New Wine - dcs217's Blog - Bakersfield.com

GENESIS

How long has it been .... or have you ever read the account of Creation?

1) In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

2) The earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the waters.

3) Then God said, "Let there be light"; and there was light.

4) God saw that the light was good; and God separated the light from the darkness.

5) God called the light day, and the darkness He called night. And there was evening and there was morning, one day. (NAS)

........ These are the words from God that I read for the first time in 1991. After reading so many speculative theories about the beginnings of the "Big Bang" ; this God Talk struck me so powerfully - and somewhere deep in my spirit I "knew" that this was the truth of Creation by our magnificent and awesome God.

I kept reading through Genisis and after about a week of wrestling with God for the lordship of my soul I finally relented and repented and gave up the throne.

It was by far the best decision I have ever made. All else is virtually insignifigant by comparison.

And after I believed by faith, then the Lord showed Himself and proved Himself over and over.

We dont have to wonder - we can know for certain that the Lord, He is God!

Slaughter of the Dissidents: The Shocking Truth about Killing the Carreers of Darwin Doubters

Here is a book review and accompanying website, www.SlaughteroftheDissidents.com with well documented accounts of discrimination against "Darwin Doubters" in academia.

Book Review: Slaughter of the Dissidents

by Brian Thomas, M.S.*

Slaughter of the Dissidents: The Shocking Truth about Killing the Careers of Darwin Doubters
by Dr. Jerry Bergman
(Leafcutter Press, 2008, 477 pages)

If Ben Stein's 2008 documentary film Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed was the tip, then Dr. Jerry Bergman's Slaughter of the Dissidents is the rest of the iceberg. With clarity and thoroughness, Bergman provides detailed accounts of 17 of the over 300 scientists and educators he has interviewed, all of whom have advanced degrees. Though their views range from creation science to intelligent design to evolution, all of them expressed some doubt regarding neo-Darwinism, observing that selection of mutations is not creating life's diversity. And all of them have received some form of discrimination.

Dr. Bergman has observed that evolutionary elitists incorrectly lump all "Darwin Doubters" into one group, "creationists," who are then categorically ridiculed. Though highly qualified, these scientists and educators are verbally and physically threatened, lose privileges, lose opportunities for promotion, and lose jobs and whole careers, just for expressing some measure of doubt about the standard evolutionary story.

One example is Rodney LeVake, the only high school biology teacher in his Faribault, Minnesota, public school with a master's degree in biology, who was displaced in 1998 strictly for the inadequacies he noticed in evolution. His school administration required (only) him to write a "position paper," wherein LeVake noted that "life's complexity and the fossil record do not support the theory of macroevolution" (p. 217). Another biology teacher stated that evolution "is a fact like gravity, and a teacher who questions Darwinism is blatantly incompetent and should be fired" (p. 220). LeVake made it clear that he was "not interested in teaching creationism in biology class" (p. 219), but he was reassigned to teach chemistry. In June 2000, the Rice County District Court ruled that LeVake "has no constitutional right to teach his proposed criticisms of evolutionary theory, though they may be scientifically meritorious" (p. 221).

Dr. Bergman points out that if teachers were required to believe all that they teach, then history teachers would have to believe Marxism and Christianity when those subjects are covered, and religion teachers would have to believe all the different religions that they survey. Bergman quotes legal scholar Francis Beckwith's opinion that "since the court concedes that Mr. LeVake's reassignment was based on his beliefs, an act that is de facto unconstitutional, therefore, the Court should have ruled in his favor on these grounds" (pp. 223-224).

The purpose of Slaughter is to call us to "recognize that the pendulum has swung too far away from a reasonable center and against Christians." It is "a plea that readers and supporters will work to move the pendulum toward…accommodation of Darwin skeptics in line with the principles of a free and just society" (p. 15). Slaughter firmly verifies the theme of Expelled, that our rights to free speech are being taken away. When freedom of speech is revoked from one group, then the precedent is set to revoke it from others. Who knows what group will be targeted next for academic "slaughter," and who knows when the "slaughtering" will expand beyond academia? Slaughter calls us to do the work of defending the innocent now, before such a task grows monumental or even impossible.

With a total of 477 pages, Slaughter contains 386 pages that recount and analyze cases of discrimination, a useful index, and a 68-page bibliography. This first of three volumes has an accompanying website, Slaughterofthedissidents.com. The second volume will detail the means by which discrimination is carried out, and the third will focus specifically on cataloging censorship. Slaughter provides ample evidence that "Darwin fundamentalists," a phrase penned by Stephen J. Gould, are determined to punish others who do not agree with their beliefs.

