Theology Lesson: Sufficiency of Scriptures

I recommend everyone buy and read Wayne Grudem's Systematic Theology. I don't agree with all his conclusions, but it is a theology text that encourages worship and personal reflection. Very interesting and helpful material. The writing below comes from it. This is a topic very near and dear to my heart. Take time to read and think about below.

We can define the sufficiency of Scripture as follows: The sufficiency of Scripture means that Scripture contained all the words of God he intended his people to have at each stage of redemptive history, and that it now contains everything we need God to tell us for salvation, for trusting him perfectly, and for obeying him perfectly.
This definition emphasizes that it is in Scripture alone that we are to search for God’s words to us. It also reminds us that God considers what he has told us in the Bible to be enough for us, and that we should rejoice in the great revelation that he has given us and be content with it.
Significant scriptural support and explanation of this doctrine is found in Paul’s words to Timothy, “from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings which are able to instruct you for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus” (2 Tim. 3:15). The context shows that “sacred writings” here means the written words of Scripture (2 Tim. 3:16). This is an indication that the words of God which we have in Scripture are all the words of God we need in order to be saved: these words are able to make us wise “for salvation.” This is confirmed by other passages that talk about the words of Scripture as the means God uses to bring us to salvation (James 1:18; 1 Peter 1:23).
Other passages indicate that the Bible is sufficient to equip us for living the Christian life. Once again Paul writes to Timothy, “All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work” (2 Tim. 3:16–17).
Here Paul indicates that one purpose for which God caused Scripture to be written is to train us that we might be “equipped for every good work.” If there is any “good work” that God wants a Christian to do, this passage indicates that God has made provision in his Word for training the Christian in it. Thus, there is no “good work” that God wants us to do other than those that are taught somewhere in Scripture: it can equip us for every good work.
A similar teaching is found in Psalm 119: “Blessed are those whose way is blameless who walk in the law of the Lord!” (v. 1). This verse shows an equivalence between being “blameless” and “walking in the law of the Lord”: those who are blameless are those who walk in the law of the Lord. Here again is an indication that all that God requires of us is recorded in his written Word: simply to do all that the Bible commands us is to be blameless in God’s sight.
To be morally perfect in God’s sight, then, what must we do in addition to what God commands us in Scripture? Nothing! Nothing at all! If we simply keep the words of Scripture we will be “blameless” and we will be doing “every good work” that God expects of us.

So do you think that God's word is enough for us? I do!

Have a good weekend, Pastor Phillip

Politics And The Pulpit?

I was researching why it is that I have been told and taught throughout my life not to mention politics from the pulpit. I want to preach whatever ever is needed and crucial to the church. I think I should have the is right to do this without government interference after all the first amendment reads

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.”

This says the state should not establish or interfere with churches. We have the right to air our grievances. But, that has been taken away. It is always bothered me. The freedom of speech protects Klan members, pornographers, but not preachers from teaching their members how to be informed on the issues that matter most to an election? Jesus was a very political man. He fought against the incumbent and establishment Jews, he criticized their capital the temple, their worship, and all this was both religious and political. Well below is a commentary from World Net Daily. It is a great news site. Tell, me what do you think? Should preachers continue to silent on some of the salient issues of today? Should preachers respect the “Johnson Amendment” or should their churches voluntarily give up their not-for-profit tax exemptions? What do you say?

The American War of Independence has been characterized as one inspired in the pulpits of the colonies."No king but King Jesus," was one of the slogans of those who fought the British soldiers, leading to the creation of a new independent state and the greatest explosion of freedom the world has ever known.

Because our founders believed churches were essential to maintaining the kind of Christian culture necessary for a free society in America, houses of worship were free of taxation and regulation by government. (This is fundamental tenant of Baptist theology as well.)

Pastors, priests and rabbis were free to say what they wanted to say about politics and the issues of the day through the early history of our nation – in fact, right up until 1954.That year, Sen. Lyndon B. Johnson, D-Texas, was facing opposition in his re-election bid from Christians and anti-communists, some of whom were speaking their minds freely from the pulpits.

Johnson, a powerful figure in the Senate who would later become John F. Kennedy's vice president and succeed him following the assassination in 1963, had a solution for his own political predicament – to muzzle churches and clergy with federal regulations. Through what became known as "the Johnson Amendment," the U.S. Congress changed the Internal Revenue Service code, prohibiting non-profits, including churches, from endorsing or opposing political candidates.

