ACTS&FACTS - The Institute for Creation Research

Give the gift of God’s WordTHE NEW DEFENDER’S STUDY BIBLEThis is the only study Bible that stresses the defenseof the biblical Christian faith from the perspective ofliteral creationism and absolute biblical authority. TheNew Defender’s Study Bible offers:• Introductory notes on each Bible book• Greatly expanded commentary notes• End-of-verse references• Words of Christ in red• Concordance• 21 topical appendices• Full-color mapsRegular SpecialBDEBI1 Hardcover $39.95 $34.95BDEBI1-I Hardcover, thumb index $49.95 $39.95BDEBI2 Black Bonded Leather $59.95 $54.95BDEBI2-I Black Bonded, thumb index $69.95 $59.95BDEBI3 Burgundy Bonded Leather $59.95 $54.95BDEBI3-I Burgundy Bonded, thumb index $69.95 $59.95BDEBI4 Black Genuine Leather $79.95 $69.95BDEBI4-I Black Genuine, thumb index $89.95 $79.95(plus shipping & handling)With extensive commentary and notes from Dr.Henry Morris, founder of ICR, this is the fineststudy Bible available. Available in hardcover andleather editions, with a choice of thumb-indexedversions for ease of use!Call 800.628.7640 to order,or visit our online store atwww.icr.org/store.Offer good through December 31, 2008.Quantities are limited. Order early forChristmas.

Henry M. Morris III, D. M i n.ave you ever wondered whythe angels announced the birthof Jesus Christ to shepherds? Are youa bit curious about what drove thewise men to travel all the way from“the east”? Why Mary and Joseph for His earthlyparents? Surely there were other Davidic descendantsliving at that time. And Simeon and Anna—whywere they chosen to play a part in this event?Then there was wicked King Herod and theself-righteous, hypocritical Pharisee sycophantswho fawned on him. Why did God let them knowthat the Son of God had come into the world? Whatcommon denominator did the sovereign Creatoruse to select these human “stars” in this most uniquedrama in history?Perhaps the most simple and profound spiritualtest for an individual is where he or she standsconcerning “belief of the truth” (2 Thessalonians2:13). Just how the truth of the written Word (John17:17) is wrapped up in the living Word (John 1:1-3,14; 14:6) is an eternal mystery that can be believed,but never totally understood. Yet it is that truth thatcame into being when the eternal Son of God becamethe incarnate Son of man.Mary and JosephAlthough they both met the genealogical andbiblical requirements of the Davidic line (Joseph fromSolomon with legal right, and Mary from Nathanwith spiritual right), the more important charactertrait was their response to God’s messenger, Gabriel.And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of theLord; be it unto me according to thy word.(Luke 1:38)Then Joseph being raised from sleep didas the angel of the Lord had bidden him.(Matthew 1:24)Both were given astounding news that washumanly impossible to comprehend—and humanlycostly to accept—yet they did not hesitateto believe and act immediately on the instructionsthey were given.The ShepherdsCommon, ordinary men, far from the “powerpeople” of the day, on a routine job in the still of thenight, were suddenly confronted with the stunningglory of the angel of the Lord. Their fear calmed bythe angel’s words, they heard the announcement ofthe fulfillment of the hope that lived in every believingJewish heart—the Messiah had come!After their physical hearts had calmed down,they turned to each other and said:Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and seethis thing which is come to pass, which theLord hath made known unto us. And theycame with haste. (Luke 2:15-16)Not only did they gladly accept the word given,but they “came with haste”—they acted immediatelyon the information. Just like Mary and Joseph had.Simeon and AnnaAbout a month after the circumcision of theinfant Lord Jesus, Mary and Joseph came to thetemple to offer a sacrifice according to the Law ofMoses (Leviticus 12).Simeon (the Bible just calls him “a man,” givinghim no special title or function) was a “just anddevout” man who had yielded himself so completelyto the Holy Spirit that he was told that he would notdie before he saw the fulfillment of his faith. Respondingto the Spirit’s prompting, Simeon arrivedat the temple just as Mary and Joseph came to presentthe Lord Jesus (Luke 2:27). Then, filled with thejoy of the moment and under the Spirit’s guidance,Simeon was used to pronounce a blessing and aprophecy (Luke 2:28-35).Anna, over 100 years old, had been servingGod as a prophetess and prayer warrior in the templefor many years. Coming “in that instant” (Luke2:38), Anna uttered a prayer of thanksgiving andthen went on to tell anyone who would listen of thewonder of Christ’s coming.Once again, both these dedicated people, respondingto the word God had given them, actedimmediately to obey and spread the truth.But when the fulness of thetime was come, God sent forthhis Son, made of a woman,made under the law.G a l a t i a n s 4:44 ACTS&FACTS • DECEMBER 2008

