What was Jesus doing for you in the fall of 30 A.D.?

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

What was Jesus doing for you in the fall of 30 A.D.?

Source: Photos.comNearly 2,000 years ago this October, our Savior Jesus Christ set us an example of power and courage. Despite living in a world that rejected Him, He openly celebrated a timeless Festival that is established forever. What is this joyous event and what does it mean for you?



If one reads about an event in the Bible that all nations would one day be required by God to observe, wouldn't it make sense to find out more about it now? Here's a sometimes overlooked biblical fact: The Bible tells us in Zechariah 14:16And it shall come to pass, that every one that is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall even go up from year to year to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, and to keep the feast of tabernacles.



See All... that everyone in the coming Kingdom of God will observe the biblical Festival of Tabernacles and worship Jesus Christ there as King.



And no surprise, as Jesus Himself observed this Festival while living on the earth nearly 2,000 years ago (John 7:2-52 [2] Now the Jews' feast of tabernacles was at hand.

[3] His brethren therefore said unto him, Depart hence, and go into Judaea, that thy disciples also may see the works that thou doest.

[4] For there is no man that doeth any thing in secret, and he himself seeketh to be known openly. If thou do these things, shew thyself to the world.

[5] For neither did his brethren believe in him.

[6] Then Jesus said unto them, My time is not yet come: but your time is alway ready.

[7] The world cannot hate you; but me it hateth, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil.

[8] Go ye up unto this feast: I go not up yet unto this feast: for my time is not yet full come.

[9] When he had said these words unto them, he abode still in Galilee.

[10] But when his brethren were gone up, then went he also up unto the feast, not openly, but as it were in secret.

[11] Then the Jews sought him at the feast, and said, Where is he?

[12] And there was much murmuring among the people concerning him: for some said, He is a good man: others said, Nay; but he deceiveth the people.

[13] Howbeit no man spake openly of him for fear of the Jews.

[14] Now about the midst of the feast Jesus went up into the temple, and taught.

[15] And the Jews marvelled, saying, How knoweth this man letters, having never learned?

[16] Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me.

[17] If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.

[18] He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him.

[19] Did not Moses give you the law, and yet none of you keepeth the law? Why go ye about to kill me?

[20] The people answered and said, Thou hast a devil: who goeth about to kill thee?

[21] Jesus answered and said unto them, I have done one work, and ye all marvel.

[22] Moses therefore gave unto you circumcision; (not because it is of Moses, but of the fathers;) and ye on the sabbath day circumcise a man.

[23] If a man on the sabbath day receive circumcision, that the law of Moses should not be broken; are ye angry at me, because I have made a man every whit whole on the sabbath day?

[24] Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.

[25] Then said some of them of Jerusalem, Is not this he, whom they seek to kill?

[26] But, lo, he speaketh boldly, and they say nothing unto him. Do the rulers know indeed that this is the very Christ?

[27] Howbeit we know this man whence he is: but when Christ cometh, no man knoweth whence he is.

[28] Then cried Jesus in the temple as he taught, saying, Ye both know me, and ye know whence I am: and I am not come of myself, but he that sent me is true, whom ye know not.

[29] But I know him: for I am from him, and he hath sent me.

[30] Then they sought to take him: but no man laid hands on him, because his hour was not yet come.

[31] And many of the people believed on him, and said, When Christ cometh, will he do more miracles than these which this man hath done?

[32] The Pharisees heard that the people murmured such things concerning him; and the Pharisees and the chief priests sent officers to take him.

[33] Then said Jesus unto them, Yet a little while am I with you, and then I go unto him that sent me.

[34] Ye shall seek me, and shall not find me: and where I am, thither ye cannot come.

[35] Then said the Jews among themselves, Whither will he go, that we shall not find him? will he go unto the dispersed among the Gentiles, and teach the Gentiles?

[36] What manner of saying is this that he said, Ye shall seek me, and shall not find me: and where I am, thither ye cannot come?

[37] In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.

[38] He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.

[39] (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)

[40] Many of the people therefore, when they heard this saying, said, Of a truth this is the Prophet.

[41] Others said, This is the Christ. But some said, Shall Christ come out of Galilee?

[42] Hath not the scripture said, That Christ cometh of the seed of David, and out of the town of Bethlehem, where David was?

[43] So there was a division among the people because of him.

[44] And some of them would have taken him; but no man laid hands on him.

[45] Then came the officers to the chief priests and Pharisees; and they said unto them, Why have ye not brought him?

[46] The officers answered, Never man spake like this man.

[47] Then answered them the Pharisees, Are ye also deceived?

[48] Have any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed on him?

[49] But this people who knoweth not the law are cursed.

[50] Nicodemus saith unto them, (he that came to Jesus by night, being one of them,)

[51] Doth our law judge any man, before it hear him, and know what he doeth?

[52] They answered and said unto him, Art thou also of Galilee? Search, and look: for out of Galilee ariseth no prophet.





See All...).



