• A Little Light Reading.
    Alone in the crowd.

    Joe Crews.

    Recently I discovered some very
    interesting things about a little
    sea creature that rates rather low
    on the biblical scale. The unclean shrimp
    has a most marvelous manner of changing
    clothes six or eight times a year through
    a process called molting. Apparently a  Alone in the Crowd
    new suit begins to grow underneath the
    old skin. By scraping around on the rocks,
    the shrimp begins to shred and loosen the
    older outer layer, which soon sloughs off
    completely, revealing the classy new cov-
    ering underneath.
    At the time of each molting, another
    fascinating phenomenon occurs. In re-
    sponse to some built-in primitive instinct
    every shrimp deliberately places a grain of
    sand in a special place in its head. At every
    molting cycle the little rock is discarded
    along with the old skin, and a new grain of
    sand is put carefully in place.
    Because of the unique function of
    those rocks, they have been named “status
    stones” or stones of standing. They are ab-
    solutely necessary for the survival of these
    hardy marine animals. Without them the
    shrimp would be constantly confused and
    disoriented. In the wake of surging tides
    and currents they are tumbled over and
    over and upside down. It is only by feeling Alone in the Crowd 
    the slight tug of gravity on the rock in their
    head that they can recognize whether they
    are upside down or right side up.
    In His great love and wisdom, God
    provided this mechanism to enable the
    lowly shrimp to keep a dignified balance
    amid the turbulent elements of its habitat.
    Since it is obvious that no shrimp con-
    fided these facts to me, you might wonder
    how this amazing information came to
    light. Several years ago a marine biolo-
    gist conducted an experiment on several
    shrimp that had been placed in a large
    aquarium. In the bottom of the aquarium
    the scientist placed steel filings instead of
    sand. When molting time came, each one
    of the shrimp picked up a piece of steel, in-
    stead of a rock, and placed it in its head.
    Then the biologist brought a power-
    ful electromagnet and placed it over the
    top of the aquarium. Immediately all the
    shrimp flipped upside down and began
    to swim around in an inverted position.  Alone in the Crowd
    The pull of the magnet on the steel sliv-
    er was stronger than the tug of gravity,
    and they believed that up was down and
    down was up. To make the experiment
    more dramatic the scientist then brought a
    shrimp from the ocean and placed it in the
    aquarium. Naturally this newcomer on the
    scene was paddling around in the proper
    upright position.
    Can’t you imagine the consternation
    that probably was provoked by the appear-
    ance of this oddball in the tank? It seems
    highly likely that some nasty whispers
    began to circulate within those troubled
    waters. “Who does this nut think he is?
    Who is he trying to impress? Does this
    weirdo imagine that he is going to show us
    a better way to swim? Why is he doing it
    upside down?”
    You see, that steel-in-the-head, wrong-
    way crowd had no inkling that the recent
    visitor was really the only shrimp that was
    swimming correctly. They had always Alone in the Crowd 
    depended on two things to prove they were
    right-side up—their feeling, and what the
    majority around them was doing. But now
    that their status stone had been tampered
    with, they were deceived into believing a
    lie on both counts.
    Following Feeling or
    Following the Crowd
    The more I thought of that story,
    the more I realized that all of us are in an
    aquarium as we make our way through
    this world. Powerful magnets of tempta-
    tion are all around us trying to disturb our
    spiritual balance and turn us upside down.
    Those who trust in feeling and majority
    opinion are easily up-ended by the strong
    attraction of outside forces. Consoled
    by the presence of so many others about
    them doing the same thing, they soon be-
    gin to see everything in relation to their
    distorted view. They reverse all the signs
    in order to read them better, and develop  Alone in the Crowd
    a firm conviction that they are balanced
    and correct, while everyone differing from
    them is wrong. Eventually they see wrong
    as right and right as wrong. Anyone who
    goes contrary to his or her perceptions is
    instantly branded as a fanatic or a critical
    troublemaker.
    This points up one great truth: We can-
    not measure right and wrong by our feeling
    or by what the majority are doing! We need
    something from outside ourselves to tell
    us where the truth lies. Our impulses may
    be just as real as the pull of the magnet, but
    they could also be just as misleading. Our
    numerous friends may be most respect-
    able and religious, but their status stone
    could be linked to the same false guidance
    system, cleverly sabotaged by the enemy.
    There is only one true, infallible status
    stone for the Christian, and that is the Bible.
    When that Word is placed in the mind, it
    provides a standard of truth which is al-
    ways dependable. Every impulse of feeling Alone in the Crowd 
    should be tested by it. The total lifestyle,
    including words, actions, and thoughts
    must be brought under the supervision of
    that one great directional control center. It
    is no exaggeration to state that most de-
    viations from God’s will today are based
    upon either following feeling or following
    the crowd.
    How important it is for us to study
    these two powerful weapons that Satan
    utilized with such devilish expertise. Both
    of them are rooted within man’s deepest
    psychological needs. We often overlook
    the fact that our spiritual enemy has been
    studying human nature for almost 6,000
    years—quite a bit longer than the most
    successful psychiatrist in practice today.
    He has also experimented with our emo-
    tional weaknesses, using these to exploit
    us in our most vulnerable moments.
    How many have fallen prey to his ma-
    nipulative devices? One clear look at our
    flesh-oriented society provides the answer.  Alone in the Crowd
    Jesus saw it long before it happened and
    tried to warn his disciples and us about the
    strength of those attacks. He said, “Strait
    is the gate, and narrow is the way, which
    leadeth into life, and few there be that find
    it” (Matthew 7:14).
    On another occasion the Master asked
    this significant question, “When the son
    of man cometh, shall he find faith on the
    earth?” (Luke 18:8). In the same discourse
    He declared, “As it was in the days of Noe,
    so shall it be also in the days of the Son of
    man” (Luke 17:26).
    Obviously only a small proportion of
    earth’s inhabitants will escape from the
    overwhelming deceptions of the last days
    and be saved. A little remnant, as always,
    will be more concerned about doing right
    than pleasing self, the crowd, or some oth-
    er individual. The record of history con-
    sistently chronicles the story of that small
    company of dissenters who dared to reject
    the comfortable appeal of the crowd. The Alone in the Crowd 
    majority seem never to be searching for
    truth so much as for a smooth, easy, con-
    venient religion which will allow them to
    live as they please. To them any doctrine
    which demands self-denial or a disciplined
    lifestyle is bad news.
    I
    s It Easy to Preach the Truth?
    This is undoubtedly why there is such
    a one-sided gospel being preached
    in most churches today. It is pleasant to
    speak things that are appreciated and well
    received. No messenger of God is hesitant
    to declare the precious truths about justi-
    fication and free grace which require only
    faith and acceptance. Yet there is another
    side of the gospel which is concerned with
    fruits and good works. It is called sanctifi-
    cation. It speaks of obedience and Christ-
    like behavior in every life situation. That is
    the aspect of righteousness by faith which
    is very unpopular with the masses today. It
    demands action and obedience. 10 Alone in the Crowd
    Are some preachers afraid to deliver
    the unadorned truth on this subject for fear
    of rejection and ridicule? Have they been
    intimidated by seeing other faithful watch-
    men attacked as legalistic and judgmental?
    You may answer that question on the basis
    of your own observations. The example of
    the prophet Jonah provides dramatic evi-
    dence that it is not easy to tell it like it is.
    No one would welcome his assignment.
    Is it any easier to stand before practic-
    ing sinners of every hue and variety and
    deliver the ultimatum of Jesus, “Go and sin
    no more?” As an ambassador for God, I can
    tell you that there is a terrible temptation
    to feel sorry for those drug addicts, drunk-
    ards and prostitutes, and to tone down the
    requirements to give up the practice of
    sin. We want to be easy on them. We don’t
    want to discourage them with the thought
    that they must change their lifestyle. At
    least, not immediately. Somehow we want
    to keep accommodating the carnal nature Alone in the Crowd 11
    just a little bit to make religion more com-
    fortable for them.
    Question: Is there any true religion that
    endorses the continued practice of sin in
    any degree whatsoever? Is there any state-
    ment in the entire Bible which conveys the
    thought that we should only diminish the
    amount of sin we commit? Can the justify-
    ing, converting grace of Christ cover the
    practice of any deliberate, known sin? Paul
    declares, “For the flesh lusteth against the
    Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and
    these are contrary the one to the other: so
    that ye cannot do the things that ye would”
    (Galatians 5:17).
    If that statement is not strong enough
    on the subject, read the further word of
    the apostle in Romans 8:13, “If ye live after
    the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the
    spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye
    shall live.” There it is! We can do one or the
    other, but we cannot do both at the same
    time. We either live after the flesh or after 12 Alone in the Crowd
    the Spirit. Paul said, “These are contrary
    the one to the other.” That is plain enough.
    There can be no sharing of authority be-
    tween these two forces. We must mortify
    the deeds of the body or accommodate
    them. Which will it be? It can’t be both.
    But let’s return to our point about fol-
    lowing the crowd. We have discovered that
    the majority is usually wrong, and that they
    do not want to be told about their sins. We
    have also considered how difficult it is to
    tell that crowd how wrong they are. Right
    here it seems appropriate to read the words
    of Jesus, “Ye are they which justify your-
    selves before men; but God knoweth your
    hearts: for that which is highly esteemed
    among men is abomination in the sight of
    God” (Luke 16:15).
    Hazards of the “Highly Esteemed”
    The last sentence contains a
    priceless principle for all of us
    today. Jesus spoke it to the Pharisees who Alone in the Crowd 13
    were shamelessly justifying their unjust
    ways because they conformed to the ac-
    ceptable codes of the day. He clearly in-
    dicated that the majority opinion would
    be on the wrong side of almost every
    question. He already had declared that
    most people would enter the broad road
    to destruction. Their views and prac-
    tices would represent those who are
    wrong—those who will be lost. Yet it
