Venom
10-26-2003, 01:43 PM
Creationists and evolutionists, Christians and non-Christians all have the same evidence the same facts. Think about it: we all have the same earth, the same fossil layers, the same animals and plants, the same stars the facts are all the same.
The difference is in the way we all interpret the facts. And why do we interpret facts differently? Because we start with different presuppositions. These are things that are assumed to be true, without being able to prove them. These then become the basis for other conclusions. All reasoning is based on presuppositions (also called axioms). This becomes especially relevant when dealing with past events. Everyone has a bias and we all look at the world through our bias.
These biases are pictured as lenses that we view the world though. For example:
1. Secular "lens"
This represents the beliefs that fallible humans use to try to explain how and why the universe exists. These beliefs cause us to "see" these facts in a particular way, to view them through the evolutionary account of history.
2. Biblical "lens"
A unique book, called the Bible, claims over 3,000 times that it is the Word of God written by an Infinite Being who used different people to write down what we need to know to understand the history and future of the universe. These beliefs cause us to "see" these facts in
http://www.answersingenesis.org/Home/Area/overheads/images/oh20020809_131.jpg a particular way, to view them through the Biblical account of history.
http://www.answersingenesis.org/Home/Area/overheads/images/oh20020802_130.jpg
The below illustration shows people the importance for Christians to build all their thinking in every area on the Bible. Sadly, most Christians have been so secularized that they take the world's thinking to the Bible, instead of using the Bible as a history book that is foundational to their Christian worldview.
While the Bible is not a science textbook (science textbooks change every year), where it touches on science, or any subject, it is totally trustworthy. Thus the Bible, as a revelation of history from the beginning to the end of time, is the foundation that enables us to construct the big picture, and thus have the right approach in geology, biology, astronomy, morality, salvation, etc.
The book of Genesis, of course, is the foundational book to the rest of the Bible. Beginning with Genesis, and continuing through the rest of the Bible, the revelation of history through Creation, Corruption, Catastrophe, Confusion, Christ, Cross, and Consummation (the seven C's) should be used as the foundation for all our thinking.
http://www.answersingenesis.org/Home/Area/overheads/images/oh20010316_5.jpg
It's very important for Christians to have a foundation to defend their faith boldly, as we are told to do:
2 Timothy 1:6-14
6 Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands. 7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 8 Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;
Acts 4:23-31
23 And being let go, they went to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them. 24 And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is: 25 Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things? 26 The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ. 27 For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together, 28 For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done. 29 And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, 30 By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus. 31 And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.
2 Timothy 2:14-18
14 Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers. 15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 16 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. 17 And their word will eat as doth a canker
You need to know, and understand Gods word to be bold. And if you don't have the foundation of it, you've already lost!
The book of Genesis is foundational to the rest of the Bible.
If you ask people to name any Biblical doctrines of theology that are not directly or indirectly founded in the book of Genesis, they will not be able to find any! Every single Biblical doctrine is ultimately-directly or indirectly-founded in the book of Genesis, and particularly its first eleven chapters. In other words, Genesis 1-11 is the history that is foundational to the rest of the Bible, and thus all Christian doctrine.
Of course, this also means that if someone wants to destroy Christian doctrine, the best way is to try to attack the foundational book of beginnings. If people can relegate Genesis 1-11 to mythology or metaphor, then there is no real history upon which Christian doctrine can be founded.
Because the meaning of anything is dependent upon its origin, the meaning of any particular doctrine is also dependent upon its origin-i.e., its real history. Thus, Genesis is a very important book-it's vital to the whole of what Christianity is all about. One of the reasons that many people can't defend or explain their doctrine is because they don't believe and understand the book of Genesis, particularly the first eleven chapters. Believing and understanding the book of Genesis is prerequisite to an understanding of God and His relationship to man-and to all Christian doctrine.
Psalm 11:3 can be used as a verse to apply to this. If the foundation of a house is destroyed, then the structure collapses. Likewise, if the foundations of Christian doctrine in Genesis 1:11 are destroyed, then ultimately the entire structure will collapse. You can not defend your faith boldly, if you don't have a proper foundation.
http://www.answersingenesis.org/Home/Area/overheads/images/oh20010323_8.jpg
Here is a great diagram:
http://www.answersingenesis.org/Home/Area/overheads/images/oh20010316_6.jpg
This diagram helps to further illustrate the consequences of building your thinking on the Word of God or on man's fallible opinions. This illustrates the difference between believing that life came about as the Bible describes or it arose by natural processes without any supernatural involvement.
