Faith and Religion Hub

We have done as much as possible in the past year to make 2129 E Monument as healthy as possible. The basement of the property required removing material that retained moisture, drying the area, applying an antimicrobial spray, running HEPA filters, and utilizing dehumidifiers. The total cost was over $20,000. 

Unfortunately, the blockage of the drain line from the second-floor air conditioners undid some of the work and required repeating earlier work. At peak operating times, the system removes several gallons of moisture from the air per hour. The second floor leaked, and this water leaked into the basement. Hundreds of gallons of water soaked the air conditioner room floor and into the basement. Of course, this significantly increased the mold.

We certainly appreciate the mold report that you paid for and used to improve the air quality. Furthermore, according to the report, the mold levels were significantly higher than in other parts of the first floor. Of course, spaces closest to the open-air conditioning room were higher than those in the showroom and office area. However, according to the report, workers were safer, except in the air conditioner area, while working than when they left the building. 

During this time, Justin made us aware of mold on the wall in the backroom. After investigating the matter, we discovered a significant issue that we were unaware of. This was not related to the air conditioner or the basement and required work on both the inside and outside of the building. Again, we appreciate you bringing this problem to our attention, and it has been taken care of.

We did clean the second floor which is empty. Although empty this 

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There are many religions in the world, each with its own set of beliefs, practices, and traditions. Some of the major religions include Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Judaism.

Prayer is a way of communicating with a higher power and seeking guidance, support, and strength. It can be a powerful tool for coping with stress, anxiety, and difficult situations.

No one ascribes Christianity to be an air-tight model; in fact, I don't know many air-tight models. True that much of mathematics, and some parts of logic, are air-tight; not much else is. It seems that not even time is air-tight. Is the A theory of time true or the B theory true? To me, the B theory of time is silly, but I can't prove it wrong.

Science is based on inductive reasoning, but nothing related to inductive reasoning is proof. We are close to the 100th year of the Big Bang. Since 1929, we have accumulated a substantial amount of evidence, but it is not proof. Some of the premises for the beginning of the universe are below. In evaluating inductive arguments, the premises are described as weak or strong. Once this is settled, determine if the premises infer the conclusion. It is an excellent argument; Is that airtight proof? No, but the conclusion is either cogent or uncogent, but it is not air-tight. To better understand the rules of logic, you may go ReasonableFaithBaltimore.org for the logic and reasoning section.

• Einstein's theory of relativity was needed to explain the Big Bang.
• George Lematrie used Einstein's equations to support a beginning universe.
• Using his telescope, Edward Hubble observed a redshift in the light from distant stars, and then even Einstein agreed that the universe had a beginning.
• The discovery of the cosmic radiation background.
• The second Law of thermodynamics.
• Borde-Guth- Valenkin Theorem. (BGV) This theorem of what cosmological model is used indicates a beginning, including a mult-verse. 
• The absurdity of an actual infinity

A more specific example is the Leibniz Cosmological Argument, which I reviewed a couple of weeks ago (ReasonableFaithBaltimore.org, under the "God's Existence" page).  In a deductive argument, the premises are evaluated as more plausible than the detractors, or alternatives. Do the premises infer the conclusion? Yes. Does this give an air-tight argument? No, it is not proof, but per the rules of logic, you cannot say the conclusion is wrong. 

Question 1.  Jesus in Acts 7:1 says the following when speaking to the disciples: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. Fortunately, it is not related to my salvation. 

Jesus was born at a time when society was advanced with roads, so his life could be shared throughout the world.

Evidence for the Divinity of Christ is the numerous prophecies that have come true.

If Christ were born to Mary, there would not have been many witnesses.

Historical events during Eve's life were unrecorded, since writing and saving information were not advanced.

Question 2.  Those born before Christ are saved through Christ. They had knowledge that God existed, and a moral compass was written on their hearts. The Jews, of course, knew the Messiah was coming. 

For a better explanation, go to ReasonableFaith.org page Suffering and Evil" View "Those Who Never Heard of Christ" at the bottom. 