    would be held by the largest number—in
    contrast to the “few” in the narrow road.
    The shocking thing is that those things
    “highly esteemed” among the majority of
    men are abominable in God’s sight.
    It is not hard to see the truth of this state-
    ment when we look at the principles upon
    which society operates today. Whether we
    are looking at dress, diet, entertainment,
    or educational standards, there is a vast
    difference between the world’s ways and
    God’s ideals. Sometimes we chafe, like the
    Israelites, because we cannot be like the 14 Alone in the Crowd
    nations around us, but God has given us a
    better, higher standard to live by.
    Many have marveled at the almost as-
    cetic doctrine of holiness by separation
    which is expounded throughout the Bible.
    Why did God forbid His ancient people to
    mingle and intermarry with the heathen
    nations? The New Testament writers also
    make repeated calls for spiritual Israel to
    “come out” and be separate from a system
    which they called “the world.” Those called-
    out ones are identified as “the church,”
    which is always set in opposition to “the
    world.” The original word for church comes
    from two Greek words: ek, meaning “out
    of,” and kalleo, meaning “called”—eklesia:
    the church, the called-out ones.
    Why does God not approve a close re-
    lationship of His “few” followers with the
    “many there be” in the broad road? And
    why does the majority choose to be lost?
    How does Satan draw them in such masses
    to follow his program? The answers to those Alone in the Crowd 15
    questions will also provide an explanation
    for the insistent call of prophets and gospel
    writers to separate from that majority.
    Here is why so many have been cap-
    tured by the evil one: his fraternization
    scheme is based upon a recognized law of
    the mind which decrees that we gradually
    adapt to the people we associate with. The
    unconscious effect of hearing and seeing
    their words and lifestyle is to slowly build
    toward an acceptance of what was once
    repugnant. The molding influence of such
    exposure breaks down the moral reserve,
    and eventually leads to a conciliatory at-
    titude toward sin.
    The whole scheme is deadly because
    the leavening process takes place so subtly.
    At no point is the collaborator aware that he
    is being imperceptibly manipulated by the
    people around him. No danger signals are
    raised. The conscience bends by degrees
    toward the new tolerant mindset. This is
    the way spiritual “status stones” have been 16 Alone in the Crowd
    altered. The slow shift from Bible principle
    to majority opinion is usually made with a
    minimum of spiritual conflict because of
    the gradual nature of the change.
    Survey after survey has revealed how
    moral standards have been lowered under
    the deadening influence of environmen-
    tal input. There is no way to be holy while
    mingling closely with the unholy. We can-
    not expose the mind constantly to abomi-
    nations without suffering the consequenc-
    es. The Spirit of God made no mistake in
    urging separation from the world of the
    flesh. Even prayer and Bible study cannot
    continue to protect against a presumptuous
    choice to watch alluring sinful scenes and
    listen to corrupting words and sounds.
    The Fallacy of Following Feeling
    Surely we can now better under-
    stand why the lesson of the shrimp
    is important for us to understand. It is
    never safe to follow the crowd. But now Alone in the Crowd 17
    let’s look at the second dangerous conse-
    quence of a faulty status stone. The shrimp
    trusted in feelings which were produced
    by powerful outside forces working on the
    status stone. Obviously these feelings were
    inaccurate and undependable because the
    stone in its head had been changed.
    Mark it down well: it is no safer to fol-
    low feeling than it is to follow the crowd.
    No matter how secure the shrimp felt about
    the tug of that magnet, it led him to act
    wrongly and make a fool of himself. Satan
    would be delighted to lead every one of us
    into doing the same thing. He has already
    done it to the majority by causing them
    to trust some other “stone of standing”
    than the Word of God. Using the power-
    ful magnet of a glamorous, glittering soci-
    ety, Satan has created some very pleasur-
    able but deceptive feelings. Millions have
    been lured into a state of false security in
    which they feel ridiculously overconfident
    and safe. It is almost as though they have 18 Alone in the Crowd
    been hypnotized and are obeying the will
    of some other mind than their own.
    Does most of the world actually oper-
    ate under a trance condition brought on by
    Satan’s hypnotic powers? None can doubt
    the ability of mind scientists to produce
    such a state in almost anyone who will look
    at them or listen to them. There is always
    some point of contact used in putting a
    subject under hypnosis. Attention must be
    focused upon a light or some other object
    as well as the words which are being spo-
    ken. Without this deliberate attentiveness
    no one can be brought under the power of
    the hypnotist.
    Does Satan have to get a similar atten-
    tion in order to bring anyone under his
    control? He also uses a point of contact,
    usually an indulged weakness, an appeal
    of the flesh, or some other area of tempta-
    tion. Our only safety is to never allow our-
    selves to watch or listen to his appealing
    attention devices. Alone in the Crowd 19
    When feelings become the criteria of
    testing truth, an unreasonably defensive at-
    titude is generated. The most sincere people
    are convinced beyond all question that they
    are right and everyone else is totally wrong.
    In the secure comfort of their subjective
    feeling they resist all logic or reason based
    on objective truth outside themselves.
    Can such feeling or moods be danger-
    ous for a Christian? Indeed, Satan uses
    them to destroy the ability to act rational-
    ly. Suppose you are seated in a small room
    with no ventilation. An oil-burning stove
    has been consuming the oxygen for some
    time. Gradually you become so drowsy
    that your brain is barely able to think. You
    do not feel like moving from your chair.
    Especially, you do not feel like getting up
    to open a window or a door. Yet your feel-
    ing against moving is a danger sign that
    you must make yourself act immediately
    to get more oxygen into the room or you
    will never move again. 20 Alone in the Crowd
    Have you ever been in the mood not to
    pray, or not to read your Bible? Of course
    you have. So have I. Should we yield to that
    feeling? Listen, prayer is the breath of the
    soul just as oxygen is the breath of the body.
    Our mood not to pray and study is a sig-
    nal that we had better make ourselves do
    it quickly because our spiritual life is being
    threatened. That is the time to force our-
    selves into the closet, onto our knees, and
    as we pray, the spiritual desires begin to re-
    turn. Very soon prayer is restored as a joy-
    ful, fulfilling privilege. But unless we break
    the hypnotic spell of Satan’s “feeling” trap
    by acting against his point of contact, we are
    placed in great spiritual jeopardy. The truth
    is that we must act or be acted upon.
    Acting or Reacting
    This brings us to the fantastic real-
    ization that every single one of us
    is either living a life based upon acting or
    reacting. We make our own independent Alone in the Crowd 21
    decisions about the kind of life we will live
    or else we simply react to the way other
    people treat us. In the latter case we turn
    the direction of our life over to someone
    else and allow them to determine the kind
    of person we shall be.
    Please take note that we are still talk-
    ing about Satan’s manipulation of our feel-
    ings, but in this case he is working through
    some other person to exercise his control.
    It is likely that no one is beyond being in-
    fluenced to some degree by the actions
    of others, but the vast majority are actu-
    ally the pawns of whatever circumstances
    happen to develop around them. Instead
    of basing their most important decisions
    upon deliberative reason or prayer, they
    impulsively strike out in any or all direc-
    tions, depending on the way their emo-
    tions have been stirred by others.
    Dr. Hunter was an English heart sur-
    geon who was himself afflicted with cor-
    onary disease. One day he commented 22 Alone in the Crowd
    to a colleague, “My life is in the hands of
    any rascal who chooses to annoy me.” His
    self-prophecy proved to be true. Later on
    someone dealt with him in a manner that
    made him furious, and he dropped dead
    of a heart attack. What an illustration that
    education and high intelligence cannot
    protect us from the folly of our fallen hu-
    man nature! All his honorable degrees of
    learning did not give Dr. Hunter control
    of his own spirit. He literally allowed an-
    other individual to make the decision as to
    whether he would live or die.
    But the doctor’s mistake is minuscule
    compared to that of those who let others
    actually determine their eternal destiny. All
    around us every day we observe the dread-
    ful playing out of an unnecessary drama,
    and often church members are involved in
    it. People permit their volatile emotions to
    surge out of control in retaliation for the way
    they are treated, and some of the darkest
    sins are recorded against them in the books Alone in the Crowd 23
    of heaven. Many will lose their souls because
    they refuse to assume the responsibility for
    their own course of action. In fact, they
    don’t act at all; they merely react. We can
    say without reservation that those who do
    not lay hold of divine power to live a disci-
    plined, controlled life will be ruled by Satan,
    either directly or indirectly. Not one person
    has that kind of strength within himself. The
    ability to control one’s own life by resisting
    every provocation of both friends and en-
    emies must come from God’s grace within.
    The real secret of protection from re-
    acting is found in Paul’s counsel to the
    Philippians, “Let this mind be in you which
    was also in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:5).
    No one can strike back if he is thinking
    thoughts of Jesus. On the cross Christ gave
    no sign of vengeance, irritation, or retalia-
    tion. His prayer was, “Father, forgive them,
    for they know not what they do.”
    Is that state of mind accessible to men
    in the flesh? Indeed, Jesus possessed the 24 Alone in the Crowd
    same fallen human nature that all children
    inherit from their parents. Yet He never
    reacted to a single needling rebuff or in-
    sult. The kind of serenity that He exhib-
    ited is promised to every believing child
    of God who will claim it in faith. Paul
    declared in 2 Corinthians 10:5, “Casting
    down imaginations, and every high thing
    that exalteth itself against the knowledge
    of God, and bringing into captivity every
    thought to the obedience of Christ.” Let
    no one believe that this kind of integra-
    tion with the thoughts and mind of Christ
    can come without both struggle and sur-
    render. The character is conformed to the
    divine pattern by two things operating in
    conjunction with the Holy Spirit—man’s
    will and man’s actions. God will never
    do these two things for us. Each person
    must make the decision to turn from sin,
    and then he must begin to act against the
    sin. Neither of these steps would be ef-
