Let's Talk – Teens

Were there really cavemen?

Were there men living in caves? Yes. Were these men dumb brutes grunting around trying to invent fire? No. Biblically speaking people were just as intelligent back in ancient times as people are today. We have more things like cars and computers but that is an accumulation of skills that one generation will pass on to the next, not people getting smarter over time. People would find shelter in caves when they first settled an area or if they were displaced by war or famine. Caves make lousy housing, but if that was the only thing available until more sturdy houses could be built, then living in a damp cave was better than nothing.

We need to get rid of the caveman stereotypes of what we see in textbooks and magazines. We need to look at history from a Biblical perspective. The Bible does not give us very much information about mankind’s accomplishments before the Flood. In the first 1,500 years of civilization, Genesis chapters 1-6 gives us just bits of what man was able to do.

Adam made love to his wife Eve, and she became pregnant and gave birth to Cain. She said, “with the help of the Lord I have brought forth a man.” Later she gave birth to his brother Abel. Now Abel kept flocks, and Cain worked the soil.

Genesis 4:1-2

After the Fall in Genesis 3, Adam and Eve had two sons; Cain was a farmer and Abel a Shepherd. It did not take long for agriculture to develop with planting methods and the domestication of animals.

Cain made love to his wife and she became pregnant and gave birth to Enoch. Cain was then building a city and he named it after his son Enoch.

Genesis 4:17

Cities were built and with cities some form of government, city planning, waste removal and architecture.

His brother’s name was Jubal; he was the father of all who play string instruments and pipes. Zillah also had a son, Tubal-Cain, who forged all kinds of tools out of bronze and iron.

Genesis 4:21-22

Musical instruments were made, not just a simple flute made from a hollow stick, but complex string instruments. You must have a knowledge of musical notes and cords to make that kind of musical instruments. People in the first 1,500 years developed the skill to mine, forge and work with metal.

If we are going to view man in a correct mindset, we have to hold onto Biblical history as accurate and true. Once we look at visible evidence of what early man could accomplish, we will conclude that evolutionary view of early man is foolish.

Were the 6 days of creation 24 hour days?

Yes they were. The Hebrew word for day is Yom, and could mean a 24 hour day or long periods of time. You have to look at the context or how the word is used in the text. Here is an example: In my Grandfather’s day it took 4 days to travel from Michigan to Florida. The word day was used twice in that sentence. What “day” was a 24 hour day? That’s right, it was the day used to tell us how long it took to travel. You knew that because there was a number associated with that day.

We know that the word day in the creation account was 24 hours long because each day had a number with it. And so there would be no doubt that the word day was a 24 hour day God also but in the phrase “and there was evening and there was morning – the first day”. …and there was evening and morning – the second day. When there is a number associated with the word day and evening and morning along with the word day, it means the word day is a 24 hour day.

We also need to allow Scripture to interpret Scripture.

Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work…. For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but He rested on the seventh day.

Exodus 20:8-9; 11

The Israelites are to observe the Sabbath, celebrating it for the generations to come as a lasting covenant. It will be a sign between me and the Israelites forever, for in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth and on the seventh day He abstained from work and rested.

Exodus 31:16-17

Look at the word day in those two verses. In the context they are 24 hour days and confirm the truthfulness of the days in the creation week as 24 hour days.

There are people that want to put long periods of time in the creation week. Those people want to force their beliefs into the Bible. Study the first chapter in Genesis; you can’t put a long timetable in that historical text. The Word of God is truth and we need to take our beliefs out of the Bible, not put our beliefs into it.

We know that evolution is not science and not even possible scientifically. Then why do most scientists believe in evolution?

We know that evolution is not science because it cannot be observed and tested. It’s not possible because a cell that is complex with working parts cannot come out of a pool of chemicals. And we know that information cannot be added to DNA, which evolution requires. The Word of God gives us the answer as to why mankind is drifting towards the belief of evolution.

The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness

and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since

what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it

plain to them. For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities;

His eternal power and divine nature have been clearly seen, being understood

from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. For although they

knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but their

thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkend. Although they

claimed to be wise, they became fools. They exchanged the truth of God for

a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator.

