Blog Archives

ODDS ON FAVORITE

7/31/2017

In their book titled Science Speaks: An Evaluation of Certain Christian Evidences (Chicago: Moody Press, 1958), Peter W. Stoner and Robert C. Newman explore the science of probability with regard to the accuracy of prophecy within the Bible.

Some Christian apologists claim there are literally hundreds of prophecies concerning the coming of the Messiah in the Old Testament. In this particular book, the authors settle on only eight of these prophecies which were filled in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ.

Their conclusion is that the probability that the fulfillment of these eight prophecies in the life of one man alone, that of Jesus Christ, would be mind-boggling!

Multiplying all these probabilities together produces a number (rounded off) of 1 in 10 to the 28th power. Dividing this number by an estimate of the number of people who have lived since the time of these prophecies (88 billion) produces a probability of all 8 prophecies being fulfilled accidentally in the life of one person. That immense probability is 1 in 10 to the 17th power or else 1 in 100,000,000,000,000,000. That is one in one hundred quadrillion!

The authors then use an illustration that has since been used by many others over the years to help us grasp this astronomical figure. The reader is asked to imagine filling the State of Texas knee deep in silver dollars. Include in this huge number one silver dollar with a black check mark on it. Then, turn a blindfolded person loose in this sea of silver dollars. The odds that the first coin he would pick up would be the one with the black check mark are the same as 8 prophecies being fulfilled accidentally in the life of Jesus.

The authors point is that the fulfillment of prophecy in the life of Jesus was in no way accidental. As proof, they further point out that Jesus did not fulfill just 8 prophecies; He fulfilled 108. The chances of fulfilling 16 such prophecies are 1 in 1,045. When you get to a total of 48, the odds increase to 1 in 10,157. One quickly gets the point. Accidental fulfillment of these prophecies is simply beyond the realm of possibility!

The bottom line is that the fulfillment of Bible prophecy in the life of Jesus argues conclusively that He truly was God in the flesh. It also substantiates that the Bible is supernatural in origin.

United States Senate Chaplain Richard Halverson is reputed to have once written:

“The fact is, the birth, crucifixion, and bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ are celebrated worldwide by folk of every race, language, and color, every year. And believing in Jesus, they have been delivered from the most evil, disastrous, frustrating, debilitating habits and life forms possible. The real problem with Jesus Christ is not that folk can't believe in Him—but that they won't believe in Him.”

For my part, I have no problem embracing Jesus Christ as God’s Son and my savior. Do you?

I leave you with what is perhaps the most significant question ever asked. In the New Testament Gospel of Matthew (chapter 16, verse 15 BSB), the Bible records the following: “But what about you?” Jesus asked. “Who do you say I am?”

BOOK SOURCE:
AVAILABLE ONLINE: The entire book is posted online at: http://sciencespeaks.dstoner.net/index.html#c0. This is the fifth revised edition, posted online by one of the original authors' grandson, Don W. Stoner.

The section dealing specifically with the odds of prophetic fulfillment in Christ is here: http://sciencespeaks.dstoner.net/Christ_of_Prophecy.html#c9.

PRINTED VERSION: Stoner, Peter W. and Robert C. Newman Science Speaks: An Evaluation of Certain Christian Evidences (Chicago: Moody Press, 1958). Note: this book has gone through at least four print editions: 1958, 1963, 1969, and 1976. The title was subsequently changed to: Science Speaks: Scientific Proof of the Accuracy of Prophecy and the Bible.

NOTE: According to Dr. David R. Reagan, “Peter Stoner was chairman of the mathematics and astronomy departments at Pasadena City College until 1953 when he moved to Westmont College in Santa Barbara, California. There he served as chairman of the science division. At the time he wrote this book, he was professor emeritus of science at Westmont.

In the edition I purchased, there was a foreword by Dr. Harold Hartzler, an officer of the American Scientific Affiliation. He wrote that the manuscript had been carefully reviewed by a committee of his organization and that ‘the mathematical analysis included is based upon principles of probability which are thoroughly sound.’ He further stated that in the opinion of the Affiliation, Professor Stoner ‘has applied these principles in a proper and convincing way.’”

SEE ALSO: http://christinprophecy.org/articles/applying-the-science-of-probability-to-the-scriptures/.

