Ken Ham's Blog, page 447

It's Almost Here! Will You Be, Too?

Whenever AiG hosts a major national conference that features several faith-building speakers, we're continually amazed to see a broad representation of participants—including how many states and countries they represent.

After a year of planning, AiG is getting ready for people coming from all over the country and gathering in our "backyard" of northern Kentucky for our Apologetics Mega Conference, July 18–22. Online registration concludes this Friday evening, but not to worry, after that date we invite you simply to show up at the door. We'll have room for you at the spacious new facilities of Florence Baptist Church, just 20 minutes from the Creation Museum in northern Kentucky. But register now online at www.2011megaconference.org.

This year our national conference is somewhat more in-depth than last year's family-oriented conference (which drew almost 3,000 adults, teens, and children). If you've been to one of our family conferences and seek follow-up biblical instruction, then AMC is for you! Bible teachers—pastors, Sunday school teachers, youth group leaders, and so on—will be especially blessed.

For suggested ages 13 and up, this conference falls on the heels of the release of one of the most important and provocative Christian books of the year: Already Compromised. The book offers true accounts and an eye-opening statistical analysis of the state of our Christian colleges—institutions that are producing so many of our future church leaders.

One of the themes of the Apologetics Mega Conference is to understand the depth of compromise in Christendom in general and what can be done to fix it. More than ever, the church needs to equip its people to defend the authority of the Word of God and the gospel of Christ.

Another reason to join us at AMC is the opportunity to visit the nearby Creation Museum.

So come hear me and other speakers, such as Dr. Charles Ware (a superb Bible teacher), July 18–22, at Florence Baptist Church in northern Kentucky. The site is also about 20 minutes from downtown Cincinnati.

For more details and to register, go to www.2011megaconference.org. See you there!

Chirping Child

Overheard in the Creation Museum bookstore on Saturday: a child was begging her mom to buy some candy. He wanted her to get some "amber candy" we sell in the bookstore, with a real cricket inside (the dead cricket is visible inside the candy—see photos).

The mom's response: "You won't eat broccoli, but you'll eat a cricket!"

Here is a photo of some of the candy that contains not only crickets, but other interesting "edible" creatures as well!

You may be surprised, but these are extremely popular items at our Dragon Hall bookstore!

Thanks for stopping by and thanks for praying,

Ken

On Independence Day, Make Sure You Can Call It "Dependence Day"

For this Fourth of July, when Americans celebrate Independence Day, AiG writer Tim Chaffey wrote a powerful lead article for the AiG website to challenge us to be "dependent."  I urge you all to read it.  All the Fourth of July celebrations really amount to nothing if we cannot celebrate "Dependence Day" in each of our lives. The article begins with the following:

Every year on the Fourth of July, millions of Americans celebrate freedom. This day marks the anniversary of the signing the Declaration of Independence, a document which announced the American colonists' desire to be independent from England, which was later accomplished by victory over the English in the Revolutionary War.

The American people have a rich tradition of cherishing independence. Over the years, the "American Dream" has developed into the notion that anyone can achieve their goals and dreams by pulling themselves up by their own bootstraps and working hard.

While I wholeheartedly believe we should work hard and strive to reach certain goals, many people have fallen for the lie that they do not need to depend on anyone in this life. Our sinful nature leads us to think we can determine truth apart from God, including the idea that if we are "good enough," then God will let us in to heaven. Our independent spirit has led many to think that they can earn salvation by their good works and thereby escape the judgment of our holy God. But they are gravely mistaken.

I encourage you to read the rest of the article.

For my American readers, have a great Independence Day and a blessed "Dependence Day."

Thanks for stopping by and thanks for praying,

Ken

AiG Booklets Distributed in Guadalajara

AiG resources certainly get around the world. Dr. David Crandall, Director of AiG Worldwide, sent me this exciting report:

In a recent creation conference in Guadalajara, Mexico, 700 delegates received an AiG booklet from Answers Worldwide. We are told that the average booklet is read by seven people, and we praise God for this effective distribution. A special thanks to David Tucker for facilitating this ministry in Mexico.

