The Past 5000 Years

An article was posted this week that described how evolutionists now say that changes to the human population have occurred at a much faster pace in the past 5000 years than they did before. It seems they are suggesting that something happened to speed up the evolutionary process. It would be very helpful if they would have explained what they define as evolution. The article describes significant changes to human genetics over the past 5000 years, which are then extrapolated to complement the widely-held belief of slow-moving random evolution in years previous. However, it is interesting to note that the article itself only talks about changes within the human species, which is not sufficient evidence to support between-species leaps.

Let's see, from the Bible what happened 5000 years ago? Wasn't that around the time of the flood? Hmm...could there be any connection with their findings? We find that life spans shortened significantly after the flood, and that the world-wide gene pool was dramatically changed with only 8 people remaining, so could it be possible that the rapidly changing genetics is a result of this event? The grouping of people in terms of their languages happened around this time as well, which would have likely spurred on genetic mutations from familial intermarriage. In addition, the age at which children were born became younger after the flood (according to the Bible), so genetic mutations would have happened more quickly than before.

The article stated, "Even with these changes, however, human DNA remains more than 99 percent identical, the researchers noted." This would indicate to me that humans come from a single source.

Again, we find that science confirms what is written in the Scriptures. Unfortunately, much of the scientific world is not willing to acknowledge it.

So Much Sadness

Again violence has struck innocent people in America. Two senseless shootings within a week is beyond comprehension. First the shootings in a mall in Omaha, NE and then the shootings in Colorado at a YWAM base and at a church. My heart goes out to the people directly affected by these heinous acts. May the Lord turn what was meant for evil into good. Only He can do that.

Feast of Dedication

Tonight is the beginning of Hanukkah, which is an 8-day festival also known as the "Feast of Dedication" or the "Festival of Lights." Up until a few years ago, I was very ignorant about this holiday. I had the perception that it had little meaning and was somehow a Jewish imitation of Christmas. You can imagine that I was pretty shocked to find out that Jesus (Yeshua) observed this holiday as is recorded in John 10:22-23 ("Then came the Feast of Dedication at Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was in the temple area walking in Solomon's Colonnade."-NIV). Hmm...was there a reason why he was at the temple at the time of this feast? If He recognized this festival, then maybe I should find out what this holiday means.

The word Hanukkah means "dedication" or "consecration" in Hebrew. It marks the re-dedication of the Temple in Jerusalem after its desecration by Antiochus Epiphanes, and the miraculous supply of oil occurring at that time. According to what was recorded, there was only enough consecrated oil to burn in the Temple for one day, but miraculously the oil burned for eight days. This was just enough time to press, prepare, and consecrate fresh olive oil for the Temple Menorah. God supplied the oil for the dedicated temple.

This is a good time to examine ourselves and rededicate ourselves to His service. We need to receive fresh oil, so we may burn as lights in this dark world. The best part is God freely gives the oil of the Holy Spirit to those who ask. All He needs is a dedicated vessel that is ready to receive this precious oil. It truly is a miracle. It reminds me of the parable of the 10 virgins (Matthew 25), and how we need to be ready with our lamps burning brightly when the Son of Man appears.

"Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body. (1 Cor 6:19-20 NIV)."