focus Press Featuring David Shannon, Brad Harrub, Steve Minor, and David Longley Webster defines faith as a “firm belief in something for which there is no proof; Not Enough Faith in something that is believed especially with strong conviction.” Humanists, atheists, and evolutionists commonly use the word faith in a derogatory sense when discussing religion. the World for That … They consider the very notion of believing in something “unseen” or “unexplained” as Brad Harrub, Ph.D. unscientific. As such, religion is relegated to the status of a childish superstition in their eyes, and they are quick to point this out to students in colleges and universities. But what happens when the spotlight is reflected back and aimed at the origin of life? We know life exists, but from whence did it arise? The same individuals who are quick to use the word faith in a negative fashion regarding religion commonly overlook their own leap of faith in trying to describe the origin of life. As Nobel laureate George Wald admitted:

16 DECEMBER 2011 / THINK We tell this story to beginning students of bi- hypothesis. This “standard icon” is the famous Dose admitted, “More than 30 years of experi- ology as though it represents a triumph of rea- Miller-Urey experiment that was conducted in mentation on the origin of life in the fields of son over mysticism. In fact it is very nearly the 1953. Stanley Miller and Harold Urey conducted chemical and molecular evolution have led to a opposite. The reasonable view was to believe a research experiment, putting what they believed better perception of the immensity of the prob- in spontaneous generation; the only alterna- were the early evolutionary atmospheric condi- lem of the origin of life on earth rather than to its tive, to believe in a single, primary act of su- tions together in a glass apparatus. They included solution. At present, all discussions on principal pernatural creation. There is no third position. only the gases they believed would have been in theories and experiments in the field either end For this reason many scientists a century ago existence at that point in earth’s history. Using an in stalemate or in a confession of ignorance” chose to regard the belief in spontaneous gen- electrical spark to simulate lightning, they heat- (Dose, 1988, 13[4]:348). As Robert Jastrow eration as a “philosophical necessity.” It is a ed up the mixture to see if they could sponta- pointed out over thirty years ago, “According to symptom of the philosophical poverty of our neously generate living material from these this story, every tree, every blade of grass, and time that this necessity is no longer appreci- non-living gases. every creature in the sea and on the land evolved ated. Most modern biologists, having re- Did they create life? No. Did they create pro- out of one-parent strand of molecular matter drift- viewed with satisfaction the downfall of the teins? No. What they created was 85% tar— ing lazily in a warm pool. What concrete evidence spontaneous generation hypothesis, yet un- something most textbook writers fail to include. supports that remarkable theory of the origin of willing to accept the alternative belief in spe- Additionally, we know today that the experiment life? There is none” (1977, p. 60). In the thirty years cial creation, are left with nothing. I think a scientist has no choice but to approach the origin of life through a hypothesis of spontaneous But the fact still remains—man has never generation (1954, p. 46). created living material from non-living material. Consider that biology is said to be the study of living organisms. How ironic that the entire field is focused on life, and yet, science cannot was carried out in the absence of oxygen, in a re- since he wrote those words, there have not been explain the very origin. In what might be con- ducing atmosphere—something honest scientists any major advances from the evolutionists’ sidered the biggest “smoke-screen” routinely pub- will admit is foolishness. (However, Miller and camp in what caused life to begin. Oh, we con- lished today, textbooks frequently teach students Urey had to do this in order to keep the oxygen tinue to hear of men creating artificial bacteria the falsehood of spontaneous generation (the idea from breaking down the desired amino acids.) Ad- or self-replicating genes, but the bottom line is of life arising from non-life), but a few pages lat- ditionally, the electrical spark they used was con- man has never created life from non-life. er they leap forward and suggest that all living stant, unlike the ever-changing frequency of In fact, in past decades, textbooks contained things evolved from a non-living source. lightning that would be found in the real condi- the Law of Biogenesis. The Law of Biogenesis sim- Textbooks will routinely teach the history of tions of nature. ply states that life arises only from other life. This how men like Spallanzani, Redi, Pasteur, and hun- However, they did create “trace” amounts of is a scientific law that has never been broken. dreds of others have proven time and again that a few amino acids. As such, most of these text- (Bear in mind something does not rise to the sta- spontaneous generation is impossible. Students books contain the phrase “scientists have created tus of a law without being repeatedly tested and read old “recipes” that men once believed spon- the building blocks for life”—an embellishment proven). Yet, within the past twenty years, this taneously generated life using things like rotten they then build on. Routinely, after pronouncing scientific law has been omitted from most text- meat to produce flies, or sweaty undergarments this bold statement, the textbooks will then be- books and replaced with the theory of abio- and wheat to produce mice. But thanks to per- gin an intensive study of evolution. Thus the genesis—the belief that maybe life arose some- sistent research (with the help of some curved smoke-screen approach. how from non-life. In other words, we have re- flasks and eventually microscopes), these myths But wait, clear the smoke for a moment! Let’s placed a law that is in contradiction to evolution were laid to rest. We know today life does not review what we know for sure and what we don’t. with a theory that supports it. As a scientist, it spontaneously generate. So if life did not appear • We know life exists. appalls me that we allow this kind of foolishness spontaneously, what is the explanation? • We know science disproved spontaneous to be substituted, taught, and recycled in text- Enter the smoke screen. Textbooks today generation of life. books. abound with “possible” theories whose job it is • We know panspermia—life from outer In Acts 17:25 God is described as the “giver to sustain the smoke screen. Students read space—doesn’t explain the origin of life, but of life.” He breathed into the nostrils of man the about panspermia (the idea that life was seed- rather moves the discussion laterally to a breath of life (Genesis 2:7). Since that moment ed from outer space) or abiogensis (basically spon- different location. the Law of Biogenesis has been in effect—life taneous generation without the sweaty under- • We know abiogenesis is the supposed spon- comes only from other life. For centuries men have garments or rotten meat, with a cooler name and taneous origination of life from lifeless ma- been trying to “create life” to bolster the evolu- dressed up in modern vernacular). Bear in mind terial but has never been observed in a lab. tionary theory. But the fact still remains—man none of these theories have been proven, and • We know Miller and Urey were unable to has never created living material from non-living some are downright laughable. The reality is sci- create proteins or life in the lab. material. Paul knew long ago that it was God who ence is taking massive leaps of faith (and lots of • We know hundreds of other labs have gives life. This fact has not changed! Frankly, I imagination) in trying to explain the very origin tried—unsuccessfully—to create life from don’t have enough faith to believe otherwise. L of life. As John Horgan observed, the origin of life, non-life in laboratory settings. “… is by far the weakest strut of the chassis of So where does this leave us? Life exists and modern biology. The origin of life is a science evolutionists want to teach our children how it References writer’s dream. It abounds with exotic scientists allegedly evolved, even though an honest ex- Dose, Klaus (1988), “The Origin of Life: More Questions Than An- and exotic theories, which are never entirely aban- amination reveals they have no idea how it got swers,” Interdisciplinary Science Reviews, 13[4]:348. doned or accepted, but merely go in and out of started. In addition, their explanations for the ori- Horgan, John (1996), The End of Science (Reading, MA: Addison- fashion” (1996, p. 138). gin of life honestly require more “faith” than a Bib- Wesley). To substantiate the smoke screen, textbooks lical explanation. Jastrow, Robert (1977), Until The Sun Dies (New York: W.W. Norton). offer a research experiment as proof that the ori- Textbooks do not reflect the real story in the Wald, George (1954), “The Origin of Life,” Scientific American, gin of life can be explained through an evolutionary origins debate. For instance, evolutionist Klaus 191:46.

