The Real Truth about the Flat Earth

David Rives has produced an excellent video refuting the Flat Earth Myth.  Astronomer Danny Faulkner (fmr. Univ. of SC Prof) speaks at the end.

I have met NASA engineers - were they part of some great conspiracy to hide the "fact" of the flat earth?  I think not.  Former NASA Administrator Charles  Bolden was on the same stage as Donald Chittick (The Puzzle of Ancient Man) at a presentation in Houston in the early 1990's.  Bolden is a professing Christian and would not support some great effort to distort the true info about the shape of the Earth!  James Irwin walked on the moon and was a Christian, not a deceiver.  Irwin even went looking for Noah's Ark on Mt. Ararat! 

It is He who sits above the circle of the earth... (Is. 40:22)

God is everywhere and the only shape that looks like a circle from every perspective (front/side/top) is a globe!  The Hebrew word in Isaiah 40:22 is khûg (חוּג) and can mean sphere.   Dominic Statham points out that "Various sixteenth century Latin Bibles indicate that medieval scholars understood khûg in Isaiah 40:22 to refer to the sphericity of the earth."  Ben Hobrink in his profound book Modern Science in the Bible reveals that, "The Hebrew word translated "circle" can also mean clod or lump, that is,  something spherical.  Old Dutch and German translations of the Bible (Statenvertaling and Luther Bible) have translated it this way." [1]

Suppose I wanted to prove the Moon was a big ball of rock.  First, find a point on the equator and "Go West, young man."  I will eventually come back to my starting point.  In a similar way I could start at the Lunar North Pole and start walking South.  Eventually, I will get back to the North Pole!  President Donald Trump could to the same thing with Air Force One and refuel in the air to prove that the earth is a sphere and not flat.  

YES- Young Earth Science is supported by history and science, the flat earth concept is not.  Even Aristotle (d. 323 BC) figured out that the earth is round.  Washington Irving (Rip Van Winkle) is the culprit who started the Flat Earth Myth in 1828 in his book on Columbus.

Note:

1) Modern Science in the Bible by Ben Hobrink (Howard Books, NYC, 2011), p. 117.  Originally pub. in Dutch by Uitgeverj Gideon in 2005.  

Hank Hanegraaff embraces Eastern Orthodoxy

I have heard Hank Hanegraaff speak twice in person and think his Scripture memory is commendable.  My earnest and urgent concern is over the Christian Research Institute's (CRI) trend towards Eastern Orthodoxy.  Walter Martin (d. 1989) founded CRI in 1960.  In Orthodoxy, salvation is based on rituals and there is no assurance at the time of death.  In contrast, the simple gospel is faith in Jesus and repentance of sin.  Paul says we can be sure, "since we have been justified through faith, we  have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" (Rom. 5:1).

Athanasius in his 39th Festal Letter (367 AD) contradicted Orthodoxy and supported Sola Scriptura:

These [OT & NT] are fountains of salvation, that they who thirst may be satisfied with the living words they contain. In these alone is proclaimed the doctrine of godliness. Let no man add to these, neither let him take ought from these. For concerning these the Lord put to shame the Sadducees, and said, ‘Ye do err, not knowing the Scriptures.’ And He reproved the Jews, saying, ‘Search the Scriptures, for these are they that testify of Me.’

In 2004 Hank wrote The Da Vinci Code: Fact or Fiction? with Paul Maier, a Lutheran!  Lutherans and the Orthodox do not agree on the gospel.  Hank worked for James Kennedy's Evangelism Explosion soon after his conversion.  James Kennedy (d. 2007) would not have supported Hank's becoming Greek Orthodox.  Furthermore, Ken Ham has some keen insights into Hank's biblical interpretation.

I have a great admiration for Walter Martin (Kingdom of the Cults) and used his work last year in my blog post on Roy Masters.  Dr. Martin would not endorse switching to Eastern Orthodoxy.    

In 1988 I went to Hollywood.  Just around the corner from the famous Chinese theater is an Orthodox church where I visited.  The church has a huge dome and who's pictured on that dome?  Mary.  We should not worship her (1 Jn. 5:21).

We named our son after Francis Schaeffer (d. 1984).  I've heard Frank Schaeffer when he was Eastern Orthodox a couple of times.  Frank went from Evangelical to Orthodox to Quasi-Atheist (Why I am an Atheist Who Believes in GOD).  Where will Hank go next?

Two attractions to become Orthodox is their apparent unity and long heritage. There are 16 Eastern Orthodox churches not in communion with others (Croatian, Bulgarian, Macedonian etc.).  Hank worked with James Kennedy in the 1980's.  The wide range of churches involved with Evangelism Explosion is clear testimony to the essential unity of evangelicals.  Born again believers who look to the Bible as their sole infallible authority have a long history.  I would recommend The Torch of the Testimony by John Kennedy.

