Ask me any Bible question and by the grace of God I'll try to provide you with the Biblical answer(s) and/or find someone to answer it for you.
May the Lord Jesus bless you with His Word of Truth,
Stacey
Bible Answer Man
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Did God create the Earth old?
The Age of Earth - Could God create the Earth in such a way that on DAY ONE it was very old?
God made a fully mature man on day six of creation, Adam (Genesis 1:26,27 & 2:7) and on Adam’s fist day he may have tested out as 30 years old, Eve too – they were certainly not infants. (Genesis 2:22). Therefore we, know that God is of course able and also willing to create something that is old or mature on it’s first day. The Lord did this with all reproducing life for after HE created them he blessed them and commanded them to multiply – only the mature can multiply; fish, birds, and animals as well. (Genesis 1:20-25).
But what about the planet Earth, did God create it old?
Earth time is governed by the Sun and Moon which were created on day FOUR of creation. (Geneses 1:14-16). One earth day is one complete rotation of the earth on its axis - sunrise to sunrise - which is 24 hours. Other planets spin faster or slower thus “planet time” is marked differently depending on what planet is used to mark the time.
When God uses the word “day” as in “there was evening and there was morning, one day… there was evening and there was morning, a second day, there was evening and there was morning , a third day “ (Genesis 1:5,8,13), the stars and sun and moon had not been created yet for they were all created on the FOURTH day TO MARK TIME (Genesis 1:14), so what does God mean when He says “day one, day two, day three”?
“.. with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day.” 2 Peter 3:8 NASB. Notice this Bible verse does not say that it is a thousand years but that IT IS LIKE a thousand years, the point being a day to the Lord is not automaticly a 24 hour period thus the first 3 days of creation cannot be proven as three 24 hour earth days since earth time did not exist until the fourth day and therefore we should not assume that they were 24 hours days.
It is possible God was referring to a Universe day which is how long it takes the Universe to make one rotation. How long is that? Noone knows.
"The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our sons forever, that we may observe all the words of this law. Deuteronomy 29:29 NASB
It is important that we avoid going beyond what is written as the Apostle Paul pointed out to the Church at Corinth on another matter. “Now, brothers, I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, so that you may learn from us the meaning of the saying, "Do not go beyond what is written." Then you will not take pride in one man over against another.” 1 Corinthians 4:6 NIV
Over the years the Church has often been wrong when it tried to force the Bible to say something that it did not specificly say and this has caused unecessary conflicts between Science and Christainity. The Lord Jesus is the Head of the Church and is also the God who created all Science so science will in the end submit to the Truth as will the Church.
“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. 17He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. 19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.” Colossians 1:15-20
“YOU HAVE PUT ALL THINGS IN SUBJECTION UNDER HIS FEET "For in subjecting all things to him, He left nothing that is not subject to him But now we do not yet see all things subjected to him.” Hebrews 2:8 NASB
We should see Scientists all over the world beginning to submit to Jesus and His Word and we are. There is a Christian by the name of Dr. Hugh Ross, an astronomer and in his book “The Fingerprint of God – recent scientific discoveries reveal the unmistakable identity of the creator”, he brings Science and faith in Christ together on this very topic and I recommend it for further insights into this question.
What we do know is that Genesis 1 reveals that God created everything in 6 days, however we do not know how God measured that “day” time and it does NOT appear to be six 24 hour Earth days. Even if it was 6-24 hour earth days He could have also created the universe mature in age on day one as He did with Adam, Eve, the animals etc.. Either way in such a case science and the Bible would not have a conflict over the Truth of the age of the Earth. As Christians begin to see what the Bible does not say as well as what it does say then God’s Truth in His Word will answer many questions.
May the Lord Jesus Bless You with His Word of Truth,
Stacey
God made a fully mature man on day six of creation, Adam (Genesis 1:26,27 & 2:7) and on Adam’s fist day he may have tested out as 30 years old, Eve too – they were certainly not infants. (Genesis 2:22). Therefore we, know that God is of course able and also willing to create something that is old or mature on it’s first day. The Lord did this with all reproducing life for after HE created them he blessed them and commanded them to multiply – only the mature can multiply; fish, birds, and animals as well. (Genesis 1:20-25).
But what about the planet Earth, did God create it old?
