The Courage of Conviction | The Institute for Creation Research

The Courage of Conviction

Several years ago, a young pastor assumed leadership of his father’s church. The church was located in a large city with an increasing population and technological advancements. Feeling the pressure of his new position, the pastor prayed, “Lord, help me to be perceived as intelligent and wise to this fast-growing city of mostly nonbelievers.”

His thoughts stopped him. “How am I going to communicate that I follow a man who created the heavens and the earth, was born of a virgin, walked on water, and conquered death and not be perceived as foolish?”

This question presents a familiar crossroad for many pastors worldwide. They ask themselves, “Do I continue to trust what the Bible says? Or do I conform to this world and deconstruct Scripture to teach a more palatable message?” While most church leaders know the correct path, some lack the courage to voice their conviction.

In John 5, Jesus doesn’t shy away from proclaiming the truth—even as He’s being persecuted by those who seek to kill Him. On the contrary, He actually doubles down: “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life” (v. 24). This would’ve been a perfect opportunity for Jesus to pacify His accusers and escape. Instead, He boldly proceeds with a fourfold witness of Himself. He first references John the Baptist’s foretelling of the coming Messiah. Then, He presents God the Father, who sent and testified of His Son. God’s Word is the third witness, but Christ’s accusers don’t recognize eternal life in Him. Finally, He cites a witness that the Jewish leaders can’t deny. “For if you believed Moses,” said Jesus, “you would believe Me; for he wrote about Me” (v. 46).

As a former pastor, this verse represents a standard that I won’t ignore. I can either accept all of Scripture or none—and that includes Genesis.

The Bible’s opening verse says, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). The beauty of simplicity is masterfully displayed as God (Elohim, the plural name for God in Hebrew) through His Word introduces Himself to man as Creator. Later, John begins his gospel in agreement with Moses and the book of Genesis:

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. (John 1:1–3)

The enemy, however, wants nothing more than to obstruct mankind from knowing the Lord Jesus Christ. As the father of lies (John 8:44), he persuades the creation to deny its Creator—and to hesitate to share His truth.

At the Institute for Creation Research, we seek to equip the church to be bold ministers of God’s Word. ICR’s resources—books, magazines, podcasts, and more—provide scientific responses to secular attacks on biblical inerrancy. As we begin this new year, we renew our mission to help pastors lead, feed, and defend their flocks in the midst of today’s societal pressures.

Thank you for your support of ICR’s biblical creation ministry. For over 55 years, our research has demonstrated how science truly affirms Scripture. Your financial gifts make this possible. Together, we’re making an eternal difference, and we believe the best is yet to come.

*Mr. Gadberry is interim director of development and donor relations at the Institute for Creation Research.

Cite this article: James Gadberry. 2025. The Courage of Conviction. Acts & Facts. 54 (1), 19.

The Latest
NEWS
The Only Mesozoic Dragonfly in Canada—Is a Dragonfly
In 2023, an undergraduate student from McGill University discovered a new dragonfly species in Alberta, Canada. In fact, “This is the first ever...

CREATION PODCAST
Dr. Jake Hebert | Journey to ICR | The Creation Podcast: Episode...
ICR’s science staff have spent more than 50 years researching scientific evidence that refutes evolutionary philosophy...

NEWS
Oldest Evidence of Butterflies
Insects such as the ubiquitous butterfly belong to the huge phylum Arthropoda (creatures having paired, jointed appendages and a chitinous exoskeleton)....

NEWS
Another Big Mistake in Evolution
The strange and wonderful coelacanth1 has long been a challenge to evolutionists. The coelacanth has long been hailed as an ancestor...

ACTS & FACTS
ICR 2025 Resource Catalog
At the Institute for Creation Research, our mission is not only to conduct research demonstrating how science confirms Scripture but also to share this...

NEWS
Show Your Love for the ICR Discovery Center on North Texas Giving...
Thursday, September 18, is North Texas Giving Day! We invite you to join others in supporting ICR’s unique ministry as well as our creation museum...

NEWS
Living Gyroscope in Flies
The lowly fruit fly (Drosophila) is the research biologist’s friend in fields such as biomedical science, genetics, and developmental biology....

NEWS
Turning Point Founder Charlie Kirk Is Now with the Lord
Courageous Christian and creation supporter Charlie Kirk was murdered on September 10, 2025, while speaking at a Turning Point USA event held at Utah...

NEWS
Deliverance from Fear
“I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.” (Psalm 34:4) There are many things in such a world as ours that...

CREATION PODCAST
Can We Build a REAL Jurassic Park?! | The Creation Podcast: Episode...
In 1993, the movie Jurassic Park took the world by storm with its compelling characters, excellent cinematography, industry-altering...