The Wise MenThere are many Old Testament propheciesthat speak to some event in the earthly life of JesusChrist. Quite a few center on His birth, some ofwhich, no doubt, were familiar to the Magi andwere part of the motivation that started themon their long trek to find this “King of the Jews”(Matthew 2:2).These men were the scholars of Persia, andwould have had access to the writings of Danieland the commentaries of the Talmud of Babylon.Coupled with their astronomical calculations, theyhad determined that the fulfillment of Daniel’s“seventy weeks” was soon to climax in the comingof the Messiah, although they were not aware ofthe Bethlehem prophecy of Micah 5:2.Again, acting immediately on the limitedknowledge they had, they sought answers from theleaders in Jerusalem. When pointed to Bethlehem,they found the home of Mary and Joseph, worshipedthe Lord Jesus with honor and gifts, andthen responded to the dream from God warningthem to return “another way” (Matthew 2:12).King HerodThis sensually wicked and debauched kingknew nothing of the Scriptures of his own people,and had only thoughts of murder toward any perceivedthreat to his rule and way of life. When toldof the prophecies and the refusal of the Magi toparticipate in his deceptive plot, Herod respondedwith the slaughter of all boys under the age of twoin Bethlehem (Matthew 2:16).There was no “love of the truth” in Herod (2Thessalonians 2:10)! Like Cain of old, he was “ofthat wicked one” (1 John 3:12) and reacted withrage and murder. Truth demands action. Onecannot be neutral toward truth; it either invokesa love for it or a hatred toward it (John 3:19-21).Herod, already habitually wicked, plummeted tothe depths of evil and acted on his passion.The PhariseesThese men were the conservative religiousleaders and scholars of their day. They knew theScriptures. They led the nation of Israel spirituallyand set the standards for “holy” behavior. Ofall the human participants in the drama of the Incarnation,they should have known the truth andembraced it gladly.Yet they chose affluence and influenceabove obedience and reverence. Rather than followthe clear teachings of the Scriptures (whichthey knew intimately), they chose to follow thedistorted and complicated reasoning of men(the Talmud) which allowed them to afflict theirpeople with “heavy burdens and grievous to beborne” (Matthew 23:4) and use their traditions tomake “the commandment of God of none effect”(Matthew 15:6).The Lord Jesus gave His most harsh criticismsto these men. They knew truth, but choseto disobey. They could have responded in righteousness,but willingly turned away from truth,and then did all they could to make their disciplesfollow their error.Reaction to the Gospel TodayFoundational to the “everlasting gospel” isworship of the Creator (Revelation 14:6-7) whohas become our Savior through His death, burial,and resurrection “according to the Scriptures”(1 Corinthians 15:3-4). In many churches today,while the “love” message of the gospel is blendedinto palatable syrup that can be fed to anyone(Christian or non-Christian), the “repentance”and “new creation” parts of the gospel are eitherignored or distorted into a hybrid that is compatiblewith evolutionary humanism.The positive and negative responses to thegospel by those in Jesus’ day are precisely the samereactions seen among people today. But only beliefin the truth can lead to salvation and bring a soulfrom death unto life. MayGod grant you His peacethrough His Son as we celebratethe greatest gift thisChristmas season.Dr. Morris is Chief Executive Officerof the Institute for Creation Research.DECEMBER 2008 • ACTS&FACTS5

IMPACTThe fact is that no one really knows thedate of His birth, so no one should be dogmaticon this subject. Nevertheless, there isone particularly intriguing possibility: Onthe night Christ was born, shepherds were inthe field watching their sheep (Luke 2:8). Althoughit is barely possible that this could be inlate December, it seems far more likely that itwould be sometime in the early fall.If so, the birth of Jesus also would havebeen in the fall, and it is significant that therewas an ancient Christian feast called Michaelmas,observed on September 29 by many earlyChristians, especially in England and westernEurope. The name later also was appropriatedto identify a period during the fall when certaincourts were in session.In any case, the name “Michaelmas”meant “Michael sent,” just as“Christmas” means “Christ sent.”It is very probable that Michaelwas the “angel of the Lord” (Luke2:9) who was sent from heaven toannounce the birth of Jesus to theshepherds. The feast of Michaelmasthus may well have originatedto commemorate this coming ofMichael and the angels to welcome Jesus at Hishuman birth.This date would be just several days beforethe great Feast of Tabernacles, which thepre-exilic Israelites observed each fall in gratitudefor the annual harvest, with each familydwelling for a time in a tent, or “tabernacle.”When John wrote that “the Word was madeflesh, and dwelt among us” (John 1:14), hedid not use the usual Greek word for “dwell.”Instead, he said, literally, that the Word (thatis, the Creator) “tabernacled” among us for atime. It was as though He had come into theworld at just the appropriate time for the joyfulFeast of Tabernacles, as Michael and the angelssang of “good tidings of great