Isaiah 1:2, "Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth: for the LORD hath spoken, I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against me."

Psalm 8:4, "What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?" Man at his best state is vain (Ps 39:5, 53:3)! Recall from Chapter One that man chose to disobey God and eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Man chose to have knowledge of good and evil resident within himself rather than to rely upon God. Man desired independence to become like God and decide things for himself based upon his own wisdom. Ecclesiastes 1:18, "For in much wisdom is much grief: and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow." The spirit of a man dwells within an earthen vessel (Gen 2:7), and as such man has limited capacity for knowledge and abilities. God is eternal and has unlimited power (omnipotent – Is 43:10, 44:8, Rev 19:6), unlimited knowledge (omniscient, 1 Chr 28:9, Ps 44:21, 94:11, Pv 24:12) and is not restricted by time, distance nor space (omnipresent). Job 36:26, "Behold, God is great, and we know him not, neither can the number of his years be searched out." AND Psalms 147:5, "Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite." Jesus transcends time (Rev 1:4, 8). Man made a poor trade for the knowledge he possesses, 1 Corinthians 1:25, "Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men." AND Job 21:22, "Shall any teach God knowledge? seeing he judgeth those that are high." Nevertheless man uses his knowledge to further his will in keeping with his rebellious sinful nature. 1 Peter 1:24-25, "For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you." Man is nothing but dust (Gen 3:19). Job 7:17, "What is man, that thou shouldest magnify him? and that thou shouldest set thine heart upon him?" He that is of the earth is earthy and speaks of the earth (the earth is fallen and its works are evil, Jn 7:7), but God is in heaven and above all (Jn 3:31). Whether or not rebellious man receives God’s Word or not will not change things: Psalm 119:160, "Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever." – and so it shall be. Psalms 9:20, "Put them in fear, O LORD: that the nations may know themselves to be but men. Selah."

This chapter will explore what man has done with his knowledge, particularly with regard to man’s relationship with God. The author understands that much of the knowledge man has accumulated and implemented has dual usages and many will view some things for the potential good they render. Even so, one must be cognizant that this is from man’s perspective of good, which is corrupted by reason of his very nature. Luke 16:15, "And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God." Most will wonder what is wrong with man making his life better and more productive. The point is that man always seeks to implement his will to provide for himself, rather than seek God for his needs. Many may be very offended by some of the things written in this chapter due to their pride in human achievement and their participation in such things. I will say in advance, Galatians 4:16, "Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?" 1 Corinthians 3:18-20, "Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness. And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain." Let us be humble and broken before God.

Fear the Lord, the Beginning of Knowledge

The use of the terms knowledge and wisdom in scripture is in the context of seeking God to know and perform His will. Psalm 111:10, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever." God tells us throughout His Word to obey Him. True faith will always be demonstrated in one’s life through one’s actions – be a doer! Job 28:28, "And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding." All other wisdom and knowledge is considered foolishness. The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life; to read, teach, and observe His Word; to praise and bless Him; to hope and trust in Him; humility; to worship Him; to hate evil: pride, and arrogance, and the evil way, and the froward mouth. (Deut 17:19, Ps 22:23, 33:18, 96:9, 135:20, Pv 8:13, 14:27, 15:33). Proverb 2:6, "For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding." Anything that detracts from God or does not acknowledge Him is foolishness. Proverb 21:30, "There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD." The wisest man to ever live was Solomon. After seeking to know and do all his heart’s desire, this is what he concluded: Ecclesiastes 12:13-14, "Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil." Psalm 33:8, "Let all the earth fear the LORD: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him." Psalm 90:12, "So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom."

Throughout the ages man has sought wisdom and tried to improve his knowledge and life in many ways. Initially through worship of false gods of metal, wood & stone. Man sought these idols through their magicians, prophets, astrologers, soothsayers and sorcerers by means of consulting with familiar spirits; observing times; monthly prognosticators; by practicing sorcery, witchcraft & wizardry (those that peep and mutter – Is 8:19); through enchantment, divination & necromancy; and human sacrifice (Deut 18:9-12, 2 Kg 21:3-7, Dan 2:2, Is 47:13). What man had actually done was submit to principalities, powers, rulers of darkness and spiritual wickedness in high places (Eph 6:12). These things are an abomination to the Lord (Deut 18:10-14) and are still practiced today. In more recent times man began to accumulate, record, share and improve upon his knowledge. Fields of study began to develop such as physical sciences (geology, astronomy, etc.) and biological sciences (anatomy, genetics, etc.). Man also transitioned from an agricultural/livestock age to the industrial revolution. The advent of new machines made life easier and scientific knowledge began to greatly expand (rise above the curse – Gen 3:17-19). The resulting idleness (leisure) of time and fullness of bread (abundant necessities) gave man time to think and presume (Ez 16:49). These changes transformed life, as man had previously known it. The false Gods and idols are still among us even today, they have simply taken on other forms. Most are too blinded to see this. In an earlier chapter we learned that the television is an incredible idol to most. Folks serve it with their time and undivided attention. They are taught and live their lives around it. There is such an incredible hold that most will never part with it no matter how wicked the programming becomes. Similar can be said of computers. Justify, compromise, consensus and tolerance are the active words for the antichrist generation.

We are now said to be living in the information age. Knowledge is now expanding exponentially and this is a scriptural indication of the Lord’s soon return. Daniel 12:4, "But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased." Some have said the total store of human knowledge is now doubling every eight years. Now with the invention and widespread use of the personal computer and the internet (World Wide Web), this knowledge is available for all to view and expound upon. This confirms the obvious, that human knowledge is imperfect and incomplete, always changing and constantly being corrected and added to. The Lord God is perfect, complete and unchanging.

Academia is very proud and honors its own with advanced diplomas, titles and positions of authority, awards/prizes and respect. Isaiah 5:21, "Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!" Yet God and His Word (Bible) have been relegated to myths, legends and products of an uneducated mind. They say true "followers" of Christ are ignorant – having a negative state of the mind which has not been instructed in science, or has not been informed of the facts. Academia believes man has the potential to unlock all the answers to life’s mysteries such as medical cures, time and space, perpetual energy, in short utopia. Psalm 94:11, "The LORD knoweth the thoughts of man, that they are vanity." For all of man’s scientific achievement his nature has remained the same. This nature will only change when one submits to God and is transformed by God (not man). There is a conflict here because God says: Isaiah 45:12, "I have made the earth, and created man upon it: I, even my hands, have stretched out the heavens, and all their host have I commanded." Furthermore: Jeremiah 9:23-24, "Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD."

