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Friday, May 22, 2009
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Category: News and Politics
The Montauk Monster Video (With Photos) | Second Creature Found On New York Coast?
Last July, a couple found the carcass of a strange beast washed up on New York’s coastline. The creature resembled no animal we know of and was immediately labeled The Montauk Beast, Montauk being the place it was discovered. Now, photos have been released of a second strange creature which could be another Montauk Beast, It was found in roughly the same area but looks slightly different. The couple who found it bagged it and have it on ice for, well, who knows what reason. There are various theories as to what The Montauk Beast could be. Some suggest it’s a half-decomposed pig or dog, others claim it’s a movie prop, while other still think it may be a genetic experiment from the Plum Island Animal Disease Center. The most outlandish theory is it’s a form of biological warfare, meant to contaminate the water around New York. Whatever the truth, it’s certainly a weird sight to behold. Maybe the Loch Ness Monster swam to America and had some offspring?
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Friday, April 10, 2009
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Category: Religion and Philosophy
Evidence for the Resurrectionby Josh McDowellFor centuries many of the world's distinguished philosophers have assaulted Christianity as being irrational, superstitious and absurd. Many have chosen simply to ignore the central issue of the resurrection. Others have tried to explain it away through various theories. But the historical evidence just can't be discounted. A student at the University of Uruguay said to me. "Professor McDowell, why can't you refute Christianity?" "For a very simple reason," I answered. "I am not able to explain away an event in history--the resurrection of Jesus Christ." How can we explain the empty tomb? Can it possibly be accounted for by any natural cause?
A QUESTION OF HISTORY After more than 700 hours of studying this subject, I have come to the conclusion that the resurrection of Jesus Christ is either one of the most wicked, vicious, heartless hoaxes ever foisted on the minds of human beings--or it is the most remarkable fact of history. Here are some of the facts relevant to the resurrection: Jesus of Nazareth, a Jewish prophet who claimed to be the Christ prophesied in the Jewish Scriptures, was arrested, was judged a political criminal, and was crucified. Three days after His death and burial, some women who went to His tomb found the body gone. In subsequent weeks, His disciples claimed that God had raised Him from the dead and that He appeared to them various times before ascending into heaven. From that foundation, Christianity spread throughout the Roman Empire and has continued to exert great influence down through the centuries.
LIVING WITNESSES The New Testament accounts of the resurrection were being circulated within the lifetimes of men and women alive at the time of the resurrection. Those people could certainly have confirmed or denied the accuracy of such accounts. The writers of the four Gospels either had themselves been witnesses or else were relating the accounts of eyewitnesses of the actual events. In advocating their case for the gospel, a word that means "good news," the apostles appealed (even when confronting their most severe opponents) to common knowledge concerning the facts of the resurrection. F. F. Bruce, Rylands professor of biblical criticism and exegesis at the University of Manchester, says concerning the value of the New Testament records as primary sources: "Had there been any tendency to depart from the facts in any material respect, the possible presence of hostile witnesses in the audience would have served as a further corrective."
IS THE NEW TESTAMENT RELIABLE? Because the New Testament provides the primary historical source for information on the resurrection, many critics during the 19th century attacked the reliability of these biblical documents. By the end of the 1 9th century, however, archaeological discoveries had confirmed the accuracy of the New Testament manuscripts. Discoveries of early papyri bridged the gap between the time of Christ and existing manuscripts from a later date. Those findings increased scholarly confidence in the reliability of the Bible. William F. Albright, who in his day was the world's foremost biblical archaeologist, said: "We can already say emphatically that there is no longer any solid basis for dating any book of the New Testament after about A.D. 80, two full generations before the date between 130 and 150 given by the more radical New Testament critics of today." Coinciding with the papyri discoveries, an abundance of other manuscripts came to light (over 24,000 copies of early New Testament manuscripts are known to be in existence today). The historian Luke wrote of "authentic evidence" concerning the resurrection. Sir William Ramsay, who spent 15 years attempting to undermine Luke credentials as a historian, and to refute the reliability of the New Testament, finally concluded: "Luke is a historian of the first rank . . . This author should be placed along with the very greatest of historians. "
I claim to be an historian. My approach to Classics is historical. And I tell you that the evidence for the life, the death, and the resurrection of Christ is better authenticated than most of the facts of ancient history . . .
E. M. Blaiklock
Professor of Classics
Auckland University
BACKGROUND The New Testament witnesses were fully aware of the background against which the resurrection took place. The body of Jesus, in accordance with Jewish burial custom, was wrapped in a linen cloth. About 100 pounds of aromatic spices, mixed together to form a gummy substance, were applied to the wrappings of cloth about the body. After the body was placed in a solid rock tomb, an extremely large stone was rolled against the entrance of the tomb. Large stones weighing approximately two tons were normally rolled (by means of levers) against a tomb entrance. A Roman guard of strictly disciplined fighting men was stationed to guard the tomb. This guard affixed on the tomb the Roman seal, which was meant to "prevent any attempt at vandalizing the sepulcher. Anyone trying to move the stone from the tomb's entrance would have broken the seal and thus incurred the wrath of Roman law. But three days later the tomb was empty. The followers of Jesus said He had risen from the dead. They reported that He appeared to them during a period of 40 days, showing Himself to them by many "infallible proofs." Paul the apostle recounted that Jesus appeared to more than 500 of His followers at one time, the majority of whom were still alive and who could confirm what Paul wrote. So many security precautions were taken with the trial, crucifixion, burial, entombment, sealing, and guarding of Christ's tomb that it becomes very difficult for critics to defend their position that Christ did not rise from the dead. Consider these facts:
FACT #1: BROKEN ROMAN SEAL
As we have said, the first obvious fact was the breaking of the seal that stood for the power and authority of the Roman Empire. The consequences of breaking the seal were extremely severe. The FBI and CIA of the Roman Empire were called into action to find the man or men who were responsible. If they were apprehended, it meant automatic execution by crucifixion upside down. People feared the breaking of the seal. Jesus' disciples displayed signs of cowardice when they hid themselves. Peter, one of these disciples, went out and denied Christ three times.
FACT #2: EMPTY TOMB
As we have already discussed, another obvious fact after the resurrection was the empty tomb. The disciples of Christ did not go off to Athens or Rome to preach that Christ was raised from the dead. Rather, they went right back to the city of Jerusalem, where, if what they were teaching was false, the falsity would be evident. The empty tomb was "too notorious to be denied." Paul Althaus states that the resurrection "could have not been maintained in Jerusalem for a single day, for a single hour, if the emptiness of the tomb had not been established as a fact for all concerned."
Both Jewish and Roman sources and traditions admit an empty tomb. Those resources range from Josephus to a compilation of fifth-century Jewish writings called the "Toledoth Jeshu." Dr. Paul Maier calls this "positive evidence from a hostile source, which is the strongest kind of historical evidence. In essence, this means that if a source admits a fact decidedly not in its favor, then that fact is genuine."
Gamaliel, who was a member of the Jewish high court, the Sanhedrin, put forth the suggestion that the rise of the Christian movement was God's doing; he could not have done that if the tomb were still occupied, or if the Sanhedrin knew the whereabouts of Christ's body.
Paul Maier observes that " . . . if all the evidence is weighed carefully and fairly, it is indeed justifiable, according to the canons of historical research, to conclude that the sepulcher of Joseph of Arimathea, in which Jesus was buried, was actually empty on the morning of the first Easter. And no shred of evidence has yet been discovered in literary sources, epigraphy, or archaeology that would disprove this statement."
FACT #3: LARGE STONE MOVED
On that Sunday morning the first thing that impressed the people who approached the tomb was the unusual position of the one and a half to two ton stone that had been lodged in front of the doorway. All the Gospel writers mention it.
There exists no document from the ancient world, witnessed by so excellent a set of textual and historical testimonies . . . Skepticism regarding the historical credentials of Christianity is based upon an irrational bias.
Clark Pinnock
Mcmaster University
Those who observed the stone after the resurrection describe its position as having been rolled up a slope away not just from the entrance of the tomb, but from the entire massive sepulcher. It was in such a position that it looked as if it had been picked up and carried away. Now, I ask you, if the disciples had wanted to come in, tiptoe around the sleeping guards, and then roll the stone over and steal Jesus' body, how could they have done that without the guards' awareness?
FACT #4: ROMAN GUARD GOES AWOL
The Roman guards fled. They left their place of responsibility. How can their attrition he explained, when Roman military discipline was so exceptional? Justin, in Digest #49, mentions all the offenses that required the death penalty. The fear of their superiors' wrath and the possibility of death meant that they paid close attention to the minutest details of their jobs. One way a guard was put to death was by being stripped of his clothes and then burned alive in a fire started with his garments. If it was not apparent which soldier had failed in his duty, then lots were drawn to see which one wand be punished with death for the guard unit's failure. Certainly the entire unit would not have fallen asleep with that kind of threat over their heads. Dr. George Currie, a student of Roman military discipline, wrote that fear of punishment "produced flawless attention to duty, especially in the night watches."
FACT #5: GRAVECLOTHES TELL A TALE
In a literal sense, against all statements to the contrary, the tomb was not totally empty--because of an amazing phenomenon. John, a disciple of Jesus, looked over to the place where the body of Jesus had lain, and there were the grave clothes, in the form of the body, slightly caved in and empty--like the empty chrysalis of a caterpillar's cocoon. That's enough to make a believer out of anybody. John never did get over it. The first thing that stuck in the minds of the disciples was not the empty tomb, but rather the empty grave clothes--undisturbed in form and position.
FACT #6: JESUS' APPEARANCES CONFIRMED
Christ appeared alive on several occasions after the cataclysmic events of that first Easter . When studying an event in history, it is important to know whether enough people who were participants or eyewitnesses to the event were alive when the facts about the event were published. To know this is obviously helpful in ascertaining the accuracy of the published report. If the number of eyewitnesses is substantial, the event can he regarded as fairly well established. For instance, if we all witness a murder, and a later police report turns out to he a fabrication of lies, we as eyewitnesses can refute it.
