The Death of Absolutes? – by Brett Evans

We live in a world where absolutism is dying off, and it’s dying off quickly.

Seeds of relativism that were planted hundreds of years ago into the fertile gardens of philosophy, science and religion have germinated and grown into an unbridled harvest of confusion. Definitions are in flux and seem to change by the minute based on the trending opinion of the masses or, in some cases, by the innate proclivities of a few.

Gender, traditionally defined by biological certainties, is now defined by the subjective inclinations of the individual, regardless of biological restraints.

Marriage, once defined as a covenant-union between a man and a woman for the express purpose of preserving the integrity of a society, is now loosely defined as a union of two people, regardless of gender, for the express purpose of validating a sexual predisposition.

Morality. Good. Evil. Sexuality.

None of these words have clear definitions anymore and are subject to circumstance and individual interpretation, and the list of words being stripped of their unimpeachable definitions is growing every day.

There are, however, a few “truths” society at large has established as absolutes that cannot be questioned, and it should come as no surprise that many of these so-called absolutes are in direct conflict with the Judeo-Christian worldview. Darwinism (commonly called evolution) is one such concept.

Darwinism is the concept that all living things come from a common cell-like organism which was randomly and materialistically formed and, over time, evolved into every kind of plant, animal and human we see on earth today by natural selection. This concept is extra-Biblical and affords no cause from a Creator.

Darwinism has many scientific problems. If all living creatures were generated randomly then it is assumed (by most Darwinists) that the same must have happened with space, time, chemicals, galaxies, stars and planets, but the more scientists learn, the more they admit that these things happening spontaneously, even over billions of years, is a statistical impossibility. When scientists consider how fine-tuned the laws of physics are calibrated for life to exist, for example, they are left boggled at the idea that this could be the work of random materialism.

Many of the common “proofs” of evolution have been refuted by further scientific evidence or have been found to be flat-out unscientific and falsely propagated as truth. Carbon-dating, the fossil record, the Urey/Miller experiment, and the so-called “missing link” fossils are just a few commonly used proofs of evolution that have been disproved by science and history, and yet they are all taught as infallible proofs of evolution to this day.

Despite the scientific flaws of Darwinism, it is widely accepted as the truth. As a matter of fact, evolution is now implicitly suggested in the very use of the word “science,” so much so that to suggest evolution could be wrong is to slay the sacred cow of academia. It’s not only implicit to science but now also to psychology, economics and even—sadly—some religion. It is the very zeitgeist of academia and permeates every premise of every area of study.

If you challenge the notion, you’re likely to be ostracized. Professors have lost their tenure, students have been publicly lambasted and embarrassed, and professionals have been marginalized for simply challenging the premise of Darwinism and suggesting there may be a Creator. Celebrity talking heads like Richard Dawkins and Bill Nye pompously attack anyone who believes in a Creator by calling them fools and, worse, dangerous.

Bill Nye and Ken Ham face off in a 2014 Creationism vs. Evolution debate at The Creation Museum.
Bill Nye and Ken Ham face off in a 2014 Creationism vs. Evolution debate at The Creation Museum.

But, why? Why, when almost everything else is subject to individual interpretation, would society be so vehement about evolution? With just an ounce of discernment it’s easy to understand. The prince of this world (John 14:30) has come to steal, kill and destroy (John 10:10) and does so with lies (John 8:44), and what better way to steal, kill and destroy someone’s hope, meaning and purpose in life than to “scientifically” prove there is no God? Paul wisely said that we are not ignorant of Satan’s devices (2 Cor 2:11), and one thing we know with confidence is that the enemy will use whatever weapon he can to destroy us—whether that’s relativism or by creating false absolutes like evolution.

Darwinism teaches a person they are paradoxically and simultaneously their own god and yet, at the same time, more worthless than an ant. The heroes in the story of Darwinism are chaos, random chance and death. Darwinism condones racism, abortion and genocide because the “weaker species” must die off in order for man to progress. Hitler, Mao Tse Tung, and Karl Marx all derived their political atrocities from this ideology that has accounted for hundreds of millions of murdered humans. It’s easy to see why the enemy wants to ensure this mindset remains the prevailing ideology of our day.

So, what can we as Christians do? 1 Peter 5:8 says, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” How are we to be sober and vigilant? We must first pay careful attention to our own thoughts. Have we accepted the concepts of evolution as truth? If so, we must examine ourselves and take inventory of those ideologies that aren’t of God and ask God to purge us of those mentalities. Secondly, we must make sure to proactively discuss these matters with our children. Our children are being indoctrinated with these concepts on a daily basis. We must teach them the ways of the Lord and true science that they may have confidence in what they know to be true.

Absolutism may be unfashionable in many respects, but the Devil knows that the deception of false absolutes like evolution are a powerful weapon of destruction, and he’ll do all he can to saturate this world with this contagion. But we can stand in peace and confidence knowing that the God we serve is the same yesterday, today and forever and that his Word is forever settled in heaven, and no one—not even Satan—can change that.

Pour it Out

Pastor Ball preaches a message from 2 Kings 4, entitled, “Pour it Out” on Sunday, August 30, 2015 at the Carmel Campus.

5th Quarter @ FAC Sheridan

Immediately following each Sheridan Blackhawks home game, middle and high school students and their families are invited to a FREE community event at Faith Apostolic Church! 5th Quarter is a post-game after party in a safe, Christian environment, designed for families. We’ll have free hot dogs, snacks, and drinks, and plenty of fun activities for everyone!

