Who Cares?

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Who Cares?






article by Amy Stephens





Are you feeling unnoticed? Feeling like no one cares whether you exist or not?







Source: Jarand BogeOften times we can be overcome with the emotion of a situation, the stress of daily life, the trials that we have to face, or the disheartening news of society. We ask ourselves, “Who really cares for me and the circumstance that I am going through?” We wonder if anyone notices what is happening in our world. Too often during these times we forget just how much God and Jesus really care for us.



We know that we worship a God who, along with His Son, has a wonderful plan for expanding their family. A plan that offers hope and salvation through the supreme sacrifice of Christ that covered the penalty for each of our sins individually. But beyond that plan and the ultimate sacrifice, what other ways does God show us He cares?



Jesus’ example on earth

While Jesus was suffering for all of humanity, dealing with the emotional and physical torment of His crucifixion, He set an example for us as He cared for His physical mother. We read in John 19:26When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son!



See All..., (King James Version throughout) “When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman , beholdthy son!” During that time, the eldest son was responsible for providing for his parents. A widow would be dependent on her son for support and protection. Jesus recognizes that His death would leave Mary dependent on others, and He takes the time to make sure she will be cared for.



How often have we used a trial or a time of suffering to excuse ourselves from expressing love to another? We can get so focused inwardly on our own needs that we forget to notice the needs of others around us. It is at this time that often true healing can occur, when at our weakest moments we show love and care for others.



The details

Life can be demanding; we have numerous responsibilities, commitments, tasks, and chores. We go about the day, perhaps without realizing how intense the care is that God has for us. We are told in Luke 12:7But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.



See All..., “But even the very hairs of yourheadare all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.” I know that I have no idea how many hairs I lose on a given day, but God tells me that at any given point He knows how many are on my head, and not only my head but every person on the earth. What a truly awesome level of care and concern that God and Christ show towards us.



Jesus still cares

We see another example of the care that God and Jesus show to us in the story of the stoning of Stephen. We are told Stephen is a faithful man, and at the time of his martyrdom, Stephen was given a vision of God and Jesus in heaven (Acts 7:55-56 [55] But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, [56] And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.



See All...). What an amazing example of care to encourage Stephen at a time of great despair and anguish with a vision of the hope that was the foundation of his faith.



It can be noted that Jesus sits at the right hand of God. “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the righthandof the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.



See All...). However, in the vision of Stephen Christ is standing. “And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God” (Acts 7:56And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.



See All...). Was this a demonstration of Christ’s caring effort to encourage Stephen? Possibly.



Called to care

As we live our lives and strive to be like our older Brother and coming King, perhaps we can take these examples and try to mimic the care and concern that Jesus has. Take the time to really listen to others; try to understand the difficulties someone else may be facing and find a way you can lessen their burden or encourage them. It always amazes me how the little things that we do for each other can totally turn someone’s day around, such as holding a door, lending a dime, picking up something someone has dropped, smiling, or sending a card or flowers. Then sit back and watch the attitude difference that a simple action can make.



We are told that we are to show love to each other, preferring and honoring each other; “Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherlylove; in honour preferring one another” (Romans 12:10Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;



See All...). We are to care, just as God and Christ care.



Request our free booklet, “Who Is God?” to find out more about the attributes of our heavenly Father.

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More Persecution of Christians than Ever Before

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More Persecution of Christians than Ever Before


 A commentary by Don Hooser






Persecution of Christians is rife and horrific in many parts of the world, and it's coming to the place where you live.





Source: Photos.com"Persecution? Really? Since I never hear about it, I thought it stopped a long time ago."



People who are living comfortably in a Western country that has laws to protect freedom of religion are often blissfully unaware of mounting persecution in the rest of the world. Virtually every religion suffers some persecution, but Christians are suffering the most. A recent study reported that 75 out of every 100 people that are killed for religious hatred are Christian. In 2010, Open Doors, a mission supporting persecuted Christians in more than 45 countries, estimated that 100 million Christians were being persecuted.



We need to be informed about this tragedy for several reasons.



In numerous countries, like Iran, Saudi Arabia and North Korea, intolerance and oppression of Christians is state policy. Many other state governments mostly ignore religious discrimination and violence against minorities, offering virtually no protection.



Ironically, the fall of a corrupt secular dictator, like President Mubarak of Egypt, is often bad news for Christians. Where Islam predominates, the overthrow of a secular dictator often allows the government to become controlled by Muslim extremists who are determined to establish Sharia law as the law of the nation. And Sharia forbids everyone from practicing any religion other than Islam!



Radical Islam isn't the only culprit—many Christians in India are suffering persecution from Hindu groups as well. Indian Christians are in a particularly bad spot because they are at risk from both radical Hindus and Muslims.



Persecution began with the founder of Christianity!

We shouldn't be surprised by ongoing persecution of Christians. It began immediately—with relentless slander and threats against the Perfect Man, Jesus Christ. Then His enemies managed to torture and kill Him in the most horrible way, by crucifixion.



Jesus warned His followers: "If the world hates you, realize that it hated me before it hated you…If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you" (John 15:18If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.



See All..., 20). He added, "Yes, the time is coming that whoever kills you will think that he offers God service" (John 16:2They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service.



See All...).



In fact, there are many Bible prophecies of severe persecution of God's people in the end time .



Many forms of persecution

Persecution ranges from mild to severe. Keep in mind that when people can get away with minor forms of persecution, they often turn to more violent forms.



Even milder forms of persecution are obviously hurtful and scary: ridiculing, teasing, humiliating, ostracizing or speaking derogatorily or nastily of a Christian; schools not permitting students to write or speak about their Christian beliefs; employers discriminating against a Christian; and Christian political candidates putting up with scathing ridicule and slander.



These milder forms are increasingly prevalent in the United States, an indicator of much worse to come. We must make sure that each of us is prepared with strong faith and strong courage!



Should we be concerned for those who are suffering persecution in other nations?

It's easy to be apathetic about people in faraway places when we are extremely busy with our day-to-day activities. But there is no excuse for being selfish, self-centered and self-righteous. Jesus set the bar very high, commanding us to love everyone, even our enemies (Luke 6:27-38 [27] But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, [28] Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you. [29] And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloak forbid not to take thy coat also. [30] Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again. [31] And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise. [32] For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them. [33] And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same. [34] And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again. [35] But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil. [36] Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful. [37] Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven: [38] Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.



See All...).



Many of these men and women are risking their lives to do what they consider to be God's work. Many end up being imprisoned, tortured and martyred for their beliefs. For all this, they deserve our deep respect.



We need to feel deep compassion and sympathy for these dedicated people—and pray for them.



Pastor Martin Neimoller, a survivor of Nazi concentration camps, said this: "First they came for the Communists, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Communist. Then they came for the Jews, and I didn't speak up, because I wasn't a Jew. Then they came for the Catholics, and I didn't speak up, because I was a Protestant. Then they came for me, and by that time there was no one left to speak up for me."



