How should believers face the challenges of Evolution and Scientism as they are represented in the world?
Application: Being Prepared to Defend Our Faith
In this L.I.F.E. Lesson, Dr. Bob addresses the challenge of secular science that ignores God's hand in creation. It can be easy to become frustrated, and even angry that anti-God theories are presented as fact, particularly when we see the effect it is having on the education of young people in the world. Peter's admonition to "be prepared" to defend the faith, and his instruction to do so with kindness and respect serve as the foundation for this L.I.F.E. Lesson.
Supplemental Information
While it can be difficult to remain kind and gentle when interacting with people who reject and even sometimes belittle our faith, it is important to remember that we are witnesses of God's love for all His children. While many people are aggressive towards those who do not agree with the way they believe, more often than not this result of the pain they are feeling.
Doubt and fear dominate the world. The headlines warn of every possible conspiracy and attack. It's easy to see why fear preoccupies so many people, even believers. Fear makes people do strange things, including attacking other people's beliefs. When people fear they do not have the answers, rather than running to people who do, they often attempt to ridicule and challenge the confidence of those who are not fearful. When this happens, we can be sure that Satan is pulling the strings.
Rather than responding in kind, we can choose hope and faith. Make a choice to be "for something" rather than joining the crowd that seems to be "against everything." Be for Christ. This can be hard, but remember that we want to be examples of "the hope that is within us." That hope is Jesus Christ.
Scripture References
"...but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect..." 1 Peter 3:15
"knowing this first of all, that scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own sinful desires." 2 Peter 3:3
"because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen." Romans 1:25
"There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off." Proverbs 23:18
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13
"But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40:31
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:6
What is "Garden of the Gods"?
Located near Colorado Springs, Colorado, the Garden of the Gods was given to the City of Colorado Springs in 1909 by the children of Charles Perkins as a legacy to him. In donating the land they stipulated that it “shall remain free to the public, where no intoxicating liquors shall be manufactured, sold, or dispensed, where no building or structure shall be erected except those necessary to properly care for, protect, and maintain the area as a public park.”
Evidence of the global flood described in the Bible is on clear display at Garden of the Gods. The waters of the flood stripped God's creation sediments off the continent, exposing the Great Unconformity. It can be seen clearly here, polished and flat, as well as the sediment packages that were laid down on top of it as the flood waters continued to rise.
Post-flood forces that continued to shake the world after the flood caused these sediments, and the Great Unconformity, to fracture and tilt, creating great towering features that demonstrate the catastrophic events described in Genesis. These red sandstone monuments contain some of the same sediments exposed in the Grand Canyon over 600 miles away, demonstrating the power of God's judgement.
Related Lessons
The geologic features of Garden of the Gods are a great example of the global flood and the catastrophic forces of the fountains of the deep.