The Truth in Print Vol. 27 Issue 9, Oct. 2021

A Publication of the Valley church of Christ,

2375 W. 8th Street, Yuma, AZ 85364 (928-782-5058)

Website Address ~ http://yumavalleychurchofchrist.com

When Science Attacks

1Ti 6:20 O Timothy! Guard what was committed to your trust, avoiding the profane and idle babblings and contradictions of what is falsely called knowledge—

1Ti 6:21 by professing it some have strayed concerning the faith. Grace be with you. Amen.

1) “Contradictions” [G477 antithesis] a) Strong’s definition: opposition, that is, a conflict (of theories): opposition. b) Thayer’s definition: b. that which is opposed: I Tim. 6:20 the inventions of false knowledge, either mutually oppugant, or opposed to true Christian doctrine.

• “falsely called” [G5581 pseudōnumos] Strong’s: untruly named: - falsely so called.

• “knowledge” G1108 gnōsis Strong’s”: (knowing, the act), that is, (by implication) knowledge: - knowledge, science.

Compare Col 2:8 “See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ.”

1) Col. 2:8 “philosophy” [G5385 Philosophia] W.E. Vine:

PHILOSOPHIA denotes the love and pursuit of wisdom, hence, philosophy, the investigation of truth and nature; in Col. 2:8, the so-called philosophy of false teachers. …It is worth observing that this word, which to the Greeks denoted the highest effort of the intellect, occurs here alone in Paul’s writings…the Gospel had deposed the term as inadequate to the higher standard whether of knowledge or of practice, which it had introduced” (Lightfoot).

The Complete Word Study Dictionary contains a warning not to apply it to the modern definition of philosophy stating, “The modern definition of the word must not be read into its use in the Bible. Philosophy, as the study of reality, knowledge, and values, is a profitable and biblically supported endeavor.”

Although the CWSD contains such a warning one notices that Col 2:8 says “through philosophy and vain deceit” --- it does not say “so called philosophy” as in Vine’s explanation. Just how many philosophers would you trust to uphold the Gospel in its entirety?

There are many verses where false knowledge that opposes sound doctrine appear being designated as babblings, empty chatter, contradictions of knowledge (science) falsely so called, myths (fable, fictions) and endless genealogies --- being in opposition they all belong to “another doctrine” than delivered through the inspired apostles --- and many are taught by those who have left the faith (Cf. I Tim. 4:7, I Tim. 1:6, 2 Tim. 4:4, 2 Tim. 2:16, Titus 1:10). The same is true of philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ (Col. 2:8).

THE PHILOSOPHERS AT MARS HILL

At Athens Paul’s spirit was provoked seeing the city full of idols

(Acts 17:16). Here you find the Stoic and Epicurean philosophers conversed with Paul (verse 18) --- some of these referred to Paul as an “idle babbler” defined as “one who makes his living by picking up scraps”; others said “He seems to be a proclaimer of strange deities, -- because he was preaching Jesus and the resurrection” (verse 18). They took him to the Areopagus to hear his “new teaching” and understand what he was saying.

Were the “philosophers” at Mar’s Hill doing well? By definition, “philosophers” [G5386 philosophos] Strong’s: From G5384 (dear, actively fond, associate -friend) and G4680 (wise – with the most general application); fond of wise things, that is, a “philosopher”: - philosopher.

I think it is good that “wise” is defined with the most general application for he told them they were ignorant being among the idolaters in Athens (verse 23). While the Stoics were pantheists believing in many gods and that the soul is reabsorbed somehow back into the universe, the Epicureans were the earth came by chance and would be dissolved that way guys. It is easy to see why Paul taught them God made the world and all things therein, and preached the resurrection through Christ the Savior. Do scientists today ever teach against the Creator? How many willingly listen to fools like Stephen Hawkins who I’m quite sure according to God’s dominion and revelation now believes God exists!

Act 17:24 God, who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands.

Act 17:25 Nor is He worshiped with men's hands, as though He needed anything, since He gives to all life, breath, and all things.

Act 17:30 Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent,

Act 17:31 because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead."

How many scientists need to repent and obey the Gospel? It is so called knowledge, human philosophy, empty deceit and traditions of men that attack God’s knowledge today.

