Archives for posts with tag: atheism

Conclusive Evidence Found For Extra Terrestrial Intelligence

2013/12/23 //
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ET

There is a field of science that is not as well known. It is called information science, or informatics. No, not information technology, or computer science. Among other things, this discipline establishes the methods to classify the levels of information. This science is used in the search for extra terrestrial intelligence, in order to determine the filters to use in separating out the noise in the data, from the higher orders of information.

For many years, the search has been pursued to detect coded information from the heavens that has not been produced by mankind on Earth. It is rightly asserted that such codes must originate from an intelligent mind. Unlike the pulsar stars, which simply have a tempo, due to their spinning beam of radiation, this higher order of signal must have meaning and purpose that is clearly discernible. Random, or repetitive, chaos never produces this level of information that is truly evidence of intelligence. This is a fact of science that is not even controversial among information scientists.

The universe is so large that, if meaningful information could be produced by accident, then it certainly would, just because of the sheer volume of data. Thus, there would be no point in searching through all of this data, coming from the stars, to find evidence of intelligence. The fact that they are searching, is a veritable statement of agreement with this conclusion.

Here is an extreme example. If we found instructions for the protein chains of an entire organism, so that we could discern the amino acids and the sequence of assembly, then we would truly have information of the highest order. No one would argue with that. But, if this could have come about by chance, then there is no way to tell the nature of the source, and we still would not know if there was true intelligence behind it.

What information scientists have found is that random data can only corrupt true information. Random data cannot produce new information, thus, the amount of true information is never increased by accident.

Even though this view of the source of true information is irrefutable, there are some who don’t like such realities. Not because they dispute information science, but because they are desperate to cling to some explanation that tells us how we could have gotten here without a God. They want to believe that non-living molecules can, over the aeons, collect enough information to become the first DNA for a life form.

Even if this were possible, it does not come close to explaining all of the complex machinery required, so the DNA can reproduce itself. The final nail in the coffin, for such wild ideas, is that DNA is needed to construct the machinery as well.

If we simply use microscopes, instead of telescopes, then we have long ago found conclusive evidence of extra terrestrial intelligence. In any strand of DNA, of the simplest life forms, there is so much evidence, such immense quantities of complex information, that the only way to escape the conclusion of an intelligent heavenly source, is a strong bias against it. Angels are extra terrestrials also, but God is the ultimate extra terrestrial intelligence.

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More Righteous Than God?

2013/02/23 //
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FromHeaven

Job 35:2 Thinkest thou this to be right, [that] thou saidst, My righteousness [is] more than God’s?

There are many who object to the Judaeo-Christian world view, due to the accounts in God’s Word when God commands the Israelites to wipe out a nation, for example.

1 Samuel 15:3 Now go and smite Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and spare them not; but slay both man and woman, infant and suckling, ox and sheep, camel and ass.

Admittedly, this is a hard criticism to answer. There is no lack of a good answer, yet the same skeptic who condemns the God of the Bible, thinking their righteousness is more than God’s, would also likely reject the foundational tenets of this answer, if they bothered to read it. So, why answer? Because the answer honours God and His Word! Also, because many would be misled, if they only hear the skeptic and not the rebuttal.

1 Peter 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and [be] ready always to [give] an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

There is a good deal of overlap between this topic and Why Is There Pain And Suffering?, but there is enough difference that it deserves a separate article. Especially since it is also strongly addressed in the book of Job. One difference is that the deaths in the book of Job, for example, were attributed to Satan, not God. In this article we focus on the occasions when God commands, rather than allows, the death of individuals who have committed no capital crime. Please read that other article, so we don’t need to repeat a lot of it here. Thanks!

There are some who attempt to salvage God’s reputation, for ordering the Israelites to wipe out entire nations, by claiming that only the men would be remaining to defend the city. The women and children would have known of the coming attack and would have retreated to safety. Even the men who recognized that their nation deserved to be destroyed would not have stayed to defend it. So, only those responsible for the national rebellion would be wiped out in the battle. Whether or not that is true, this article will not be approaching the topic this way. Among other reasons, what about the flood of Noah’s day? The Bible does not say that God allowed Satan to create a global flood, but that it was the action of God Himself. The Bible is clear that the eight on the ark were the only people to escape destruction. So, the above thesis does not fully answer the challenge anyway.

God’s defence is His glory.

Revelation 14:7 … Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made Heaven, and Earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.

