The Armor of God

Put on the armor of Almighty God,
so you can withstand Satan’s schemes.
Our battle is not against flesh and blood;
no, things are not as they seem.

Our fight is against the powers of darkness,
with the forces of evil on high.
But He gave us His armor so we can stand firm,
on the Earth and in the sky.

Gird your loins with truth, which will always bear out,
the breastplate of righteousness wear.
Shod your feet with preparation of the gospel of peace;
take the shield of faith everywhere.

Take the helmet of salvation to wear on your head,
and the Spirit’s sword in your hand.
And pray in the Spirit all of the time so
against Satan’s plots you can stand.

©Peggy McIlveene
April 24, 2002

Coexistence of Humans and Dinosaurs

Over the years, Darwinian evolution has been attempting to gain a monopoly over dinosaurs. In order to expand the time line of evolutionary dating, Darwinian scientists must control the belief of dinosaur history. They have been very successful in their endeavor. I remember growing up in elementary and junior high school thinking how to combine dinosaurs that I was taught lived 65+ million years ago and the Bible. I struggled with this question for a long time because dinosaurs fascinated me, but I also trusted the biblical history of man. In public education, I was only fed the Darwinian evolutionary theory of time and dinosaurs. In essence, Darwinian evolution must have the controlling belief of dinosaur history in order to continue to preach their beloved theory. Why is the belief that dinosaurs lived 65+ million years and no man has seen a dinosaur so prevalent? Cause it is true? Nope. I believe it is because children from an extremely early age are being indoctrinated with this Darwinian evolutionary idea of dinosaurs and man. How early? In 2002, Stephen Holmes published a pop-up book titled "Life on Earth". On the cover of the book, a baby is sitting on the nose of a dinosaur! So is there evidence out there that suggests humans and dinosaurs once lived and walked together here upon this earth. Obviously there must be or I would not be writing this article. In this article, I want to examine just one powerful piece of physical evidence for the coexistence of humans and dinosaurs.

We will examine the dinosaur petro glyph, or rock carving, at the Kachina Bridge National Monument in southeastern Utah. According to rock-art experts, the petro glyphs at Kachina Bridge are believed to be carved by the Anasazi Indians dating back 500 to 1,500 years ago. The most famous, infamous to some, is a petro glyph depicting an animal with a long, thick tail, long neck, and small head in comparison to its large body size. Are you able to imagine any living animal that fits this description? I introduce to you the Apatosaurus of Kachina Bridge National Monument.



I wish it could be seen in these pictures, but it is not. Just a few feet to the upper right of the carving (upper left looking at the picture), there is another carving of a man. So, we have a carving of a human and dinosaur side by side maybe drawn by the same artist. A couple of questions need to be asked. Obviously first, how did the Anasazi Indians know how to depict so accurately an Apatosaurus in 500-1500A.D.? Did the Anasazi Indians dig up dinosaur fossils, reconstruct the bones in the correct order, and imagine the correct skin dimensions from the perfectly reconstructed bones? Not sure I would take that bet. A much more logical and reasonable explanation is that the Anasazi Indians saw and walked with an Apatosaurus. The next question is how do Darwinian evolutionists explain this petro glyph? When visiting Kachina Bridge, Kyle Butt and Eric Lyons of Apologetics Press, Inc. asked one of the assistant workers at the visitor’s center this very question. The worker responded, “They don’t really want to explain it.” Imagine that. She went on to say that some think the petro glyph depicts a horse. However, the problem with this hopeful explanation is one the carving looks nothing like a horse and two the Anasazi Indians were a horseless people. Horses did not arrive in America until Spanish settlers in the 16th century. Another question is did Apatosaurus live in the southeastern portion of Utah where the Anasazi Indians dwelt? Interestingly, Apatosaurus hip bone fossils were found in Blanding, Utah during the 1960s only fifty miles from the Kachina Bridge petro glyph (Dinosaur). So, why would this petro glyph disturb Darwinian evolutionists? Obviously, this rock carving makes a mockery of the thought that humans and dinosaurs are separated by 65+ million years. Then, it also brings into serious question carbon and radiometric dating methods, mainly radiometric dating because it is used to date dinosaur fossils, which give these dates of millions and billions of years old. Also, Darwinian evolutionists can no longer parade around dinosaurs as an icon for evolution. As mentioned above, the carvings depict a human in close proximity to a dinosaur. Finally and most importantly here, this petro glyph gives testament to the biblical account of humans and dinosaurs being created together on day six of creation (Genesis 1:24-27).

When looking at a picture of the petro glyph, only one clear and logical conclusion can be drawn. The Anasazi Indians had to have seen a real life Apatosaurus to carve this petro glyph.The Anasazi Indians carved an amazingly accurate depiction of Apatosaurus centuries before man began to uncover dinosaur fossils and take the time to reconstruct their remains with precision. Dinosaurs have long been the favorite icon of evolution. However, dinosaurs should be removed as the poster child of Darwinian evolution. The Apatosaurus petro glyph of Kachina Bridge National Monument is but one of many physical evidences for the coexistence of humans and dinosaurs.

Butt, Kyle, and Eric Lyons. The Dinosaur Delusion: Dismantling Evolution’s Most Cherished Icon. Montgomery, AL: Apologetics Press, Inc., 2008. P67-71.
(Top) Image - http://www.answersingenesis.org/assets/images/am/v2n2/petro-close-1-big.jpg
(Bottom) Image - http://creationtruthministries.org/answers/dinosaurs.html

How Will You Spend Your "Dash?"

