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Remembering My Creator: Volume 2, Number 3, August 11, 2012

Remembering My Creator

Volume 2, Number 3

Theme: Evidences for My Faith – Science, Archaeology, Evolution

and

Alleged Contradictions

In This Issue:

  • “Scientific Accuracy of the Bible” by Jordan Shouse
  • “Alleged Contradictions of the Bible” by Sean Cavender
  • “Coincidence or Truth” by Dillon Jarrett
  • “Evolution and the Bible” by Randy Sexton

 

“The Scientific Accuracy of the Bible”

By

Jordan Shouse

There is a myth about science and the Bible. Some believe that they oppose each other. In fact, there are many who claim that science has disproven the validity of the Bible. Richard Dawkins has written that one cannot be an intelligent scientific thinker and hold religious beliefs. What is a Christian to think? The truth is that though the Bible isn’t a science book, it is scientifically accurate. Consider a few scientific truths we found in the Bible:

The Bible is Consistent in GeologyProverbs 8:27; Isaiah 40:22 – “It is He who sitteth about the circle of the earth.” For years man believed that the earth was flat. The concept of a “round” earth wouldn’t be accepted by men for centuries.

The Bible is Consistent in Biology – Genesis 3:15 teaches that woman has “seed.” This was written by Moses several thousand years ago, though it was commonly thought that only man had seed. Leviticus 17:11 teaches how blood is the fuel of life. We need blood to live, it is necessary to life. Leviticus 6:27-28; 13:45-46; Numbers 19:14-16 all teach about sterilization, sanitation, and quarantines. The ideas of germs, diseases caused by infections, both show the wisdom of God to understand the medical necessities of life.

The Bible is Consistent in Astronomy – Jeremiah 33:22 and Genesis 22:17 show how innumerable the stars are. It is impossible to count them. They are countless! 1 Corinthians 15:41 shows how each star is unique. No two stars are like.

These are just a few examples of how the Bible has proven scientifically true. One writer draws this conclusion – “Therefore, how did Bible writers (who lived and wrote in an age of scientific ignorance and various superstitions) consistently and accurately record information not proven true until hundreds, or thousands, of years later? (Wilcox 104). He’s right on! The only logical conclusion that one can draw from the consistency of the Bible’s accuracy on scientific, historical, geographical, and prophetic accuracy is that these words are inspired by God. The Bible has been tested and tried, but every word proves true (Prov. 30:5). God’s words never change, and they never fail (Isaiah 40:8). The Bible and science do not contradict one another, but rather science helps support the validity and truth to God’s words. When we begin with man’s opinions on science and use such findings to interpret the Scripture is when we get into problems. That’s when we can start to interject theories and thoughts God never intended to belong in His word, such as macroevolution. Our aim ought to look through the world through a Biblical perspective, letting the Bible guide my understanding in truth. Our role as Christians is to place our confidence and trust in God’s Words, the lamp to our feet and light to our path (Ps. 119:105). “Secure is life from mortal mind, God holds the germ within His hand. Though men may search they cannot find, for God alone does understand.”

 

“Alleged Contradictions of the Bible”

By

Sean Cavender

It is not uncommon to hear those who do not believe in God to object to the Bible as the authorized word of God on the basis that the Bible has many contradictions. Is it possible there are contradictions within the word of God? Let’s consider some of these objections, and search God’s word, and within ourselves for the answer.

Answers Can Be Found

First, it is important to realize that answers may be found concerning these alleged contradictions of the Bible. Most often when discussing these “contradictions” with an Atheist, it is their attempt to distort the Scriptures. They are trying to create fear and doubt in the minds of others, hoping they will not take the time to seek thoughtful answers. Peter warned of people who would manipulate the Scriptures for their own cause (2 Peter 3:16). In our discussions with those who may not believe the Bible, we ought to gladly study these apparent contradictions with them. If they are honest and sincere then they will respect you for your study of the matter. However, if they have their own agenda and are not seeking truth, it will quickly become apparent because they will not allow you time to study and answer these “contradictions” with a reasonable explanation. When objections to the Bible are made do not become fearful, but seek the truth. That is what people of faith will do.