Here is a photo of a young lady in Mexico with her booklet! Guess what the title of this one is all about?*

Praise God for the way in which AiG resources reach millions around the world!

Thanks for stopping by and thanks for praying.

Ken

*If you couldn't guess, it's Where did Cain find his wife? Check out Cain's Wife—Who Was She? for the answer to this often-asked question.

NBA Head Coach Visits

Over the past four years we have had many pro athletes visit the Creation Museum. In the past year it has included a Cy Young award-winner in baseball (for the best pitcher in the league), Brandon Webb,  a former high-ranked tennis star (who won Wimbledon doubles in the 35-and-above category), David Wheaton, and many others.

This past week Monty Williams, head coach of the NBA New Orleans Hornets, stopped by with his family. He played in the NBA for several years, and as a coach, his New Orleans team—led by a superstar player (and Christian) Chris Paul—made the playoffs this past season.

Monty told us that the only reason he and his family were in town was to visit the Creation Museum, and so we were honored. He had heard me speak in Portland, Oregon, a few years ago, and I mentioned the museum at the time (located some 2,000 miles away), and it caught his interest. At the seminar he decided to subscribe to our Answers magazine. We gave him a copy of our latest issue (July edition), just off the press.

Here is a photo of the family inside the museum.

And here is a link to Monty's bio.: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monty_Williams

Thanks for stopping by and thanks for praying

Ken

Five Year Old Gets It—In a "Humongous" Way

The following email reminded me of the Scripture where Jesus said, "Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 18:3)

It's not hard for a child to understand the true history of the world as the Bible presents it. However, it's many of the academics who can't understand the basic truths, and they make up complicated and quite ridiculous fairy tales in their sinful human attempts to explain life without God.

A mother wrote the following to me:

I have enclosed a "report" written by my five year old daughter.  Obviously, her attendance at an AiG Vacation Bible School and visit to the Creation Museum greatly influenced her.  I just wanted to take a moment to share the impact you've had in her life."

Before I share that, I wanted to say how thrilling it is to hear of more and more children who really do "get it."  And once they do, even at a young age, they are able to communicate the basic truths of Christianity.  How I praise the Lord for the way He is using AiG to influence coming generations for Him.  The five-year-old's report follows:

DINOSAURS LONG AGO

God created the dinosaurs.  He made … the land dinosaurs on Day 6.  In the Garden of Eden, the dinosaurs were nice and ate only plants, like fruit and leaves.  God told them not to eat people or other animals.  Then, Adam and Eve sinned.  Possibly after this, some dinosaurs started eating each other and other animals.  God decided to send a humongous flood to destroy the whole earth because people were mean and forgot about God.  It rained for 40 days and 40 nights.  When the great flood came, most of the dinosaurs were killed, but some of them were saved on the ark.  After the flood, they left the ark.  They became extinct over a long period of time.  We know they existed, because other people (especially Buddy Davis) have found their fossils.  The End

I love her description of Noah's Flood—a "humongous flood." Yes, she does get it!

Another very special aspect of her report is her statement "especially Buddy Davis." Buddy is one of our AiG staff members. All of us at AiG realize the enormous responsibility we have as we see more and more children and young people looking up to us as their "heroes." But having thought about this, I have realized it is far better for them to look on Buddy Davis as a hero—rather than some famous pagan movie star or a non-Christian sport's star! Kids need Christian heroes to look up to, and Buddy Davis is one of those heroes of the faith that so many children do look up to.

What a thrill it is each day at the Creation Museum to stand and watch all the young excited children who come and learn. Thank you Lord for allowing us to be a part of raising up godly generations.

