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VOLUME 49 NUMBER 3
MARCH 2020
Published by
INSTITUTE FOR CREATION RESEARCH
P. O. Box 59029
5
Dallas, TX 75229
214.615.8300 feature
ICR.org
5 The Mystery of Godliness
Acts & Facts is a free publication. H E N RY M . M O R R I S I I I , D . M i n .
For subscription information,
call 800.337.0375, research
visit ICR.org/subscriptions,
or write to ICR at the above address. 9 Flood Evidence from Sea Levels and
Strontium
EXECUTIVE EDITOR
Jayme Durant
10 VERNON R. CUPPS, Ph.D., and
T I M C L A R E Y, P h . D .
SENIOR EDITOR
Beth Mull impact
EDITORS
10 Cosmic Rays, Sunspots, and Climate
Michael Stamp
Change, Part 1
Truett Billups
J A K E H E B E R T, P h . D .
Christy Hardy
F R A N K S H E RW I N , M . A .
No articles may be reprinted in whole or in
part without obtaining permission from ICR.
Copyright © 2020
15 Iron Face Mask Found in Coal?
Institute for Creation Research JOHN D. MORRIS, PH.D.
All Scripture quotations are from the New King
James Version unless otherwise indicated.
17 Darwinian Medicine Is Poison to
17 Health Care
R A N D Y J . G U L I U Z Z A , P. E . , M . D .
apologetics
21 Interrupting Business as Usual
JAMES J. S. JOHNSON, J.D., Th.D.
20 stewardship
22 Death, Taxes, and a Valid Will
H E N RY M . M O R R I S I V
Mysteries of God
were purposefully engineered by the Lord
Jesus…for His glory” (page 19).
The mysteries of God are so much
more than intellectual challenges—they are
F
sacred secrets from the very heart of God.
or those who love to read, the element of the mystery of God, both of the Father
Dr. Morris says, “Every Christian has the
of mystery often adds an extra layer to and of Christ, in whom are hidden all the
obligation to be a witness for the ‘glorious
the enjoyment—we can’t wait to turn treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Co-
gospel’” (page 5). As believers in Christ, God
the page to discover the identity of the lossians 2:2-3).
has granted us the Spirit to understand the
villain, where the treasure is buried, or what In this issue of Acts & Facts, Dr. Henry
hidden treasures waiting for us in His Word.
long-hidden secret our protagonist harbors. Morris III points to some mysteries we en-
No amount of intellectual pondering can
What is it about mysteries that entices us? counter in the parables, prophecies, and
reveal the mysteries—only the Spirit of God
They provide intellectual challenges, puzzles miracles described in the Bible (“The Mys-
can make them known. As Daniel said to
in the form of written language, and they in- tery of Godliness,” pages 5-7). He also says
King Nebuchadnezzar, “But there is a God in
vite us to use literary clues—usually taking that ICR’s “conscious effort is to display the
heaven who reveals secrets” (Daniel 2:28, 47).
place in an adventurous setting and unravel- great ‘mystery of godliness’ so that all who
He planned His secrets in advance, before
ing at a heart-pounding pace—to discover look will see the reality of the Creator be-
time even began, and He prepared things we
the unknown. ing ‘manifest in the flesh’” (page 7). “ICR is
haven’t seen or heard—things that haven’t
Mysteries aren’t just reserved for the challenged to peel back the veil of natural-
even crossed the mind of any human being
genres of fiction or true-crime stories, either. ism and reveal the majesty of the Creator,
(see 1 Corinthians 2). He grants to His chil-
The Bible sometimes speaks of mysteries. In whose Word is affirmed by the evidence of
dren the privilege to peer into the depths of
its pages we find riches and hidden trea- empirical science” (page 5).
the divine and uncover His hidden mysteries.
sures—but not the kinds that come to mind One way our scientists peel back the
when we usually hear those words. These veil of naturalism is to show evidence of
involve “attaining to all riches of the full as- God’s creative handiwork. Zoologist Frank Jayme Durant
surance of understanding, to the knowledge Sherwin explains how the excellent design Executive Editor
GODLINES S
And without controversy great is the
mystery of godliness: God was mani-
fested in the flesh, justified in the Spirit,
seen by angels, preached among the
Gentiles, believed on in the world, re-
ceived up in glory. (1 Timothy 3:16)
H E N R Y M . M O R R I S I I I , D . M i n .
article
O
highlights ne of the main goals of ICR’s mission in 1 Timothy 3:16 uses the unique Greek
is to convey the basic and founda- term homologoumenos, ´ a strong compound
One of ICR’s missions is to re- tional truth that our God, Redeemer, passive participle essentially meaning “all
move the veil of naturalism that
and King is also the Creator of the speaking the same thing.” Basically, while
keeps many people from clearly
seeing nature’s Creator, Jesus
universe. Every Christian has the obliga- the “mystery” is definitely “great,” the proof
Christ. tion to be a witness for the “glorious gospel” for who Jesus is and His incarnation for the
Some of Christ’s earthly mira- (1 Timothy 1:11), and we ordinarily do so purpose of salvation is widely attested. It is
cles involved outright creation, through the focus of the substitutionary that evidence that ICR is most concerned
displaying His lordship over all sacrifice of our Lord Jesus at Calvary and with in our mission to “speak the same
creation.