OVER 500 WITNESSES Several very important factors arc often overlooked when considering Christ's post-resurrection appearances to individuals. The first is the large number of witnesses of Christ after that resurrection morning. One of the earliest records of Christ's appearing after the resurrection is by Paul. The apostle appealed to his audience's knowledge of the fact that Christ had been seen by more than 500 people at one time. Paul reminded them that the majority of those people were still alive and could be questioned. Dr. Edwin M. Yamauchi, associate professor of history at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, emphasizes: "What gives a special authority to the list (of witnesses) as historical evidence is the reference to most of the five hundred brethren being still alive. St. Paul says in effect, 'If you do not believe me, you can ask them.' Such a statement in an admittedly genuine letter written within thirty years of the event is almost as strong evidence as one could hope to get for something that happened nearly two thousand years ago." Let's take the more than 500 witnesses who saw Jesus alive after His death and burial, and place them in a courtroom. Do you realize that if each of those 500 people were to testify for only six minutes, including cross-examination, you would have an amazing 50 hours of firsthand testimony? Add to this the testimony of many other eyewitnesses and you would well have the largest and most lopsided trial in history.
HOSTILE WITNESSES Another factor crucial to interpreting Christ's appearances is that He also appeared to those who were hostile or unconvinced. Over and over again, I have read or heard people comment that Jesus was seen alive after His death and burial only by His friends and followers. Using that argument, they attempt to water down the overwhelming impact of the multiple eyewitness accounts. But that line of reasoning is so pathetic it hardly deserves comment. No author or informed individual would regard Saul of Tarsus as being a follower of Christ. The facts show the exact opposite. Saul despised Christ and persecuted Christ's followers. It was a life-shattering experience when Christ appeared to him. Although he was at the time not a disciple, he later became the apostle Paul, one of the greatest witnesses for the truth of the resurrection.
If the New Testament were a collection of secular writings, their authenticity would generally be regarded as beyond all doubt.
F. F. Bruce
Manchester University
The argument that Christ's appearances were only to followers is an argument for the most part from silence, and arguments from silence can be dangerous. It is equally possible that all to whom Jesus appeared became followers. No one acquainted with the facts can accurately say that Jesus appeared to just "an insignificant few." Christians believe that Jesus was bodily resurrected in time and space by the supernatural power of God. The difficulties of belief may be great, but the problems inherent in unbelief present even greater difficulties. The theories advanced to explain the resurrection by "natural causes" are weak; they actually help to build confidence in the truth of the resurrection.
THE WRONG TOMB? A theory propounded by Kirsopp Lake assumes that the women who reported that the body was missing had mistakenly gone to the wrong tomb. If so, then the disciples who went to check up on the women's statement must have also gone to the wrong tomb. We may be certain, however, that Jewish authorities, who asked for a Roman guard to be stationed at the tomb to prevent Jesus' body from being stolen, would not have been mistaken about the location. Nor would the Roman guards, for they were there! If the resurrection-claim was merely because of a geographical mistake, the Jewish authorities would have lost no time in producing the body from the proper tomb, thus effectively quenching for all time any rumor resurrection.
HALLUCINATIONS? Another attempted explanation claims that the appearances of Jesus after the resurrection were either illusions or hallucinations. Unsupported by the psychological principles governing the appearances of hallucinations, this theory also does not coincide with the historical situation. Again, where was the actual body, and why wasn't it produced?
DID JESUS SWOON? Another theory, popularized by Venturini several centuries ago, is often quoted today. This is the swoon theory, which says that Jesus didn't die; he merely fainted from exhaustion and loss of blood. Everyone thought Him dead, but later He resuscitated and the disciples thought it to be a resurrection. Skeptic David Friedrich Strauss--certainly no believer in the resurrection--gave the deathblow to any thought that Jesus revived from a swoon: "It is impossible that a being who had stolen half-dead out of the sepulchre, who crept about weak and ill, wanting medical treatment, who required bandaging, strengthening and indulgence, and who still at last yielded to His sufferings, could have given to the disciples the impression that He was a Conqueror over death and the grave, the Prince of Life,
For the New Testament of Acts, the confirmation of historicity is overwhelming. Any attempt to reject its basic historicity, even in matters of detail, must now appear absurd. Roman historians have long taken it for granted.
A. N. Sherwin-White
Classical Roman Historian
an impression which lay at the bottom of their future ministry. Such a resuscitation could only have weakened the impression which He had made upon them in life and in death, at the most could only have given it an elegiac voice, but could by no possibility have changed their sorrow into enthusiasm, have elevated their reverence into worship."
THE BODY STOLEN? Then consider the theory that the body was stolen by the disciples while the guards slept. The depression and cowardice of the disciples provide a hard-hitting argument against their suddenly becoming so brave and daring as to face a detachment of soldiers at the tomb and steal the body. They were in no mood to attempt anything like that. The theory that the Jewish or Roman authorities moved Christ's body is no more reasonable an explanation for the empty tomb than theft by the disciples. If the authorities had the body in their possession or knew where it was, why, when the disciples were preaching the resurrection in Jerusalem, didn't they explain: "Wait! We moved the body, see, He didn't rise from the grave"? And if such a rebuttal failed, why didn't they explain exactly where Jesus' body lay? If this failed, why didn't they recover the corpse, put it on a cart, and wheel it through the center of Jerusalem? Such an action would have destroyed Christianity--not in the cradle, but in the womb!
THE RESURRECTION IS A FACT Professor Thomas Arnold, for 14 years a headmaster of Rugby, author of the famous, History of Rome, and appointed to the chair of modern history at Oxford, was well acquainted with the value of evidence in determining historical facts. This great scholar said: "I have been used for many years to study the histories of other times, and to examine and weigh the evidence of those who have written about them, and I know of no one fact in the history of mankind which is proved by better and fuller evidence of every sort, to the understanding of a fair inquirer, than the great sign which God bath given us that Christ died and rose again from the dead." Brooke Foss Westcott, an English scholar, said: "raking all the evidence together, it is not too much to say that there is no historic incident better or more variously supported than the resurrection of Christ. Nothing but the antecedent assumption that it must be false could have suggested the idea of deficiency in the proof of it."
REAL PROOF: THE DISCIPLES' LIVES But the most telling testimony of all must be the lives of those early Christians. We must ask ourselves: What caused them to go everywhere telling the message of the risen Christ? Had there been any visible benefits accrued to them from their efforts--prestige, wealth, increased social status or material benefits--we might logically attempt to account for their actions, for their whole-hearted and total allegiance to this "risen Christ ." As a reward for their efforts, however, those early Christians were beaten, stoned to death, thrown to the lions, tortured and crucified. Every conceivable method was used to stop them from talking. Yet, they laid down their lives as the ultimate proof of their complete confidence in the truth of their message.
WHERE DO YOU STAND? How do you evaluate this overwhelming historical evidence? What is your decision about the fact of Christ's empty tomb? What do you think of Christ? When I was confronted with the overwhelming evidence for Christ's resurrection, I had to ask the logical question: "What difference does all this evidence make to me? What difference does it make whether or not I believe Christ rose again and died on the cross for my sins!' The answer is put best by something Jesus said to a man who doubted--Thomas. Jesus told him: "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me" (John 14:6). On the basis of all the evidence for Christ's resurrection, and considering the fact that Jesus offers forgiveness of sin and an eternal relationship with God, who would be so foolhardy as to reject Him? Christ is alive! He is living today. You can trust God right now by faith through prayer. Prayer is talking with God. God knows your heart and is not so concerned with your words as He is with the attitude of your heart. If you have never trusted Christ, you can do so right now. The prayer I prayed is: "Lord Jesus, I need You. Thank You for dying on the cross for my sins. I open the door of my life and trust You as my Savior. Thank You for forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life. Make me the kind of person You want me to be. Thank You that I can trust You."
Josh McDowell, according to a recent survey, is one of the most popular speakers among university students today. He has spoken on more than 650 university and college campuses to more than seven million people in 74 countries during the last 21 years. ©1992 Josh McDowell Ministry ......  Email this to a friend
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Tuesday, April 07, 2009
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Category: News and Politics
 Red represents low-energy X-rays, the medium range is green, and the most energetic ones are colored blue. The blue hand-like structure was created by energy emanating from the nebula around they dying star PSR B1509-58. The red areas are from a neighboring gas cloud called RCW 89. Credit: NASA/CXC/SAO/P.Slane, et al.
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Cosmic Hand Reaches for the Light
By SPACE.com Staff
posted: 04 April 2009
10:37 am ET
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Tiny and dying but still-powerful stars called pulsars spin like crazy and light up their surroundings, often with ghostly glows. So it is with PSR B1509-58, which long ago collapsed into a sphere just 12 miles in diameter after running out of fuel.
And what a strange scene this one has created.
In a new image from NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory, high-energy X-rays emanating from the nebula around PSR B1509-58 have been colored blue to reveal a structure resembling a hand reaching for some eternal red cosmic light.
The star now spins around at the dizzying pace of seven times every second -- as pulsars do -- spewing energy into space that creates the scene.
Strong magnetic fields, 15 trillion times stronger than the Earth's magnetic field, are thought to be involved, too. The combination drives an energetic wind of electrons and ions away from the dying star. As the electrons move through the magnetized nebula, they radiate away their energy as X-rays.
The red light actually a neighboring gas cloud, RCW 89, energized into glowing by the fingers of the PSR B1509-58 nebula, astronomers believe.
The scene, which spans 150 light-years, is about 17,000 light years away, so what we see now is how it actually looked 17,000 years ago, and that light is just arriving here.
A light-year is the distance light travels in a year, about 6 trillion miles (10 trillion kilometers).
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Saturday, April 04, 2009
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Category: News and Politics
ARE WE LIVING IN THE END TIMES?That is a question many have been asking for thousands of years. I am not a date setter but after 40 years of reading the Bible I can not believe I am living in a time of possible cashless society (one world currency as talked about this week), where biometrics will be NEEDED to prevent identity thief and will be gladly received, where people just walk into nursing homes, schools and businesses and just shoot up the place for little or no reason, where we think the government can solve all our problems and then expect them to do it, where people gladly depend on world leaders and not their selves to solve their own life problems, where sin and evil are the norm, where perverted lifestyles are gladly excepted and praised, and where very few people even go to church much less read the Bible. So many people have not clue about what is going on. Don't be caught off guard! If you think that what is going on in the world right now is normal, you are in danger.....