So what exactly is this Festival of Tabernacles?

The biblical Festival (or Feast) of Tabernacles occurs in the fall (as reckoned in the northern hemisphere), and serves as the capstone of the seven annual Holy Day seasons revealed by God (Leviticus 23:24Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, In the seventh month, in the first day of the month, shall ye have a sabbath, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, an holy convocation.



See All...). As the seventh chapter of John eloquently and powerfully confirms, Jesus observed this Festival Himself, setting an example for His 21st century disciples.



Jesus declared that His Church—people who actually followed His commands and example—would never cease to exist (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...). That declaration continues to be fulfilled today, as a "little flock" (Luke 12:32Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.



See All...)—multiple thousands of Christians—are gathering this fall. They are assembling to observe the same biblical festival that Jesus kept in a very high profile way just a few months before His crucifixion.



Why Keep the Festival in the 21st Century?

As these Christians observe the Festival of Tabernacles today , you may wonder why this ancient event is relevant in a digital age. When the Holy Day seasons were first openly revealed to humanity, the Israelites would take palm and tree fronds to build temporary dwellings (Leviticus 23:30And whatsoever soul it be that doeth any work in that same day, the same soul will I destroy from among his people.



See All...). In Hebrew, the Festival of Tabernacles is literally called "the Festival of Booths" ( Sukkot in Hebrew).



Today, in the spirit of those temporary dwellings, Christians observe the Festival outside of their regular homes, travelling to cities and meeting places around the globe. There they celebrate the fact that our fragile lives are but temporary, and that we look to a new life of eternal service beginning in the coming Kingdom of God!



This joyous Kingdom of God, which Jesus and the apostles referred to more than 100 times in the New Testament, will be a time of great peace and prosperity. What is your priority as a Christian in your day-to-day affairs? Your Savior and future King declares to you and me: "Seek first the Kingdom of God" (Matthew 6:33But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.



See All..., emphasis added).



So if this Festival of Tabernacles pictures the coming Kingdom of God, when Jesus Christ will have returned to this earth to rule as King of Kings and Lord of Lords (Revelation 19:15-16 [15] And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.

[16] And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.





See All...), what about the other six Holy Day seasons of God?



A personal prophecy for you

The entire seven Holy Day seasons of God represent nothing short of God's amazing and wonderful plan for all of humanity! The incredible truth? These biblical seasons represent a personal prophecy for you, your family, your friends—literally all who have ever lived or who will live. (This is all explained in detail in our free booklet God's Holy Day Plan: The Promise of Hope for all Mankind . If you don't have a copy, order one today, or download it free).



The first three—the Passover, the Days of Unleavened Bread and Pentecost—have collectively opened the door to salvation and spiritual understanding for Christians today. The four remaining holy day seasons –the Festival of Trumpets, the Day of Atonement, the Festival of Tabernacles and the celebration of the Eighth Day (also known to some as the Last Great Day) —represent an intense and happy vision for us. They picture a time of profound "gladness and joy" when God will directly intervene globally in human affairs, "and sorrow and sighing shall flee away" (Isaiah 35:10And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.



See All...). They represent a time of great globe-encircling peace!



No wonder Jesus was unafraid to openly keep the Festival of Tabernacles some 2,000 years ago, despite open death threats. No wonder He assertively made breathtaking declarations (John 8:58Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.



See All...) and performed stunning miracles (John 9:1-11 [1] And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth.

[2] And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?

[3] Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.

[4] I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.

[5] As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.

[6] When he had thus spoken, he spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and he anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay,

[7] And said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation, Sent.) He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing.

[8] The neighbours therefore, and they which before had seen him that he was blind, said, Is not this he that sat and begged?

[9] Some said, This is he: others said, He is like him: but he said, I am he.

[10] Therefore said they unto him, How were thine eyes opened?

[11] He answered and said, A man that is called Jesus made clay, and anointed mine eyes, and said unto me, Go to the pool of Siloam, and wash: and I went and washed, and I received sight.





See All...). If you truly understand God's plan for you, then you too can say with confidence: "The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?" (Hebrews 13:6So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.



See All...).



As you read this, thousands of members of the United Church of God are keeping this Festival in many locations around the world . There may be one near you. If you'd like to see what this celebration of the coming Kingdom of God is like, you are welcome to see for yourself. Jesus set an example for all of us in 30 A.D., pointing us to the final victory of God pictured in the joyous Festival of Tabernacles.







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Ecstasy! A Hug Drug or the Kiss of Death?

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

Ecstasy! A Hug Drug or the Kiss of Death?

article by Cecil Maranville





Millions of teens and young adults around the world are getting high on ecstasy. They believe it to be the ideal drug, bringing out the best in them with virtually no side effects or danger. But evidence is mounting that there are both side effects and danger--and much worse than initially thought.



Ecstasy, also known as "e," "Adam" or "XTC" is the latest fad drug among youth. That's not to say that is new--it was developed nearly a century ago by the German pharmaceutical company Merck and was used by psychotherapists briefly in the 1970s. It was popular for a few years in the 1980s as a street drug and then faded from the scene until recently. Now its use among youth is endemic.



