MAGELANG, CENTRAL JAVA, INDONESIA - MAY 28: Buddhist monks walk around Borobudur temple during Vesak Day, commonly known as 'Buddha's birthday', at the Borobudur Mahayana Buddhist monument on May 28, 2010 in Magelang, Central Java, Indonesia. Annually, Buddhists in Indonesia celebrate Vesak at the monument, which makes it the most visited tourist attraction in Indonesia. It is observed during the full moon in May or June, with the ceremony centered at three Buddhist temples by walking from Mendut to Pawon and ending at Borobudur. The stages of life of Buddhism's founder, Gautama Buddha, which are celebrated at Vesak are his birth, enlightenment to Nirvana, and his passing (Parinirvana). (Photo by Ulet Ifansasti/Getty Images)

In our age of "tolerance" and moral relativism, one of the most common questions presented to Christians is: "Aren't all religions equally the same? Isn't Christianity no different than any other religion?" It is an honest and seemingly complicated question, and one that the Christian should not shy away from nor compromise with. With a little research, the differences between Christianity and all other religions becomes strikingly clear and the more important question of, "Can't anybody go to the same 'heaven' by just worshiping their own gods in their own way?" can be answered effectively and truthfully.
 
 
Phot Credit: Ruthann Brown
Photo Credit: Ruthann Brown

As Christians, our walk in the Faith is not always easy. In fact, it rarely is. But rather than be discouraged by the hardships and difficulties we face, we should embrace them humbly in complete obedience - and submission - to God. The willingness to follow Jesus regardless of the outcome is not a light-hearted commitment. Jesus told his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me" (Matthew 16:24). But what does that actually mean?
 
Freedom 07/02/2010
 
An American flag flies outside a farmhouse that was destroyed by a tornado, over the weekend, in Lake Township, Ohio June 7, 2010. Tornadoes and thunderstorms tore through the Midwest on Sunday, killing at least seven people in Ohio and triggering the automatic shutdown of a nuclear power plant in Michigan. REUTERS/Rebecca Cook (UNITED STATES - Tags: DISASTER ENVIRONMENT)

As we near July 4th, Independence Day in the United States of America, the Institute for Creation Research has published an excellent article detailing our nation's roots in our Creator. In "Christian Heritage of Liberty" by Henry Morris IV, the reader is invited to gaze into the history of the American nation and perceive its Faith in the Judeo-Christian God at its founding. As the article states, "True freedom--true liberty--can only be secured by faith in Christ's saving work. For 'if the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed' (John 8:36)." Important and meaningful words indeed.

Read the article here.

Also read "Celebrating Our Freedom, Honoring Our Creator".

Source:
Morris IV, H. 2010. Christian Heritage of Liberty. Acts & Facts. 39 (7): 21.
 
Around the Web 05/27/2010
 
Bonny Face

New research proves infants can distinguish between good and bad. The research, conducted by Yale professor Paul Bloom and his team discovered that infants and toddlers were able to differentiate between "good" behavior and "bad" behavior, a feat that contrasts sharply with evolutionary humanists, including the likes of Sigmund Freud. Read more about the study and its results at the Institute for Creation Research.

Evidence for the resurrection of Jesus Christ is outlined clearly and completely in a new resource compiled by DefendingGenesis.org. It serves as an excellent source to reaffirm the accuracy of the event and become equipped with answers to defend the Faith. Read "Resurrection Apologetics" by Rev. Tony Breeden by clicking here (file is in pdf format).

The Universe is winding down. The first and second laws of thermodynamics confirm this. Read the excellent article "The Law of Entropy and the Resurrection of the Jewish Messiah" for a detailed commentary about how entropy supports the Bible over at the Notmanynoble blog.

Global Warming is covered extensively by the media, but what about the Church? Check out the latest Answers Research Journal addition, "A Proposed Bible-Science Perspective on Global Warming" by Rod J. Martin for an in-depth  research article examining the science from a biblical worldview.

Venter's "synthetic life" is still making headlines through news and media outlets, but the notion that life has been created in a lab is still false. The Institute for Creation Research gives their thoughts into the striking research by the J. Craig Venter Institute. Click here to give it a read.