Let's be reminded of the Parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:29-37 [29] But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour? [30] And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. [31] And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. [32] And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side. [33] But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, [34] And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. [35] And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee. [36] Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves? [37] And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.



See All.... The Samaritan, who had less scriptural knowledge, was the one who pleased God because he felt and showed compassion. Scriptural knowledge is wonderful, but if we want God to show us compassion when we are persecuted, we must feel and express compassion toward others who are being persecuted.



Let's remember these words of Jesus: "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy" (Matthew 5:7Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.



See All...).

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Wanna Get High?

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Wanna Get High?

article by Dan Dowd





So, is marijuana a harmless drug or a gateway to all kinds of trouble?



"Come on, it's cool! Everybody's using it. Don't be so uptight." Maybe you have heard others ask, "What's the big deal?" So, is marijuana a harmless drug or a gateway to all kinds of trouble? Here are a few facts about marijuana to help you think vertically:



• U.S. government statistics put marijuana use at 23.9 percent of 10th graders. For high school seniors, it is 32.4 percent (National Institute on Drug Abuse 2008 survey, nida.nih.gov). While these numbers are high, it's hardly "everybody."



• Although the primary agent in marijuana is THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol), more than 400 other chemicals are present in marijuana smoke. Many are the same harmful compounds found in cigarette smoke.



• While there are no complete statistics about marijuana's contribution to traffic accidents, the effects of marijuana are well-known: severely diminished alertness, concentration, coordination and reaction time. In this respect, driving under the influence of marijuana is similar to driving under the influence of alcohol.



• A very high number of hard drug users started with marijuana. While not every user of marijuana goes on to harder drugs, many do.



• In the United States, there were more than 750,000 arrests for marijuana possession in 2007, the latest year for which statistics are available (fbi.gov).



Although the Bible doesn't directly address marijuana, it does address its effects. Proverbs 23:21For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty: and drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags.



See All... says, "For the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, and drowsiness will clothe a man with rags." And 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 [9] Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, [10] Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.



See All... adds, "Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards , nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God."



Marijuana use, as with other illegal drug use, has effects similar to alcohol abuse. Reject the instant drunkenness of marijuana. VT

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The China-Taiwan Tinderbox

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The China-Taiwan Tinderbox






article by Mario Seiglie





The Korean War showed how easily a local war in Asia, like the brewing China-Taiwan conflict, can escalate.



Few people today remember much about the Korean War (1950-53). It started as a civil war between North and South Korea. Yet, since there were political and strategic interests involved, soon the United States, the former Soviet Union, China and 19 other nations entered the dangerous fray. Besides the Koreans, the primary contenders were the United States and its United Nations allies on one side, and China and the former U.S.S.R. on the other. In that war, the U.S. suffered over 150,000 casualties, South Korea over a million, and North Korea and China about two million.



At one point in 1951, U.N. commanding officer General Douglas MacArthur urged attacking China and blockading its coasts as the only way to defeat the enemy. President Truman feared this would lead to a world war between the United States, China and the Soviet Union.



After two more years of bloody combat, a truce agreement was signed that left Korea divided. This unresolved conflict remains one of the world's trouble spots.



But more importantly, this war showed how easily a local civil war in Asia can escalate to epic proportions and involve the world's major powers.



The recent Taiwan elections



Now, 50 years since the start of the Korean War, another Asian threat looms on the horizon. The small, but economically powerful island of Taiwan has elected a president whose political platform calls for independence from mainland China. The Chinese authorities have said such a declaration would trigger a war. This could lead to alignments among the world's major powers that resemble the past. Moreover, a recent poll among the Chinese showed 95 percent favor going to war if Taiwan declared its independence.



How did this explosive situation arise?



In 1949 several million Chinese fled to this island after Mao Zedong, the Communist leader, conquered mainland China. From that time the Chinese have threatened to invade Taiwan, but thanks mostly to strong U.S. support of the island, the threat has never been carried out.



Chinese incorporation of Hong Kong and Macau



In recent years China has become more emboldened by annexing Hong Kong and Macau. Now only Taiwan remains outside the fold.



Yet Taiwan is a far different situation. Instead of being on the Chinese coastline as Hong Kong and Macau are, it is a prosperous island 160 miles (250 kilometers) off the coast. Its sizable population of 23 million and its successful democratic and open economic system has helped Taiwan attain one of the world's highest standards of living. Taiwan produces 80 percent of all computer motherboards in the world. Unlike Hong Kong and Macau, it has a considerable military force, is not a foreign-run country and passionately resists being incorporated by China. Meanwhile, mainland China is still beset by a rigid, one party Communist rule and a very low standard of living which, of course, does not attract the Taiwanese people in the least.



On the other hand, for Chinese President Jiang Zemin, Taiwan is the last and juiciest of all former territories left to recover. He realizes incorporating wayward Taiwan would place him in the Communist pantheon with the likes of Mao Zedong and Deng Xiaoping.



One U.S. official commented, "After the return of Hong Kong in 1997 and Macau in 1999, Taiwan is the last reunification issue on Beijing's agenda. It's also a cause that appeals to Chinese nationalism and could rally popular support for the leadership. It's a life and death issue for the Chinese regime" ( The Washington Post, March 16, 2000, p. 22).



Sino-expert Elizabeth Rosenthal adds, "It is hard for non-Chinese to understand the depths of Chinese devotion to Taiwan, which is born partly of decades of Communist Party propaganda and partly of humiliations of China's history, when Westerners carved up China for their economic advantage. 'China was divided when it was weak, and now that it is getting strong again, people's nationalist feeling rises and they feel strongly it is time to reunite the country,' said Zhang Yunling, the head of South Asian Studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences" ( The New York Times, March 20, 2000).



Navigating between Scylla and Charybdis



In ancient times, when one had to avoid two dangerous extremes, it was said he was between Scylla and Charybdis, two famous perils seamen had to avoid. Newly-elected Taiwanese President Chen Shui-bian now has to guide his nation between two great dangers. One is provoking China into a war, which is increasingly becoming a real possibility. The other is backing down from his political pledge of independence and enraging his followers, which would undermine his political strength.



Up to now, to avoid either extreme, he has resorted to pleasing both sides. With China, he has extended an olive leaf, toned down the independence rhetoric and expressed a desire to visit mainland China to calm tensions.



With his partisans, he has said, "Taiwan is an independent, sovereign country; it is not a part of the People's Republic of China" ( Newsweek, March 27, 2000, p. 26). He has also rejected as "unacceptable" China's "one country, two systems" formula for reunification, and has stressed Taiwan will not follow in the steps of Hong Kong and Macau.



This balancing act seems difficult to maintain in the long run. Chen has great pressure to live up to his pledge of independence, while China's patience is dwindling fast.



"Even before the election," explained Newsweek, "Beijing sensed that Taiwan was slipping away. In response, military hard-liners have launched a campaign to boost China's readiness for conflict. The military has pushed for bigger budgets and training programs focused on naval power projection and amphibious lift-all crucial to an invasion scenario. Last week mainland scholars warned darkly that reunification by force 'could be just a matter of hours away'" (March 27, 2000, p. 27).