How widespread is it? British police estimate that 500,000 Brits take the drug each weekend. Of the half-million young tourists visiting the Spanish island of Ibiza every summer, one in eight takes ecstasy nearly every night. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) says the drug is available in at least 21 states, as well as in Canada, and that it's especially popular with college students and young professionals.



E is called a "club drug," because it sold and used in dance clubs. Club drugs are popular with high school seniors and college students at all-night underground parties with techno music, which are called "raves." Commenting on a recent ecstasy bust in Phoenix, Arizona, police estimated that up to 90 percent of youths who attend rave parties take e.



Its street name stems from the belief that it creates a sense of blissful elation or ecstasy. Users believe it to be a "hug drug," a drug that lowers the user's inhibitions and makes him experience feelings equal to those brought on by the sweetest success or the achievement of a lifetime.



Hug Drug

Users think that it is nonaddictive. Unlike any other drug, it heightens feelings of empathy, understanding and acceptance of other people. Probably the principal focus of users in this pleasure-pumped culture is ecstasy's reputed ability to amplify the delights of sexual intimacy. The crowning attractiveness of e is that it doesn't do anything harmful to the user--at least that has been the hype surrounding it. And young people are accepting the pitch by the millions. They pay $20 to $40 per hit/pill, which gives them a 6-to-8-hour high.



"Eight percent of U.S. high school seniors say they have tried it at least once, up from 5.8 percent in 1997.... [U.S.] customs officers have already seized more ecstasy this fiscal year, more than 5.4 million hits, than in all of last year. In 1998 they seized just 750,000 hits" (Time, "The Lure of Ecstasy," by John Cloud, June 5, 2000). No one can say with certainty how many hits made it onto the streets.



A multibillion dollar "industry"

60 Minutes II reported on its August 8 program that Amsterdam is the primary source of e coming into the United States. Reporter Vicki Maybrey interviewed a Dutch criminal investigator, whose special unit has closed down 35 ecstasy production labs in just the last five years. However, given the incredible profit margins involved, 10 labs pop up for every one that is put out of business.



Users believe it to be a "hug drug," a drug that lowers the user's inhibitions and makes him experience feelings equal to those brought on by the sweetest success or the achievement of a lifetime.



An ecstasy-producing machine from one of the closed down illegal labs was shown on the program. It was capable of producing 300 pills per minute at a cost of 20 cents each. That's 1.2 million pills a week, assuming that the machine operates for 10 hours every day. For a manufacturing cost of $240,000, criminals produce drugs with potential market value of $24 to $48 million per week. Calculating the annual output for 50 weeks (do criminals give their employees two-week holidays?), that translates into $1.2 to $2.4 billion annually, per lab.



Considering the Dutch investigator's sober acknowledgment that 350 labs have sprung up in the last five years in his jurisdictional area of South Holland alone, the potential for ill-gotten gain staggers the imagination. Small wonder that organized crime is heavily involved in the distribution and sale of e. Maybrey said law-enforcement officials believe Israeli and Russian organized crime rings are responsible for most e brought into the United States.



If that is true, offshore organized crime is working hand in hand with U.S. crime families. Salvatore Gravano was arrested in Phoenix, Arizona, early this year for his involvement in peddling as many as 30,000 ecstasy pills a week. Gravano is better known by his nickname as "Sammy the Bull," given to him when he was a hit man for the mob, before he turned informant on the John Gotti crime family. The case is still in trial, but Gravano's ecstasy organization is said to include a white-supremacist gang known as the Devil Dogs (because, believe it or not, gang members "bark" when they assault their victims).



Unsavory merchants, to say the least. Why are young adults by the millions willing to sample their wares? Undoubtedly there is an element of antiestablishment daring so often a part of youth. "If my parents don't like it, I do! If my parents don't want me to take it, I will!" Further, e use is now a fad. It's what "the in crowd" is currently "into." And, ecstasy has a glowing reputation among the party culture for its many positive attributes and its reputed low downside.



What gives ecstasy its glowing name and reputation?

What causes those "positive attributes"? The chemical name for ecstasy is methylenedioxymethamphetamine, known by the acronym MDMA. It's "a synthetic, psychoactive (mind-altering) drug with hallucinogenic and amphetamine-like properties," according to the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA) (www.drugabuse.com , MDMA (ecstasy), p. 1).



E users argue that the drug is not hallucinogenic, but rather "an acute antidepressant." That's a misrepresentation of what ecstasy does, as we will show. The ecstatic feelings created by MDMA are the result of a neurotransmitter known as serotonin. Although science does not fully understand the role of this neurotransmitter, serotonin is thought to help create positive moods. MDMA has a double force effect that infuses the brain with large amounts of serotonin.



First, it orders neurons that store serotonin to empty themselves.



Some of these short-term effects have been fatal.