His resurrection. thing” with clarity.
ICR’s science staff stands on the
shoulders of previous research-
But there is a greater mystery to this
ers, furthering their cutting- gospel that is often shrouded in the natural- Mysteries of the Kingdom
edge research that demon- istic matrix that pervades our educational
While subtle evidences of the “godli-
strates the historicity and scien- and media systems. ICR is challenged to
tific validity of the Bible. ness” are manifest throughout the minis-
peel back the veil of naturalism and reveal
ICR’s goal is to display the mys- try of the Lord Jesus, many of them would
the majesty of the Creator, whose Word
tery of godliness that Christ is be seen most clearly by those already called
both Savior and Creator. Our
is affirmed by the evidence of empirical
into the Kingdom. Matthew 13 lists several
publications, events, and Dis- science.
evidences of the work of God on Earth. The
covery Center provide evidence
parable of the sower and the reception of the
to affirm the accuracy and au- Without Controversy
thority of God’s Word. gospel are easy to see if one even partially ob-
The opening of Paul’s bold statement serves how the world reacts to Christianity.
I do, though you do not believe Me, believe the works, that you
may know and believe that the Father is in Me, and I in Him.”
(John 10:37-38)
Two examples should suffice. When
Jesus turned the water into wine at the
marriage feast at Cana (John 2:1-10),
He created complex fibers, sugars, acids,
bases, and juices with merely the in-
stant thought from His mind. This was
The fact that God knew this and openly exposed these things in His enough to stun the governor of the feast
(to say nothing of the servants who filled
teaching should be an evidence of His omniscience.
the six water pots with 150 gallons of wa-
Likewise the parables of the tares, the mustard seed, the
ter). One may reject the evidence, but the
leaven, and the treasures all forecast the nature of the
feat could be nothing less than the creation
centuries of gospel growth and ultimate harvest of
of new matter where none existed before.
God’s people at the end of the age. None of this
Likewise, the feeding of the crowd of 5,000
would have been possible without the sover-
on one occasion (Matthew 14:13-21) and the 4,000
eign knowledge of the Creator who “works
on another occasion (Matthew 15:32-39) involved the in-
all things according to the counsel of His will”
stant creation of new bread and fish meat from a small
(Ephesians 1:11).
meal that was multiplied into thousands of pounds of
food for the huge crowds. The apostles were unable
Magnificent Prophecies
to understand what happened as they collected
Tomes have been written in attempts to refute the baskets of leftovers after all had been fed.
the detailed Old Testament prophecies of the coming Someone may choose to reject the record, but if
Messiah. All have fallen woefully short of their goals, merely it actually happened, then it could only be done
demonstrating the impossibility of human foresight and the ne- by the One who brought the universe into ex-
cessity of divine foreknowledge made available to human agents. The istence by His spoken word just four mil-
identification of the tribe of Judah and the family of David in the city lennia before.
of Bethlehem—both in widely separated passages—attests to God’s
sovereign plan. Daniel’s detailed outline of the “70 weeks” still baffles ICR’s Mission
those who would attempt to naturalize those words. The power of God’s Word is the source of
The odds of such prophetic events being fulfilled in one event His authority in time and on Earth. Through
are not merely additive but multiplied with each successive an- the Word of God, we are given insight to who the
nouncement. For instance, the identification of the tribe of Judah Creator is, the role He has had in history, and the mystery
may have a predicative qualifier of 1 in 12 (the number of tribes), but of His being “manifested in flesh.” Therein lies the core of ICR’s mis-
multiplied by the identification of Bethlehem (of the some 500 or so sion. We are charged with demonstrating the accuracy, historicity,
towns in Israel at that time) it becomes not merely 1 in 512 but 12 and scientific validity of that record, providing evidence that may
times 500—or 1 in 6,000. There are about 300 prophecies fulfilled by clear away doubt on the part of unbelievers and wavering Christians.
