Is the Bible compatible with science?
Today, a lot of people claim that science disproves the Bible’s creation account. However, the real contradiction is not between science and the Bible but between science and some Christian extremists. Some of these groups wrongly assert that according to the Bible, all physical creation was produced in six 24 hour days 10 000 years ago.
But what does the Bible really teach?
**When was the beginning?**
The Bible book of genesis opens with this simple yet profound statement, “ in the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth @gen1:1.”
Many Bible scholars believe that this statement refers to an action that is separate from the 6 creative days narrated from verse 3 onwards. Well, this is profound. In line with the Bible’s opening words,does it mean that the earth was in existence for an indefinite time before the creative days??
Scientists estimate the earth to be 4 billion years old. Astronomers however, calculate the universe to be 15 billion years old.
But do these discoveries contradict Gen1:1 ?... certainly..no!!
In this context, the Bible does not specify the actual age of the heavens and earth before the creative days.
But then, how long were the creative days??
Were they 24 hours long?
Some today assert that because Moses referred to the days following the creative days as the sabbath day, each creative day must’ve been 24 hours long.
What does the Bible say?
The fact is that the Hebrew words translated “day” can mean various lengths of days and not just a 24 hour period. As an instance, when summarizing all the six creative days at Gen 2:4, Moses referred to them all as one day. Additionally, at Gen 1:5, God called the light - day but the dark, he called night.
Hence, the day in this context is just 12 hours.
Certainly, there is no basis in the Bible to say that each creative day must’ve meant 24 hours.
It might’ve been more than 24 hours.
By design or by chance??
**Do we know how many species there are on earth??**
Have you ever wondered?
Previous estimates vary from 2 million to 100 million... but have you ever wondered how pervasive life is on our planet earth??
Earth:
Just one hundred grams of soil have been found to hold 10,000 species of bacteria, not to mention the total number of microbes. However, some species have been found almost two miles underground.
Air:
In addition to the birds, bats and Insects that’s fly through the air, the atmosphere is filled with pollen and other spores, as well as seeds and in certain areas, thousands of different kind of microbes. The diversity of microbial life in the air is on par with the diversity of microbes in the soil.
Water:
The oceans remain largely a mystery. This is because in order to study the watery deep, scientist would have to use costly technology. Even coral reefs which are relatively accessible and are well-surveyed may host millions of yet unknown species.
Did this impressive variety of life arive by chance??
Now let’s go over to the earths protective shield .
Space - the outer space is a very dangerous place where violent radiation and meteorites are common and pose an ever present danger.
Yet, our blue distinct planet flies through this galactic shooting gallery with relative impunity.
But why??
Ain’t you surprised yet?
Well, this is as a result of our amazing Amor - a powerful magnetic field.
Earth’s magnetic field:
The center of the earth is a spinning ball of molten iron, which causes our planet to have a huge and powerful magnetic field that stretches far into space.
This shield protects us from the full intense cosmic radiation and from dangerous forces emanating from the sun.
This dangerous forces from the sun include- the solar wind, solar flares- which in a minute releases as much energy as billions of hydrogen bombs and explosions in the outer space.
You can see visible reminders of the protection you receive from the earth’s magnetic field. This could be seen in the form of shooting stars at night.
Earth’s atmosphere:
The blanket of gases in the atmosphere not only keeps us from breathing but provides additional protection. An outer layer of the atmosphere- the stratosphere, contains a form of oxygen called “ozone”. Thai gas absorbs up to 99percent of incoming ultraviolet radiation. Thus, the ozone layer helps to protect any forms of life -including humans and the plankton we depend on to produce much of our oxygen for dangerous radiation. The amount of stratospheric ozone isn’t fixed. However, it changes as the intensity of the radiation increases.
The atmosphere also protects us from a daily barrage of debris from space - millions of objects both small and large.
By far, the majority of these burn up in the atmosphere becoming bright flashes of light called meteors or shooting stars?
Indeed, the earth’s atmosphere and magnetic field truly are marvels of design that are wondrous
To think about, did they come by chance or were they thoroughly designed ??
Any hope??
**Have you ever prayed for God’s kingdom to come?**
Over the years, millions have repeated the the words “ Thy kingdom come”. Why have people followed that line of prayer?
Simply because Jesus told his followers to pray for God’s kingdom come.
At first, his followers didn’t understand what Jesus said about the kingdom. Hence , they asked him, “ lord are your restoring the kingdom to Israel at this time?”
However, they were probably surprised when Jesus did not give them a direct answer.
But then, you may wonder, do we really need God’s kingdom?, if so, why?
At the start of human history, our creator who’s name is Jehovah was the only ruler. He governed in a very loving way. He provided a beautiful home - garden of eden for the first human pair to live in. He gave them all of life essentials . Humans in general would have maintained that status-quo only and only if they’d remained under God’s rulership.
The Bible reveals that a rebellious angel known as satan the devil challenged God’s right to rule. He insinuated that humans would be happy void of Gods direction and rulership .sadly, our first parents followed satan’s direction and rebelled against God.