In 2015, Robert Morey published Is Eastern Orthodoxy Christian?  Phil Johnson (Grace to You) has said, "This is a helpful and thought-provoking summary, showing how the beliefs and practices of Eastern Orthodoxy often depart from authentic biblical orthodoxy.  Dr. Morey explodes the fiction that true apostolic Christianity was preserved in the icons and mysticism of the Eastern Church."  According to one missionary to Russia, "This book is the most accurate and useful examination and refutation of Eastern Orthodoxy ever written."

Hard Questions for the Bible Answer Man by Jay Howard came out in 2009 and tackles a number of key topics:

• Was Hanegraaff really Walter Martin's handpicked-successor?

• Why does Hank make over $250,000 a year?

• Why did he fire so many key people after he took over in 1989?

• Why did CRI buy him a $66,000 Lexus sports car in 2004?

• Is his Personal Witness Training a plagiarism of Evangelism Explosion?

Who should replace Hank on the Bible Answer Man?  Let us know what you think =>  ned_oa_1657@yahoo.com

Evolution and Depression

In a prior post we dealt with the dark side of Darwin.

Evo Emo

evolution eliminates optimism

materialism killed mother-love

Darwin cheers when the black rabbit died

Evolution favors the power of “no”

Darwin shades the “tree of life” in darkness

Morbid self reflection is simply evolution inaction

Cosmic Evolution makes us all little people

Darwin-Love evolves into evil

Evolution brainwashing hurts the planet

my pet rock says “I believe in evolution”

Who's your Universal Common Ancestor?

Naturalism is not nice (no never)

Darwin has optimally extensive melancholy

extinction documentaries make my day

I just can’t go on ... Darwin is everywhere

Evolution is depressing, Earth is young

  - ice-j (3-20-17)

The characeter Rust Cohle, played by Matthew McConaughey, on the show True Detective really brings the miserable conclusion home: If evolution is true, then life has no purpose.

Then I applied myself to the understanding of wisdom, and also of madness and folly, but I learned that this, too, is a chasing after the wind.    For with much wisdom comes much sorrow; the more knowledge, the more grief. (Eccl. 1:17, 18)

Marriage is Good

Why get married?  What is the purpose of marriage?

Part of the plan of marriage is having kids.  When the Lord confirmed his covenant with Noah we read the following:

Then God blessed Noah and his sons, saying to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number and fill the earth. ... As for you, be fruitful and increase in number; multiply on the earth and increase upon it" (Gen. 9:1,7). 

How did Rebekah's sisters bless her?

Our sister, may you increase    to thousands upon thousands;may your offspring possess    the cities of their enemies (Gen. 24:60).

When was the last time you read the book of Ruth, chapter four?  Have you considered the implications for marriage?  A wedding should have witnesses (Ruth 4:9. cf. Gen. 29:22).  It should be legal (Ruth 4:2, 11).  Marriage is between one man and one woman - in this case Ruth and Boaz.      

Sadly marriage is under attack from many corners in our world (music, TV, courts etc.).  The Lord called holy matrimony “very good” (Genesis 1:26-31).

Also, think about Paul's directive, "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word" (Eph. 5:25, 26).  Is not being made holy a good thing?

How does spousal abuse arise?  "Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them" (Col. 3:19).  Contrast this with what it says in the Qur'an (4:34):

Men are in charge of women by what Allah has given one over the other and what they spend from their wealth. So righteous women are devoutly obedient ... But those from whom you fear arrogance - advise them; forsake them in bed; and, strike them.

Peter would never say such a thing but instead gives us this command, "Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers" (1 Pet. 3:7).

Is it Heretical to Deny Young Earth Science (YES)?

Justin Derby is the purveyor of the Truth: The Objective Reality (TTOR) blog.  We recently did a video with Justin on Christian leaders who take a compromising stand on the age of the earth.  But is it heresy?

Derby has written Another Inconvenient Truth - What Secular America Hates.   

He tackles a number of worldview issues:  atheism, same-sex controversy, church-state relations, the historicity of Christ and eschatology.

We should heed the warnings of Harold Lindsell (The Battle for The Bible) who told us that forsaking the authority of Scripture can lead to a slippery slope of compromise.  Where do Mike Licona and Frank Turek stand on the young earth?

When it comes to heresy, here are a few verses to consider:

1 Cor. 15:3,4

3)  For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures,

4)  that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures.

Galatians 2:16, 21

16)  ... a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified.

21)  I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose.

Heb. 6:1,2

1)  Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God,

2)  and of instruction about washings, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment.

What is the basis for unity?

   Apostles Creed

   Nicene Creed

   Creed of Chalcedon

Early ecumenical councils focused on the Trinity and the nature of Christ: one person with two natures.  Jesus was fully human and fully divine.

The Slippery Slope is real!  Many in the BioLogos crowd deny the reality of Adam, this is surely dangerous ground (Rom. 5, 1 Cor. 15, 1 Chr. 1).

