June 18, 2015

From Mark Copeland... Evangelism Made Personal Increasing Opportunities To Share The Gospel (An Approach That Works!)

Evangelism Made Personal

Increasing Opportunities To Share The Gospel

(An Approach That Works!)

The importance of sharing the gospel of Christ with those who are lost cannot be over-emphasized. Jesus wants everyone to hear the good news of salvation (Mk 16:15-16), and has provided the gospel as God's power to save all who believe it (Ro 1:16-17).

But what is the most effective way to reach people today? The Institute For American Church Growth asked over 10,000 people this question: "What was responsible for your coming to Christ and this church?"Their replies were:

I had a special need - 3%
I just walked in - 3%
I liked the minister - 6%
I visited there - 1%
I liked the Bible classes - 5%
I attended a gospel meeting - 0.5%
I liked the programs - 3%
A friend or relative invited me - 79%

What can we learn from a survey like this? It does appear to confirm that gospel meetings as traditionally held have lost their effectiveness in reaching the lost. It also seems to justify churches' concern to pick their preachers carefully and to give special regard to the quality of their Bible classes.

The obvious point of the survey is this: IF CHURCHES ARE TO GROW, IT WILL BE THROUGH THE EFFORTS OF INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS! Preachers, programs, classes may help, but in most cases they will only maintain the size of the congregation. Such congregational efforts are worthwhile, however, for they can reach people with whom we might otherwise never come in contact. But the fact remains: THE GREATEST POTENTIAL LIES WITH THOSE PEOPLE WHO HAVE SOME CONTACT WITH MEMBERS OF THE LOCAL CONGREGATION.

Each of us have daily contact with tens of people who need the gospel of Christ. In addition to efforts designed to reach people "en masse" (via television, radio, mail), we need to utilize the contacts made through the members. In other words, the ideal would be to provide a "TWO-PRONGED" APPROACH to evangelism. Unfortunately, when a special effort is being made to reach out to the masses, the tendency in most congregations is to neglect the opportunities to follow up contacts made through the members.

Two fundamental things are needed to utilize the contacts made through individual members of the congregation:

CONCERN for the lost by those members (Mt 9:36-38; Ro 9:1-3; 10:1)
KNOWLEDGE OF HOW we can increase our opportunities to share the gospel with those with whom we frequently come into contact

Assuming that the concern is there, I will share suggestions with accompanying "action steps" in this article on HOW anyone who is a Christian can increase opportunities for the gospel to be shared with their relatives, friends, neighbors, and others. These suggestions will be based upon observations of what has consistenly proven fruitful in other places and are confirmed by the results of the afore mentioned survey.

Here is the first suggestion, along with its "action steps"...

DO THINGS WHICH MAKE FOR A CARING CONGREGATION

This suggestion is important if our efforts in evangelism are going to be fruitful in the long run. First, because it will help to confirm our claim to be true disciples of Jesus Christ (notice Jn 13:35). Correct doctrine, organization, worship, etc., are certainly important; but it is our love for one another that the Lord intended to convince the world that we are truly the disciples of Christ!

Also, our love makes us useful to the Lord! From Re 3:7-8 we learn that the Lord knows the true condition of His churches, and that He will "open doors" for those that can be useful to Him. I am persuaded that if we are a church that can be used by Him to:

Reach others with the gospel
Assimilate them into the family of God
Nurture them in their spiritual growth

...then He will "open doors" for us as well!

But suppose we are not a place where new Christians can grow spiritually in an atmosphere of love? Do we seriously think that the Lord will use His providence to lead us to souls who are seeking for the truth? Even if we did reach souls for Christ, would they receive the spiritual nourishment necessary to remain faithful and strong in the Lord's service?

Then finally, it is important to practice hospitality towards Christians because it prepares us for the kind of personal work that is the most effective in leading others to Christ. I am referring to "friendship" evangelism (also known as "relationship" or "lifestyle" evangelism), which will require a willingness to be hospitable and giving to those we are trying to reach. If we are unable (or unwilling) to practice hospitality towards our brethren, what makes us think we will practice it towards the lost?

So the first thing to do is make sure that as a church we provide the right kind of loving and caring spiritual environment. Here are some "action steps" that one can take:

Make it a point to get to know ALL the members and regular visitors by name
- Get a church directory and begin to place names with faces
- Try to learn someone new at each service until you know them all
Practice "hospitality" towards the members and regular visitors (1Pe 4:8-9)
- Invite them into your home, or out to eat (set a goal of one new family or member per month)
- Visit other Christians each week (esp. the sick, shut-ins, new members, absent members)

When a congregation is filled with loving members who care for its own, then I believe it is ready to be used by the Lord to reach out and care for others!