the life of Jesus during His time on Earth. The odds of those all com-
ing true in one person are beyond counting! Scientific Research
2-3 6-7 7
Lincoln, NE
Fort Worth, TX
Indian Hills Community Church
The Riley Center at Nebraska Christian Home
Southwestern Seminary Educators Association (NCHEA)
Text-Driven Preaching Conference Conference and Curriculum Fair
(R. Guliuzza) 214.615.8364
(Booth only) 214.615.8339
ICR.org/NCHEA
Dallas, TX
ICR Discovery Center for
MARCH
Science & Earth History
MARCH
8 14
Origins: ReExamining
the Evidence
Rocklin, CA
Omaha, NE
G1 Genesis Conference at
Providence Bible Church William Jessup University
(R. Guliuzza) 402.957.1859 (B. Thomas) Register at Jeffrey P. Tomkins, Ph.D. Tim Clarey, Ph.D. Brian Thomas, Ph.D.
g1conference.com
Register at: ICR.org/Origins
MARCH MARCH
27-28 27-28
Dallas, TX
Hurst, TX
ICR Discovery Center for Science &
Tyndale Theological Seminary Earth History
Tyndale Heritage Lecture Series Space Day at the Discovery Center
(J. Johnson) 800.886.1415 (J. Hebert, J. Williams)
ICR.org/SpaceDay
ICR’S 50TH
SAVE THE DATE ANNIVERSARY GALA
OCTOBER
First Baptist Church
8 Dallas, TX
Tickets and information: Henry M. Morris III, D.Min
ICR.org/50th
For the latest ICR Discovery Center live science presentations, check our schedule at
ICRdiscoverycenter.org/Live-Presentations
For information on event opportunities, email the Events department at Events@ICR.org or call 800.337.0375.
Cosmic Rays,
Sunspots,
and Climate Change
P A R T 1
article
highlig hts
S
unspots are relatively cool blotches
Our sun goes through regular
11-year cycles. Sunspots are an on the sun’s surface (Figure 1). The
indicator of these cycles. number of sunspots is an indicator
Sun cycles appear to affect of how active the sun is. It has the
Earth’s weather even though most sunspots when it’s most active—at
heat and light from the sun
solar maximum—and has a slightly high-
vary only a little over time.
er total energy output during that time.
The sun’s magnetic field
extends far into space. It en- Likewise, the sun has the fewest sunspots
velopes our solar system and at solar minimum. The number of sun-
varies over time. spots varies over an 11-year solar cycle.
This magnetic field appears to Could there be a connection between
affect Earth’s weather and cli-
sunspot cycles and Earth’s weather and Figure 1. Sunspots on the sun’s surface.
mate by affecting the number
climate? If so, is this relevant to the global Image Credit: NASA/SDO. Used in accordance with federal
of cosmic rays entering Earth’s copyright (fair use doctrine) law. Usage by ICR does not imply
Figure 2. A grand solar minimum with extremely few sunspots is expected within the next 30 years. The last
grand solar minimum, the Maunder Minimum, coincided with very cold temperatures in North America
and Europe.
Image Credit: R. A. Rohde. CC-BY-SA 3.0. Used in accordance with federal copyright (fair use doctrine) law. Usage by ICR does not imply endorsement of copyright holder.
right properties to act as “seeds” for the formation of new water direction, so this downward fair-weather current density is indicated
droplets in clouds. These aerosols are called cloud condensation nu- by the symbol Jz. This current per square meter is not lightning—it’s
clei (CCNs) because water vapor condenses on them to form cloud the downward electrical current (per square meter) that comes from
droplets. The charged particles (ions) that result when GCRs enter the ionosphere to Earth’s surface.
the atmosphere increase the number of CCNs, enabling more cloud For most locations on Earth’s surface, the voltage V will have
droplets to form. This model can be summarized as “more cosmic the same value at any given time. But the electrical resistance R of a
rays make more clouds.” particular column of air varies with location because it depends on
the number of ions in the air at that location. The more ions, the
The Second Model on the Effect of GCRs easier the currents can flow and the greater Jz will be. Therefore Jz
varies from place to place. At one location Jz can be high while simul-
Dr. Brian Tinsley, professor emeritus of the University of Texas
taneously being lower at some other location even though the same
at Dallas (UTD), endorses the second model.11 In my opinion, Dr.
voltage V is “pushing” both current densities (Figure 3).
Tinsley’s mechanism is more convincing than Dr. Svensmark’s, al-
though I am admittedly biased since Dr. Tinsley was my Ph.D. re-
search advisor at UTD.12 I should point out that Dr. Tinsley doesn’t
share my creationist views, and he believes global warming is real,
although he doesn’t think we should panic over it.
Dr. Tinsley’s mechanism involves the fact that Earth’s surface
and ionosphere (a highly conducting layer of the atmosphere above
the atmosphere’s lower layers) are good conductors of electricity.
