Archive of Articles
During recent ICR seminars and a trip to Grand Canyon with Christian leaders, many wonderful people offered their encouragement and promised support. There were lots of questions, too, mainly about what they could do to help ICR. Here are a few ideas.
Regular Gifts. We don't have a "product" to sell, but yield our research and training to the Kingdom as a resource. Since you share our awareness of the critical issues, please contribute as the Lord brings ICR to your mind. If you prefer, ICR can make arrangements to debit your bank account each month through ACH. Regular gifts help us immensely.
Church Mission Budgets. The Biblical record of creation is fundamental to the message of the Gospel, and evidential defense of Biblical accuracy is vital in our skeptical era. ICR needs regular support from like-minded churches. Let us know how we can provide information for your Mission program.
Research and Project Grants. The technical requirements of research and the scientific apologetics of ICR have grown more complicated and expensive. The R.A.T.E. project continues and we are beginning the work for other major endeavors—please let us know what you would need to evaluate your participation in new projects.
Asset Gifts. Gifts of property, stock, insurance policies, and other forms of static family wealth can be gifted to ICR—usually to a mutual advantage. Occasionally, through a Charitable Gift Annuity or other trust instruments, an income stream can be created for a donor. Let us know how we can help you evaluate the potential.
Giving through your Will. This often overlooked gift is a wonderful way of transferring some of God's blessings when your work is completed here on Earth. ICR has been structured so that our work will continue as long as the Lord delays His return. Perhaps you are unable to provide much now, but could make us part of your "family" when our Lord takes you home.
ICR has prepared several booklets and worksheets that can help you focus your planning. Check an appropriate box on the donor envelope or call us directly.
[body_edit] =>During recent ICR seminars and a trip to Grand Canyon with Christian leaders, many wonderful people offered their encouragement and promised support. There were lots of questions, too, mainly about what they could do to help ICR. Here are a few ideas.
Regular Gifts. We don't have a "product" to sell, but yield our research and training to the Kingdom as a resource. Since you share our awareness of the critical issues, please contribute as the Lord brings ICR to your mind. If you prefer, ICR can make arrangements to debit your bank account each month through ACH. Regular gifts help us immensely.
Church Mission Budgets. The Biblical record of creation is fundamental to the message of the Gospel, and evidential defense of Biblical accuracy is vital in our skeptical era. ICR needs regular support from like-minded churches. Let us know how we can provide information for your Mission program.
Research and Project Grants. The technical requirements of research and the scientific apologetics of ICR have grown more complicated and expensive. The R.A.T.E. project continues and we are beginning the work for other major endeavors—please let us know what you would need to evaluate your participation in new projects.
Asset Gifts. Gifts of property, stock, insurance policies, and other forms of static family wealth can be gifted to ICR—usually to a mutual advantage. Occasionally, through a Charitable Gift Annuity or other trust instruments, an income stream can be created for a donor. Let us know how we can help you evaluate the potential.
Giving through your Will. This often overlooked gift is a wonderful way of transferring some of God's blessings when your work is completed here on Earth. ICR has been structured so that our work will continue as long as the Lord delays His return. Perhaps you are unable to provide much now, but could make us part of your "family" when our Lord takes you home.
ICR has prepared several booklets and worksheets that can help you focus your planning. Check an appropriate box on the donor envelope or call us directly.
[typeID] => 4 [visible] => t [pdf] => [publishURL] => how-can-we-help [publishDate] => 0000-00-00 [authorAsterisk] => f [domainID] => 1 [publication] => [volume] => [issue] => [page] => [author] => Henry M. Morris III, D.Min. ) -->
Usually, that little cliché is heard from a background of exasperation. Or, as we have often learned too late, we should have taken action before an event precipitated the consequences that we regret.
Biblically, the emphasis is on the careful use of our time (Ephesians 5:16; Colossians 4:5; Psalms 90:12), so that we will not regret the consequences whenever an unexpected event takes place. The most unexpected and uncontrollable event, of course, is the moment when God calls us into His eternity and presence.
Since we know that the event will take place, but not when, our preparation for that event should be carefully planned. Have you done so?
Did you know . . . ?