Where does one begin in trying to reach the lost? May I suggest that you...

MAKE A LIST OF SOULS YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE TAUGHT THE GOSPEL

Making a "list" may not seem important, but it is! It utilizes a very helpful technique used by people successful in all walks of life (i.e., having a "things to do" list). For us, it helps to focus our attention upon those we hope to reach for the Lord, and not neglect them.

In making up this list, one should observe the following suggestions:

Start with those who are close to you and work outwardly:
- Family
- Friends
- Co-workers
- Neighbors
- Relatives of fellow church members
- Regular visitors to the services of the church
- Casual acquaintances (mailman, store clerk, etc.)
Limit this list to five or eight souls (a list with too many and you will not be able to focus your efforts effectively).
Give priority to those who are the "unchurched"
- I.e., who are not active members of any denomination or particular religion
- Active members of a denomination or religion are often very satisfied with their human traditions and are not as receptive to the pure and simple gospel of Christ
Husbands and wives should probably have one list (as the suggestions to follow will require their joint cooperation)

KEEP THIS LIST WHERE YOU WILL SEE IT DAILY. This will help you to be constantly reminded of these people and thereby more likely to do the things mentioned next...

PRAY FOR THESE SOULS ON YOUR LIST DAILY

Why pray? First, that God will work together with you...

To give you "opportunities" to do good for them (1Co 3:5-7; Col 4:3)
To give you the "wisdom" to make the most of those opportunities (Col 4:4-6)
To give you "boldness" to say what needs to be said (Ep 6:18-20)

Also, that those on your lisit will...

Have the opportunity to hear the truth
Have honest hearts to be open and receptive to the truth

Remember, it is GOD who gives the increase when it comes to evangelism. We are but servants whom God can use in His providential workings. So though we may work as though it all depends upon us, let us pray as though it all depends upon God!

The next step will take the most time in effective evangelism...

DO THINGS WHICH DEMONSTRATE YOUR LOVE FOR THEM

The importance of this suggestion is seen in the following statement: "People don't care how much we know until they know how much we care!" A demonstration of love will make a person more likely to be receptive to the gospel of love when it is shared (1Pe 2:12). By observing our "good works" they will more likely "glorify God" by obeying the gospel when they hear it. In other words, our love and good works will help prepare the "soil" to be as receptive as possible when the "seed" is finally sown.

Some "action steps" to take might be...

Invite them into your home for a dinner or snack
Visit them, especially in times of trial or sickness
Do things with them on a social level

In other words, simple "hospitality" and "neighborliness" will go a long way in giving you the opportunity to do good towards them. And when they see the "incarnation of the gospel" (the principles of the gospel lived out in the flesh), they will be more likely to believe in the "verbalization of the gospel" (the truth of the gospel in spoken or written word).

After you have spent some time being "hospitable" and becoming better acquainted, I believe the next step would be to...

INVITE THOSE ON YOUR LIST TO ATTEND SERVICES

In the past, I might not have thought this to be very important, but I have come to think differently. There are several good reasons for wanting them to attend the services of the local church...

They will (or should) have an opportunity to see a caring congregation in action
- Combined with your own demonstration of love as an individual...
- ...the demonstration of love by others should make a lasting impression!
They will more likely have an opportunity to be presented with the gospel of Christ (more on this, shortly)
If they are attending regularly before conversion to Christ, they will more likely continue to attend after their conversion

As you prepare to invite these souls to attend services, be sure to spend time first in prayer...

Asking for "wisdom" to invite them in the best manner
Asking for "boldness" to offer the invitation to attend

Of course, you will more likely have people accept your invitations if they are among the "unchurched," but oftentimes even the "churched" are dissatisfied with where they are attending and are willing to investigate a different church.

The next couple of steps become increasingly important, one being to...

DEMONSTRATE HOSPITALITY TOWARDS THOSE VISITORS WHO DO ATTEND

This would apply to all visitors, whether they were invited by you, someone else, or are simply "walk-ins." Some "action steps" might include:

Greeting them, letting them know they are welcome
Inviting them home or out for a dinner or snack
Calling or visiting them after they have attended the services

Showing such love towards those who may even be "strangers" is the true meaning of hospitality, a virtue that ought to characterize Christians (He 13:2; Ro 12:13b). Plus, in doing such things, you are preparing their hearts for the gospel! How?

By demonstrating love as a congregation of Christians...
...they will be more likely to believe in the love of God demonstrated in the life of Christ! (1Pe 2:11-12)

Finally, we are ready for the most important step in all our efforts...

SEE THAT THEY HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO HEAR THE GOSPEL

Ideally, this will come AFTER witnessing a demonstration of the gospel in our lives...