Stop by Creation Conversations and engage in the new community website's forums and blogs. This "social-networking" site for Christians intends to bring like-minded biblical Creationists together to discuss the wonders of God's Creation. It's a fun place to visit, and even more enjoyable to contribute. Better still, it's free, and a profile can be created in just minutes. Visit CreationConversations.com today and get started!
 
 
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"Why Should Anyone Believe Anything At All?" is a new piece posted over at TakingEveryThoughtCaptive.com, and it's asking a serious question. Pastor Chris Strevel's sermon displays why only the biblical worldview can provide the foundation to know anything. Fans of presuppositional apologetics and Dr. Greg Bahnsen will enjoy this excellent first part of a three-part series. To give it a read, click here.

For a great collection of presuppositional apologetics articles, including those by Dr. Greg Bahnsen, Douglas Wilson, John Frame, and, of course, Cornelius Van Til, visit Vantil.info. Not sure what presuppositional apologetics is all about? We recommend Greg Bahnsen's excellent lectures, now online on YouTube, starting with "The Myth of Neutrality".
 
 
Music Mogul David Geffen Gives Beach Access To Public

Abstract: The debate over the existence of God has spanned the centuries and generations.  The theist and the atheist, as well as all in between, are at odds with each other at every fundamental point.  The question cannot be taken lightly, for its answer bears many practical, ethical, and philosophical implications. If God is real, then the way one approaches moral dilemmas, perception of the meaning of life, and understanding of the historical past, present, and future is directly contingent upon such revelation.  If God does not exist, then these same aspects and attitudes towards reality are likewise radically altered.  It is the purpose of this analytical work to demonstrate the existence of the Judeo-Christian God and explain the epistemological and presuppostional prerequisites in answering this question.
 
 
Freezing Temperatures Continue To Grip The Country

In a culture so easily permeated by secular and dogmatic opinion, it is easy to forget about God and bring every thought captive before Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5). God's Word is just as relevant today as ever. As Christians, we need to stand on the authority of God's Word - all of it. One of the most compromised and attacked portions of the Bible is the book of Genesis. Is it poetry? An allegory for what the beginning was like? Or real history?
 
 
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Photo by Ruthie Brown

"Three Ways To Destroy A Nation" is a new article posted on the Notmanynoble Blog. The post describes the drastic fall of our nation as the authority of God's Word is questioned and undermined. Read it here.

How could an ice age in Yosemite National Park happen in a Young Earth? The Institute for Creation Research answers this question in the latest segment by Dr. Larry Vardiman which correlates to the global Flood as depicted in Genesis. Check out their article "An Ice Age in Yosemite National Park".

New research says dogs "evolved" from the Middle East. The data supports the biblical Creation and points back towards Noah's Flood. Read this and more of the week's headlines in Answers in Genesis' latest "News to Note" segment

Darwinian evolution has a lot of problems. DefendingGenesis.org has a great collection of articles which investigate the theory of evolution and critique its many problems and inconsistencies. Be sure to check out "Darwin's Dyke" and other fantastic Creation resources at DefendingGenesis.org.

First Online Video Bible on the Web. This year, Answers in Genesis has started a new outreach titled "I Am Not Ashamed", calling Christians to unashamedly stand up for God and the Bible. Recently they have revealed a series of videos which are part of their new online video Bible, and they are asking for your help. Find out more about the project and the outreach over at their website.
 
 

Re-watch Ken Ham's "State of the Nation 2" Address from the Creation Museum right here! Be sure to throw in some of your thoughts in the comments section below. Thanks to Answers in Genesis for providing this video live on their website, AnswersLive.org.
 
 
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The apostle Peter tells us, "in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect" (1 Peter 3:15). Clearly, defending the faith is an important part of the Christian walk. But many Christians do not understand how to give an effective defense - and witness - for Christ Jesus. Answers in Genesis has provided Dr. Greg Bahnsen's essay "Ready To Reason" on their website. Bahnsen is considered one of the greatest apologists of the 20th century, and for good reason. A strong advocate of presuppositional apologetics, Dr. Bahnsen equipped Christians with the answers and tools to effectively defend their Faith to all who asked them. "Ready To Reason" is a great essay and well worth the read.

To read "Ready To Reason", click here.
Photo by Ruthie Brown