Question 3. Hebrews 11:1 states, "Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. The assurance comes from truths, intellect, reason, and evidence, and more importantly, the self-confessing witness of the Holy Spirit. 

Question 4. There are various positions within Christianity related to the concept of original sin. Fortunately, it is not a fundamental doctrine for salvation.

Question 5. First, I don't think I was created from scratch; my parents' DNA was used. 

View the middle of the page "Suffering and Evil." This covers the choices God had in creating a universe.

The choices he had were: 

No universe at all

A universe where agents were robotic without free will.

A universe with no right or wrong, which would have been perfect for Hitler and Putin. 

A universe with free agents with free will. I enjoy free will, even though it causes me many problems.

You may find more on these choices on the Suffering and Evil page of ReasonableFaithBaltimore.org

Question 6.  I wasn't created from scratch; my father provided me with an extra gene along with 50% of his genetic material. I know it sounds strange, but I do believe it has made me a stronger person. Of course, I am sorry for my severely limited cousins.

 The biggest mistake God made was creating agents with free will. If I were God, I'd start over with a blank sheet of paper. I'm not saying robots are fun, but they cause fewer headaches.

Again, free of any correction, is robotic: I still enjoy free will.

Question 7. Again, humans are not made from scratch. 

Genealogy is a form of history, and my beliefs are based, among other things, on the historical context of the Bible.

Either this is meant to be hyperbolically, or God is a liar. The Bible is clear that King Jehoiachin was to be punished, and the next generations were to be punished. This did not happen. Some Jewish people today claim that Jehoiachin asked for forgiveness, and he got it. His Grandson rebuilt the temple.

We do know that horrible parents have offspring like themselves; but it is not punishment from God.

Question 8. I don't recall a single unrepentant sin resulting in an eternity in Hell. 

I'm not sure what constitutes perfect justice.  Just recently, a man in Harford County was sentenced to several life sentences for slaughtering and violently raping a young mother. He will probably not serve but one of his life sentences and die. Is that perfect justice? 

Is it fair for a perfect God to experience a horrendous death for me? Although it works out great for me, it doesn't seem fair. As far as I'm concerned, I don't want perfect. 

As far as the irredeemable, it is true that no matter what, some people want nothing to do with God. Should God force someone like Richard Dawkins, who hates the God that doesn't exist, to spend eternity in heaven? Dawkins is clear; he doesn't want to spend time with the God that doesn't exist. God will not take away Dawkins' free will.

Question 9: I haven't studied brute logic, so I'm unable to answer the question. I know a little about deductive and inductive reasoning.

I refer to the videos mentioned earlier. I have no interest in life without free will, so it seems quite compatible to me.

Question 10. This will require a couple of courses to provide a comprehensive response to the question. I want to point out that Jeremiah 1:5 specifically refers to the call of Jeremiah. 

Question 11. In spite of all my flaws, sins, and weaknesses, I'd rather be me.

Jeremiah suffered throughout his life. He is often referred to as the "weeping prophet."

Mary got to watch her son go through an excruciating torture and murder; that's not for me.

Now, Abraham had an interesting life.

Question 12. I'm not sure of the location of the verse. My guess is that it refers to the saved and the unsaved. I doubt the word penny is literal.

Question 13. Well the Jewish Leaders during the first century knew what Jesus meant when he used the definite article "the" before saying "Son Of Man." 

In Daniel 7:13-14 states “There before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. . . He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all peoples, nations and men of every language.worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.”

Well the Jewish Leaders during the first century knew what Jesus meant when he used the definite article "the" before saying "Son Of Man." Ezekiel was referred to as "Son of Man", but Jesus referred to himself as "the Son of Man." The difference is the definite article, and it led to his murder.

Question 14. Not that I'm aware of.

I appreciate the church's support for Divorce Care; however, the website could be improved.

I believe the church's Divorce Care website could be better. If a person saw the advertisement during the September 10th service, went home, accessed the church's website, clicked on the "Divorce Care" link, typed in the address 21093, clicked "Search," and the message says, "Here are the nearest 25 results.” None of the 25 is Grace Fellowship. It is true that if the person waits 16 hours to find a group, Grace will be first, but this is not ideal.