By our love, hospitality, etc.
Both as individuals and as a congregation

If you feel confident in discussing it with them, then approach them yourself and suggest some sort of Bible study. I have found either of the two suggestions effective:

A Bible study with them in their home (using aids like video tapes, charts, or simply an open Bible)
That they study on their own with the aid of a Bible correspondence course (like Gene Tope's "Know Your Bible" course), or by viewing a video Bible study series (like Jule Miller's "Visualized Bible Study Series," or Robert Harkrider's "How To Understand The Bible")

If you do not feel you are yet confident in approaching them concerning a study, or in conducting it your self, there is still much good that you can do:

Bring it to the attention of members who are able and willing to teach
Provide opportunities for the teacher and the prospect to become better acquainted, and the teacher can take it from there

Conclusion

These suggestions are offered with a FIRM CONVICTION that if they will be carried out, opportunities to share the gospel and save souls will be greatly increased! Also, with the HOPE that you will accept the challenge to implement these suggestions.

This approach is not only the MOST SUCCESSFUL in saving and keeping souls, it is also one of the MOST NATURAL and easiest ways to reach the lost for Christ! Remember the survey by The Institute For American Church Growth? One does not even have to be able to teach to be effective in leading others to Christ! One simply has to be a FRIEND to Christians and to the lost!

And even if we do not convert a single soul...

We will have fulfilled our obligation to share Christ with others
We will have done it in such a way as to become better CHRISTIANS, a better CONGREGATION, better FRIENDS, better NEIGHBORS, better CO-WORKERS, etc.!

SUGGESTIONS FOR IMPLEMENTATION BY A CONGREGATION OR A FEW INTERESTED INDIVIDUALS...

Have those interested in being involved meet together on a weekly basis

Encourage one another to SET GOALS for the coming week

Share ideas for goals; for example...
- Having over or visiting one person or family from the congregation
- Making a list of souls for which to begin praying
- What you plan to do to demonstrate your love and concern for those on your list
- Who you will invite to services
- What visitors you will call, visit, etc.
- Who you will offer to have a study, or put in contact with someone who will follow-up with a study
Write the goals for the coming week down
Pray about them, together and on your own throughout the week

At each weekly meeting...

Share and discuss how the goals are being met
Set new goals for the coming week
Write them down, pray about them

This simple program should easily increase opportunities to share the gospel and bring many souls to Christ!

June 17, 2015

From Gary... What you remember

Unless you lived in the capital region of upstate New York, this old broken down sign probably won't mean anything at all to you. However, it does to me. There was a time that I took my best girl to the drive-in here, every single Saturday night. There were several cartoons, followed by two full-length movies and sometimes they even showed the movies again. However, it wasn't until after my best girl became my wife that I ever could see them again (without getting in trouble with my future in-laws, that is). For over two decades now, it has become a storage facility for trailers, so it is only a memory- but what a memory!!!

And the best memories are of people you genuinely care about; here is one example...

1 Thessalonians, Chapter 1 (WEB)

2 We always give thanks to God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers, 3 remembering without ceasing your work of faith and labor of love and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, before our God and Father.

Paul cared for the brethren at Thessalonica , and the proof of it is how he remembered them in his prayers. Why? Because of who they were and what they did (verse 3, above). It's memories of the sort of people like the Thessalonians that give me encouragement to lead the Christian life. And I quite frequently remember all those Christians at nearby Clifton Park, who, like the ones mentioned above are worth remembering and praying for.

The drive-in is long gone, but I still can recall how beautiful my wife was in the flower of her youth and how wonderful it was to hear my children playing in the back of our station wagon when they were supposed to be watching "Mary Poppins". It's good to remember, it is even better to remember with love in your heart.

Jesus said...

John, Chapter 13 (WEB)

34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, just like I have loved you; that you also love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

What you remember is important!!!

From Gary... Bible Reading June 17

Bible Reading

June 17

The World English Bible

June 17

1Samuel 27, 28

1Sa 27:1 David said in his heart, I shall now perish one day by the hand of Saul: there is nothing better for me than that I should escape into the land of the Philistines; and Saul will despair of me, to seek me any more in all the borders of Israel: so shall I escape out of his hand.

1Sa 27:2 David arose, and passed over, he and the six hundred men who were with him, to Achish the son of Maoch, king of Gath.

1Sa 27:3 David lived with Achish at Gath, he and his men, every man with his household, even David with his two wives, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail the Carmelitess, Nabal's wife.

1Sa 27:4 It was told Saul that David was fled to Gath: and he sought no more again for him.

1Sa 27:5 David said to Achish, If now I have found favor in your eyes, let them give me a place in one of the cities in the country, that I may dwell there: for why should your servant dwell in the royal city with you?

