“… If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he…said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” (Acts 8:37)

All that was necessary for this man was the simple statement, “I believe.” Likewise, the Philippian jailor (Acts 16) saw the testimony of Paul and Silas in prison and God’s power in creation through an earthquake, and he asked, “What must I do to be saved?” None of these notable situations involved a “sinner’s prayer” and none involved a “soul winner.” Rather, the LORD used a combination of His Word, His works, and His workers to impact the hearts of men so that they might believe on Him.

“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus and shalt believe in thine heart…” (Romans 10:9)

Words said in a salvation prayer MUST be based upon belief. Without belief, words are just words and there is no inner change in the heart. Words and belief are inseparable.

The Foundation for the Message
“The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.” (Proverbs 11:30)

In His Word, God often related the sharing of truth in planting terms. One cannot plant a tree one day and see fruit the next day. Throughout life, there are many influences that help to “grow” faith before one is ready to trust Christ as Savior. Jesus said:

“Behold, a sower went forth to sow; And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up: Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth: And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away. And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them: But other fell into good ground, and brought forthsome an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear. (Matthew 13:3-9)

It is interesting to see that God did not record a “soul winning” endeavor in which an individual leads someone to Christ in a “sinner’s prayer” for salvation. Rather, His emphasis for believers is on witnessing…sowing the seed or watering it, allowing God to give the increase. For an unbeliever, the emphasis is a belief in the heart. A prayer is not life-changing without belief. Paul explained:

“How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent?” (Romans 10:14-15)

Paul traced the foundation of the salvation prayer (“call,” v. 14) to God as Creator. Take a building, for instance. Its floors, walls, trusses, and roof must ultimately be based upon a solid foundation. Paul, after a series of “how” questions, brought the entire “salvation prayer structure” to its bedrock foundation by stating that the ultimate basis for the salvation prayer was creation. The prayer (“call”) must be based upon belief and belief upon hearing; the hearing must be founded upon the preaching, and a preacher that is sent must have an authoritative message. What is the ultimate authority? The Creator!

“But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world.” (Romans 10:18)

In bringing salvation to its ultimate foundation, Paul quoted from Psalm 19:4,

“Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world.”

Creation is the message that goes to the end of the world! In other words, the design of the Great Designer is clearly shown to all mankind so that everyone is without excuse in recognizing Who He is! (Romans 1:20)

Does the fact of God’s creation message to the “heathen” in “deepest, darkest Africa” mean that they do not require a missionary since they are “without excuse” and can seek their Maker through His creation? No! The message of creation is not enough for salvation! The same Creator Who made everything has instructed His servants to “Go into all the world and preach the Gospel…” (Matthew 28:18-20). The problem of “heathen” not knowing the name of Christ is believers’ disobedience! God did His part in sending His Son. Are we doing ours?

The Fruit from the Message
“Winning” in modern terms is often associated with games and points. “Sowing seed” may therefore seem to be contrary to “soul winning,” but it isn’t. As already mentioned, Jesus used the sowing of seed in His teaching. Also, Paul used “planting terms” to illustrate the sharing of truth:

“Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.” (1 Cor. 3:6, 7)

Using the term “winning” as we seek to have people make decisions for Christ may dangerously promote an abnormal and un-Biblical emphasis upon numbers in church activities such as visitation or evangelistic services. Due to a variety of factors, people may think that if they don’t achieve so many “points” (i.e., salvation decisions), God isn’t blessing them or that they may not be “doing it right.” Such an emphasis couldn’t be further from a Scriptural approach to witnessing! (See Acts 8, Romans 10, and 1 Corinthians 3) Believers must simply sow the seed and water it, leaving the increase up to God. Biblically, “winning souls” is any part of the process of sowing, watering, or picking the “fruit” (the “increase”). Is one part in this process more important than another? No.

“Come now and let us reason together, saith the LORD.” (Isaiah 1:18)

What about the results? It is certainly Biblical to invite folk to Christ, for God Himself invites us to come to Him. However, through comparing different Scriptures, we see that His emphasis for believers is to faithfully sow and water the seed (the Word), all the while trusting God to give the increase. It is not up to us to “twist an arm,” to “clinch a deal” (as a salesman), or to “win” a sinner (as in getting points in a game).

