Albert Mohler and RC Sproul Start Historic Debate Over Geology, Evolution and the Age of the Earth
The cost is not just within the church but born by the whole community. The compromise within the church is deep and the battle is shaping up to be fierce. But reformation must begin in the church before it will spill over and transform the world.
Yes, compromise in the church is deep, but we need heavy hitters like this… More, we need you. It is good to have a few million dollar apologists. But it is far better to have millions of one dollar apologists.
Sure, the debate will be good for the church… It will be good for the culture. But it will not be easy!
Albert Mohler and RC Sproul start historic debate over geology, evolution and the age of the earth
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One of the Best Apologetics on the Right to Life
James Lankford: "The Right to Life is Self-Evident"
How I wish I could vote for this guy… but what I can do is pray for him and ask for God’s blessing on him.
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Rick Warren and the Daniel Plan
Check out the the posted workbook and the introductory seminars at Saddleback Church.
Rick Warren, so-named America’s Pastor, introduces the Daniel Plan. The Decade of Destiny, seemingly veiled dominiionism, is unveiled and with it, the world-renowned medical doctors are introduced. In the workbook, a short bio on each of the doctors is provided for you. What is not provided for you in these bios are the spiritual qualifications of these doctors. For those who exercise discernment, you may find that at Renew America.
Rick Warren ‘s impetus for this is, as he says “The Father made your body, Jesus paid for your body and the spirit lives in your body so you better take care of it! That is an issue that God spoke to me about, and said you need to do this for your sake, Rick.”
O_o Hmmm… I am confused here and have to ask… is that law, or grace? It sure smacks of law to me!
I am all for all of us getting healthy for that sake alone. I am sure it does have some spiritual benefits now by helping stamina and drive. But, please do not confuse it and put it in the place of the gospel.
Our entire mission should be that until the whole world hears the gospel, we should not stop proclaiming it. Even if the whole world hears, I am sure we should not stop!
We are all appointed one day to die, and taking care of our bodies is important. However, remember what the bible says in Luke 12:22-25
“And he said to his disciples, Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?
Jesus then asks a very rhetorical question in verse 26.
” If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest?”
I understand the context of the scripture may pertain somewhat to the subject matter at hand, but my point comes from the first part of Jesus’ question in Luke 12:26. Jesus makes the point that not one of us can add any stature to our lives!
We are instructed to seek first the kingdom of God… this is our calling. Matthew 6:33 says further, we are to seek after righteousness… and then we will be provided everything we need.
Sloth, gluttony and covetousness are at the root of America’s health problems. And yes, these are sins. So the problem that we have is sin. What is the Bible’s remedy?
It’s Jesus and His finished work on Calvary!
By this, I know Saddleback is tackling the problem the wrong way. They are doing it through the law, and law brings wrath (Romans 4:14!) They have prepared a yoke for you, and are asking you to willingly carry it. The only way out of this problem is REPENTANCE, not work!
But then, it leaves a greater question to churches… Why are these sins accepted, covered and not confronted as other sins, like adultery or homosexuality?
What Rick Warren is instructing you to do is NOT seek righteousness, but work to obtain something else for yourself. The real issue at hand is not just to become healthy! That cannot provide the cure. This case, as with any other stronghold sin, requires repentance, and necessitates a like-minded brother or sister with who are willing to be and to hold others accountable. What a concept!
But, back to the seminar…
After reading these short bios, Rick introduces each doctor and what they will speak on.
First… Dr. Amen will speak on motivation meaning, and will come back later on stress, belief and brain health. One question that pops into my mind is belief in what? And another, will the psuedo-science of psychiatry be involved?
Next, Dr. Hyman will speak on the fascinating topic of functional medicine. It will be a “whole systems” approach to health. Why do I immediately think holistic, universality?
And, finally… Dr. Oz will speak on losing weight and keys to longevity. He sends a personal hi from the studio of “30 Rock.” The words Daniel Plan are introduced… we will learn from the best! Dr. Oz exclaims “We believe that you could become a national model for many of the congregations and houses of worship to get healthy.”
All three of these doctors, who Rick says are his friends, have agreed to put together this Daniel Plan. The website is introduced… and I am sure there is a reference to Daniel, and his friends, Hannaniah, Asariah and Mishael.
Let us take a look at this Daniel Plan by going to the source, Daniel himself. Daniel opens his book by giving us the setting of how he and his friend s came to be in the Babylonian palace of Nebuchadnezzar. How some of the (already) FITTEST young of the royal and noble clans of Israel would be educated in the customs of the Chaldeans. We’ll pick it up in Daniel 1:5
The king assigned them a daily portion of the food that the king ate, and of the wine that he drank. They were to be educated for three years, and at the end of that time they were to stand before the king.
