June 2013
Monstrous Problems – Awesome God!
That is the title of one of my favorite lessons, which is an overview of the book of Job and which shows how God used dinosaurs to demonstrate His awesome power and majesty to Job. What was the result? Consider the first six verses of Job chapter 42 (NKJV).
“Then Job answered the LORD and said: 2 ‘I know that You can do everything, And that no purpose of Yours can be withheld from You. 3 You asked, ‘Who is this who hides counsel without knowledge?’ Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand, Things too wonderful for me, which I did not know. 4 Listen, please, and let me speak; You said, ‘I will question you, and you shall answer Me.’ 5 I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear, But now my eye sees You. 6 Therefore I abhor myself, And repent in dust and ashes.”
Isn’t it a tragic shame that Biblical skeptics have hijacked dinosaurs to very effectively use them for their evolutionary propaganda? We need to recapture dinosaurs to proclaim the majestic glory of God as He did for Job! Also we need to demonstrate the truth that our Awesome God was/is/always will be the original Scientist. Do you realize that Genesis 1:1 is an amazing statement of scientific reality? Cosmologist Herbert Spencer did research for years to determine the basic components of the universe. As a result he found there are five essential components – if any of them were missing, the universe would not exist. These components are:
1. Time 2. Force 3. Energy 4. Space 5. Matter
Is it mere coincidence that all five basic components are given in Genesis 1:1?
1. In the beginning = Time.
2. God = who is force (and much more).
3. Created – here is the energy.
4. The heavens = space.
5. The earth = matter.
Amazing! Simply amazing! Could this be mere coincidence? You can believe it was mere coincidence if you wish, but I believe Almighty God did it that way on purpose to demonstrate His glory and to confound the skeptics! Our God is an Awesome God!!! Many skeptics like to declare that they believe in science – not miracles. However, the actual truth is that every rational human being does believe in at least one huge miracle! What miracle? The existence of this universe and everything in it. Sir Isaac Newton (honored by many as the greatest scientist) said, “This universe exists, and by that one impossible fact declares itself a miracle.” No matter how you choose to believe this universe got here – if you believe it exists – you do believe in miracles! If you do not believe that this universe and everything in it exists – remember that I said every rational human being does believe….
Also, the potent portion of the Word of God found in Isaiah 40:21-31 is more impressive and powerful to me the more often I read and ponder its implications.
“21 Have you not known? Have you not heard? Has it not been told you from the beginning? Have you not understood from the foundations of the earth? 22 It is He who sits above the circle of the earth, And its inhabitants are like grasshoppers, Who stretches out the heavens like a curtain, And spreads them out like a tent to dwell in. 23 He brings the princes to nothing; He makes the judges of the earth useless. 24 Scarcely shall they be planted, Scarcely shall they be sown, Scarcely shall their stock take root in the earth, When He will also blow on them, And they will wither, And the whirlwind will take them away like stubble. 25 “To whom then will you liken Me, Or to whom shall I be equal?” says the Holy One. 26 Lift up your eyes on high, And see who has created these things, Who brings out their host by number; He calls them all by name, By the greatness of His might And the strength of His power; Not one is missing. 27 Why do you say, O Jacob, And speak, O Israel: “My way is hidden from the LORD, And my just claim is passed over by my God”? 28 Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the LORD, The Creator of the ends of the earth, neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable. 29 He gives power to the weak, And to those who have no might He increases strength. 30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary, And the young men shall utterly fall, 31 But those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.”
Cosmologists do not yet know how many galaxies there are because they cannot find the ends of the universe, but Almighty God knows every star and calls it by name. (Isaiah 40:26). Not only does He know trillions of stars by name – He knows you by name. He knows your concerns, your sorrows, your sins – and He wants to call you to Himself, forgive your sin, calm your fears, hold you in His forgiving heart, fill you with abundant joy and commission you to spiritual service in His conquering Kingdom. Are you ready to enlist? How exciting! How challenging to be enlisted in the service of the King – and walk with Him!
Sergei Golovin and several others who read Hebrew have pointed out that the word translated “circle” in verse 22 could more accurately be translated “sphere”. Those who misinterpreted the phrase “four corners of the earth” to mean that the earth is flat missed the fact that God revealed through His prophet Isaiah over 700 years B.C. that the earth is a sphere. (I have read that there are actually “four corners” – bumps – on the surface of the earth, but the phrase probably refers to north, south, east, and west.)
Also in verse 22 the phrase, “Who stretches out the heavens like a curtain,” is a good description of another scientific fact – that the universe is expanding. The discovery of strong evidence for an expanding universe clarified to scientists years ago that the universe had to have a beginning, so in their evolutionary mindset, some proposed and accepted the “Big Bang Theory”. They did not choose to believe God’s record found in Genesis 1:1 and many other Scriptures.