As a result of their rebellion, they lost their home and the hope of living forever in perfect health. They were not only affected by their decision, their children too were .Romans 5:12 says “ sun entered into the world and death through sin”.
Sin led to another tragic result... man has been cruel to his fellow.
As a result of man’s disobedience, Jehovah turned his back on them, ever since ,humans have taken over the helm of affairs .
What has been the result?
In 2009, a United Nations publication said Ryan bad rulership is increasingly being viewed as one of the root causes of all evils within our society.
How much more today... we cannot overemphasize our dire need for God’s kingdom.
We need it more than ever .
Do you still pray for this kingdom?
Or have you given up hope??
What can we learn from creation??part 2.
**Our unique brain**
Our human brain is a great engineering design . When we were still in the womb, our brain was built according to a customized plan and thousands of brain cells were constructed every minute.
It has been estimated that an adult’s brain contains close to 100 billion special cells known as “neurons”. These cells have been efficient arranged into a package that weighs 3.3 pounds .
Now, we’ll consider quite a few of the brain’s amazing abilities-
Our ability to speak:
This is Infact a miracle. Let’s consider closely. The human brain has to coordinate the movement of some 100 muscles in our throat, jaw , lips, chest and tongue just to say a word. All these words have to be precise and move accordingly if our words are to be understood.
Regarding the ability to speak languages, a study published in 2019 explains that new born babes can pick out individual words hence reinforcing our believe that we’re born with the ability to speak and understand languages.
Our capacity to remember:
In the past, an author estimated that our human brain can remember information that could fill the equivalent of 20 million books.
More so, among all the creatures on earth, humans only have the ability to learn moral lessons by remembering and analyzing past experiences. As a result, we can be able to adopt better values and change our perspection.
How can we show appreciation for the gift of memory?
We can do so by choosing to remember the wonderful times that Jehovah has helped and taken care of us in the past. This will fortify our confidence in his saving power in the future. Additionally, we can choose to also remember all the good times our friends and acquaintances or even people we do not know have helped us in one way or the other . Ding this will enable us offer help to people including those we do not know .
Our Heavenly Father Jehovah, albeit , having a perfect t memory chooses to forgive and ‘forget’ our mistakes as long as we repent.
Now, can we choose to imitate Him in this regard??
Yes, we can , but how?
By choosing to forgive the offenses of others in the past even if they’re not sorry.
Moreover, we can show appreciation for the marvelous gift of our brain by using it to honor the One who has given it to us.
Some choose to use their brain for selfish purposes- to set their own standards of what it right or wrong. But because Jehovah created us, it is only reasonable to expect that his standard are best for us if only we keep them.
What benefits awaits us?
If we live by his standards, we’ll live a peaceful life.
More than that, we’ll gain a clear purpose living- to being honor to our creator, father and friend .
Certainly He will be proud of us.
Dear readers, do you appreciate the wonderful gift of
The earth
The brain
The ability to speak??
What can you learn from creation??.. part 1.
**In this article, we’ll briefly consider some gifts. As we meditate on this gifts, the more we’ll appreciate them, the stronger our desire will be to please our loving father who has gifted them to us.**
OUR UNIQUE PLANET- EARTH
God’s wisdom is clearly seen in the way he constructed the earth. Albeit the earth isn’t the only planet to orbit the sun, it is unique because it has all the condition necessary to sustain life.
At this point, we’ll compare the earth to a boat floating in an ocean. However, there are key differences between our earth and a boat full of people.
What are they?
How long would the occupants of a boat survive if they had to produce their oxygen, food, water and if they were unable to throw their waste products overboard?
Certainly, the occupants of that boat would have to die . In contrast, the earth supports multi-billion of living organisms. It equally produces all the oxygen, water and food required for the sustain am even of life , yet we do not run out of those essentials.
Our waste products aren’t ejected into space , yet how beautiful and habitable the earth remains.
How then is that possible?
It is possible because Jehovah designed the earth with the ability to recycle resources which we’ll briefly consider .
A) Oxygen:
Oxygen is a life sustaining gas that is used by a number of living organisms. It is estimated that living organisms breathe in a hundred billions of oxygen in just one year....wow!!
This same creatures breathe out carbondioxide as a waste product. Yet these organisms never utilize all the oxygen and the atmosphere never becomes choked up with our carbondioxide.
Impressive isn’t it?
Why is this even possible?
This is made possible because Jehovah our loving creator ensured to create micro and macro organisms who utilize either oxygen or carbondioxide and release any of the aforementioned as waste. Literally, the oxygen sucker confirms the words at Acts 17:24,25; ‘ God ...gives you all people breath and life’.
B) Water:
There is a sizable amount of water on earth because our planet is situated at a just perfect distance from the sun. If the earth were to be moved a little towards the sun, all waters and life will boil off leaving the earth more or less as a pool of a molten magma.
However, if the earth were a little farther from the sun, everything on earth will freeze making the earth a giant ball of ice.
