The Real Roots of the Emergent Church

October 6, 2012

Emergent/Emerging Church Roots

Of the over 250 posts on this blog, to my knowledge, I have put up only one other video of this length .

During the past couple of years, I have seen the growing popularity of many of the people mentioned in this documentary. Not unlike the days when the great Apostle Paul sat in a prison cell and “watched” the church attacked from within and without (2 Timothy), today we have so many assaults on the Word of God that it is difficult to keep up with them all. What I know is that these guys are dangerous. I have kept up with a few of them the past couple of years and their popularity is growing. Their teachings are accepted by many.  It is the reason I felt compelled to post this video.

These people and those like them remind me of the wolves mentioned in the following verses:

Matthew 7:15
“Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves.”

Matthew 10:16
“Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves.”

Luke 10:3
“Go; behold, I send you out as lambs in the midst of wolves.”

Acts 20:29
“I know that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock;”

It is very important to know the Word of God.

“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths.” – 2 Timothy 4:3-4

Chris Reimers


Exodus Now

October 1, 2012

This morning I checked my Facebook page and saw the first of these videos posted by Ellen Varhalla.  I accidentally stumbled on the second one.

Ellen Varhalla is running for Justice of the Peace in District 8 in Garland County in Arkansas.  I admire her for wanting to make my local area a better place to live.

I agree with everything that Bishop E.W. Jackson says here.  He will not be sold to the highest bidder.  I would be honored to attend this man’s church.

It doesn’t matter what color you are.  What matters is the truth.  Bishop Jackson speaks the truth.  I don’t know about you but my faith and politics can not be separated.

Psalm 33:12 says, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.”  Is it a wonder that we are in such trouble?  I will write it again.  How can God bless a nation that has turned its back on him?

Chris Reimers


IN HIS IMAGE

September 28, 2012

ENCODE Reveals Incredible Genome Complexity and Function

By Jeffrey Tomkins, Ph.D.

Both the evolutionist and creationist communities are abuzz with the latest results from 30 simultaneously published high-profile research papers, proclaiming that the human genome is irreducibly complex and intelligently designed.1 From an evolutionary perspective, this is yet another massive blow to the myth of “Junk DNA.” This evolutionary idea was exposed as a fraud from a scientific perspective in Jonathan Well’s recent book The Myth of Junk DNA.2

A large-scale international research effort, ENCODE (Encyclopedia of DNA Elements), began in 2003 as an expansion of the Human Genome project. The goal of ENCODE was to map and characterize the functionality of the entire human genome.

Before ENCODE, biologists understood that only a small fraction of the genome’s DNA actually codes for protein. They reasoned that the vast majority was therefore useless. But in the first round of ENCODE research results published in 2007, the authors in the lead paper reported that their “studies provide convincing evidence that the genome is pervasively transcribed, such that the majority of its bases can be found in primary transcripts, including non-protein-coding transcripts.”3 With all that DNA being transcribed (activated and copied into RNA), the cell must use it for something. In other words—it’s not junk after all.

The second phase of ENCODE has been no less spectacular in its discoveries. In the lead research paper, published in the journal Nature, the authors wrote, “These data enabled us to assign biochemical functions for 80% of the genome, in particular outside of the well-studied protein-coding regions.”1 In response to this discovery, Tom Gingeras, one of the senior scientists on the ENCODE project said, “Almost every nucleotide is associated with a function of some sort or another, and we now know where they are, what binds to them, what their associations are, and more.”4

And what about the remaining 20 percent of the genome—is it functional too? According to Ewan Birney, ENCODE’s lead analysis coordinator, it’s probably not meaningless junk either. Birney said in an interview, “It’s likely that 80 percent will go to 100 percent” and “We don’t really have any large chunks of redundant DNA. This metaphor of junk isn’t that useful.”4

Birney expects that many critics will argue about the 80 percent figure and the definition of what is “functional.” Birney added, “[That figure] best [conveys] the difference between a genome made mostly of dead wood and one that is alive with activity” and “No matter how you cut it, we’ve got to get used to the fact that there’s a lot more going on with the genome than we knew.”4

Some people will probably try to claim that these statements made by the scientists of ENCODE are merely hype. However, there is little to criticize since the 80 percent figure comes directly from a clearly written statement in an 18-page research paper in the prestigious secular journal Nature.1 Furthermore, this statement came from the lead paper of 30 other concurrently published ENCODE papers that were authored by hundreds of leading genomic scientists in multiple international laboratories worldwide.

