04.25.08 Greetings! To those who are graduating, congratulations! ICF on SUNDAY (May 11) We have arrived at the end of a great book - the book of Romans. On Sunday, we will consider the last chapter of this book (Romans 16). We will reflect on what we have learned during the past 4.5 months. We will see why I have called this series "Good News for the World," and why it can be "good news" for each one of us. Please join us. ICF begins promptly at 9:45 AM. So please try to arrive before 9:45 AM so you don't miss anything. If you need a ride, please let us know. POTLUCK in the COUNTRYSIDE (Saturday, May 10) This event will occur on Saturday, May 10, weather permitting (at this point, the weather looks good!). See my earlier email for information. If you can offer a ride to someone else, let me know. SCIENCE & FAITH MEETING (Friday, May 16, 7:15 PM) Do science and faith conflict? Can a good scientist be a good Christian? Why would a scientist believe in God? Is there scientific evidence for belief in God? What about evolution and creation? These basic questions and others will be discussed at the Science & Faith Meeting at Squires Student Center, Room 341/345 on Friday, May 16, at 7:15 PM. Scientists David Kingston (University Distinguished Professor of Chemistry), Paul Ribbe (Professor Emeritus of Mineralogy and Crystal Chemistry), and others will discuss their views on these questions, and also take questions from the audience. If you plan to attend, please let me know (if you haven't already). Since I am inviting guest speakers, I want to be sure we have a good group! WHAT DO SCIENTISTS SAY? In a "debate" with Steven Weinberg, Dr. Henry F. Schaefer "noted that most of the pioneers of the physical sciences (Kepler, Pascal, Boyle, Faraday, Maxwell, Stokes, Kelvin, and Thomson, to name just a few) were committed Christians. If science has disproved God, how can it be that the pioneers of physics and chemistry were by their own testimonies motivated by their Christian faith?" (Henry F. Schaefer [computational and theoretical chemist, winner of the Centenary Medal, "five time nominee for the Nobel Prize"], Science and Christianity: Conflict or Coherence? [University of Georgia: The Apollos Trust, 2003], 39). See more from Dr. Schaefer here: http://www.leaderu.com/offices/schaefer/. So what do the pioneers in science say? When asked "Why do you engage in science?' [Johannes] Kepler answered that he desired his scientific research 'to obtain a sample test of the delight of the Divine Creator in His work and to partake of His joy." (Schaefer, 16). Isaac Newton said, "The most beautiful system of the sun, planets and comets could only proceed from the counsel and dominion of an intelligent and powerful Being" (Schaefer, 17). George Stokes wrote in his book Natural Theology, "Admit the existence of God, of a personal God, and the possibility of miracles follows at once. If the laws of nature are carried out in accordance with His will, He who willed them may will their suspension" (Schaefer, 22). Lord Kelvin said, "Do not be afraid of being free thinkers. If you think strongly enough, you will be forced by science to the belief in God" (Schaefer, 22). ICF LAST SUNDAY - Plans & Providence In Romans 15:14, Paul begins to conclude his letter to the Romans. First, Paul looks back on his ministry (15:14-22). Then, he looks forward to his plans (15:23-33). Looking Back - Paul's Ministry After acknowledging the general goodness and knowledge of the Christians in Rome, Paul gives reason for writing "quite boldly on some points" (15:14-15). First of all, they needed to be "reminded" again. We all do! Even if we think we know the Bible well, we still need to study and learn. As we do this, we will be reminded of God's word, and the Holy Spirit will apply His word to our lives in fresh ways. Of course, we will learn new things too! Paul has also written "quite boldly" because that is Paul's special calling. God has "set apart" Paul to boldly proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles (15:15-16; cf. 1:1). As Christians, we too have been "set apart" for God's purposes. If you are a Christian, in what way are you fulfilling your calling? As Paul reflects on his ministry, he "glories" (or "has found reason for boasting") (15:17). However, Paul is not boasting in his own achievements. Paul says, "I glory in Christ Jesus" (15:17a). Elsewhere he says, "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord" (2 Corinthians 10:17). Paul's emphasis is "on what Christ has accomplished." Christ has accomplished his work through Paul. Christ has used Paul's words and actions, and the power of the Holy Spirit. As believers, it is our responsibility to speak and act, but true success is God's accomplishment, and the glory should go to Him. Of course, this applies to Christian ministry, but it also applies to all "accomplishments" in the Christian's life. While much good is accomplished through the hard work of human beings, everything that is truly good (including our abilities) ultimately comes from God. Many do not recognize this, but the Christian should, and thus the Christian should give God the glory. Looking Forward - Paul's Plans & Prayer Request For many years, Paul has wanted to visit the Christians in Rome (15:23; 1:10-11), but his ministry has not allowed it. But now, he plans to extend his mission into Spain, and he plans to visit Rome on the way. He also hopes that the church in Rome will support his mission. But first, Paul plans to go to Jerusalem for a special ministry. Paul plans to deliver "a contribution for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem" (15:26). Paul urges the believers in Rome to join him in his struggle by praying for him (15:30). Paul asks them to pray: 1) that he would be rescued from the unbelievers in Jerusalem; 2) that his service (contribution) would be accepted by the Jewish believers; and 3) as a result, "by God's will," that he would get to Rome and experience joy and refreshment (15:31-32). So what happened to Paul? After arriving in Jerusalem, the Jewish unbelievers attempted to kill Paul, but the Roman authorities took him into custody and put him in prison (Acts 21:26-36; 23:12-23). After many months in prison, he was eventually sent to Rome. So how were Paul's prayers answered? He was rescued from the unbelievers, but only by being imprisoned by the Romans for two years. The collection was apparently received, at least by some (Acts 21:17; 24:17). Paul did get to Rome, but as a prisoner. Apparently, Paul never got to Spain. Paul's plans and prayers did not work out like he thought they would. But he submitted everything to "God's will" (Romans 15:32). Paul trusted in God's "providence." What is "providence?" It is God's sovereign guidance and care, according to His good purposes. Because of this, Paul had a great sense of meaning, purpose, peace and joy, whatever the circumstances. When we "offer our whole lives to God" (Romans 12:1) and trust in God's providence, we too can have a great sense of meaning, purpose, peace and joy. We still need to make plans. We still need prayer. But whatever happens, we can trust that God is in control, and He is a good God. See the entire lesson on the ICF Website http://www.bcfworld.org. As always, if you have any questions or comments, please let me know. Your Servant, Jay

You may E-mail Jay & Michele Lester or Call at 540.381.2086