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The Beginning of Science. The Science of Beginning.
Check the AzOSA events page for scheduled lectures, field studies, and seminars. Then sign up for our newsletter
The Beginning of Science. The Science of Beginning.
Check the AzOSA events page for scheduled lectures, field studies, and seminars. Then sign up for our newsletter
October 8, 2009
Snakes: Designed to Kill in a Fallen World. Hear what Dr. Oliver has to say about whether God designed the original snakes with these features, knowing that Adam would sin and that snakes would soon need them in a fallen world, added special features at the Curse, or placed these designs in the original genes but did not allow them to be expressed until after the Curse. He is administrator and speaker for Confound The Wise Ministries, in Tonto Basin, Arizona. As an evolutionary biologist Dr. Oliver spent the majority of his educational career as an avid anti-Christian. He became a Creationist 1987, due to the geologic catastrophe he observed at Mount Saint Helen’s. Dr. Oliver was granted his M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in biology from the University of California, with an emphasis in herpetology. His undergraduate degree was earned at California State University, Fullerton. He also serves as an adjunct faculty member of the University of California, San Bernardino, as well as the Institute for Creation Research. Please click HERE for details.
With great regret, we announce the “Defending the Faith” Conference on November 13 & 14 at Calvary Community Church has been canceled.
Only 4 tickets remain for the 2:15 PM Kartchner Caverns Field Trip. Jim Clarke, AzOSA Resident Geologist, will give commentary from the Creationist perspective as our groups tour the caverns October 24. Please click HERE for details.
August 29 the AzOSA Board of Directors met and had excellent discussions regarding policies and future projects. One of them is to establish an AzOSA Grant Fund, designed to channel financial assistance to Arizona based member ministries, such as research at the Van Andel Creation Research Center in Chino Valley. In this way multiple small gifts will be combined into a larger sum and directed to that effort, which is the fourth objective stated in our literature and on our web site. That is simply one example of several other worthy member ministries we look forward to assisting with funds. Later this fall, the policy will be completed and the mechanism put in place to receive contributions.
October 17, AzOSA is putting on a full-day seminar in Prescott at the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America. Thanks to the hard work of Raymond Buettner, Vice-President for Yavapai Affairs and his team we expect a great turnout. If you want to escape the heat and hear any of 5 excellent and interesting presentations, click HERE for details of topics, presenters, location and schedule.
For a fascinating example of a non-logical thought process in the geological Teaching Evolution Position Statement click HERE. This was sent in by AzOSA member Frank Sherwin, full time staff at the Institute for Creation Research.
Many churches seem to avoid teaching about the topic of creation because it is too divisive. Some churches attempt to be “friends” with the world by teaching God used evolution. Some churches even claim to be neutral on the subject of creation, meaning they have not made up their mind what to believe. Therefore, should the church stick to teaching about Jesus and love and avoid controversial topics? The Bible provides a clear answer and warning for these churches. Churches and leaders who avoid teaching the tough or controversial biblical passages are being disobedient to God’s Word. First, the Bible teaches us that all Scripture is good for teaching.
2 Timothy 3:16: All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.
The first three chapters of Genesis provide the reason why the rest of the Bible had to be written. These three chapters are foundational to understanding the rest of Scripture. What we learn in Genesis 1-3 include:
If we avoid these chapters or allegorize them we end up with a cut and paste theology. How can we explain the Gospel without a literal understanding of Genesis 1-3? How can we understand why we have death and suffering without a literal understanding of Genesis 1-3? How can we understand the character of God without a literal understanding of Genesis 1-3? Genesis 1-3 teaches us that God is all-powerful, only He can create out of nothing. He is a God of order. He is the sovereign (absolute) ruler of His creation. He has a special interest in mankind. He is a perfect God (Genesis 1:31). And He is a God of mercy and grace. Every house needs a good foundation to stand upon. Likewise, a key to understanding Scripture is to build on a solid foundation starting in the book of Genesis.
Second, the Bible teaches us that there is no such thing as neutrality when it comes to God’s Word. Matthew 12:30 makes this clear: He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.
When we maintain a position of neutrality with God’s Word, we blend in with the world. It then becomes difficult to tell the difference between these churches and the world. In other words, we have become “lukewarm” in our witness. The Bible teaches that we should study and never be ashamed of God’s Word.
2 Timothy 2:15: Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
We do not need more churches that want to be friends with the world. We need more churches that will stand on the truth of God’s Word and equip the world with the truth about Jesus Christ and His works from creation to the Cross and Salvation to His coming again to restore all things.
Mike Riddle, Director of Education, AzOSA