While these startling comments about the newly discovered wonders of the human genome did not come from the mouths of creationists, they clearly demonstrate we are “fearfully and wonderfully made” by our Creator God who made us “in His image.”

References

  1. The ENCODE Project Consortium. 2012. An Integrated Encyclopedia of DNA Elements in the Human Genome. Nature. 489 (7414): 57-74.
  2. Wells, J. 2011. The Myth of Junk DNA. Seattle, WA: Discovery Institute Press.
  3. The ENCODE Project Consortium. 2007. Identification and Analysis of Functional Elements in 1% of the Human Genome by the ENCODE Pilot Project. Nature. 447 (7146): 779-816.
  4. Yong, E. ENCODE: the rough guide to the human genome. Discover Magazine. Posted on discovermagazine.com September 8, 2012.

* Dr. Tomkins is Research Associate at the Institute for Creation Research and received his Ph.D. in Genetics from Clemson University.

Article posted on September 24, 2012.

(Reposted from The Institute For Creation Research webpage here)


The Beginning of Signs

September 27, 2012

(Reposted from “Cracked Pot,” Manny’s new blog which focuses on word studies.)

This beginning of signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and manifested His glory; and His disciples believed in Him.  – John. 2:11.  (See John 2:1-10.)

Glory, doxa Strong’s #1391. Originally, an opinion or estimation in which one is held. Then the word came to mean the reputation, good standing, and esteem given to a person.

It progressed to honor or glory given to peoples, nations, and individuals. The New Testament doxa becomes splendor, radiance, and majesty centered in Jesus. Here doxa is the absolute perfection residing in Christ and evidenced by the miracles He performed.

As a sign, the miracle of turning water into wine was not meant to draw attention to itself; instead, it was intended to demonstrate the power and glory of Jesus.

All the miracles related by John testify to the deity of Christ.

In John the betrayal of Judas and Jesus’ arrest in Gethsemane further points out the deity of Jesus. Please read from verse one through 3 then: Jesus therefore knowing all things that would come upon Him, went forward and said to them, “Whom are you seeking?” They answered Him, Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus said to them, “I am He.” And Judas, who betrayed Him, also stood with them.  Now when He said to them, “I m He.” They drew back and fell to the ground.

In verse 5 the statement by the troops simply identified Jesus as  a Galilean. In verse six The “I am” statement reveals Jesus as God. This explains the impact on the troops, who are involuntarily smitten by this momentary unleashing of His inherent power as God.


YOM KIPPUR STARTS TODAY

September 25, 2012

Yom Kippur starts at sundown today for Jews in Arkansas.  All over the world, those from the 12 tribes of Jacob will be observing it.  It was on Yom Kippur in 1973 that Israel was attacked by a confederation of enemies.  God’s hand played a huge role in the survival of the little nation.  Yom Kippur, also known as Day of Atonement, is the holiest day of the year for the Jewish people.  If you want to know more, just google it.  Or you might want to look here.

CR


Ahmadinejad Wants Israel “Eliminated”

September 24, 2012

“Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on Monday disregarded a U.N. warning to  avoid incendiary rhetoric and declared ahead of the annual General Assembly session that Israel has no roots in the Middle East and would be ‘eliminated.'”

NOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I can’t wait to see what else this guy says at the meeting.  I’m also curious to hear the remarks of the new Egyptian leader.

CR

Read the story here.


Speak it and you will be it?

September 24, 2012

Ok…I’ve got to comment on Joel Osteen’s latest book.  It will sell like hotcakes.  I Declare: 31 Promises to Speak Over Your Life, has just “come out.”  It’s message is highly endorsed by Deepak Chopra, the New Age self-help guru.   Don’t believe it?  Look at this article.  I have seen an interview with Mr. Osteen.  I wish I could find it and if I do I will post it here.  He was trying to explain to two interviewers what he believes.  They seemed very confused and I don’t think they were believers.

Joel Osteen says, ““I don’t think there’s anything magic about (it).”  Then what would you call being God yourself?  A person can speak something into existence?  I thought only God could do that.  Mr. Osteen is very popular and I can see why.

I Timothy 6:6-11 says…

But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs. But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness.

Matthew 6:31-33

Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

Philippians 4:11-12

Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.

