By: Eric Lyons, M.Min.
Numerous passages of Scripture clearly teach that God is omniscient. The Bible declares that God “knows the secrets of the heart” (Psalm 44:21), that His eyes “are in every place” (Proverbs 15:3), and that “His understanding is infinite” (147:5). Of Jehovah, the psalmist also wrote:
O Lord, You have searched me and known me. You know my sitting down and my rising up; You understand my thought afar off. You comprehend my path and my lying down, and are acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word on my tongue, but behold, O Lord, You know it altogether…. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain it. Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend into heaven, You are there; if I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there (139:1-4,6-8).
The New Testament reemphasizes this truth: “God is greater than our heart, and knows all things” (1 John 3:20, emp. added). Not only does He know the past and the present, but the future as well (Acts 15:18; cf. Isaiah 46:10). According to the Bible, there is nothing outside of the awareness of God.
Atheist Dan Barker, however, alleged in his February 12, 2009 debate with Kyle Butt that the Bible paints a contradictory picture of God and His knowledge. Whereas some scriptures indicate that God knows the future, supposedly, the God of the Bible cannot exist because other passages reportedly teach that God does not know the future. Twelve minutes and 54 seconds into his first speech, Barker exclaimed:
Look what God said after he stopped it [Abraham’s sacrifice of Isaac—EL]. He said: “Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for I know now, I now know, that you fear God, seeing that you have not withheld thy son.” I know now? I thought God knew everything. The Bible says God knows the future but here He is saying, “I didn’t even know.” The Bible even says that God searches and understands all the imaginations of the heart. The God of the Bible knows the future. The God of the Bible does not know the future (2009).
Is Barker correct? Does the Bible paint a contradictory picture of God’s knowledge? Do some passages testify to the omniscience of God, while others indicate that He is finite in His understanding?
The kind of language found in Genesis 22:12 actually is present throughout Scripture. As early as Genesis chapter three, God asked Adam, “Where are you?” (3:9). In Genesis four, He asked Cain, “Where is Abel your brother?” (4:9). The book of Job reveals that at the beginning of God’s first speech to Job, God asked the patriarch, “Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth?” (38:4, emp. added). Are we to assume questions like these or statements like those found in Genesis 22:12 and 18:21 (“I will know”) imply a lack of knowledge on God’s part?
First, one must acknowledge that questions often are asked and statements frequently are made for a variety of reasons. Are we really to assume that the Creator of heaven and Earth was ignorant of Adam’s whereabouts when He asked him, “Where are you?” (Genesis 3:9)? Are we to believe that God did not know where Job was when He made the world (Job 38:4)? Certainly not! What father, having seen his son dent a car door, would imply ignorance by asking, “Who did that?” Obviously, the father did not ask the question to obtain information, but to see if the son would admit to something the father knew all along. On occasion, Jesus used questions or made statements for the same purpose. When He questioned the Pharisees’ disciples and the Herodians regarding whose inscription was on a particular coin, it clearly was not because He did not know (Matthew 22:15-22). Likewise, when Jesus asked the multitude that thronged Him, “Who touched Me?” (Luke 8:45), it was not because the woman who touched Him was hidden from Him (Luke 8:47). Jesus knew the woman who was made well by touching His garment before she confessed to touching Him (Mark 5:32). His question was intended to bring attention to her great faith and His great power (Mark 5:34). In no way are the questions God asks or the statements He makes an indication of Him being less than omniscient.
Second, the term “know” (Hebrew yada, Greek ginosko) or one of its derivatives (i.e., knew, known, etc.) is used in Scripture in a variety of ways. Several times it is used in reference to a man and woman having sexual intercourse (Genesis 4:1,17,25; Judges 11:39; 19:25). Jesus used the term to refer to His regard for His sheep (i.e., people—John 10:27). In contrast to the way of the wicked that will perish, the psalmist wrote that God “knows” (i.e., approves, takes delight in, etc.) the way of the righteous (Psalm 1:6). Paul used the term “know” in Ephesians 3:19 in the sense of knowing “experimentally what intellectually is beyond our powers of knowing”—the love of Christ (Jamieson, 1997). The fact is, like so many words in Scripture (and in modern times) the word “know” has a variety of meanings. What’s more, neither Dan Barker nor any Bible critic can prove that the term “know” in Genesis 22:12 directly contradicts God’s omniscience.