Electrical capacitors are made of two electrical conductors (usually
metals) separated by a short distance. When the two metals are con-
nected to opposite terminals of a battery, equal and opposite charges
are stored on them.
Many of us were introduced in physics class to capacitors com-
posed of two parallel metal plates. Although Earth and the iono-
sphere are both spherical, physicists simplify the analysis by treating
the ionosphere as one plate and Earth’s surface as the other plate of a Figure 3. The voltage V between the ionosphere and surface of the
earth pushes the tiny downward electrical current density Jz. Increases
parallel plate capacitor.
in V and decreases in R make Jz larger. Decreases in V and increases
in R make Jz smaller. Because the number of ions in a column of air
The Global Electric Circuit varies from place to place, the size of Jz also varies from place to place.
Low-latitude thunderstorms act like batteries that maintain a
potential difference, or voltage,13 of about 250,000 volts between the Charges on Clouds
ionosphere and the ground. This voltage can vary depending on the
amount of worldwide thunderstorm activity. Physics theory shows that when Jz passes through a cloud, a
On a well-designed capacitor, the charges on the metal plates layer of positive charge forms on the cloud top and a layer of negative
are maintained as long as the battery remains connected. However, if charge forms on the cloud bottom (Figure 4). The amount of this
a material is placed between the metal conductors that weakly con-
ducts electricity, a small current will flow from one metal plate to
the other. The charged particles (ions) in Earth’s lower atmosphere
make the air a weak electrical conductor. The 250,000-volt potential
difference between the ionosphere and Earth’s surface drives a total
current of about 1,000 amperes toward the ground. However, this
current is spread over Earth’s entire surface so that the current fall-
ing on a given square meter of surface is tiny—just a few trillionths
of an ampere.
This tiny current density (current per square meter) can be Figure 4. When Jz passes through a cloud, a layer of positive charge
will form on the cloud top and a layer of negative charge will form
measured with sensitive instruments. Physicists often use the letter
on the cloud bottom.
J to denote electrical current and the letter z to indicate the vertical
W
e read in Genesis 1 how God created the Did These Pathways Evolve?
Metabolic
universe and everything in it—from
One must ask if these complex and
people, animals, and plants to
ordered pathways are the result of time,
planets and stars. Life is in-
Pathways to God
chance, and random processes or
credibly complex, having been cre-
the result of plan and purpose. In
ated that way “in the beginning.”
Lehninger’s Principles of Biochem-
Indeed, there is no such thing as
istry, the authors state all the
“simple” life.1
GPCR signaling mechanisms
“must have arisen early in evolu-
Metabolic Pathways
tion.”4 But the phrase “must have”
God created the major- is hardly a scientific explanation
ity of life forms as cellular organ- and fails to describe any form of
isms—from single-cell protozoa to step-by-step Darwinian origin for
huge multicellular creatures such as this elaborate mechanism. For ex-
blue whales. Even bacteria and plants ample, the sense of smell (olfaction) in
are cellular in nature, despite the unique people and other mammals is due to GP-
construction of their cell walls. CRs, but “little is known about how olfactory
In biochemistry, a metabolic pathway is a receptors function in mammals, or how this large
linked series of chemical reactions occurring within a gene family has evolved in response to different evolu-
cell that leads to the formation of one or more functional products. tionary challenges.” 5
Metabolic pathways are the means living entities use to convert, via Four years after that statement, the supposed evolution of these
enzymes (proteins), one compound into another. Such pathways are fascinating pathways remained unknown. As reported in the Annual
found in all living creatures. Review of Biochemistry, “The emergence of the pathways that
A molecule that starts a chemical pathway inside article now comprise core and central metabolism, or even inter-
highlights mediate metabolism, is particularly enigmatic.”6
a cell is called a substrate, a substance on which an
enzyme acts. Enzymes are also called biologi- The sophisti- Indeed, other evolutionists see the obvi-
cal catalysts and are designed to make bio- cated chemical reactions ous design in these living pathways (albeit
chemical reactions proceed with incredible inside living cells are called without acknowledging the designing Cre-
metabolic pathways. ator) and rightfully compare them to hu-
speed. When an enzyme connects with a
Evolutionists assume these pathways man technology. A parasitology textbook
substrate (reactant molecule), the sub- must have evolved early since they are
commented on internal cellular reactions
strate breaks into two product molecules necessary for life.
in protozoa and “the multitude of other
(products) while the enzyme remains But how can something that rivals high-
tech circuit boards in complexity evolve metabolic events that make biochemical
unchanged and immediately connects
from simple, random chemicals? pathways look like printed circuits of high-
with another substrate. These reactions
Metabolic pathways point to tech electronic equipment.”7
occur in a fraction of a second.
