Birthday Thoughts

This present physical life is a proving ground. It is like going to school. We don’t graduate until death, or until the coming of the Lord! Do people celebrate when they begin to go to school or college? Or don’t they celebrate when they GRADUATE AND GET THEIR DIPLOMA? Merely beginning life is nothing to boast about! It is where we end up that really counts!

The true hope of the Christian is the resurrection of the dead, when we shall all “be changed. In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be CHANGED. For this corruption must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality” (I Cor. 15:51-52).

That is the day we will celebrate -- not our physical birthdays, when we were literally born into a lifetime of struggle, trials, suffering, death, misery, and privation, persecution, strife, and pain. Not at all! We look forward to and celebrate the second coming of Christ, and the resurrection of the dead saints which will occur at His coming!

As Paul wrote to the Philipians, “Yea, doubtless, and I count all things but LOSS for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord; for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but DUNG, that I may win Christ...That I may know him, and the POWER of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead” (Phil. 3:8, 10-11).

This was Paul's one ambition, one driving desire, in life. He declared, “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, FORGETTING THOSE THINGS WHICH ARE BEHIND (such as birthdays!), and REACHING FORTH unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 3:13-14).

This present life is as nothing. It is full of pain and suffering. If we follow Christ, then we will suffer as He suffered, leaving us an example (I Peter 4:13; 2:21). But the end result -- the eternal reward ahead of us -- makes it all worthwhile!

During this life we experience the “fellowship of his sufferings” (Phil. 3:11). We are one with Him in suffering, that we might become one with Him in glory and eternal life!

Paul wrote, “Who shall CHANGE OUR VILE BODY, that it might be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself” (Phil. 3:21).

How much greater this is, than celebrating our birthdays of this fragile, temporary, transitory, weak, clay, human existence!
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Jan 6 is my birthday. On this day I will not be celebrating my physical birth. I will be thanking God for his free gift of salvation he offered to me which I have accepted.

Instead of celebrating your birth consider Christ's birth and its eternal consequences for you on your birthday.

Consider your temporary human existance on your birthday.

Beginning life is nothing to boast about! It is where we end up that really counts!
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God Gave Himself

John 3:16

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotton Son, that whsoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

The greatest of all gifts.

The greatest gift was when God gave himself for a lost and undeserving world.

It was the greatest gift because it met the greatest need, revealed the greatest love, and had the greatest scope and purpose of any gift that could ever be conceived in the heart of an omniscient Creator.

This great gift is abundantly sufficient to provide salvation and everlasting life for the whole world.

But a gift only becomes a gift when it is accepted.

The greatest of all tragedies is that this greatest of all gifts has been spurned and even ridiculed, or worst of all simply ignored by multitudes who need it so much.

When they brazenly refuse God's free gift of everlasting life, they can only perish in everlasting death. The Eternity of Hell’s Torments (The 2nd Death)

God did all He could do when He gave His Son; for when He gave His Son, He gave HIMSELF.
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This Was Your Life    
GoodNewsPost( Bible)    
FineTunedUniverse   
What Does It Mean To Be Born Again?

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The Fine Tuning of the Universe

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The Fine Tuning of the Universe

From galaxies and stars, down to atoms and subatomic particles, the very structure of our universe is determined by these numbers:

* Speed of Light: c=299,792,458 m s-1

* Gravitational Constant: G=6.673 x 10-11 m3 kg-1 s-2

* Planck's Constant: 1.05457148 x 10-34 m2 kg s-2

* Planck Mass-Energy: 1.2209 x 1022 MeV

* Mass of Electron, Proton, Neutron: 0.511; 938.3; 939.6 MeV

* Mass of Up, Down, Strange Quark: 2.4; 4.8; 104 MeV (Approx.)

* Ratio of Electron to Proton Mass: (1836.15)-1

* Gravitational Coupling Constant: 5.9 x 10-39

* Cosmological Constant: (2.3 x 10-3 eV)

* Hubble Constant: 71 km/s/Mpc (today)

* Higgs Vacuum Expectation Value: 246.2 GeV

These are the fundamental constants and quantities of the universe. Scientists have come to the shocking realization that each of these numbers have been carefully dialed to an astonishingly precise value - a value that falls within an exceedingly narrow, life-permitting range.

If any one of these numbers were altered by even a hair's breadth, no physical, interactive life of any kind could exist anywhere. There'd be no stars, no life, no planets, no chemistry.

Consider gravity, for example. The force of gravity is determined by the gravitational constant. If this constant varied by just one in 1060 parts, none of us would exist. To understand how exceedingly narrow this life-permitting range is, imagine a dial divided into 1060 increments. To get a handle on how many tiny points on the dial this is, compare it to the number of cells in your body (1014) or the number of seconds that have ticked by since time began (1020).