THINK / DECEMBER 2011 17 Dewayne Bryant, M.S. PANSPERMIA THE LATEST EVOLUTIONARY SCIENCE FICTION

18 DECEMBER 2011 / THINK America witnessed a television phenomenon is called panspermia, also known as exogenesis. It comes in two varieties: undirected and direct- in January 1977. The miniseries entitled Roots told ed. Undirected panspermia is the concept that life originated on another planet such as Mars and the story of Kunta Kinte, a young African found its way to Earth via rocks ejected by an asteroid impact. These microscopic life forms sur- tribesman captured and brought to America to vived not only their transit through the void of space but also the entry into earth’s atmosphere. Sci- serve as a slave. The story adapted from Alex Ha- entists have speculated that some species of bacteria could survive such ley’s novel of the same name gripped television a trip (one has been affectionately nicknamed “Conan the Bac- audiences for eight consecutive nights. In spite terium”). of ABC network executives’ fears that the minis- Paul Davies explains, “How, then, did life get from eries would fail miserably, it became a landmark Mars to Earth? The answer is straightforward. The in television history. An unprecedented 85% of same asteroid impacts that made early life so haz- all television homes watched at least part of the ardous also served to splatter vast quantities of miniseries. Its final episode still ranks as the third Martian rock around the solar system. A fraction The most difficult most-watched program in television history. of this hits Earth; indeed, it does so today. So Roots ignited an interest in genealogy in the far, a couple of dozen meteorites have been problem for evolution members of the program’s vast viewing audiences found that can be traced back to Mars.”2 Davies and expanded our national sense of history. While explains that Mars was once more hospitable is the law of biogenesis, it told a story of Africans who had been brought to life, and Martian microbes hitched an in- to America as slaves, the program spoke to a prob- terplanetary ride to Earth on an asteroid. The which states that only lem that transcended race: the nature of human problem with undirected panspermia is that it identity. Today, we are still asking the same fa- does nothing to solve the problem of the origin life can produce life. miliar questions. Where do we fit not only in our in life. In reality, it only pushes it back one step. society, but also in our universe? Why are we Some scientists have offered the solution of di- here? And how did we arrive on this little blue rected panspermia. They suggest that an extraterrestrial dot called Earth? civilization seeded the planet with biological material, Secular science believes it has solved the rid- which in turn led to the development of life. While the idea dle of life. The theory of evolution, most closely of directed panspermia seems far-fetched, it has the support of connected to Charles Darwin, proposes that life some of the biggest names in evolutionary circles. Thomas Gold (1920-2004), former professor of did indeed come from non-life. Scientists spec- astronomy at Cornell University, suggested that life on earth might have appeared as the result of ulate that in the farthest reaches of earth’s past, waste products accidentally dumped on the planet by extraterrestrials.3 Francis Crick, the co-dis- chemicals formed amino acids, the basic build- coverer of the double-helix structure of DNA, also promoted the idea.4 Lately Richard Dawkins has ing blocks of life. These in turn formed proteins. joined the discussion. During an interview with Ben Stein, Dawkins stated, Simple-celled organisms appeared later, which It could come about in the following way: It could be that at some earlier time, somewhere in gradually developed into increasingly sophisticated the universe, a civilization evolved by probably some kind of Darwinian means to a very, very living things. Hundreds of millions of years lat- high level of technology, and designed a form of life that they seeded on to, perhaps this plan- er, human beings stand at the top of the evolu- et. Now that is a possibility, and an intriguing possibility. And I suppose it’s possible that you tionary chain. But we aren’t done yet. The best might find evidence for that, if you look at the details of biochemistry, molecular biology, you is yet to come. might find a signature of some sort of designer.5 As many Christians know, the challenges to evolution are legion. A quick perusal of any apolo- Dawkins’ comment begs the question: If intelligent interplanetary travellers planted life on earth, getics handbook will show that secular science where did they originate? Supporters of panspermia have merely traded one problem for another. still struggles with the emergence of life on earth. The hypothesis does not remove the problem of abiogenesis; it merely relocates it to another plan- Even evolutionists admit—albeit secretly—that et. Of course, if aliens are responsible for the development of life on earth, one would think they the emergence of life is a problem rife with un- would eventually come back to examine their handiwork. certainty. Physicist and astrobiologist Paul Davies The discussion about panspermia stokes the fire of the imagination, but distracts from the man- says, “Many investigators feel uneasy about stat- ifold difficulties with evolutionary theory. One of those is the assertion that evolution is the most ing in public that the origin of life is a mystery, thoroughly tested theory in the history of science. At the same time, we must recognize that it is even though behind closed doors they freely ad- the evolutionists who are both giving and grading the tests. Evolutionists also have a habit of em- must mit that they are baffled” for one reason, he says, phasizing that the complexity of life be viewed through the lens of evolution. Dawkins says, “Biology is the study of complicated things that give the appearance of having been designed for because “they worry that a frank admission of ig- 6 1 a purpose.” Francis Crick said earlier, “Biologists must constantly keep in mind that what they see norance will undermine funding.” It appears in 7 the case of evolutionary studies that money talks was not designed, but rather evolved.” with a somewhat louder voice than does scien- The leading proponents of evolution must continually reassure others that whatever seems to tific objectivity. be designed really isn’t. That is, we must tell ourselves that the apparent design of the universe is The most difficult problem for evolution is the really the product of random forces. Accurate observation is essential for conducting science. If an Law of Biogenesis, which states that only life can observer filters the evidence through a pre-existing commitment to a particular theory, then we may produce life. Abiogenesis, the emergence of life legitimately question whether they are acting as responsible scientists. from non-living matter, remains the Achilles Time will tell whether panspermia remains as a fixture of the creation-evolution debate or if it will pass into history as a scientific fad. If evolution is a fairy tale for grown-ups, then panspermia heel of evolutionary thought. This is especially true L because the early environmental conditions of seems to be the equivalent of science fiction. earth are thought to have been extremely un- 1 Paul Davies, The Fifth Miracle: The Search for the Origin and Meaning of Life (New York, NY: Simon & Schuster, 1999), 17-18. friendly to the development of life. So how did 2 Paul Davies, “It’s True, Men Really are From Mars.” The Guardian (29 October, 2002). Online: life appear on earth? A simple answer, really: it http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2002/oct/30/spaceexploration.comment. Accessed: 10 October 2011. came from somewhere else. 3 Thomas Gold, “Cosmic Garbage.” Air Force and Space Digest 65 (May 1960). Given the extreme difficulties with life orig- 4 Francis H. Crick and Leslie. E. Orgel, “Directed Panspermia.” Icarus 19:341-348. inating by chance on earth, some scientists 5 Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed (2008). have opted for a different solution: Life on earth 6 Richard Dawkins, The Blind Watchmaker (New York, NY: Norton, 1986), 1. came from another planet in the universe. This 7 Francis H. Crick, What Mad Pursuit? (New York, NY: Basic Books, 1990), 138.