On the left-hand side, the block diagrams show that when you build your thinking on the Bible as real history, then there is a foundation for insisting on absolutes in morality. We know what is right and what is wrong (and what is good and what is bad) because the God who created us, and owns us, is the absolute authority and has a right to set the rules.
For example, we know that marriage is to be one man for one woman for life because the Bible's history is true concerning the creation of the first marriage, Adam and Eve. God made a man and a woman in history, not a man and a man or a woman and a woman.
Also, because of man's sin, God clothed Adam and Eve. Hence, there is a moral basis for clothing-thus there are standards.
The rightful place for sex is within marriage, one man for one woman. This is only true if the Bible's history concerning the Creation and thus the meaning of marriage is true.
There is purpose and meaning in life because there is a Creator who created us with purpose. Because humans are made in the image of God, they have a soul that will live forever. When the physical body dies, this is not the end, but the beginning of eternity, either with God or separated from God. Only those who have trusted in Christ as Savior and are born again as the Bible defines can spend eternity with God. The diagram on the left represents a Christian worldview that has a foundation in real history the history as written in Genesis 1-11.
On the right, the block diagram represents a different worldview that is founded in a different view of history. If you believe that life is a result of natural processes, and that there is no God who is the absolute authority, then a totally different worldview arises out of this foundation. All morality becomes relative. Therefore, right and wrong is what each individual decides for himself-if they can get away with it in the society in which they live.
Marriage could be a man and a man, a woman and a woman, or any combination one determines if, again, it fits with the norms of the culture at any particular time. Of course, in such a system, these norms can change and ultimately 'anything goes' depending on those who control the culture. Thus rules in regard to sex are also relative and dependent on what is decided by individuals within the culture.
Because humans are considered to be animals that have arisen by natural processes, then what develops in a woman's womb is also an animal. Therefore aborting a baby would be no different than killing an animal. Ultimately, in this system, there is no purpose and meaning in life except for what you want to make of it while you are alive. Ultimately, death is the end of a person's consciousness, and hence there is no future existence for that person.
These two block diagrams contrast two totally different worldviews based upon two different foundations of history one that is revealed by God through His Word or another in which man's views are based upon naturalism.
It should be noted that if Christians try to impose Christian morality on their children or anyone else in their culture without the foundation of history from the Bible (beginning in Genesis), then that structure will not stand. Sadly, many Christians have tried to impose the Christian worldview on the coming generation, but have allowed them to believe a foundation based in evolution. Ultimately, the Christian worldview would collapse and be replaced by the secular/evolutionary one.
http://www.answersingenesis.org/Home/Area/overheads/images/oh20010316_7.jpg
This illustration shows what happens when people reject the foundation of Biblical history beginning with Genesis and replace it with an evolutionary/millions of years foundation. The more a culture rejects the absolute authority of the Word of God beginning in Genesis, the more that the Christian worldview/structure built on this foundation will begin to disintegrate.
As a Biblical foundation is replaced with an evolutionary/millions of years foundation that basically teaches that man by himself determines truth, then one would expect to see an increase in abortion, homosexual behavior, lawlessness, euthanasia, suicide, collapse of the family, sexual perversion, etc. in the culture.
Please note that evolution is not the cause of these cultural evils. The more people reject that the Bible's history can be trusted beginning in Genesis, and accept man's view of history concerning millions of years (even if one doesn't believe in the evolutionary process per se), then the culture is being taught that man is the ultimate authority and man determines truth.
Even those Christians who believe in millions of years of history, regardless if they don't believe in the mechanism of evolution as such, are actually helping to undermine the authority of the Word of God and replace it with a foundation that teaches people that man by himself can determine truth.
In the end, this will result in generations of people reinterpreting Christian morality. After all, if you can use man's ideas such as millions of years to reinterpret the book of Genesis concerning the days of Creation, the age of the Earth and so on, then why not use man's ideas to reinterpret morality also?