It should have been seen as a clear infringement of the First Amendment back in 1954, but it wasn't. And this most regrettable action has haunted America ever since. Recently, Wiley Drake, pastor of the First Southern Baptist Church of Buena Park, Calif., was notified by the IRS he is under investigation for endorsing Mike Huckabee's candidacy for president. His crime? Using church letterhead and a church radio show for speaking his mind.

Now his church is threatened with losing its tax-exempt status as a result. Whether you agree with Wiley Drake or not, he and his church have every right to take a position on who should be our next president without risking the church's tax status. Under the First Amendment, Congress has no power to tax churches. Period. End of story. Under the First Amendment, Congress has no power to stifle freedom of speech.

Ever since 1954, the government has unevenly applied its illegitimate oversight of churches – winking as some pastors turn their churches over to political candidates to make stump speeches, while warning others it is inappropriate.There is only one real solution – repeal the Johnson Amendment.

Just as we learned that repealing the Fairness Doctrine in 1987 resulted in an explosion of lively political debate in the broadcast industry, so will the repeal of the Johnson Amendment result in an explosion of political debate in the pulpits.

And what's wrong with that?

Why should pastors be muzzled? Don't they have an obligation to speak out on the great moral and political issues of the day, just as they did when they inspired the War of Independence? Don't members of the clergy deserve at least the same freedom of speech as other individuals in our society? Shouldn't churches be encouraged to be the salt and light in our society just as they were during the first 180 years of our nation's history?

Over the last 50 years, America's churches have been controlled and intimidated by these hideous IRS regulations. They've been neutered. I blame the clergy for so timidly falling in line with the illegitimate government restrictions as much as I blame the government.

But it's time to recognize the Johnson Amendment was an abuse of the system by a powerful politician who had no respect for the Constitution, for religious freedom and for freedom of speech. Johnson himself, as president, used the illegitimate Fairness Doctrine to target broadcasters who criticized him.

He was a petty tyrant, and we need not live under the dark cloud of suppression he created back in 1954.

Let Barack Obama speak in the churches. Let Hillary Clinton speak in the churches. Let John McCain speak in the churches. Let Mike Huckabee speak in the churches. Free pastors to say what they want, when they want.

It's no threat to freedom. It is an example of freedom.

Mulling over Acts 4:19-20 But Peter and John answered them, "Whether it's right in the sight of God for us to listen to you rather than to God, you decide; (20) for we are unable to stop speaking about what we have seen and heard."

Pastor Phillip

More On Christians and Their Money

Are you broke or are you stupid? This a big question.
If you are either or both and or nether, you need to go over and check this post at Perry Noble's blog.

Pastor Phillip

A Christian And The Economy

But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare. Jeremiah 29:7

In the above verse Jeremiah is speaking to God’s people who have been punished, defeated, and sent to live in Exile in the land of the Babylonians. Read my post below this one about Exile to get and idea of what was exile was. But, Babylon was a land of false idols, sensuality, and seduction, for the Israelites. Jeremiah told the people to seek what is best for this city. Don’t hate it and speak bad against it, don’t love it too much and forget God. But, seek what is good for the welfare of all who live their.

So, what does nation’s current economic downturn have to with the plight of Israelites in 586 b.c.? A lot, you see we as Christians living here on earth, trusting in the sacrificial death of Jesus, seeking to lead lives that are pleasing to God, and sharing God’s love with the world, all the while knowing that one day we will go to heaven to be with the Lord. Also, we suffer some of the same temptations of the Israelites. Some of love all that world has to offer way to much. We love money, popularity, you name we love it! Others of us resign themselves to simply say “I’m going to heaven I don’t care what goes on here.” Both wrong in opposite directions.

But, we as believers should be seeking the good of world, and particularly the nation that we live in. This means we should desire a good economy for out country. A good economy means that people have jobs and can work. Paul asked the Thessalonians to work with their hands so that they “will not be dependent upon anyone” (1 Thessalonians 4:12).Paul then told the Colossians “Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men (Colossians 3:23).” So, work and jobs are good, because when there is no work laziness and idleness sets in, both bad things. Pro 19:15 says “Laziness induces deep sleep, and a lazy person will go hungry.” Then Pro 12:11 “Hard work means prosperity; only fools idle away their time.” I was told “idle hands are Satan’s tools”

So what do we do?

