Hiding the Evidence

Evolutionists: “Don’t Bother Us with the Truth

What happens if you are pre-committed to something and then evidence is unveiled that upends your beliefs? If you are California State University you fire the professor who uncovered the evidence and act like it never happened. However, there are two problems with this scenario: (1) it doesn’t negate the fact that the evidence does, in fact, exist; and (2) it doesn’t clear the conscience of those who are pre-committed to their previous beliefs. They are forced to live a lie.

evidence

Hidden Evidence is Still Evidence.

And that’s the predicament the administration at California State University finds itself in. Oh, and then there’s the lawsuit filed against the University by the man who uncovered the evidence.

Mark Armitage has been a scientist for over 30 years, graduating with advanced degrees in biological sciences. He was excavating dinosaur fossils at the Hell Creek Formation in Montana when he unearthed the largest triceratops horn ever unearthed.  After looking at the horn under a microscope, Armitage realized there was soft tissue in the specimen. His discovery clearly indicated, “that dinosaurs roamed the earth only thousands of years in the past rather than going extinct 60 million years ago.”

Mark’s findings were eventually published in the July 2013 issue of Acta Histochemica, a peer-reviewed scientific journal. What happened next? Armitage was fired from the university—just two weeks after the article was published.

Billy Hallowell at The Blaze noted:

After discussing the horn with students at the school one day, Armitage, who taught students how to use high-powered microscopes at the school’s Electron and Confocal Microscopy Suite, was apparently reported by one of the students to his supervisor, World News reported. That supervisor then allegedly questioned Armitage’s motivation, telling him that the school would not “tolerate” his religion in the department and slamming his creationist views. While the professor was reportedly assured by the head of the biology department that this was an isolated incident and that his views would be respected, his problems apparently intensified thereafter.[1]

Set Armitage’s firing aside for a moment, and look at what is really going on. When evidence is discovered that challenges conventional evolutionary theory, we aren’t supposed to study it. Here is a man who has been a published scientist for 30 years and yet now he isn’t supposed to use the scientific method on his discovery. He’s not supposed to subject it to microscopy or report it to the rest of the scientific community.

Another report noted: “Armitage, a published scientist of over 30 years, was subsequently let go after CSUN abruptly claimed his appointment at the university of 38 months had been temporary, and claimed a lack of funding for his position, according to attorneys.”[2]

But Armitage isn’t buying it. He believes it is all about his religious views—and that fact that his discovery clearly supports the creationist view that dinosaurs did not die out millions of years ago. And he’s right. Jerry Bergman has been documenting all the cases of discrimination against creationists for years. (Check out his eye-opening book Slaughter of the Dissidents: The Shocking Truth about Killing the Careers of Darwin Doubters.)

What is really at risk here is not just one man’s job. It is the subject of truth and integrity. How much longer will the public allow the scientific community to hide the facts? How much longer will professors be silenced by the political correctness of evolution? Just how far are they willing to go to protect their “religion”?

The evidence still exists. Firings don’t change that. Likewise, university is now forced to live with a conscience that knows their belief system is a lie. There is only so much they can sweep under the rug.

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Heavenly Crown

Learning about the Heavenly Crown

The Bible describes the reward of heaven for the children of God as a heavenly crown. Crowns indicate royalty. When David conquered the city of Rabbah, he took the crown from the head of the defeated king to keep for himself. It was a very impressive crown, “the weight whereof was a talent of gold with the precious stones” (2 Sam. 12:30). When Esther was chosen to be queen by King Ahasuerus, “he set the royal crown upon her head” (Esther 2:17). Thus, it should be no surprise that God will reward His children with royal crowns, since the Bible describes Jesus Christ “hath made us kings…unto God and His Father” (Rev. 1:5-6). Crowns also illustrate prestige and honor. Mordecai was privileged to wear the crown for the day at the expense of Haman’s suggestion (Esther 6:8). He later gained a crown of his own after Haman’s death when King Ahasuerus exalted him (Esther 8:15). In addition, crowns suggest value. “A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband” (Prov. 12:4). Grandchildren are as crowns to their grandparents (Prov. 17:6). Paul even described the Philippian brethren as crowns to him (Phil. 4:1). Let us notice a closer description of this heavenly crown that the children of God will inherit one day.

Heavenly Crown

Heavenly Crown?