The Dash Poem

by Linda Ellis

I read of a man who stood to speak

At the funeral of a friend

He referred to the dates on her tombstone

From the beginning to the end

He noted that first came the date of her birth

And spoke the following date with tears,

But he said what mattered most of all

Was the dash between those years

For that dash represents all the time

That she spent alive on earth.

And now only those who loved her

Know what that little line is worth.

For it matters not how much we own;

The cars, the house, the cash,

What matters is how we live and love

And how we spend our dash.

So think about this long and hard.

Are there things you’d like to change?

For you never know how much time is left,

That can still be rearranged.

If we could just slow down enough

To consider what’s true and real

And always try to understand

The way other people feel.

And be less quick to anger,

And show appreciation more

And love the people in our lives

Like we’ve never loved before.

If we treat each other with respect,

And more often wear a smile

Remembering that this special dash

Might only last a little while.

So, when your eulogy is being read

With your life’s actions to rehash

Would you be proud of the things they say

About how you spent your dash?

©1996 Linda Ellis

This is one of my favorite poems. It is truly something to think about. Are you making your "dash" worth while? Are you spending your "dash" doing God's work? This life of ours really is a short one. You never know when you could take your last breath. It is scary to think about, but it is very real. Make sure you are headed in the right direction. Down the right path. If your not then there is not a better time than now to make that change. While we are all still on time's side of eternity. We all still have a choice. Don't wait till it is too late. Spend your "dash" for him and the reward will be great. How are you spending your "dash?"

-Ben Stevenson

True Christians

One of the most common points that atheists make against Christianity is that Christians do bad things. They love to bring up the crusades and the Salem witch trials. They say Christianity is a poison, and it's bringing down our society. Most atheists, however, will admit that Jesus was probably the best human being that ever lived. I think Gandhi really summed up their point when he said, "I like your Christ. I do not like your Christians. You're Christians are so unlike your Christ."

I almost find this amusing, because it is so ironic. Allow me to explain. How would you define a Christian? Someone who is doing their best to live like Christ. Christ himself tells us in John 14:15 that if we love him, we are to keep his commandments. If someone is not living their life how Jesus commanded, that person is obviously not a Christian. So if a person is doing immoral things, such as murder, robbery, fornication, using foul language, not attending church, drinking, etc.... that person, by definition, is not a Christian. So how is it possible to say, "I like Christ, but not Christians." I think a better way to have said that would be, "I like Christ, but not people who claim to be Christians, but in reality, just do whatever they want."

It's pretty simple. You are either a Christian, or you're not. It can't be both ways. "Christian" isn't just a title that we wear around, it is a way of life. There is no such thing as a Christian who doesn't live his life to serve Christ. That would be like saying someone is a married bachelor. It's a contradiction, and therefore couldn't exist. True Christians are those who choose to live their entire life based on the teachings of Christ. True Christians are the best people to ever live.
-Colton

Is Baptism a Work of Man?

After reading the beginning of the study which started on baptism, I felt one question needed to be addressed. I know we can study about baptism all day, and I would love to continue studying on the discussion board if people are interested. For now, I would like to only address the question which is the title to this article: Is Baptism a Work of Man? Thank you all for taking the opportunity to comment and share with us your convictions. This is an encouragement to us all. I hope we can continue this study if so desired.

I have read dozens and dozens of articles explaining why baptism is a work of man and not essential to salvation. However, none of these articles seemed compelled to address the statements by Paul in Colossians 2:11-14 – “In Him you were also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead. And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross.” Notice what Paul says here. We were buried with Him in baptism and raised with Him through faith in the working of WHO? Man? No. God? Yes. Who’s work is the circumcision made without hands in baptism? God’s work.

This next sentence might surprise some. Belief is a work too. Let us read. John 6:28-29 – “Then they said to Him, “What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?”Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent.” A multitude of people had followed Jesus across the sea after having been feed. Jesus told them they did not seek him because of the signs they witnessed but because they had ate the loaves and were filled. They then asked, “What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?” Here is the point of emphasis. Jesus answered, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent.” Believing in Him whom He sent is a work of God.

Many articles I have read always quote the beautiful passage in Ephesians 2:8-10 which says, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” We both agree that we are saved by grace, grace is the gift of God, and there is nothing we ourselves could do to earn salvation that we may boast. With all gifts, there comes a choice as to whether or not to receive the gift as Colton pointed out. Romans 5:1-2 says, “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” Paul explains here that we must access grace through faith. Those without faith have not accessed God’s gift of grace. We must perform the work of God by believing in the One whom God sent (John 6:28-29). Back to Ephesians 2. Who’s workmanship are we to be? God’s obviously. What act of obedience is it where we undergo a spiritual circumcision of cutting away the sins of the flesh in the working of God through faith? Baptism.

One more point about works. In James 2:14-26, James asks several questions concerning faith and works. James 2:14 reads, “What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him?” Just by asking these questions, James makes it obvious that a man cannot be saved without works as he states in verse 17. In verse 19, James reaffirms the fact that faith alone is not enough because even demons believe in God but that faith without works is dead. In verses 21-24, James recounts the story of God telling Abraham to go and offer his son Isaac on the altar. God had commanded a work of Abraham. As James said in verse 22, “Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect?” Abraham’s faith in the work of God was confirmed. Working with his faith, Abraham was justified by obeying the work God had commanded him to do. As verse 24 says, “You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only.” This brings us to verse 26 which states, “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” We learn here that the body without spirit equals dead, but a body with the spirit equals live, and faith with works equals live, but faith without works equals dead. If we do not have works, our faith is dead. Can a dead faith save a person? No.

