[Editor’s Note: This blog post has been updated as of February 16, 2012, to reflect the current status of the Ark Encounter project.]
Many of us carry around a mental image of Noah’s Ark as being a squat little boat cram-jammed with all sorts of contemporary animals. Answers in Genesis President Ken Ham calls such boats “bathtub” arks.
The Bible, however, gives us a very different description. “The length of the ark shall be three hundred cubits and the height of it thirty cubits . . . and the door of the ark shalt thou set in the side thereof” (Genesis 6:14-15).
Curiously, nowhere in the biblical account does it say where on the side of the Ark the door was located. Many scholars put it in the middle deck. That’s logical because it places it above the waterline, but that also puts it high off the ground. Noah would have had to build substantial off-loading ramps, wouldn’t he? If the door were on the bottom deck, off-loading all those animals would be easy, but wouldn’t the door leak water?
All the Bible says about this is “and the Lord shut him in” (Genesis 7:16).
Isn’t this exactly where you and I are today? The door to salvation stands open, but the instant we draw our last breath, the Lord shuts it . . . forever. Jesus is that door to salvation. Accept His sacrifice on the Cross as payment for your sins, and like Noah, escape destruction.
Don’t let the door close without you.
Help build the Ark
Help us build a full-scale Noah’s Ark! Answers in Genesis is raising $24.5 million in donations for its part in the Ark Encounter project to help build an all-wood Ark, the centerpiece and first phase of a whole multi-attraction complex! A finished Ark will be a great testimony to the historicity of the Bible. Visit ArkEncounter.com for more information.
Honestly, I'm disappointed that a group of God's people will use such a large sum of money and spend it on something that has no practical importance to people in need. It will not be a good evangelistic tool, and it will instead be viewed as a tremendous lost opportunity. Homeless shelters, orphanages, Christian service organizations, Christian university scholarships, crisis pregnancy centers, churches…all of these organizations that support people and provide a "cup of cold water" could benefit. I hope I'm not the only one who sees that we've missed the mark when we're spending millions of dollars to build, essentially, a Christian theme park. Please reconsider this allocation of money which could provide so much help to people who need something as simple as food and water. Thank you.
Typical comment from someone who doesn't know a thing about reaching out to people. This will hopefully win souls into the Kingdom of God. So far, as far as our economy is concerned, giving handouts to people hasn't gotten us too far. Not saying it is not important to help the needy, Jesus said there will always be poor people. However, this is a great thing that MAY lead people to knowing Christ. Why don't you go bash Disney world or Cedar point. Give us a break. You make Christians look bad!
"Do business till I come." This is a business venture. It is for-profit. That is, Christians will get jobs here (and, thus, any donations provide Christians with jobs [how's that for a cup of water?]) and make money. They, in turn, will give "cups of water" to others. This isn't some hole we're dumping money into. It will generate revenue. If your concern were universally legitimate, then you would tell Christian business-owners to dump their business money into charity. They would contend that five million dollars today is ten million next year (with good stewardship, anyway), and that it would be frivolous and hasty to just throw all their money at people. This is no different.
Disagree. Entertainment does draw people. Always. The difference is, the truth of the gospel will be interwoven into the fun, and the opportunity to really entertain the scientific possibility and probability of the creation story is something that is unique, needed and is a powerful witness in a world that hails science and proof as the only wonder. I think prayer over the project is a good idea. And, for the 900 people who may be employed there, what impact might they be on the world. Millions are spent everyday on sports and entertainment. Here's to a small chunk going toward visual and historical context of the gospel. I've been to the museum. Many will come to this park.
AmyJo
Sir Brady. Sorry, but you are wrong. The ark is a great idea.
I agree with Joshua's response. Hand outs have not gotten us too far.
well next time you decide to buy you something ,like hunting or fishing gear..or a new t.v….donate the money to the church…so someone can have a cold cup of water….the world throws harry potter at our kids through disney land ..why cant christians use a theme park to teach our children about God…i swear the world can do anything and its ok…christians do it everyone has a problem..grow up america.
I think the Ark Encounter is a fabulous teaching aid! People will learn so much by being able to SEE, HEAR and TOUCH and to give a person a fish will feed him for a day, but to help a person learn the Word of God will save his eternal soul and that is so very important. I don't live very close to it, but it is on my 'dream' list of things I want to do. I pray that God will bless these people so much. They have already helped me teach my grandchildren who aren't receiving much instruction from their parents.
It is a good idea and also on way witnessing about ::
1. the historical truth of God's sovereign power over everything [on the living creatures [includes human]/lifeless objects].
2. at the same it reveals the God's saving grace [power to save in God's own way [ex: through
the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ]
3. it reveals that the Word of God is true in the history of the universe [unkown time in our
imagination and thought]
4. it also reveals the God's provision for the perishing sinners [souls]
5. it reveals that the God is the real Architect of everything for good things with great purpose.
