Last week, we looked at the Truth Project DVD Lesson 5 which addresses the issue of "Science: What is True?" I just love the statements of assurance in Psalm 19:1, the Heavens display His handiwork so that the Creator's invisible attributes are plainly seen. When you go outside at night, step away from the outdoor lights and look up into the heavens. What a magnificent sight you will encounter! During last week's lesson, Dr. Tackett revealed that two early scientists claimed to have counted the stars, concluding that there were a little over 1,000 stars. The most recent efforts to count the stars using modern technology has arrived at a total of 70 sextillion stars...and counting.
The science discussion also considers the similarity within the genetic code of humans and the genetic code of apes. It also considers the possibility that the human genetic code was a result of random variation of genetic codes. Dr. Tackett shared this analogy to address the possibility of a random combination of genetic codes coming together to create the human genome. Consider the Shakespeare quote, "To be or not to be. That is the question." The probability that the human genome is a result of random variation is the same probablity that a group of Scrabble letters mixed in a bag and dumped on a table would fall out spelling the Shakespearean quote perfectly. I don't think it could have happened randomly. There simply MUST be a MASTER ARCHITECT that put the human model into being. Another example that I read in the book loaned to me by Roland Herriage. In this book, the authors address the scientific claim that the DNA make-up of a human and the DNA make-up of an ape are 97% consistent. The authors say, "OK, consider this statement: There are many scientists today who question the evolutionary paradigm and its atheistic philosophical implications." Then, consider this next statement that also has a 97% similarity to the first statement, but actually has the total opposite meaning: There are NOT many scientists today who question the evolutionary paradigm and its atheistic philosophical implications." Obviously, a high degree of similarity among basic components does not guarantee organisms that are alike. Based on the analogy above, the organism could be 97% similiar in genetic make-up and still be a totally different organism.
While many of the debates and arguments advanced by scientists regarding the origin of the earth and how man was created are way over my head, analogies like the two above help me to be convinced without a shadow of a doubt that there is a Creator who used His awesome voice to create both the heavens and the earth and man. I hope you will join us in two weeks, when we will continue this discussion of the worldview of science and its implications for Christians.
REMINDER: This Sunday (Easter Sunday), there will be NO SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS. Next week, April 15, we will have Sunday School class, but we will forego the continued study of science and the Christian Worldview in order to hear a speaker from Compassion International. On April 22, we will return to our normal video lesson and discussion of science and the worldview of scientists.
Friday, April 6, 2012
Sunday, March 18, 2012
REMINDER--SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS LUNCH
REMINDER FOR NEXT WEEK, MARCH 25, 2012
PLEASE PLAN TO BRING YOUR FAMILY AND JOIN US AFTER CHURCH NEXT SUNDAY MORNING AT THE PLAYGROUND AT COLLEGE HILLS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL!
WE INVITE YOU TO GO BY YOUR FAVORITE FAST FOOD PLACE AND BRING LUNCH FOR YOUR FAMILY OR BRING A PICNIC LUNCH THAT YOU PREPARE FOR YOUR FAMILY AND JOIN US AT THE PICNIC TABLES NEAR THE PLAYGROUND. THE KIDS WILL HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO PLAY ON THE PLAYGROUND AND THE ADULTS WILL BE ABLE TO FELLOWSHIP, ENJOY LUNCH, AND CHASE THE KIDS. WE HAD A GREAT TIME TOGETHER LAST YEAR WHEN WE MET AT THIS LOCATION. I HOPE YOU WILL ALL MAKE PLANS TO JOIN US AFTER CHURCH THIS COMING SUNDAY. SEE YOU AT THE PLAYGROUND!
PLEASE PLAN TO BRING YOUR FAMILY AND JOIN US AFTER CHURCH NEXT SUNDAY MORNING AT THE PLAYGROUND AT COLLEGE HILLS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL!