It takes about an hour for receptors to bind with the serotonin and begin to cause feelings of empathy, happiness, increased sociability, enhanced sensation of touch and responsiveness to light. (Due to the powerful impact of light on the senses of e users, raves commonly have light shows. Rave dancers will wave glowing colored wands as they party, because of the highly pleasurable sensation it gives them. Parents need to be alert to teens who own brightly colored light wands, an indication of e use.) The pleasurable feelings, called "rolling" in the drug culture can continue for several more hours.



How is MDMA able to evoke sensory responses greater than what the body normally produces? The amount of serotonin chemically "ordered" to be released by MDMA is a greatly increased level over what these neurons would release under normal conditions.



But that's only the first line of coercion by e on the brain's normal functions.



A normally functioning brain is designed to take some of the released serotonin back into its storage neurons. So, not all released serotonin binds to receptors--usually. However, MDMA chemically blocks the re-uptake of serotonin, forcing more to bind to receptors, thus further amplifying the positive sensations associated with this marvelous neurotransmitter.



Only in this way does MDMA mimic an antidepressant, which also blocks the re-uptake of serotonin. However, antidepressants work only with the serotonin naturally released by the brain--a much smaller amount than that "kicked out" by MDMA. It's therefore a distortion of fact and a serious misrepresentation to claim that ecstasy is "an acute antidepressant."



Okay, what's the downside?

What's wrong with ecstasy? If the only affects were the hazards that we've already described, it sounds like little more than a harmless "rush." If only that were true. The NIDA reports that short-term effects of "MDMA are similar to those found with the use of amphetamines and cocaine. They are:



* Psychological difficulties,including confusion, depression, sleep problems, drug craving, severe anxiety and paranoia, during and sometimes weeks after taking MDMA (even psychotic episodes have been reported).



* Physical symptoms such as muscle tension, involuntary teeth-clenching, nausea, blurred vision, rapid eye movements, faintness and chills or sweating.



* "Increases in heart rate and blood pressure, a special risk for people with circulatory or heart disease" (www.drugabuse.com , NIDA Infofax, p. 1, emphasis added).



Some of these short-term effects have been fatal. MDMA raises the body temperature and causes profuse sweating. Caught up in a drug-induced euphoria in the crowded and chaotic environment of a rave (with up to 2,000 partygoers at a time), e users who did not realize what was happening to them have died from heat exhaustion and dehydration. Others have died from drinking too much water in an attempt to counteract the drug's negative effects.



"Between three and 10 percent of the white population (statistics are unavailable for other groups) have a genetic defect which causes them to produce less of the main enzyme which metabolizes MDMA. This means that if they take a normal dose, they can overdose. In Europe, there have been dozens of deaths related to this problem" (NewsWatch.org, "News You Can Abuse?" by Maria Szalavitz, Dec. 8, 1999, emphasis added).



The absence of normal amounts of serotonin in the brain as one comes down from an e-induced high translates into a seriously depressed state of mind, called "terrible Tuesdays" by users. Ignorant of what they have done to their bodies, some users attempt to counteract their depression by taking another or even several more hits of e. The first additional dose may be able to squeeze a little more serotonin from their storage neurons, but the effect is minimal. Any further hits will do nothing to relieve depression. Normal brain functions require up to two weeks for serotonin to be replaced.



Serious as they are, these short-term problems constitute the best of the downside problems of taking MDMA. The long-term problems are worse, much worse.



Brain damage

Several factors cause damage to the brain. To understand, we need take another look at what MDMA does to brain neurons. We looked at the fact that it forces the release and use of large amounts of the neurotransmitter serotonin. We also saw that it prevents the re-uptake of serotonin to its storage areas. MDMA also causes the release of another neurotransmitter, dopamine.



A Christian youth respects the fact that his or her body is "the temple of the Holy Spirit," belonging to God (1 Corinthians 6:19-20 [19] What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?

[20] For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.





See All...).



MDMA allows the dopamine to return to the neurons that previously stored serotonin. The result is catastrophic, because the dopamine is toxic to those neurons. Their ability to store serotonin again is greatly diminished, if not ruined. Without serotonin, a person would suffer from clinical depression. Duke University pharmacology Professor Wilkie Wilson warns of the possibility of permanent brain damage to ecstasy users. "The drug is spreading so fast among so many people that I'm really afraid that we're going to have a generation of depressed people" (ibid. 60 Minutes II, emphasis added).



Where does the neurotransmitter dopamine come from? It is stored in its own neurons, which are "ordered" open by MDMA in the same way that it forces the release of serotonin. When forced open, dopamine's storage neurons are damaged in a way that affects motor control. "Damage to these neurons is the underlying cause of the motor disturbances seen in Parkinson's disease" (ibid. NIDA Infofax, p. 1).



The NIDA also reports that recent findings link MDMA use to long-term damage to those parts of the brain critical to thought and memory. It cites research on monkeys exposed to MDMA for only four days that suffered brain damage that was evident six to seven years later (ibid.).