This heavenly crown is a crown of incorruptibility. Paul said, “And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible” (1 Cor. 9:25). It is incorruptible because nothing corruptible will be in heaven. Those who inherit heaven are born of incorruptible seed (1 Pet. 1:23). Our inheritance is classified as incorruptible (1 Pet. 1:4), and at that great last day, our bodies will be raised incorruptible (1 Cor. 15:52).
This heavenly crown is a crown of righteousness. Among the closing words of the life of Paul, he said, “Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing” (2 Tim. 4:8). It is righteous because only the righteous will have the right to wear it (Rom. 1:16-17). Jesus Christ, the righteous judge, will give it to those who have sought first His righteousness (Matt. 6:33).
This heavenly crown is a crown of life. James said, “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him” (James 1:12). Jesus told the church at Smyrna, “Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life” (Rev. 2:10). It is one of eternal life, because there will be no death in heaven (Rev. 21:4).
This heavenly crown is a crown of glory. Peter said, “And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away” (1 Pet. 5:4). It is one of glory because the one who gives it is full of glory (John 1:14). We will be in the presence of our glorious God, the one who epitomizes glory and was crowned with glory (Heb. 2:9).

Satan and his angels are doing everything within their power to rob us of our heavenly crown. May we all heed the words of Jesus as He said, “Behold, I come quickly: hold thou fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown” (Rev. 3:11).

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The Daughter of Jephthah

Jephthah’s Daughter

In Judges 11, Jephthah vowed to God that if he were victorious in battle, he would give to God whoever came through the doors of his house upon his return from battle. The term used in 11:31 is ‘olah, the normal Hebrew word for a burnt offering or sacrifice (used 286 times in the Old Testament). Did Jephthah intend to offer his daughter as a human sacrifice? Are the ethics of God and the Bible shown to be substandard by this incident?

Jephthah

The Daughter of Jephthah Came Out of the House.

In the first place, if, in fact, Jephthah offered a human sacrifice, he did something that was strictly forbidden by Mosaic law and that is repugnant to God (Leviticus 18:21; 20:2-5; Deuteronomy 12:31; 18:10). It would be a bit bizarre for Jephthah to think that he could elicit God’s favor in battle by promising to offer Him a human sacrifice, that is, to do something that was in direct violation of the will of God. Such a proposal would be equivalent to a person requesting God’s blessing and assistance by offering to rape women or rob banks. God certainly would not approve of such an offer—though He may go ahead and assist the individual (11:32). God allows people to make wrong choices, even while He works out His own higher will in the midst of their illicit actions. He can even use such people to achieve a higher good (consider, as one example, Judas). When Israel clamored for a king—in direct opposition to God’s will—He nevertheless allowed them to proceed with their intentions, and even lent His assistance in the selection (1 Samuel 8:7,18-19; 10:19; 12:19; Psalm 106:14-15; Hosea 13:11; Acts 13:21).

Second, if Jephthah offered his daughter as a human sacrifice, no indication is given in the text that God actually approved of the action. The Bible records many illicit actions carried out by numerous individuals throughout history, without an accompanying word of condemnation by the inspired writer. We must not assume that silence is evidence of divine approval. Even the commendation of Jephthah’s faith in the New Testament does not offer a blanket endorsement to everything Jephthah did during his lifetime. It merely commended the faith that he demonstrated when he risked going to war. Similarly, the Bible commends the faith of Samson, and Rahab the prostitute, without implying that their behavior was always in harmony with God’s will. Abraham manifested an incredible level of faith on several occasions, and is commended for such (Romans 4:20-21). Yet he clearly sinned on more than one occasion (Genesis 12:13; 16:4; 20:2ff.).

Third, Jephthah’s action may best be understood by recognizing that he was using ‘olah in a figurative sense. We use the term “sacrifice” in a similar fashion when we say, “I’ll sacrifice a few dollars for that charity.” Jephthah was offering to sacrifice a member of his extended household to permanent, religious service associated with the Tabernacle. The Bible indicates that such non-priestly service was available, particularly to women who chose to so dedicate themselves (e.g., Exodus 38:8). [Sadly, Eli’s sons were guilty of taking sexual liberties with them (1 Samuel 2:22).] Even in the first century, Anna must have been one woman who had dedicated herself to the Lord’s service, since she “did not depart from the temple” (Luke 2:37).