Legacy Hall Open Soon

Our new 1000-seat auditorium/multipurpose room is nearly finished. Within a couple of weeks we hope to obtain our occupancy permit and begin using this for teaching and other programs. Creation Museum guests will be able to receive teaching from many of the world's leading creation and apologetics speakers on a daily basis. We have named this facility "Legacy Hall."  It is our prayer this auditorium will be used greatly to impart a spiritual legacy to generations of people.

Here is a photo of the nearly completed phase one of this expansion:

Thanks for stopping by and thanks for praying,

Ken

A Changed Life, and a Life That Needs Changing

In the same week I received two "change" letters—one from a person with a changed life and one from a life that needs a change. I have printed them both with comments below. Praise the Lord for a changed life, and pray for the one whose life needs to change.

A Changed Life

I received this great letter of testimony recently from a person who grew up in the church, but was not given answers by his church or parents to counter the secular teaching that so pervades our culture. Now here is a changed life because of the Lord using AiG to provide answers—and not just one changed life, thousands of other lives (like this 10 year old mentioned below by the parent) who are now growing up with answers. Changed lives . . . that's what AiG is all about!

I took an elective advance course: "the COSMOS" by Dr. Carl Sagan in college to avoid taking a boring required Earth Science course – which caused me to turn my back on Creation for 25 years.  Likewise, I took an elective advance course: GENETICS, to avoid the required Biology course.  Interestingly, the course professor used 'genetics' to "prove" evolution among animals and humans.

It seemed they had all the answers; certainly "the Church" could not refute their assertions.  I grew up in a very fundamental Nazarene Church with mandatory attendance, Sunday morning and night, Tuesday morning Bible Study, Wednesday and Friday nights, Saturday noon prayers and 2 weeks of VBS every summer and at least 2 revivals every year; my parents certainly had NO answers when I began to question what I was learning in high school.  The "Hell fire and brimstone" preachers of our church told my parents I was "nuts" and "demonic" for even questioning the Word of God.  In the Army and in college, my World View was turned away from Creation.

Although my world view is now an ardent Christian World View, you helped eliminate nagging doubts that I had in the back of my mind.  You gave the facts with such simplicity that even my 10 year old understood it, yet with such authority that it forced me to confront my doubts, which you promptly dispatched!

A Life That Needs Changing

Isn't it amazing, that so often, those who claim to be atheists become so upset when they learn of AiG or the Creation Museum? You see, if there is no God—and thus no ultimate purpose, meaning, and hope in regard to life—why do they bother even taking the time to attack us? Why does it ultimately matter? After all, when they die, from their perspective, they won't even know they existed or we existed; so ultimately, why does it matter to them what we believe? Now from our perspective, oh, it matters!

It matters  "because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. 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" (Romans 1:19–20). The knowledge of God is written on each heart. These atheists know there is a God; in fact, there are no true atheists. But because "the heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked" (Jeremiah 17:9), these so-called atheists have to fight against what they know to be true deep down.

God's Word explains to us what these people are like.

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. 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, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things. (Romans 1:18–23)

That is why these so-called atheists are so emotional and why they are so intolerant of Christians. They know what we are saying about God's Word is true, but they are in a sense covering their ears with their hands and shouting out "no, no, no!!" And because they know God's Word is true, they shake their fist at God. They defend evolution regardless of how foolish such an idea is. They worship the creation—the creature, just as we read in Romans 1.

One way they shake their fist against God is to vent their anger against Christians whom they know stand for the truth of God's Word. That is why they write (often quite nasty and vile) blog posts, articles, etc. against AiG. This week we received a letter from someone claiming to be an atheist. They didn't sign it though. This person just hides behind his words written to us. The following is what was written:

Dear Ken Ham,

I came across your website by accident and curiosity made me pursue through your information only to find some almost laughable absurdities about your theories on evolution and dinosaurs.  When the old testament tells us that the earth is about six thousand years old and (after much criticism from the intellectual community about such inaccuracies) the new testament says that the earth is ten thousand years old, I can't help but wonder where it is that you people (the religious, that is) get your education from?  Do you realize that in biology and anthropology classes, ten thousand years ago is considered the agricultural revolution of the human kind?