1Sa 27:6 Then Achish gave him Ziklag that day: why Ziklag pertains to the kings of Judah to this day.

1Sa 27:7 The number of the days that David lived in the country of the Philistines was a full year and four months.

1Sa 27:8 David and his men went up, and made a raid on the Geshurites, and the Girzites, and the Amalekites; for those nations were the inhabitants of the land, who were of old, as you go to Shur, even to the land of Egypt.

1Sa 27:9 David struck the land, and saved neither man nor woman alive, and took away the sheep, and the cattle, and the donkeys, and the camels, and the clothing; and he returned, and came to Achish.

1Sa 27:10 Achish said, Against whom have you made a raid today? David said, Against the South of Judah, and against the South of the Jerahmeelites, and against the South of the Kenites.

1Sa 27:11 David saved neither man nor woman alive, to bring them to Gath, saying, Lest they should tell of us, saying, So did David, and so has been his manner all the while he has lived in the country of the Philistines.

1Sa 27:12 Achish believed David, saying, He has made his people Israel utterly to abhor him; therefore he shall be my servant forever.

1Sa 28:1 It happened in those days, that the Philistines gathered their armies together for warfare, to fight with Israel. Achish said to David, Know assuredly that you shall go out with me in the army, you and your men.

1Sa 28:2 David said to Achish, Therefore you shall know what your servant will do. Achish said to David, Therefore will I make you keeper of my head for ever.

1Sa 28:3 Now Samuel was dead, and all Israel had lamented him, and buried him in Ramah, even in his own city. Saul had put away those who had familiar spirits, and the wizards, out of the land.

1Sa 28:4 The Philistines gathered themselves together, and came and encamped in Shunem: and Saul gathered all Israel together, and they encamped in Gilboa.

1Sa 28:5 When Saul saw the army of the Philistines, he was afraid, and his heart trembled greatly.

1Sa 28:6 When Saul inquired of Yahweh, Yahweh didn't answer him, neither by dreams, nor by Urim, nor by prophets.

1Sa 28:7 Then said Saul to his servants, Seek me a woman who has a familiar spirit, that I may go to her, and inquire of her. His servants said to him, Behold, there is a woman who has a familiar spirit at Endor.

1Sa 28:8 Saul disguised himself, and put on other clothing, and went, he and two men with him, and they came to the woman by night: and he said, Please divine to me by the familiar spirit, and bring me up whoever I shall name to you.

1Sa 28:9 The woman said to him, Behold, you know what Saul has done, how he has cut off those who have familiar spirits, and the wizards, out of the land: why then do you lay a snare for my life, to cause me to die?

1Sa 28:10 Saul swore to her by Yahweh, saying, As Yahweh lives, there shall no punishment happen to you for this thing.

1Sa 28:11 Then said the woman, Whom shall I bring up to you? He said, Bring me up Samuel.

1Sa 28:12 When the woman saw Samuel, she cried with a loud voice; and the woman spoke to Saul, saying, Why have you deceived me? for you are Saul.

1Sa 28:13 The king said to her, Don't be afraid: for what do you see? The woman said to Saul, I see a god coming up out of the earth.

1Sa 28:14 He said to her, What form is he of? She said, An old man comes up; and he is covered with a robe. Saul perceived that it was Samuel, and he bowed with his face to the ground, and did obeisance.

1Sa 28:15 Samuel said to Saul, Why have you disquieted me, to bring me up? Saul answered, I am sore distressed; for the Philistines make war against me, and God is departed from me, and answers me no more, neither by prophets, nor by dreams: therefore I have called you, that you may make known to me what I shall do.

1Sa 28:16 Samuel said, Why then do you ask of me, seeing Yahweh has departed from you, and has become your adversary?

1Sa 28:17 Yahweh has done to you as he spoke by me: and Yahweh has torn the kingdom out of your hand, and given it to your neighbor, even to David.

1Sa 28:18 Because you didn't obey the voice of Yahweh, and didn't execute his fierce wrath on Amalek, therefore Yahweh has done this thing to you this day.

1Sa 28:19 Moreover Yahweh will deliver Israel also with you into the hand of the Philistines; and tomorrow you and your sons will be with me: Yahweh will deliver the army of Israel also into the hand of the Philistines.

1Sa 28:20 Then Saul fell immediately his full length on the earth, and was sore afraid, because of the words of Samuel: and there was no strength in him; for he had eaten no bread all the day, nor all the night.

1Sa 28:21 The woman came to Saul, and saw that he was sore troubled, and said to him, Behold, your handmaid has listened to your voice, and I have put my life in my hand, and have listened to your words which you spoke to me.