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Ever since Jesus talked about the end of the age when he was ministering on Earth, people have wanted to know when He would come back. Jesus did give us signs of the times of which we could be aware. In addition, other places in the Bible give us information about what the end will be like. You can read the section below about how each topic in the news categories are relevant to signs that the end times are near. But are we in fact in the end now? Many people think we are or are very close to the point where the seven-year tribulation will begin. This marks the very last seven years before Jesus’ second coming and the end of the age when the final battle between God and Satan happens and God defeats Satan and brings about real peace. One thing seems clear; we are not in that seven-year period yet. We know this because a seven-year peace treaty between the Antichrist and ....Israel.... marks the beginning of the seven-year tribulation. How close are we to that time? No one really knows for sure but it seems that the stage is beginning. When ....Israel.... became a country again in 1948, it fulfilled a prophecy Ezekiel gave about the valley of dry bones coming to life. Many people think that was the starting point before things would really start happening and that the generation that saw that happen would not pass away before the end came.....
What are the end times?....The period of time on earth right before Jesus returns. There is no exact time frame except the last seven years is a period of tribulation which many believe will be marked by a confirmation of a seven-year peace treaty between the Antichrist and Israel.....
What is the tribulation?....The seven-year tribulation is a time of great distress on the earth worse than anything that has ever happened. Many people will die because of many disasters. The Antichrist will be fully engaged in ruling the world and he will eventually break his peace treaty with ....Israel.... half way through the seven years. The last three and a half years will be worse than the first.....
Can we know the identity of the Antichrist?....The Bible says in 2 Thessalonians 2, "Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction" It seems that we will know the identity of the Antichrist at some point. I believe the Antichrist will be revealed at some point. Can we know who he is before he is revealed? We can look and see if anyone fits the description but it may be difficult to know for sure.....
What about all those dates’ people have set?....People have set dates for a long time and they have all been wrong. Jesus said in Mark 13 that no one knows the day or the hour of His return. Some point out that it says, “no one knows,” not “no one can know.” Others say this is a reference to the Feast of Trumpets which no one knew when it started because it depended upon the sighting of the new moon. In 1 Thessalonians 5 you find the following verses "Now, brothers, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, "Peace and safety," destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you, brothers, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief." I think it is best not to set any specific dates but to be ready, because God's word says that believers will not be surprised like a thief in the night.. Jesus did give us things to watch for, so we can know when the time is getting close. We may not know the exact date but we will know when it is near. ....
Can we really know anything more about the end times from news headlines?....Many headlines and related news stories just show the increase of birth pangs, while others point to specific things that people think are the beginning of something that is directly end time related. If a news story were to appear that talked about the rebuilding of the temple in ....Jerusalem.... that would be a prophecy being directly fulfilled. However, since that has not happened, sometimes we may post stories that talk about groups that are working on things such as the clothing needed for the priests to wear while performing their duties in the temple. This is something that is and has happened and these stories point to prophecies that may soon be fulfilled. Headlines about earthquakes are there to point to the possible increase in birth pangs. This is a fulfillment of prophecy if things truly are getting worse but the individual quake itself may not have any other meaning.....
Is there a prophecy that we need to watch for next?....The most likely next major prophecy to be fulfilled is the peace treaty between the Antichrist and ....Israel..... When this happens we will know that we are indeed in the end times and that the one who confirms the covenant is the Antichrist. One important question is however, what does confirm mean in this context?....
What is the rapture?....The term rapture refers to the catching away of the church to be with God. First the dead and then those that are alive and part of the body of Christ will be caught up to be with God.....
Will the end times be like we see and read in movies and books?....To some degree it may be, but it depends on the movie or book. There are many different interpretations of the many events that will be part of the tribulation. While some events may have a lot of people interpreting them the same way, many people or denominations see other events very differently. No one person may have it all right, but the tribulation itself should be recognizable by the elect (true believers and followers of Jesus.) ....
Do all Christians believe in the end times? ....Most Christians seem to believe in some version of the end times. But there are probably some who don’t or at the very least see the whole end time period very differently than many Christians. A good example is those who believe in Preterism.....
Do I really need to even worry about any of this end times stuff and end time prophecies?....God put the prophecies in the Bible for us, so it is important. Much of the Bible talks about prophecy. A lot of it is prophecy already fulfilled, but a lot of it also deals with prophecy yet to be fulfilled. It was important for those who lived before Jesus’ first coming to know that He was coming and the details of His coming. It is also important that we know that Jesus is coming again and we should learn what the Bible has to say about it and pursue understanding.....
What do these topics have to do with the End Times? ....Wars & Rumors of Wars....
In Mathew chapter 24 the Bible talks about several end times indicators. The disciples asked Jesus, what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age. Wars and rumors of wars was one of several things mentioned in His response to them.. ....
Politics....
What does politics have to do with the end times? The politics in some countries can be indicators of things to come that are part of prophecies just not directly related to the politics themselves. For example, many people say that because ..America.. is not mentioned in the Bible, that ....America.... will have no role in prophecy or must be a much diminished country from what it is today. Part of that reasoning is that because ....America.... is so influential in the world today, it would have to be mentioned if the end times were thoroughly taking place now and in the current geopolitical climate. Therefore they believe ....America.... will be taken down or severally diminished. Some also say that because ..America.. is such a staunch ally of ..Israel.., they would never let other countries attack ....Israel.... without helping out. However if you look to the past you will see that ....America.... has let this happen before without direct intervention. More importantly even if ....America.... or some other countries are not mentioned in prophecy, does not mean they will not play some part in the end times or the things leading up to the end times. Currently the leadership of the ..United States.. can do much to alter the landscape of ..Israel.. with such things as the weaponry we sell to ....Israel.... and the relationship we have with her and her enemies. ....
The Environment....
In Mathew chapter 24 the Bible talks about several end times indicators. The disciples asked Jesus, what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age. Earthquakes were one of several things mentioned in His response. Other environmental issues might cause other problems such as famine and drought, which are mentioned as end time’s indicators. Since the Bible talks about earthquakes and other indicators as birth pangs, other environmental disasters and issues may be part of heavier birth pangs. Luke 21 mentions signs in the sun, the moon and the stars, and the roaring of the sea and the waves. ....
Radical Islam....
Radical Islam seeks to destroy ....Israel...., the Jewish people and much of the world. Some people including Joel Richardson believe that Islam will be the religion of the Antichrist and that Islam may be the last kingdom represented in king Nebuchadnezzar's dream of the statue representing the four or five kingdoms to precede his. ....
..Israel.. & the ..Middle East......
....Israel.... is thought by many to be a major end time’s indicator. Ezekiel 37 talks about ....Israel.... becoming a nation again and Luke 21 says that the end won't come until the time of the Gentiles is fulfilled. Also In Luke 21 Jesus told a parable about a Fig tree. He said in verse 29 - 31 "Behold the fig tree and all the trees; as soon as they put forth leaves, you see it and know for yourselves that summer is now near." "So you also, when you see these things happening, recognize that the ....kingdom.. of ..God.... is near." Many consider ....Israel.... to be the fig tree, partly because it is symbolized as a fig tree in other passages. ....
Drought Famine & More ....
In Luke chapter 21 the Bible talks about several end times indicators. The disciples asked Jesus, "When will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are about to take place?" . Earthquakes, famines and pestilence were among several things mentioned in His response.....
This is also a category where we will put everything else that somehow relates to prophecy but does not fit into any other category. ....
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Saturday, March 21, 2009
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Category: News and Politics
Obama Thanks Himself, Irish PM Repeats Speech in Teleprompter MeltdownIrish Prime Minister Brian Cowen reads word for word a speech that Obama had just read from a teleprompter, while the president apparently thanked himself for the invitation. Mar. 17: Irish Prime Minister Brian Cowen speaks as President Obama listens in the East Room of the White House.
WASHINGTON -- Irish Prime Minister Brian Cowen was just a few paragraphs into an address at a St. Patrick's Day celebration at the White House when he realized something sounded way too familiar. Turns out, he was repeating the speech President Barack Obama had just given.
Cowen was set to speak twice at the White House on Tuesday night because there were two different parties going on at the executive mansion. No matter -- he would give the same speech to the two different audiences.
But Cowen was 20 seconds into his second address when it dawned on him that he was giving word for word the speech that Obama had just read from the same teleprompter.
Cowen stopped and looked back at the president to say, "That's your speech."
Obama laughed and returned to the podium to offer what might have been Cowen's remarks. In doing so, President Obama thanked President Obama for inviting everyone over.
Earlier, the president claimed an Irish ancestry to Ireland's leader and joked to Congress that his genealogy could have helped him as a once-unknown Chicago politician.
White House fountains and sparkling wine both ran green as Obama courted Ireland's prime minister and political leaders from Northern Ireland. As Obama sought to tamp down violence in Northern Ireland, he announced Tuesday a key campaign backer Dan Rooney, owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers football team, as his choice to fill the post of U.S. ambassador to Dublin.
"Not all Americans are Irish, but all Americans support those who stand on the side of peace and peace will prevail," Obama told Prime Minister Brian Cowen in the Oval Office, praising the two countries' deep ties.
On tap for the evening's festivities -- which Obama described as "rambunctious" to East Room guests -- was green sparkling wine from a California vineyard.
The White House cocktail reception featured Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Paul Muldoon from Northern Ireland and Maggie McCarthy, a traditional Irish dancer and musician from Cork, and the vocal group Celtic Thunder. The Shannon Rovers, the official pipe band of Chicago's St. Patrick's Day festival, also were set to perform.
Obama joked about the free-flowing bar and warned his guests not to wear lampshades on their heads in front of the cameras. He later went off his remarks to get laughs about Ireland's popular stout.
"Guinness tastes very different in Ireland," Obama said. "It is much better. You guys are keeping the good stuff for yourselves."
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Wednesday, February 25, 2009
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Category: News and Politics
Category: Religion and Philosophy ..