Chris Reimers


Bill Nye “The Science Guy” Wants You to Leave Your Kid’s Minds to “Scientists”

September 21, 2012

I received the following email today.  It is from a man whom I respect.  I first saw him years ago on the John Ankerberg Show.  He was a young man then and he and the late Dr. Walter Martin were debating folks who didn’t believe in the Trinity.  I thought he was brilliant for such a young guy.  What a surprise I got when I discovered the work he is now doing.  His name is E. Calvin Beisner, Ph.D., Founder and National Spokesman for The Cornwall Alliance for the Stewardship of Creation.

Dr. Beisner states in the email that public school curriculums will continue to get more secular and atheistic.

The scientists that Bill Nye supports are nothing like my favorite scientist, Dr. Robert V. Gentry.  Dr. Gentry’s greatest discovery is documented in his book Creation’s Tiny Mystery.  You can see a few comments I’ve written about Dr. Gentry, a picture of his book, and links to videos of him speaking here.  He is also featured in one of the best creationist videos that I’ve seen called The Young Age of the Earth.

I always knew Bill Nye’s views in spite of the enjoyment I got from some of the experiments he did with kids.  How did I know his views?  His show was on PBS.  Unless I’ve missed something, PBS would never share the information discovered by Dr. Gentry in a fair way.

The following is the email I received from Dr. Beisner.  It is edited only where funding is solicited.

Chris Reimers

————————————————————————

What’s the message from Bill Nye “The Science Guy” to parents? Forget about God’s instructions in Deuteronomy 6 to teach your children about Him and His works. Leave your kids’ minds to us scientists!

Recently  on CNN’s Newsroom the popular science teacher expressed frustration that the United States isn’t doing enough to fight global warming.

Nye  insists that “tens of thousands of scientists … are very concerned” about catastrophic, anthropogenic global warming (CAGW), while “a few people … are … drawing attention to the idea that uncertainty is the same as doubt.”

“We in the science education community chip away at this problem all the time,” Nye said.

Nye and his fellow alarmists have a lot of chipping to do.

One hopes he’s just unaware, not dishonestly concealing the fact, that  over 31,000 scientists have signed a petition [http://www.petitionproject.org/] saying, “There is no convincing scientific evidence that human release of carbon dioxide, methane, or other greenhouse gasses is causing or will, in the foreseeable future, cause catastrophic heating of the Earth’s atmosphere and disruption of the Earth’s
climate.”

Drawing what he calls a “disturbing” analogy between skepticism of CAGW and skepticism of evolution, Nye simply defines anyone who questions this view as benighted. “We have an enormous population of people in the United States who don’t believe in evolution, the fundamental idea in all of life science,” he said on Newsroom.

How defensible does Nye think that is? “It would be like saying I don’t believe in earthquakes or something.”

In a recent  YouTube video that went viral
[http://www.evolutionnews.org/2012/08/bill_nye_the_in_1063641.html], Nye equated
belief in evolution with scientific literacy:

I say to the grownups, if you want to deny evolution and live in your world that’s completely inconsistent with everything we observe in the universe, that’s fine. But don’t make your kids do it because we need them. We need scientifically literate voters and taxpayers for the future. …

“Because we need them”? Who are “we,” and what gives them the right to demand control of our children’s minds?

Ironically,  in 2011 Nye received the “In Praise of Reason” award
[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Nye] from the  Committee for Skeptical Inquiry
[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CSICOP], a program of the  Center for Inquiry
[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Center_for_Inquiry], which purports to be dedicated to
“promoting and defending science, reason, and free inquiry in all aspects of human
interest” (emphasis added).

If Nye has felt frustrated about convincing Americans of either CAGW or evolution, he should take heart. Help is on its way.

As we told you recently, the educational bureaucracies that dominate our public schools are in advanced stages of developing ” Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) that will indoctrinate students with a secular, atheistic worldview and belief in both evolution and CAGW.

That’s why the Cornwall Alliance is gearing up to prepare environmental stewardship curriculum for grades K–12—curriculum that will be firmly rooted in Biblical worldview, theology, and ethics, coupled with excellent science and economics, first for Christian schools, then for public and secular private schools.

NGSS’s flagship product,  A Framework for K–12 Science Education will expand and solidify the anti-Christian worldview already reigning in America’s public schools.

Let me give you just one example. The Bible clearly teaches that people are supposed to fill and rule the earth to enhance its fruitfulness, beauty, and safety—which implies that they can and should have an impact for good on the natural world.