Well-documented, well-referenced, and well-analyzed, Slaughter of the Dissidents presents a clarion wake-up call for those who are interested in freedom.

Is Evolution a Religion - Dr. Michael Ruse Thinks So

The Contrasting Religions of Creation and Evolution

by John D. Morris, Ph.D.*

The often-asked question "Do you believe in evolution?" expects the answer "Of course!" Don't only ignorant yokels have any doubt? But polls consistently reveal that a great majority of Americans do not believe in the evolution of all life forms from a common ancestor. Why isn't evolution something you can know for sure, not just something in which you can believe?

As always, it helps to define terms. First, evolution is the "descent from a common ancestor" model, the idea that all of life came from more primitive forms. Humankind came from an ape-like ancestor that came up through the mammals from an original rodent-like creature. All mammals came from early reptiles and amphibians, which all came from fish. And the fish came from some marine invertebrate like a snail or starfish, which had still earlier evolved from single-celled life.

Thus, a more revealing question might be "Do you believe your ancestors were fish, as evolution teaches?" Or, "Are you a mutated rodent-like creature?" Fewer people would be inclined to answer, "Yes!" Despite several generations now of aggressive evolution-only teaching in the public school classroom, most people just know that they didn't come from a fish or a rodent or a starfish. They can choose to believe they have an animal ancestry, but few do. It just isn't believable. Thankfully, it isn't the only alternative explanation for origins, and the other is not only more believable, it's more appealing.

Dr. Michael Ruse, perhaps the most eloquent spokesman for evolution today, has admitted:

Evolution is promoted by its practitioners as more than mere science. Evolution is promulgated as an ideology, a secular religion--a full-fledged alternative to Christianity, with meaning and morality. I am an ardent evolutionist and an ex-Christian, but I must admit that in this one complaint…the literalists are absolutely right. Evolution is a religion. This was true of evolution in the beginning, and it is true of evolution still today.¹

Christianity has its God and its revealed truth. It tells us our origins, who we are, where we came from, the meaning of life, and where we're going after we die. It tells us how to live and how to make life decisions along the way. Created in the image of God, we have great worth in His eyes, and great standing before Him as we appropriate His gift of redemption, a great destiny to perform on earth, and life with our loving and righteous Creator/Savior after death.

Evolution answers these same questions differently. We are and come from the universe's chemicals that have self-organized into unlikely forms over eons of time. Single-celled life transformed itself into higher forms until finally the human animal came along. As higher animals, we have incorporated animal behavior into societal norms and even "religious" beliefs. The only true meaning to life is survival and reproduction, and life's highest goal is to pass on one's genes more efficiently than others. After life, we simply cease to exist.

As Dr. Ruse explains, "Evolution is a religion," and not a science at all. It might be best understood as a worldview, a way of thinking and making sense of the world around us. Some, such as Eugenie Scott, have called this worldview "philosophical materialism," a religious claim of naturalism that holds that nature is all there is. There is no supernatural Being who has ever interfered with the natural order of things. Surely this is a religious claim regarding all of reality.

And surely it's not the only or the best such claim. As constitutional attorney Wendell Bird has pointed out: "Evolution is at least as religious as creation, and creation is at least as scientific as evolution." Creation is also more believable.

A Word From the Lord

Audrey posted an athiestic blog and all the scoffers and mockers chimed in ...... and I prayed to the Lord by faith to give me a word for them ....... and indeed He did.

I promise you that this is from the Lord and not me, as I probably would have railed with judgement, as I did the other night with the lake of fire, etc.

But this is what the Lord says:

"Remember this, fix it in mind, take it to heart you rebels.

Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me.

I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say: My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please."

Isaiah 46:8-10 NIV

"Drunk in the Spirit"

Have you heard the Christianeese terminology - "Drunk in the Spirit?" Although I don't really like it or use it, it certainly fits the bill. It probably comes mainly from the scripture, "Dont be drunk with wine, which leads to debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit." Eph. 5:18

And back on the day of Pentecost at the birth of the Church, when they were all speaking in tongues - others were mocking and said they are full of new wine.

But Peter said these men are not drunk as you suppose. "As you suppose" - They weren't drunk with alchohol, they were "drunk" with the Holy Spirit.

The comparisons are many : You are full of joy, you are fearless, you love everybody, you talk funny (tongues) and may even fall down, and you always want more.