So, the king of Babylon would care for these young teenagers as royals. They would be provided a portion from the king’s table. But as we read further, we come to Daniel 5:8-10.
But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king’s food, or with the wine that he drank. Therefore he asked the chief of the eunuchs to allow him not to defile himself. And God gave Daniel favor and compassion in the sight of the chief of the eunuchs, and the chief of the eunuchs said to Daniel, “I fear my lord the king, who assigned your food and your drink; for why should he see that you were in worse condition than the youths who are of your own age? So you would endanger my head with the king.”
It was not that the king’s diet was bad. It was that Daniel “resolved he would not defile himself.” He was required to keep the Kosher dietary laws that all of Israel agreed to keep under the old covenant. Whether the king’s delicacies were pork, some other forbidden meat, or it wa just not bled properly, is unknown. But, it was not simply because it was meat. That would violate the command God gave to all after the flood in Genesis 9:3-4. But Daniel knew, vegetables would not have been sacrificed to other gods and would not defile him.
Daniel gave the servant an option, he said…
Daniel 5:12-13: “Test your servants for ten days; let us be given vegetables to eat and water to drink. Then let our appearance and the appearance of the youths who eat the king’s food be observed by you, and deal with your servants according to what you see.”
The servant agreed, and Daniel and his friends drank water and ate vegetables. We know what happens in the story… but have we really payed attention to the details?
Do you understand why the eunuch was upset to begin with? Could it be that just eating vegetables is not really healthy in the long run? Let’s find out…
Daniel 5:16 At the end of ten days it was seen that they were better in appearance and fatter in flesh than all the youths who ate the king’s food.
So, at the end of ten days, Daniel and his friends looked better and FATTER than all the other youths who ate the king’s food. Do you understand? They were FATTER!
O_o Hmmm… I know, it is confusing! This “plan” as described by Daniel actually made fit people fatter than others not fed the same diet!
Here is how the account of this dietary saga ends, in Daniel 5: 17-20.
As for these four youths, God gave them learning and skill in all literature and wisdom, and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams. At the end of the time, when the king had commanded that they should be brought in, the chief of the eunuchs brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar. And the king spoke with them, and among all of them none was found like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. Therefore they stood before the king. And in every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters that were in all his kingdom.
Think about it!
So God blessed Daniel and his friends, causing the diet that they ate to keep them healthy, in fact, in better health than all the rest of the youth. The food from the kings table was not wrong to eat because of its nutritional value, but only for the promise they had made to God not to defile themselves. It was God who blessed them, for their commitment to keep His ways, not just eating a diet of vegetables!
I am not telling you to not try to be healthier, but please… do not spiritualize it! There are plenty of reasons to stay healthy. But, when spiritualized, many dangers become imminent… Not the least of which is spiritual deception by the teachers involved.
We are promised by Rick Warren that The Daniel Plan will be promulgated through small groups. Be very prayerful, there are many who do not discern the danger. To most, I am sure this is coming to your small group, and soon. And there will be many who will be deceived… missing the grace of God, and the free gift of Jesus Christ… salvation!
That would be terrible indeed.
It is best for us to refect the teaching of those who would place us under a yoke other than that Jesus gave. Make no mistake. It is a yoke, and it fits right in line with the United Nations Agenda 21… A bold plan that is being implemented in every facet of society to further sustainable communities. Sustainable communities requires some form of population control, though tacit (meaning unspoken) just let your mind wonder.
Saddleback would like everyone to join them in this endeavor. It is cloaked in Biblical themes, but is it really a mechanism for control? This fits, conveniently, into the current global political, ecological and economic pressures to centralize control. The church is the last stronghold, but is quickly succumbing to this deception.
Guard yourselves, make sure you know… Satan tempted Eve by corrupting “God’s words.” See for yourself in Genesis 3:1. He asked Eve “Did not God say…” Look to those who teach you, make sure they are not the doing the same.
Jesus warned us, in the parable of the mustard seed, in Mark 4:30-32, and as Dr. Thomas Ice explains it in Consistent Biblical Futurism…
“Even though specific prophecy is not given concerning the present church age, we have seen that the New Testament does paint a general picture of the course of this age. We learn that the purpose of this age is to preach the gospel throughout the world, knowing that there will be various responses to the message. As the church starts out small, like a mustard seed, it will nevertheless grow into a large tree where birds will come and dwell in its branches. Thus, the larger that Christendom grows the more apostate it will become.”