As an evangelist, I have always given an invitation and sought to see responses to the Word. I regularly go “soul winning” and “visiting” many times a year. However, I have come to realize that faithfulness to preach the Word is just one part of winning souls. Whatever one may do to sow the seed or to water it is all a part of the entire process of “soul winning.” Was Noah faithful to God? Was not he faithful as a “soul winner”? Certainly, for God’s testimony of him affirms that he was a “preacher of righteousness” (2 Peter 2:5) and a faithful servant. How many did he “win” other than his family? He was successful before God (for we are all here!) and that is what counts! Noah was a faithful soul winner.

How can we faithfully win souls? There are numerous tools available today, from websites and email, to pamphlets, video, text messaging, radio, and more that can be used in a multitude of ways to impact people with the Word of God. Faithfully sharing God’s Word, coupled with a godly life, is the key. Any way of doing so is a part of the entire process of winning souls to the LORD–producing “fruit” on the “tree” of eternal life!

In the field of Biblical creationism and creation evangelism, people often misunderstand what it is all about. It is not solely a scientific discipline for a class time subject, but a worldview concerning the foundation of all things.  For instance, the whole of Scripture begins with:

“In the beginning, God created the heaven and the earth.” (Genesis 1:1)

These initial concepts of Scripture–that there is a God and that He is Creator of all and Authority over all–is the bedrock foundation of the Bible.  When we take this foundational idea and “plug it in” to everyday life,  the question is, “How does this affect me?”

In the same way that God used creation to begin His Word, so the concept of God’s design should be the foundation as we “build” our thoughts and ideas concerning anything.  Whatever the subject may be…relationships, music, animals, current events, health, etc, Biblical creationism is like glasses that clear up “fuzzy” thinking, or like a GPS that helps direct us.  In short, it’s not just a “Genesis subject” but an idea that courses throughout Scripture like blood flowing through our bodies.

“Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth…”  (Ecclestiastes 12:1)

Solomon, the author of Ecclesiastes, was the wisest man that ever lived (apart from Christ).  Though he was very wise and God used him to write many of the Proverbs, his God-given wisdom did not prevent him from making some un-wise decisions.  Toward the end of his life, he recognized the critical need for young people to recognize the ultimate Authority, their Creator.

How can we cause youth to consider their Maker, when they seemingly are so taken away with the glitz and glamour of this world?  I can think of no better way than through God’s handiwork, HIS animals!  Just this past February, we saw the ministry of “Dan the Animal Man” Breeding first hand.  He used an owl (”Eugene”), a porcupine (”Prickles”), a gibbon (”Leeza”), and an alligator (”Augie”) to present facts about the design and the Designer.  I watched at the back as ages four to adult sat spellbound while Dan spoke using creatures!  Why, even Jesus used animals such as foxes and birds in His messages!

What GOOD is the Serpent?

The snake is probably the most feared and misunderstood of all creatures.  Most people seem to hate it, and this could be somewhat related to the fact that Scripture refers to Satan as that “old Serpent.”  However, the snake is still one of God’s creatures and it should cause us to think of Him as its Maker.  In fact, if Christ Himself used this animal to teach, shouldn’t we?  We read in Proverbs 30 that, as Agur considered the “way of a serpent upon a rock,” he thought it was “too wonderful.”  Could it be that we hate a creature that GOD says is “too wonderful“?

In the Book of Numbers (chapter 21), we read the account of God’s judgment on His people, Israel, in which He used fiery (poisonous) snakes.  He instructed Moses to make a serpent of brass (symbol of judgment) and to put it on a pole.  If the people simply looked at the serpent, they would be healed and their lives saved from death.  Jesus referred to this account just before the most familiar Gospel verse in all of Scripture:

“…as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:  That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.  For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:14-16)

This is the message of God’s creation, the purpose of His animals!  They carry HIS MESSAGE!  Like the donkey that Jesus rode into Jerusalem or the star that led the wise men, God uses His creation to proclaim HIMSELF!   Jesus took this lowest and most despised animal–as He Himself would be despised and rejected of men–and elevated it to a status higher than any other animal.  The same creature that Satan thought to have used solely for his own purposes as he perpetrated man’s downfall, Christ elevated to the privileged position of representing Himself on the cross!

