Month March 2025

Evidence for our faith: Biological similarities

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Vertebrate eye

In the same article De Beer goes on to describe in detail an interesting case which illustrates that even actual developmental mechanisms, by which apparently homologous structures are formed during embryogenesis, may not be homologous at all: “It was a problem to know why the lens of the vertebrate eye, which develops from the epidermis overlying the optic cup, should develop exactly in the “right” place, and fit into the optic cup so perfectly, until it was discovered that the optic cup is itself an organizer which induces the epidermis to differentiate into a tailor-made lens. At least, this is what it does in the common frog, Rana fusca, in the embyro of which, if the optic cup is cut out, no lens develops at all. But in the closely related edible frog, Rana esculents, the optic cup can be cut out from the embryo, and the lens develops all the same. It cannot be doubted that the lenses of these two species of frog are homologous, yet they differ completely in the mechanism by which determination and differentiation are brought about. This is no isolated example. In true vertebrates the spinal cord and brain develop as a result of induction by the underlying organizer; but in the “tadpole larva” of the tunicates, which has a “spinal cord” like the vertebrates, it differentiates without any underlying organizer at all. All this shows that homologous structures can owe their origin and stimulus to differentiate to different organizer- induction processes without forfeiting their homology. [emphasis added]” (Evolution: A Theory in Crisis, Michael Denton, 1985, p 147, citing: Homology: An Unsolved Problem, G. De Beer, 1971) (bible.ca)

Biological Similarities: Evidence for God in a Six-Day Creation

The remarkable biological similarities between species—too intricate and precise to be explained by evolution—provide powerful scientific evidence for God’s existence as the Creator of all life. These shared features across diverse organisms defy the idea of gradual, naturalistic development, pointing instead to a purposeful design as recounted in the Bible’s six-day creation narrative.

Take the camera-like eye found in both humans and octopuses. Despite no evolutionary link close enough to explain it, both possess retinas, lenses, and optic nerves in stunningly similar arrangements. Evolution suggests these complex structures emerged separately by chance, but the odds of such identical designs arising independently are astronomical.

Biologist Simon Conway Morris notes that these similarities occur too frequently to be random, hinting at a deliberate pattern (Morris, 2015, The Runes of Evolution). Genesis 1:20-21 tells us God created sea creatures and birds on the fifth day, suggesting He crafted these eyes intentionally, not through eons of trial and error.

Then there’s the universal genetic code and protein-building systems—DNA and ribosomes—shared by all life, from bacteria to mankind. Evolution claims this arose once and persisted unchanged, but the complexity of these systems resists explanation as a fluke of nature. Biochemist Michael Denton calls them “primal patterns,” more akin to a master plan than a cosmic accident (Denton, 1986, Evolution: A Theory in Crisis). Genesis 1:26-27 reveals God made man in His image on the sixth day, implying a purposeful design woven into all life from the start.

Enzymes like cytochrome c, vital for energy production, further challenge evolutionary logic. Found in yeast and horses alike, their near-identical structure across vast species gaps suggests a fixed design, not random divergence. Why would such precision hold steady unless crafted by intent? Genesis 1:11-12 describes God creating plants on the third day, each “according to its kind,” hinting at a blueprint for life’s consistency. Psalm 139:14 praises His “wonderful works,” reflecting this meticulous handiwork.

Critics might argue that similarities reflect adaptation or convergence, but this overlooks the sheer complexity and specificity involved. The odds of unrelated organisms independently developing identical genetic and metabolic systems strain credulity without invoking a creator. Psalm 104:24 celebrates this: “How many are your works, Lord! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.” Biological similarities, then, are not accidents but fingerprints of a Creator who, in six days, crafted a coherent, interconnected world.

Evolution’s tale of chance and time crumbles under these biological marvels. The six-day creation offers a clearer answer: God designed life’s similarities as a signature of His power. From eyes to enzymes, the evidence aligns with Scripture’s bold claim of a purposeful beginning.

Agape,
spencer

Sources:
Denton, M. (1986). Evolution: A Theory in Crisis. Adler & Adler.
Meyer, S. C. (2013). Darwin’s Doubt. HarperOne.
Morris, S. C. (2015). The Runes of Evolution. Templeton Press.