Earth time is governed by the Sun and Moon which were created on day FOUR of creation. (Geneses 1:14-16). One earth day is one complete rotation of the earth on its axis - sunrise to sunrise - which is 24 hours. Other planets spin faster or slower thus “planet time” is marked differently depending on what planet is used to mark the time.
When God uses the word “day” as in “there was evening and there was morning, one day… there was evening and there was morning, a second day, there was evening and there was morning , a third day “ (Genesis 1:5,8,13), the stars and sun and moon had not been created yet for they were all created on the FOURTH day TO MARK TIME (Genesis 1:14), so what does God mean when He says “day one, day two, day three”?
“.. with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day.” 2 Peter 3:8 NASB. Notice this Bible verse does not say that it is a thousand years but that IT IS LIKE a thousand years, the point being a day to the Lord is not automaticly a 24 hour period thus the first 3 days of creation cannot be proven as three 24 hour earth days since earth time did not exist until the fourth day and therefore we should not assume that they were 24 hours days.
It is possible God was referring to a Universe day which is how long it takes the Universe to make one rotation. How long is that? Noone knows.
"The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our sons forever, that we may observe all the words of this law. Deuteronomy 29:29 NASB
It is important that we avoid going beyond what is written as the Apostle Paul pointed out to the Church at Corinth on another matter. “Now, brothers, I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, so that you may learn from us the meaning of the saying, "Do not go beyond what is written." Then you will not take pride in one man over against another.” 1 Corinthians 4:6 NIV
Over the years the Church has often been wrong when it tried to force the Bible to say something that it did not specificly say and this has caused unecessary conflicts between Science and Christainity. The Lord Jesus is the Head of the Church and is also the God who created all Science so science will in the end submit to the Truth as will the Church.
“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. 17He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. 19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.” Colossians 1:15-20
“YOU HAVE PUT ALL THINGS IN SUBJECTION UNDER HIS FEET "For in subjecting all things to him, He left nothing that is not subject to him But now we do not yet see all things subjected to him.” Hebrews 2:8 NASB
We should see Scientists all over the world beginning to submit to Jesus and His Word and we are. There is a Christian by the name of Dr. Hugh Ross, an astronomer and in his book “The Fingerprint of God – recent scientific discoveries reveal the unmistakable identity of the creator”, he brings Science and faith in Christ together on this very topic and I recommend it for further insights into this question.
What we do know is that Genesis 1 reveals that God created everything in 6 days, however we do not know how God measured that “day” time and it does NOT appear to be six 24 hour Earth days. Even if it was 6-24 hour earth days He could have also created the universe mature in age on day one as He did with Adam, Eve, the animals etc.. Either way in such a case science and the Bible would not have a conflict over the Truth of the age of the Earth. As Christians begin to see what the Bible does not say as well as what it does say then God’s Truth in His Word will answer many questions.
May the Lord Jesus Bless You with His Word of Truth,
Stacey
Saturday, April 11, 2009
What is the difference between a church elder who teaches and the calling of God to be a Teacher?
What is the difference between a church elder who teaches and the calling of Teacher?
I heard it explained before that the universal church teacher is like a doctor and the local church teacher is like a nurse. The point being, one is a master at it and this master teacher is called, anointed and appointed by God to be a teacher to the whole Body of Christ - the church universal. Such a teacher must be a master of the Bible and knows God well because he ranks third in universal Church authority; apostle prophet, teacher. (1 Co 12:28). Jesus often sent prophets and teachers to the Church universal. (Mt 23:34; Acts 13:1)
The other is less than a master teacher is in essence an elder in the church thus is part of the team of elders who are responsible to God for shepherding that church.(Acts 20:17,28) The elder must be apt or able to teach (1Tim 3:2) and ranks first in local church authority along with the other elders. (1 Tim 5:17; Heb 13:17)
Teachers have God given spiritual authority over others. The elder/teacher has this authority over the local flock and the master teacher has it over the entire Body of Christ. (Mk 1:22) This is why Paul would not allow women to be teachers because a teacher has authority over men. (1Tim 2:12) I won't get into the whole male female ministry issue but am simply establishing the truth that teachers have authority over others whether they are male or female teachers.