Is the Mahdi Connected to the Antichrist
In Islam the Mahdi or "Guided One" is the prophesied redeemer of Islam who will stay on earth seven, nine, or nineteen years (depending on the interpretation) before the coming of the day, Yaum al-Qiyamah (literally "Day of the Resurrection" or "Day of the Standing"). Muslims believe the Mahdi will rid the world of error (non-muslim thinking), injustice and tyranny alongside Jesus.The concept of Mahdi is not explicitly mentioned in the Qu'ran, but there are many hadith (traditional sayings of Muhammad) on the Mahdi.
The idea of the Mahdi has been described as important to Sufi Muslims, and a "powerful and central religious idea" for Shia Muslims who believe the Mahdi is the Twelfth Imam, Muhammad al-Mahdi who will return from his present state of "hiding". It has gained a strong hold on the imagination of many Muslims worldwide .
Common Sunni and Shia beliefs
1. The Mahdi will be a descendant of the Prophet Muhammad of the line of Fatima
2. He will bear the name Muhammad
3. He will rule for either seven, nine or nineteen years
4. His coming will be accompanied by the raising of a Black Standard (black war flag) in Khurasan (modern day Iran).
5. His coming will be accompanied by the appearance of Dajjal (the anti-Christ) in the East.
6. He will return with Jesus as a lesser prophet.
Shia and Mahdi
Further information: Muhammad al-Mahdi
Among Shi'a Muslims "the Mahdi symbol has developed into a powerful and central religious idea Shi'a Muslims believe that the Mahdi is the Twelfth Imam, Muhammad al-Mahdi, the Twelfth and last Imam, who was born in 868 AD and was hidden by God at the age of five. He is still alive but has been in occulation (hiding) "awaiting the time that God has decreed for his return."
According to traditions the Mahdi be "a young man of medium stature with a handsome face" and black hair and beard. "He will not come in an odd year", will announce himself in Mecca between the corner of the Ka'ba and the station of Abraham and will call on the people to pay allegiance to him. He will then go to Kufa (a city in Iraq).
The Hidden Imam will return as the Mahdi with "a company of his chosen ones." Also part of the return (or Raj'a) will be his enemies led by the one-eyed Dajjal and the Sufyani. The two forces will fight "one final apocalyptic battle" where the Mahdi and his forces will prevail over these forces of evil. After ruling earth for a number of years, Isa Al-Maseeh (Jesus Christ), Imam Husayn and other Imams, prophets and saints will return to earth.
Signs of the Mahdi
Among the most commonly reported signs of the advent of the Madhdi in Shia hadith are
1. Before his coming will come the red death and the white death. The red death is the sword and white death is the plague.
2. Several figures will appear: the one-eyed Dajjal, the Sufyani and the Yamani. Another figrue, the Pure Soul (an-Nafs az-Zakiyya), will be assassinated.
3. The sun will rise from the West and a star will appear in the East giving out as much light as the moon.
4. The Arabs will throw off the reins and take possession of their land, throwing out the authority of the foreigners.
5. A caller will call out from heaven.
6. There will be a great conflict in the land of Syria until it is destroyed.
7. Death and fear will afflict the people of Baghdad and Iraq. A fire will apppear in the sky and a redness will cover them.
Jesus and Imam Mahdi returning together
Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has suggested that 'Jesus would return to the world along with the emergence of the descendant of the Islam's holy prophet, Imam Mahdi'. It is well known that Ahmadinejad sees himself as the chosen one to bring forth the 12th Imam, to 'pave the path for the glorious reappearance of Imam Mahdi'. The suggestion that Jesus and the 12th Imam would return to earth at the same time is something new and quite disturbing.
Ahmadinejad sees Jesus and Mahdi working together to 'wipe away every tinge of oppression, pain and agony from the face of the world'. The Mahdi 'will reign on earth for seven years before bringing about a final judgment and the end of the world'. Sound familiar? In a speech (reported by WND and Ynet), Ahmadinejad offered New Year's greeting to Christians and asked WWJD (What Would Jesus Do)?
What would Jesus do if he were present in the world today? What would he do before some of the oppressive powers of the world who are in fact residing in Christian countries? Which powers would he revive and which of them would he destroy?" asked the Iranian leader.
The Islamic Republic of Iran broadcasting website said in a program called "The World toward Illumination," that the Mahdi will form an army to defeat the enemies of Islam in a series of apocalyptic battles, in which the Mahdi will overcome his arch villain in Jerusalem.
The Mahdi's far sightedness and firmness in the face of mischievous elements will strike awe. After his uprising from Mecca all of Arabia will be submit to him and then other parts of the world as he marches upon Iraq and established his seat of global government in the city of Kufa.
Then the Imam will send 10 thousand of his forces to the east and west to uproot the oppressors. At this time God will facilitate things for him and lands will come under his control one after the other. ...
After his appearance the Imam would remain in Mecca for some time, and then go to Medina. ... a descendant of the Prophet's archenemy Abu Sofyan will seize Syria and attack Iraq and the Hejaz with the ferocity of a beast ... finally Imam Mahdi sends troops who kill the Sofyani in Beit ol-Moqaddas (Jerusalem), the Islamic holy city in Palestine that is currently under occupation of the Zionists.
The Iranian series also claims the Mahdi will reappear on Earth with Jesus: "We read in the book Tazkarat ol-Olia, 'the Mahdi will come with Jesus son of Mary accompanying him.' ... Imam Mahdi will be the leader while Prophet Jesus will act as his lieutenant in the struggle against oppression and establishment of justice in the world. Jesus had himself given the tidings of the coming of God's last messenger and will see Mohammad's ideals materialize in the time of the Mahdi."
What are the Imam's plans for you:
When the Imam emerges he will enlighten people by discussing religion and when people become totally aware of the nature of religion, their conscience would not permit them to reject what is right. Those who obstinately refuse to accept religion will have the sword of the Imam will decisively come down on their neck." (beheaded!)
The number 666 in the Bible
Recall that the New Testament is written in Greek, so when we examine the number 666,we have to look at the Greek. What does the Greek look like?
If one looks at χξς which is Greek for 666, and turn it sideways, one sees what is translated as "Bismillah," or "in the name of Allah." Look right at the script in gold, not the round object. Focus on the UUU part. Muslims will recognize this right away, because it is also Arabic. Note the X or cross swords is also a sign for Islam.
Islam and the number 666
It is interesting to know that many Muslims believe the number "666″ to be a holy number. They also believe that the number 19 is holy as well. I am not surprised that the number of terrorist that destroyed the World Trade Center was 19 as well. They are called by the people of Islam "the magnificent 19″. The number "666″ is believed to represent the Quran and the so-called great Prophet Mohammed.
The number "666″ could very easily be identified by our Lord as the number of a man, since it is a man made doctrine and a man made book, referring to its author Mohammed. Those in Islam that believe in the number "666″ and its purity believe that Satan used Christians to pervert the Bible. They believe that the book of Revelation was inspired by Satan and that he used the number "666″ as a bad number in order to prevent Christian people from accepting the Quran and the teachings of Mohammed because of fear.
It is easy to see the Muslims wearing this number between their eyes, on their foreheads to proclaim their faith in Allah. The mark could also be symbolic, instead of literal, to represent the mind of Islam.
All it is going to take is for the anti-Christ to make it a mandatory order for everyone in Islam to wear it to prove that they are true Muslims. Anyone who refuses to take the number (accept Islam) will be considered not to be a true believer in Allah and Mohammed. As they conquer other people they will enforce this mark to guarantee support from those that they allow to live.Here is an excerpt from a Muslim website about 666 http://www.66619.org/thequran.htm This guy is nuts, I just wanted you to read what many muslims believe about 666 and why...........
At the very beginning of the Last Millennium in Human history,
by GOD..s will, I did count the Letter Qaf which is the first letter of the Quran. Apply.
After research, I witnessed the number 666 (11:17) and witnessed the awesome Message ;
"ALLAH, Lailaheillallah" , (66 , 165) , "GOD, There is no other God beside GOD"
Only one letter can easily destroy the disbelievers, hypocrites and idol worshipers and increase their sadness.
Only one letter can easily guide the sincere and intelligent one in the right path by GOD..s will.
The number 666 is highly publicized all over the world and it is associated with evil and danger.
However, it is not what it seems. It was a Satanic trick.
The trick was to prevent the people approaching the 666.
Satan knew that the 666 is the book of GOD and the people should be kept away from it.
According to his plan, he placed a bad image to the number 666.
He did the same plan to the number 19 which is the mathematical code of the book of GOD.
He associated his religion, Bahaism with the number 19 in order to mislead the people from the truth.
Satan's mission is to make tricks and
to hypnotise the people in order to capture as many souls as he can till the End of the world.
With his agents, he changed and added verses to Torah,
invented new books as Talmud ; Mishnah and Gemara beside Torah,
made his own religion, Jerusalem centered Judaism.
With his agents, he changed and added verses to Gospel, destroyed the source, the original Gospel.
Today's Gospel is Greek while the language of Jesus was Hebrew.
The name of Jesus (isa) was changed in to Christ. Agent Paul worked for Christianity.
Therefore, he made the Church his Temple and made his own religion, Vatican centered Christianity.
With his agents, he added verses to the Quran after Muhammad..s death.
He added verses of 128 and 129 in to Sura 9. He invented new books, Hadith and Sunna beside the Quran.
He tried to do the same plan to Islam.
He used his agent Marwan ibn al Hakam (died 65 AH/684 AD) to destroy the original written by Muhammad.
He did hide the mathematical code, the proof of the Quran, the number 19.
He made his own religion, Mecca centered so called islam.
GOD knows what Satan plans and HE plans the best. All plans are in the hand of GOD.
GOD is sending His Messengers to purify His Religion, Islam and His Book, The Quran.
GOD's religion, Islam shall dominate all other religions. GOD and His Messengers shall win.
Internet , www , which enables connecting people with each other and sharing any information
play an important role to deliver The Message of GOD, The Book of GOD, The Quran, 666 and its Proof, 19.
The letter w is in Arabic Vav and its Gv is 6. Therefore, www becomes 666.
www , World Wide Web is a gift from GOD to humanity that they can talk, watch, read, share, listen anything.