Romans 1:18-22, 25

People are born into sin, and because of that try to convince themselves that there is no God. Without a God telling what is right and wrong, people can sin and not feel the weight of guilt. Man gets to decide what is right and wrong. Man decides what is truth.

Evolution is a way to get an almighty, holy God out of the picture. Yes, I know that your favorite teacher smiles when he says good morning at the start of the day. And yes he probably believes in evolution, but he will one day answer to creator God and try to explain why he did not believe. Study those Bible verses one more time.

Was the creation account found in Genesis just another ancient myth?

No, the creation account was written as a historical fact that happened in real time and space. How can we be sure of this? The fact that Genesis does not use mythical poetic language that was very common in ancient literature. Genesis reads like history and it is easy to tell the difference between the wording of myths and the word choices and style of writing of actual history. In the writings of ancient creation myths, we find thoughts that are vague; example: how the seasons work out rather than how the heavens and earth were made, as Genesis states. The New Testament verifies the Genesis creation as history.

For Adam was formed first, then Eve. And Adam was not the one deceived,

it was the woman who was deceived and became a sinner.

1 Timothy 3:13-14

Jesus knew that Genesis was real history.

“ Haven’t you read”, He replied, “ that at the beginning the Creator made them

male and female, and said, for this reason a man will leave his father and

mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.”

Matthew 19:4-5

Wait, you say, these are ancient people; they are too stupid to know the difference between history and myth. Not true, Paul wrote a letter to Timothy and warned him about myths.

Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives tales, rather, train

yourself to be godly.

1 Timothy 4:7

The next question is… was Adam a real person or fictional character made up to help us know when modern humans came on the scene? Answer: Adam was a real person in history and was in the genealogy of Jesus Christ.

…the son of Jared, the son of Mahalalel, the son of Kenan, the son of

Enosh, the son of Seth, the son of Adam…

Luke 3:37

You don’t put a fictional character in a genealogy. Plus, every time Adam is spoken of in the New Testament he is referred to as a real person.

Was Satan the actual serpent in the garden?

The Bible portrays Satan and his demons as spirits. So then, how can both Satan and a real serpent be the culprit? From other passages we find an important principle. Satan and demons can enter into people and animals and influence them.

Then Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, one of the twelve. And Judas went to the chief priest and the officers of the temple guard and discussed with them how he might betray Jesus.

Luke 22:3-4

So we can understand that the serpent was indeed a real serpent, but one that has been entered into and taken over by Satan.

This is not how I wanted my life to be. Why shouldn’t I be disappointed with God?

You have played football all through high school and college. You’re good enough to go pro, and a scout for a major league teams pays you a visit. After some interviews and tests, he hires you. Your lifelong dream is set. Then the doctors find a defect in your heart, and to continue playing would mean certain death. Your whole life was all planned out, now everything crashes.

You’re 45 years old and single. You always wanted to get married and have a family. You see people your age with kids in elementary and junior high. You see those parents enjoying soccer games and dance classes. Why didn’t God send someone to you so you could enjoy a family? You prayed and pleaded with God, but you are 45 years old, will it ever happen?

Job experienced situations in his life that crashed his dreams. In 1 day all of his children died and his wealth was gone. Then a short time later he was covered head to toe with painful sores. Job did not know why these things were happening but he never sinned by charging God with wrongdoing. He was grieving over his kids’ death. He did not know if he would ever recover from financial ruin. Would he be healed of his sores? What would the future bring? Listen to what Job says.

My spirit is broken, my days are cut short, the grave awaits me. My eyes have grown dim with grief; my whole frame is but a shadow. My days have passed, my plans are shattered and so are the desires of my heart. Where then is my hope? Who can see any hope for me?

Job 17:1,7,11,15

Do you hear his despair? Does your heart go out to him? Do you feel the hopelessness? Finally Job in all his frustration pleads to God for answers, why is this happening? Hear what God’s response is.

Then the Lord answered Job out of the storm. He said; “Who is this that darkens my counsel with words without knowledge? Brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer me. Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell me if you understand. Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know! Who stretched a measuring line across it? On what were its footings set, or who laid its cornerstone?

Job 38:1-6

God is not being heartless in His response, only to the point. God is saying that He is God and Job is not. God never explains why Job is going through such hard times. He does not have to because God is God.

