This is a 30 minute show that begins with either a humorous or inspirational segment that links directly to the scripture, followed by a focused discussion of how the scripture relates to Christians of all ages today.
When facing modern skepticism, many Christians know the stories of the Bible but struggle to defend their historical and theological reliability. In this foundational episode of Anchored by Truth, hosts Victoria K. and RD Fierro explore the biblical account of Noah and the Flood through the lens of scripture, history, archaeology, and music. By examining the intricate literary design of Genesis, they demonstrate that the narrative of the Flood is far from a collection of randomly aggregated creation myths, revealing instead a carefully superintended account built upon covenant mercy. Key takeaways from this episode include: -- Genesis serves as the indispensable foundation for all biblical history and theology, establishing the origins of the universe, humanity, sin, death, and God's plan of redemption. -- The account of Noah and the Flood in Genesis 6 through 9 is structured as a massive four-chapter chiasmus, a sophisticated literary pattern where themes mirror one another to highlight a central focus: "God remembered Noah." -- Archaeological discoveries, such as early alphabetic inscriptions at Serabit el-Khadim and Wadi el-Hol, dismantle the old critical claim that early biblical authors lacked the writing technology needed to record historical accounts. -- Historical archives like the Nuzi and Mari tablets confirm that the cultural customs, legal traditions, and family structures depicted in Genesis accurately reflect the authentic ancient Near Eastern world. -- Over 68 percent of young believers walk away from their faith after leaving home because they know bible stories but have never been taught how to defend the truth behind them. -- The wooden ark that preserved Noah through the waters of divine judgment directly foreshadows the cross of Christ, where believers find ultimate salvation from sin. Scriptures for Further Study -- Genesis 6:9-16 -- Genesis 6:1-9:29 -- John 14:6 -- Mark 2:27 -- Matthew 20:16 This is episode 379. +++++++ You can find more information here: http://www.crystalseabooks.com/
In this episode of Anchored by Truth, RD Fierro and Melinda Carroll dive back into the popular song "The ABC's of Faith" to draw out rich, life-changing spiritual truths. While simple enough for children, the biblical figures highlighted in the song reveal a critical lesson for Christians of all ages: salvation is never a group package deal. -- Group membership, ancestry, and cultural lineage offer zero standing when it comes to eternity and our standing before a holy God. -- Jesus sharply confronted the religious leaders of His day for relying on their connection to Abraham while ignoring justice, mercy, and personal repentance. -- Biblical heroes like Abraham, Mary, Noah, and Zacchaeus each demonstrate how genuine faith responds to God on an individual level through active obedience. -- True faith isn't passive or lethargic; authentic encounters with the Savior always produce tangible action, transformed lives, and a desire to serve. -- Passing down an enduring Christian faith to children requires intentional, creative effort from parents, grandparents, and leaders using every modern media tool available. Listen in to discover how simple musical truths can anchor your family's heart in timeless scripture! Scriptural References for Further Study: -- Genesis 4 -- 2 Chronicles 24 -- Matthew 3:7-9 -- Matthew 23:23-24, 34-35 -- Luke 1:35-37 -- Luke 19:1-10 -- Romans 4:9, 16 -- Hebrews 11:19 -- James 4:8-9 -- Revelation 5:9 This is episode 378. +++++++ You can find more information here: http://www.crystalseabooks.com/
What does a catchy children's rhyme have to do with ancient philosophy, the origin of evil, and human freedom? In this episode of Anchored by Truth, hosts Victoria K. and RD Fierro unpack the surprisingly deep theology woven into Crystal Sea's song, "The ABC's of Faith." Focusing on a crucial sequence of four letters, they map out how God moves from eternal self-existence to a hands-on ruler of our daily lives. By looking closely at the lyrical progression, this discussion challenges our cultural aversion to kings and authority, revealing that living without godly limits doesn't create freedom, it creates chaos. Whether you are a parent looking for innovative ways to pass along your faith, or a believer wanting to deepen your own grasp of the character of God, this episode offers a refreshing, musically driven anchor for your soul. Key takeaways from this episode include: -- Understanding God's attribute of aseity, meaning He is entirely self-existent, uncreated, and independent of everything in the universe. -- Exploring the deliberate theological flow from the eternal "I AM" (I), to Jesus coming to earth (J), bringing the kingdom of heaven (K), and establishing His position as our Lord and "boss" (L). -- Why human rebellion against authority makes sense with earthly governments, but fails when applied to the perfect, loving lordship of Jesus Christ. -- Insights from the book Prodigal's Advocate regarding how trying to master our own lives usually results in tyrannizing ourselves through addictions and destructive habits. -- The reality that true freedom is not the license to do whatever we want, but having the supernatural power to do what is right and just. -- The vital importance of using creative mediums like music to impart foundational, orderly biblical truths to children before they face the chaotic temptations of the world. Scriptures for Further Study -- 1 Chronicles 29:11-12 -- Matthew 4:12-17 -- Romans 3:10-12 -- 1 Corinthians 15:45 -- 1 Timothy 2:2 This is episode 377. +++++++ You can find more information here: http://www.crystalseabooks.com/
In this episode of Anchored by Truth, hosts RD Fierro and Victoria K. explore the critical role of art and music in nurturing young faith. Using the children's song "The ABC's of Faith" by Crystal Sea 2, they unpack how foundational Biblical principles can be joyfully woven into catchy melodies to guard children's minds against modern cultural influences. The discussion focuses heavily on the letter "I" and the profound theological significance of God's self-existent name, "I AM." Listeners will gain deep apologetic insights into how God's character provides answers to life's biggest questions, equipping parents and grandparents to foster a resilient, enduring faith in the next generation. -- Art and music can be used effectively to glorify Jesus Christ and combat the spiritual poison hidden in modern, secular entertainment. -- Teaching children the personal names of God helps them understand His true character, sovereignty, and distinct nature from all other beings. -- God's self-existence, revealed through the Tetragrammaton (YHWH), establishes Him as the uncreated Creator and the uncaused First Cause of the universe. -- A firm understanding of God's eternal nature equips young Christians with a solid philosophical defense against modern skepticism and secular worldviews. -- The ultimate purpose of human life is to reverence God and walk faithfully within His divine plan and commandments. Scriptures for Further Study -- Exodus 3:7-15 -- Exodus 20:7 -- Acts 17:28 -- Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 This is episode 376. +++++++ You can find more information here: http://www.crystalseabooks.com/
In a culture increasingly fractured by political warfare, it is easy for Christians to lose their perspective on earthly citizenship. In this episode of Anchored by Truth, hosts RD Fierro and Victoria K. utilize their "Bible in Song" series to realign our hearts with the timeless truths of Scripture regarding civil obedience, leadership accountability, and divine sovereignty. Focusing on the song-prayer "Prayer for America," the discussion unpacks how proper patriotism must always begin with humble worship rather than a list of political demands. True gratitude for national freedom should lead directly to deep humility, recognizing that human authorities are strictly supplemental to God's ultimate kingdom. Listeners will be challenged to evaluate whether they are using their liberty as a cover-up for cultural harshness or if they are truly living as free people who fear God and honor their leaders. -- True freedom is a divine stewardship, not a license to displace God's absolute laws with our own shifting cultural trends. -- Earthly governments are entirely supplemental, established by God for societal order, and every leader will ultimately give an account to the Lord for their service. -- Authentic worship cannot coexist with systemic injustice or shallow religious displays if our hearts remain far from God's ordinances. -- Heavenly minded Christians make the best earthly citizens because their moral character is deeply anchored in the eternal righteousness of Christ. Scriptures for Further Study -- 2 Chronicles 7:14 -- Proverbs 21:2-3 -- Matthew 22:15-21 -- Romans 13:1-2 -- Romans 13:6-7 -- Philippians 3:20-21 -- Titus 3:1-2 -- 1 Peter 2:13-17 This is episode 375. +++++++ You can find more information here: http://www.crystalseabooks.com/
In a world saturated with the "music of dysfunction," how do we protect the minds of our children? On today's episode of Anchored by Truth, we look at the power of combining Biblical doctrine with the rhythm and rhyme of music. Through the lens of the song "The ABC's of Faith," we discuss why repetition is one of the most powerful tools for learning and why we must be active, not passive, in the training of our children. -- Faith is not just a skill or a feeling; it is a gift from God that requires intentional transmission from one generation to the next. -- Kids are like sponges. If we do not fill their ears with God-glorifying messages, the culture will inevitably fill them with messages of despair and defeat. -- "Training" a child is an active verb. It requires parents and grandparents to constantly reinforce God's word, even as children grow and eventually leave home. -- The distinction between "good" and "evil" is being erased in modern society. We must return to the objective truth of a Creator God to give our children a solid moral framework for their lives. Scriptures for Further Study -- Proverbs 7:1-3 -- Ephesians 2:8 -- Philippians 1:29 -- Proverbs 22:6 This is episode 374. +++++++ You can find more information here: http://www.crystalseabooks.com/
We often wish that the Christian life came with a retirement plan from spiritual warfare. We expect that as we grow in our faith, the temptations, the trials, and the cultural friction will simply fade away. But the final chapters of Scripture paint a vastly different, yet profoundly encouraging picture. In this final installment of the Revelation Rider series on Anchored by Truth, Victoria K and lyricist RD Fierro look at the triumphant imagery of Revelation 19 to reveal what it means for our daily walk today. By looking closely at the lyrics of the song Revelation Rider alongside biblical prophecy, this episode explores the reality of ongoing spiritual conflict and the assurance of Christ's impending triumph. We are reminded that while we are entirely inadequate to win these battles on our own, our very weaknesses allow Christ's supreme power to work through us. Victory is not a question of if, but when, as we look forward to the day the conquering King descends on a white horse. Main points covered in this episode include: -- The Basis of Our Hope: The reality that world history is not random, but is actively superintended by a sovereign God guiding it toward his perfect, victorious ends. -- Ongoing Spiritual Warfare: Why mature Christians must recognize that our struggle with the world, the flesh, and the devil is a lifetime affair that will not end until Christ physically returns. -- Power in Human Weakness: How acknowledging our own total inadequacy shifts our dependence away from ourselves and onto the unmatched strength of Christ. -- The Imagery of the White Horse: Understanding the historical and biblical significance of Jesus riding a white horse, signaling that while he is actively in the fight, his triumph is absolute and secure. Scriptures for Further Study -- John 14:6 -- Revelation 19:11-14, 19 -- Isaiah 53 -- Revelation 10:4 -- Revelation 1:1-3, 11 -- Revelation 21:1 -- Ephesians 6:12 -- 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 -- 2 Corinthians 12:8-10 -- 1 Peter 3:18 This is episode 373. +++++++ You can find more information here: http://www.crystalseabooks.com/
Join hosts Victoria K and lyricist RD Fierro for the third installment of their profound exploration of the song "Revelation Rider" by Crystal Sea Books. In a world saturated with music that champions despair and dysfunction, this episode pivots to the ultimate anthem of hope, walking listeners through the breathtaking continuity between Old Testament prophecy and New Testament fulfillment. Discover why Christianity is not merely an ethical framework for the present, but a historically validated, cosmic narrative of a King who came in humility, conquered the grave through flawless sinlessness, and is actively steering human history toward a triumphant finale. -- Christianity is a faith and a doctrinal system built on a grand historical narrative consisting of creation, the fall, and ultimate redemption. -- Jesus Christ occupies a unique, validated place in world history because His entire impact was forecast by prophets centuries before His birth. -- The ancient sacrificial system required an animal that was spotless and without blemish, a baseline placeholder pointing directly to Christ's necessary moral perfection. -- In an extraordinary paradox, it was Christ's complete lack of personal sin that qualified Him to take on the sins of humanity, meaning He was literally doomed by His own goodness. -- The church is an apostolic body established directly by Christ to spread His truth, drawing spiritual authority from the unified canon of both testaments. -- History is not random; God is sovereignly navigating the timeline toward a specific day when the Revelation Rider returns to dispense final rewards and justice. Scriptures for Further Study -- 1 Peter 3:18 -- Isaiah 9:1-2 -- John 9:5 -- Revelation 22:12-13 -- Isaiah 35:4-6 -- Luke 7:22-23 -- Hebrews 10:1-2 -- Hebrews 10:11-12 This is episode 372. +++++++ You can find more information here: http://www.crystalseabooks.com/
Are you tired of the cultural narrative that we are all just accidental bioproducts in a meaningless universe? The latest episode of Anchored by Truth dismantles worldly fatalism by exploring the deeper theological meaning behind Crystal Sea's powerful song, Revelation Rider. Through a detailed discussion of fulfilled biblical prophecy, hosts R.D. Fierro and Victoria K. reveal how God has intentionally steered human history from the very beginning. By examining the stark contrast between Christ's humble first coming in an unimportant town and His triumphant final return, this episode provides a solid anchor for anyone searching for ultimate purpose and victory in a world full of woe. -- The Mystery of Faith: Exploring why the foundational declaration of Christ's death, resurrection, and return is the absolute anchor of Christian hope. -- A Sovereign Design: Understanding how the certain return of Jesus proves that human history is moving toward a precise, divinely determined destination rather than a random end. -- From Bethlehem to Egypt: A historical look at Herod's failed attempts to thwart the Messianic line, and how his brutality unintentionally fulfilled ancient prophecies. -- The Value of the Hidden Gifts: The surprising historical worth of frankincense and myrrh, and how God provided the exact financial resources the holy family needed for exile. -- The Despised Town: Why Jesus spent 30 years in Nazareth, proving that God's value system prioritizes humility and faithfulness over worldly status and grandeur. -- Seamless Coherence: Analyzing the remarkable unity of Scripture, which contains over 60,000 internal connections woven together by dozens of authors across 1,500 years. Scriptures for Further Study -- Luke 1:26-28 -- Romans 8:37 -- 1 Timothy 3:9 -- Revelation 19:11-14 -- John 1:1 -- Revelation 22:12-13 -- Matthew 2:7-11 -- Jeremiah 31:15 -- Hosea 11:11 -- Matthew 2:15 -- Matthew 2:19-23 -- John 1:43-45 This is episode 371. +++++++ You can find more information here: http://www.crystalseabooks.com/
How much biblical truth can you actually squeeze into a single line of music? In this opening episode of the "Bible in Song" series, hosts Victoria K. and R.D. Fierro use the track "Revelation Rider" by Crystal Sea to demonstrate how art and entertainment can perfectly glorify Christ while packing a massive theological punch. By breaking down the very first lines of the song, the discussion moves rapidly from a stable in Bethlehem to ancient Roman calendars, proving that the Christian faith is not a collection of vague myths, but a historical reality anchored in verifiable facts. The episode challenges the modern trend of cultural biblical illiteracy, explaining how our current "low-information culture" causes people to miss the deep harmony, internal consistency, and prophetic perfection of the Scriptures. Through a fascinating look at the shift from the Julian to the Gregorian calendar, this teaching demonstrates exactly why historical accuracy matters to the supernatural validity of God's Word. Main points discussed in this episode include: -- The power of using creative arts and music as an engaging vehicle to share deep theological truths and complex biblical content without watering down the message. -- The exact geographical and historical coordination between the ancient prophecies of Isaiah and their literal fulfillment recorded hundreds of years later in the Gospel of Matthew. -- An analysis of ancient travel customs and Roman tax registration that explains why the Holy Family used a stable rather than a private room. -- The complex history of calendar shifts between the Julian and Gregorian systems, explaining why various global church traditions celebrate the birth of Christ on differing dates. -- The two primary intellectual criteria that any book claiming to be the Word of God must satisfy, which are absolute consistency with human history and clear evidence of a supernatural origin. -- The stark contrast between ancient high-information biblical cultures and our modern low-information culture, highlighting the critical need for deeper historical and cultural study. Scriptures for Further Study -- Proverbs 7:1-3 -- Micah 5:2 -- Luke 2:12-16 -- Isaiah 9:1-2 -- Matthew 4:13-16 -- John 9:5 This is episode 370. +++++++ You can find more information here: http://www.crystalseabooks.com/
The modern church often shies away from the literal creation account to avoid cultural conflict, but doing so compromises the integrity of the Gospel. This discussion dives deep into the theological necessity of God as Creator, explaining that if He does not own the universe by right of creation, He has no authority to save it by right of redemption. -- The inseparable link between Jesus as Creator and Jesus as Savior. -- Why "contingent beings" like humans and angels require an "independent being" as their source. -- The concept of "merism" in Genesis and how it proves God's total authority over the seen and unseen. -- Understanding "cosmic treason" and why sin is an offense against a Sovereign Ruler. -- Two Rebellions, One Redemption: Why God provided a way out for man but not for fallen angels. -- The role of music in reclaiming cultural virtues and proclaiming Biblical truth. Scriptures for Further Study -- Colossians 1:15-20 -- Genesis 1:1 -- Genesis 4:17-21 -- Matthew 25:31-43 This is episode 367. +++++++ You can find more information here: http://www.crystalseabooks.com/