Evolution

Mankind essentially believed in a type of divine creation until things started to change in recent centuries. However, most men did not believe in the one true God. There were as many gods as there were cities and cultures (Jer 2:28, 11:13). In the nineteenth century things began to change. Man began to look to himself through human knowledge (science, humanism) rather than God (or a god) for his origins, provision, and ultimate salvation (Is 45:12). Charles Darwin is most credited with advancing the scientific notion of life’s origin (apart from God) through evolution. The "theory" of evolution essentially states that the interaction of basic elements and matter over vast amounts of time randomly formed ever more complex and evolving forms of life. In other words, all life occurred through happenstance (chance and coincidence). This theory proposes that man evolved from lower forms of life (Ps 100:3). This theory is presented as plausible because given enough time anything could happen. However, the probabilities have never favored it even given zillions of years. This is truly "confusion" at its best to suggest that precision resulted from chaos and is becoming more complex all the time. Observation of our fallen world shows just the opposite (second law of thermodynamics). This theory totally denies the existence of God. Psalm 53:1, "The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. Corrupt are they, and have done abominable iniquity: there is none that doeth good." The Lord God Almighty says, Isaiah 45:12, "I have made the earth, and created man upon it: I, even my hands, have stretched out the heavens, and all their host have I commanded." The creator of the heavens and the earth and all that is therein is just omitted as man supremely and arrogantly exalts himself above God. This theory is one of the main foundations of modern science. Most science is based upon this! This is what your children are being taught in school, on television, in books and magazines and at the movies. You may have rejected the idea (most mix it with religion - confusion), but has your child? The children are the ones targeted not so much you. Perhaps you are a child of the recent past who has now grown to maturity? It is not the intent of this book to disprove the theory, so the author will just state that it is a fable. One thing is sure; it requires faith to believe in God or evolution, and perhaps more faith to believe in the mixing of the two. Where is your faith? Isaiah 29:16, "Surely your turning of things upside down shall be esteemed as the potter's clay: for shall the work say of him that made it, He made me not? or shall the thing framed say of him that framed it, He had no understanding?" Man judges God Almighty and attempts to ignore Him out of existence.

Man’s knowledge assumes that the known processes that act upon the world are consistent and have always been so, and then takes great liberties. God makes foolish the knowledge of men (1 Cor 3:19). For instance, observation and experience will show that man is born of woman. Woman gives birth to man and this is the way things are. This would be a wrong assumption because God states that He formed woman from man (Gen 2:21-23). 1 Corinthians 11:8-9,12, "For the man is not of the woman; but the woman of the man. Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man. For as the woman is of the man, even so is the man also by the woman; but all things of God." Man’s scientific knowledge could never accept such a foundational and fundamental truth. God’s ways are beyond man’s understanding, particularly when man’s knowledge is in rebellion to God. God takes great joy in taking those who presume to be wise in their own craftiness (1 Cor 3:19). Thus the fallacy of man’s knowledge, he observes, but does not possess. Man manipulates, but cannot create. Man presumes…

Misplaced Faith in Man

God states plainly in scripture that He created the world in six days and rested on the seventh. To be perfectly clear, God defined and emphasized each day by the term "evening and morning" (Gen 1:5, 8, 13, 19, 23, 31). Seven is God’s number for completion throughout scripture. We can estimate the world to be about six thousand years old through the genealogies and events given in the Bible. Many religious men have compromised God’s Word for the sake of popular science and have combined the two into illogical and unscriptural explanations – confusion. Science denies God, yet these religious men have more faith in man than God. Many religious men have conformed to the world (man’s opinions and presumptions) rather than the plain consistent truth of God’s Word. To conform to that which opposes God is to be overcome by it. Is it logical that the prevailing secular man-centered (humanistic) world view would be right and more accurate than God’s Word? Science denies God, so why do the religious accept scientific explanations that are a conflict of interest? God’s Word states six literal 24-hour days and a one day rest. We should be avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of false science falsely which some professing have erred concerning the faith (1 Tm 6:20-21).

Some religious hold to one of two views. The first position could be termed the "Day Age" presumption. This notion states that each creation day actually represents vast geological ages rather than 24-hour time periods. Some would state that the Bible is essentially correct but shouldn’t be interpreted literally (Eccl 5:2). In other words, God really didn’t mean what He said and is misleading man about the whole truth of the creation. Recall that Satan is the one that misrepresents the character and nature of God as being deceptive (i.e. character assassination – murder). These folks allow for the possibility that God evolved man over time through transitional life forms and that somewhere down the line He gave man a soul. This is totally illogical and is not compatible with the biblical message. This also demeans the creative ability of God and His character especially since God has stated: Genesis 1:26-27, "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. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them." God did not evolve man and His creation such that billions of years later man could have dominion. At what point did man become the image of God? God created man out of the dust and immediately breathed life into him that he became a living soul (Gen 2:7). Perhaps these folks are stating that God himself evolved. This theory attempts to reconcile the irreconcilable, evolution and creation." The Roman Catholic Church has accepted this explanation and so has much of the religious world. 1 Corinthians 1:19, "For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent."

The rival religious interpretation, known as the "gap theory" allows for an immense time interval between the first two verses of Genesis. Some also maintain that what is being described is the re-creation of the earth and that civilizations existed prior to ours. Aside from God’s clarity in defining a day, there is a tremendous obstacle that these religious cannot overcome, that obstacle is "death." Both of these religious compromises must assert that death pre-dated the fall of man in the Garden of Eden. Whether there were evolving life forms or pre-existing civilizations, death must have been the norm. This is so fundamental! The scriptures state that death came about as the result of man’s disobedience (sin) to God. Romans 5:12, "Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned." God stated that the penalty for disobedience would be death (Gen 2:17). If death (resulting from sin) predated man’s fall that would make the penalty for sin absurd, already existing, and would make God a liar. The one that implies that God is a liar is Satan and he is the Father of these lies (Jn 8:44). Further, God is righteous and holy and does not mislead man and cannot lie (Ti 1:2, Heb 6:8). Acts 17:27-28, "That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us: For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring." The issue of "death" is fundamental to understanding our transgression before God. Pre-existing death nullifies the Christ’s sacrifice!

Evolution and those explanations of creation that compromise with man’s science rob God of His just glory. Woe to those who forward these notions. Psalm 104:31, "The glory of the LORD shall endure for ever: the LORD shall rejoice in his works." God’s glory shall endure. Those who take away from it will not. One thing is sure: Psalm 103:19, "The LORD hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all."