Recently, Wei Jingsheng, a Chinese dissident who spent 19 years as a political prisoner in China, told The Washington Times he thought China's warning that Taiwan might not get a second chance for peace if they elected Chen was a sign that China had already decided to invade Taiwan.



Trapped in the middle



Caught in the middle of this dangerous dispute is the United States. Several times in the past, when America saw early signs of Chinese aggression toward Taiwan, it dispatched some of its carriers into the area to quell the rising tensions. The last time was in 1996, just prior to Taiwanese presidential elections, when China lobbed some missiles in front of Taiwan. The U.S. dispatched two aircraft carriers to the region and China backed off.



But U.S. relations have also changed toward Taiwan. In 1979, the U.S. allowed a 24-year-old defense treaty with Taiwan to expire and replaced it with the Taiwan Relations Act that only requires the U.S. to give Taiwan the means to protect itself.



The U.S. calls this new relationship with China and Taiwan "strategic ambiguity," which means neither side knows how committed the U.S. is to entering a possible conflict. To please China, the U.S. formally recognized it as the sole legal authority, but still insists on having cultural, commercial and unofficial (meaning military) relations with Taiwan. In this way, China never knows how far the U.S. will go to defend Taiwan, and neither does Taiwan know how far the U.S. is prepared to back it if it declares independence. This "ambiguity" could be tested in the future.



China and Russia's new "strategic partnership"



Lately, China has been building up its war arsenal thanks to a new partnership with Russia. Soon China will receive two modern Russian destroyers that China hopes can curb U.S. power in the region. It also has many submarines (71), missiles that can reach Taiwan (200) and advanced Russian fighter jets (40).



The Los Angeles Times reported, "Alarmed by U.S. political and military might worldwide, both Moscow and Beijing have called for increased cooperation to check American power and to pave the way for a 'multi-polar world'.... For Russia, attempting to strengthen ties with China is a logical move to counter Western leaders who oppose the Chechen war on humanitarian grounds" (Dec. 9, 1999).



Pavel Voshchanov, a Russian former secretary to the president, stated in the same article, "China is the only one of Russia's neighbors that has not clearly oriented itself either toward the West or toward the Muslim world. In order to be able to ignore both these opponents, Russia needs to have a third force, and China is a perfect candidate for this mission."



Russia is the chief supplier of arms to China, and in a possible conflict involving Taiwan and the U.S., it would be difficult for Russia not to side with China.



For example, in the past year, as the Chinese celebrated their 50th anniversary of Communist rule, President Jiang took a swipe at the U.S. and vowed to "unite" China and make it powerful again. A reporter at the celebration wrote: "Just as pointedly, a formation of Russian-made Su-27 fighters roared overhead, evidence of a newly declared 'strategic partnership' with Moscow (the two nations began their first-ever joint naval exercise last week)" ( Time, Sept. 27, 1999).



Most military strategists consider China still doesn't have the firepower to successfully invade Taiwan. Newsweek asked, "Now that Chen is at the helm, will China invade? Beijing hoped Taiwan would think so. But an attack is unlikely for now. China's generals realize they still lack the muscle to succeed in an outright invasion" (March 27, 2000).



BBC News offered this analysis on a possible Chinese attack against Taiwan: "So the big question is whether the U.S. would actually be prepared to go to war with China over Taiwan. The U.S. points to its military build-up in the region four years ago [1996] as proof of its commitment. But deploying battleships, and actually firing on China are very different things, and President Clinton has gone to great lengths to improve relations with Beijing which he would not throw away lightly.



"In a sign of deepening Congressional mistrust of China, the House of Representatives recently approved legislation to deepen the ties with the Taiwanese military, although the bill looks unlikely to pass the Senate. President Clinton has also said he would veto the bill. But this is his last year in office, and if Beijing increases the pressure on Taiwan in the run-up to the elections there, the question of Taiwan might also become a factor in the American elections too" (March 7, 2000, emphasis added).



A troubling hot spot



Taiwan has now entered a new scenario. Gone are the days when all the Taiwanese leaders came from the same ruling party (the KMT) and sought a status quo with China. Now, the journey to preserve the peace will be far more difficult. Newsweek said both China and the KMT knew Chen Shui-bian's victory "would mean not only the end of the KMT era. It would put China's dreams of peaceful reunification almost out of reach-and could even make its leaders start considering war" (March 27, 2000).



Everything depends on what China and Taiwanese President Chen Shui-bian will do. An ever-present danger is that, just as in the wars in Korea and Vietnam, what could begin as a local civil war between China and Taiwan could eventually involve the world's main powers-who have far more deadlier firepower than before.



To complicate matters, a well-respected Chinese newspaper reported China would consider using neutron bombs, which can destroy people but not buildings, if an amphibious invasion failed. After this report, this Chinese government newspaper was shut down, since they had revealed classified material. A U.S. newspaper mentioned, "'Editors of Haowangjiao (Weekly) released something they were not supposed to release,' a man at its parent publication who refused to identify himself said Tuesday... But it isn't clear whether the article's publication was a blunder or a deliberate but deniable warning to Taiwan and the United States" ( Spokane Spokesman-Review, March 22, 2000).



If China invades Taiwan, then either the U.S. backs down and shows great weakness and cowardice by allowing the island to be swallowed up, or it steps in. Since China has a strategic partnership with Russia, which now has a president who showed a ruthless side in the Chechen war, what will Russia do? Will it back China (which sorely needs Russian weapons) and use this show of bravado to promote the much needed Russian nationalism? If this happens, it could cause the United States to react and interrupt aid and commerce to China and Russia, among other things.



Regional tinderbox



In sum, history has shown that great conflagrations can begin with local civil wars, which eventually activate different alliances and lead to larger conflicts. Two end-time alliances could arise from such smaller conflicts. The first is mentioned in Revelation 17:13 where 10 kings give their "power and authority" to the beast. Another is mentioned in Revelation 16:12 where the "kings from the east" prepare to invade the Holy Land.



Taiwan is a tinderbox worth watching, for an armed conflict there could produce a domino effect among the world's most powerful nations and activate their different alliances. It is one of the many possibilities that could lead to an end-time scenario. WNP

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The Missing Unemployment Statistics

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The Missing Unemployment Statistics


A commentary by Melvin Rhodes




The economic upheavals that frequently plague our economies won't end until Christ returns and establishes a godly financial system. So, what should a Christian who trusts God and believes His written Word do in times like this.



According to the Lansing State Journal (8/23), Michigan's hard hit economy is looking better. Unemployment has dropped from 15.2% to below 15%, the paper has twice reported.



I might feel a lot better if I could take this at face value. Unfortunately, the hard figures reveal a different story!



Unemployment is under reported

My son works for the state's department of unemployment, sometimes cynically described as "the fastest growing sector of the Michigan economy."