1. If you don't have a will, your State will invoke its "descent and distribution" laws. Your heirs will have no say at that point, and many will have to pay fees and expenses that could otherwise be avoided with a will.
2. The smaller the estate the more important it is that it be settled quickly. Delays are often very costly. A properly prepared will or trust is the best way to avoid delays and additional expenses.
3. Careful planning before you visit an attorney can often reduce the cost of having a professional will or trust executed. Do you know what is needed?
4. Even a small portion of a typical estate can be a very meaningful gift to a charitable interest that has been an important part of your life. Charitable bequests aren't always left by the wealthy.
5. Sometimes it is better to distribute assets while you are still able to make changes. Charities can shift in focus or potential heirs can reveal directions that do not coincide with your wishes. There are estate and financial instruments that provide for "revocable" gifts as well as sequential gifts.
Let ICR help you get started.
ICR has prepared several booklets and worksheets that can help you focus your planning. Check an appropriate box on the donor envelope or call us directly.
[body_edit] =>Usually, that little cliché is heard from a background of exasperation. Or, as we have often learned too late, we should have taken action before an event precipitated the consequences that we regret.
Biblically, the emphasis is on the careful use of our time (Ephesians 5:16; Colossians 4:5; Psalms 90:12), so that we will not regret the consequences whenever an unexpected event takes place. The most unexpected and uncontrollable event, of course, is the moment when God calls us into His eternity and presence.
Since we know that the event will take place, but not when, our preparation for that event should be carefully planned. Have you done so?
Did you know . . . ?
1. If you don't have a will, your State will invoke its "descent and distribution" laws. Your heirs will have no say at that point, and many will have to pay fees and expenses that could otherwise be avoided with a will.
2. The smaller the estate the more important it is that it be settled quickly. Delays are often very costly. A properly prepared will or trust is the best way to avoid delays and additional expenses.
3. Careful planning before you visit an attorney can often reduce the cost of having a professional will or trust executed. Do you know what is needed?
4. Even a small portion of a typical estate can be a very meaningful gift to a charitable interest that has been an important part of your life. Charitable bequests aren't always left by the wealthy.
5. Sometimes it is better to distribute assets while you are still able to make changes. Charities can shift in focus or potential heirs can reveal directions that do not coincide with your wishes. There are estate and financial instruments that provide for "revocable" gifts as well as sequential gifts.
Let ICR help you get started.
ICR has prepared several booklets and worksheets that can help you focus your planning. Check an appropriate box on the donor envelope or call us directly.
[typeID] => 4 [visible] => t [pdf] => [publishURL] => its-about-time- [publishDate] => 0000-00-00 [authorAsterisk] => f [domainID] => 1 [publication] => [volume] => [issue] => [page] => [author] => Henry M. Morris III, D.Min. ) -->
Hailed in 1953 as "the most important zoological discovery of this century," a rather strange looking fish had been caught off the coast of Madagascar. This five-foot, 100-pound creature had been missing for 75 million years! Evolutionary scientists had used the fossil remains of Coelacanth as evidence for the evolution of fish to amphibians, and were, needless to say, somewhat surprised to find this "extinct" animal alive and well in the Indian Ocean.
This illustrates a foundational reason for ICR's continued ministry. The evolutionary system of thinking is often surprised when truth is exposed and blinds even the keenest minds to truth.
Scientific American had a feature article (February 2003) on the evolution of computer software. The opening statement was: "Evolution is an immensely powerful creative process. . . . [it] achieves these feats with a few simple processes—mutation, sexual recombination and natural selection. . . ." Several pages were then devoted to show how computer engineers (who were equated with evolution's "design" capability) are setting up software "primordial ooze" to "create" new programs and integrated circuitry. Although the article was replete with the design features and praise for the intellect of the engineers, the overall thrust was to show how "evolution" (the blind, mutating, recombining, naturally selecting process) was "creating" new and better designs!
The creation issue is not just a Genesis thing. Although it is certainly critical that Christians be brought back to a confidence in the Genesis record, it is equally critical that we be "ready always to give an answer to every man . . . a reason of the hope that is in you" (I Peter 3:15).