Geology

Geology is essentially the study of the earth and its features through time and the processes that acted upon it. Similarly to evolution (and not by coincidence) scientist believe the earth’s surface features occurred over vast periods of time through naturally occurring and observable processes such as erosion, flooding, ice ages, volcanic activity, plate tectonics, earthquakes, landslides, meteor hits, etc. Geology also denies God. The Bible states that there was a global flood judgment by God upon a wicked mankind. Genesis 6:17, "And, behold, I, even I, do bring a flood of waters upon the earth, to destroy all flesh, wherein is the breath of life, from under heaven; and every thing that is in the earth shall die." This single event was more than enough to yield all the present geological features on the earth. Genesis 7:11, "In the six hundredth year of Noah's life, in the second month, the seventeenth day of the month, the same day were all the fountains of the great deep broken up, and the windows of heaven were opened." The destructive action of a water canopy flood coupled with underground aquifers that were most likely broken up through earthquake and volcanic activity would be tremendously destructive to the earth’s surface. This would also explain the tremendous fossil beds, coal fields and oil reserves across the entire earth. Everything existing at the time would have been quickly covered over and subsequently fossilized, carbonized, or liquified. Such mass death and resulting conditions for fossilization have never been witnesses by man since through any natural process. New coal beds are not forming nor are oil reserves.

Many religious men have also discounted and compromised the accuracy of the biblical flood in favor of a much smaller localized flood. The Bible clearly states, Genesis 7:19-20, "And the waters prevailed exceedingly upon the earth; and all the high hills, that were under the whole heaven, were covered. Fifteen cubits upward did the waters prevail; and the mountains were covered." A flood cannot be fifteen cubits above the highest mountain and still be local (hint: water spills over). Scriptures indicate that after the flood the mountains were raised and the valleys were lowered to set bounds for the water. Psalms 104:5-9, "Who laid the foundations of the earth, that it should not be removed for ever. Thou coveredst it with the deep as with a garment: the waters stood above the mountains. At thy rebuke they fled; at the voice of thy thunder they hasted away. They go up by the mountains; they go down by the valleys unto the place which thou hast founded for them. Thou hast set a bound that they may not pass over; that they turn not again to cover the earth." This also speaks of erosion and geological changes in the earth’s features. Much of the waters that flooded the earth are now stored in the form of ice at the Northern and Southern Poles. Many religious have more faith in man’s wisdom than the truth of God’s Word. Man exalts himself by excluding the existence of God or rationalizing and diminishing His creative ability and the truth of His Word.

Astronomy

Job 38:4, 19-20, 33, 40:1, "Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding. Where is the way where light dwelleth? and as for darkness, where is the place thereof, That thou shouldest take it to the bound thereof, and that thou shouldest know the paths to the house thereof? Knowest thou the ordinances of heaven? canst thou set the dominion thereof in the earth? Moreover the LORD answered Job, and said, Shall he that contendeth with the Almighty instruct him? he that reproveth God, let him answer it." Job had the good sense to remain silent: Job 40:3-5, "Then Job answered the LORD, and said, Behold, I am vile; what shall I answer thee? I will lay mine hand upon my mouth. Once have I spoken; but I will not answer: yea, twice; but I will proceed no further." Yet man in his pride and arrogance has now taken it upon himself to now provide answers to God through his limited an errant knowledge. Man has even exalted himself to try and instruct God, by declaring man’s knowledge as valid and true and God’s knowledge in scripture as fables. Man in his rebellion, conceit and haughtiness seeks to reprove God Himself – man judges God!

Astronomy is the study of the universe and the celestial bodies, gas and dust within it. This includes planets, their satellites, comets, stars, interstellar matter, galaxies and clusters of galaxies. Astronomy also claims vast astronomic time periods in the billions of years for the formations in the heavens. The earth is said to be 4.5 billion years old. All things are said to occur naturally and the possibility of creation by God is excluded (Pv 21:30). Some attempt to include God more or less billions of years prior in some sort of big bang theory. 1 Corinthians 1:20, "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? God is to be approached in faith. Hebrews 11:3, "Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear." God spoke and it was.

Genesis 1:14, "And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years: And let them be for lights in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth: and it was so. And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night: he made the stars also. And God set them in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth, And to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness: and God saw that it was good." Man contends that all of this was happenstance and occurred through natural processes that they attempt to define. The same probabilities (time and random action) that have been forwarded to explain how things came into being should also consider the equal likelihood that everything should also have been destroyed a thousand times over by these same processes. Due to the fallen nature of the world, things tend to degrade rather than improve (2^nd Law of Thermodynamics). A slight change in God’s creative order could easily render the earth uninhabitable and man extinct.

It should be noted that most of man’s scientific knowledge has its foundation in the necessity of vast ages (time) and random probabilities, as man seeks to establish a reality apart from (ignore) his Creator. This is clearly taught in Astronomy, Earth Sciences, and Life Sciences. This foundation maintains that order randomly occurred from disorder and chaos, and as such is evolving into greater and more complex order. All new knowledge must expand upon and be judged by this foundation. This foundation is corrupt and hence everything that is added is equally corrupted (Ps 33:10). The truth is that God thoughtfully designed and created all that is.

Air and Space Travel - many shall run to and fro

Genesis 11:4, "And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth." This has been a goal of man, to reach unto heaven and leave the godly confines of earth. Man desires to exalt himself through his knowledge – to make a name for himself. Man wants to reach God his way in pride rather than humbleness.

In the early days of air travel, a man by the name of John Gillespie Magee, Jr. wrote a sonnet that describes man’s fancy and pride.

Man truly did slip the surly (domineering) bonds of earth in an attempt to touch the face of God – man’s way.

In the fifties, the space era began with Russian and American launched rockets that placed satellites in orbit around the earth; sent exploratory spacecraft into space and to the moon; and began gathering scientific data. This culminated with the American Apollo Program (1960’s) which sent men to the moon and back (Oba 1:4).