Third, the Bible’s usage of phrases such as “now I know” (Genesis 22:12) or “I will know” (Genesis 18:21) in reference to God actually are for the benefit of man. Throughout the Bible, human actions (such as “learning”) frequently are attributed to God for the purpose of helping us better understand His infinity. When Jehovah “came down to see the city and the tower” built at Babel (Genesis 11:5), it was not for the purpose of gaining knowledge. Anthropomorphic expressions such as these are not meant to suggest that God is not always fully aware of everything. Rather, as in the case of Babel, such wording was used to show that He was “officially and judicially taking the situation under direct observation and consideration” (Morris, 1976, p. 272). Almighty God visited Sodom and Gomorrah likely “for appearance’ sake, that men might know directly that God had actually seen the full situation before He acted in judgment” (p. 342). “These cities were to be made ensamples to all future ages of God’s severity, and therefore ample proof given that the judgment was neither rash nor excessive (Ezek 18:23; Jer 18:7)” [Jamieson, 1997]. Similarly, in the case of God testing Abraham regarding Isaac, although God already knew what Abraham would choose to do, there still was a reason to allow Abraham the opportunity to actually show his great faith and know that God indeed had witnessed (in real time and not just in His foreknowledge), Abraham’s actions. God came “to know” of Abraham’s faith by actual experiment. The meaning of the phrase, “now I know” (Genesis 22:12), therefore, “is not that God had, by the events of this probation, obtained information regarding Abraham’s character that He did not previously possess; but that these qualities had been made apparent, had been developed by outward acts” (Jamieson, 1997).
Similar to how God instructs man to pray and make “known” to Him our petitions for our benefit (Philippians 4:6), even though He actually already knows of our prayers and needs before they are voiced (Matthew 6:8), for our profit the all-knowing God sometimes is spoken of in accommodative language as acquiring knowledge.
REFERENCES
Butt, Kyle and Dan Barker (2009), Does the God of the Bible Exist? (Montgomery, AL: Apologetics Press).
Jamieson, Robert, et al. (1997), Jamieson, Fausset, Brown Bible Commentary (Electronic Database:
Biblesoft).
Morris, Henry M. (1976), The Genesis Record (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker).
The above article was taken from the following: https://apologeticspress.org/AllegedDiscrepancies.aspx?article=787&b=Genesis
From the Elders:
Sunday morning Bible Classes have resumed with worship following at 10:30am. We are studying 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus & Philemon. Workbooks are available.
Based on the recent guidelines for COIVD and the restrictions for places of worship, our service will now be conducted indoors.
9:30am – 10:15am: Adult Bible Study
9:30am – 10:15am: Children Bible Classes
10:30am – 11:30am: Sunday Worship
(Our Sunday night worship and Wednesday night Bible study have been cancelled until further notice.)
Save the dates…
- Aug 8, 2021: Second Sunday Singing at the home of the Lacuata starting at 5:00 pm. Please bring a dish to share and plan on enjoying a wonderful evening of fellowship with our spiritual family!!
- Aug 22, 2021: Our 5th Sunday Potluck has been moved to 8/22. This will be a special gathering in honor of Dale and Linda Riech who are moving to Tennessee!
- Aug 24, 2021: The Lunch Bunch will be gathering at Los Portales located at 10244 Central Ave., Montclair, at 11:30 AM. Los Portales is in the same parking lot as the Pancakes R Us restaurant. We had a total of 14 people who enjoyed the last luncheon fellowship and hope YOU can join us in August!
- October 22-24, 2021: The Oakhurst (Yosemite) Ladies Retreat will resume this year. More info to follow!
TRAVELING…Gene and Anne Rupel are in Germany visiting their daughter, Rachel Castleberg, and her family.
THANKS…Karen Burton would like to thank everyone for their prayers concerning her mother, Shirley Burton. She is doing well now!
LORD HEAR OUR PRAYER
…but prayer was being made earnestly to God for him by the church. Acts 12:5
- Gaby Bailey-Juarez: Gaby and Alan have returned to CA permanently. The Mayo Clinic has discharged her to the care of Kaiser Permanente. She still has a very long road ahead. She is having a skin graft surgery sometime within the next month or 2. She is still very weak and has a lot of rehab scheduled for the next few months. In total, they spent 272 days in Phoenix, AZ. Gaby spent over 109 days alone in the hospital, had 7 separate surgery’s, and had hundreds of blood tests. This could not be possible without our Father and with the help that the Church and you have given us over the last year. Thank you so very much for all of your prayers and support. God Bless!
- Leota and John Jackson, Leota fell and broke her hip and John is struggling with cancer. John is residing at Villa Mesa Care Center in Upland and Leota is residing at Montclair Royale in Montclair.