Not many should be master teachers because they will be held to a stricter accountability. (Jas 3:1) but many can be elder/teachers (Heb 5:11,12; Col 3:16)
No one can be appointed by man to be a master teacher, only God can call and appoint and anoint a master teacher. (2 Tim 1:11; 1 Cor 12:28)
On the other hand, one can desire to be an elder/teacher (1 Tim 3:1) and can be appointed as an elder/teacher by man and then God anoints them "which the Holy Spirit HAS MADE YOU overseers" Acts 20:26. Some believe that man makes elders but that verse points out that the Holy Spirit does it after man appoints them (see also Titus 1:5).
Teachings are treasures, some old and some new (Mt 13:52)
The master teacher has teachings which are treasures for all.
The elder teacher has teachings which are treasures for that particular church and satisfies the regular teaching needs of the local church.
Any teacher should be able to teach what is old treasure - the established sound doctrines (Titus 2:1) and should also be able to discover new treasures in scripture themselves which do not contradict sound doctrine and teach them too. (Mt 13:52)
In my opinion, one that cannot discover new treasures themselves in scripture lacks the anointing from God to teach and should not be a teacher. This is something that I view as a major distinction between an Old Covenant teacher and a New Covenant teacher. The OC teacher mastered the law and taught only the established law of Moses. The NC teacher has the Holy Spirit which always is teaching new things to us, which are new treasures as he opens the scriptures more and more to us. (Jn 14:26)
Eight basic things teachers are to do
1. Teach old treasures which is sound doctrine (Mt 13:52; Titus 2:1)
2. Teach new treasures which are not in conflict with sound doctrine. (Mt 13:52)
3. Obey their own teaching (Rom 2:21-24)
4. Teach others to obey the teaching (Mt 28:20; Jn 15:20)
5. Teach the whole Bible and the whole counsel of God (Acts 18:11; Acts 20:27)
6. Stay within God's appointed boundaries - local stay local, universal stay universal. (Jn 3:27; Tit 1:5; Acts 20:28; Acts 13:1)
7. Address the needs of the people (Mt 24:45)
8. Make disciples (Mt 28:18-20)
Some areas where a teacher may fail:
1. Neglecting to teach sound doctrine is a mistake.
This is where I feel many seminary professors err. Teaching church history or Bible history is not teaching sound doctrine nor is it teaching false doctrine, it is teaching no doctrine at all and instead it is teaching history thus it is neglecting to teach sound doctrine and such is not what the Bible calls a teacher. Teaching Hebrew or Greek is not teaching sound doctrine it is teaching language, nothing wrong with that but it's not a Bible teacher. Teaching Biblical archeology, Biblical criticism etc. is not teaching sound doctrine. Such teachers are academic or educational teachers equal to a math or science teacher and there is nothing wrong with that but they are not Spiritual teachers equal to a Bible teacher and therefore they do not need the Holy Spirit, nor a call from God, nor an anointing nor an appointing by God to do what they do. Teaching all sorts of things instead of the Bible does not equate to a Teacher as we see in 1Co 12:28 & Eph 4:11 nor an elder/teacher as we see in many passages describing elders.
2. Teaching new things which contradict sound doctrine and/or scripture is a mistake.
Such teachings are false teachings and false doctrines and some teachings are even called doctrines of demons and secrets of Satan according to the Bible. (1 Tim 4:1; Rev 2:24) Teachers that teach false things are mistaken and depending on the level of the mistake one may even be qualified as a false teacher according to the Bible. Mistaken teachers can be corrected but false teachers are doomed according to (2 Pet 2)
Therefore not many should be teachers (Jas 3:1) And all teachers should watch their doctrine carefully (1Tim 4:16; Col 2:18,19)
3. Disobeying their own teaching is a mistake.
Such are called hypocrites and Jesus spoke the most sever woes of all to the teachers who did this. Paul said to Timothy watch your doctrine and your life too (1Tim 4:16) Or you will be disqualified (1Co 9:27)
4. Failing to help others obey but simply teaching as if it didn't matter what the people do with the teaching is a mistake.
Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for this sin. (Lk 11:46) Also teaching deep and difficult things without further explanation to ensure understanding is a mistake too. Jesus taught many things that they could not understand but he continued to explain until they did understand - answering all their questions. There is a difference between spiritual milk and meat. (1Co 3:2; Heb 5:12,13; 1Pet 2:2; 1Co 2:6)
5. Teaching only part of the Bible or part of the counsel of God is a mistake.
This area too I feel many seminary professors fail in. Because they teach only part and specialize in Old Testament or this or that. I also see this failure in many elders who specialize in "End times" or the "Prophetic" or "Gifts" etc. I see nothing wrong with specializing in areas as long as such special attention is added to the teaching of the whole Bible and the whole counsel of God rather than replacing it. (Acts 20:27; Rom 15:4)
6. An elder teacher of a local church who tries to be a master teacher of the entire Body of Christ is a mistake.
They may travel around teaching shallow milk teachings or write books of shallow milk teachings and thus are going outside of the boundaries God has set for them.
Likewise a master teacher who does not travel and teach the deep meaty things to the whole Body of Christ but instead stays at a local church and/or does not write books or impact the whole Body is also out of bounds.
Today I think most western Christian writers are not really teachers to the whole Body of Christ they have an elder anointing and not a teacher anointing - but they make allot of money selling books :) and end up dumbing down or watering down the whole body of Christ in the process.There is a difference between spiritual milk and meat. (1Co 2:6; 1Co 3:2; Heb 5:12-14; 1Pet 2:2)
7. Failing to teach things that the people need right now is a common error.
It's okay to teach all sorts of series and things as long as they are added to what the people need at the moment and do not replace it.
8. Making intellectual Bible students but failing to make disciples of Jesus is a mistake.
Jesus never commanded us to become only Bible students. Being a student of the Word is good and is part of being a disciple of Jesus and not the other way around. Knowing God takes both deep Bible knowledge and deep relationship with Jesus.
I heard it explained before that the universal church teacher is like a doctor and the local church teacher is like a nurse. The point being, one is a master at it and this master teacher is called, anointed and appointed by God to be a teacher to the whole Body of Christ - the church universal. Such a teacher must be a master of the Bible and knows God well because he ranks third in universal Church authority; apostle prophet, teacher. (1 Co 12:28). Jesus often sent prophets and teachers to the Church universal. (Mt 23:34; Acts 13:1)
The other is less than a master teacher is in essence an elder in the church thus is part of the team of elders who are responsible to God for shepherding that church.(Acts 20:17,28) The elder must be apt or able to teach (1Tim 3:2) and ranks first in local church authority along with the other elders. (1 Tim 5:17; Heb 13:17)
Teachers have God given spiritual authority over others. The elder/teacher has this authority over the local flock and the master teacher has it over the entire Body of Christ. (Mk 1:22) This is why Paul would not allow women to be teachers because a teacher has authority over men. (1Tim 2:12) I won't get into the whole male female ministry issue but am simply establishing the truth that teachers have authority over others whether they are male or female teachers.
Not many should be master teachers because they will be held to a stricter accountability. (Jas 3:1) but many can be elder/teachers (Heb 5:11,12; Col 3:16)
No one can be appointed by man to be a master teacher, only God can call and appoint and anoint a master teacher. (2 Tim 1:11; 1 Cor 12:28)
On the other hand, one can desire to be an elder/teacher (1 Tim 3:1) and can be appointed as an elder/teacher by man and then God anoints them "which the Holy Spirit HAS MADE YOU overseers" Acts 20:26. Some believe that man makes elders but that verse points out that the Holy Spirit does it after man appoints them (see also Titus 1:5).
Teachings are treasures, some old and some new (Mt 13:52)
The master teacher has teachings which are treasures for all.
The elder teacher has teachings which are treasures for that particular church and satisfies the regular teaching needs of the local church.
Any teacher should be able to teach what is old treasure - the established sound doctrines (Titus 2:1) and should also be able to discover new treasures in scripture themselves which do not contradict sound doctrine and teach them too. (Mt 13:52)
In my opinion, one that cannot discover new treasures themselves in scripture lacks the anointing from God to teach and should not be a teacher. This is something that I view as a major distinction between an Old Covenant teacher and a New Covenant teacher. The OC teacher mastered the law and taught only the established law of Moses. The NC teacher has the Holy Spirit which always is teaching new things to us, which are new treasures as he opens the scriptures more and more to us. (Jn 14:26)
Eight basic things teachers are to do
1. Teach old treasures which is sound doctrine (Mt 13:52; Titus 2:1)
2. Teach new treasures which are not in conflict with sound doctrine. (Mt 13:52)
3. Obey their own teaching (Rom 2:21-24)
4. Teach others to obey the teaching (Mt 28:20; Jn 15:20)
5. Teach the whole Bible and the whole counsel of God (Acts 18:11; Acts 20:27)
6. Stay within God's appointed boundaries - local stay local, universal stay universal. (Jn 3:27; Tit 1:5; Acts 20:28; Acts 13:1)
7. Address the needs of the people (Mt 24:45)
8. Make disciples (Mt 28:18-20)
Some areas where a teacher may fail:
1. Neglecting to teach sound doctrine is a mistake.
This is where I feel many seminary professors err. Teaching church history or Bible history is not teaching sound doctrine nor is it teaching false doctrine, it is teaching no doctrine at all and instead it is teaching history thus it is neglecting to teach sound doctrine and such is not what the Bible calls a teacher. Teaching Hebrew or Greek is not teaching sound doctrine it is teaching language, nothing wrong with that but it's not a Bible teacher. Teaching Biblical archeology, Biblical criticism etc. is not teaching sound doctrine. Such teachers are academic or educational teachers equal to a math or science teacher and there is nothing wrong with that but they are not Spiritual teachers equal to a Bible teacher and therefore they do not need the Holy Spirit, nor a call from God, nor an anointing nor an appointing by God to do what they do. Teaching all sorts of things instead of the Bible does not equate to a Teacher as we see in 1Co 12:28 & Eph 4:11 nor an elder/teacher as we see in many passages describing elders.
2. Teaching new things which contradict sound doctrine and/or scripture is a mistake.
Such teachings are false teachings and false doctrines and some teachings are even called doctrines of demons and secrets of Satan according to the Bible. (1 Tim 4:1; Rev 2:24) Teachers that teach false things are mistaken and depending on the level of the mistake one may even be qualified as a false teacher according to the Bible. Mistaken teachers can be corrected but false teachers are doomed according to (2 Pet 2)
Therefore not many should be teachers (Jas 3:1) And all teachers should watch their doctrine carefully (1Tim 4:16; Col 2:18,19)
3. Disobeying their own teaching is a mistake.
Such are called hypocrites and Jesus spoke the most sever woes of all to the teachers who did this. Paul said to Timothy watch your doctrine and your life too (1Tim 4:16) Or you will be disqualified (1Co 9:27)
4. Failing to help others obey but simply teaching as if it didn't matter what the people do with the teaching is a mistake.
Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for this sin. (Lk 11:46) Also teaching deep and difficult things without further explanation to ensure understanding is a mistake too. Jesus taught many things that they could not understand but he continued to explain until they did understand - answering all their questions. There is a difference between spiritual milk and meat. (1Co 3:2; Heb 5:12,13; 1Pet 2:2; 1Co 2:6)
5. Teaching only part of the Bible or part of the counsel of God is a mistake.
This area too I feel many seminary professors fail in. Because they teach only part and specialize in Old Testament or this or that. I also see this failure in many elders who specialize in "End times" or the "Prophetic" or "Gifts" etc. I see nothing wrong with specializing in areas as long as such special attention is added to the teaching of the whole Bible and the whole counsel of God rather than replacing it. (Acts 20:27; Rom 15:4)
6. An elder teacher of a local church who tries to be a master teacher of the entire Body of Christ is a mistake.
They may travel around teaching shallow milk teachings or write books of shallow milk teachings and thus are going outside of the boundaries God has set for them.
Likewise a master teacher who does not travel and teach the deep meaty things to the whole Body of Christ but instead stays at a local church and/or does not write books or impact the whole Body is also out of bounds.
Today I think most western Christian writers are not really teachers to the whole Body of Christ they have an elder anointing and not a teacher anointing - but they make allot of money selling books :) and end up dumbing down or watering down the whole body of Christ in the process.There is a difference between spiritual milk and meat. (1Co 2:6; 1Co 3:2; Heb 5:12-14; 1Pet 2:2)
7. Failing to teach things that the people need right now is a common error.
It's okay to teach all sorts of series and things as long as they are added to what the people need at the moment and do not replace it.
8. Making intellectual Bible students but failing to make disciples of Jesus is a mistake.
Jesus never commanded us to become only Bible students. Being a student of the Word is good and is part of being a disciple of Jesus and not the other way around. Knowing God takes both deep Bible knowledge and deep relationship with Jesus.
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