joy, which shallbe to all people” (Luke 2:10).As glorious as the birth of Christ mayhave seemed, however, this was not His incarnation.He had already been “made inthe likeness of men” (Philippians 2:7) ninemonths earlier, when He created a body forHimself and took up His residence in Mary’swomb. That was the time when “the Wordwas made flesh”!And so it may be beautifully significantthat the real “Christmas” (i.e., “Christ sent”),when the Christ was sent from His throne inheaven to enter a “tabernacle” of flesh, wouldhave been nine months earlier than “Michaelmas,”when Michael and the angels were sentto announce His birth. But that brings us backto December 25 again! The actual number ofdays between the two dates is 278, which is theideal period of human gestation.Whether or not these inferences are correct(and remember no one really knows whenChrist was born), they at least yield a greaterHow appropriate it would be for Him toenter the world right at the season ofdarkest and longest night, for He wouldcome as “the light of the world.”appreciation of His miraculous conception.How appropriate it would be for Him to enterthe world right at the season of darkestand longest night, for He would come as “thelight of the world” (John 8:12) to bring “lifeand immortality to light through the gospel”(2 Timothy 1:10). Then, at “Christmas” time,we can remember with deep thanksgiving (notwith Saturnalian revelry and pagan greed) theamazing Christmas gift of God Himself, when“God sent his only begotten Son into the world,that we might live through him” (1 John 4:9).Why Did the Creator Become Man?No question that begins with “Why?”can be answered scientifically. Such questionscan be answered only theologically,and that means they can only be truly answeredfrom the written Word of God. Andthis greatest of all questions has the mostwonderful of all answers!For God sent not his Son into the worldto condemn the world; but that the worldthrough him might be saved. (John 3:17)When the fulness of the time was come,God sent forth his Son, made of a woman,made under the law, to redeem them thatwere under the law. (Galatians 4:4-5)This is a faithful saying, and worthy of allacceptation, that Christ Jesus came intothe world to save sinners. (1 Timothy1:15)But that is not all, of course. His firstcoming, followed by His sacrificial death,bodily resurrection, and glorious ascension, isa prophetic promise of His second coming.At His first coming, He “tabernacled”among us for a little while; at His second coming,there will be “a great voice outof heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacleof God is with men, andhe will dwell with them, and theyshall be his people, and God himselfshall be with them, and be theirGod. And God shall wipe away alltears from their eyes; and thereshall be no more death, neithersorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be anymore pain: for the former things are passedaway” (Revelation 21:3-4). “And there shall beno night there;...for the Lord God giveth themlight: and they shall reign for ever and ever”(Revelation 22:5).How infinitely sad it is that so manytoday reject or ignore such a gracious, loving,holy, powerful Creator/Redeemer. Not onlydo they miss all the true meaning and blessingof Christmas now, but, unless they respond toHim in repentance and faith, they will be everlastinglyseparated from Him in the gloriouseternal ages to come.Adapted from Dr. Morris’ article“When God Became Man”in the December 1993 editionof Acts & Facts.Dr. Morris (1918-2006) wasFounder of the Institute forCreation Research.12 ACTS&FACTS • DECEMBER 2008

BACK TO GENESISSurface FeaturesRequire Rapid DepositionJ O H N D . M O R R I S , P h .D.Geologists now accept that catastrophicprocesses are necessaryfor the deposition of nearly allrock types. Only a short time wasneeded to form each bed of sediments (whicheventually hardened into sedimentary rock).But how much time elapsed between the depositionof one bed and the deposition of an overlyingbed? One clue is to recognize that the variousfeatures present on the top surface of eachbed would not last very long if exposed. Thesefeatures had to be covered rather quickly, beforethey had a chance to erode or be destroyed.One very common feature, seen in manyrock layers in many locations, is the presence ofripple marks, which form as water moves over asurface. These can frequently be seen on a beachafter the tide has receded, and can also be seenon the ocean bottom where a particular currentdirection dominates. In many other places wesee what have been called raindrop impressions,although these fragile markings may actually beblisters that formed as air bubbles escaped fromrapidly deposited underwater sediments. Animaltracks are also common. In any case, thesesurface features, which had to be formed in softsediment or they would not have existed at all,are very fragile, and if present on any surface—whether soft unconsolidated material or hardrock—will not last very long.Keep in mind that almost every sedimentaryrock layer was deposited under water.Every geologist agrees with this. Unless erosiondominates locally, sediments normally accumulateon