You are under the influence of the Holy Spirit. But unlike being under the influence of alchohol, it is a good thing. It is a great thing. You become addicted and will want to experience it again and again.

Once you have been intoxicated with the presence and the love of Jesus then nothing else can satisfy.

John the baptist baptized with water for repentance, but Jesus is the one who baptizes us with the Holy Spirit and with fire. You may have to tarry to receive it, as on that original day, but to say it is worth the wait is such a huge understatement! You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be His witnesses everywhere you go, even on this blogsite.

Party on ....dcs

Be Continually Being Filled

by Henry Morris, Ph.D.

"For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb." (Luke 1:15)

This prophecy of the angel Gabriel, bearing as it does a tremendous testimony to the character of John the Baptist, contains the first reference in the New Testament to the unique Christian doctrine of the filling of the Holy Spirit. John was the first Christian witness, directing his own disciples to Christ (John 1:35-37) and clearly preaching the gospel of salvation through Christ alone (John 3:26-36). It is significant that he was filled with the Holy Spirit all his life. Jesus is also said to have been full of the Holy Spirit (Luke 4:1) and was undoubtedly so filled from the time of conception (Psalm 22:10), but the explicit statement is made only of John.

The fullness of the Spirit is available for every believer, of course. In the New Testament, both of John's parents were said to be so filled on a specific occasion (Luke 1:41, 67). The disciples of the Lord were filled with the Spirit many times (Acts 2:4; 4:31; 13:52). Peter was said to be filled with the Holy Spirit on at least one special occasion (Acts 4:8), and Paul at least twice (Acts 9:17; 13:9). One of the qualifications sought in the first deacons was that they were to be men full of the Holy Ghost (Acts 6:3), and one of those chosen, Stephen, was specifically so described (Acts 6:5; 7:55). Barnabas was another Spirit-filled Christian believer (Acts 11:24). Undoubtedly there were many others. In fact, every believer is commanded to be "filled with the Spirit" (Ephesians 5:18). The reference in this key passage is not to a one-time event, but to frequent fillings. "Be continually being filled" is the literal rendering. HMM

Here is the ICR daily devotional that inspired this blog :

"Of Fish and Men"

I've kept aquariums over the years and I have found that I like the fish that are mindful of me much more than the fish that are oblivious to me .... the one who created their little world and provides for all their needs.

My favorite fish is the Oscar. They are not only mindful of me but will splash loudly when I get up from my easy chair to remind me to get them a treat.

I will set up their tank just so and they will uproot plants and move rocks to make it the way they like it. They stay at the surface and I scratch their head - they crave attention. They are shy around strangers but they know their master.

Men are like fish..... Some are oblivious to their Creator. They think their little world is just the accidental result of a big explosion a long time ago.

.....But some are mindful and thankful to God for the air they breathe and the food they eat. They seek out a relationship with their Creator, and God delights in them.

(18) Behold the eye of the Lord is on those who fear Him - On those who hope for His lovingkindness,

(19) To deliver their soul from death - And to keep them alive in famine.

(20) Our soul waits for the Lord; He is our help and our shield.

(21) For our heart rejoices in Him - Because we trust in His holy name.

(22) Let your lovingkindness, O Lord, be upon us - According as we have hoped in you."

----- ----- -- Psalm 33: 18 - 22 (NAS) ---- --

Gear Down - Be Happy

I just finished riding the 35 mile Round Mountain Road loop. I've got a pretty good endorphine high going on right now.

I bought an Orbea road bike a few weeks ago and I've been riding it to work about three days a week and riding the bike path etc. - and feeling pretty strong. But when I came up Chine Grade last week I just couldn't keep up my cadence, even with a 39 - 27, which is as low as I can go without making some changes.

I used to breeze up in a 39- 17 back in the day - but now I'm fat and old. ) :

I looked into putting on a triple chainring up front but thats just to drastic and expensive. So I bought a mountain bike 11-34 cassette and rear derailier and slapped them on -- and now I feel like an athlete again. I'm going way slower up the mountain but it still feels good because my cadence is right.

So the moral of the story is, and I'm sure this is applicable to life as well as cycling -- Slow down and have fun!

Me Me Me Me Me Me

I am constantly thinking about myself.... How can I have the most fun today. What new parts can I buy for My bicycle. What do I need.

My friend needs help putting up her blinds -- but that will cut into My day. I should visit a friend that needs encouragement -- but it might make Me feel awkward.

I have a whole list of people I should pray for -- but it's so taxing for Me.

