earth debates

Today while I was subsituting and teaching about Pangaea and Plate Tectonics, our principal came in and assisted in a discussion about old earth vs. new earth, and how Christians have differing opinions and beliefs. She made some great points that I wanted to blog, if for no other reason than for ME to look back and remember her wisdom and knowledge...

First know that she is an "old earth" Christian and taught Science in a Christian school for many years. She also loves Jesus and finds it of most importance to present the gospel above all else. She was gentle with my students who were asking questions like, "Do you think he (Alfred Wegener...) went to hell for believing that?" She gave some very good explanations dealing with creation and whether a day was really a "day", and whether the flood really covered the entire earth, etc...

But something I did not know was this:
There is a website for the Institute of Creation Research which she said ridicules those who believe in the old earth. She said the site and the people supporting it have made rude and assuming comments towards those with different views than them.

On the contrary, the website for the opposing group, Reasons to Believe, presents its views in a way that points people to Jesus and salvation. She said that many scientists, science professors, and liberalists have come to know Christ through the ministry of this website and its presentation of the gospel.

I couldn't help but be drawn towards exploring the website that has produced obvious fruit. I'm not sure what I am, but I'm no scientist, and I'd like to have trustworthy, Christian, science-minded friends help point me towards less-ignorant responses when it comes to these matters.
Are these matters of major importance in the Christian faith? Some would say no, and others would beg to differ, saying that sometimes, they are the KEY matter in keeping certain people engaged in discussion about Jesus, and the validity of the Bible.

Dr. T also mentioned that unanswered questions are OK to have, and that one of the greatest gifts God gave us was mystery. He loves our searching and curious hearts and also loves concealing parts of Himself for the sake of the search, the mystery. She quoted a scripture that said Kings search and God conceals...I searched BibleGateway and found nothing. :) Cool idea, though. Like a parent keeping a secret from their child for the sake of a surprise, or just for the sake of the mystery.

She reminded the students that throughout life, they will encounter Christians who are afraid of unanswered questions, and will take defense when their answers are challenged. She encouraged the class to be "thinking Christians", and to be slow to respond with defense, and quick to consider the mystery of God and the occasional unanswered question.

I felt like I was the student today! I liked it. :)

sex talk at church

I'm super excited about the sermon series for this month @ InFocus: Sex Talk! One of the things I am hoping and praying for during this month is that people would allow their hearts and sin to be found rather than hidden. This is something Eliza and I talked about yesterday as she wrote an article for the singles newsletter. We focused on what God wants to REPLACE our junk with...how there isn't just a removal, but a replacement, of something BETTER.

Job 11:13-16 was read by Brent to end the first message this past Sunday. READ IT. It is powerful!

Don't trade naked and unashamed for a better place to hide (Derek Webb).
Let exposure bring with it the fullness and richness of God's grace, healing, forgiveness, power, and beauty from ashes.