Evidence for our Faith: the Population Problem

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The Population Problem: A Case for a Young Earth

One of the most intriguing arguments for a young Earth comes from an analysis of human population growth. If humans have existed for 300,000 years or more, as conventional science suggests, the number of humans alive today—or even in recorded history—presents a logical conundrum when viewed through the lens of population dynamics. By examining reasonable growth rates and historical data, the evidence aligns more closely with a young Earth timeline, consistent with a biblical framework of roughly 6,000 to 10,000 years.

By looking at how quickly people multiply and comparing ancient survival rates to today’s, the current 8 billion population supports a short history rooted in reason and scripture.

Picture the biblical Flood 4,500 years ago, leaving just Noah’s family of eight (Genesis 7:13). With a small, steady growth rate—much lower than today’s because fewer babies survived back then—the population could climb to 8 billion in that time. It’s a straightforward buildup: start small, grow consistently, and hit today’s number without any wild leaps. This fits the tough conditions of ancient life, where disease and hardship kept survival rates low, with studies showing only about half of kids made it to adulthood (Volk & Atkinson, 2013, Historical Biology).

Now imagine humans starting 200,000 to 300,000 years ago, as some claim. Even with a tiny growth rate, the numbers explode way past 8 billion—think hundreds of billions or more in just a fraction of that time. To stay at today’s population, growth would have to stall almost completely for centuries, suggesting endless disasters like plagues or wars. But history shows humans thriving and spreading since about 10,000 years ago, not stuck in a rut. And where are all the graves from those supposed billions of extra people?

Today’s faster growth—around 0.8% a year—comes from better medicine and food, things ancient people didn’t have. Apply that rate backward over thousands of years, and you’d get ridiculous numbers, far beyond what Earth could hold. The Bible’s call to “be fruitful and multiply” (Genesis 9:1) and the spread of nations (Genesis 10) match a 4,500-year rise to 8 billion, backed by genetic hints of a recent common ancestor (Carter, 2007, Journal of Creation). A 200,000–300,000-year story, though, needs constant excuses to explain why we’re not overrun with people.

In short, a young Earth makes sense: a steady climb from a handful to 8 billion in a few thousand years, no tricks needed. The longer timeline buckles under its own logic, leaving too many questions and not enough bones!


Agape,
spencer

Sources:
o Carter, R. (2007). “Mitochondrial Diversity within Modern Humans.” Journal of Creation, 21(2).
o Volk, A. A., & Atkinson, J. A. (2013). “Infant and Child Death in the Human Environment of Evolutionary Adaptation.” Historical Biology, 25(5).
o Genesis 5, 7:13, 9:1, 10 (KJV).

10 Traps Even Believers are Falling—Are You Next?

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The Pitfalls of False Authority: A New Testament Perspective

In a world brimming with voices vying for influence, Christians must discern the true source of authority for faith and practice. The New Testament insists that all authority rests in Jesus Christ, who declared, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me” (Matthew 28:18). Yet, both in Scripture and today, people frequently turn to counterfeit sources. These false authorities—ranging from human tradition to misapplied Scripture—promise guidance but lead astray. Let’s explore ten common wrong sources, grounded in biblical examples and reasoned insight, to sharpen our reliance on Christ alone.

First, human tradition often masquerades as authority. The Pharisees clung to their customs, prompting Jesus to rebuke them: “You leave the commandment of God and hold to the tradition of men” (Mark 7:8-9). Their rituals felt sacred, but without divine sanction, they were hollow. Today, churches may elevate practices—like specific holidays or dress codes—beyond Scripture, clouding God’s clear will.

Second, personal feelings or intuition can deceive. The sons of Sceva, zealous to cast out demons, assumed sincerity sufficed, only to be overpowered (Acts 19:13-16). Emotions sway us, especially in worship or moral choices, but they lack stability apart from God’s Word. A “gut feeling” might feel right yet contradict truth.

Third, religious leaders’ opinions tempt reliance. The Jewish leaders opposed Jesus, leaning on their titles, yet He exposed their hypocrisy (Matthew 23:2-7, 13). Charismatic pastors or scholars may inspire, but their words hold no weight unless tethered to Christ’s authority. Blind trust in human figures risks error.

Fourth, cultural norms exert subtle pressure. The Corinthians mirrored their society’s idolatry, needing Paul’s correction (1 Corinthians 10:14-21). Modern trends—materialism, relativism—shape morality or worship, but culture’s shifting sands lack divine permanence. What’s popular rarely aligns with God’s eternal standard.