The modern world often pushes a "dystopian trifecta" of deep time, uniformitarianism, and evolution, suggesting that the complexity of life arose without any guiding hand. This episode of Anchored by Truth challenges that narrative by exploring the logical necessity of an intelligent Creator. If we cannot explain the existence of reason and intelligence through random mutations and inanimate atoms, we must look back to the beginning. Through the lens of molecular biochemistry and the "Sarfati-Fierro maxim," we discover that the intricate design of life—from the permeable membranes of cells to the coding of proteins—points directly to the One True God. -- The Dystopian Trifecta: Understanding how deep time, uniformitarianism, and evolution have been used to replace the Creator in modern culture. -- The Five Senses Fallacy: Why the argument that "we can't see God" is self-defeating and how science uses the same logic to believe in dark matter. -- The Sarfati-Fierro Maxim: Exploring the idea that any hypothesis denying God's role in creation ultimately originates from an unintelligent source. -- The Protein Problem: A look at the staggering complexity of human cells and why they could not have evolved piece-by-piece. -- The Logic of the Cross: How the same God who engineered the stars and the cell also engineered a plan for man's redemption. Scriptures for Further Study -- Genesis 1:1-5 -- John 14:6 This is episode 365. +++++++ You can find more information here: http://www.crystalseabooks.com/
In this episode of Anchored by Truth, hosts Victoria K and R.D. Fierro dive into a new segment of their "Bible in Song" series, focusing on the track "Creation's Truth." They challenge the "dystopian trifecta" of deep time, uniformitarianism, and evolution that dominates modern culture. By returning to the opening verses of Genesis, the discussion moves beyond mere intellectual debate and into the heart of the Gospel. The episode emphasizes that understanding God as Creator is the only way to make sense of man's authority, the reality of the Fall, and the necessity of Jesus Christ's redemption. Through logic and melody, they demonstrate that faith isn't just a feeling, it is the most reasonable response to the world we see. -- The necessity of apologetics in modern evangelism to bridge the gap between "science" and faith. -- The "Dominion Mandate" and how man's authority over the earth is derived solely from God. -- The roles of Adam and Eve as a complementary pair essential for fulfilling God's commands. -- How the denial of a Creator is a self-defeating argument that relies on logic and senses that evolution cannot explain. -- The transition from the "perfect Eden" to a fallen world where death and decay became reality. -- The role of creative arts and music in glorifying God and teaching complex Biblical truths. Scriptures for Further Study -- Genesis 1:1-5 -- Genesis 1:18 -- Genesis 1:27-28 -- 1 Peter 3:15 -- John 14:6 This is episode 364. +++++++ You can find more information here: http://www.crystalseabooks.com/
In this episode of Anchored by Truth, we explore the profound implications of Jesus' appearance on the road to Emmaus. While many focus only on the empty tomb, the events that followed throughout that first Easter Sunday provide the historical bedrock for the Christian faith. We examine the meticulous reporting of the physician Luke and why his Gospel stands up to the toughest historical scrutiny. -- Luke's Gospel was likely written within 30 years of the resurrection, far too early for legendary embellishments to replace eyewitness testimony. -- The inclusion of specific names like Cleopas served as a "check" for ancient readers, as these individuals were living witnesses who could verify the account. -- Luke's proven geographical and political accuracy in the Book of Acts reinforces the reliability of his Gospel record. -- The presence of Hellenized followers like Cleopas demonstrates that God's plan of redemption was intended for all nations from the very beginning. -- The transition from despair to recognition on the road to Emmaus mirrors the journey every believer takes when they truly encounter the risen Christ. Scriptures for Further Study -- Luke 24:13-31 -- Acts 11:28 -- Luke 21:20 -- Colossians 4:11-14 -- Matthew 28:18-20 -- Revelation 7:9 This is episode 363. +++++++ You can find more information here: http://www.crystalseabooks.com/
The Harmony of the Resurrection Morning In this episode of Anchored by Truth, we dive deep into the chronological sequence of the first Easter. While skeptics often point to the different details in the four Gospels as a sign of inconsistency, RD Fierro explains how these variations actually prove the authenticity of the accounts. By pieceing together the testimonies of Mary Magdalene, Peter, and John, we get a complete picture of the victory that changed the world forever. We also feature the moving song "Arise" by Crystal Sea, which captures the emotional journey from the tragedy of Friday to the triumph of Sunday. -- The significance of Jesus appearing first to women in a culture where their testimony wasn't legally recognized, proving the Gospels' commitment to historical truth over "pious fiction." -- A step-by-step harmony of the morning events, including the rolling away of the stone and the reaction of the Roman guards. -- The profound realization John had when he saw the undisturbed graveclothes—a silent but powerful testimony that Jesus had simply risen through the wrappings. -- Why the resurrection is not just a human event, but a cosmic necessity planned before the foundation of the world to redeem creation. -- The dual message that has defined the Church for 2,000 years: Jesus is risen, and we must "go and tell." Scriptures for Further Study -- John 20:1-18 -- Matthew 28:2 -- John 14:6 This is episode 362. +++++++ You can find more information here: http://www.crystalseabooks.com/
In this episode of Anchored by Truth, we explore the most pivotal moment in human and cosmic history: the resurrection of Jesus Christ. By looking through the lens of Mary Magdalene and the faithful women who first visited the tomb, we move past the "familiarity" of the Easter story to rediscover the raw shock, grief, and eventual unmitigated joy of that Sunday morning. We also tackle common skeptical objections, such as the "swoon theory" and the slight variations between the Gospel accounts, showing how these nuances actually strengthen the historical reliability of the Bible. -- The significance of Mary Magdalene and the women being the first witnesses in a culture that legally devalued female testimony. -- Why the "variances" in the four Gospel accounts—such as the number of angels mentioned—point to authentic independent reporting rather than collusion. -- A debunking of the "swoon theory" by examining Roman execution efficiency and the physical impossibility of a "fainting" man moving a massive stone. -- The emotional journey from the "long Friday" and the heavy darkness of Saturday to the sunrise of the resurrection. -- A featured presentation of the song "Arise" by Crystal Sea, designed to help listeners feel the grandeur of the Father calling His Son from the grave. Scriptures for Further Study -- Matthew 28:1-10 -- John 20:1-18 -- Luke 8:1-3 -- Luke 24:1-10 -- Mark 15:43-45 -- Mark 16:2 This is episode 361. +++++++ You can find more information here: http://www.crystalseabooks.com/
Your Individual Place in a Grand Design In this episode of The Bible in Song, RD Fierro and Victoria K. dive into the lyrics of "Never Too Late" to discuss the deeply personal nature of God's relationship with humanity. While the rest of creation was brought forth in categories and "kinds," man was created individually. This distinction changes everything about how we view our worth and our mission. The discussion moves from the creation account in Genesis to the practical "secret" of sharing your faith without fear. By looking at the life of Nicodemus, we see that coming to Christ isn't always a lightning bolt moment—sometimes it's a slow, beautiful unfolding of truth. Main themes include: -- Why passion, not programs, is the primary key to natural evangelism. -- The distinction between God creating "categories" of animals versus the "individual" creation of man. -- How we simultaneously overestimate our worldly status and underestimate our eternal value as servants of the King. -- The role of Christian music as a non-intimidating tool for starting spiritual conversations. -- Why baptism and new life are available to everyone, regardless of how much time has passed. Scriptures for Further Study -- Matthew 3:11 -- John 3:16 -- John 19:38-40 -- Matthew 28:19-20 -- Psalm 139:1-2, 14 -- Genesis 1:11, 20, 24-25 -- Jeremiah 1:5 -- 2 Corinthians 5:10 -- Romans 10:11-15 This is episode 360. +++++++ You can find more information here: http://www.crystalseabooks.com/
Your Role in the Greatest Work in History Have you ever felt that sharing your faith has to be awkward, forced, or reserved for those with a pulpit? This episode of Anchored by Truth deconstructs that myth, illustrating how God uses the "everyday household" believer to advance His kingdom. Through the lens of the song "Never Too Late," RD Fierro and Victoria K discuss the profound theological reality that while we often "resist the Lord, lost in sin," His undimming love provides a way for reconciliation through the Holy Spirit. The discussion dives deep into the "cultural calculus" many use to justify their standing with God and explains why recognizing our own imperfection is the first step toward true peace. Whether you are a long-time believer or a seeker wondering if you've waited too long, this message proves that God's plan of redemption is an open invitation to join the winning team. -- Every Christian has a unique role in the Great Commission; it is not a task reserved solely for clergy or pundits. -- The "cultural calculus"—the idea that our good deeds outweigh the bad—fails because it relies on human standards rather than God's perfect holiness. -- Music and the arts are powerful, non-threatening "discussion starters" that can open hearts to the Gospel in a natural way. -- God's requirement of perfection is actually good news because it points us directly to our need for a Savior, Jesus Christ. -- Christian service shouldn't be viewed as a chore, but as an invitation to work alongside the Creator in an eternal plan of redemption. -- The Holy Spirit is the active agent in creating "new life within," proving that it is never too late to turn toward God. Scriptures for Further Study -- 2 Corinthians 5:17-18 -- 1 Peter 3:15 -- Matthew 28:19-20 -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- Matthew 5:3-48 -- Romans 1:18-21 -- Romans 8:18 -- 1 Timothy 2:1-4 This is episode 359. +++++++ You can find more information here: http://www.crystalseabooks.com/
In this episode of Anchored by Truth, Victoria K and RD Fierro explore the profound lyrics of the song "Never Too Late" by Crystal Sea. They unpack the "Bible in Song" series, focusing on how music can reclaim the culture for Christ. The discussion moves from the literal days of creation to the personal moment of baptism, proving that the same God who "stretched the heavens" is the same God who meticulously planned your salvation before the world began. -- The Cultural Mandate: Why Christians must stop abandoning the arts and instead compete for hearts and souls by providing God-glorifying music and literature. -- The Mystery of the First Light: A deep dive into Genesis 1, explaining why God was the direct source of light for the first three days of creation before the sun existed. -- Scientific Accuracy in Scripture: How the biblical phrasing of "stretching out the heavens" aligns with modern astrophysics and puzzles in the field. -- The Heart of Baptism: Understanding that baptism is a celebration of the Holy Spirit's ongoing creative work—the only place where God still performs "new" creation today. -- Divine Omniscience: Reflections on Ephesians 1:4 and the staggering reality that the Creator of trillions of stars had a specific plan for your life and identity. -- Never Too Late: Encouragement for those who feel they have come to faith "late" or have delayed baptism, emphasizing that God's timing is perfect and His love never dims. Scriptures for Further Study -- Genesis 1:14-16 -- Genesis 4:20-21 -- 1 Samuel 16:23 -- Isaiah 45:12 -- Jeremiah 51:15 -- 2 Corinthians 5:17-18 -- Ephesians 1:4 -- Revelation 21:23-25 This is episode 358. +++++++ You can find more information here: http://www.crystalseabooks.com/
In this episode of The Bible in Song, hosts RD Fierro and Victoria K dive deep into the spiritual significance of the song "Never Too Late." They connect the dots between the very first moments of Genesis and the transformative power of Christian baptism. This teaching challenges the idea that we can ever be "too old" or "too far gone" to publicly commit to Christ, explaining that the same God who spoke light into the darkness of the void is the same God currently speaking new life into human hearts. -- We explore the "Grand Narrative" of scripture: Creation, Fall, and Redemption, and how every human life fits into this story. -- RD explains the concept of "Regeneration," describing how God acts at the deepest point of the human person to make a dead spirit alive. -- The discussion highlights the connection between the "light and water" of Genesis 1 and the "light and water" experienced during a believer's baptism. -- We address the common hesitation many adults feel regarding baptism, offering encouragement that it is never too late to follow the Biblical sacraments. -- The episode features a full playback of the song "Never Too Late," a lyrical journey from the dawn of creation to the personal moment of salvation. Scriptures for Further Study -- 2 Corinthians 5:17-18 -- Genesis 1:1-4 -- Genesis 1:20-28 -- Romans 8:18-22 -- Ephesians 2:1-2 This is episode 357. +++++++ You can find more information here: http://www.crystalseabooks.com/
We often view the great prophets of the Bible as distant, superhuman figures receiving spectacular visions we could never experience. But what if the dramatic call of Isaiah was meant to be an invitation for every believer? In this episode of Anchored by Truth, RD Fierro and Victoria K. conclude their study of Isaiah 6 through the lens of "The Bible in Song." They explore the transition from "doomscrolling" to "life-scrolling," the nature of God's calling, and why the resurrection gives us an even greater vantage point than the ancient prophets. -- The distinction between "doomscrolling" through despair and "life-scrolling" through the Word of God. -- Why God uses regular people like fishermen, tax collectors, and shepherds to implement His plan of redemption. -- A breakdown of the magnificent imagery in Isaiah 6 and the terrifying holiness of God. -- Why the "Great Commission" serves as a universal call that removes the need for a personal "burning bush" experience. -- The role of creative arts and music in reawakening an awareness of the Bible as the infallible word of God. Scriptures for Further Study -- Isaiah 6:1-8 -- Matthew 4:19 -- Matthew 9:9 -- Luke 5:27 -- Ezekiel 1:15-18 -- Daniel 7:9-10 -- Amos 7:14-15 -- Jeremiah 1:6-10 -- Acts 9:3-9 -- John 7:5 -- Matthew 28:18-20 -- Psalm 33:12 This is episode 355. +++++++ You can find more information here: http://www.crystalseabooks.com/
In this episode of The Bible in Song, we dive deep into Isaiah chapter 6 to understand the unique category of God's holiness. We explore the rare biblical moments where God, angels, and humans occupy the same space—a gathering that only ever happens in the courts of Heaven. We discuss the "Problem of Two Rebellions," examining the chilling reality that while God initiated a plan to redeem fallen humanity, no such offer was made to the demons. -- The biblical concept of holiness, derived from the Greek word hagios, means to be "set apart" or entirely "other" than creation. -- Isaiah 6 and the Book of Revelation are the only two places in Scripture where God, humans, and angels are depicted together in one location. -- These heavenly gatherings never include fallen angels; God does not tolerate the presence of the demonic when interacting with His chosen people in His throne room. -- There is a critical distinction in divine justice: God provided a Savior for mankind but immediately and eternally judged the angels who rebelled. -- Modern culture's dismissal of a literal devil is identified as a strategic trap that lead people to submit to an authority they claim doesn't exist. -- Music serves as a unique medium to bypass cultural barriers and plant deep biblical truths in the hearts of listeners, even while they are "entertained." Scriptures for Further Study -- Isaiah 6:1-8 -- Revelation 4, 5, and 7 -- 1 Peter 1:12 -- Genesis 3 -- Job 1:6-7 -- Matthew 17:17-20 This is episode 354. +++++++ You can find more information here: http://www.crystalseabooks.com/
In this episode of Anchored by Truth, hosts Victoria K. and RD Fierro explore the profound implications of Isaiah 6, moving beyond a casual reading of the text to understand the "triple holiness" of God. By combining musical art with apologetics, they discuss how God's character demands both perfect justice and infinite mercy, and how the prophet Isaiah's encounter in the temple serves as a blueprint for the grand narrative of redemption. -- The universe exhibits an underlying order and intelligibility that points toward a Designer, a concept even Albert Einstein recognized as a "miracle." -- General revelation allows us to see God's power and design through nature, but Special Revelation (the Bible) is required to know His specific plans and His Trinitarian nature. -- Holiness in the biblical sense means to be "set apart" or "other"; when the Bible calls God "holy, holy, holy," it places Him in a unique category separate from all creation. -- The repetition of "holy" three times—found in both Isaiah and Revelation—is the only time a divine attribute is emphasized this way in Scripture, signaling its supreme importance. -- Because God is perfectly holy, He cannot simply "sweep sin under the rug"; the Fall required a legal and moral satisfaction that only an infinite Savior could provide. -- Isaiah's life and prophecies, written 700 years before Christ, perfectly align with the life of Jesus, proving the supernatural unity and reliability of the Word of God. Scriptures for Further Study -- Isaiah 6:1-8 -- Psalm 19:1-4 -- John 14:6 -- Deuteronomy 10:17 -- 1 John 4:8 -- Revelation 4:6-8 This is episode 353. +++++++ You can find more information here: http://www.crystalseabooks.com/
The Authority and Might of the God-Man This episode of Anchored by Truth dives deep into the dual nature of Christ and the specific "Incarnate Power" He displayed during His earthly ministry. While many see Jesus simply as a moral teacher, the evidence of His life—from calming storms with a word to forgiving sins—points to a reality that is far more explosive. We discuss why the resurrection isn't just a religious story, but a demonstration of power over space, time, matter, and energy. -- The distinction between miracles performed through human vessels and the miracles Jesus performed by His own innate divine authority. -- Why the claim "Jesus never said He was God" is biblically illiterate, using the healing of the paralytic as a primary case study. -- The logic of the supernatural: Why the skeptical argument that "only sensory perception leads to truth" actually destroys itself. -- How Jesus used His power to validate His identity to both the monotheistic Jews and polytheistic Romans of His day. -- The significance of the 40 days Jesus spent as the risen Christ to establish a foundation for a church that has lasted 2,000 years. Scriptures for Further Study -- Philippians 3:9-11 -- John 1:1-3, 14 -- Luke 5:20-25 -- Isaiah 35:4-6 -- John 10:17-18 -- 2 Corinthians 5:21 This is episode 352. +++++++ You can find more information here: http://www.crystalseabooks.com/
In this episode of Anchored by Truth, we dive deep into the "Bible in Song" series to explore the theological weight behind the track "Incarnate Power by Crystal Sea." We discuss why the virgin birth wasn't just a miracle, but a legal necessity to bypass the curse of original sin. By examining the early church's struggle to define Christ's nature, we reveal why the "hypostatic union"—Jesus being fully God and fully man—is the bedrock of our salvation. -- The Bible serves as the unique connection between the eternal realm of heaven and our temporal reality on earth. -- Man's production began in the dust, but our origin was in the mind of God before the world was even made. -- The prophecy in Genesis 3:15 specifically mentions the "seed of the woman," pointing toward a Savior born without a human father to avoid inheriting Adam's fallen nature. -- Original sin is not just the first act of rebellion, but the inherited spiritual corruption passed down to every natural descendant of Adam. -- A mediator must represent both parties; Jesus had to be human to represent us and divine to offer a sacrifice of infinite value to an infinite God. -- Christian music and art should serve as a life-giving alternative to the world's messages of despair, using beauty to communicate the "Incarnate Power" of the Gospel. Scriptures for Further Study -- 1 Timothy 2:5-7 -- Genesis 2:7 -- Genesis 3:15 -- Ephesians 1:4 -- Luke 1:34-35 -- Romans 6:23 -- Revelation 21:1 This is episode 351. +++++++ You can find more information here: http://www.crystalseabooks.com/