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Bob Coy on Atheism
Everything we see was created by someone! Yes, buildings, trees, rocks, and even you!
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The Power of a Portrait
I was looking over the Stand to Reason Blog, in particular, an article called Mass of Tissue.
That simple curiosity led to some photos that are spectacular, yet sad. Even though taken as a result of a sad set of circumstances, these two pictures speak volumes. Me being a man, I cannot fathom what it must feel like to be pregnant. But being a human, I understand things that are common to humanity. Things like life, liberty and dignity, these come to us as a part of being human.
One of the most human things, is that we are all unique persons. Even identical twins, who share DNA, are different, unique persons! We are made of something other than material… since DNA does not only uniquely identify a person.
What strikes me about these photos, is the completeness of the person, and the tininess. This person is only ten weeks past conception and fits inside the palm of an adult’s hand! We are truly unique, and plainly human at that size. Thank God that He knows every single one of us, even in our mother’s womb (Psalm 139:13.)
Sadly because of a cancer of the womb, the mother thought best to “terminate” the pregnancy. Her entire uterus was removed with the pre-born baby intact.
The photos speak for themselves…
Humanity does not begin at birth. We are conceived as unique humans with the right to life and liberty. And the right to live that life in dignity.
Here’s why unborn human beings are as valuable as adult human beings.
You may read the article here: The Power of a Portrait | Live Action Blog – Human Rights, Abortion, and Life
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Why Evolution Cannot be True
This is a response to Dan Kuik‘s comment posted to the article Is there any hope for this generation?
I shall try to explain this the best way I can. To some it may be very difficult indeed to hear. I know there are a lot of committed Christians who are scientists, and I praise God for them. It is truly a difficult field to be called into. These scientists are not idiots, however, they may very well be deceived.
As Christians, we are not against science, either. However there are some “sciences” that are truly exist in a gray area between philosophy and science. They are mistakenly accepted as true empirical science, but are not directly observable. Among these are psychology, sociology, and evolution. These fields of research lend themselves to grand theories based on an incorrect philosophy. These philosophies are grounded in stories that may have some truth within them. But regardless of the content of some truth they are still, nevertheless, stories.
The field of science truly endeavors to make sense of creation. Yet, what began as an innocent desire by humanity to understand who we are, it has now gone awry.
That desire to understand, as innocent as it began, has given birth to delusion. This delusion is now being used to deceive people, giving them a convenient excuse to deny God and live their lives as they see fit. It infects them with the irrationality that all truth is relative. Regardless, many trod down that wide path.
This practice, unstopped, leads to destruction and sadly, death. It is this innocent desire that births delusion, then deception, in turn becoming destruction, and finally death. It is the basis for all sin.
First off, let’s establish some things 2 Timothy 3:16 says that all scripture is breathed out by God and is profitable for teaching, reproof, correction and training in righteousness. I will use scripture alone. It is the essence of instruction from a holy God.
Second, I contend that the days we live in are indeed the last days, the signs are plentiful. For my reference, I will use 2 Timothy 3:1-5.
“But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. (2) For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, (3) heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, (4) treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, (5) having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.
Paul goes on to say that such people are “always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth.” (2 Timothy 3:7) This is because when using an incorrect philosophy as a basis, one cannot do true science. To begin with one that excludes the very Author and Creator of life will always belie the same!
One must be on guard for this delusion. Jesus Himself said “See that no one leads you astray.” (Matthew 24:4) But one strong warning comes in 1 Timothy 4:1, Paul says “in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons.” In fact Jesus, in Matthew 24:24, says the deception will be so strong “so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.” Those are some strong warnings!
But we must, as watchmen, stand on the wall and warn others. It is not our intention to “pit God against evolution.” Simply for the fact that the converse is already true, evolution has pitted itself against God. I would dare say it exalts itself against the very throne of the Most High.
Satan’s favorite tool is deception, in fact, he is called the deceiver. He also disguises himself as an angel of light, as Paul warns us in 2 Corinthians 11:14 “And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.”
But as with every deception of the enemy, he loves to use it coupled with truth. But a lie, no matter how small, coupled with a truth, no matter how great, is still but a lie. Paul warns us of this by saying a little leaven leavens the whole lump. (1 Corinthians 5:6)
Through subtle deception, evolution exalts itself against some of the very foundational doctrines of the faith. I contend that evolution CANNOT be true in the light of God’s word.
