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The obvious context of Paul's admonition to the Corinthian church was their conduct in their assembly. Yet that principle applies throughout the Scripture to many areas of our "normal" life. The Tabernacle furniture was to be kept in "order" (Exodus 39-40; Leviticus 24), the Lord commanded Hezekiah to put his housein "order" before he died (II Kings 20:1), the wise preacher was to "order" his words into powerful proverbs (Ecclesiastes 12:9), Luke was commissioned by God to "set forth in order" the events of Christ's life (Luke 1:1), Paul organized one of his main journeys into "order" (Acts 18:23)—well, perhaps the gist is clear.
Paying the Bills
This portion of our "order" comes fairly easily! If we don't pay the utilities, or the mortgage, or the car payment . . . "things" get a little tense. It should come as no surprise that the Bible admonishes us to "owe no man any thing" (Romans 13:8), especially when augmented by the many principles of property ownership, indebtedness, etc., in the Old Testament. Keeping our financial obligations met is very important for our testimony and our faithfulness to God's Word.
Stewardship Order and ACH Help
Most of us are fairly "orderly" when it comes to exercising our responsibility to support aspects of the Kingdom. We usually write a check on a regular basis to our church (normally each time we get a paycheck), and we know that this kind of order is important (I Corinthians 16:1-2).
May we suggest that the same "order" is very helpful to those secondary ministries that you support? ICR is deeply appreciative of those who co-labor with us on a regular basis. The banking world has made money transfer very safe and effective. You can take advantage of that "order" by designating an amount to be sent to ICR electronically. We could not function effectively without your help. Regular contributions help enormously. If you would like to explore that possibility with our ministry, write "ACH" on your response envelope.
[body_edit] =>The obvious context of Paul's admonition to the Corinthian church was their conduct in their assembly. Yet that principle applies throughout the Scripture to many areas of our "normal" life. The Tabernacle furniture was to be kept in "order" (Exodus 39-40; Leviticus 24), the Lord commanded Hezekiah to put his housein "order" before he died (II Kings 20:1), the wise preacher was to "order" his words into powerful proverbs (Ecclesiastes 12:9), Luke was commissioned by God to "set forth in order" the events of Christ's life (Luke 1:1), Paul organized one of his main journeys into "order" (Acts 18:23)—well, perhaps the gist is clear.
Paying the Bills
This portion of our "order" comes fairly easily! If we don't pay the utilities, or the mortgage, or the car payment . . . "things" get a little tense. It should come as no surprise that the Bible admonishes us to "owe no man any thing" (Romans 13:8), especially when augmented by the many principles of property ownership, indebtedness, etc., in the Old Testament. Keeping our financial obligations met is very important for our testimony and our faithfulness to God's Word.
Stewardship Order and ACH Help
Most of us are fairly "orderly" when it comes to exercising our responsibility to support aspects of the Kingdom. We usually write a check on a regular basis to our church (normally each time we get a paycheck), and we know that this kind of order is important (I Corinthians 16:1-2).
May we suggest that the same "order" is very helpful to those secondary ministries that you support? ICR is deeply appreciative of those who co-labor with us on a regular basis. The banking world has made money transfer very safe and effective. You can take advantage of that "order" by designating an amount to be sent to ICR electronically. We could not function effectively without your help. Regular contributions help enormously. If you would like to explore that possibility with our ministry, write "ACH" on your response envelope.
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Most of us have voiced that question several times over the years-especially after we have filed our income tax reports. When we look at the money that the Lord has entrusted us with, it seems like we are seeing two entirely different pictures: the annualized sum often appears bigger than we thought, and the amount left over very seldom seems to be enough. That apparent paradox is even more obscure when we try to figure out how to provide for our retirement years or to plan for asset transfer whenever the Lord does take us home.
Stable Planning for Retirement
One of the tools available for those trying to maintain a favorable and stable income during retirement years, is the Charitable Gift Annuity (CGA). If you have cash in a savings account or non-income producing assets (like stocks or property), you should consider transferring some of those assets to a CGA. Essentially, a "gift" is made to ICR in exchange for a lifetime income (for one or two lives). The rate of return depends on your age at inception of the CGA. Right now the rates available are considerably better than can be gained from a CD or commercial annuity.