666 , The Quran is a gift from GOD to humanity that it guides to the right path which leads to Heaven.
The proofs shall be the evidences that this Quran is the 666 that
Satan, his religions, his temples especially the Church are afraid of.
The Quran is the 666 and GOD preserves the 666 with the number 19.
6 is the first perfect number in mathematics. It is the only number that the sum of its factors and
also the product of its factors equal to the number itself.
1 + 2 + 3 = 6 1 x 2 x 3 = 6
We read in the Quran that GOD created the Heavens and the Earth and all in between in 6 days.
The creation of biological life on this earth is based on Carbon. Carbon has 6 electrons.
Carbon is the 6th element in the Periodic table.
This is only a small portion of this page. Try searching the "Quran and 666" see what comes up! You will be amazed!
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Saturday, February 21, 2009
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Category: News and Politics
Check out this video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vegh44yUcdU
In the last days we will see many lying signs and wonders of Satan:
2 Thessalonians 2 The Great Apostasy
1 Now, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, we ask you, 2 not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the day of Christ had come. 3 Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first,( note the falling away refers to people falling away from church, remember when people used to go to church, the falling away has already happened. Get Ready Now!) and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, 4 who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.
5 Do you not remember that when I was still with you I told you these things? 6 And now you know what is restraining, that he may be revealed in his own time. 7 For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He who now restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way. 8 And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth and destroy with the brightness of His coming. 9 The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, 10 and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11 And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, 12 that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
Stand Fast
13 But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth, 14 to which He called you by our gospel, for the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle.
16 Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace, 17 comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work.
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Tuesday, February 17, 2009
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Category: News and Politics
They call it Mellow Yellow?By Matthias Williams Matthias Williams – Thu Feb 12, 9:31 am ET
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Tuesday, February 03, 2009
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Category: News and Politics
I have always said the closer we get to human cloning the closer we are getting to the end......Research Breakthrough: Human Clones May Be Genetically Viable For the first time since Hwang Woo-Suk's cloned stem cells were revealed as fakes, human cloning — for medical purposes, or even for reproduction — appears to be a realistic possibility. "We show for the first time that the same genes turned on in normal human embryos are the same genes turned on in human clones," said Robert Lanza, scientific director of Advanced Cell Technologies and co-author of a study published Monday in Cloning and Stem Cells. Lanza's team inserted human cell nuclei into hollowed-out egg cells from both humans and animals, then stimulated them into development, a process called somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT), or more informally, cloning. When compared to a normal human embryo produced through in vitro fertilization, the animal-human hybrids didn't develop normally, but the human-human cloned embryos displayed many of the genetic characteristics of healthy development. The research is the first step toward therapeutic cloning — making embryonic stem cells from a patient's own DNA capable of replacing diseased tissue, failing organs and even lost limbs. And, theoretically, the same technique could be used to produce a cloned person. In 2001, Lanza's team claimed to have made cloned human embryos, stoking public hopes that cloning would soon produce thousands of embryonic stem cell lines — one for every common genetic group, capable of replacing diseased tissue, failing organs and lost limbs. It wasn't clear, however, whether those embryos were actually healthy, and their DNA was never analyzed. Four years later, researchers led by the now-infamous Woo Suk Hwang claimed to have actually harvested embryonic stem cells from cloned embryos. The findings again raised public hopes, only to be revealed as fraudulent. Hwang now works for a controversial dog cloning company, and embryonic stem cells taken from a human clone remains hypothetical. However, even if the scientific challenges of so-called therapeutic cloning are overcome, ethical problems remain. Harvesting human eggs requires women to take ovulation-inducing hormones, a process that is arguably dangerous and inarguably arduous. As a result, egg supplies are limited and expensive. Some scientists hoped to solve this by substituting animal eggs for human. Research on these hybrid embryos — as well as chimeric embryos, formed by mixing actual human and animal DNA — was approved last year in the United Kingdom. But that approval came after bitter public debate in which opponents raised the specter of sentient human-animal hybrids being used as biological parts factories. The latest findings suggest that hybrids are incapable of growing to a medically useful stage, much less sentience. But both cloning and induced pluripotency — a recently-developed procedure in which adult cells are transformed into an embryo-like state — should work. "Science has a way to go with both of these, but we will soon have a way to create a bank of stem cells to expand the range of stem cell therapies," said Lanza.
His team compared the gene expression of a human embryo produced through in vitro fertilization with clones that incorporated human, cow, rabbit and mouse eggs. Several thousand genes were active in the fully human clones, but almost completely silent in their counterparts, which stopped developing after several days.
Among these were the genetic targets stimulated during induced pluripotency, in which adult cells are returned to an embryo-like state. Their silence suggests that animal eggs will not be useful in making clones capable of generating embryonic stem cells, much less growing to adulthood.
"You can never say never," said Lanza, "but we've been at this a very long time, and despite literally thousands of these attempts, we've never seen one of these hybrids advance further than what we're reporting here. And though negative results don't often get reported, I know for a fact that other experts have had the same results."
But the fully human cloned embryos could produce stem cells and, if permitted, perhaps grow into a person.
"The DNA resembles the DNA of a normal human embryo, which raises the question of human reproductive cloning," said Lanza.
However, New York Medical College cell biologist Stuart Newman disagreed with Lanza's assessment. Though the paper "shows that interspecies SCNT is a bust," he said, there are still "substantial differences" between fully-human cloned and IVF embryos.
But even if Lanza's embryos cannot develop, other scientists may come up with a more effective process. And though reproductive cloning has not yet been attempted, some experts say it's inevitable.
The procedure is illegal in the United States, but a global ban proposed in the United Nations fell apart after the U.S. insisted that therapeutic cloning be banned as well.
"Virtually every country agreed, but President Bush held it hostage," said Lanza.
President Barack Obama has promised to overturn President Bush's moratorium on federal funding of most embryonic stem cell research. Lanza hopes he will abandon Bush's position at the U.N. as well.
"Reproductive cloning is unsafe and unethical," he said. "This raises the urgency that those laws need to be passed."
Citation: "Reprogramming of Human Somatic Cells Using Human and Animal Oocytes." By Young Chung, Colin E. Bishop, Nathan R. Treff, Stephen J. Walker, Vladislav M. Sandler, Sandy Becker, Irina Klimanskaya, Wan-Song Wun, Randall Dunn, Rebecca M. Hall, Jing Su, Shi-Jiang Lu, Marc Maserati, Young-Ho Choi, Richard Scott, Anthony Atala, Ralph Dittman and Robert Lanza. Cloning and Stem Cells, Vol. 11 No. 2, Feb. 1, 2009.
Image: Cloning and Stem Cells / Each top-and-bottom image is a pair; from left to right, a human-mouse embryo; human-cow; human-rabbit; human; and a human embryo produced through in vitro fertilization.
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Friday, January 23, 2009
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Category: Religion and Philosophy
Electronic Voice Phenomena or EVP SATAN’S Best New Device for Distracting the Scripture Ignorant ....
What are EVP’s Electronic voice phenomena, abbreviated as EVPs (singular: electronic voice phenomenon, or EVP), are sections of static noise on the radio or electronic recording that some listeners believe sound like voices speaking words; paranormal investigators sometimes interpret these noises as the voices of ghosts or spirits. Recording EVP has become a technique of those who attempt to contact the souls of dead loved ones or during ghost hunting activities. According to parapsychologist Konstantin Raudive, who popularized the idea, EVP are typically brief, usually the length of a word or short phrase.....
Skeptics of the paranormal attribute the voice-like aspect of the sounds to apophenia (finding of significance or connections between insignificant or unrelated phenomena), auditory pareidolia (interpreting random sounds into voices in their own language which might otherwise sound like random noise to a foreign speaker), artifacts due to low-quality equipment, and simple hoaxes. Likewise some reported EVP can be attributed to radio interference or other well-documented phenomena.....
EVP have been referenced in a wide range of media: reality television series like Paranormal State, Ghost Adventures, Most Haunted, Celebrity Paranormal Project, and Ghost Hunters; fictional television series like Supernatural, Medium, Maury, and Ghost Whisperer; and Hollywood films like White Noise and The Sixth Sense.....
According to God whey you die your go to one of two places Heaven or Hell, you are not roaming the earth completing unfinished business. That’s why God says do it now; you don’t get a second chance.....
The Rich Man and Lazarus tells us exactly what the afterlife is for you either in Hell or with God Luke 16:19-31
19 “There was a certain rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and fared sumptuously every day. 20 But there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, full of sores, who was laid at his gate, 21 desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table. Moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. 22 So it was that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s bosom. The rich man also died and was buried. 23 And being in torments in Hades, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off and Lazarus in his bosom.
24 “Then he cried and said, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.’ 25 But Abraham said, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things; but now he is comforted and you are tormented. 26 And besides all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed, so that those who want to pass from here to you cannot, nor can those from there pass to us.’
27 “Then he said, ‘I beg you therefore, father, that you would send him to my father’s house, 28 for I have five brothers, that he may testify to them, lest they also come to this place of torment.’ 29 Abraham said to him, ‘They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.’ 30 And he said, ‘No, father Abraham; but if one goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ 31 But he said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead.’”
Note: There is a ....GREAT.. ..GULF.... FIXED, so that those who want to pass from here to there CAN NOT!....
Hebrews 9:27 And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment,....
Now below is what most spiritualists believe about EVP. Yes they are hearing something but it is demonic not you’re dead Grandma:
As times have progressed since the days of the materialization and direct voice mediums science has played an increasingly important role in communicating with Spirits of the inner spheres. Many voices from the “beyond” have been captured on magnetic media and in particular on audiotape. There have been numerous cases, especially in recent years where the voices of deceased people now living in the astral worlds would appear to amazed relatives on audio tape. This usually happened when something quite normal was being recorded, but when the tape was played back the voices “from beyond” are clearly present on the tape. These voices are often very clear, usually carrying a short but simple message, enough at least to provide ample evidence to those involved of the presence of the deceased person.