There are too many to go through in a post such as this, so I will choose one.
If, as is posited by Dan, God “used” evolution JUST to create a man, that means that millions of creatures would have had to die before there was even the first man. This means that evolution must establish that man exists as a result of millions of years of death!
But, my Bible teaches me something entirely different. It tells me that man was created by the will of God from the dust of the ground. It tells me that man was created good. It also tells me in Romans 5:12 that death is the result of man’s sin! In fact, because of that first man’s sin, we all inherited that propensity.
So as I see it, man’s wisdom teaches that death brought man, but God says man brought death!
Those two ideas cannot coexist!
Therefore, evolution, as purported, cannot be true. We would have to deny sin, which brings us back to the deception. 1 John 1:8 ” If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.”
Sin hardens by deceit… Hebrews 3:13. Scoffers are here and they plainly mock Christianity… 2 Peter 3:2-6. Unrighteous people suppress the truth… Romans 1:18.
We need to stand firm… 2 Thessalonians 2:15.
It is not that “Human beings have no less purpose in life,” but that One human’s purpose is then not necessary (John 3:14-17.)
When we read the bible, the warnings are plentiful. Jesus’ words in Matthew 7:21-23 are indeed truly sad. This is an admonition to examine ourselves regularly, and against the very word of God, to identify and deal with that deception. Lest we find ourselves standing in His very presence hearing those fateful words… depart from me.
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The Best Pro-Life Resources Online
If you are looking for the best place to find pro-life resources, start with Scott Klusendorf‘s Life Training Institute. With audio for defending the unborn, pro-life articles (check out “The Five-Minute Pro-Lifer“), podcasts, video, and more.
Looking for books to educate you on the pro-life position? On a recent Stand to Reason program, Scott Klusendorf recommended his top five recommended books:
1. The Unaborted Socrates
2. Precious Unborn Human Persons
3. The Case for Life
4. Defending Life
5. Natural Rights and the Right to Choose
From Apologetics315: The Best Pro-Life Resources Online.
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Who Are the Two Gods in Daniel 7:13-14?
Daniel 7:13-14 “I saw in the night visions, and behold, with the clouds of heaven there came one like a son of man, and he came to the Ancient of Days and was presented before him. And to him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom one that shall not be destroyed.”
This is a particularly exciting passage of scripture. It records God, here described as the “Ancient of Days” on the throne, yet someone who looked like a human being was presented to Him. Yet, implied in the original language, this human being was not mortal. In fact, this Human was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, and that all peoples and nations and languages should serve him. I would ask, is this Human then a God on par and equal to the Ancient of Days?
The Israelites of Jesus’ time new the scripture well… in fact they knew this very passage referred to the Messiah, they also knew that the Messiah would reign forever, as is clearly expressed by the last phrase in the passage. They also knew the Messiah was God.
In John 12:27-34 there is an interesting conversation between Jesus and a crowd of Jewish followers. The Jews ended with some questions posed to Jesus. “We have heard from the Law that the Christ remains forever. How can you say that the Son of Man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of Man?”
Curiously, Jesus Himself declared He must be lifted up, and would die. Those Jews present knew what the scripture said of the Messiah, or son of man, in Daniel 7:13-14. It surely must have perplexed some… but let us look at another New Testament passage… this time in the book of Matthew. Jesus is on trial before the high priest.
Matthew 14:60-63 “And the high priest stood up in the midst and asked Jesus, “Have you no answer to make? What is it that these men testify against you?” But he remained silent and made no answer. Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?” And Jesus said, “I am, and you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven.” And the high priest tore his garments and said, “What further witnesses do we need?”
Here, recorded for us, is exactly what the high priest and Jews believed before the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. The son of man was indeed God, as Jesus Himself quoted and even ascribed Daniel 7:13 to Himself, calling Himself the Son of God. The reaction of the priest is self-explanatory.
And as the priest declared, I then ask you… “What further witnesses do we need?”
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An Argument for the Early Dating of the Gospels
Adapted from a podcast at pleaseconvinceme.com
For those who would claim that the Four Gospels are a reliable eyewitness testimony, there is substantial evidence to bolster the claim. The Four Gospels, and the New Testament, were indeed written soon after Jesus’ resurrection.
Since the first century, there have been movements to eradicate the deity of Jesus. It is an old art, based on unsupported claims and purported reason. In the early church, it was the Judaizers who would negate the finished work of Jesus, if possible, by applying the yoke of the law to all. There were even purported gospels by Gnostics extolling the various teachings of an imperfect god. It is in their vanity they refuse to align their minds with the mind of God, instead making god in the image of man.