Daniel 4:34-35
34 … I blessed the most High, and I praised and honoured him that liveth for ever, whose dominion [is] an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom [is] from generation to generation:
35 And all the inhabitants of the Earth [are] reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of Heaven, and [among] the inhabitants of the Earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?

Revelation 4:11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

Job 41:11 Who hath prevented me, that I should repay [him? whatsoever is] under the whole heaven is mine.

Colossians 1:16-17
16 For by him were all things created, that are in Heaven, and that are in Earth, visible and invisible, whether [they be] thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.

1 Chronicles 29:11 Thine, O LORD, [is] the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all [that is] in the Heaven and in the Earth [is thine;] thine [is] the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as head above all.

Romans 11:36 For of him, and through him, and to him, [are] all things: to whom [be] glory for ever. Amen.

We are all condemned to death.

Genesis 2:17 But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.

Genesis 3:17, 19 And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: … unto dust shalt thou return.

Romans 5:12, 18
12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:
18 … as by the offence of one [judgment came] upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one [the free gift came] upon all men unto justification of life.

Isaiah 53:6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

Every breath is from God’s grace.

Job 34:12-15
12 Yea, surely God will not do wickedly, neither will the Almighty pervert judgment.
13 Who hath given him a charge over the earth? or who hath disposed the whole world?
14 If he set his heart upon man, [if] he gather unto himself his spirit and his breath;
15 All flesh shall perish together, and man shall turn again unto dust.

John 3:27 John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from Heaven.

James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

Each breath we take is a gift from God. He does not owe us another one. God’s holiness and righteousness do not depend on our receipt of another moment of life. He need not provide any justification for when, or how, our earthly lives end. Though we can take steps to hasten our demise, there is no guarantee, there is no contract, that our lives will last. However you define “long life,” it still ends.

Job 33:12-13
12 Behold, … God is greater than man.
13 Why dost thou strive against him? for he giveth not account of any of his matters.

The Biblical standard is high, for when mankind is to take a human life, and people get confused and start to misapply these criteria to God. By definition, God is all-knowing and all-powerful. Mankind is not … not even close. Just because we must provide biblical justification any time we take a human life, does not mean that God needs to answer to us. Sometimes God reveals to us the details of how the manner and timing of a person’s death fits into His glorious plan, usually He does not.

God can do some things that we cannot rightly do …

Isaiah 55:8-9
8 For my thoughts [are] not your thoughts, neither [are] your ways my ways, saith the LORD.
9 For [as] the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

2 Thessalonians 2:1,4
1 Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and [by] our gathering together unto him, …
4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.

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Two Heavens

2012/04/14 //
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Without Excuse

Psalm 19:1-4a
The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament showeth his handiwork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night showeth knowledge. [There is] no speech nor language, [where] their voice is not heard. Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world.

Romans 1:20
For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, [even] his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:

God Doesn’t Believe In Atheists

Throughout history about 10% of the people have claimed to be atheists. But what does that mean? They are saying that there is no God.

The declaration, “There is no God,” is what is known as an absolute statement. To make an absolute statement requires absolute knowledge. Here is another absolute statement: “There is no zinc in New Zealand.” What is needed for that statement to be trustworthy?

A) No knowledge of New Zealand.
B) Partial knowledge of New Zealand.
C) Absolute knowledge of New Zealand.

You are correct, “C” is the answer. To correctly make that statement, I must know everything there is to know about New Zealand … nothing hidden. To say, “There is no God,” and to rely on that statement, I must be all-knowing.

Imagine the total amount of knowledge. If atheist Ivan had just 1% of all knowledge, that would be an incredibly large amount of knowledge for someone to have. Some say that is the sum total of all human knowledge. Now grant him 11%. Even with such vast knowledge, is it possible that, in the 89% of the knowledge that Ivan does not have, that there is sufficient evidence to prove God exists?

If Ivan is reasonable, he will have to say, “Having the limited knowledge I have at present, I believe that there is no God.” In other words, he doesn’t know if God exists, so he is not an “atheist,” he is what is commonly know as an “agnostic.” He is like a man who looks at a building, and doesn’t know if there was a builder.

Does it make more sense to follow the teachings of someone who claims that there is no God, even though there is no way for him to know that, or to see what God Himself has to say?

The Holy Bible is indeed the written revelation of all-knowing God to man. It is our Creator’s message to us, His creatures. The single most important part of this message is the Good News – The Gospel.

The Bad News

In order to understand the Good News, it is greatly helpful to first have some understanding of the bad news.