There is no amount of works of man that we can do to inherit eternal salvation for it is the gift of God (Ephesians 2:8-9). We can however access the grace of God through faith (Romans 5:1-2) Jesus said belief in Him is a work of God (John 6:28-29). By inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Paul wrote that baptism is a work of God (Colossians 2:11-14). We must follow the Word of God and show our faith by our works (James 2:14-26). We must submit to the will of God and put off the body of the sins of the flesh by allowing Him to perform the circumcision made without hands by being buried with Him in baptism and being raised with Him through faith in the working of God (Colossians 2:11-12). According to the few passages we have looked at in this post concerning belief and baptism, we can see from Scripture that both belief and baptism are works of God. As Jesus, the author and finisher of faith, said, “He who believes and is baptized shall be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned” (Mark 16:16).
-Tyler

Accountability

There are many sports out there in the world today and each one of them is slightly different from the next. They cover different time periods (i.e. innings, quarters) and they all have a different set of rules. Some rules are basic and some are more complex. The game of golf has a certain rule like this. Not many people know that golf is actually the only game where you can call a penalty on yourself. In golf, if a players causes his ball to move after it has come to stop, even by accident, it is a one stroke penalty. This means that even if no one saw it but you then technically, by the rules of the game, you are suppose to call a one stroke penalty on yourself. You have to hold yourself accountable for your own actions. If you read the scripture you can see how this lesson plays into our Christian lives. Too many people in the world today are always looking for someone else to blame. No one wants to own up to his/her own mistakes. This is no way to go about living your life. You can blame as many people as you want here on this earth, but on that day of judgement you and only you will be answering for all of your sins. Matthew 12:36 says, "But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgement." Also we read in Romans 14:12, "So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God." We will be held accountable for our sins on that day of judgement so why don't we hold ourselves accountable now. We must recognize our sins and confess them to God so that He can forgive us for them(1 John 1:9; Mark 2:10). However God cannot forgive us of ours sins if we don't repent for them. Don't put your sins on others. God knows who is at fault. Numbers 32:23 "But if ye will not do so, behold, ye have sinned against the Lord: and be sure your sin will find you out." Be accountable for your own actions. Be honest enough to call that penalty on yourself and then go to God for forgiveness. He is always watching and always waiting for his children to come home.

-Ben Stevenson

Is Baptism Necessary for Salvation?

One of the most commonly asked questions out there is, "What does one have to do to go to Heaven?" There are several answers to this question. One of the most controversial topics among Christians today, is baptism. Is it essential for one's salvation? Let's take a look at the scriptures, and I think we will find the answer very clear.

The first thing that we need to realize is that receiving salvation is a process. There isn't one single step that saves us, but several steps. Those steps are as follows: 1. Hear the word (John 6:45 2. Believe (Hebrews 11:6) 3. Repent (Acts 17:30) 4. Confess (Romans 10:9,10) 5. Be Baptized (Acts 2:38) 6. Live faithfully (2 Peter 2:20). Baptism is just one step of the process, and is in no way more important than the others. It is also of no less importance than the others. If one is baptized, but doesn't believe in God, that person is obviously not going to receive salvation.

Does the bible really suggest that baptism is vital to one's salvation? Absolutely. There are several passages that tell us we are to be baptized to be saved. Jesus told his disciples in Mark 16:16 "He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned." Who will be saved? He who believes AND is baptized. Peter told us in 1 Peter 3:21 "There is also an antitype which now saves us- baptism." Luke writes in Acts 2:38 "Then Peter said to them, 'Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.'" We all know that if we want to receive salvation and live in eternity with God, we must die to sin. Let's look at what Paul says in Romans 6:2-4 "How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it? Or do you no know that as many of us were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? Therefore we were buried with him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the father, even so we also should walk in a newness of life." If we want to be baptized into Christ's death, we must be baptized into Christ. It is pretty simple. Throughout the New Testament, the apostles made it very clear to us that baptism is certainly a step in God's plan of salvation.

-Colton Scott

A Wall of Separation Between Church and State?