AS WELL AS: https://www.christianforums.com/threads/does-science-agree-with-the-bible.7925530/page-68#post-69207518.

The particular article drawn upon by the latter can be found online at: http://www.christiananswers.net/q-aiia/jesus-odds.html.

BIBLE SOURCE: http://biblehub.com/matthew/16-15.htm.

ON SECOND THOUGHT…

7/27/2017

It’s that time of year again – a shark lover’s delight. As I sit writing this blog post, I have my choice between viewing “Shark Week” on the Discovery Channel, “Shark Fest” on the National Geographic Wild Channel, and the equally brutal “Shark Tank” on at least three other channels. Not to mention that the movies, “Jaws”, “Jaws 2”, “Jaws 3D” and “Jaws – the Revenge”, are all showing on those rarely visited upper cable channels.

Of course, the world was abuzz the first part of this week as famed Olympic medalist Michael Phelps kicked off “Shark Week” by swimming against several sharks. Or, at least he was supposed to have. In the end, it seems, the much hyped open ocean swim pitted the world’s fastest human swimmer, not against real sharks, but against mere CGI (or Computer Generated Imagery of) Hammerhead and Great White sharks.

Suffice it to say that the result was not well received. For all his (and the airing network’s) good intentions, Mr. Phelps was treated far more savagely in social media after the show than he may have been had he actually swum against real sharks. The once revered “World’s Greatest Athlete” has been the subject of scorn for several days now.

By comparison, over on an opposing channel, once disgraced Olympic swimmer Ryan Lochte (cf. “Lochtegate” at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lochtegate) has been featured in commercials celebrating the notion of second place.

The humorous commercial places him on a small boat obviously secured on a limited budget. He soon discovers that he and, by implication, the series of shark documentaries on this opposing network which he is meant to symbolize are both intended to celebrate second place.

Thereupon, he rejects this idea and declares that he is absolutely not swimming with sharks; but is instead leaving the set and departing in protest. The commercial ends with a distance shot of his little boat surrounded by numerous ominously circling dorsal fins!

The result is that Ryan Lochte has been much lauded for his ability to embrace satire. It appears that the same world that has heaped scorn upon the world's fastest swimmer has also now heaped praise upon the perennial second place swimmer.

I share this because I believe it speaks to a significant and beneficial truth - namely that we should never take ourselves too seriously. Irrespective of what all Ryan Lochte has been through, it is obvious that he has now learned to loosen up and to laugh at himself.

Along with numerous others, I applaud him for this. And I hope you do as well. For how much better might we all be if we simply learned to laugh at ourselves?

You see, we have all done things that we might wish we had not. We have all had experiences that did not turn out the way we might have wanted. Indeed, all of us, given the chance to make some changes, would likely jump at the chance to go back in time and undo an act or two!

As one who has done his fair share of things that he is not proud of, I would be the first in line. If you would be honest, you would likely join me. Given all of this, perhaps we should all just learn to lighten up a bit and let go of our mistakes - and eventually even to laugh at ourselves. The world might well be a better place if we did.

The Bible tells us that making mistakes is a part of being human. It also tells us that, by God's grace through His Son Jesus Christ, we can be forgiven for our mistakes and go on with our lives. And if the Lord Himself can forgive us, surely we can learn to forgive ourselves.

As Willie Robertson of “Duck Dynasty” fame once admonished, “My advice is: Don't take yourself too seriously, laugh a lot, enjoy your time with family, and appreciate the unique talents of others. Trust in God, love your neighbor, say you're sorry, forgive, and work hard.”

He is right. Try these things and you will surely be glad you did!

SOURCES:

http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/wild/sharkfest/videos/ryan-lochte-vs-sharks/

http://www.azquotes.com/quote/1222163

TELL ME THE STORY OF JESUS

7/24/2017

In the first chapter of his last published book, Who Gets to Narrate the World? (Downers Grove, Illinois: InterVarsity Press, 2008), the late Dr. Robert E. Webber shared the following story:

I was traveling on a plane from San Francisco to Los Angeles a few years ago. I was sitting next to the window, reading a Christian book. The man next to me, obviously from the Eastern hemisphere, asked, "Are you a religious man?" "Well, yes," I said. "I am too," he responded.

We began talking about religion. In the middle of the conversation I asked, "Can you give me a one-liner that captures the essence of your faith?" "Well, yes," he said. "We are all part of the problem, and we are all part of the solution."