There are many evils in this world; death, disease, suffering, injustice and so forth. Greed, murder, betrayal and perversion are all justified in the minds of those who compare themselves with someone who is far worse. They lie, steal and cheat while the only limit is their desire to avoid the consequences.

I have sinned and you have sinned. We can’t deny it. We have lied, stolen, lusted and hated. Each and every sin is a rebellion against the Holy God. When Adam ate the forbidden fruit, he was rebelling against God.

The Holy Bible tells us that we all, like the first man Adam, have departed from God’s ways; we have gone our own way. This, the Holy Bible calls ‘sin.’ We have all sinned (Romans 3:23, Isaiah 53:6). God created us, and He will hold us accountable for how we live our lives (Romans 14:12, Hebrews 9:27). God’s standard for holiness is so high that He considers hatred to be as murder (1 John 3:15) and lust equal to adultery (Matthew 5:28). Like Adam, every rebel against God’s Throne deserves condemnation in judgement for sin.

Physical death ends this earthly life. The Holy Bible calls this death a curse and ‘the last enemy’ (Genesis 3:19, 1 Corinthians 15:26). Death had no place in the original, perfect creation – paradise. Death came about because of Adam’s sin, when he, by his actions, told God that He was not needed. Adam was going to be his own god. Sadly, each one of us has effectively endorsed Adam’s action, in ourselves rejecting God Almighty’s rule over us (Romans 5:12).

Mislead By Impostors

It is not just atheists who attempt to block the gate to heaven. Many have been turned away from Christ by false Christians who misrepresent the teachings of God’s Holy Word (2 Peter 2). God knows everything about you, and He still loves you. Please don’t allow the impostors to keep you from all that God has to offer.

The Good News

The Good News is that God has provided a way of escape from the curse of death and the judgement to come. ‘For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.’ (John 3:16).

Jesus Christ came into the world, born of a woman, to take upon Himself the curse and penalty for our sins. As God in the flesh (Colossians 2:9, 2 John 7, Matthew 16:13), the God-man Jesus lived a sinless life (Hebrews 4:15) and willingly gave Himself to suffer and die for us, in our place (Romans 5:8, 1 Peter 3:18). He took upon himself the severe wrath and punishment we deserved for our sins. His perfect sacrifice is sufficient to pay for the sins of any number of people (Hebrews 7:25-27). And He rose from the dead, proving that He had paid the price and conquered death. Jesus’ death and Resurrection are attested facts of history. Many have tried to explain away the events and have been converted as they considered the evidence.

God offers this free gift of salvation to all who will receive it (Revelation 22:17). He calls upon all to turn away from their sinful ways and trust in what Christ has done for us. There is no achievement, on our part, that can remove our guilt before God (Titus 3:5). Doing good things does not remove our sin. It is only by the mercy of God that we can be saved through what He has already done (Ephesians 2:8-9). If we try to earn God’s pardon, then we are rejecting the free gift He offers us (Galatians).

Whoever spurns God’s offer will suffer His wrath in the judgement to come, of which the Holy Bible clearly warns. This is a terrifying prospect (2 Thessalonians 1:8-9). Jesus spoke much of this, warning people of the danger they faced. The Holy Bible’s book of Revelation uses graphic imagery to depict the dreadful future of those who reject God’s mercy now. This life is your place to decide. Your decision now will touch eternity.

If you want to put off your decision, then please get a calendar and mark the day that you will die. Then schedule in some time just before that, so you can get right with God, before it is too late. As ridiculous as it sounds, that is what people are counting on when they avoid this issue. This is the most important matter in your life, and waiting until later will not only endanger your eternal life, it will also harden your heart (Romans 2:5).

Isaiah 55:6-7
Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.

You are thinking in your mind, “It is not humanly possible for me to forsake my sin.” That is correct. It is only through God’s strength that you can turn away from evil.

How can I be saved?

If God has shown you that you are a sinner, deserving of God’s condemnation, in need of His forgiveness, then the Holy Bible says that you must have ‘repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ’ (Acts 20:21). Repentance means a complete change of attitude — that you agree with God about your sin and about who Jesus is and what He did for you. You now want to live a life pleasing to Him. Faith in Jesus Christ entails accepting who He is, God in the flesh (John 1:14), that ‘Christ died for the ungodly’ (Romans 5:6) and that He conquered death in His resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:1-4, 21-22). You must believe that He is able to save you, and you must put your trust in Christ alone to make you right with God.

