August 2012 us Volume 7 #8 Volume 7 #8

Wading River Baptist Church

P.O. Box 438, 1635 Wading River-Manor Road, Wading River, NY 11792 (631) 929-3512; 929-6022 www.wrbc.us office@wrbc.us

How I Spend My Sabbath Psalm 92 (Part 1)

When I look at the Christian world today, and think back to my childhood, I cannot help but reflect on the change in the way evangelical church members treat the first day of the week. I dont like to call it Sunday, because that has pagan origins and overtones. The biblical name is the Lords Day, which stresses the right priority and use of the day, or simply the first day of the week. I am old enough to remember how people didnt work on the Lords Day, businesses werent open, and thus people didnt shop. Many people went to church, and many of those went twice. My family and I were among them. Furthermore, in our home, Lords Day afternoon naps were also common. Among some Christians, particularly those who are Reformed, the Lords Day is called the Christian Sabbath. That name, common among the Puritans, is consistent with the Covenant Theology of Reformed thought which says that the Old Testament Law is still the Christians rule of life. I dont agree, and argue vigorously against the notion that the strict rules with regard to Sabbath observance contained in the Torah are normative for Christians in this Age of Grace. That doesnt mean, however, that the regulations governing the use of the Sabbath dont contain instructive principles that can guide Christians in their decisions about how they use the first day of the week. Thats the value of Psalm 92, with its unique inscriptionA Song for the Sabbath Dayfor us church members today. The sanctification (setting apart) of the seventh day as a day of rest was a creation ordinance, antedating the Law. The Lord established it right from the beginning: Thus the heavens and the earth were completed, and all their hosts. By the seventh day God completed His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done. Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made (Gen 2:1-3). Eventually, the Sabbath principle was codified as the fourth of the Ten Commandments which were the foundation of the Mosaic Law: Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath of the Lord your God; in it you shall not do any work, you or your son or your daughter, your male or your female servant or your cattle or your sojourner who stays with you. For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day; therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy (Ex 20:8-11). Thus, the law of the Sabbath is firmly founded on the Sabbath principle found in Genesis 2. The original purpose of the Sabbath was as a day of rest. From Israels sojourn in the wilderness, however, God also ordained the Sabbath as a day of worship: For six days work may be done, but on the seventh day there is a Sabbath of complete rest, a holy convocation. You shall not do any work; it is a Sabbath to the Lord in all your dwellings (Lev 23:3). A convocation is a calling togetheran assembly of the people. Rest and worship were to be enjoyed, not merely endured, and God provided His people with a day when they could do both unhindered by other responsibilities. The penalty for violation of the Sabbath among the Israelites was initially very severe, as God forcefully impressed upon the nation that He meant business about their honoring the Sabbath. Now while the sons of Israel were in the wilderness, they found a man gathering wood on the Sabbath day. Those who found him gathering wood brought him to Moses and Aaron and to all the congregation; and they put him in custody because it had not been declared what should be done to him. Then the Lord said to Moses, The man shall surely be put to death; all the congregation shall stone him with stones outside the camp. So all the congregation brought him outside the camp and stoned him to death with stones, just as the Lord had commanded Moses (Num 15:32-36). Centuries later, Israel had forgotten the severity of Gods judgment and had largely abandoned any reverence for the seventh day, which to them had merely become a tool of economic oppression. The prophet Amos issued this indictment: Hear this, you who trample the needy, to do away with the humble of the land, saying, When will the new moon be over, so that we may sell grain, and the Sabbath, that we may open the wheat market, to make the bushel smaller and the shekel bigger, and to cheat with dishonest scales, so as to buy the helpless for money and the needy for a pair of sandals, and that we may sell the refuse of the wheat? The Lord has sworn by the pride of Jacob, Indeed, I will never forget any of their deeds (Amos 8:4-7). This brings us to Psalm 92. We dont know who the author was, but in the last issue, we studied Psalm 84a hymn with a similar burdena song in celebration of the Lords house. In Psalm 92 we have an anthem celebrating the Lords Daya day that has ceased to be honored by most people in our modern American culture. How should be use our weekly day of rest? Here are three insights. The first insight, says the psalmist, concerns the rejoicing of My Sabbath worship (verses 1-4). He gives a fairly full account of his weekly worship experience. The Sabbath is a day of praise for who God is (vv. 1-2): It is good to give thanks to the Lord and to sing praises to Your name, O Most High; to declare Your lovingkindness in the morning and Your faithfulness by night. The subject of Sabbath worship is Gods character , which the psalmist promises to praise. The heart of worship is praise and thanksgiving adoration directed to God for who He is. The person of God is the focus of worship, and from that the worshipper magnifies His attributes and His covenant faithfulness and truth. The means of Sabbath worship is music, and the primary instrument of praise is the human voice (sing). Moreover, the time of Sabbath worship is expressed in the words,