I think it is nice to use the church's website to advertise all the Divorce Care programs on the planet but Divorce Care already does that and we getalrea participants

Exodus 20:5, 34:7, Numbers 14:18, Deuteronomy 5:9.

9. Utility room area

Contain the area with poly and seal for negative air

Set 1 dehumidifier, HEPA Vac, Spray antimicrobial. Seal the wood deck area with antimicrobial paint

10. Basement area: Biowash the front of the basement. Spray antimicrobial. Set 1 dehumidifier, Set 1 air scrubber

11. Readings to be taken daily until the drying goal is reached.

GPP should be below 50% or better

12. Duration of the project should take about 5-10 days

Cost includes labor, equipment, and trash removal

 Of the mold in the back room which will require removal of wet sheet rock and insulation along one wall. Humidifiers will run for several days until the room is dry. The AC room will need to be sealed off and a dehumidifi

 HeWillRestore@aol.com 

Tom Coats 410 494 9246

Mathematics of the Gaps.       

I have heard scientists use the phrase "God of the gaps" when a believer mentions that God did some miraculous miracle, like creating the universe. OK, how do they get around what science cannot explain? No problem; just say aliens, little vibrating strings, or the always popular multiverse. But is this really science?

Don't get me wrong, I want to meet these little aliens as much as anyone, but Dawkins essentially says it ain't gonna happen. You see, they live too far away. His source for his beliefs is science fiction books, specifically Fred Hoye's "Andromeda" and Carl Sagan's book "Contact."   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kSqN1Ij0ZMc.  Surf the internet and you find other well-known atheist scientists discussing these aliens: Neil deGrasse Tyson and Brian Greene. It is true, however, that science fiction does use the word science, so it must be true.

The "math of the gaps" is another technique for explaining away God. In his book "Science Does Not Disprove God," Amir Aczel mentions a dialogue with Brian Greene on Multiverses. When questioned about proof, Greene responds, "The math tells us so, and I believe in the math." 

Wonderful, I'm so glad. That's great, but "where's the beef?" If beef refers to scientific observations and data collected to support the science, then there is no beef, bread, or special sauces. Scientists will respond by saying, "Just give us more time." OK, how much more time does science need? 

The diameter of the observable universe is 93 billion light years. One light year in distance is 5878628192999.1. Dawkins and I  feel confident the aliens will not introduce themselves to us, and I don't believe we'll ever collect data on all those other universes. It takes a lot of faith to buy into string theory and the multiverse, and I don't have that much faith. 

Disagreements have always been a part of Christian groups and will continue until Christ returns; God knew this before the Creation of the Universe. Disagreements themselves are not all bad or all good;, often, I find they perk up my mind and force me to study and grow. I could not disagree more with the Jehovah's Witnesses, but as a younger Christian, I spent many hours preparing for the knock on the door. Unfortunately, the knocks have stopped, but I am now better prepared to answer questions.

We indeed need to use caution when choosing topics. I am thankful for the materials printed and sponsored by Ken Ham and the Creation Museum. However, I disagree with his attacks on his Christian brothers. I'm concerned his attacks hurt the faith more than they help. He seems to think that if all the Christian Churches in the world suddenly proclaimed the world was only 6,000 years old, then the world would convert to Christianity. Sounds great, but I think much of the world would laugh at the Christian Church as much as they laugh at him. This does not mean I dislike Ken Ham, since I have visited the Creation Museum twice and hope to return.

When picking a topic, it must fall within the core of Christian beliefs: virgin birth, deity of Christ, crucifixion, resurrection, forgiveness of sin, and eternal life. There are numerous tangents to Christianity that I hold to, and many I don't, but they don't impact salvation. Some of the tangents, however, are not to be shared outside our group and historically cause discontent.

In my early apologetic journey, I intentionally chose atheistic material and looked for answers, and I found them. I'm entirely confident that our group will vote out any harmful books. Our next chapter on evolution clearly teaches us that even very intelligent people are completely ignorant about natural selection and evolution.