an ocean bottom, lakebed, delta,beach, lagoon, stream bank, etc., in the presenceof water currents. If subsequent events liftthe deposit up out of the water, erosion and/ornon-deposition will result. But if a zone staysunder water, it will continue to be subjected towater action and will either receive more sedimentor be eroded. In such an active environment,ripple marks can be preserved only ifthey are quickly buried by overlying materials,so that they are protected and thus have time toharden into rock.In many places around the world, oceanfloorsediments have solidified into rock andare now uplifted onto continental surfaces.Ripple marks and similar features are readilyseen in many locations, “frozen” into solid rock.Many examples come readily to mind for anyonewho spends time out of doors. Sometimesone can observe several layers of rock stackedon top of one another, each displaying obviousripple marks. The ripple marks in differentlayers may be in varied orientations, indicatingthat the water currents responsible for depositionshifted rapidly and erratically while depositioncontinued. There must have been a continuedsupply of sediments, but how could allthe ripple marks be preserved?If such a mark is exposed on any surface,under water or above water, it will soonerode and be washed away, especially in soft,unconsolidated sediments. Even on a hard rocksurface, markings will erode in a few decades.There is no possibility that fragile features willlast if unprotected for millions of years, waitingto be re-submerged and buried, and thus protectedfrom destructive forces. We cannot determineexactly how much time passed betweenthe deposition of two adjacent layers simply bylooking at ripple marks, raindrop impressions,animal footprints, etc., but we can concludethat much less time passed than it takes for surfacefeatures to be eroded and disappear.Since almost every layer gives demonstrableevidence of having been laid down rapidlyand catastrophically, and since nearly all suchcatastrophic layers have surface features thatwere not eroded, one can reasonably concludethat the whole sequence of rocks was depositedby different episodes in a dynamic, watercharged,and sediment-laden event—such asthe one described in Genesis 7 and 8.Dr. Morris is President of the Institute for Creation Research.DECEMBER 2008 • ACTS&FACTS13

BACK TO GENESISTen jellyfish fossils that were discoveredin Utah document a very rapid burial andsedimentation event—such as one would expectfrom a flood, perhaps? The burial was sorapid that tentacles and the unique bell shapeare clearly seen. 4 One can appreciate just howfast these creatures would have to be buried topreserve such detail—especially since they areabout 95 percent water. Because of this discovery,National Geographic reports that jellyfishorigins must be pushed back “205 millionyears.” 4 But they are still jellyfish.Another trove of “500-million-yearold”fossil jellyfish was discovered in 2002 inthe Upper Cambrian Mt. Simon-WonewocSandstone in central Wisconsin. 5 RonaldPickerill of the University of New Brunswickstates, “They must have been buried extremelyquickly.” 6 Creation scientists agree—by a catastrophicevent 4,000+ years ago.Regardless, evolutionary scientistsmaintain that these creatures evolved fromunknown non-jellyfish ancestors and were“the planet’s first swimmer.” 7 Such a faithstatement is based on Darwin’s philosophyof “descent with modification,” not on actualobservation. A recent Popular Science articledescribed how engineer John Dabiri and hisgraduate students study complex vortex ringsproduced by swimming jellyfish. They are involvedin a field called biomechanics, wherescientists and technologists attempt to copythe structures and functions of creationsfound in the living world. Sadly, virtually allscientists involved in biomechanics give creditto the creation, not the Creator.Jellyfish Re veal t h e RecentHa n d o f t h e Cr e at o rJellyfish (Scyphozoa) are truly fascinatingcreatures with a vague and impreciseevolutionary record. Evolutionaryscientists Daphne Fautin and SandraRomano state, “The four extant cnidarianclasses [including jellyfish] are identifiable asearly as the Ordovician, but evolutionary relationshipsamong them have been the subjectof much debate.” 1They appear in the fossil record completeand fully formed as jellyfish, as creationscience predicts. 2 Precambrian jellyfish fossilshave been found in the Ediacara beds (formerlyVendian) of south Australia, along withthe complex annelids (segmented worms).Indeed, one would think a Flood geologist(Genesis 6-9) wrote the following in regard tothe rapid fossilization process that preservedthese Ediacaran organisms:Ediacara biota is not found in a restrictedenvironment subject to unusual localconditions: they were a global phenomenon.The processes that were operatingmust have been systemic and worldwide.There was something very different aboutthe Ediacaran Period that permitted thesedelicate creatures to be left behind. It isthought that the fossils were preserved byvirtue of rapid covering by ash or sand,trapping them against the mud or microbialmats on which they lived. 