1Sa 28:22 Now therefore, please listen also to the voice of your handmaid, and let me set a morsel of bread before you; and eat, that you may have strength, when you go on your way.

1Sa 28:23 But he refused, and said, I will not eat. But his servants, together with the woman, constrained him; and he listened to their voice. So he arose from the earth, and sat on the bed.

1Sa 28:24 The woman had a fattened calf in the house; and she hurried, and killed it; and she took flour, and kneaded it, and did bake unleavened bread of it:

1Sa 28:25 and she brought it before Saul, and before his servants; and they ate. Then they rose up, and went away that night.

Jun. 17, 18

John 17

Joh 17:1 Jesus said these things, and lifting up his eyes to heaven, he said, "Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may also glorify you;

Joh 17:2 even as you gave him authority over all flesh, he will give eternal life to all whom you have given him.

Joh 17:3 This is eternal life, that they should know you, the only true God, and him whom you sent, Jesus Christ.

Joh 17:4 I glorified you on the earth. I have accomplished the work which you have given me to do.

Joh 17:5 Now, Father, glorify me with your own self with the glory which I had with you before the world existed.

Joh 17:6 I revealed your name to the people whom you have given me out of the world. They were yours, and you have given them to me. They have kept your word.

Joh 17:7 Now they have known that all things whatever you have given me are from you,

Joh 17:8 for the words which you have given me I have given to them, and they received them, and knew for sure that I came forth from you, and they have believed that you sent me.

Joh 17:9 I pray for them. I don't pray for the world, but for those whom you have given me, for they are yours.

Joh 17:10 All things that are mine are yours, and yours are mine, and I am glorified in them.

Joh 17:11 I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them through your name which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are.

Joh 17:12 While I was with them in the world, I kept them in your name. Those whom you have given me I have kept. None of them is lost, except the son of destruction, that the Scripture might be fulfilled.

Joh 17:13 But now I come to you, and I say these things in the world, that they may have my joy made full in themselves.

Joh 17:14 I have given them your word. The world hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.

Joh 17:15 I pray not that you would take them from the world, but that you would keep them from the evil one.

Joh 17:16 They are not of the world even as I am not of the world.

Joh 17:17 Sanctify them in your truth. Your word is truth.

Joh 17:18 As you sent me into the world, even so I have sent them into the world.

Joh 17:19 For their sakes I sanctify myself, that they themselves also may be sanctified in truth.

Joh 17:20 Not for these only do I pray, but for those also who believe in me through their word,

Joh 17:21 that they may all be one; even as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be one in us; that the world may believe that you sent me.

Joh 17:22 The glory which you have given me, I have given to them; that they may be one, even as we are one;

Joh 17:23 I in them, and you in me, that they may be perfected into one; that the world may know that you sent me, and loved them, even as you loved me.

Joh 17:24 Father, I desire that they also whom you have given me be with me where I am, that they may see my glory, which you have given me, for you loved me before the foundation of the world.

Joh 17:25 Righteous Father, the world hasn't known you, but I knew you; and these knew that you sent me.

Joh 17:26 I made known to them your name, and will make it known; that the love with which you loved me may be in them, and I in them."

From Jim McGuiggan... PSALM 46 & EARTHQUAKES

PSALM 46 & EARTHQUAKES

Ancient Jews weren't scared witless by the sea but there was enough about it that generated unease in them when they looked at it. Whatever else Genesis 1 taught them, it taught them that God was the Lord of the waters and everything else that existed. He spoke and it obeyed him (see also Isaiah 17:13-14). The sea was no god to be worshiped as it had been worshiped in Egypt, where they had spent so many years. Still, its restlessness, its destructive power and the fact that they couldn't control it were enough to make it a symbol of threat and chaos. They often spoke of it in those terms, as did other nations.

Isaiah said (17:12): "Oh, the raging of many nations—they rage like the raging sea! Oh, the uproar of the peoples—they roar like the roaring of great waters." Here the pounding of huge waves as they smash against one another with destroying force is a graphic picture of clashing armies. In their wickedness they never ceased to cast up muck and debris (Isaiah 57:20). It was out of the restless Great Sea (Mediterranean) that the four great Gentile kingdoms arose like monsters from a science fiction movie, devouring all before them and oppressing the people of God (Daniel 7:1-8). No wonder that when John describes the conditions of the world freed from the oppressor that he says of it (and there was no more sea)—Revelation 21:1.

With thoughts and images like these circulating in a little nation that—on and off— for centuries had felt the power of oppressors the psalmist's defiant words in 46:1-3 ring out all the finer and braver and more trustful. These words aren't sung by people who've known no trouble—they've known more than their share! These aren't the words of a people who think the world can be fixed if only we give them "enough information". This man speaks for his entire people who expect the world to be wild and oppressive and who know that either today or tomorrow they'll feel the hurt that powerful nations bring to others. Knowing all that, fully aware of all that, certain that it will come to that he says this:

God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam and the mountains
quake with their surging.