THINK / DECEMBER 2011 19 A LIVING SOUL David Campbell, D.Sc.

20 DECEMBER 2011 / THINK Those who cling to a naturalistic or materi- the materialists believe they are correct and fu- which will be suppressed or marginalized, the role alistic worldview have trouble explaining exact- ture data will prove them so. Allegedly, contra- of self control and normal restraints used in the ly where the “material” came from in the first dictory evidence now will be proven wrong in the past will be down played. The materialist does place. But what happens when we turn our at- near or distant future. Charles Darwin, when asked not believe in the concept of self, hence, there tention to the soul of man? about the incompleteness of the fossil record in is nothing to control.6 “And the Lord God formed man of the dust of his day, used the same approach. Darwin stated The societal upheaval we see today is an un- the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the future discoveries would provide proof. folding calamity for the control of the minds of breath of life; and man became a living being” In other words, we are going to throw out mod- mankind. The materialist wants the thought (Genesis 2:7). In this verse we find three state- ern evidence and gamble that there is no soul in process of a thinking individual to be robotical- ments concerning mankind’s origin. First, God cre- man—that the brain is simply an organ with neu- ly controlled. Their bankrupt philosophy is the driv- ated or formed humans from the dust of the earth, rons that fire when stimulated—and we believe ing force behind these calamitous events. hence material. Secondly, God breathed into him our theory will be proven true one day. That in John Eccles and Daniel Robinson in The the breath of life. Thirdly, man became a living essence is promissory materialism. Wonder of Being Human had this to counter, soul. This verse is denied entirely by materialist The proofs of materialism are not in accord “We regard promissory materialism to be as philosophers and scientists. First, they deny with all the evidence from physical and biologi- superstition without rational foundation. The God’s existence, second that man was created by cal sciences. Since these new findings can more we discover about the brain, the more Him and for Him (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14), third, that point to another conclusion, they close ranks and clearly do we distinguish between the men- all humans possess a soul. use promissory materialism. The destruction of tal phenomena and the more wonderful The Hebrew word for soul is Nepes. The term promissory materialism lies within the evidence do both the brain events and mental phe- is defined as soul, self, life, person, or heart. that can be shown to destroy it. nomena become. Promissory materialism The word occurs some 780 times in the Old Tes- Nobel prize winner John Eccles, a neurologist, is simply a religious belief held by dogmatic tament and is translated as “soul” in over 400 states, “I maintain that the human mystery is in- materialism.”7 occurences. The KJV uses over 28 different credibly demeaned by reductionism [the theory English terms for the one Hebrew word.1 The clos- that complex phenomena can be explained by an- But the “proof” for the materialists gets est English word for nepes is soul. The soul of alyzing the simplest most basic mechanism or or- worse. Stephen Barr, a professor of theoretical Rachel departs from her, resulting in death (Gen- ganelles, DLC] with its claim in promissory ma- particle physics at the University of Delaware stat- esis 35:18). Humans possess a dual nature con- terialism to account eventually for all of the spir- ed in an article from National Review: “Accord- sisting of body and soul, as noted in Job 14:22 itual world in terms of patterns and neural activity. ing to several leading physicists, quantum me- (see also James 2:26). This belief must be classes as superstition.”3 chanics is incompatible with a materialist account of the human mind.”8 Hard core evolutionary biology was founded on classic physics of the 19th century. Physics has When one evaluates the evidence been forced by evidence to move away from strict- ly mechanical models of the universe. If physics and considers the big picture, and biology are moving in opposite directions, which one should alter their position?9 Isn’t it time it is clear that man was endowed science acknowledges that the brain is more than just a bag of material neurons firing? with both a brain and a soul— When one evaluates the evidence and considers the big picture, it is clear that man was en- two separate entities. dowed with both a brain and a soul—two separate entities. However, the existence of a soul The battleground for many years between ma- The impact of promissory materialism has had brings into the discussion a whole new issue. If terialist and non-materialist has been the nature far reaching complications in our society. Richard man has a soul, what does that say about the ex- of the soul. The physical part of mankind is def- Florey, a sociologist, in his essay “Promoting a Sec- istence of God—and eternity? initely of a material nature (Genesis 2:7). The non- ular Standard: Secularization and Modern Jour- I believe we can conclude where we started, “God saw every thing He had made, and behold materialist contends that the soul is not materi- nalism, 1870 to 1930,” stated, “Journalists be- L al. The discussion has raged back and forth over gan to see themselves as the successors to tra- it was very good” (Genesis 1:31 ESV). the decades. The materialist want empirical ditional religion or spiritual leaders.”4 They were 1 Vines, W.E. et al., Complete Expository Dictionary, Thomas Nelson proof for the soul. Since the soul is non-materi- to provide the appropriate guidance for both in- Publishing, Inc. 1985. al, it cannot be analyzed by normal scientific dividuals and society. They assumed Darwin, 2 Sagan, Carl, The Dragon of Eden, Random House, 1977. means (e.g., weight or chemical composition). Carl Freud, and other materialists were correct and it 3 Eccles, John and Daniel Robinson, The Wonder of Being Human, Sagan, an atheist and materialist once ob- was here to stay. The belief that religion had no New York Free Press, 1984. served, “… [the brains] workings—what we authority was growing, and journalism was ea- 4 Florey Richard, The Secular Revolution: Power, Interests, and sometimes call mind is a consequence of its anato- ger to fill the vacuum—modeling itself in the Conflict in the Secularization of American Public Life, University my and physiology and nothing else.”2 shadow of materialistic philosophy and science. of California Press, 2003, p. 413. Sagan and others of his conviction felt that the The progressive movement in the United 5 Edmondson, Henry T. III, John Dewey and the Decline of brain was hardwired and could not be altered. States with its investment in social Darwinism American Education, ISI Books, 2006. When they were challenged with new evidence began to alter education under the leadership of 6 Clark, Tom, Denying the Big God and the Little God, Center for such as neuroplasticity, they resorted to what is John Dewey.5 Educationists like the journalists Naturalism, as quoted in The Spiritual Brain, Beauregard and called promissory materialism. Promissory ma- believed in Darwinism at the expense of religion O’Leary, pg. 117. terialism is the concept proposed by the philoso- with its resulting effect on society. A government 7 Ibid, pg. 36. pher Karl Popper. He used this concept to answer controlled by materialists will redefine good as 8 Barr, Stephen M. “The Soul and Its Enemies,” Natural Review, questions related to evidence against material- a debunked philosophy of the past (see Isaiah December 2007, p. 40. ist belief that would be found in the future. Thus, 59:13-15). Even with evidence to the contrary, 9 Morowitz, Harold, as quoted in the Spiritual Brain.

