To round out the ‘Tis the Season series we’d like to highlight an organization that began in 2009, and is heading for a lasting impact in 2010.  Just as the last post focused on a deed that benefited elderly citizens, this is an organization that aids children in their pursuit of a better life.  Our World in Pictures (OWIP) is a photography mentoring program for at-risk and underprivileged kids who are given a chance to speak to the world through photography rather than through violence, vandalism, or abuse.  Armed with a camera, participants are given a chance to help change the world by creating peace through perspective.  OWIP was the brainchild of photographers Jeff and Christina Gora who combined their love for photography with their passion to teach, help, and serve others in need.  It stands as a perfect example of using one’s gifts for purposes beyond business or pleasure, nurturing and teaching.

“The students complete month-long workshops, and display their work in Lexington gallery-hops at art galleries.  The organization just received a five-thousand dollar grant to write a children’s book about helping their community, and they’re achieving official non-profit status this month. Once they become a non-profit, they will combine OWIP groups from the U.S. with international groups, utilizing satellite technology and photo pen pal programs. The kids of OWIP are today’s movers and shakers spreading peace throughout the world. Positive encouragement from their photography mentors has enabled these kids to see their true potential in life and the results of this program are incredible. The kids are totally changing their lives around for the better and even changing other people’s lives.”

Below is a short promo containing footage from the workshops and some samples of the kid’s artwork.  OWIP is always open for resources and aid, if you’d like to find out more visit: http://www.ourworldinpictures.org/

Click here to view the embedded video.

[book id='2' /]

StandBOLD ~ Mike V.

Click here to view the embedded video.

As Christians our goal should be to reflect God’s love on His creation.  In John chapter twenty-one Jesus asked Peter, three times, whether he loved Him. Peter answered each time, “Yes, Lord”, and to each affirmation Jesus replied, “Then feed my sheep.”  If we claim to love God, then we must use the blessings He provides us to tend to His sheep.  This applies to our lives every day of the year, but Christmas is a season marked by giving, a time meant to warm hearts and bring people closer together.  It can serve as an excellent opportunity to clothe the poor, feed the hungry, or comfort the broken.  The best gift we can give Christ on His birthday is to reach out to His children.  Over the next few weeks we’d like to highlight some organizations that are doing  just that!  If you know of any awesome events or outreaches that are providing hope to the physically, emotionally, or spiritually needy let us know!

StandBOLD ~  Mike V.

“It is the duty of nations as well as of men to owe their dependence upon the overruling power of God; to confess their sins and transgressions in humble sorrow, yet with assured hope that genuine repentance will lead to mercy and pardon; and to recognize the sublime truth, announced in the Holy Scriptures and proven by all history, that those nations are blessed whose God is the Lord.

We know that by His divine law, nations, like individuals, are subject to punishments and chastisements in this world. May we not justly fear that the awful calamity of civil war which now desolates the land may be a punishment inflicted upon us for our presumptuous sins; to the needful end of our national reformation as a whole people?

We have been the recipients of the choicest bounties of heaven; we have been preserved these many years in peace and prosperity; we have grown in numbers, wealth and power as no other nation has ever grown.

But we have forgotten God. We have forgotten the gracious hand which preserved us in peace and multiplied and enriched and strengthened us, and we have vainly imagined, in the deceitfulness of our hearts, that all these blessings were produced by some superior wisdom and virtue of our own. Intoxicated with unbroken success we have become too self-sufficient to feel the necessity of redeeming and preserving grace, too proud to pray to the God that made us.

It has seemed to me fit and proper that God should be solemnly, reverently, and gratefully acknowledged, as with one heart and one voice, by the whole American people. I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November as a day of Thanksgiving and praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the heavens.”

ABRAHAM LINCOLN – 1863

In an attempt to avoid conforming to a cliché list of perennial blessings that are annually recited in the weeks surrounding Thanksgiving and Christmas, I began to search for some things that, as Americans, we often don’t consider to be all that extraordinary, but nevertheless, serve to enhance our quality of life.  I began this quest by typing the following phrase into Google, “What America has to be thankful for”.  Out of the first twenty results that appeared, five praised Obama or one of his policies, four were re-syndications of Chuck Norris’ [insert Chuck Norris joke here] recent article “Thankful for Fading Freedoms”,  three related to professional sports stars, and one praised the decline of religion in America.  The rest discussed general topics like patriotism, and Thanksgiving food and fun.  Overall most shared a common theme of either praising or condemning a big picture assessment of our nation.  Those that praised America’s current state did so with a sense of fulfillment, as if they’d been waiting for such things to take place for an extended period of time.  Those who condemned its predicament conveyed feelings of betrayal and helplessness, as if a new enemy had just revealed itself to the people’s eyes.  Both seemed to blame the other for the past, and all resigned themselves to an uncertain future.