Please help us combat the evolutionary "thinking" that shuts out the liberating truth (John 8:32) of the Creator. Perhaps you could help us become a part of your church's mission budget. Let us know how we can make application to your board, commission, or committee. We would be delighted to respond to inquiries or to make a personal presentation to those responsible. The work is great and complex. We need your co-labor to continue.
[body_edit] =>Hailed in 1953 as "the most important zoological discovery of this century," a rather strange looking fish had been caught off the coast of Madagascar. This five-foot, 100-pound creature had been missing for 75 million years! Evolutionary scientists had used the fossil remains of Coelacanth as evidence for the evolution of fish to amphibians, and were, needless to say, somewhat surprised to find this "extinct" animal alive and well in the Indian Ocean.
This illustrates a foundational reason for ICR's continued ministry. The evolutionary system of thinking is often surprised when truth is exposed and blinds even the keenest minds to truth.
Scientific American had a feature article (February 2003) on the evolution of computer software. The opening statement was: "Evolution is an immensely powerful creative process. . . . [it] achieves these feats with a few simple processes—mutation, sexual recombination and natural selection. . . ." Several pages were then devoted to show how computer engineers (who were equated with evolution's "design" capability) are setting up software "primordial ooze" to "create" new programs and integrated circuitry. Although the article was replete with the design features and praise for the intellect of the engineers, the overall thrust was to show how "evolution" (the blind, mutating, recombining, naturally selecting process) was "creating" new and better designs!
The creation issue is not just a Genesis thing. Although it is certainly critical that Christians be brought back to a confidence in the Genesis record, it is equally critical that we be "ready always to give an answer to every man . . . a reason of the hope that is in you" (I Peter 3:15).
Please help us combat the evolutionary "thinking" that shuts out the liberating truth (John 8:32) of the Creator. Perhaps you could help us become a part of your church's mission budget. Let us know how we can make application to your board, commission, or committee. We would be delighted to respond to inquiries or to make a personal presentation to those responsible. The work is great and complex. We need your co-labor to continue.
[typeID] => 4 [visible] => t [pdf] => [publishURL] => a-50-years-ago [publishDate] => 0000-00-00 [authorAsterisk] => f [domainID] => 1 [publication] => [volume] => [issue] => [page] => [author] => Henry M. Morris III, D.Min. ) -->
That was the title of an article in Time magazine written by Amanda Bower a few months ago. In it she was lamenting the environmental damage done by the standard burial processes and advocating such things as "Green Burial" and "Creative Cremation" to alleviate the inevitable legacy of death. Sadly, of course, there was no thought of the wonderful resurrection and the magnificence of eternal life.
The Eternal Perspective Is Wildly Different!
Not only do we have the "Hope Anchor" (Hebrews 6:19) of God's promise of an eternity with Him, but we are assured that we are able to transfer "wealth" from this life to the eternal one. Our God given and grace imbued "talents" (Matthew 25) and "pounds" (Luke 19) are translated into "gold, silver, precious stones" (I Corinthians 3:12)—the eternal currency of the "new heavens and new earth" (II Peter 3:13). The key to this transfer of wealth, however, is our use of our present earthly resources for the Kingdom's honor.
What Will Transfer When You Go Home?
Most of the readers of this little column are faithful with their tithe to their church as well as other Kingdom ministries like ICR. All of us here at ICR are very grateful for the faithful and generous support that is supplied to our work. But have you considered how your "leftovers" will be used? After providing for your family (I Timothy 5:8), have you given thought to how your wealth (yes, wealth) might continue to transform into "eternal currency" after you have "left" for Home?
ICR has a number of informative booklets and guidelines on how to think strategically about the transfer of your assets and set up the different types of trusts that can accomplish much towards both goals—caring for our family and providing on-going resources for the Lord's work. Let us help with your planning. Check the box for information on the return envelope in this Acts & Facts. We'll get right back to you.
[body_edit] =>That was the title of an article in Time magazine written by Amanda Bower a few months ago. In it she was lamenting the environmental damage done by the standard burial processes and advocating such things as "Green Burial" and "Creative Cremation" to alleviate the inevitable legacy of death. Sadly, of course, there was no thought of the wonderful resurrection and the magnificence of eternal life.