It is this sort of experience that has prompted further extensive and controlled investigation into obtaining the voices of “deceased” Souls now living in the astral realms by recording them on tape and similar electro-magnetic recording devices. These experiments are often carried out in a similar way to conventional sittings or séances whereby the sitters simply sit around the tape recorder or other recording device providing the necessary focus and Energy. The presence, focus and intent of the sitters are sufficient to attract the attentions of Spirits from “the other side”, who are then able to record their messages.
These messages cannot actually be heard being recorded due to the vast differences in the density and vibrations between the Ether of Astral and physical worlds; however the voices are heard to be present during the replay of the tape.
How does this situation occur? The entire Universe, the Ether consists of vibration, Energy, and of particular importance in this case the Electric and Magnetic “fluids”. These “fluids” are not actually liquids as recognized in the physical world, but rather the electric and magnetic characteristics of the Universal Fire and Water elements. It is the electro-magnetic propagation properties of the Ether that allows the vibrations of the communications of the Spirit voices, thought waves in the form of Energy, to pass through the electromagnetic continuum of the Ether and thus to be recorded on magnetic tape.
During one particular set of experiments carried out under strictly controlled conditions in a sound-proof studio in order to ensure that no extraneous noises could be present, two researchers left a tape recorder running for twenty seven minutes, during which time 200 Spirit voices were recorded. As with all of these “phenomena” there were several skeptical scientists who endeavored to find a “logical” explanation for these voices recorded on the tape, but were totally unable to do so.
God has told us not to call up spirits because sometimes the demons really will respond to you and because very few people actually read the Bible they have no idea what they are dealing with. As we approach the end days, demonic activity will increase, so will human stupidity. Don’t call these demons up!
Avoid Wicked Customs Deuteronomy 18:9-14
9 “When you come into the land which the LORD your God is giving you, you shall not learn to follow the abominations of those nations. 10 There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire, or one who practices witchcraft, or a soothsayer, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer, 11 or one who conjures spells, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead. 12 For all who do these things are an abomination to the LORD, and because of these abominations the LORD your God drives them out from before you. 13 You shall be blameless before the LORD your God. 14 For these nations which you will dispossess listened to soothsayers and diviners; but as for you, the LORD your God has not appointed such for you.
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Saturday, January 10, 2009
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Category: Blogging
Why Did God Make Viruses?
There are some fundamental differences in how creationists and evolutionists view life. Biblical creationists believe that God created life according to their kinds with the ability to reproduce and fill the earth.1 This view includes the concepts that God had purpose in what He created and that it originally was very good.2....
In contrast, evolutionists view life as all descending from a single common ancestor by chance processes. Evolutionary arguments tend to imply that life isn’t really very complex or well designed. For example, 100 years ago a cell was promoted as being nothing more than a blob of protoplasm, implying that it wouldn’t be difficult for it to arise by chance. This proved to be wrong; cells are incredibly complex structures.3 At one time evolutionists argued that organs or structures with no known function actually had no function; at the time this included hundreds of organs and structures in the human body. Instead these were believed to be vestiges of evolution. This argument has become rather vestigial itself, as these organs have been found to have function.4....
Yet, this argument reappeared in genetics. Most of the DNA in our bodies does not code for proteins, so it was labeled “junk DNA” by evolutionists that assumed it has no function. As research continues it is becoming clear that this DNA has numerous essential functions.5 The evolutionary worldview has a dismal track record for anticipating the astounding complexity in life uncovered by scientific research.....
If God created everything good and with a purpose, why are there disease-causing bacteria and viruses in the world? It is true that we first learned about bacteria and viruses because of the problems they cause. Bacteria have been studied in considerable detail and are now recognized to be mainly helpful and absolutely essential for life on earth; bacteria that cause disease (which occurred as a result of the Fall) are the exceptions, not the rule. But what about viruses: what purpose could they possibly have?
What Is a Virus?
Viruses are a bit of an enigma. They contain DNA or RNA which are found in all living things. This is packaged in a protein coat. Despite this, viruses are not usually considered living because they are not made up of cells and cannot reproduce by themselves. Instead, the virus will inject the DNA or RNA into a living cell, and the cell will make copies of the virus and assemble them so they can spread.6....
Viruses vary considerably in their ability to cause disease. Many known viruses are not associated with disease at all. Others cause mild symptoms that may often go undetected. Some, like the HIV virus that causes AIDS in people, appear to have come from another species where they do not cause disease. Given our current knowledge of viruses, it is quite reasonable to believe that disease-causing viruses are descended from viruses that were once not harmful.7 It has been suggested that they have played an important role in maintaining life on earth—somewhat similar to the way bacteria do.8 In fact, they may play a role in solving an intriguing puzzle that faces creationists.
A Creationist Puzzle
The biblical record tells of a global Flood when all created kinds of unclean9 land animals were reduced to a population of two, the pair that was preserved with Noah on the ....Ark.....10 After the Flood, these animals reproduced and filled the earth again.11 Today many of these kinds are represented by whole families. For example, the dog family (Canidae) is believed to represent a created kind.12 However, this is a very diverse group of animals. There are foxes that are adapted to living in the arctic, and others that live in the desert. There is incredible variety seen in modern domestic dog breeds. Where did all this variety come from? And how could it arise so quickly given that the Flood occurred around 4300 years ago?13 ....
The answer to this puzzle is probably quite complex. Some of the variety would have been carried by the pair of animals on the ....Ark..... When parents pass traits on to their offspring, these traits can appear in new combinations in the offspring (Mendelian genetics). Natural selection can weed some existing traits out of a population. However, a close examination reveals that genetic changes have also arisen in this time.14 Many of these changes do not appear accidental and do not directly cause disease. For this reason, some creationists have proposed that God “designed animals to be able to undergo genetic mutations which would enable them to adapt to a wide range of environmental challenges while minimizing risk.”15
Isn’t That Evolution?
It is important to recognize that biologists use several distinct definitions for evolution that are often blurred together as if they are synonymous.16 Evolution is sometimes defined as “change in the genetic makeup (or gene frequency) of a population over time.” This has been observed; both creationists and evolutionists recognize this as important in building models to help us understand what likely happened in the past. A second definition of evolution involves the idea that all life descended from a common ancestor over millions of years through naturalistic processes. This has not been observed. In fact, it is in direct opposition to the testimony God (the eyewitness to creation) gives us in the Bible. The idea that all life has a common ancestor requires the assumption that the Bible’s history is false, and the assumption that changes which do occur could produce the variety of life we see today from a single-celled ancestor.17....
With regard to the first definition of evolution, creationists and evolutionists differ in the pattern of genetic changes they should expect to see. The creation model predicts that degenerative changes can occur because mankind sinned and brought death into the world.18 It also predicts that adaptive changes could occur because God cares for His creation and intends for the earth to be inhabited.19 Both types of changes have been observed. The fact that some foxes are adapted to live in the arctic while others are adapted to live in the desert fits perfectly with this biblical teaching. While evolutionists accept that these types of changes occur, their model requires that most genetic changes add information to the genome. This pattern has not been observed. Without this pattern they cannot account for the many organs and complex biochemical pathways that exist in animals today.20 Scientific observations show that there is an overall pattern of decay seen in the genome which is the opposite of what the evolutionary model would predict.21....
Another difference is the source of the genetic change. Evolutionists assume that random mutations and natural selection can account for the genetic changes that are seen. Since the underlying mechanism is naturalistic, changes were expected to be very slow. Contrary to their expectations, rapid adaptation has been observed, and evolutionists have had to adjust their thinking to accept this. Furthermore, detailed studies of the pattern in genetic differences within related animals don’t make sense if mutations are assumed to always be essentially random events.22 Something else is clearly going on here. It appears that God has placed some incredible programming into the genomes of the animals he created, and viruses may play some role in this.....
Evidence of Horizontal Gene Transfer
Interestingly, there are some portions of DNA in animals that look like they came from a virus. While some of these were likely originally present in the genome since they have essential functions, others may have been introduced by viruses.23 A number of years ago, one creationist proposed that horizontal gene flow (genes picked up from somewhere in the environment rather than inherited from parents) may help to explain rapid adaptation and the interesting pattern of DNA in animals. In fact, the author lists 13 different biological phenomena that might be explained by horizontal gene flow.24 Since viruses carry genetic material (DNA or RNA), they are the most logical agents to suspect in transferring genes. While horizontal gene transfer would not change the identity of an animal (i.e., it would still belong to the same kind), it could rapidly provide a source of genetic variability that allows for rapid adaptation. If this is the case, then viruses were created “good” (as in Genesis 1) with a support role much like bacteria are known to have.....
While the evidence is largely circumstantial, further scientific investigation does seem to support these ideas.25 In fact, a recent PNAS article has brought some new information to light. Previous studies had suggested horizontal transfer between closely related species. This study identified a large section of DNA (~2.9 kb) that was approximately 96% identical in a marsupial (opossum), several placentals (mouse, rat, bushbaby, tenrec, and little brown bat), a reptile (anole lizard), and an amphibian (African clawed frog). It was absent from the 27 other animals surveyed (which included human and Jamaican fruit bat). This sequence appears to have been incorporated into an existing functional gene in rats and mice, although its specific function is not yet known.26 Because of the pattern observed, it appears that horizontal gene transfer was concentrated at some time in the past and perhaps occurred via a DNA virus.27 Interestingly, several species (anole and opossum) are from Central/South America, several are restricted to ..Africa.. (bushbay, tenrec), and the others have a wider geographical distribution.28 This suggests that the transfer may have occurred early post-Flood or been intercontinental in scope.29....
Since most scientists are heavily influenced by the evolutionary worldview, they often miss indicators of purpose. For example, the section of DNA discussed above is a transposon (a type of mobile genetic element or transposable element). After the putative transfer, it was copied and integrated into several different parts of the genome in the various species. This requires that the proper tools (e.g., enzymes) be in place so that the section of DNA can be incorporated into the genome initially, then modified and copied appropriately. Given that decay has occurred over time, it is not surprising to creationists that there are examples of transposons where this process doesn’t work properly and disease occurs.....