Careful Planning for Asset Transfer
Estate planning is not just for the wealthy! In fact, you may well be harming the very people you love the most by not planning for the transfer of the assets that the Lord has provided you. Estate laws can be complex, but they are also very helpful in making sure that the monetary value of your life-work is distributed in accordance with your desires. Basic will and trust documents are not that difficult to execute, and will protect your family from some unpleasant surprises should you leave without preparing them. You really should begin this process as soon as today.
ICR Can Help
ICR has several booklets available that will help you begin evaluating your present condition and future plans. ICR is qualified to issue Gift Annuities and various trusts, and would love to be included in your charitable giving plans, but we do not "write" wills or trusts. We can put you in touch with folks that we have learned to trust who do so. Let us know how we can help.
[body_edit] =>Most of us have voiced that question several times over the years-especially after we have filed our income tax reports. When we look at the money that the Lord has entrusted us with, it seems like we are seeing two entirely different pictures: the annualized sum often appears bigger than we thought, and the amount left over very seldom seems to be enough. That apparent paradox is even more obscure when we try to figure out how to provide for our retirement years or to plan for asset transfer whenever the Lord does take us home.
Stable Planning for Retirement
One of the tools available for those trying to maintain a favorable and stable income during retirement years, is the Charitable Gift Annuity (CGA). If you have cash in a savings account or non-income producing assets (like stocks or property), you should consider transferring some of those assets to a CGA. Essentially, a "gift" is made to ICR in exchange for a lifetime income (for one or two lives). The rate of return depends on your age at inception of the CGA. Right now the rates available are considerably better than can be gained from a CD or commercial annuity.
Careful Planning for Asset Transfer
Estate planning is not just for the wealthy! In fact, you may well be harming the very people you love the most by not planning for the transfer of the assets that the Lord has provided you. Estate laws can be complex, but they are also very helpful in making sure that the monetary value of your life-work is distributed in accordance with your desires. Basic will and trust documents are not that difficult to execute, and will protect your family from some unpleasant surprises should you leave without preparing them. You really should begin this process as soon as today.
ICR Can Help
ICR has several booklets available that will help you begin evaluating your present condition and future plans. ICR is qualified to issue Gift Annuities and various trusts, and would love to be included in your charitable giving plans, but we do not "write" wills or trusts. We can put you in touch with folks that we have learned to trust who do so. Let us know how we can help.
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Controversy has been almost non-stop over Mel Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ" released in February. Nearly every media outlet has denigrated the film, and various "religious" organizations have decried the "hatred" and "violence" supposedly stimulated by the graphic nature of the events. It is interesting that the regular diet of TV and Hollywood productions—far worse in many ways than the information depicted in Mr. Gibson's work—is rarely scrutinized or subjected to such criticism. One wonders: is there another reason for the passion?
The Passion of God
God has a rather "passionate" view about His character and His unique authority in the Universe.
I am the Lord, and there is none else, there is no God beside me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known me: That they may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west, that there is none beside me. I am the Lord, and there is none else. . . . For thus saith the Lord that created the heavens; God Himself that formed the earth and made it; He hath established it, He created it not in vain, He formed it to be inhabited: I am the Lord; and there is none else (Isaiah 45:5-6,18).
ICR is Very "Passionate" About God's Word
There are many details that we do not and can not know about the great work of God in creation and on Calvary. What is very clear, however, is that the God who created the worlds (Hebrews 1:2) is the same One who died on the cross (John 1:1-3; Colossians 1:16-17). It is nothing short of blasphemy to attribute to the omnipotent and omniscient God of love and grace, the horrific, purposeless, waste-filled and age-long death of billions of living things prior to the rebellion of Adam (Romans 5:12). The naturalistic and evolutionary scheme of atheistic men is contradictory to God's written Word and to His revealed character. ICR is absolutely committed to what God has said—whether the majority are "passionately" against it or not.