in the morning . . . by night. Notice that this was not just the Lords morning, but the Lords day! The entire day belonged to the Lord, a principle that evangelical believers today largely ignore. But in addition, the psalmist reminds us that the Sabbath is a day of praise for what God has done (vv. 3-4). His worship is offered with the ten-stringed lute and with the harp, with resounding music upon the lyre, for You, O Lord, have made me glad by what You have done. I will sing for joy at the works of Your hands. The Lords works deserve the fullest expression, and so the psalmist mentions the use of musical instruments. The magnificence of praise when voices and instruments skillfully join in musical homage to our great God is unmatched and the impression upon the human mind reinforced. The second insight, says the hymn writer, concerns the reason for My Sabbath worship (verses 5-9). He draws a strong contrast with those who abuse the Sabbath as he points out that the Sabbath is a time for reflecting on Gods revelation (vv. 5-7): How great are Your works, O Lord! Your thoughts are very deep. A senseless man has no knowledge, nor does a stupid man understand this: that when the wicked sprouted up like grass and all who did iniquity flourished, it was only that they might be destroyed forevermore. This revelation comes in two forms: Gods works and Gods Word, the Scriptures, both of which are also mentioned in Psalm 19. Both what the Lord has made and what He has done produce gladness and joy, and are the proper subjects for worship.

Because the Lords works are so great and His thoughts so deep, however, we need time to reflect; otherwise we will take all that God is and all that He does for granted, and that leaves our spiritual lives impoverished (v. 5). That is the value of the traditional way of observing the Lords Dayin Sunday school and church. It gives us time to think, to study the Bible, and to listen to the preaching of the Word. From beginning to end, the Lords Day should be a day focused on divine revelation. This is why it is a tragedy that so many churches have abandoned evening worship and/or Bible study. We have one day a week for uncluttered meditation on the works and Word of God. Lets not abuse it by introducing extraneous distractions. By contrast, the wicked do not worship because they have no knowledge or understanding of Gods works and His thoughts (vv. 6-7). Since they do not consider God in their lives and have no knowledge of His Word, they are senseless and foolish. They may flourish briefly, but they quickly meet their tragic end (see Psalm 73:15-24). However, the Sabbath is also a time for reflecting on Gods exaltation (verses 8-9). But You, O Lord, are on high forever, for behold, Your enemies, O Lord, for behold, Your enemies will perish; all who do iniquity will be scattered. Because the Lord is exalted (the truth of what we call the transcendence of God), He is to be worshipped (v. 8). He is far above us in nature and glory, and He rules over us as sovereign of His creation. The truth of Gods exaltation highlights His authority. As we meditate on these truths and

as we sing them, they penetrate our minds and become life-transforming. By contrast, the wicked never think about the exaltation of God over anything. They worship their idols or exalt themselves. In their ignorance and godlessness, they indulge in a life of iniquity. Again, regular worship keeps Gods people collectively focused on Him. Simply put, therefore, God originally designed the seventh day not only as a day of rest, but as a day of reflection. It was to be a day when Gods people would have sufficient reprieve from the demanding preoccupation with their work in order to give not only relaxation to their bodies, but refreshment to their souls. It was a day to reflect together, as well as individually and in their families, on who God is and what He has donea focus which can only be achieved by giving careful attention to His Word, both through worship (primarily singing) and through hearing the Scriptures read and expounded. Thats why the Sabbath principle transcends the dispensations. Right from the beginning, God designed one day in seven to be a blessing to His peoplewho are so easily distracted by worldly concernsas they remember Him. There is, however, additional insight on the Sabbath in the remainder of Psalm 92, and we shall consider that in Part 2 of this study. Pastor Ron Glass

