Hiking

Devil’s Punchbowl Natural Area

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This morning, Dylan and I and a couple ladies from our Wednesday night Genesis class visited Devil’s Punchbowl near Pearblossom. We hiked down into the canyon, talked about earthquake and flood geology, and read Psalm 18 together. The creek and small waterfall were still running strong and added the peaceful sound of rushing water as we made our way through the canyon. Sorry to those of you who wanted to go but weren’t able to join us this weekend. Maybe we can do another hike sometime!

A friendly park ranger was there to greet us and point out the Punchbowl Fault to our south. He also gave us a trail guide with hiking path and geology information.
At the start of the trail, there’s an optional side trail called the Piñon pathway near this outcropping
Abby and I scouted out the area back in March. It was a much cooler day, and there was still fresh snow on the mountains!
Once in the canyon, you get a sense of how tall these formations are. The rock here is sandstone — sedimentary rock that settled horizontally, then was later squeezed and pushed up hundreds of feet by earthquakes. Evolutionists date these rocks to 13 million years ago. Another explanation that better fits the Bible is that a global flood in Noah’s time laid down thousands of layers of sediment very rapidly, giving the vast appearance of age.
Lots of flowers were in bloom, including this lupine.
We ended the morning with lunch at a nice shady picnic spot.

The name may sound ominous, but Devil’s Punchbowl is an area people of all ages and abilities will enjoy. The loop through the canyon is just over a mile long. It’s fairly easy and rewarding, but does have some slippery spots and a moderate change in elevation. For more ambitious hikers, there’s a 7 mile hike to Devil’s Chair, where I hear you get majestic views of the entire area and a closer look at the Punchbowl Fault.

“I love you, O LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies.” (Psalm 18:1-3)

Science

Created in Six Days

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For centuries, cathedrals like this one have evoked a sense of awe and wonder at the transcendence of God. Our world is so full of beauty and complexity that remind us God is infinitely higher than us.

The opening chapters of Genesis lay the foundation for basic Christian doctrines like God, man, sin, and judgment.

In this week’s lesson, we saw evidence for a world not millions of years old, but only several thousand. Hard to believe? Join us as we look together at…

  • How the universe is distinct from, yet dependent on God
  • That creation, like all other doctrines, is something we accept by faith
  • What God was doing on each day of creation
  • An alternate view that treats Genesis 1-11 as “proto-history,” and why that’s a problem
  • Why it’s hard for us to imagine a place like paradise

Here’s the full audio recording:

You can also download and view the handout here.

This is week five in a nine-week study on Genesis. For a complete list of Bible studies and sermons I have taught, please visit the “Teaching” page on my blog. For more info on the full length documentary, “Is Genesis History?” click here.

Leadership

Europe Missions Trip

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I’m heading to Europe this summer! (Lord willing). A small team of us from Immanuel Baptist Church are heading to Europe in July to share the gospel of Jesus Christ.

We will be traveling to a stable area of Europe, and a popular tourist destination, but one that has seen a large influx of refugees, new languages, and new people groups. We will be doing prayer walking, mapping, having gospel conversations, working with area partners, and equipping local leaders who will take this material back to their own peoples in their own languages.

We’re having a food fundraiser on Saturday, May 6th at the the McCafferty home. Join us for delicious grilled chicken sandwiches, homemade potato salad, coleslaw, and potato chips. Rick will be grilling from Noon to 4pm, so you can swing by for lunch or an early take-out dinner.

Where: McCafferty Home (message me for directions)
When: Saturday, May 6, from Noon to 4pm
Cost: $12/plate (tickets do not need to be purchased in advance)
Hope to see you there!

Sermons

VIDEO: “The Triumphal Entry” (Mark 11:1-11)

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With the waving of palm branches and shouts of “Hosanna,” Jesus entered Jerusalem and presented himself as king. A few weeks ago on Palm Sunday, I the opportunity to preach on Mark 11, and we learned…

  • The atmosphere on the Sunday before Christ’s death
  • How Mark has been building the “kingdom” theme throughout his gospel
  • The significance of Jesus riding on a donkey
  • God’s promise to David and his royal family
  • What Jesus’ kingship means for us now in the 21st century

You can watch a video of the sermon by clicking here or listen to the audio here. Thanks for watching! For a complete list of sermons and Bible study links, please visit my “Teaching Page”.

Journal

Congratulations, Pastor Chris!

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Last night, Immanuel Baptist Church held a special business meeting to vote on our next lead pastor.

After two and half years of prayer and diligent searching, the Pastor Search Committee recommended Dr. Chris Morgan to the position. The church was in agreement, and Dr. Morgan joyously accepted.

It has been a pleasure to work with Dr. Morgan these past two years since moving to Highland, and I look forward to continuing this partnership. He is a mentor, a friend, a gifted teacher, and a wise leader.

May the exhortation by the Apostle Paul to the elders at Ephesus resound in our hearts as well. “Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood” (Acts 20:28).

Thoughts on Life and Leadership