- Fred & Barbara Bailey (Alan’s Grandparents) have moved from Downey to a nursing home in Chino. Fred was the Secretary & one of the Deacons at the North Downey Church of Christ for years until he fell into poor health. They are unable to attend weekly service due to poor health and have requested to become members of the Church in Chino. Please keep them in your prayers. God Bless.
- Vince and Dodie Ellingson, who were former members at Chino and now reside in Kalispell, Montana. Dodie is in a memory care facility and has fallen twice and has a broken pelvis.
- Bob Alvord is dealing with health issues.
- Darrel Nott has been diagnosed with prostate cancer and is undergoing treatment.
- Randy Proffitt, Danny Proffitt’s nephew. The tumor in Randy’s spine has grown causing tremendous pain and it was determined that he should immediately undergo radiation, (which he did this past week), and he will be starting chemo.
- Glenn McCoy, former Elder at the State College congregation is in a nursing care facility and is struggling.
- Tom Brown, (Bob Mellard’s brother-in-law who lives in Little Rock, Arkansas). He is suffering from seizures and is recovering at home.
- Mildred Hamilton, is struggling with health issues. Phone calls are welcome and she can have visitors, but you need to make an appointment with Oakmont where she resides.
- Charlene Osborne, struggling with health issues.
- Jonal Schissler-is recuperating from surgery on her Achilles tendon.
- Dave Board, ORPHAN’S LIFELINE CEO AND CO-FOUNDER- Dave has been diagnosed with a form of lymphoma and is currently undergoing treatment in Kalispell, MT. Prayers have been requested for Dave, his family and Orphan’s Lifeline in this difficult time. Cards and other forms of encouragement can be mailed to: P.O. Box 1100, Kalispell, MT. 59903.
- Nichole Tatum-Deja Brunel’s Dental Hygienist -Nichole has been diagnosed with breast cancer and is undergoing chemotherapy.
- Richard Ramirez-is having health issues. He has shown some improvement, but it is a slow process.
- Don Ruhl – Don is the preacher at Grants Pass, Oregon. He is a good friend of Steve Lloyd. Don has Covid 19. He was in the hospital but is now isolating at home. His covid 19 has been complicated due to the fact that several years ago he had a Kidney transplant. He tires quickly which has been overwhelming for him.
- John Clement – Anne Rupel’s brother- having difficulties after a surgery. Anne has asked for prayers for John, his family and his doctors.
- Aida Rodas – Wendy Hernandez’s aunt- Aida is recuperating from open heart surgery.
- Cesar – Connie Ramirez’s brother- Cesar underwent open heart surgery. Richard and Connie have requested prayers that he will reach out to God for salvation and for a full recovery.
- Gilbert Sifuentes – Isabella & Anthony’s Dad- Was hit by a car and was hospitalized with a broken leg.
- Abby Alvo: She broke her fibula and dislocated her ankle.
- Linda and Joshua Ankiah are missionaries to South Africa. They have two children, Leah and Luke and they are experiencing major unrest in the region. Joshua and their son, Luke, are a part of a group of local men rotating guard duty and trying to protect their area from the Zulu rampage.
ONGOING PRAYERS FOR…
OUR SENIORS: Lee Dacus, Joe/Lupe Lueras, Ken McCutcheon, Mildred Hamilton, Bob Alvord, Earlene Abraham, Vera Anthony, John/Leota Jackson, Jean Williams, Jerry/Carol Thompson and Fred/Barbara Bailey.
OUR FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN
MILITARY: Ed Vales’ granddaughter’s husband, (AJ Jones), is at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Tacoma, WA, Damon Aragon’s nephew, and Xander Armas, USMC San Diego
OUR SHEPHERDS: Corey, Gene, and Reuben. Those works that the congregation supports: The children of Orphan’s Lifeline, City of Children and Agape Village, the 3 preacher training schools, the congregations supported in the Philippines, and In Search of The Lord’s Way television program.
August Birthdays
08/08 Raquel Vales
08/09 Abby Alvo
08/12 Sandra Nott
08/12 Barbara Bailey
08/13 Tony Casolari
08/20 Jamie Bracht
08/21 Gabriela Bailey-Juarez
08/22 Wendy Hernandez
08/24 Mystique Merilus
08/26 Johnnie Duane
08/28 Bob Mellard
Works we support…
Benevolent Support
City of Hope, (Orphanage in Mexico), Orphan’s Lifeline International (Orphans in Russia and Africa),
Agape Village, (Children’s Home).