Missionaries of the Month Peter & Bette Verkaik

Thankfully, Peter & Bette were recently able to take an eight-month furlough. They travelled 23,000 miles in the United States, visiting most of their supporting churchesincluding the WRBC back on April 29. In their travels, the Verkaiks acquired three new supportive churches and met some of their new supporters. They also had the privilege to attend their 40-year class reunion of the Christian boarding school, Hampden DuBose Academy in Zellwood, Florida, which Peter & Bette both attended. During their eight-month furlough, the Verkaiks were able to spend some time with their children and grandchildren. Their daughter, Michelle, and her husband, Nathan Mikoski, had aspired to be full-time missionaries to Japan; but when they were unable to raise the funds, they resigned to the fact that their mission would be serving in their local church in Rockwell, NC. It was there that Peter & Bette spent spring break with Michelle and Nathan and their two grandsons, Troy and Conner. As for their son, Pete, Jr., and his wife, Krystal, they are still living in Irving, Texas, with Pete working for Domtar Paper. Krystal is in the process of searching for a new job. Please keep Krystal in your prayers that she will be able to find the right job. The Verkaiks visit to the WRBC on April 29 revealed alarming conditions in Nigeria. There had been many bombings in Nigeria and many Christians killed, mostly in the northern part of Nigeria. Even though the Christian population is well into the millions (over 50 percent of Nigerias 160 million people), a good majority of them live in the southern part of Nigeria, where the Verkaiks live. They are most grateful that none of the bombings in Nigeria have affected their staff and friends; however, there were two churches in Jos that were bombed in March, killing many. Peter returned to Nigeria on June 27th without Bette; she will be returning on August 27th. During this time apart, they have asked for prayer since this will be the longest they have been separated in 38 years of marriage. Since the security was worse than when they

Sadly, it takes a visit from Peter & Bette Verkaik to open our eyes to the violence and threats occurring in northern Nigeria brought on by a terrorist group, Boko Haram, vowing to attack police, military and Christian institutions. Boko Haram wants to impose Sharia law across Nigeria; and, since Boko Haram means Western Education is Sinful, this is a high-level threat to Christians there in Nigeria. Christians in southern Nigeria refuse to let this happen, putting the country in turmoil. As a result, we are concerned for Peter & Bette we need to pray continually and fervently for the safety of our dear friends.

left to come back to the states, the decision was made for Bette to remain behind to rest and heal both emotionally and spiritually from a stressful situation in Nigeria as well as traveling the 23,000 miles while in the United States. The Verkaiks do not know what the future holds but are confident they know WHO

holds the future. Much of the ministry travel has been curtailed and the drama outreach, Born Again to a Living Hope, has been limited this year by national strikes, vehicle breakdowns, and civil unrest. It is important that we keep Peter & Bette in prayer that their ministry will continue to thrive and that Gods protection will be surrounding them

and their workers at all times. Especially keep August 27th in mind when Bette will be taking the very last flight on Delta Air Lines to Abuja, Nigeria, to reunite with Peter. Joan Tyska

A Month in Review
Unusually severe weather has been in the news throughout the United States with droughts, wildfires, floods, storms, and even a derechoa straight-line windstorm that is associated with a fast-moving band of severe thunderstorms. Many homes have been destroyed by the fires and floods; many U.S. citizens were without electricity on the hottest days of the year; and, most sadly, lives were lost. With this said, it is a time for Long Islanders to reflect back on Gods blessing each time a storm never reached us, the temperatures never spiked as they did inland, or when the rains came to nourish the crops. We have been truly blessed here on Long Island while so much of the country has been suffering. We thank God for his mercy and loving care; but at the same time, we need to remember to pray for those that are suffering. June 30, 2012 A special Independence Day fellowship was organized and hosted by George & Judy Ehmann at their home in Westbury. It was a pilgrimage for some to come the distance of over 40 miles, but also a time to appreciate the distance the Ehmanns travel to be in a sound, Biblebelieving church each Lords Day. It was well worth the trip and travel to have Judy along with her helpers, Jackie Hallstrom and Cheryl Sunderland, greet you in the kitchen as they continued to prepare the food. (the Tyskas foster daughter), Cheryl Sunderland, and Diane Pandolfini were content with dangling their feet in the water. Thirty five people showed up, including Georges younger brother and his wife, giving everyone an opportunity to meet and fellowship with them. freshing dip in their pool, and bringing together the WRBC church family in another wonderful time of fellowshipping.