First, we must “Remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth (Deuteronomy 8:18).” Our nation’s ability to prosper comes the gracious hand of God and not simply our own efforts.

Second, don’t poor mouth. We as Christians believe that “The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it (1 Corinthians 10:26).” Also we trust the words of the Psalmist who says “Psa 37:25 I have been young and now I am old, yet I have not seen the righteous abandoned or his children begging bread.” When we poor mouth we are saying to anyone who hears us, that our God can’t provide.

Third, seek to be an example of having your financial affairs in order. Proverbs 21:20 says “In the house of the wise are stores of choice food and oil, but a foolish man devours all he has.” Quit blowing money, save, put back and be an example. Show a lost world that you are like Paul who said “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all things through him who gives me strength. (Philippians 4:11-13)

Fourth, don’t stop giving. The temptation for many Christians will be hold on to their money, and stop giving to God. But you must remember the words of Proverbs 11:24-25 “One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.” Paul told the Ephesians as the last words he said to them when he was leaving for Jerusalem “And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive." (Acts 20:35).” There is no greater way of increasing faith and showing tangibly to God how much you trust Him to provide and meet all your needs.

Fifth (probably should be first), you must pray, pray, pray. We have national leaders who are making amazing huge and important decisions that need guidance and wisdom. We can begin to understand all the complex issues that involved in these decisions and these men and women need the direction of the All-Wise God. Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke, and our congress all need our prayers. Remember 1 Timothy 2:1-4 First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, (2) for kings and all those who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. (3) This is good, and it pleases God our Savior, (4) who wants everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. A stable economy aids in having a quit and tranquil life that frees us from monetary stress to enable us to aid God in seeing all people saved. That is an interesting connection between prayer for leaders and salvation in 1 Tim 2:1-4.

So, what does our economic future hold? I don’t know, God does, God is good, God is wise, and God will carry us through this. Turn to God during these times and pray for your own finances, our churches finances, and for our nation.

Trusting In A Sovereign God, Phillip

Studying Ezekiel

In my yearly Bible Reading plan, Rebecca and I read the OT once and the NT and Psalms twice. I have been reading Ezekiel for the last few weeks. and we have been in the Prophets for the last few months and many of them speak to the people in exile. That is after Babylon conquered Jerusalem and Judah in 586 bc, they were uprooted from their home and deported to live in Babylon. I found this quote and think it is worth your mulling over as it pertains to you and I living as exiles in this world away from our home in heaven.

Tamara Eskenazi expresses it thus: Exile. It is not simply being homeless. Rather, it is knowing that you do have a home, but that your home has been taken over by enemies. Exile.It is not being with out roots. On the contrary, it is having deep roots which have now been plucked up, and there you are, with roots dangling, writhing in pain, exposed to a cold and jeering world, longing to be restored to native and nurturing soil. Exile is knowing precisely where you belong, but knowing that you can’t go back, not yet.(Currents in Mission and Theology, 1990, 18)

Remember and think on this verse Php 3:20 "but our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ." And pray over 1Pe 2:11 "Dear friends, I urge you as aliens and temporary residents to abstain from fleshly desires that war against you."
What does all this mean to Christians?
What does this mean to non-Christians?
What does this say of our coming future?
What are your thoughts?

Looking Forward To Getting Home To Be With Jesus, Pastor Phillip

Finally A Bible I WIll Not Be Buying!

I found this advertised in Christianity Today yesterday. I hear St. Al Gore appears in this version here!

The definitive green movement Bible that shows God is "green" and helps us see how we can care for and protect God's creation. The Green Bible equips and encourages you to see God's vision for creation and helps you engage in the work of healing and sustaining it. With over 1,000 references to the earth in the Bible, compared to 490 references to heaven and 530 references to love, the Bible carries a powerful message for the earth. This Green-Letter edition of the Bible highlights scriptures in green ink that teach about God's care for creation and how God interacts with creation, in an effort to bring greater awareness to how this message is woven throughout the Old and New Testaments. Essays from leading conservationists and theologians on how to read the Bible through a "green lens" as well as a green topical index and Green Bible Trail Guide for personal study will be paired with teachings throughout the ages to show people how caring for God's creation is not only a calling, but a lifestyle.