If the gravitational constant had been out of tune by just one of these infinitesimally small increments, the universe would either have expanded and thinned out so rapidly that no stars could form and life couldn't exist, or it would have collapsed back on itself with the same result: no stars, no planets, no life.

Or consider the expansion rate of the universe. This is driven by the cosmological constant. A change in its value by a mere 1 part in 10120 parts would cause the universe to expand too rapidly or too slowly. In either case, the universe would, again, be life-prohibiting.

Or, another example of fine-tuning: If the mass and energy of the early universe were not evenly distributed to an incomprehensible precision of 1 part in 1010123, the universe would be hostile to life of any kind.

The fact is our universe permits physical, interactive life only because these, and many other numbers, have been independently and exquisitely balanced on a razor's edge.

"THE REMARKABLE FACT IS THAT THE VALUES OF THESE NUMBERS SEEM TO HAVE BEEN VERY FINELY ADJUSTED TO MAKE POSSIBLE THE DEVELOPMENT OF LIFE." - Stephen Hawking

What is the best explanation for this astounding phenomenon? There are three live options. The fine-tuning of the universe is due to either physical necessity, chance, or design. Which of these options is the most plausible?
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Dr. Jason Lisle on the Finely Tuned Universe

The primary topic is the Anthropic Principle and the evidence for creation from the finely tuned universe. The interview includes a brief discussed about the Big Bang. In addition are some interesting comments about Stephen Hawking invoking a multiverse to help explain the finely tuned universe.

The Amazing Regenerating Rib Of A Human

The Amazing Regenerating Rib
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Dr. Georgia Purdom
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Abstract

Many people think of the skeletal structure as static, but as our ribs show, they are some of the most dynamic structures in our bodies.

The skeletal system is one of the most underappreciated organ systems in our bodies. Bones are usually considered rather static and not to contribute much to overall health. However, bones are some of the most dynamic organs in the body and constantly change to help the body deal with the stresses (nutritional and physical) that are encountered. Ribs are truly amazing bones not only for the physical roles they play in our bodies, but also for their connection to Genesis.

Anatomy and Physiology of Ribs

Both men and women have 12 pairs of ribs.1 These ribs extend from the vertebrae to form the wall of the thoracic cavity (where the lungs and heart reside). The first seven pairs of ribs are called true ribs and connect to the sternum. The remaining five pairs of ribs are called false ribs because they don’t attach directly to the sternum. Ribs 8–10 attach to cartilage that attaches the true ribs to the sternum, and ribs 11–12 are floating—they do not attach to the sternum or other ribs.

The function of ribs is threefold. First, they provide protection for the lungs and heart. The ribs more or less form a “cage” around these very important organs. Second, they are one of the few bones that continue to make red marrow (and thus blood cells) in the adult. Third, they serve as attachment points for chest muscles involved in respiration.

The rib cage can be thought of as a handle on a bucket. When we breathe in, the muscles attached to the ribs pull the ribs out just as when you lift the handle on a bucket from the side—it goes out and up. The lungs are coordinated with this movement, expand and take air in. The opposite occurs when we breathe out; the muscles attached to the ribs relax, and the ribs go down and in (just like dropping a bucket handle)—and the lungs follow (become smaller) causing air to leave.

The absence of this latter function was known by our Savior during His crucifixion on the cross. In crucifixion the arms are stretched to the extent that the chest muscles connecting to the ribs are pulled tight. A person enduring crucifixion can breathe in, but they have a difficult time breathing out. The ribs remain in a fixed position because the muscles attached to the ribs can’t relax. Thus, the lungs can’t become smaller, which is necessary for air to leave.

Jesus would have had to lift Himself up (scraping a severely beaten back on the wooden cross) to allow the chest muscles to relax and the rib cage to move so He could breathe out. To think that He did this successfully for several hours and managed to say seven phrases during that time period should make us appreciate even more His sacrifice for us.

Regenerating Ribs

Although all bones can repair themselves, ribs can regenerate themselves.2 Ribs are commonly removed during surgeries that require bone grafts in other parts of the body. The rib is removed from the periosteum (a tissue surrounding the bone) much like a banana would be removed from its peel while keeping most of the peel intact. The periosteum must remain, as it contains osteoblasts which build the new rib bone.
Ribs and Genesis

The rib bone is one of the few bones mentioned by name in Scripture. Genesis 2:20b–22 states, “But for Adam there was not found a helper comparable to him. 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. Then the rib which the LORD God had taken from man He made into a woman, and He brought her to the man.” Being a woman this is an especially important part of Scripture to me!