Back to your question: why shouldn’t I be disappointed with God? The answer is that God is bigger than your situation. Let God be God and you be His creation to glorify a big God. Get into the Bible and study the passages that tell of a God that is a great God. Praise Him for being God and that you could be His child. Then trust Him for your future and serve Him in it. Do not dwell in what you don’t have, look for opportunities to serve God in some way. Look for someone to love and help; serve in your church, make a difference in someone’s life.

The Bible tells us that all sins can be forgiven, but the Bible also tells us that there is an unforgiveable sin. What sin is there that God will not forgive?

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

1 John 1:9

And so I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven.

Matthew 12:31

Does God forgive all sins or all sins except those who blaspheme against the Holy Spirit? First, let’s discuss what it means to blaspheme against the Holy Spirit. When a person receives Jesus Christ as his personal Savior, he also receives the Holy Spirit to help guide him and helps him understand God’s will for his life. It is the Holy Spirit that convicts a person of their sin and convinces that person that they need to believe that Jesus died and took the punishment for their sins. To reject the Holy Spirit’s calling is to blaspheme this third person of the trinity. The unforgivable sin is to reject God’s saving plan through the death and resurrection of his Son, Jesus Christ. God will forgive all sins if you humbly come to him, repent and ask for forgiveness.

The Bible is a 2,000 year old book. How can it answer questions that I have?

The Bible can answer your questions because they are the same questions that mankind has been asking throughout history.

Is there a God? In the beginning God created… Genesis 1:1

God never tried to prove His own existence. There is a creation, thus a creator, end of debate.

If there is a God, can I know Him? Yes, God has revealed Himself through the Holy Scriptures, the Bible. In those pages are God’s words written by men so we can know who God is. We can approach a holy, almighty God through His Son Jesus Christ.

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

John 14:6

Is there hope in this life? Yes, Gods’ love gives us hope. Our lives will still have their share of problems, but we can face those problems with the power of Gods’ love.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 15:13

Is there an afterlife? Yes I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of

God so that you may know that you have eternal life.

1 John 5:13

How can I spend eternity in Heaven? God is a holy God and only allows those that are perfect and without sin in heaven. But the problem is that we have all sinned. Jesus, being God, came as a man to die on a cross because God in His holiness demanded that someone take the punishment for mans’ sins. Jesus willingly took that punishment for us. He then rose from the grave and lives with God the Father. All you need to do is admit you’re a sinner, be sorry that you have sinned against a holy God and ask Jesus to forgive your sins and accept Him into your heart.

Since 1988 scientist have been trying to duplicate evolution in a lab. Read what happens.

In 1988, Dr. Richard Lenski, an evolutionary biologist at Michigan State University, began growing cultures of 12 identical lines of a strain of bacteria. More than 50,000 generations and 27 years later, the experiment continues. After this many years and thousands of generations there have been slight changes as they have life easy in the laboratory setting. For example, some lines have lost the ability to use a sugar, repair DNA, or even move. In other words, they have gotten lazy. But these changes simply altered genetic information and functions that were already present. These changes did not add new genetic information that over millions of years could lead from microbes to man. Why did Dr. Lenski choose bacteria for his test subject? Because bacteria are single cells, changes need to occur in only one cell to be passed to the next generation. In multicellular organisms, changes would have to occur in multiple cells of a given tissue or organ to benefit the organism and reappear in a germ cell (sperm or egg) to be passed to the next generation. If you can’t duplicate evolution with bacteria, you can’t duplicate evolution. Dr. Lenski failed to prove to the world that evolution can even be possible, even in a lab setting. Bacteria has always and will always be bacteria.

You alone are the Lord. You made the heavens, even the highest heavens and all their starry host, the earth and all that is on it seas and all that is in them. You give life to everything and the multitudes of heaven worship you.

Nehemiah 9:6

My college professor claims that the universe is 14 billion years old, but I was told that the Bible says 6,500 years old. Where does the Bible get that age?

Yes, the Bible does indeed make the claim that God created the earth, planets and all the stars 6,500 years ago. The Bible makes that claim historically; in Luke 3:23-28 there is a genealogy from Jesus back to Adam and scholars have dated that time at 4,500 years. We know that Jesus lived 2,000 years ago. Add up the numbers and you get 6,500 years.