Picture this believer standing on top of the cliff, watching the huge waves building out there and then rushing for the cliff face with increasing speed and power. Imagine the shudder he feels in the ground when they thunder against it, again and again, unrelentingly, threatening to bring down the entire mountain and him along with it. Think of him, then, looking landward, to his home and people and the irresistible forces lined up against them. It's with all those images and realities in mind that he sings into the wind:

This song is sung by modern believers as well. I know a few of them personally! They're intelligent, wide-eyed, politically aware, as realistic as anyone you could meet and when they feel the shudder under their feet they shrug and get on with their business of world-transformation by "gospeling," in all the ways that they do that.

Award For Children’s Literature That Pushes Homosexuality by Kyle Butt, M.A.

http://apologeticspress.org/APContent.aspx?category=7&article=3745

Award For Children’s Literature That Pushes Homosexuality

by	Kyle Butt, M.A.

At the beginning of November, 2010, Associated Press staff writer Hillel Italie wrote an article titled, “Kids’ Book Prizes to Include Gay and Lesbian Award.” In that article, Italie wrote: “An award for gay and lesbian literature will be included in the American Library Associations annual announcement of children’s prizes, a list which features the prestigious and influential Caldecott and Newbery medals” (2010). The award will be called the Stonewall Award and will be issued to “English-language works for children and teens of exceptional merit relating to the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered experience” (Italie, 2010).

It is a sad day in our country when a sinful lifestyle such as homosexuality is lauded as deserving an award for those who portray it in a favorable light. One wonders why stop at awards for homosexuality. Should there be an award for the “best” children’s book that portrays bestiality in a favorable light? Are we expecting an adultery or a polygamy award soon? Should we look for an award that lauds the merits of prostitution, pedophilia, or necrophilia? Our nation’s acceptance and promotion of homosexuality is extremely sinful (1 Corinthians 6:9-10; Romans 1:26-27), and completely illogical. Furthermore, notice that homosexuals and those who wish to teach the sinful lifestyle are aiming their teaching where it they make the most impact—at our children.

Recently, I did an informal survey of 57 people, mostly teens, in the Lord’ church. The survey contained some standard questions about morality. For instance, one statement was: “Premarital sex is ethical if two people plan to get married.” Fifty-six said that it was not ethical, and one did not know. Notice that 56 of these young people understood in this instance the biblical stance on premarital sex (1 Corinthians 6:18). The statement immediately preceding the one on premarital sex was: “Homosexual behavior is always unethical, even between two people who are committed to each other.” Only 47 of the young people agreed with this statement, four disagreed and five said they did not know. Almost 20% of the young people polled did not understand the biblical position that all homosexual behavior is wrong. And this was a very conservative group of young people, judging by their answers to other questions.

As the Lord’s Church, we simply must be teaching our young people that all forms of homosexuality are sinful. At Apologetics Press, we have attempted to empower parents and teachers with an excellent resource specifically designed for this: Does God Love Michael’s Two Daddies? But whether you use that resource, the Bible, other books, or various other materials, this is not a subject that can be avoided. Mark it down: the homosexual community is trying to expose your children to their agenda at the earliest possible age. If we do nothing to combat their teaching, we can only expect our young people to grow up with distorted views about the sin of homosexuality.

REFERENCE

Italie, Hillel (2010), “Kids’ Book Prizes to Include Gay and Lesbian Award,” http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20101101/ap_on_en_ot/us_books_library_prize/print.

Appendix Not Useless, But Evolution Is by Kyle Butt, M.A.

http://apologeticspress.org/APContent.aspx?category=9&article=2300

Appendix Not Useless, But Evolution Is

by	Kyle Butt, M.A.

In this month’s Reason & Revelation, Dr. Houts explains that for several decades now, evolutionists have been using various worn out, disproven lines of reasoning in an attempt to bolster their increasingly fragile theory of common descent for all organisms. One of these outmoded tactics is the idea that the human body contains leftover, virtually useless vestiges that once, in our early ancestors, were vibrant organs necessary for survival. In fact, in the late 1800s, evolutionary scientists believed that the human body supported more than 180 such organs.

These “useless” vestiges of evolution, however, turned out to be nothing of the sort. Dr. Houts noted that these organs were “useless” only in the sense that scientists and medical doctors were ignorant of their functions. As the medical community applied more research to the human body, the list quickly dwindled to a tiny fraction of the original number. Today, there is not a single organ that scientists can accurately and confidently proclaim to be a useless vestige of evolution. This realization, however, has not yet trickled down to the popularizers of evolution.