Our nation is bombarded with the idea that our Founding Fathers promoted a wall of separation between church and state. Atheistic and secular groups continue their efforts to push God out of the United States and from the minds of its public officials and its citizens. These groups have succeeded in many of their endeavors. Thankfully, the truth about the heritage of our nation can be found and is readily available to the public. Of course, the wealth of information against the false notion of a wall of separation between church and state is completely ignored by these groups and our federal government. In this post, we will look at two excerpts from historical documents by George Washington.This first piece is a section from George Washington’s Thanksgiving Day Proclamation from October 3, 1789.
“Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor, and Whereas both Houses of Congress have by their joint Committee requested me "to recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanks-giving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness." (Memory).
How unconstitutional of our nation’s first president to say? Or is it? Now, our federal Constitution was officially legal with the ratification by the ninth state, which was New Hampshire, on June 21, 1788 (America). George Washington was selected as our nation’s first president and inaugurated April 30, 1789. After being in office only about six months, George Washington signed this Thanksgiving Day Proclamation to be read across the nation. Look at what he says again. It is our duty as a nation to acknowledge God. Both Houses of Congress requested him to recommend this national day of public thanks-giving and prayer to God. Wait…so Congress made the request for the president to announce a national day of prayer and thanksgiving? Did Congress not know that they established a nation with a wall of separation between church and state? They must not have gotten the memo that they built this wall.
Next, let us look at a portion of George Washington’s farewell address to the nation in 1789. After leading our nation as its first president, George Washington looked back on his life before and during the presidency. He had led the Continental Army to victory in the Revolutionary War. He was in the midst of the founding of our national government. He witnessed the ratification of the Constitution. He also witnessed the ratification of the Bill of Rights on December 15, 1971. Then, he was chosen to be the first man to lead our nation through this first step of the American experiment. After fulfilling his duties to his nation, he had one more opportunity to give advice to the nation as its president and leader. Let us look at part of what he said.
“Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of patriotism, who should labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness, these firmest props of the duties of men and citizens. The mere politician, equally with the pious man, ought to respect and to cherish them. A volume could not trace all their connections with private and public felicity. Let it simply be asked: Where is the security for property, for reputation, for life, if the sense of religious obligation desert the oaths which are the instruments of investigation in courts of justice? And let us with caution indulge the supposition that morality can be maintained without religion. Whatever may be conceded to the influence of refined education on minds of peculiar structure, reason and experience both forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle.” (Avalon).
What did our first president say were indispensable supports of political happiness? Atheism and science? No. Philosophy and reason? No. Money and power? No. Religion and Morality? Yes. Now, George Washington was fully aware of the Bill of Rights and the First Amendment. How can George Washington say that political prosperity relies upon religion and morality as indispensable supports? How unconstitutional of our first president to say? Or did George Washington and our Founding Fathers have a different understanding of the First Amendment than the false notions taught in the classrooms and to our citizens today? If our Founding Fathers knew what was happening today, I think they would all roll over in their graves.
George Washington also warned of the consequences in the courts of justice if the instruments of investigation were deserted. He understood that without religion morality will disappear. If a nation is without religion, then national morality will cease to exist and cannot be expected. This statement is as true today as it was back in 1796. George Washington would laugh at the thought of a wall of separation between church and state.

Constitution Pic - http://www.princetonol.com/groups/iad/links/constitution.jpg
Thanksgiving Day Proclamation – http://memory.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/r?ammem/mgw:@field%28DOCID+@lit%28gw300388%29%29
Fact on ratification – http://www.america.gov/st/usg-english/2008/April/20080416001234eaifas0.5001337.html
Farewell Address – http://avalon.law.yale.edu/18th_century/washing.asp

-Tyler

Preparing for Heaven

There are many different quotes on practice out there in the sports world today. Coaches often harp on practice and stress how important it is to their players. However, very few players actually enjoy practice. They just want to get out there and play the game. They fail to realize that without putting in the hours in practice it is impossible to preform at the level necessary to become a winner. Jim Wilson, former head coach of the Buffalo college football program from 1932–1951, said "I constantly stress process over outcome. In other words, don't worry about the exam. Just do your homework." Very true. If you simply do your homework leading up to the exam then you really have nothing to worry about come test time. You have put in the hours of preparation so the exam is simply a time to show off what you have learned. It is the same in sports. If you work hard in practice then game time is simply the time to show off all the things that you have worked on in practice. Let's look at this idea of preparation when comparing it to our spiritual lives. Christians often overlook the preparation aspect of being a Christian. We cannot simply become saved and then put ourselves in cruise control until the day of judgement. We have to work to prepare ourselves for heaven. To prepare for heaven me must always be doing things with heaven on our mind. After all it is the ultimate goal that we are aiming for. We must live our lives as we are commanded to in Colossians 3:2 "Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth." We have to live in this world, but still not be of this world. We have to make sure that our treasures and ambitions our focused above. Matthew 6:19-21 says, "Lay not up yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do no break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. I think that verse 21 pretty much says it all. "For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." If we are really serious about reaching our ultimate goal of heaven then we need to make sure that is where our heart is. If our hearts and minds are not on heaven daily then maybe we need to re-think our priorities and re-think our preparation. After all how can we expect to be winners on that day of judgement if we are not prepared to be there.

-Ben Stevenson

Failing to prepare is preparing for failure. -John Wooden

Faith: For Christians and Atheists Alike

Atheists are very quick to point out that Christians use faith. This is true. Romans 11:6 says that it is impossible to please God without faith. Many atheists claim that this is why they are not Christians. They claim that having faith is not logical. Mark Twain once said, "Faith is believing something you know ain't true." Another quote says, "The way to see by faith is to shut the eye of reason." I recently came across an atheistic article by Jerry Wilson who says, "Faith is the act of treating something as factual when it is not backed up by any facts or empirical evidence." He goes on to say, "believing in something without evidence is childlike" and "Having faith isn't something to be proud of. It means you have left reason behind. It means that believing in something because you want it to be true is more important than believing in the truth." Well, isn't that just fantastic. Christians are stupid because we have faith, and having faith is "childlike". We might as well have faith in Santa Clause and the Easter bunny. I wish we were all smart and sophisticated like the atheistic community. They would never be so silly as to have faith in something. Or would they?

Let's take a look at how sophisticated atheists believe we came into being... A long time ago, there was nothing. Then nothing became something. Then something exploded. Then something became the entire universe. Then the entire universe was made perfect so that it could one day support life on this tiny planet called Earth in the Milky Way galaxy (by complete chance). Then on this tiny planet called earth there was a bunch of rocks. Then rain started falling on all these rocks and it formed a warm chemical soup. Then one day lightening struck this chemical soup and it formed life (we think). Then one day this tiny particle of life started evolving. Now after about 4.5 billion years, this one tiny particle of life is responsible for every single species on the planet. This process is called evolution. This can also explain consciousness, human rationality and morality. Oh, but it can't explain free will, so that must not exist. And they know all of this without using one bit of faith. Therefore, they must have "empirical evidence" to support this entire theory. Do they? Not even close.