I wonder; what if instead of considering all of the political, cultural, and temporary things that take place around us, we focus on the basic values, ideas, and gifts that will last us the rest of eternity.  Earthly death is inescapable, and the entire world will one day pass away.  How we use our blessings now will affect the whole of our existence.  Everyone has their share of problems material and spiritual alike, but even the least citizens of our country enjoy more wealth than the richest of many nations.  Because of this immense blessing I think we are more susceptible to taking things like faith and family for granted.  I urge you this Thanksgiving to take some time and think about the little things that bring joy to your daily routine, as well as the permanent blessings that provide you with hope even in times of trouble.  Fortunes can be rebuilt, and wounds will heal.  Our hope in God is everlasting.  Whether you’re sitting down to a feast, or struggling for a meal, remember God’s almighty sacrifice, and rejoice in His eternal promise.

Stand BOLD ~ Mike V.

We had previously seen how the human body is very similar to the body of Christ. Each one of us is unique, which brings diversity to the body of Christ. Now, let’s turn once again to the analogy of snowflakes. There are at least three similarities that make snowflakes and Christians alike:

First, the makeup of each snowflake is completely unique and diverse. There are so many different types that they have been arranged into categories and charts. Capped columns, bullet rosettes, and stellar dendrites are just a few of these categories.¹ In the same way, every one of us are unique and bring diversity to the body of Christ. This benefits the body, but it can also bring tension. But regardless of any tension, God designed the body not to split. It is for this reason that the body must not split. What good would a half or a fourth of the body do? No; we must all work together to accomplish God’s purposes for the body.

Second, not only are snowflakes unique in their makeup, but also in their paths to the ground. Each snowflake will experience a different humidity, temperature and atmosphere in their dissension. Some may fall straight to the ground, and some may be swirled by the wind. Similarly, each one of us has a different path through life. Our lives may be smooth sailing or filled with turmoil. We may have an easy journey through life or be swirled by the wind. Despite the differences in our backgrounds, the body of Christ can come together to reach out to those who need the gospel. In fact, wemust work together. How else will we make a difference in our country?

Lastly, but perhaps the most important similarity is the reflection of light. We’ve all seen the spectacle of freshly fallen snow: completely untouched, glittering in the sunlight. Because every snowflake has many angles, each one is able to reflect light from the sun. Likewise, each of us has many aspects of our personalities and spiritual gifts that reflect the Son’s light. The reflection of light from snow catches our attention, causing us to look at the snow and take in its beauty. If we reflect God’s light, it catches people’s attention.  By catching their attention, we may be able to lead them to Christ.

Which type of snow is the body of Christ like: powdered or packing? Are we like packing snow: ready to stick together, to bind and work together for the glory of God? Are we willing to be molded into whatever shape God plans for us? Or are we like powdered snow:  resistant to one another and difficult to shape (if at all)?

In our country, living without disputes is almost unheard of. But Psalm 133:1 says “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” If we live together in unity, maybe our unity will witness to other people, including fellow Christians. And just maybe our unity will inspire others to live together peacefully… almost like a snowball effect.

Stand bold for Christ!

~Lindy A.

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¹ SnowCrystals.com “A Guide to Snowflakes” February 1999 http://www.its.caltech.edu/~atomic/snowcrystals/class/class.htm

Freshly fallen snow always instilled excitement into my siblings and me. First thing after breakfast and chores, we would don our snow pants, hats and mittens and rush outside. My sister and I did our best to stay away from our brothers—they enjoyed bombarding us with snowballs a bit too much—and would peacefully build a snowman in the front yard. The snow had to be just right: packing snow, not powdered. After we had finished our masterpiece, we would relax in the snow, staring first at the glints of light reflecting off the untouched snow, then at the three lumps of snow stacked on top of one another. It had always puzzled me how the snowballs stuck together.