Your assistance financially is gratefully appreciated as we labor together giving the vital "answer" (1 Peter 3:15) so desperately needed in this hour.
[body_edit] =>Controversy has been almost non-stop over Mel Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ" released in February. Nearly every media outlet has denigrated the film, and various "religious" organizations have decried the "hatred" and "violence" supposedly stimulated by the graphic nature of the events. It is interesting that the regular diet of TV and Hollywood productions—far worse in many ways than the information depicted in Mr. Gibson's work—is rarely scrutinized or subjected to such criticism. One wonders: is there another reason for the passion?
The Passion of God
God has a rather "passionate" view about His character and His unique authority in the Universe.
I am the Lord, and there is none else, there is no God beside me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known me: That they may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west, that there is none beside me. I am the Lord, and there is none else. . . . For thus saith the Lord that created the heavens; God Himself that formed the earth and made it; He hath established it, He created it not in vain, He formed it to be inhabited: I am the Lord; and there is none else (Isaiah 45:5-6,18).
ICR is Very "Passionate" About God's Word
There are many details that we do not and can not know about the great work of God in creation and on Calvary. What is very clear, however, is that the God who created the worlds (Hebrews 1:2) is the same One who died on the cross (John 1:1-3; Colossians 1:16-17). It is nothing short of blasphemy to attribute to the omnipotent and omniscient God of love and grace, the horrific, purposeless, waste-filled and age-long death of billions of living things prior to the rebellion of Adam (Romans 5:12). The naturalistic and evolutionary scheme of atheistic men is contradictory to God's written Word and to His revealed character. ICR is absolutely committed to what God has said—whether the majority are "passionately" against it or not.
Your assistance financially is gratefully appreciated as we labor together giving the vital "answer" (1 Peter 3:15) so desperately needed in this hour.
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The battle lines have broadened considerably since ICR began its ministry some 34 years ago. Initially, creationists were seen as mere "insurgents" into the stable and well "armed" field of evolutionary science. Today, with many creationist organizations and literally thousands of very qualified scientists confronting the naturalistic "theology" in almost every field, the battle has expanded into a full-fledged war. Consider two current issues.
"Another View" Ridiculed
Tom Vail's book about Grand Canyon has been front page news for some time now. Evolutionists claim that the creationist view has no "right" to be presented as a scientific view, and should be relegated to the religious section. In a recent article in the LA Times entitled, "Religion, Geology Collide at the Grand Canyon," the Times quoted scientists, a historian, different park service spokespersons, and several "critics"—all of whom were outraged that such a view would be "sanctioned" by making it available to the general public in a government book store.
Gnostic Gospels Seriously Considered
The popularity of the best-selling book The DaVinci Code has given new life to a wide-spread resurgence of attacks on the authority of Scripture, and on the character of the Lord Jesus in particular. Newsweek devoted a feature issue to the "new" understanding of women in the Bible, citing as one of its main examples the role of Mary Magdalene. Now, we are told, Mary of Magda was "actually Jesus' intimate female partner." (Newsweek, December 8, 2003, p. 60). These blatant contradictions to God's Word are being given serious consideration among "scholars"—even among some evangelicals—due primarily because there is "openness" to "interpret" the Bible differently.
ICR Will Not Back Off
The Lord has used ICR to win some wonderful "battles" in science, and we will, as long as the Lord permits, continue to research and teach the truths of a Biblical and Creationist worldview. But the "war" is far from over! Every staff member of ICR is absolutely committed to the words of God as absolute truth, that cannot and must not be "added to" or "taken from." Please stand with us and help us.
[body_edit] =>The battle lines have broadened considerably since ICR began its ministry some 34 years ago. Initially, creationists were seen as mere "insurgents" into the stable and well "armed" field of evolutionary science. Today, with many creationist organizations and literally thousands of very qualified scientists confronting the naturalistic "theology" in almost every field, the battle has expanded into a full-fledged war. Consider two current issues.