Americans who consider themselves to be a Christian nation, chose to name their efforts and craft after Roman false gods. America is a continuance of the Roman empire in almost every sense such as political, judicial, military, infrastructure, religion, art (i.e. roads, public works), culturally (love of violence, sensual pleasure, etc.) and world domination. America is the modern seat of the "legs of iron" vision of Daniel (Dan 2:33). She is strong as iron and breaketh in pieces and subdueth all things (Dan 2:40). However, America is a melting pot of many immigrants and the men do not cleave to one another (Dan 2:43); so her feet are part iron and part clay (Dan 2:33). There is division within (Dan 2:41) and this is reflected in all the various ideals subcultures and movements. America is the physical Mystery Babylon. The use of Roman gods are as follows: Saturn was god of Time and his weapon was a scythe. He ruled the gods before Jupiter. Saturn (Greek – Cronos) is called Old Father Time. Jupiter (Greek – Zeus, son of Saturn) was king of the Gods. His weapon was the Thunderbolt (thunder and lightning). Apollo (son of Jupiter) was the god of the sun. Each day he drove his chariot of fiery horses across the sky to give light to the world. The Romans had a mid-winter festival in honor of Saturn, called the Saturnalia from which modern day Christmas is derived. Neptune (Greek - Poseidon) was the god of the sea (son of Saturn). Mercury (Greek – Hermes, son of Maia – Goddess of growth) was the god of travelers. He had a winged hat and sandals, so he could fly. He carried a staff with two snakes winding round it. He was also the god of science, business, and thieves! Pegasus – winged horse derived from the blood of Medusa (tamed by a golden bridle from Athena). Minerva (Greek - Athena) was the Olympian goddess of crafts and the domestic arts and also those of war; patron goddess of Athens. The use of these false gods should not be taken lightly, for this was indicative of man’s rejection of the one true God and exaltation of self.

On July 16, 1969, Apollo 11 was launched with astronauts Buzz Aldrin, Neal Armstrong and Michael Collins. Upon a successful landing on the moon, astronaut, Neil Armstrong descended the ladder and made the now famous statement: "One small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind." Man, true to his fallen nature and his chosen god (Satan): Isaiah 14:13-15, "For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit." The giant leap for mankind (whose top may reach unto heaven) was a brash show of independence from his creator and his desire to exalt himself. Man more closely identifies with Satan in thought and deed. W must be honest with ourselves and realize that the space program was for the glory of man and not for the glory of God. There is no difference here from what man attempted at the tower of Babel.

Man has not reached heaven, but his sins surely have (Rev 18:5).

God placed man upon the earth and gave him dominion (Ps 115:16). God’s will is for man to remain on the earth and multiply therein (Gen 1:28, 3:23, 9:1, 7). Man is made from the dust of the earth (Gen 3:19). Why does man so desire to project (extend) himself beyond the earth? The answer – rebellion. "I" will rise above.

Modern?

Modern man considers himself somewhat advanced compared to civilizations of old (several thousand years ago). Please do not be so deceived. Man’s nature has not changed one little bit. Please review the list of fruits of the flesh in Chapter One and honestly ask yourself if any of these have changed or improved. The idols of today may be different and some may even be more sophisticated, but rest assured they are still idols indeed. For all our knowledge and wisdom, man is become even more morally corrupt and rebellious than in past eras. Man does not humble himself to seek God in love, but rather exalts himself to seek God’s wrath. In most cases, man’s knowledge has been used to further and accelerate the rebellion against God. Man glories in the works of his hands.

Medical

Many of the medical illnesses and conditions that once killed countless people are now easily controlled through medicines and antibiotics. No one wants to see a child suffer when medicine is readily available. There is no doubt that these cures are blessings; however most now look exclusively to these medicines and their doctors for their deliverance or healing rather than God. Little or no thought is even given to petition God when dealing with common infections or minor treatable illnesses. The cures are found in pills. Man desires fulfillment and expediency; God demands self sacrifice and patience. Man wants to contain and control; God demands trust, dependence and faith (obedience being an element). Man arrogantly assumes that cures will always be as easy as taking a pill. This was not the case in the past and we cannot be guaranteed that it will always be the case in the future. Another question we must ponder is: are we thankful to God when we recover or do we just take it for granted? Parents, do you ever consider that there are children all over the world dying from very simple treatable illnesses? We are very fortunate and must never loose sight of God. Man is very arrogant when he thinks he is in control (strong), but when he suddenly is humbled by an incurable disease or terrorist event, he briefly realizes his weakness (Pv 1:25-31). Repentance is usually the exception rather than the rule.

We are told that medical costs are rising at a tremendous rate as people flood to the doctors for solutions. How many seek God before running to the doctor (or how many just seek God when needed?)? 2 Chronicles 16:12, "And Asa in the thirty and ninth year of his reign was diseased in his feet, until his disease was exceeding great: yet in his disease he sought not to the LORD, but to the physicians." Asa’s healing was to be found in God, yet he sought man. The story of the woman with the issue of blood also comes to mind (Mk 5:25-34). This lady that had spent all that she had seeking "man" for a cure. She was no better, but worse. In desperation and faith she sought Jesus and found the touch she so desperately required. We must look to God. Usually man does not intently seek God until the doctors and medicines have failed him and there seems to be no hope. The supposed faith healers thrive on this. If we truly live for God everyday, He will provide for our every need and this includes our health. This does not mean that we will never suffer or have pain, but it does mean that we will prevail within God’s will. We do all ultimately have a day of death. This does not have to be a fearful event if your heart is right before God. Many will view God as a magic genie in a bottle – only to be called upon for a selfish desire or otherwise unavailable remedy. These may not serve God, but they do want God to serve them.

The medical industry has long sought to eradicate major medical conditions that lead to death such as heart disease and cancer. Major foundations have been established for such research. Many advances have been realized. Yet with these advances seem to come new and previously unknown diseases such as AIDS and SARs. Man seeks to control things through his way apart from God and this will never prove successful. The Lord tells us that if we seek Him and are obedient, that we will receive His blessings and part of these blessings is health (Deut 28:58-61). Most trust in man’s medical advances to be their earthly Savior. Man can now extend life beyond what was intended through surgeries, drug treatments, organ transplants, and life sustaining medical machinery. Many see these things as blessings and they certainly can seem that way in desperate situations. These choices also bring hard decisions. Many have been suspended between life and death through these medical life support systems. Family members are often left to decide life or death, whether to pull the plug on the equipment that sustains a loved one or to leave them in limbo. Man suddenly becomes as God and these things should not be. Many fear death because Jesus will judge righteously and what will their end be (Ps 96:10, Jn 7:24)!

Obstetrician – Perhaps nowhere else will man’s hypocrisy and arrogance be better demonstrated than an Obstetrician’s practice (many, not all). One expectant woman’s growing child will be referred to as a baby, while another less enthusiastic woman’s child be referred to as a non-viable tissue mass, embryo, and non-human. For the wanted child, ultrasounds will be taken and the doctor will lovingly point out baby features such as arms, legs, or head. If the baby is positioned properly the doctor will ask the expectant parents if they want to know the gender of their child. For the unwanted child, the doctor will expeditiously rip the child limb from limb, assemble the pieces and throw them in the trash. For one he is the guardian of life prescribing vitamins and caregiver advice. For the other he is the angel of death, a butcher of the most innocent. Bright cheery nurses also serve as death examiners and morticians. The obstetrician will have to be trained in psychology to deal with grieving women once the after effects of his butchery have been realized. The real victim will not be around to seek legal damages. Rest assured that one day there will be retribution by God Himself. For the healthy full term deliveries there is a bulletin board of happy photos. For the terminated unwanted child, there is not even a tombstone. When man plays God, there is no justice for the truly innocent (Eccl 11:5)! Women judge their lives to be more important than the ones (babies) they are carrying and this is confusion at its worse. God forms us in the womb for the purpose of life (Is 44:2, 24, 49:1, 5, Jer 1:5). Man kills what God has created for the purpose of SELF. Man sees himself as modern, educated and cultured. These doctors are as priest in temples and the women as those who sacrificed their children to devils (Molech). The only difference is that modern man no longer allows the formality of the child being delivered (born), but violates the very sanctity of the womb. Things may be a bit more sanitary but the child always dies.