Learn How To Harmonize The Scriptures

The Bible agrees, or harmonizes with itself. If it does not then there are contradictions that are found within. However, careful Bible students must realize that there several things that are important in a study of God’s word, which are vital to understanding the harmony of Scripture.

First, we must understand the appropriate context of passages. Who is doing the writing? What is the author writing about? When is the author writing? Who is the author writing to? These are all vital questions in understanding (and clearing up) any passage contained in the word of God. Secondly, we must define our terms and phrases that are used in the passage. Words are defined within the context that they are used. If we do not define our terms then a study of the Bible becomes ambiguous and impossible to understand.

Does Paul contradict James when Paul states that man is not justified by works (Romans 4:1-6) when James clearly affirms that man is justified by works and not by faith alone (James 2:24)? There is no contradiction! A reasonable explanation is that they are speaking of different type of works. James is speaking of works of faith (James 2:18), while Paul is speaking of works of the Law of Moses (Romans 3:20). James and Paul both affirm the works, or obedience, of faithful Abraham and how it resulted in his justification (James 2:21-23; Romans 4:3,19-25).

Don’t immediately jump to the conclusion that there is a contradiction. See if there is a reasonable explanation. This is a point of failure by many who make boastful claims that there are contradictions in the Bible.

Does The Bible Contradict Itself?

The way many Atheists and agnostics speak of the Bible, you might expect some blatant and obvious contradiction that the Bible has. However, many of their objections are based on the differences of numerical values such as might be found in Ezra 2:8 and Nehemiah 7:13, or Ezra 2:12 and Nehemiah 7:17, and other passages like these. Time and space will not allow us to study all of these apparent “contradictions.” However, there are reasonable explanations to these differences, and you will have to judge whether you are going to dismiss the word of God as authoritative, binding, and truthful after you study these numerical differences on your own. These differences can easily be understood when we know that these do not refer to the same counting. Ezra led the first group of people back into Judea and his numbers reflect those that came with him. Nehemiah came into the land later and records a different number after the construction of the wall, after others had come back into the land. These difficulties are easily reconciled, and to choose doubt and unbelief shows ignorance.

Some offer up an apparent contradiction found between 2 Samuel 24:9 and 1 Chronicles 21:5 concerning the numbering of Israel. Samuel records there were 800,000 valiant swordsmen, while in the record of the Chronicles there are 1,100,000. In the Chronicles the number concerning Israel is “all of Israel” while in Samuel’s record it merely recognizes “Israel.” The 800,000 men of 2 Samuel 24:9 are those who were valiant, experienced, and veteran swordsmen. Plus, David had an army of approximately 300,000 that were in ready service unto the king (1 Chronicles 12:20-38). Concerning the differences between the numbers of Judah, Samuel records 500,000 of Judah while the Chronicles record 470,000. The difference of 30,000 men can easily be accounted for. Samuel records of 30,000 men that were stationed on Philistine front after war (2 Samuel 6:1). This is a reasonable explanation in the differences found between the two records of David’s census. They, in fact, support one another and harmonize completely.

Another alleged contradiction is between Isaiah 7:14 and Matthew 1:23. Some claim that the word translated virgin in Isaiah 7:14 only means young woman, not an actual virgin. The Greek word Matthew used certainly does mean virgin. Mary affirms her own purity (Luke 1:27-34).It is not at all unreasonable to picture Mary as a young woman who had kept herself pure – these two passages do not conflict with each other. The prophecy made by Isaiah was unto the house of David, not unto Ahaz who refused a sign (Isaiah 7:13). Matthew records the lineage of Jesus by His legal father, Joseph, who was of the house of David (Matthew 1:20). Those who deny Isaiah 7:14 as a prophecy concerning Jesus the Christ deny the power of God, the inspiration of Scripture, and the Deity of Christ.