God’s design genius. Only God can create life. At the subcel-
In each moment of cell life billions of sub- lular level, we see the enormous complexity that
strates are transformed into billions of products
is the work of His hands, and these pathways lead us
by billions of enzyme molecules. These reactions are
to Him.
extremely fast, and we can imagine the cell as a viscous envi-
ronment where these reactions occur in an ordered (and only References
1. Sherwin, F. Not-So-Simple Plankton. Creation Science Update. Posted on ICR.org December
apparently chaotic) fashion. The whole body of these reactions 13, 2018, accessed January 3, 2020.
2. Fani, R. 2012. The Origin and Evolution of Metabolic Pathways: Why and How did Primordial
is called metabolism.2 Cells Construct Metabolic Routes? Evolution: Education and Outreach. 5 (3): 367-381. Empha-
sis in original.
Cellular pathways begin outside the cell when a ligand (or first 3. Sherwin, F. 2006. Those Amazing G Protein Receptors. Acts & Facts. 35 (12).
4. Nelson, D. and M. Cox. 2017. Principles of Biochemistry, 7th ed. New York: W. H. Freeman, 459.
messenger) encounters a specific protein detector (or receptor) that 5. Dybas, C. By dark of night, how do bats smell their way to fruit? National Science Foundation
Research News. Posted on nsf.org March 3, 2014 accessed January 3, 2020.
is suspended in the plasma (or cell) membrane. A large family of 6. Noda-Garcia, L., W. Liebermeister, and D. S. Tawfik. 2018. Metabolite-
enzyme coevolution. Annual Review of Biochemistry. 87 (1): 189.
these detectors is called G protein coupled receptors (GPCRs).3 These 7. Roberts, L. et al. 2012. Foundations of Parasitology, 9th ed. New York:
McGraw-Hill Education, 51.
GPCRs are designed to detect specific biomolecules (ligands) outside
the cell and initiate internal signal pathways inside the cell and, ulti- Frank Sherwin is Research Associate at the Institute for Creation Research
and earned his M.A. from the University of Northern Colorado.
mately, create cellular responses such as the production of proteins.
ground, but when he cleaned off all the coal, dimensional mask. John D. Morris is President Emeritus of
Whatever the original cast consisted the Institute for Creation Research and
it appeared to be a human face. Perhaps it earned his Ph.D. in geology from the
is the representation of some long-ago indi- of, the mask is made of iron and is the size University of Oklahoma.
H
ave you been wanting to ask an expert fer live presentations in the Founder’s Hall
your deepest questions about faith auditorium throughout the month.
and science? Would you like to hear Founder’s Hall seating is usually first Dr. Jake Hebert
your favorite ICR scientist speak in come, first served for visitors who purchase
person? You have the oppor- a ticket to the planetarium or exhibit hall.
tunity to do both at the ICR Occasionally, though, a separate Founder’s
Discovery Center for Science Hall ticket is required for special speaking Attendees discovered how every person is
& Earth History. ICR sci- events. Such was the case for the Made in created by God with unique physical abili-
entists and scholars of- His Image Weekend event we hosted at the ties, intellect, and spiritual life to fulfill His
Discovery Center January 17-18. purpose.
During the MIHI Weekend, medical We’re planning other presentations and
doctor and Professional Engineer Dr. Randy special events at the Discovery Center, and
Guliuzza and geneticist Dr. Jeff Tomkins we want to see you here! Use our live presen-
offered science presentations that ex- tation calendar (ICRdiscoverycenter.org/
Dr. Jeff Tomkins plored the wonders of God’s design in live-presentations) to maximize your visit
the human body—created fully func- and ensure you have the correct ticket to
tional, fully human, and fully in His image. attend.
ICR Events Director Chas Morse fields questions for Dr. Randy Guli-
uzza and Dr. Jeff Tomkins during a Q&A session. Dr. Jeff Tomkins delivering his talk on apes and humans
❝ ❝ ❝
Beautiful presentation with facts We just attended the Saturday We went to the lecture and [Dr.
that both children and adults need to [Made in His Image Weekend] Guliuzza] was talking about how
hear—very professional. Probably session and were educated and science is worship….and just
best of all are the talks given by edified. Planning to keep these hearing that and seeing all the intri-
creationists that allow for audience seminars on our calendar! cate things our body does—I just
interaction with the speakers. — D. S. P. wanted to praise the Lord!
— L. S. — L. S.
Darwinian
tices in an evolutionary gloss
and then portray them as
new contributions.