If the religious' notion of the coexistence of man and dinosaurs weren't so tragic, it'd be farcical.  I hope you realize the disservice you are doing to your followers by keeping them dumb and under-educated in such critical issues.

Religion has always opposed science and progress, yet all your zealous lives are surrounded by inventions and discoveries that science has given us.  You, god-fearing fanatics, need to stop this non-sense.  Free yourselves from all the litter from the bible and from any organized religion.  I guarantee that you will live a very intellectually rewarding life."

Sincerely yours,  An Atheists in the bible belt

Note there is no logical argument in this letter, which is typical of such people. Lots of emotional statements and generalizations—nothing of substance. And on this basis we are to give up the Bible?

I thought I would include the letter in this blog post to remind us to pray for such people and to pray for this person. We don't know who it is, but God does! God knows this person's name and this person's heart. Pray with us that God will convict this rebellious heart and save this person for eternity.

I want this "atheist" to know "that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved"  (Romans 10:9).

Thanks for stopping by and thanks for praying,

Ken

Less Christian Every Day—What Is Wrong with the Church?

New York recently legalized "gay" marriage. This is only the latest in a long list of how America has been turning its back on biblical authority:

In 1962, school prayer was ruled unconstitutional.
In 1963, Bible reading in public schools was ruled unconstitutional.
In 1973, restrictions on abortion were lifted, and abortion clinics began to permeate the nation (Roe vs. Wade).
In 1985, nativity scenes in public places were ruled to violate the so-called "separation of church and state."
In 2003, laws against homosexual sodomy were ruled unconstitutional.
In 2004, a federal court held it was unconstitutional for a school to teach intelligent design theory as an alternative to evolution.
And of course, in the past few days, the New York legislature legalized "gay" marriage—it joins many other states now.
The list goes on . . .

Yes, America is becoming less Christian every day, and a recent survey confirms this. An article on the Christianity Today website includes these comments about the recently done survey:

Are U.S. evangelicals losing their influence on America? A new poll released Wednesday from the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life seems to say just that, with the vast majority — 82 percent — of U.S.evangelical leaders saying their influence on the country is declining. . . .

"There was a time when there was a Ten Commandments in every classroom, there were prayers in public places," he [Rev. S. Douglas Birdsall, executive chairman of the Lausanne Movement] said. "So having gone from that position of considerable influence, even though we might actually have more influence than churches in … other parts of the world, the sense is that it's slipping from our hands."

The perception of declining influence comes as the nation has become both more pluralistic and more secular. The vast majority of U.S.leaders surveyed — 92 percent — called secularism a major threat to evangelical Christianity. . . .

The Southern Baptist Convention, which drew the smallest attendance since World War II at a recent meeting in Phoenix, and is grappling with declining baptism rates, has launched a plan to diversify its leadership.

The article quotes various Christian leaders and what they believe needs to be done. However, not once is there any suggestion that the major problem is the loss of biblical authority in our churches. Here's what I've noticed:

So many church/Christian leaders compromise God's Word in Genesis and thus opening the door for the next generation to walk away from God's Word.
That churches and Christian colleges are not teaching apologetics to raise up generations to stand on the authority of God's Word and be able to defend the Christian faith.
Two thirds of our young people are leaving the church by college age because of compromise by Christian leaders and the lack of teaching apologetics plus other reasons (the research detailed in our book Already Gone found out why and when this is happening).

I believe the research reported in AiG's two major books Already Gone and Already Compromised together really summarize the major problems in Christendom that have led to the demise of Christianity in England and across the United Kingdom and Europe—and are leading in the same direction in the USA.

I urge you to obtain these two books for your pastors and every Christian leader you know (even the elders, deacons, and Sunday school teachers in your church). The more we can get Christian leaders to understand the foundational nature of the problem, the more eyes are opened and vital changes can be made.