This question was once again brought to my attention a few years ago when my family and I attempted to make a snowman from powdered snow. Needless to say, our endeavor failed. But why? Why did packing snow hold together and powdered snow didn’t?

It amazed me how each snowflake, though it is unique, was able to “work together” to form a snowball. Each individual snowflake, though microscopic and seemingly unnecessary, sticks with other snowflakes for a purpose. It then struck me how similar Christians are to snowflakes. We are each as unique and individual as a snowflake, but we can all work together for a purpose.

1 Corinthians 12:12 reads, “The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ.” (Emphasis added) The body has many unique parts to it. My leg can’t write like my hand, but my hand can’t support my weight. My stomach can’t do algebra like my brain, but neither can my brain digest food. Yet all of these elements work together wonderfully.  Paul tells us that just as different parts of our body perform different functions, we as individuals form and complete certain tasks in the body of Christ.

Sometimes I find myself forgetting this element. I compare myself to someone else, find myself inadequate, and think I’m worthless to the body of Christ. As we continue in 1 Corinthians verses 14-20, I can sympathize with the foot and the ear: “Now the body is not made up of one part but of many. If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be.If they were all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but one body.” (Emphasis added) I was made for a purpose, and God arranged me into the body of Christ right where He wanted me. He picked a spot, just for me, where I can glorify Him the most. And just as He has done this for me, He has also done the same for you.

Another aspect of comparison is finding ourselves better than others. Paul shows us why this is wrong in verses 21-27: “The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don’t need you!” On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.” Did you catch that? Even though we may be a “stronger” Christian than someone else doesn’t mean they’re not important. God considers the weaker person as indispensable; essential to the function of the body. I’m sure we all know someone who is like the abdominal appendix: we still aren’t sure of its function. We may not see why God has put someone in the spot He’s chosen for them, or even why they’re a part of the body at all. But that’s not for us to decide. We must simply trust Him and accept them for who they are. If we don’t, it causes division in the body.

To recap 1 Corinthians 12:12, 14-27:

1. Like snowflakes and parts of the body, we each are unique

2. Like snowflakes and parts of the body, we are able to work to together for a designed purpose

3. We shouldn’t compare ourselves to others to find ourselves better or worse than others.

4. Comparing ourselves to others causes division in the body of Christ

1 Peter 3:8-9 reads, “Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.” (Emphasis added) Peter calls all of us to bear with one another in love, to be humble and like-minded. This may be difficult at first, but Peter tells us that we were called to this purpose; we were chosen to accomplish this goal.

Imagine all the glory that can be brought to God by cooperating with one another, loving one another, being compassionate and accepting each individual person for who they are. In a country where this behavior is extremely unusual, it is easy to picture what a tremendous difference a few small changes can make.

Stand bold for Christ!

~Lindy A.

The United States Bill of Rights was ratified by congress in 1789. It continues to stand today as a roadmap to the freedoms that we enjoy as American citizens. Those rights which are most essential to our liberated state of existence such as freedom of religion, of speech, and of racial equality are clearly preserved in the Bill of Rights. Protecting this guide and the things that are contained within it is crucial in our struggle to remain an unoppressed and united nation. The greatest challenge associated with this goal is that as we uphold the laws which are laid out within the Bill of Rights, and accuse those who seek to destroy them, we must always remember that as equal citizens of the United States, they must be guaranteed the very same rights that we are striving to protect.

The decisions that we must make according to how we will defend ourselves against ensuing tyrannies are often clouded by unavoidable, preconceived, religious or moral biases. Although we may not desire legislation that legalizes abortion, or promotes Marxist philosophies concerning the redistribution of wealth, we can’t expect to silence advocates of these ideas simply due to our moral inclinations. We must always hold our adversaries’ freedom of speech in equal standing with our own; otherwise, we are just as guilty of destroying America’s legacy of equal opportunity as they are. Not to say that we shouldn’t stand boldly for what we believe, on the contrary, we must strive never to compromise what we know to be true. We must not resort to undignified tactics such as bullying or unjustly removing other’s methods of press or communication. Every view should be given equal opportunity for consideration as our forefathers originally intended when securing our first amendment rights.