I realize that some theologians and old universe advocates fawn over the Big Bang Theory, but there are massive contradictions between that theory and the Biblical account of God’s creation. As Kenneth Beckman emphasized, “When we compromise, we become part of the problem we once sought to solve!”
David Darling in 1996 wrote an intriguing description of the superstitious speculations of scientists supporting the Big Bang Theory. Here is a quotable quote on “The Origin of the Universe”.
“What is a big deal – the biggest deal of all – is how you get something out of nothing. Don’t let the cosmologists try to kid you on this one. They have not got a clue either – despite the fact that they are doing a pretty good job of convincing themselves and others that this is really not a problem. ‘In the beginning,’ they will say, ‘there was nothing – no time, space, matter or energy. Then there was a quantum fluctuation from which…’ Whoa! Stop right there. You see what I mean? First there is nothing, then there is something. And the cosmologists try to bridge the two with a quantum flutter, a tremor of uncertainty that sparks it all off. Then they are away and before you know it, they have pulled a hundred billion galaxies out of their quantum hats.”
I choose to believe the Word of God!
6 By the word of the LORD the heavens were made, And all the host of them by the breath of His mouth. 8 Let all the earth fear the LORD; Let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him. 9 For He spoke and it was done; He commanded, and it stood fast. Psalm 33:6, 8-9 (NKJV).
What you have just read is a taste of what I have had opportunity to share in secular classrooms and Christian settings in Ukraine and the Republic of Georgia for the seven weeks from March 17 – May 5.
From Our Mailbox
God is doing some amazing things in the former Soviet Union nations, particularly in Ukraine. The first item I want to share with you in this section is the last portion of Sergei Golovin’s report for the month of May.
“Amazing, how simple networking enriches mutual experience. Through the recent conferences for public schools Christian teachers and headmasters we got acquainted with many brothers and sisters in Christ, and everyone has something to share. With great excitement we found out a school headmaster, former Science teacher Alexander Vyalov, who has developed a lot of easy and obvious experiments which, being incorporated into public school curriculum as visual aids, allow to teach students Biblical truth. That approach helps children both to understand the lesson and remember the important issues much better.
Of course we couldn’t miss the opportunity to work with someone, who shares our vision and works at the front lines! We invited Alexander and shot 20 video episodes to supply as much as possible Science teachers, parents and children with them on DVDs and through Internet. Please join us in prayers for the effective distribution of this resource.
And the last, but not the least. On the very last day of spring we have poured the foundation of the New House, the first building of our Training Center – concrete pillows on the bedrock. Prior to it we took a rock piece (drilled out of there during geological inspection) to the church for the congregation to pray over it for the entire project. At the pictures Vadeem, our director, is returning the rock back where it belongs. Please join our praises to the One who has provided the opportunity to start this great project and prayers that He will carry it on to completion for the glory of Christ Jesus!
Please keep praying for our ministry, for all our projects, for our team, for our families, for God’s guidance in everything we do. You are in our prayers as well.
Yours by the love and grace of Christ Jesus
Sergei”
Note: Alexander Vyalov is the founder and director of “The Beginning of Wisdom” Christian school – the only Christian school in the city of Kharkov – and he is a personal friend of Zhenya Molodchy. I have taught Christian Evidences to the older grades several times and donated my books, Dennis Peterson’s book, “Unlocking the Mysteries of Creation”, and Bruce Malone’s book, “Search for the Truth”, plus several other resources in Russian to Alexander for the school library. I’m glad Sergei now also knows him. Teamwork is vital! ~ Rick
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“…..Stephanie and I have been reading your apologetics book. I jumped right to the chapter about Baptism. You bring out reasoning and arguments that I haven’t heard in years and some I have never heard. If the rest of the book is as good as that chapter, your book belongs on everybody’s must read list! I would like to purchase a number of copies, perhaps a box. It would make a great small group study.
Thank you for your testimony and your ministry. God bless.
John and Stephanie”
Note: please remember our request to pray for funds to publish the 2nd edition of “Ready to Give an Answer” in the Georgian language. ~ Rick
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“Thank you for another wonderful newsletter. I praise our Father for how his life flows through you and helps others. I know we only plant and water, and that God gives the increase. I am also aware that only he can measure his outreach through you. This little proverb states it well: “Most anyone can count the number of seeds in an apple. Only God can count the number of apples in a seed.” Thank you for planting so many gospel seeds.
“On March 5th I came across a marvelous verse through reading Daily Bread: Zephaniah 3:17: ‘The Lord your God in the midst, the mighty one will save. He will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you with his love; and he will rejoice over you with singing.’ It was spoken about Israel. I see it confirmed in the New Testament for us. Praise Him. May it bless and encourage both of you.