Evangelistic Support
James Lloyd, (local evangelist), Bear Valley Bible Institute, Sunset International Bible Institute, Southwest
School of Bible Studies, (preaching training schools).
Congregation Support
In the Philippines: PAYATAS IN METRO MANILA, BICOL REGION AND BAGUIO
Television Program Support
IN SEARCH OF THE LORD’S WAY, (nationwide gospel tv program)
Read Through the Bible in 2021! Here is the reading schedule for 8/8 – 8/25.
The reading schedule is chronological and is taken from:
https://www.gospelgazette.com/reading/reading.htm
August
8 Jeremiah 9-12
9 Jeremiah 13-16
10 Jeremiah 17-20
11 Jeremiah 21-23
12 Jeremiah 24-26
13 Jeremiah 27-29
14 Jeremiah 30-32
15 Jeremiah 33-36
16 Jeremiah 37-39
17 Jeremiah 40-42
18 Jeremiah 43-46
19 Jeremiah 47-49
20 Jeremiah 50-52
21 Lamentations 1-5
22 1 Chronicles 1-3
23 1 Chronicles 4-6
24 1 Chronicles 7-9
25 1 Chronicles 10-13
From the Elders:
Sunday morning Bible Classes have resumed with worship following at 10:30am. We are studying 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus & Philemon. Workbooks are available.
Based on the recent guidelines for COIVD and the restrictions for places of worship, our service will now be conducted indoors.
9:30am – 10:15am: Adult Bible Study
9:30am – 10:15am: Children Bible Classes
10:30am – 11:30am: Sunday Worship
(Our Sunday night worship and Wednesday night Bible study have been cancelled until further notice.)
Save the dates…
- Aug 8, 2021: Second Sunday Singing at the home of the Lacuata starting at 5:00 pm. Please bring a dish to share and plan on enjoying a wonderful evening of fellowship with our spiritual family!!
- Aug 22, 2021: Our 5th Sunday Potluck has been moved to 8/22. This will be a special gathering in honor of Dale and Linda Riech who are moving to Tennessee!
- Aug 24, 2021: The Lunch Bunch will be gathering at Los Portales located at 10244 Central Ave., Montclair, at 11:30 AM. Los Portales is in the same parking lot as the Pancakes R Us restaurant. We had a total of 14 people who enjoyed the last luncheon fellowship and hope YOU can join us in August!
- October 22-24, 2021: The Oakhurst (Yosemite) Ladies Retreat will resume this year. More info to follow!
TRAVELING…Gene and Anne Rupel are in Germany visiting their daughter, Rachel Castleberg, and her family. There has been flooding in Northern Europe. Thankfully, the Rupels and Castlebergs are safe thus far! Also, Bob and Nancy Mellard are in Oregon. PLEASE PRAY FOR SAFE, TROUBLE FREE TRAVELS!!!
THANKS…Karen Burton would like to thank everyone for their prayers concerning her mother, Shirley Burton. She is doing well now!
LORD HEAR OUR PRAYER
…but prayer was being made earnestly to God for him by the church. Acts 12:5
- Gaby Bailey-Juarez: Over the last month, Gaby contracted another infection from the new liver itself, which is very common in transplants. She is being treated and is making improvements but due to new medications, her skin graft surgery has been delayed to sometime at the beginning of September. She is resting & recovering in the hotel room in AZ. She has been in a lot of daily pain. Please keep her in your prayers. God bless.
- Leota and John Jackson, Leota fell and broke her hip and John is struggling with cancer. John is residing at Villa Mesa Care Center in Upland and Leota is residing at Montclair Royale in Montclair.
- Vince and Dodie Ellingson, who were former members at Chino and now reside in Kalispell, Montana. Dodie is in a memory care facility and has fallen twice and has a broken pelvis.
- Bob Alvord is dealing with health issues.
- Darrel Nott has been diagnosed with prostate cancer and is undergoing treatment.
- Randy Proffitt, Danny Proffitt’s nephew. The tumor in Randy’s spine has grown causing tremendous pain and it was determined that he should immediately undergo radiation, (which he did this past week), and he will be starting chemo.
- Glenn McCoy, former Elder at the State College congregation is in a nursing care facility and is struggling.
- Tom Brown, (Bob Mellard’s brother-in-law who lives in Little Rock, Arkansas). He is suffering from seizures and is recovering at home.
- Mildred Hamilton, is struggling with health issues. Phone calls are welcome and she can have visitors, but you need to make an appointment with Oakmont where she resides.
- Charlene Osborne, struggling with health issues.