Live Science posts several “Top 10” articles that give the alleged Top 10 items in a given category. For example, there is a list of the “Top 10 Killer Tornadoes” and another of the “Top 10 Ways to Destroy Earth.” One of their lists is titled, “Top 10 Useless Limbs (and Other Vestigial Organs)” (Miller, 2007). Listed as number one in that article is the human appendix. Concerning the appendix, Miller wrote: “Biologists believe it is a vestigial organ left behind from a plant-eating ancestor” (2007). He then reiterated ideas that Alfred Romer penned in 1949, stating “that the major importance of the appendix would appear to be financial support of the surgical profession, referring to, of course, the large number of appendectomies performed annually” (2007).

As one would expect if God designed the human body, aspects of the body would exist that our finite human minds could assess only after years of intense research. Such is the case with the appendix. Elsewhere in this issue of R&R, Dr. Houts notes several functions and uses already known for the appendix. A recent article published in Theoretical Biology, however, adds another interesting function to the appendix’s increasing workload. Researchers from Duke University believe they have stumbled upon another reason humans have an appendix, and it is not because it is an evolutionary leftover (Borenstein, 2007).

Human digestion requires huge amounts of beneficial bacteria. Certain illnesses, however, destroy or remove both good and bad bacteria from the intestines. In order for digestion to continue, cultures of the good bacteria must be regrown to repopulate the gut. That is where the appendix comes in according to the latest research. Borenstein noted: “Diseases such as cholera or amoebic dysentery would clear the gut of useful bacteria. The appendix’s job is to reboot the digestive system in that case” (2007). Bill Parker, co-author of the latest research, said that the appendix “acts like a bacteria factory, cultivating the good germs” (Borenstein, 2007).

Evolutionists should simply admit that the idea of vestigial organs is false, they should promptly remove it from their arsenals, and reevaluate the data that supposedly prove evolution true. But that is not what happens. Because evolution is so “plastic” and can be expanded to fit any data, even data that is exactly the opposite of what has been used in the past to teach evolution is twisted as new “proof” of evolution. Borenstein quoted Brandies University biochemistry professor Douglas Theobald as saying that the explanation for the function of the appendix “seems by far the most likely” and that the idea “makes evolutionary sense” (2007). So, we are told that the appendix is a useless leftover, and that “fact” proves evolution to be true. Then we are told that the appendix has a very important function and that fact “makes evolutionary sense.” Which is it? In truth, that which proves too much proves nothing. Finding an important function for the appendix is exactly what one would expect if the human body was designed by God.

As for other organs in the human body that have been dubbed vestigial in the past, those who use the vestigial argument should proceed with extreme caution. Borenstein wrote: “The theory led Gary Huffnagle, a University of Michigan internal medicine and microbiology professor, to wonder about the value of another body part that is often yanked: ‘I’ll bet eventually we’ll find the same sort of thing with the tonsils’” (several functions of which already are known, see Bergman, 2000). The only thing that appears to be useless in this discussion is the theory of evolution and the false evidence used to support it.

REFERENCES

Bergman, Jerry (2000), “Do Any Vestigial Organs Exist in Humans?” Technical Journal, [On-Line],URL: http://www.answersingenesis.org/tj/v14/i2/vestigial.asp.

Borenstein, Seth (2007), “Scientists: Appendix Protects Good Germs,” [On-line], URL:http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071006/ap_on_he_me/appendix_s_purpose;_ ylt=Ak5.0FtXAiVHNNcRPfiNLsus0NUE.

Miller, Brandon (2007), “Top 10 Useless Limbs (and Other Vestigial Organs),” [On-line], URL:http://www.livescience.com/animals/top10_vestigial_organs-1.html.

Decisive Designs: God's Stallion of the Sea by Taylor Reeves

http://apologeticspress.org/APContent.aspx?category=12&article=1374

Decisive Designs: God's Stallion of the Sea

by	Taylor Reeves

There is a tremendous variety of life in the world. Few of us can identify all of the birds that soar above us, the flowers and grasses that spring forth from the fertile ground, or the 850,000 identified species of insects (the largest single group of extant organisms). The creatures in the seas, however, have fascinated us perhaps more than any other living creatures. Fifteen hundred years before Christ was born, Moses recorded that God had created the oceans and seas with “an abundance of living creatures” (Genesis 1:20). We had no idea just how accurate that statement was until the science of oceanography (and, more specifically, the science of marine biology) came into its own. Once we developed not just the desire to study the Earth’s oceans and seas, but also the technology to master them, it became apparent to us that most of the world’s species of animals live in the water, not on dry land. And many of them certainly rank among the most intriguing!