When we contemplate this, we should be totally amazed and thoroughly blessed to know that such low, despised, and rebellious creatures such as we are could be exalted as children of God.  Oh what love and compassion!  And He even used a low-down snake as His illustration!  The “serpent upon a rock”….  Hmmm.  I’m with Agur.  I think it’s too wonderful too.

 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.  (Proverbs 1:7)

True knowledge, including knowledge of the physical world, begins with an understanding…

1. That the Creator exists.
2. That He gives wisdom and instruction (Prov. 2:6)

Scientists often refer to “millions” or “billions” of years of time as they speak of earth’s history, but such long ages directly contradict Scripture, facts from true history, and facts from true science.  According to the Bible, God made everything in 6 actual days about 6000 years ago.  The universe, humans, and all of the animals were made directly by Him.  There is no evidence of a long, gradual transition from “ape-like” ancestor to human, nor is there solid science that proves the absurd notion that dinosaurs exist today as birds!

True knowledge of the physical realm begins with an understanding that the design of all things points to a Designer Who made it all and Who has a plan for it all.  Those who reject this founding premise, or despise this “beginning of knowledge,” are here referred to in Scripture as “fools.”  What folly it is to reject knowledge!

The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good.  (Psalm 14:1)

Scripture also describes those who reject the idea of God as “corrupt” and as doing “abominable works.”  Of course, no human being is perfect.  Everyone has done something wrong.  The Bible states that we are all sinners (Romans 3:23) and that the payment for our sin is eternal death.

 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 6:23)

However, Scripture sometimes uses more potent terms for certain sins.  For instance, the actions of men together in sexual activity in the Bible is referred to as an “abomination.”

Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination. (Leviticus 18:22)

This is a clear prohibition in the area of sexual activity.  One may look up other places in the Bible and find that the same term (”abomination”) is used for various other prohibitions, such as shepherding being an “abomination” to the Egyptians or that eating fish without fins and scales was to be an “abomination” to the Israelites.  The common usage of this term for these other prohibitions need not eradicate the seriousness of the prohibition of a sexual practice.  Each of these actions were described as being, in essence, “detestable.”  Herding sheep was detestable to the Egyptians, and fish without fins and scales was to be detestable to the Israelites.  Though the same cannot broadly be said of shepherding or of ancient Hebrew dietary laws today, the sexual law is still applicable.  There are many things that are detestable.  Something could be detestable in the realm of artwork, or food, or any other area that you might consider.  However, it is clear from Scripture that, to God, activity which is still legally referred to as “sodomy” (homosexuality) is morally detestable and “unseemly.”

…likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. (Romans 1:27)

For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God (as Creator) …but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.  Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:  Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator….  For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:  And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. (Romans 1:20-27)

1.  They become vain in their imaginations.
2. Their foolish hearts are darkened.
3. They become fools while professing wisdom.
4. They change the glory of God into images like men, birds, beasts, or bugs (”creeping things”).
5. They change truth into lie.
6. They worship and serve the creature more than the Creator.

These are results of man’s choice to reject the knowledge he had been given of God as the Creator. God’s choice, then (”Wherefore”), is:

1. To give them up to vile affections (women against nature; men in lust one toward another).
2. To give them over to a reprobate mind. (Romans 1:28)

The folly (above) that men encounter is a result of their own choice to reject the clear knowledge of the Creator and His design.  Part of this folly includes same-sex, sexual activity that many seek to tout as “normal” or “natural.”  If one takes the Scripture as his guide, homosexuality is the ‘normal’ outflow of one’s rejection of God as the Creator.

Part of that field is writing.  Just think, someone had to lay out the materials that are handed out on visitation so that they are appealing.  Likewise, someone had to study for perhaps a lifetime to produce a manual for a particular course of study.  Similarly, we see that Biblical creationism is in great need in our society for missionary/writers to get involved!  It could be on Facebook or on Youtube, producing a Gospel tract that emphsizes creation, an article to a local paper, or a book.  Though many scientists have written books and articles, we must get the word out.  Scientific concepts that stem from Scripture and have a powerful message must be translated to the minds of average people.  We must be about our Father’s business!