The Eternal Perspective Is Wildly Different!
Not only do we have the "Hope Anchor" (Hebrews 6:19) of God's promise of an eternity with Him, but we are assured that we are able to transfer "wealth" from this life to the eternal one. Our God given and grace imbued "talents" (Matthew 25) and "pounds" (Luke 19) are translated into "gold, silver, precious stones" (I Corinthians 3:12)—the eternal currency of the "new heavens and new earth" (II Peter 3:13). The key to this transfer of wealth, however, is our use of our present earthly resources for the Kingdom's honor.
What Will Transfer When You Go Home?
Most of the readers of this little column are faithful with their tithe to their church as well as other Kingdom ministries like ICR. All of us here at ICR are very grateful for the faithful and generous support that is supplied to our work. But have you considered how your "leftovers" will be used? After providing for your family (I Timothy 5:8), have you given thought to how your wealth (yes, wealth) might continue to transform into "eternal currency" after you have "left" for Home?
ICR has a number of informative booklets and guidelines on how to think strategically about the transfer of your assets and set up the different types of trusts that can accomplish much towards both goals—caring for our family and providing on-going resources for the Lord's work. Let us help with your planning. Check the box for information on the return envelope in this Acts & Facts. We'll get right back to you.
[typeID] => 4 [visible] => t [pdf] => [publishURL] => death-can-be-dirty-whats-greenie-do [publishDate] => 0000-00-00 [authorAsterisk] => f [domainID] => 1 [publication] => [volume] => [issue] => [page] => [author] => Henry M. Morris III, D.Min. ) -->
In the minds of many, creation thinking is marginalized to a "fundamentalist" few. But let's look again.
Listed below are quotes from several great men who cared much about creation. In their writings they not only supported creation, but extended our knowledge of creation. They used creation to teach truth, glorify the Creator, and confront wrong thinking. (This list contains, by the way, some of my favorite creation Scriptures. It could be extended considerably.)
Moses: "Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God" (Psalm 90:2).
David: "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth His handywork" (Psalm 19:1).
"By the word of the Lord were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of His mouth" (Psalm 33:6).
Solomon: "The Lord by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath He established the heavens" (Proverbs 3:19).
Isaiah: "Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of His understanding" (Isaiah 40:28).
"Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; Yea, I have made him" (Isaiah 43:7).
Jeremiah: "Ah Lord God! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee" (Jeremiah 32:17).
Nehemiah: "Thou, even thou, art Lord alone; thou hast made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth, and all things that are therein, the seas, and all that is therein, and thou preservest them all; and the host of heaven worshippeth thee" (Nehemiah 9:6).
John: "All things were made by Him; and without Him was not any thing made that was made" (John 1:3).
Paul: "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: And He is before all things, and by Him all things consist" (Colossians 1:16-17).
"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" (Romans 1:20).
Peter: "For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water: Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished" (II Peter 3:5-6).
Four and Twenty Elders: "Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created" (Revelation 4:11).
Angel: "Saying with a loud voice, 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" (Revelation 14:7).
* Dr. Morris is President of ICR.
[body_edit] =>In the minds of many, creation thinking is marginalized to a "fundamentalist" few. But let's look again.
Listed below are quotes from several great men who cared much about creation. In their writings they not only supported creation, but extended our knowledge of creation. They used creation to teach truth, glorify the Creator, and confront wrong thinking. (This list contains, by the way, some of my favorite creation Scriptures. It could be extended considerably.)
Moses: "Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God" (Psalm 90:2).
David: "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth His handywork" (Psalm 19:1).
"By the word of the Lord were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of His mouth" (Psalm 33:6).
Solomon: "The Lord by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath He established the heavens" (Proverbs 3:19).
Isaiah: "Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of His understanding" (Isaiah 40:28).
"Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; Yea, I have made him" (Isaiah 43:7).
Jeremiah: "Ah Lord God! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee" (Jeremiah 32:17).
Nehemiah: "Thou, even thou, art Lord alone; thou hast made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth, and all things that are therein, the seas, and all that is therein, and thou preservest them all; and the host of heaven worshippeth thee" (Nehemiah 9:6).