- Jonal Schissler-is recuperating from surgery on her Achilles tendon.
- Dave Board, ORPHAN’S LIFELINE CEO AND CO-FOUNDER- Dave has been diagnosed with a form of lymphoma and is currently undergoing treatment in Kalispell, MT. Prayers have been requested for Dave, his family and Orphan’s Lifeline in this difficult time. Cards and other forms of encouragement can be mailed to: P.O. Box 1100, Kalispell, MT. 59903.
- Nichole Tatum-Deja Brunel’s Dental Hygienist -Nichole has been diagnosed with breast cancer and is undergoing chemotherapy.
- Richard Ramirez-is having health issues. He has shown some improvement, but it is a slow process.
- Don Ruhl – Don is the preacher at Grants Pass, Oregon. He is a good friend of Steve Lloyd. Don has Covid 19. He was in the hospital but is now isolating at home. His covid 19 has been complicated due to the fact that several years ago he had a Kidney transplant. He tires quickly which has been overwhelming for him.
- John Clement – Anne Rupel’s brother- having difficulties after a surgery. Anne has asked for prayers for John, his family and his doctors.
- Aida Rodas – Wendy Hernandez’s aunt- Aida is recuperating from open heart surgery.
- Cesar – Connie Ramirez’s brother- Cesar underwent open heart surgery. Richard and Connie have requested prayers that he will reach out to God for salvation and for a full recovery.
- Gilbert Sifuentes – Isabella & Anthony’s Dad- Was hit by a car and was hospitalized with a broken leg.
- Abby Alvo: She broke her fibula and dislocated her ankle.
- Linda and Joshua Ankiah are missionaries to South Africa. They have two children, Leah and Luke and they are experiencing major unrest in the region. Joshua and their son, Luke, are a part of a group of local men rotating guard duty and trying to protect their area from the Zulu rampage.
ONGOING PRAYERS FOR…
OUR SENIORS: Lee Dacus, Joe/Lupe Lueras, Ken McCutcheon, Mildred Hamilton, Bob Alvord, Earlene Abraham,
Vera Anthony, John/Leota Jackson, Jean Williams, and Jerry/Carol Thompson.
OUR FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN
MILITARY: Ed Vales’ granddaughter’s husband, (AJ Jones), is at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Tacoma, WA, Damon
Aragon’s nephew, and Xander Armas, USMC San Diego
OUR SHEPHERDS: Corey, Gene, and Reuben
Those works that the congregation supports: The children of Orphan’s Lifeline, City of Children and Agape Village, the 3 preacher training schools, the congregations supported in the Philippines, and In Search of The Lord’s Way television program.
August Birthdays
08/08 Raquel Vales
08/09 Abby Alvo
08/12 Sandra Nott
08/13 Tony Casolari
08/20 Jamie Bracht
08/21 Gabriela Bailey-Juarez
08/22 Wendy Hernandez
08/24 Mystique Merilus
08/26 Johnnie Duane
08/28 Bob Mellard
Works we support…
Benevolent Support
City of Hope, (Orphanage in Mexico), Orphan’s Lifeline International (Orphans in Russia and Africa),
Agape Village, (Children’s Home).
Evangelistic Support
James Lloyd, (local evangelist), Bear Valley Bible Institute, Sunset International Bible Institute, Southwest
School of Bible Studies, (preaching training schools).
Congregation Support
In the Philippines: PAYATAS IN METRO MANILA, BICOL REGION AND BAGUIO
Television Program Support
IN SEARCH OF THE LORD’S WAY, (nationwide gospel tv program)
Read Through the Bible in 2021! Here is the reading schedule for 8/1 – 8/17.
The reading schedule is chronological and is taken from:
https://www.gospelgazette.com/reading/reading.htm
August
1 2 Kings 20-21
2 Zephaniah 1-3
3 Habakkuk 1-3
4 2 Kings 22·25
5 Obadiah; Jeremiah 1-2
6 Jeremiah 3-5
7 Jeremiah 6-8
8 Jeremiah 9-12
9 Jeremiah 13-16
10 Jeremiah 17-20
11 Jeremiah 21-23
12 Jeremiah 24-26
13 Jeremiah 27-29
14 Jeremiah 30-32
15 Jeremiah 33-36
16 Jeremiah 37-39
17 Jeremiah 40-42
By Eric Lyons, M.Min.
