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My Faith is Being Tested... Severely - 1/9/2010 12:41:18 PM
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follow_truth
Posts: 1
Joined: 1/9/2010
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Greetings fellow Christians.
New here, so not sure if this post is in the right place. My apologies if it is not...
I was born and raised in a Christian family, and was baptized at a fairly early age; thirteen. I am now 27 and struggling with something I am unable to handle... or so it seems. God doesn't give us anything we can't handle... if I understand correctly.
The problem is that most of the Christians I know, and talk to on a daily basis, believe that science has pretty much proved the theory of evolution. They believe I am an idiot for not accepting evolutionary doctrine and we are constantly arguing on the subject... but I find that I am unable to think up a good defense for myself. They do not accept the bible is historically accurate, and believe that most of it is just myth or stories that illustrate a proper way to live... but could not be historically accurate since no archaeological evidence exists to prove most of the Old Testament (I know that's not true. Telling them two of the events I know that could be supported by actual science isn't helping though).
So... I am sure this is something some, if not all, of you have struggled with. I was hoping to find some advice here. Anything helps... even if it's simply words of encouragement.
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RE: My Faith is Being Tested... Severely - 1/9/2010 1:07:49 PM
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LCannon
Posts: 759
Joined: 2/22/2007
From: Lebanon, OR
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They, they, they...what about you and the(your)witness experience with appropriation of His Blood for you? This Faith in Christ Jesus in His sacrifice, obedience and Victory is much more than 'their'( or even your)limited imagination of 'proof'. It is the 'evidence of the Righteous Jjudgment of God and is intended to make you Worthy of the Kingdom of God for which you(by our obedience/scarifice borne of His obedience/scarifice)are also suffering.'(2Thes. 1:5)
_____________________________
'No man can do a great and enduring work for God who is not a man of prayer and
no man can be a man of prayer who doesn't give much time to praying.' E.M. Bounds
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RE: My Faith is Being Tested... Severely - 1/9/2010 1:13:19 PM
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manda59
Posts: 7686
Joined: 9/22/2005
From: Hampshire, UK
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Just curious: why is this testing your faith?
And some advice: stop arguing with them and just agree to disagree.
And find yourself some Christian friends who are more committed who can talk with you about far more uplifting things.
_____________________________
"Manda – I can often skip posting 'cause she's got it covered!", sen10tious, July 2010
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RE: My Faith is Being Tested... Severely - 1/9/2010 1:19:56 PM
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ta_mosquito
Posts: 11819
Joined: 3/31/2005
From: from MN, now in Ontario :D
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Well, belief in a 7-day 24-hour day creation isn't a salvation issue. If you go to the Science & Origins folder here in the forums, you'll find lots of debate on the issue, on both sides, from Christians.
However, I would question how those other Christians can trust the Bible if they don't believe it (the rest of it) is historically accurate. If the Bible is a myth, how can they put their faith in the God of that "myth"? 
Honestly, I'd try to stay away from the conversation if you haven't got the tools to refute their claims. And if you can't stay away from the conversation, I'd suggest staying away from the "Christians" while doing some digging and research to ease your own mind.
Over in the Bible folder are a couple new threads with stories about how some archaeological finds are proving the Bible historically accurate. You could start there, and maybe ask for suggestions of books that show proof of the Bible.
Blessings to you!
_____________________________
Help record Josephus' Antiquities of the Jews! CLICK HERE
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RE: My Faith is Being Tested... Severely - 1/9/2010 1:53:37 PM
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Abbreviated
Posts: 2267
Joined: 4/12/2005
From: Kansas
Status: offline
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Our job is to proclaim the God News & truth. Then leave the results to God. The condition of the soil is God's job not
ours.
Creation cries out Creator.
Ask them if a creator builds a leggo ship ?
Ask them if a creator builds a watch ?
Of course ! One can't throw leggos on the ground & expect a ship. Same with a watch, the parts have to be put together by a watch maker.
God put us on this earth to glorify Him. We are made in his image.
There will always be doubters.
If one can't believe the first eleven chapters of Genesis then there isn't much point in believing the rest.
I would suggest going to Precept.org & finding a Bible study in your area you can invite them to. Search for classes in your area
_____________________________
1959-20__ Who are you living your dash for ?