It's "natural" to be consumed with self. Our fallen nature wouldn't have it any other way.

But I recognize it - and I'm sick of it.

But to try to change in my own strength is impossible. I could make myself become more selfless - against my will -- but that would merely be "religious".

But God can change my heart if I seek Him.

We are defective, selfish people. But we can go back to the manufacturer. We're still under warranty. I need to spend time in His presence with no alterior motives. Just to be with Him is a character transforming process.

I need a heart circumcision. Cut away the crap. Cut away the Me. I want to seek His face. I KNOW the results will be amazing.

Adam, Adam, where are you????? Why do I hide from God. It's my nature. -- But I MUST come to Him. He is a good Daddy who loves His children. He longs for us and calls to us.

Here I am Father. Here I am.

The shortest chapter in the Bible. Psalm 117

I Love it. Just as the floodwaters prevailed over the earth - so His mercy has prevailed over sin !!!! His cleansing blood is availiable to WHOSOEVER will call upon the name of the Lord.

(1) "O praise the LORD, all ye nations: praise him, all ye people. (2) For his merciful kindness is GREAT toward us: and the truth of the Lord endureth for ever. Praise ye the LORD." (Psalm 117:1-2)

Psalm 117 is especially noteworthy for two reasons: first, it is the middle chapter of the Bible, and, secondly, it is the shortest chapter in the Bible, consisting of only the two verses cited above. Thus, it is significant and appropriate that its theme be that of universal and everlasting praise. The very purpose of human language is that God might communicate His word to us, and that we might respond in praise to Him.

The word "nations" in verse 1 refers specifically to Gentiles, while "people" seems to refer to all tribes of people. Two different Hebrew words for praise are used, so that the verse could be read: "Praise the LORD, all ye Gentile nations; extol him all ye peoples of every tribe." In any case, the sense of the exhortation is to urge everyone to praise His name.

The Hebrew word translated "merciful kindness" is also rendered as "loving kindness," or simply "mercy," or "kindness." Whichever is preferred, the significant point is that it has been great toward us. This word (Hebrew, gabar) is not the usual word for "great," but is a very strong word meaning to "triumph" or "prevail." An example of its use is in the story of the great Flood. "And the waters prevailed exceedingly upon the earth" (Genesis 7:19). In fact, it is used four times in this account of the "overwhelmingly mighty" waters of the Flood (Genesis 7:18-20, 24).

In other words, God's merciful kindness has prevailed over our sin and the awful judgment we deserve in a manner and degree analogous to the way in which the deluge waters prevailed over the ancient evil world.

God's mercy and truth are eternal, and this will be the great theme of our praise throughout all the ages to come. HMM

(from the Creation Research Institute)

Rahab the Prostitute

She made the hall of fame, or should I say the hall of faith...... the heroes of faith listed in Hebrews 11.

So what did this great-great..... grandmother of Jesus do to merit this? She hid the Israelite spies.

The king of Jericho knew the spies were in her house and he sent word to bring them out. But she hid them on the roof and said they already left. If she were caught it would be certain death. Why would she risk her life? Because of faith.

Here is what she said to the spies: "I know that the LORD has given you the land, and that the terror of you has fallen on us, and that all the inhabitants of the land have melted away before you.

"For we have heard of how the LORD dried up the water of the Red Sea before you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to the two kings of the Amorites who were beyond the Jordan, to Sihon and Og, whom you utterly desroyed.

"When we heard it, our hearts melted and no courage remained in any man any longer because of you; for the LORD your God, He is God in heaven above and earth beneath." (Josh. 2:9-11)

She knew that LORD was coming, and to be counted among His enemies was certain death.

So she changed sides. She knew that she had to side with the Lord no matter what the risk.

So she made the Israelites give their word that she and her houshold would be spared - and she hid them under the thatching on her roof. The spies told her to tie a scarlet cord in her window (she lived on the wall of Jericho) and gather her household in that room when they came back, and they would not be harmed.

When the Israelites came back the Lord Himself smashed down the walls of Jericho .....all except for one little section .... the room of Rahab the prostitute, and a true heroine of the faith. And she lived with the Israelites from that time on.

She made a decision for the Lord. Some of you need to do likewise. He's coming. He came as a helpless baby the first time - but He's coming back as the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords - and His name is called the Word of God - and out of His mouth comes a sharp sword to strike down the nations .............. In other words He's kickin' butt and takin' names, and He ain't takin' no prisoners. Make a decision for the Lord - you'll be so glad you did!