 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Occasional Thoughts, Encouragements, and Ramblings from our Pastors Creation Vs Evolution Resources Posted 5/30/2010 As we begin to travel through the book of Genesis, one of the very first issues that confronts us is that of origins - where did we come from? Were we created or did we evolve? The Bible seems to have one answer and "science" seems to have another. Which is right? I have no problem at all believing the Bible is right and that "science" often begins with an anti-supernatural bias which automatically assumes God doesn't exist and therefore there MUST be some other explanation. In other words, the source of such contradictions is not the evidence, but the presuppositions of those examining the evidence. This may seem to some to be a simplistic answer and I may be accused of 'blind faith' because I don't dig into the "scientific" arguments and evidence. Call it what you may, but I recognize where my knowledge and specializations lie and where they do not. I accept the Bible as a Christian, as a theologian, and as a pastor. I base my life on it and teach from it. I am not, however, a scientist and therefore do not feel qualified to address the conflict between creation and evolution point by point. For those who have specific questions or greater interest in scientific matters, I offer the following list of resources as a starting point. The list is not exhaustive and I make no claim that this is the 'best' material on the subject, but it is pretty good and as I find more resources that were helpful to me I'll be sure to update the list. May God bless you and direct you as you seek to learn more about the world He created, Pastor Jeff Recommended Resources (cut and paste the links into your browser) Chuck Smith teachings on Genesis - http://www.twft.com/?page=C2000 AE Wilder-Smith - http://server.firefighters.org/wildersmith.asp Answers in Genesis www.answersingenesis.org Alister McGraith lectures and writings including the series available at: http://www.cslewisinstitute.org/node/765 Books Francis Schaeffer, Genesis in Space and Time Philip Johnson, Darwin on Trial Michael Behe, Darwin's Black Box Summer Schedule Posted 5/16/2010 We're wrapping up Peter's first letter this morning - there's a whole lot of good stuff in that little book huh? Bob has done a great job of walking us all through it, challenging us to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I'll be back next Sunday and we'll start our journey through Genesis - the way you respond to those first couple of chapters affects the way you respond to the world and life around you, so we'll slow things down and take a good close look at what God has to say to us there. This summer we have a variety of fellowship opportunities for you to take advantage of - the first Sunday of each month is our communion service and church BBQ and soon the Softball team will start their games. Almost all of the games will be on Sunday afternoons at a local elementary school - it's a great place to bring the kids to play and watch the game even if you aren't on the team. We'll publish the schedule soon. Be encouraged in Christ, Pastor Jeff Happy Mother's Day Posted 5/9/2010 Happy Mother's Day! We've had quite a few new mom's this year, both first timers and repeat offenders! :) The winner for the closest to the deadline goes to Monica Delarosa who gave birth to little Martin Luis (10 lbs) Friday night. Congratulations Luis and Monica! Remember to do more than just call your mom today - pray for her! No matter where she stands with Jesus pray for her, ask God to bless her, thank Him for using her in your life, and ask Him to draw her closer to Himself so that she is even more of a blessing to you. Invest in your mom and benefit from the returns! This morning I would also like to ask you to pray for some mom's you don't know. I have adopted a battalion of Army recruits and have been ministering to them on Sundays; several of the young ladies are also mom's - can you imagine being separated from your little ones for nine weeks to go through boot camp!?! We're going to do something special for them, but they could definitely use your prayers for comfort this Sunday of all times. Thankful for the mom I once lived with and the one I live with now, Pastor Jeff For Such a Time as This Posted 5/2/2010 Perhaps the most famous thing people remember about the book of Esther is that she was placed by God into her position "for such a time as this." By no choice of her own, she found herself in the right place at the right time to be used by God for the benefit of others. This past week I felt God brought me to Fort Jackson "for such a time as this." In addition to attending my chaplaincy training, I volunteer to serve at a chapel on base with the Army's boot camp. Last Sunday I counseled and prayed with well over a dozen recruits and had the privilege of leading at least five to the Lord! This morning, while you are at church, I have been asked to deliver the sermon for the recruits - so pray for me please. Additionally, this week I sat on a panel that was interviewed by representatives from the Pentagon who are investigating the impact of repealing "Don't ask, don't tell." We were able to clearly explain the negative impact we feel it would have on our freedoms as chaplains and our ability to conduct counseling and services on base. It has been an enormous privilege to be here, for the glory of our Lord, at "such a time as this." And it makes me want to ask you - what is God doing around you and in what ways, or in whose life, does He want to use you? Ask God to make the answer clear, and be willing to go wherever He sends you! Serving in the King's court, Pastor Jeff From a new daddy Posted 4/4/2010 Alright, alright, this might sound a little corny, but my wife gave birth to our daughter this week and while I was holding her and thinking about how excited people get about a little baby, I was really impressed with the way we all respond to new life. Of course, the connection came pretty quickly - what about new spiritual life? Jesus was the first One to liken our salvation to the experience of being 'born-again.' We've had a lot of little guys and girls born in this church over the past couple of months and there are still a few more to come; we're all excited to hold them and meet them and curious to hear the 'details.' But I'd like to challenge you to consider praying for God to grant us some spiritual babies as well - people who get 'born-again' in our congregation. As you look around and see the little ones being cuddled and the expectant moms growing - pray for them and ask God to double our pleasure of welcoming new creations into this church both physically AND spiritually! A happy daddy, Pastor Jeff |