In compliance with God’s will to punish the terribly wicked nations of Canaan (Deuteronomy 9:5; Joshua
10:8), Joshua and his army of Israelites engaged in battle with the “five kings of the Amorites” and their armies
at Gibeon (Joshua 10:5,10). In the midst of the battle, which poured into other areas of southern Palestine,
Joshua spoke to the Lord, saying: “Sun, stand still over Gibeon; and moon, in the Valley of Aijalon” (10:12). The
inspired writer goes on to acknowledge: “So the sun stood still, and the moon stopped till the people had
revenge upon their enemies” (10:13). Even more emphatically, the writer testifies: “So the sun stood still in the
midst of heaven, and did not hasten to go down for about a whole day. And there has been no day like that,
before it or after it, that the Lord heeded the voice of a man; for the Lord fought for Israel” (10:13-14).
What does the text mean when it says, “the Sun stood still”? Did the Sun literally stand “still,” or did the
Earth stop its approximate 1,000-mph rotation on its axis in order to give the Israelites more time to defeat
their enemies? And what about the Moon; did it actually stop, too? What are we to make of such language?
First, is it possible that the same God Who miraculously created the entire Universe out of nothing could
supernaturally (and literally) stop the Sun (or any other part, or all parts, of the Universe that He so chooses)?1
Could the same God Who made light, as well as mornings and evenings on Earth, without a Sun (on days 1-3
of Creation; Genesis 1:3-19)2 also cause the Moon to “stop”?3 Is it possible for the omnipotent Creator, Who
currently “upholds the Universe by the word of His power” (Hebrews 1:3, ESV), to miraculously manipulate a
day on Earth to His liking? Is it possible for God to refract light or to specially create some kind of light to
illuminate a part of the Earth for a longer period of time than the normal daylight hours? Though skeptics
often ridicule the idea of miracles, in truth, if a supernatural God exists, then supernatural miracles are
possible. Could God Almighty work an astronomical miracle on behalf of the Israelites when they faced the
armies of the Amorites if He so chose? Indeed, He could.
But how, exactly, could God have “stopped” the Sun and Moon? The fact is, we are not told how God could
have worked such a miracle any more than we are told how He miraculously fed several thousand people with
merely five loaves of bread and two fish (Matthew 14:13-21), how He made an iron ax head float in water (2
Kings 6:4-7), or how exactly Jonah could have survived for three days in the belly of a fish. The recognition of
God’s unlimited knowledge and power should be a logically sufficient explanation.
Bible students must keep in mind that the book of Joshua is a historical composition, full of real people,
places, dialogue, and events, and is written in ordinary language. Joshua is not a book of prophecy or poetry
filled with extensive amounts of figurative language. Nothing in Joshua 10 suggests that we should interpret
the account as highly figurative or symbolic. That said, one common element of normal, “everyday” speech
and writing, both in Bible times and today, is the description of things as they appear (and not necessarily in
the scientifically precise manner that we would expect in a geometry or chemistry classroom). Since to
everyone on Earth (both in Bible times and today) it appears that the Sun moves from the east to the west, man
has long referred to the Sun rising and setting (though technically what we see is the result of the Earth’s
rotation on its axis). Could it be that the miracle God worked in Joshua 10 had less to do with the Sun than
one might initially think? Certainly. As Hebrew scholar Justin Rogers commented: “Indeed, it appeared to them
that ‘the sun stopped in the middle of the sky.’ This is clear use of phenomenological language, and it simply
means this day was unusually long. Daylight was halted miraculously so as to allow God’s forces more time to
conquer their foes.”4 God did not inform us of the precise manner in which He chose to work this marvelous
miracle, but rest assured, it happened, and it was amazing. In fact, “there has been no day like that, before it
or after it, that the Lord heeded the voice of a man” (Joshua 10:14).5
ENDNOTES
1 The Sun literally moves. It rotates about every 27 days at its equator (www.nasa.gov/sun), while traveling through the Milky Way
Galaxy at an estimated 514,000 miles per hour (starchild.gsfc.nasa.gov/docs/StarChild/questions/question18.html).
2 Keep in mind that “the Father of lights” (James 1:17), Who is “light” (1 John 1:5), could create light easily without first having to
create the Sun, Moon, and stars. Just as God could produce a fruit-bearing tree on day three without seed, He could produce light
supernaturally on Day 1 without the “usual” light bearers (which subsequently were created on Day 4). For more information, see Eric
Lyons (2006), “When Were the Sun, Moon, and Stars Created?” www.apologeticspress.org/AllegedDiscrepancies.aspx?
article=1990&b=Genesis.