The modern entertainment industry often stands in direct opposition to the Gospel, yet its influence on the human heart is undeniable. In this episode of Anchored by Truth, we explore the vital role of the arts in shaping our worldview and why Crystal Sea Books is using music to push back against a culture of disbelief. By examining the lyrics of the song "Incarnate Power," we dive into the foundational history of Genesis to explain why a Savior was necessary in the first place. -- The influence of entertainment: Why young people are especially vulnerable to the subtle messages found in modern media. -- Music as a teaching tool: Reclaiming "rhythm and rhyme" to proclaim the inspired, inerrant, and infallible Word of God. -- The significance of the name "Jesus Christ": Understanding the difference between a personal name and a Messianic title. -- The Ex Nihilo vs. Relational creation: How the creation of Eve differs from the rest of the natural world and why it matters for humanity. -- The Infinite Debt: Why a rebellion against an infinite God required a solution that no mere mortal could provide. -- Genesis as Literal History: Why the New Testament's plan of redemption falls apart if the opening chapters of the Bible are treated as myth. Scriptures for Further Study -- Genesis 1-3 -- Romans 5:12-17 -- John 14:6 -- Genesis 2:18 This is episode 350. +++++++ You can find more information here: http://www.crystalseabooks.com/
Exploring Creation and Truth Through Music Join Victoria and R.D. Fierro on Anchored by Truth as they continue their "Bible in Song" series, focusing on "Seven Days by Crystal Sea." This episode delves into the profound truths of Genesis chapter 1, exploring how the creative process described in the Bible reveals the power and purpose of an almighty God. The hosts discuss the unique ability of music to aid in learning and recall, making it an ideal medium for communicating foundational biblical truths. They break down the song's verses, offering a deeper look at the first few days of creation and revealing the scientific and theological accuracy of the biblical text. Key points from this episode include: -- The Purposeful Nature of Creation: God's initial acts of creation, from separating the waters on Day 2 to creating vegetation on Day 3, were all part of a plan to prepare the earth for man, the only creature made in His image. -- God as the Source of Light: The discussion highlights how God created light on Day 1 before creating the sun, moon, and stars on Day 4, a powerful truth that points to God as the ultimate source of all light, a concept also seen in Revelation. -- The Miracle of Water: The show explores the remarkable properties of water—its high specific heat, its ability as a super solvent, and its unique freezing behavior—all of which demonstrate a purposeful design perfectly suited to sustaining life. -- Music's Power to Communicate: The hosts emphasize how music can be used to celebrate, commemorate, and communicate biblical values, serving as a powerful tool to share the gospel and reintroduce people to the life-giving message of the Bible. Scriptures for Further Study: -- John 14:6 -- Genesis 1:6-8 -- Deuteronomy 31:6 -- Philippians 4:13 -- 1 John 1:9 -- James 1:5 -- Job 38:4-7 -- Revelation 21:23-24 -- Genesis 1:2 -- 1 Thessalonians 5:16-17 This is episode 330. +++++++ You can find more information here: http://www.crystalseabooks.com/
Singing the Truth: How Music Can Point Us Back to Scripture The arts and entertainment industry today often promotes ideas that are at odds with the Christian faith. In this episode of Anchored by Truth, we explore how to reclaim this powerful medium for the Kingdom of Christ through a new series called "The Bible in Song." We discuss the song "Seven Days by Crystal Sea," a musical exploration of the Genesis creation account, and delve into the theological richness of its lyrics. This conversation will challenge you to think about: -- The importance of using entertainment to counter false narratives and proclaim biblical truth. -- How the lyrics of "Seven Days" point to the profound concept of God's self-existence, power, wisdom, and perfection. -- The contrast between the biblical account of creation by a personal, loving God and the secular "big bang" theory. -- The theological implications of the angels ("morning stars") witnessing God's creation, as referenced in the book of Job. -- The idea that biblically sound music can serve as a "discussion starter," leading to deeper study and spiritual growth. Scriptures for Further Study -- Genesis 1:1-5 -- Psalm 19:1-4 -- Matthew 4:48 -- Romans 1:20 -- Job 38:4-7 This is episode 329. +++++++ You can find more information here: http://www.crystalseabooks.com/
We're excited to be with today on Anchored by Truth as we bring you a special episode. It is apparent to anyone who is paying attention to cultural trends that the Christian faith in America has been subjected to more challenges in the last few decades than in the first two centuries of the country's existence. A lot of the challenges come from the fact that our surrounding culture has changed so much. And no part of our culture has changed more than how the culture views relationships, marriage, and sex. The cultural norms and mores regarding these subjects that prevailed in America's first two centuries – and in fact for millennia before America even existed – have shifted dramatically. the effects of all these changes has been in the arena sometimes called “romance.” To say that how our society views and treats romance may be the understatement of the century. So, to help us think about America's changing views of romance and relationships, today in the studio we have RD Fierro who has just released his first romance novel which is called Claire's Treasures. This is episode 289. +++++++ You can find more information here: http://www.crystalseabooks.com/
Today we're still speaking with Orlando attorney, James O. Cunningham, who has written much on the intersection of faith and politics. Not too long ago Jim wrote a fascinating article for substack entitled History Doesn't Repeat but it Rhymes. Jim is joining us again today because we want our listeners to hear from someone who has thought deeply and carefully about the truth and values of the Christian faith must express themselves in our current truth-averse culture. As Anchored by Truth listeners know, we believe that there are four lines of evidence that demonstrate that the Bible is the inspired, inerrant, and infallible word of God. We term those 4 lines of evidence reliable history, remarkable unity, fulfilled prophecy, and redeemed destinies. First, as both science, archeology, and human historical records amply demonstrate the Bible is historically reliable. Second, the Bible displays a remarkable unity for a book that was composed by over 3 dozen human authors who wrote over a span of 1,500 years. Third, the Bible gives evidence of supernatural origin especially through a large body of fulfilled prophecy. And the 4th line of evidence is that the Bible has resulted in an untold number of lives that have been positively changed by its transcendent message. Jim' life was transformed and redeemed by the scriptures. Jim has been practicing law in Florida for nearly 50 years and he also taught law classes at the Barry college of law including a class on the foundations of law. So, Jim not only knows how the law operates in our society but why it operates that way. And as we heard in our last couple of episodes of Anchored by Truth Jim has done an extensive investigation of the famous debates between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas as they both ran for the US Senate just prior to the civil war. Any listeners who didn't catch that episode of Anchored by Truth can go the website for Crystal Sea Books and find them there. The Lincoln-Douglas debates were an extremely important series of political conversations because in them the two men articulated far different visions of the American democracy. And those different visions are still being expressed in the political dialog of our day. This is episode 288. +++++++ You can find more information here: http://www.crystalseabooks.com/
Today we're still speaking with an attorney from Orlando Florida, James O. Cunningham, who wrote a fascinating article for substack entitled History Doesn't Repeat but it Rhymes. Jim is joining us today because we want our listeners to hear from someone who has thought deeply and carefully about the truth and values of the Christian faith must express themselves in our current truth-averse culture. This is episode 287. +++++++ You can find more information here: http://www.crystalseabooks.com/
In the studio today we're going to hear from an attorney from Orlando Florida, James O. Cunningham, who has written a fascinating article for substack entitled History Doesn't Repeat but it Rhymes. Jim is joining us today because we wanted our listeners to hear Jim's observations about critical issues that will affect the upcoming elections. Jim is going to help us see that faith, culture, and politics are really inseparable and it is essential for faithful Christians to understand how they intersect in today's post-modern, truth-averse culture. As long time Anchored by Truth listeners know, we believe that there are four lines of evidence that demonstrate that the Bible is the inspired, inerrant, and infallible word of God. We term those 4 lines of evidence reliable history, remarkable unity, fulfilled prophecy, and redeemed destinies. First, as both science, archeology, and human historical records amply demonstrate the Bible is historically reliable. Second, the Bible displays a remarkable unity for a book that was composed by over 3 dozen human authors who wrote over a span of 1,500 years. Third, the Bible gives evidence of supernatural origin especially through a large body of fulfilled prophecy. And the 4th line of evidence is that the Bible has resulted in an untold number of lives that have been positively changed by its transcendent message. We strongly believe that the Christian faith is a faith that is grounded in evidence, logic, and reason. Contrary to the refrain that you hear from some people that – “you have faith, but I have reason” – we believe that a proper use of logic, reason, and evidence actually demonstrates that the Christian faith is true. So today we're going to hear from someone whose life was transformed and redeemed by the scriptures. And, as you will hear, after his life was transformed Jim went on to intentionally develop and deepen his faith so that today he can help others see the truth contained in the Bible. Jim has recorded several of his observations in a series of substack essays . One of the great things about Jim's observations is that they are packaged in a very convenient way. They are easy to read in a few minutes and his style is very reasonable and informative for the average lay believer. One reason that is true is that Jim has been practicing law in Florida for nearly 50 years, has been Board-Certified by the Florida Bar as a Civil Trial Specialist for 40 years and has been recognized as a Florida Super Lawyer for well over a decade. This is episode 286. +++++++ You can find more information here: http://www.crystalseabooks.com/
This is our 10th episode and final episode in a series we called “The Bible: Cornerstone and Context.” Throughout this series we have emphasized that Jesus is the cornerstone of the Bible. In fact, Jesus is the cornerstone of everything that exists. And the Bible is the only book that helps us clearly see Jesus' foundational role in creation and in human history. The Bible opens with Jesus' creative activity. It continues in the Old Testament by providing dozens or hundreds of prophecies that lead to His first coming. The New Testament then explains the changes that took place in redemptive history because of Jesus' first coming, and the Bible concludes with the anticipation of Jesus' return to the earth in a triumphant and final second coming. In short, if we don't understand Jesus' roles as the cornerstone and foundation of all scripture and creation, we will never be able to understand our own roles in this world. Today as we wrap up this very important series, we have RD Fierro back with us in the studio. RD is an author and the founder of Crystal Sea Books. This is episode 278.
This is our 9th episode in this series which is entitled “The Bible: Cornerstone and Context.” As we have gone through this series we have seen that Jesus is the not only the cornerstone of the Bible but he is the cornerstone of creation and history. Not surprisingly, the Bible is the only book that helps to clearly see and understand Jesus’ role as the cornerstone of everything that exists. And part of the way scripture helps us to do that is that scripture has several clear and consistent themes that are woven throughout the Bible. Two themes that weave throughout the Bible are the restraint of sin and the promotion of abundant and holy living. Two themes that are ever present in the Old Testament are the preparation of a tribe and family that would produce a Messiah and the preparation of the world to receive the Messiah. Then, in the New Testament – after the Messiah has come for the first time, a new theme emerges. And that is the preparation of the world and cosmos for the Messiah’s second and final arrival on this earth. Today we’re going to begin the wrap up of the series. To help us as we begin the wrap we have RD Fierro back with us in the studio. RD is an author and the founder of Crystal Sea Books. RD, Jesus is the cornerstone of scripture and God gave us consistent themes throughout all the books of the Bible to help us understand that. This is episode 277.
This is our 8th episode in a series we are calling “The Bible: Cornerstone and Context.” Just about everyone who has spent much time with the Bible quickly realizes that the Bible is home to a wide variety of literature types including history, prophecy, poetry, and practical principles. But these many different types of literature do not take away from the Bible’s unity. The Bible is a unified whole. The unity and harmony that bind the Bible demonstrate clearly that it is the product of an omniscient mind, God’s mind. The various books of the Bible were penned by their various human authors during a period that stretched over 1,500 years. Only an eternal Being who knew all human history from beginning to end could have inspired the human writers over such a period. This is one of the reasons that it is so helpful for us to have a firm framework to guide our study and understanding. To help us with our discussion is RD Fierro, an author and the founder of Crystal Sea Books. RD, you will hear some people talk about “systematic theology.” What is systematic theology? This is episode 276.
We’re so happy to be back with you on Anchored by Truth as we continue a series we are call “The Bible: Cornerstone and Context.” This series is designed to help our listeners absorb the Bible’s timeless wisdom more readily. The Bible contains a wide variety of literature types including history, prophecy, poetry, and practical principles. But despite the many type of literature in the Bible, it is a unified whole. As we have said throughout this series, the Bible is a single story about a single plan centered on a single man. The Bible contains a remarkable unity which demonstrates clearly that it is the product of an omniscient mind. The Bible is the special revelation of that Mind to men and women. Why would God have gone to so much trouble? As is often said, God did it for our good and His glory. So, back with us today as we continue the discussion is RD Fierro, an author and the founder of Crystal Sea Books. RD, what is the cornerstone of the Bible. And what are some of the themes that provide a context we can use to better understand the Bible – the themes that weave throughout scripture and create a beautiful tapestry out of the threads that are the individual books and accounts? RD: Well, before we get too far into our discussion I would also like to say hello and welcome everyone to this episode of Anchored by Truth. We’re so happy that you’re with us today. I hope that most people would know – even if they have not been following our series – that Jesus is the cornerstone of the Bible. It’s impossible to make sense out of the Bible unless you build your understanding upon that essential truth. But as philosophers and scientists sometimes say knowing that Jesus is the cornerstone of the Bible is necessary but not sufficient to build a comprehensive understanding of scripture. So, in our last few episodes on Anchored by Truth we discussed the idea that there are at least 4 themes that are woven throughout the Old Testament. The 4 themes are the preparation of the world for the arrival of the Messiah, Christ Jesus; the preparation of a family that would actually give birth to the Messiah; the restraint of sin; and the promotion of holiness and abundant living. 2 of these 4 themes continue on into the New Testament because is always concerned about the restraint of sin and that His children live holy and abundant lives. But once Jesus came the New Testament writers shift their attention to preparations for Jesus’ second coming – his return to earth. So, in addition to the two themes that carried over from the Old Testament, a new theme emerges in the New – the preparation of the world and especially the church for Christ’s second coming to earth. This is episode 275.
Greetings! Welcome to Anchored by Truth brought to you by Crystal Sea Books. I'm Victoria K. We're glad to be back with you on Anchored by Truth as we continue a series we are calling “The Bible: Cornerstone and Context.” This series is designed to help you with your Bible reading and study. Specifically, we want to aid you in the assimilation of the priceless wisdom the Bible contains. In the first episodes in this series we learned that Christ Jesus is the cornerstone of the Bible. In fact, Jesus is the cornerstone of creation. The Bible makes it very clear that everything that exists was created by Jesus. Knowing that Jesus is the cornerstone of the Bible is essential to our Biblical understanding. But knowing that Jesus is the cornerstone is necessary but not sufficient to develop a comprehensive grasp of the Bible. We have to build on that cornerstone. And one way to do that is by having a contextual framework that helps us see the Bible as a unified whole. As we have said throughout this series, the Bible is a single story about a single plan centered on a single man. So, back with us today as we continue our discussion is RD Fierro, an author and the founder of Crystal Sea Books. RD, in our last couple of episodes we began talking about some themes that weave throughout scripture and help create a beautiful tapestry out of the threads that are the individual books and Bible accounts. What are some of those themes? RD: Well, before we get too far into our discussion I would also like to welcome everyone to this episode of Anchored by Truth. In our last few episodes on Anchored by Truth we introduced the idea that there are at least 4 themes that are woven throughout the Old Testament. The 4 themes are the preparation of the world for the arrival of the Messiah, Christ Jesus; the preparation of a family that would actually give birth to the Messiah; the restraint of sin; and the promotion of holiness and abundant living. 2 of these 4 themes continue on into the New Testament because is always concerned about the restraint of sin and that His children live holy and abundant lives. But once Jesus, the Messiah, actually arrived in the world there was no need to continue to prepare for his arrival. So, whereas in the Old Testament the inspired writers talked about preparing for Jesus' first coming, the New Testament writers shift their attention to preparations for Jesus' second coming – his return to earth. So, in addition to the two themes that carried over from the Old Testament, a new theme emerges in the New – the preparation of the world and especially the church for Christ's second coming to earth. This is episode 274.