Fifth, human reason or philosophy appeals to intellect. The Greeks mocked Paul’s resurrection message, trusting their logic (Acts 17:32). Today, skepticism dismisses miracles or grace when reason reigns alone. Without revelation, philosophy builds on a flawed foundation.

Sixth, false revelations or visions mislead. Paul warned against altered gospels, cursing their preachers (Galatians 1:8-9). False prophets then and now claim divine insight, but if it contradicts Scripture, it’s a lie. Modern “prophecies” must bow to the Bible’s completed authority.

Seventh, majority opinion sways the unwary. The crowd chose Barabbas over Jesus, driven by mob sentiment (Matthew 27:20-23). Polls or social consensus feel authoritative, yet they’re fickle. Truth isn’t a democracy; it stands with Christ, not the masses.

Eighth, wealth or power seduces. Simon the Sorcerer thought money could buy spiritual authority, earning Peter’s condemnation (Acts 8:18-23). Today, influential donors or leaders may dictate doctrine, but earthly clout holds no heavenly warrant.

Ninth, self-appointed authority usurps Christ’s place. Diotrephes craved control, rejecting apostolic guidance (3 John 1:9-10). Cults or lone wolves claim divine calling, but without Christ’s commission, their rule is baseless. True authority is delegated, not seized.

Finally, misapplied Scripture distorts truth. Satan twisted verses to tempt Jesus, who countered with proper context (Matthew 4:5-7). Quoting the Bible out of alignment—like the prosperity gospel—creates a false authority. God’s Word, rightly handled, is the only sure guide.

These false sources recur because they mimic legitimacy, exploiting human weakness. Yet, each fails the test of Christ’s mandate. The New Testament calls us to reject them, anchoring in Him who holds “all authority.”

Which of these do we lean on? How do we confront them? What’s the danger of feelings or crowds over Scripture? How does Satan’s tactic warn us? What steps ensure we follow Christ alone? In a world of counterfeits, only His Word endures.

agape

Spencer

This is the first part of a series of lessons on How to Determine Biblical Authority, or more simply, What does God want?

Evidence for our Faith: the Moral Argument

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The Moral Argument: Why Morality Points to a Creator. God’s Revealed Word as the Source of Objective Morality

The Moral Argument for God’s existence rests on the premise that objective moral values—universal standards of right and wrong—exist and are best explained by a purposeful design from a Creator. While science highlights our innate moral instincts, the Bible provides a unique and compelling case that humanity learns these objective standards through God’s revealed word. This interplay of divine revelation and human conscience offers a profound clue to the existence of a moral lawgiver.

Objective moral values, such as the inherent wrongness of betrayal or the goodness of self-sacrifice, transcend personal opinion or cultural trends. Psychological research, like that of Paul Bloom, shows even infants exhibit rudimentary moral judgments—preferring kindness over cruelty—suggesting an inborn moral sense (Bloom, Just Babies, 2013). Yet, this alone doesn’t explain how we refine and understand these principles. The Bible steps in, asserting that God’s revealed word clarifies and establishes these standards for humanity. Without this guidance, our moral intuitions might remain vague or misdirected.

Scripture presents God as the ultimate source of morality, with His word providing the definitive moral framework. In Exodus 20:1-17, the Ten Commandments are delivered directly from God to Moses, offering unambiguous directives: “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal.” These laws aren’t mere suggestions but objective truths, reflecting God’s character and intended for all people. This revelation transforms abstract moral instincts into concrete duties, shaping human understanding of right and wrong.

Further, Deuteronomy 6:6-7 instructs, “These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children.” This emphasizes that morality isn’t left to human guesswork—God’s word is taught, learned, and passed down, refining our natural inclinations. The Psalms reinforce this: Psalm 119:105 declares, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path,” portraying divine revelation as the guide that illuminates moral living.

Romans 2:14-15 offers a striking insight: “When Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law… they show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts.” This suggests an innate moral awareness, yet the passage implies it aligns with God’s law, revealed fully in Scripture. The Bible bridges the gap between our God-given conscience and the precise standards we’re meant to follow. For instance, Micah 6:8 summarizes divine expectation: “To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God”—a standard humanity learns through God’s word, not intuition alone.