    fective were they not accompanied by the Alone in the Crowd 25
    enabling power of the Spirit. No man has
    the power to stop reacting in anger to the
    way he is treated, but he does have the
    power to choose to stop reacting. He also
    has the ability to start resisting the impulse
    to react. Do those two steps bring the vic-
    tory? Indeed, when taken after claiming
    the promised deliverance, they provide
    dramatic evidence of true faith. And faith,
    in turn, moves the omnipotent arm of God
    to intervene with shattering force against
    the practice of any sin.
    Dealing with Offenses
    Along with faith it is also very
    important to develop a philoso-
    phy of understanding toward those who
    may seem to be giving offense. Much of
    the problem stems from an unwillingness
    or inability to consider why that person is
    acting in such a manner.
    It is a demonstrated fact that our own
    attitude toward the offender determines 26 Alone in the Crowd
    to a large degree how we react to what
    he does against us. Unfortunately there
    is very little inclination to be thoughtful
    and reasonable when one is under physi-
    cal or verbal attack. Impulsive anger takes
    control, and we strike out blindly in self-
    protection. Were we capable of keeping on
    top of those oversensitive feelings it would
    give us time to ask and answer a few ques-
    tions about the other person’s motives.
    Even a few moments of rational thought
    could suggest the possibility that the of-
    fender might be operating under false in-
    formation and be very sincere in what he
    is doing. This could certainly ameliorate
    our own reactions toward him.
    Years ago I heard a story which has
    been such an inspiration to me that I have
    shared it often throughout my ministry.
    Many times I have needed to tell myself the
    story again to help ease through some es-
    pecially difficult time of personal stress. It
    concerns an old Greek philosopher by the Alone in the Crowd 27
    name of Philip who was walking along the
    street with a friend one day. It so happened
    that an enemy of Philip was watching him
    approach from an overhead window. As
    the two passed by he threw a bucket of
    water onto the wise old man. Without the
    slightest reaction to the outrage, Philip
    continued his conversation as though
    nothing at all had happened. His friend
    stopped and offered to help him find and
    punish the man who had treated him so
    rudely. Philip quietly replied that no one
    had done him any wrong. The friend re-
    monstrated in amazement, “But the man
    threw water all over you. You are soaking
    wet.” “No,” replied the philosopher, “you
    are mistaken. He did not throw any water
    on me. He threw it on the man he thought
    I was.”
    What an attitude! And what a world of
    difference it would make if everyone had
    such a spirit of selfless regard for the feelings
    of others. Most of the personal alienations, 28 Alone in the Crowd
    racial problems, and international disputes
    could be settled in a moment if everyone
    practiced the philosophy of Philip.
    Some time ago I was preparing a young
    mother for baptism. As I visited her for a
    final review of the doctrines of the church,
    she suddenly burst into tears. “I can’t be
    baptized,” she cried. “Last night my moth-
    er visited me and reminded me that since
    I hate my brother it would not be right
    to enter into baptism.” Under my gentle
    prodding, Carol agreed to share for the
    very first time why she had hated her only
    brother for all those years. Not even her
    mother knew the reasons behind that bit-
    ter spirit. When she was seven years old her
    teenage brother began to force her sexually
    and threaten her if she ever told anyone.
    For eight years she suffered unimaginable
    abuse at the hands of that cruel brother.
    I could truly understand Carol’s fester-
    ing anger and hatred toward her brother.
    I was overwhelmed by her justified sense Alone in the Crowd 29
    of being dehumanized and demeaned.
    How could I say anything that could pos-
    sible change her feelings over those deep
    psychological pains and scars? Then I re-
    membered the story of the old Greek phi-
    losopher. After sharing it with her, I asked
    for more information about that despised
    brother. Was he ever a Christian? “No,” said
    Carol, “he was the opposite of a Christian.
    He seemed always to be under the control
    of devils, and he’s still the same way.”
    I said, “Carol, isn’t it a tragedy that your
    brother never knew the power of God’s
    grace in his life? He was indeed controlled
    by Satan in all he was doing. Without God
    in his life there was no chance for him to
    resist the things Satan was doing through
    him. He was manipulated and used by the
    devil. If only he had known the Lord Jesus,
    he would never have been that way. He
    would have treated you with love and re-
    spect. Now you tell me that he is still not a
    Christian. He is still being forced to do evil 30 Alone in the Crowd
    things and has no power to resist. What a
    difference it would make if he could learn
    about Jesus and accept Him. He would have
    the same joy you have found in Christ. We
    need to pray for him, Carol, that somehow
    he can get out from under this evil power
    that has been using him.”
    As I talked the tears began to flow
    again, but this time they were tears of sor-
    row and compassion for a lost brother who
    was more to be pitied and prayed for than
    to be hated. Carol ended up on her knees
    that day, asking God to save her brother
    from his miserable captivity to Satan’s pow-
    er. Her own personal hatred was washed
    away in those tears, and the next day I had
    the joy of seeing the old Carol buried in
    the watery grave. Her life was transformed
    when she began to realize that her brother
    did not even know her—not really. If he
    had been sensitive to her as a person, he
    would not have treated her that way. His
    understanding was distorted by sin. Alone in the Crowd 31
    Can we believe the same thing about
    people who mistreat us along the road of
    life? Would they act the same way if they
    fully understood what they were doing?
    Can’t we assume that they don’t really have
    the full information about us, about our
    feelings, and who we really are? If only we
    could give them the benefit of that doubt
    and say, “They didn’t do it to the real me.
    They did it to the person they thought I
    was.” Then we can feel sorry for them, be-
    cause they don’t know any better. And best
    of all we can even begin to pray for them.
    So we are brought back again to the
    two great lessons taught by the shrimp
    who have rocks in their heads. We cannot
    measure what is right and wrong by our
    subjective feelings or by what the majority
    are doing. Our stone of standing must be
    the Word of God. Regardless of the crowd,
    regardless of our moods or feelings, re-
    gardless of the way people treat us, we
    must choose to order our lives on the 32 Alone in the Crowd
    basis of divine principle. Like Paul we say,
    “I am crucified with Christ, nevertheless I
    live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me. And
    the life I now live, I live by the faith of him
    who loved me, and gave himself for me”
    (Galatians 2:20).
    A Little Light Reading. Alone in the crowd. Joe Crews. Recently I discovered some very interesting things about a little sea creature that rates rather low on the biblical scale. The unclean shrimp has a most marvelous manner of changing clothes six or eight times a year through a process called molting. Apparently a  Alone in the Crowd new suit begins to grow underneath the old skin. By scraping around on the rocks, the shrimp begins to shred and loosen the older outer layer, which soon sloughs off completely, revealing the classy new cov- ering underneath. At the time of each molting, another fascinating phenomenon occurs. In re- sponse to some built-in primitive instinct every shrimp deliberately places a grain of sand in a special place in its head. At every molting cycle the little rock is discarded along with the old skin, and a new grain of sand is put carefully in place. Because of the unique function of those rocks, they have been named “status stones” or stones of standing. They are ab- solutely necessary for the survival of these hardy marine animals. Without them the shrimp would be constantly confused and disoriented. In the wake of surging tides and currents they are tumbled over and over and upside down. It is only by feeling Alone in the Crowd  the slight tug of gravity on the rock in their head that they can recognize whether they are upside down or right side up. In His great love and wisdom, God provided this mechanism to enable the lowly shrimp to keep a dignified balance amid the turbulent elements of its habitat. Since it is obvious that no shrimp con- fided these facts to me, you might wonder how this amazing information came to light. Several years ago a marine biolo- gist conducted an experiment on several shrimp that had been placed in a large aquarium. In the bottom of the aquarium the scientist placed steel filings instead of sand. When molting time came, each one of the shrimp picked up a piece of steel, in- stead of a rock, and placed it in its head. Then the biologist brought a power- ful electromagnet and placed it over the top of the aquarium. Immediately all the shrimp flipped upside down and began to swim around in an inverted position.  Alone in the Crowd The pull of the magnet on the steel sliv- er was stronger than the tug of gravity, and they believed that up was down and down was up. To make the experiment more dramatic the scientist then brought a shrimp from the ocean and placed it in the aquarium. Naturally this newcomer on the scene was paddling around in the proper upright position. Can’t you imagine the consternation that probably was provoked by the appear- ance of this oddball in the tank? It seems highly likely that some nasty whispers began to circulate within those troubled waters. “Who does this nut think he is? Who is he trying to impress? Does this weirdo imagine that he is going to show us a better way to swim? Why is he doing it upside down?” You see, that steel-in-the-head, wrong- way crowd had no inkling that the recent visitor was really the only shrimp that was swimming correctly. They had always Alone in the Crowd  depended on two things to prove they were right-side up—their feeling, and what the majority around them was doing. But now that their status stone had been tampered with, they were deceived into believing a lie on both counts. Following Feeling or Following the Crowd The more I thought of that story, the more I realized that all of us are in an aquarium as we make our way through this world. Powerful magnets of tempta- tion are all around us trying to disturb our spiritual balance and turn us upside down. Those who trust in feeling and majority opinion are easily up-ended by the strong attraction of outside forces. Consoled by the presence of so many others about them doing the same thing, they soon be- gin to see everything in relation to their distorted view. They reverse all the signs in order to read them better, and develop  Alone in the Crowd a firm conviction that they are balanced and correct, while everyone differing from them is wrong. Eventually they see wrong as right and right as wrong. Anyone who goes contrary to his or her perceptions is instantly branded as a fanatic or a critical troublemaker. This points up one great truth: We can- not measure right and wrong by our feeling or by what the majority are doing! We need something from outside ourselves to tell us where the truth lies. Our impulses may be just as real as the pull of the magnet, but they could also be just as misleading. Our numerous friends may be most respect- able and religious, but their status stone could be linked to the same false guidance system, cleverly sabotaged by the enemy. There is only one true, infallible status stone for the Christian, and that is the Bible. When that Word is placed in the mind, it provides a standard of truth which is al- ways dependable. Every impulse of feeling Alone in the Crowd  should be tested by it. The total lifestyle, including words, actions, and thoughts must be brought under the supervision of that one great directional control center. It is no exaggeration to state that most de- viations from God’s will today are based upon either following feeling or following the crowd. How important it is for us to study these two powerful weapons that Satan utilized with such devilish expertise. Both of them are rooted within man’s deepest psychological needs. We often overlook the fact that our spiritual enemy has been studying human nature for almost 6,000 years—quite a bit longer than the most successful psychiatrist in practice today. He has also experimented with our emo- tional weaknesses, using these to exploit us in our most vulnerable moments. How many have fallen prey to his ma- nipulative devices? One clear look at our flesh-oriented society provides the answer.  