Jackie
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RE: My Faith is Being Tested... Severely - 1/10/2010 3:11:12 PM
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lionofzion56
Posts: 303
Joined: 6/23/2008
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Hey~
I got a really funny email one time and it was something like... there was an aethist scientist that thought he could do without God. and he said he would make this and make that and even clone man and that he didnt need God to exist anymore, because he (the scientist) could make everything out of dirt, and God told him, "make your own dirt!"
I think the Bible is true. I BELIEVE.
_____________________________
Embrace Yourself!
Since love grows within you, so beauty grows. For love is the beauty of the soul."--St. Augustine
psalm 23-want for nothing!
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RE: My Faith is Being Tested... Severely - 1/10/2010 3:34:29 PM
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Liveloved
Posts: 2031
Status: offline
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quote:
ORIGINAL: follow_truth
Greetings fellow Christians.
New here, so not sure if this post is in the right place. My apologies if it is not...
I was born and raised in a Christian family, and was baptized at a fairly early age; thirteen. I am now 27 and struggling with something I am unable to handle... or so it seems. God doesn't give us anything we can't handle... if I understand correctly.
The problem is that most of the Christians I know, and talk to on a daily basis, believe that science has pretty much proved the theory of evolution. They believe I am an idiot for not accepting evolutionary doctrine and we are constantly arguing on the subject... but I find that I am unable to think up a good defense for myself. They do not accept the bible is historically accurate, and believe that most of it is just myth or stories that illustrate a proper way to live... but could not be historically accurate since no archaeological evidence exists to prove most of the Old Testament (I know that's not true. Telling them two of the events I know that could be supported by actual science isn't helping though).
So... I am sure this is something some, if not all, of you have struggled with. I was hoping to find some advice here. Anything helps... even if it's simply words of encouragement.
My advice?
Don't travel down the road of 'issues' with others. Issues abound ad nauseum and generally leads to nowhere.
Pray for these people and passionately pursue a relationship with Jesus Christ and when He creates an opportunity for you, share Him with the people you are talking to/about. We cannot convince anyone of anything. The Holy Spirit is the persuader. So pray. And draw close to Jesus yourself.
If you are abiding in Christ, others will see and want to know who He is. Issues? Nah. People need Jesus. Just give them Jesus.
He will deal with the 'issues' in His way and His time.  Bless you. LL
_____________________________
Liveloved
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13
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RE: My Faith is Being Tested... Severely - 1/10/2010 6:17:23 PM
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Ezra
Posts: 1828
Status: offline
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quote:
I was hoping to find some advice here. Anything helps... even if it's simply words of encouragement.
follow_truth:
1. First of all, you are to be commended for standing firm on your belief that the Bible is the inspired, inerrant, and infallible Word of God, and that it does not teach or even suggest evolution. Perhaps your faith is being tested by opposition to God's truth, but you should consider yourself "blessed" (Mt. 5:10-12) and not be dismayed.
2. Evolution is a lie of Satan, and you will get nowhere by trying to debate this subject with scoffers or unbelievers (1 Timothy 6:20).
3. You should rest in the fact that God not only created you in His image (Genesis 1:26,27), but that He desires that each one of His children will ultimately be conformed to the image of His Son (Romans 8:29).
4. You should rest in the fact that archaelogy has proven again and again that the Bible is historically accurate and factually true. However, our faith is not in archaelogy or any other science, but in the living God who has given us His written Word -- Scripture -- for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness (1 Timothy 3:16,17).
5. Instead of fruitlessly debating evolution with so-called Christians, your time would be more profitably spent in sowing the seed of the Gospel among those who do not profess Christ. Preach Christ and Him crucified, and leave the evolution debate to those who wish to waste their time in unprofitable discussions (1 Cor.1: 17-31).
_____________________________
And whosoever will, let him take the Water of Life freely. Revelation 22:17
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RE: My Faith is Being Tested... Severely - 1/14/2010 6:50:50 AM
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buckifn
Posts: 1652
Joined: 5/23/2006
Status: online
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When Jesus Christ was on this earth many didn't believe Him either. So just know they aren't going to believe you and move on to richer soil...that is plant God's Word in places the Holy Spirit urges you to plant it....He knows who is ready to receive...arguing with fools isn't a command from God and the Bible clearly says the fool has said in his heart there is no God.