This pursuit of equality is proving to be a truly challenging feat in today’s society. The balance of defending our freedoms as we exercise them is a delicate one. In our culture’s current state of media overload, we receive tidbits of information from an unfathomable number of sources every day. Seemingly antique methods of information dissemination, such as daily newspapers, are quickly being overshadowed by the cutting edge, lighting fast techniques of the present. Online news sites and the more personal blogosphere are quickly becoming the standard. Although television networks greatly broadened the array of sources from which news could be gathered, the internet has completely transformed personal and media communication. The internet provides an open forum to anyone, anywhere that wishes to voice their inner thoughts or public opinions. It seems that as events progress, citizens are more readily open to a personalized, average joe, approach to media.

Recent polls show that the people’s level of trust for “mainstream” media organizations is at an all time low. Talk radio is generally regarded as being dominated by hosts with conservative bias, whereas television news usually consists of a set of liberally biased anchors. When consuming media on the web, one can easily personalize their approach, selecting portals that provide information from viewpoints similar to their own. It was proposed in the recent Cybersecurity Act of 2009 that congress would provide the president with a startling level of control over internet traffic, perhaps giving him the option of “killing” all internet activity in case of an undefined “cyber emergency”. This idea was met with intense opposition by much of the tech savvy community such as those in silicon valley. A similarly grave idea was proposed by the FCC’s Chief Diversity Officer, Mark Lloyd. He suggested that extremely large taxes, possibly equal to one hundred percent of their operating budget, be extracted from private radio providers in order to fund public radio alternatives. Actions like these by our government, whether they appear large or small, can easily pose a dangerous threat to our basic freedoms. We should be quick to question what agenda truly lies beneath proposals like these. Would a universal internet “kill switch” truly provide heightened cyber security, or would regulated radio broadcasts truly promote diversity? Mark Lloyd, himself, has praised Hugo Chavez for realizing the importance of utilizing media in his socialist revolution of Venezuela. He claims to be promoting media “diversity”, yet he embraces examples of when media was used as a mode for propaganda to be distributed to the general population in pursuit of promoting a certain political ideology. Perhaps some media regulation or guidelines are beneficial for the prevention of technical issues or reasons of public decency, but I urge you to be weary of a government’s motives for regulating mainstream media resources. Although modern media outlets are hugely beneficial to our general communication, they do have the potential to gradually lead people towards believing a certain view, or to be used as a means of spreading political propaganda. For these reasons agenda driven activists are likely to view them as useful assets.

As we are careful to ensure that a particular group’s message isn’t silenced, merely by not imposing upon their freedom of speech, we mustn’t allow another group’s view to be quietly pushed into the shadows. This is surely a daunting task, and as humans we are guaranteed to fail once, perhaps numerous times, but our Bill of Rights constantly guarantees us the freedom to attempt to succeed. We don’t need additional government regulation to “aid” us in this pursuit. We simply need to realize the responsibility that we have to promote appropriate “media diversity” as equal members of a free and just nation. The government has done its job in securing our right to stand and allowing others to stand with or against us. Surely “we the people” can now stand for our beliefs, relying solely on our own strength which has been provided to us by our wonderful Creator.

Stand BOLD ~ Mike Vance

The truth for Genesis – Genesis 1:1, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth”

Just about anyone in America today is familiar with Charles Darwin and the theory of evolution.  Darwin’s theory has taken over modern science and is widely viewed as fact, instead of theory.

What are evolution’s answers for creation?

• What created the earth – ?????
• What was created – particles, molecules, “primordial soup”
• How was it created – the Big Bang
• When was it created – billions of years ago
• How long did it take – no one knows

First, let’s examine how the earth was created.  According to Dictionary.com, “[The Big Bang is] a theory that deduces a cataclysmic birth of the universe (big bang) from the observed expansion of the universe, cosmic background radiation, abundance of the elements, and the laws of physics.”

In other words, “[The Big Bang] represents the instantaneous suspension of physical laws, the sudden abrupt flash of lawlessness that allowed something to come out of nothing.  It represents a true miracle…” Paul Davies, The Edge of Infinity, 1995

No matter where you look or what you read, the basis of evolution is the expansion or growth of some particular substance or form.  However, where that form or substance came from, even if it is only an atom, has yet to be explained.  The basis then, for evolution appears to be unknown.

“The mystery of the beginning of all things is insoluble by us; and I for one must be content to remain an agnostic.” Charles Darwin

“It is only fair to say that we still have a theory without a beginning.” Joseph Silk, The Big Bang, 2002, p. xv

What are the Bible’s answers for creation?