John: "All things were made by Him; and without Him was not any thing made that was made" (John 1:3).
Paul: "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: And He is before all things, and by Him all things consist" (Colossians 1:16-17).
"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" (Romans 1:20).
Peter: "For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water: Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished" (II Peter 3:5-6).
Four and Twenty Elders: "Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created" (Revelation 4:11).
Angel: "Saying with a loud voice, 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" (Revelation 14:7).
* Dr. Morris is President of ICR.
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"In Science We Trust" was the title of the December 2002 editorial of Scientific American, equating science with evolution. ICR has been called to confront these deeply entrenched anti-god ideas at the foundational level—the knowledge level. That means uncovering (research) the data (empirical science) that will expose the erroneous "trust" in evolutionary thinking.
Some Current ICR Research
Geology and Radiometric Dating Research: Documenting the historicity of the Biblical worldwide Flood is devastation to the whole system of evolution. The R.A.T.E. project is producing new and critical scientific data on radiometric dating processes.
Biology and Genomic Research: Evolution proposes "descent from a common ancestor." ICR has long fought this wrong thinking and now has the powerful tool of genomics. The "design" and "information" so obvious in the DNA can help demonstrate the limits of the created "kind" of the Creation record.
Astronomy and Cosmology Research: Much press time has been given to the "discoveries" in astronomy with an absolute assumption of "billions" of years. ICR has begun a visionary project to scientifically critique and challenge this naturalistic approach to cosmology.
Please Consider "Co-Laboring" with Us
Each of these areas demand uniquely qualified, professionally trained individuals as well as significant funding for equipment and fieldwork. ICR receives no federal grants. We have no endowments. Our informational "products" (books, videos, monographs, etc.) provide minimal income. The work progresses only to the degree that the Lord calls co-laborers to share with us. The Lord has always provided and much has been accomplished. Yet, "The harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few" (Matthew 9:37). If the Lord has given you material resources, please consider how you may be able to enter into these "labors" (John 4:38).
[body_edit] =>"In Science We Trust" was the title of the December 2002 editorial of Scientific American, equating science with evolution. ICR has been called to confront these deeply entrenched anti-god ideas at the foundational level—the knowledge level. That means uncovering (research) the data (empirical science) that will expose the erroneous "trust" in evolutionary thinking.
Some Current ICR Research
Geology and Radiometric Dating Research: Documenting the historicity of the Biblical worldwide Flood is devastation to the whole system of evolution. The R.A.T.E. project is producing new and critical scientific data on radiometric dating processes.
Biology and Genomic Research: Evolution proposes "descent from a common ancestor." ICR has long fought this wrong thinking and now has the powerful tool of genomics. The "design" and "information" so obvious in the DNA can help demonstrate the limits of the created "kind" of the Creation record.
Astronomy and Cosmology Research: Much press time has been given to the "discoveries" in astronomy with an absolute assumption of "billions" of years. ICR has begun a visionary project to scientifically critique and challenge this naturalistic approach to cosmology.
Please Consider "Co-Laboring" with Us
Each of these areas demand uniquely qualified, professionally trained individuals as well as significant funding for equipment and fieldwork. ICR receives no federal grants. We have no endowments. Our informational "products" (books, videos, monographs, etc.) provide minimal income. The work progresses only to the degree that the Lord calls co-laborers to share with us. The Lord has always provided and much has been accomplished. Yet, "The harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few" (Matthew 9:37). If the Lord has given you material resources, please consider how you may be able to enter into these "labors" (John 4:38).
[typeID] => 4 [visible] => t [pdf] => [publishURL] => unique-labor-icr [publishDate] => 0000-00-00 [authorAsterisk] => f [domainID] => 1 [publication] => [volume] => [issue] => [page] => [author] => Henry M. Morris III, D.Min. ) -->
Worth noting in this challenging passage are the specific word choices. "Minister" is the translators' choice for huperetes, most frequently applied to "officers" of various authorities (John 7:45-46). "Steward" is the somewhat more familiar term, oikonomos, the "house-law" for any enterprise that is large enough to require "officers." The first term denotes authority under higher authority, the second authority exercised within legal boundaries (Acts 5:22,26 and Luke 16:1).