3 The Moon also rotates on its axis as it revolves around Earth (moon.nasa.gov/about/in-depth).
4 Justin Rogers (2017), “Does the Bible Teach a Flat Earth?” Reason & Revelation, July, 37[7]:74-77, apologeticspress.org/
APContent.aspx?category=11&article=5428&topic=82, emp. in original.
5 A story has circulated on the Internet for many years that NASA discovered Joshua’s “missing day.” This story is a hoax. Although
some (such as C.A.L. Totten and Harry Rimmer) have alleged to have discovered a “missing day” (in connection with Joshua 10), their
calculations and differing conclusions are highly questionable and unproven at best and laughable at worst. Rimmer goes so far as to
“arrive at the conclusion that the day of battle was Tuesday…July 22” [Rimmer (1944), The Harmony of Science and Scripture (Grand
Rapids, MI: Eerdmans), pp. 251-283].
The above article was taken from the following URL: https://apologeticspress.org/APContent.aspx?category=11&article=5529
From the Elders:
Sunday morning Bible Classes have resumed with worship following at 10:30am. We are studying 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus & Philemon. Workbooks are available.
Based on the recent guidelines for COIVD and the restrictions for places of worship, our service will now be conducted indoors.
9:30am – 10:15am: Adult Bible Study
9:30am – 10:15am: Children Bible Classes
10:30am – 11:30am: Sunday Worship
(Our Sunday night worship and Wednesday night Bible study have been cancelled until further notice.)
Save the dates…
- July 27, 2021: the Lunch Bunch will be gathering at Los Portales located at 10244 Central Ave., Montclair, at 11:30 AM. Los Portales is in the same parking lot as the Pancakes R Us restaurant. We had a total of 10 people who enjoyed the last luncheon fellowship and hope YOU can join us in July!
- August 1, 2021: Congregational meeting with the elders at 4 PM to brainstorm ideas regarding outreach to the community.
- Aug 8, 2021: Second Sunday Singing at the home of the Lacuata starting at 5:00 pm. Please bring a dish to share and plan on enjoying a wonderful evening of fellowship with our spiritual family!!
- Aug 22, 2021: Our 5th Sunday Potluck has been moved to 8/22. This will be a special gathering in honor of Dale and Linda Riech who are moving to Tennessee!
- Aug 24, 2021: The Lunch Bunch will be gathering at Los Portales located at 10244 Central Ave., Montclair, at 11:30 AM. Los Portales is in the same parking lot as the Pancakes R Us restaurant. We had a total of 14 people who enjoyed the last luncheon fellowship and hope YOU can join us in August!
- October 22-24, 2021: The Oakhurst (Yosemite) Ladies Retreat will resume this year. More info to follow!
TRAVELING…Gene and Anne Rupel are in Germany visiting their daughter, Rachel Castleberg, and her family. There has been flooding in Northern Europe. Thankfully, the Rupels and Castlebergs are safe thus far! Also, Bob and Nancy Mellard are in Oregon. PLEASE PRAY FOR SAFE, TROUBLE FREE TRAVELS!!!
THANKS…Karen Burton would like to thank everyone for their prayers concerning her mother, Shirley Burton. She is doing well now!
LORD HEAR OUR PRAYER
…but prayer was being made earnestly to God for him by the church. Acts 12:5
- Gaby Bailey-Juarez: Over the last month, Gaby contracted another infection from the new liver itself, which is very common in transplants. She is being treated and is making improvements but due to new medications, her skin graft surgery has been delayed to sometime at the beginning of September. She is resting & recovering in the hotel room in AZ. She has been in a lot of daily pain. Please keep her in your prayers. God bless.
- Leota and John Jackson, Leota fell and broke her hip and John is struggling with cancer. John is residing at Villa Mesa Care Center in Upland and Leota is residing at Montclair Royale in Montclair.
- Vince and Dodie Ellingson, who were former members at Chino and now reside in Kalispell, Montana. Dodie is in a memory care facility and has fallen twice and has a broken pelvis.
- Bob Alvord is dealing with health issues.
- Darrel Nott has been diagnosed with prostate cancer and is undergoing treatment.
- Randy Proffitt, Danny Proffitt’s nephew. The tumor in Randy’s spine has grown causing tremendous pain and it was determined that he should immediately undergo radiation, (which he did this past week), and he will be starting chemo.
- Glenn McCoy, former Elder at the State College congregation is in a nursing care facility and is struggling.
- Tom Brown, (Bob Mellard’s brother-in-law who lives in Little Rock, Arkansas). He is suffering from seizures and is recovering at home.
- Mildred Hamilton, is struggling with health issues. Phone calls are welcome and she can have visitors, but you need to make an appointment with Oakmont where she resides.