We talked about his one-liner, a statement I felt was very helpful. After a while I said, "Would you like a one-liner that captures the Christian faith?" "Sure," he responded.

"We are all part of the problem, but there is only one man who is the solution. His name is Jesus!"

Dr. Webber goes on to assert that those of us who are Christians must never grow weary of sharing God’s narrative. Simply put: that is our job! We must jump at every opportunity we are given, therefore, to share this narrative. If we fail to do so, others will increasingly not hear such a narrative in a world where so many other competing narratives are now vying for the world’s attention.

Do not be confused by the word “narrative” here. Dr. Webber simply means God’s story of redemption in Jesus Christ as recorded in the Bible. So then, the questions remain… If not here, then where? If not now, then when? If not us, then who?

If we do not tell the world God’s story of Jesus right here, then where will His story ever be told?! If we do not tell the world God’s story of Jesus right now, then when will His story ever be told?! If we do not tell the world God’s story of Jesus, then who will ever tell His story?!

Dr. Webber was right. Tell the story we must! Right here! Right now! With every opportunity that God gives us!

SOURCE: Robert Webber, Who Gets to Narrate the World? (Downers Grove, Illinois: InterVarsity Press, 2008), p. 26.

Robert E. Webber earned his ThD from Concordia Theological Seminary. For years, he served as Myers Professor of Ministry at Northern Seminary in Illinois. He founded the Institute for Worship Studies. He was also the author of many books, including Common Roots, Evangelicals on the Canterbury Trail, Ancient-Future Faith, Together We Worship, and Listening to the Beliefs of Emergent Churches.

NOTE: The first couple of chapters to this convicting book are available on www.amazon.com. They are well worth the short read.

TOPPED OFF AND READY TO ROLL

7/20/2017

My wife and I just returned from a wonderful vacation. We were blessed to spend time with our extended family at the lake down in Alabama where my two sisters live. All in all, it was wonderful just to get away and relax. The food, the fun, and the fellowship were all a welcome respite from the routine of daily life.

I especially enjoyed being out in nature. There were a few showers, to be sure; but the Lord still provided us with plenty of sunshine. In addition, the lake itself was as full as I can ever remember it being. In fact, it was literally overflowing. The two foot high seawall on their property is composed of stacked crossties; and the water was literally up and over the edge of the wall.

This is unusual for this time of year. Normally, by the week after the Fourth of July holiday, the water level has begun to go down noticeably all across the lake. But there has been so much rain this summer that the water is being replenished in the lake faster than it is being released over the spillways at the dam. The result is a lake that is full to the brim, which certainly made for a bunch of happy vacationers over the past week.

I have reflected upon all of this and have come to see it as a picture of the purpose that a good vacation serves for the average person. Each day, little by little, the water is drained off of any large lake. This happens through both evaporation and through drainage, as dams draw off water to make electricity.

It is important, therefore, that water come into the lake as well, primarily through rain falling on the site of the lake itself or else through the flow of rivers and streams from rain that has fallen at places upstream from the lake.

Our personal and professional lives work much the same way. To be successful at what we are called to do, our jobs and professions require us to put forth a reasonable amount of effort to be successful. And even without the stresses of employment, we all know that the simple living of life itself can be quite draining.

The point is that we all naturally use up energy and resources as we live out our daily lives. And eventually, this all requires some sort of replenishment. If not, we soon deplete ourselves.

For these reasons, I am thankful for the last few days and the opportunity God provided me to get away, clear my head, and refill myself - body, soul, and spirit. I understand why the Psalmist (see for example, Psalm 66:13) repeatedly speaks of the Lord’s ability to replenish our lives!

After unpacking this afternoon, I ran my truck through the local car wash to clean off the bugs and road spray. I then stopped by the gas station to top off the gas tank. It now sits in my driveway ready to roll! The same can pretty much be said of me. And believe me, it’s a good feeling.

I now eagerly look forward to returning to the activities and engagements of daily life.

IF NEED BE…

7/10/2017

We are told that it was back in the 1930’s when famed automobile pioneer Henry Ford made a trip to Ireland, the home of his ancestors. While he was there, two trustees of a local hospital came to the world-famous millionaire, asking for a donation.

