The Conclusion of PhD Seminar on Biblical Creationism

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I lead a seminar on Biblical Creationism (see this post) at Central Baptist Seminary that finished earlier this month with our final classroom meeting. However, I did not complete grading their papers until last evening. I am glad to wrap up this profitable seminar.

The three students in my class turned in their required papers for the class on October 4 and profitably interacted with each required subject and their fellow students (to see course requirements, go here). The three PhD students pictured above (from left to right, Brett Williams, Mark Bruffey, and Christopher Watson) did a good job in meeting the requirements for this seminar. The work of each man made this a profitable seminar on biblical creationism. I am thankful that Central Baptist Seminary, like Detroit Baptist Theological Seminary, takes a solid position on the biblical doctrine of creation that is foundational for other major biblical doctrines.

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Our Day at the Creation Museum

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Last Tuesday morning I spoke to the staff at Answers in Genesis. I integrated a presentation about the ministry of Detroit Baptist Theological Seminary with a brief message from Psalm 104:31???35. After chapel, we spent the day touring the Creation Museum. Besides meeting some of the people who work at the museum, we enjoyed a walk through biblical history, Noah’s ark construction site, and the dinosaur den. What fascinated me most was the Stargazer’s Planetarium. As I reclined under the dome, I was amazed by the digital technology that guided us through outer space.

Along with with our visit, my wife and I had a great evening on Monday as we ate dinner at the home of Dr. & Mrs. Terry Mortenson (the above picture is of Dr. Mortenson & I in the museum). They are gracious and engaging people. So we had a delightful time getting to know them better.

We had a profitable time at the museum. I would highly recommend that you plan a trip to visit the Creation Museum in Petersburg, KY.

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Was There Rain Before the Global Flood?

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While I was writing the second part of my journal article, “A Critique of the Framework Interpretation of the Creation Week,” I developed some reservations about whether or not the water vapor canopy was necessary for young-earth creationism. Subsequently, I came to the conclusion that it was not (to read more, click here, here, and here). Dr. Tommy Mitchell explains why the water vapor canopy hypothesis is not an argument to use. To read this helpful article, go to “There Was No Rain Before the Flood.”

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A Look of Innocence But

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You may have thought that my blog has fallen from cyberspace. However, I am back. Because of my academic schedule as well as a needed face lift for my website and blog, I have been delayed in posting anything for a few weeks.

This past summer we had a large portion of our family visit us. We had a wonderful time and especially loved being with our youngest granddaughter, Baylea, who at the time of the above picture was about 2 years old. Her smile and blue eyes give her a look of innocence. Though she is such a beautiful baby and loved by all, her innocent looks are deceptive because behind those blue eyes and innocent looks is a “bundle of total depravity.”

When I have told some people that Scripture teaches that all people are totally depraved and unable to please God, they often object or just attempt to ignore me. However, whether or not they agree with or ignore me is irrelevant for Paul states this position clearly in Romans 8:7: “For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot” (to read about this, click this link). To briefly elaborate, all people born through procreation in the line of Adam are hopelessly corrupt and unable to save themselves. This incurable condition of humanity began with Adam and Eve in the the Garden of Eden. When Adam ate from the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, Adam and Eve were eternally condemned and were internally changed into a state of total depravity, including the loss of their original state of unconfirmed creature holiness (to read two posts that I have done on this, click here and here). This truth even includes my adorable granddaughter.

What is a parent to do when he/she recognizes that their children are totally depraved? First, we should recognize that not all children raised in Christian homes are elect. It is only God’s gracious electing purposes that brings salvific life to anyone. Second, parents must resolve to raise their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord (Eph 6:4). Third, while raising their totally depraved children, they must diligently pray for the Spirit to perform the miracle of regeneration so that their child does repent and believe in Christ. As a grandparent, my wife and I regularly pray that our children are diligent in raising their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord and that the Spirit will regenerate our grandchildren.

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