Having exposed abortion for the sin and ugliness that it is, I would like to say to those individuals who have had abortions: You have suffered much. Your child is dead and this will follow you throughout this life. There is forgiveness in Christ. You must seek Him, not because you feel bad or have been exposed, but because you hate sin and sincerely desire to forsake it and give your all to Jesus. God has great mercy and grace for those who confess their sin and turn from it. Only Christ can heal you from the trauma that must certainly haunt. Perhaps God will use you to provide help for others who are contemplating such an act. God can take such devastation and turn it around to give love for others. Healing can be found in love for God and your neighbors.

Stem Cell Research – Medical researchers have been using human embryonic stem cells from embryos (babies) and tissue from aborted babies in an effort to treat diseases. The stem cells are said to have the ability to develop into any type of cells. Researchers are hopeful that these will one day grow heart muscle cells; nerve cells destroyed by spinal injury; or possibly treat Alzheimer’s. Many people desperate for cures and research firms seeking big payoffs will go to any extreme or justification for such evil. Cannibalizing humans for parts no matter how non-viable some think there source is wicked and evil. Many would say that babies will be aborted or embryos destroyed anyway so we might as well derive a benefit from it. Where does this philosophy end? Man makes a poor substitute for God, his heart is corrupted. A life of wealth and influence is deemed worthy of cure, whereas the poor and innocent were just not meant to be.

We are told of five godly women in the bible that desired to have children but were barren: Sarah, Rachel, Hannah, Elizabeth, and Manoah’s wife (name not given). To be without children in times past was considered a tremendous handicap and a great curse. Each of these women sought God for a child and God gave them their desire in His timing for His purposes. Psalm 113:9, "He maketh the barren woman to keep house, and to be a joyful mother of children. Praise ye the LORD." Sarah became the mother of Isaac, Rachel begat Joseph and Benjamin, Hannah begat Samuel, Elizabeth begat John the Baptist (greatest ever born of woman, Lk 7:28), and Manoah’s wife begat Samson. In all these cases the Lord let it be known that their ability to conceive was due to His intervention and for His purposes. God dispatched angels in the cases of Sarah, Elizabeth and Manoah’s wife. The barren women of today do not necessarily seek God. Many find their solutions in the medical knowledge of man. Fertility clinics administer hormones, perform invitro-fertilization, artificial insemination, or develop test tube babies. Some couples pay women to have fertilized eggs implanted in them and to carry the baby until it is born. Fertilized eggs can systematically be terminated until the one of the correct gender and heredity remains. This may seem a convenience in the eyes of man, but must be an incredible abomination before God. The Lord has been removed from the equation and man exalts himself. Oh man, Christ will judge the earth. A thousand years is but a day to Him and justice will be served in due time.

Birth Control - Children are a blessing from the Lord. God created the world to be inhabited (Gen 9:7, Is 45:18). The Lord’s will is that we be fruitful and multiply. There is a greater issue here. Who will be in control – God or man? When we artificially interrupt this process of conception through birth control or bodily alterations, we are exalting our will above God’s will. We are telling God that He has no authority over this part of our lives. Like the young rich man, we do not forsake all for Christ. We wish to maintain control. This may seem so strange and archaic in this "have it your way" world in which we live (and plan for self), but then again the world is on the broad path to destruction. Christ must rule and reign over every single area of our lives, otherwise there is rebellion to Him. We are told in scripture that Onan attempted birth control and the thing displeased the Lord and He slew him (Gen 38:8-10). Why is it that the world is so opposed to children as evidenced through all the abortion and contraception? The devil plays opposites with God. If the Lord’s will is for you to have children and multiply, then Satan’s desire would be to stop it. Man in his rebellion does that which is contrary to God and His purposes. Man says the world is overpopulating and we must stop it (self-centered and controlling). A true believer says God is in control of all things (God-centered)! These are the two world views (self-centered or God-centered), which does your thinking most line up with?

Psychology – This field is famous for justifying the evils men do. Blame is almost always shifted to early childhood environments, parents or relatives, perceived abuse, former lives (?), or bodily deficiencies. As mentioned in the first chapter, if a man cannot take responsibility for his actions and repent, then no forgiveness or mercy will be granted by God. Psychology tends to be a constant victim mentality and so much hocus pocus dealing with supposition, speculation and conjecture. Much of what is termed/diagnosed Schizophrenia and multiple personalities are in fact demon oppression, influence, or possession relating to the patients free-will behavior and choices. Jesus spent quiet a bit of time delivering people from such evil spirits and conditions. Psychology is a truly evil field because it deceives willing patients into believing that any guilt or bad behavior they may have is not their fault. This is the thought pattern Satan would desire men to have. Rather than repenting of their "recognized guilt" before God and being delivered and made whole, most of these folks will live defeated lives as victims of their surroundings. Many will become no more than drug controlled slaves.

Please note: Whenever one intentionally tries to cause harm to their self or mutilate themselves in any way – it is demonic (Mk 5:1-5, 9:17-22, 1 Kg 18:28). 1 Corinthians 3:16-17, "Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are."

Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder – Said to be a mental disorder (minimal brain dysfunction) mostly affecting children, but now adults are frequently being diagnosed. Almost any child that shows any signs of inattentive, hyperactive, or impulsive behavior, some of the time, will likely be diagnosed with this so-called condition. In other words, it applies to everybody. Is it any wonder that children would have such symptoms given the hellish culture that most grow up in involving extended daycare with minimal parental involvement, divorced parents, broken homes, parents with issues (addictions, etc.), and all manner of evil in books, television and video games? Physicians almost always recommend medication for treatment (Ritalin, Dexedrine, Cylert). These drugs are mind altering drugs and work by altering levels of neurotransmitters, brain chemicals that transmit nerve signals. Because these drugs are powerful and cause side effects and addictions, doctors recommend frequent medicine breaks to reduce the effects. Critics argue that physicians medicate too many children and this disease is not real. Many parents and teachers simply do not want to deal with hyperactive, impulsive or distracted children so they drug them up. This becomes an easy out for parents, because they can shift any guilt or fault on a medical condition rather than take any personal blame, responsibility for child rearing, or accountability. This is witchcraft at its worst. Children become more susceptible to demonic influence through powerful mind altering drugs. Core issues of sinful lifestyles never get addressed and the problem grows worse as these children mature. What type of society will this be as these drug influenced children come of age? Perhaps this is the citizenry that is being prepared for the antichrist.