Naturalists might argue morality evolves socially, but this fails to explain its objective weight. Cultures differ on specifics, yet core values—like justice—persist universally, echoing biblical principles. God’s revealed word provides the anchor, ensuring morality isn’t arbitrary. As Isaiah 55:8-9 notes, God’s ways are higher than ours, suggesting His revelation elevates human understanding beyond what nature alone could teach.

The Moral Argument, enriched by biblical evidence, posits that objective morality points to a Creator who reveals it through His word. Science hints at our moral wiring, but Scripture—through commandments, teachings, and declarations—grounds it in God’s eternal truth, offering humanity a clear path to righteousness.


Agape,
Spencer

Sources:
o Bloom, Paul. Just Babies: The Origins of Good and Evil. Crown, 2013.
o The Holy Bible, New International Version. Zondervan, 2011 (Exodus 20:1-17, Deuteronomy 6:6-7, Psalm 119:105, Romans 2:14-15, Micah 6:8, Isaiah 55:8-9).

The Myth of “God is in Control” That’s shipwrecking Your Faith

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The Myth of “God is in Control” That’s shipwrecking Your Faith and what it really means!

GOD IS IN CONTROL, but how?

Is God really behind every move you make? This short article will dive into Scripture and shatter the illusion and unveil a sovereignty you’ll wish you’d known sooner.

The notion that “God is in control” meaning He’s some cosmic puppeteer pulling every string of human thought and action is unscriptural. That idea is a theological shipwreck, and we’re going to sink it with Scripture and logic. (Isa 1:18)

First off, the misunderstanding assumes God micromanages every detail—every fleeting thought, every stubbed toe, every word spoken. It’s as if He’s sitting on a throne with a joystick, forcing people to act like robots. One fellow told me, “I’m thankful to God that there’s no free will.” Who made him say that; is God thanking himself? LoL.

That’s not sovereignty; that’s slavery. The Bible paints a vastly different picture of God’s control. He’s the supreme authority with infinite options, unstoppable in His purpose, yet He doesn’t trample human freedom.

Take Esther 4:14. Mordecai tells Esther, “If you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish.”

Notice the implication: God’s plan to save His people will happen—with or without Esther. He’s not dependent on her choice, but He invites her to participate. If she opts out, He’s got a backup plan. That’s not manipulation; that’s a God with a myriad of ways to achieve His will. He’s not sweating bullets hoping Esther complies—He’s in control because nothing can thwart Him, not because He’s forcing her hand. It shows God’s providential ability not manipulation free will.

Then there’s Luke 3:8, where John the Baptist tells the Pharisees, “God is able from these stones to raise up children for Abraham.” Think about that. God doesn’t need the Pharisees’ cooperation to fulfill His promise to Abraham. He could turn rocks into covenant heirs if He wanted. (Remember that He made a man originally from dust Gen 2:7). This is not hyperbole, God can do it! His control isn’t about puppeteering people; it’s about His limitless power, infinite wisdom and options. The Pharisees could repent or not—free will intact—but God’s plan marches on.

Now, Romans 8:28-39 is the knockout punch. “We know that for those who love God all things work together for good.” Does that mean God orchestrates every sin, every tragedy, every dumb decision? No! It means He’s so sovereign that He can take the mess we make—our free choices, good or bad—and weave it into His redemptive tapestry. Verses 38-39 list every possible obstacle: death, life, angels, rulers, powers, height, depth, anything in creation. None can stop Him. That’s control; not meticulous domination, but unconquerable ability to save. No faithful Saint will be accidentally lost, and no person will be saved against their will.

The Old Testament backs this up. Genesis 12:3 says God will bless all nations through Abraham’s offspring. Fast forward to Galatians 3:13-16, and Paul clarifies this points to Christ. God’s plan was to bring the Messiah and reveal sin and His nature (the Law showing us our need for grace). Did He force Pharaoh to harden his heart? No—Exodus says Pharaoh hardened it first, and God used that rebellion to display His power. Did He make Judas betray Jesus? No—Judas chose greed (John 12:6), and God turned it into the pivot of salvation. The OT isn’t a script God forced on people; it’s a story of Him working through their free actions to unveil Christ.