6. it reveals that the Flood and Noah's Ark is real event in the history of the world from the
ancient books of the different nations [it includes China's old manuscripts]
[my suggestion is that if you make it a real floating Ark [ship] to touch every nook and corner
ports of the world with year-long schedules, it will be a marvelous witness [ proclaiming the
Gospel without words]
thank you
I look forward to this ark landing at a local port, two of all spieces on board of course ,the mucking out will be spectacular to watch , as will the reloading of food, drinking water and dietary replacements for the livestock.It will surely make Doctor Who's tardis seem ordinary indeed, although, that is of course televisual special effects.Be sure to get the miracle of all this stuff fitting into a tiny boat, and it remaining afloat also, on video, it will go a long way towards convincing people .
Sadly, the Church blew it big-time when they fell in step with the old-earth chronology of the deists and atheists, thereby compromising the divine authority of the Bible and trading it for the pottage of secular approval. The Ark project is a major step on the road to restoring faith in Genesis as it was written.
This is exactly why there is so much hostility toward the project – because it directly discredits old-earth chronology in a very public fashion, and will change the lives and strengthen the faith of many thousands. Even many nominal believers and church leaders will be made uncomfortable because they will be put on the spot to choose whether to believe the Bible, or naturalistic scientists. "Choose ye this day whom ye will serve!"
People thought Noah was crazy also, but look at the message of his faithfulness and trust , we would not have this story if he did not do as instructed. Trust that the Lord has a plan to reach out and share the word . The Lord has different purpose for different people. Some are preachers,some are teachers,some are miracles workers and some are givers,so who are we to judge another man servant if this was laid on his heart to do.
I agree all the way with you.
This is something from the beginning, which everyone has heard about, that people can see with their eyes, and look upon, and handle with their hands … right from the pages of the Bible. This will be awesome!!
@ Brady: We are saved by grace through faith and not works; each has to hear/be presented the gospel. This project -even like the original – is a wonderful, bold statement of God's love for, and grace toward, man. Oh that there were an ark in every country, proclaiming God's goodness!
Remember, also, our works are a result of faith, not a substitute for it.
I can see both sides:
One side I can justify that the $$$s should be allocated in other resources that seem to be more "good works" oriented and less "entertainment" oriented.
On the other side, what a phenomenal voice in our country which IF used with discernment can glorify God and equip Saints in a profound way!
I had been indoctrinated by the public school system in regards to evolution and there were minimal resources available to me when I came to know Christ as my Lord in college & was challenged with my belief in Evolution. Creationist apologetics & science was out there but, not readily available, up-to-date, nor appealing in presentation. Nonetheless, God was gracious to answer my every question as I dug for truth thru archaeology, fossils, apologetics, "missing links", etc.
Now I am blessed to be part of something that will not ONLY educate my children with a modern presentation in which my kids are inundated with anyhow but, will also aid them to see the network of Believers which will strengthen them as they are challenged with main stream evolution indoctrination which has infiltrated every facet of life in America.
My birthday present (for many birthdays) was charter membership for our family at the Ark Encounter. I couldn't have thought of a better gift for my birthday 8) I will continue to invest fervently in prayer as I hope those that have taken up this torch to make this vision a reality will honor God and equip my brothers and sisters in Christ… whether in word or in deed.
This, my friend, is an investment in souls to testify, equip, & challenge people's paradigms that they may truly love God with all their heart, mind, soul, & strength. God-willing, the Ark Encounter isn't our only investment (& it's not for us)…but one worthy to give to as well as the Homeless shelters, orphanages, Christian service organizations, Christian university scholarships, crisis pregnancy centers, churches, etc.
We are abundantly blessed in America, may we give in the gratitude of that reflection.
I am not sure if this is where this belongs, but this is a suggestion.
For the Biblical History ride, which takes place after the flood, would it be too expensive to move it up a bit? Think about this:
We all get in the little boats, that will take us around the building. They are in the little river that goes through it. We see a maller rendition of the Ark, with people shouting at Noah. After about 30 seconds in, the ceiling (rendered as the sky) begins going from blue to grey. 30 seconds after that, little droplets of water being falling from the sky. And finally, 30 seconds after that, a huge wave carries us to the rest of the old testement.
'Why couldn't this be sold and used for the poor?' Sounds all to familiar……..
Who said that one?
Your whole ark, 300 cubits long, given a long arm , thats about 400 feet give or take 50, would fit in the hold of a modern freighter.It could not concievably of carried every kind of animal, and every plant , because a flood would eliminate them to,not even for one day, let alone 40.To believe in the biblical account requires that you suspend reason itself.Your whole project, built to scale, will be the most convincing argument for the atheists ever, indeed , i will if it ever comes to fruition, make a point of visiting it with my kids, so they can see how ridiculous the whole story is with their own eyes, and see what delusional people look like , in the flesh, so they will forever carry the warning signs in their minds.
Dude/John C, the bible doesn't say they were "full grown" animals. Think about it… And then do some research as to what "every kind" would refer to. Reason requires that you actually give some thought to the issue, not just bash it because you hate the idea of GOD and love Sin.