In our Western world today we see a considerable decline in Christian morality and an increase in humanist philosophy. This is directly related to the change in our foundation from God's Word being the absolute authority, to one in which man's fallible word is the authority.
Past and present
We all exist in the present and the facts all exist in the present. When one is trying to understand how the evidence came about (Where did the animals come from? How did the fossil layers form? etc.), what we are actually trying to do is to connect the past to the present.
However, if we weren't there in the past to observe events, how can we know what happened so we can explain the present? It would be great to have a time machine so we could know for sure about past events.
Christians of course claim they do, in a sense, have a time machine. They have a book called the Bible, which claims to be the Word of God who has always been there, and has revealed to us the major events of the past about which we need to know.
On the basis of these events (Creation, Fall, Flood, Babel, etc.), we have a set of presuppositions to build a way of thinking which enables us to interpret the evidence of the present.
Evolutionists have certain beliefs about the past/present that they presuppose, e.g. no God (or at least none who performed acts of special creation), so they build a different way of thinking to interpret the evidence of the present.
Thus, when Christians and non-Christians argue about the evidence, in reality they are arguing about their interpretations based on their presuppositions.
In arguing this way, a Christian must have a foundation (the bible) than they can go, and see where the evidence is. Here are some tips for arguing:
1. Using biblical presuppositions to build a way of thinking to interpret the evidence.
2. Showing that the Bible and science go hand in hand.
3. Challenging the presuppositions of the other person (many are unaware they have these).
4. Forcing the debater to logically defend his position consistent with science and his own presuppositions (many will find that they cannot do this).
5. Honoring the Word of God that convicts the soul!
One can of course do this with numerous scientific examples, showing how the issue of sin and judgment, for example, is relevant to geology and fossil evidence. And how the Fall of man, with the subsequent Curse on creation, makes sense of the evidence of harmful mutations, violence and death.
Remember, it's no good convincing people to believe in creation, or the bible without also leading them to believe and trust in the Creator/Redeemer, Jesus Christ. God honours those who honour His Word. We need to use God-honouring ways of reaching people with the truth of what life is all about. So why refrute the pagan relegion of evolution for example? Or defend the faith at all? To remove stumbling blocks! And show the power, and accountability of Gods word. And this is in one accord with Gods word:
1 Corinthians 9:19-23
19 For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more. 20 And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; 21 To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law. 22 To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. 23 And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.
We need to be able to become all things to all men. If that means in order to get this person saved I need to get rid of the lie of evolution so be it! If this means, I have to show the bible is the most backed book of antiquity than fine.
What matters is that, can we save that one life? Because that's what we are sent to do, seeking to save that which was lost. Yet not us but the spirit within. Christ said he was the good Shepard, and he took care of his sheep, and went after even the lowest one. It was worth it to him to find that one lost sheep. He told peter to feed his sheep; we also must take care of the flock, and seek diligently to defend the faith.
Apologetics
We are told in Gods word to give an apology for our faith. No, not to say sorry, or ask for forgiveness. But to defend it!
The word defense (GK. Apologia) indicates "a defense of conduct and procedure." Wilbur Smith puts it this way: a verbal defense; a speech in defines of what one has done or of truth which on believes.
Apologia (the basic English translation is apology) was used predominantly in early times but it did not convey the idea of excuse palliation or making amends for some injury done. But to defend. Apologia translated by the English word defense is used 8 times in the New Testament. A perfect example is:
1 Peter 3:15
But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense [in Greek this is called Apologia which is a defense] to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.
Lets put this word into practice!
Apologetics (giving a defense) is a great way to build faith for believers, and show the truth to unbelievers. As did the early church, and as we are instructed to do in the bible.
Christian apologetics is the reasoned defense of the Christian faith against objections, but also includes the setting forth of positive grounds for Christianity.
The Lord Jesus Christ commanded: "Love the Lord your God... with all your mind" (Matthew 22:37)
The Apostle Peter commanded Christians: "Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have" (1 Peter 3:15)
The Apostle Paul said: "We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ" (2 Corinthians 10:5).
1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in ****able heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.
2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.
Apologetics is simply defending the faith!
But, there is a fine line between witnessing through apologetics and arguing with the devil.