314 ACTS&FACTS • DECEMBER 2008FRANK SHERWIN, M.A.Despite evolutionary assumptions, jellyfishappear as 100 percent jellyfish in thesedimentary record with all indications thatthey were buried rapidly in a worldwide catastrophe.Researchers study and mimic the extant(living) forms today to take advantage oftheir unique design features. Creation scientistsalone appreciate that the incredible variationand complexity of the jellyfish reveals nottime, chance, and natural processes, but therecent hand of the Creator.References1. Fautin, D.G. and S. L. Romano. Cnidaria: Sea anemones,corals, jellyfish, sea pens, hydra. The Tree of Life Web Projectat tolweb.org, hosted by the University of Arizona.2. Sherwin, F. 2007. The Eyes of Creation. Acts & Facts. 36(7).3. Ediacara biota. Wikipedia.org.4. Photo in the News: Fossil Jellyfish Discovered in Utah.National Geographic News. Posted on nationalgeographic.com October 31, 2007.5. Clarke, T. Jellies roll back time. Nature. Published onlineJanuary 30, 2002.6. Ibid. See also Hagadorn, J. W., R. H. Dott and D. Damrow.2002. Stranded on a LateCambrian shoreline: Medusaefrom central Wisconsin.Geology. 30 (2):147-150.7. Thompson, K. 2008. TheJellyfish Engineer. PopularScience. 273 (5): 62.Mr. Sherwin is Senior ScienceLecturer.

More Than Just “Complex”B R I A N T H O M A S , M . S .Acertain amount of confusion has existed over the use of theterm “complex.” In the past, creation scientists have used it torefer both to unique arrangements, and to unique,specified arrangements. Evolutionists havecapitalized on this ambiguity, insisting that creationistsare ignorant of nature’s creative abilities. Forexample, evolutionary biologist P. Z. Myers reactedto an Acts & Facts article by asserting:The lesson of Darwin is that unguidednatural processes have the ability to generatecomplex functionality, so it takes morethan just showing complexity and functionto demonstrate purpose. Creationists don’tunderstand that at all, so they keep whining“it’s complex”! 2The reason that “the lesson of Darwin” isrejected by creationists is not because they don’t understandit. Rather, it is because they rightly observe that“unguided natural processes” cannot generate both complexityand functionality, referred to as “specified complexity” by Leslie Orgel inhis 1973 book The Origins of Life. 3 And it is the functionality conferredto a machine by the exact “specification” of its parts that demands a nonnatural,purposeful origin.Specification combined with complexity demonstrates purpose.For instance, the exact configuration of individual sand grains washedup on a beach is extraordinarily unlikely and therefore could be deemed“complex.” However, a sand sculpture shaped like a dolphin is both complex(unlikely) and specified (set to the pattern of a dolphin’s form). Arguingthat waves (i.e., nature alone) can create sand sculptures becauseboth a sculpture and the sand next to it are complex (uniquely arranged)ignores the key distinction: specification to a predetermined pattern.Using different terms, evolutionary biochemist Jeffrey Wickenexplains:Whereas ordered systems are generated according to simple algorithmsand therefore lack complexity, organized systems must beassembled element by element according to an external “wiring diagram”with a high information content. 4Machines with multiple functioning parts are complex in that theirparts are uniquely arranged (i.e., lined up in an improbable array). However,any arrangement would be just as unique, just as improbable orRibbon diagram of a chaperonin. 1complex, as any other. In order to function, the machine needs to havecomponents that are specified to required parameters.A molecular example is found in chaperonins. In cells,these barrel-shaped protein complexes shelter certainother proteins from watery environments, givingthem extra time to fold into their necessaryshapes. Chaperonins have a precisely-placedenzymatic active site, detachable caps, flexiblegated entryways, a timed sequence ofchemical events, and precise expansion andflexion capacities. Each of the parameters—size, shape, strength, hydrophobicity distribution,timing, and sequence—represents aspecification. With each additional specification,the likelihood of a chance-based assemblyof these parts diminishes…to miracle status.Nonetheless, hard-core Darwinist RichardDawkins stated,The creationist completely misses the point, because he…insists ontreating the genesis of statistical improbability [complexity] as a single,one-off event. He doesn’t understand the power of accumulation. 5Statistical improbability happens all the time, and by itself is irrelevantto the question of how life originated. Improbability with specification, however,only happens by intention, and it is this combination of qualities forwhich Darwinian scientists have yet to provide a naturalistic explanation.Attributing these kinds of creative powers to nature must be a productof the willful exclusion of God, not the product of cogent observation. Sinceonly an all-wise, all-powerful, all-loving Creator could devise nanoscopic,specified-complex, life-sustaining molecular machines like chaperonins(and the biochemical systems that produce them), and since this God is describedin the Bible exactly this way, it is most reasonable to credit Him.References1. Ditzel, L. et al. 1998. Crystal Structure of the Thermosome, the Archaeal Chaperonin andHomolog of CCT. Cell. 93 (1): 125-138.2. Myers, P.Z. Squid and bacteria don’t need The Man. Posted onscienceblogs.com/pharyngula on April 1, 2008, 2:58 p.m.3. Orgel, L. E. 1973. The Origins of Life: Molecules and Natural Selection.New York: Wiley.4. Wicken, J. S. 1979. The generation of complexity in evolution: Athermodynamic and information-theoretical discussion. Journalof Theoretical Biology. 77 (3): 349.5. Dawkins, R. 2006. The God Delusion. New York: Houghton Mifflin,121.Mr. Thomas is Science Writer.DECEMBER 2008 • ACTS&FACTS15