"Another View" Ridiculed
Tom Vail's book about Grand Canyon has been front page news for some time now. Evolutionists claim that the creationist view has no "right" to be presented as a scientific view, and should be relegated to the religious section. In a recent article in the LA Times entitled, "Religion, Geology Collide at the Grand Canyon," the Times quoted scientists, a historian, different park service spokespersons, and several "critics"—all of whom were outraged that such a view would be "sanctioned" by making it available to the general public in a government book store.
Gnostic Gospels Seriously Considered
The popularity of the best-selling book The DaVinci Code has given new life to a wide-spread resurgence of attacks on the authority of Scripture, and on the character of the Lord Jesus in particular. Newsweek devoted a feature issue to the "new" understanding of women in the Bible, citing as one of its main examples the role of Mary Magdalene. Now, we are told, Mary of Magda was "actually Jesus' intimate female partner." (Newsweek, December 8, 2003, p. 60). These blatant contradictions to God's Word are being given serious consideration among "scholars"—even among some evangelicals—due primarily because there is "openness" to "interpret" the Bible differently.
ICR Will Not Back Off
The Lord has used ICR to win some wonderful "battles" in science, and we will, as long as the Lord permits, continue to research and teach the truths of a Biblical and Creationist worldview. But the "war" is far from over! Every staff member of ICR is absolutely committed to the words of God as absolute truth, that cannot and must not be "added to" or "taken from." Please stand with us and help us.
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How did you react to the title? Some would apply the phrase as a "I-told-you-so" epithet (as in "it's about time!"). Others might see a more Biblically purposeful idea, as in "Walk in wisdom . . . redeeming the time" (Colossians 4:5). Perhaps, however, you might want to consider a Biblical futuristic focus: "See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil" (Ephesians 5:15-16). Time is the one resource available to each of us. How we use it may be the most carefully scrutinized "work" evaluated by our heavenly Judge.
"Redeeming" (buying back) Time
Viewing time is paradoxical. In one sense, time "flows" from the future, through the present, into the past. Our practical experience is that we are "riding" time from the past, through the present, into the future. God instructs us to "buy back" time through wisdom and "circumspect" (precisely straight) behavior. Certainly this applies to our character and our lifestyle. The Scriptures promise more "time" to those who obey God (Exodus 20:12; Proverbs 3:2; Psalms 34:12-16; I Timothy 4:8; etc.). These instructions also involve our resources, personal wealth, and earning potential (Luke 16:9; Galatians 6:7-8; Matthew 25:35-40; II Corinthians 9:6; etc.).
The Will is the cornerstone. This is the basic document to secure your heart's intent for your family and for your Kingdom responsibilities. Please be sure that you have executed this important matter.
Trusts are major tools. These broad instruments permit transfers of properties, instructions to executors, gifts of assets (both current and future), and prevention of a State-ordered disbursement of your wealth. They can be simple or complex, contained in a single document, or multiplied many times.
ICR has an introductory booklet available for your review entitled, "Reflecting on Tomorrow." If you have not yet evaluated your basic estate plans, please send for this booklet. It will help you consider what may be important for your personal "redemption" of time.
[body_edit] =>How did you react to the title? Some would apply the phrase as a "I-told-you-so" epithet (as in "it's about time!"). Others might see a more Biblically purposeful idea, as in "Walk in wisdom . . . redeeming the time" (Colossians 4:5). Perhaps, however, you might want to consider a Biblical futuristic focus: "See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil" (Ephesians 5:15-16). Time is the one resource available to each of us. How we use it may be the most carefully scrutinized "work" evaluated by our heavenly Judge.
"Redeeming" (buying back) Time
Viewing time is paradoxical. In one sense, time "flows" from the future, through the present, into the past. Our practical experience is that we are "riding" time from the past, through the present, into the future. God instructs us to "buy back" time through wisdom and "circumspect" (precisely straight) behavior. Certainly this applies to our character and our lifestyle. The Scriptures promise more "time" to those who obey God (Exodus 20:12; Proverbs 3:2; Psalms 34:12-16; I Timothy 4:8; etc.). These instructions also involve our resources, personal wealth, and earning potential (Luke 16:9; Galatians 6:7-8; Matthew 25:35-40; II Corinthians 9:6; etc.).