• Who created the earth – God
• What was created – all things
• How was it created – by His power
• When was it created – in the beginning
• How long did it take – 6 literal days

Exodus 20:11, “For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it.”

Psalm 33:6&9,”By the word of the LORD were the heavens made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth.” “For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm.”

Hebrews 11:3, “By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.”

Putting the views of evolution and creationism aside, what are the possibilities for Earth’s creation?

1. The universe created itself

• Can something create itself?
• Can nothing bring something?
• Ex Nihilo, Nihil Fit (Latin): Nothing comes from nothing

2. The universe has always existed

• 2^nd Law of Thermodynamics

The Second Law of Thermodynamics is one of three Laws of Thermodynamics. The term “thermodynamics” comes from two root words: “thermo,” meaning heat, and “dynamic,” meaning power. Thus, the Laws of Thermodynamics are the Laws of “Heat Power.” As far as we can tell, these Laws are absolute. All things in the observable universe are affected by and obey the Laws of Thermodynamics.

The Second Law of Thermodynamics is commonly known as the Law of Increased Entropy. While quantity remains the same (First Law), the quality of matter/energy deteriorates gradually over time. How so? Usable energy is inevitably used for productivity, growth and repair. In the process, usable energy is converted into unusable energy. Thus, usable energy is irretrievably lost in the form of unusable energy.[i]

So what does this mean for the Earth?  In order for the Earth to have always existed, it would have been much, much larger than it is now.  Why is that a problem?  “The higher temperatures on Earth, which are determined in part by its distance from the sun, allow water to stay in liquid form. If Earth were closer to the sun, however, the oceans would boil away. If it were farther away, the oceans would freeze.”[ii]

3. The universe was created

• Colossians 1:16, “For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him.”

If we look past the unknown beginning of evolution and move on to the origin of life, where does that bring us?

Evolution’s definition – life evolved by natural processes.  About 4.6 billion years ago the earth formed.  Chemicals formed in the “primordial soup.” Chemicals bonded together to form molecules.  Molecules bonded together to make a living cell.  Sounds simple, right?  There is one small problem.  Some of you may be familiar with the Miller Experiment.

In the experiment, Miller was attempting to illustrate how life’s building blocks (amino acids) could have formed by natural processes.

Miller assumed that the early earth’s atmosphere was very different from today. He based his starting chemical mixture on the assumption that the early earth had a reducing atmosphere (an atmosphere that contains no free oxygen). Why did Miller and many other evolutionists assume there was no free oxygen in Earth’s early atmosphere? …it is well known that biological molecules (specifically amino acid bonds) are destroyed in the presence of oxygen, making it impossible for life to evolve.

Therefore, in order to avoid this problem, evolutionists propose that Earth’s first atmosphere did not contain any freestanding oxygen.

If we were to grant the evolutionists’ assumption of no oxygen in the original atmosphere, another fatal problem arises. Since the ozone is made of oxygen, it would not exist; and the ultraviolet rays from the sun would destroy any biological molecules.[iii]

To put it simply, In the presence of oxygen, life cannot start.  However, oxygen has to be present to sustain life.

For more information regarding the origin of life, I encourage you to read the article at the following website: http://www.answersingenesis.org/articles/wow/can-natural-processes-explain#fnList_1_2

If evolution is unable to explain the origin of matter and energy through naturalistic means, then it is without a foundation.  Why should we accept evolution when it cannot produce the evidence?

Going back to the quote by Paul Davies, “[The Big Bang] represent the instantaneous suspension of physical laws, the sudden abrupt flash of lawlessness that allowed something to come out of nothing.  It represents a true miracle…”  But you see, miracles require a supernatural force and evolution does not provide for a miracle maker.  Evolution is a blind faith.

Romans 1:18-23, “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.”

If you rule out the truth, you have to accept anything in its place.  Do not be like the fools who thought so highly of themselves.  We are born foolish people with foolish hearts.  God gave us the Holy Spirit and His Word to guide us in the way of righteousness.  Seek the God of truth, a God of wonders who created the galaxies.

Revelation 22:13, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.”

For Such a Time as This,
Krista

*Portions of this article were taken from Four Power Questions to ask Evolutionists by Mike Riddle, produced by Answers in Genesis.

For more information regarding creation, visit www.answersingenesis.org