Alone in the Crowd Jesus saw it long before it happened and tried to warn his disciples and us about the strength of those attacks. He said, “Strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth into life, and few there be that find it” (Matthew 7:14). On another occasion the Master asked this significant question, “When the son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?” (Luke 18:8). In the same discourse He declared, “As it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man” (Luke 17:26). Obviously only a small proportion of earth’s inhabitants will escape from the overwhelming deceptions of the last days and be saved. A little remnant, as always, will be more concerned about doing right than pleasing self, the crowd, or some oth- er individual. The record of history con- sistently chronicles the story of that small company of dissenters who dared to reject the comfortable appeal of the crowd. The Alone in the Crowd  majority seem never to be searching for truth so much as for a smooth, easy, con- venient religion which will allow them to live as they please. To them any doctrine which demands self-denial or a disciplined lifestyle is bad news. I s It Easy to Preach the Truth? This is undoubtedly why there is such a one-sided gospel being preached in most churches today. It is pleasant to speak things that are appreciated and well received. No messenger of God is hesitant to declare the precious truths about justi- fication and free grace which require only faith and acceptance. Yet there is another side of the gospel which is concerned with fruits and good works. It is called sanctifi- cation. It speaks of obedience and Christ- like behavior in every life situation. That is the aspect of righteousness by faith which is very unpopular with the masses today. It demands action and obedience. 10 Alone in the Crowd Are some preachers afraid to deliver the unadorned truth on this subject for fear of rejection and ridicule? Have they been intimidated by seeing other faithful watch- men attacked as legalistic and judgmental? You may answer that question on the basis of your own observations. The example of the prophet Jonah provides dramatic evi- dence that it is not easy to tell it like it is. No one would welcome his assignment. Is it any easier to stand before practic- ing sinners of every hue and variety and deliver the ultimatum of Jesus, “Go and sin no more?” As an ambassador for God, I can tell you that there is a terrible temptation to feel sorry for those drug addicts, drunk- ards and prostitutes, and to tone down the requirements to give up the practice of sin. We want to be easy on them. We don’t want to discourage them with the thought that they must change their lifestyle. At least, not immediately. Somehow we want to keep accommodating the carnal nature Alone in the Crowd 11 just a little bit to make religion more com- fortable for them. Question: Is there any true religion that endorses the continued practice of sin in any degree whatsoever? Is there any state- ment in the entire Bible which conveys the thought that we should only diminish the amount of sin we commit? Can the justify- ing, converting grace of Christ cover the practice of any deliberate, known sin? Paul declares, “For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would” (Galatians 5:17). If that statement is not strong enough on the subject, read the further word of the apostle in Romans 8:13, “If ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.” There it is! We can do one or the other, but we cannot do both at the same time. We either live after the flesh or after 12 Alone in the Crowd the Spirit. Paul said, “These are contrary the one to the other.” That is plain enough. There can be no sharing of authority be- tween these two forces. We must mortify the deeds of the body or accommodate them. Which will it be? It can’t be both. But let’s return to our point about fol- lowing the crowd. We have discovered that the majority is usually wrong, and that they do not want to be told about their sins. We have also considered how difficult it is to tell that crowd how wrong they are. Right here it seems appropriate to read the words of Jesus, “Ye are they which justify your- selves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God” (Luke 16:15). Hazards of the “Highly Esteemed” The last sentence contains a priceless principle for all of us today. Jesus spoke it to the Pharisees who Alone in the Crowd 13 were shamelessly justifying their unjust ways because they conformed to the ac- ceptable codes of the day. He clearly in- dicated that the majority opinion would be on the wrong side of almost every question. He already had declared that most people would enter the broad road to destruction. Their views and prac- tices would represent those who are wrong—those who will be lost. Yet it would be held by the largest number—in contrast to the “few” in the narrow road. The shocking thing is that those things “highly esteemed” among the majority of men are abominable in God’s sight. It is not hard to see the truth of this state- ment when we look at the principles upon which society operates today. Whether we are looking at dress, diet, entertainment, or educational standards, there is a vast difference between the world’s ways and God’s ideals. Sometimes we chafe, like the Israelites, because we cannot be like the 14 Alone in the Crowd nations around us, but God has given us a better, higher standard to live by. Many have marveled at the almost as- cetic doctrine of holiness by separation which is expounded throughout the Bible. Why did God forbid His ancient people to mingle and intermarry with the heathen nations? The New Testament writers also make repeated calls for spiritual Israel to “come out” and be separate from a system which they called “the world.” Those called- out ones are identified as “the church,” which is always set in opposition to “the world.” The original word for church comes from two Greek words: ek, meaning “out of,” and kalleo, meaning “called”—eklesia: the church, the called-out ones. Why does God not approve a close re- lationship of His “few” followers with the “many there be” in the broad road? And why does the majority choose to be lost? How does Satan draw them in such masses to follow his program? The answers to those Alone in the Crowd 15 questions will also provide an explanation for the insistent call of prophets and gospel writers to separate from that majority. Here is why so many have been cap- tured by the evil one: his fraternization scheme is based upon a recognized law of the mind which decrees that we gradually adapt to the people we associate with. The unconscious effect of hearing and seeing their words and lifestyle is to slowly build toward an acceptance of what was once repugnant. The molding influence of such exposure breaks down the moral reserve, and eventually leads to a conciliatory at- titude toward sin. The whole scheme is deadly because the leavening process takes place so subtly. At no point is the collaborator aware that he is being imperceptibly manipulated by the people around him. No danger signals are raised. The conscience bends by degrees toward the new tolerant mindset. This is the way spiritual “status stones” have been 16 Alone in the Crowd altered. The slow shift from Bible principle to majority opinion is usually made with a minimum of spiritual conflict because of the gradual nature of the change. Survey after survey has revealed how moral standards have been lowered under the deadening influence of environmen- tal input. There is no way to be holy while mingling closely with the unholy. We can- not expose the mind constantly to abomi- nations without suffering the consequenc- es. The Spirit of God made no mistake in urging separation from the world of the flesh. Even prayer and Bible study cannot continue to protect against a presumptuous choice to watch alluring sinful scenes and listen to corrupting words and sounds. The Fallacy of Following Feeling Surely we can now better under- stand why the lesson of the shrimp is important for us to understand. It is never safe to follow the crowd. But now Alone in the Crowd 17 let’s look at the second dangerous conse- quence of a faulty status stone. The shrimp trusted in feelings which were produced by powerful outside forces working on the status stone. Obviously these feelings were inaccurate and undependable because the stone in its head had been changed. Mark it down well: it is no safer to fol- low feeling than it is to follow the crowd. No matter how secure the shrimp felt about the tug of that magnet, it led him to act wrongly and make a fool of himself. Satan would be delighted to lead every one of us into doing the same thing. He has already done it to the majority by causing them to trust some other “stone of standing” than the Word of God. Using the power- ful magnet of a glamorous, glittering soci- ety, Satan has created some very pleasur- able but deceptive feelings. Millions have been lured into a state of false security in which they feel ridiculously overconfident and safe. It is almost as though they have 18 Alone in the Crowd been hypnotized and are obeying the will of some other mind than their own. Does most of the world actually oper- ate under a trance condition brought on by Satan’s hypnotic powers? None can doubt the ability of mind scientists to produce such a state in almost anyone who will look at them or listen to them. There is always some point of contact used in putting a subject under hypnosis. Attention must be focused upon a light or some other object as well as the words which are being spo- ken. Without this deliberate attentiveness no one can be brought under the power of the hypnotist. Does Satan have to get a similar atten- tion in order to bring anyone under his control? He also uses a point of contact, usually an indulged weakness, an appeal of the flesh, or some other area of tempta- tion. Our only safety is to never allow our- selves to watch or listen to his appealing attention devices. Alone in the Crowd 19 When feelings become the criteria of testing truth, an unreasonably defensive at- titude is generated. The most sincere people are convinced beyond all question that they are right and everyone else is totally wrong. In the secure comfort of their subjective feeling they resist all logic or reason based on objective truth outside themselves. Can such feeling or moods be danger- ous for a Christian? Indeed, Satan uses them to destroy the ability to act rational- ly. Suppose you are seated in a small room with no ventilation. An oil-burning stove has been consuming the oxygen for some time. Gradually you become so drowsy that your brain is barely able to think. You do not feel like moving from your chair. Especially, you do not feel like getting up to open a window or a door. Yet your feel- ing against moving is a danger sign that you must make yourself act immediately to get more oxygen into the room or you will never move again. 