As an evangelist, we are grateful for opportunities to serve at:

Starmount Baptist in Newton, NC - March 1 (AM), 8 (PM)

Tri-City Baptist in Forest City, NC - March 4, 11

Garden State Assoc. of Christian Schools at Hardingville Bible Church in Monroeville, NJ - March 13

New Life Bible Church in Deptford, NJ - March 15 (AM)

Salem County Christian School (NJ) - March 16 (2 chapels)

Lighthouse Baptist Church in Hickory, NC - March 18

As we plan for the summer, we request your prayers as we prepare flyers, banners, schedules, handbooks, buttons, trading cards, Family VBS programs, and a western loop into CO, UT, WY, AZ, etc.!  Pray that we will follow the LORD as we squeeze many things into this year!

Creation in a Carol

Adam’s likeness now efface, Stamp Thine image in its place.  Second Adam from above, reinstate us in Thy love.

The celebration of Christmas hinges fully on the Biblical truth that the Creator stepped into His creation.

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”

“The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.”  (John 1:1, 14)

Jesus, as God and the Creator of the universe, stepped into His creation and took on human flesh.  He entered His universe of time, space, and matter as a tiny baby.  Why?  He did so out of pure love in behalf of man, the only creature that was made in His image with a free will to choose good or evil.  In Genesis, we read that man chose evil in what is called “the fall.”  This choice brought perfect and just punishment from the God of creation:  judgment of disease, destruction, and ultimate death.  However, the Creator had a plan to make all things new.  His plan to come to earth was to pay for man’s sin debt and to make right the wrong he had done.  It is the message of Christmas that evil can be made right.

“For as in Adam all die…” (1 Corinthians 15:22)

Evil is evident everywhere.  The massacres of Columbine, Virginia Tech, and 9/11, Hitler’s Holocaust, abortion, homosexuality, rape, adultery, divorce, infanticide, euthanasia, genocide, theft, bribery, greed, lust, lying and more are results of the origin of evil.  Lucifer rebelled against God in seeking to “be like the most High” (Isaiah 14:14).  Along with a third of the angelic host who followed him, Lucifer was cast down to earth where he tempted Adam & Eve through the serpent.

“Yea, hath God said…” (Genesis 3:1)

Adam listened.  Whereas his wife was deceived and therefore not held totally accountable (as she was not the “head” of the human race), Adam was created first and held responsibility as he not only wrongly listened to his wife, but he was also fully aware of his choice to rebel against the Creator’s one command.

 ”And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression.”                    (1 Timothy 2:14)

Today, we see the results of what transpired in Eden.  Though all sin will be judged in light of the perfect and holy Creator, mankind can now be free!  He can be made a “new creation” through  Christ!  Even though all have sinned through the sin nature we received from Adam–the head of the human race–mankind can be completely forgiven! People can be made righteous even though we all are unrighteous!  THIS is the message of Christmas…that Adam’s likeness might be effaced (wiped away), and CHRIST’S IMAGE of perfection stamped in its place!  Hallelujah!  The image marred by Adam’s rebellion can ONLY be restored by complete faith and trust in Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection for sin.

“For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.” (1 Corinthians 15:22)

Evil in the world has been conquered…in Christ!  What was broken in the “fall” of Adam in the Garden of Eden is now justified through Jesus’ work on the cross.  There now exists a choice for each individual as to whether they will accept Christ’s payment, or try their own way.  What will you choose…the way of Adam (rebellion), or the way of Christ (obedience)?

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.  (Phil. 2:5-8)

Corruption due to Confusion

“No wonder that Brigadier General F. D. Frost stated, ‘There is no doubt…that the doctrine of evolution is the greatest curse in our educational system‘….  This philosophy seeks to…reduce man to the level of animal nature….  The surging unrest, the broken homes, the increasing divorce cases, the multiplied…criminals are but the inevitable outcome of the acceptance and practice of…evolutionary doctrine.”  (H. Enock, Evolution or Creation; 1966, pp. 1146-1147)

An idea that man is no more than a highly evolved animal would be devastating to the commitment of marriage.  While some creatures mate for life, others live in groups or even change sex.  Do humans fit into one of these categories simply because they can choose their physical relationships?  A growing idea that some humans are ‘born’ desiring another of the same sex for ‘marital relations’ is one indication of man’s innate propensity to do that which is contrary to the design of his Creator.  God’s design for one man (Adam) and one woman (Eve) for the covenant of marriage was revealed in the Bible and has been exhibited in human behavior throughout the ages.  Those who live contrary to this design find themselves facing spiritual, emotional, or physical heartache.  Some think that they were ‘made’ to desire a person of the same sex.  Though some may think this way, in part, because of the “Kinsey reports,” there is no credible scientific evidence that proves anyone is “born” homosexual.  In fact, Kinsey used cadavers and children to present a warped view of science.  The cadavers he used had a slightly smaller portion of the brain of supposedly “gay” men, and the implication was that the men were “born” gay!  But such a finding is skewed.  Their deviant lifestyles could have caused the abnormality rather than the opposite!  It is an invalid assumption to think that a characteristic of a dead person is indicative of an innate quality from birth!  The Kinsey studies also used the smallest of children and are too graphic to describe here.  They basically involved sexual abuse in the name of “science.”