You can read the rest of the CT article at this link.

You can find out more information about Already Gone and Already Compromised—and how to order—on our online store.

Thanks for stopping by and thanks for praying,

Ken

Severe Case of Intellectual Schizophrenia

A homeschool mom from Georgia sent me a letter after reading our new publication Already Compromised (on the state of Christian colleges regarding how they treat biblical authority). What she wrote was so well stated, I had to share it with you—it is a challenge for every parent!

Dear Mr. Ham,

Let me begin by thanking you for the passionate and bold stance that you take to defend the authority of God's Word! In an age where people would rather be popular than faithful, your example is a blessing and a challenge to other believers.

I have just finished reading your recent book, Already Compromised , and I wanted to write to you to encourage you to continue in your efforts to equip people (like my family) for the battle that is raging.

Though I was already aware that there is a lot of compromise of Biblical truths, I had no idea that it was to this extent! It saddens, shocks, and angers me all at the same time!

I am saddened for the young people whose faith is on the line and who have not been adequately equipped for the attacks that they will face, not only from the "world," but now even from those that we have trusted to teach them Biblical truths!

I am shocked by the response of church leaders and parents who seem not to realize (or care!) what is at stake! It baffles me that parents go to such great lengths to provide their children with the best in tech. gadgets or the latest fashions – but when it comes to their child's spiritual condition – there is a huge void! Do we not realize that a soul is eternal and that our time here on Earth is in preparation for that?

I am angered by those who claim to trust in God's Word and follow Jesus, who instead rely more on man's fallible word and who are leading young people astray in the process!

Based on the research in your book, it appears to me that there is a severe case of intellectual schizophrenia on Christian college campuses today! Presidents, professors, and the other faculty claim to believe in the inerrancy of Scripture, yet turn around and say that they disagree with key Biblical truths or that they embrace evolution, which is completely contrary to the Bible! There is an extreme dis-connect and it's not only on college campuses, but sadly in the lives of believers everywhere!

How can people accept the idea of evolution and still think they have a faith worth committing their lives to? Our young people certainly see the inconsistencies and have decided not to commit their lives to Christ for this very reason! I believe their blood is on our hands if we are not equipped to share with them the truths of God's Word and offer them intelligent answers to their very real questions!

One of the most disturbing things I see from your book is that those who seem to be the most passionate and committed to this battle are the evolutionists! They are fully engaged, and honestly, I think our apathy emboldens them even more! I expected that they control the secular academic arena, but was shocked to see that even in "Christian" colleges, they are gaining more & more ground!

As I read your book, the same thought continued to plague my mind: Believers today are not discipled! True disciples recognize who Jesus really is and know His Word! Parents have failed to disciple, churches have failed to disciple, and now even Christian colleges fail to produce disciples! There must be a return to the simple, yet profound task of making disciples!

As a parent, after reading this book, I am even more determined to teach my children the incredible, inerrant, infallible, life-giving, & glorious truths of the Word of God! I want to be sure that the foundation I am laying is firm and not faulty! At times, in my role as a homeschool mother, I have not been as diligent as I have needed to be to address the Creation/Evolution debate and prepare my children for our culture's biggest battle. I realize now that I need to go back and reformulate my homeschool agenda this year to make sure that, precept upon precept, God's Words are laid in the hearts of my children (and in myself) so that we will be able to stand firmly on the Bible and offer hope to those who are in doubt.

Thank you for reminding me of the craftiness of the deceiver and for again bringing the challenge before me. My prayer is that God will continue to give you the boldness and the wisdom that you need as you call believers back to reliance upon the Scriptures alone for all things.

Blessings in Christ, C.N., Georgia

You can obtain Already Compromised on the online store.