We have to trust the Holy Spirit to tell us where the line is drawn, because often times we let our passions consume us. And if we're not careful this will give the devil victory in apologetics!
Why is that? Because the devil can use apologetics to distract us! When we ignore the Spirit, and cross the line from witnessing to arguing with the devil, we are distracted from other issues, and possibly other witnessing opportunities that would result in bringing someone to the Lord.
And of course arguing with the devil is useless.
He's spiritually dead, and the author of confusion and father of lies.
19 And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.
20 And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.
21 Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.
In fact the bible says he's underfoot, and I don't even want to look at the bottom of my foot to talk to him!
In other words, the Spirit will tell us when an apologetic debate has gone too far. When it is no longer fruitful to God, it's time to get out.
17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.
18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.
19 Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also.
20 At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you
You can't force anyone to accept God. All we can do is show them the Truth.
3 And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold, a sower went forth to sow;
4 And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up:
5 Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth:
6 And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away.
7 And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them:
8 But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold.
9 Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.
18 Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower.
19 When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side.
20 But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it;
21 Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.
22 He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.
23 But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.
You see with apologetic witnessing we can plant the seeds (as shown in the parable from Christ), but the hearts of the hearers are the ones who decide the ground they are planted in.
Hebrews 3:7-19
7 Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice, 8 Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness: 9 When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years. 10 Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do alway err in their heart; and they have not known my ways. 11 So I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest.) 12 Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.
If you are reading this, and are an unbeliever, or watered down believer, as the parable with Christ. Do not harden your heart to the seeds from the word of God. Open yourself up to the most high. /forum/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Is the Bible a science book?
This common objection to believing the straightforward history of Genesis has, in one sense, a simple answer "No, it's not." Dr D. James Kennedy correctly says about the Bible, "It is not a scientific textbook. It is not a textbook on religion. It is not a textbook at all; it is a revelation from God!"
But it is a loaded question; most who ask it presume that a "no" answer means that the Bible's authority does not extend to matters related to science. This is of course illogical. A novel about apple orchards could refer to apples falling down (rather than up) in accordance with the known facts about gravity. It could be completely accurate scientifically without its purpose being to teach science.
One reason put forward for saying that Genesis is "non-scientific" is that the account is brief. But since when does brevity equal inaccuracy? As a minister friend says, "when we listen to statements about the weather, we expect them to be based on totally accurate scientific data, despite being brief. We don't expect lengthy scientific explanations with details on the force of gravity vs the humidity and wind speed to generate rain fall. We just want to know whether it is going to rain in our area. Yet we expect extensive scientific explanations in the Bible for it to be taken seriously. "
The Bible's prime purpose certainly concerns salvation, not scientific explanation. But to use this to evade the clear teaching of origins in the foundational book of Genesis is intellectually illegitimate, if not dishonest. What if that approach were consistently applied? The Bible isn't a mathematics textbook, either. But does that mean that if the Bible were to insist that ten divided by two equals six, it would make no difference to its "message of faith and salvation?" Of course it would, make a world of difference!
What sense would it make to trust it as the Word of the all-powerful Creator who never lies and to commit one's eternal destiny to its promises in "spiritual" areas? As Jesus said, "If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how shall you believe if I tell you heavenly things" (John 3:12)? We can check up on the things on earth, such as contradictions, and science. If this is a lie, why should we believe things we can't check up on, like salvation?
Even though the Bible's purpose is not to teach history as such, the history it teaches is true. It states that Jesus was crucified at a specific moment in real history via a specific person, Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of Judea. It would be bizarre to claim that it didn't matter whether these events were true or not, "because the Bible's not a textbook."
The account of Jesus rising from the dead cannot be classified as only one form of truth; i.e. it cannot be a Christian or "religious" truth without at the same time being a historical truth (unless language loses all of its meaning); and it cannot be historically true unless it is also scientifically true.
The same applies to Genesis events e.g. the statement that God took a rib and made Eve. So the question of whether the Bible is a science textbook evades the real issues, which are to do with its claim to total truth and authority. It is meaningless to claim that scriptural authority applies only to "religious things," since the Christian Gospel is all about real things, the real origin, history and destiny of man and the universe. Remove its claim to authority in the realm of science, and you are actually removing it from any relevance to the real world. Sadly, this is exactly what compromise with evolutionism/long-ageism has done in many minds.