The confusion wrought by evolutionary thought extends far outside the classroom to the culture.  Rampant crime coupled with the breakdown of the family can easily be tied to the teaching that there is no ultimate, moral absolute found in an ultimate Law Giver:  God.  Hence, men are free to do as they choose with no Authority higher than themselves to determine right from wrong.  In no other aspect of society is this worldview so clearly seen than in marriage.

A Christmas Commitment

“Now the birth of Jesus was on this wise…as his mother…was espoused to Joseph….”  (Matt. 1:18)

Mary had been committed to Joseph in a culture that afforded protections to marriage not generally seen in modern times.  The closest idea is the practice of engagement.  The espousal agreement of Biblical times was an agreement that could only be dissolved legally and for certain purposes.  This is why Joseph was “minded to put her away (divorce) privily” after he discovered that Mary was with child, as there was only one way that she could have a child before marriage and that was through immorality.  However, God sent an angel to affirm to Joseph that this was not a cause for legal divorce, but a special miracle of God!

It is clear from Scripture that this Baby was miraculous, as God chose to record for us the fact that Mary was with child “before they came together“ and that He was conceived “of the Holy Ghost.”  He also had the writer include the fact that the angel Gabriel said to Joseph,

“…fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife…” (Matthew 1:20)

This phrase means that Joseph and Mary were already husband and wife and that the espousal agreement was marriage.  The only difference is that they had not yet “come together” for physical oneness.  It bears repeating that there is nothing in modern American culture that is equivalent to this ancient concept.

While there are many who think that divorce or remarriage is acceptable with God, they are sadly mistaken.  In His Word, He tells us that He “hates” divorce.

“For the LORD, the God of Israel, saith that he hateth putting away (or, divorce): for one covereth violence with his garment, saith the LORD of hosts: therefore take heed to your spirit, that ye deal not treacherously.”  (Malachi 2:16)

We read in Genesis of God’s design for Adam and Eve when He brought them together as husband and wife to be “one flesh.”  This creation account communicates three basic concepts:

1. God made humans special and very different from animals.
2. He designed them as a man and a woman, different from but made for each other.
3. He designed them to be “one flesh,” i.e., in a permanent relationship.

What if Joseph had “put away” Mary?  He certainly had a legal right to do so.  If so, this would have been the end of the Christmas story!  But he didn’t, and we now have the beautiful account that we celebrate every year!  Joseph’s obedience to God and faithfulness to his wife, Mary, is critical to Christmas!

Like Joseph, Jesus has every right to bring against us just and legal proceedings because of our sin against the Creator, sin for which we must suffer the punishment of a literal, eternal, and fiery hell.  Does He?  No!  Instead, He willingly gave Himself for us. He came to this world full of evil and gave His life in ransom for ours!  Hallelujah, what a Savior!

The message in the Christmas account is clear:  be consecrated to God and to your spouse!  How?

1. Realize that your body does not belong to you. (1 Corinthians 6:19 “…your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost…and ye are not your own?”)
2. Realize that a relationship (marriage, dating, boyfriends/girlfriends) is not to please yourself.  (1 Corinthians 10:31  “…do all to the glory of God.”)
3. Realize that marriage is a solemn vow for life and that God hates divorce.  (Malachi 2:16 “For the LORD…hateth putting away….”)
4. Realize that any steps leading to divorce are contrary to the design of God.  (Proverbs 14:12 “There is a way that seemeth right…but the end thereof are the ways of death.”)

We are grateful to be back home after a wonderful time in Virginia!  We were richly blessed to serve in a revival meeting at Victory Baptist Church in Nokesville, VA where Clinton Owens has served for 30 years or more!  This church has been a great blessing to us each time we’ve been there, and they now have a special endeavor to use 140 acres of prime property for the Creator!  We are looking forward with great anticipation to see what the LORD is going to do there!