Medical research advances
Medicine
best by methodically reverse-
engineering the exquisite
living systems in our world.
Is Poison to
Health Care
R A N D Y J . G U L I U Z Z A , P . E . , M . D .
I
n basic terms, practicing medicine is the science of preserving looks designed—in lieu of God’s agency in actually designing them.
health and life. Darwinism, on the other hand, is a death-driven This selectionism mentally projects selective capability onto environ-
worldview holding that life advances through survival of the fit- ments and believes that nature can exercise agency to produce diverse
test. When the two are joined, you have one of the biggest com- creatures. Selectionism is a path that enables many scientists to essen-
binations of self-contradictory thought perpetrated in the last 50 tially become worshippers of nature.2 Advocates of Darwinian medi-
years. But though “Darwinian medicine” is an oxymoron, it’s a very cine seek to guide their practice of medicine by following the routes
real approach advocated by people intent on having their worldview they imagine nature took to produce life’s diversity.
permeate every facet of life. However, the belief that human features were cobbled together
The faith-based foundation of Darwinian medicine was through an imaginary history of evolution has, oddly enough, not
summed up in a book review for The Journal of the American Medical improved medicine. Instead, much suffering happens when medical
practitioners reject the purposeful design of anatomy and physiology.
Association:
George Gaylord Simpson made the observation, nearly half a Evolutionary Medicine: A Disaster for Patients
century ago, that “Man is the result of a purposeless and natural
process that did not have him in mind. He was not planned.” Darwinian medicine was pioneered by George Williams of
The proponents of Darwinian medicine have taken this dictum State University of Stony Brook and Randolf Nesse of the University
to heart. They argue that by viewing the human form as a result of Michigan Medical School. Early on, they complained:
of past episodes of natural selection, rather than purposeful de-
sign, one can develop new insights into the causes of illness and Evolutionary biology, however, has not been emphasized in
more effective preventions and treatments.1 medical curricula. This is unfortunate, because new applications
of evolutionary principles to medical problems show that ad-
Thus, the core belief of Darwinian medicine is that a mysti- vances would be even more rapid if medical professionals were
cal agent called natural selection molds living creatures in a way that as attuned to Darwin as they have been to Pasteur.3
coal seams have tiny layered structures. Nobody knows for sure what
Dr. Thomas is Research Associate at the Institute for Creation Research and
causes this. Experiments with water and coal suggest that different earned his Ph.D. in paleobiochemistry from the University of Liverpool.
article
highlights
Business as
The Genesis Flood came upon
unprepared people as an ex-
plosive surprise—interrupting
Usual
millions of people’s lives. Only
eight humans survived.
Christ’s return will also be a sur-
prise for humanity, interrupting
their business-as-usual lives with
His return as Earth’s Redeemer
and Judge.
S
ometimes “business as usual” is inter- sis Flood clashes with uniformitarian think- ignore God and His promises, including
rupted by an explosive surprise. ing. The Lord emphasized this point using His promise to return to Earth in judgment,
For many years, Novaya Zemlya, words that surely surprised His audience. just as they routinely reject Earth’s geologi-
a group of Russian islands in the Arc- But as the days of Noah were, so also cal history as the result of the Genesis Flood
tic Ocean, provided a calm breeding habitat will the coming of the Son of Man be. (2 Peter 3:1-7). But Earth’s geological past
for a population of barnacle geese (Branta For as in the days before the flood, they hasn’t been a uniformitarian business-as-
leucopsis).1 For these geese (also called Hvit- were eating and drinking, marrying usual history. Rather, it was enormously
kinngås, meaning “white-cheek goose”), and giving in marriage, until the day marked by the Genesis Flood, an inescap-
that Noah entered the Ark, and did not
business as usual was interrupted on Octo- able fact that creation scientists have detailed
know until the flood came and took
ber 30, 1961, when the USSR tested “Ivan” them all away, so also will the coming of time and time again.2
(the “Tsar Bomba”). This RDS-202 hydrogen the Son of Man be. (Matthew 24:37-39) We need the historical and authorita-
bomb was the largest man-made explosion tive witness of the Genesis record so we can
This description of the days of Noah
ever detonated in history. Thankfully, No- know with confidence what really happened
vaya Zemlya’s barnacle geese had already was not what Christ’s immediate audience
during the days of Noah, because Earth’s
migrated south before the explosion. Ap- expected, because they pictured that time as
history hasn’t always been “business as usu-
parently during the following spring (when wicked, evil, and “filled with violence” (Gen- al.” Christ surprised the world with a global
migratory geese returned north for breed- esis 6:5, 11-13), and it was. However, Christ flood once, and He will interrupt daily rou-
ing), they sensed something was wrong, so described Noah’s “business as usual” days— tines again on some future day when He re-
they relocated new nests to the Baltic Sea’s people eating, drinking, and getting married turns to Earth as Redeemer, Judge, and King
northern shores, more than a thousand (Matthew 24:38; Luke 17:26-27). of our world.