These descriptive titles are certainly applicable to Christian leaders (Paul is applying it to himself in the above context), but they are also standards which all followers of Jesus Christ should emulate. All of us are of the "household of God" (Ephesians 2:19), and "every man" (I Peter 4:10) is to serve each other as "stewards" of God's grace. We serve "under" God's authority, exercising a great responsibility "within" the "law" of God's Word.
The Mysteries of God
The limitation and exercise of authority demanded of the Corinthians was to "minister" and "steward" the "mysteries" (plural) of God. Since the Lord's Kingdom, especially in these latter days, has grown so huge, a unique challenge for each Christian is to select where he or she will serve and give their talents, spiritual gifts, and resources. Certainly one of the criteria by which such a choice is to be made must involve the degree to which the organization is instructing and clarifying the "mysteries of God."
Readers of Acts & Facts are well aware of ICR's emphasis on the creation account and the accuracy of the Biblical record. One "mystery" we are "stewarding" is the nature of the Tri-une Godhead (Colossians 2:2) which displays the character of God (Romans 1:20). We encourage your participation with us because of the unique requirements in our secular and scientific culture that necessitates a concentration of specially trained "stewards" who can refute the designs of the many who deny the mysteries of God.
[body_edit] =>Worth noting in this challenging passage are the specific word choices. "Minister" is the translators' choice for huperetes, most frequently applied to "officers" of various authorities (John 7:45-46). "Steward" is the somewhat more familiar term, oikonomos, the "house-law" for any enterprise that is large enough to require "officers." The first term denotes authority under higher authority, the second authority exercised within legal boundaries (Acts 5:22,26 and Luke 16:1).
These descriptive titles are certainly applicable to Christian leaders (Paul is applying it to himself in the above context), but they are also standards which all followers of Jesus Christ should emulate. All of us are of the "household of God" (Ephesians 2:19), and "every man" (I Peter 4:10) is to serve each other as "stewards" of God's grace. We serve "under" God's authority, exercising a great responsibility "within" the "law" of God's Word.
The Mysteries of God
The limitation and exercise of authority demanded of the Corinthians was to "minister" and "steward" the "mysteries" (plural) of God. Since the Lord's Kingdom, especially in these latter days, has grown so huge, a unique challenge for each Christian is to select where he or she will serve and give their talents, spiritual gifts, and resources. Certainly one of the criteria by which such a choice is to be made must involve the degree to which the organization is instructing and clarifying the "mysteries of God."
Readers of Acts & Facts are well aware of ICR's emphasis on the creation account and the accuracy of the Biblical record. One "mystery" we are "stewarding" is the nature of the Tri-une Godhead (Colossians 2:2) which displays the character of God (Romans 1:20). We encourage your participation with us because of the unique requirements in our secular and scientific culture that necessitates a concentration of specially trained "stewards" who can refute the designs of the many who deny the mysteries of God.
[typeID] => 4 [visible] => t [pdf] => [publishURL] => ministers-stewards [publishDate] => 0000-00-00 [authorAsterisk] => f [domainID] => 1 [publication] => [volume] => [issue] => [page] => [author] => Henry M. Morris III, D.Min. ) -->
December is connected with gift-giving—sometimes for the wrong reasons. All of us have felt the pressure to "buy" something for family and/or friends. Our private conversations sometimes bemoan the obligations we feel to "get something" for so-and-so. Churches, mission organizations, humanitarian endeavors, endless charities—all try in one way or another to tweak the subtle pressure of "the season" in their respective favor.
The celebration of our Lord's physical birth into this world is certainly worthy of remembrance. But most of the world only "remembers" that the wise men from the east brought gifts to the baby Jesus—and use that event as justification for the Christmas celebration. But the reverential honor of the wise men is a far cry from the excessive and self-serving practice that now dominates the "Christian" world.
ICR would ask you to remember why and to Whom we give.
Jesus reserved His harshest criticism to "religious" practice that was either hypocritical or misdirected. In the Matthew 23 passage cited above, He pointed out that the gift itself had replaced the reason for the gift—and the motive of the giver. Perhaps it is worth reviewing some basics of discretionary giving.
