What do the Scriptures Say?

from the Church of Christ in Richmond Indiana

to the Youth of America
February 24, 2008
Scientists are sometimes wrong
When we look out into space and try to make sense of what we see, be
warned; Scientists are sometimes wrong. To note some of these incorrect
conclusions: at one time scientists thought the world was flat. Some thought
the universe revolved around the earth. At one time they thought all of the
planets had solid surfaces like the earth. We now know the earth is round, the
earth is a small part of the universe and about the “gas giant” planets.
Almost half way through the twentieth century scientist thought there was
intelligent life on Mars and other planets. Presently two subjects are under
debate concerning Mars. One is, if the great stone face on Mars is a structure
or a natural land formation. The other is, if a Martian rock found in the
Antarctic has fossilized bacteria in it or mud.

I note all of this because scientists are looking out into space trying to
interpret what they see with the limited knowledge they have. Most of these
scientists believe in the theory of evolution so their teaching is to support
their belief. I have always thought the more we learn about our world and the
universe around us, the more we would believe in God. However, if you do
not want to believe in God, you will find ways to support your belief. In order
to do so one must reject the knowledge and wisdom of God for the knowledge
and wisdom of man. There are vast differences between God and man’s
knowledge and wisdom.

In Isaiah’s time God said: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are
your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the
earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your
thoughts.”
Isaiah 55:8-9 (KJV)

Unfortunately, some men believe otherwise. In the book of Job, Job and some
of his friends speak of things of which they are ignorant and in doing so they
insult God. When rebuked by God Job confesses: “You asked, 'Who is this that
obscures my counsel without knowledge?' Surely I spoke of things I did not
understand, things too wonderful for me to know.” Job 42:3 (NIV)

Trying to be wiser than God is foolishness. However, some men believe they
are. This happened in Job’s time, in Isaiah’s time and in Paul’s time and so we
can understand that men will continue do so throughout time. In Paul’s time
Paul notes this attempt. In the book of Romans he speaks of men seeing God,
but not acknowledging his as God. This way man can worship himself: “For
the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and
unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that
which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto
them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly
seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power
and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they
knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became
vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing
themselves to be wise, they became fools, And changed the glory of the
uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds,
and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.” Romans 1:18-23 (KJV)

In first Corinthians, he again notes man’s problem with God’s wisdom: “For
the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us
which are saved it is the power of God. For it is written, I will destroy the
wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the
prudent. Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this
world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? For after that in
the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the
foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. For the Jews require a
sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: But we preach Christ crucified, unto
the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; But unto them
which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the
wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the
weakness of God is stronger than men. For ye see your calling, brethren, how
that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble,
are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound
the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the
things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are
despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought
things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence. But of him are ye
in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and
sanctification, and redemption: That, according as it is written, He that
glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.”
1 Cor. 1:18-31 (KJV)

In compared to our past, man is smarter and wiser. However, our intelligence
and wisdom will never exceed God’s intelligence or wisdom. There are things
we know and there are things only God knows. God said through Moses: “The
secret things belong unto the Lord our God: but those things which are
revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the
words of this law.”
Deut. 29:29 (KJV)

Throughout history scientific knowledge has changed. The knowledge that

matters is our knowledge of God. It remains the same. “Jesus Christ the same
yesterday, and to day, and for ever.” Hebrews 13:8 (KJV)

The writer of Ecclesiastes said this of too much studying: “And further, by
these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and
much study is a weariness of the flesh.” Eccles. 12:12 (KJV)

The earth is different

When looking at the other planets, we note that the earth is different. Isaiah
wrote: “For thus saith the Lord that created the heavens; God himself that
formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not in
vain, he formed it to be inhabited: I am the Lord; and there is none else.”
Isaiah 45:18 (KJV)

When we leave the earth, we have to take our environment with us. The
earth was made for man and man was made for the earth. We cannot
separate ourselves without taking our world’s food, water… so we can live.
Doug Clark
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This bulletin is constructed for teens and young adults. If there is any subject you would like to discuss,
simply contact me: Doug Clark
The Church of Christ
1835 Gaar Road
Richmond, IN 47374
phone 765-935-2911
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Last Week:
1) Who said one must be born of the water and the spirit?” Jesus (John 3:1-7)
2) Who taught baptism of repentance for the remission of sins ? John the Baptist (Mark 1:4)
3) What was this man charged with doing? Preparing the way of the Lord (Matt. 3:1-3)
4) Who was the first Gentile baptized? Cornelius (Acts 10:47-48)
5) Why was Saul, who would later be Paul, told to be baptized? To wash away his sins (Acts 22:16)
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This week:
1) Why is the earth different from the other planets? (Isaiah 45:18)
2) To whom do the secret things belong? (Deut. 29:29)
3) What spirit have we received? (1 Cor. 2:12)
4) Why does the natural man not receive the things of the Spirit of God? (1 Cor. 2:14)
5) What should our faith stand in? (1 Cor. 2:5)
Answers in next bulletin
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“For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it
is the power of God. For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to
nothing the understanding of the prudent. Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the
disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?”
(1 Cor. 1:18-20 (KJV)