The oceans teem with extraordinary and wondrous organisms that variously fill us with awe, engulf us with terror, or leave us struggling to find adequate terms to describe their innate beauty. From the largest creature ever to inhabit the Earth (the blue whale—which has a heart the size of a small car!), to the tiniest zooplankton, we often find ourselves filled with astonishment at the extraordinary niches they inhabit, the amazing tasks they perform, and the intricate design they exhibit.

For example, squids manufacture and expel ink. Various species of eels generate electricity. Octopi use undulating tentacles to ensnare prey. Eagle rays dip their wing-like pectoral fins into the mud while using suction to pull out clams. Some mussels produce powerful chemicals that “drill” out holes in hard coral for a habitation. Dolphins use sonar to communicate. And so on (see Macquitty, 2000, pp. 10,25,29,33).

Can you imagine a fish that looks like a horse—but swims like a submarine? God apparently did—and then created the “stallion of the sea”—the superb sea horse. These peculiar “horses,” however, do not gallop gracefully through a flowering valley, drink from a long wooden trough, or journey across the dusty, remote trails under a magnificent, vibrant sunset. Rather, these horses stylishly swim within the kelp-filled meadows of the sea.

The head of a chess piece, the tail of a monkey, a rigid body that seems to be carved from wood, eyes like a chameleon, and a father who becomes pregnant—all of these describe the unique sea horse, which, oddly enough, does not resemble a fish in any way (see Parker, p. 22). There are about 35 identified species of “ocean equines,” the largest of which easily can grow to be a foot in length. They live in tepid, shallow seacoasts, and forcefully resist strong currents by grasping tightly to objects. They grip so tightly with their prehensile tails that it is difficult to get them to let go (“Sea Horse,” 1991, p. 342). While sea horses are fish, they have skin, rather than the typical scales. That skin, which is tightly yet carefully stretched over numerous sharp, bony plates, produces growths to match surrounding vegetation. Although the sea horse does not possess teeth or a stomach, it “inhales” small, tough crustaceans and sluggish pieces of floating matter through its elongated, pipe-like snout.

For fish like these, which subsist in weeds and eat plankton, being able to maintain a fixed position, and blend in with their environment, are essential survival skills. Sea horses swim uprightly, propelled by a strong, waving dorsal fin. The small pectoral fins help steer the direction of the animal as it gallantly glides through the waving waters. It has a tapering, muscular, grasping tail that conceals itself in the jungle-like underwater world of seaweed and grasses (Parker, 2000, p. 22). The fins move fast, but the sea horse does not—because it does not have to! What it needs is the ability to perform fast turns, and to move upward and downward quickly. Interestingly, the motion of its fins is perfect for both tasks.

One of the general aspects of nature is that it is the responsibility of the female to produce the young, feed them as they grow, and prepare them to survive on their own. Different creatures handle this task in different ways, but in the case of the sea horse, the female seems to have better things to do than give birth and nurture babies, because these jobs are turned over to the male (Harris, 1991, p. 91). The sea horse exhibits extraordinary design, in that it is the only known animal where the male actually becomes pregnant and gives birth to the offspring. One could say that it performs “double duty!” First, the male produces the sperm necessary to fertilize the egg—just as occurs in most other species. But, second, the male also banks the zygote that will become the embryo, and that eventually will produce the neonate.

During mating, the pair produces unique musical sounds, and then, at the end of the ritual, the female deposits her fertilized eggs in the male’s specialized pouch. Normally, the mating ritual lasts for three days. This ceremony includes color changes, dancing, and grasping random objects. For the two weeks that follow, the male carefully aerates, nourishes, and protects the eggs. When the embryos are mature, the tiny sea horses are born—ready to swim!

God is so creative! He thought up millions of different types of animals, insects, and other living creatures. And as a “finishing touch,” He created one that had the capability to do “double duty” as both mother and father. What decisive design!

As the patriarch Job remarked in the great long ago, “Speak to the earth, and it will teach you; and the fish of the sea will explain to you” (Job 12:8). What, exactly, do the fish “explain”? They speak eloquently of the Creator Whose handiwork is all around us. From the highest reaches of the sky, to the lowest depths of the ocean, the unbiased eye can see the evidence that points unfailingly to God’s existence.

REFERENCES

Harris, Bill (1991), Nature’s Curious Creatures (New York: Smithmark).

Macquitty, Miranda (2000), Ocean (New York: Dorling Kindersley).

Parker, Steve (2000), Fish (New York: Dorling Kindersley).

“Sea Horse—Hippocampus” (1991), Reader’s Digest Nature in America (New York: Readers Digest).