Presently, the neo-atheists and neo-Gnostics are presenting the same worn claims, albeit to fresh ears. In humanity’s quest for something spiritual to fill a self-imposed void, they eagerly consume the delusion offered to them by the same ravenous wolves.
What is at stake?
Paul answers this question in 1 Corinthians 15:12-19. The resurrection is central to Christianity. If there is no resurrection than we hope in vain. One well used weapon in their arsenal is the reliability and veracity of the eyewitness testimony. The attack is relentless, as it has happened throughout church history. Most will tell you that the New Testament was penned in the late second century.
Is that true?
Let us examine the evidence.
Gospels dated earlier than A.D. 250
On 19 November 1931, Chester Beatty purchased a collection of papyri. The manuscripts were purportedly found in the city of Aphroditopolis. The eleven manuscripts in the collection consisted mostly of portions of the Old and New Testaments and are known as the Chester Beatty Papyri. The three New Testament manuscripts contained fragments of the Four Gospels and the book of Acts of the Apostles.
These fragments are dated by paleography to the first half of the third century. In other words, between A.D. 200 and A.D. 250. What is significant, is that the substantial amount of time for these works to be collected and transmitted would have had to occur before this time. Regardless, the gospels were written and accepted before A.D. 250.
Gospels dated earlier than A.D. 200
The Bodmer Papyri were discovered near Dishna, Egypt in 1952. They were found at Pabau, the ancient headquarters of the Pachomian order of monks. These 22 papyri contain segments of the Old Testament, New Testament and other Christian literature. Significantly, this collection contains the oldest written fragments from the Gospel of Luke and the Gospel of John.
The Gospel of John manuscript is almost a complete copy and is dated at A.D. 200 Because the Gospel of John is widely accepted as the last gospel to be written, this would put the other gospels into circulation well before this date.
Gospels dated Earlier than A.D. 175
The Diatessaron, created by Tatian the Syrian, was a harmonization of the Four Gospels. This important work was the standard text for the Syrian church. Tatian died in A.D. 180, and the Diatessaron is generally accepted as written between A.D. 160 and A.D. 175. At this date, the gospels were accepted and in circulation before it was written.
Gospels dated earlier than A.D. 150
Early church fathers had a habit of quoting these Four Gospels. One such church father, Justin Martyr, ministered in Rome, where he founded a school. Amongst his pupils was Tatian the Syrian. Justin was an early defender of Christianity, he wrote eight apologies. Only three have been found to still exist… they are First Apology, Second Apology and Dialogue with Trypho. Justin quoted John 3:5 in Chapter 61 of his First Apology, further in chapter 63, he quotes Matthew 11:27 and Luke 10:16.
This presumes the Four Gospels were known and used in church teachings when the First Apology was penned somewhere between A.D. 147 and A.D. 161, based onto who it was addressed. However, the mention of “Felix” as governor of Egypt is believed to be a reference to Lucius Munatius Felix which further fixes the date to around A.D. 151.
Gospels dated earlier than A.D. 130
Eusebius of Caesaria was one of the first writers to chronicle the history of the early church. He quotes Papias, whom he called the Bishop of Hierapolis (modern Pamukkale, Turkey, ) among others. Most notably in volume 5 of Historia Ecclesiastica, he quotes Papias’ Exposition of the Oracles of the Lord. In the quotation Papias , himself, quoted the Gospel of Matthew, as well mentioning the Gospel of Mark. Papias died in A.D. 130.
The Rylands Papyri contains a fragment of the Gospel of John. It has been dated to about A.D. 125. This fragment, discovered in Egypt, puts the Gospel of John in use, there. Allowing for the copying and transmission of the text, we can presume that the youngest gospel, John’s, was in use before this time.
Gospels dated earlier than A.D. 120
Polycarp, a disciple of John, was Bishop of Smyrna and was martyred around A.D. 155. He wrote a letter to the Philippian church (ca. A.D. 110 – A.D. 135)in which he quotes or alludes to the Gospel s and other New Testament writings. The date of the letter cannot be fixed with certainty, Polycarp lived around 86 years, fixing a date of around A.D. 120 would put him at around 55 years old when he wrote it.
The significance of this letter is Polycarp’s reliance on the writings of the Four Gospels and other New Testament books. It is apparent that these were recognized as the word of God and perceived that way by both writer and reader, when the use of the letter is taken into account.