The reason unemployment figures are looking better, he explained, is because increasing numbers of people are coming off unemployment benefits.



Here is how it works.



Unemployed workers receive benefits for only a limited number of weeks. With extensions, people may now receive benefits for over a year but eventually they run out. That is now happening to more and more people.



My son also explained to me that 99,000 people in Michigan will have received all of their available state unemployment benefits by the end of this year. That means they could become destitute, with no income, no health insurance and unable to pay their mortgages—which indicates more foreclosures are to come!



Other unreported factors

That's not the only reason the unemployment numbers look better. People who move out of state are no longer counted as "unemployed." Nor are people who retire. Nor are the tens of thousands who have returned to their native countries. Nor are those who are in part time work, some earning as little as $50 per week. Nor are those who have had their hours and pay cut.



"CNN Newsroom" (Sunday August 23rd) predicted that 650,000 people across the United States will lose their unemployment benefits by the end of this year. This includes the 99,000 in Michigan. The prediction is that 4.4 million Americans will lose theirs before the economy recovers. That's 4.4 million people with no means of feeding themselves, short of lining up at the local soup kitchen.



It's not a pretty picture, no matter how you look at it. Things are clearly not getting any better.



One economist, not alone in his concern, wrote an op-ed in the Financial Times August 25th on the increasing likelihood of a double dip recession similar to the Great Depression. Following the Crash of 1929 the economy actually started to pick up, with the Stock Market making gains for five months in a row. Then the sixth month came and the rest is history.



Some are saying the same is likely now. The 'D' word is increasingly mentioned.

Talk of "Depression" is enough to make anyone depressed, on a personal level.



The economic upheavals that frequently plague our economies won't end until Christ returns and establishes a godly financial system. So, what should a Christian who trusts God and believes His written Word do in times like this?



The appropriate response!

The Bible clearly instructs each of us to "seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.



See All...).



In addition to praying each day "Thy kingdom come" (Matthew 6:10Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.



See All..., King James Version), Christians should also remember to ask: "Give us this day our daily bread" (verse 11). Previous generations had to do this—often in times more challenging than now.



In the western world we've taken far too much for granted and have consistently failed to thank our Creator for all the physical blessings He has given to us. Faced with losing everything, this is a good time to start thanking God every day for all that He has given us.



Maybe for a while government can help if you lose your job, but that help won't last. Besides, the government is rapidly going broke. The U.S. deficit is so great that the BBC said a new word will soon be needed to describe it (BBC World News, PBS, 25th August).



Christians should not take anxious thought for tomorrow (Matthew 6:34Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.



See All...). Worry never helps. Do what you can to help yourself and ask God each day to help you provide for your family needs.



How long this recession (or depression) will last cannot be accurately predicted. One thing is certain. We must all accept a lower standard of living, going without some of the pleasures we once took for granted. However, we can take assurance from King David who observed: "I have been young, and now am old; Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his descendants begging bread" (Psalm 37:25I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.



See All...).



As we go through this difficult time, let's all remember to pray more fervently, "Thy kingdom come." And for a really in depth understanding of what that Kingdom will be like, please request, read online or download our free booklet, The Gospel of the Kingdom .

Does the Bible Contain Errors?

From http://el-paso.ucg.org/  or call 1-888-886-8632.


Does the Bible Contain Errors?


Often the answer depends on the eye of the beholder. For those determined to undermine Scripture , yes, it does contain errors and no answer will satisfy them. For others, though, careful study and patience usually resolve any problems.



As noted author Josh McDowell explains regarding the Bible : "It is a mistake for the critic to assume...that what has not yet been explained never will be explained. When a scientist comes upon an anomaly in nature, he does not give up further scientific exploration. Rather, he uses the unexplained as a motivation to find an explanation...



"Likewise, the Christian scholar approaches the Bible with the same presumption that what is thus far unexplained is not therefore unexplainable. He or she does not assume that discrepancies are contradictions. And when he encounters something for which he has no explanation, he simply continues to do research, believing that one will eventually be found...



"Like his scientific counterpart, the Bible student has been rewarded for his faith and research. Many difficulties for which scholars once had no answer have yielded to the relentless pursuit of answers through history, archaeology, linguistics, and other disciplines. For example, critics once proposed that Moses could not have written the first five books of the Bible because there was no writing in Moses' day. Now we know that writing existed a couple of thousand years or more before Moses.



"Likewise, critics once believed that the Bible was wrong in speaking of the Hittite people, since they were totally unknown to historians. Now historians know of their existence by way of a Hittite library found in Turkey. This gives us confidence to believe that biblical difficulties not yet explained do have an explanation, and we need not assume that there is a mistake in the Bible " ( The New Evidence That Demands a Verdict, 1999, pp. 46-47).



Contradictions in the Gospels?



As an example of resolving supposed contradictions, let's consider how the four Gospels record the words that Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor, ordered to be placed above Jesus' head at His crucifixion.



Matthew 27:37And set up over his head his accusation written, THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.



See All... reads, "This is Jesus the king of the Jews."



Mark 15:26And the superscription of his accusation was written over, THE KING OF THE JEWS.



See All... says, "the king of the Jews."



Luke 23:38And a superscription also was written over him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.



See All... reads, "This is the king of the Jews."



John 19:19And Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the cross. And the writing was, JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS.



See All... states, "Jesus of Nazareth, the king of the Jews."



At first glance it might appear none of the authors copied the words on the sign properly. But, when we read each account, we find every one adds a bit more information to the rest. From John we find that Pilate composed the message. From Luke we have additional information as to why these words are different: The inscription was originally written in three languages, Greek, Latin and Hebrew (Luke 23:38And a superscription also was written over him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.



See All...).



So the variation of the wordings logically would have to do with the three languages used as well as the different point of view of each biographer, stressing slightly different aspects of Christ's life and ministry. Adding up the wording of the different accounts, we see that the complete message recorded by the signs was "This is Jesus of Nazareth, the king of the Jews."



None of the Gospel accounts contradicts the others; they complement each other to provide increased understanding. A helpful tool for studying Christ's life and ministry is A.T. Robertson's A Harmony of the Gospels, which provides all four Gospel accounts side by side in chronological order.



Other seeming contradictions in the Bible are related to times and dates. One example of this is that Israel used both a civil and a sacred calendar. The civil year began in the autumn with the month of Tishri, while the sacred year began in the spring with the month of Nisan or Abib. When two writers seem to disagree regarding the timing of a particular event, the seeming discrepancy can be clarified by ascertaining which of the two calendars they are using.



In another matter of timing, John 19:14And it was the preparation of the passover, and about the sixth hour: and he saith unto the Jews, Behold your King!



See All... seems to disagree with Matthew 27:45Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land unto the ninth hour.



See All.... John described events that occurred before the crucifixion and says that they took place at about the "sixth hour." Matthew agrees with Mark 15:33And when the sixth hour was come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour.



See All... and Luke 23:44And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour.



See All... when he says darkness covered the land after the crucifixion from the sixth to the ninth hours. Is there a real discrepancy between these accounts?