WE INVITE YOU TO GO BY YOUR FAVORITE FAST FOOD PLACE AND BRING LUNCH FOR YOUR FAMILY OR BRING A PICNIC LUNCH THAT YOU PREPARE FOR YOUR FAMILY AND JOIN US AT THE PICNIC TABLES NEAR THE PLAYGROUND. THE KIDS WILL HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO PLAY ON THE PLAYGROUND AND THE ADULTS WILL BE ABLE TO FELLOWSHIP, ENJOY LUNCH, AND CHASE THE KIDS. WE HAD A GREAT TIME TOGETHER LAST YEAR WHEN WE MET AT THIS LOCATION. I HOPE YOU WILL ALL MAKE PLANS TO JOIN US AFTER CHURCH THIS COMING SUNDAY. SEE YOU AT THE PLAYGROUND!
Monday, March 12, 2012
Lesson Four Part 1--Who is God?--March 11, 2012
Apparently, the beginning of Spring Break, the initiation of Daylight Savings Time, and torrential rainfall all combined to significantly impact our Sunday School attendance this week! We had only eight people in attendance. If you were one of those who was not in attendance, here is an overview of what you missed.
Our new, big screen TV was delivered and we used it for the first time. We also had a different lectern stand with a sign warning that it belonged to another Sunday School teacher. I asked Randy to be sure it was supposed to be in our classroom....I don't want to get whipped by a Sunday School Teacher who is missing his own personal lectern. :)
We watched the first half of "Who is God?" As Dr. Tackett suggested, what question could possibly be of greater significance than this one? Actually, it should be the first lesson on this series. However, because of the questions and debate prevelant in our culture, Dr. Tackett led us through the questions of What is Truth, Philosophy and Ethics, and Who is Man before arriving at this all-important question. It was interesting to listen to the interviews in the program as people attempted to answer this question, "Who is God?" It became very clear that some people actually do not know the answer. A companion question that carries equal importance was discussed,
"What is eternity?" God's people should have a different answer for these questions than those in our culture who do not claim the status of a child of God.
Because of the large number of our class that missed this first part of the lesson and the fact that it will be two weeks before we return to this lesson, we will start the DVD a little earlier in the program in order to review and catch up. Hope you all enjoy a great spring break with your families and we will look forward to seeing you back in Sunday School next week. Next week, we are looking forward to having the Waysons, Missionaries to China in our class to share an update on their work in China. Remember,we are planning breakfast during class. Please bring a breakfast dish or pastry to share with other members of the class. The church will provide coffee and water.
Our new, big screen TV was delivered and we used it for the first time. We also had a different lectern stand with a sign warning that it belonged to another Sunday School teacher. I asked Randy to be sure it was supposed to be in our classroom....I don't want to get whipped by a Sunday School Teacher who is missing his own personal lectern. :)
We watched the first half of "Who is God?" As Dr. Tackett suggested, what question could possibly be of greater significance than this one? Actually, it should be the first lesson on this series. However, because of the questions and debate prevelant in our culture, Dr. Tackett led us through the questions of What is Truth, Philosophy and Ethics, and Who is Man before arriving at this all-important question. It was interesting to listen to the interviews in the program as people attempted to answer this question, "Who is God?" It became very clear that some people actually do not know the answer. A companion question that carries equal importance was discussed,
"What is eternity?" God's people should have a different answer for these questions than those in our culture who do not claim the status of a child of God.
Because of the large number of our class that missed this first part of the lesson and the fact that it will be two weeks before we return to this lesson, we will start the DVD a little earlier in the program in order to review and catch up. Hope you all enjoy a great spring break with your families and we will look forward to seeing you back in Sunday School next week. Next week, we are looking forward to having the Waysons, Missionaries to China in our class to share an update on their work in China. Remember,we are planning breakfast during class. Please bring a breakfast dish or pastry to share with other members of the class. The church will provide coffee and water.
Friday, March 9, 2012
Daylight Savings Time AND Class Events
Just a reminder--This Sunday, March 11 marks the end of Daylight Savings Time. Be sure to "Spring Forward" one hour before you go to bed Saturday night.