VK: Greetings! Welcome to Anchored by Truth sponsored for you by Crystal Sea Books. I’m Victoria K. We’re happy to have you back with us on Anchored by Truth as we continue a series we are calling “The Bible: Cornerstone and Context.” We are offering this series because we believe a contextual framework that guides Bible reading and study aids the assimilation of the priceless wisdom the Bible contains. In our first couple of episodes in this series we learned that Christ Jesus is the cornerstone of the Bible. In fact, Jesus is the cornerstone of creation. The Bible makes it very clear that everything that exists was created by Jesus. Knowing that Jesus is the cornerstone of the Bible is essential to our understanding but we think it’s important to build a solid Biblical structure on that foundation. And one way to do that is by having a contextual framework that helps us see the Bible as a unified whole. As we have said, the Bible is a single story about a single plan centered on a single man. So, back with us today as we continue our discussion is RD Fierro, an author and the founder of Crystal Sea Books. RD, in our last couple of episodes we began talking about how to develop an integrated context into which we can fit all the various elements of scripture. Can you give us a brief summary of some of the material we’ve discussed related to context? RD: Well, before we get too far into our discussion I would also like to welcome everyone to this episode of Anchored by Truth. In our last couple of episodes we have introduced the idea that there are at least 4 themes that are woven throughout the Old Testament. The 4 themes are the preparation of the world for the arrival of the Messiah, Christ Jesus; the preparation of a family that would actually give birth to the Messiah; the restraint of sin; and the promotion of holiness and abundant living. 2 of these 4 themes continue on into the New Testament because is always concerned about the restraint of sin and that His children live holy and abundant lives. But once Jesus, the Messiah, actually arrived in the world there was no need to continue to prepare for his arrival. So, whereas in the Old Testament there was a lot of attention paid to preparing for Jesus’ first coming, in the New Testament attention shifts to preparations for Jesus’ second coming – his return to earth. VK: Let’s remind everyone that the Bible is a single book about a single plan centered on a single man. The Bible contains a great many books but they all relate to a single, grand saga – the saga of creation, fall, and redemption. Jesus is the cornerstone and centerpiece of the plan of redemption. It is impossible to understand the Bible correctly without understanding Jesus’ foundational role. So, it makes perfect sense that the Bible’s 2 major parts, the Old Testament and New Testament, would each focus on Jesus. The Old Testament focuses on Jesus’ first coming. But once Jesus came many things that were only hinted at in the Old Testament came into sharp focus. It was as if mists had cleared. We could now see things more clearly – things such as how the Messiah could be both the “Lamb of God” and “the lion of the tribe of Judah” and how some prophetic structures in the Old Testament would be fulfilled in the first coming but others would await a later fulfillment. In his first coming Jesus came to effect salvation for the elect. In his second coming Jesus will glorify the elect so mankind can again assume the Dominion Mandate that was given in the Garden of Eden. This is episode 273.
VK: Greetings! Welcome to Anchored by Truth brought to you by Crystal Sea Books. I’m Victoria K. We’re happy to be back with you on Anchored by Truth as we continue with our series that we call “The Bible: Cornerstone and Context.” RD Fierro, an author and the founder of Crystal Sea Books, is with us again today as we continue our discussion of how people can grow in their Biblical literacy by knowing the cornerstone of scripture and then developing a contextual framework to guide further reading and study. In our first two episodes in this series we learned that – unsurprisingly – Christ Jesus is the cornerstone of the Bible. In fact, Jesus is the cornerstone of creation since the Bible makes it clear that everything that exists was created by Jesus. The New International Version of Colossians, chapter 1, verses 16 and 17 say this. “All things have been created through [Jesus] and for [Jesus]. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together …” That’s a pretty clear statement. And other scriptures build on this foundational concept, don’t they RD? RD: Well, I’d also like to greet everyone joining us here today as we continue our discussion on the cornerstone and context of the Bible. Yes. There are a number of scriptures that affirm that Jesus is not only the cornerstone of creation but also the cornerstone of God’s plan of redemption. And Jesus himself tells us that. In the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 21, verse 42 when Jesus was speaking to the chief priests and elders he said to them: “Have you never read in the Scriptures: ‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes’?” Jesus was quoting was likely Psalm 118, verse 22 which says, “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.” And there are other Old Testament scriptures that reinforce this same point. Isaiah, chapter 28, verse 16 says, “So this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; the one who believes will never be shaken.’” The Bible is abundantly clear that Jesus is its cornerstone. VK: Let’s remind everyone that the Bible is a single book about a single plan centered on a single man. The Bible contains a great many books but they all relate to a single, grand saga – the saga of creation, fall, and redemption. Jesus is the cornerstone and centerpiece of the plan of redemption. It is impossible to understand the Bible correctly without understanding Jesus’ foundational role. So, that’s a great place to begin to understand how all scripture fits together in a unified whole but it’s not enough by itself, is it?
Episode 271 –Bible: Cornerstone and Context 3 – Timeless Themes Welcome to Anchored by Truth brought to you by Crystal Sea Books. In John 14:6, Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” The goal of Anchored by Truth is to encourage everyone to grow in the Christian faith by anchoring themselves to the secure truth found in the inspired, inerrant, and infallible word of God. Script: This is the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah the son of David, the son of Abraham: Abraham was the father of Isaac … . The Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 1, verses 1 and 2, New International Version ******** VK: Greetings! Welcome to Anchored by Truth brought to you by Crystal Sea Books. I’m Victoria K. We’re glad to be back with you on Anchored by Truth as we continue with our series that we call “The Bible: Cornerstone and Context.” RD Fierro, an author and the founder of Crystal Sea Books, is with us again today as we continue our discussion of how people can improve their understanding of the Bible by developing a contextual framework to guide their reading and study. RD, the Bible has a vast variety of material. It contains records of history, inspirational poetry, practical admonitions, moral and ethical commands, and even entertaining stories. All of this material can be engaging and valuable even when we just focus on the individual instruction or report. So, why do think that it is so important for Bible students to take the time to see a bigger picture? RD: Well, I’d also like to welcome everyone joining us here today as we continue our discussion on the cornerstone and context of the Bible. As you’ve noted there’s a wide variety of material in the Bible and even a wide variety of literary genres. The Bible has poems, proverbs, parables, allegories, as well as history and prophecy. And – also as you have noted – we can gain a lot just by learning about individual episodes of the Bible heroes like David with Goliath or Daniel in the lion’s den. And certainly many of the individual psalms are inspirational and comforting just as the individual proverbs contain practical advice that will help people live better lives. But as valuable as all this material can be when considered separately when we see how it is all part of God’s grand plan for His people I think the individual episodes take on even more meaning. As we see God’s overall plan for the created order it increases our ability to glorify Him through our lives and testimonies. VK: And that should be the central focus of every Christian life. One of the major confessional creeds says that the chief purpose of man is to “glorify God and enjoy Him forever.” RD: Yes. It’s certainly important to learn from each part of scripture. But it is also important to be able to see the larger tapestry of scripture where the individual threads and features form a larger and more inspiring whole. And the first step in being able to do is to certainly see that Jesus is present in each and every part of the tapestry. Or to return to other metaphor Jesus is the cornerstone of scripture. VK: And we started out talking about Jesus as the cornerstone in our first two episodes in this series. In our first episode we pointed out that even in famous Old Testament stories that don’t seem to relate to Jesus such as Jonah and the whale Jesus was being foreshadowed. And in our second episode we talked about the elegance of the way in which Jesus’ attributes and work made Him the perfect – in fact the only possible – Mediator between God and man. RD: Yes. When Adam and Eve rebelled against God in the Garden of Eden they violated the Covenant of Works which God had established with them. This left the covenant unsatisfied and incurred a debt with infinite consequences. Jesus came to address both of these concerns. He lived a sinless life. He fulfilled the Covenant of Works. So, he never needed to die for His own sin. This meant that when He willingly sacrificed Himself He could atone for the sins of others. Moreover, since Jesus was fully divine as well as being fully human He is a Being of infinite value. His death was infinitely valuable. Therefore, he could satisfy the infinite debt that man had created for himself. VK: But Jesus’ death is only of value for those who are willing to trust Him. As you put it in the title of one of your books, Christ is The Prodigal’s Advocate. We are all prodigals. We all need an advocate to face the perfect bar of God’s justice. Without an advocate we will be left to defend ourselves – a futile effort if there ever was one. But Jesus will gladly serve as our advocate if we will let him. The choice is ours. So, are the consequences of our choice. RD: Right. So, today I want to build on the foundation we have established. I want to build on the fact that Jesus is the cornerstone of scripture.
Episode 270 –Bible: Cornerstone and Context 2 – Infinite Salvation Welcome to Anchored by Truth brought to you by Crystal Sea Books. In John 14:6, Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” The goal of Anchored by Truth is to encourage everyone to grow in the Christian faith by anchoring themselves to the secure truth found in the inspired, inerrant, and infallible word of God. Script: For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people. 11 Timothy, Chapter 2, verses 5 and 6, New International Version ******** VK: Hello! Welcome to Anchored by Truth brought to you by Crystal Sea Books. I’m Victoria K. We’re so happy to have you with us today on Anchored by Truth as we continue with the series that we began in our last episode. We’re calling this series “The Bible: Cornerstone and Context.” Our goal on Anchored by Truth is to help people understand that the Bible is the inspired, inerrant, and infallible word of God. And one powerful way for people to come to that awareness is for them to realize that the Bible is a pre-eminently reasonable book. Some people may come to the Bible and think that the various books and stories contained in the Bible were just sort of randomly assembled. But nothing could be further from the truth. The Bible is a unified revelation. To help us continue this invaluable discovery, today in the studio we have RD Fierro, an author and the founder of Crystal Sea Books. RD, why did you decide to do a series you call “Cornerstone and Context?” RD: Well, I’d also like to welcome everyone joining us here today as we continue our new series. We’ve talked often on Anchored by Truth that in our day and age there is widespread Biblical ignorance in our culture. And surprisingly that Biblical ignorance extends even into our churches. If you talk to the average person sitting in a pew on Sunday morning and ask them whether they believe the Bible is the word of God the vast majority will say yes. But when you ask them to explain to you why they believe that you get a lot of blank stares. It’s not that they are not sincere in their belief. It’s that all too often they have only a cursory understanding of the faith they claim and even more cursory understanding of the Bible. That’s sad but it’s also perilous – because a Christian who can’t provide a reasoned explanation of what they believe and why they believe it is just chum to the cultural sharks who swarm in school buildings, the media, academia, corporate hallways, and government. Some surveys have said that as many as three-quarters of the kids raised in Christian homes lose their faith when the leave home. VK: What you’re saying is that our culture is no longer a safe place to be a Christian. While there are a lot of platitudes hurled around that talk about freedom of thought and expression, the truth is that the consistent target for denigration today is evangelical Christianity. Now we shouldn’t be surprised by this. Jesus told us that his people would be a target for the world and the devil. In what may be Jesus’ best-known discourse on the end times he said this: “Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people.” That’s the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 24, verses 9 through 11. RD: Yes. Note that in those verses Jesus warned that “many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other.” Since Jesus said that these people would “turn away” that means that for at least some time there would be people who were seemingly His followers, seemingly Christian, but they really weren’t. And the occasion for those people abandoning their false profession of faith was because of persecution. We all need to take Jesus’ warning to heart and make sure that we aren’t among the group that turns away. We need to make sure that we – and our families and friends – are firmly grounded in their faith. VK: … that they are “anchored by truth” in other words… RD: Yes - anchored by truth. That’s why we named this show what we did. People with a shallow faith are going to be swept away when waves of persecution come. We’re already seeing that all around us. The fastest growing religious group in America today is the so-called “nones.” These are the people who possess no religious faith. VK: But that’s really a deceptive label isn’t it. People may say they don’t believe in any religion but they are just lying to themselves. It’s just that they have substituted a false idol for faith in the One True God. And while in our society they are certainly free to do that they are not free to do that without consequences. Because God has been very clear that He will one day call all people to account. The Apostle Paul wrote “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.” That’s 2 Corinthians, chapter 5, verse 10. The consequence of people rejecting Christ in this life is that Christ will not recognize them as His people when they stand before Him at judgment. RD: Yes – and that’s actually what I wanted to talk more about today - salvation. I’d guess that if you asked a lot of Christians to explain exactly how Christ provides salvation to His people we would get a lot of blank stares. VK: Well, I think a lot of people would say something like “we’re saved by Christ’s death on the cross” or “we’re saved because Jesus took our sins away.” RD: I think they would and both of those statements are accurate. But they are incomplete in terms of the basis for our salvation. Both of those statements are essentially statements about the result of Christ’s atoning death – and it is a glorious result indeed. But a complete understanding and explanation of how Christ provided salvation to His people means going beyond just the result to the origin of the need for salvation and the process used to bring about the result. VK: In other words the cornerstone and context of our salvation. RD: In so many words yes. VK: Well, I think many people might say “I don’t need to know how I was saved. I just need to know that I am saved. RD: And that would be unfortunate for a number of reasons but let’s just mention one for today. Studying scripture is not optional for God’s people. In Paul’s epistle to the Philippians he told them to “work out [their] salvation with fear and trembling.” That’s Philippians, chapter 2, verse 12. Now Paul is not telling the Philippians to be afraid of the work. He is telling them that they must be diligent about being obedient to his admonitions and the commands of scripture because expects His people to do their best. We should be afraid of not doing our best for Jesus because as Paul pointed out earlier Jesus gave up a heavenly throne to provide our salvation. In other words, God and Jesus gave us the greatest blessing possible – eternal salvation – but to do that God had to send His only begotten Son to die for us. It’s incumbent on us then to express our gratitude by at least taking the trouble to understand what God did for us. In addition to the instruction God gave to the Philippians Paul also gave his follower Timothy, and us, an express command to study scripture. VK: You’re thinking of 2 Timothy, chapter 2, verse 15. In the Amplified Bible that verse says, “Study and do your best to present yourself to God approved, a workman [tested by trial] who has no reason to be ashamed, accurately handling and skillfully teaching the word of truth.” RD: Right. God commands us to study God’s word, the Bible. And if we do that we will be able to explain not only the result of our salvation but why it was necessary in the first place. And, even more wonderfully, we will be able to explain the true elegance of the plan of redemption. VK: And one thing that can help everyone with developing a complete understanding of how and why Jesus saved us is by returning to the grand story that the Bible tells. In our last episode of Anchored by Truth we mentioned that the Bible is a single book about a single plan centered on a single man. The plan was God’s plan to redeem a people for Himself. The man who is the center of God’s plan of redemption, and all of history for that matter, is Christ Jesus. Christ Jesus is the cornerstone of the Bible and History. And the grand saga that the Bible relates is a saga of creation, fall, and redemption. RD: So, one thing that we can immediately see by returning to the big story, the grand saga, is the origin of the need for Jesus to die an atoning death on the cross – the fall of man that occurred in the Garden of Eden. If Adam and Eve had obeyed God’s command to not eat from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil man would never have fallen. So, the origin of the need for the sacrifice of God’s only Son lies in the fall of man that is reported in chapter 3 of the book of Genesis. VK: If man had not fallen, sin would not have entered the created order. And therefore man would not have to have been redeemed from the consequences of sin. But once man fell, God had to do something to save His elect because if God had done nothing everyone would have been lost. RD: Correct. So, let’s work our way through the chain of salvation step by step. In chapter 1 of Genesis we hear the overall story of creation. Then in chapter 2 we get more detailed information about how created the pinnacle of creation, man and woman. At the end of chapter 2 everything is good – in fact very good – within the created order. VK: Sadly, all that changed in the opening verses of chapter 3 of Genesis – because in the first verse of chapter 3 we start to hear about the serpent. The serpent is really the devil in disguise. We learn about that from chapter 12 of the book of Revelation. RD: So, obviously the devil already existed at that time. And the devil had already rebelled against God and most likely already led a third of the angels into following him. So, in chapter 3 of Genesis we find out that Adam and Eve are now going to be tested to see whether they will be obedient to God or whether they are going to succumb to temptation. And from the fact that Satan presents an initial temptation for Eve to doubt God that she resists we learn that she could have resisted subsequent temptations if she had simply done what she did at first – which was to repeat God’s truth back to Satan when he tempted her. VK: And we also learn from this encounter that temptation is not sin. We can be tempted and still not sin. I think this confuses a lot of people. They think that just because they are experiencing temptation that they have sinned. But just encountering temptation is not necessarily sinful. Now it may be our sin that leads us to rush into places where we will encounter temptation more readily, but we can also encounter temptation even if we haven’t done that. Temptation is all around us – unfortunately. But just because we are tempted does not mean we have sinned. One of Satan’s favorite tricks is to discourage us by convincing us we sinned when all we really experienced was temptation. RD: I agree. At any rate Eve did ultimately succumb to Satan’s temptations and Adam followed right along with her. That lapse, that first sin changed everything – not just for mankind but for all of creation. So, at that point man was lost. Man had incurred an infinite debt. VK: Man is finite creature. All creatures are finite. But God is infinite. So, the consequences of man’s rebellion were infinite because man had offended a Being of infinite proportions and attributes. Even in our society we recognize that the consequences of our action are dependent on not just the offender but the offended. Lie to your neighbor and that may or not be a crime. Lie on a loan application and it is