miles south. They now spend summers at Likewise, when Christ compared His References
return to Earth to “the days of Lot,” His im- 1. Feige, N. et al. 2008. Newly established breeding sites of
the islands and coastlands of Scandinavia the Barnacle Goose Branta leucopsis in North-western
and Estonia, and they spend winters in and mediate audience likely pictured the vileness Europe—an overview of breeding habitats and colony de-
velopment. Vogelwelt. 129: 244-252; Kouzov, S. et al. 2018.
around Holland.1 of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 18). Yet, Nesting of Barnacle Goose (Branta leucopsis) in the Russian
part of the Gulf of Finland. Arctic. 71 (1): 76.
To creationists, who repeatedly refute Christ described the days of Lot as a time 2. “[The] scoffers’ philosophy will be that ‘all things continue
as they were from the beginning of the creation.’ This is an
uniformitarian assumptions, the Genesis of people eating, drinking, buying, selling, apt description of the philosophy of uniformitarianism,
popularized by Charles Lyell in the 1830s, that ‘the present
Flood illustrates this same reality. The nor- planting, and building (Luke 17:28-29). In is the key to the past.’” From Snelling, A. A. 2009. Genesis:
Real, Reliable, Historical. Acts & Facts. 38 (9): 12-14. See also
mal lives of Noah’s family and everyone else other words, Christ described it as business Johnson, J. J. S. 2014. Is the Present
the “Key” to Our Past? Acts & Facts.
on Earth were “explosively” interrupted by a as usual—a group of people living carelessly, 43 (6): 19.
devastating flood. ignoring God, and not expecting an explo- Dr. Johnson is Associate Professor of
Even the Lord Jesus Christ’s allusion to sive interruption. Apologetics and Chief Academic Of-
ficer at the Institute for Creation Re-
the “days of Noah” illustrates how the Gene- Today, Scripture-scoffing secularists search.
T
he distinguished Benjamin Franklin maining work on earth. Provide for your churches (1 Corinthians
once wrote that “in this world nothing The most important thing a Christian 16:2)
can be said to be certain, except death can do to prevent this from happening is to Support Christian ministries (1 Timothy
and taxes.”1 I’ve often grumbled about have a valid written will. Surprisingly, studies 6:17-19)
the truth in this statement while wrestling have consistently shown that over half of all Share in general charity (2 Corinthians
with my tax filings each year. I suspect many Americans do not have one. In these situa- 9:8-9)
of our readers can relate. But taxes can’t re- tions, state laws of “descent and distribu- So, in obedience to the Lord and His
ally compare to death—the first and last tion” take over and a judge decides who will biblical model, please make a will if you don’t
great enemy of all mankind (Genesis 2:17; administer your estate and who will serve already have one.
1 Corinthians 15:26). Death entered the ICR’s Planned Giving link at ICR.org/
world as a consequence of Adam’s sin, and article donate is a great place to start where you can
God’s once-perfect creation has groaned un- highlights request helpful brochures and use our inter-
der the curse of death and decay ever since Death is the enemy, but Chris- active modules to plan a well-written will.
(Romans 5:12, 8:20-23). tians can rejoice in their transi- Most people can use one of the many online
But for those who have been redeemed tion into the Savior’s presence. will-making programs to produce a legal,
by Christ, physical death is simply an in- A valid written will ensures your state-specific will for less than $100. And if
remaining assets will be stew-
stant transition into the joyful presence of you need expert help, ICR can recommend
arded for worthy purposes after
our Savior (2 Corinthians 5:6-8). No doubt, your homegoing. a knowledgeable attorney in your area. In ei-
many of us have experienced the passing There are multiple resources ther case, it’s easy to include a simple bequest
of fellow believers, friends, and loved ones. that can help you make a will. to ICR that ensures a portion of your assets
While the sorrow may be heavy at times, with If you would like to share a por- are shared with our ministry. You can be con-
true joy we can celebrate a life lived for Christ tion of your assets with ICR, we fident it will be put to good and effective use
can help you know your options.
and look forward to that great day when He in our work for the glory of our Creator, the
reunites us in heaven (1 Thessalonians 4:13- Lord Jesus Christ.
18). What a blessing! as the guardian of your minor children— Be prepared for your homegoing.