Features include:

• Green-Letter Edition - verses that speak to God's care for creation will be highlighted in green ink
• Inspirational poems from St. Francis of Assisi and Wendell Berry
• Essays from key leaders and thinkers on various aspects of scripture and its mandate for creation care
• Quotes from Christian teachings throughout the ages from St. Augustine to C.S. Lewis
• A green topical index
• Green Bible Trail study guide
• Appendix to include information on ways to get involved and practical steps to take
• Printed on recycled paper, using soy-based ink, with a cotton/linen cover

Southern Baptist leader Richard Land: "Sure it's important, but when they asked Jesus what was most important, he said, 'Love your God, and love your neighbor as yourself.' He didn't say anything about creation." I agree with Richard! Anybody plan on buying this? What are your thoughts?

Got To Go Hug A Tree, Pastor Phillip

Look At The Little Children That Are Murdered...

This Came From The Stand To Reason Blog

GE, which developed the 4D ultrasound imaging technology, has a website of images that follow the timeline of the unborn's development from six weeks to birth. It's a fantastic window into the womb to see the human being, bring to life the formerly unseen, at stake in abortion. These pictures are worth 1000 words, but use the words as well to explain the value of these children.

Click Here To See These Amazing Images


Amazing beautiful little lives, Phillip

Got To Love Moms

This is really funny. Moms are the best! Phillip

God's Anger In Psalm 78

I love Psalm 78. I just finished reading it in the NLT Study Bible. I love this Bible, very helpful notes. The translation takes some time getting used to, but the notes are just what you want. They explain the scripture, fairly, evenly, and thoroughly. They also add in what they call theme notes. These are extended notes, that look at a theme in one section of Scripture, but then place it in the lager context of Scripture. I like Biblical theology, and these short concise segments are awesome additions to a study Bible. Here is great note on God's anger as seen in Psalm 78.

The psalmists understood Israel’s exodus from Egypt as an object lesson about God’s anger (78:18-64). God expressed his anger against the Egyptians while sparing his people (78:49-50). But Israel became the object of his wrath during the wilderness journey, when the people provoked the Lord to anger through their rebelliousness (78:31; 106:29, 32; see Rom 2:5). God took an oath that that rebellious generation would not enter his place of rest (95:8-11), and they died in the wilderness. But he restrained his wrath (78:38) and did not destroy Israel as it deserved.

The Lord is just and righteous in his judgment (7:11); he is patient and slow to anger (86:15; 103:8; 145:8). The wicked have stirred up God’s wrath and deserve his judgment (see 2:5, 12; 21:9; 56:7; 59:13; 69:24; 79:6; see also Rom 1:18). The purpose of his wrath is to remove evildoers and extend his kingdom. Evil must come to an end, and the wicked must perish for the godly to inherit the earth (Ps 37).

God’s people experience his wrath when they sin. The experience, though painful, is brief in comparison to their joy in God’s mercy and goodness (30:5). He will not be angry forever (103:9). God’s wrath brings death (106:23), but his forgiveness and mercy restore his people (see 85:2-7).

God is love, and he loves people with justice and holiness. In love for us, he poured out his anger on Jesus Christ (Rom 3:25; 5:9). Jesus received the full brunt of God’s wrath so that he could atone for our sins and reconcile us to God. He saves his people (1 Jn 2:2) and rules from heaven at God’s right hand (Heb 2:17). Jesus is now the agent of God’s wrath against the wicked (2:5-9; 110:5-7; Eph 5:6; Rev 6:15-17; 11:18; 19:11-16).

Have a great weekend, read your Bibles. Pastor Phillip

Funny!

Check This Story Out. This man passed gas on a police officer and was changed with "battery of an officer." If Rebecca finds out about this story, there is a good chance she may press changes on me of spousal abuse!

Pastor Phillip

Imagine No Religion And Become A Fool!

Imagine there’s no heaven It’s easy if you try No hell below us Above us only sky Imagine all the people Living for today.… Imagine there’s no countries It isn’t hard to do Nothing to kill or die for And no religion too Imagine all the people Living life in peace.… You may say I’m a dreamer But I’m not the only one I hope someday you’ll join us And the world will be as one….