When people tell me they don't believe what I share about the Word I tell them you can believe now or wish you had later, your choice, and leave it at that.
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RE: My Faith is Being Tested... Severely - 1/22/2010 10:03:43 PM
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Gazingstock
Posts: 120
Joined: 5/30/2007
Status: offline
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Some wonderful advise in this thread. Hopefully follow_truth will come back one day and read it.
I will say, there is a lot of pressure on Christians to accept everything modern day scientists tell us about life on Earth. It is very intense right now, partly due to the extremely vocal online anti-theist community. Most believers are very simple in their acceptance of faith. We love God. He loved us first. He made the ultimate sacrifice to repair the damage of sin in our relationship with him and each other. His son rose from the dead, and as his sons and daughters, we too will rise again to a heavenly inheritance.
Monkeys, DNA, and dinosaur bones don't really have much to do with it. That stuff seemingly adds nothing to our relationship with God. We are covered with this:
...sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear. -1Pe 3:15
If we do desire to dive deeper, there is plenty of evidence that supports the historical accuracy of the Bible in fine detail. People, places, phenomena, etc. There are fundamental flaws with the purely naturalistic explanations: MindNuke.com
_____________________________
Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Spirit teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual [ones]. -1Cr 2:13
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RE: My Faith is Being Tested... Severely - 1/23/2010 1:17:04 PM
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Saved34
Posts: 867
Joined: 1/5/2006
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Well fellow Christian, so is mine. That's not a bad thing that is a good thing. That is part of your growth process and the honor given unto you to suffer for Christ sake. Believe me when I tell you, my faith is being tried as well and our faith will continue to be tried until we reach that final glorious morning of seeing our Lord face to face.
Jas 1:2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;
Jas 1:3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.
Jas 1:4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
Rom 5:3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
Rom 5:4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope:
1Pe 1:6 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:
1Pe 1:7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:
_____________________________
2Ti 2:3 Join me in suffering like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
2Ti 2:4 No one serving in the military gets mixed up in civilian matters, for his aim is to please his commanding officer.
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RE: My Faith is Being Tested... Severely - 1/28/2010 9:39:43 PM
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Ignited-Faith
Posts: 123
Joined: 2/22/2008
Status: offline
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Follow_Truth,
First of all, I love your name!
May God bless you and use you in standing up
boldly for His Truth!
Here is one of my Favorite Places:
http://www.livingwaters.com/witnessingtool/browse.shtml
When you get there, scroll down to "In-Depth Comments"
Look for the section which is on Evolution.
It looks like this:
Evolution (back to top)
Evolution: True Science Fiction page 636
“Missing Link” Still Missing Acts 14:15
Questions for Evolutionists Prov. 3:19
---------------
Keep the faith!
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RE: My Faith is Being Tested... Severely - 2/3/2010 7:02:16 PM
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bailym
Posts: 7
Joined: 2/3/2010
Status: offline
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I once had this dilemma, but I looked back on my own life and there was too much evidence in my life to not believe in God. Forget what they have to say. They were not here when the earth was formed. I actually think it is quite unbelievable and ignorant to believe that this beautiful world and all its intricacies developed over billions of years. I don't have that much faith.
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RE: My Faith is Being Tested... Severely - 2/10/2010 11:59:02 AM
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autumnlullaby
Posts: 15
Joined: 2/10/2010
Status: offline
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I encourage you to stand strong in your faith. Evolution is one of Satan's many lies. I had walked away from God and started believing evolution among many other things. Let me tell you, I wasn't even searching for God. For awhile I totally stopped believing in Him. Yet he still wanted me because He brought me back to Him through events. No matter how much I tried to deny Him, He kept trying to show me He's real.
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RE: My Faith is Being Tested... Severely - 2/12/2010 5:24:03 PM
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bobby17jr
Posts: 1
Joined: 2/12/2010
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Dear fellow believer
Be encouraged by the fact that the conversations that you referred to bother you. That tells me two things, you are a true believer and you have a desire for truth. Truth is something that is lacking in to many churches. Remember our Lord told us if they persecute Me (Jesus) they will persecute you. From my own personal experiences when I feel as you are now I draw near to God in prayer and I study His word. God will stregthen you. Stand firm and understand that you are not alone. The soil that we sow seed in is not always fertile. I do feel your pain though when other so called Christians do not agree with solid Biblical teaching. I pray that God will draw you to others that belong to our Lord Jesus.