Euthanasia – Described as painlessly ending the life of a person for reasons of mercy. Many consider this as mercy killing for those in terminal pain to end their horrible suffering. Unfortunately this deliberate and intentional self destruction will in all probability consign them to an eternity of even worse and unimaginable pain and suffering in hell. Doctors who are supposed to save lives are being trained to kill. Doctors begin to set themselves up as God, deciding life or death. As this becomes popular, the terminally ill, unwanted infants, and handicapped have much to fear. 1940s Germany is a perfect example of the evils man is capable of. Those whose thought is not politically correct will suffer enormously. This will become more notable to followers of Christ as the world government and religion takes shape and decides policies of involuntary euthanasia (murder). However, followers of Jesus are pilgrims and sojourners on this earth with their eyes on Christ. Some "profess Christ" but have their eyes on the world and its dainties. Woe, Woe, Woe! The real shall persevere and if necessary perish (physically, not eternally). The false will fall away and save their flesh.

Homosexuality – Medical researchers have attempted to justify homosexuality (sodomites) as a physical disposition or nature that one is born with (biological) and as such it is normal and not behavioral. Even though medical evidence has been inconclusive, the sodomite community has convinced most that this is truth. Does not the very birth process teach us differently? God says that homosexuality is an abomination. God created man and does not make one inherently a way that cannot be changed and then call it sinful or evil and hold them accountable. God has presented homosexuality in scripture as behavioral (Lv 18:22, 1 Kg 14:24, Rm 1:26-27). This is a bondage resulting from wicked thought or persuasion. Leviticus 20:13, "If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them." Homosexuality is a sin, and as such can be repented of, delivered from and forgiven by God. The offender must first acknowledge his guilt. In this decadent society, sodomites are rapidly gaining acceptance through positive portrayals in all communication media (newspapers, television, magazines). The sodomite community has established churches (denominations) to add credibility to their cause and justify their wickedness. They seek acceptance through good works. Many modern Bible translations have altered scriptural meanings to such and basically define all sodomites as temple prostitutes. They assume monogamous sodomite relationships would be acceptable to God and it’s the prostitution He forbids. Due to societal acceptance, sodomites are now being allowed to adopt children and many companies are now offering medical benefits to partners. Sodomites are seeking full marital rights in an attempt to redefine the family. The family is defined in scriptures as a man and a woman and their offspring (children). The man and the woman become one flesh (Gen 2:24).

The devil plays opposites with God due to his complete rebellion and evil nature. The devil’s family consists of two men doing those things that are unseemly, or two women doing that which is unnatural and abominable (Rm 1:24-27, Deut 22:5). Due to the great gains the sodomites have had in society, those who desire sex with minor children are now organizing for equal acceptance. There is a strong link between sodomites and child molesters because the root sin is sexual perversion. These wicked often seek more vile acts as they desire newer evil thrills. When one loves the darkness things can only become darker. As in the days of Noah, wickedness is great upon the earth. What was once hidden and shameful is now out of the closet and seeking your children. One day the law may be on their side.

Sodomy and perverse sex are sins that one freely chooses to engage in. There is deliverance in Jesus Christ for repentant individuals who forsake such behavior. Justifying the behavior or your entrapment will never set you free. Homosexuality is a strong hold placed in your life as a result of your thoughts and actions. The hold may be strong, but can be torn down. Many will try in their own strength and fail. You don’t just give God a try and see what happens – you must totally commit and endure. You must confess and forsake the sin and truly give your life to Christ. Our weapons are not carnal, but mighty to the pulling down of strong holds (2 Cor 10:4). Jesus must provide the strength and power you need.

Biotechnology and Genetics Research

Genesis 1:31, "And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good..." God considered creation "complete" just the way He made it, but man does not necessarily see things that way. Man has utilized knowledge gained in the field of biology to genetically alter the makeup of living organisms such as bacteria, plants and animals to his liking. Bacteria are altered for medicines and vaccines. Plant traits are being manipulated to make species that are insect resistant, drought tolerant, provide increased nutrients, increase maturation time, and that produce larger, tastier and more colorful fruit. Animal traits are being manipulated to make them hardier, to grow and mature faster and be larger in size for better meat, egg or milk yields. These genetically altered products are now readily available in the marketplace and are being consumed by man. Man has taken this process a step further by mixing genes between different plants and animals to form new types of life. One recent example was the placing of a color gene from a beet into a carrot to produce burgundy colored carrots. Similar types of experiments have been conducted with animals. God stated that that the grass, herbs, and trees were to bring forth after their kind (Gen 1:11-12). God further stated for the great whales, sea creatures, winged fowl, living creatures, cattle, and beast were to bring forth after their kind (Gen 1:21-22, 24-25). It doesn’t take much imagination to envision all sorts of Jeckell & Hyde type of oddities in the future through man’s manipulation. God developed creation in such a way that it was naturally impossible for "kinds" to reproduce with each other (e.g. dog and a cat). Man has no idea what new mutant diseases will arise and imbalances in nature. Man has exalted himself by altering God’s creation in an unnatural way for his own purposes.

Man has his sights set on altering mankind and has begun to do so through similar gene manipulation. There is a major national effort with international cooperation to unscramble the human genetic code, known as the Human Genome Project. The stated goals are to characterize all human genetic material by determining the complete sequence of the DNA in the human genome. The ultimate goal is to identify all the approximately 30,000 human genes in the human DNA and to determine the sequences of the 3 billion chemical base pairs that make up human DNA. Romans 9:20, "Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus?" DNA is essentially a blue print of how to build the thing it was taken from. The mere existence and complexity of DNA proves that all living things have a specific design from a highly intelligent creator. In other words, things did not happen by chance as the evolutionists claim. This alone should disprove the whole "theory" of evolution. However, to acknowledge this conclusion would completely erode "all" the foundations of modern science. Man would then be humbled before his creator, and would have to acknowledge God. Like the god of this world, man has a rebellious spirit and seeks to undermine the one true God and thereby exalt himself. (2 Cor 4:4). Isaiah 45:9, "Woe unto him that striveth with his Maker! Let the potsherd strive with the potsherds of the earth. Shall the clay say to him that fashioneth it, What makest thou? or thy work, He hath no hands?"