The difference is in the way we all interpret the facts. And why do we interpret facts differently? Because we start with different presuppositions. These are things that are assumed to be true, without being able to prove them. These then become the basis for other conclusions. All reasoning is based on presuppositions (also called axioms). This becomes especially relevant when dealing with past events. Everyone has a bias and we all look at the world through our bias.
These biases are pictured as lenses that we view the world though. For example:
1. Secular "lens"
This represents the beliefs that fallible humans use to try to explain how and why the universe exists. These beliefs cause us to "see" these facts in a particular way, to view them through the evolutionary account of history.
2. Biblical "lens"
A unique book, called the Bible, claims over 3,000 times that it is the Word of God written by an Infinite Being who used different people to write down what we need to know to understand the history and future of the universe. These beliefs cause us to "see" these facts in
http://www.answersingenesis.org/Home/Area/overheads/images/oh20020809_131.jpg a particular way, to view them through the Biblical account of history.
http://www.answersingenesis.org/Home/Area/overheads/images/oh20020802_130.jpg
The below illustration shows people the importance for Christians to build all their thinking in every area on the Bible. Sadly, most Christians have been so secularized that they take the world's thinking to the Bible, instead of using the Bible as a history book that is foundational to their Christian worldview.
While the Bible is not a science textbook (science textbooks change every year), where it touches on science, or any subject, it is totally trustworthy. Thus the Bible, as a revelation of history from the beginning to the end of time, is the foundation that enables us to construct the big picture, and thus have the right approach in geology, biology, astronomy, morality, salvation, etc.
The book of Genesis, of course, is the foundational book to the rest of the Bible. Beginning with Genesis, and continuing through the rest of the Bible, the revelation of history through Creation, Corruption, Catastrophe, Confusion, Christ, Cross, and Consummation (the seven C's) should be used as the foundation for all our thinking.
http://www.answersingenesis.org/Home/Area/overheads/images/oh20010316_5.jpg
It's very important for Christians to have a foundation to defend their faith boldly, as we are told to do:
2 Timothy 1:6-14
6 Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands. 7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 8 Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;
Acts 4:23-31
23 And being let go, they went to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them. 24 And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is: 25 Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things? 26 The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ. 27 For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together, 28 For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done. 29 And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, 30 By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus. 31 And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.
2 Timothy 2:14-18
14 Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers. 15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 16 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. 17 And their word will eat as doth a canker
You need to know, and understand Gods word to be bold. And if you don't have the foundation of it, you've already lost!
The book of Genesis is foundational to the rest of the Bible.
If you ask people to name any Biblical doctrines of theology that are not directly or indirectly founded in the book of Genesis, they will not be able to find any! Every single Biblical doctrine is ultimately-directly or indirectly-founded in the book of Genesis, and particularly its first eleven chapters. In other words, Genesis 1-11 is the history that is foundational to the rest of the Bible, and thus all Christian doctrine.
Of course, this also means that if someone wants to destroy Christian doctrine, the best way is to try to attack the foundational book of beginnings. If people can relegate Genesis 1-11 to mythology or metaphor, then there is no real history upon which Christian doctrine can be founded.
Because the meaning of anything is dependent upon its origin, the meaning of any particular doctrine is also dependent upon its origin-i.e., its real history. Thus, Genesis is a very important book-it's vital to the whole of what Christianity is all about. One of the reasons that many people can't defend or explain their doctrine is because they don't believe and understand the book of Genesis, particularly the first eleven chapters. Believing and understanding the book of Genesis is prerequisite to an understanding of God and His relationship to man-and to all Christian doctrine.
Psalm 11:3 can be used as a verse to apply to this. If the foundation of a house is destroyed, then the structure collapses. Likewise, if the foundations of Christian doctrine in Genesis 1:11 are destroyed, then ultimately the entire structure will collapse. You can not defend your faith boldly, if you don't have a proper foundation.
http://www.answersingenesis.org/Home/Area/overheads/images/oh20010323_8.jpg
Here is a great diagram:
http://www.answersingenesis.org/Home/Area/overheads/images/oh20010316_6.jpg
This diagram helps to further illustrate the consequences of building your thinking on the Word of God or on man's fallible opinions. This illustrates the difference between believing that life came about as the Bible describes or it arose by natural processes without any supernatural involvement.