Our wonderful creator Jehovah placed the earth just at a perfect ideal location so that it’s water cycle could be able to sustain life.
What more?
The sun heats up the waters in the oceans and earth surface and evaporates nearly 120,000cubic miles of water. This water stays in the atmosphere for about 10 days before it rains or falls as snow. This water eventually makes its way back to the oceans and seas and the cycle is repeated.
Magnificent... isn’t it??
This efficient, sustainable cycle proves that Jehovah is both wise and powerful. Additionally, It is a testament to the inspired statement found at Eccl. 1:4,7 which says
“ a generation is going and a generation is coming but the earth remains forever.
All the streams flow into the sea, yet the sea is not full.
To the place the streams flow ,there they return so as to flow again”.
How can we develop appreciation for our amazing planet and all that it supplies?
One way is by thinking deeply about all the things our light father Jehovah has made . That will motivate us to thank Him each day for all His goodies. More so, we can show our gratitude by keeping the part of the earth where we live clean.
Do you keep your environment clean??
Cleanliness even when it’s difficult
What is menstrual hygiene??
How can you keep and maintain menstrual hygiene?
What are the importance of maintaining menstrual hygiene?
Question: what is the cause of menstrual hygiene?
It is a physiological process.
It is a curse of God.
It is caused by sin.
It is caused by disease.
Menstruation is a natural process considered a taboo in some lands. Sadly, a lot of women, girls inclusive today suffer restrictions during menstruation. In a survey carried out in a certain country, a lot of girls are restricted from attending religious activities because it is believed that they’re unclean.
50% of girls too are restricted from eating certain foods. 43% of girls are also restricted from performing household chores.43% of girls weren’t allowed to play and 17% weren’t allowed to attend school during their period.
What more?
28% were not allowed to sleep in the same room with other family members. Whilst 70% aren’t allowed to take their bath. More so, 40% aren’t allowed to cook and more.
All these are as a result of ignorance.
So far, we’ve been talking about menstruation- what is menstruation??
Menstruation is simply known as having your period. Females have two ovaries which contains bunch of eggs. These eggs are two tiny that they cannot be seen literally.
During menstrual cycle, your hormones makes those tiny eggs to mature , which means that it is ready to be fertilized by a sperm cell .
These hormones do not only make the eggs mature, they also make the lining of the uterus or your womb thick. This lining is made up of tissue and blood. So halfway through your menstruation, your hormones tell one of your ovaries to release a mature egg- ovulation has occurred.
Once the egg leaves your ovary, it travels through your Fallopian tube toward the uterus hoping to be fertilized by a sperm. If there’s no sorry cell to fertilize it, it implies that your uterus no longer needs the lining.
With what result?
The unfertilized egg which travels to the uterus breaks up the lining- both the eggs, the blood,the nutrients and the tissues in the lining all become waste,hence they flow out of your body through the vagina and boom!! You see your period.
So how can a female keep and maintain personal hygiene??
Choose your method of sanitation; this involves that you use one method. Albeit there are a number of ways including the use of sanitary napkins, dry clothes, menstrual cups or pads., you’re encouraged to use just one method of protection since using different brands may make you uncomfortable.
Change regularly
Wash regularly
Don’t use soaps in your vagina; the vagina has its own cleaning mechanism that works in a very fine balance of good and bad bacteria... hence , washing the vagina can kill the good bacteria making way for infection. So you can use soap on the external part but use warm Water on the internal part.
Use the right washing technique; from the vagina to the anus not on the anus to the vagina. Doing the opposite can cause bacteria from the anus to lodge in the vagina leading to infections.
Discard your used sanitary pads or other product properly; wash your hands properly after discarding because your hand may have touched the use portion of the pad.
Beware of a pad rash.
Have a regular bath
Thanks for reading and remain clean.
Power!!!
**A wise man once said- “ power corrupts, but absolute power corrupts absolutely “.**
Every now and then, we see , hear and experience the ill-effects of bad leadership. Most times, our leaders portray themselves as demigods, hence they think they’re untouchable.
But is it really true??..are they really untouchable?
Can they be checkmated, even those at the apex??.
Ecclesiastes 5:8 shares a thought.
It reads, “if you see any opression of the poor and a violation of justice and righteousness in your district, do not be amazed at the matter. For that high official is being watched by others who are still higher than they are.
From a human perspective, this verse refers to a ruling class. However, it also portray a comforting and reassuring truth about God.
The scriptural text refers to a ruler who oppresses the poor and denies the justice. The ruler should remember that he is being watched , yes , checkmated by a person who has a higher position. All levels of human government are corrupt , hence we would have to cope with their misrule for the mean time.
Happily, no matter how hopeless our fate can be , we can take solace in knowing that Jehovah is watching even ‘higher officials’ in all levels of human government. Moreover , we can appeal to him to take care of us for he even implore us to do so @ Phillipians 4:6,7- do not be amazed over anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication along with thanksgiving, let your petitions be made known to God. And tge peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your heart and the mental powers by means of Christ Jesus Christ Jesus our lord
@Albrightein