As the buffet table began to fill up with donated dishes, and the BBQ ribs began to emit a wonderful, appetizing aroma, George fired up the grill and grilled some of the best tasting (and healthy as they can be) hamburgers and hotdogs. With Martie Best attending the BBQ, it is a sure thing there will be a time of game playing. Martie has fast become WRBCs unofficial social director with so many creative and fun ideas at her fingertips. Two of the favorites were the balloon in the blanket toss and writing on a paper plate while it is on top of your head game. There were some that bypassed the game playing as Warren Teufel did, preferring to peruse the 2011 VBS Soccer Camp album that Martie had most skillfully assembled.

July 7, 2012 All attention was given to Shannon Piraino on July 7th at WRBCs Fellowship Hall as 50 or more of her friends attended a bridal shower decorated in the brides chosen wedding colors of pink and black. Mina Piraino, Shannons mother, began the ceremonies on a sentimental note as she welcomed everyone to the event. It was also an opportunity for Mina to address her daughter with a touching reflection of her love for her daughter with wise words that only a loving mother could give her daughter on her wedding day.

Judy had a special heart for the young girls of the church and provided a pre-picnic swim in the swimming pool for the girls which was limited to girls only from noon to 3 PM, at which time all other guests arrived and were welcomed in the pool. Mike Pandolfini and Doug Heuzey were two of the many that cooled off in the pool; others, including Barbara Kosciusko

Later in the evening, everyone took a walk to Eisenhower Park, arriving at 9:00 PM; this was just in time to see the spectacular fireworks display that served as an early celebration of Independence Day. Many thanks to George & Judy for opening up their beautiful home, allowing a re-

At this time, Maureen Glass offered a blessing and prayer before an invitation was extended to everyone to meet at the buffet table of delectable platters, dips, and hors d'oeuvres set up by the ever-serving deaconesses of the WRBC. As appetites were satisfied and the fellowship deepened, Martie Best took the lead for the social hour in a fun time of game playing. As always, one of the favorites was the designing of the wedding gown. The group was divided into five teams, with each team receiving three rolls of toilet tissue, a young model (Sarah Piraino, Kaitlyn Hallstrom, Linea Piraino, Kristen Hallstrom, and Kara Hallstrom), and a limited amount of time to design a wedding gown on their model. Kristen

Hallstroms group was the winner as chosen by the bride-to-be, Shannon Piraino.

unique charcoal taste; however, the food was served indoors on tables decorated with the traditional red plaid table cloths.

For the next hour or two, the attention was back on Shannon as she opened the many gifts that were so generously given to her. What a blessing to see her needs being met to start up housekeeping as a new bride. And as tradition has it at bridal showers, a bridal bouquet hat was designed from the ribbons taken from all the gifts for Shannon to wear and model as it becomes a temporary keepsake. The shower ended on a sweet note as dessert was served, with the picture cake being the main focus and masterpiece of the desserts. July 14, 2012 A senior-style BBQ took place on July 14th as the seniors had their BBQ luncheon on a hot summer day, yet in the comfort of the air-conditioned Fellowship Hall of WRBC. Burgers, turkey burgers, and organic hot dogs were cooked on the grill in the full fashion of an outdoor picnic as Mike Pandolfini and Dennis Tyska braved the heat to grill outdoors, giving the burgers that

Attendance was upas well as the positive commentson the luncheon carrying the theme of Saving America. A dialogue was started on how seniors can be effective in the course of Saving America from a Christian viewpoint. Doug Heuzey, the luncheons devotional leader, continued with the theme with his devotions entitled Sprinkling or Spanking to Save America. The seniors became involved in a full-fledged discussion, sharing their ideas regarding how our nation can be restored. Many United States flags were displayed as the patriotic spirit caught on with the attendees of the luncheon. Many were wearing red, white and blue; some wore pins depicting the American flag; but the prize winners were Diane Pandolfini with her clever costume and Carter Choate with his patriotic, musicplaying flag. Missing from the group pictures were at least six or seven seniors who left the premises before the photographs were taken or who were absent for other reasons.

Another luncheon is in the making for a Saturday afternoon in mid-September. Being that the schools are welcoming students back for the 2012-2013 year at this time, the theme of the September luncheon will be Back to School; Back to Basics; Back to the Bible. Keep a look out for the date and plan on attending another inspirational luncheon.

