July 9, 2014 Steps to Life Newsletter

Dear STL Supporter

Fearfully and Wonderfully Made - That's Us!!

I am a faith based creationist. I see overwhelming evidence in the natural world to convince me of the need for intelligent design. The irreducible complexity (The existence of multiple interdependent systems to sustain even the simplest forms of life, let alone the more complex) of the biology and physiology of plant, animal and human forms of life and their dependence on just the right conditions in the world that surrounds them, compels me to believe that there is a mastermind who has created. For these reasons I can't be a faith based evolutionist, or even agnostic.

I hear what the apostle Paul has said in Romans 1: 20 to 23 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things. As Paul continues in the rest of Romans 1 he links the distortion of societal malaise to the rejection of the evidence of God as creator. Paul particularly specifies the emergence of alternative sexuality to the rejection of the evidence of the creating God. The Bible's book of origins, Genesis, tells me that the originator's design was for male and female in a partnership of equality but with different roles cemented into a marriage relationship.

Ron and Claudia Woolsey's coming seminar, Alternative Sexuality and the Church, explores this theme from the perspective of one who willingly experienced alternative sexuality but has now chosen by the grace of God to put it behind him and live according to the creator's design for sexual expression and marriage. Ron and Claudia describe their seminar as homo-agapic (redemptive love for) rather than homophobic (fear of). Claudia's insights, from the perspective of someone who has married a person who has been there and done that, and in God's strength rejected so called gay lifestyle, will be most informative and helpful

as we all determine our positions on the matter of alternative lifestyle and those who live it.

Recently I had a huge injection of faith in creation when I read God's Undertaker. Has Science Buried God? The author is Dr John C Lennox MA, PhD, DPhil, DSc. At the time when he wrote the book he was the Professor in Mathematics at Oxford University and Fellow in Mathematics and Philosophy at Green Templeton College. He is an academic of no mean international standing. His argument is that everything in science does not point towards, atheism but towards theism. That the evidence points towards intelligent input rather than chance and probability. He documents the researchers who declare that evolution cannot explain our existence and points out many fallacies in the conclusions that evolutionists/atheists put forward as fact.

Dr. John C Lennox's conclusion on his analysis of the weight of scientific, mathematical and philosophical argument about creation or evolution is - Diametrically opposed to naturalism and materialism is the theistic view of the universe that finds clear expression in the opening words of Genesis - In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth (Genesis 1: 1). Here is an assertion that the universe is not a closed system but a creation, an artefact of the mind of God, maintained and upheld by him. It is an answer to the question: Why does the universe exist? It exists because God causes it to be.

From reading God's Undertaker. Has Science Buried God?, I am more than ever convinced that we, and all that surrounds us is fearfully and wonderfully made.

Next STL, Dr Neil Nedley Depression Recovery Program, Commences on August 18

Most of us know friends or families who are affected by depression and anxiety conditions. These conditions are unfortunately in epidemic proportions in the western world. The program is for anyone who would like to proof themselves against, or needs help with, or would like to help someone with depression/anxiety challenges. It's a very effective program with a high success rate of depression/anxiety reduction and cure.

If you would like to know more please call us on 03 9739 4093. If you live in the Melbourne area and would like some information flyers to hand out to your friends, social groups or church members we are happy to send some to you on request.

Pain Management: Theme of Sunday Health Seminar, August 10

Dr David Bird is leading this seminar. He is one of our regular SHS presenters. David is a consultant doctor at the National Institute of Integrative Medicine, Melbourne. His specialties include pain management and relief, Lyme disease, chronic fatigue and burnout, fibromyalgia, autoimmune disease and depression and anxiety. The advertising brochure is included with this newsletter. If you would like more to share with folks who you know who could be helped please call Cherryl on 03 9739 4093. The SHS will be available as a DVD.

Steps to Life Filming Studio Available for Use

Our STL filming studio space is not always being used by us. It is available for other compatible use. It can seat up to 80 people, is both heated and cooled. It can be used for small groups that need an occasional or regular place to get together. It is available for filming presentations that have an audience, or which don't have an audience. If you are interested in exploring the possibilities call us and let's talk over if we can be of help to you.

Alternative Sexuality and the Church - Ron and Claudia Woolsey - Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane, plus Some Country Locations.

This seminar promises to be one of the most helpful and relevant seminars hosted by STL in recent times. The challenge of alternative sexuality and how we as Christians relate to it in a Christ-like manner is all around us, often in a confronting way. The media portrays it from a human rights perspective, schools no longer teach that families have a mother and father but that families may be made up of two fathers or two mothers, leading politicians and civic figures are proudly declaring their gay status, as are sporting icons and pop stars. Children are encouraged to question their sexual identity at an early stage in mainstream education and children's literature. Church clerics are declaring their gayness and performing same sex marriages. On June 28, 2014 David Cameron, Prime Minister of the UK made a video proudly promoting UK as the leading gay friendly nation in Europe. He promotes it as a major social reform that is leading the world. You can view it for yourself here.

Ron and Claudia Woolsey's seminar is to help us understand how to relate to all of this in a Christian manner. Don't miss it!

Christian greetings from Cherryl and the STL Team

Brian Way/ Program Co-ordinator