- Charlene Osborne, struggling with health issues.
- Jonal Schissler-is recuperating from surgery on her Achilles tendon.
- Dave Board, ORPHAN’S LIFELINE CEO AND CO-FOUNDER- Dave has been diagnosed with a form of lymphoma and is currently undergoing treatment in Kalispell, MT. Prayers have been requested for Dave, his family and Orphan’s Lifeline in this difficult time. Cards and other forms of encouragement can be mailed to: P.O. Box 1100, Kalispell, MT. 59903.
- Nichole Tatum-Deja Brunel’s Dental Hygienist -Nichole has been diagnosed with breast cancer and is undergoing chemotherapy.
- Richard Ramirez-is having health issues. He has shown some improvement, but it is a slow process.
- Don Ruhl – Don is the preacher at Grants Pass, Oregon. He is a good friend of Steve Lloyd. Don has Covid 19. He was in the hospital but is now isolating at home. His covid 19 has been complicated due to the fact that several years ago he had a Kidney transplant. He tires quickly which has been overwhelming for him.
- John Clement – Anne Rupel’s brother- having difficulties after a surgery. Anne has asked for prayers for John, his family and his doctors.
- Aida Rodas – Wendy Hernandez’s aunt- Aida is recuperating from open heart surgery.
- Cesar – Connie Ramirez’s brother- Cesar underwent open heart surgery. Richard and Connie have requested prayers that he will reach out to God for salvation and for a full recovery.
- Gilbert Sifuentes – Isabella & Anthony’s Dad- Was hit by a car and was hospitalized with a broken leg.
- Abby Alvo: She broke her fibula and dislocated her ankle.
- Linda and Joshua Ankiah are missionaries to South Africa. They have two children, Leah and Luke and they are experiencing major unrest in the region. Joshua and their son, Luke, are a part of a group of local men rotating guard duty and trying to protect their area from the Zulu rampage.
ONGOING PRAYERS FOR…
OUR SENIORS: Lee Dacus, Joe/Lupe Lueras, Ken McCutcheon, Mildred Hamilton, Bob Alvord, Earlene Abraham,
Vera Anthony, John/Leota Jackson, Jean Williams, and Jerry/Carol Thompson.
OUR FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN
MILITARY: Ed Vales’ granddaughter’s husband, (AJ Jones), is at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Tacoma, WA, Damon
Aragon’s nephew, and Xander Armas, USMC San Diego
OUR SHEPHERDS: Corey, Gene, and Reuben
Those works that the congregation supports: The children of Orphan’s Lifeline, City of Children and Agape Village, the 3 preacher training schools, the congregations supported in the Philippines, and In Search of The Lord’s Way television program.
July Birthdays
07/10 Nicolas Weakland
07/12 Joseph Schissler
07/15 Gene Rupel
07/15 Damon Aragon
07/23 Essiet Waggoner
07/24 Reuben Lacuata
07/28 Madeline Casolari
Works we support…
Benevolent Support
City of Hope, (Orphanage in Mexico), Orphan’s Lifeline International (Orphans in Russia and Africa),
Agape Village, (Children’s Home).
Evangelistic Support
James Lloyd, (local evangelist), Bear Valley Bible Institute, Sunset International Bible Institute, Southwest
School of Bible Studies, (preaching training schools).
Congregation Support
In the Philippines: PAYATAS IN METRO MANILA, BICOL REGION AND BAGUIO
Television Program Support
IN SEARCH OF THE LORD’S WAY, (nationwide gospel tv program)
Read Through the Bible in 2021! Here is the reading schedule for 7/25 – 8/17.
The reading schedule is chronological and is taken from:
https://www.gospelgazette.com/reading/reading.htm
July
25 Isaiah 55-57
26 Isaiah 58-60
27 Isaiah 61-63
28 Isaiah 64-66
29 Micah 1-4
30 Micah 5-7
31 Nahum 1-3
August
1 2 Kings 20-21
2 Zephaniah 1-3
3 Habakkuk 1-3
4 2 Kings 22·25
5 Obadiah; Jeremiah 1-2
6 Jeremiah 3-5
7 Jeremiah 6-8
8 Jeremiah 9-12
9 Jeremiah 13-16
10 Jeremiah 17-20
11 Jeremiah 21-23
12 Jeremiah 24-26
13 Jeremiah 27-29
14 Jeremiah 30-32
15 Jeremiah 33-36
16 Jeremiah 37-39
17 Jeremiah 40-42