It's too soon to tell with absolute certainty what all of the long-term consequences of taking MDMA will be. But, it's fair to say that ecstasy is no "hug drug."



Evidence "against the safety of MDMA has mounted to a point were even those who once thought the drug safe are getting anxious" (op. cit., Szalavitz). Szalavitz quotes Dr. John Morgan, a City University of New York pharmacologist who initially believed that most people had little to worry about toxicity of the drug. Dr. Morgan has changed his mind. He now says, "at this point there is really not much criticism possible [of the human neurotoxicity data on MDMA]...the time to worry is now" (op. cit. Szalavitz, emphasis added).



Christian youth just say, "NO!"

For the Christian, to use or not to use ecstasy is a no-brainer. People who allow their appetites, social pressures and fads to determine their behavior, will use drugs. Listed with other common behaviors of people who "go with the flow," is "sorcery" (Galatians 5:19-21 [19] Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,

[20] Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,

[21] Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.





See All...). The Greek word used, pharmakeia, encompasses other meanings, but one is drug use. Our English word pharmacology comes from it. Given the fact that human nature has a penchant for drug use, and that our present world has a multibillion dollar drug market that panders to peoples' desires, only young people of sound mind and character will have the strength not to use drugs.



A Christian youth respects the fact that his or her body is "the temple of the Holy Spirit," belonging to God (1 Corinthians 6:19-20 [19] What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?

[20] For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.





See All...). Health is something to be jealously guarded and maintained, for our bodies are not ours to trash. We need to learn to manage life. Read about some of those ways in our booklet Making Life Work.



Apart from the physical considerations, there are legal ones. It's a serious crime to manufacture or sell ecstasy. That's enough to warn off a Christian youth, who lives by the creed, "Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God.... For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil.... Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath [legal consequences] but also for conscience' sake" (Romans 13:1Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.



See All..., 3, 5).



Since June 1985, DEA regulations put ecstasy in the Schedule 1 classification of the Controlled Substances Act--a classification generally used for dangerous narcotics that have a high potential for abuse and no medical usefulness. (Other Schedule 1 drugs include heroin and LSD.) Manufacturers and sellers of Schedule 1 drugs are subject to fines of up to $125,000 and 15-year prison terms, but legislation has been proposed that would strengthen these penalties.



Dead End

Hopefully, anyone who is drawn to the alluring reputation of ecstasy will think twice in light of these cold, hard facts. Parents of high school and college students should realize that their children regularly receive flyers inviting them to raves, with an "e" printed on the flyer that announces to all that ecstasy will be available. Talk with your children about e.



Is ecstasy a hug drug? The ecstasy it delivers is only a tempting illusion. So much hype. Such a big lie. And such a terrible price to pay for believing it...

.

Atonement: Removal of Sin's Cause and Reconciliation to God

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

Atonement: Removal of Sin's Cause and Reconciliation to God

The Day of Atonement involves not only the forgiveness of sin; it pictures the removal of the primary cause of sin, Satan.



We have already seen—through the symbolism involved in the Passover—that Christ's shed blood atones for our past sins. In fact, atonement means reconciliation. The Day of Atonement symbolizes the reconciliation of God and all humanity.



If we are reconciled to God through Christ's sacrifice, why do we need another Holy Day to teach us about reconciliation? If we are already reconciled, why do we need to fast, as commanded on the Day of Atonement? (Leviticus 23:27Also on the tenth day of this seventh month there shall be a day of atonement: it shall be an holy convocation unto you; and ye shall afflict your souls, and offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD.



See All...; Acts 27:9Now when much time was spent, and when sailing was now dangerous, because the fast was now already past, Paul admonished them,Now when much time was spent, and when sailing was now dangerous, because the fast was now already past, Paul admonished them,



See All...). What is this day's specific significance in God's master plan for the salvation of mankind?



The Day of Atonement and Passover both teach us about the forgiveness of sin and our reconciliation with God through Christ's sacrifice. However, Passover concerns the redemption of the firstborn and thus applies most directly to Christians whom God has called in this age, while Atonement carries universal implications.



Moreover, the Day of Atonement pictures an essential additional step in God's salvation plan not found in the symbolism of the Passover. This step must take place before humanity can experience true peace on earth. All people suffer the tragic consequences of sin. But sin doesn't happen without a cause, and God makes this cause clear in the symbolism associated with the Day of Atonement.



Satan is the author of sin



The Day of Atonement involves not only the forgiveness of sin; it pictures the removal of the primary cause of sin—Satan and his demons. Until God removes the original instigator of sin, mankind will simply continue to fall back into disobedience and suffering. Although our human nature has a part to play in our sins, Satan the devil bears great responsibility for influencing mankind to disobey God.



Even though many people doubt the existence of a devil, the Bible reveals Satan as a powerful, invisible being who can sway all man-kind. Revelation 12:9And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.



See All... tells us that his influence is so great that he "deceives the whole world."



