In recent years, global warming has become a "hot" topic among scientists, economists, politicians, media sources, and a segment of the general population. Some sternly warn that if we do not drastically reduce emissions from automobiles, factories, etc., all kinds of catastrophic events may occur, such as the melting of our polar ice caps and a sharp increase in the spread of disease. On the flip side, there are those who downplay these alarmists, stating that man-made emissions account for approximately 2% of the total global greenhouse gas emissions. In fact, only 17% of the members in the American Meteorological Society and the American Geophysical Society believe that the slight warming of the 20th century is related to an increase in greenhouse gas emissions.(1)

I believe we should use our planet responsibly, and if we can find more environmentally friendly ways to do what we do, then good. But a 0.6C increase in temperature on a worldwide scale over the past 100 years does not cause bells, whistles and red flags to dance around my head. That being said, let me say very plainly – I am absolutely concerned about global warming.

"But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for a new heavens and a new earth in which righteous dwells." (2 Pe 3:10-13)

Great concern has accompanied this 0.6C increase over the past 100 years. Should we not give much greater consideration to a day on which all that exists shall be dissolved by fire? Now that's "global warming"!

Some might doubt that such a day will come. Those who dwelt before the flood also doubted, and perished when the world was destroyed by water (2 Pe 3:3-6). As there were no warnings prior to the flood, neither shall there be a warning before the earth, it's works and the elements are consumed by fire from the Lord (Mt 24:38-39; 2 Pe 3:7-9).

Friends, as the apostle has said, "...since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness..." May we be prepared for the coming day of God.

Endnotes:
(1) http://www.globalwarming.org

Click here for this week's Answering The Atheist
Does God approve of human sacrifice? Some verses indicate "yes" (Gen 22:2; Ex 22:29; Lev 27:28-29; Num 31:25-29; 2 Sam 21:1, 8-9, 14; Jdg 11:29-40; 1 Ki 13:2; 2 Ki 23:20). Other verses indicate "no" (Lev 18:21; Lev 20:2; Deut 18:10). Is there a contradiction?