Diseases draw attention and research dollars, so the problems associated with transposons have been recognized before the benefits are understood (much like was true of bacteria). Many people still view these mobile genetic elements as “parasitic” or “selfish.” However, they are quite widespread in the genome of plants, animals, and man. If their insertion was always purely “random,” it seems they should more consistently cause problems in a complex system such as the genome.30 Therefore, it seems more logical to believe that transposons have purpose and were designed in a way to benefit their possessor.....
The Bible Explains the Paradox
The biblical view explains an important paradox we see in the world around us. It anticipates the complexity that is constantly being uncovered by scientific research; God is an all-wise Creator and would be expected to use awesome design patterns and programming. It also explains the decay observed because mankind sinned and brought death into the world; the world is now in bondage to decay.31 This is an exciting time to be a creationist researcher, as the tremendous volume of scientific research is helping to provide answers to questions that have been asked for decades.
Genesis 1:21, 22, 24-28.
Isaiah 45:18; Genesis 1:31.
C. Wieland, “Chemical Soup Is Not Your Ancestor!” Creation 16 no. 2 (1994):46–47; Harvard video, Inner life of a Cell.
D. DeWitt, Setting the Record Straight on Vestigial Organs, AiD 3 (2008).
G. Purdom, “Junk” DNA—past, present, and future, part 1 AiD 2 (2007); J. Lightner, The Smell of Change in Our Understanding of Pseudogenes, AiD 3 (2008).
J. Bergman, Did God Make Pathogenic Viruses? Technical Journal 13 no. 1 (1999):115–125.
J.R. Lucas and T.C. Wood, “The Origin of Viral Disease: A Foray into Creationist Virology,” in Exploring the History of Life: Proceedings of the Fifth BSG Conference and Occasional Papers of the BSG 8 (2006):13.
J. Francis, The Matrix, Answers, July–September 2008, pp. 42–43, 52–54; Bergman ref. 6.
Unclean animals probably included all non-ruminants. See Leviticus 11; Deuteronomy 14:1–8.
Genesis 7.
Genesis 8:15–19.
T.C. Wood, “The Current Status of Baraminology,” Creation Research Society Quarterly 43 no. 3 (2006):149–158.
J. Ussher, The Annals of the World, trans. and ed. L. and M. Pierce (Green Forest, Arkansas: Master Books, 2003).
This is clear because the two animals on the Ark could carry up to four alleles for any one gene. Today there are some genes where considerably more than four alleles exist in animals from the same created kind.
J.K. Lightner, “Karyotypic and Allelic Diversity in the Canid Baramin (Canidae),” Journal of Creation 23 no. 1 (in press).
Understanding Evolution, “An Introduction to Evolution.”
Understanding Evolution, “Misconceptions about Evolution and the Mechanisms of Evolution: Evolution and Religion Are Incompatible.” Note how religious beliefs are said to have nothing to do with the real (material) world; this is in stark contrast with the biblical teaching that God, as the Creator of all, is relevant to every aspect of life.
Genesis 3.
Psalm 147:8, 9; Matthew 6:25–34; Isaiah 45:18.
L. Spetner, Not By Chance! (The Judaica Press, 1998).
J. Sanford, Genetic Entropy and the Mystery of the Genome (Elim Publishing, 2005).
J.K. Lightner, Karyotype Variability within the Cattle Monobaramin, Answers Research Journal 1 (2008):77–88; J.K. Lightner, Genetics of Coat Color I: The Melanocortin 1 Receptor (MC1R), Answers Research Journal 1 (2008):109–166.
. Liu, Were Retroviruses Created Good? Answers, October–December 2006, bonus content.
T. Wood, The Ageing Process: Rapid Post-Flood Intrabaraminic Diversification Caused by Altruisitc Genetic Elements (AGES), Origins 54 (2002).
T. Wood, Perspectives on Ageing: A Young Earth Creation Diversification Model, in Proceedings of the Fifth International Conference on Creationism, ed. Robert L. Ivey, Jr. (Pittsburgh: Creation Science Fellowship, 2003), pp. 479–489.
J.K. Pace II, C. Gilbert, M.S. Clark, C. and Feschotte, “Repeated Horizontal Transfer of a DNA Transposon in Mammals and Other Tetrapods,” PNAS 105 no. 44:17023–17028.
The authors are evolutionists who carry in the assumption of common ancestry. Although creationists could argue that some kinds were created with these sequences and others were not, it appears more likely that they result from horizontal gene transfer. Also, the authors used evolutionary assumptions to estimate the time the horizontal transfer occurred (which was essentially the same for all species). When this type of estimate was done with mitochondrial DNA, the estimated mutation rate was significantly off compared to actual measured mutation rates. A. Gibbons, “Calibrating the Mitochondrial Clock,” Science 279 no. 5347 (1998):28–29. Retrieved from http://www.dnai.org/teacherguide/pdf/reference_romanovs.pdf on October 24, 2008.
See comment by Cedric, one of the authors of the PNAS article on Space Invader DNA Jumped Across Mammalian Genomes.
The creation model predicts a high concentration of horizontal gene transfer post-Flood as animals were migrating out and filling various ecological niches. There is also a chance that animals on the Ark may have already carried these sequences. Further intrabaraminic comparisons may help to clarify the timing of horizontal gene flow for this particular case.
Some accidental insertions may not cause obvious problems because the genome contains a high amount of redundancy. Redundancy is a hallmark of excellent design that militates against system failure. It is also inconsistent with the notion that life arose by chance. Such accidental insertions do, however, contribute to the deterioration of the genome.
Romans 8:20–21.
Recommended Resources
..
It seems that a new and more terrible disease is announced almost daily. Author Professor Alan Gillen shows that constantly mutating diseases are proof for devolution rather than evolution. |
Systematically lays out the scientific case against mutations resulting in the origin of species. A must read for every biologist or person interested in biology. |
Dissects the evidence found in DNA for clues to its origin and finds that the processes touted by evolutionists are greatly embellished. Bulk discount available. |
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Friday, January 09, 2009
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Category: News and Politics
I can only hope we find God again before it is too late!!
The following was written by Ben Stein and recited by him on CBS Sunday Morning
Commentary.
My confession:
I am a Jew, and every single one of my ancestors was Jewish. And it does not bother me even a little bit when people call those beautiful lit up, bejeweled trees, Christmas trees.. I don't feel threatened. I don't feel discriminated against.. That's what they are: Christmas trees.
It doesn't bother me a bit when people say, 'Merry Christmas' to me. I don't think they are slighting me or getting ready to put me in a ghetto.. In fact, I kind of like it It shows that we are all brothers and sisters celebrating this happy time of year. It doesn't bother me at all that there is a manger scene on display at a key intersection near my beach house in Malibu . If people want a crïeche, it's just as fine with me as is the Menorah a few hundred yards away.
I don't like getting pushed around for being a Jew, and I don't think Christians like getting pushed around for being Christians. I think people who believe in God are sick and tired of getting pushed around, period. I have no idea where the concept came from that America is an explicitly atheist country. I can't find it in the Constitution and I don't like it being shoved down my throat.
Or maybe I can put it another way: where did the idea come from that we should worship celebrities and we aren't allowed to worship God as we understand Him? I guess that's a sign that I'm getting old, too.. But there are a lot of us who are wondering where these celebrities came from and where the America we knew went to.
In light of the many jokes we send to one another for a laugh, this is a little different: This is not intended to be a joke; it's not funny, it's intended to get you thinking.
Billy Graham's daughter was interviewed on the Early Show and Jane Clayson asked her 'How could God let something like this happen?' (regarding Katrina) Anne Graham gave an extremely profound and insightful response. She said, 'I believe God is deeply saddened by this, just as we are, but for years we've been telling God to get out of our schools, to get out of our government and to get out of our lives. And being the gentleman He is, I believe He has calmly backed out. How can we expect God to give us His blessing and His protection if we demand He leave us alone?'
In light of recent events... terrorists attack, school shootings, etc. I think it started when Madeleine Murray O'Hare (she was murdered, her body found a few years ago) complained she didn't want prayer in our schools, and we said OK. Then someone said you better not read the Bible in school. The Bible says thou shalt not kill, thou shalt not steal, and love your neighbor as yourself. And we said OK.
Then Dr. Benjamin Spock said we shouldn't spank our children when they misbehave because their little personalities would be warped and we might damage their self-esteem (Dr Spock's son committed suicide). We said an expert should know what he's talking about. And we said OK.
Now we're asking ourselves why our children have no conscience, why they don't know right from wrong, and why it doesn't bother them to kill strangers, their classmates, and themselves.
Probably, if we think about it long and hard enough, we can figure it out. I think it has a great deal to do with 'WE REAP WHAT WE SOW.'
Funny how simple it is for people to trash God and then wonder why the world's going to hell. Funny how we believe what the newspapers say, but question what the Bible says. Funny how you can send 'jokes' through e-mail and they spread like wildfire but when you start sending messages regarding the Lord, people think twice about sharing. Funny how lewd, crude, vulgar and obscene articles pass freely through cyberspace, but public discussion of God is suppressed in the school and workplace.
Are you laughing yet?
Funny how when you forward this message, you will not send it to many on your address list because you're not sure what they believe, or what they will think of you for sending it.
Funny how we can be more worried about what other people think of us than what God thinks of us.
Pass it on if you think it has merit. If not then just discard it.. no one will know you did. But, if you discard this thought process, don't sit back and complain about what bad shape the world is in.
My Best Regards, Honestly and respectfully,
Ben Stein
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Thursday, January 08, 2009
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Category: Religion and Philosophy
The Bible is very clear that we are not to WORSHIP or PRAY to angels. They are not God and they do not ANSWER PRAYERS nor do our loved ones turn into angels when they die. All of that stuff is just a lack of Bible reading on the part of the person.
Revelation 19:10 At this I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, "Do not do it! I am a fellow servant with you and with your brothers who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy."
Revelation 22:8-9 8I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. And when I had heard and seen them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who had been showing them to me.But he said to me, "Do not do it! I am a fellow servant with you and with your brothers the prophets and of all who keep the words of this book. Worship God!"
Angels are created being that worship, serve, and praise God. They are also messengers, protectors and warriors. The stories below are good ones about some of the jobs angels do for God. But DO NOT let SATAN fool you, they are not to be worshpied...
