Upholding Biblical Truth in a Scientific Age

Summary

### Summary

Today, we explored the importance of holding firmly to the truth of God's Word amidst a culture that increasingly deifies science and human reasoning over divine revelation. We began by reflecting on the significance of the opening words of the Gospel of John, "In the beginning was the Word," emphasizing the foundational role of Jesus Christ in creation and salvation. I shared personal updates about my family and ministry, highlighting the joy and challenges of spreading the gospel through various media, including films and social media.

We then delved into the dangers of substituting psychology and modern scientific interpretations for the authority of Scripture. Paul Harvey's 1965 warning about the devil's tactics to engulf the world in darkness was used to illustrate how these substitutions have infiltrated even the church. We discussed the alarming statistics of young people doubting their faith due to the teaching of evolution and millions of years, which contradicts the biblical account of creation.

The sermon emphasized the need to understand the historical and scientific attacks on the Bible, starting with James Hutton's "Theory of the Earth" and Charles Lyell's "Principles of Geology," which laid the groundwork for Darwin's theory of evolution. These ideas have led to a widespread rejection of the biblical accounts of creation, the flood, and the coming judgment, as predicted by the Apostle Peter.

We examined the theological implications of accepting an old earth or theistic evolution perspective, particularly how it undermines the doctrine of original sin and the necessity of Christ's atoning death. The credibility of Jesus Christ is at stake if we compromise on the clear teaching of Scripture regarding creation. We concluded with a call to submit our thoughts and lives to the authority of God's Word, to engage actively in our communities, and to live out our faith boldly and truthfully.

### Key Takeaways

1. The Authority of Scripture: The Bible is the ultimate authority on all matters, including science and history. Modern scientific theories should not be allowed to override the clear teachings of Scripture. God's Word is the foundation for life, and any deviation from it leads to confusion and error. [01:00:26]

2. The Impact of Evolutionary Teaching: The teaching of evolution and millions of years has caused many young people to doubt the Bible and walk away from their faith. This highlights the need for robust biblical teaching that affirms the truth of creation as described in Genesis. [01:03:45]

3. Theological Implications of Old Earth Beliefs: Accepting an old earth or theistic evolution undermines the doctrine of original sin and the necessity of Christ's atoning death. If death existed before sin, it contradicts the biblical narrative that death is the result of sin. [01:33:44]

4. The Role of Christians in Society: Christians are called to be active participants in their communities, upholding biblical values and truths. In America, the people are the ultimate authority, and it is our responsibility to ensure that our government reflects godly principles. [01:47:51]

5. Living Out the Truth: Knowing the truth of God's Word should lead to a transformed life. We are called to submit our thoughts and actions to Christ, to love and serve others, and to be a light in a dark world. The truth of Scripture has the power to set us free and change the world. [01:46:13]

### YouTube Chapters

1. [0:00] - Welcome
2. [50:57] - Introduction and Purpose
3. [51:28] - The Book of John and Creation
4. [52:04] - Family and Ministry Updates
5. [53:14] - Films and Outreach
6. [54:55] - New Film: Night at the Discovery Center
7. [57:48] - Paul Harvey's Warning
8. [59:21] - Psychology vs. Religion
9. [01:01:56] - Decline of Christian America
10. [01:03:45] - Impact of Evolutionary Teaching
11. [01:07:33] - The Rapid Cultural Shift
12. [01:14:50] - Peter's Warning and Modern Science
13. [01:22:42] - Scientific Consensus and Biblical Truth
14. [01:33:44] - Theological Implications of Old Earth Beliefs
15. [01:46:13] - Living Out the Truth
16. [01:47:51] - Role of Christians in Society
17. [01:51:17] - Closing Prayer and Call to Action

Study Guide

### Bible Reading

1. John 1:1 - "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."
2. 2 Peter 3:3-4 - "Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, and saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation."
3. Psalms 11:3 - "If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?"

### Observation Questions

1. What does John 1:1 reveal about the nature and role of Jesus Christ in creation? How does this foundational truth impact our understanding of the Gospel? [51:28]
2. According to 2 Peter 3:3-4, what are the characteristics and claims of the scoffers in the last days? How does this align with the current cultural attitudes towards biblical truths? [01:14:50]
3. In Psalms 11:3, what is the significance of the foundation being destroyed, and how does this relate to the current state of faith and morality in society? [01:07:33]
4. What were some of the personal updates shared by the pastor, and how do they reflect the challenges and joys of spreading the gospel through various media? [52:04]

