Creation vs Evolution

January 3, 2022 ~ servantone1

JESUS SPEAKING

“Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning ‘made them male and female,’and said, ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate.” (Matthew 19: 4 – 6.)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

In this scripture Jesus references the creation account; or the six literal days God used to create the entire Universe, including mankind. He says ‘at the beginning,’ prior to quoting Genesis 5: 2 and Genesis 2: 4. When read in context, these two old testament passages establish a timeline for creation; which according to Jesus Christ, does not include millions or billions of years of geology and evolution. Instead, the universe is quite young; approximately 6,000 to 10,000 years old. In the beginning God created everything in its proper place; the stars, the earth, the mountains, the sea, the vegetation and the animals; a glorious feat of divine engineering. And yet despite Christ’s clear indication that the Earth is young, Satan continues to use schools, universities, and popular culture to deceive the masses. But simple common sense and the preponderance of scientific evidence clearly supports the creation account.

The theory of evolution was created in the absence of knowledge. In the 1800’s, most people believed that living things arose from none living things quite regularly. For example, mold would begin to grow on a cup of blueberries left out to long; which supported the concept of ‘spontaneous generation’: a theory which claims that organisms can arise from nonliving materials, such as rocks and water. This myth is the central tenant of an evolutionary world view; more specifically, that life arose on its own from nonliving elements in some ancient primordial ocean. However, in 1859 a man named Louis Pasteur conducted an experiment that annihilated this faulty premise. He was able to prove that mold and maggots came from living micro-organisms, and did not grow spontaneously. From that moment until today, the scientific principle of ‘biogenesis’ was established; a biological law which dictates that living things can only arise from other living things, by means of reproduction. In short, nothing living can come from anything nonliving. Additionally, throughout the entire course of human history, no scientist has ever witnessed a living organism arise from an inanimate (nonliving) object.

Although the entire underlying premise of evolution has been thoroughly debunked, humanity refuses to let go of this lie. Many poor souls have even fallen away from the faith because they’ve accepted evolution as factual, thus necessitating the rejection of the creation account. And yet Jesus Christ Himself references God’s creation of the Earth as described in Genesis (over the course of six literal days.) Adam an Eve weren’t figurative or allegorical; they were real people. Everything that exists is the work of God; created by Him and for Him. May we grab hold of God’s Holy Word and reject the lies promoted by faithless people; choosing rather, to accept the historical accounts recorded in the bible. May we place our full trust and confidence in God alone.

“Lord Heavenly Father, we know that you are righteous and true. Your words never change. Purify our hearts and give us the strength to remain faithful, even as so many are turning away and accepting destructive lies. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit, and protect us from the enemy, that we might, through Your scriptures, enlighten those who are seeking the truth. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ name. Amen.” God bless all of you!

Making Amends

December 27, 2021 ~ servantone1

JESUS SPEAKING

“Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and you remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift” (Matthew 5: 23-24.)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

No one can have an intimate relationship with God in a vacuum. Human beings exist within complex social structures; communities comprised of family, friends, neighbors, acquaintances, and even complete strangers. Our relationship with others is a reflection of our relationship with God. When we sin against our neighbor, we also sin against the Lord. If we lie, slander, and despise another person, we have lied, slandered, and hated our own creator. In the first century, many devout Jewish families traveled long distances to reach the temple in Jerusalem, where they would sacrifice an animal to atone for their sins. Having received forgiveness, they were restored to a right relationship with God. Similarly, Jesus has taught us that we are to approach those we have harmed, and ask for their forgiveness; making restitution whenever possible. In so doing we will draw closer to the Lord. Even today, this commandment, known as ‘making amends,’ remains an essential Christian doctrine.