Several contextual indicators support this conclusion. First, the two-month period of mourning that Jephthah granted to his daughter was not for the purpose of grieving over her impending loss of life, but over the fact that she would never be able to marry. She bewailed her virginity (bethulim)—not her death (11:37). Second, the text goes out of its way to state that Jephthah had no other children: “[S]he was his only child. Besides her he had neither son nor daughter” (11:34). For his daughter to be consigned to perpetual celibacy meant the extinction of Jephthah’s family line—an extremely serious and tragic matter to an Israelite (cf. Numbers 27:1-11; 36:1ff.). Third, the sacrifice is treated as unfortunate—again, not because of any concern over her death, but because she would not become a mother. After stating that Jephthah “did with her according to his vow which he had vowed,” the inspired writer immediately adds, “and knew no man” (11:39). This statement would be a completely superfluous and callous remark if she had been put to death. Fourth, the declaration of Jephthah’s own sorrow (11:35) follows immediately after we are informed that he had no other children (11:34). Jephthah was not upset because his daughter would die a virgin. He was upset because she would live and remain a virgin.

Hannah made a similar sacrifice when she turned her son over to the priestly direction of Eli for the rest of his life (1 Samuel 1:11). How many are willing to make such sacrifices? Actually, however, these tremendous acts of devotion were no greater than that which God requires of all Christians: to offer ourselves as spiritual burnt-offerings in service to God (Romans 12:1).

Dave Miller – Apologetics Press

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Fools and Their Consequences

Are You a Fool?  (Part 5)

Isaac Newton is known as a great mind of science who has influenced the minds of men in many disciplines. What many do not realize is he was also a great influence in the realm of theology. Mr. Newton while not flawless in the religious realm has created some excellent commentary upon God’s truth from the Bible. Mr. Newton is well noted for his observation and recording of three laws of motion. It is the third of these from which application to this final article regarding fools will be drawn.

consequences

There are Consequences for our Actions.

Newton’s Third Law of Motion: To every action there is always an equal and opposite reaction: or the forces of two bodies on each other are always equal and are directed in opposite directions.

Newton’s law has to do with the physical. However, it can be observed in regard to the fool, that his actions of disobedience, unbridled speech, anger, and knowledge without wisdom will result in opposite and equal consequences. Before expanding and explaining this statement, the Bible presents some passages regarding the consequences of fools that must be observed:

Psalms107:17 – Fools because of their transgression, and because of their iniquities, are afflicted.

Proverbs 10:8 – The wise in heart will receive commandments: but a prating fool shall fall.

Proverbs 10:14 – Wise men lay up knowledge: but the mouth of the foolish is near destruction.

Proverbs 1:32 – For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them.

Proverbs 13:20 – He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.

Yes, the Bible establishes there will be affliction, falling, and destruction for the fool; however, these consequences are quite generic. What more specific consequences does the Bible mention in regard to a fool’s actions? Most individuals would not appreciate their obituary to read: “Joe Smith, a man whose life was characterized by punishment, regret, a lack of honor, stressed family, ego, distrust, folly, evil, and loss of life before its time.” However, these more specific consequence are found in Psalms 38:5, Proverbs, 14:8, 19:29, 26:1,3,5,6; and Ecclesiastes 5:1, 7:17. The Bible is full of examples of people engaging in actions which are foolish and the negative physical consequences which follow. These are only partial consequences though. Physical consequences do not fully equal the opposite force of foolishness. Nor are they always consistent. Not every foolish action is going to have physical consequences. There are spiritual considerations which must be taken into account to balance out the equation.

1 Corinthians 1:18 – For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

Proverbs 18:7 – A fool’s mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul.

Proverbs 3:35 – The wise shall inherit glory: but shame shall be the promotion of fools.

Psalms 5:5 – The foolish shall not stand in thy sight: thou hatest all workers of iniquity.

These four verses identify the spiritual plight of the foolish. Because of their choices, fools neglect the wisdom which is eternal salvation, ensnaring themselves in a world of sin. The end result of such behavior is shameful absence from the presence of God for eternity. The spiritual consequences complete the application of the Newtonian equation. The spiritual and physical consequences in total equate to the sum of the fools actions. To have this equation be negative rather than positive would be a man’s greatest failing.

A great number of families worry over their children. They do not desire them to be known as fools. They do not want them to suffer the consequences which will result from foolish behavior. What are they to do? The Bible has a prescription:

Proverbs 22:15 – Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.

Often youths are not consistently and properly corrected for their foolishness and they develop into foolish adults. There are some even with proper consequences who still refuse to accept the instruction and wisdom of the correction. They choose to rebel as children and as adults. They return to the same behaviors over and over. They do not heed the warnings given them.