Galapagos Adventure—Day 12

Today Dr. Georgia Purdom of our staff posted another blog entry from her adventure in the Galapagos Islands. Here is an excerpt:

Yesterday we spent the day exploring Santiago. For our first exploration we landed on a black beach and were surrounded by places where the ocean had worn away the surface of the island exposing multiple rock layers. I am guessing the layers represent past volcanic eruptions on the island. We once again hike through lava fields, but here the lava (as it has been on the past several islands) is not sharp and pointy, but smooth and named Pahoe-hoe (Hawaiian word for "ropy") lava. We see a sea lion, lava lizard, painted locust, American oystercatchers, and marine iguanas.

The waves here are quite powerful and have eroded parts of the lava field under which we are standing. The action of the waves has created fantastic lava bridges and small inlets where the water rises and falls with the waves. The beauty of this place is breathtaking, and this is one of my favorite places on the islands. The water is crystal clear, so we soon see a big Galapagos green turtle, and I finally get a good picture! We also spot several Galapagos fur seals. They are really not seals but a type of sea lion that is smaller and tends to stay in the water more than the Galapagos sea lion. We take the opportunity for a group photo on one of the lava bridges before we leave.

Visit Georgia's blog post to read more and see some photos from her trip.

Thanks for stopping by and thanks for praying,

Ken

An Eleven-Year-Old Has the Correct Answer!

Recently I read a review of our new book, Already Compromised.

What a blessing to read the following, as an eleven year old understands the problem of compromise in so many of our Christian colleges more than many of the professors:

I discussed the statistics with my husband and sons. My eleven year old was disgusted by some of the findings. When I read to them about the percentage of those who did not believe in a literal six-day, 24-hour creation, my son sighed. His response was: "I've got the answer to this problem. Put down your textbooks, and open your Bible."

How profound, coming from a child! You don't often hear such wisdom coming from a young person, but they sometimes reveal that they understand more than we think they do. And he is right; too many times we rely on man's words and man's ideas that we find in a textbook, and we don't spend enough time learning from God's own Word. If more of these colleges and universities would make the Bible their main textbook, maybe we wouldn't be wading through the "Great Compromise."

I suggest that all Christian parents read this book. If you're considering sending your child to a Christian institute, you will find a link in Already Compromised which will give you a list of the colleges and universities that were shown to be founded on the Truth.

My father taught me something I have never forgotten. He said, "When you read a study Bible, remember, the notes are not inspired like the text—and the text is always the commentary on the notes." Yes, that reminds me that what humans say is fallible, but God's Word is infallible. This eleven-year-old mentioned above understands that important concept. It is a shame so many of the professors at our Christian colleges don't seem to.

You can read the entire book review.

Find out more about the powerful book Already Compromised and how to obtain it.

Creation Colleges

Answers in Genesis has launched a special website that will list Christian colleges if the school president signs our statement of faith. This, of course, is no guarantee that all professors, text-books, and courses will take the stand on God's Word including Genesis as they should, but it is a great start for parents wanting a short list to research.

For this list of colleges go to www.creationcolleges.org.

Thanks for stopping by and thanks for praying,

Ken

Jerusalem Wedding Bells

AiG ministry friends Tom Meyer of Illinois and Sarah Oakes of Minnesota were married in Jerusalem, Israel on the Day of Pentecost (June 8). Tom is a missionary in Israel and a professor at a Bible college, and he has a personal ministry that tells complete books of the Bible dramatically from memory. Sarah is a missionary with Tom via Wordsower Ministries.

The marriage was in Jerusalem at Christ Church in the Old City (via Jaffa Gate). I have been told that Christ Church is the first Protestant church in Israel (built in the 19th century).

Here is a photo of the wedding:

Tom will be returning to our Creation Museum next month to recite parts of the Bible from memory on the week of July 18 (see http://creationmuseum.org/events/).

Here is a blog item I posted last year when Tom was here at the museum.

Tom can be reached at www.thescripturecannotbebroken.com. Please pray for this couple as they begin their life together in full-time ministry.

Thanks for stopping by and thanks for praying,

Ken