But now, O Lord, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou art our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand. Isa 64:8
The great controversy of Intelligent Design vs. evolution continues. Ben Stein has produced a very factual and thought-provoking movie entitled Expelled. Of course, the evolutionary science faction has denounced the movie as total myth and fantasy, and has decried that Stein is non-scientific, and his prejudices are evident.
But when push comes to shove, the facts speak for themselves. All of the interviews are done in such a way as to let each scientist the freedom to express his or her own opinions, beliefs, or ideas as personal and with complete candor.
Stein finally shows the inadequacies and fallacies of proponents of evolution and their total disdain for those that hold an oposing position. Proponents of Intelligent Design are slowly losing the freedom to express their opposing positions or even question evolution, which is now taught as absolute fact in our educational system.
When all is said and done, Intelligent Design is just as viable, if not a more acceptable explanation of our existence here on this planet. Perhaps the Bible is worth believing after all. I believe it. Do you?
Doug Thompson's InsightsMonday, April 28, 2008
Monday, April 21, 2008
Deepening Relationships...by Doug Thompson
They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him... Titus 1:16
Our life consists of relationships. How we deal with people depends on how much we know them and can respond to them based on that knowledge. Paul told Titus to keep his eye on people that claimed to know God, but their actions denied his existence in their lives. So many times we hear people say they have a working relationship with God, but the evidence is to the contrary.
Your relationship with God can only increase as you spend more and more time with Him. By reading, studying, meditating on, memorizing and sharing God's Word your growth in Him increases. Prayer and communicating with Him on a moment by moment basis builds a strong bond between you and Him. God so desires to have an intimate and deepening relationship with each of His children. Determine in your heart to spend as much time with the Lord as you possibly can. It will enhance your ability to respond to HIm correctly in any given situation of your life.
Our life consists of relationships. How we deal with people depends on how much we know them and can respond to them based on that knowledge. Paul told Titus to keep his eye on people that claimed to know God, but their actions denied his existence in their lives. So many times we hear people say they have a working relationship with God, but the evidence is to the contrary.
Your relationship with God can only increase as you spend more and more time with Him. By reading, studying, meditating on, memorizing and sharing God's Word your growth in Him increases. Prayer and communicating with Him on a moment by moment basis builds a strong bond between you and Him. God so desires to have an intimate and deepening relationship with each of His children. Determine in your heart to spend as much time with the Lord as you possibly can. It will enhance your ability to respond to HIm correctly in any given situation of your life.
Monday, April 14, 2008
Dangerous Doctrines of devils...by Doug Thompson
Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils.
1 Timothy 4:1
Paul, here, is setting the stage for Timothy as to what he should expect in the latter times (the age of grace). Let's consider a bit of the language Paul uses:
1. ...Spirit speaketh expressly... This is not just some random idea or a passing thought. It is concrete, straight-forward, no-messing-around truth you can expect to happen. GOD SAYS SO!
2. ...some shall depart from the faith... This does not refer to individuals who were true Christians, then left their faith. It refers to a general departure from recognized biblical truth during the entire church age (nearly 2,000 years).
3. ...giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils. During the church age there will be people who will follow after doctrines that persuade men that God is not truth, that the Bible is not accurate or relevant, and that Jesus' death was not necessary.
Oprah Winfrey is now purporting a "new" idea of religion that accomplishes what Paul warned against. According to her and her "spiritual advisor" God is in everything; he is in you and you are your own god. You don't have to believe anything; as a matter of fact, faith isn't even necessary. What is important is the way you feel about yourself. Feelings are everything, and as long as you are feeling positive about yourself and everyone around you, then you are fulfilling your purpose in life. Don't worry about sin; there is no such thing. You are the most important person in the world, and as long as you are in control of your feelings in a positive way, everthing will work out ok. Shades of Gnosticism!
What's more, according to the "new" idea, the cross of Christ is just a symbol of the difficulties we face in life. The death of Jesus was not substitutionary; he didn't die for our sins, he was just a man, and gave a nice example of life.
As Paul warned, we need to beware of new doctrines.
Galatians 1:8, 9
1 Timothy 4:1
Paul, here, is setting the stage for Timothy as to what he should expect in the latter times (the age of grace). Let's consider a bit of the language Paul uses:
1. ...Spirit speaketh expressly... This is not just some random idea or a passing thought. It is concrete, straight-forward, no-messing-around truth you can expect to happen. GOD SAYS SO!
2. ...some shall depart from the faith... This does not refer to individuals who were true Christians, then left their faith. It refers to a general departure from recognized biblical truth during the entire church age (nearly 2,000 years).
3. ...giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils. During the church age there will be people who will follow after doctrines that persuade men that God is not truth, that the Bible is not accurate or relevant, and that Jesus' death was not necessary.
Oprah Winfrey is now purporting a "new" idea of religion that accomplishes what Paul warned against. According to her and her "spiritual advisor" God is in everything; he is in you and you are your own god. You don't have to believe anything; as a matter of fact, faith isn't even necessary. What is important is the way you feel about yourself. Feelings are everything, and as long as you are feeling positive about yourself and everyone around you, then you are fulfilling your purpose in life. Don't worry about sin; there is no such thing. You are the most important person in the world, and as long as you are in control of your feelings in a positive way, everthing will work out ok. Shades of Gnosticism!
What's more, according to the "new" idea, the cross of Christ is just a symbol of the difficulties we face in life. The death of Jesus was not substitutionary; he didn't die for our sins, he was just a man, and gave a nice example of life.
As Paul warned, we need to beware of new doctrines.
But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.
Galatians 1:8, 9
Monday, April 7, 2008
Dependable God...by Doug Thompson
Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me. Isa 46:9
Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, to day and forever. Heb. 13:8
God is immutable, meaning He never changes. That is the reason we can trust Him at all times. That is the reason His word is always trustworthy. That is the reason faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God. It never changes; it always produces the sames results when put to practice. So, ask yourself the question, "If God is always the same, and never changes, then why is my life so inconsistent?"
The answer to that question is obvious. We do change. We have mood swings. We change our approach to situations. We sin. We are inconsistent. We are human. We are weak. We succumb to temptations. That is why we must have an unchanging God to bring stability and consistency to our feeble lives. Even as believers in Christ, we are susceptible to sin. Thanks be to God for His rich mercy and Grace, and to His son Jesus, who is always the same, yesterday, today, and forever. Through them and the Holy Spirit we can find stability and consistency in our daily walk. Have you found them? Have they found you?
Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, to day and forever. Heb. 13:8
God is immutable, meaning He never changes. That is the reason we can trust Him at all times. That is the reason His word is always trustworthy. That is the reason faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God. It never changes; it always produces the sames results when put to practice. So, ask yourself the question, "If God is always the same, and never changes, then why is my life so inconsistent?"
The answer to that question is obvious. We do change. We have mood swings. We change our approach to situations. We sin. We are inconsistent. We are human. We are weak. We succumb to temptations. That is why we must have an unchanging God to bring stability and consistency to our feeble lives. Even as believers in Christ, we are susceptible to sin. Thanks be to God for His rich mercy and Grace, and to His son Jesus, who is always the same, yesterday, today, and forever. Through them and the Holy Spirit we can find stability and consistency in our daily walk. Have you found them? Have they found you?
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