Gospels dated earlier than A.D. 110
Ignatius, Bishop of Antioch, wrote several letters in A.D. 110. In his letters he quotes and/or alludes to the writings of Matthew. This would mean that the Gospel of Matthew would already be in circulation for it to be used this way.
Gospels dated earlier than A.D. 100
The ancient writing Didache: Teaching of the 12 Apostles, in chapter 8 quotes the Lord’s Prayer from the Gospel of Matthew. The Didache had been widely disseminated by about A.D. 100.
Gospels dated earlier than A.D. 95
Clement, Bishop of Rome, in a letter to the Corinthian congregation, quoted Matthew. The letter is dated during the reign of Domitian circa A.D. 95.
Gospels dated earlier than A.D. 70
Herod’s Temple was destroyed in A.D. 70 under Titus. This was predicted by Jesus in the Matthew 24:1-2 and Luke 19:44. There is no recording of the temple’s destruction in the Gospels. If the Gospels were dated later than this date, this would be a significant omission, considering Jesus’ Himself predicted its destruction!
Even the writer of the book of Hebrews would have included this fact to bolster the claims set forth in that book. In fact, the entire New Testament is silent on this fact, in stark contrast to those who would have you believe that Christianity was invented over a period of time.
Gospels dated earlier than A.D. 64
Luke authored his gospel and the Acts of the Apostles, yet there is no mention of the temple’s destruction, the siege of Jerusalem or the intense persecution of Nero. These would be significant and important milestones for the early church.
Early skeptics thought the titles, terminologies and customs used by Luke were primitive and thought false, until Luke’s terms were bolstered by archaeology.
Luke is likely writing Acts very early, as there is no mention of the martyrdom of James in A.D. 61, Paul in A.D. 64 or even Peter in A.D. 65. In fact, at the end of Acts, Paul is still alive! With that fact, it would be a reasonable conclusion to date the book of Acts before A.D. 64.
Luke himself, in Acts 1:1, refers to his previous work, leading one to reason that the Gospel of Luke would have to be written, circulated and well known before this book was written. Bolstering this claim, Paul quotes both Deuteronomy and Luke’s Gospel in 1 Timothy 5:17-18.
Gospels dated earlier than A.D. 60
If Mark is the earliest gospel written, it would have to precede the Gospel of Luke. This is derived from Luke 1:1-4, where Luke tells of his purpose in writing the account. He occasionally quotes the Gospel of Mark, so it would be reasonable to conclude that the Gospel of Mark was recorded before A.D. 60. This would allow time for transmission and circulation.
Gospels dated earlier than A.D. 55
There are three letter widely attested to be written by Paul. These are the epistles to the Romans, 1 Corinthians and Galatians. These were written between A.D. 48 – A.D. 60, the Epistle to the Romans, in the opinion of most scholars was probably written in A.D. 55 – A.D. 57.
In Galatians 1:18-19 Paul tells us that three years after his conversion, he went to Jerusalem to meet Peter and James. Paul returned to Syria and in Galatians 2:1, Paul tells of returning to Jerusalem to meet the apostles 14 years later. In Galatians 2:7-9 Paul describes his meeting with the apostles. The theory that this is one of Paul’s earliest epistles, would date this before A.D. 55. This same theory purports the meeting in Galatians 2: 1-10 and Acts 11:30 is the same. This theory implicates Acts 15:20 as describing the non-existent letter to the Galatians. If so, this places Acts well before the Epistle to the Galatians, and pushes the dating of the Gospels even earlier!
It is reasonable to conclude that Paul saw the risen Christ within five years of the resurrection.
Paul opens his letter to the Romans by declaring Jesus as the resurrected Son of God in Romans 1:4! This is about 17 years after the resurrection. The message is clear in 1 Corinthians 15:3-7, Jesus is accepted as God incarnate, resurrected and glorified! Paul is reciting the gospel. These men are resolute and steadfast in doctrine. Attesting to the reasonable conclusion that these books were written, accepted and circulated among still living witnesses. Living witnesses who could refute the testimony.
In 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 Paul quotes almost word-for-word Luke 22:19-20. Luke was Paul’s traveling companion, and Luke borrowed from Mark… this would place the gospel of Mark’s account very early in church history.
Jose O’Callahan, a Spanish Jesuit paleographer made headlines in 1972. He announced he had a translated piece of the Gospel of Mark on a Dead Sea Scrolls fragment. The Dead Sea Scrolls are dated to between 50 B.C. and A.D. 50. Again, this places the Gospel of Mark well within 15-17 years of the resurrection of Jesus.