But the NGSS says, “Human activities now cause land erosion and soil movement …[and] [a]ir and water pollution … with damaging effects on other species and on human health.” Well, yes, sometimes. But the standards never mention that we can also improve on nature, as the long-term rise in human life expectancy that started with the Industrial Revolution and continues even now demonstrates.

The assumption is clear: what people do is bad. A  draft of performance expectations
says, “Things that people do to live comfortably can affect the world around them. But they can make choices that reduce their impacts on the land, water, air, and other living things ….” If their impacts were good, why would they want to reduce them?

As  World magazine environment reporter Daniel James Devine reports “High school students will be taught that fossil and DNA discoveries support common ancestry, and that one species can evolve into two. Not only will they learn that human activities have increased ‘the frequency and intensity’ of natural hazards like ‘floods, droughts, forest fires, [and] landslides,’ they’ll study the ‘feasibility of geoengineering’ projects to slow global climate change.”

Rather than letting our children’s minds be taken captive by the world, we want to help them learn to “take every thought captive to obey Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5).

In Christ’s Joyous Service,

E. Calvin Beisner, Ph.D., Founder and National Spokesman

The Cornwall Alliance for the Stewardship of Creation

9302-C Old Keene Mill Rd., Burke, VA 22015 | 703-569-4653 |
[http://www.cornwallalliance.org] |  [http://www.inhisimage2012.org]


HAPPY NEW YEAR ISRAEL II

September 10, 2012

Two years ago, I put together a post entitled “HAPPY NEW YEAR ISRAEL.”  It hit my top ten posts last year and has done so again this year.  I guess I should probably update that post a bit.

In that first post,  I gave a brief history of what this time of year means to Israel.  Yom Kippur, the “Day of Atonement,” is perhaps the most important holiday of the Jewish year.

Second, I shared a few reasons why I didn’t think it was a very happy new year in Israel.

Third, I shared a little about the future of Israel.

I will not go back over what I covered in “HAPPY NEW YEAR ISRAEL.”  If it is not in “Top Posts” at the right, click on the four words preceding this sentence and you will see how I covered these three items two years ago.

“The custom on Rosh Hashanah is to tell everyone you see “L’shana Tova.” That means “have a good new year.” Rosh Hashanah begins at sunset on September 16, 2012 and lasts until nightfall on September 18, 2012. It is followed by the fast of Yom Kippur and the holiday of Sukkot. This entire period is called the ‘High Holiday’ season.”

So what are the headlines out of Israel in 2012 as Israel prepares to celebrate?

Hezbollah aiming 60-70 thousand rockets at Israel

Intelligence committee chairman: Israel doesn’t believe Obama and ‘neither do the Iranians’ 

Can Israel still surprise Iran?

Muslim Brotherhood official shuns Israelis at international conference

Peres Warns That ‘Time is Limited’ On Tackling Iran by Non-Military Means

Romney: ‘Iran is Greatest Threat’

Disappointing Israel, Clinton says US won’t set deadlines for Iran

The headlines of the last two days go on and on.  If you want to read any of these articles, just click on the one you would like to read.  I could have pasted 30 more.

At the end of “HAPPY NEW YEAR ISRAEL” I asked, “What will happen after the war that’s coming?”

“I’ll save my opinion on that for an upcoming post” was my response in 2010.  That “upcoming post” never appeared.

I now think that Israel will expand its territory after the coming war.  This, of course, doesn’t mean the end of the world’s problems.  I think the great tribulation of Matthew 24 will begin soon after the war.  What does “soon” mean?  You won’t pin me down on that one.  A day is like a thousand years and a thousand years is like a day in God’s timetable.

And what about America?

The Bible says that those who bless Israel will be blessed.

Are we blessing Israel?  I leave that question to you.

And while you ponder that question,  I will wish Israel “L’shana Tova.”

Chris Reimers


The Jesus Film

September 9, 2012

If you haven’t heard of the Jesus film, now you have.   It is a full 2-hour classic movie and is offered in 1,145 languages.  You can go HERE, see some of the many languages it’s shown and heard in, and scroll down and watch it in English.  It is particularly good for those who have never heard God’s Word or for those who need review (Don’t we all?)  These folks at The Jesus Film Project have taken the admonition to “Go into all the world” seriously.    They have done a great job. In many places around the world, this has been an introduction to the Gospel message.

Chris Reimers