No! The answer lies in the fact that the Jewish state was then under Roman control and John used the Roman reckoning of time, which began at midnight. The "sixth hour" in John's reckoning was 6:00 in the morning. However, the Jewish method of timekeeping started from that time of the morning, counting it as the first hour of the day. So the sixth hour of the day according to Jewish reckoning was noon.



The crucifixion occurred between the sixth and ninth hours of the day—Jewish time. Thus, the four Gospel accounts do not contradict; instead they complement each other.



Answers may not be readily apparent



What about other scriptural passages that contain apparent discrepancies? Some of these are the result of faulty translations; some Bible translations are simply more accurate than others in rendering particular verses. With other passages the difficulties may be more substantial.



In any case, one should not be alarmed at what appear to be errors in the Bible . There are answers and solutions to these passages that may not be readily apparent. As noted Bible scholar Gleason Archer writes:



"As I have dealt with one apparent discrepancy after another and have studied the alleged contradictions between the biblical record and the evidence of linguistics, archaeology, or science, my confidence in the trustworthiness of Scripture has been repeatedly verified and strengthened by the discovery that almost every problem in Scripture that has ever been discovered by man, from ancient times until now, has been dealt with in a completely satisfactory manner by the biblical text itself—or else by objective archaeological information...



"There is a good and sufficient answer in Scripture itself to refute every charge that has ever been leveled against it. But this is only to be expected from the kind of book the Bible asserts itself to be, the inscripturation of the infallible, inerrant Word of the Living God" ( Encyclopedia of Bible Difficulties, 1982, p. 12).



The Bible is the Word of God , and we can depend upon it as the Book that illuminates the pathway to salvation. It is reliable. The apostle Paul wrote that "all Scripture is given by inspiration of God" (2 Timothy 3:16All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:



See All...). Jesus said that "the Scripture cannot be broken" (John 10:35If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken;



See All...).



This is a promise from Jesus Christ on which we can rely and in which we can place our complete confidence. So, when we read the Bible , let us be assured that we are indeed reading a book that is inspired of God and contains the full backing of the Eternal God who desires to give us the salvation the book promises us.



A little research with commentaries and other Bible helps can usually resolve Bible difficulties.

How Credible Is Christianity Today?

From http://el-paso.ucg.org/  or call 1-888-886-8632.

How Credible Is Christianity Today?

A commentary by Paul Suckling

Christianity is no longer accorded the level of trust and credibility it once held in Western civilization. The unpersuaded see it as having few positive distinctions from all other religions.



Whether Christian, Buddhist, Shinto, Islamic, Hindu, etc. (a choice of hundreds of major religious groups and thousands of minor ones are available) most religions seem to have one thing in common. In their ranks one can find a core of people dedicated to doing good things for others. In this regard, Christianity is not unique.



But there is also the negative side of Christianity. Corruption and scandals undermine its credibility just as they do other religions. Numerous books chronicle the rancorous and sometime scandalous disagreements that have divided Christianity. Other books detail the sins committed by some of its leading figures. And from the news media we hear or read almost daily about some current corruption that is plaguing its ranks.



How much confidence can we have in the validity of this religion in light of its troubled history? Consider these relevant facts.



Shortly after all of the apostles' writings were completed and added to the Bible (near the end of the first century) Christianity began experiencing internal controversies. The debates and doctrinal modifications that followed led to significant diversity in its teachings. By the fourth century, after it had transformed its teachings sufficiently to be accepted in the Roman Empire's social and political structure, it became the state religion.



This expanded the power of the church in Rome dramatically. In a short while the church was dominating the state. It justified its newly found status with the doctrine of two swords—the church (the spiritual sword) claimed superiority over the state (the secular sword).



By the early part of the sixteenth century a considerable number of people in Europe began to challenge the moral laxity and other abuses approved or allowed by the ecclesiastical hierarchy in Rome. These "protesters" were labeled as heretics. The root of this word means a choice— signifying that these people had made an open choice to no longer trust or accept the beliefs of the church hierarchy. State sponsored Christianity was thrown into a crisis.



When Rodrigo Borgia ascended to the office of Pope—as Pope Alexander VI—Martin Luther was only 9 years old. Luther later became the pivotal leader of the "Protestors"—later called Protestants—who were attempting to reform Christianity through the movement now known as the Protestant Reformation.



But instead of those reforms uniting the Christian religion, scores of splits occurred in the years that followed. Hundreds of "Christian" denominations sprang up. Amid this diversity each denomination has experienced enormous difficulty in living up to its own tenets and teachings.



Within the greater body of Christianity its shortcomings and divisions are played down for seemingly two reasons. Denominations quickly recognized that their membership would probably drop drastically if they insisted that everyone associated with them had to pledge full compliance with all of their tenets. Their second choice, the one most settled for, was that a few good deeds are better than none at all. They accepted the reality that only a minority—often a small minority—of their members would actually practice sincerely all they teach.



Current surveys of the practices of those who claim to be Christians indicate that they often vary greatly from the tenets of the denomination to which they belong. And they differ even more with the teachings of the Bible . These surveys indicate that most of today's professing Christians believe that truth is relative and that they can trust their own feelings and opinions more than the teaching they hear preached.



Christianity is a religion at odds with itself. Within it are many sincere, well meaning people who do the best they know how to do in living a decent life that includes loving and serving others. But when the history of Christianity is examined honestly, much is to be desired of the example and commitment of the vast majority of its members—and often of its leaders. It is little wonder that so many doubt its credibility.



This brings us to a crucial question. What were Jesus Christ's expectations for those who would make up that body of people—that Church— that He promised to build? His promise was, "... I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it" Matthew 16:18And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.



See All...). He also promised, "Therefore by their fruits you will know them" (Matthew 7:20Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.



See All...). Are the fruits of Christianity today all that Jesus had in mind?

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Religious Nuts

From http://el-paso.ucg.org/  or call 1-888-886-8632/

Religious Nuts

article by Robert Berendt





The terms may vary from place to place, but it seems every society and every generation has had some experience with those who are deviant thinkers.



We live in an incredible society and world. There are many and varied thought patterns around us, and we strive to categorize a “norm” from them with which to judge human behavior. We realize there are some at the far ends of the spectrum from this norm, but we are puzzled and amazed (sometimes beyond belief) at the really peculiar behavior and thought patterns of some. As many would say: they are “nuts” (nuts meaning crazy or fouled up in their thinking).



The nuttiest of all



When I try to develop a pattern for “nuts,” I find that there is no nut as nuts as a religious nut. Religion has done more to push the behavior of people over the edge of all that is considered allowable and acceptable than any other form of thinking. Leaders have even declared themselves to be “gods” here on Earth.