The Will is the cornerstone. This is the basic document to secure your heart's intent for your family and for your Kingdom responsibilities. Please be sure that you have executed this important matter.
Trusts are major tools. These broad instruments permit transfers of properties, instructions to executors, gifts of assets (both current and future), and prevention of a State-ordered disbursement of your wealth. They can be simple or complex, contained in a single document, or multiplied many times.
ICR has an introductory booklet available for your review entitled, "Reflecting on Tomorrow." If you have not yet evaluated your basic estate plans, please send for this booklet. It will help you consider what may be important for your personal "redemption" of time.
[typeID] => 4 [visible] => t [pdf] => [publishURL] => about-time [publishDate] => 0000-00-00 [authorAsterisk] => f [domainID] => 1 [publication] => [volume] => [issue] => [page] => [author] => Henry M. Morris III, D.Min. ) -->
Most of us are familiar with the Biblical principle of "stewarding" our resources in such a way that our complex family, church, and Kingdom responsibilities are evaluated carefully. We must first provide for our family (I Timothy 5:8). We must give regularly and systematically to our church (Malachi 3:10; I Corinthians 16:2). We must also consider the broader work of our Lord in the Kingdom (I Corinthians 8:1-7; Galatians 6:7-11). Sometimes the Holy Spirit tugs at our heart to "do" more, but we feel a real conflict between the priorities. Here are a couple of recent examples of those whose choices reflected wise stewardship.
Ownership into Income
A gift of stock purchased some time ago was given to ICR in exchange for a Charitable Gift Annuity (CGA). The donor could have sold the stock, but would have faced a fairly hefty capital gains tax along with an on-going tax on the interest earned (as small as that is at the present). Instead, by "gifting" the stock to ICR for a CGA, the donor receives a significant tax deduction for the "profit" from the stock (at present market value), and a guaranteed income for life. That income is much larger than could be earned in another guaranteed format, and a large portion of the income is tax-free—thereby compounding the effective yield from his stock. Both ICR and the donor benefit.
Maturity Transfers
Another donor lives in an assisted living home. The nature of the relationship with the home suggested that any "new" assets be given to that organization. When a recent annuity matured, rather than allow a commercial venture to further profit from the resource, the "old" asset was given to ICR. That donor had already taken care of family and church, so it was pleasing to "give" a significant donation to ICR that might have gone elsewhere. The donor's heart of stewardship was satisfied and ICR received wonderful and timely help. Life insurance policies, annuities, maturing bonds and CD's can all be used in this way to "fund" special gifts for the Lord's work.
[body_edit] =>Most of us are familiar with the Biblical principle of "stewarding" our resources in such a way that our complex family, church, and Kingdom responsibilities are evaluated carefully. We must first provide for our family (I Timothy 5:8). We must give regularly and systematically to our church (Malachi 3:10; I Corinthians 16:2). We must also consider the broader work of our Lord in the Kingdom (I Corinthians 8:1-7; Galatians 6:7-11). Sometimes the Holy Spirit tugs at our heart to "do" more, but we feel a real conflict between the priorities. Here are a couple of recent examples of those whose choices reflected wise stewardship.
Ownership into Income
A gift of stock purchased some time ago was given to ICR in exchange for a Charitable Gift Annuity (CGA). The donor could have sold the stock, but would have faced a fairly hefty capital gains tax along with an on-going tax on the interest earned (as small as that is at the present). Instead, by "gifting" the stock to ICR for a CGA, the donor receives a significant tax deduction for the "profit" from the stock (at present market value), and a guaranteed income for life. That income is much larger than could be earned in another guaranteed format, and a large portion of the income is tax-free—thereby compounding the effective yield from his stock. Both ICR and the donor benefit.