Proverbs 17:10 – A reproof entereth more into a wise man than an hundred stripes into a fool.

Proverbs 26:11 – As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly.

The issue is not a fault in the consequences; it is a fault in the choice of the individual. Fools choose to value that which has no value. They choose to accept corrupt knowledge instead of that which leads to wisdom. Consequently, when wise decisions need to be made, they fail. Meanwhile, the wise man puts at his disposal components which will lead to positive consequences. In terms of being pleasing to God, the wise man grounds himself in the path God directs by knowing and following God’s written word, the Bible. He prepares himself so he will be strong and have control over his actions by a foundation of truth (Ecclesiastes 10:2). A fool does not keep his heart sound in this fashion. He trusts in emotions, feelings, and opinions of man. These are subject to change and lend to instability and weakness. Sand has been chosen over Rock and equal opposing consequence will result whether negative or positive.

God has determined fools, based on their disobedience, speech, anger, and knowledge will be rewarded with consequences equal to their actions. Simultaneously, the spiritual application of Newton’s third law of motion can also be seen in the lives of those considered wise in the eyes of God. The value God puts on man’s reverence and obedience to Him (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14) is equivalent to the positive consequence of eternal life in heaven with Him. The fool and the wise are both rewarded by God in direct value to the deeds they have done in life. The equations of a man’s life can be changed from negative to positive and from positive to negative. An individual can choose to be foolish or wise or back to fool again. Great are the consequences of all selected choices. Are choosing to be wise or a fool?

Proverbs 26:10 – The great God that formed all things both rewardeth the fool, and rewardeth transgressors.

Galatians 6:7 – Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.

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Promised Land

Entering God’s Promised Land

Our oft-stated goal is that each member of the congregation goes to heaven and takes as many souls with us that we can. When we compare our journey toward the Promised Land of heaven and the Israelite journey to Canaan we learn some valuable lessons.

Promised Land

Are You Heading Toward the Promised Land?

Faith – We need to remember that faith is not just a mental assent of some truth; it is “the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). The Israelites who left Egypt were provided with ample substance and evidence from God, but their lack of faith caused all those who left Egypt from 20 years old and older (besides Joshua and Caleb) to loose out on the promise (Numbers 32:11). We too must live by faith if we hope to enter into our Promised Land.

Forgetfulness – The Israelites lack of faith was brought on by their failure to remember what God had done for them. Time and again God demonstrated to His chosen people His love and power. While Paul said that there were some things we need to forget (Philippians 3:13) it is equally as imperative that we remember what God has done for us so that we do not lapse in our faith.

Following – One of the epic failures of the Israelites who were brought up out of Egypt was their inability to follow, or frequently challenge, the leadership that God had put in place. Their pride and arrogance stood as insurmountable barriers to the Promised Land. We understand the danger of pride (Proverbs 16:18) but struggle with the application. We need to remember to follow those who have been placed in authority and we also need to learn to be content with the position that God has put us in.

Contentment – The Israelites who left Egypt may be considered the most discontented people to have ever lived. Their incessant grumbling and complaining was a direct contributing factor to their failure to enter the Promised Land. The same danger exists for you and me as we press on toward heaven. We lack patience, we complain, we grumble, and generally live joyless lives. Paul gives us a great example to follow when he said, “Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:11–13).

Courage – As the second generation of Israelites grew to maturity and prepared to enter into the Promised Land God reminded Joshua and the people to “Be strong and of good courage” (Joshua 1:6, 9, 18; 10:25). We too need to be “strong and of good courage.” The Christian walk will be a difficult one at times. We will be faced with temptation, persecution, resistance, and direct attack from Satan and his minions. “Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong” (1 Corinthians 16:13).

Capture – The final step for the Israelites was to go in and lay hold of the Promised Land. Their ancestors had failed to accomplish this when they refused to listen to Joshua and Caleb and instead followed the evil report of the other ten spies. We too need to follow through to the end. We must lay hold of the hope set before us and the eternal life that God has prepared for us (Hebrews 6:18; Philippians 3:12; 1 Timothy 6:12, 19).

Jesus made a promise to the disciples before returning to the Promised Land of heaven. “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. And where I go you know, and the way you know” (John 14:1–4). Are you ready to enter in? Have you begun the journey? Hear, learn, and obey the will of the Lord.

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