The devil blinds people to the understanding of God's truth. The apostle Paul explained this to the Corinthians: "If our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them" (2 Corinthians 4:3-4 [3] But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:

[4] In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.





See All...).



Paul also teaches us that Satan has influenced every human being to walk in the ways of disobedience. He notes that those called into God's Church "once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience" (Ephesians 2:2Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:



See All...). Paul warned the Corinthians that Satan can present himself as righteous to lead people astray: "For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works" (2 Corinthians 11:14-15 [14] And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.

[15] Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.





See All...).



Jesus Christ plainly stated that Satan introduced sin and rebellion into the world. In John 8:44Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.



See All... Christ declared to those who were antagonistic to His teaching: "You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it."



Tying these scriptures together allows us to see the power and the influence of Satan. Paul warned us to beware of the deceitful methods of the devil: "But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent's cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ" (2 Corinthians 11:3But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.



See All..., NIV).



Christians who struggle to resist Satan and stop sinning fight a spiritual battle against the devil and his demons. Paul explains: "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness" (Ephesians 6:12For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.



See All..., NASB).



Paul further explains here that Jesus Christ will deliver us from the influence of the devil (verses 13-18). Of course, God is much more powerful than Satan, but we must do our part by actively resisting the devil and the pulls of the flesh (James 4:7Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.



See All...). The Day of Atonement looks forward to the time during which Satan's deception will be removed and he will no longer be free to influence and deceive mankind (Revelation 20:1-3 [1] And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand.

[2] And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years,

[3] And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.





See All...).



Old Testament symbolism



Leviticus 16 describes God instructing ancient Israel to observe the Day of Atonement. Although Christians are not required to offer animal sacrifices today, this chapter adds significantly to our understanding of God's plan.



Notice that the priest was to select two goats for a sin offering for the people, and he was to present them before God (verses 5, 7). Aaron, the high priest, was to cast lots to select one "for the Lord," which he was to offer as a sacrifice (verses 8-9). This goat represented Jesus Christ, who would be slain to pay the penalty for our sins.



The other goat served a completely different purpose: "But the goat on which the lot fell to be the scapegoat shall be presented alive before the Lord, to make atonement upon it, and to let it go as the scapegoat into the wilderness" (verse 10). Notice that this goat was not to be killed. The high priest was to "lay both hands on the head of the live goat and confess over it all the wickedness and rebellion of the Israelites—all their sins—and put them on the goat's head. He shall send the goat away into the desert in the care of a man appointed for the task. The goat will carry on itself all their sins to a solitary place; and the man shall release it in the desert" (verses 21-22, NIV).



The priest chose by lot the "scapegoat," or Azazel, as the word appears in the original Hebrew. Many scholars identify Azazel as the name of a demon inhabiting the wilderness ( Interpreter's Dictionary of the Bible, Vol. 1, p. 326). The Azazel goat represents Satan, who bears the responsibility for the sins of humanity (verse 22) because of the deception he has foisted upon mankind.



The high priest laid hands on this goat and confessed over it the wickedness, rebellion and sins of the people. Why did he do that? As present ruler of the world, the devil bears responsibility for his perversity in beguiling and coercing humanity to sin. "The sending of the sin-laden goat . . . signified the complete removal of the sins of the people and the handing them over, as it were, to the evil spirit to whom they belonged" ( The One Volume Bible Commentary, 1975, p. 95).



A scapegoat, in modern usage, is someone unfairly held responsible for the mistakes of others. However, the modern English word scapegoat cannot properly be applied to Satan; the devil is not a scapegoat in the modern sense of the term. (Although some Bible versions use the word "scapegoat," Green's Literal Translation more accurately calls it the "goat of departure.") Rather than unfairly bearing the blame for sin, Satan will be held justly accountable for his own deliberate actions by which he has led humanity into sin for thousands of years.



The symbolism of the live goat parallels the fate of Satan and his demons, who will be removed at the outset of Jesus' reign over the nations. The book of Revelation describes this removal: "Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, having the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. He laid hold of the dragon, that serpent of old, who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years; and he cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal on him, so that he should deceive the nations no more till the thousand years were finished . . ." (Revelation 20:1-3 [1] And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand.

[2] And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years,

[3] And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.





See All...).



Thus the devil and his demons, who for thousands of years have led mankind into every evil deed imaginable, will be removed to a place of restraint (verse 4). Complete global reconciliation to God cannot occur until the source of so much sin and suffering is out of the picture.



The modern application of this festival



Now notice specific instructions on when and how we are to keep this festival. "Also the tenth day of this seventh month shall be the Day of Atonement," God says. "It shall be a holy convocation for you; you shall afflict your souls . . ." (Leviticus 23:27Also on the tenth day of this seventh month there shall be a day of atonement: it shall be an holy convocation unto you; and ye shall afflict your souls, and offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD.



See All...).