### Interpretation Questions

1. How does the teaching of evolution and millions of years challenge the authority of Scripture, particularly the account of creation in Genesis? What are the implications for young people's faith? [01:03:45]
2. What are the theological implications of accepting an old earth or theistic evolution perspective, especially concerning the doctrine of original sin and Christ's atoning death? [01:33:44]
3. How does the role of Christians in society, as described in the sermon, align with the biblical mandate to be active participants in upholding godly principles? [01:47:51]
4. In what ways does knowing the truth of God's Word lead to a transformed life, and how can this transformation be evident in our daily actions and interactions? [01:46:13]

### Application Questions

1. Reflecting on John 1:1, how can you ensure that Jesus Christ remains the foundation of your faith and daily life? What practical steps can you take to deepen your relationship with Him? [51:28]
2. Considering the warning in 2 Peter 3:3-4, how can you guard against the influence of scoffers and maintain a firm belief in the promises of God? What specific actions can you take to strengthen your faith amidst cultural challenges? [01:14:50]
3. Psalms 11:3 speaks about the destruction of foundations. What are some foundational truths in your life that you need to reinforce? How can you actively work to uphold these truths in your community? [01:07:33]
4. The sermon highlighted the impact of evolutionary teaching on young people's faith. How can you support and encourage the younger generation to trust in the biblical account of creation? What resources or conversations can you initiate to address their doubts? [01:03:45]
5. The pastor emphasized the importance of living out the truth of God's Word. Identify one area in your life where you struggle to align your actions with biblical teachings. What steps can you take this week to bring that area into submission to Christ? [01:46:13]
6. How can you be an active participant in your community, upholding biblical values and truths? What specific actions can you take to influence your local government or community organizations to reflect godly principles? [01:47:51]
7. Reflect on the personal updates shared by the pastor. How can you use your own experiences and challenges to spread the gospel in your sphere of influence? What creative methods can you employ to share the message of Christ with others? [52:04]

Devotional

Day 1: The Unchanging Authority of Scripture
Description: In a world where scientific theories and human reasoning often take precedence, it is crucial to remember that the Bible is the ultimate authority on all matters, including science and history. Modern scientific theories should not be allowed to override the clear teachings of Scripture. God's Word is the foundation for life, and any deviation from it leads to confusion and error. The opening words of the Gospel of John, "In the beginning was the Word," emphasize the foundational role of Jesus Christ in creation and salvation. As believers, we must hold firmly to the truth of God's Word amidst a culture that increasingly deifies science and human reasoning over divine revelation. [01:00:26]

Isaiah 40:8 (ESV): "The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever."

Reflection: In what areas of your life have you allowed modern scientific theories or human reasoning to overshadow the authority of Scripture? How can you reaffirm the Bible's authority in those areas today?

Day 2: The Impact of Evolutionary Teaching
Description: The teaching of evolution and millions of years has caused many young people to doubt the Bible and walk away from their faith. This highlights the need for robust biblical teaching that affirms the truth of creation as described in Genesis. The alarming statistics of young people doubting their faith due to the teaching of evolution and millions of years, which contradicts the biblical account of creation, should prompt us to address these issues head-on. By understanding the historical and scientific attacks on the Bible, we can better equip ourselves and others to defend the truth of God's Word. [01:03:45]

2 Peter 3:3-4 (ESV): "Knowing this first of all, that scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own sinful desires. They will say, 'Where is the promise of his coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things are continuing as they were from the beginning of creation.'"

Reflection: How can you engage with young people in your community to address their doubts about the Bible and affirm the truth of creation as described in Genesis?

Day 3: Theological Implications of Old Earth Beliefs
Description: Accepting an old earth or theistic evolution undermines the doctrine of original sin and the necessity of Christ's atoning death. If death existed before sin, it contradicts the biblical narrative that death is the result of sin. The credibility of Jesus Christ is at stake if we compromise on the clear teaching of Scripture regarding creation. The theological implications of accepting an old earth or theistic evolution perspective are significant, as they challenge the foundational truths of the Christian faith. By holding firmly to the biblical account of creation, we uphold the doctrine of original sin and the necessity of Christ's atoning death. [01:33:44]

Romans 5:12 (ESV): "Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned."

Reflection: Reflect on your understanding of the doctrine of original sin and the necessity of Christ's atoning death. How does accepting the biblical account of creation strengthen your faith in these foundational truths?

Day 4: The Role of Christians in Society
Description: Christians are called to be active participants in their communities, upholding biblical values and truths. In America, the people are the ultimate authority, and it is our responsibility to ensure that our government reflects godly principles. By engaging actively in our communities and living out our faith boldly and truthfully, we can influence society for the better. The call to submit our thoughts and lives to the authority of God's Word extends beyond personal devotion; it includes being a light in a dark world and ensuring that our government and societal structures reflect godly principles. [01:47:51]

Matthew 5:14-16 (ESV): "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."

Reflection: What specific actions can you take this week to actively participate in your community and uphold biblical values and truths?