Let's start from the very beginning. We have known for many years now that the Universe is not eternal. It did have a beginning. Scientists such as Alan Guth, who is an expert on the Big Bang, will tell you that at one point our universe was "literally nothing." This begs the question, how did nothing become something? Where is the "empirical evidence" for that? Have you ever, in your entire life, witnessed something spontaneously form from nothing? I think it's pretty safe to say that you have not. And you never will, because it does not happen. Atheists, on the other hand, believe that once upon a time it did happen. Why? Well, considering they have no evidence to back that up, I guess they just have faith. I think Frank Turek said it best when he stated, "Nothing comes from nothing. Nothing ever could. If you can't believe that something came from nothing, you don't have enough faith to be an atheist."

Next up, is design. How do atheists explain the fact that the entire universe seems to be constructed to support life on earth? I mean, the chance of our universe supporting life is very small. Some physicists claim that the chances are one in ten raised to the 229. This is logically impossible. But atheists claim that, against all odds, it must have happened by chance. How is that even possible? Well, there are a few theories out there to explain the design that appears in the universe. One of those theories is the "Multiple Universe theory". This theory claims that there are an infinite number of universes. Basically, if the chances of a universe supporting life is 10 raised to the 229, then there must be 10 raised to the 229 universes. This theory is accepted by many big time atheists, including Steven Weinburg and Richard Dawkins. So what is the evidence to support this "Multiple Universe theory"? There is none. Weinburg admits, "These are very speculative ideas... without any experimental support." What was it called again, when one believed something without any "empirical evidence"? Oh yeah, faith.

Last but not least, the origin of life. The Law of Biogenesis states that life cannot form from non-life. But to be an atheist, one must believe that life formed from non-life, without any help from something supernatural. So, how did that happen? Well, they don't know. They never have, and they never will. Not only did life form on it's own, but it is also very complex. Richard Dawkins realizes this as he states that the simplest living cell contains more information than multiple sets of the Encyclopedia Britannica. So how does Dawkins, one of the world's most praised atheists, explain how life began? He says, "However improbable the origin of life may be, it must have happened, because we are here." Wow. It takes a lot of faith to believe things like this.

I hope that by now, you have seen my point. I didn't have to mention consciousness or morality, which an atheist can also not explain, because you can already see that they use faith every day. So the next time you hear an atheist harp about how Christians only want to talk about faith, just laugh and bring up some of these points. It should be very interesting to hear how they respond.

- Colton

Response to Planter's Comment on Christian Unity

This is a response to a comment made by Planter on Colton’s post titled Christian Unity. I apologize for the length, but I simply desired to answer this response and supplement Colton’s comments on this topic. The quotation below is one comment I would like to respond to made by Planter. Planter I would love to continue this study if you read this because your quotation below is disturbing in my opinion.
“Paul is not saying in Ephesians that there are multiple groups out there claiming to be churches and that you have to some how figure out out which one is the right one.” – Planter
Quickly in Eph 4:1-3, why does Paul have to remind the Christians at Ephesus to “endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” if everything is in perfect harmony at Ephesus? The rest of this response will continue with points relating to the question here taking passages from Ephesians and other texts from Scripture.
Let us look at other examples of this because this problem goes beyond singling out the church members at Ephesus. Let us examine Galatians 1:6-9. In Galatia, there were certainly “multiple groups out there claiming to be ‘other’ churches” and leading astray some of the members of the church in Galatia. Paul says in vss. 6-9, “I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you let, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed.” Obviously, some men are going around Galatia spreading a new “gospel” leading astray members of the church in Galatia. This problem is becoming so bad Paul has to write a letter to the church of Galatia to help them “figure out which one is the right one.” Why? If they are a part of a false church, Paul knows that they will be accursed. If being a part of the right church is not important, why would Paul write to the Galatians warning them of false teachers? We have to be a member of the church Jesus established and not some man-made falsehood. The right one (church) is very important.
Now back to Ephesians. In the church of Ephesus, some of these same problems from without or within the church are perhaps the exact reasons for Paul reminding to the members that there is only one body or one church. In Eph 4:4, Paul said, “there is one Lord, one faith, and one baptism.” Our one Lord, Jesus Christ, came to this earth to save us from our sins. The one faith is grounded in the teachings of Christ and the inspired writers of the NT. The one baptism is where we receive the forgiveness of sins and are added to the one body or one church of Jesus Christ.
On to Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians. In First Corinthians 1:10-17, Paul is pleading with the members at Colossae to speak the same things, let there be no divisions among them, and be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. Paul learns from Chloe’s household that there are some serious divisions among some of the members of the church. Some were saying, “I am of Paul,” “I am of Apollos,” “I am of Cephas (Peter),” or “I am of Christ.” Then Paul asked one of the most profound set of questions I think in the NT when he said, “Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?” Obviously these are all rhetoric questions with the answer of no, no, and no. However, the Corinthians were also struggling with this same issue of unity as the Ephesians. The divisions are so bad Paul has to write this letter to clear up who the people are to follow. Paul wrote instructing them to live in unity and that Christ is not divided, Christ was crucified, and they were baptized in the name of Christ. Divisions in the church cause nothing but problems and will inhibit the church from growing and spreading the gospel.
If not searching out or finding the right church is not essential, then why does it matter if the Corinthian church is divided? Think of this illustration. There is a circle of church’s and in the center of this circle is Jesus. Few examples of beliefs, one church teaches that baptism is essential for salvation, babies ought not to be baptized, and musical instruments should not be used in worship. Another church teaches that baptism is to be done because of salvation, babies ought not to be baptized, and musical instruments may be used in worship. The third church teaches that baptism is not essential for salvation in any way, babies ought to be baptized in dedication, and musical instruments may be used in worship. We have three completely set of beliefs concerning issues and salvation. The question is which church does Jesus agree with? All have conflicting beliefs so Jesus cannot agree with one without contradicting Himself with another set of beliefs. As Paul asked, “Is Christ divided?” If it does not matter which church we are a part of, why does Paul constantly write to churches clearing up conflicting beliefs within the church and issues negatively affecting the church?
Back to the point of examining the Corinthians, let us now turn our attention to 1 Corinthians 12:13. In this part of the letter, Paul has been talking about spiritual gifts, love, and maintaining unity through diversity. Then in 1 Cor 12:13 Pauls writes, “For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and have all been made to drink into one Spirit.” I find it interesting that Paul reminds the Corinthians just like the Ephesians the body is composed of Jews and Greeks as you said. As Colton pointed from Ephesians 1:22-23 (also see Colossians 1:24), the body is the church. The terms are used interchangeably here referring to the same thing. Similarly to Ephesians 4 Paul says by one spirit we are all baptized into one body (Eph 1:22-23 and Colossians 1:24 – body = church). The repetition of the number one should be noted in these passages. There is only one body or church. We are placed into the body or church through baptism whether we are Jews or Greeks. There is no longer a distinction between Jews and Greeks (or Gentiles).
Closing out. In John 8:32, Jesus said, “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free.” We can know the truth of the church, salvation, guidance for life, etc in the Word of God. In Matthew 16:18, Jesus said, “…I will build my church…” Notice the word church is singular. Jesus purchased His church with His own blood (Acts 20:28), and the one church where the truth can be found and should be a part of. Luke records in Acts 17:11 that the people of Berea received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so. If being a part of the right church is not important, why would the people of Berea be concerned with searching the Scriptures to see if what the people said were so? 2 Peter 2:1-2 warns of false prophets among members in the church. Why should we be concerned with false prophets among the brethren if it does not matter if we are in the right church? In 2 Timothy 3:16, Paul says, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” Why should we use God’s Word to correct others teaching something concerning the church if it does not matter that we are in the right church? In 1 Peter 3:15, Peter says, “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.” Why should we be ready to give a defense for the beliefs of the church and its teachings if it does not matter if we are in the right church?
According to Scripture, it is of the utmost importance that an individual is in the right church. Jesus died for the church He described in Matthew 16:18 and established in Acts 2. The right church can be found and is described in Scripture.
- Tyler Alexander