After the meeting at Victory, we traveled to Virginia Beach to stay with Heather’s folks for a few days.  When we arrived, we received an envelope with a check in it for a very large sum of money.  A friend from New Jersey indicated a desire to help us get out of debt and we are extremely excited!  We truly are grateful to the LORD for His bountiful provision!  What an encouragement this was after the election!

While in Virginia Beach, we were blessed to serve at Diamond Springs Baptist where Warren Skinner is pastor.  We set up our book table and Jeff spoke in a combined Sunday school class and in the evening service.  The following Wednesday night, we were privileged to promote our creation conference at a supporting church, Sweethaven Baptist Church in Portsmouth where Cary Borkert is pastor.  Over the next two days we were blessed to serve at the Old Dominion Association of Christian Schools convention under the direction of Dan Zacharias, a former college-mate of Jeff’s.  It was a real blessing also to hear Evangelist Rich Tozour, also a former college-mate!

After we returned to Hickory, we served at Temple Baptist in Lenoir (Joel Bixler) on a Sunday night, at Calvary Baptist Tabernacle in Salisbury (Steve Holshouser) yesterday morning, and at Eastside Baptist in Newton (Don Sigmon) where Jeff’s second cousin is pastor!  Since a good group of young people were in attendance, Jeff switched from his “Cause of Creation” message to part one of “Dinosaurs & the Design of God.”  It was SUCH a blessing to see Jeff’s brother, Randy, in attendance!  This was only the second time he has ever been to hear Jeff speak.

“DR. DAWKINS, TEAR DOWN THIS WALL!”

This past Saturday, we were able to get together at a friend’s home and watch the movie, “Expelled:  No Intelligence Allowed.“  We had heard a lot about this movie, but what an eye-opener it was as evolutionists and atheists such as the infamous Dr. Richard Dawkins (author of The God Delusion) from Oxfrd University reveal that they think creationists and Intelligent Design (ID) proponents are “ignorant” or even “intellectual terrorists”!  Though Dawkins repudiates “intelligent design,” in an interview he gave credence to the idea that an intelligence from outer space could have planted life on earth!  Amazing!

The analogy of the Berlin wall clearly illustrates the division that exists between creation and evolution!  Freedom of scientific inquiry exists, but ONLY on one side of the “wall”!  As video clips showed even children chipping away at the Berlin wall, I realized that ANY effort with creationism, great or small, is analogous to chipping away at the “great wall” that exists between true science and an evolutionary world view.  Sadly, this wall is growing thicker each day as so-called clergy sign on to macro-evolution as a “fact of science.”  Clearly, there must be a greater effort among God’s people to “tear down this wall”!  May God help us to get busy “casting down imaginations that exalt themselves against the knowledge of God…” (Colossians 10:5).

CREATION & THANKSGIVING

³ O give thanks to the Lord of lords: for his mercy endureth for ever. ⁴ To him who alone doeth great wonders: for his mercy endureth for ever. ⁵ To him that by wisdom made the heavens: for his mercy endureth for ever. ⁶ To him that stretched out the earth above the waters: for his mercy endureth for ever. ⁷ To him that made great lights: for his mercy endureth for ever: ⁸ The sun to rule by day: for his mercy endureth for ever: ⁹ The moon and stars to rule by night: for his mercy endureth for ever.   (Psalm 136:3-9)

Sadly, this special time of year is so often a brief “blip” in the holiday season between “Halloween” and Christmas.  Perhaps this is because there isn’t much money to be made when people are thankful for what they have.  Maybe it is because Americans are reminded more about their lowly beginnings, and this causes us to be more inclined to cherish people more than things.  Nevertheless, the psalmist was truly thankful to the Creator for His great works in creation.  Last Februrary, we learned that the gravitational pull of the massive planet Jupiter may very well detract meteorites from hitting the earth!  I guess we should be thankful for God’s creation!! 

May each of you truly have a blessed Thanksgiving Day with family, friends, food, and perhaps football:!