On Sunday, March 18, we are expecting the Waysons, Central Baptist Missionaries to China, in our Sunday School Class. They will be giving us an update and sharing from their experiences as missionaries in China. Let's do breakfast that day! As usual, we will ask our members to bring a breakfast dish or bread or pastry or donuts or whatever....and we will see if the church will provide coffee, water, and juice.
We would like to have an "After Church" luncheon on Sunday, March 25. On that date, just bring lunch for your family and join us at College Hills Elementary School Playground. It is a great place for the kids to play together and the adults can fellowship and enjoy visiting with each other. We did this once last year and it turned out to be a great class activity. Please invite any of our in-service members if you have an opportunity to talk with them.
Jimmy
On Sunday, March 18, we are expecting the Waysons, Central Baptist Missionaries to China, in our Sunday School Class. They will be giving us an update and sharing from their experiences as missionaries in China. Let's do breakfast that day! As usual, we will ask our members to bring a breakfast dish or bread or pastry or donuts or whatever....and we will see if the church will provide coffee, water, and juice.
We would like to have an "After Church" luncheon on Sunday, March 25. On that date, just bring lunch for your family and join us at College Hills Elementary School Playground. It is a great place for the kids to play together and the adults can fellowship and enjoy visiting with each other. We did this once last year and it turned out to be a great class activity. Please invite any of our in-service members if you have an opportunity to talk with them.
Jimmy
Sunday, March 4, 2012
March 4 Lesson 3--Who is Man? Part Two
In today's lesson and discussion, we considered the second half of The Truth Project Lesson # 3 on Anthropology: "Who is Man?" Going hand in hand with this question is another important question: "What is Evil?" We learned from Dr. Tackett's presentation that Man is both a spirit and flesh being and that Man was created innocent, but soon succumbed to the temptation of sin and consequently became a fallen being, in danger of the punishment of eternal separation from God in hell if he were to die in the fallen state. Fortunately for us all, God saw fit to provide another opportunity for fallen man, that of redemption through faith in Jesus Christ.
In our discussion today, we talked about the blame culture in which we all live. We considered the pervasive influence of commonly accepted educational and pedagogical principles such as Maslow's Heirarchy of Needs. Without any clinical evidence of validity, we have all been subject to the teachings and the beliefs of this critical psychological construct. Indeed, it continues to govern modern educational theory even today and, to my surprise, I found out from our discussion in class today, that it is also a dominant theory in nursing.
Even though many of the scientists and leading thinkers of our society have concluded that man is inherently "good" and that there is no evidence to suggest that man is inherently evil, we saw a two minute summary of events happening around the world which would refute the argument that man is inherently "good." We concluded that the Christian worldview easily shows the depravity of man and the fact that man is indeed a fallen spiritual and flesh being. We are indeed a fallen being and we are indeed in need of redemption.
Next week, we will begin Part I of the next topic: "Who is God?"
On March 18, we will be hosting the Waysons, Central Baptist Missionaries to China, for a update on their work in China. I know you will all join me in looking forward to welcoming the Waysons back to our class. I always enjoy hearing about the successes and challenges of our missionaries who have given so much.
See you all next week.
In our discussion today, we talked about the blame culture in which we all live. We considered the pervasive influence of commonly accepted educational and pedagogical principles such as Maslow's Heirarchy of Needs. Without any clinical evidence of validity, we have all been subject to the teachings and the beliefs of this critical psychological construct. Indeed, it continues to govern modern educational theory even today and, to my surprise, I found out from our discussion in class today, that it is also a dominant theory in nursing.
Even though many of the scientists and leading thinkers of our society have concluded that man is inherently "good" and that there is no evidence to suggest that man is inherently evil, we saw a two minute summary of events happening around the world which would refute the argument that man is inherently "good." We concluded that the Christian worldview easily shows the depravity of man and the fact that man is indeed a fallen spiritual and flesh being. We are indeed a fallen being and we are indeed in need of redemption.
Next week, we will begin Part I of the next topic: "Who is God?"