LETTERSTO THEEDITORBoth my husband and I are letter carriers for the USPS. We’ve been givingthrough Combined Federal Campaign for many years from the localcharities. I had been wondering if this was really the best way to give andthen I noticed in October’s Acts & Facts that it was! It’s that time of yearagain and we’ve put you down under the National/International sectioncode #23095….P.S. I’m proud to deliver all your mailings.— A.B.I just want to thank you for all you guys do….I know what it’s like to bein the minority opposing the widespread theory of evolution. I love your[web]site and it is extremely informative and it helps me debate, as well aslearn, creationism in the context of hard evidence.— A.O.I was delighted to find and read Dr. Johnson’s concise article on “HowYoung Is the Earth?” [in the October Acts & Facts]. It came as an affirmationof what I had included in study notes back in the late 1970s….I nevercould understand how the days of Genesis were anything but solar days. Atany rate, a literal reading of the book brings me out to conclude that ourplanet is, indeed, young.— W.W.G.I’ve just started through The Genesis Record again and read all Henry Morris’notes in the New Defender’s Study Bible. Trying to be sure I can pass ona refutation to “evolution believers.” Thanks for the help!— M.M.Z.I want to thank you so much for sending us the Days of Praise booklet. Wereally enjoy reading it and often get blessed by daily reading it….P.S. Ourfriends would also like to receive Days of Praise.— P. & I.C.Editor’s Note: We appreciate your friends’ interest in getting our publications.Our policy has changed, however, regarding names and addressesthat are submitted by others. Out of respect for their privacy, individualswill need to request our materials directly. Please ask your friends to call usat 800.337.0375, or they can subscribe online at www.icr.org. Thank you.Correction: In the November 2008 article by Dr. Larry Vardiman titled “ANew Theory of Climate Change,” the sentence in paragraph four endingwith “cooler temperatures” should have read “warmer temperatures.”Have a comment? Email us at editor@icr.org. Or write to Editor, P. O. Box59029, Dallas, Texas 75229.16 ACTS&FACTS • DECEMBER 2008This month on“Science, Scripture, & Salvation”W e e k e n d o f D e c e m b e r 6There’s No Place Like HomeIsaiah 45:18 tells us that God created the earth to be inhabited. Whilethe earth is a wonderful place to call home, could there be other planetssimilar to earth where life can exist? Many secular scientists thinkso and are continually trying to find life in other places. But why isthis so important? Tune in as we discuss so-called “earthlike” planetsand consider the possibility of life on these distant worlds.W e e k e n d o f D e c e m b e r 13Star GazingAccording to Psalm 19:1, “The heavens declare the glory of God; andthe firmament sheweth his handywork.” Perhaps there is no betterway to experience this heavenly declaration than to cast our eyesupward into the sky on a dark, clear night and behold the beauty ofthe created universe. Listen in this week as we contemplate star gazingand learn how it can renew a sense of wonder and appreciationfor our Creator.W e e k e n d o f D e c e m b e r 20Beautiful BethlehemFrom shepherds on a hillside to an infant King wrapped in swaddlingclothes, the Christmas story is the beautiful account of our Saviorcoming to earth to save sinful mankind. But what was it like in Bethlehemduring this time? Learning about the birthplace of our Lord canhelp us focus on the true meaning of Christmas, so gather your familyaround as we explore the little town of Bethlehem and piece togetherwhat it might have been like on that wonderful night so long ago.W e e k e n d o f D e c e m b e r 27The Wonder of the EvergreenThe earth is full of natural wonders designed by God and enjoyedby us. One such wonder is the majestic evergreen, which retains itsbeauty even in the dead of winter. But why do these trees stay greenwhile others lose their leaves? Don’t let this question needle you. Joinus this week as we discover the wonder of the evergreen!To find out which radio stations in your city air our programs, visitour website at www.icr.org. On the Radio page, use the station locatorto determine where you can hear our broadcasts in your area.You can also listen to current and past Science, Scripture & Salvationprograms online, so check us out!