Conclusion

There will always be attempts to dismiss the power of God’s word. However, we must not be those who would easily be swayed. When “contradictions” are brought forth, then study those matters. That is what the honest hearer will do (Acts 17:11). While discussing these important issues with friends and neighbors, when you seek the truth behind some of these “contradictions,” then you will know whether your friends and neighbors are genuine, or whether they are seeking to twist the Scriptures to their own destruction. If they refuse to allow you to study, then they are twisting the Scriptures and will meet destruction if they refuse to believe. When an honest person will study these matters then they will see how God’s word is true, and trustworthy. There are no contradictions within the Bible! Let us be diligent in our study of God’s word so we may be prepared to always give an answer for the hope we have within us (1 Peter 3:15).

“Coincidence or Truth”

By

Dillon Jarrett

When we are young, our imaginations are at their peak. Dragons, space ships, and/or distant worlds with unimaginable possibilities are literally just a thought away. Those people, places and things in our minds seem so real. It is all almost believable. Yet, as we grow older and mature, we put those childish things away. The world tells us it is not real and they are correct. It was in our imagination. Even if we did believe it, people would think we are crazy. After all, you would have no evidence to prove any of it existed, right? Has anyone ever tried to tell you the same regarding the Bible? The world teaches our children that evolution has led creation to where we are today. Many teach that life began simply through chance, not at the hands of the living God. They would tell you that nothing in the Bible happened. It is just a collection of genealogies, childhood stories, proverbs, fables, songs, and thoughtful life lessons. Nothing more. They would say eight souls were never saved on an Ark during the flood or that an entire Egyptian army was consumed by the Red Sea. Many in the archeological community would say the dinosaurs lived millions of years prior to the creation of man. That it is completely implausible that man and the dinosaurs did “walk side by side.” Finally, they teach just as the Pharisees did in the days of old regarding the Christ. They say nothing can prove He was the Messiah, He was never raised from the dead, the facts revolving around His crucifixion were fictional and his teachings were merely nice prophetic knowledge. Maybe they are correct. Maybe nothing did happen. Let us decipher whether some of these things are true. We will do this by answering three questions. Do YOU believe that God created the world and his creation proclaims his deity? Would you tell others with confidence that archeology does in fact support that the Christ indeed came to earth, was crucified, and now reigns at the right hand of God? Is the Bible God’s inspired message to man, or just compiled information? Remember those questions as you progress.

If you recall in Exodus 14, the Israelites have fled Egypt and are just crossing the bottom of the Red Sea. As the Egyptian army approaches, the Lord refuses to allow them passage and swallows them up with the waters of the Red Sea. When you read that story, it seems rather farfetched does it not? An entire nation could cross the Red Sea. With the right time and resources that is certainly imaginable. However, how could they complete such a task so quickly? It takes hours to evacuate a population of that magnitude even in our day and age. Yet, the entire nation of Israel completed that task on foot and via a “land bridge” at the bottom of the Red Sea? Seems unlikely and unimaginable, does it not? We believe it though, because we can read those words in the Bible. What if there was actual proof? Evidence that these were not just claims. Rather, this was history? Archeologist Ron Wyatt discovered something intriguing during the 1970’s and 1980’s. He found chariot wheels and other remains at the bottom of the Red Sea. Skeptics would say, “So what. Finding a chariot wheels at the bottom of the Red Sea proves nothing. Traders likely had shipwrecks over that sea.” They would have a fair argument. However, these were not just any chariot wheels. They met very specific criteria dating back to the same time period the nation of Israel would have crossed. Along with that, the remains found on the Eastern and Western shores of the sea, were found to also be in the very location described by locals, historians, and the Bible as the location where the Israelites would have crossed. Don’t believe my words though. See it for yourself before you progress. Follow this link and watch the video. Red Sea Crossing