As late as 1945, many Japanese considered their emperor to be divine. The early pharaohs of Egypt and Caesars of Rome declared themselves divine. Myriads of kings and other leaders proclaimed themselves to be led and directed by a Supreme Being. In Europe, the royal crowns carried a symbol on the top of the crown that indicated that the king or queen was in their position by divine appointment. The crown of Hungary has a golden cross on top, and Britain has a great jewel as this symbol of divine blessing. The Pope in Rome is said to be appointed by divine guidance. The imams of Islam feel the same about their calling.



Almost all spiritual leaders claim divine guidance and appointment of some sort. Some have sacrificed a great deal to follow what they believed was their destiny and calling from a deity. Most are leaders who are balanced, but some are obvious extremists.

I have seen individuals who do not seem to be seeking personal glory but who wander about proclaiming that they have a message from God. Some are dressed in rags; some wear robes that make them stand out in a crowd. A man in Vienna, Austria, was well known on the main shopping district since he dressed in a white sheet, carried a shepherd’s rod, wore green leaves on his head, and loudly proclaimed doom and gloom for the city and nation. I have no doubt that men like these are reasonably sane and take as their role models the stories of people like Jonah, Ezekiel, Jeremiah, and others who actually did serve God.



The danger of extremes



But some religious nuts that proclaim divine guidance have sent countless people to their early deaths in the name of their belief. The Kamikaze of Japan died for their divine emperor. The Incas of old were among the many pagan religions that designated the most handsome, beautiful, flawless, and young among them to become the sacrifice to the gods. It is usually the youngest and best that die at the whim and order of a religious person who has designed a reason for their sacrifice and proclaimed that reason to be given directly by divine inspiration.

Many Christian leaders of old proclaimed, “letters coming down from heaven” to be the mainstay of their beliefs and statements when they wanted to exert control over people. I do not mean to poke fun at sincere people who believe that what they are doing is pleasing to God; however, when actions defy all logic and when others are hurt by the deeds or words of one who proclaims himself to be guided by God, then I feel they need to be categorized as dangerous—dangerous to themselves and dangerous to others. There are numerous stories of parents who have put their own children to death because they “heard a voice.”



I have met a number of people whose personal life is a mess but who fully believe God has reached out to them with some divine message, which nobody except themselves can understand or know. They feel they have a mission to minister to and correct others. It is interesting to note how many of these types often seek ministers to impress and correct with their divine message.



Hallmarks of Christian fanatics



Religious nuts have ideas that are preposterous and meaningless to all but them. They carry a Bible (or other supposed authority) in their hands to proclaim their authenticity and are an embarrassment to the very words of that holy book.



Paul had much to say about some he met who were far from Christ. In Titus 1:15-16 [15] Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled. [16] They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.



See All..., he wrote, “To the pure, all things are pure, but to those who are corrupted and do not believe, nothing is pure. In fact, both their minds and consciences are corrupted. They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good” (New International Version throughout). In Colossians 2:18Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,



See All..., Paul states, “Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you for the prize. Such a person goes into great detail about what he has seen, and his unspiritual mind puffs him up with idle notions.”



What God desires instead



Paul exhorts us in Colossians 3:12Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;



See All...: “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” Humility of the greatest degree is what we need before God. The Bible informs us that we have nothing to offer and our very best is as filthy rags before Him (Isaiah 64:6But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.



See All...). With that in mind, a person ought to fear to step forward and serve God without being invited. That invitation should be stronger than just a dream in the night.



The book of Luke records the advice on humility given to one who was invited to a wedding (Luke 14:8-11 [8] When thou art bidden of any man to a wedding, sit not down in the highest room; lest a more honourable man than thou be bidden of him; [9] And he that bade thee and him come and say to thee, Give this man place; and thou begin with shame to take the lowest room. [10] But when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room; that when he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee, Friend, go up higher: then shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee. [11] For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.



See All...). Verse 11 states that he who exalts himself will be humbled. Men like Gideon wanted God to show them that He really meant what He said. Many of the men God chose as prophets and messengers resisted that call and even went the other way. Humility will cause a converted person to be very slow to think that God would choose him.



False prophets will always surround us—so says Peter (2 Peter 2:1-3 [1] But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. [2] And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. [3] And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.



See All...). He wrote that these people will exploit you with stories they have made up. In verse 10, Peter claims that they are bold and arrogant, which becomes obvious the moment you question their credentials. A person who is truly confident will have no concern that someone is questioning him, and even if someone wonders if he has “lost it.” A person who has a false confidence built on his own stories will always react strongly and defensively. The bottom line is that God has given us a book, the Bible, for a guide to show us who speaks the truth and who is just another nut.



For more information on distinguishing God’s true church amidst a world full of religious falsehood and fanaticism, please request our free booklet The Church Jesus Built .

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America's Culture Cascades Downward - Learn to Swim Upstream

From http://el-paso.ucg.org/  or call 1-888-886-8632.

America's Culture Cascades Downward - Learn to Swim Upstream


 A commentary by Don Hooser




The cultural trends in America and much of the world range from trivial to tragic. Reflecting on culture can take us on a roller coaster of emotions - laughter, annoyance, disgust, anger and weeping. But we need not be cloned by the culture. We can cultivate our own personal culture.





Source: Photos.comCulture is a fascinating topic. I recently enjoyed reading, Of Thee I Zing—America's Cultural Decline . Author Laura Ingraham departed from politics to write a comedic commentary on culture.



The word "culture" has several definitions. This article is about two of them:

1. The totality of the beliefs, behaviors, traditions and products of any society.

2. High personal standards of morals, manners, enlightenment and aesthetics.

Hence we can correctly say: America's culture is becoming… uh, er… uncultured!



Another penetrating commentary on the decline of Western culture is the 1996 book by Judge Robert Bork, Slouching Toward Gomorrah . He asserts that the foundation of any culture is its morality and America's morality is spiraling downward. The emphasis on unrestrained individualism is leading to unabashed hedonism.



The person who has had the greatest positive impact on the Western world's culture is Jesus Christ. The book that has had the greatest positive impact is the Bible. Tragically, the world is drifting away from those influences.



Historically, the U.S. has had a "Judeo-Christian culture" but that is seldom mentioned any more. Most of America's founding fathers had a great respect for the Bible and the Ten Commandments, but that respect is becoming rare.



Most people are neither alert to notice degenerating trends nor determined to resist those trends.



What they are accustomed to seems acceptable and "normal," but what is " normal" keeps changing—in a downward direction. We tend to be like the proverbial frog in the pot of water being heated to a boil. We need to notice the gradual changes in our environment and take action before we are corrupted by it.



Evidence everywhere of cultural decline

Culture encompasses everything. Cultural decay is seen in countless alarming issues: crime, violence, disrespect for law and authority, dishonesty, breakdown of the family, divorces, children with no fathers, abortions, ever-growing government encroaching on our freedoms, dirty politics, dumbed down education, anti-Christian bias, environmental extremism, abuse (physical, mental, verbal and sexual), alcohol and drug abuse, addictions, tyranny of political correctness over biblical correctness, racial tensions, lack of a work ethic, lack of respect and courtesy and good manners, a crass and trashy pop culture, obscenities and vulgarities, materialism, decline of mature face-to-face communication, and general absence of noble values.