There is ample evidence that points to the Gospel of Mark being recorded very early in church history. Some even think that the Gospel of Mark is an early memoir of Peter. This theory also requires an early date for the Gospel of Mark. It is a reasonable conclusion when one examines the evidence put forth.
Conclusion
Jesus is no prophet evolving into mythology as the agnostic apologizers would have you believe. Instead, He is indeed the risen Christ, Messiah… Son of God. Because Jesus is the firstfruits of the resurrection, He has taken the sting from death, as Paul proclaims in 1 Corinthians 15:54-55.
But as Paul goes on to declare that the sting of death is sin through the power of the law in 1 Corinthians 15:56. We now declare from the rooftops , 1 Corinthians 15:57 “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
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America’s Christian Heritage
Evidence gleaned from the Constitution and its authors.
Most people will take as fact almost anything they are told, if it fits their worldview. They may even denigrate things without taking the time to study them. It is pointedly visible when someone attacks the Christian Heritage of the United States… most who do show that ignorance (the word is chosen because of what it means, simply not knowing, it does not extend to the motivation of the person) have not taken the time to critically examine the evidence. They will often cite platitudes like “the separation of church and state” or no “religious test for candidates.”
First let us re-examine these two assertions.
“The separation of church and state” as a phrase, does not appear anywhere in the U.S. Constitution, it is a taken from an exchange of letters between Thomas Jefferson and the Danbury Baptists. The Baptists concern was the First Amendment, and whether the rights granted were inalienable, that is given by God to the individual, and thus strictly between God and the individual.
In fact, Jefferson himself had raised much of the same issue, in his second inaugural address given in 1805, Jefferson reiterated his stance thus, “In matters of religion, I have considered that its free exercise is placed by the Constitution independent of the powers of the general government.” To further understand Thomas Jefferson’s stance on this issue, let us look to a letter written by him to Samuel Millar in 1808 in which Jefferson wrote “I consider the government of the United States as interdicted by the Constitution from intermeddling with religious institutions . . . or exercises.
For those who have never read what inalienable right is enumerated in the first amendment of the U.S. Constitution, let us examine the entire text of amendment one.
“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”
It is plainly evident that the rights addressed are between the individual and their creator, and the government is barred from any interference whatsoever. In addition the rights that are further enumerated, free speech, free press and free assembly are specifically related to the first enumerated right, that of freedom of religion!
In our secular society, this very issue is twisted to protect the government from any religion. But in reality, this protection was to keep religion from the corrupting influence of government and power. This is patently evident when one reads the Declaration of Independence and the writings of our founding fathers. We must understanding the mindset of those escaping a monarchy coupled to the Church of England, where the sovereign was the king. There were other prevailing circumstances at the founding, including colonies having established denominations by law.
I would also posit this so-called separation is arguably Judeo-Christian in origin. In the Exodus, God established that those who would perform the duties of the tabernacle and temple are descended from Levi (Numbers 3:21-37.) Yet the kings who would rule over Israel are descended from David (1 Samuel 16:1-23.) David descended from the tribe of Judah. Is this not a separation of those who perform holy duties from those doing secular duties in the nation of Israel?
The prohibition of a religious test for candidates I would claim, is also grounded in a decidedly Christian ethic of freedom of conscience! That is, the sovereignty of the individual and his personal choices in his relationship to God. These religious requirements were already established in variously state constitutions creating an inequity. This religious requirement was seen as a denial of individual civil and religious freedoms.
God is quite clear on conscience, in Romans 14:5-12. Paul reiterates the individual’s responsibility to God in verse 12, “So then each of us will give an account of himself to God.” Our founding fathers understood this precept quite clearly. If the individual gives account before God, government is not the mediator of the things of God. Again, this is made quite clear in 1 Timothy 2:4-6, specifically, “For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.”
These two issues are tied together intricately, and have undeniable foundations in Judeo-Christian thought. In the last 100 years or so, there is a concerted effort to eviscerate this individual right. It is clearly a right retained by the individual, it is not a right granted to the government, nor would it restrict religion, or its free exercise.
Having dealt with these two objections to the Christian Heritage of the United States, I would like to offer one other startling find in the Constitution!. It is true, that some may still assert there is no specific proof of a Christian heritage in the original Constitution and Bill of Rights. I would have to disagree. There is a glaring inference to the Christian convictions of those who ratified it. It is found in Article I Section 7 in the second paragraph.