What would you say it looks like? Some of the footage is difficult to sift through. However, when you examine the facts presented, doesn’t it seem odd that those “things” are at the bottom of the Red Sea? Coincidence? Would you like more evidence? Very well. Let us continue. Archeologist Dr. Don Patton has discovered some disturbing evidence if you believe in evolution. Many highly respected scientists have agreed that if, “one could provide evidence that dinosaurs and man walked beside one another, everything we know of evolution would be dismissed.” Follow this link below. See for yourself. “Side by Side” Walk of Man and Beast. What does that look like to you? Maybe you are thinking, “there is no way those footprints were made at the same time.” You could be correct, but not in this case. Tested with the tried and true carbon dating method of science, each fossilized sample is yes, the same. Coincidence? Isn’t it interesting that the Bible speaks of large beasts like the Behemoth and Leviathan in Job 40-41? The same types of beasts that we refer to as “dinosaurs.” In Psalms 19:1, the writer states, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge. They have no speech, they use no words; no sound is heard from them. Yet their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. 
In the heavens God has pitched a tent for the sun. It is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, like a champion rejoicing to run his course. It rises at one end of the heavens and makes its circuit to the other; nothing is deprived of its warmth.” He doesn’t have to miraculously reveal his deity, but he has. Archeology, the proponent to some of man’s greatest discoveries, is the very thing that can and does proclaim his majesty. The validity of his teachings has been verified by not the imagination, but rather, reality.

The reality is He did create the Earth. His is Lord, Jehovah, Yahweh, Elohim, and Adonai. What He says we believe. Some would claim we are, “crazy.” Skeptics would say we believe in something that the idea of space ships and distant worlds is far more believable. Many would say Christ wasn’t the Messiah. That He was merely a prophet such as Muhammad or a great teacher such as Aristotle. What do you believe though? Many would not disregard the potential that Jesus existed. However, they would declare that many of the events involving His ministry as well as his crucifixion never happened. Look with me at the following website and review the information presented. Here is the link, Case for the Christ. We could discuss many other websites, books, and information. Yet, that is not why you are researching currently, is it? That is, you care what the Bible says, not necessarily what other men say. I would have to agree with you as well.

Finding the information that God provides is far more rewarding. After all, as Paul tells Timothy in 2 Timothy 3:16, “ All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” When we examine the scriptures, we see the beauty of His majesty. It is amazing. That is, not only is the Lord proclaimed through his word, but also as we read in Psalms 19, the heavens and the Earth portray His handiwork. We could continue to study, but the fact of the matter is do YOU still believe it is all coincidence? Or would you say that these archeological finding (earlier along with others) never contradict the Bible. Rather, those findings solidify it more. Are the stories we read in the Bible just figments of our imagination or reality? You be the judge.

 

 

Evolution and the Bible

By

Randy Sexton

A wise man once said, “The Bible and theories of science may conflict. Facts of science and theories of the Bible may conflict. But the Truth of the Bible and facts of science do NOT conflict. Young people, some will attempt to deceive you by presenting evolution as a fact of science when it is really not even a theory. No my friends, evolution is really no more than a “hypothesis.” In reality, no matter whether you argue evolution as the explanation of the beginning of all things or you argue creation as the explanation, faith is the basis. But where they differ is that the Bible is factual, whereas evolution is unproved and unprovable.

I agree wholeheartedly with this statement, contained in an unsigned set of class materials that I picked up from someone over the years, “Evolution is not a Bible subject. It is not taught anywhere in Scripture, nor is it argued against directly by any of the inspired writers. Why then should we devote an entire Bible class series to a study of Evolution? The reason lies in the frequently harmful effect that evolutionary teaching has on the faith of a Christian and the impediment it presents to the spread of the gospel.”