On the left-hand side, the block diagrams show that when you build your thinking on the Bible as real history, then there is a foundation for insisting on absolutes in morality. We know what is right and what is wrong (and what is good and what is bad) because the God who created us, and owns us, is the absolute authority and has a right to set the rules.
For example, we know that marriage is to be one man for one woman for life because the Bible's history is true concerning the creation of the first marriage, Adam and Eve. God made a man and a woman in history, not a man and a man or a woman and a woman.
Also, because of man's sin, God clothed Adam and Eve. Hence, there is a moral basis for clothing-thus there are standards.
The rightful place for sex is within marriage, one man for one woman. This is only true if the Bible's history concerning the Creation and thus the meaning of marriage is true.
There is purpose and meaning in life because there is a Creator who created us with purpose. Because humans are made in the image of God, they have a soul that will live forever. When the physical body dies, this is not the end, but the beginning of eternity, either with God or separated from God. Only those who have trusted in Christ as Savior and are born again as the Bible defines can spend eternity with God. The diagram on the left represents a Christian worldview that has a foundation in real history the history as written in Genesis 1-11.
On the right, the block diagram represents a different worldview that is founded in a different view of history. If you believe that life is a result of natural processes, and that there is no God who is the absolute authority, then a totally different worldview arises out of this foundation. All morality becomes relative. Therefore, right and wrong is what each individual decides for himself-if they can get away with it in the society in which they live.
Marriage could be a man and a man, a woman and a woman, or any combination one determines if, again, it fits with the norms of the culture at any particular time. Of course, in such a system, these norms can change and ultimately 'anything goes' depending on those who control the culture. Thus rules in regard to sex are also relative and dependent on what is decided by individuals within the culture.
Because humans are considered to be animals that have arisen by natural processes, then what develops in a woman's womb is also an animal. Therefore aborting a baby would be no different than killing an animal. Ultimately, in this system, there is no purpose and meaning in life except for what you want to make of it while you are alive. Ultimately, death is the end of a person's consciousness, and hence there is no future existence for that person.
These two block diagrams contrast two totally different worldviews based upon two different foundations of history one that is revealed by God through His Word or another in which man's views are based upon naturalism.
It should be noted that if Christians try to impose Christian morality on their children or anyone else in their culture without the foundation of history from the Bible (beginning in Genesis), then that structure will not stand. Sadly, many Christians have tried to impose the Christian worldview on the coming generation, but have allowed them to believe a foundation based in evolution. Ultimately, the Christian worldview would collapse and be replaced by the secular/evolutionary one.
http://www.answersingenesis.org/Home/Area/overheads/images/oh20010316_7.jpg
This illustration shows what happens when people reject the foundation of Biblical history beginning with Genesis and replace it with an evolutionary/millions of years foundation. The more a culture rejects the absolute authority of the Word of God beginning in Genesis, the more that the Christian worldview/structure built on this foundation will begin to disintegrate.
As a Biblical foundation is replaced with an evolutionary/millions of years foundation that basically teaches that man by himself determines truth, then one would expect to see an increase in abortion, homosexual behavior, lawlessness, euthanasia, suicide, collapse of the family, sexual perversion, etc. in the culture.
Please note that evolution is not the cause of these cultural evils. The more people reject that the Bible's history can be trusted beginning in Genesis, and accept man's view of history concerning millions of years (even if one doesn't believe in the evolutionary process per se), then the culture is being taught that man is the ultimate authority and man determines truth.
Even those Christians who believe in millions of years of history, regardless if they don't believe in the mechanism of evolution as such, are actually helping to undermine the authority of the Word of God and replace it with a foundation that teaches people that man by himself can determine truth.
In the end, this will result in generations of people reinterpreting Christian morality. After all, if you can use man's ideas such as millions of years to reinterpret the book of Genesis concerning the days of Creation, the age of the Earth and so on, then why not use man's ideas to reinterpret morality also?
In our Western world today we see a considerable decline in Christian morality and an increase in humanist philosophy. This is directly related to the change in our foundation from God's Word being the absolute authority, to one in which man's fallible word is the authority.