The gift should be "unto the Lord" (Leviticus 23:38; Colossians 3:23). Sounds simple, but this calls for conscious dedication and a willing heart.
The gift should be for "the glory of" our Lord (I Corinthians 10:31). Again, sounds simple, but requires us to be careful what our gift may be used for in the hands of others.
The gift should do what "the Lord had commanded" (Numbers 36:2). This may be a little more complicated to insure, but our discretionary giving needs to be placed with those whose heart and ministry is clearly driven to implement and honor God's Word.
Please know that ICR will honor your gift as though it came from God's hand.
[body_edit] =>December is connected with gift-giving—sometimes for the wrong reasons. All of us have felt the pressure to "buy" something for family and/or friends. Our private conversations sometimes bemoan the obligations we feel to "get something" for so-and-so. Churches, mission organizations, humanitarian endeavors, endless charities—all try in one way or another to tweak the subtle pressure of "the season" in their respective favor.
The celebration of our Lord's physical birth into this world is certainly worthy of remembrance. But most of the world only "remembers" that the wise men from the east brought gifts to the baby Jesus—and use that event as justification for the Christmas celebration. But the reverential honor of the wise men is a far cry from the excessive and self-serving practice that now dominates the "Christian" world.
ICR would ask you to remember why and to Whom we give.
Jesus reserved His harshest criticism to "religious" practice that was either hypocritical or misdirected. In the Matthew 23 passage cited above, He pointed out that the gift itself had replaced the reason for the gift—and the motive of the giver. Perhaps it is worth reviewing some basics of discretionary giving.
The gift should be "unto the Lord" (Leviticus 23:38; Colossians 3:23). Sounds simple, but this calls for conscious dedication and a willing heart.
The gift should be for "the glory of" our Lord (I Corinthians 10:31). Again, sounds simple, but requires us to be careful what our gift may be used for in the hands of others.
The gift should do what "the Lord had commanded" (Numbers 36:2). This may be a little more complicated to insure, but our discretionary giving needs to be placed with those whose heart and ministry is clearly driven to implement and honor God's Word.
Please know that ICR will honor your gift as though it came from God's hand.
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Israel was under Mosaic Law, of course, and the New Testament Covenant has freed us from the obligations of those liturgical instructions. However, they were a "schoolmaster" (Galatians 3:24) to teach us about the relationship of God to His people.
This voluntary offering was designed to be given at various times and for many reasons—but if offered in "Thanksgiving" it was to be specially performed, as explained below.
The drama tells the story of Thanksgiving to God.
"By placing his hand upon the head of the animal, which had been brought to the altar of Jehovah for the purpose, the offerer signified that with this gift, which served to nourish and strengthen his own life, he gave up the substance of his life to the Lord, that he might thereby be strengthened both body and soul for a holy walk and conversation. To this end he slaughtered the victim and had the blood sprinkled by the priest against the altar, and the fat portions burned upon it, that in these altar-gifts his soul and his inner man might be grounded afresh in the gracious fellowship of the Lord. He then handed over the breast-piece by the process of waving, also the right leg, and a sacrificial cake of each kind, as a heave-offering from the whole to the Lord, who transferred these portions to the priests as His servants, that they might take part as His representatives in the sacrificial meal." (Biblical Commentary on the Old Testament; The Pentateuch, vol. II; Keil & Delitzsch, Eerdmans, Grand Rapids, p. 330.)
Our "offerings" should be as honestly committed.
Think of the obvious comparisons: that which is used to "nourish and strengthen" our lives is offered in "thanksgiving" on the Lord's altar—to the Lord—which the Lord then gives a portion back as subsistence to those who serve Him. These voluntary "offerings" are freely given in thanksgiving to others who serve the Lord.
[body_edit] =>Israel was under Mosaic Law, of course, and the New Testament Covenant has freed us from the obligations of those liturgical instructions. However, they were a "schoolmaster" (Galatians 3:24) to teach us about the relationship of God to His people.
This voluntary offering was designed to be given at various times and for many reasons—but if offered in "Thanksgiving" it was to be specially performed, as explained below.