Maturity Transfers
Another donor lives in an assisted living home. The nature of the relationship with the home suggested that any "new" assets be given to that organization. When a recent annuity matured, rather than allow a commercial venture to further profit from the resource, the "old" asset was given to ICR. That donor had already taken care of family and church, so it was pleasing to "give" a significant donation to ICR that might have gone elsewhere. The donor's heart of stewardship was satisfied and ICR received wonderful and timely help. Life insurance policies, annuities, maturing bonds and CD's can all be used in this way to "fund" special gifts for the Lord's work.
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Here are two ways that we can give "bountifully," simultaneously reaping a greater present participation in Kingdom ministries—while realizing present "bounty" in our own finances.
Gifts of Appreciated Stock
Now that the stock market has rebounded somewhat, there may be some shares that have been held more than one year which have appreciated significantly. Gifting shares of stock directly to a federally qualified charitable organization (like ICR) can provide a significant tax savings. The full market value of the stock is deductible, and gifting the stock avoids any capital gains tax; a double "bounty."
The Charitable Gift Annuity
Assets that are not producing an adequate income (stock, property, cash, CD's, bonds, mutual funds, etc.) can be turned into a Charitable Gift Annuity from ICR that will provide a guaranteed income from the value of those assets, a present tax deduction, and a tax-free portion of the income stream. Another "bounty."
ICR is deeply appreciative of all those who co-labor with us in our work. We simply could not function without your help. We are especially pleased when our partners in ministry are able to "reap" a "bounty" with their gifts as well. Let us know how we can assist you or provide information for your consideration.
[body_edit] =>Here are two ways that we can give "bountifully," simultaneously reaping a greater present participation in Kingdom ministries—while realizing present "bounty" in our own finances.
Gifts of Appreciated Stock
Now that the stock market has rebounded somewhat, there may be some shares that have been held more than one year which have appreciated significantly. Gifting shares of stock directly to a federally qualified charitable organization (like ICR) can provide a significant tax savings. The full market value of the stock is deductible, and gifting the stock avoids any capital gains tax; a double "bounty."
The Charitable Gift Annuity
Assets that are not producing an adequate income (stock, property, cash, CD's, bonds, mutual funds, etc.) can be turned into a Charitable Gift Annuity from ICR that will provide a guaranteed income from the value of those assets, a present tax deduction, and a tax-free portion of the income stream. Another "bounty."
ICR is deeply appreciative of all those who co-labor with us in our work. We simply could not function without your help. We are especially pleased when our partners in ministry are able to "reap" a "bounty" with their gifts as well. Let us know how we can assist you or provide information for your consideration.
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All of God's children must overcome the temptation to allow God's sovereign provision of our needs to be overshadowed by the pleasure of our bounty and blessings—especially during this very American celebration of the Thanksgiving holiday. Here are some of the "original" thoughts.
George Washington's 1789 Thanksgiving Proclamation
Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor; . . . a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness:
Now, . . . I do . . . assign Thursday, the 26th day of November next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; . . .
And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions; . . . to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us; and, generally to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as He alone knows to be best. . . . the 3rd day of October, A.D. 1789. (signed) G. Washington.
Remember the ThanksGIVING
Scripture refers to various ways to express our "offerings" of thanksgiving. Singing (Psalm 30:12); recalling God's creation (Psalm 75:1); telling of God's holiness (Psalm 91:12); remembering those who have helped us (Colossians 1:3).
May this Thanksgiving season be one of great thankfulness to Him for His great blessings and a rededication to use His bounty to please Him and serve others.
[body_edit] =>All of God's children must overcome the temptation to allow God's sovereign provision of our needs to be overshadowed by the pleasure of our bounty and blessings—especially during this very American celebration of the Thanksgiving holiday. Here are some of the "original" thoughts.
George Washington's 1789 Thanksgiving Proclamation
Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor; . . . a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness:
Now, . . . I do . . . assign Thursday, the 26th day of November next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; . . .
And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions; . . . to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us; and, generally to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as He alone knows to be best. . . . the 3rd day of October, A.D. 1789. (signed) G. Washington.