Prayer

Obama has caused me to pray more.  Over the past few weeks and months, as we learned more about the radical beliefs of Barack Hussein Obama, I was moved to pray more than usual for our nation and the election.  God tells us to “Pray without ceasing” (I Thess. 5:17), and what we learned about Obama certainly is cause for that!  The vast potential for much more evil in our nation than I’ve seen in my lifetime is cause for a great deal of prayer!  Such a leader, whose associations have been with ones who hate America, whose past record has supported the killing of babies, and who twice in a public interview referred to his own faith as being  “Muslim,” should bring Christians to their knees in behalf of our nation!  Not only should there be much prayer to God for help, but also those prayers should be for the leaders of our nation:“I exhort therefore, that…supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.” (I Tim. 2:1, 2)

Politics

During the campaign, I understood more clearly the importance of politics in our nation.  The rise of Obama has given me a better understanding as to just how serious the political scene is in our nation, as well as in our churches.  It is amazing how someone with such radical views and sketchy background could attain to the Presidency so quickly!  Our political system is extremely fragile!  During the campaign, revelations came to light of hateful comments against America by Barack’s former pastor, Jeremiah Wright.  This pastor believes and promotes “black liberation theology,” a racist philosophy that espouses hatred of whites, America, and the God of the Bible.  Barack was a member of his church and sat under this man’s false teaching for 20 years!  Still, this fact did not deter people from blindly supporting him.  Nevertheless, I am grateful that we can be involved in the political process, as well as in the churches of our nation while we see the spiritual and political landscape sinking more and more into Godlessness and anti-Biblical ideology!  While we know that God is in control and that…

…the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men. (Daniel 4:17)

…we also understand that He allows us as citizens the privilege of choosing our leaders.  While some who claim to believe the Bible took this privilege for granted and did not use their God-given responsibility to vote, I believe:

     1.      The shift we are seeing in politics will likely never be reclaimed by conservatives, and

     2.      Those who voted for Obama (or who didn’t vote at all) will soon regret it.

Public schools

Barack reminds me of needs in our public education.  He reminds me that politics begins with young people, the mission field for which we are burdened.  The thinking of children and teens NOW is foundational to their world views LATER.  While we see stronger winds in our country blowing even the youngest of our children toward sexual promiscuity, homosexuality, immoral music, witchcraft, atheism, and humanistic thinking, we are burdened to see the average person resolve to reach them NOT solely with the Gospel, but with a Biblical worldview.  We also must use modern technology to share this message.  Obama’s team effectively used technology to reach younger voters, and they thought of him as “cool” while multitudes around the world wondered after him like youth following a rock star.  “Unbiased” media overwhelmingly provided wind for his sails while they viciously attacked John McCain and Sarah Palin on frivolous topics such as his age, her clothing, or his “angry demeanor” during a debate.  Americans have seen anti-Christian and anti-American bias in the media for a long time, but they should NEVER have taken the media’s “advice” in choosing the highest and most important position in our land!  Sadly, we see increasing influence wielded by the networks upon the minds of public school youth, and this influence is pushing them more and more toward a false worldview.  The election of Barack Obama reminds me that the philosophy of journalists, judges, presidents, senators, parents, and criminals…everyone begins in their youthful years and that the public school system should be everyone’s concern!  This makes me more grateful for our work, and it gives me a greater vision of reaching young people in the public school system.

Participation

Barack motivates me to participate more in our culture.  All of the above factors, and more, cause me to be grateful that Barack stirs me to a greater and more fervent work in using creationism to impact the world view of others, pointing them to the Creator and to HIS design for life.  Obama’s positions regarding abortion and homosexuality reveal his ignorance of and rebellion against the design of the Creator.  What is more critical is the fact that voters who elected him thought these issues were unimportant or either they were in complete agreement with him.  It is completely beyond my comprehension how any Christian could have voted for him, but many did!  These believers must have ignored the fact that Obama has overwhelmingly supported the killing of babies. 