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RE: My Faith is Being Tested... Severely - 2/13/2010 10:54:25 AM
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specialed
Posts: 2
Joined: 9/18/2005
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follow_truth,
Everyone is so sure they 'know'. If I was twenty seven again perhaps I would 'know' more (like your friends). But after half a century of learning, I have come to understand that most people don't know enough to powder a baby's butt. Evolution is less accurate than a politician's promises. Darwin thought a cell was a simple thing. Today we understand it to be insanely complex with mechanisms so exact that any element that is slightly off keeps the cell from functioning. So any minor evolutionary change seems doubtful. The universe is much more vast than junior high school science let on. Looking around, I see much more evidence for God's creation than evolution. In school we learned to 'scientifically' examine our world. So... hows that evolution business stand up? Lucy was found in two separate locations and at different elevations. The world is not getting better. If you met some of the people who come into work, any thoughts of evolving to a higher order are quickly discarded as ludicrous. They recently discovered an artifact that dated millions of years beneath Mt. St. Hellens. It used to be a hard hat.
God 'knows', we 'believe'. We are never going to 'know' because we are never going to be God. This is reassuring. I don't want to be God. I want to be who God created me to be. I am content to be who I am and unhappy when I try to be who others want me to be. So for now, I think I'll focus my energy on believing God. He said He loves me. Somehow I doubt your 'friends' love me.
Decide who you will follow. Then follow. Good luck, choose well.
_____________________________
Special Ed
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RE: My Faith is Being Tested... Severely - 2/19/2010 2:09:33 AM
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TheBigRedWON
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Joined: 2/19/2010
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There are many proofs I've seen for the story of creation over evolution. I'm sure if you did a search on the internet you could find many examples of scientific proof. One I can think of for biblical doctrine being proven by science is the story when the sun stood still, there was a scientific report that actually happened. One thing you can do is show bible teachings being proven in other parts, not just creation. One I remember from creation is how it always says "and there was evening and morning" why would he do that? Because one day people would say that a day is like thousands of years. No, it was EVENING and MORNING every day, it was a DAY. There are not only proofs in the bible that help prove that scripture being written either in the same part or a different area many MANY years apart but also those by science. You just need to look for them. Also, EVOLUTION is NOT proven. There are many questions you can ask. Where did the stuff for the Big Bang come from? If the universe is everything and it's expanding, what's it expanding into? There are countless things Evolutionists don't know either. Also, when it comes to dating things, God created a mature earth, were Adam and Eve babies? Of course not. Stay strong in your faith, pray about it and I'd also just do a Google search and you'll no doubt find COUNTLESS examples of scientifically-proven biblical doctrine! God bless!
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RE: My Faith is Being Tested... Severely - 2/20/2010 6:02:22 AM
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Annie64
Posts: 1249
Joined: 6/4/2007
From: Indianapolis, IN
Status: offline
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I could also give you reasons to believe, but others have done a good job of that already. The thing that struck me was that you said that most of the Christians you know are arguing with you, and trying to make you feel stupid for your simple faith in the Word of God. Sounds to me like you need to find some different Christians to fellowship with, people who won't try to tear your faith down. I'm not necessarily saying to fellowship only with people who believe in a young earth Creation, nor am I necessarily saying to change churches. Find some Christians who won't tear you down.
_____________________________
On Christ the solid rock I stand
ALL other ground is sinking sand.
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RE: My Faith is Being Tested... Severely - 2/22/2010 9:57:18 AM
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RedRabbit
Posts: 162
Joined: 2/20/2010
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So many things test our faith and I take seriously that this issue of evolutionary theory has tested yours. Although you have not made it clear as to why except that you find it difficult to debate the issue with other folks who claim to be believers and on further investigation don't even hold the bible as an authority for their faith. I would say the latter to be the gravest issue.
Bless you heart for wanting to learn what to do and how to handle this.