20 Alone in the Crowd Have you ever been in the mood not to pray, or not to read your Bible? Of course you have. So have I. Should we yield to that feeling? Listen, prayer is the breath of the soul just as oxygen is the breath of the body. Our mood not to pray and study is a sig- nal that we had better make ourselves do it quickly because our spiritual life is being threatened. That is the time to force our- selves into the closet, onto our knees, and as we pray, the spiritual desires begin to re- turn. Very soon prayer is restored as a joy- ful, fulfilling privilege. But unless we break the hypnotic spell of Satan’s “feeling” trap by acting against his point of contact, we are placed in great spiritual jeopardy. The truth is that we must act or be acted upon. Acting or Reacting This brings us to the fantastic real- ization that every single one of us is either living a life based upon acting or reacting. We make our own independent Alone in the Crowd 21 decisions about the kind of life we will live or else we simply react to the way other people treat us. In the latter case we turn the direction of our life over to someone else and allow them to determine the kind of person we shall be. Please take note that we are still talk- ing about Satan’s manipulation of our feel- ings, but in this case he is working through some other person to exercise his control. It is likely that no one is beyond being in- fluenced to some degree by the actions of others, but the vast majority are actu- ally the pawns of whatever circumstances happen to develop around them. Instead of basing their most important decisions upon deliberative reason or prayer, they impulsively strike out in any or all direc- tions, depending on the way their emo- tions have been stirred by others. Dr. Hunter was an English heart sur- geon who was himself afflicted with cor- onary disease. One day he commented 22 Alone in the Crowd to a colleague, “My life is in the hands of any rascal who chooses to annoy me.” His self-prophecy proved to be true. Later on someone dealt with him in a manner that made him furious, and he dropped dead of a heart attack. What an illustration that education and high intelligence cannot protect us from the folly of our fallen hu- man nature! All his honorable degrees of learning did not give Dr. Hunter control of his own spirit. He literally allowed an- other individual to make the decision as to whether he would live or die. But the doctor’s mistake is minuscule compared to that of those who let others actually determine their eternal destiny. All around us every day we observe the dread- ful playing out of an unnecessary drama, and often church members are involved in it. People permit their volatile emotions to surge out of control in retaliation for the way they are treated, and some of the darkest sins are recorded against them in the books Alone in the Crowd 23 of heaven. Many will lose their souls because they refuse to assume the responsibility for their own course of action. In fact, they don’t act at all; they merely react. We can say without reservation that those who do not lay hold of divine power to live a disci- plined, controlled life will be ruled by Satan, either directly or indirectly. Not one person has that kind of strength within himself. The ability to control one’s own life by resisting every provocation of both friends and en- emies must come from God’s grace within. The real secret of protection from re- acting is found in Paul’s counsel to the Philippians, “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:5). No one can strike back if he is thinking thoughts of Jesus. On the cross Christ gave no sign of vengeance, irritation, or retalia- tion. His prayer was, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” Is that state of mind accessible to men in the flesh? Indeed, Jesus possessed the 24 Alone in the Crowd same fallen human nature that all children inherit from their parents. Yet He never reacted to a single needling rebuff or in- sult. The kind of serenity that He exhib- ited is promised to every believing child of God who will claim it in faith. Paul declared in 2 Corinthians 10:5, “Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” Let no one believe that this kind of integra- tion with the thoughts and mind of Christ can come without both struggle and sur- render. The character is conformed to the divine pattern by two things operating in conjunction with the Holy Spirit—man’s will and man’s actions. God will never do these two things for us. Each person must make the decision to turn from sin, and then he must begin to act against the sin. Neither of these steps would be ef- fective were they not accompanied by the Alone in the Crowd 25 enabling power of the Spirit. No man has the power to stop reacting in anger to the way he is treated, but he does have the power to choose to stop reacting. He also has the ability to start resisting the impulse to react. Do those two steps bring the vic- tory? Indeed, when taken after claiming the promised deliverance, they provide dramatic evidence of true faith. And faith, in turn, moves the omnipotent arm of God to intervene with shattering force against the practice of any sin. Dealing with Offenses Along with faith it is also very important to develop a philoso- phy of understanding toward those who may seem to be giving offense. Much of the problem stems from an unwillingness or inability to consider why that person is acting in such a manner. It is a demonstrated fact that our own attitude toward the offender determines 26 Alone in the Crowd to a large degree how we react to what he does against us. Unfortunately there is very little inclination to be thoughtful and reasonable when one is under physi- cal or verbal attack. Impulsive anger takes control, and we strike out blindly in self- protection. Were we capable of keeping on top of those oversensitive feelings it would give us time to ask and answer a few ques- tions about the other person’s motives. Even a few moments of rational thought could suggest the possibility that the of- fender might be operating under false in- formation and be very sincere in what he is doing. This could certainly ameliorate our own reactions toward him. Years ago I heard a story which has been such an inspiration to me that I have shared it often throughout my ministry. Many times I have needed to tell myself the story again to help ease through some es- pecially difficult time of personal stress. It concerns an old Greek philosopher by the Alone in the Crowd 27 name of Philip who was walking along the street with a friend one day. It so happened that an enemy of Philip was watching him approach from an overhead window. As the two passed by he threw a bucket of water onto the wise old man. Without the slightest reaction to the outrage, Philip continued his conversation as though nothing at all had happened. His friend stopped and offered to help him find and punish the man who had treated him so rudely. Philip quietly replied that no one had done him any wrong. The friend re- monstrated in amazement, “But the man threw water all over you. You are soaking wet.” “No,” replied the philosopher, “you are mistaken. He did not throw any water on me. He threw it on the man he thought I was.” What an attitude! And what a world of difference it would make if everyone had such a spirit of selfless regard for the feelings of others. Most of the personal alienations, 28 Alone in the Crowd racial problems, and international disputes could be settled in a moment if everyone practiced the philosophy of Philip. Some time ago I was preparing a young mother for baptism. As I visited her for a final review of the doctrines of the church, she suddenly burst into tears. “I can’t be baptized,” she cried. “Last night my moth- er visited me and reminded me that since I hate my brother it would not be right to enter into baptism.” Under my gentle prodding, Carol agreed to share for the very first time why she had hated her only brother for all those years. Not even her mother knew the reasons behind that bit- ter spirit. When she was seven years old her teenage brother began to force her sexually and threaten her if she ever told anyone. For eight years she suffered unimaginable abuse at the hands of that cruel brother. I could truly understand Carol’s fester- ing anger and hatred toward her brother. I was overwhelmed by her justified sense Alone in the Crowd 29 of being dehumanized and demeaned. How could I say anything that could pos- sible change her feelings over those deep psychological pains and scars? Then I re- membered the story of the old Greek phi- losopher. After sharing it with her, I asked for more information about that despised brother. Was he ever a Christian? “No,” said Carol, “he was the opposite of a Christian. He seemed always to be under the control of devils, and he’s still the same way.” I said, “Carol, isn’t it a tragedy that your brother never knew the power of God’s grace in his life? He was indeed controlled by Satan in all he was doing. Without God in his life there was no chance for him to resist the things Satan was doing through him. He was manipulated and used by the devil. If only he had known the Lord Jesus, he would never have been that way. He would have treated you with love and re- spect. Now you tell me that he is still not a Christian. He is still being forced to do evil 30 Alone in the Crowd things and has no power to resist. What a difference it would make if he could learn about Jesus and accept Him. He would have the same joy you have found in Christ. We need to pray for him, Carol, that somehow he can get out from under this evil power that has been using him.” As I talked the tears began to flow again, but this time they were tears of sor- row and compassion for a lost brother who was more to be pitied and prayed for than to be hated. Carol ended up on her knees that day, asking God to save her brother from his miserable captivity to Satan’s pow- er. Her own personal hatred was washed away in those tears, and the next day I had the joy of seeing the old Carol buried in the watery grave. Her life was transformed when she began to realize that her brother did not even know her—not really. If he had been sensitive to her as a person, he would not have treated her that way. His understanding was distorted by sin. Alone in the Crowd 31 Can we believe the same thing about people who mistreat us along the road of life? Would they act the same way if they fully understood what they were doing? Can’t we assume that they don’t really have the full information about us, about our feelings, and who we really are? If only we could give them the benefit of that doubt and say, “They didn’t do it to the real me. They did it to the person they thought I was.” Then we can feel sorry for them, be- cause they don’t know any better. And best of all we can even begin to pray for them. So we are brought back again to the two great lessons taught by the shrimp who have rocks in their heads. We cannot measure what is right and wrong by our subjective feelings or by what the majority are doing. Our stone of standing must be the Word of God. Regardless of the crowd, regardless of our moods or feelings, re- gardless of the way people treat us, we must choose to order our lives on the 32 Alone in the Crowd basis of divine principle. Like Paul we say, “I am crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me. And the life I now live, I live by the faith of him who loved me, and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20).
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  • God's creation = 100 / evolution = 0