July 21, 2012 A Wedding Weeding Workday had been scheduled to finish putting the church property in a presentable condition for the wedding the following week; however, it was canceled at the last minute due to volunteers beating the workday deadline in finishing the work. July 27, 2012 Sean Feliciano & Shannon Piraino were married at the WRBC with a reception following at Villa Lombardis in Holbrook. A special reception for the members of the WRBC will be taking place after the morning worship service on the Lords Day, August 12th. A more in-depth review of the wedding and receptions will appear in the September issue of The Beacon. For now, stay cool and have a wonderful, blessed summer. Joan Tyska

A Childs Profession of Faith (Part 2 of 2)

Editors Note: Part 1 of Silvias article, which reviews and elaborates upon Dennis Gundersens book, Your Childs Profession of Faith (Amityville, NY: Calvary Press, 1994), was published in the July 2012 issue of The Beacon. In Acts 16:30-34 we read of the conversion of the Philippian jailor. And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway. And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house. So we see that the expressions of faith in Christ from Paul, the thief on the cross, and the Philippian jailor were not all the same. But what unites them is the attitude of repentance, which is sorrow over ones sin that involves a change of thinking about oneself and God, as well as faith in Christ, which results in turning to God. 1 Thessalonians 1:9 says For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God. We learn in Acts 17:30 that God commands all men everywhere to repent. And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent. Concerning repentance, the Scripture says in 2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. Also, in Acts 20:21 we read Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. In Romans 10:9-10 we also find two wonderful verses concerning salvation. That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. Salvation is no different for a child than for an adult. All have to enter through the same door. The danger is that children are more vulnerable to being pushed or forced into a prayer without understanding much of what they are saying. When a child expresses a desire to be saved,

he or she should of course never be turned away. But it may be good to ask the child some questions through counseling to see if he or she understands the basic plan of salvation. Again, I am not saying at all that a child is required to comprehend the deep truths of the Bible. But a child, just as any unsaved adult, has to understand that he or she is a sinner and that the only way to receive forgiveness for his or her sins is through the Lord Jesus Christ. If this is on the childs heart and he or she desires to pray, then the prayer will be a verbal expression of what is on the heart. It is also important to allow the Holy Spirit, and not anyone else, to give assurance of salvation. Before baptism, as the author of the book also points out, pastors will look for evidence of salvation by the fruit that is being borne. The Bible says in Galatians 5:22-23 that the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance. Some or all of these will become visible after salvation, to a certain degree. Many times, this can be a desire to get right with parents or people that we have offended. We see fruit after Zaccheus conversion when he says in Luke 19:8-9 And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to

the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold. And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forasmuch as he also is a son of Abraham. We see that he not only no longer coveted money, but that he also desired to make restitution. The Lord Jesus said in Matthew 7:20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. Another evidence of salvation is continuation in Gods Word. John 8:31 reads Then said Jesus to those Jews that believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed. If, following a profession of faith, there is no change at all in a persons relation to and love for the world, it is cause to question the salvation of the individual, whether child or adult. 1 John 2:15-16 says Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the father, but is of the world. Concerning love of the world, we read in James 4:4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? Whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. Another evidence of salvation is love for the brethren. In 1 John 3:14 we read We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death. There are, of course, many

other ways that a person changes after salvation which may be different for each individual based on personal struggles with specific sins. Over time by Gods grace and help, a believer can gain victory over specific sins since he is no longer in bondage to sin but set free in Christ. In Romans 6:15-16 the Bible says What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? In John 8:34, 36 Jesus says Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. When a person accepts the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior and passes from death unto life, a new walk begins. To any believing parent the news that their child has made a profession of faith is one of the most wonderful moments they will ever remember. This is why I believe that parents need wisdom from the Lord in knowing how to always speak that which is best for the son or daughter. I am very grateful for the Scripture verses that help discern a true profession from a false one and I believe that they can be very helpful when trying to evaluate a childs profession of faith (and likewise, an adults profession of faith) when there may be reason to question. Silvia Albrecht

Humanism: Part 3
Editors Note: The list of notable Unitarians contained in Part 2 of this article, which was published in the July 2012 issue of The Beacon, should have included a fifth man: Sir Isaac Newton.