STEWARDSHIP“Perhaps Today!”Henry M. Morris IVFrom my earliest childhoodrecollections, asmall and humble plaquehung in my grandfather’soffice, placed in a prominent locationon the wall directly opposite his desk.Painted in brown with ivory-coloredwords, it simply but boldly proclaimed,“Perhaps Today!” Though much fadedwith the passage of time, it hangs todayin the memorial office maintained inICR’s new Dallas home. For those who knewhim personally, and even those countlessmultitudes who knew him indirectly throughhis writings, this simple phrase captures theessence of what drove Dr. Henry M. Morris.Everything he said or did—whether in a bookor article or lecture, or in private conversationwith a grandchild—was ultimately focused onthe much anticipated return of our Lord Jesusto set all things right.And yet, in one of the great paradoxesof Scripture, Christ instructed us to “occupytill I come” (Luke 19:13) even as we “see theday approaching” (Hebrews 10:25). Thus, itis clear we are to continue working withouthesitation, even if the imminent return ofChrist would bring sweet relief to our toil hereon this earth (Revelation 21:4). Granddadbelieved this with all his heart and set anexcellent and humbling example to those ofus who remain, by continuing to work up tothe very moment the Lord called him hometo glory.As he so often reminded us in hiswritings, both the Dominion and GreatCommission mandates have never beenrevoked. These alone provide Christians witha compelling and urgent reason to continuesteadfastly in the work of the Kingdom, andICR was established based on this samepremise. Through scientific research andeducation, we strive to further mankind’s“dominion” over this earth so that others mayunderstand and teach the wonders of Hismajestic creation. And by communicatingthese truths, we hope to ultimatelydemonstrate the Creator’s amazing “lovetoward us, in that, while we were yet sinners,Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).And so, in this Christmas season, letus not forget God’s most precious gift tous. In troubled times like these, fresh on theheels of a turbulent election and in the midstof financial turmoil that has not been seenin some time, God’s people can rest in thefact that the Lord is in control and loved usdeeply enough to willingly die for us! Whileour nation, and the entire civilized world toa certain extent, is feeling thepressures of great uncertaintyand apparent loss of wealth, wecan be confident that He ownsit all and will “supply all yourneed according to his richesin glory by Christ Jesus”(Philippians 4:19).ICR claims thispromise on a daily basis. But weknow that our needs, while many, are but aspeck in the timescale of eternity. Better yet,we should cast all our cares upon Him (1 Peter5:7) and focus on the work that still remainsto be done while He tarries. If the Lord hasblessed you this Christmas season, and thework of ICR has encouraged you in some way,please share generously as the Lord leads sothat our ministry may continue in strengthand vigor. “Perhaps Today!” may indeed turnout to be today (and what a glorious day thatwill be!). But until that time, we invite you to“occupy” with us until He comes.On behalf of the entire staff of ICR,we wish you a most glorious and blessedChristmas as we rejoice on “him that bringethgood tidings, that publisheth peace; thatbringeth good tidings of good, that publishethsalvation; that saithunto Zion, Thy Godreigneth!” (Isaiah 52:7).Amen and amen!Mr. Morris is Director of DonorRelations.DECEMBER 2008 • ACTS&FACTS17

The Complete Zoo AdventureA family or class trip to the zoo becomes an unforgettablelearning adventure with this unique, evolution-free guide tothe incredible world of animals! Gary and Mary Parker havepacked this special book with fascinating facts and toolsfor preparing for your trip, learning while you’re there, andfollowing up with activities to reinforce what you’ve learned.This guide has checklists, connect-the-dot pictures, wordfinds, fact cards, a field journal, and more!Only $16.95 each(plus shipping and handling)A perfect gift for young new believers!The AnswersBookfor Kids I & IIKids ask the toughest questions!Written in a friendly and readablestyle, the Answers Book for Kids isa two-volume set for children ages7–11. Full-color with engagingphotos and special biblical referencenotes, these indexed volumesanswer 50 questions, covering topicssuch as dinosaurs, the biblicalFlood of Noah, animals on the ark,the Garden of Eden, who is Satan,caves, fossils, and