    A LIZARD THAT BREATHES UNDER SAND

    The sandfish lizard (Scincus scincus) lives in the North African sandy desert and spends most of its life buried in sand. Scientists who have studied this creature have wondered why it doesn’t end up with its lungs clogged with sand, so a group of researchers from Austria and Germany studied how the creature breathed in an otherwise suffocating environment.

    They carefully examined its respiratory tract, lungs and the digestive tract of dead and preserved lizards, and noted that there was sand in the gut but none in the lungs of any specimens examined. They also noted there was no structure that looked like an air filter. The only unusual feature was a region where the airway became narrow, then wider, and then narrow again. They also recorded the breathing pattern of live lizards.

    To work out how the lizards kept sand out while taking in air, they constructed a model of the respiratory tract using a scanner and 3D printer. They then buried this in sand and blew gas through it using the lizards’ breathing pattern, and found that as the flow slowed when it passed through the wide region, any sand grains carried in the airstream dropped out and were trapped in a layer of mucus on the surface of the airway. When the lizard next exhales forcefully it blows any trapped particles out.

    The research team concluded that the lizard was able to keep its lungs sand-free by an “aerodynamic filtering system” which combined the structure of the airways with “specific ventilation patterns”.

    How would a surface dwelling lizard develop this system from a normal lizards’ breathing system, and how would it know it had the right structure in its airways before it started burying itself in sand? Getting lungs clogged with sand is not going to make a lizard develop this system. It will simply smother it, and the animal would be another dropout in the struggle for existence.

    Scientists concluded this is a dynamic system, meaning it combines both structure and function in order to work. The ventilation pattern is just as important as the shape of the airway and the presence of a mucus layer. This means the animal’s brain also has to be programmed to run the breathing muscles correctly, as well as direct the burrowing behavior. This is a good example of a system that will only work when all the components are in place. All such systems require a plan and purpose in order to work properly.