THINK / DECEMBER 2011 21 Why Does the Origin of Life Matter to a Christian? Steve Higginbotham

What difference does it make if the universe evolution to bring the world in existence, then He is still the Creator, so what difference does such was created in the manner described in Genesis a doctrine make? One still comes out at the same place: God is the source of all that exists. 1-2, or if the universe came into existence That question might best be answered by a single word: Integrity. How can the nature and char- through a natural process of evolution, which hap- acter of God survive if man’s origin did not occur as God said it did? How could one trust in God if pened to be set in motion by a supernatural God? His Word is not reliable? I would affirm that the character of God and man’s faith in Him both crum- In either case, we are here, and we are here by ble if God’s revelation of our origin is not true. the design of God. So why should the “how” of First, consider the character of God. The God of the Bible is a God who cannot lie (Titus 1:2); He man’s origin matter? Why is it not sufficient to sim- is faithful (1 Thessalonians 5:24); and His Word is true (2 Samuel 7:28). When one considers these ply agree that God created the world, and character traits, then God and His Word stand or fall together. If God’s Word is proven inaccurate, whether He literally did it as described in Gen- then God, as He is revealed in Scripture, cannot exist. esis 1-2, or whether He used the mechanism of Second, consider man’s trust in God. If one cannot trust that Genesis 1-2 is an accurate recounting evolution to do it shouldn’t matter? of man’s origin, then can one trust God to tell the truth with reference to any other Biblical text? If One of the manifestations of the influence of God cannot be trusted to tell the truth with respect to man’s origin, how can one know that God is humanism is seen in the attempt of some Chris- trustworthy to tell the truth with respect to man’s destiny? Which parts of God’s revelation are trust- tians to reconcile evolutionary thinking with the worthy and which parts are not, and how does one discern the difference? Bible. More than a few Christians seem unwill- This issue of trust becomes pervasive and challenges the integrity of the entire Bible. For if God ing to accept Genesis 1-2 as a literal account of did not reveal the truth of our origins in Genesis 1-2, then what trust can one have in the words of man’s origin. Maybe it’s because it makes them Moses who wrote the book of Genesis? What trust can one have in David, for he affirmed that “He uncomfortable to stand with the “old Bible” in op- [God] commanded, and they were created” (Psalm 148:1-5).What trust can one have in Job, for he position to “new enlightenment.” Whatever the too wrote of God’s creative work (Job 38-39)? If Genesis 1-2 is not trustworthy, then how does that reason may be, some Christians have attempted affect one’s trust in Jesus who refers to some of the specifics recorded in Genesis 1-2 (Matthew to force God into the theory of evolution. Today, 19:6), the apostle Paul (1 Corinthians 15:22), or the apostle Peter (2 Peter 3:1-5)? the theory of Theistic Evolution (the idea that God To trifle with God’s revelation concerning man’s origins may seem like a harmless exercise to created the universe through the process of evo- some, a matter of indifference; but in reality such trifling undermines the integrity of God, His Word, lution) is being embraced. This provides some de- and man’s faith in both. If one can successfully distort man’s view of his origin, then it doesn’t seem gree of comfort to those who seek to stand with too much of a stretch to consider how easy it would be to distort man’s view of his destiny. For these the “intellectuals” of our age while at the same reasons, the origin of life and our universe are of supreme importance. The plain words of God need time maintaining their faith in God and His to be believed, not tampered with or explained away. “In the beginning, God created the heavens Word. To their way of thinking, since God used and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). L

22 DECEMBER 2011 / THINK WHAT’S IN A CELL? Joe Deweese, Ph.D.

cell is known as the basic unit of and ribonucleic acid (RNA). Ribosomes are re- tein and RNA molecules associate with the life in cellular biology. The term cell sponsible for building proteins one amino acid at DNA and oversee how the information is stored, was first used by Robert Hooke in a time using a messenger RNA molecule as a tem- accessed, repaired, and duplicated. Cell surface the 1600s, and it remains in use to plate (the information for the messenger RNA is receptors can transmit signals from outside the this day to describe the molecular found in deoxyribonucleic acid, DNA). cell to the nucleus to impact cell functions. The “compartments”A that make up living organisms. A vast membrane-bound organelle known as nucleus serves as a key hub in the life of a eu- Some organisms like yeast and bacteria are sin- the endoplasmic reticulum serves as the site of karyotic cell, and entry and exit from the nucle- gle-celled. Humans and other creatures are mul- lipid synthesis, protein modification, and some us are regulated by numerous proteins and ticellular, sometimes including trillions of cells. protein synthesis. Another organelle called the transport molecules. There are two basic types of cells: eukaryot- Golgi apparatus functions as a processing and ex- Our cells, then, have an access-controlled bar- ic (which have a nucleus) and prokaryotic (which port center for molecules being sent outside or rier with sensors, gates, and transporters. There lack a membrane-bound nucleus). Within these around the cell. is an internal framework that provides structure two classes, there is a broad spectrum of types Cells require a power source to fuel the many and “highways” for transport through the crowd- of cells. For example, humans are eukaryotes and different reactions needed to sustain life. In our ed interior of a cell. There are factories that are have about two hundred distinct cell types such cells, mitochondria are responsible for the bulk responsible for building proteins, lipids, nucleic as neurons, red blood cells, muscle cells, and many of energy production (and also play a role in sev- acids, and carbohydrates. There are targeted de- others. Eukaryotic cells have a number of com- eral other critical processes). They take molecules livery systems that move items from the site of plex working components including the mem- provided through our diet and use these raw ma- production or processing to the location of op- branes, numerous enzymes, and subcellular terials to power the production of energy-carry- eration. There are mechanisms for removing, de- compartments called organelles. ing molecules. stroying, or recycling molecules when they are Each cell is surrounded by a plasma membrane While many processes focus on building up, damaged or no longer needed. There is a control made of lipids (phospholipids). The membrane some processes are responsible for breaking center containing the blueprints, control mech- serves as a means of protection and access con- down. Worn out proteins, organelles, and other anisms, and molecular machinery used to produce trol. On the external side, the membrane provides complexes are broken down by means of pro- the molecules required for the cell to carry out and a platform for the cell to display carbohydrate and teasomes, lysosomes, and peroxisomes. These maintain the functions mentioned above. protein markers for identification and protein- functions are designed to break things down with- If someone walked into a modern automobile based receptors that receive signals from other out damaging the cell. factory with these features, it would be reason- cells. The interior of the cell includes a cy- At the heart of cellular activity is the nucle- able to conclude that engineers and architects toskeleton that gives the cell structure and us. This double membrane-bound organelle con- worked for years to develop the systems, process- rigidity. This structural protein network is also in- tains the genetic information coded in DNA. The es, and components. No one would suggest the volved in transport within the cell and facilitates information in this molecule provides instructions factory arose “by chance” or “by accident.” Is it cell movement in some cell types. for producing the RNA and proteins needed by reasonable to conclude that the cell, a well-or- Proteins are critical to the function of the cell, a cell. Also found in this molecule are complex chestrated system of interdependent parts, arose serving many structural and functional roles. The regulatory mechanisms that help control how and from anything other than design? L ribosome is a molecular machine made of proteins when the information is accessed. Numerous pro-