Man will soon begin to alter himself to have desirable physical features & abilities, intelligence, disease resistance, increased lifespan. There has always been a desire on the part of man to recoup, his way, the eternal life that has been lost. An historical example might be the quest of Ponce De Leon for the mythical Fountain of Youth. This fountain was said to provide health and eternal youth. A less ambitious undertaking was begun by Adolf Hitler in an attempt to produce the perfect German race. Man is on the brink of doing the unthinkable, cloning himself. This has been successfully done with mice, pigs and sheep. You can bet there is a demonic presence behind all of this. There was some sort of mixing with the human race once before. We are not given a lot of biblical insight into this. Genesis 6:1-2, 4, "And it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born unto them, That the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose. There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown. This occurred before the flood and one can only assume that this played into God’s judgment. Ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. Man’s heart is corrupted and evil, just what sort of God would he make? Isaiah 5:21, "Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!"

Publishing

It may surprise many to know that many of the modern Bible translations (i.e. New American Standard, New International Version (NIV), etc.) are copyrighted and owned by corporations. To obtain a copyright a certain amount of the original material or content must change. Men translate original text in unique ways (wordsmithing) or add scholarly notes and studies and make God’s Word their own. This allows them to not only profit every time a Bible is sold, but also when one of their verses is used (referenced) elsewhere. Words are added and words are taken away. Translation of words and phrases becomes politically motivated/targeted. Rebellious man manipulates and/or controls God’s Word for profit! Not all Bible translations are copyrighted. The older ones such as the Authorized King James Version are not copyrighted. The fee you pay to purchase one is for the cost of the materials and perhaps a one time profit. Royalties cannot be charged on use of these scriptures. Often these Bibles may be given freely such as the electronic version included on the CD (compact disc) of this book. There are many translational problems and liberties taken with the newer Bible translations, however it is not the intent of the author to cover such in this book.

Computers

Computers are a relatively new invention that mankind suddenly cannot do without. Once available only to academia and military/scientific research, computers are now becoming fixtures in every home. Once used for very specific computing tasks, they now can be used for a myriad of jobs. Computers store incredible amounts of data and can easily retrieve the same with complex search capabilities. They play music, video, send and receive electronic mail, and connect one to the World Wide Web (WWW, internet) for tremendous amounts of information and communication capabilities. The once science fiction video phone has become reality with computers. Capabilities have increased exponentially in a very short period of time. Knowledge has been greatly increased (Dan 12:4)

To get an idea of how quickly computers have developed lets take a quick look at the basic development. Computers contain microprocessors. A microprocessor is an electronic circuit that functions as a computers central processing unit providing computational control. Microprocessors are the building blocks for all modern electronic systems and incorporate transistors for amplification, oscillation and switching. A microprocessor is part of a large scale integrated circuit known as a microchip. These are complex electronic circuits consisting of extremely tiny miniaturized components on a wafer thin flat piece of material known as a semiconductor. These perform the functions of arithmetic/logic, data storage (memory), and computation. The speed that data can be accessed depends upon the bus width (e.g. 64 bit). The microprocessor has an internal clock known as a crystal oscillator to coordinate all activities. A 1 GHz clock speed would be 1 billion cycles per second allowing for billions of computer instructions to be executed per second. A microcontroller is similar to a microprocessor except that it is basically is an entire computer on a chip that allows communication functions with other various external devices. The manufacture of microprocessors requires extremely precise techniques and mass production.

Microprocessor History (transistors per microprocessor): Doubles nearly every eighteen months.

1971 – 2300 transistors (4 bit)

1972 – 3300 transistors (4 bit)

1974 – 4500 transistors (8 bit)

1989 – 1.2 million transistors (32 bit), 20 MHz

1998 – 9.3 million transistors (64 bit)

2000 – 22 million transistors (64 bit), 1 GHZ

2003 – 55 million transistors (64 bit), 3.0 GHZ (3 billion cycles per second)

Carbon nanotubes are slated to replace silicon. These are 10,000 times narrower than a human hair and will further miniaturize components and possibly revolutionized technology.

What have computers been used for? Most people do not have need for super computing ability. The military industry uses computers to develop new and more lethal weapons of mass destruction. Computers are also being used by government /military to develop data bases on all individuals, monitor all communications (ECHELON), and generally spy on and control the population. They are being used for scientific research in genetics (unlocking/decoding DNA). With the advent of electronic money the world is close to eliminating paper and coins and adopting an electronic debit system. Once implemented, one’s secular life and finances could be totally erased with a punch on the keypad. This system makes possible the mark of the beast system in Revelation whereby buying and selling can be controlled for evil intent. Computers (with wire/cell telephone, radio, television, and internet) are also bringing the whole world together as one. This instant communication with electronic translation of any language barriers makes the world as one people with common purpose. A world government and world religion could possibly be on the horizon. This has been the devil’s goal. One world ruled by the antichrist, giving glory to Satan. It will be a hell on earth – for sure!

Many use the home computer for entertainment. Video games have been becoming more and more realistic. Virtual reality is a step away. Most of the popular video games are a combination of graphic violence, adult situations, and the occult. Try finding a popular video game that does not have occult messages, themes, symbolism and/or imagery. Most will just say, Oh well, that’s the way things are and its just make believe anyway. All manner of witchcraft and occult is filling the hearts of young and old alike as they spend hours playing these games. People will do unthinkable things in a pretend video world. The sad thing is that this is what they put into their hearts and this is what they become. The things they imagine to do whether committed or not are the same as having been committed because God is looking at one’s heart (Mt 5:28). Many kids are now having a difficult time separating reality from fantasy. The truth is that they are one in the same. The things you enjoy and think about are the essence of you.

The internet is becoming home to entertainment. One day, television, radio, photo and print will all be combined in this type of electronic format. The internet will allow you to pick and choose your vices and follow your temptations to their sinful conclusions. This has become a great servant to the desires of self. For example, pornography and perversion are filling homes via the internet at an alarming rate. Those that monitor internet traffic have stated that adult themed sites are the most visited. Vices that once were unthinkable to some have become that forbidden fruit, and seemingly no one will know in the privacy of your own home (Mt 5:27-28). Job said, Job 31:1, "I made a covenant with mine eyes; why then should I think upon a maid (lust after)?" Men are looking for a quick thrill and finding an addictive bondage. Homes are being wrecked, marriages ended, and children abused. As the pornographic fixes become common and inhibitions are lowered, newer and more deviant outlets are sought. Perversion and bondage always pull one further into the darkness. This process is an elimination of the light (Jn 3:19-21). The internet is already home to bestiality (Lv 18:23, 20:15-16), sadomasochism, and child pornography. Children are also being exposed to all sorts of lewd material and things a child should not even know of. Man likes to think of himself as modern and civilized, but his very nature is fallen and his heart knows no end to the potential wickedness he will do. Jeremiah 17:9, "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?"