In their appeal, they alluded to Jesus’ renowned parable of the sheep and the goats and how we should feed the hungry, quench the thirsty, and visit the sick, etc…, in His name. In response, Mr. Ford offered them five thousand dollars. Now, given that it was the 1930's, this was no small gift itself.

The next morning, however, Mr. Ford saw in the local newspaper a headline boldly proclaiming that the generous American philanthropist Henry Ford had given fifty thousand dollars to the local hospital.

Ford called the hospital and tracked the two trustees down, requesting an audience with them in his hotel room. When they arrived at his room, he waved the newspaper at them and asked what it all meant.

The trustees apologized, and offered to print a retraction, informing the public that Henry Ford had not given not fifty thousand, but only five thousand.

Instead, Ford promised them another forty-five thousand, but did so with one stipulation: that a marble arch be erected at the hospital entrance with a plaque that read, “I was a stranger and you took me in.”

Of course, what Ford was doing was turning the tables on them by referencing a line from the King James Version of that same parable. As they had slightly twisted God’s Word to suit their purposes, so had he, albeit tongue in cheek, in return.

But the words of Jesus in the New Testament Gospel of Matthew, chapter 25, verses 31-46, need no tweaking. They are plain enough as He spoke them.

Perhaps during this time of the year when people budget most of their expenditures on personal vacations, these words reminding us of the importance of caring for others bear rehearsing.

31When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: 32And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: 33And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.

34Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: 35For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: 36Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.

37Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? 38When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? 39Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? 40And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.

41Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: 42For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink: 43I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not.

44Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee?

45Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me. 46And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

The month of July is the traditionally laden with vacations. And there is certainly nothing wrong with that. My family and I hope to have some time away in the next month ourselves. But I can only hope that, even as we take a little time to relax and focus on renewal, we will still be sensitive to anyone around us whom we might find to be in need.

For this much is certainly true - basic human needs (such as the ones Jesus spoke of like hunger, thirst, loneliness, barrenness, sickness, and troubles) never take a vacation. Therefore, if need be encountered, if need be discovered, if need be found, then we, the followers of Christ, are called upon to meet it. May we be faithful to do so.

STORY SOURCE: This story has been around for quite some time. I first heard it from my step-father, who is a former officer in the Antique Automobile Club and a great lover of Mr. Ford. It can also be found online in various versions and places - for instance: http://www.wikipreacher.org/home/quot
ations-and-illustrations/-s/stewardship/when-henry-ford-was-taken-in.

ANOTHER MUCH MORE DETAILED VERSION CAN BE FOUND HERE: http://www.finfacts.ie/finfactsblog/2006/08/henry-ford-and-cork-ireland.html.

SCRIPTURE SOURCE: http://biblehub.com/kjv/matthew/25.htm.

OFF THE WALL

7/7/2017

A significant number of Americans are caffeine addicts. Most of these are coffee aficionados. For my part, I’m not much of a coffee drinker. But I do like an occasional glass of “Southern Syrup”, also known as sweet iced tea!

But my real weakness is Diet Coke. Being a preacher, I like to jokingly tell people the term “diet Coke” derives from the ancient Greek language and means “nectar of Heaven”.

Several of the members of our church staff, however, seemingly cannot get through the day without one or two large cups of Joe. Today’s post is for them.

Evangelist Albert Kang shares the following first-hand account of a trip he made to Venice, Italy – a place world famous for its coffee.

(Venetian merchants first discovered coffee in Africa nd India back in the 1500’s. They brought it back to Europe and founded the first European cafes, or coffee houses, as early as the 1600’s. It is for these reasons that many who visit Venice today seek out the world famous cafes to be found there.)

In any event, Albert writes:

I sat with my good friend within a well-known coffee shop in a neighboring area of Venice, Italy, typically the city of lights in addition to water.

As we liked our coffee, a person entered and sat from an empty table alongside us. He called the waiter and placed his order saying, “Two cups of coffee, one of them there on the wall.”

We all heard this order together with rather interest and seen that he was dished up with one cup of Joe nevertheless he paid for a couple of.

When he left, typically the waiter put a part of paper on typically the wall saying “A cup of Coffee”.

While we all were still there, a couple of other men entered in and ordered three cups coffee, two on typically the table and another on the wall. They had 2 cups of coffee nevertheless paid for three. This time likewise, the waiter did a similar; he put a part of paper within the wall structure saying, “A Cup of Coffee”.