The New Testament shifts focus: it’s about spreading the gospel until Christ returns. 2 Peter 3:9 says God is “not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” If He controlled every thought, why the delay? Why the plea for repentance? Because He’s patient, letting humans choose while His plan—salvation through faith—remains fixed (2 Peter 3:15). Predestination isn’t about God picking who sins or believes; it’s about His unshakeable decision to save through the gospel of Christ. Ephesians 1:3-5 ties it to salvation through obedience to the Gospel (Gal 3:13-27).

Think about it; if God controls every action, free will is a sham, and so is accountability. Why judge sin if God made us do it, or won’t allow us to repent?! That’s nonsense and makes God out to be a monster not a loving savior. Is it any wonder why people reject the gospel after hearing this?

Deuteronomy 30:19 says, “I have set before you life and death… choose life.” Choice is real. God’s control isn’t a straitjacket—it’s His ability to say, “My will stands, no matter what you do.” Think of Joseph’s brothers selling him into slavery (Genesis 50:20): they meant evil, but God meant it for good. He didn’t make them hate Joseph; He used their free will as a step toward His promises.

The “God as micromanager” view is sad because it shrinks Him into a control freak who needs to fiddle with every detail. Tragically, people are being hurt by this error and think it’s God who’s causing their pain for some divine purpose. Not so!

The Bible shows a God so vast, so ingenious, that He doesn’t need to manipulate. He’s got a million roads to His destination, and none of us can block the way. That’s sovereignty worth worshipping—not a petty tyrant, but a King who reigns supreme over chaos without breaking a sweat. Anything less is a caricature, not the God of Scripture.

God does have a plan for you, it’s to trust and obey Him. “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” (2Tim 4:7-8)

“For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.” (1John 5:3)

God Does Have a PLAN for You…

God’s plan isn’t a cold, cosmic checklist or a tangled web of fate pulling you along. It’s a heartfelt invitation, a steady hand reaching out and guiding you with His word through life’s messiness toward something real and lasting.

  • PURPOSE: It starts with a tug at your soul—to obey the Gospel, to lean into the quiet rhythms of life and godliness that God’s laid out for us all in His word (2 Pet 3:9; 1:3-10; Gal 6:7; Ecc 12:13). He’s not dangling a secret script; He’s offering a path lit by His love and truth revealed in scripture.
  • LOVE: Then there’s this ache to love one another, a call that echoes deep within (1 John 4:7; John 14:15). It’s not forced—it’s the warm pulse of obedience, a choice to reflect the One who first loved us.
  • ABOUND: He stirs you to grow, to stretch beyond where you stand today being equipped by His word (2 Pet 3:18; Heb 5:12; 2 Cor 8; Matt 25:15-30; 2 Tim 3:15-17). There’s a quiet thrill in using what He’s given you—your gifts, your grit—to bloom where you’re planted.
  • NEVER GIVE UP: And through it all, there’s His constant urging: Never quit. Never give up. Never let go of the hope that’s yours (Heb 2:3; Rev 2:10). It’s a fight worth fighting, a race worth running, because what’s waiting at the end is too precious to abandon.

This isn’t about God puppeteering your every step. It’s His tender, unshakable call to live with purpose, to rise up, and to hold fast—because you’re worth it to Him.

Share this with your neighbors who are being tortured by this false teaching.

“And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:32 KJV

Spencer

Evidence for our faith: Fine Tuning

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The Laws of Physics: Evidence of a Lawgiver

Could the laws of physics—precise, universal, and life-sustaining—point to a purposeful design, a Lawgiver shaping the cosmos? Modern science offers compelling clues that resonate with biblical accounts, suggesting God’s hand in creation.

The universe’s fine-tuning is astonishing. Physicist Paul Davies (The Cosmic Blueprint, 1988) highlights that if gravity shifted by one part in 10^40, stars like our Sun—vital for life—wouldn’t exist.

Roger Penrose (The Emperor’s New Mind, 1989) calculates the initial entropy —essentially the universe’s starting level of disorder— required odds-defying precision (1 in 10^10^123) for a habitable cosmos. This suggests intent, not chance, mirroring Genesis 1:1: “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.”

Equally remarkable is the rational order of these laws. Eugene Wigner’s 1960 paper, “The Unreasonable Effectiveness of Mathematics,” marvels at how abstract equations govern reality with uncanny accuracy. Why does the universe follow such logic? Psalm 19:1 offers a poetic parallel: “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands,” declaring a mind behind the order.