Humanist Manifestos I, II, and III

Humanist Manifesto I first appeared in the New Humanist, May/June, 1933. Manifestos I and II were published in one book in 1973 by Prometheus Books. The preface to this book was written by Paul Kurtz who would later draft Humanist Manifesto 2000. Kurtz is Professor Emeritus of Philosophy at the University at Buffalo (SUNY) and President of the International Academy of Humanism. In this preface he wrote the following: In 1933 a group of thirty-four liberal humanists in the United States defined and enunciated the philosophical and religious principles that seemed to them fundamental. They drafted Humanist Manifesto I, which for its time was a radical document. It was concerned with expressing a general religious and philosophical outlook that rejected orthodox and dogmatic positions and provided meaning and direction, unity and purpose to human life. It was committed to reason, science, and democracy. In the same year that they signed Manifesto I, Hitler was democratically elected Chancellor

of Germany. It became obvious even to a humanist that science and democracy wouldnt be enough to fulfill their dreams, hence Manifesto II. In this same preface, Kurtz wrote the following: In recognition of the pressing need for a new, more relevant statement, forty years later, Humanist Manifesto II was drafted. This more extensive and comprehensive document addresses itself not only to the problems of religion and ethics, but to the pressing issues of civil liberties, equality, democracy, the survival of humankind, world economic growth, population and ecological control, war and peace, and the building of a world community. A little later on, Kurtz wrote: What more pressing need than to recognize in this critical age of modern science and technology that, if no deity will save us, we must save ourselves? It is only by assuming responsibility for the human condition and in marshaling the arts of intelligence that humankind can hope to deal with the emerging problems of the twenty-first century and beyond. If we are to succeed in this venture, must we not abandon the archaic dogmas and ideologies that inhibit creative explorations and solutions?

At the heart of Humanism are the tenets the building of a world community and no deity will save us. John Dewey signed this first Humanist Manifesto. Dewey carried on where Horace Mann left off. Horace Mann proposed that the removal of the Bible from the schools would greatly increase genuine educational progress. Ian T. Taylor had the following to say about John Dewey: John Dewey (1859-1952) picked up Manns banner and almost singlehandedly reformed the American school system to conform to Humanist ideals; The Bible was banished and so, eventually, was school prayer. The present-day, somewhat questionable standards of the American educational system are thus seen by some to be directly attributable to Dewey. Deweys humanist credentials were established by signing the first Humanist Manifesto in 1933, by contributing regularly to such left-wing periodicals as the New Republic, and in receiving socialist honors for aiding Trotsky at his Moscow trial 1936-37. Dewey was responsible for introducing Darwins theory into the American school system (Clark 1960). Many influential men signed the second humanist manifesto. Isaac Asimov who published work in every category of the Dewey

Decimal System. B.F. Skinner did studies on behavioral modification through a controlled environment. He started with rats and pigeons which he kept in a special box. His daughter spent the first two years of her life being conditioned in a box. He tried to market his device as an Heir conditioner. When their New World Order goes into effect, I hope there arent too many people with claustrophobia. Francis Crick, who discovered the double-helix structure of DNA, the life blueprint in each cell. He was a foe of spontaneous generation. Sir Julian Huxley impacted the international community in much the same way that John Dewey effected the national scene. They were both quiet intellectuals who worked tirelessly behind the scenes. Huxley wrote the following: It is essential for evolution to become the central core of any educational system, because it is evolution, in the broad sense, that links inorganic nature with life, and the stars with the earth, and matter with mind, and animals with man. Human history is a continuation of biological evolution in a different form (1959). It sure sounds like a religion to me; maybe a little pantheism? The ultimate aim of the second humanist manifesto was to eliminate national sovereignty itself in order to achieve a new world order. Julian Huxley, the grandson of Thomas Huxley, was one of the principal architects of world humanism in the twentieth century. As first director general of U.N.E.S.C.O., Julian wrote the following words: Thus the general philosophy of U.N.E.S.C.O. should, it seems, be a scientific world humanism, global in extent and evolutionary in background. Evolution in the broad sense denotes all the historical processes of change and development at work in the universe. It is devisable into three very different sectors: the inorganic or lifeless, the organic or biological, and the social or human (J. Huxley 1976).