likely a criminal offense. Betray a friend and you’re a false friend. Betray your country and its treason. The severity of an action is dependent on both sides of the transaction. RD: Yes. So, after Adam and Eve rebelled, sinned, in the Garden of Eden they and all of their children would have been eternally condemned had God not immediately began a plan of redemption. But He did. God immediately announced that Satan’s dark plan for the downfall of man would one day result in Satan’s eternal death. God said that one of Eve’s descendants, the “seed of the woman” as the King James Version puts it, would crush Satan’s head. Crushing the head of a serpent is a fatal blow. But defeating Satan wouldn’t come without cost. The serpent would strike the heel of the One who would crush his head – a painful but not fatal blow. VK: So, immediately, even before the Bible’s account of the first sin has ended we already have 3 elements that help us begin to understand how Jesus accomplished our salvation. Element number 1 is that the coming hero would be the “seed of a woman” but not of a man. Element number 2 is that whoever this hero is going to be it is going to be a man. Most versions that translate Genesis, chapter 3, verse 15 use the pronoun “he” to talk about the person who is going to crush Satan’s head. And third we can understand that for the curse of sin to be reversed it is going to take a Person of infinite value. As we have said the debt Adam and Eve incurred in the Garden was an infinite debt. And a finite man cannot pay an infinite debt no matter how hard he tries or how long he works. RD: Right. So, even just knowing the beginning of the grand story is of immense value to understanding how Jesus saved us by his sacrificial death on the cross. We leave the third chapter of the first book of the Bible with three criteria that are going to be true of the coming Messiah. And more criteria will be added as the plan of redemption proceeds. Redemptive history began in the Garden of Eden began there but it most certainly didn’t end there. From chapters 6 through 9 of Genesis we find out that the coming Messiah would be descendant of Noah – because only Noah, his 3 sons, and their wives were the only people who survived the worldwide flood. In chapter 12 of Genesis we find out that the Savior will be a descendent of the patriarch Abraham because God tells Abraham that all the peoples on earth will be blessed through him. And in chapter 14 of Genesis we first hear of the mysterious figure “Melchizedek.” We find out in Psalm 110, verse 4 that this figure Melchizedek is a figure who presages the kind of priest that the Messiah will be. VK: And we find out that Jesus fulfilled this priestly role by three separate references in the book of Hebrews. Those verses are Hebrews, chapter 5, verse 6, and chapter 7 verses17 and 21. And in scripture a three-fold repetition of something is significant, isn’t it. RD: Yes. There aren’t many three-fold repetitions of words or phrases in scripture they are always used by God as a form of emphasis. In the case of the Messiah God was telling the Jews that the Messiah would be not only be a priest but also a king. He was also telling them that the Messiah would not be from the priestly tribe of Levi. And God continued to add criteria and attributes throughout the Old Testament that would allow the Jews and the world to know Jesus was the Messiah when Jesus arrived in the world. Jesus would be born in Bethlehem, enter Jerusalem on a donkey’s colt, be crucified between two thieves, buried in a rich man’s tomb, but rise again to sit at the right hand of God. All of these signs of the Messiah, and others, were given to the Jews in their scriptures were fulfilled in Jesus’ life. VK: And the point is that because we know that God’s grand plan and the big story of the Bible is all about creation, fall, and redemption we can trace a consistent path through the Old Testament. Immediately after the fall God told Adam and Eve that a Deliverer would come and God immediately gave them distinctive criteria that would mark the Messiah. So, by getting a firm grasp on the larger context in which all the various events, stories, and prophecies of the Old Testament are set we can see the progress of redemptive history. When God gives a new criteria that will mark the life of the Messiah, like being born of a virgin, we can look and see if we have evidence that that criteria was fulfilled in the life of Jesus. Context keeps the lights on for our pathway. So, by keeping the larger context in mind we can better organize our study to ensure we get the most out of time with scripture. RD: Yep. So, now let’s start to put all these ideas together and see God’s perfect elegance in both establishing the plan of salvation and then shepherding it to completion. God warned Adam and Eve that if they ate from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil they would die. VK: In other words, the consequence of disobedience was death. Or as the Apostle Paul said in Romans, chapter 6, verse 23 “the wages of sin is death.” RD: Yep. Well, Adam and Eve did eat from the forbidden tree and they experienced death. Not only did they die but everyone who would descend from them would also die. The curse of death, the sting of death, would have been an eternal part of the created order if God had not intervened. VK: And God had to intervene – because man had incurred an infinite debt to God. And as we have said a finite man cannot pay an infinite debt. The only Infinite Being that exists is God. So, God had to figure out how to pay that infinite debt if any people were ever to be saved. Man’s sin estranged man from God. Restoration required reconciliation. But man couldn’t do what was necessary for reconciliation. Only God could. And God did. RD: And this is where our opening scripture fills in a key thought. In our opening scripture from 1 Timothy Paul tells Timothy that “there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus.” A mediator must be capable of representing both sides of a transaction. So, the mediator between God and man had to be able to represent both God and man. VK: Which is why the 2nd Person of the Trinitarian Godhead had to take on a human nature. This is the miracle of the incarnation. Biologically speaking Jesus was born of Mary but the baby in Mary’s womb had actually resulted from the Holy Spirit coming “on her” as most translations put it. Now we don’t understand exactly how the Holy Spirit did but an infinite God who created the entire universe and all life in the universe wouldn’t have any trouble creating a baby in a virgin’s womb. So, Jesus was the Son of a human mother but in a very real sense He was also the Son of a Divine Father. RD: Yep. Because God brought Jesus into the created order the way He did Jesus came equipped to be the mediator to reconcile man to God. VK: What remained was for Jesus to live a “spotless” life because a Perfect God can only accept a perfect sacrifice. And Jesus did live a sinless life, a perfect life before God. This fulfilled the Covenant Works which Adam and Eve had violated in the Garden. RD: Yep. And that sinless Jesus died unjustly on a Roman cross fulfilling the mandated consequence that death be the wage paid for sin. VK: But Jesus had no sin of His own. He did not need to pay the price for His own sin. That meant that He could pay for our sins. And since Jesus is fully God as well as fully man his sacrificial death had infinite value. And all of this had been clearly set forth in the Old Testament as the way that God would redeem His people. Most of the Jews of Jesus day, including the religious elites did not understand it. A few did but not many. So, in the New Testament the writers began to unpack the Old Testament prophecies in sufficient details to make it clear. Sounds like the religious elites could have done well to understand the cornerstone and context. RD: Quite possibly. We are fortunate in a way that the elites in 1st century Israel were not. We have the New Testament as well as the Old. We now understand exactly how Jesus fulfilled the role of being a priest forever according to Melchizedek because an inspired writer has spelled it out for us. And we understand that there will be two comings of the Messiah. The first coming was as the suffering Servant, the sacrificial Lamb. The second coming will be as the Conquering Lion. We can see clearly the meaning of ideas and themes that they could only perceive dimly. That’s a huge blessing. But it is no blessing at all if we neglect to use the scriptures that God has provided. But when we do we see that far from our Christian faith being a “leap in the dark” what we are actually doing is placing our faith in the abundant evidence that God has supplied. And if we understand the evidence we can explain it to others. That’s how we fulfill the Great Commission Jesus gave in Matthew 28 to make disciples of all nations. VK: Well, our thought-provoking journey into the cornerstone and context of the Bible continues. It should be a great encouragement to everyone to know that God never expected us to turn off our brains while we follow our hearts in response to His outreach of love. Hopefully, listeners will let others know about this series. It really can be a valuable resource to the skeptic and the believer alike. This sounds like a great time to pray. Today let’s listen to a prayer for the celebration of the day that our Lord rose out the earth by His own power. In doing so He conquered death for all who would place their trust in Him as Lord and Savior. Because of Jesus’ resurrection we can boldly ask “O grave where is your victory? O death where is your sting?” And the answer we receive is that they are gone and we will live eternally in the light of God’s blessed radiance. ---- PRAYER FOR EASTER VK: We’d like to remind our audience that a lot of our radio episodes are linked together in series of topics so if they missed any episodes or if they just want to hear one again, all of these episodes are available on your favorite podcast app. To find them just search on “Anchored by Truth by Crystal Sea Books.” If you’d like to hear more, try out crystalseabooks.com where “We’re not perfect but our Boss is!” (Bible Quotes from the New Living Translation) 1 Samuel, Chapter 17, verses 5 through 7, New Living Translation https://www.baslibrary.org/biblical-archaeology-review/8/4/1 https://patternsofevidence.com/2018/10/26/david-battles-goliath/)
Episode 269 –Bible: Cornerstone and Context 1 Welcome to Anchored by Truth brought to you by Crystal Sea Books. In John 14:6, Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” The goal of Anchored by Truth is to encourage everyone to grow in the Christian faith by anchoring themselves to the secure truth found in the inspired, inerrant, and infallible word of God. Script: I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty. Revelation, Chapter 1, verse 8, New International Version ******** VK: Greetings! Welcome to Anchored by Truth brought to you by Crystal Sea Books. I’m Victoria K. We’re excited to be with you today on Anchored by Truth as we start a new series. It is apparent to anyone who is paying attention to cultural trends that the Christian faith in America has been subjected to more challenges in the last decade than in the first two centuries of the country’s existence. Some of the challenges come from a surrounding culture that has become either indifferent to matters of faith or even outright hostile to the Bible and Christ. And certainly one trend that worries just about every thinking Christian is the increasing level of Biblical ignorance that characterizes not only our society but often the people sitting in the pews. So, RD Fierro, an author and the founder of Crystal Sea Books, has entitled this series “The Bible: Cornerstone and Context.” And we have RD who is an in the studio today. RD, why did you decide to do this series? RD: Well, I’d also like to welcome everyone joining us here today as we begin a new series. As you’ve noted there is widespread Biblical ignorance in our culture today. And often, far too often, that Biblical ignorance extends even into our churches. That’s shameful but it’s also dangerous. You can’t be a Christian without knowing Christ. And you can’t truly know Christ without the Bible. And you can’t be eternally saved without truly knowing Christ. Therefore, it’s not too strong a statement to say that ignorance of the Bible poses a very real danger to people being saved from an eternal perdition. Sadly, I know a lot of Christians who recognize this but still don’t read or study the Bible regularly. And when I talk to them about why they don’t I’ll commonly hear the answer “I just don’t understand the Bible.” VK: And we can sympathize with that statement at Anchored by Truth. The last book of the Bible, the book of Revelation, was written almost 2,000 years ago. And the first book of the Bible was written 1,500 years before that. So, the Bible was written in a different time. It was also written to a very different group of people. The Old Testament was written and delivered to the Hebrew people and its final book, Malachi, was completed at least 400 years before Jesus was born. And even though the New Testament was written during times and places that are more familiar to modern readers – because it was prepared during the height of the Roman Empire – it still contains references that to us are archaic. RD: Yes. And this lack of familiarity with the times, places, and peoples of the Bible is just the beginning of the issues that we confront when we try to encourage people to grow in their knowledge of scripture. Another real challenge is that just everybody who comes to the Bible does so without having a cornerstone on which to ground their reading and without having a context into which to place the various accounts, records, poems, and instructions. VK: And that’s why you called this series “The Bible: Cornerstone and Context.” We want to give people a framework that will enable them to know how the Bible fits together – and how the Bible fits into their lives and futures. RD: Yes. For those of us who are concerned about helping people understand that the Bible is the inspired word of God we want them to see that the Bible is not just a collection of stories, historical episodes, and moral and ethical instructions. The Bible is God’s special revelation to the world and most especially, to His people. There’s a big word that theologians use to describe the fact that God wrote the Bible so that people could and would understand it. Theologians will talk about the perspicuity of the Bible. Perspicuity simply means to think, write, or speak clearly. With respect to the Bible perspicuity simply means God wrote in such a way that anyone who comes to it with an open mind, willing heart, and diligent attitude will be able to understand what it is saying. They don’t need special training or education to read it and benefit from it. VK: But even though you don’t need special training or education to benefit from the Bible people can certainly benefit from having people who have training and education to help them along, right? RD: Yes, of course. That’s why we’re doing this series. And there are a lot of great Bible study courses and tools available in churches or the internet. Many of these resources are free monetarily. And we would definitely encourage people to take advantage of these helps including previous episodes and series of Anchored by Truth. We want to help people learn the Bible for themselves. But we want to start this series by recognizing that people can develop a deep knowledge of the Bible just by reading the Bible regularly and repeatedly for themselves. That’s why there have been Christians down through the ages like John Newton and John Bunyan who became powerful church leaders even though they had limited formal education before being saved. VK: Well, one of your concerns is that even people who start out with the best of intentions can be derailed can’t they? You’ve often said that you have known a lot of people who made a resolution to read the Bible from cover to cover but far too many of them don’t make it much past Genesis. Too many people exit their Bible program in the book of Exodus. And many who make it past Exodus are often done in by Leviticus. RD: Yep. A sincere desire to read the Bible all the way through is great. I started out that way. But it took a lot of dogged determination to get through the Levitical code in Leviticus, the genealogies of Chronicles, and the strange images of Ezekiel. Today, I know how those things fit together. But I certainly didn’t understand them on my first reading. VK: And that’s okay. People are not likely to understand everything they read the first time they go through the Bible. But persistence in studying the Bible is like farming – time and faithful cultivation will yield results. But also like farming, a little bit of up front knowledge will increase the crop and can yield a bountiful harvest. RD: Right. Understanding the cornerstone of the Bible can help tremendously – as can having a context in which to fit the information that comes from the various books and stories. We want people to have their minds and hearts illuminated and inspired by the Bible each time they come to it. And that is possible. It is especially possible because the Holy Spirit will personally teach them from the Bible. That’s something that we can say about the Bible that can’t be said about any book that is purely a product of man. VK: That’s really an amazing thought. The Holy Spirit inspired the people who wrote the Bible. Jesus tells us that even the words and pen strokes of the Bible were inspired. And the Holy Spirit is still available to us today when we come to the Bible. The Holy Spirit, as well as the Father and Son, are eternal. We heard that from our opening scripture from the first chapter of the book of Revelation. God tells us that “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.” There are 3 powerful affirmations of God’s eternality and infinitude in just that short verse. RD: Yes. Alpha is the first letter in Greek alphabet and Omega is the last letter. Saying that He is the alpha and omega is merism. VK: Merism is a rhetorical term for a pair of contrasting words or phrases (such as near and far, body and soul, life and death) used to express totality or completeness. When Jesus told John in that verse that He was the alpha and omega it was a way of him saying that He is source and beginning of everything and all of history is progressing toward the end that He has ordained. One Biblical commentator, Albert Barnes, puts it this way, “The language here is what would properly denote "eternity" in the being to whom it is applied, and could be used in reference to no one but the true God. It means that he is the beginning and the end of all things; that he was at the commencement, and will be at the close; and it is thus equivalent to saying that he has always existed, and that he will always exist.” RD: Right. And Barnes’ explanation of that verse is a good example of how knowing the cornerstone of the Bible helps us begin to develop a clear understanding of passages or idioms that may initially be strange to modern readers. Most people today don’t know the Greek alphabet. If they encountered it at all it was probably in the context of the name of a college fraternity or sorority. VK: Or the name of a character in a superhero movie or video game … RD: … or a nutritional supplement like “omega 3” fatty acids. So, when they read the words “I am the Alpha and Omega” they may not have a clear idea of what the writer is trying to say. But when you understand that cornerstone of the entire Bible is Jesus – and that Jesus is fully God as well as being fully human – we gain additional clarity about what that passage is communicating to us. But I don’t want to get too far over our skis. We are talking about how people can build a solid understanding of scripture. And certainly one way we can be sure that it is possible to do so is because of scripture’s perspicuity. God wrote scripture with the specific intent that it could be understood. VK: And then God also gives the indwelling Holy Spirit to further help us. In other words anyone who has a heartfelt desire to know and understand scripture isn’t going to be left to flail about on their own. God will actively aid them in their quest. And one way God can aid them is by good Bible study tools and programs. And you think that another way people can improve their Biblical understanding and comprehension is by starting out with a solid understanding of the cornerstone of scripture: Jesus. And also by having a good contextual framework that will enable them to organize the material they learn. Correct? RD: Correct. Buildings that have weak cornerstones are not going to stand. Reading the Bible without understanding that Jesus is its cornerstone is not only going to lead to frustration but worse. It is going to lead to gross misunderstandings that can give way to heresy. VK: And Jesus himself tells us that. In the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 21, verse 42 Jesus when Jesus was speaking to the chief priests and elders he said to them: “Have you never read in the Scriptures: ‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes’?” The scriptures Jesus was quoting was likely Psalm 118, verse 22 which says, “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.” RD: And there are other Old Testament scriptures that reinforce this same point. Isaiah, chapter 28, verse 16 says, “So this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; the one who believes will never be shaken.’” Jesus is the cornerstone of the Bible. It’s fair to say that every book, chapter, and verse in the Bible relies on this fundamental truth in some way. It may not always be immediately obvious how it does so, but some diligent meditation will help us gain insights and that same meditation will certainly improve our overall understanding of scripture. VK: Can you give us an understanding of what you’re thinking about? RD: Sure. Certainly, one of the best known stories in the Bible is about Jonah and the whale – or really the Bible just says it was a large fish. Now, it may not seem like this story has much to do with Jesus but it does. Jonah is one of the so-called Minor Prophets which are part of the Old Testament. After his life was saved from drowning by being swallowed by the fish or whale and then disgorged onto dry land, he finally did what God told him to do – go preach to the people of the city of Nineveh which was the capital of the Assyrian Empire. In other words they weren’t Hebrews. When Jonah did so, the whole city was converted. So, on one level the story of Jonah seems to just be about God saving a group of non-Hebrews. But it turns out that when we get to the New Testament book of Matthew we find out that the story of Jonah has profound messianic implications. VK: You’re referring to the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 16, verses 2 through 4. In that portion of scripture Jesus is confronting a group of Pharisees and Sadducees who are trying to test Jesus to see if Jesus really is the Messiah, the Savior. In response to the demand from the Pharisees and Sadducees that he perform some kind of miracle to prove who he is Jesus “replied, ‘When evening comes, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red,’ and in the morning, ‘Today it will be stormy, for the sky is red and overcast.’ You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times. A wicked and adulterous generation looks for a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah.’” The Bible then tells us that “Jesus then left them and went away.” RD: Yes. So, let’s think about this for a second. At first the story of Jonah doesn’t seem to have much to do with Jesus. But when Jesus actually arrives on the scene we find that it does. The first messianic implication of Jonah was that Jonah was in the belly of the fish for three days. In Matthew, chapter 12, verse 40, Jesus told his disciples that “For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of a huge fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.” Then, as we just heard, Jesus later told the Sadducees and Pharisees that this was the sign that was going to be given to them when they wondered whether He really was the promised Messiah. VK: Now, unlike people today, the Sadducees and the Pharisees knew the Old Testament inside and out. They knew exactly what the book of Jonah said – probably some of them could recite it word for word. So, when Jesus told them that the sign they were going to receive that would absolutely prove to them that He was the Messiah they knew, or should have known, that Jesus was telling them that He was going to rise from the dead. That’s what Jonah had done. Jonah should have drowned in the Mediterranean Sea but God saved him by the intervention of the great fish. And when Jonah was delivered onto dry land by the fish it was as if he had come back from the dead. Jonah’s delivery was a miraculous sign that would receive its greater fulfillment in Jesus’ life. Jonah was only in the grip of a seeming death before he came back. Jesus would actually experience death. Jonah needed God’s intervention to save him. Jesus would actually walk out of the tomb by His own power because Jesus is God. And Jonah would go on to preach to save a gentile city. After His resurrection Jesus would commission his Apostles to go out and begin a session of salvation that would reach every tribe, tongue, and nation. All of this is truly amazing. RD: Right. So, the story of Jonah is just one example of how knowing that Jesus is the cornerstone of the Bible helps us understand the Bible’s messages more clearly. We have an advantage that the people who physically heard Jesus speak did not. At that point in history the scriptures consisted only of what we call the Old Testament. And, by the way, that was more than enough for them to be able to know that Jesus was who He claimed to be – the Savior promised by God thousands of years earlier. In other words, the Jews of Jesus’ time had enough in their own scriptures to validate his identity and claims. Their failure to do so wasn’t because they didn’t know enough. It was because they chose not to accept the evidence. VK: Like a lot of people today. RD: Sadly, yes. Today we have the complete special revelation of God because we have the New Testament as well as the Old. But many people today still reject the lifesaving message that is contained in them. But that does not need to be the end of the story. Those of us who do know that the Bible contains the words of life still have the opportunity to add our testimony to the Bible’s witness. And one of the best ways we can do that is by improving our own understanding of the Bible’s message. By doing that we are going to be in a far better position to answer questions, assuage doubts, and direct people to the real source of the truth that can transform their lives. VK: In other words, the better we understand the Bible the better able we are to help others anchor themselves to the Truth. And one way we can improve our understanding of the Bible is to understand the cornerstone of the Bible and then establish a contextual framework to guide our further integration of the Bible’s stores, records, and messages into our scriptural comprehension. And I think that this kind of framework is so necessary today. It might not have been fifty or even twenty years ago, but it is today. RD: Yep. As we started out saying the Bible was written in a different time and it was written to people with which most of us have little familiarity. So, we will improve our understanding by reading and learning something about those times and places. But we can also improve our biblical comprehension just by knowing how the Bible fits together. Knowing that Jesus is the Bible’s cornerstone is vital but we can’t stop there. Laying the cornerstone is the first step in building the house but we’re still going to get cold and wet if we just stop there. VK: Said differently, knowing that Jesus is the cornerstone of the Bible is necessary but not sufficient to developing a clear understanding of how scripture fits together into a unified whole. We also need the vertical columns and horizontal braces upon which to hang the many, many additional components of a mature faith. RD: Yep. The Bible is a single book about a single plan about a single man. Even though most Protestant Bible’s contain 66 books, the Bible is a unified whole. It was composed by a single mind who delivered it to the world through the hands of inspired writers. The plan is God’s plan to redeem a people for Himself. It unfolds through time and history, through people and places but everything that happens unfolds according to God’s grand plan. The grand saga of God’s plan unfolds in 3 phases or stages that occur on this earth. There will be a 4th phase that takes place when this present heavens and earth give way to a new heavens and earth. The 3 phases that take place on the current earth are creation, fall, and redemption. VK: And once people understand this grand plan and see how the grand saga has unfolded they will be better equipped to see how the various parts of scripture fit into that unified whole. They will be able to see that the seemingly tedious aspects of the Levitical code are actually giving us important information about the work and life of the coming Christ. They will see that the genealogies of Genesis, Numbers, and Chronicles are actually quite necessary for us to understand the full relevance of the genealogies of Jesus that will come to us in Luke and Matthew. And they will see that prophetic statements in both the major and minor prophets were essential to the people of Jesus’ day – and our day for that matter – to be assured that Jesus was the Promised Messiah. RD: Right. The Bible is a single book about a single plan about a single man. The plan is God’s plan of redemption that was made necessary because of man’s rebellion against His infinite Creator after that Creator had created and fitted an ideal habit for His image bearer. Once man rebelled and fell, God had to take affirmative action to make redemption possible. And that redemption and reconciliation could only be possible by God providing a representative that could suitably represent both sides of the transaction. That took a unique Being that was not only perfectly human but also fully divine. And we’ll talk more about that in coming episodes in this series. We will see that Christ is not only the cornerstone of the Bible He is the cornerstone of creation. And Christ will preside over the coming 4th phase of God’s master plan which will be the glorification of God’s redeemed people in a new heavens and a new earth. God’s grand saga has unfolded through millennia. So, of course only an eternal Being could be the centerpiece of such a plan. That’s just one of the reasons our Savior and Messiah had to be both fully God as well as fully man. VK: So understanding this grand plan and the grand saga enables people to be better equipped to see how the various parts of scripture fit into that unified whole. It gives them a contextual framework to connect the various people, stories, poems, and proverbs into a comprehensible picture. Many people come to scripture essentially as ants. The can only see what is right in front of them at a single moment. We must come to scripture not only as ants but also as eagles who can see a grander vista. Ants are hard-working and scripture commends that. But eagles can see over the horizon and ride the winds to great heights. We must do both as we study scripture. Well, sounds like we’re in for quite a thought-provoking journey. Hopefully, listeners will let others know about this series. It really can be a valuable resource to the skeptic and the believer alike. This sounds like a great time to pray. Today let’s listen to a prayer for first responders – the men and women who often put their own health and safety at risk to provide for others. This is truly service that goes beyond self and they deserve our support and prayers. ---- PRAYER FOR FIRST RESPONDERS VK: We’d like to remind our audience that a lot of our radio episodes are linked together in series of topics so if they missed any episodes or if they just want to hear one again, all of these episodes are available on your favorite podcast app. To find them just search on “Anchored by Truth by Crystal Sea Books.” If you’d like to hear more, try out crystalseabooks.com where “We’re not perfect but our Boss is!” (Bible Quotes from the New International Version) Revelation, Chapter 1, verse 8, New International Version
Episode 265 – The Truth in Genesis Welcome to Anchored by Truth brought to you by Crystal Sea Books. In John 14:6, Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” The goal of Anchored by Truth is to encourage everyone to grow in the Christian faith by anchoring themselves to the secure truth found in the inspired, inerrant, and infallible word of God. Script: (Bible quotes from the New Living Translation) Then the LORD said to Job, “Do you still want to argue with the Almighty? You are God’s critic, but do you have the answers?” … Then the LORD answered Job from the whirlwind: “Brace yourself like a man, because I have some questions for you, and you must answer them! Job, Chapter 40, verses 1 and 2 and verses 6 and 7, New Living Translation I am the Alpha and the Omega—the beginning and the end,”says the Lord God. “I am the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come—the Almighty One”… Don’t be afraid! I am the First and the Last. I am the living one. I died, but look—I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and the grave.” Revelation, Chapter 1, verse 8 and verses 17 and 18, New Living Translation ******** VK: Hi! I’m Victoria K. Welcome to Anchored by Truth brought to you by Crystal Sea Books. I’m here today with RD Fierro, author, founder of Crystal Sea Books, and part-time mechanical engineer. He changes the air filter in the air conditioner. And speaking of changing things, today we are closing out the series that we’ve been presenting for several episodes that we’ve been calling The Truth in Genesis? So today we’re going to be doing a bit of a recap of all the subjects that we’ve covered and hit the highlights of some of the major things that we’ve learned. RD, would you like to say a brief word of introduction about today’s show? RD: I would. Our “The Truth in Genesis” series was designed to allow listeners to hear a sample of the scientific evidence that is relevant to two of the most important topics that affect Biblical inspiration and infallibility: the age of the earth and universe and the origin and diversity of life. One of the biggest challenges facing most Christians is right at the beginning of the Bible in Chapter 1 where the Bible tells us that God created the heavens, the earth, and everything that exists on the earth including all living creatures and most especially, us. Supposedly, that claim is at odds with what contemporary science tells us about the universe and life. So, for a Christian to maintain their faith in the Bible today culture they must immediately confront the cultural challenge to the Bible’s proclamation about creation. In effect, our culture demands that we either surrender our faith in the Bible or our acceptance of science as a source of truth. I believe that we’ve shown through the episodes in this series that conscientious Christians don’t need to make that kind of a false choice. VK: Your contention is that we have illustrated through the episodes in The Truth in Genesis series there is substantial scientific evidence that absolutely supports, the belief that the plain language of Genesis may be accepted as literal, historical fact. And today we want to review and summarize just a few snippets of what we’ve learned. But before we get too far into our discussion about the serious stuff, we’d like to start by just listening to a poetic summary of the state of this debate. To do that we want to play a portion of Crystal Seas’ upcoming poetic series called the Genesis Saga. For today, let’s listen to Part 5 of the Genesis Saga which – aptly enough - we call The Truth in Genesis. ---- TRUTH IN GENESIS VK: That is a pretty amazing summary - and it rhymes. So let’s go back and cover briefly some of the main points of evidence that we’ve learned about from Truth in Genesis that support the fact that the universe and earth aren’t nearly as old as is commonly believed. Let’s also talk about how it would be impossible for the random, chaotic action of inanimate atoms and molecules to spontaneously give rise to life. RD: Well, to start let’s be clear about the competing truth claims that we are examining. The Bible clearly claims that God created the heavens and earth and all the life that exists on the earth, whether plant or animal. And, according to most traditional interpretations, God performed His creative activity on the order of several thousands of years ago. Also, when it comes to animal life the Bible created all the “kinds” of animals that exist today. Contrary to the strawman version of Biblical creation that critics like to shoot at, “kinds” does not refer to the species that are extant today. Nor does the Biblical term “kind” refer to any particular taxonomic level such as an order or genus. It primarily refers to the ability of any two animals to reproduce regardless of how those animals might be classified according to current taxonomy. By contrast the dominant view among most scientists today is that the universe is 14 billion, or so, years old and that the earth is 4.5 billion years old. Also, most conventional biologists believe that life on earth evolved from primitive forms to more complex forms, likely starting with some sort of a self-replicating molecule that over time spontaneously aggregated into a single cell, and that from that cell all the amazing biodiversity we see around the globe today emerged – without direction or instruction from any intelligent source. As our guest for most of our shows, Dr. Jonathan Sarfati, puts it – a “goo to you” form of evolution. VK: Those are two very clearly contrasting views. But isn’t there sort of a middle ground that some have termed “theistic evolution?” This is the view that God created everything but then used evolution as a sort of intermediate mechanism to allow life to progress from simple forms to more complex ones and that over time many different forms of plants and animals emerged from the process that God originated. RD: You are absolutely correct that there have been various attempts to bridge the gaps between Biblical creationism and a materialist, secularist form of evolution. The problem is that most of these “middle ground” approaches suffer from the same faults as the ones that afflict a purely materialistic evolution plus they create additional theological or Christological problems for Christians who hold them. For instance, any approach that presumes that God used evolution to produce man from some lower form of pre-human hominid requires that death preceded Adam and Eve’s fall – and that’s if they accept the fall as being a historical event. Yet various scriptures, such as Romans 5:17, tie death directly to Adam’s sin. Further, if Adam’s fall wasn’t a literal event that introduced death into a creation that God had deemed “very good,” then why was it necessary for Christ to die on the cross to undo the effects of sin. VK: So, you’re saying the middle ground approaches really don’t bridge the gap and allow both sides to be right. But are you also saying that the middle grounds are subject to the same criticisms scientifically as a purely secularistic evolutionism. RD: Yes. For instance, one of the problems we learned about insofar as evolution is concerned is the absence of transitional forms in the fossil record, a fact that even Charles Darwin noted and lamented. When you study the fossil record species appear suddenly and fully formed with very few specimens that can even be offered up as being transitional. Despite the fact over 90% of the fossils that have been discovered were discovered after Darwin wrote the Origin of Species there aren’t any more convincing transitional examples known to today than when Darwin lamented their absence. This absence of transitional fossils would be a problem for any form of evolutionary hypothesis whether theistic or not. VK: What are a couple of other examples of problems that cast doubt on evolution regardless of which form is being discussed? RD: Well, there’s what’s been called by one writer “the failure of homology.” Homology is the idea that certain structures present in different species have a structural or other biological resemblance to each other. The classic example is the pattern in the bones of vertebrate limbs. In a wide variety of mammal species, example, from bats to whales to horses to people, there’s a consistent pattern of having one bone in the upper part of the limb (our arms or legs), connected to two bones, that are then connected to a series of five bones that have 2 segments in the large bone (thumb, big toe) and 3 segments in the other four. Such so-called “homologous” structures are thought to be evidence of “common descent.” In other words some ancient ancestor of all mammals had this pattern of bones so all the mammals in the world today that are descended from the ancestor inherited this pattern. VK: Certainly, at least on the surface, that makes sense. So what’s the problem? RD: The problem is that when Darwin wrote about the support that homology provided for his theory science knew very little about embryology – the study of how life develops following conception. Today, we know a lot more and we now know that the seeming homologous structures in adult animals don’t arise from similar embryological processes or from identical or similar genes. In other words while the adult features seem to be similar they come about from significantly varying developmental processes. This directly conflicts with the notion that the supposedly homologous structures came from a common ancestor because if all the common features were inherited from a common ancestor that ancestor would have passed along its embryological features not just the adult result. There’s a good discussion of this problem in Michael Denton’s book entitled Evolution: A Theory in Crisis. Chapter 7 for those who want to study further. VK: So just like with the fossil record, evidence that is often used to demonstrate the truth of evolution actually has significant scientific problems. Are there any other illustrations of scientific problems with the “particles to people” view of evolution? RD: There are actually lots of them and Dr. Sarfati discussed a number of them during his time in the Anchored by Truth studio. VK: For instance? RD: For instance, just about every proposed mechanism for how life could have arisen from non-living chemicals involves some variation on Darwin’s musings about a “warm little pond” – in other words the notion that the primordial oceans contained a nutrient rich broth that is sometimes termed “pre-biotic soup.” The chemicals necessary for life were supposed to have been present in this soup in such densities that random collision between the right molecules produced abiotic organic compounds that were then used to assemble the first cell or at least the cell’s precursor, whatever that would have been. The existence of these abiotically produced organic compounds is absolutely essential for the scheme to have worked. The problem is that rocks of purportedly great antiquity, by conventional dating, methods have extensively examined and none contain any evidence of these abiotically produced organic compound even the so-called “dawn rocks” of Western Greenland that were supposedly laid down within 3 or 4 hundred million years of the earth’s formation. The same thing is true of all the other rocks of similar antiquity. VK: So the rocks contain no evidence of this pre-biotic soup and without it the whole origin hypothesis falls apart. But some scientists now believe that the earliest life was formed underwater near these heating vents in the deep ocean. RD: Yes. That hypothesis is frequently mentioned in ocean exploration programs on one or another science channel. The problem with this theory is that all life depends on very lengthy chains of amino acids that are called polypeptides. Well, polypeptides won’t form in the presence of excess water. Even if the requisite amino acids were present they wouldn’t combine into the lengthy polypeptides so again there’s an absolute chemical barrier to life starting underwater hypothesis. VK: In other words the difficulties against life having arisen spontaneously from non-living chemicals are starting to stack up like a bricks in a brick wall. Are there any other bricks that