THINK / DECEMBER 2011 23 PROFESSING TO BE WISE Mike Houts, Ph.D.

True science is the enemy of the evolutionist. An excellent example of this fact is the belief that life somehow spontaneously arose from non-life. Although thoroughly disproven by true, operational science, evolutionists are forced to cling to belief in spontaneous generation. It is foundational to an atheistic worldview. Belief in spontaneous generation (also known as “abiogenesis” or “biopoesis”) is not original to modern evolutionists. Aristotle taught extensively on the subject, and the idea was considered a proven fact by many in medieval society. Fruit flies were “known” to spontaneously arise from fruit, maggots to spontaneously arise from meat, rats to spontaneously arise from trash, and so on. Anal- ogous to what unfortunately still occurs today (particularly related to “age”), many professed Bible believers even tried to incorporate the “fact” of spontaneous generation into the Biblical creation account. They would then vigorously defend their distorted position even when opposition (either religious or secular) arose. For example, when Sir Thomas Browne appeared to question spontaneous generation in his work “Pseudodoxia Epidemica,” the response from Alexander Ross (vicar of

24 DECEMBER 2011 / THINK St. Mary’s Church in the Isle of Wight and author of chemicals created (including ~2% racemic cleotides to be activated in order to polymerize, of The First and Second Book of Questions and amino acids) was not significantly closer to life the need for effective enzymes, and other issues. Answers upon the Book of Genesis) was quick and than the original chemical reactants themselves. Attempts to experimentally support “RNA World” to the point. “To question this [the spontaneous Intense efforts in biological research have since only further demonstrated the intelligence and generation of various insects and animals] is to shown that the simplest life form is vastly more finely controlled chemistry needed for even rel- question Reason, Sense, and Experience …” (Ross complex than anything humans have ever been atively simple steps in the formation of RNA, such 1652). able to create. Even given the world’s brightest as joining two small pieces of RNA. More detailed After centuries of false secular teaching in this PhDs, most sophisticated laboratories, and virtually discussion related to “RNA World” and the ori- area, true science finally advanced to the point unlimited funding, no one has ever come close gin of life is given in Sarfati, 2008. where arguments in favor of spontaneous gen- to making life from non-life. Claiming that life Advances in true science have shown that be- eration could be put to rest. From 1859-1861 Louis could spontaneously arise from non-life is now lief in spontaneous generation is absurd, and in- Pasteur (a Creationist and the father of modern known to be much less credible than claiming a formed evolutionists are very uncomfortable de- microbiology) performed a series of experiments space shuttle could randomly assemble and fending that foundational aspect of their world- to show that life does not spontaneously arise launch itself. view. When forced, evolutionists are reduced to from non-life, and only comes from pre-existing Because true science is against them, evo- making statements such as “We know life spon- life. Ironically, in the same year that Pasteur be- lutionists often propose scenarios where it is dif- taneously arose from non-life, we're just not sure gan his experiments, Charles Darwin published ficult to apply true science, or where people might exactly how.” Such statements are analogous to The Origin of Species and began popularizing the imagine there are magical conditions that could saying, “We know that gravity pushes, we’re just theory of evolution, which at its root requires spon- somehow make evolution plausible. Examples in- not sure exactly how.” Everything we know taneous generation to be true. clude the theory that life somehow sponta- from true operational science tells us that grav- Pasteur’s experiments were conclusive, yet he neously arose near deep-sea thermal vents, or that ity pulls. While a person may choose to believe was opposed through at least 1876 by several life somehow arose in a mysterious region of that gravity pushes, true science is against him. prominent scientists, including Félix Archimède space and was then transported to earth. How- Likewise, everything we know from true, opera- Pouchet, Director of the Museum of Natural His- ever, even a cursory scientific examination tional science tells us that life comes only from tory in Rouen, France (Gillen 2008). In an attempt shows both of these ideas to be lacking. pre-existing life, and that spontaneous genera- to retain or add credibility to the idea of spon- For example, attempts to develop potential tion (life arising from non-life) does not occur. taneous generation, disciples of evolution also be- spontaneous generation scenarios typically involve While a person may choose to believe in spon- gan claiming they had discovered incredibly (as a first, very small step towards life) the spontaneous generation for religious reasons, true sci- simple forms of life. For example, German scientist taneous generation of a protein, an RNA mole- ence is against him. Belief that life on earth is the Ernst Haekel declared that he had discovered cule, or a DNA molecule. However, certain result of spontaneous generation is an affront not “Monera, … organisms which are, in fact, not amino acids and RNA/DNA bases (e.g. the base only to the Bible, but to everything God has en- composed of any organs at all, but consist entirely “cytosine”) have never been produced by Miller- abled us to learn from true operational science. of shapeless, simple, homogenous matter” Urey like experiments. Even if these “building Modern society would not teach as scientif- (Haekel, 1876, 1:184). Evidence that observed blocks” could be produced, their half life near a ic “fact” that given a billion years a space shut- “Monera” were lifeless, inorganic compounds was deep sea thermal vent or in a “warm little tle would randomly assemble and launch itself, available as early as 1875 (Grigg, 1996). However, pond” would be very short. Cytosine would last and that given the right conditions the sponta- even with clear refutation from true, opera- on the order of days, and ribose would survive a neous generation of space shuttles should be ex- tional science, “Monera” continued to be pre- few hours at most (Levy, 1998). pected throughout the universe. However, mod- sented as fact for over 50 years by atheists seek- Advances in true science have also dashed ern society does teach as fact something far less hopes that life somehow spontaneously arose in credible—the spontaneous generation of life. Given what we deep space. For example, prior to the Galileo mis- Romans 1:20 states, “For since the creation sion to Jupiter, many evolutionists (including the of the world His invisible attributes are clearly late Carl Sagan) had theorized that the Jovian at- seen, being understood by the things that are now know mosphere should contain pre-biotic compounds, made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so or possibly even life itself. However, the mass that they are without excuse.” Given what we now spectrometer on Galileo’s atmospheric probe found know about life, men have less excuse than ever about life, men “nothing fancier than simple carbon-based for denying God. Professing to be wise, they have species like ethane (C2H6)” (Beatty, 1996, 91[4]:21). become fools. Regardless of the proposed scenario, modern have less excuse science adds daily to the reasons that spontaneous References generation does not occur. For instance, scientists Beatty, J. Kelly (1996), “Into the Giant,” Sky & Telescope, 91[4]: 20- 22. now know that life requires not only highly complex, highly ordered chemicals, but also in- Gillen, Alan (2008) "Louis Pasteur's Views on Creation, Evolution, than ever for and the Genesis of Germs," Answers Research Journal 1 (2008): formation. Even if a computer could spontaneously 43-52. generate itself, it would be of no use unless an Grigg, Russell (1996), “Ernst Haeckel: Evangelist for Evolution and denying God. operating system was created simultaneously. Apostle of Deceit,” Creation, 18[2]:33–36, March. One recently popular theory, “RNA World,” pro- Haeckel, Ernst (1876), The History of Creation, D. Appleton and posed that perhaps a self-replicating RNA mol- Company, NY, Vol. I. ing to support evolution-based religions. ecule somehow formed itself, and eventually led Levy, M. and Miller, S.L., “The Stability of the RNA Bases: Implica- From the late 1800s through the present day, to the life we see today. The theory ignored the tions for the Origin of Life,” Proceedings National Academy of Sci- scientific evidence against the idea of sponta- extreme complexity of RNA molecules, the in- ence, USA 95(14):7933-38, 1998. neous generation has accumulated at a tremen- stability of RNA (RNA is less stable than DNA Ross, Alexander (1652) Arcana Microcosmi, Book II, Chapter 10, pp. dous rate. While many hoped the Miller-Urey ex- which is less stable than proteins), the complexity 151-156. Available on-line http://penelope.uchicago.edu/ross/index.html periment of 1952 would spark belief in evolution, of RNA building blocks, the need for one-hand- Sarfati, Jonathan (2008) By Design, Chapter 11, pp. 147-191, Cre- most objective observers noted that the mixture edness in those building blocks, the need for nu- ation Book Publishers.