Day 5: Living Out the Truth
Description: Knowing the truth of God's Word should lead to a transformed life. We are called to submit our thoughts and actions to Christ, to love and serve others, and to be a light in a dark world. The truth of Scripture has the power to set us free and change the world. By living out the truth of God's Word, we demonstrate the transformative power of the gospel in our lives. This involves not only personal devotion but also actively engaging with others, serving our communities, and being a beacon of hope and truth in a world that desperately needs it. [01:46:13]

James 1:22-25 (ESV): "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing."

Reflection: Identify one area of your life where you can more fully live out the truth of God's Word. What practical steps can you take today to submit your thoughts and actions to Christ in that area?

Quotes

1. "If what I give you is the truth, what I want form from you is for you to respond and to live out that truth in your life. I'm so thankful you guys are going through the book of John right now. I, my ministry is called creation today. Did you get, you guys remember the very first words in the book of John? Anybody remember the first words of the book of John? And the beginning was the word. That's it, man. I talk about that. I love talking about the word, the creation, the beginning, and the savior of mankind, Jesus Christ." [50:57] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "My friend, you guys are blessed. There are a lot of places around the world today that have replaced a relationship with God and the work of the Holy Spirit and what God can do in your life through the power of Christ alone with psychology. It's self-help. And we have now decided that, well, the Bible wasn't written during a time of scientific, you know, endeavor, scientific knowledge. And now we, we know better. We actually know better than God." [59:21] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "God's word is the foundation for life. We've watched in 2009 Newsweek magazine talk about the decline and the fall of Christian America. Don't be fooled. Young people, you're going to hear revisionist, try to rewrite history and say history was not founded on biblical principles. It absolutely was. There is no question they understood. We are endowed by our with certain unalienable rights. They knew that they founded this on God and his word." [01:00:26] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Right now, over 75% of those will walk away from Christianity. When asked, what influenced you most to doubt the Bible? 45%, vast majority said, the teaching of evolution in millions of years. And if they didn't list that as the number one reason, for almost all of them, that was a major reason that they listed, even if it wasn't the number one reason. Evolution in millions of years. Because they know, it's not hard to figure out, evolution in millions of years is not compatible with what God's word teaches." [01:03:13] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "We're not just dealing with a world that is ignorant of scripture outside of the church. We're dealing with a world that's ignorant of scripture inside the church. That's what we're facing today. Psalms 11.3, if the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do? How many of you have been blown away and almost felt helpless over the last 10 years where it went from, oh my goodness, LGBT to gay marriage, well, LGB, gay marriage, transgender, transgender, or transsexual, gender identity. Ah! How many of you cannot believe that that's gone that fast?" [01:07:05] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "I want to help turn stumbling blocks into stepping stones on people's journey to Christ. The things that trip them up to say, well, that can't be true, or Jesus didn't exist, or he didn't rise from the dead, I want to turn those into stepping stones and help people see the truth that God is the creator and the redeemer of mankind. I look at the plagues, the things that are, that are wreaking havoc on our culture, that are limiting human flourishing, which is what God wants, limiting us from being who God has called us to be, and I want to fix that." [01:08:15] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "Less than 10% of people that claim Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life, and if you don't repent and trust in him, you are on your way to hell. Less than 10% of those will actually go tell somebody else about that. We're not familiar with Scripture. We're not evangelizing. We're in trouble. We're So our little ministry is just doing what we can to try to encourage the church and equip the church. We want you to have answers. We want you to know that we are right. We want you to know that it is true." [01:08:52] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "The reason we have death, disease, suffering, pain right now is because we're living in a fallen, in a cursed creation. This is not the way God created it. So you have a real problem if you want to adopt any kind of either old earth or theistic evolution worldview, because you now have billions of years of death and struggle and suffering to finally get humanity, which is what God really wanted. And it undermines the truth of scripture." [01:36:27] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "What is it that comes into your mind when you think about God? Because that's the most important thing about you. And I get it. In an audience this size, there's people here that believe right now or have been convinced by, maybe they're not convinced by God. Maybe they're not convinced by God. Maybe they're not convinced by God. The earth is old and maybe God did it that way. I'm just telling you, you need to back up and examine who God is in that perspective. Is this the way God created it? Did God create this world to be filled with death and suffering or did he make it perfect to begin with?" [01:40:24] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "Are you taking your thoughts and taking them and making them obedient to Christ? Are you like, no, I think I got it. I can get away with that. I know it says to forgive, but well, you just don't understand. This situation. I know it commands me to love even my enemies, but that was me. Sorry. But you just don't understand this person. I know it says to pray for those who persecute you, but you just don't understand. I got to get back. Are you taking this as your authority or are you your authority?" [01:45:50] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

Chatbot

Transcript

What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?

Were there any personal stories shared?