On March 18, we will be hosting the Waysons, Central Baptist Missionaries to China, for a update on their work in China. I know you will all join me in looking forward to welcoming the Waysons back to our class. I always enjoy hearing about the successes and challenges of our missionaries who have given so much.
See you all next week.
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Lesson Three Part 1--Anthropology--Who is Man?
Several class members have mentioned to me that they have felt so personally challenged and individually convicted by the messages of our most recent Sunday School lessons. That is exactly why we decided to review The Truth Project for a second time. This material is so meaningful and so timely that Christians cannot help but grow in Christ when they prayerfully and thoughtfully engage in the discussions led by Dr. Tackett and contemplate personally the questions and challenges of the material. My prayer is that we are all growing and developing a Christian Worldview that will sustain us in times of frustration, challenge, and fear. I believe that this Truth Project Curriculum provides some of the best Christian foundation material that I have ever encountered. I trust that our entire class feels equally challenged and equipped by the discussions, interviews, scripture references, and examples shared in our weekly lessons.
In today's lesson, we began considering the questions, "Who is Man?" and "Who is God?" The answers to these questions have a direct bearing on the answers to the question, "What is evil?" While defining "evil" may not be an easy thing, most of us feel that we know it when we see it in our world--and God knows we see it on a regular basis. For those who think that humans are basically good and that EVERYTHING exists within the black box of the cosmos, evil is just part of the stuff in the box. It is what it is. But for those of us with a Christian Worldview as taught by the Bible, we recognize that Man is both a body and spirit being and that Man is fallen as a result of sin. We understand that Man is in need of redemption, having fallen from his original state of innocence.
Popular thinking asserts that "self-actualization" is the key to happiness and fulfillment." Yet, this thinking is not consistent with the teaching of Scripture. The Bible affirms man's need for divine grace, redemption, and regeneration. Christianity views evil as the product of the Cosmic Battle that rages within man--the conflict between humanity as it was meant to be and what it has actually become as a result of sin.
Dr. Tackett also identifed what he called the "pernicious lie" in today's discussion:
"man must throw off the restraints of superimposed social conventions and institutions (i.e., any kind of moral standard) and pursue "self-fulfillment" to the fullest extent." Self-fulfillment and the call to follow your own heart are inconsistent with a Christian worldview.
I hope you will join us again next week as we continue to discuss this interesting topic.
In today's lesson, we began considering the questions, "Who is Man?" and "Who is God?" The answers to these questions have a direct bearing on the answers to the question, "What is evil?" While defining "evil" may not be an easy thing, most of us feel that we know it when we see it in our world--and God knows we see it on a regular basis. For those who think that humans are basically good and that EVERYTHING exists within the black box of the cosmos, evil is just part of the stuff in the box. It is what it is. But for those of us with a Christian Worldview as taught by the Bible, we recognize that Man is both a body and spirit being and that Man is fallen as a result of sin. We understand that Man is in need of redemption, having fallen from his original state of innocence.
Popular thinking asserts that "self-actualization" is the key to happiness and fulfillment." Yet, this thinking is not consistent with the teaching of Scripture. The Bible affirms man's need for divine grace, redemption, and regeneration. Christianity views evil as the product of the Cosmic Battle that rages within man--the conflict between humanity as it was meant to be and what it has actually become as a result of sin.
Dr. Tackett also identifed what he called the "pernicious lie" in today's discussion:
"man must throw off the restraints of superimposed social conventions and institutions (i.e., any kind of moral standard) and pursue "self-fulfillment" to the fullest extent." Self-fulfillment and the call to follow your own heart are inconsistent with a Christian worldview.
I hope you will join us again next week as we continue to discuss this interesting topic.
Sunday, February 12, 2012
NEW CLASSROOM NEXT WEEK--February 19
Next week, we will begin meeting in our new classroom. We will be in the same general location with our classroom being on the south end of the classroom pods rather that the north end as it is now. See you then.
Jimmy
Jimmy
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