Creation vs Evolution - Lesson #6



Creation vs Evolution - Lesson #7The Flood - Part 1-Introduction-Last week, we continued our consideration of the interesting and important question - “What about the dinosaurs?”-Gen 1 & 2 - Dinosaurs and man lived together in terms of time and location.-Evidence outside of the scriptures confirms this fact (i.e. fossilized footprints, common stories among a variety of cultures, rock carvings, drawings, figurines, etc.).-As is so often the case with Bible study, one particular area of emphasis leads right into another. Such is the case with our topic at hand.-It seems Job lived in the Patriarchal Age in the post-flood world. Yet, he was aware of the behemoth and leviathan. Outside evidence reveals the fact dinosaurs continued to live for some time after the flood. -So, this leads us right into another interesting and important question: “Were dinosaurs on the ark?”-The Biblical Account of the Flood-Before considering the specifics of this question, let’s first consider in a broader scope consider the topic of the flood.-Was there actually a flood? Is the account of the flood a fact or a myth? -Of course, evolutionists deny such an event. After all, since they do not believe in God nor the Bible as His inspired word, they certainly are not going to lend any support to the concept of a God-sent flood of Biblical proportions.-Yet, what does the evidence indicate? -Within scripture: We understand that the Bible plainly presents the flood as a fact.-Genesis 6, 7, 8, 9, other Old Testament references -Jesus, in alluding to the flood, presented it as fact - Luke 17:26; Matthew 24:37.-The letter to the Hebrews refers to the flood (Hebrews 11:7) as does Peter (1 Peter 3:20; 2 Peter 2:5, 3:4-7).-Yet, evolutionists simply dismiss such information as fallacy. -So, is there evidence from outside of the scriptures that supports the concept of the flood? Before we get to that, let’s first notice some important information regarding the Biblical record of the flood.-The Flood - Global or Regional?-Let us never forget that the flood and its destructive results came as a consequence of man’s sin - Gen 6:5-8, 11-13.-Here we see Divine retribution brought against sin. Yet, we also see the wonderful graciousness of God in sparing the world on behalf of Noah and his family. Why? - Because Noah “was a just man,” “perfect in his generations,” walked with God” (vs 9).-With the coming of the flood, life on this planet would be significantly altered.-Yet, what was the nature of this flood? Was it a global flood or a localized/regional flood? Can we really know? -First, let’s consider the description in the book of Genesis:-Gen 7:17-20 - Notice, “waters prevailed exceedingly upon the earth, and all the high hills” (vs 19, emp. add.). Remember, water seeks its own level - meaning that it settles into an equal level. Therefore, if the high hills were covered, all of the lower areas would have been covered.-But, could God have “held back” the waters so that they covered only a specific region? Sure. He could have. But, did He? What does His word say?-From the same verse, Gen. 7:19, notice the phrase “that were under the whole heaven.” I think we can see the all-inclusive nature of the words utilized.-side note: If the flood was restricted to a specific region, why did Noah, his family and the animals have to board the ark for survival? Why couldn’t they have migrated to a different region?-Secondly, let’s consider God’s promise:-Gen 9:12-16 - God promised not to repeat the process of the flood. Yet, we still have localized and regional flooding. So, if the flood in the days of Noah was restricted to a certain locale or a specific region, wouldn’t such floods that have occurred since the days of Noah be a violation of the covenant? And, we know God doesn’t break promises.-Yet, some might say that today’s floods still fall short of the flood in Noah’s day. So, our localized and regional flooding may pale in comparison to a regional flood of Noah’s time.-Third, when speaking of His second coming, Jesus made references to the flood - -Luke 17:26-30-When Jesus returns, the knowledge of such an event won’t be limited to a region.-His coming will be sudden, will catch people by surprise and will involve/effect all.-Finally, consider the words of Peter in 2 Peter 3:3-10-Some would claim that “all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation” (vs 4). Peter says, “No, no, no.” He then explains by referring to the flood.-The same earth (whole thing) that was created - was the earth (whole thing) that was flooded - and is the same earth (whole things) that will be destroyed with fire.-Yes, the Bible does indeed indicate that the flood in the days of Noah was a global flood.-Outside Evidence of a Global Flood-wide-spread stories: After providing some details regarding some of the specific accounts of a world-wide flood, Kyle Butt and Eric Lyons aptly observe: “flood, What is the significance of the various flood legends? The answer seems obvious: (a) we have well over 200 flood legends that tell of a great flood (and possibly more than 500—Schoch, p. 249); (b) many of the legends come from different ages and civilizations that could not possibly have copied any of the similar legends; (c) the legends were recorded long before any missionaries arrived to relate to them the Genesis account of Noah; and (d) almost all civilizations have some sort of flood legend. The conclusion to be drawn from such facts is that in the distant past, there was a colossal flood that forever affected the history of all civilizations.” (Apologetics Press, Reason & Revelation, November 2003 - “Legends of the Flood” -www articles/40). -marine fossils found in mountain ranges-polystrate fossils - fossils found vertically that extend beyond one particular layer of rock - supports concept of a catastrophic event which caused a rapid death and burial -fossil graveyards - quick and violent deaths and rapid burial-water-laid sediments found world-wide-Consider this in regards to dinosaurs: “How interesting to learn that evolutionists explain many of the largest dinosaur graveyards in the world as having been caused by a flood, though they are quick to include words such as seasonal, flash, regional, and the like. Yet, after looking at several such explanations, it quickly becomes apparent that if so many of these graveyards were caused by a huge flood, then the global Flood of Noah’s day provides an excellent explanation for many of the dinosaur graveyards we find today” (Apologetics Press :: Reason & Revelation, March 2005, “A Trip Out West - To See the ‘Dinosaurs’”, Kyle Butt, M.A. and Eric Lyons, M.Min.).\-Summary and Invitation-The Bible clearly indicates that the flood in the days of Noah was indeed a global flood.-Evidence outside of the scriptures supports a global flood.-So, now this brings us all the way back to the question I asked at the beginning of the lesson: Were dinosaurs on the ark?-Well, since we are “out of time” this morning, I’ll plan on addressing that interesting and important question next week (Lord willing).-Remember the reason for the flood.-Remember its example relates to upcoming events—Matt 24:37; 2 Peter 2 & 3.-Invitation ................
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