are problematic? How about the famous experiments by Stanley Miller and Harold Urey? Didn’t they create the chemicals needed by life when they stimulated a chemical medium with methane, ammonia, hydrogen, and water using electric discharges? RD: Urey and Miller were successful at creating organic compounds. That much is true. But the good news pretty much ends there. VK: How so? RD: First, there is no evidence that the conditions Urey and Miller used in their lab were present in the primordial earth. At a minimum, they used an oxygen free atmosphere because oxidation would quickly break down any organic chemicals that formed. Think rust. But there is evidence of oxidation in supposedly ancient rocks so it’s more likely that the early atmosphere contained oxygen than that it didn’t. Next, amino acids come in two varieties: levorotary and dextrorotary. The amino acids that support life are all levorotary. Dextrorotary forms are lethal. The combination of the two is called a racemate. Miller’s experiments and others since only produce racemates, never pure levorotary amino acids. Third, the amino acids they produced were captured in special traps. If those traps hadn’t been there the amino acids would have broken down before they could be determined to be present. Moreover, Urey and Miller’s experiment where they produced the amino acids wasn’t the first experiment they conducted. They had done others where they didn’t get anything. So, even when they got a result it involved the application of a considerable amount of intelligence. It was the exact opposite of the operation of blind chance. VK: Wow. That last thought really forces you to think doesn’t it? Even if a team of scientists today were successful at producing life in a test tube or laboratory beaker that wouldn’t demonstrate that life could have formed randomly or chaotically. Because - presumably - the scientists would have been applying intelligent guidance and decision making at every step within their process. And, of course, that’s assuming they had duplicated exactly the conditions on the earth at the time life is supposed to have formed and that is, and always will remain, unknowable. Well, this truly has been a remarkable series and yet we really have only skimmed the surface of all these topics. But the takeaway for the series and as well as from each episode is that faithful, committed Christians can believe in the truth of Genesis without having to give up their confidence in real science. As you would expect of an almighty and all-knowing Creator, He has provided His special revelation in a way that is entirely consistent with the way that He created and sustains the universe. Sounds like a great time to praise our Creator in prayer. ---- PRAYER OF ADORATION FOR THE CREATOR (radio version) VK: We’d like to remind our audience that a lot of our radio episodes are linked together in series of topics so if they missed any episodes or if they just want to hear one again, all of these episodes are available on your favorite podcast app. To find them just search on “Anchored by Truth by Crystal Sea Books.” If you’d like to hear more, try out crystalseabooks.com where “We’re not famous but our Boss is!” (Bible Quotes from the New Living Translation) The Book of Job, chapter 38, verses 4 through 7 The epistle to the Colossians, chapter 15 verses 1 through 17 https://creation.com/right-perspective-interpreting-data
Episode 264 – Evolution’s Deceptive Evidence – An Interview with Dr. Jonathan Sarfati Welcome to Anchored by Truth brought to you by Crystal Sea Books. In John 14:6, Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” The goal of Anchored by Truth is to encourage everyone to grow in the Christian faith by anchoring themselves to the secure truth found in the inspired, inerrant, and infallible word of God. Script Notes: With your wisdom and power you created the earth and spread out the heavens. The waters in the heavens roar at your command. You make clouds appear— you send the winds from your storehouse and make lightning flash in the rain. Jeremiah, Chapter 10, verses 12 and 13, Contemporary English Version God's eternal power and character cannot be seen. But from the beginning of creation, God has shown what these are like by all he has made. That's why those people don't have any excuse. Romans, chapter 1, verse 20, Contemporary English Version ******** VK: Hi! I’m Victoria K. Welcome to Anchored by Truth brought to you by Crystal Sea Books. Today we are beginning the wrap up of the series that we call The Truth in Genesis. This series has been an examination of whether the latest contemporary science supports or refutes the traditional view of the Genesis text regarding creation. We’ve been led on this journey by Dr. Jonathan Sarfati. Dr. Sarfati is an internationally known author and the lead scientist for Creation Ministries International. He has written a number of widely selling books that bring an understandable, yet comprehensive, scientific perspective on what empirical observations tell us about the age of the earth and the origin of life. Dr. Sarfati has sold hundreds of thousands of books such as Refuting Evolution volumes 1 and 2, By Design, The Greatest Hoax on Earth and The Genesis Account. During this series Dr. Sarfati has been answering questions about a wide variety of topics that pertain the evidence that supports the historicity of the literal Biblical account. These topics have included methods of assigning dates to long past events, what we really learn from studying dinosaurs, and how life cannot exist without the complex information system that is embedded in the DNA of all life. Our approach to our discussions has been to use reason, logic, and evidence to examine whether the Bible and science are indeed at odds with each other as is often asserted today. Thus far we have seen that nothing could be further from the truth than the assertion that we have to either accept either science or the content of the traditional Christian faith. So as we begin our wrap up of this series, today we’re going see that many of the arguments commonly used to support the truth of evolution actually turn out to be evidence against it. But before we get too far into our discussion, Dr. Sarfati would you like to say a word of greeting to the Anchored by Truth listeners and give us some general comments on the whole subject of science and the Bible? Dr. Sarfati: - Thanks for inviting me. It’s a pleasure to be on Anchored by Truth today. Introductory comments. VK: Dr. Sarfati, During our last several episodes we have seen that there is a substantial body of scientific evidence that demonstrates that the age of the universe cannot be as old as conventional science claims. The earth and universe are far more likely to be several thousand years old than several billion years old. As such, even assuming inanimate particles could somehow aggregate themselves to form self-replicating molecules there is insufficient time for those molecules to be transformed into the vast diversity of plant and animal species that currently exist on the earth, much less create a logical, purposive, ethically animated being such as man. Could you give us a brief summary of some of the evidence that points out how life is too complicated to arise from non-life by blind chance? Dr. Sarfati: Comments on how life cannot arise by blind chance VK: Thank you for those observations. So let’s get right to the main subject for today’s discussion - . Question List: a. Darwin made much of the homological nature of certain vertebrate structures as evidence of common descent. What is homology and what information do we now possess that Darwin did not? Why does homology fail as evidence for evolution? b. Darwin acknowledged that the absence of transitional fossil evidence present in his time did not support his theory, but he appealed to future discoveries that he believed would come to his rescue. Have subsequent discoveries vindicated Darwin’s confidence that the fossil record would one day demonstrate that evolution is true? c. The revolution is molecular biology did not take place until almost 100 years after Darwin’s publication of Origin of the Species. How have advances in our understanding of the atomic and molecular attributes of the cell affected the validity of the evolutionary hypothesis? d. From a probability standpoint, what does the complexity of life imply about the likelihood that life could have arisen by chance? e. The conventional explanation for the origin of life requires the existence of a widespread pre-biotic primordial soup. Is there any evidence that such a “soup” ever existed? f. Some proponents of evolution have argued that we have been able to see “evolution before our eyes.” For example some have pointed to Richard Lenski’s decades-long experiments on bacteria as having demonstrated the truth of evolution. Did Lenski’s experiments show that single-celled creatures could turn into critics or creationists? g. Are there any scientists who affirm the Genesis account and who do research into biological questions from a Creationist perspective? h. In your opinion what are the three or four of the most important facts that Christians should keep in mind when reading articles about the supposed latest discoveries that support evolution as a viable explanation? i. What resources would you recommend for Christians who want to study more about the scientific deficiencies in evolution as an explanation for life and biodiversity? VK: So the big takeaway from our discussion today is that many of the traditional “proofs” used to demonstrate the validity of evolution actually demonstrate its unreliability as a scientific hypothesis. Homologous structures more often than not do not share a common embryological origin. The absence of transitional fossils really is evidence that transitional species do not exist and Darwin’s original concern for their absence has never been alleviated. And molecular biology, far from supporting evolution, has just presented even more perplexing challenges for the evolutionary hypothesis. Dr. Sarfati, we’d really like to thank you for joining us on Anchored by Truth today and throughout this series. Your insights have been invaluable and I believe will continue to be a source of inspiration for everyone who is committed to the inspiration, inerrancy, and infallibility of scripture. Just as a reminder to our listeners, this show, as well as all Anchored by Truth episodes will be available by podcast shortly after the broadcast airing. So any listener today who has a friend or study group that could benefit from Dr. Sarfati’s depth of knowledge can go to their favorite podcast app and search on Anchored by Truth by Crystal Sea Books. Today for our closing prayer, let’s listen to a prayer for our nation, especially that the light of truth would once again shine in the hearts of all our friends and neighbors. ---- Prayer for the Nation. VK: We hope you’ll be with us next time and we hope you’ll take some time to encourage some friends to tune in too, or listen to the podcast version of this show. If you’d like to hear more, try out crystalseabooks.com where “We’re not famous but our Boss is!” (Bible Quotes from the American Standard Version) Jeremiah, Chapter 10, verses 12 and 13, Contemporary English Version Romans, chapter 1, verse 20, Contemporary English Version https://creation.com/the-evolution-trains-a-comin
Episode 263 – Life Requires Intelligence and Information – An Interview with Dr. Jonathan Sarfati Welcome to Anchored by Truth brought to you by Crystal Sea Books. In John 14:6, Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” The goal of Anchored by Truth is to encourage everyone to grow in the Christian faith by anchoring themselves to the secure truth found in the inspired, inerrant, and infallible word of God. Script Notes: Great is our Lord, and mighty in power; His understanding is infinite. Psalm 147, verse 5, American Standard Version …for in him were all things created, in the heavens and upon the earth, things visible and things invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers; all things have been created through him, and unto him; and he is before all things, and in him all things consist. Colossians, chapter 1, verses 16 and 17, American Standard Version ******** VK: Hi! I’m Victoria K. Welcome to Anchored by Truth brought to you by Crystal Sea Books. Today we want to continue our study of the origins of the universe and life with our series that we call The Truth in Genesis. To help us to understand not only what the Bible says but what the latest scientific evidence reveals we’ve invited Dr. Jonathan Sarfati to be our guest in the studio. Dr. Sarfati is an internationally known author and the lead scientist for Creation Ministries International. He has written a number of widely selling books that bring an understandable, yet comprehensive, scientific perspective on what empirical observations tell us about the age of the earth and the origin of life. Dr. Sarfati has sold hundreds of thousands of books such as Refuting Evolution volumes 1 and 2, By Design, The Greatest Hoax on Earth and The Genesis Account. During this series Dr. Sarfati has been answering questions about a wide variety of topics that pertain the evidence that supports the historicity of the literal Biblical account. Of course, we recognize that this can be a very controversial topic. So, our approach to our discussion has been to use reason, logic, and evidence to support all of the points that underscore the accuracy of the Bible text. Sometimes you will hear people say something like – “You have faith, but I have science.” This statement creates an artificial distinction between faith and science with the implication that the Christian faith requires the suspension of our trust in science. Nothing could be further from the truth, and that is one of the reasons that Dr. Sarfati’s books are so important. His books are filled with detailed explanations for how the creative process described in Genesis is amply sustained by empirical observations and the rigorous application of logic and reason. Specifically, today we’re going see that the existence of life in any form requires not just chemistry and biology but also information – and a great deal of it. But before we get too far into our discussion, Dr. Sarfati would you like to say a word of greeting to the Anchored by Truth listeners and maybe tell us a little bit about yourself and how you developed your interest and expertise in logical reasoning? Dr. Sarfati: - Thanks for inviting me. It’s a pleasure to be on Anchored by Truth today. Introductory comments. VK: Dr. Sarfati, During our last several episodes we have been discussing key points that point to the fact that a literal interpretation of Genesis is not only true but well supported by reason and evidence. First, there are significant scientific problems with the way dates have been traditionally been assigned to the age of the universe and the earth. Second, there is a considerable body of scientific evidence that supports the ages for creation and the earth derived from Genesis. Third, the Noahic flood dispels the need for a long-age uniformitarianism to explain the geological configuration of the earth. A young earth would be an arrow in the heart of evolution as that term is commonly used. In our last episode of Anchored by Truth we saw that there is another arrow that is fatal to goo-to-you evolution: cellular information. But another line of scientific evidence that pierces the evolutionary veil surrounds the origin of life. What are the major problems that are encountered when someone tries to explain how inanimate particles came to life through the random collision of molecules? Dr. Sarfati: Comments on how life cannot arise from random and chaotic activity VK: Thank you for those observations. Obviously, this is a topic that could easily consume hours of discussion but since we don’t have that kind of time today, let’s get right to some detailed questions. Question List: a. The existence of life requires specified complexity. It also requires what one scientist has termed irreducible complexity, aka functionality threshold. What do these terms mean and how do they relate to the ability of blind chance to animate atoms? b. The Urey–Miller experiments supposedly demonstrated that electrical discharges simulating lightning when sent through a mixture of gases could produce life sustaining amino acids. But we now know that the results of the experiments to explain the formation of life were wildly overstated. What did these experiments actually do and why did they actually not demonstrate how life could have formed? c. If the primordial atmosphere contained oxygen early organic molecules would have been destroyed by oxidation. If the primordial atmosphere did not contain oxygen there would have been no ozone layer to block ultraviolet radiation which is particularly deadly to organic materials. How do evolutionary scientists try to get around this simple barrier to life’s origin absent intelligent intervention? d. All life on earth is cellular based. But for a cell to live it must have a permeable membrane to enclose its protein machinery. But the protein machinery is necessary to build the permeable membrane. Isn’t this an absolute impediment to the validity of conventional evolutionary explanations for the origin of life? e. The center piece of cellular reproduction is DNA. We now know that DNA isn’t just an arrangement of chemically linked molecules that happen to have a particular arrangement, but it is actually more akin to the software that operates a computer. The cell’s proteins are dependent on the DNA for instructions, but the DNA is dependent on the proteins for its own existence and maintenance. Doesn’t this mutual dependence destroy any possibility that life could have arisen by chance? DNA is also very unstable (as per the Nobel Prize for Chemistry 2015), and RNA is even less stable. In fact, even the building blocks like ribose and cytosine are too unstable to last long in a primordial soup. f. In your opinion what are the three or four of the most important facts about the origin of life that scientifically support Biblical creationism and demonstrate the futility of evolutionary thought to explain the existence of life? g. What resources would you recommend for Christians who want to study more about why the complexity of life requires an intelligent cause? VK: So the big takeaway from our discussion today is that an intelligent cause is required to explain the specified and irreducible complexity present in life. Higher orders of animals are so complicated they point to a supremely intelligent Creator. This means that the conclusion we get from Genesis – that God created all life - is amply supported by empirical observations and scientific evidence. After all, all life demonstrates that it could not exist without an enormously complex information system. And the notion that a complex information system could arise randomly or chaotically is simply unreasonable in the formal sense of that word. The existence of life requires the organization of information. That points directly to a personal being – God – who had the intelligence and power to not only design the system but also bring it about. Dr. Sarfati, we’d really like to thank you for joining us on Anchored by Truth today. Just as a reminder this show, as well as all Anchored by Truth episodes will be available by podcast shortly after the broadcast airing. So any listener today who has a friend or study group that could benefit from Dr. Sarfati’s depth of knowledge can go to their favorite podcast app and search on Anchored by Truth by Crystal Sea Books. Today for our closing prayer, since there are so many places throughout the world where our Christian brothers and sisters are not free to practice their faith, how about today that we pray for those believers who live daily with persecution because of their faith? ---- Prayer for Persecuted Christians, radio version. VK: We hope you’ll be with us next time when we’ll continue our discussion with Dr. Sarfati. And we hope you’ll take some time to encourage some friends to tune in too, or listen to the podcast version of this show. If you’d like to hear more, try out crystalseabooks.com where “We’re not famous but our Boss is!” (Bible Quotes from the American Standard Version) Psalm 147, verse 5, American Standard Version Colossians, chapter 1, verses 16 and 17, American Standard Version https://creation.com/divine-engineer-sarfati-by-design-review https://creation.com/the-evolution-trains-a-comin