When I came to California many years ago, I began working a 12-step program; a system designed to help me overcome a terrible drug addiction. The creators of the first six steps were Christians; a gathering of believers known as the Oxford Group. As a result, the steps were heavily influenced by the teachings found in the book of James, the Sermon on the Mount, and 1 Corinthians, verse 13. After becoming a Christian, I discovered that Christ’s command concerning amends likely inspired the founders to create the 8^th and 9^th steps. The eighth step reads, “Made a list of all persons we had harmed and became willing to make amends to them all.” The ninth step reads, “Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.” From 2005 until today, I’ve continued making amends to those I’ve harmed. I’ve made restitution and paid off every delinquent debt; I’ve also asked for forgiveness from those who were affected by my sins. With every apology I’ve grown closer to the Lord.

Today, in order to move forward with God, you might consider delving into your past; making a thorough examination of your previous mistakes. If you’ve stolen from anyone, pay them back; if you’ve lied, and your lies have caused hardship, return to them and speak the truth. If you have mistreated others and created resentments, you must humble yourself and request forgiveness. We’ve all sinned; but what we do with those sins will determine whether we grow closer to the Lord or remain at a distance. The choice is ours to make.

“Lord Heavenly Father, bring to our remembrance the names of those we have harmed; may we approach them and make restitution. Give us the courage, the strength, and the humility to ask for forgiveness; that we might be reconciled to those who resent us. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.” God bless all of you!

Who Can Be Trusted

December 20, 2021 ~ servantone1

JESUS SPEAKING

“But because I tell the truth, you do not believe me. Which of you convicts me of sin? And if I tell the truth, why do you not believe me?” (John 8: 46-46.)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

No human being can live a completely sinless life. Jesus however, being the Son of God, never once indulged in iniquity. He was so confident of His own moral perfection, that He publicly challenged any willing soul to accuse Him of sin. In turn, His enemies watched and waited; hoping He would make some grave error. Despite their critical observations and endless scrutiny, He spoke plainly and publicly. And yet no one could find Him guilty of any sin. In fact, during His trial, Pontius Pilate said of Jesus, “I find no fault in this man.” Still He was crucified. Those who are truly wise understand that trusting an individual who is sinless, is far better than trusting one who is not.

Throughout history there have been many self-proclaimed prophets; men asking others to trust them, who were themselves, untrustworthy. Unlike Jesus, none of these deceptive individuals ever dared place their own personal lives under public scrutiny. For example, Joseph Smith (false prophet and founder of the Mormon faith) claimed to be God’s chosen messenger. However, he lived a life of deviant debauchery; deceptively marrying other women before telling his first wife Emma. He also engaged in wife swapping; secretly marrying other men’s wives. He even went so far as to marry both a mother and her daughter (an offense deserving of the death penalty, according to God’s law.) Unlike Jesus who invited others to scrutinize His life, Joseph Smith fought to keep his hidden sins from being revealed. After being kicked out Missouri, he and his followers migrated to the town of Nauvoo Illinois. The local newspaper began printing articles about his many wives and inappropriate indiscretions. In June of 1844, fearing he would be exposed, Joseph ordered his followers to destroy the town’s printing press. After breaking into the newspaper office, they dragged the machine into the street; smashing it with sludge hammers. Smith was then arrested for this crime and later died in jail.

Unlike Joseph Smith, or any of the other false prophets, Jesus Christ had nothing to hide. His life was without sin. He never once lied, exploited anyone, or abused His position of authority to indulge in selfish pleasures. Instead He served others, loved others, and delivered the word of God to all those who were willing to listen. Only Jesus Christ can be trusted; only our Messiah is worthy of praise and honor. Won’t you put your faith and trust in Him today? If you obey Him and follow Him, He will lead you into eternal life. In Him you will know true freedom, and you will experience a ‘peace that surpasses all understanding.’

“Lord Heavenly Father, we praise You and we thank You for Your Son. We recognize that He is eternally sinless and completely trustworthy. Help us to submit to His leadership; that He might be at the center of our lives. May we become more like Him every day, and may we place all of our trust in Him. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You; and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.” God bless all of you!