“Since I had not taken special note of this verse before, and because it carries such beautiful thoughts, I put it in my memory bank. Since then I have shared it with many patients, hospital staff, Bible studies, and friends. The other day I phoned a marvelous Christian couple who has gone through years of illness and struggles. I prayed with her and shared this special verse. Our sister poured out her thanks for the timeliness of the call, and for God’s Word, and his help to her. Praise Him.
“You may have already been very aware of the verse and been often blessed by it. Since it means so much to me I had to pass it on. (‘pay it forward.’)
Love and prayers,
Dick Halaas”
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“Your letter last week was amazing and the needs you mention all worthy. I will mail you a check soon, but I will leave it to you to set priorities; best wishes on that……Glad you are back safe and able to accomplish so much.
“I just returned from a trip to Peru with a couple of people you probably know: Bruce Malone, Diego Rodriquez, Brent Carter and Craig Marcus. We had a great time.
“Enjoy your days and stay healthy for you next big trip.
Craig Hubler”
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“I just wanted to thank you for the work you are doing in the Ukraine. The news on TV seems to indicate that Ukraine is a very unsafe place to be. Have you been the target of any persecution? Della, you are to be commended for keeping the home fires burning when Rick is absent. You are both working together hand in hand with the Lord. There is a definite need for the two locations to carry out His work…..
“We both look forward eagerly to your well-written, interesting newsletters. They are in themselves an outreach, and I’m sure, very effective in encouraging support. The testimony about the 26 guards blew us away! It gave me goose bumps. That truly was the ‘Lord’s Armee!’ (As in the song.)
“The work you are doing in the Ukraine may some day have a real impact on the politics of that area, and eventually spread across all of Europe, influence Russians, and finally culminate in a world-wide change. God is all-powerful, but He depends on His people to do His work. This region is an extremely vital mission. The Enemy spends endless money, resources and people to spread his word; how can we do less? If we take Religious Freedom for granted and sit around nonchalantly expecting it to continue without our effort to sustain it, then we will be in for a rude awakening. The Enemy is very strong, but God is stronger. It all depends on which group’s emissaries work the hardest. I fear that our own country is going down the drain.
“So keep up the good work, Rick and Della and all your compatriots. Tell them we appreciate their dedication.
Love in Christ Jesus,
Walt & Wanda McGinnis”
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Note: No, I do not feel any more danger in Ukraine than I do in America. Both are dealing with extreme corruption in government and society, and things can change fast in either country. There are huge problems in Ukraine, but we are so thankful for such wonderful co-workers. I have not experienced persecution in Ukraine – but perhaps that is to my shame because “all who live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” (2 Timothy 3:12). Actually, I believe the persecution which is so prevalent to Christians in much of the world is coming to both of our nations, and we need to get ready. It’s already happening in many ways, but it is getting worse and more violent (as with the Columbine shootings a few years ago.) Once in Crimea a woman who seemed quite upset was talking to Sergei Golovin in a loud voice. I asked him what she said, and he replied, “I hate you!” Apparently she hated me as an American so much that she hated Sergei for talking with me and helping me with my luggage. I didn’t know this woman, and she probably hated me for decisions made by our government leaders. This is very mild compared to what we may be facing very soon. Are we prayed up? Are we willing to face persecution for His Name’s sake? These are very pertinent questions.
Actually, the safest place to be on the face of the earth is in the center of God’s will. The Father said to His people Israel, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10. Since those of us in Christ are His adopted children who have been grafted into the tree and are part of true Israel (prince of God), shouldn’t we also be able to claim this comforting promise for our own? ~ Rick
Prayer Requests
1. Quote from George Carillet’s Culture Corner:
“Orphans and other children at risk in Ukraine: Joel Butts, YouthReach:
Christian Missionary Society ‘Center-SOS’. According to the State Statistics committee, only 5% of children brought up in an orphanage receive a permanent job and provide for their families, 30% are already on the criminal path. 50% of families created by former orphanage graduates are at a high risk of being broken (mainly because they have had no real models of family). Their friends become a substitute family, whose social code promotes promiscuity, prostitution, alcoholism, doing or selling drugs, lying, and stealing.”