Some people have mistakenly thought that because God used a rib from Adam to make the woman that all men have one less rib than women.3 We know this is false because we can easily count the number of ribs in men and women and see they are the same. The number of ribs is determined by the code written in our DNA. God did not change Adam’s DNA; He simply removed one of his ribs to use for the creation of the woman. Thus, all men descended from Adam (and Eve) would have 12 pairs of ribs, even if Adam had one less rib. The same could be said for a man who loses his leg due to an accident. Would all his children only have one leg? Of course not—the man’s DNA that codes for two legs has not changed.

God chose from Adam the one bone that could regenerate itself. So, even though he likely had one less rib bone for some period of time (possibly to some an indication of imperfection before the Fall), we still observe perfection and completeness in Adam physically before the Fall due to the regenerative capability of the ribs.

As a woman I find it compelling that God chose to remove a bone from Adam’s side versus from his head or his feet to create the woman. Matthew Henry states, “That the woman was made of a rib out of the side of Adam; not made out of his head to rule over him, nor out of his feet to be trampled upon by him, but out of his side to be equal with him, under his arm to be protected, and near his heart to be beloved.”4

God made the woman to be Adam’s helper, “And the LORD God said, ‘It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him.’” (Genesis 2:18). God instituted different roles for husbands and wives from Creation, but they were adversely affected by the Fall (Genesis 3:16). However, the Fall did not change the fact that God made the woman (and thus all women) equal in status to Adam (and thus all men).
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Jesus would have had to lift Himself up (scraping a severely beaten back on the wooden cross) to allow the chest muscles to relax and the rib cage to move so He could breathe out. To think that He did this successfully for several hours and managed to say seven phrases during that time period should make us appreciate even more His sacrifice for us.

(I did not realize that Jesus our Creator and Savior did this so he could breathe out. It does make me more aware of the sacrifice Jesus made for me.

Imagine, your Creator/Savior nailed to a cross bleeding and struggling to exhale with every breath.

GOD himself in the form of his Son enduring the pain and suffering for you and I for our sins.

All that Jesus asks is that you believe on him, repent of your sins and call on his name believing he sacrificed himself for you to be saved from the torment of hell for eternity.) Story Reports
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The GOOD NEWS (the gospel) is that it is very EASY to partake of the second birth, the spiritual birth. God came down to this earth 2,000 years ago and took upon Him the form of a man, that man was the Lord Jesus Christ (1st Timothy 3:16). Literally, the Godhead became incarnate (Colossians 2:9). Jesus was born of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14). Jesus never sinned one time (2nd Corinthians 5:21). Jesus died, was buried and rose again after three days (1st Corinthians 15:1-4). Jesus shed His blood for our many sins (Colossians 1:14).

There are a few things you must know to be saved:

1. You are a sinner (Romans 3:10,23).

2. You deserve to go to hell to pay for your sins (Romans 6:23; Revelation 21:8).

3. Jesus Christ, God in the flesh (God's Son), died upon the cross to pay for your sins (John 3:16-18; Romans 5:8).

If you believe that Jesus is the Saviour (the Christ) Who paid for your sins, and you realize your sinful condition enough to see your need for a Saviour, then you are ready to be born again. All that remains for you to do is to personally ask Jesus Christ to forgive your sins and to come into your heart as your own personal Saviour.

What Does It Mean To Be Born Again?

Creation Sermons

Good News Post (KJV Bible)

Is the universe is a hologram?

Experiment tests whether universe is a hologram
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Physicists at the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory near Chicago, Illinois, announced this week that the Holometer, a device designed to test whether we live in a giant hologram, has started taking data.

"The theory is that space is made of waves instead of points, that everything is a little jittery, and never sits still," says Craig Hogan at the University of Chicago, who dreamed up the experiment.

The Holometer is designed to measure this "jitter". The surprisingly simple device is operated from a shed in a field near Chicago, and consists of two powerful laser beams that are directed through tubes 40 metres long. The lasers precisely measure the positions of mirrors along their paths at two points in time.

If space-time is smooth and shows no quantum behaviour, then the mirrors should remain perfectly still. But if both lasers measure an identical, small difference in the mirrors' position over time, that could mean the mirrors are being jiggled about by fluctuations in the fabric of space itself.

Hogan cautions that the idea that the universe is a hologram is somewhat misleading because it suggests that our experience is some kind of illusion, a projection like a television screen. If the Holometer finds a fundamental unit of space, it won't mean that our 3D world doesn't exist. Rather it will change the way we understand its basic makeup. And so far, the machine appears to be working.
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(People who deny there is a creator will confuse and deceive people by trying to explain the universe created itself..ie the "big bang" etc.

