Oak Ridge Church Sermon

Gray Wolf – In the fall of 2007 a gray wolf was seen in Massachusetts and biologists wonder how the animal could have traveled so far. If this wolf originated in Canada, the experts say, it likely crossed the St. Lawrence River in Quebec, went through Maine, then navigated hundreds of miles of roads, rivers, and communities before reaching Shelburne, Massachusetts.

Grand Canyon – In a recent article it was stated that scientists cannot agree on the age of the Grand Canyon. Their guesses range from 6 to 17 million years old, with ages differing for parts of the canyon.

Polar Bears – Going against the media’s concern over polar bears survival due to global warming, there are more polar bears now than in 1972. In 1972 there were about 5,000 and now there are between 20,000 and 25,000 polar bears.

Global Warming – In 2007, over 400 scientists disputed global warning as the terrible threat Al Gore and others like him claim. Over 400 prominent scientists from more than two-dozen countries recently voiced significant objections to major aspects of the so-called "consensus" on man-made global warming. Many of the scientists featured in this report consistently stated that numerous colleagues shared their views, but they will not speak out publicly for fear of retribution. Atmospheric scientist Dr. Nathan Paldor, Professor of Dynamical Meteorology and Physical Oceanography at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, author of almost 70 peer-reviewed studies, explains how many of his fellow scientists have been intimidated. Ted Turner recently claimed that because of global warming we could have people living as cannibals within 30 years.

White Killer Whale – Researchers working near Alaska's Aleutian Islands on February 23, 2008 spotted a white killer whale, which they estimate was 25 to 30 feet long and weighed more than 10,000 pounds. This is only the third time in the past 15 years that such a whale has been seen in the area. Many thought this creature was simply a myth.

Wolverine - Until this picture of a wolverine was taken on February 28, 2008 by a motion-and-heat-detecting digital camera in the northern part of the Sierra Nevada range in California, scientists didn't believe wolverines still existed there.

Maud Island frog - This Maud Island frog lives at the Karori Wildlife Sanctuary in New Zealand. The rare breed, which has changed little over the past 70 million years (mcw – If evolution is true why hasn’t it evolved?), is thriving in the predator-free environment. Unlike other frogs, they hatch fully formed, skipping the tadpole stage. They also do not croak, live in water, or have webbed feet.

Telea Hairstreak Butterfly - Visitors flocked to Falcon State Park in Texas after this rare telea hairstreak butterfly was captured on film by Berry Nall in October of 2007. The butterfly hadn't been seen in the U.S. for more than 70 years.

Cambodian Soft Shell Turtles - In May of 2007, scientists discovered these rare soft-shell turtles, once thought to be on the brink of extinction, in a once-restricted part of Cambodia.

Long-Whiskered Owlet - The long-whiskered owlet, one of the world's smallest owls, was spotted in the wild for the first time in February 2006. It was seen in a private reserve in Peru.

Giant Squid - In December 2006, scientists released footage of a giant squid -- here attacking a bait squid -- that may be the first images of a live giant squid at the water's surface.

Some Conclusions

(1) Man does not have the answers (Jeremiah 10:23, Proverbs 14:12)

(2) God’s wisdom is higher than the wisdom of man (Proverbs 9:10, Isaiah 55:8-9, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25)

(3) God will give wisdom to His children (James 1:5)

(4) Wisdom is justified by her children (Luke 7:29-35)

(5) The wise will follow Jesus (Matthew 7:21-24)

Jesus is the Rock of the wise! Why not become a follower of Jesus today (Matthew 28:18-20)? It is the wisest thing you can do!

If we can help you now, please come forward while we stand and sing.