Episode 262 – Evolution: A Word in Doubt – An Interview with Dr. Jonathan Sarfati Welcome to Anchored by Truth brought to you by Crystal Sea Books. In John 14:6, Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” The goal of Anchored by Truth is to encourage everyone to grow in the Christian faith by anchoring themselves to the secure truth found in the inspired, inerrant, and infallible word of God. Script Notes: For the LORD is God, and he created the heavens and earth and put everything in place. He made the world to be lived in, not to be a place of empty chaos. “I am the LORD,” he says, “and there is no other. I publicly proclaim bold promises. I do not whisper obscurities in some dark corner. I would not have told the people of Israel to seek me if I could not be found. I, the LORD, speak only what is true and declare only what is right. Isaiah, chapter 45, verses 18 and 19, English Standard Version You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power. For you created all things, and they exist because you created what you pleased. Revelation, chapter 4, verse 11, English Standard Version ******** VK: Hi! I’m Victoria K. Welcome to Anchored by Truth brought to you by Crystal Sea Books. Today we are continuing to explore the origin of the universe and the beginning of life with our series that we call The Truth in Genesis. To help us in our exploration we’ve invited Dr. Jonathan Sarfati to be our guest in the studio. Dr. Sarfati is the lead scientist for Creation Ministries International. He has written a number of widely selling books that bring an understandable, yet comprehensive, scientific perspective on what empirical observations actually tell us about the age of the earth and the origin of life. Dr. Sarfati has sold hundreds of thousands of books such as Refuting Evolution volumes 1 and 2, By Design, The Greatest Hoax on Earth and The Genesis Account. During this series Dr. Sarfati has been answering questions about a wide variety of topics that pertain the evidence that supports the historicity of the literal Biblical account. Of course, we recognize that the overwhelming view in our culture today is that the universe is billions of years old and that life somehow arose spontaneously by a process labeled as “evolution.” But, surprisingly enough, the science that supports life arising from non-living chemicals is not nearly as settled as is usually thought. Moreover, as we’ll learn today, evolution as a hypothesis is defined so flexibly that it is nearly impossible to find a consensus on what the term actually means. Today we’ll be looking at what the terms “evolution” and “natural selection” actually mean and how God’s provision for the adaptation of species has been misused in a way that violates the rules of logic and evidence. Specifically, today we’re going see that the concept of natural selection had actually been recognized by Biblical creationists before Charles Darwin ever put a pen to paper to publish his most famous book. But before we get too far into our discussion, Dr. Sarfati would you like to say a word of greeting to the Anchored by Truth listeners and maybe tell us a little bit about yourself and how you became interested in studying the subject of creation and biological adaptation? Dr. Sarfati: - Thanks for inviting me. It’s a pleasure to be on Anchored by Truth today. Introductory comments. VK: Dr. Sarfati, during our last few episodes we have been discussing several key points demonstrate that the earth and universe are much younger than conventionally assumed. First, there are significant scientific problems with the way dates have been traditionally been assigned to the age of the universe and the earth. Second, there is a considerable body of scientific evidence that supports the ages for creation and the earth derived from Genesis. Third, the Noahic flood dispels the need for a long-age uniformitarianism to explain the geological configuration of the earth. A long age time period is absolutely essential to placing any confidence in – as you put it - a particles-to-people concept of evolution. But there are other problems with the notion that life arose from non-life and blind, random forces produced all the brilliant diversity we see on the earth today. But before we get too deep into our discussion the term “evolution” is often given widely varying meanings. What does the term “evolution” actually mean? Dr. Sarfati: Comments on the varying ways “evolution” is used by its advocates VK: Thank you. That was very helpful. So let’s delve more deeply into some of the issues associated with natural selection and evolution. Question List: a. Can you comment a little more on the fact that Christian scientists had considered the possibility of natural selection as a mechanism for the creation of new species before Darwin wrote The Origin of Species? If so, what was Darwin’s contribution to science? b. What does “natural selection” mean and how does it operate? c. Is it fair to say that the critical factor that precludes random, undirected activity, even at the molecular level, from enabling simpler life forms to “evolve” into more complex life forms is the inability of random activity to create the additional information within the cell that enables all complex life to function? d. How can the loss of genetic information actually contribute to enhanced survival of a species in some circumstances? e. Can genetic mutations ever create new information? Would it ever be possible for a single-celled ancestor to create all the genetic information present in humans and other higher orders of animals? f. What resources would you recommend for Christians who want to study the scientific problems with evolution? g. In your opinion what are the three or four of the most important facts that Christians should know that demonstrate that particles-to-people evolution is not supported by actual scientific evidence? VK: So the big takeaway from our discussion today is that evolutionists consistently commit the logical fallacy of equivocation and use the term “evolution” to create a veneer of scientific respectability to defend an anti-supernatural secularism. This reinforces the conclusion that we have seen through this Truth in Genesis series. There are significant problems with common consensus that the universe is billions of years old and that the evolutionary hypothesis has been proven scientifically. Methods for assigning ancient days to long past events are not as reliable as normally thought. And the Genesis flood explains geological phenomena that are observed around the globe. So if a billions of years age for the earth is not necessary to explain either geological or paleontological discoveries maybe we should begin considering an alternative. This means that the conclusion we get from Genesis – that God created all the various “kinds” of animals – is amply supported by empirical observations and scientific evidence. Dr. Sarfati, we’d really like to thank you for joining us on Anchored by Truth today. Just as a reminder this show, as well as all Anchored by Truth episodes will be available by podcast shortly after the broadcast airing. So any listener today who has a friend or study group that could benefit from Dr. Sarfati’s depth of knowledge can go to their favorite podcast app and search on Anchored by Truth by Crystal Sea Books. Today for our closing prayer, since we may often be the only one who can be the voice of God to bring God’s truth to our friends, how about today that we pray for those friends? ---- Prayer for Friends, radio version. VK: We hope you’ll be with us next time when we’ll continue our discussion with Dr. Sarfati. And we hope you’ll take some time to encourage some friends to tune in too, or listen to the podcast version of this show. If you’d like to hear more, try out crystalseabooks.com where “We’re not famous but our Boss is!” (Bible Quotes from the English Standard Version) Isaiah, chapter 45, verses 18 and 19, English Standard Version Revelation, chapter 4, verse 11, English Standard Version https://creation.com/3-rs-of-evolution https://creation.com/divine-engineer-sarfati-by-design-review https://creation.com/the-evolution-trains-a-comin
Episode 261 – Dinosaur Duplicity – An Interview with Dr. Jonathan Sarfati Welcome to Anchored by Truth brought to you by Crystal Sea Books. In John 14:6, Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” The goal of Anchored by Truth is to encourage everyone to grow in the Christian faith by anchoring themselves to the secure truth found in the inspired, inerrant, and infallible word of God. Script Notes: Look at Behemoth, which I made along with you and which feeds on grass like an ox. What strength it has in its loins, what power in the muscles of its belly! Its tail sways like a cedar; the sinews of its thighs are close-knit. Its bones are tubes of bronze, its limbs like rods of iron. It ranks first among the works of God, yet its Maker can approach it with his sword. Job, chapter 40, verses 15 through 19, New International Version I will not fail to speak of Leviathan’s limbs, its strength and its graceful form. Who can strip off its outer coat? Who can penetrate its double coat of armor? Who dares open the doors of its mouth, ringed about with fearsome teeth? Its back has rows of shields tightly sealed together; each is so close to the next that no air can pass between. They are joined fast to one another; they cling together and cannot be parted. Its snorting throws out flashes of light; its eyes are like the rays of dawn. Flames stream from its mouth; sparks of fire shoot out. Smoke pours from its nostrils as from a boiling pot over burning reeds. Job, chapter 41, verses 12 through 20, New International Version ******** VK: VK: Hi! I’m Victoria K. Welcome to Anchored by Truth brought to you by Crystal Sea Books. Today we are pressing forward with our series that we call The Truth in Genesis. To help us in our exploration of one of the most fascinating – and controversial – parts of scripture, we’ve invited Dr. Jonathan Sarfati to be our guest in the studio. Dr. Sarfati is the lead scientist for Creation Ministries International. He has written a number of widely selling books that bring an understandable, yet comprehensive, scientific perspective on what empirical observations actually tell us about the age of the earth and the origin of life. Dr. Sarfati has sold hundreds of thousands of books such as Refuting Evolution volumes 1 and 2, By Design, The Greatest Hoax on Earth and The Genesis Account. During this series Dr. Sarfati is addressing a wide variety of topics that pertain to a proper understanding of scientific evidence that conflicts with the conventional view that the earth is billions of years old. Today we’ll be exploring some of the most fascinating parts of that evidence because we’ve devoted today’s show entirely to dinosaurs. Specifically, today we’re going see that recent discoveries about dinosaur fossils are at odds with the hypothesis that these fossils are tens or hundreds of millions of years old. But before we get too far into our discussion, Dr. Sarfati would you like to say a word of greeting to the Anchored by Truth listeners and maybe tell us a little bit about yourself and how you became involved with Creation Ministries International? Dr. Sarfati: - Thanks for inviting me. It’s a pleasure to be on Anchored by Truth today. Introductory comments. VK: Dr. Sarfati, in our first couple of episodes of our Truth in Genesis series you addressed some of the major problems that affect the validity of dating methods that are used to support the belief in an ancient earth. Last time we saw that the world-wide flood described in Genesis casts further doubt on the reliability of many of the popular claims about the old age of the universe and earth. Would you like to give us a brief overview of a few of the observations that you made? Dr. Sarfati: Review comments for evidence of a young earth VK: Thank you. That was very helpful. As we observed last time - it’s very important to note that the dates developed from geology depend entirely on the assumption that the current appearance of the earth reflects processes that have been consistent and continuous throughout the earth’s history. Yet this assumption is unproven and unprovable. But another problem is that geologists often look to paleontologists to corroborate their determinations. Ironically, though, paleontologists often do the reverse and look to geologists for date determinations. Do I have that correct? Dr. Sarfati: Introductory comments on the geology-paleontology circle. VK: So let’s delve more deeply into what we actually learn by studying dinosaurs. Question List: a. Do dinosaurs prove that the earth is billions or millions old? b. How does much of the evidence that is available from studying dinosaur fossils actually demonstrate that Biblical time frame is more accurate? c. How does the presence of blood cells, elastic blood vessels, intact cells, animal proteins and DNA, found in dinosaur skeletons demonstrate that such skeletons could not be as old as the conventional dating theories assert? d. Could dinosaurs have been present on Noah’s ark? Is there evidence to suggest that dinosaurs lived on the earth for some time after the flood waters had abated? e. Is there evidence to suggest that dinosaurs may have lived in proximity to people at one time? f. How do preconceptions affect paleontologists when they assign long age time periods to dinosaur skeletons? g. Are there any Christian paleontologists who support a literal reading of Genesis and what that mean about dinosaurs? That dinosaurs were created on the sixth day, accompanied Noah on the ark, and existed for some period of time before becoming extinct as millions of other species have. h. In your opinion what are the three or four of the most important facts that point out that Christians can view dinosaur skeletons without surrendering any belief in a literal genesis? i. What resources would you recommend for Christians who want to study more about what dinosaurs really tell us about the earth, it’s age and history? VK: So the big takeaway from our discussion today is that dinosaur remains and dinosaur skeletons do not provide evidence for a long dated age of the earth. This reinforces the conclusion that we saw last time: that the Genesis flood explains geological phenomena that are observed around the globe. So if a billions of years age for the earth is not necessary to explain either geological or paleontological discoveries maybe we should begin considering an alternative. This means that the conclusion we get from Genesis – that the earth is thousands rather than billions of years old – is amply supported by empirical observations and scientific evidence. Dr. Sarfati, we’d really like to thank you for joining us on Anchored by Truth today. Just as a reminder this show, as well as all Anchored by Truth episodes will be available by podcast shortly after the broadcast airing. So any listener today who has a friend or study group that could benefit from Dr. Sarfati’s depth of knowledge can go to their favorite podcast app and search on Anchored by Truth by Crystal Sea Books. Today for our closing prayer, since so many of our children study dinosaurs in school, how about if we pray a prayer for any of our kids who may be preparing to take a test. ---- Prayer before taking a test, radio version. VK: We hope you’ll be with us next time when we’ll continue our discussion with Dr. Sarfati. And we hope you’ll take some time to encourage some friends to tune in too, or listen to the podcast version of this show. If you’d like to hear more, try out crystalseabooks.com where “We’re not famous but our Boss is!” (Bible Quotes from the New International Version) Job, chapter 40, verses 15 through 19, New International Version Job, chapter 41, verses 12 through 20, New International Version https://creation.com/how-did-dinosaurs-grow-so-big https://creation.com/3-rs-of-evolution https://creation.com/divine-engineer-sarfati-by-design-review https://creation.com/the-evolution-trains-a-comin
Episode 260 – A Flood of Biblical Proportions – An Interview with Dr. Jonathan Sarfati Welcome to Anchored by Truth brought to you by Crystal Sea Books. In John 14:6, Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” The goal of Anchored by Truth is to encourage everyone to grow in the Christian faith by anchoring themselves to the secure truth found in the inspired, inerrant, and infallible word of God. Script Notes: In the six hundredth year of Noah’s life, in the second month, the seventeenth day of the month, on that day all the fountains of the great deep were broken up, and the windows of heaven were opened. And the rain was on the earth forty days and forty nights. Genesis, chapter 7, verses 11 and 12, New King James Version Now the flood was on the earth forty days. The waters increased and lifted up the ark, and it rose high above the earth. The waters prevailed and greatly increased on the earth, and the ark moved about on the surface of the waters. And the waters prevailed exceedingly on the earth, and all the high hills under the whole heaven were covered. The waters prevailed fifteen cubits upward, and the mountains were covered. Genesis, chapter 7, verses 17 through 20, New King James Version ******** VK: VK: Hi! I’m Victoria K. Welcome to Anchored by Truth brought to you by Crystal Sea Books. Today we are continuing our series that we call The Truth in Genesis. To help us do that we’ve invited a gifted scientist and logic expert, Dr. Jonathan Sarfati, to be our guest in the studio. Dr. Sarfati has written a number of widely selling books that bring a clear and comprehensive scientific perspective on what empirical observations actually tell us about the age of the universe and the origin of life. Dr. Sarfati has sold hundreds of thousands of books such as Refuting Evolution volumes 1 and 2, By Design, The Greatest Hoax on Earth and The Genesis Account. During this series Dr. Sarfati is addressing a wide variety of topics that pertain to a proper understanding of the opening chapters of the book of Genesis including evidence that the earth’s surface provides abundant evidence of a world-wide flood. Today we’ll be exploring that evidence in greater detail. But just as a refresher for where we are in the Truth in Genesis series, in our last couple of episodes we learned that there are a number of very significant scientific problems with the dating methods methodologies that are typically used to assign ancient dates to the age of the earth. We also learned that there is a substantial volume of empirical observations that fit perfectly with the timeframes found in Genesis. Today we’re going to add to these earlier observations by taking a look at how a catastrophic world-wide flood also calls into question many of the dating assumptions so prevalent in popular discussions. But before we get too far into our discussion, Dr. Sarfati would you like to say a word of greeting to the Anchored by Truth listeners and maybe tell us a little bit about yourself and how you pursued your interest in logical argumentation? Dr. Sarfati: - Thanks for inviting me. It’s a pleasure to be on Anchored by Truth today. Introductory comments. VK: As I mentioned, in our last couple of episodes of Anchored by Truth you addressed some of the major problems that affect the validity of dating methods. You also showed us that there are some scientific facts that are completely at odds with the hypothesis that the earth is millions or billions of years old such as the recovery of intact soft tissue, such as blood vessels, from the skeletons of dinosaurs. Would you like to give us a brief overview of a few of the observations that you made? Dr. Sarfati: Review comments for evidence of a young earth VK: Thank you. That was very helpful. It’s very important to note that when it comes to assigning dates most conventional geologists today depend entirely on the assumption that the current appearance of the earth reflects processes that have been consistent and continuous throughout the earth’s history. Yet this assumption is unproven and unprovable. And the man who originally popularized this view, Charles Lyell was not a geologist. He was in fact a lawyer and his argument was not based on empirical observations. In fact, it was the creation scientists of his day who were committed to the use of empirical observations to support their views. Do I have that correct? Dr. Sarfati: Introductory comments on uniformitarianism vs catastrophism. VK: So let’s explore the scientific support for a flood that was literally of Biblical proportions. Question List: a. First, can we be sure that the flood described in chapters 6 through 9 of Genesis was a worldwide flood? Can the Genesis text be reasonably interpreted to permit a more localized flood? b. What geological evidence demonstrates that at one point in its past the earth was entirely inundated by the flood waters? c. What paleontological evidence demonstrates that at one point there was a rapid and sudden deposit of enormous amounts sediments and minerals? Is there any reasonable, scientific hypothesis that does not require a worldwide deluge that could also account for certain phenomena we see in the fossil record? d. How does the Biblical description of the flood differ from flood accounts passed down in other cultures? Why can we be certain that the Biblical account was the accurate and original one and that the other floor narratives are accounts that have been distorted or mythologized through the years? e. How does the “catastrophic plate tectonics” hypothesis explain geological observations that cannot be explained by conventional plate tectonics or other forms of geological uniformitarianism? f. How many and what kinds of animals did Noah actually bring on the ark? Is it true that Christian scientists had considered the possibility of natural selection as a mechanism for the creation of new species? g. How do we account, Biblically, for biodiversity and the worldwide distribution of animals? h. In your opinion what are the three or four of the most important facts that point out that the Biblical flood account may be accepted as literal history without compromising a belief in science or empirical observations? i. Could you briefly summarize the things Christians should keep in mind when they hear arguments disputing the Biblical flood account? j. What resources would you recommend for Christians who want to study the scientific dimension of the Genesis flood? VK: So the big takeaway from our discussion today is that there is a substantial body of scientific observation that can best be explained by a catastrophic world-wide inundation of the type we heard about in our opening scriptures. The Genesis flood explains geological phenomena that are observed around the globe. Therefore a billions-of-years age for the earth is not required for a valid understanding of geological formations. This means that the conclusion we get from Genesis – that the earth is thousands rather than billions of years old – is amply supported by empirical observations and scientific evidence. Dr. Sarfati, we’d really like to thank you for joining us on Anchored by Truth today. Just as a reminder this show, as well as all Anchored by Truth episodes will be available by podcast shortly after the broadcast airing. So any listener today who has a friend or study group that could benefit from Dr. Sarfati’s depth of knowledge can go to their favorite podcast app and search on Anchored by Truth by Crystal Sea Books. Today for our closing prayer how about if we pray a prayer where we confess all the times we have departed from the truth of God’s word and our need to return to the truth found in holy scripture. ---- Prayer of Corporate Confession, radio version. VK: We hope you’ll be with us next time when we’ll continue our discussion with Dr. Sarfati. And we hope you’ll take some time to encourage some friends to tune in too, or listen to the podcast version of this show. If you’d like to hear more, try out crystalseabooks.com where “We’re not famous but our Boss is!” (Bible Quotes from the New King James Version) Genesis, chapter 7, verses 11 and 12, New King James Version Genesis, chapter 7, verses 17 through 20, New King James Version https://creation.com/noahs-flood-questions-and-answers
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