These people are deceivers who deceive others about creation. Men will continue to deny GOD created the universe.) Story Reports
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How can we see light from distant stars if the universe is less than 10,000 years old?
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How can we see light from distant stars if the universe is less than 10,000 years old?

One of the primary evidences claimed for an old universe – and, by implication, an Earth billions of years old – is that light from the most distant stars can be observed on Earth today. It is argued that at the known speed or velocity of light it will have taken a great deal longer than, say, 6,000 years for it to have traveled from the distant stars to Earth.

There is an inherent assumption in this seemingly rational argument that flies in the face of real science. There are a few but well established laws of physics agreed to by astrophysicists and all other scientists. One of these laws is the Second Law of Thermodynamics. It states that everything in the known universe is slowing down or going to a state of lower energy. Put another way, everything known about the Earth and the universe is running downhill. For example, we know our cars rust and wear out. They do not get better as they age. In contrast, evolution is a theory – NOT a Law – claiming that the velocity of light is and always has been the same. Is the velocity of light really constant, and are all the other related "physical constants" also constant? The answer is no.

The velocity of light was first determined in 1675 when measurements were made based upon the eclipses of Jupiter's moons. Other, more refined methods have been employed since 1874. Between that date and the present, there is a statistically significant but small decrease in velocity. Interestingly, all the other related physical constants are also changing – either increasing or decreasing according to their relationship to the velocity of light.

Furthermore, velocity with respect to time is a hyperbolic function. In the case of light, this means that at Creation the velocity was extremely high and it then began to fall, very rapidly at first. Then, as time progressed, the rate at which the speed of light fell became less rapid. Today, it is almost a constant. The curve – showing the decreasing speed of light – is now almost horizontal. However, the small decrease is very real and still measurable.

From the biblical viewpoint, the light from the most distant stars probably reached the Garden of Eden a few days after creation. In other words, Adam's night sky became progressively brighter until it reached the grandeur seen today on a cloudless night in the dry deserts of Egypt. The night sky still evokes a sense of awe and wonder of the God who created it … just as it did in ancient times.
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Making Sense of Light from Distant Stars
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Making Sense of Light from Distant Stars

"What does Scripture tell us about the distance of galaxies and the time needed for light to travel between galaxies? Light needs millions of years to travel from a galaxy like Andromeda to the Earth, doesn't it?"

Scripture does not directly speak to the issue of light traveling from distant stars and galaxies. Neither does it say anything about the amount of time it takes for the light to reach Earth, but we do have some hints. For example, on Day 4 of Creation Week (Genesis 1:14-19), God calls forth the lights in the firmament. Adam was created on Day 6. He most likely saw many of the stars at that time, which is only two days later. This suggests that the starlight had to travel much faster than we would ordinarily think, assuming a uniform space and an apparent uniform speed of light.

So perhaps space is not uniform. Indeed, both Isaiah 42:5 and Isaiah 45:12 describe the heavens as being "stretched out" by God. If the heavens are stretched out, this is clearly not describing a uniform space but one that is stretched in at least parts of it. If the very fabric of space is stretched in parts, then light would travel much faster through these "stretchy" parts than through the non-stretched parts, such as around the galaxies. A simple analogy would be, for example, a guitar sting. Tightening a string produces a higher-pitched sound when plucked, but it also causes the sound wave to travel faster through the string. Thus, stretched (tighter) space would cause light to travel faster through it.

Einstein's Theory of General Relativity very accurately describes how space is distorted around matter – the heavier the matter, the more distorted space is around it. For example, his theory would predict that a massive object (say, a neutron star) between Earth and a distant light source (a bright star or galaxy, for example) should distort space enough for it to act like a lens. As the distant light source passed behind the massive object, at some point, instead of seeing one light source a person would actually see two – one on either side of the massive object. The distance between the two apparent stars is directly related to the lens effect (space distortion). This is, indeed, what is observed, and the distance between the two apparent stars is in perfect agreement with Einstein’s predictions.

This and other similar experiments prove that space is physically distorted by matter and is not uniform. Using Einstein's General Relativity equations, Mark Amunrud at the August 2013 International Conference on Creation suggested that light from the most distant galaxies (13.8 billion light years away) would reach Earth in just about one week.

So while Scripture doesn’t directly say that light travels much faster between the galaxies to arrive on Earth quickly, it gives us enough clues to piece together the puzzle.
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Good News Post
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Speed of light slowing down after all?

God and the electron