The Box is Opened

I am currently reading Darwin’s Black Box: The Biochemical Challenge to Evolution by Michael Behe, so far it has been a good read and full of helpful information and insight.

The basic premise of the book is simple: Darwin postulated his theory of the Origin of the Species at a time when much of what is well known today was hidden. Therefore, much of what modern scientists take for granted today was encapsulated in an unknowable “Black Box” for Darwin.

Behe states that this box is now wide open and the contents that are being studied are leading many scientists in a direction that grates against the Darwinian foundation that all of today’s science is based on. But for all the scientific discoveries, Darwinism still reigns in the classroom and in scientific circles.

In Ben Stein’s documentary Expelled, which is both intriguing and entertaining, the finger is pointed at the Scientific educational establishment. Behe, hailed by many as the most prominent scientist working in the field of intelligent design, seems to back up the claim made by Stein in the film.

Scientists, like everybody else, base most of their opinions on the word of other people. Of the great majority who accept Darwinism, most (though not all) do so based on authority. Also, and unfortunately, too often criticisms have been dismissed by the scientific community for fear of giving ammunition to creationists.

It is ironic that in the name of protecting science, trenchant scientific criticism of natural selection has been brushed aside.

For too long the issue of debating Darwin has not even been an option; but thanks to the genuis, bravery and hard work of men like Ben Stein and Micheal Behe the debate is coming into the open.

I encourage you to read Behe’s work; either Darwin’s Black Box or The Edge of Evolution. I also encourage you to get Ben Stein’s movie Expelled and watch it with your family, especially your kids. If you value the freedom of ideas in America, then you owe it to yourself and the future generations to not check out on this issue.

Regeneration Itself – John Owen

John Owen on Regeneration…

It is indeed true that the will of the unregenerate can resist and refuse the gospel and the grace that accompanies its preaching. But it is false to say that God is unable to effect a work of grace in us that cannor be resisted and will infallibly lead to conversion. It is false to say that the only work of grace God can do in us is that which can be resisted and rejected. It is false to say that the will of the unregenerate can make use of that grace of God or not, as it chooses. It is false to say that the power of conversion lies alone with the sinner, and that God cannot regenerate the sinner and bring him to conversion without the sinner first giving his consent.

Owen goes on to say that the reason these statements are false is because if they are true the glory of conversion and regeneration would rightly fall to man and not to the Sovereign Grace of God. (Owen, The Holy Spirit)

Directing Your Attention

Every day I read at least a dozen great blog posts and I want you to have the opportunity to take advantage of them as I have. Here is a short list of posts that I believe are worth your time to read.

• For all of you who get excited about end times prophecy take a look at the latest on that line. David Wilkerson has made a grim announcment here and John Piper has responded to his announcement here. According to Wilkerson, “AN EARTH-SHATTERING CALAMITY IS ABOUT TO HAPPEN” but Piper offers a sobering Biblical response to his pronouncement.
• Tom Ascol, over at founders.org has posted a series of video sermons of W.A. Criswell preaching on the doctrine of God’s Sovereign Election. Criswell who was in many ways the “Grand-father of the Southern Baptist Conservative Resurrgence”, weighs in on the Biblical teaching regarding God’s free and sovereign election. This is an ongoing issue in SB life and it is a strong encouragement to see and hear this powerful message from a man with such an influential ministry in SB life.
• Timmy Brister has been on top of some other issues in Southern Baptist life and last week he weighed in on a current debate.  You should take the time to check out his post here.
• If you want to get some information regarding pastor Fred Winters who was gunned down in the sanctuary of First Baptist Church in Maryville, Illinois click here to read what Wade Burleson has said.

Voddie Baucham’s New Book

Last year I purchased and devoured Voddie Baucham’s book, Family Driven Faith. It is a fresh application of age old Biblical truth on the topic of parenting. I highly recommend it to you.

As profitable as that book was and is I also want to point you to Voddie’s new book, What He Must Be: If He Wants to Marry My Daughter. I have not yet had the chance to read this new book, but when a space clears on my list, I plan to pick it up and work through it.

Until then I plan to take advantage of Tom Ascol’s gleanings to be posted here. Be sure to check this out as well.

TCC 09: Vodie Baucham – Brokenness

The True Church Conference for years has been a source of great preaching and godly encouragement. Each year the men on the preaching schedule have not failed to put before conference attendees true spiritual meat.

This year was not an exception, but in the midst of powerfully gifted men and great preaching one seemed to stand out. This seems to have been the case in years past as well. Last year two sermons by Paul Washer rattled around in my heart and mind for weeks after the conference. This year it has been Dr.  Voddie Baucham.

Voddie was supposed to preach at this conference three years ago, but a scheduling conflict kept him away. But when he arrived this year at the True Church Conference at Grace Life Church of the Shoals, he had a message for the Lord.

His topic was brokenness and here is what I gleaned from his sermon.