There are a lot of people who trust what they think is science, and put the date at billions of years. The problem is that these people are giving science power of knowing the past, an ability it does not have. We need to understand that what we can learn from the scientific method is limited. Science is observable, testable and repeatable. Science can give us weak evidence that can point to a billion year old universe, but even that evidence is observable in the present. But that evidence can only bring the idea or thought of a billion year old universe as a theory, not as a fact based on observational science.

When you are seeking knowledge from the past, you need to use the method of history. History is learning information from the past based on written or oral testimony. The only problem with this method is the trust one has in the testimony. In the case with the age of the universe we have someone who was there and one we can trust, that person is God. He has documented how He created, how long He took to create, and how long ago this took place. God gave us the Bible so that we can know.

For the word of the Lord is right and true; He is faithful in all He does.

Psalm 33:4

Jesus said in Matthew 7:1 “Do not judge, or you too will be judged.” Does that mean we can’t ever judge anybody at any time?

No this passage is not saying that we should never judge others. When Jesus declared , “Do not judge, or you to will be judged”, He was forbidding a judgmental, critical attitude that reads wrong motives into what others do and views their actions in the worst possible light.

Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.

Galatians 6:1

Paul was telling the people in the church that it is their responsibility to watch over each other so if one sins the church can bring the sinful Christian back to spiritual fellowship. Notice that the people who judge, do so gently.

We must evaluate the beliefs and actions of spiritual leaders to judge for ourselves whether they are truly God’s servants. Does what they teach agree with the Bible and do they live according to God’s plan for all of us.

Judging others is wrong when it stems from a self-righteous attitude, reveals a critical spirit or presumptuously interprets motives. But judging is right and helpful when it flows from proper motives, when it uses God’s Word as the standard and when it leads to corrective action.

Is there evidence of a universe that is only 6,500 years old?

Yes, there is evidence for a young earth. Most scientists believe that the universe is about 13 billion years old. Science is always in the present and only knows what is observable, testable and repeatable. And history that is outside the Bible can only go back 5,000 years. All so called knowledge, outside the Bible, farther than what history documents and what science can observe, is guess work, it is what people believe. We know what happened at the beginning because God was there and He used men to write down what happened and when. The Word of God is much more trustworthy than man’s beliefs.

Now for the evidence; there have been about 80 studies trying to figure out how old the earth is and all but a few point to a young earth. The earth’s tides happen because of the gravitational pull of the moon. This, in effect, causes the moon to spiral outwards very slowly. Because of the known rate of the moons movements over time, we can calculate how much the moon has moved away. The moon has moved about 800 feet in the past 6000 years. If the stars and planets were billions of years old, the moon would be far out in space away from earth by now, but it’s not. Scientists found bacteria in a salt crystal that they believe to be 250 million years old. They were surprised to find that the bacteria’s DNA was very similar to modern bacteria’s DNA. If the bacteria was in fact 250 million years old, evolution would have changed the DNA based on time and change that evolution demands. Plus, the bacteria should have decayed or at least broke down long ago. It would be impossible for the bacteria to remain as it was for 250 million years.

The earth is surrounded by a magnetic field that protects us and all living things from the sun’s solar radiation. Without a strong magnetic field life on earth would be impossible. But the magnetic field is getting weaker over time. Scientists began measuring this field back in 1845 and they are still taking measurements. They have determined that the magnetic field has been decaying at a rate of 5% per century. Knowing the rate of decay, the magnetic field can only be a few thousands of years old, not billions. Everybody knows that when you drill for oil, the oil will shoot out of the ground because of the pressure. What you may not know is that studies show that this pressure cannot last more than 5,000 -10,000 years. But most scientists insist that it took millions of years for oil to form.

A discovery by Dr. Mary Schweitzer of a Tyrannosaurus rex thigh bone in Montana, was studied under the microscope. To her amazement, the inside showed blood vessels and these contained red blood cells. The bone marrow contained flexible tissue. The scientist “dated” this bone at 68 million years, but soft tissue with blood vessels and red blood cells could not possibly last that long. Other fossils with soft tissue have been found and scientists that believe in millions of years do not know what to say. Other scientists have studied the tissue in a laboratory setting and learned that soft tissue would break down completely in about 650,000 years under the best conditions.

For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to

suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to

say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth

and turn aside to myths. Romans 4:3-4