How do you "afflict your soul" on this day? Afflict comes from the Hebrew anah, which means "to be afflicted, be bowed down, be humbled, be meek" ( Vine's Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words, "To Be Humbled, Afflicted"). The same word is used in connection with fasting in Psalm 35:13But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth: I humbled my soul with fasting; and my prayer returned into mine own bosom.



See All..., Isaiah 58:3Wherefore have we fasted, say they, and thou seest not? wherefore have we afflicted our soul, and thou takest no knowledge? Behold, in the day of your fast ye find pleasure, and exact all your labours.



See All..., 5 and Ezra 8:21Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river of Ahava, that we might afflict ourselves before our God, to seek of him a right way for us, and for our little ones, and for all our substance.



See All.... Fasting means abstaining from food and drink (Esther 4:16Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.



See All...).



So why does God tell us to fast during this specific 24 hours? Fasting expresses our humble desire to draw closer to God. The Day of Atonement represents a coming time of reconciliation during which, with Satan banished and the world having been devastated by the horrific events leading up to this time, a humbled and repentant humanity will at last be reconciled to God.



Few understand the proper reasons for fasting. Fasting is not to bend God to our will. We don't fast to receive anything from God except His abundant mercy and forgiveness for our human weaknesses. Fasting helps us remember how temporary our physical existence is. Without food and water, we would soon perish. Fasting helps us realize just how much we need God as the giver and sustainer of life.



We should always fast on the Day of Atonement in a repentant frame of mind. Notice the prophet Daniel's exemplary attitude while fasting: "Then I set my face toward the Lord God to make request by prayer and supplications, with fasting, sackcloth, and ashes. And I prayed to the Lord my God, and made confession" (Daniel 9:3-4 [3] And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes:

[4] And I prayed unto the LORD my God, and made my confession, and said, O Lord, the great and dreadful God, keeping the covenant and mercy to them that love him, and to them that keep his commandments;





See All...).



The early Church observed the Day of Atonement. More than 30 years after Christ's death, Luke still referred to the time and seasons by mentioning this day, stating that "sailing was now dangerous because the Fast was already over" (Acts 27:9Now when much time was spent, and when sailing was now dangerous, because the fast was now already past, Paul admonished them,Now when much time was spent, and when sailing was now dangerous, because the fast was now already past, Paul admonished them,



See All...). Almost all Bible commentaries and dictionaries acknowledge that "the Fast" refers to the Day of Atonement.



Yet another important lesson comes to us through the Day of Atonement. We have already seen that the slain goat represented the sacrifice in our place of Jesus Christ, who took on Himself the death penalty we have earned by sinning. But Jesus Christ did not stay dead; He came back to life. What does the Day of Atonement teach us about Christ's role after His resurrection?



Leviticus 16:15-19 [15] Then shall he kill the goat of the sin offering, that is for the people, and bring his blood within the vail, and do with that blood as he did with the blood of the bullock, and sprinkle it upon the mercy seat, and before the mercy seat:

[16] And he shall make an atonement for the holy place, because of the uncleanness of the children of Israel, and because of their transgressions in all their sins: and so shall he do for the tabernacle of the congregation, that remaineth among them in the midst of their uncleanness.

[17] And there shall be no man in the tabernacle of the congregation when he goeth in to make an atonement in the holy place, until he come out, and have made an atonement for himself, and for his household, and for all the congregation of Israel.

[18] And he shall go out unto the altar that is before the LORD, and make an atonement for it; and shall take of the blood of the bullock, and of the blood of the goat, and put it upon the horns of the altar round about.

[19] And he shall sprinkle of the blood upon it with his finger seven times, and cleanse it, and hallow it from the uncleanness of the children of Israel.





See All... describes a solemn ceremony that was carried out only once each year, on the Day of Atonement. The high priest was to take the blood of the slain goat into the Most Holy Place—the holiest part of the tabernacle—and to the mercy seat. The mercy seat was symbolic of the very throne of Almighty God. The high priest acted out the function Christ performs for repentant Christians. Having ascended to the very throne of God to present the blood of His sacrifice, Christ intercedes for us—as He has since His resurrection— as our High Priest.



The book of Hebrews makes this symbolism clear. "But Christ came as High Priest of the good things to come, with the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands, that is, not of this [physical] creation. Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption" (Hebrews 9:11-12 [11] But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building;

[12] Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.





See All...).



Because of Christ's sacrifice, we enjoy direct access to the true mercy seat —the throne of our merciful, loving God. This was dramatically and miraculously demonstrated at the moment of Christ's death, when "the veil of the temple," covering the entrance to the Most Holy Place, "was torn in two from top to bottom" (Matthew 27:51And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;



See All...; Mark 15:38And the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom.



See All...). This massive curtain was torn asunder in a dramatic testimony to the access we now have to God's throne.



Many verses in Hebrews mention Christ's role as our High Priest and intercessor. Because of His sacrifice for us, we can "come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need" (Hebrews 4:16Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.



See All...). The Day of Atonement thus pictures the loving reconciliation all people can have with God through Christ's sacrifice. It also shows the remarkable truth that Satan, the author of sin, will eventually be removed so that humanity can at last attain reconciliation with God on a universal basis.