Past and present
We all exist in the present and the facts all exist in the present. When one is trying to understand how the evidence came about (Where did the animals come from? How did the fossil layers form? etc.), what we are actually trying to do is to connect the past to the present.
However, if we weren't there in the past to observe events, how can we know what happened so we can explain the present? It would be great to have a time machine so we could know for sure about past events.
Christians of course claim they do, in a sense, have a time machine. They have a book called the Bible, which claims to be the Word of God who has always been there, and has revealed to us the major events of the past about which we need to know.
On the basis of these events (Creation, Fall, Flood, Babel, etc.), we have a set of presuppositions to build a way of thinking which enables us to interpret the evidence of the present.
Evolutionists have certain beliefs about the past/present that they presuppose, e.g. no God (or at least none who performed acts of special creation), so they build a different way of thinking to interpret the evidence of the present.
Thus, when Christians and non-Christians argue about the evidence, in reality they are arguing about their interpretations based on their presuppositions.
In arguing this way, a Christian must have a foundation (the bible) than they can go, and see where the evidence is. Here are some tips for arguing:
1. Using biblical presuppositions to build a way of thinking to interpret the evidence.
2. Showing that the Bible and science go hand in hand.
3. Challenging the presuppositions of the other person (many are unaware they have these).
4. Forcing the debater to logically defend his position consistent with science and his own presuppositions (many will find that they cannot do this).
5. Honoring the Word of God that convicts the soul!
One can of course do this with numerous scientific examples, showing how the issue of sin and judgment, for example, is relevant to geology and fossil evidence. And how the Fall of man, with the subsequent Curse on creation, makes sense of the evidence of harmful mutations, violence and death.
Remember, it's no good convincing people to believe in creation, or the bible without also leading them to believe and trust in the Creator/Redeemer, Jesus Christ. God honours those who honour His Word. We need to use God-honouring ways of reaching people with the truth of what life is all about. So why refrute the pagan relegion of evolution for example? Or defend the faith at all? To remove stumbling blocks! And show the power, and accountability of Gods word. And this is in one accord with Gods word:
1 Corinthians 9:19-23
19 For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more. 20 And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; 21 To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law. 22 To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. 23 And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.
We need to be able to become all things to all men. If that means in order to get this person saved I need to get rid of the lie of evolution so be it! If this means, I have to show the bible is the most backed book of antiquity than fine.
What matters is that, can we save that one life? Because that's what we are sent to do, seeking to save that which was lost. Yet not us but the spirit within. Christ said he was the good Shepard, and he took care of his sheep, and went after even the lowest one. It was worth it to him to find that one lost sheep. He told peter to feed his sheep; we also must take care of the flock, and seek diligently to defend the faith.
Apologetics
We are told in Gods word to give an apology for our faith. No, not to say sorry, or ask for forgiveness. But to defend it!
The word defense (GK. Apologia) indicates "a defense of conduct and procedure." Wilbur Smith puts it this way: a verbal defense; a speech in defines of what one has done or of truth which on believes.
Apologia (the basic English translation is apology) was used predominantly in early times but it did not convey the idea of excuse palliation or making amends for some injury done. But to defend. Apologia translated by the English word defense is used 8 times in the New Testament. A perfect example is:
1 Peter 3:15
But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense [in Greek this is called Apologia which is a defense] to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.
Lets put this word into practice!
Apologetics (giving a defense) is a great way to build faith for believers, and show the truth to unbelievers. As did the early church, and as we are instructed to do in the bible.
Christian apologetics is the reasoned defense of the Christian faith against objections, but also includes the setting forth of positive grounds for Christianity.
The Lord Jesus Christ commanded: "Love the Lord your God... with all your mind" (Matthew 22:37)
The Apostle Peter commanded Christians: "Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have" (1 Peter 3:15)
The Apostle Paul said: "We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ" (2 Corinthians 10:5).
1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in ****able heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.
2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.
Apologetics is simply defending the faith!
But, there is a fine line between witnessing through apologetics and arguing with the devil.
We have to trust the Holy Spirit to tell us where the line is drawn, because often times we let our passions consume us. And if we're not careful this will give the devil victory in apologetics!