John Lennon wrote this hippie garbage and I ignorantly sung it when I was in high school. But, this stuff is wrong, bad theology, and not worth much. Our friends over ar FFRF.Org think this is a Lennon's world is a great world? They believe that

The history of Western civilization shows us that most social and moral progress has been brought about by persons free from religions.

This sounds nice until you look at the facts? Atheism kills! In the name of creating a version of a religion-free utopia, Adolf Hitler, Joseph Stalin, and Mao Zedong collectively these atheist tyrants murdered more than 100 million people? Sure, we had the Crusades, the Inquisition, and the Salem Witch trials. The most-cited atrocities are either overblown or misrepresented. We don’t actually know how many people died in the crusades, record keeping not great. You can find estimates of 1 million to 9 million. This number is both Christians and Muslims. But, these was not a solely religious fight, the Christians were fighting to reclaim land that was stolen from by the invading Muslim hordes. They were very much nationalistic and political. But, they were overboard and are not a bright spot in Christian History. The Inquisition claimed 2,000 to 10,000 lives over three and a half centuries. The Salem witch trials produced fewer than 25 executions. So, there is more at stake than numbers. But, with no objective criteria or right and wrong atheism degenerates into “might make right”. Check out some great resources here Stand To Reason. Remember what Ps 14:1 says "A Fool Says In Heart There Is No God"

Glad God's Grace Has Kept Me From Being A Fool, Pastor Phillip

The Forgotten Tenth...

Do not covet your neighbor's house. Do not covet your neighbor's wife, his male or female slave, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.
Ex 20:17

This morning I started reading "True Spirituality" by Francis Schaeffer. I bought his complete works a while back and enjoy his writing, but it requires full mental engagement. Rather deep stuff, but good for a dumb guy life to think. My usually thoughts are about food, my good looking wife, and how tough my son is. But, anyway he made the point about the importance and the power of the 10th commandment. I got to be honest of all the "Big Ten" I forget about the 10th commandment not to covet the most. It is the only internal command; all the others are external in nature. He argues that we break it before we break any of the other.

This comes back to contentedness. When we are not content with God, we find a new to God to worship and we break number #1. When we are not content to worship God in Spirit and in truth (Jn 4:24), we make image and statues of the appearance of the God we want, and we break #2. When we are not content with situation we can curse God, or we pray selfish materialistic prayers in "Jesus Name" and we take the Lord's name in vain and break #3. When we are not content with six days wages and fail to honor the Sabbath and work instead of rest and worship, we break #4. When we become mad that God did not give us the parents (like those of our friends) we wanted or we fail to love and serve them because it takes too much time on our part, we break the 5th. We kill and break the 6th when we are not content to let God bring about justice and exact his vengeance. We commit adultery and break the 7th when are not content with the spouse God gave us. We break the 8th and steal, when we want and do not have and do not think God can provide what we need. We lie when we think that it is more advantageous for us and we are not content to tell the truth and break the 9th.

And so, we come back to the forgotten 10th. Ephesians 5:1-4 says "Therefore, be imitators of God, as dearly loved children. (2) And walk in love, as the Messiah also loved us and gave Himself for us, a sacrificial and fragrant offering to God. (3) But sexual immorality and any impurity or greed should not even be heard of among you, as is proper for saints. (4) And coarse and foolish talking or crude joking are not suitable, but rather giving thanks." Notice, Paul views giving thanks as the corrective to the above vices mentioned. We certainly believe Romans 8:28 "We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God." So if we believe that, then whatever we have, don't have, good, bad, ugly, God is using to help us be "conformed to the image of His son" (Rom 8:29). This means not coveting and being content is of the utmost importance to the Christian walk.

Listen to Scripture further...

But godliness with contentment is a great gain. (7) For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out. (8) But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with these. (9) But those who want to be rich fall into temptation, a trap, and many foolish and harmful desires, which plunge people into ruin and destruction. (10) For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, and by craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pains. (11) Now you, man of God, run from these things; but pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness. 1 Timothy 6:6-11

I don't say this out of need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. (12) I know both how to have a little, and I know how to have a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content--whether well-fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. (13) I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me.Philippians 4:11-13

Proverbs 30:8-9 Keep falsehood and deceitful words far from me. Give me neither poverty nor wealth; feed me with the food I need. (9) Otherwise, I might have too much and deny You, saying, "Who is the LORD?" or I might have nothing and steal, profaning the name of my God.