    It is far more logical to believe this creature was designed to be a burrowing animal and was created with the correct working features from the beginning. Genesis 1:1
    God's creation = 100 / evolution = 0 A LIZARD THAT BREATHES UNDER SAND The sandfish lizard (Scincus scincus) lives in the North African sandy desert and spends most of its life buried in sand. Scientists who have studied this creature have wondered why it doesn’t end up with its lungs clogged with sand, so a group of researchers from Austria and Germany studied how the creature breathed in an otherwise suffocating environment. They carefully examined its respiratory tract, lungs and the digestive tract of dead and preserved lizards, and noted that there was sand in the gut but none in the lungs of any specimens examined. They also noted there was no structure that looked like an air filter. The only unusual feature was a region where the airway became narrow, then wider, and then narrow again. They also recorded the breathing pattern of live lizards. To work out how the lizards kept sand out while taking in air, they constructed a model of the respiratory tract using a scanner and 3D printer. They then buried this in sand and blew gas through it using the lizards’ breathing pattern, and found that as the flow slowed when it passed through the wide region, any sand grains carried in the airstream dropped out and were trapped in a layer of mucus on the surface of the airway. When the lizard next exhales forcefully it blows any trapped particles out. The research team concluded that the lizard was able to keep its lungs sand-free by an “aerodynamic filtering system” which combined the structure of the airways with “specific ventilation patterns”. How would a surface dwelling lizard develop this system from a normal lizards’ breathing system, and how would it know it had the right structure in its airways before it started burying itself in sand? Getting lungs clogged with sand is not going to make a lizard develop this system. It will simply smother it, and the animal would be another dropout in the struggle for existence. Scientists concluded this is a dynamic system, meaning it combines both structure and function in order to work. The ventilation pattern is just as important as the shape of the airway and the presence of a mucus layer. This means the animal’s brain also has to be programmed to run the breathing muscles correctly, as well as direct the burrowing behavior. This is a good example of a system that will only work when all the components are in place. All such systems require a plan and purpose in order to work properly. It is far more logical to believe this creature was designed to be a burrowing animal and was created with the correct working features from the beginning. Genesis 1:1
    0 Yorumlar 0 hisse senetleri 16 Views
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    Visit Our Website: www.crossbreezescreensrockwall.com

    #CrossBreezeScreens #Welcome #SolarScreens #HomeComfort #Rockwall #InsectFreeLiving #CustomScreens #QualityService #OutdoorLiving #ProtectYourHome
    🌟 Welcome to Cross Breeze Screens Rockwall 🌟 🏗️ At Cross Breeze Screens Rockwall, we believe that fresh air should come with a sense of comfort and protection. As a fully equipped mobile screen service in partnership with Templar Screens, we are dedicated to enhancing your living spaces with high-quality solar screen solutions tailored to your needs. 🪟 Whether you want to enjoy the outdoors without the hassle of insects or improve your home's ventilation while being shielded from the sun, our experienced team is here to assist you. We specialize in custom solar screen installations, repairs, and replacements, all conveniently performed at your location. 🧱 Experience the perfect blend of comfort and style with Cross Breeze Screens Rockwall! ➡️ Feel free to reach out today to learn more about our services and schedule a consultation. ☎️ Contact Us: (469) 897-6032 🌐 Visit Our Website: www.crossbreezescreensrockwall.com #CrossBreezeScreens #Welcome #SolarScreens #HomeComfort #Rockwall #InsectFreeLiving #CustomScreens #QualityService #OutdoorLiving #ProtectYourHome
    Rockwall TX Solar Screens
    Cross Breeze Rockwall installs high quality Rockwall TX Solar Screens and are partnered with Templar Screens. Call today.
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    0 Yorumlar 0 hisse senetleri 11 Views
  • Welcome to Cross Breeze Screens Rockwall

    At Cross Breeze Screens Rockwall, we believe that fresh air should come with a sense of comfort and protection. As a fully equipped mobile screen service in partnership with Templar Screens, we are dedicated to enhancing your living spaces with high-quality solar screen solutions tailored to your needs.

    Whether you want to enjoy the outdoors without the hassle of insects or improve your home's ventilation while being shielded from the sun, our experienced team is here to assist you. We specialize in custom solar screen installations, repairs, and replacements, all conveniently performed at your location.

    Experience the perfect blend of comfort and style with Cross Breeze Screens Rockwall!

    Feel free to reach out today to learn more about our services and schedule a consultation.

    Contact Us: (469) 897-6032

    Visit Our Website: www.crossbreezescreensrockwall.com

    #CrossBreezeScreens #Welcome #SolarScreens #HomeComfort #Rockwall #InsectFreeLiving #CustomScreens #QualityService #OutdoorLiving #ProtectYourHome
    🌟 Welcome to Cross Breeze Screens Rockwall 🌟 🏗️ At Cross Breeze Screens Rockwall, we believe that fresh air should come with a sense of comfort and protection. As a fully equipped mobile screen service in partnership with Templar Screens, we are dedicated to enhancing your living spaces with high-quality solar screen solutions tailored to your needs. 🪟 Whether you want to enjoy the outdoors without the hassle of insects or improve your home's ventilation while being shielded from the sun, our experienced team is here to assist you. We specialize in custom solar screen installations, repairs, and replacements, all conveniently performed at your location. 🧱 Experience the perfect blend of comfort and style with Cross Breeze Screens Rockwall! ➡️ Feel free to reach out today to learn more about our services and schedule a consultation. ☎️ Contact Us: (469) 897-6032 🌐 Visit Our Website: www.crossbreezescreensrockwall.com #CrossBreezeScreens #Welcome #SolarScreens #HomeComfort #Rockwall #InsectFreeLiving #CustomScreens #QualityService #OutdoorLiving #ProtectYourHome
    Rockwall TX Solar Screens
    Cross Breeze Rockwall installs high quality Rockwall TX Solar Screens and are partnered with Templar Screens. Call today.
    Like
    1
    0 Yorumlar 0 hisse senetleri 13 Views
  • Why Choose Screens? Your Best Choice for Comfort and Convenience!

    When it comes to enhancing your home, screens offer unmatched benefits that make them the ideal choice for any property. Here’s why investing in screens is a smart decision:

    1. Pest Protection: Screens act as a barrier against insects, allowing you to enjoy the fresh air without worrying about bugs invading your space.

    2. Increased Ventilation: Screens enable natural airflow, creating a comfortable indoor environment while reducing reliance on air conditioning and lowering energy costs.

    3. Natural Light: With screens installed, you can enjoy the beauty of natural light flooding in while still keeping harmful UV rays at bay, protecting your furnishings and loved ones.

    4. Aesthetic Appeal: Available in a variety of styles and colors, screens seamlessly integrate into your home’s architecture, enhancing its overall beauty and curb appeal.

    5. Low Maintenance: Our durable screens require minimal upkeep just a simple wipe-down to keep them looking fresh and clean.

    6. Versatile Use: From windows and doors to patios and porches, screens provide versatility for any outdoor living space, allowing you to enjoy the outdoors year-round.

    Choose screens for their blend of functionality, protection, and style. Experience the comfort and convenience they bring to your home today!

    Get A Free Estimate: (904) 587 9095

    Visit Our Website: www.allaboutscreens-florida.com

    #AllAboutScreens #PestProtection #HomeComfort #NaturalLight #FloridaLiving #InvestInYourHome
    🌟 Why Choose Screens? Your Best Choice for Comfort and Convenience! 🌟 When it comes to enhancing your home, screens offer unmatched benefits that make them the ideal choice for any property. Here’s why investing in screens is a smart decision: 1. Pest Protection: Screens act as a barrier against insects, allowing you to enjoy the fresh air without worrying about bugs invading your space. 2. Increased Ventilation: Screens enable natural airflow, creating a comfortable indoor environment while reducing reliance on air conditioning and lowering energy costs. 3. Natural Light: With screens installed, you can enjoy the beauty of natural light flooding in while still keeping harmful UV rays at bay, protecting your furnishings and loved ones. 4. Aesthetic Appeal: Available in a variety of styles and colors, screens seamlessly integrate into your home’s architecture, enhancing its overall beauty and curb appeal. 5. Low Maintenance: Our durable screens require minimal upkeep just a simple wipe-down to keep them looking fresh and clean. 6. Versatile Use: From windows and doors to patios and porches, screens provide versatility for any outdoor living space, allowing you to enjoy the outdoors year-round. Choose screens for their blend of functionality, protection, and style. Experience the comfort and convenience they bring to your home today! 📞 Get A Free Estimate: (904) 587 9095 🌐 Visit Our Website: www.allaboutscreens-florida.com #AllAboutScreens #PestProtection #HomeComfort #NaturalLight #FloridaLiving #InvestInYourHome
    St Johns FL Screen Service Jacksonville St. Augustine Fleming Island
    All About Screens Florida Is A St Johns FL Screen Service That Specializes In Mosquito Screens in areas that include Jacksonville, St. Augustine and Fleming Island. Call today.
    0 Yorumlar 0 hisse senetleri 7 Views
  • Why Choose Screens? Your Best Choice for Comfort and Convenience!

    When it comes to enhancing your home, screens offer unmatched benefits that make them the ideal choice for any property. Here’s why investing in screens is a smart decision:

    1. Pest Protection: Screens act as a barrier against insects, allowing you to enjoy the fresh air without worrying about bugs invading your space.