THINK / DECEMBER 2011 25 absolutely / Joe Wells, M.Min.

Have We Distorted God’s Plan?

She’s 19. He’s 20. They’re both currently enrolled at a major, four-year university with one being a freshman and the other a jun- ior. They grew up together in the same congregation and both are faithful Christians. They’re engaged to be married; however, when asked about the date of the wedding, their answer reveals that the actual marriage won’t come until they are both out of college and well on the way in their career path with a supposed financial even safety net to catch them if they fall from the high-wire. 60 years ago, Sound familiar? Over the years, I’ve worked directly with many young we can see a widening people, both in a faithful relationship with Jesus Christ and outside of a gap where our young people enter relationship with Him. Just about every time a conversation comes up where into a period in life where sexual desires are growing increasingly the subject of marriage is breached, the same answers are often repeat- stronger while at the same time they are not in a position to satisfy them ed. “I’m going to wait until I’m out of college,” or “We need to wait un- and be pleasing to God. Unfortunately, we are seeing data––the Guttmach- til we are financially ready.” When these statements are made, I have my er Institute reports that 70% of 19-year olds have had sexual intercourse3 canned answer/question that I throw back to them––“Why?” To this, many ––that tells us more and more of them are giving in to their sexual desires of them give me a “deer-in-the-headlight” look as they search their mem- before marriage and thus defiling the marriage bed, which is exactly what ories for the right answer that was given to them by an adult who plant- God’s Word warns against in Hebrews 13:4 when we read, “Marriage is ed the idea that pushing marriage off until later was the way to go. to be held in honor among all, and the marriage bed is to be undefiled; for Over the past 100 years, our society has really adopted this mentali- fornicators and adulterers God will judge” (NASB). ty that marrying in the late teen years and even early 20’s is a negative, What’s the answer? From a Biblical worldview, the answer must always a conclusion drawn by simply looking at the rise in ages of first-time mar- originate with the Bible. Self-control is a spiritual discipline that must be riages from the 1950’s (males – 22.8; females – 20.3) until today (males practiced in all areas of our lives that would cause us to step outside of – 28.2; females – 26.1).1 As agendas, first and foremost being that of the the bounds of God’s Word; however, in the matter of self-control and sex- second wave of feminism, have swept through our culture pushing us away uality, Paul instructs the Christians in Corinth to marry instead of burn with from seeing the value of devotion to the family and towards seeing the passion (1 Corinthians 7:9). Also, in dealing with the subject of those wid- value in ourselves, more and more young people have decided a career ows who were younger than 60, Paul told Timothy to leave them off the path and the pursuit of financial security is the way to go. The expecta- list, meaning they were not to be provided for by the church. Rather, by in- tion is that when a young person, male or female, graduates from high spiration of the Holy Spirit, Paul instructs the young widows to marry so school––college is waiting next in line and the degree becomes the most they don’t find themselves in a situation where giving in to their desires expensive pursuit for all parties involved. The assumption is that regard- would give the enemy an open door to pour reproach upon either her or less of the changes that have taken place both physically and mentally due the church (1 Timothy 5: 11-14). The Biblical teaching is either practice self- to puberty and the maturation process, young people, even Christian young control or appropriately marry and fulfill those desires. people, will push those sexual desires aside and not pay them any attention. While the purpose of this article is not to tell you that your children must However, the reality is much different. marry before they are ready to do so, it is designed to cause you to think According to the most recent studies, most young people will enter into about this practice of pushing marriage off until later in life for the sake puberty between the ages of 10 and 14 with girls typically beginning this of a career. Have we in our own logic and “sound reasoning” created an maturation process before the boys. However, as studies continually are open door for Satan to tempt our young people in this area? Knowing the conducted and observations made, we are seeing trends deserving of our sexual drive that humans have, being created by God with such, His plan attention that show this process is occurring much earlier for some than is for a man and woman to come together and share this beautiful gift within times past. In an article from the USA Today’s April 14, 2011 issue en- in marriage. Have we distorted God’s plan for the sake of our own? Some- titled “Girls Hit Puberty Earlier Than Ever, and Doctors Aren't Sure Why,” thing to think about. L it was reported that 15% of girls actually begin developing breast buds by the age of 7. If timelines remain consistent, that would mean these young ladies could begin their first period by the age of 9. Compare that to the 1 U.S. Bureau of the Census; Web: www.census.gov. report in this article that in 1900, American girls on average were having 2 Szabo, Liz. “Girls Hit Puberty Earlier than Ever, and Doctors Aren’t Sure Why – USATODAY.com.” Your Life: Health, Fitness, Food & Self – USATODAY.com. 14 Apr. 2011. Web. 28 Sept. 2011. their first period at 14 and one can see just how accelerated this matu- . If we take into consideration the earlier onset of puberty for some and 3 “Facts on American Teens’ Sexual and Reproductive Health.” Guttmacher Institute: Home Page. Aug. couple it with the fact that marriage is taking place 6 years later today than 2011. Web. 28 Sept. 2011. .