The reason for including this article in this series, “Evidences For My Faith” within the Remembering My Creator blog, is to combat the frequently fatal effect of this teaching on the faith of young people. You have no doubt been in classes where the teacher presents evolution as a proven fact. In some unfortunate situations you may have even seen one with such influence ridicule those who would dare disagree with him or attempt to refute his claims.

Berkeley-educated doctor of biology, Jonathan Wells, says that the best-known “icons” of evolution – from pictures of apes evolving into humans , to comparisons of fish and human embryos, to moths on tree trunks – are false or misleading. He says that for decades, biology students have been taught things about evolution that are simply untrue. Even the most recent textbooks contain these false misleading inferences says Wells in his book published in 2000, Icons of Evolution: Science or Myth? Why much of what we teach about evolution is wrong.

Wells examines ten of these icons and draws the following conclusion in a chapter titled, “Science or Myth?

”This is not science. This is not truth-seeking. This is dogmatism, and it should not be allowed to dominate scientific research and teaching. Instead of using the icons of evolution to indoctrinate students in Darwinian theory, we should be using them to teach students how theories can be corrected in light of the evidence. Instead of teaching science at its worst, we should be teaching science at its best. And science at its best pursues the truth.” (Ibid, p. 248).

One of the icons, called by Wells, “The Ultimate Icon,” is the depiction of human origins in which man is shown to have evolved from the ape. Wells gives a fairly extensive review of hoaxes and frauds that have been carried out in recent years regarding so called “Neanderthal Man” and Piltdown Man. In this chapter, Wells states:

“Despite the lack of evidence, the Darwinian view of human origins was soon enshrined in drawings that showed a knuckle-walking ape evolving through a series of intermediate forms into an upright human being. Such drawings have subsequently appeared in countless textbooks, museum exhibits, magazine articles, and even cartoons. They constitute the ultimate icon of evolution, because they symbolize the implications of Darwin’s theory for the ultimate meaning of human existence.” (Ibid, p. 210)

Contrast this with what the bible says about human origins. The Bible says that “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters Genesis 1:1-2.” The Genesis record proceeds to tell the events of seven days of creation. The power and glory of God are evident throughout the message recorded in Genesis chapter 1. And the masterpiece of His creative power is demonstrated on day seven and is described at Genesis 1:27-28 as follows:

Then God said, Let us make manin our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.’ So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.

Other Bible passages speak of the magnificence of the creation process. As Paul and Barnabus preached at Lystra, they reminded the people who wanted to worship them as gods,

“ … we bring you good news, that you should turn from these vain things to a living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them. In past generations he allowed all the nations to walk in their own ways. Yet he did not leave himself without witness, for he did good by giving you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and gladness.” Even with these words they scarcely restrained the people from offering sacrifice to them” (Acts 14:15-18).

As they moved on to Athens, in the midst of the Aereopagus or Mars Hill, Paul declared:

“The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man,[c] 25 nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything. And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him” (Acts 17:24-27).

We can easily picture Paul, standing in the midst of philosophers, professors of the Athens Universities, high ranking politicians, and great orators of his day, and defending boldly the truth of God’s word against the latest fanciful new ideas of the day!

You too, young friend, can be armed to combat the false and misleading pronouncements of evolutionists. Go prepared to combat the notion that only an uneducated person would dare disagree with the conclusions of biological evolution. Do your homework and understand the arguments made by Darwinists, the fallacies of those arguments, and how to boldly proclaim the truth to the world! Read other passages like:

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life,[a] and the life was the light of men.” (John 1:1-4).

By the word of the Lord the heavens were made,and by the breath of his mouth all their host. He gathers the waters of the sea as a heap;he puts the deeps in storehouses. Let all the earth fear the Lord;let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him! For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm.” (Psalm 33:6-9).

Thanks for reading with us about the tremendous body of evidence that supports your faith in the one and living God in whom we live and move and exist.

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