If God has shown you your need and given you the desire to be saved, then turn to Christ now. Speak to God, the gracious, merciful Father, admitting that you are a guilty, helpless sinner, and ask Him to save you and be Lord of your life, helping you to leave behind your sinful ways and live for Him. The Holy Bible says, ‘if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.’ (Romans 10:9).

Not Ready?

If you are hesitating, that is a good sign. It means that you have a grasp of the cost. If you don’t think you are ready to make this decision, then I challenge you to pray this prayer, “God, if you are real, then reveal yourself to me.” I dare you. What could it hurt?

Growth

There are two activities that will help you in the new life that you have found.

1) In the Holy Bible there is only one command recorded from Mary the mother of Jesus. She is speaking of her son when she says ‘Whatsoever he saith unto you, do [it.]’ (John 2:5). Jesus Christ is the Word of God (John 1:14). Take Mary’s advice: read the Holy Bible (2 Timothy 3:16-17) and do what it says.

2) Find some Followers of the Way, the Truth and the Life, Jesus Christ, those who hold to the Bible as God’s Holy, Authoritative Word, and ask them to help you as you learn to live as God wants you to live (Hebrews 10:25). Perhaps someone gave you this booklet — that person might be able to advise you in contacting a group of such Christians.

Adapted from materials provided by livingwaters.com, answersingenesis.org and several other Gospel tracts.

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April Project Management For Fools

2012/04/01 //
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“If I have done less than is expected, it is because I have giants standing on my shoulders.” — Caasi Notwen

http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/268025.html

We have now come to a blog post that is so significant, that it could be compared to the importance of Daylight Saving Time in Antarctica.

Since I am in my mid forties, it seems like it is about time that I make some project plans for my mid-life crisis. I will call it “The Meridian Project.”

As with any well-planned project, it is good to glean the insights of those who have attempted similar endeavours. If nothing else, it might give you the opportunity to practice identifying psycho-bio-reactions that tend to cause defensiveness when we feel that our character is being attacked. Even if you personally haven’t undertaken such a project, I am sure that you have had visibility to others’ projects, for example:

  • motorcycles
  • fast cars
  • body building
  • marathon training

Getting fat, although I am sure it has its benefits, seems anti-climactic.

At the moment, I only have three teenagers. My younger children will too soon join them in their project deliverable to turn my hair gray.

Politically, do you think it would be good for me to begin work at promoting the adoption of the legal policies of Antarctica, since they have the lowest crime level?

Several years ago I started transitioning to a diet that promotes regularity. Therefore, I plan to leave that out of the deliverables for this project. Many people save this for their retirement project anyway.

One project that I have already started is the study of science. Though I don’t intend to become so highly trained in science that I start to salivate at the mention of the name Pavlov.

I would like to include something in the project that is very challenging. Without abandoning my innate talents, like growing hair. Although production has fallen off at certain sites in recent years, its seems that this will continue to be a viable product for many years to come. Besides, I would hate to part with it.

Regards,
Sloof Lirpa

Psalm 14:1 The fool hath said in his heart, [There is] no God.

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Compromise Between The Holy Bible And Atheism?

2012/03/28 //
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compromise

You have been repeatedly told that science has disproved The Holy Bible. Do you believe these claims, or do you believe the Bible? Have you decided?

Some take another approach. Instead of deciding which one is true, they make a compromise. They change plain teachings of the Bible to suit the latest fad.

The Bible does not allow a compromise, since it claims to be the Word of God. If the Bible is not true, then you would do well to find a trustworthy source of teaching, rather than attempting to decide which parts of the Bible are true, and “adjusting” the portions you find disagreeable; putting your own authority above The Author.

Science does not require a compromise. When the claims, regarding science disproving the Bible, are examined, it is found that they are merely opinions about the implications of science. The assertions themselves are not properties of nature which are observable, repeatable, and testable, which disqualifies the claims as being science. Rather, they are ideology, yet another faith, the faith of Secular Humanism. No true scientific evidence has ever contradicted the Bible. The contradiction is in the interpretation of the evidence.

This humanist interpretation is to be expected from humanists. The foundational purpose of these assertions is an attempt to explain origins from a completely naturalistic, or materialistic, view point. It is a thesis striving to answer the question, “How could existence have arisen without God?” Thus, this atheist ideology will see all scientific evidence in this light.

If Atheism is true, then the Bible is not true. If the Bible is true, then Atheism is not true. There is no point in compromising between the two, or trying to harmonize them.

John 3:12 If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you [of] heavenly things?

Luke 16:31 And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.

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