“Babeling”

Matt Miles • May 23, 2019

In case you have never noticed, communication is hard at times. On a recent trip to Canada, I was reminded of this in several different ways. I am one of the many Americans for whom English is my primary and only language. Through the entire trip, I could not keep my mind off the judgement at the tower of Babel. If it were not for that judgement against Noah’s descendants after the flood, we would all most likely speak the same language, and it most likely would not be English. Our language is one of the craziest out there – can I get an amen?

Communication breakdown number one for me in Canada was dealing with measurements. Most of that country adheres to the metric scale. I do not have a good frame of reference for metric measurements, and communicating in them is almost impossible. The whole trip, as I was teaching, I would give the measurements for dinosaurs, distances, and the like in standard American scale. It hit me in the middle of one of my messages that my audience may not have a clue the size I was referencing, as I had not understood any of my Google Maps guidance in kilometers while driving earlier that day. Our understanding of a weight and measures “language” is engrained in us to a point that we usually don’t have to think about the reference being given to us. Yet, when put in a position where that engrained “language” is not used, our brain begins searching for a reference point to convert. The entire time I was in Canada, my brain was trying to convert metric items into what I could understand. I was reminded that language is really important in helping to understand everything around us.

People had one language and frame of reference for everything at the Tower of Babel. As the Bible states, their abilities would make nothing they planned impossible to accomplish. The ease with which they could communicate ideas, desires, and vision was effortless, it seems. As most of you know, their desires were not to worship or honor the Creator but rather to elevate themselves. Dare I say, we are still dealing with this problem today, but with a language barrier. When the Lord confused our languages with the supernatural creation of many different ones, our lives became exponentially harder. It was not just communication by speech that was affected, but also every other means of communication: written, measurements, customs, and spiritual understanding. All avenues that we communicate through today were affected adversely at that tower.

Today we experience the effects of that moment some 4,000 years ago when we have a failure to communicate with someone. I look forward to the day in eternity when I will understand everyone again, sharing the wonderful grace of our Savior with those that for now I may not understand but with whom I will worship in His glory forever with one speech, understanding each other with no conversion or interpretation needed. For now we can be reminded of that day to come as we have opportunity to celebrate with others in the Church around the world, even with language barriers. Oh how much greater it will be when we assemble before His throne in one voice! Please continue to lift your voices in great anticipation for our coming King.

We at CTF will continue to share the vital truths from Genesis until that return. Our message is one that touches on important historical events that impact our lives daily that many of us never think about. Thank you to those of you that partner with us monthly in prayerful and financial support. It has been such a blessing in our time of need! To those of you that read this article and perhaps have only thought about supporting us monthly, may I urge you that we need your support right now. Help us continue to preach and teach the Truth. Blessings to all believers in every language!

Signing the Mayflower Compact by Jean Leon Gerome Ferris, 1899
By Ryan Cox March 19, 2026
EACH OF THESE ARTICLES ARE EXCERPTS FROM AMERICA’S EPIC ADVENTURE TM - CTF'S NEWEST VBS CURRICULUM From Lesson 1: The Pilgrims, Walking by Faith in the Lord – Proverbs 3:5-6
model train engine
By Matt Miles March 19, 2026
There are moments in life that we experience the Lord’s Providence, which is the continual guiding and caring of us for His purposes. We may go though trials and suffering now to refine our faith in preparation for eternity. Other times we may see it for the here and now, with the aligning of plans for His purpose in our life, maybe with the opening or closing of a door. Many times we see Providence only in hindsight, looking back on life and seeing His hand working, molding and inspiring us for His plans and to His glory. I can see the Lord’s Providence at many times over the course of my life. Early in my grade school years I developed a love for building models I was recently reminded, along with my father, that we built a train set together in our basement. Following that, I began to build model cars and airplanes. I now know that love of building, tinkering and problem solving was Providence preparing me for this ministry. The Lord taught me early on how to stay focused and pay attention to detail. What I thought was only a hobby at the time is now something I must use on a regular basis in things such as fossil restoration, building crates, trailer and vehicle maintenance for our mobile museum. Later in high school, while active in church, the Lord called me to serve our children’s church ministry. I began to help teach others about Jesus. It seemed insignificant at the time. I remember helping in lesson times and the puppet ministry. I even was cast as “Pastor Rufus” in one of our ongoing puppet skits. My opportunities to share Christ and be an example to those younger than I was tremendous. Again through His Providence, the Lord was guiding me and calling me to ministry. He developed in me the love of teaching His Word to others, priceless to me today. Then in college Providence brought Theresa and I together. The Lord knew exactly who I needed to be my bride for life. She is strong in my weakness and more Christ-like than anyone I know. She is the perfect helpmate and partner for me in ministry as well, which has so far been 34 years, to be exact. Many times the Lord has used her discernment to direct me through a situation that I did not see correctly. I am thankful every day for Providence that brought us together in life and eternal work. As I look back on my life, there are more Providential moments than I have space to write. Most of those times have directly guided me to this specific ministry and my call to preach and teach His Word. Looking back on life and identifying those moments of Providence from the Lord is humbling and awe-inspiring. Please take a moment to remember your own moments when Providence has been evident in your life. This ministry is about identifying Providence from the beginning. His plan from the start is us spending eternity in His presence. Our sin messed some things up, but not His plan. He always has and always will know exactly how to guide and care for us so that we bring Him the glory, now and eternally. There is not a month that goes by that we here at CTF don’t praise the Lord for His Providence through you, our supporters and sustainers. Join with me in thanks for His Providence each day, guiding as only our Creator and Savior could do. Psalms 31:3-5 Blessings.
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