1Co 1:18 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

1Co 1:19 For it is written: "I WILL DESTROY THE WISDOM OF THE WISE, AND BRING TO NOTHING THE UNDERSTANDING OF THE PRUDENT."

1Co 1:20 Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?

1Co 1:21 For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe.

1Co 2:9 But as it is written: "EYE HAS NOT SEEN, NOR EAR HEARD, NOR HAVE ENTERED INTO THE HEART OF MAN THE THINGS WHICH GOD HAS PREPARED FOR THOSE WHO LOVE HIM."

1Co 2:10 But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God.

They attack God’s ownership, the earth as His creation, man made in His image, marriage as He ordained it between a husband and wife, motherhood and natural affection, childbirth and the dignity of human life, the immortal soul in man that returns at death to God who gave it – and they attack the knowledge of eternity. Connect the dots! The thing about these just listed is lying hypocrites contradict “one” (or more) while claiming belief in Christ.

THEY ATTACK GOD’S EXISTENCE AND OWNERSHIP

GOD IS “ETERNAL” (I Tim. 1:17).

“ETERNITY” [G166 aiōnios] Thayer Definition: 1) without beginning and end, that which always has been and always will be

Scripture presents God’s plan through Christ as having been formed in eternity going back before the beginning of the world:

2Ti 1:9 who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began,

2Ti 1:10 but has now been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who has abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel,

2Ti 1:11 to which I was appointed a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.

Psa 24:1 A Psalm of David. The earth is the LORD'S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.

Often the attack begins against God’s eternal existence and ends with some convoluted thinking that man will one day figure out a means of escaping death’s certainty and the spirit’s return to God who gave it – disbelieving what God has revealed.

Ecc 8:8 “There is no man that hath power over the spirit to retain the spirit; neither hath he power in the day of death: and there is no discharge in that war; neither shall wickedness deliver those that are given to it.”

THEY ATTACK THE EARTH AS BEING GOD’S CREATION

The Bible begins with Gen 1:1 “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”

Here are two recent brief newspaper articles concerning belief in God versus atheism:

Belief in God Versus Atheism #1

Atheism is “a. Disbelief in or denial of the existence of God or gods. b. The doctrine that there is no God or gods” (Amer. Herit. Dic.). I believe God exists because (1) His physical creation displays His eternal power and divine nature: Rom 1:20 “For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse.” There is a power above mere nature belonging to a living God who made all things (Cf. Acts 17:24). He is “the God of heaven” (Eccl. 5:2; Ez. 6:9). When you read through Genesis chapter one the scriptures detail what God expanded i.e. created and you end up with the universe. It’s not eternal. It will be destroyed the day the Lord comes (2 Pet. 3:10-13). Should atheists state a fondness for nature they are really in awe of God’s creation. (2) The Bible, the inspired scriptures (2 Pet. 1:20-21, 2 Tim. 3:16-17) tells us that God is eternal (I Tim. 1:17) – meaning without beginning and end, that which always has been and always will be; the scripture presents God’s plan through Christ to save man and bring life and immortality to light through the Gospel as having been formed in eternity going back before the beginning of the world (2 Tim. 1:9-11). (3) His Word begins with: Gen. 1:1 “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” (4) Faith comes by hearing God’s Word: Rom 10:17 “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

Belief in God Versus Atheism #2

Atheism is “a. Disbelief in or denial of the existence of God or gods. b. The doctrine that there is no God or gods” (Amer. Herit. Dic.). I believe God exists because His physical creation displays His eternal power and divine nature: Rom 1:20 “For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse.” It is important to pay attention to His works in creation. The knowledge being revealed by day and night is the wisdom and power of the Creator: “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard. Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun, which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race. His going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof” (Ps. 19:1-6). In Psalms 104 you read about God who “gave the moon for seasons,” and it says “the sun knows the place of its setting” – these will not change as the earth revolves around the sun and the moon around God’s earth. The earth that God gave to man for his dwelling is firmly established (Ps. 104:5-9; 115:16).

THEY ATTACK MAN CREATED IN THE IMAGE OF GOD

Understand that man is made in the image of God (Gen 1:26-27; 2:7)

Gen 1:26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.

Gen 1:27 So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.

Gen 1:28 And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.

Gen 2:7 And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.

“MAN” DEFINITIONS: (1) “MANKIND” CONSITING OF TWO SEXES, MALE & FEMALE; (2) “A MAN” ADAM.