I think you have received some good advice already - especially to stand firm in what you believe; how and why you believe it.
Adding this I do not think investing some time in investigating the debates on evolution is pointless. In fact I think it will tell you a good deal about the holes in the faith of so many and will in fact reveal they are not faithful at all as you have already seen. We have so many who claim to be believers and when their faith is unpacked they don't have a clue as to who Jesus Christ is. It's important that you do.
We live in a world and in a culture that is infatuated with spirituality or atheism. A World that does not like Christ or Christians; as Christ warned us it would not. Well known atheist who embrace theories like evolution and refuse to recognize God in any way shape or form are very influential in our culture and help shape our government. So being aware of what they believe is important. But don't let it stress you out in such a way that it tests your faith instead I think learning a bit about how their or rather don't believe will strengthen you. You may not ever be able to debate them but at some point in a conversation your relating that you understand what it is they believe, may give you an audience with them to hear what it is you believe. And that could make all the difference for them - for one day they will have doubts and will be faced with the unexplainable and fear will grip them. At that moment they may remember your words and run to the Christ you showed them.
~EA
P.S. Please let us know how you are doing since posting your question.
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RE: My Faith is Being Tested... Severely - 2/23/2010 12:59:37 PM
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SecretGarden
Posts: 119
Joined: 2/11/2010
Status: offline
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quote:
ORIGINAL: follow_truth
Greetings fellow Christians.
New here, so not sure if this post is in the right place. My apologies if it is not...
I was born and raised in a Christian family, and was baptized at a fairly early age; thirteen. I am now 27 and struggling with something I am unable to handle... or so it seems. God doesn't give us anything we can't handle... if I understand correctly.
The problem is that most of the Christians I know, and talk to on a daily basis, believe that science has pretty much proved the theory of evolution. They believe I am an idiot for not accepting evolutionary doctrine and we are constantly arguing on the subject... but I find that I am unable to think up a good defense for myself. They do not accept the bible is historically accurate, and believe that most of it is just myth or stories that illustrate a proper way to live... but could not be historically accurate since no archaeological evidence exists to prove most of the Old Testament (I know that's not true. Telling them two of the events I know that could be supported by actual science isn't helping though).
So... I am sure this is something some, if not all, of you have struggled with. I was hoping to find some advice here. Anything helps... even if it's simply words of encouragement.
You are to be commended for standing up for what you believe in - however, why waste your time arguing it? Think about this for a minute..... What difference does it make? It's not a "sticking point" of salvation, is it?
No one can prove evolution. If they could, scientists wouldn't still be calling it a "theory". But, at the same time, we can't prove creationism either. Now, before ya'll freak out and lynch me - I'm talking proof that would satisfy the rules of science. Empirical evidence.
I look at it like this - I don't know for sure how God created the universe. It could have been 7-24hr days or it could have been 700 billion years. Either way, it's still a miracle, don't you think?
My not knowing the hows on this issue doesn't hurt my faith in God one bit because even if it were to turn out that creationism and evolution fit together (ie. God started the ball rolling and then let nature take its course), it would not change His goodness, His mercy, His majesty... nothing. He would still be God. It wouldn't make the Bible a lie either because Genesis is a little vague on exactly how long a "day" was in chapter one.
One day, we're going to be able to ask God directly how He did it. Until then, leave it in His hands. Even if evolution were truth, it would not change the fact that without God, life would not exist.
:-)
_____________________________
Never be afraid to try something new. Remember, amateurs built the ark.... professionals built the Titanic.
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RE: My Faith is Being Tested... Severely - 2/23/2010 8:08:41 PM
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RedRabbit
Posts: 162
Joined: 2/20/2010
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Happen to run across a old article in Time Magazine you may like to read.
Here is a quote from it from Al Mohler:
“I think it's interesting that many of evolution's most ardent academic defenders have moved away from the old claim that evolution is God's means to bring life into being in its various forms. More of them are saying that a truly informed belief in evolution entails a stance that the material world is all there is and that the natural must be explained in purely natural terms. They're saying that anyone who truly feels this way must exclude God from the story. I think their self-analysis is correct. I just couldn't disagree more with their premise”.
Read more: http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1090921-3,00.html#ixzz0gPY84o6u
~ EA
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