February 13, 2000 Humble Messenger

Humble Messenger
Volume 8, Week 7 February 13, 2000
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Building Stronger Faith
Evolutionists Against Themselves -srf
In an article by Henry Morris, "A House Divided," in the February Acts and Facts publication, he points out an intense division between two kinds of evolutionists. One group believes evolution happened gradually over long periods of time (uniformitarians or neo-Darwinians), and the other group believes it happened suddenly with long periods of "stasis" (no-change) between each period (punctuationsists). The punctuationists argue that the fossil record proves that evolution did not occur gradually over long periods of time. But the neo-Darwinians argue that the complexity evidenced in the world could not have happened suddenly by chance.

Fact is, they are both right! The fossil record does show that there was no gradual evolution of species over millions of years. And the complexity and order of our universe cannot be attributed to sudden chance.

Any other alternatives? Yes - creation by an eternal, omnipotent God! "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth...Then God said...and it was so...Thus the heavens and the earth were completed, and all their hosts. And by the seventh day God completed His work which He had done..." (Gen. 1:1f and 2:1f). But, when it comes to creation, the two parties are united in their opposition to that!

But isn't the evidence for the position of the scientists strong? Here is an observation by Martin Brookes, a science writer, commenting on a debate between two proponents of the two theories: "For an argument about science, you would be hard pressed to find an exchange of views so full of hollow rhetoric, pompous quotations and insults...It is precisely because there is so little evidence for either of their views that the can get away with so much speculation and disagreement." (italics mine, srf) Martin Brooks, "May the Best Man Win," New Scientist (volume 158, April 11, 1998), p. 51.

The fossil record supports creation. The complexity and order of the universe supports creation. The uniqueness of man supports creation. The testimony of the ancient Scriptures supports creation. "For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse." Rom. 1:20.

If there is sufficient evidence for faith in God as the Creator both in the natural world and revelation, why, then, do men not believe? Here's one reason: "For they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen." Rom. 1:25 (italics mine, srf). "Worshipped and served the creature"--ever heard of "humanism"...? "It's my life; no one will tell me what to do!"...? "If it feels good, do it!"...? "Party animals"...? Human pride--"Professing themselves to be wise"...? Peer approval--"they loved the approval of men rather than the approval of God"...? Believing in the eternal Creator activates the conscience to condemn such attitudes and conduct. This is painful. What to do? Here's one "solution": "They did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer..." Rom. 1:28. Is such a choice of serious consequence? "The wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men...those who do such things are worthy of death..." Rom. 1:18,32.
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Gospel Meeting
begins
TODAY!
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If interested in the notes on the lesson last Sunday morning, "Justification by Faith Alone," you can download them at the web site. Click on "Sermon Outlines."

Taking a trip? Need to find a church? Want a map? Go to the church's web site and clink on "links" then scroll down to the bottom of the screen.
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Wednesday Evening Close
Feb. 16 Gospel Meeting
Feb. 23 Mark Ary
Mar. 1 Bill Faulkner
Mar. 8 Michael Gove
Mar. 15 Steve Fontenot
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Transportation for Zelma Bobbitt
FEBRUARY
Sun. 13 pm Betty Yokum
Wed. 16 pm Jim Crain
Sun. 20 pm
Wed. 23 pm Rocky Rodriguez
Sun. 27 pm Cannons

Zelma Bobbit would like to attend the evening assemblies of the meeting. If you can assist in providing transportation this week, please indicate on the sign up sheet in the foyer.
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NEWS
Connie Crain had surgery last Tuesday and was able to return home last Thursday . . . Joe Fitch will teach the Wednesday morning class this week. We encourage all who can to attend . . . Next week, Steve will resume teaching the Wednesday morning class. We will begin a new series of studies called, "Basic Studies." We will not only revisit some basics to establish them in our hearts, but also aim to equip ourselves to better teach others, whether those who are no Christians or those who are new in the faith. We will answer some questions and deal with some difficulties that arise when teaching others the gospel. Lessons should be ready for distribution this Wednesday . . . Weather permitting, March 18 and 25 have been scheduled to work on completing the refinishing of the pews. The pews are very heavy and each must be moved outside in order to lacquer them. We will need a good number of men--strong, young men would be especially helpful! They may also need touch-up cleaning before lacquering. If you can help, please reserve these two Saturdays on your calendar. If raining or too humid, we will reschedule . . . Erratum: In last week's Humble Messenger Lillcian Hargrove's new address was incorrectly given as 7576 Phoenix Dr. It should be 7675 . . . "In the morning my prayer comes before Thee" Ps. 88:13.

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SCHEDULED TO SERVE

Sunday AM, Feb. 20
Announcements: Larry Legg
Song Leader: David Osteen
First Prayer: John Knudsen
Lord's Table
_ Bread: Jim Crain
_ Fruit of the Vine: Mark Hargrove
_ Contribution: Mike Head
_ Assistant: Matthew Hodges
Preaching: Steve Fontenot
Closing Prayer: Craig Ottersbach
Sunday PM, Feb. 20
Song Leader: David Osteen
First Prayer: Rob McCaskill
Lord's Table
_ Bread: Jim Crain
_ Fruit of the Vine: Mark Hargrove
_ Contribution: Mike Head
Preaching: Steve Fontenot
Closing Prayer: Lynn Michaels
If you are a scheduled song leader but know you will be unavailable, please notify Jim Crain.
If you are scheduled to serve in any other capacity but cannot serve as scheduled, please notify Boyd Hurst.