The universe’s origin adds intrigue. The Big Bang, confirmed by cosmic microwave background radiation (Penzias and Wilson, 1965), marks a sudden start from nothing. Stephen Hawking (A Brief History of Time, 1988) notes this challenges materialist explanations, as “nothing” producing “something” implies a cause beyond physics. Genesis 1:3—“And God said, ‘Let there be light’”—echoes this emergence.

The anthropic principle—meaning the universe seems tailored for human life— deepens the case. Michael Denton (Nature’s Destiny, 1998) argues that physical laws governing carbon, water, and oxygen are uniquely tuned for life. Alter any constant slightly, and biology collapses. Isaiah 45:18 aligns: God “formed the earth… to be inhabited.” Such specificity strains random odds, suggesting deliberate calibration.

Skeptics propose a multiverse to explain our “lucky” universe, but this lacks evidence and complicates rather than clarifies. A single, purposeful design aligns with Occam’s razor. Romans 1:20 ties it together: God’s “invisible qualities… have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made.” The laws of physics—fine-tuned, rational, and life-enabling— more than whisper of a Lawgiver, inviting us to ponder the Creator behind the cosmos.

Agape,

Spencer

Sources:

  • Davies, Paul. The Cosmic Blueprint. 1988.
  • Penrose, Roger. The Emperor’s New Mind. 1989.
  • Wigner, Eugene. “The Unreasonable Effectiveness of Mathematics.” 1960.
  • Hawking, Stephen. A Brief History of Time. 1988.

Denton, Michael. Nature’s Destiny. 1998.

Calling on the name of the Lord: What is it really?

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Calling on the name of the Lord:

Prayer or obedience?

Acts 22:16 (KJV) states:

“And now why tarriest thou? Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.”

This verse records Ananias’ instructions to Saul (later Paul) regarding his conversion. To understand what it means to “call on the name of the Lord,” we must look at how the Bible defines and uses this phrase.

1. Calling on the Name of the Lord Involves Obedience

Acts 22:16 ties “calling on the name of the Lord” directly to baptism, which is the moment when Saul’s sins were washed away. This aligns with Jesus’ own words in Mark 16:16:

“He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.”

Calling on the name of the Lord, then, is not merely a verbal plea but involves obedient action. This is further clarified by Romans 10:13-14:

“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?”

Paul, writing later, shows that calling on the Lord’s name requires hearing the gospel, believing, and responding in obedience.

2. Calling on the Name of the Lord Is Not Just Prayer

Some assume that calling on the Lord’s name is merely saying a prayer for salvation, but Scripture does not support this idea. Consider Jesus’ words in Matthew 7:21:

“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.”

Merely addressing Jesus as Lord does not save—doing His will does. This is consistent with Acts 22:16, where Paul had already been praying (Acts 9:11), yet he still needed to be baptized to wash away his sins.

3. Biblical Examples of Calling on the Name of the Lord

The phrase “call on the name of the Lord” is used throughout Scripture in connection with worship and obedience.

• Genesis 4:26 – “Then began men to call upon the name of the LORD.” This refers to worship and devotion to God.

• Joel 2:32 (quoted in Acts 2:21) – “Whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be delivered.” This was fulfilled in Acts 2, where Peter preached that repentance and baptism in Jesus’ name were necessary for salvation (Acts 2:38).

In Acts 2, the people called upon the Lord by obeying Peter’s command to repent and be baptized. This directly parallels Acts 22:16, where Paul was instructed to do the same.

So what now?

To “call on the name of the Lord” is to appeal to Him for salvation by faithful obedience to His commands. Acts 22:16 shows that Saul (Paul) did this when he was baptized, at which point his sins were washed away. This is consistent with how the phrase is used throughout the Bible—faith in action, not merely words.

Spencer

Franklin & Juniper St

church of Christ

Borger, Tx

Evidence for our faith: a Young Earth

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Compelling Evidence of a Young Earth

The debate over the age of the Earth has been ongoing for centuries, with mainstream science advocating for an age of about 4.5 billion years. However, significant scientific evidence challenges this timeline and supports the view that the Earth is much younger. Below are several compelling arguments, supported by observable data, that point to a young Earth.