The drama tells the story of Thanksgiving to God.
"By placing his hand upon the head of the animal, which had been brought to the altar of Jehovah for the purpose, the offerer signified that with this gift, which served to nourish and strengthen his own life, he gave up the substance of his life to the Lord, that he might thereby be strengthened both body and soul for a holy walk and conversation. To this end he slaughtered the victim and had the blood sprinkled by the priest against the altar, and the fat portions burned upon it, that in these altar-gifts his soul and his inner man might be grounded afresh in the gracious fellowship of the Lord. He then handed over the breast-piece by the process of waving, also the right leg, and a sacrificial cake of each kind, as a heave-offering from the whole to the Lord, who transferred these portions to the priests as His servants, that they might take part as His representatives in the sacrificial meal." (Biblical Commentary on the Old Testament; The Pentateuch, vol. II; Keil & Delitzsch, Eerdmans, Grand Rapids, p. 330.)
Our "offerings" should be as honestly committed.
Think of the obvious comparisons: that which is used to "nourish and strengthen" our lives is offered in "thanksgiving" on the Lord's altar—to the Lord—which the Lord then gives a portion back as subsistence to those who serve Him. These voluntary "offerings" are freely given in thanksgiving to others who serve the Lord.
[typeID] => 4 [visible] => t [pdf] => [publishURL] => peace-thanksgiving-offering [publishDate] => 0000-00-00 [authorAsterisk] => f [domainID] => 1 [publication] => [volume] => [issue] => [page] => [author] => Henry M. Morris III, D.Min. ) -->
For those of us who seek to follow the Lord's leading in our life, submitting to His example in the transfer of our earthly wealth should not be a very difficult concept. Jesus did not have many earthly possessions—and those few articles of clothing that he did own, were confiscated by the Romans at His crucifixion. But He exercised the one final earthly responsibility remaining to Him when he formally asked the apostle John to take care of His mother Mary (John 19:26-27).
Unfortunately many, if not most, do not make even the simplest plans.
Please make a formal, written will.
If you do not know how or need information about making a will, let us send you some basic information.
Please provide for your family.
There are many considerations here, but the Bible clearly says, "But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel" (I Timothy 5:8).
Please consider sharing within the Kingdom.
Without specific instructions in your will or the conscious execution of charitable instruments in addition to your will, the "Romans" (U.S. tax laws) will "cast lots" for your "garments" (John 19:24).
Let us know how ICR can help.
ICR has developed a number of booklets that provide both conceptual and specific information about the transfer of wealth for your family and to the Lord's kingdom. Check the box on the return envelope for Stewardship information or call or drop us an e-mail. We'll get back to you as soon as we can.
[body_edit] =>For those of us who seek to follow the Lord's leading in our life, submitting to His example in the transfer of our earthly wealth should not be a very difficult concept. Jesus did not have many earthly possessions—and those few articles of clothing that he did own, were confiscated by the Romans at His crucifixion. But He exercised the one final earthly responsibility remaining to Him when he formally asked the apostle John to take care of His mother Mary (John 19:26-27).
Unfortunately many, if not most, do not make even the simplest plans.
Please make a formal, written will.
If you do not know how or need information about making a will, let us send you some basic information.
Please provide for your family.
There are many considerations here, but the Bible clearly says, "But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel" (I Timothy 5:8).
Please consider sharing within the Kingdom.
Without specific instructions in your will or the conscious execution of charitable instruments in addition to your will, the "Romans" (U.S. tax laws) will "cast lots" for your "garments" (John 19:24).
Let us know how ICR can help.
ICR has developed a number of booklets that provide both conceptual and specific information about the transfer of wealth for your family and to the Lord's kingdom. Check the box on the return envelope for Stewardship information or call or drop us an e-mail. We'll get back to you as soon as we can.
[typeID] => 4 [visible] => t [pdf] => [publishURL] => planning-for-transfer-earthly-goods [publishDate] => 0000-00-00 [authorAsterisk] => f [domainID] => 1 [publication] => [volume] => [issue] => [page] => [author] => Henry M. Morris III, D.Min. ) -->