We live in a hyper-sexualized society, riddled with immorality, shameless immodesty, adultery, pornography, prostitution, promotion of the gay lifestyle agenda, radical feminism, sex and violence and profanity in media, confusion over gender identity, and all kinds of indecencies.



You can probably think of many other trends.



Cultural decay was prophesied

In 2 Timothy 3:1-5 [1] This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. [2] For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, [3] Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, [4] Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; [5] Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.



See All..., the apostle Paul gave us this prophecy: "But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come. For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power." This already largely describes our society!



In verse 5, Paul adds, "And from such people turn away!" Other scriptures help us to understand what Paul meant here. We must not "run with them" or be "yoked together with" them because "evil company corrupts good habits" (1 Peter 4:4Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you:



See All...; 2 Corinthians 6:14Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?



See All...; 1 Corinthians 15:33Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.



See All...). At the same time, we are to love them, be kind to them, and look for opportunities to steer them in the right direction. Philippians 2:15 sums it up well: "Become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world."



In Romans 1, Paul describes what happens to a culture when the people glorify the pagan theory of evolution rather than the Creator God—when they "worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator" (verse 25). The remainder of the chapter describes the consequences—the vices, evils and perversions that are increasingly prevalent today.



Paul's prescription is this: "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God" (Romans 12:2And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.



See All...).



The word "counterculture" usually refers to a rebellious subculture. But it can have a positive meaning. Each of us can choose to be part of God's counterculture—the people who are trying to "live… by every word of God (Luke 4:4And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.



See All...).



As society increasingly becomes like a polluted filthy river, it's no time to float. We must swim hard to swim upstream.



Coming: A wonderful cultural revolution!

Jesus Christ promised that He would "come again" to earth and set up His everlasting Kingdom. (John 14:3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.



See All...; Matthew 6:10Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.



See All...). When Christ is ruling the whole world, all people will live in peace and joy. The best single word to describe the world's culture will be " righteousness" (Isaiah 11:4-5 [4] But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked. [5] And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins.



See All...; Isaiah 61:11For as the earth bringeth forth her bud, and as the garden causeth the things that are sown in it to spring forth; so the Lord GOD will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations.



See All...; Isaiah 62:1-2 [1] For Zion's sake will I not hold my peace, and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest, until the righteousness thereof go forth as brightness, and the salvation thereof as a lamp that burneth. [2] And the Gentiles shall see thy righteousness, and all kings thy glory: and thou shalt be called by a new name, which the mouth of the LORD shall name.



See All...).



Imagine what the world will be like! The many regional cultures of the world will be united under the overall culture of God's Word and God's laws.



The world desperately needs that cultural revolution. It's coming soon! To learn more about this coming world-changing Kingdom, read our free booklet The Gospel of the Kingdom .

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What Can You Do When Life Isn't Fair?

From http://el-paso.ucg.org/  or call 1-888-886-8632.

What Can You Do When Life Isn't Fair?






article by John LaBissoniere





Unfairness seems to pervade life. When unfair circumstances affect you, how can you best respond?







Hellen Keller and Anne Sullivan



Source: WikimediaWhen I was a youngster, one my most frequent complaints was, "That's not fair!" Everything had to be fair, and if it wasn't—well—it just wasn't fair!



When I complained about a perceived family injustice, my father would remind me of his often-used phrase, "Life isn't fair." He would explain that if I expected fairness throughout life, I would be sadly disappointed because it just wasn't going to happen.



Of course, I didn't like hearing that—but as I matured, I came to see that inequitable, troublesome and undeserved events occur in everyone's life.



Even so, unfair treatment still bothers me—especially when I see it deliberately perpetrated against innocent, unsuspecting people. Perhaps you share a similar reaction when you learn that an unscrupulous person has taken advantage of someone or a criminal has gone unpunished.



Furthermore, how do you feel when you are personally cheated, lied about, improperly reprimanded or deeply betrayed, or your reputation is carelessly tarnished?



Realizing such actions are inherently wrong, our natural human reaction is to feel distressed and offended. We may then respond by turning angry and bitter or seeking revenge. Alternatively, we may retreat into sadness or depression and withdraw from those who emotionally harmed us.



Are those effective ways to handle unfairness, or are there more constructive and productive methods? When life's events hand us significant troubles or when people treat us unfairly and unjustly, what should we do? How can we weather the upset and disappointment we will predictably feel?



A difficult start in life

Consider the story of Anne Mansfield Sullivan. Born on April 14, 1866, in Feeding Hills, Massachusetts, Anne's youth was filled with hardship and adversity. Not only was she raised in deep poverty, but she was physically abused by her alcoholic father. At age five she contracted trachoma, a bacterial infection of the eye. This virulent disease was left untreated, causing her to nearly go blind.



When Anne turned eight years old, her mother, Alice Sullivan, died of tuberculosis. Two years later her father abandoned both Anne and her brother James to the state infirmary in Tewksbury, Mass., after finding it difficult to raise the children alone.



Conditions at the institution were deplorable since it was chronically underfunded, in disrepair and severely overcrowded. If that wasn't bad enough, after just three months James died from tuberculosis.



During her four-year stay at Tewksbury, Anne received two operations that failed to significantly correct her vision. However, in October 1880, as Anne turned 14 years old, she was accepted into the Perkins School for the Blind in Boston (founded in 1832 and operating to this day).



Overcoming the obstacles

At the Perkins School her situation began to improve. Anne received additional treatment for her eyes that enhanced her sight enough so she could read for short periods. As a result, she diligently concentrated on her academic education. Anne also learned sign language so as to communicate with a friend who was both deaf and blind. Anne studied so meticulously that she graduated as class valedictorian on June 1, 1886.



In her valedictory address she challenged her classmates and herself by stating: "Fellow graduates, duty bids us go forth into active life. Let us go cheerfully, hopefully and earnestly, and set ourselves to find our especial part. When we have found it, willingly and faithfully perform it; for every obstacle we overcome, every success we achieve tends to bring man closer to God and make life more as He would have it."



Several teachers and staff members at the Perkins School were impressed with Anne's positive attitude, talents, intelligence and persistence. This included school director Michael Anagnos, who personally recommended Anne be accepted by the Keller family in Tuscumbia, Alabama, as tutor and mentor to their blind, deaf and mute daughter Helen.



Anne Sullivan became the instructor to whom Helen Keller, one of the most admired women of the 20th century, acclaimed as making an extraordinary impact on her life. In chapter four of Helen Keller's autobiography, The Story of My Life, she wrote, "The most important day I remember in all my life is the one on which my teacher, Anne Mansfield Sullivan, came to me."



We choose how to react

What does Anne Sullivan's story illustrate? Considering the significant troubles she encountered in her youth, she could have turned frustrated, morose and resentful. She could have ceaselessly complained about the unfairness of her upbringing and the hardships she experienced.