1. The Decay of Earth’s Magnetic Field. The Earth’s magnetic field is rapidly decaying, with measurements indicating an exponential decline. Dr. Thomas G. Barnes first analyzed this phenomenon in 1971, showing that the field’s energy has decreased by approximately 50% over the past 1,400 years (Barnes, 1973). If we extrapolate this trend backward, the field would have been so strong just 10,000 years ago that life on Earth would not have been possible due to excessive heat and radiation. This suggests that the Earth’s magnetic field cannot be millions of years old, let alone billions.

2. Soft Tissue in Dinosaur Fossils. One of the most astonishing discoveries in paleontology has been the presence of soft tissues, collagen, and even red blood cells in dinosaur fossils. Dr. Mary Schweitzer first reported these findings in a 1997 study on a T. rex femur (Schweitzer et al., 1997). Subsequent discoveries confirmed that proteins like collagen, which break down relatively quickly, could not survive for the 65+ million years assigned to these fossils. Since such biological materials should degrade completely within a few tens of thousands of years, these discoveries suggest that the fossils are much younger than traditionally believed.

3. Carbon-14 in Ancient Fossils and Diamonds. Carbon-14 (C-14) dating is a method used to determine the age of once-living materials, but it has a fundamental limitation: C-14 decays so quickly that anything older than 100,000 years should have no detectable traces remaining. However, measurable amounts of C-14 have been found in coal, oil, natural gas, and even diamonds—materials supposedly millions to billions of years old (Baumgardner et al., 2003). These findings indicate that these materials are not nearly as old as conventional dating methods suggest.

4. Recession of the Moon. The Moon is slowly moving away from the Earth at a measured rate of approximately 3.8 cm per year (Dickey et al., 1994). If we extrapolate this rate backward, the Moon would have been much closer to the Earth in the past. Just 1.5 billion years ago, the Moon would have been so close that Earth’s tidal forces would have torn it apart. Yet, the standard model suggests the Moon has been receding for over 4 billion years. The current observed recession rate is difficult to reconcile with a billions-of-years-old Earth-Moon system, but it fits well within a young Earth framework.

5. Helium Retention in Zircon Crystals. Zircon crystals, found deep in the Earth’s crust, contain uranium, which decays into lead while simultaneously releasing helium. Since helium is a lightweight, highly diffusive gas, it should escape from these crystals relatively quickly. However, studies have found high concentrations of helium in zircons from Precambrian rock (Gentry et al., 1982). If these rocks were truly over a billion years old, the helium should have long since dissipated. The retention of helium suggests an age of only about 6,000 years, aligning closely with a biblical timeframe.

6. Rapid Formation of Geological Features. The 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens provided a remarkable case study on how catastrophic events can rapidly shape geological features. Within hours, massive sedimentary layers were deposited, and within days, a new canyon was carved, resembling those believed to have taken millions of years to form (Morris & Austin, 2003). This demonstrates that many geological formations attributed to vast ages could have been formed quickly under the right conditions, such as during a global flood.

7. Biblical Evidence for a Young Earth. The Bible provides a historical framework that aligns with a young Earth. The genealogies in Genesis 5 and 11, when traced chronologically, place the creation of the world at approximately 6,000 years ago. Exodus 20:11 states, “For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day.” This passage affirms a literal six-day creation, contradicting the notion of an ancient Earth. Furthermore, Jesus referenced the creation of man “from the beginning of the creation” (Mark 10:6), indicating that humanity was present near the start of Earth’s history, not billions of years after its formation.

The Weight of the Evidence. The conventional billions-of-years model is based on assumptions that increasingly conflict with observable scientific data. The rapid decay of Earth’s magnetic field, the presence of soft tissues in dinosaur fossils, the discovery of C-14 in supposedly ancient materials, the Moon’s recession rate, helium retention in zircons, and the rapid formation of geological features all point to an Earth that is far younger than mainstream science asserts.

If the foundations of an old Earth are shaken by observable data, then the question remains: Why is the conventional narrative so resistant to change? The implications of a young Earth challenge not just scientific paradigms but also philosophical and theological worldviews. If the Earth is young, then biblical history is not just a religious tradition—it is an accurate record of our origins. The evidence speaks for itself, but the willingness to follow that evidence remains a matter of conviction.

Agape,

Spencer