Following The Footprints Left Behind

We hear of God’s son

Who came to this earth,

He was a holy man

Who had a lowly birth.

He walked this world

Just like you and I.

He never made a mistake

Yet, was sentenced to die.

As He walked He left a path

That we are to follow.

Day by day

Because there is no promise of tomorrow.

We will never be able to walk

As perfectly as He,

But we must try our best

Because it is commanded of thee.(1 John 1:7)

Yes, we must work hard

To follow His feet

If on the day we die

Our Lord we want to meet.

Following His steps

Is not an easy thing to do,

But when you struggle lean on Him

He will get you through.

So as we make our journey

Let’s follow the footprints left behind

For if we fail to do so

Then we are walking blind.(1 John 2:11)

-Ben Stevenson

Daniel Takes A Stand

Daniel 1:3-20 "Then the king instructed Ashpenaz, the master of his eunuchs, to bring some of the children of Israel and some of the king’s descendants and some of the nobles, ⁴ young men in whom there was no blemish, but good-looking, gifted in all wisdom, possessing knowledge and quick to understand, who had ability to serve in the king’s palace, and whom they might teach the language and literature of the Chaldeans. ⁵ And the king appointed for them a daily provision of the king’s delicacies and of the wine which he drank, and three years of training for them, so that at the end of that time they might serve before the king. ⁶ Now from among those of the sons of Judah were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. ⁷ To them the chief of the eunuchs gave names: he gave Daniel the name Belteshazzar; to Hananiah, Shadrach; to Mishael, Meshach; and to Azariah, Abed-Nego.
⁸ But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank; therefore he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself. ⁹ Now God had brought Daniel into the favor and goodwill of the chief of the eunuchs. ¹⁰ And the chief of the eunuchs said to Daniel, “I fear my lord the king, who has appointed your food and drink. For why should he see your faces looking worse than the young men who are your age? Then you would endanger my head before the king.”
¹¹ So Daniel said to the steward^a]">[a] whom the chief of the eunuchs had set over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, ¹² “Please test your servants for ten days, and let them give us vegetables to eat and water to drink. ¹³ Then let our appearance be examined before you, and the appearance of the young men who eat the portion of the king’s delicacies; and as you see fit, so deal with your servants.” ¹⁴ So he consented with them in this matter, and tested them ten days.
¹⁵ And at the end of ten days their features appeared better and fatter in flesh than all the young men who ate the portion of the king’s delicacies. ¹⁶ Thus the steward took away their portion of delicacies and the wine that they were to drink, and gave them vegetables.
¹⁷ As for these four young men, God gave them knowledge and skill in all literature and wisdom; and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.
¹⁸ Now at the end of the days, when the king had said that they should be brought in, the chief of the eunuchs brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar. ¹⁹ Then the king interviewed^b]">[b] them, and among them all none was found like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah; therefore they served before the king. ²⁰ And in all matters of wisdom and understanding about which the king examined them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers who were in all his realm."