But she didn't. Instead, Anne chose to rise above her circumstances and use every opportunity to discover, develop and expand her talents and abilities. In doing so, she grew in emotional maturity and character.



Just as Anne Sullivan consciously resolved to handle her disadvantages in a constructive manner, you and I have choices when we are afflicted by inequity and injustice. Whether we face a recent difficult setback or a long-term situation as profound as what Anne encountered, we can choose how we will react and what we will do .



The Bible offers examples of such choices from both a positive and negative perspective.



The story of Joseph and his brothers

To illustrate, let's briefly examine the account of Joseph and his brothers from Genesis 37. The story begins when Joseph brought a negative report to his father Jacob on how his brothers were tending their flocks (verses 1-2). Joseph's account upset and irritated them. Furthermore, the brothers could see that their father overwhelmingly favored Joseph above them (verse 3). This perceived unfairness greatly annoyed and angered them and led to intense feelings of envy and resentment—even hatred.



Later, Joseph experienced two vivid dreams in which it appeared he was greatly honored by his father and brothers. In relating the dreams to his brothers, they imagined he was pretentiously exalting himself, which infuriated them even more (verse 5-11).



Afterward Jacob again sent Joseph to visit his brothers as they were tending their flocks and report back to him. By this time their hatred toward Joseph had grown so great that they began contemplating his murder (verses 18-20).



Realizing the dire nature of their antagonism, the eldest brother Reuben succeeded in calming the others down for a short time (verses 21-24). But later, without Reuben's knowledge, they threw Joseph into a pit and sold him to passing Ishmaelite traders for 20 shekels of silver.



To hide their treachery, the brothers killed a goat and dipped Joseph's tunic in its blood. Then they took the bloodstained garment to Jacob and told him that a wild animal must have killed Joseph. On hearing this, Jacob wept bitterly and refused to be comforted over losing his son (verse 33).



Joseph's reaction to unfair treatment

There is much more to the remarkable story of Joseph as a slave and later as a ruler in Egypt (Genesis 39–50). But suffice it to say that, considering the unfair actions he endured, Joseph could have turned bitter and spent endless hours wallowing in his troubles and nursing his emotional wounds. But he didn't.



Instead, he decided to concentrate his talents and energies on becoming the best person he could be while trusting God for help in every situation. In fact, when his brothers later came to Egypt where Joseph was now a high official, he chose to treat them with kindness, generosity and forgiveness—even explaining to them that God used the bad thing they had done to ultimately save their and others' lives (Genesis 50:15-21 [15] And when Joseph's brethren saw that their father was dead, they said, Joseph will peradventure hate us, and will certainly requite us all the evil which we did unto him. [16] And they sent a messenger unto Joseph, saying, Thy father did command before he died, saying, [17] So shall ye say unto Joseph, Forgive, I pray thee now, the trespass of thy brethren, and their sin; for they did unto thee evil: and now, we pray thee, forgive the trespass of the servants of the God of thy father. And Joseph wept when they spake unto him. [18] And his brethren also went and fell down before his face; and they said, Behold, we be thy servants. [19] And Joseph said unto them, Fear not: for am I in the place of God? [20] But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive. [21] Now therefore fear ye not: I will nourish you, and your little ones. And he comforted them, and spake kindly unto them.



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His example demonstrates that what happens within a person is significantly more important than what happens to him!



As this example makes plain, God is fully capable of eventually equalizing unfair circumstances. Also, as the apostle Peter explained, God carefully watches over those who, while suffering unjustly, remain faithfully obedient to Him. "God will bless you, even if others treat you unfairly for being loyal to him" (1 Peter 2:19For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully.



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God allows unfair circumstances and events

Certainly, God can make things right in this physical life— but He doesn't always choose to do so . In His wisdom, He sometimes allows unfair and even disgraceful treatment to afflict His faithful followers (Psalm 119:75I know, O LORD, that thy judgments are right, and that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me.



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The Bible's "Faith chapter," Hebrews 11, describes how this was true of a number of God's servants: "Still others had trial of mockings and scourgings, yes, and of chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, were tempted, were slain with the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented—of whom the world was not worthy.



"They wandered in deserts and mountains, in dens and caves of the earth. And all these, having obtained a good testimony through faith, did not receive the promise, God having provided something better for us, that they should not be made perfect apart from us" (verses 36-40).



Also, consider Jesus Christ. Having lived a totally sinless life, He was undeserving of the merciless treatment He received (Matthew 16:21From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.



See All...). What was His response to such dreadful unfairness? He willingly and faithfully placed His circumstance in His Father's just and mighty hands. "When He was reviled, [He] did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously" (1 Peter 2:23Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:



See All...). Indeed, He prayed, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do" (Luke 23:34Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.



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Looking beyond today's world

What is God's message to His people today? It is to react in the same manner Christ did when we suffer unjustly. We are to "pursue peace with all people" (Hebrews 12:14Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:



See All...), and Jesus Christ admonished His followers to handle unfairness and iniquity with love and forgiveness (Matthew 5:44-45 [44] But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; [45] That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.



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Of course there may be certain instances where we can respectfully defend ourselves against unfair actions. For example, the apostle Paul used his rights as a Roman citizen to shield himself from the abusive treatment of military authorities (Acts 22:25And as they bound him with thongs, Paul said unto the centurion that stood by, Is it lawful for you to scourge a man that is a Roman, and uncondemned?And as they bound him with thongs, Paul said unto the centurion that stood by, Is it lawful for you to scourge a man that is a Roman, and uncondemned?



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Also, when handling an offense or disagreement with someone, the Bible counsels us to go directly to that individual to peacefully discuss the problem to determine if it can be resolved equitably

(Matthew 18:15-16 [15] Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. [16] But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.



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Paul also recognized, however, that complete justice will not always occur in this present age ruled by the devil (Galatians 1:4Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:



See All...; Luke 4:6And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it.



See All...). Looking beyond today he wrote, "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us" (Romans 8:18For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.



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The ultimate answer to unfairness

The reality is that everyone experiences unfairness in life. It was certainly true for Anne Sullivan, for young Joseph and especially for Jesus Christ, who endured momentous injustice (Hebrews 12:2Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.



See All...). The key principle to remember is that how we react to unfair treatment is more important than what has happened to us.



Responding to unjust situations or actions in anger, bitterness and revenge is not the answer (Ephesians 4:31-32 [31] Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: [32] And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.



See All...). Rather, trusting God in faith and obedience brings true peace of mind and, in due course, entrance into eternal life (Philippians 4:6-7; Matthew 19:17And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.



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The time is coming when Satan and his demons will be removed and Jesus Christ will reign on the earth (Revelation 11:15And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.



See All...; 20:1-5; 5:10). When that day dawns, all inequities, including those we have personally experienced, will be fully corrected (Romans 8:35-39 [35] Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? [36] As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. [37] Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. [38] For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, [39] Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.



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So the next time you feel you have been treated unfairly, you could be right. What should you do as a result? Carefully bring to mind that "all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.



See All...). Let us always reflect and act on this when life is unfair!

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