W.E.Vine: Man…A. Nouns. 'adam (H120), "man; mankind; In its first appearance 'adam is used for mankind, or generic man: "And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness..." (Gen_1:26). In Gen_2:7 the word refers to the first "man," Adam: "And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul."

This is said of mankind and not animals. Human beings are a distinct “class” not the highest of the animal species. Only concerning a man did he say “man became a living soul” (Gen. 2:7).

MAN WAS GIVEN DOMINION OVER OTHER LIVING THINGS.

When contrasting man with the fish (H1710 dâgâh), the birds (H5775 ‛ôph) and “every living thing that moveth” (BDB Definition: H2416 chay “of animals alive, living”) it is emphasized that both have the “breath life force.”

Ecc 3:19 For what happens to the sons of men also happens to animals; one thing befalls them: as one dies, so dies the other. Surely, they all have one breath; man has no advantage over animals, for all is vanity.

THE SPIRIT OF MAN VS. THE BODY THAT IS DUST

Gen 2:7 And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being.

Gen 3:19 In the sweat of your face you shall eat bread Till you return to the ground, For out of it you were taken; For dust you are, And to dust you shall return."

1) Ground [H127 'ădâmâh] Strong’s: - soil (from its general redness): - earth, ground.

Gen 18:27 Then Abraham answered and said, "Indeed now, I who am but dust and ashes have taken it upon myself to speak to the Lord:”

1) Dust [H 6083 `aphar] Strong’s: - dust (as powdered or gray); hence clay, earth, mud :- ashes, dust, earth, ground…

2) Ashes [H665 'epher] Strong’s: - from an unused root meaning to bestrew; ashes :- ashes.

CONCERNING MAN’S SPIRIT OR SOUL

Zec 12:1 The burden of the word of the LORD for Israel, saith the LORD, which stretcheth forth the heavens, and layeth the foundation of the earth, and formeth the spirit of man within him.

Mat 10:28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

This means when they kill the body they cannot kill the soul.

Jas 2:26 For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.

The spirit is separated from the physical body at death.

Ecc 12:7 Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.

The spirit returns to God who gave it to be judged (Eccl. 12:13-14; Heb. 9:27).

Eze 18:4 Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die.

All souls are God’s just as all material things He created (Hag 2:8).

Heb 12:9 Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?

Act 7:59 And they stoned Stephen as he was calling on God and saying, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit."

THEY ATTACK THE SANCTITY OF LIFE AND COMMIT MURDER BY ABORTION

Murder is introduced with Cain murdering his brother Abel (Gen. 4:8-15). God said to Cain “The voice of your brother’s blood cries out from the ground” (Gen. 4:10).

Cain reasoned with God that his punishment was greater than he could bear, for another would find and slay him for his sin. The Lord responded, “Therefore whosoever slayeth Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold. And the LORD set a mark upon Cain, lest any finding him should kill him.”

Later, God’s law on murder ties directly to Gen. 1:26-27 and sets forth the sanctity of human life:

Gen 9:6 Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man.

Murder was condemned under the Mosaic Law as well: Ex. 20:13, “Thou shalt not murder.” The penalty was the murderer was to be put to death (Ex. 21:14; Lev. 24:21). When Israel turned away from God and despised His law they learned the idolatrous practices of the nations and “even sacrificed their sons and daughters to demons, and shed innocent blood, the blood of their sons and daughters, whom they sacrificed to the idols of Canaan; and the land was polluted with blood (Psa 106:35-37). Among the things God hates is “A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,” (Prov. 6:17).

Jesus said, " 'YOU SHALL NOT MURDER,' 'YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT ADULTERY,' 'YOU SHALL NOT STEAL,' 'YOU SHALL NOT BEAR FALSE WITNESS,' (Matt. 19:18)

“Murder” (Matt. 19:18) [G5407 phoneuō] Thayer: absol. to commit murder: - Ja. 2:11.

Jas 2:11 For He who said, "DO NOT COMMIT ADULTERY," also said, "DO NOT MURDER." Now if you do not commit adultery, but you do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law.

Those today supporting and practicing abortions attack the sanctity of human life and commit murder. How can anyone claim to be a Christian and support a political party that increasingly condones and demands abortions written right into its platform? Why have members of the church been babied on pointing out that a vote for a candidate that is pro-abortion is a vote for this all-out attack on God’s dominion?