So, how can you be content today? What things do you need to stop coveting? The writer of Hebrews says in 13:5 Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." He links all our covetousness to us not appreciating, valuing, or caring about Jesus never leaving us of forsaking which is the precious promise of God in Scripture. What do you want more that God? If there is anything there, you can’t develop the deep relationship with God that He and hopefully you want. Remember Jeremiah 29:13 “You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.”

Seeking not to covet today, Pastor Phillip Howle

Getting Going...

Say a prayer for me! I can't get going. I had a busy weekend with a funeral, teaching, and a bike crash. But, it is Tuesday and it feels like 4 a.m. on a Monday Morning. I try not to complain on my blog, but say a prayer for me.

Paul asked the church at Ephesus to pray in Eph 6:19 "Pray also for me, that the message may be given to me when I open my mouth to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel."

Pray that I will be like Jeremiah who said in Jer 20:9 "If I say: I won't mention Him or speak any longer in His name, His message becomes a fire burning in my heart, shut up in my bones. I become tired of holding it in, and I cannot prevail"

Also, I am going to try and heed the words of Ephesians 5:14 "Get up, sleeper, and rise up from the dead, and the Messiah will shine on you."

Needing the awakening and illuminating light of Christ to shine on me this morning, Pastor Phillip

By the way the video below pretty much shows how I am feeling this morning!

Not Good For A Man To Be Alone

Then the LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is like him." Genesis 2:18

This verse speaks to me and is the beginning of next weeks sermon! Rebecca and Cason went to Greenwood yesterday and I stayed here in Edgefield. So, I got some work done and went Mountain biking. Well, after about 10 miles, I was zooming downhill at about 16 mph, when I came to an abrupt stop as I hit a tree. Don't ask what happened, because if I knew, I would have not hit the tree! My wrist hurts, my shoulder does not feel great, but my bike is really jacked up. Both rims are way out of true and I and the bike will need a tune up before I can ride again. Thank God for the nice man who picked me up and drove me the six miles back to the trail head as I was not looking forward to the long walk. So, not good for me to be alone!

Pastor Phillip

Book Of The Week V

The age of the earth and questions about dinosaurs are very common. There is a broad difference between 10,000 years and 14 Billion years. It is very common in some conservative circles to make the age of the earth a divisive issue. If some one believes in an old earth they are liberals and heretics, but this should not be the case. Plainly stated Moses and God are not concerned about telling when the earth was created, but they are very concerned with conveying copious amounts of information about whom that Creator is. I personally am open minded and critical of both positions and I am still seeking God's guidance on the matter.

So, in hopes of finding more information on the subject, I read and am rereading A Biblical Case for an Old Earth by David Snoke. Snoke spends some time with the scientific arguments for an old earth, which he summarizes quite well. These include arguments from starlight, from magnetic domains on the ocean floor, and from other phenomena on Earth showing the passage of time. He also spends some time showing how flood geology will not account for the geological layers we observe. I liked this book quite a bit, and it challenged many of my assumptions about creation, sin and death. The crux of his Biblical argument is that very good creation of Genesis contained both positive, helpful, parts, and dark, dangerous parts. He argues this by explaining the place of the "sea" and "sea monsters" in Hebrew biblical thought which is neglected by most and crucial to understanding Genesis.

He also deals very nicely with the "appearance of age" theory (that God created the earth with the appearance of age). He agress that God created Adam miraculously with a 30-year-old body. That would make sense because in order to exist, Adam had to exist at some stage of physical maturity. But, he argues that it does not seem plausible that God would create the universe with the appearance of huge numbers of specific prehistoric events, from supernovae down to the life and death of individual animals.

The best part of this book was that Snoke attempts to make a Biblical case. I am fairly ignorant when it comes to science, but competent when it comes to Scriptures. I found most of his exegesis refreshing and seemingly accurate. He is PCA and very conservative. He completely denies evolution, holds to a literal Adam & Eve. This is a worthwhile read, but it takes time to consume and digest his ideas, which are new to me. I appreciated the headache the book gave me, and the book gave me much food for thought.

Pastor Phillip