FAC Youth are encouraged to attend the Blackhawks games, and then make their way to the FAC Sheridan Campus where we’ll party until ~11:30 PM.

Blackhawks Home Game Schedule

September 4 vs. North White (7 PM kick-off)
September 18 vs. Eastern (7:30 PM kick-off)
October 9 vs. Taylor (7 PM kick-off)

For more information, or to find out how you can help, contact FAC Sheridan Campus Pastor, Wes Comer.

FAC Bible Quizzing

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mjEtpPEY0MY

What is Bible Quizzing?

A Scripture memorization program in which students form a very young age up through high school can learn a large number of specific verses over the course of about ten months. They form teams from their local church and compete with other Apostolic church teams from around the state playing a game that tests them on their knowledge of the Scriptures they’ve memorized. This year, the material we are covering is from Romans (Senior Division), James, 1 & 2 Peter, and 1 John (Juniors and Beginners).

Who can participate?

Students:
Any child ages 4-18 who can memorize a verse and answer a question. By the end of the Quiz year, with faithful dedication and support, the Seniors will have learned 433 verses, the Juniors 267, and the Beginners 175.

Parents:
The parents form the backbone of a successful Bible Quizzing team; they play a vital role in daily encouragement, accountability, and teaching, especially in the Beginner and Junior divisions.

Coaches:
The coaches work along with the parents, guiding the students through the process of memorizing, quoting, and playing the game. They officiate at weekly practice, inspiring and encouraging the team to do their best, together and individually. They lead the team at monthly district tournaments, and also at national.

Volunteers:
Also needed are support staff in various areas—adults who may not be parents nor feel the burden to coach, but are critical to the process, whether helping with the buzzer system or keeping score during practice, judging at tournaments, fundraising, carpooling to practices and tournaments, giving a donation to the program, or childcare.

All these are important components of a great Bible Quizzing experience.

When does the season begin?

Now! The students are encouraged to start memorizing their verses (King James Version, word-for-word) just as soon as they can. Practices will begin the first week in September.

Important Upcoming Dates

August 22, 10am-3pm: Bible Quizzing workshop at Apostolic Christian Church, 1532 Standish Ave, Indianapolis, IN.

September 26, 10am: District Tournament, at Covenant Christian Schools in Bloomington, IN

*check the Facebook page for updates on all quizzing events: Indiana District ALJC Bible Quizzing

WHY should we do Bible Quizzing?

Because it provides the structure for us to apply the mandate given by God in Deuteronomy 6: “And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart. And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up…”

Families who commit themselves to Bible Quizzing find themselves quoting, talking, and studying Scripture together often throughout the day. The atmosphere of the home changes. The students surprise themselves and their parents with how much they can actually memorize. They make lifelong friends, they learn how to operate as a team, and their academic skills even improve. Most of all, their lives are changed forever by making the eternal Word of God a priority in their day.

You can’t spend time in the Word and it not affect you. You can’t commit these words to memory and not be changed. It is a powerful weapon in the hand of a mighty warrior—of any age—who has learned how to handle it. It is the means by which we can know our God. And if there’s ever been a day when the world needs people who know Him and who know the truth of His Word, it is today.

Thank God For Freedom

American Flag

 John 8:36 – If the son therefore shall make you free, you shall be free indeed.

As the nation prepares to celebrate it’s birthday, I couldn’t help but take a moment and reflect on the captivating and inspiring power of freedom. It is through our freedom that we get to experience and worship God without persecution and fear of repercussions for our beliefs. But, freedom comes with a cost. To protect our way of life there are many who have made the ultimate sacrifice for this land that we love. Although our nation is not perfect, there are soldiers who are willing to put their lives in harms way to make sure we are safe. For that I am extremely grateful.

However, about 2000 years ago there was a man named Jesus who died on a cross whose loved spread beyond not only state, city, and country lines but through continents. His act of love, His ultimate sacrifice, gave birth to a new everlasting fountain of hope for everyone on the planet to enjoy.  Although many of us may be familiar with His story, some may not know the many benefits we experience from His passion. It is by the shedding of His blood that we get to experience this indescribable freedom we have in Him today.

Below are few things that we can thank Jesus for daily that He has set us free from.

Freedom From Sin

Romans 6:6-7- Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin.

As we strive to live a life like Christ with his spirit, we can do so confidently knowing that through His death we are free from all matter sin.

Freedom From Bondage

Galatians 5:1 – Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.

Jesus has set us free from the captivity of bondage. This bondage may be in the form of spiritual strongholds in our mind or the countless devices the enemy tries to use to make us fall. No weapon formed against us shall prosper. The yoke has been destroyed.

Freedom From Fear

2 Timothy 1:7 – For God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

The Sprit of fear does not belong in the body of a believer. If it exists it is only because the enemy is using it to distract us from the power that works in us. Stir up the gift and let go of the fear. You are free from it.

Freedom From Heartache

Isaiah 61:1- The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound

God will use his people to not only speak great things into the lives of his disciples but he also will use them to heal the brokenhearted. Jesus loves you so much that he is there to ease the pain and help you grow from it. Accept his freedom.

Freedom From Condemnation

Romans 8:1 – There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

We all make mistakes as no one is perfect. Instead of letting your shortcomings fill you with defeat, pray immediately for your deliverance and recognize that your growth in Christ is a process. Dust yourself off and get right back to living for God. You are free from condemnation. God loves you and will work with you until you reach your expected end. Don’t give up!

Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom! 2 Corinthians 3:17

Stay in the spirit and enjoy the freedom that God has granted you through his sacrifice.