Adam and Eve.Only $7.95 each,or $13.95 for thetwo-book set(plus shipping and handling)The Cave BookSlip into the hidden wonders beneath the surface with thisilluminating and educational journey through the mysteriousworld of caves. Part of the Wonders of Creationseries, The Cave Book is a thorough exploration of thebeautiful formations, thrivingecology, unique animals,and fragile balance of thisecosystem. With sectionson humans and caves, cavelife, climates and classifications,and an emphasis oncave exploring and cavephotography, this bookis a captivating look atthis unseen world.Only $15.95(plus shipping andhandling)Your Guide to theGrand Canyon:A DifferentPerspectiveTake a full-coloradventure tour withveteran ICR guide TomVail, who teams withother experts to presenta one-of-a-kindexploration of the GrandCanyon. It is a massive, beautiful natural landmarkcarved out by water—but how was it formed? The canyon’sfour million yearly visitors are presented only the evolutionaryview—that is, until now. This unique handbook is a detailedguide, including significant geological sites, suggestions for visitors,biological and historical tidbits, and much more.Only $14.95(plus shipping and handling)To order, call 800.628.7640, or visit our online store at www.icr.org/store.18 ACTS&FACTS • DECEMBER 2008

Global Warming:A Scientific and Biblical Exposé of Climate ChangeIs mankind causing global warming?In this new DVD documentary featuring ICR astro/geophysicist Larry Vardiman, leadingChristian scientists, climatologists, and other commentators challenge the misinformationthat is rampant in our society. Learn how you can be effective in caring for creationwithout becoming an unwitting accomplice to the myths of global warming.Only $19.95(plus shipping and handling)Mo u n t St. Helens:Explosive Evidence for CatastropheThe volcanic eruption of Mount St. Helens opened a new window of understandingon the geologic history of our planet. In this DVD, Dr. Steve Austin reveals the fascinatingresults of his field investigations of Mount St. Helens and Spirit Lake. Explorewith this renowned creation geologist what happened in the 1980 eruption and whatthis event says about the earth, the Flood, man, and God.Only $15.95(plus shipping and handling)Expelled:No Intelligence AllowedEconomist, actor, lawyer, and columnist Ben Stein travels the world on a quest for truth,and learns that educators and scientists are being ridiculed, denied tenure, and evenfired—for merely believing that there might be evidence of design in nature, and thatperhaps life is not just the result of random chance. Learn about the shocking suppressionof academic freedom in American schools, universities, and media.Only $19.95(plus shipping and handling)To order, call 800.628.7640, or visit our online store at www.icr.org/store.DECEMBER 2008 • ACTS&FACTS19

NEW!5 Reasons to Believe inRecent Creationby Henry M. Morris III“A right understanding of the biblical accountof creation is especially important for those whotrust their eternal destiny to Jesus Christ, theOne who proclaims Himself to be the Creator ofeverything that exists.”Should the Genesis account of creation be read asliteral and inspired history, or is it simply a symbolicframework that should be adapted to the most popularscientific theories?Sadly, a growing number of Christian leaders acceptevolution as fact and try to harmonize the Bible withthe concept of naturalistic development over countlesseons. But can Genesis be made to fit into an evolutionaryframework? Is it even necessary to try?Dr. Henry Morris III offers five fundamental reasonswhy belief in a recent creation is not only feasible, butvital to a true understanding of God’s Word:F The Bible does not allow an evolutionary interpretation.F Science does not observe evolution happening today.F There is no evidence evolution took place in the past.F God’s character absolutely forbids evolutionary methods.F God’s purpose for creation excludes evolution.The Genesis account of creation is foundational to allChristian doctrine and is in fact an indispensable partof the saving message of the gospel. Christians neednot rely on an unbiblical, unscientific theory in lightof the glorious revelation of the Creator Himself—andthe wonders of His recent creation.P. O. Box 59029, Dallas, TX 75229www.icr.orgCHANGE SERVICE REQUESTEDNonprofit OrganizationU.S. POSTAGEPAIDINSTITUTE FORCREATION RESEARCHOnly $2.95(plus shipping and handling)To order, call 800.628.7640,or visit our online store at www.icr.org/store.