“Every Bill which shall have passed the House of Representatives and the Senate, shall, before it become a Law, be presented to the President of the United States; If he approve he shall sign it, but if not he shall return it, with his Objections to that House in which it shall have originated, who shall enter the Objections at large on their Journal, and proceed to reconsider it. If after such Reconsideration two thirds of that House shall agree to pass the Bill, it shall be sent, together with the Objections, to the other House, by which it shall likewise be reconsidered, and if approved by two thirds of that House, it shall become a Law. But in all such Cases the Votes of both Houses shall be determined by Yeas and Nays, and the Names of the Persons voting for and against the Bill shall be entered on the Journal of each House respectively. If any Bill shall not be returned by the President within ten Days (Sundays excepted) after it shall have been presented to him, the Same shall be a Law, in like Manner as if he had signed it, unless the Congress by their Adjournment prevent its Return, in which Case it shall not be a Law.”
Did you find it?
It is even set aside in parentheses for you! ” If any Bill shall not be returned by the President within ten Days (Sundays excepted) after it shall have been presented to him, the Same shall be a Law,” (emphasis mine.)
There are many question this raises in any thinking person’s mind. However, it is undeniable that Sunday was set aside as a special day. If the heritage of this country is not specifically Christian, why is Sunday excepted, and not Friday, Saturday, or Wednesday?
Furthermore, there is another curious assent to none other than Jesus Christ! The document is dated, with the phrase “in the year of our Lord!” I ask, what Lord are WE honoring, other than Jesus Christ?
In conclusion, I have not made exhaustive research, but only scratched the surface. The foundations of this great nation are undeniably Christian. The heritage of our founding fathers, in their own character, words and deeds undeniably lay the foundations for this truth. 52 of the 55 of those signatories to the Declaration of Independence were deeply committed Christians, the other three believed the Bible to be Divine truth, and that the God of that Bible personally intervenes in the affairs of men.
These same men formed the first Continental Congress. Among the first actions of that congress were to create the American Bible Society and offer public funding to import 20,000 copies of the Bible! What has been taught in public schools is correct, however it is only a small portion of history, purposely presented to make a case for a secular nation.
Make no mistake… there is a war being fought for the hearts and minds (and consequently, souls) of humanity. The main weapon being used is delusion… one needs to exercise discernment to know the truth.
If you still are not convinced… I will leave you with the following. It is the text of a proposal Benjamin Franklin made to the Constitution Convention of 1787 on June 28.
“Mr. President. The small progress we have made after four or five weeks close attendance, continual reasonings with each other, and our different sentiments on almost every question — several of the last producing as many Noes as Ayes – is, methinks, a melancholy proof of the imperfection of the human understanding.
We, indeed, seem to feel our own want of political wisdom, since we have been running all about in search of it.
We have gone back to ancient history for models of government, and examined the different forms of those republics, which — having been originally formed with the seeds of their own dissolution — now no longer exist.
And we have viewed modern states all round Europe but find none of their constitutions suitable to our circumstances.
In this situation of this assembly — groping as it were, in the dark to find political truth, and scarce able to distinguish it when presented to us — how has it happened, Sir, that we have not hitherto once thought of humbly applying to the Father of Lights to illuminate our understanding.
In the beginning of the contest with Britain, when we were sensible of danger, we had daily prayer in this room for ‘Divine Protection.’
Our prayers, Sir, were heard and graciously answered. All of us who were engaged in the struggle must have observed frequent instances of a Superintending Providence in our favor.
To that kind Providence we owe this happy opportunity of consulting in peace on the means of establishing our future national felicity.
And have we now forgotten that powerful Friend? Or do we imagine we no longer need its Assistance?
I have lived, Sir, a long time. The longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth – that God governs in the affairs of men!
And if a sparrow cannot fail to the ground without His notice, is it probable than an empire cannot rise without his aid?
We have been assured, Sir, in the sacred writings that: ‘Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it.’ I firmly believe this.
I also believe that without His concurring aid we shall succeed in this political building no better than the builders of Babel.
We shall be divided by our little, partial, local interests. Our projects will be confounded and we ourselves shall become a reproach and a byword down to future ages.
What is worse, Mankind may hereafter, from this unfortunate instance, despair of establishing government by human Wisdom and leave it to Chance, War and Conquest.
I therefore beg leave to move that: “Henceforth, prayers imploring the assistance of Heaven — and its blessing on our deliberations — be held in this Assembly every morning before we proceed to business; and that one or more of the Clergy of this city be requested to officiate in that service.”
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| Tags: Constitution, God, government, heritage, Jesus Christ, the lie |
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