Motion Picture Industry

The Motion Picture Industry (Studios) has an incredible influence on modern society through the "magic" of movies. Through special effects wizardry (and it is just that), almost anything imaginable can be made to seem real and common place. The most vile and wicked things can be written and acted in an entertaining story line and be made to seem good and be enjoyed by all. Values (morality) can be changed by making deviate and offensive things seem normal and nice. Things that were once very offensive are now typical and ordinary. For example, homosexuality was once viewed as abnormal and perverted. Make a few popular movies with likeable, funny, witty, entertaining characters that are made representative of the whole group and suddenly these are just normal folks living next door who need no repentance. Witches are now just the friendly teenager down the street. Most people do not witness too many real life murders, but at the movies this is such a common event that it seems odd that anyone lives to old age. The movies are also the training ground for teaching young impressionable children foul language (profanity, Eph 4:29, Col 3:8) and adult situations. Profanity is now so widespread in culture that many cannot speak sentences without its use – yet they grieve not - shame.

Movies can effect how a whole society thinks. A popular movie about a killer shark can make a nation fearful of entering the ocean. There was once a movie based purely upon science fiction fantasy. This movie openly taught new age and Hindu religious ideas and was filled with demonic like characters. This movie was so popular that religious, agnostic and atheist alike flooded into the theaters. There was such a demand for more of the storyline that two sequels and two prequels have been made with more planned. The movie was called Star Wars. Children and adults talk about "using the force." This whole movie opposed the one true God, but this does not seem to deter those who claim to represent Him from enjoying it and all it espouses. There are toys, videos, costumes, food items, soundtracks, clothing, lunchboxes, notebooks, trading cards, and everything imaginable available concerning these movies. My son was once offered Star Wars prizes in a religious organization’s Children’s Church setting. The "force" is the notion that we are all a part of a cosmic force or God – there is ying and yang, the good side and the evil side – a balance is sought (compromise, consensus). Man as God, this was the notion put forth by the devil in the Garden of Eden. This is the lie that mankind has accepted and forwarded through the ages. This is pure rebellion against the true God. This is what people are being entertained by and children are being taught. The box office numbers do not lie – this is what most desire to think upon.

Conclusions

Isaiah 55:8-9, "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." As previously discussed, man’s nature is opposed to God and man seeks his own and not God. Therefore man’s ways are totally different from God’s ways – they are opposite and rebellious. Isaiah 47:10, "For thou hast trusted in thy wickedness: thou hast said, None seeth me. Thy wisdom and thy knowledge, it hath perverted thee; and thou hast said in thine heart, I am, and none else beside me." The knowledge and wisdom that man gained at the tree of knowledge and wisdom has perverted him, just as the devil was corrupted by his own pride (Ez 28:17). Man has said I AM as a god (Gen 3:5). Woe to the rebellious children of Satan!

Some have proposed that God enjoys watching His creation develop (technically) and takes delight in this. This might seem a good notion, but is not a biblical reality. God is not impressed with man nor is He envious of him. This is easily demonstrated by the Lord’s near total destruction of man in the great flood and the soon coming judgment (tribulation) and destruction of rebellious man at Christ’s second coming (2 Thess 1:8). God delights in those that understand and know Him (seek) and seek His mercy (Ps 147:11); lovingkindness, judgment and righteousness (Jer 9:24); and the prayer of the upright (Pv 15:8). Much a man’s knowledge is self-centered and has resulted from the pursuit of war and destruction. Man’s rebellious nature is reflected in man’s accomplishments. God would have us cast the things of man aside and surrender to His authority.

Now many would say that these are all potentially good things that benefit mankind. Why are you calling them evil? Because rather than relying and depending upon God for his needs, man has exalted himself in the place of God. Man attempts to take the creation of God and improve upon it to suit his liking for reasons of self. How has man exalted himself? He genetically alters bacteria/viruses, plants, and animals for his selfish use and without understanding of the future consequences. He attempts to genetically alter mankind for the future intent of improving health, longevity, intelligence, and desirable traits. Where man lacks wisdom or ability, he invents devices such as computers to make up for his lack. The scriptures say that if any man lacks wisdom, he should ask God (Js 1:5). Man exalts himself by developing ways for the barren to reproduce such as invitro-fertilization or artificial insemination. He attempts to leave his God designated environment of the earth and project his presence to the heavens. He attempts to explain his existence in a way that excludes his creator (evolution). The Lord tells us plainly that if we obey Him and live a life of faith that we will receive His blessings which include health, reproduction, provision/sustenance, possessions, and protection, otherwise we shall be cursed in these things (Deut 28, Lev 26). Man chooses to disobey God and even invalidate Him, yet rise above the curse through his own wisdom. Have we as believers become blinded and accepting of all this? Do we tend to trust in man and all of his achievements and thereby diminish God in our lives? Are we proud with the world or humble before God? When we are sick, do we immediately seek God or do we call the doctor’s office? Are we thankful? Do we seek God for shelter and provision or do we trust in our own efforts and self-sufficiency (careers, education, talents)? Many will fault the author as being unreasonable or insensitive for implying that these medical advances that many depend upon for life could be misguided. What the author is stressing is that man has intentionally developed a reliance upon himself (humanism) rather than God the creator. Man has created a web that many are now stuck in and forced to make hard choices. These issues have created great legal and ethical concerns. What may seem to be a blessing in this temporal and quickly passing life that we all know so well, will in fact have eternal spiritual consequences. Those who willfully disregard God had better hope for and find a very long life on earth because once dead they will face the consequences of such in the judgment of God Almighty. For those of you seeking long life and extended health, consider this: today’s children are being raised in a virtual video world where one routinely and without thought or conscious, kills, mutilates and violates thousands of virtual electronic human representations in the most vile and wicked ways. These are also the children that were drugged on mind altering drugs such as Ritalin for supposed Attention Deficit Disorder. These are the ones the internet and television has robbed of their morality. What goes around comes around. These children will be the doctors and health care workers who tend to you as you age. These children will be making the policies regarding the high cost of health care. These children will be the ones to propose all sorts of new solutions for what to do about the burden of the aged (Baby Boomer generation and others). These are the citizenry of the New World – only God will help us. If your hope is in man – Woe to you!

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