Father, thank You for the precious opportunity to come here for a week of creation revival at Victory Baptist of Nokesville, VA, and for the heart and understanding You have given to Pastor Owens.  Even as we fellowshipped last evening, I sensed more of his wisdom coupled with a wealth of Biblical insight.  As I write, I sense a total inadequacy in this ministry.  Use us, O LORD, in our labors to reach others with the message of creation.  Increase our scope, our ability, our sphere of influence, and our platform.  With the election so near and the stark moral differences it represents between candidates nationally and locally across our land, I ask that Christians would get serious with You…serious in prayer and in seeking Your face, serious with confession of and forsaking of that which is contrary to Your design.  O LORD, please give us a touch of Your healing Hand.  Revive us again, O LORD, and use us to present a fresh vision of Who You are as our Creator and Redeemer.  As the prophet Isaiah of old saw You “high and lifted up” (Isaiah 6:1), the end result was his response:  “Here am I, send me.”  He recognized You as the ultimate Authority, and he received forgiveness for his iniquity.  Then, as the call went forth:  “Whom shall I send and who will go for us?”, he responded with great readiness.  LORD, I ask that You help us reveal to others You “high and lifted up” as our Creator so that others will be drawn to You for salvation and in dedication.  Bless this week, I pray, and bless our nation once again.

–jeff

2 Corinthians 5:20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.

North Carolina?!  But wait a MINUTE!  Do you mean the “Bible Belt”?  No–they don’t need the Gospel. There’s a church on every corner!  

CREATION & CAROLINA

Where does the Gospel begin?  With CREATION (Revelation 14:6, 7).  In addition, creationism is foundational to one’s view of God and His Word.  (See Ps. 119:73.)  It is a fact that North Carolinians need this message!  In an election season, one typically thinks of states like California or New Jersey as “way out” liberal states.  However, one of those states ranks lower on the list of clergy having signed on to particles-to-people evolution as a “fact of science”!  Yes, more clergy (383) of good ol’ North Carolina of the “Bible Belt” (compared to 286 of New Jersey) have signed an online petition for this monkey-to-man, unscientific world view called “evolution”!  (NOTE:  This information does not include population data.)  Take a look at this link:  http://www.butler.edu/clergyproject/Christian_Clergy/ChrClergyState_table.htm

In light of the upcoming national election, we should note that this state-by-state listing mirrors the liberalness of states like CA, NJ, MA, or IL.  So, if you live in a “liberal” state, share creationism!  More critical than the election process is the awesome responsibility to affect people’s thinking.  Truth is truth, regardless of what a “democratic” majority may agree upon in an election.  Getting solid leaders into office may help things temporarily, but the situation can easily change in the next cycle.  What is absolutely necessary is a change in the minds of individuals, one by one…pointing them to design in the universe and to the plan of the great Designer.

AMBASSADORS IN THE “BIBLE BELT”

We recently had opportunities to distribute materials at the Alexander Co. fair near Taylorsville.  We were blessed to talk with folk and to hand out materials promoting a BIG conference this coming February.  At one point, Jeff spoke briefly with a lady who saw a new remote-control t-rex in its box on our table and came over to see what we were about.  She quickly told Jeff that she “only teaches her children evolution.”  She would not receive any free material.  Another lady came by and took a flyer to her pastor, Allen Fox, of Mountain Ridge Baptist Church in Taylorsville.  Jeff knew Brother Fox years ago when he pastored in Taylorsville before he left for Ireland as a missionary. Just within the past year, he returned to pastor here.  He is coming to the conference and we are scheduled to present our burden at his church on January 4!  Praise the LORD for another opportunity!

We have been able to promote the upcoming Conference on Biblical Creation in area churches, such as Lighthouse Baptist and Community Baptist here in Hickory.  In addition, we have been contacting area Christian schools to invite them to bring groups to either Elementary Day (Feb. 5) or High School Day (Feb. 6).

Last night, we were blessed to be reacquainted with the co-pastor of Command Baptist in Statesville, NC where Pastor Jim Morgan is “passing the baton” to Brother Tony Fox.  We were blessed to take a few minutes to promote the conference and the need for creationism here in North Carolina.  Command Baptist is where we were privileged to hold our first “Creation Station” revival meeting.

By far, the most exciting opportunity we’ve had was today at Ambassador Baptist College in Lattimore, NC.  Jeff was blessed to take just a few minutes in chapel to promote creationism and the conference, and to hear missionary John O’Malley preach.  It was such a blessing to speak with a number of students after chapel and to fellowship with some of Jeff’s former teachers from high school and college.

We look forward to serving at our home church this coming Saturday evening in a “creation fellowship” (6-8 pm), on Sunday morning in preschool church, and on Sunday evening at New Grace Baptist in Iron Station, NC.  We request the prayers of God’s people as we labor in the field of creation missionary evangelism.