Story 1
During the Mau Mau uprising in Kenya in 1960, missionaries Matt and Lora Higgens were returning one night to Nairobi through the heart of Mau Mau territory, where Kenyans and missionaries alike had been killed and dismembered. Seventeen miles outside of Nairobi their Land Rover stopped. Higgens tried to repair the car in the dark, but could not restart it. They spent the night in the car, but claimed Psalm 4:8: "I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety." In the morning they were able to repair the car.
A few weeks later the Higgenses returned to America on furlough. They reported that the night before they left Nairobi, a local pastor had visited them. He told how a member of the Mau Mau had confessed that he and three others had crept up to the car to kill the Higgenses, but when they saw the sixteen men surrounding the car, the Mau Mau left in fear. "Sixteen men?" Higgens responded. "I don't know what you mean!"
While they were on furlough a friend, Clay Brent, asked the Higgenses if they have been in any danger recently. Higgens asked, "Why?" Then Clay said that on March 23, God had placed a heavy prayer burden on his heart. He called the men of the church, and sixteen of them met together and prayed until the burden lifted. Did God send sixteen angels to represent those men and enforce their prayers?1
Story 2
The Reverend John G. Paton, pioneer missionary in the New Hebrides Islands, told a thrilling story involving the protective care of angels. Hostile natives surrounded his mission headquarters one night, intent on burning the Patons out and killing them. John Paton and his wife prayed all during that terror-filled night that God would deliver them. When daylight came they were amazed to see that, unaccountably, the attackers had left. They thanked God for delivering them.
A year later, the chief of the tribe was converted to Jesus Christ, and Mr. Paton, remembering what had happened, asked the chief what had kept him and his men from burning down the house and killing them. The chief replied in surprise, "Who were all those men you had with you there?" The missionary answered, "There were no men there; just my wife and I." The chief argued that they had seen many men standing guard - hundreds of big men in shining garments with drawn swords in their hands. They seemed to circle the mission station so that the natives were afraid to attack. Only then did Mr. Paton realize that God had sent His angels to protect them. The chief agreed that there was no other explanation. Could it be that God had sent a legion of angels to protect His servants, whose lives were being endangered?2 Missionaries protected by the prayers of loved ones at the precise moment of danger is a common tale. Here's an example from a 1979 collection of anecdotes and inspirational tales:
Story 3
In 1947, while I was travelling on horseback in Central China with Mr. Fred Mitchell, we came to a spot that was notorious as a robber hide-out. The missionary accompanying us was keeping a sharp look-out. Suddenly we came upon a body lying beside the path. The victim was obviously not long dead. The brigands had been at work.
A few days later I received a letter from my wife, asking whether we had been in any danger on a date and at a time she named. On that particular night she had been suddenly awakened with the strong impression that I was in danger. She rose and prayed until the burden lifted and peace returned.
On consulting my diary, I discovered that this midnight prayer synchronized with the time we were passing through the robber-infested area. God heard and answered the prayer for the safety of His servants. — J.O. Sanders 3
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Friday, January 02, 2009
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Category: Religion and Philosophy
Amber: A Window to the Recent Past
by Frank Sherwin, M.A.
 Beautiful, golden fossilized amber begins as resin. Exuded as a sticky liquid from bark or wood, it polymerizes into solid amber. It slowly degrades when left in the open and therefore must be rather quickly buried in dense sediments. There are about twenty amber deposits, the most prominent locations are in the Baltic and Dominican Republic.
Many thousands of amber pieces contain fossils. A variety of animals are preserved in those golden tombs, including insects, crustaceans, tadpoles, lizards, annelids, snails, and spiders. In 1997, a piece of Dominican amber was appraised at ,000 because it contained a frog. Even hair of mammals has been found. Such preservation gives us an idea of the pre-Flood ecosystem thousands of years ago.
The beautiful and aromatic blue amber of the Dominican Republic is the most rewarding of the ambers for aesthetic and scientific reasons, and holds the record when it comes to fossil content. Not only does this amber contain ten times more insects than Baltic amber, it also is 90% more transparent. Some of the fossilized creatures are extinct, but this is hardly evidence for vertical evolution.
There have even been discoveries of preserved animal and plant DNA, "Amber has preserved ancient life to such infinitesimal detail that it even captures fragments of DNA of the organisms entrapped in it."1 The discovery of DNA segments is not surprising for the creationist. However, it stupefies the Darwinist, because evolutionists maintain that amber is many millions of years old.
The oldest known amber containing insects is — according to evolutionary dating — 146 million years old. But what is found are animal forms that remain unchanged. Secular biologists are constantly amazed that creatures displayed in such a clear sarcophagus can be identified down to genus or even species. For example, small oak tree flowers have been found dated at "90 million years old," but they are still oak. The same is true for the oldest feather (100% feather — not a transition from a scale), the oldest mushroom, mosquito, biting black fly, and fig wasp. All that is seen in these organisms is no change ("stasis") or the possibility of extinction. This in no way supports the case for macroevolution, but is certainly what creationists expect.
To conclude, just as the mineralized fossils found in sedimentary rock units worldwide fail to support macroevolution, the same holds true for animals and plants found in "ancient" amber. Creation scientists aren't particularly surprised by the plants, animals, and DNA found in amber considering the youth of this planet. Furthermore, creationists have been requesting these creatures in amber should be subjected to Carbon 14 dating. A similar request is made to date the "70 million year old" soft dinosaur tissue recently discovered in eastern Montana (see Origins Issues "The Devastating Issue of Dinosaur Tissue").2 But secular scientists are reticent. Why? The search for truth should actively go where the physical evidence leads.
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Monday, December 29, 2008
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Category: Religion and Philosophy
Photo captures image of an 'angel' in Charlotte hospital
In dark time, mom of Mint Hill teen sees light of hope
By Jane Duckwall - Special Correspondent to the Charlotte Observer
When Chelsea Banton was born five weeks prematurely, doctors predicted she had 36 hours to live.
Proving them wrong was the first miracle for Chelsea, now an Independence High School freshman.
"She spent the first four months in a neonatal intensive care unit," recalls her mother, Colleen Banton of Mint Hill.
This photo shows an "angel" of light Chelsea's mother saw at Presbyterian Hospital in November.
Colleen Banton (left) with daughters Chelsea (center) and Kaylee on Friday.
/Charlotte Observer
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- Before Chelsea was 2, she was admitted to the hospital for pneumonia, the first of several dangerous run-ins with the illness that have made her a familiar face in Presbyterian's pediatric intensive care unit.
Among other health problems in her medical history: hydrocephalus, requiring a shunt in her skull and, later, several shunt revisions; life-threatening viruses; and, this past July, fluid retention that required more than a week's hospitalization and three liters of liquid to be drawn from her body.
Prayer has helped sustain the whole family.
"We had been praying every day, my oldest daughter and I and Chelsea," Colleen Banton said. "…Praying for a miracle."
That miracle, Colleen believes, came Nov. 5 – seven weeks after Chelsea was admitted to the hospital for pneumonia.
What originally seemed like a bad cold nearly killed her.
"She was on life-support from the moment she got there," her mother said.
That was Sept. 21. Over the next six weeks in the hospital, Chelsea faced one threat after another: pneumonia in her left lung, then her right lung, then sepsis, blood clots, staph infections, E. coli, a collapsed lung and feeding problems.
In late October, doctors met with the family to discuss "a plan of action," Colleen said. One of the decisions she had to make was whether she would take Chelsea off the ventilator. Earlier, doctors had removed Chelsea from the ventilator several times, but had replaced it when the struggle to breathe became too difficult for the teen.
But a family meeting Oct. 31 was a turning point.
"At that point, the family… agreed that when she did come off the ventilator again, (they) weren't putting it back in," Colleen said. "Whatever happened, would happen."
On Saturday, Nov. 1, "they took her off the ventilator and she did good," her mother said. "She was breathing on her own."
The next day, "her stats went down," and doctors put her in an oxygen mask.
But over the next few days, Colleen noticed her daughter "wasn't getting better. Things were kind of lingering."
And Chelsea, who had been having anxiety attacks and crying throughout her hospital stay, was having more of them.
"I said, 'She's been through enough,'" Colleen remembers. "I said, 'Can we just take her mask off? She's been through enough.'
"I wanted to do what the Lord wanted me to do. And I really felt like I've had her for 14 years, and if it's time for her to go to heaven, then I know she'll be healed."
The mask didn't come off immediately, though. They waited until family members had a chance to come to see Chelsea – perhaps for the last time.
On the afternoon of Nov. 5, as family and friends prayed about the decision, a nurse practitioner called Colleen's attention to a monitor showing the door to the pediatric intensive care unit.
"On the monitor, there was this bright light," Colleen recalls. "And I looked at it and I said, 'Oh my goodness! It looks like an angel!"
Colleen pointed her digital camera at the monitor to take a photo of the image, but the "first picture wouldn't take."
She tried again and succeeded. The image gave her a peace that stayed with her when hospital staff removed Chelsea's oxygen mask.
And then, "when they took the mask off of her, her stats went as high as they've ever been.
"Her color was good, and the doctors and nurses were amazed," Colleen said. "The nurse practitioner who saw the image in the monitor said, 'I've worked here 15 years, and I've never seen anything like it.'"
Chelsea was removed from intensive care on Nov. 14 and went home three days later.
Her mother believes it was a miracle – attended by a very real angel bathed in light at the door to the pediatric intensive care unit.
"What was so ironic… is it was a rainy day," Colleen said. "It had been overcast all day. And the sun only came out at that point."
To those who doubt her story and photograph, Colleen Banton says: "If they doubt it, that's fine. … But I know what I saw, and the picture's untouched. I didn't make it up. That's just something that I believe.
"I believe that more people have changed since this happened. I know I have. I look at things differently than I used to – because I know God is in control."
On Christmas Day, Chelsea will turn 15 – another miracle considering all of the medical trials she's faced, according to her mother.
"I'm learning," Colleen Banton said, "that every day she's alive is a miracle."
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Gender: Female
Status: Married
Age: 48
Sign: Libra
City: P-Town Proper
State: Virginia
Country: US
Signup Date: 12/1/2005
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