THEY ATTACK MARRIAGE WITH THE MAN AS HUSBAND AND WOMAN AS WIFE AS GOD ORDAINED IT

Gen 2:19 Out of the ground the LORD God formed every beast of the field and every bird of the air, and brought them to Adam to see what he would call them. And whatever Adam called each living creature, that was its name.

Gen 2:20 So Adam gave names to all cattle, to the birds of the air, and to every beast of the field. But for Adam there was not found a helper comparable to him.

Gen 2:21 And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall on Adam, and he slept; and He took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh in its place.

Gen 2:22 Then the rib which the LORD God had taken from man He made into a woman, and He brought her to the man.

Gen 2:23 And Adam said: "This is now bone of my bones And flesh of my flesh; She shall be called Woman, Because she was taken out of Man."

Gen 2:24 Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.

They were “husband” and “wife” (Gen 3:6, 16).

Jesus taught on husbands and wives:

Mat 19:4 And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female,

Mat 19:5 And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh?

Mat 19:6 Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.

Marriage is the right institution for bringing children into God’s world. This is perverted by LGBTQ+ where a “wife” is a man and a “husband” is a woman.

THEY ATTACK MOTHERHOOD AND NATURAL AFFECTION

Being “without natural affection” belongs with the world that does not approve of retaining God in knowledge (Rom. 1:28-32).

“Natural Affection” [G794 astorgos] Strong’s: From G1 (as a negative particle) and a presumed derivative of stergō (to cherish affectionately); hard hearted towards kindred: - without natural affection.

If a young woman at childbirth has the party who is prearranged to adopt her child there for the birth taking the child at birth, and then she gets up and leaves the hospital after birth with no qualm of spirit what’s not there?

What older women should be teaching younger women:

Tit 2:3 The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;

Tit 2:4 That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,

Tit 2:5 To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.

THEY ATTACK CHILDBEARING

Politicians show the things their own hearts are set on in their worthless justifications as they speak of the importance of one’s future and career, or hardships on the poor or people of color --- and yet some claim to be Christians. Think of abortions and associated scientific research – the so called “aborted baby market.” Discard then sell the parts!

This attack seeks to justify perversions as if we should believe what Joe Biden pitched when running for President: “Did you know a man can get pregnant? Really! Really!”

THE BABE YET UNBORN IS A LIVING PERSON

The word “babe,” “child” or “children” in the Greek applies to the unborn as well as born, and to the infant or child.

Luk 1:41 And it happened, when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, that the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.

1) “Babe” [G1025 brephos] Strong’s: an infant (properly unborn) literally or figuratively: - babe, (young) child, infant.

Luk 1:13 But the angel said to him, "Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John.

Luk 1:14 And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth.

Luk 1:15 For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will also be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother's womb.

1) Lk. 1:15 “He will also be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb” – thus a person. It is the same word as in Lk. 2:12 “Babe”, 16 “Babe”; 18:15 “infants”.

Consider the following scenario under the Law:

Exo 21:12 "He who strikes a man so that he dies shall surely be put to death.

Exo 21:22 "If men fight, and hurt a woman with child, so that she gives birth prematurely, yet no harm follows, he shall surely be punished accordingly as the woman's husband imposes on him; and he shall pay as the judges determine.

Exo 21:23 But if any harm follows, then you shall give life for life, …

Abortions offered in abortion clinics – oh, excuse me that’s now called extractions in health and medical clinics – are not accidents.

THEY ATTACK ETERNITY BY THE FUTILITY OF THEIR HUMAN PHILSOPHIES, THOUGHTS AND REASONING

I repeat: Often the attack begins against God’s eternal existence and ends with some convoluted thinking that man will one day figure out a means of escaping death’s certainty and the spirit’s return to God who gave it – disbelieving what God has revealed.

Science, medicine and artificial mechanisms can be helpful but the flesh is mortal and corruptible --- nor can man create the eternal spirit or soul.

Valley Church of Christ

2375 W. 8th Street, Yuma, AZ 85364

(928) 782-5058 ~ http://yumavalleychurchofchrist.com

Sunday Services – Classes ~10:00; Assembly 10:50 am; Evening: 6:00 pm.

Wednesday evening – 7:00 pm

To learn more call, visit or visit our website at:

http://yumavalleychurchofchrist.com

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