Remember the ThanksGIVING
Scripture refers to various ways to express our "offerings" of thanksgiving. Singing (Psalm 30:12); recalling God's creation (Psalm 75:1); telling of God's holiness (Psalm 91:12); remembering those who have helped us (Colossians 1:3).
May this Thanksgiving season be one of great thankfulness to Him for His great blessings and a rededication to use His bounty to please Him and serve others.
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All of us have seen ripples grow in concentric rings from a pebble plopped in a pond. And most of us are familiar with horrific stories about riptides pulling swimmers to their death, undermining seawalls, and eroding beaches. Both the poet and the six o'clock newscaster love ripples and riptides. But they also make good illustrations of what atheistic and naturalistic science does to truth.
Ken Ham developed a clever cartoon that, while humorous, is a serious challenge to the Bible-based Christian community. In the cartoon, two castles are shown at war. The "Christianity" castle is shooting at balloons of "abortion" and "homosexuality," etc., that are flying above the "Humanism" castle—not doing much damage to that worldview. The "bad guys," however, are shooting most effectively at the base of "Creation," destroying the foundation of the entire "Christianity" castle.
Foundations, Leaven, and Tree Roots
The Bible uses a number of illustrations about the importance of getting rid of the source of the problems. The Psalmist cries out for strength when he sees the enemies destroying the foundation (Psalm 11:3). Jesus warns about the leaven of false doctrine (Matthew 16:12; see also Galatians 5:9), and the prophet notes that if the stump is left, the tree will grow again (Daniel 4:23,26; contrast Luke 3:9). These illustrations warn us to focus on the cause of the error, not the symptoms.
It is tempting to go after the symptoms. The pain of the many effects (abortion, pornography, flagrant promiscuity, easy divorce, etc.) are very real and terribly destructive. But the core rationale (in the educated Western world) for all these anti-God, anti-righteous, anti-authority beliefs is atheistic, naturalistic science.
ICR is searching for Cures to the "Disease."
We are researching to uncover evidence that will expose the atheism in naturalistic science. We are training Christian leaders to expand that research and to teach others. That work is extensive, time-consuming, and expensive. We cannot function without your financial support. We must have your prayer support. Please consider co-laboring with us.
[body_edit] =>All of us have seen ripples grow in concentric rings from a pebble plopped in a pond. And most of us are familiar with horrific stories about riptides pulling swimmers to their death, undermining seawalls, and eroding beaches. Both the poet and the six o'clock newscaster love ripples and riptides. But they also make good illustrations of what atheistic and naturalistic science does to truth.
Ken Ham developed a clever cartoon that, while humorous, is a serious challenge to the Bible-based Christian community. In the cartoon, two castles are shown at war. The "Christianity" castle is shooting at balloons of "abortion" and "homosexuality," etc., that are flying above the "Humanism" castle—not doing much damage to that worldview. The "bad guys," however, are shooting most effectively at the base of "Creation," destroying the foundation of the entire "Christianity" castle.
Foundations, Leaven, and Tree Roots
The Bible uses a number of illustrations about the importance of getting rid of the source of the problems. The Psalmist cries out for strength when he sees the enemies destroying the foundation (Psalm 11:3). Jesus warns about the leaven of false doctrine (Matthew 16:12; see also Galatians 5:9), and the prophet notes that if the stump is left, the tree will grow again (Daniel 4:23,26; contrast Luke 3:9). These illustrations warn us to focus on the cause of the error, not the symptoms.
It is tempting to go after the symptoms. The pain of the many effects (abortion, pornography, flagrant promiscuity, easy divorce, etc.) are very real and terribly destructive. But the core rationale (in the educated Western world) for all these anti-God, anti-righteous, anti-authority beliefs is atheistic, naturalistic science.
ICR is searching for Cures to the "Disease."
We are researching to uncover evidence that will expose the atheism in naturalistic science. We are training Christian leaders to expand that research and to teach others. That work is extensive, time-consuming, and expensive. We cannot function without your financial support. We must have your prayer support. Please consider co-laboring with us.
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