On such occasions I often find myself actions which often deplete your estate with Care for your family. Protect your God-
reflecting on my own circumstances—a unnecessary expenses and may lead to an given resources. And share bountifully with
reminder from the Lord, perhaps, to focus undesired result. And such state-written wills God-honoring ministries like ICR. We can
anew on things of eternal value. While we don’t allow bequests of any kind—to your help—please visit ICR.org/donate, or con-
live in a material world, the resources God friends, your church, or to ministries that tact ICR today at 800.337.0375 or steward-
has granted to us should be used for His honor the Lord Jesus Christ like ICR. ship@icr.org.
work if we are to truly honor and please Scripture teaches a simple model to Reference
1. Letter to French scientist Jean-Bap-
Him. But without proper forethought and distribute remaining earthly assets for God’s tiste Leroy, November 13, 1789.
glory:
planning, the assets we leave behind may Mr. Morris is Director of Operations at the
Institute for Creation Research.
not be handled appropriately for God’s re- Take care of your family (1 Timothy 5:8)
PRAYERFULLY
CONSIDER SUPPORTING Gift Planning
Online Stocks and IRA Matching CFC (Federal/ • Charitable
ICR Donations Securities Gifts Gift Programs Military Workers)
Gift Annuities
• Wills and
GALATIANS 6:9-10
Trusts
Visit ICR.org/give and explore how you can support the vital work of ICR ministries. Or contact us at Stewardship@ICR.org or 800.337.0375 for personal assistance.
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❝ ❝
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
I just finished reading the edify-
Incredible place full of research and
ing, well-written, and clearly
evidence of young-earth creation. You could spend
explained booklet by [Dr.] Jake
as little as one hour
Hebert The Climate Change Con-
breezing through with little kids
flict. I knew nearly all the pieces or an entire day as an adult click-
from reading elsewhere and ICR’s ing through and reading each
papers on the Milankovitch the- touchscreen computer and tak-
ory. However, I never appreciat- ing in every display. I don’t want
ed the interaction of that work to share too much because you
on the Milankovitch theory just need to go and take it all in!
with climate change alarmism. — M. B.
Dr. Hebert’s clear explanation was quite an eye-opener. Further-
more, I’m glad to have this little booklet as one to share because I wasn’t sure
it describes several very important scientific issues in such a clear what to expect when I visited Image credit: Joseph Haubert
and concise manner. the ICR museum. I found it to be an incredible experience that
— E. R. strengthened my faith and helped me understand the Bible better.
Two of the things I really appreciated were the planetarium shows
❝ and the Ice Age show. I appreciated seeing how they proposed the
Ice Age may have happened and how the Bible may support this
I think Days of Praise is probably the best devotional I’ve ever
idea with various verses in Job. I can tell you that I left a chunk
had…and I’m very grateful. I believe they’ve been a blessing to
of my wallet in the bookstore, and I haven’t been disappointed
many, no doubt.
with the resources I bought.
— W. B.
— C. J.
Have a comment? Email us at Editor@ICR.org or write to Editor, P. O. Box 59029, Dallas, Texas 75229.
Note: Unfortunately, ICR is not able to respond to all correspondence.
Clearly Seen
Guide to the Universe Creation Basics & Beyond What You Aren’t Being Told About
BCS BGTTU BCBAB Astronomy (DVD)
Made in His Image
Dinosaurs: God’s Mysterious Creatures Unlocking the Mysteries of Genesis Vol. 1 - DWYABTAA1
BMIHI BDGMC (DVD series) Vol. 2 - DWYABTAA2
DUTMOG01 Vol. 3 - DWYABTAA3
Twenty Evolutionary Blunders
Space: God’s Majestic Handiwork
BTEB BSGMH Unlocking the Mysteries of Genesis That’s a Fact (DVD)
Student Guide DTAF1
Dinosaurs and the Bible
Animals by Design: Exploring Unique
BDATB1 Creature Features BUTMOGSG That’s a Fact 2 (DVD)
BABDEUCF Made in His Image (DVD series) DTAF2
Creation Q&A
BCQAA Earth: Our Created Home DMIHI The Book of Beginnings (DVD)
BEOCH Uncovering the Truth about Dinosaurs DTBOB
Guide to Creation Basics
BGTCB Big Plans for Henry (DVD series) The Human Body: Divine Engineering
DUTTAD (DVD)
Guide to Dinosaurs
BBPFH DTHBDE
BGTD The Universe: A Journey Through God’s
God Made Gorillas, God Made You Grand Design (DVD series) Discovering Dinosaurs (DVD)
Guide to Animals
BGMGGMY DTUAJTGGD DDD
BGTA Unlocking the Mysteries of Genesis Scientific Evidences for Creation (DVD)
Guide to the Human Body
BUTMOG DSEFC
BGTTHB
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