    2. Increased Ventilation: Screens enable natural airflow, creating a comfortable indoor environment while reducing reliance on air conditioning and lowering energy costs.

    3. Natural Light: With screens installed, you can enjoy the beauty of natural light flooding in while still keeping harmful UV rays at bay, protecting your furnishings and loved ones.

    4. Aesthetic Appeal: Available in a variety of styles and colors, screens seamlessly integrate into your home’s architecture, enhancing its overall beauty and curb appeal.

    5. Low Maintenance: Our durable screens require minimal upkeep just a simple wipe-down to keep them looking fresh and clean.

    6. Versatile Use: From windows and doors to patios and porches, screens provide versatility for any outdoor living space, allowing you to enjoy the outdoors year-round.

    Choose screens for their blend of functionality, protection, and style. Experience the comfort and convenience they bring to your home today!

    Get A Free Estimate: (904) 587 9095

    Visit Our Website: www.allaboutscreens-florida.com

    #AllAboutScreens #PestProtection #HomeComfort #NaturalLight #FloridaLiving #InvestInYourHome
    🌟 Why Choose Screens? Your Best Choice for Comfort and Convenience! 🌟 When it comes to enhancing your home, screens offer unmatched benefits that make them the ideal choice for any property. Here’s why investing in screens is a smart decision: 1. Pest Protection: Screens act as a barrier against insects, allowing you to enjoy the fresh air without worrying about bugs invading your space. 2. Increased Ventilation: Screens enable natural airflow, creating a comfortable indoor environment while reducing reliance on air conditioning and lowering energy costs. 3. Natural Light: With screens installed, you can enjoy the beauty of natural light flooding in while still keeping harmful UV rays at bay, protecting your furnishings and loved ones. 4. Aesthetic Appeal: Available in a variety of styles and colors, screens seamlessly integrate into your home’s architecture, enhancing its overall beauty and curb appeal. 5. Low Maintenance: Our durable screens require minimal upkeep just a simple wipe-down to keep them looking fresh and clean. 6. Versatile Use: From windows and doors to patios and porches, screens provide versatility for any outdoor living space, allowing you to enjoy the outdoors year-round. Choose screens for their blend of functionality, protection, and style. Experience the comfort and convenience they bring to your home today! 📞 Get A Free Estimate: (904) 587 9095 🌐 Visit Our Website: www.allaboutscreens-florida.com #AllAboutScreens #PestProtection #HomeComfort #NaturalLight #FloridaLiving #InvestInYourHome
    0 Yorumlar 0 hisse senetleri 6 Views
  • Elevate Your Indoor-Outdoor Experience with All About Screens!

    Let us help you transform your living spaces by elevating your indoor-outdoor experience while increasing ventilation and natural light in your property. At All About Screens Florida, we understand the importance of creating a harmonious environment that allows you to enjoy the beauty of nature while maintaining the comfort of your home.

    The Advantages of Screens for Ventilation and Natural Light

    1. Enhanced Airflow:
    One of the most significant benefits of installing screens is improved ventilation. Our high-quality screens allow for a continuous flow of fresh air throughout your living spaces. Natural ventilation not only creates a comfortable atmosphere but also helps reduce the need for artificial cooling, leading to energy savings.

    2. Natural Light Exposure:
    Screens maximize the amount of natural light that enters your home without compromising safety or comfort. Sunlight has numerous benefits, including boosting mood and productivity, promoting overall well-being, and spotlighting your home’s aesthetic features. Enjoying a bright and airy environment can transform your space into a lively sanctuary.

    3. Pest Protection:
    While you enjoy the beauty of fresh air and sunlight, our screens serve as a barrier to keep unwanted pests at bay. Insects, bugs, and other critters can disrupt your outdoor experience, but with our durable and reliable screens, you can comfortably open your doors and windows without worrying about intrusions.

    4. UV Ray Defense:
    Our screens also provide an additional layer of protection against harmful UV rays that can damage your furniture, flooring, and decor. By filtering out these rays, you can extend the life of your belongings while still enjoying the warmth and brightness of natural sunlight.

    5. Aesthetic Appeal:
    Screens are designed to complement your home’s architecture, enhancing its overall beauty. Choose from various styles and materials tailored to match your aesthetic preferences. Whether you’re looking for modern, sleek designs or more traditional styles, we have options to fit your vision.

    6. Privacy and Comfort:
    With screens installed, you can enjoy a sense of privacy while still maintaining an open and inviting environment. Screens create a visual barrier without closing off your space, allowing you to enjoy your backyard or patio without feeling exposed.

    7. Versatile Indoor-Outdoor Living:
    Screens make it easier to create seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor living spaces. Host gatherings, family barbecues, or simply unwind on your patio while relishing the charm of nature—all without worrying about pests and discomfort.

    8. Easy Maintenance:
    Our screens are designed to be durable and low-maintenance. A simple wipe down is often all it takes to keep them looking fresh and inviting, ensuring that your investment continues to enhance your home for years to come.

    9. Transform Your Space Today!
    Elevating your indoor-outdoor experience is just a screen installation away. Our team at All About Screens Florida is committed to enhancing your property with high-quality screens that provide ventilation, natural light, and protection from pests—all while adding beauty and comfort to your home.

    Get A Free Estimate: (904) 587 9095

    Visit Our Website: www.allaboutscreens-florida.com

    #AllAboutScreens #IndoorOutdoorLiving #NaturalLight #HomeComfort #Ventilation #PestProtection #FloridaLiving
    🌞 Elevate Your Indoor-Outdoor Experience with All About Screens! 🌞 Let us help you transform your living spaces by elevating your indoor-outdoor experience while increasing ventilation and natural light in your property. At All About Screens Florida, we understand the importance of creating a harmonious environment that allows you to enjoy the beauty of nature while maintaining the comfort of your home. The Advantages of Screens for Ventilation and Natural Light 1. Enhanced Airflow: One of the most significant benefits of installing screens is improved ventilation. Our high-quality screens allow for a continuous flow of fresh air throughout your living spaces. Natural ventilation not only creates a comfortable atmosphere but also helps reduce the need for artificial cooling, leading to energy savings. 2. Natural Light Exposure: Screens maximize the amount of natural light that enters your home without compromising safety or comfort. Sunlight has numerous benefits, including boosting mood and productivity, promoting overall well-being, and spotlighting your home’s aesthetic features. Enjoying a bright and airy environment can transform your space into a lively sanctuary. 3. Pest Protection: While you enjoy the beauty of fresh air and sunlight, our screens serve as a barrier to keep unwanted pests at bay. Insects, bugs, and other critters can disrupt your outdoor experience, but with our durable and reliable screens, you can comfortably open your doors and windows without worrying about intrusions. 4. UV Ray Defense: Our screens also provide an additional layer of protection against harmful UV rays that can damage your furniture, flooring, and decor. By filtering out these rays, you can extend the life of your belongings while still enjoying the warmth and brightness of natural sunlight. 5. Aesthetic Appeal: Screens are designed to complement your home’s architecture, enhancing its overall beauty. Choose from various styles and materials tailored to match your aesthetic preferences. Whether you’re looking for modern, sleek designs or more traditional styles, we have options to fit your vision. 6. Privacy and Comfort: With screens installed, you can enjoy a sense of privacy while still maintaining an open and inviting environment. Screens create a visual barrier without closing off your space, allowing you to enjoy your backyard or patio without feeling exposed. 7. Versatile Indoor-Outdoor Living: Screens make it easier to create seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor living spaces. Host gatherings, family barbecues, or simply unwind on your patio while relishing the charm of nature—all without worrying about pests and discomfort. 8. Easy Maintenance: Our screens are designed to be durable and low-maintenance. A simple wipe down is often all it takes to keep them looking fresh and inviting, ensuring that your investment continues to enhance your home for years to come. 9. Transform Your Space Today! Elevating your indoor-outdoor experience is just a screen installation away. Our team at All About Screens Florida is committed to enhancing your property with high-quality screens that provide ventilation, natural light, and protection from pests—all while adding beauty and comfort to your home. 📞 Get A Free Estimate: (904) 587 9095 🌐 Visit Our Website: www.allaboutscreens-florida.com #AllAboutScreens #IndoorOutdoorLiving #NaturalLight #HomeComfort #Ventilation #PestProtection #FloridaLiving
    0 Yorumlar 0 hisse senetleri 6 Views