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Glass is not a crystalline solid, but a random jumble of molecules.
Because of its random structure it does not have a clear melting
temperature and there is no temperature where it can be said to
be definitely solid. Instead, it gradually becomes harder as it cools.

Historians have pointed out that the glass in some centuries-old
windows is thicker at the bottom, as if the glass had slumped over
the years.

Scientists still debate whether room-temperature glass is a solid or
some other state of matter. But according to one study, to see the
flow of cool glass we would have to wait ten billion times the age of
the universe. So those ancient windows are thicker at the bottom
because they were made that way, not because of any later flowing
of the glass.

More about how slowly glass flows:
http://www.abc.net.au/science/k2/moments/gmis9844.htm
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Eastertide Enigma
Jill Carattini

The influx of Christian disciples after the crucifixion of Jesus is an
enigma. That the number of followers continued to grow despite intense
opposition and brutal persecution, despite the absence of their leader, is
inexplicable. Or, in the words of Cambridge professor C.F.D. Moule, it is
a mystery that "rips a great hole in history, a hole the size and shape of
the Resurrection." New Testament writers take us to the beginning glimpses
of that great hole, the reverberations of the first Easter Sunday.

In the book of Acts, Luke describes a scene whereby the enigma of
Christianity was called into the courts of the Sanhedrin. At this
juncture, the high priest was filled with rage. Jesus was no longer among
them, but the disciples continued to fill Jerusalem with his teaching. He
had strictly charged the apostles not to teach in the name of Jesus, and
yet they continued preaching to crowds and healing the sick. Multitudes
were professing belief in Christ. So the high priest had the disciples
all arrested. Setting them before the council, he questioned them
harshly. The disciple named Peter answered exactly as he preached: "We
must obey God rather than men! The God of our fathers raised Jesus.
exalting him at his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to
Israel and forgiveness of sins. And we are witnesses to these things and
so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him" (Acts
5:29-32).

At his words, the council was enraged, and some of them wanted the
disciples put to death. But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the
law held in honor by all the people, stood up to speak, first instructing
that the apostles be led out of the room. And he said to them, "Men of
Israel, take care what you are about to do with these men" (5:35).

Gamaliel's words introduce a logic often overlooked; he reminded them that
this had happened before. He reminded them to look at history. "Before
these days Theudas rose up," he countered, "claiming to be somebody, and
about four hundred men even joined him. But he was killed, and all who
followed him were dispersed and came to nothing." And after Theudas,
Gamaliel warned, there were similar stories. "So in the present case I
tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or
this undertaking is of man, it will fail; but if it is of God, you will not
be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God!"
(5:38,39).

Though the growth of the Church alone is not enough to conclude the truth
of Christ's resurrection, it is evidence that would be irresponsible to
ignore. The apostles were aware that the message of the Cross is
foolishness to some and a stumbling block to others. Yet they made
choices to continue preaching despite the orders of the high priest and
the often-severe persecution they faced. They changed social and
religious practices that had been followed for centuries. They refused to
give in; they would not be overthrown.

The rapid rise of Christian followers after the offensive death of their
leader fails to make sense outside of the explanation the church itself
offers: they were witnesses of these altogether unfathomable events. The
message the disciples preached throughout the nations was true:
Jesus was crucified, dead, and buried. Christ was raised and death was
stopped. The apostles were witnesses of God's power, and went to their
deaths proclaiming it. They chose to obey God rather than man, and found
Him building a Church that would reach far beyond them. The events of the
first Easter left an enigmatic hole in history, a hole the size and shape
of the Resurrection. With what explanation will you attempt to fill it?


-------------------------
Ravi Zacharias International Ministries (RZIM)
"A Slice of Infinity" is aimed at reaching into the culture with words of
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