Humanist Manifesto 2000: A Call for a New Planetary Humanism

Manifesto 2000 addresses a wide variety of concerns. I would like to deal with two of them. The first one deals with the loss of our national sovereignty, and the second one deals with the title of part three: SCIENTIFIC NATURALISM. A NEW GLOBAL AGENDA. In part 5 of this section it reads as follows: International law: The global community needs to develop a system of international law that transcends the laws of separate nations. We need to transform a lawless world into one that that has laws that everyone can understand and abide by. Later on it states: If we are to solve our global problems, nation-states must transfer some of their sovereignty to a system

of transnational authority. Third, we must develop an effective World Court and an International Judiciary with sufficient power to enforce its rulings. Fourth, a planetary environmental monitoring agency. This agency would even control the population growth of individual nations. Fifth, an international system of taxation. Sixth, institute a procedure for the regulation of multinational corporations and state monopolies. OPTIMISM ABOUT THE HUMAN PROSPECT. As humanists we urge today, as in the past, that humans not look beyond themselves for salvation. We alone are responsible for our own destiny, and the best we can do is to muster our intelligence, courage, and compassion to realize our highest aspirations. SCIENTIFIC NATURALISM. By coupling these two words together over and over again, a message is being sent out. A legal definition of science has been established in the courts that requires science to be based on naturalism, if it is to be accepted as science. Allow me to quote from Darwins Enigma by Luther D. Sunderland. In striking down the Arkansas Balanced Treatment Act in 1982, Judge Overton contended that the theory of creation could not be part of science because he thought it could be derived only from a religious document. This demonstrated his ignorance of the process of science. That is akin to saying that because evolution is the basis of the first two tenets of the Humanist Manifesto (the statement of faith of a tax-exempt religious organization) then it could not be true or be part of science. Indeed the manifesto, signed by a number of prominent evolutionists, does read: Tenet 1: Religious humanists regard the universe as self- existing and not created. Tenet 2: Humanism believes that man is a part of nature and that he has emerged as the result of a continuous process. Using Judge Overtons kind of logic, one would be compelled to exclude evolution from science because many of the original formulators and promoters of the theory such as Herbert Spencer (an atheist), Charles Darwin (an agnostic) and Thomas Huxley (an agnostic) had religious motivations. It is undoubtedly true that these men first became anticreationists and nontheists on religious grounds. But this has no bearing on whether or not evolution might be the correct explanation of origins or whether it meets the requirements of a scientific theory. The resolution of those questions is a matter entirely separate from the motivation issue. The modern humanist movement is comprised of many different groups which are characterized by a variety of interests and concerns. Without the theory of evolution to bind them together, they would still be humanistic, but they would drift apart and lose sight of their purpose and identity. If it cannot be proven that life came from inorganic matter then the theory of evolution has to be

treated as a religion. You probably havent heard of the Wistar Symposium. That is because we have substituted indoctrination for education in our schools.

The Wistar Symposium

In 1966, after the advent of the digital computer, Dr. Martin Kaplan organized a symposium in Wistar, Philadelphia. Disputes had erupted between leading mathematicians and biologists because of mathematical doubts that had emerged concerning the Darwinian theory of evolution. Fifty two leading scientists from around the world gathered in Wistar for the sole purpose of putting these doubts to rest. A partial list of the participants of this symposium will give you some idea of the prestige of these scientists. Among the scientists were evolutionary biologists Sidney Fox, Ernst Mayr, George Wald, Richard Lewontin, Loren Eiseley, and H. B. D. Kettlewell. Among the mathematicians were Murray Eden, V. F. Weisskopf of MIT, Marcel Schutzenberger of Paris, and Stanislaw Ulam of Los Alamos. Nobel Prize laureate and biologist Peter Medawar chaired the symposium. He stated its purpose in the following remarks: As Dr. Kaplan has explained, the immediate cause of this conference is a pretty widespread sense of dissatisfaction about what has come to be thought of as the accepted evolutionary theory in the English-speaking world, the so-called neo-Darwinian Theory. This dissatisfaction has been expressed from three quarters and is not only scientific. Medawar listed the three main objections to neoDarwinian theory as first, religious; second, philosophical and methodological; and finally, Objections from fellow scientists who feel that in the current theory, something is missing. He said, These objections to current neo-Darwinian theory are very widely held among biologists generally; and we must on no account, I think, make light of them. Medawar was bothered by Darwins use of the word fortuitous in regard to variation and selection. The primary problem addressed in the symposium was: Is there some natural process, which can be defined mathematically, that could generate the raw material which the theory of evolution requires as the first step in creation of every different type of living organism? Darwins use of the word fortuitous (chance) was not used by chance. It was used in order to eliminate the concept of design or teleology in regard to the formation of life. When these scientists had their discussion behind closed doors, they were willing to admit that chance (through mutations) and natural selection could not produce the amount of information necessary to produce the least complex forms of life. Bill Mallman
To be continued in the September 2012 issue of The Beacon.