Let us know what you think:  ned_oa_1657@yahoo.com

Poetry Corner

Welcome!  We are sharing a few poems from the author of Not for Pew Warmers, Tom Green.

I’m Calling God

I’m calling God on 911

With an emergency

The church is filled with sleeping people

Who’ve chosen not to see

The world around is growing dark

The lights that shine are few

To a carnal voice we seem to hark

God, Your fire must renew

Oh burn Your love into our lives

And wash away my sin

Show us the power You can give

If we’ll just let You in

Let Jesus walk upon the land

Using your hands and feet

It’s time for you to take a stand

For soon the Lord you’ll meet

Revival time is coming

An earthquake is very near

Hear the beat of the Spirit’s drumming

The call to march is here

  - Tom Green

Copyright © September 2001

Originally written 6-8 years prior

America’s Shame

America’s Shame

Parades upon her streets

We seek to blame

Why we see such defeat

Of values that for long we held

Too easily thrown away

We think that it’s the way to meld

Society now more frayed

The glue that should be binding

The truth we once revered

We hide from its reminding

In darkness we now steer

Rushing not to offend

We offend who really matters

His grace we overspend

Soon peace He brings will shatter

He’ll let us have our way

Though it leads but to death

We’ll be our own self’s prey

To draw but bitter breath

In a land we think devoid of truth

Just opinions that we hold

To reject the God we knew in youth

Worth more than all our gold

  - Tom Green

Copyright © May 1995

Who Will Choose

There’ve been written many verses

About God’s best and what the worst is

Heaven’s doorway out of hell

To God’s eternal wealth

Never trust in what you do

But only in God’s grace toward you

Treasures come and then they go

When ill fated winds shall blow

Earthly gold can be so fleeting

A lesson yet that bears repeating

Sanctuaries built to us

In which we often put our trust

Built of bricks and cedar wood

In our suburban neighborhoods

On our recliners we’re enthroned

A compact kingdom of our own

We barely know who lives next door

What, we wonder, is love for

If not to serve our selfish need

Within our kingdom built on greed

If God should strip our wealth away

Who, my friend, would watch and pray

If ours becomes a humbled land

Who would choose to show love’s hand

  - Tom Green

Copyright © May 2000

Deuteronomy 4 and the Age of the Earth

When did human history start?  A reasonable estimate by mainstream dating takes us to around 2500 BC. [1]  This only goes back to the post-Babel era.  Noah went into the Ark 1656 years after Creation Week.  Thus, a 6K year old world makes sense. 

Let's give thought to Deuteronomy 4: 32-35,

Ask now about the former days, long before your time, from the day God created human beings on the earth; ask from one end of the heavens to the other.  Has anything so great as this ever happened, or has anything like it ever been heard of?  Has any other people heard the voice of God speaking out of fire, as you have, and lived?  Has any god ever tried to take for himself one nation out of another nation, by testings, by signs and wonders, by war, by a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, or by great and awesome deeds, like all the things the Lord your God did for you in Egypt before your very eyes?  You were shown these things so that you might know that the Lord is God; besides him there is no other.

Because of the signs and wonders, the Israelites had assurance that the Lord was the true Guardian of the Universe.  How could the Jews verify this?  Look at history, "Ask now about the former days, long before your time."  Is seems most likely that Adam, Noah and the other patriarch's wrote Genesis and then Moses edited their writings.  That is, history goes back to Adam.      

The famous Library of Alexandria was founded around 300 BC and had 200K to 400K books by some estimates.  Did some of these works contain pre-Flood history?  If so, there may have been a number of ancient chronicles that went back to the first human generation.

Christians who hold to a long chronology sometimes put Adam as far back as 150K years ago.  Where is all that history?  According to a report in NewScientist, writing may go back 35K years.  What happened to the missing historical accounts?  Some propose that the Sumerian King List takes us back 7K years before the Global Flood - that's far short of 150K years! [2]

Another problem for old earth supporters is all the millions of years of death and suffering before the Fall.  In Genesis 3 we read of the curse of the Earth.  Death and thorns came after the Fall in a straightforward reading of the text.  And later, the planet itself was destroyed because the world was wicked (Gen. 6:13).  That man's sin can have negative consequences in nature is repeated in Deuteronomy 28:

... if you do not obey the Lord your God and do not carefully follow all his commands and decrees I am giving you today, all these curses will come on you and overtake you ...  You will sow much seed in the field but you will harvest little, because locusts will devour it.  You will plant vineyards and cultivate them but you will not drink the wine or gather the grapes, because worms will eat them.  You will have olive trees throughout your country but you will not use the oil, because the olives will drop off. (Deut. 28:15, 38-40)

Notes:

1)  YES - Young Earth Science by Jay Hall (IDEAS, Big Spring, TX, 2014), pp. 30-33.

2)  Ibid., p. 33.

*illustration:  Sargon of Akkad & the tree of life