Daniel is someone who is willing to take a stand for what he believes. He knew what foods God had commanded him not to eat, and he was not going to compromise God's commands, even if it was offered to him by the king. Daniel's decision could have very easily cost him his life, but that was the price he was willing to pay to serve God. Daniel was a true man of God, and he is a great example for those of us who are wanting to take The STAND for God.
-Colton B. Scott

The World Cannot Stop The Stand

We want to teach someone but are unsure of the outcome. We may worry about being rejected or messing up. We wonder what the world thinks of us, we Christians. We desire to turn the world upside down just like the apostles and disciples of the first century.
We learn in Acts 5:17-21 that the apostles had been thrown into prison for preaching and doing good works in name of Jesus Christ, but an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors. The angel of the Lord then instructed the apostles to go and preach at the temple. Once again the officers brought the apostles before the Jewish council for teaching in the name of Christ (vss. 22-27). In Acts 5:28, the high priest asked the apostles, “Did we not strictly command you not to teach in this name (name being Christ)?” In vss. 29-32, Peter and the apostles responded, “We ought to obey God rather than men…And we are His witnesses to these things…” The council began plotting how to kill the apostles. Then Gamaliel, a highly respected Pharisee and teacher of the law, sent the apostles outside to discuss with the council the situation. He reminded the council about two other men, Theudas and Judas of Galilee, who led a group of people at different times, but after each was killed their followers scattered and the movements died. Gamaliel understood the difference between a movement from man and a movement from God. The work of man will come to naught, but the work of God would be impossible to stop. Gamaliel said if their work was from men that their fate would be the same as the others, but if they were from God this council could not overthrow it lest they be found to be fighting against God Himself (vss. 33-39).
How often do you and I make the stand in the name of Jesus Christ? Apparently not enough or this world would be much different. If we decide to make the stand for Christ, we should expect difficult times to come as well as good times of course. In difficult times when people question your convictions, Peter gives us an inspired response, “We ought to obey God rather than men…And we are His witnesses to these things…” When Theudas and Judas of Galilee were killed, their movements died with them. When Jesus Christ died not to mention His triumph over death, His movement spread throughout the world. The gospel of Jesus Christ cannot be stopped. We carry a message to a lost world that cannot be stopped. However, this movement can be delayed or quietened if we do not take the stand. If and when people attempt to slow you down, remember they will find themselves fighting against the God of Heaven. The stand is too powerful. The stand will overcome. The stand has begun.
-Tyler Alexander

Where do you STAND with God?

Here at The STAND we promote taking a STAND for God's word and His truth. We stress taking a stand for the Lord in a world that seems to be headed in the other direction. However in today's post I want to look at the stand in another light. The question I want to look at is, where do you STAND with God? This is a question that everyone should think about often. You may be asking, how can I know where I stand with God? The answer to this question is simple, read His word. The bible is filled with everything we need to know about serving our Master. We are to shape our lives around His word and let everything else fall into place. Granted, in the fast pace world that we live in this is sometimes a hard thing to do. We have a to-do list of a hundred things to get done and often times we fail to put God at the top of that list. We must slow down and remember, God never comes next. After all, He was thinking of us when He sent His only son to die upon the cross for our sins the least we can do is live our life for Him, and honestly that isn't even enough for us to deserve heaven. There is nothing that you and I can ever do to truly deserve that reward(Ephesians 2:8), but to receive His wonderful grace we have to be willing put Him first in our lives, everyday. Now, back to the original question of where do you stand with God. This is something we need to take a closer look at. Are we in good standing with our Lord and Master? Do we do as we are commanded to do in his word? Do we do what we can to help spread his gospel as we are commanded (Mark 16:15)? You and I need to look closely at these questions and see how we answer them. If we are answering them in the negative then I think it is time that we restructure our lives. I made a post recently entitled, "Hast Though Considered My Servant Job..." It talked about Job and how the Lord bragged to the devil about him. I believe the question you need to be asking yourself is, are you worth bragging about? Do you live a life that God is proud of? If not, again I ask you to rethink how you are living your life. There are many things in this world we live in that are uncertain. However, there are a few things that are absolutely certain: You are born, you will die, and you will be judged by your Maker on that day. When that day comes He is going to say one of two things: "...I never knew you:depart from me, ye that work iniquity." Matthew 7: 23 or "...Well done, thou good and faithful servant..." Matthew 25:21. Of course we will all want to hear the latter, but are we willing to work to make sure that happens. So I leave you by reiterating this question once again, Are you living a Christian life that God would brag about?

-Ben Stevenson

Capitol Punishment

We at The STAND have been asked to discuss the topic of capitol punishment, and whether or not it is biblical. The answer is yes, it is. The bible makes it very clear that capitol punishment has always been God's will for mankind. In the old testament there were sixteen crimes which were punishable by death. Those crimes are as follow: 1. Murder (Exodus 21:12-14, 22-23) 2. Kidnapping (Exodus 21:16) 3. Striking or Cursing One's Parents (Exodus 21:15, 17) 4. Incorrigible Rebelliousness (Deuteronomy 17:12) 5. Sacrificing to False Gods (Exodus 22:20) 6. Violating the Sabbath (Exodus 35:2) 7. Blasphemy (Leviticus 24:10-16) 8. Being A False Prophet (Deuteronomy 13:1-11) 9. Human Sacrifice (Leviticus 20:2) 10. Divination (Exodus 22:18) 11. Adultery (Leviticus 20:10-21) 12. Bestiality (Exodus 22:19) 13. Incest (Leviticus 18:6-17) 14. Homosexuality (Leviticus 18:22) 15. Premarital Sex (Deuteronomy 22:20-21) 16. Rape (Deuteronomy 22:25-27)

Some may point out that those examples are under the old law, and want to know if the death penalty is reaffirmed in the New Testament. The answer is yes. In Romans 13:1-4, Paul says "Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil." Paul is telling us that we should respect our governing authorities, because they have been appointed by God. If we do evil, the government has the God given right to "bear the sword", which represents capitol punishment, and "execute wrath on him who practices evil." Paul believed this, even in reference to himself. In Acts 25:11, Paul tells Festus “If I am an offender, or have committed anything worthy of death, I do not object to dying”.