Note: Please remember to pray for the funds for Anatoly and Larisa Shalbyetski to complete building their new house to provide for such at risk children. They have big hearts for children, give them loving guidance and teach them to love Jesus. ~ Rick
2. “More Than Conquerors in Cultural Clashes” is the title of a new book I’m working on now to exhort believers to be bold witnesses for Jesus in the midst of our collapsing culture – and to expose the lies of the “politically correct” elite. Please pray for God’s wisdom, for us to finish the book this summer, and for publication soon. I’ve recruited astute and dedicated reviewers to help me keep the balance of “speaking the truth in love.” Here are some of the comments from reviewers:
a. “When your first chapter arrived I decided that even though I am now packing and making last minute preparations to fly to Haiti that I would take the time to read Chapter one. It was interesting, inspiring, and challenging to read it. You have done an excellent job, as usual, in writing a very scholarly chapter, as well as an easy reading chapter. I tried to read it as an unbeliever seeking information. Reading it this way, I can tell you truthfully that I was tremendously challenged and helped to believe in the truth of God’s Word, as opposed to the false fairy tales of unbelievers. I only offer one suggestion for improvement. In the early part of the chapter as you presented a very brief appeal to the lost sinner to find salvation in Jesus, I think it was too brief. I suggest you give a fuller, more complete presentation of the plan of salvation here. Later on in the chapter your own personal testimony is a powerful presentation and very convincing. If in the earlier part you gave a complete presentation of the plan of salvation, then I think when the reader reaches your own personal testimony, it would be even more powerful.”
~ Reggie Thomas.
b. “Rick, I know your heart for the Lord and the lost. I have always had deep admiration for you for your heart and life. I do not find you offensive nor overly blunt. I look forward to reading what you have to say. We do live when the USA is falling apart. I don’t know how much longer it can survive, not long I believe with the current direction. Something needs to be done to warn people. I have just been studying the Persian Empire and have observed that there were many similarities with them and the USA. They lasted 200 years and ruled the world. We have lasted just over 200 years and have been the strongest nation in the world’s history. But we are now bankrupt financially and morally. I cannot believe what people are willing to accept from our national and state leaders. It is a huge mess…..”
(Next paragraph is after he reviewed Chapter 2 – Rick):
“Rick: This is SUPER great!!! I find no fault with it, wish it could be widely circulated and read. I did not read it for punctuation and proper English, but for content. As you know, I am very busy at the present, with more work every week than I can accomplish. But in reading it I find it is right on target and conveys in a very clear way my own views. God Bless you and Della. Your friend and brother; Charles Crane, Eagle Christian Church”
c. “This is all great material that is powerful truth as a Christian apologetic! We can pray God will use this to spread His gospel message!” ~ Rich Schell
d. “This chapter is a very strongly worded and forceful declaration of what needs to be heard in the USA. I think your wording and message is very appropriate and clear without being condescending. Did not find anything I would suggest you change. The chapter is strongly worded for patriotic presentation, but the message cannot be diluted and be effective…..I very much enjoyed reading your thoughts. Your comments are things I have felt for a long time need to be expressed to America.” ~ D. Lloyd Thomas
A Special Prayer Request from Steve Bragg
Creation versus Evolution
CCre
Please pray our Lord will provide a way for my friend Rick Deighton to come to the Philippines.
Rick Deighton’s ministry is teaching about our Lord’s creation in Genesis. He is an apologist for Creation. Rick was one of my professors when I attended Boise Bible College. I have invited Rick to come and speak to Filipino teachers and pastors about Creation versus Evolution. Rick is a missionary to the Ukraine as a Creation apologist and evangelist for our Lord Jesus Christ. I’m praying he will have a workshop at our Convention October 30 thru November 1. We will give Rick time to speak on the radio to the Filipinos on the subject, as well. We pray the Lord will provide many venues for Rick to teach the Filipinos that God is God, and He did indeed speak Creation into existence.
Thank you for your prayers in this ministry.
“Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the earth for three years and six months,” (James 5:17).
Your partner in this ministry to the Filipinos, Pastor Steve Bragg
River Rock Church & Grace Chapel Ministries
Serving in Patnongon Antique Philippines
Book Offer
Of course we don’t have “More Than Conquerors in Cultural Clashes” ready to offer you yet, but we do have copies of “No Higher Power” by Phyllis Schlafly and George Newmayr. It is a well-documented, potent and pertinent expose’ of what is happening now in our nation. We also still have copies left of the stunning book, “The Harbinger – The Ancient Mystery That Holds the Secret of America’s Future” by Jonathan Cahn. (We ordered a second shipment of this one after the first lot was gone.) We would be happy to send you a copy of either stimulating book if you request one when you send an offering of any amount to Overseas Outreach.
Yours & His,
Rick
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A Note from Della
They have a huge responsibility!
Too often they are taken for granted!
They need our respect, our love, and our appreciation!
“Expressed affection is the best of all methods to use when you want to light a glow in someone’s heart and to feel it in your own.” ~ Ruth Stafford Peale
Light a glow in your father’s heart today!!!