August Bible Quiz Questions

1) Jesus likened the kingdom of heaven to a __________, which, when it is grown, is a lodging place for birds. 2) Who are the two kings identified as writers of Proverbs? 3) Who doubted the resurrection of Jesus? 4) In which book of the Bible is it written that there is a time to weep, and a time to laugh? 5) Who built the first city? Bonus: Saul was the first king of Israel. Who was the second king of Israel? (Hint: it is necessary to distinguish between the house of Israel and the house of Judah.) Felix Acerra

July Bible Quiz Answers

1) Sennacheribs two sons, Adrammelech and Sharezer, struck him down with the sword as he was worshipping in the house of Nisroch his god (2 Kings 19:36-37; 2 Chronicles 32:21; Isaiah 37:37-38). 2) Twelve years old (2 Kings 21:1; 2 Chronicles 33:1). 3) Israel (Genesis 32:28; 35:10). 4) The angel Gabriel (Luke 1:26-31). 5) King Solomon (1 Kings 6; 1 Chronicles 22:6-11; 2 Chronicles 2:1). Bonus: It was Jesuss method of revealing truth to the faithful and concealing it from those who would reject it (Matthew 13:13-16; Mark 4:10-12; Luke 8:9-10). Congratulations to Mike Pandolfini, Dennis Tyska, and Virginia Sylvester for submitting all five correct answers plus the bonus to the July Bible Quiz!

The Birthday Corner

August 6th Doris Healy August 6th Ray Fitzgerald August 9th Bill Jones August 13th Marlene Drummond August 18th Felix Acerra August 18th Marcelle Ritzmann August 19th Steve Valentine August 21st Florence Acerra August 24th Chris Glass August 26th Sarah Chapman

The Anniversary Corner

August 6th Steve & Vicki Valentine August 15th Bob & Sue Hart August 19th Wally & Lisa Coleman August 24th Kevin & Aneta Kenter

August 2012
Wednesday 1 7:00 PM Prayer Meeting and Exposition of Psalms 2

The Lords Day

Monday Tuesday

Thursday Friday
8:30 AM Ladies Prayer Joan Tyska (727-5998) 8:30 AM Ladies Prayer

Saturday 4

9:45 AM Sunday School Babylon, City of Man (Dr. Vic Bellard) 11:00 AM Morning Worship Service

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11

Vacation Bible School & Soccer Camp, 5:30-8:00 PM

12 9:45 AM Sunday School (Dr. Vic Bellard)

11:00 AM Worship Service (reception for Mr.
and Mrs. Sean Feliciano immediately following)

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14 7:00 PM 15
Board of Deacons Meeting

7:00 PM Prayer Meeting and Exposition of Psalms

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8:30 AM Ladies Prayer

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9:45 AM Sunday School (Dr. Vic Bellard) 11:00 AM Morning Worship Service

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7:00 PM Prayer Meeting and Exposition of Psalms

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8:30 AM Ladies Prayer

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9:45 AM Sunday School (Dr. Vic Bellard) 11:00 AM Morning Worship Service

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7:00 PM Prayer Meeting

8:30 AM Ladies Prayer

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PO Box 438 Wading River, NY 11792

Wading River Baptist Church

Our Purpose
1. To glorify God through sharing the good news of salvation by Gods sovereign grace through faith in His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. 2. To nurture believers through a strong program of Christian education, youth ministries, and expository Biblical preaching. 3. To provide an opportunity for Biblical worship, service, and fellowship. 4. To extend our ministry throughout America and around the world through participation in home and foreign missions. WRBC is affiliated with the Conservative Baptist Association of America and the Conservative Baptist Mission to the Northeast.

For the Exaltation of God in All Things For the Proclamation of Faith in Christ For the Transformation of Gods People