Well, what about the woman in John 8, who committed adultery? Wasn't she worthy of death? Why did Jesus defend her? There are a few possible answers to these questions.

First of all, the law stated that a person could only be executed if there were two or more witnesses (Deuteronomy 19:15). In the story, it is mentioned that the woman was caught in the act, but it never mentions how many witnesses there were. There very well may have only been one.

Second, the law makes it very clear that in matters of adultery, both the man and the woman are to be executed. Where is the man in this story? This was obviously a messed up situation. To correctly follow the law of Moses, the woman would have had to been let go.

Third, we really need to examine the statement made in John 8:7 , "He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first." This is often misunderstood. Most people would say this statement means that anyone who had any sin at all would be unable to administer justice. This is not the case. If so, there would have never been an execution, because Romans 3:23 tells us that everyone has sinned. Instead, Jesus was saying the same thing that Paul was saying in Romans 2:1, which was "you who judge, practice the same things." Jesus knew that the men who were condemning this woman, were partaking in the same things of the woman in which they were accusing.

It is quite evident that capitol punishment has always been part of God's plan of justice for mankind, and with good reason. Over the years, the American justice system has failed to "bear the sword" as commanded in the bible, and we have seen the results. Our prison systems our overcrowded. Premature parole and early release has been commonplace in order to make room for lawbreakers. This has had disastrous effects on our society. For example, let's look at what happened in Kentucky with the Kentucky Early Release Program. In an effort to save 30,000,000 dollars over two years, Kentucky released 1,004 prisoners from prison. 146 of those prisoners were once again charged by a grand jury after their release. Sixteen of those were accused of committing violent crimes, including rape, robbery, and domestic violence. This is the case all over our country. We are going to continue to see this trend spread until we get back to our roots. It's a pretty simple concept: The easier we make it on criminals, the more criminals we're going to have.
-Colton Scott

Many of the facts in this article can be found at http://www.apologeticspress.org/articles/1974. Dave Miller.

Don't Be a Ship Left in the Harbor

I have often posted things on this blog about going to work for the Lord. We can clearly read in the bible that we are commanded to do this in James 2. James 2:17 "Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone." One thing that I believe I often forget to mention is that showing these works, in a fleshly world, is much easier said then done. I have often found myself very apt and ready to talk about the word when I am around my Christian brothers and sisters, but that is not who we are necessarily suppose to be reaching out to. Granted, if a brother or sister in Christ has fallen away we must be there to help get them headed back in the right direction, but we need to be willing and ready to spread God's word to everyone. Mark 16:15 says, "And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." We must have the courage to talk about God's word even when it may not be the popular thing to do. We must be bold and brave. "The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion." Proverbs 28:1. The definition of Courage is the mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty. If you read about the lives of characters of the bible you can easily tell that the danger, fear, and difficulty that they had to withstand is far greater than ours ever will be. We truly have no excuse for not gladly going out and spreading the gospel. After all "What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?" Romans 8:31. We must be bold as a lion and STAND up against the views of the world and spread the good news of the gospel. Zig Ziglar, author of "God's Way Is Still the Best Way," once said, "The most practical, beautiful, workable philosophy in the world won't work - if you won't." Well I am here to tell you that God's word is exactly that. It is the only perfect thing ever written. However, it must be read and it must be shared with others in order to work. "Be strong and of good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee." Deuteronomy 31:6. I will end this post with a simple but powerful quote by William Shedd, "A ship is safe in harbor, but that's not what ships are for." Don't be a ship left in the harbor. Get out and use your talents to spread God's living word.

-Ben Stevenson

Evolutionary Hymn by C. S. Lewis

Lead us, Evolution, lead us
Up the future's endless stair;
Chop us, change us, prod us, weed us.
For stagnation is despair:
Groping, guessing, yet progressing,
Lead us nobody knows where.

Wrong or justice, joy or sorrow,
In the present what are they
while there's always jam-tomorrow,
While we tread the onward way?
Never knowing where we're going,
We can never go astray.

To whatever variation
Our posterity may turn
Hairy, squashy, or crustacean,
Bulbous-eyed or square of stern,
Tusked or toothless, mild or ruthless,
Towards that unknown god we yearn.

Ask not if it's god or devil,
Brethren, lest your words imply
Static norms of good and evil
(As in Plato) throned on high;
Such scholastic, inelastic,
Abstract yardsticks we deny.

Far too long have sages vainly
Glossed great Nature's simple text;
He who runs can read it plainly,
'Goodness = what comes next.'
By evolving, Life is solving
All the questions we perplexed.

Oh then! Value means survival-
Value. If our progeny
Spreads and spawns and licks each rival,
That will prove its deity
(Far from pleasant, by our present,
Standards, though it may well be).