26 DECEMBER 2011 / THINK Tina Ware Walters / a woman’s perspective What’s Your signature Verse? People have signature scents, signature colors, signature styles, so why like a friend a calling or stopping by at just the right time, or getting an not a signature Bible verse? You know, a verse feels like it was written just unexpected work bonus. Those special moments carried my faith through for you, one that describes your circumstances or feelings at the time you to the end. read it, one that relates to you, or guides you. You have probably had at After several months my divorce dragged on and I was still worried about least one verse in your lifetime that feels like a signature verse. money, but God constantly provided. He filled my life with supportive friends A few years ago when I was going through a rough period, I stumbled and family who continually showed His love, and parents who offered to upon Ephesians 3:20, which says, “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly help out financially if necessary. My friends and family made me feel loved abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works and wanted more than ever. And, soon, my nightmare was over. in us,” which became my signature verse. That verse reminded me of God’s About the time the new year began, my divorce finalized and my financial incredible, amazing power. It gave me strength and helped me through what situation improved. A year later God brought a wonderful man into my life, was my most trying year. and now I have the loving, stable Christian marriage I had so desperate- The first time I read Ephesians 3:20 closely and committed it to mem- ly wanted. Ephesians 3:20 taught me to ask God not just for help but to ory, I was 32 years old and separated. The survival of my marriage seemed work situations out better than I can imagine because I dream too small. doubtful and I was scared. I desperately wanted God’s help. My signature It’s been 5 years and I still pray that verse, that God will do “immeasur- verse gave me hope. When I began praying daily that God would work out ably more than I can ask or imagine” every time I have a situation that I my situation better than I could ask or imagine, I thought God would give am worried about, or one that seems impossible. Every time God has pro- me what I wanted: a rebuilt marriage. Unfortunately, my marriage could vided me with an awesome solution. Sometimes the solution is the one not be saved. Nevertheless, I kept praying Ephesians 3:20 and for God’s I think I want, sometimes it isn’t. However, it’s always the best one because will about everything, especially my marriage and also smaller concerns. it’s God’s. God constantly amazed me with His wonderful solutions. However, my life So now, the question is, what is your signature Bible verse? What verse got harder before it got easier. has encouraged you, comforted you or helped you celebrate? What is your During the divorce proceedings, my attorney explained to me that I would story? L be leaving the marriage economically worse than when I had entered it. I was getting divorced and my financial situation was in trouble. At times [For a new book titled Our Favorite Verses, my colleague and I are looking for your accounts, 500-1500 words, of how a passage of Scripture or a verse from the Bible, I would wonder how God could work such a mess into something good. your signature verse, has significantly impacted your life. If your story is chosen, Could He really make it something better than I could envision? It looked it will be included in the book and you will receive credit. Please send it via e-mail impossible to me. I kept praying Ephesians 3:20 and asking God to work to [email protected] on or before January 20, 2012. Be sure to include the verse out my Scriptural divorce and my financial situation “better than I could and which Bible translation you use (NKJV, KJV, etc.) We look forward to reading ask or imagine.” During even the worst times, He gave me glimmers of hope, your stories!]

THINK / DECEMBER 2011 27 man to man / Matthew Ashby

Recently I visited the Frazier Museum of Arms A SECRET: in downtown Louisville, Kentucky. A good deal Oh, what a secret! But it can be known to us for it was revealed through the “faith once deliv- of the third floor is dedicated to the history of the ered” (Jude 3) in the holiest of writ. This “keep” is not something for the worldly to comprehend, Tower of London’s “White Tower.” What an amaz- nor could they; for the “peace which passes understanding” is only afforded to those who “know ing structure! It has, in times past, been a fortress, God,” and “obey the Gospel,” (Phillippians 4:7; 2 Thessalonians 1:8). Psalm 46:1 records, “God is a palace, a place of worship, and even a prison. our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble,” and verse 7 adds, “Jehovah Almighty is Of the 21 towers that form the Tower of London with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress!” complex, it is the most important, for this par- The power of God’s “keep” is even reflected through His children; and His armory is set to ticular tower is the “keep,” which is to say, it is provide us with our tools of protection and warfare. Why else would Paul, by inspiration of the the part that keeps or protects. The keep is the Spirit, write: strongest and securest part of a castle, and a Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole ar- keep, in medieval days, was often used (as was mor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle this tower) as a place of residence for the lord against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the dark- and his closest servants and guards. It also held ness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take many secrets from outsiders, which supple- up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done mented its powerful nature, including store all, to stand (Ephesians 6:10-13 NKJV). rooms for food and water, armament rooms for instruments of war, and even a chapel in which A SOVEREIGN: to worship. Further, this great keep was built to And certainly, God is such! A Google search brings up a definition of sovereign as both a noun be purposely intimidating to all who passed by… and an adjective; and this locution denotes both a supreme ruler and an ultimate power. That, my a stronghold that would appear near-impenetrable friend, is the I AM! If we revisit the Secret, we see that such a fortress, in the spiritual sense, de- (and indeed proved to live up to its reputation). rives not its power from stone and structure, but from the very attributes of its artisan; for in the Such an idea for a stronghold for protection Qal Wahomer arguments of the Hebrew writer, we are reminded that “the builder of the house has and provision was not foreign in Biblical times more honor than the house.” and, in fact, there are many references to such Awesome God! The Premier of all protection and power … Sovereign indeed! in God’s Word. I recently stumbled upon the following, which brought such a powerful structure A SHADOW: to mind: “He that dwells in the secret shelter of No, not the shadowy scheme described as becoming clear in the days of the current covenant's the most High shall abide in the shadow of the latter enlightenments (Hebrews 8:5), nor an attesting to the “shadow of death” (Psalm 23:4). Nay, Almighty” (Psalm 91:1). O, my friend, what a com- this “shadow” intends the same allusion as when David prayed, “Hide me under the shadow of Your fort that brought to my mind. Having only a few wings” (Psalm 17:8). The same writer proclaimed, “My safety comes from Jehovah who made heav- weeks ago visited New York City and, within it, en and earth!” (Psalm 121:2). How appropriate that the same wordsmith was the scribe of the ut- the very spot where two of the greatest towers terance, “… shall abide in the shadow of the Almighty.” ever built once shouted to the world of the great- What is the safest place you know? Did you think it was your home? A friend’s basement? Per- ness of mighty U.S. of A., and knowing how those haps a bomb shelter, or a bunker, or even the tower of London, or some other castle’s strongest of twin towers were brought to nothing … how keeps? Could it be that, too often, we forget to seek our shelter in the mightiest of fortresses and comforting it is to know of a mighty fortress pro- should, in the words of an old Irish blessing, pray to simply be held in the “hollow of His hand”? L vided for those who would love and submit to a greater power: the Almighty. “A mighty fortress is our God … a bulwark never failing!”