Why is that? Because the devil can use apologetics to distract us! When we ignore the Spirit, and cross the line from witnessing to arguing with the devil, we are distracted from other issues, and possibly other witnessing opportunities that would result in bringing someone to the Lord.
And of course arguing with the devil is useless.
He's spiritually dead, and the author of confusion and father of lies.
19 And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.
20 And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.
21 Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.
In fact the bible says he's underfoot, and I don't even want to look at the bottom of my foot to talk to him!
In other words, the Spirit will tell us when an apologetic debate has gone too far. When it is no longer fruitful to God, it's time to get out.
17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.
18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.
19 Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also.
20 At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you
You can't force anyone to accept God. All we can do is show them the Truth.
3 And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold, a sower went forth to sow;
4 And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up:
5 Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth:
6 And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away.
7 And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them:
8 But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold.
9 Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.
18 Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower.
19 When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side.
20 But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it;
21 Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.
22 He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.
23 But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.
You see with apologetic witnessing we can plant the seeds (as shown in the parable from Christ), but the hearts of the hearers are the ones who decide the ground they are planted in.
Hebrews 3:7-19
7 Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice, 8 Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness: 9 When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years. 10 Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do alway err in their heart; and they have not known my ways. 11 So I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest.) 12 Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.
If you are reading this, and are an unbeliever, or watered down believer, as the parable with Christ. Do not harden your heart to the seeds from the word of God. Open yourself up to the most high. /forum/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Is the Bible a science book?
This common objection to believing the straightforward history of Genesis has, in one sense, a simple answer "No, it's not." Dr D. James Kennedy correctly says about the Bible, "It is not a scientific textbook. It is not a textbook on religion. It is not a textbook at all; it is a revelation from God!"
But it is a loaded question; most who ask it presume that a "no" answer means that the Bible's authority does not extend to matters related to science. This is of course illogical. A novel about apple orchards could refer to apples falling down (rather than up) in accordance with the known facts about gravity. It could be completely accurate scientifically without its purpose being to teach science.
One reason put forward for saying that Genesis is "non-scientific" is that the account is brief. But since when does brevity equal inaccuracy? As a minister friend says, "when we listen to statements about the weather, we expect them to be based on totally accurate scientific data, despite being brief. We don't expect lengthy scientific explanations with details on the force of gravity vs the humidity and wind speed to generate rain fall. We just want to know whether it is going to rain in our area. Yet we expect extensive scientific explanations in the Bible for it to be taken seriously. "
The Bible's prime purpose certainly concerns salvation, not scientific explanation. But to use this to evade the clear teaching of origins in the foundational book of Genesis is intellectually illegitimate, if not dishonest. What if that approach were consistently applied? The Bible isn't a mathematics textbook, either. But does that mean that if the Bible were to insist that ten divided by two equals six, it would make no difference to its "message of faith and salvation?" Of course it would, make a world of difference!
What sense would it make to trust it as the Word of the all-powerful Creator who never lies and to commit one's eternal destiny to its promises in "spiritual" areas? As Jesus said, "If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how shall you believe if I tell you heavenly things" (John 3:12)? We can check up on the things on earth, such as contradictions, and science. If this is a lie, why should we believe things we can't check up on, like salvation?
Even though the Bible's purpose is not to teach history as such, the history it teaches is true. It states that Jesus was crucified at a specific moment in real history via a specific person, Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of Judea. It would be bizarre to claim that it didn't matter whether these events were true or not, "because the Bible's not a textbook."
The account of Jesus rising from the dead cannot be classified as only one form of truth; i.e. it cannot be a Christian or "religious" truth without at the same time being a historical truth (unless language loses all of its meaning); and it cannot be historically true unless it is also scientifically true.
The same applies to Genesis events e.g. the statement that God took a rib and made Eve. So the question of whether the Bible is a science textbook evades the real issues, which are to do with its claim to total truth and authority. It is meaningless to claim that scriptural authority applies only to "religious things," since the Christian Gospel is all about real things, the real origin, history and destiny of man and the universe. Remove its claim to authority in the realm of science, and you are actually removing it from any relevance to the real world. Sadly, this is exactly what compromise with evolutionism/long-ageism has done in many minds.