Evolution and the Bible

Why, we may ask, is it necessary to see the evolution vs creation debate as significant? In fulfilling the Great Commission we are called upon to wake the world to the dangers that face them at the end of time. That these dangers are real and will affect every person in this "space and time continuum" is a matter of truth or it is ridiculous.

We believe the resurrection was a physically verifiable event - that it was historical and that it was witnessed by hundreds who testified what they had seen, in their day. We believe there was an historical event known as the great flood of Noah and that the only reason another has not occurred is that God is a keeper of his word, and he promised it would never happen again.

So what about evolution? Here are some of the implications, taken from Reformation21. The main point is perfectly valid. Who is the final authority for the Christian? The God of the Bible. And he talks of creation, not evolution. So what about the claim that we must give in to the assured results of the scientific community?

Two things: First: the scientific community, even among evolutionists is not united about the facts on which the theory rests (oops - sorry, I keep forgetting they like to call it a fact now!) Second: there is a well- researched alternative approach which fits the facts into a creation model. There are at least two website you ought to be familiar with if you take Rick Philips' post (above) seriously. The first is the popular language Answers in Genesis site and the second the more technically oriented Institute for Creation Research site.

Revival Churches

Here is a link to a valuable article, from the Banner of Truth website, which should stimulate discussion in your congregation. If its principles are put into practice - with prayer and exhortation - it may well be used by the Lord to bring revival and renewal to the Church.

The general thesis is that we need to have a Church structure that is capable of taking those who are saved by the preaching and establishing them in the Christian faith. What appeals to me is that the article seems to make sense of the roles which are spelled out in Paul's letter to the Ephesians as well as the gifts which the Spirit gives to the Churches. Everyone who is Christian should be involved in the work and each is able to do some part in what needs to be done.

Perhaps the weakest part of the presentation is that dealing with recognition of your own gift but, since it is only supposed to be a presentation of the principles as an encouragement to think through how the local Church applies them, that is not too great a flaw. I recommend this to be read, marked, discussed, inwardly digested and put into practice.