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Order online at www.focuspress.org or call 866-313-6474 heart of the matter / Brad Harrub, Ph.D. Finishing theCourse Having looked in the tearful eyes of parents whose children have aban- Will there be days or weeks where you are tired? Absolutely. Will there doned the Faith, I have learned there are a million miles between our be months where you want to just be a “pew warmer” and go through the children “going through the motions” in reference to their spiritual lives motions? Most individuals experience something like that during their lives. versus our children possessing hearts that dictate their actions. In this But remember, God wants faithful servants who persevere unto death. “And column, I plan to share with you what I hope to instill in the hearts of my you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the children and those whom I love. end will be saved” (Matthew 10:22). Consider what Jesus wrote to the faithful church in Philadelphia who did not deny His name: “Because you have We often don’t do the best job of celebrating true success within the kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of tri- church. Oh, we celebrate births, bigger buildings, and even special days al which shall come upon the whole world” (Revelation 3:10). (e.g., Friends and Family day); but our young people don’t see us celebrating That’s why the person you pick to marry is so critically important. This true success—that is an elderly person who has remained faithful into the is the person who will be running this marathon race with you. On your good twilight years of his or her life. days you may have to lift them up. On your bad days he or she can lift you What a beautiful sight to see someone who has been a faithful Chris- up. But you keep running—with purpose, determination, and passion. Paul, tian for sixty years, who still remains active—doing what he or she can, in writing to young Timothy, declared, “I have fought the good fight, I have right up to the point they step out into eternity. Our children need to com- finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the prehend that true success is not found in a fancy car or a big house in a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to wealthy neighborhood, but rather a complete life lived for Him. me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His ap- Here is what I intend on telling my children about perseverance pearing” (2 Timothy 4:7-8). and running the race. As you consider your Christian walk, never take your eyes off the fin- There is nothing like the feeling of coming up out of the water after be- ish line. Never forget that you must cross that line before resting. Always ing baptized. There is a freshness and zeal that is indescribable. I enjoy remember the words of Revelation 2:10, “… Be faithful until death, and being around new Christians and listening to their passion. It is quite pal- I will give you the crown of life.” If I had it my way, the day you step out into eternity you would still be pable in those who recognize that their sins have been washed away. But L all too often that passion and zeal begins to wane. Revelation 2:4 calls it running—only to collapse in the arms of Abraham. Push on! leaving your “first love.” I pray that you will finish your Christian life with the same passion and I love you, zeal with which you begin. The natural order of things indicates I will die without seeing this through, but I beg you to begin your Christian life with Dad the end in mind. Focus on finishing strong. In fact, you know I’ve never been one to set the bar low, so my hope is that you will finish your life with even more passion and more zeal as you enter the twilight years of your life. I can’t tell you how many people I’ve watched who were on fire for the Lord for months, years, or even decades—and then threw it all away. Some have told me they got “burned out,” while others have simply become choked out by the cares of the world (Luke 8:14). These are individuals who came to a full knowledge of the Truth, but turned back, similar to what we read about in John 6:66, “From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more.”

30 DECEMBER 2011 / THINK David Longley, D.O. / a little R&R Loving the Lonely Who are the unloved and lonely in the world? At first thought, we usu- turned family members into individuals who are self-promoting with self- ally think of those in prison who have violated society’s laws or whom our fulfilling ideas and purposes. We become so self-absorbed in what we want culture has placed a mark upon. But could it be a family member? Or do and desire that we fail to see the ones closest to us floundering and bare- you see yourself as unlovable or lonely? ly making it by in life. Now wait just one minute, you say? Aren’t we all lovable since we are So how do we love those whom we care about in life the most when all made in the image and glory of God? Yes, we are, because everyone we have nothing to give? The answer can be as simple or as complicat- has been shaped and formed in the womb by the Master Sculptor. How- ed as you would like for it to be. There are numerous books on this topic ever that’s not what I am asking. that are 100’s of pages in length. I think they all boil down to a couple of Let’s be honest, with ourselves at least, about our feelings for a mo- things. ment. Is there one member of your immediate family, extended family, or church family that you or others just cannot seem to get along as well with, 1. Always remember that no matter what you think of yourself, in the no matter how hard you try? Not that either of you is a bad person, but sight of something pure and holy, you are technically unlovable. But the personalities and interests are so different that the two of you find it God being rich in grace and mercy loves you enough that He sent His hard to get along. You still care for them, but just cannot seem to get along one Son to die for you (John 3:16). Can you not at least show a lit- with them as well as everyone else. tle of the same love to your spouse or child? There are some dads/fathers who have had a difficult day at work and then come home to a wonderful home. They are stressed and fatigued phys- 2. Never get so involved in the things of this world to the point that ically, mentally, and emotionally, which makes it difficult to put aside work your desire is not toward home and those waiting for you there. When and show love to those who so desperately need him. Dads, is there one we find ourselves in those situations, in your family that is harder to be close to at times, or easily frustrates you we must learn to say “No” and be- when your patience has worn thin? Husband, has your wife ever told you come less involved in the world’s she is a failure in all she has done her entire life because she feels neg- problems and issues in order to lected, lonely, or unloved? focus on the more important There are also some mothers/wives who have had a similar hard day matters. L working away from home, or they have worked hard all day long as a home- maker and being a teacher to their children. After a while, is it the little things your family does that are irritating and get under your skin? Does what your child did that day feel like salt in an open wound? Do they or your husband become such an irritation to you that you just don’t see how you can put up with one more minute of them? Let’s not leave out the children. If homeschooled, they are around the same people day, after day, after day. They are not going to get along at some point. One or two of the siblings are going to get sin- gled out because they are the easiest to pick on or they make the loudest noise when teased. If schooled outside of the home, they may grow to like their friends and emulate them while their own siblings become inferior and unwanted in their eyes. Do your children feel like they are a failure because of how they are seen by their peers or siblings? Does a younger brother or sister feel alienated by being the brunt of everyone’s joke? Do they feel unwanted, unneeded, or unloved because their parents are too worn out with the day’s trials and time constraints to pay attention to them? Many people don’t like to answer these questions for one reason or another, but many times the answer to these questions is a whispered “Yes.” Our culture has sadly

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In thinking back on 2011, we hope that your year was filled with happy memories of family and friends. It is our sincere prayer that the New Year finds you closer to God and that you will make studying His Word a priority in 2012. We thank you so much for the support you have shown Focus Press this past year, and we wish you Happy Holidays! Sincerely, David, Glenn, Brad, David, Saundra, Joe, Michael, Jack, Jessica, Tonja, Nick, Steve