It was something unique and perplexing for us. We finished our coffee, paid the bill and left.

After some days, we had the opportunity to go to that coffee shop again. While we all were enjoying our coffee man poorly dressed up entered. As he sitting down himself, he looked from the wall and mentioned, “One cup of coffee from the wall.”

The cashier served coffee to the person with the customary value and dignity. The person had his coffee and left without paying.

We were amazed to watch all this, as the waiter took off a piece of paper from the wall and threw it in the trash bin

Today it was not surprising regarding us – the whole matter was now very clear. The great respect for the needy shown by the inhabitants of this town made our eyes well up in tears.

Ponder upon the need of what this man wanted. He enters the coffee shop without having to lower his self-esteem… he has no need to ask for a free cup of coffee… without asking or knowing about the one who is giving this cup of coffee to him… he only looked at the wall, placed an order for himself, enjoyed his coffee and left.

A truly beautiful thought. Probably the most beautiful wall you may ever see anywhere!

Who can read this wonderful story without being reminded of the words of Jesus in Matthew 25:31-40?

31“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. 32All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.

34“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

37“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

40“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

This kind of makes me want to have my own “off the wall” experience. I hope it does for you as well. For what greater blessing can there be than to do some kind, anonymous deed for another human being in the name of Jesus Christ?!

STORY SOURCE:
http://aksermonillustrations.blogspot.com/search/label/Paying%20Forward.
SCRIPTURE SOURCE:
http://biblehub.com/niv/matthew/25.htm.
SEE ALSO:
http://www.theovercomers.info/albert-kang/.

ON BEHALF OF A GRATEFUL NATION

7/4/2017

For the last seventeen years, I was honored to serve as the pastor of Mr. Howard Rush. He was a loving husband, doting father and grandfather, and committed follower of Jesus Christ who proudly served our country faithfully in the Korean War as a member of the United Sates Navy. He was laid to rest yesterday morning.

This unassuming and unpretentious man lived his entire life in quiet service of others, finishing up as a member of the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the local Veteran’s Honor Guard.

Over the years, I attended scores of graveside services where he participated in honoring fellow veterans for their sacrificial service to our country. As you are perhaps aware, such services involve a twenty-one gun salute, the playing of taps, and the presentation of a folded flag and spent shells to the family members of the deceased service member.

Howard once shared with me the significance of the folded flag. In his memory, as well as that of so many who faithfully served our country over the centuries, I thought I would share it here.

According to the sheet of paper I was given, here is the significance of the folding of the American Flag:

1. The first fold of our flag is a symbol of life.
2. The second fold is a symbol of our belief in eternal life.
3. The third fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans departing our ranks who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of our country to attain peace throughout the world.
4. The fourth fold represents our weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in time of war for His divine guidance.
5. The fifth fold is a tribute to our country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, "Our Country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong."
6. The sixth fold is for where our hearts lie. It is with our heart that we pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.
7. The seventh fold is a tribute to our Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that we protect our country and our flag against all her enemies, whether they are found within or without the boundaries of our republic.
8. The eighth fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day, and to honor mother, for whom it flies on Mother's Day.
9. The ninth fold is a tribute to womanhood; for it has been through their faith, their love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great has been molded.
10. The tenth fold is a tribute to the father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since they were first born.
11. The eleventh fold, in the eyes of a Hebrew citizen represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon, and glorifies in their eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
12. The twelfth fold, in the eyes of a Christian citizen, represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in their eyes, God the Father, the Son, and Holy Spirit.
13. When the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost reminding us of our nation's motto, "In God We Trust". After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat, ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under General George Washington, and the sailors and marines who served under Captain John Paul Jones. Those who were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the Armed Forces of the United States, preserving for us the rights, privileges, and freedoms we enjoy today.

It was moving to watch this service unfold over the grave of Mr. Rush, especially after he had helped to perform it so many times over the graves of his deceased comrades. I hope I will remember this in the future every time I come across a folded flag. I hope you will as well.

And on this Independence Day, 2017, please take the time to thank a veteran for the freedoms you and I so richly enjoy. These freedoms came at quite a price.

SEE ALSO:
http://www.tellicolakepost256.org/index.php?id=12.
http://www.usapatriotism.org//reference/flag_folding.htm.