The Day of Atonement serves as a vital preparatory step in anticipation of the next milestone in God's glorious Holy Day plan, beautifully depicted by the Feast of Tabernacles.

In Brief...World News Review A Divorce at the Click of a Mouse

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


In Brief...World News Review A Divorce at the Click of a Mouse






article by Cecil Maranville, Peter Eddington





Warring couples in Britain can now end their marriage quickly and cheaply-using the Internet.



Warring couples in Britain can now end their marriage quickly and cheaply-using the Internet.



For just £79.99, couples can file divorce papers with the click of a mouse-if neither partner contests the split.



In its first week, more than 300 British couples downloaded papers from the site-potentially saving hundreds or even thousands of pounds in solicitors' fees and court costs.



The petition, affidavit and decree nisi are drafted, based on answers users give to a series of questions on-line. On-line lawyers check the details and send the forms to the court.



Patricia Hardcastle, spokeswoman for the Roman Catholic Church, described the service as "repellent."



"There's something very impersonal about having to do it on-line. Nobody wants to go through it, but at least we had to do everything face-to-face, which might have made people stop and think," she said.



But Richard Cohen, legal director of the Desktop Lawyer service, said: "Just because it's easy, it doesn't mean it's going to incite people to get divorced. Up till now people had to use a solicitor; we've made a daunting task a bit easier," he told The Observer (1999 Sky Online, July 29,1999).

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In Brief...World News Review India Moving Toward China?

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

In Brief...World News Review India Moving Toward China?

article by World News & Trends staff





While the rise of China as an economic power is beginning to be noticed in the West, another rapidly emerging power, India, has been quietly making moves toward a constructive partnership with its old enemy Beijing.



While the rise of China as an economic power is beginning to be noticed in the West, another rapidly emerging power, India, has been quietly making moves toward a constructive partnership with its old enemy Beijing.



Could an alliance between these two "Nuclear Club" nations become a lasting reality? What would be the economic and military results of such an alliance?



What makes this such an astonishing development is that China and India have had a recent history of military conflicts, starting in 1962 and 1967, with numerous skirmishes into the 1990s over ownership of the borderland.



China's armament of Pakistan (which India believes gave Pakistan its nuclear weapons capability) as well as India becoming a military client of the old Soviet Union (a rival of China) were great sources of distrust and fear between the two nations. China had also backed Pakistan during India's wars with Pakistan over the disputed Kashmir territory, while India allowed the Tibetan government-in-exile to exist there, much to China's consternation.



But in 1999 China declared itself neutral in the Kashmir dispute, making an important gesture to India. And since 2003 India has reciprocated by turning over new Tibetan refuge seekers and escapees to the Chinese government.



These and other diplomatic efforts have allowed India and China to become important business partners.



"It is in this context that the interactions between India and China have resulted in increasing mutual trust making India the largest trading partner of China from South Asia since 1993," said Indian political commentator, Dr. Swaran Singh (www.in.rediff.com/news/2002/oct/28chin.htm).



Both India and China supply cheap labor to U.S. companies seeking to outsource their production and customer service. An economic alliance could have powerful effects on the markets. China, in particular, is flooding the United States with inexpensive goods, much to the long-term detriment of the U.S. economy.



Militarily, China has the largest active-duty army in the world. The United States is second, but India is third, and also has the world's seventh-largest navy. An Indian alliance with China would make them the undisputed superpower in Asia!



One reason for this shift in alliances can be attributed to the post-9/11 world and the radical Islamic revolution. Both countries have large Muslim minorities. Another is that China has as its goal to overtake the United States as the world's superpower, and cooperation with India would further that objective.



Bible prophecy warns of a future great army of 200 million (Revelation 9:13-16 [13] And the sixth angel sounded, and I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar which is before God,

[14] Saying to the sixth angel which had the trumpet, Loose the four angels which are bound in the great river Euphrates.

[15] And the four angels were loosed, which were prepared for an hour, and a day, and a month, and a year, for to slay the third part of men.

[16] And the number of the army of the horsemen were two hundred thousand thousand: and I heard the number of them.





See All...). Could this be the beginning of that enormous military buildup?



Sources: www.Rediff.com (Mumbai, India); Asia Times Online (Hong Kong).

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Discerning Between Good and Evil

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

Discerning Between Good and Evil

A commentary by Darris McNeely






I am learning to discern between good and evil. Are you?



No, I am not a rabid book-burning, narrow-minded fundamentalist.



But I am learning to discern between good and evil. Are you?



The March/April issue of World News and Prophecy contains my article, "Twilight on the Land." The Stephenie Meyer books of vampire teen romance have captivated millions of readers. Reader comments on the article are coming in, and there are mixed reactions, which is what I expected.



One writer comments in appreciation: "Thank you so much for your article on Twilight in World News and Prophecy . Several of my Christian friends are reading these books and are excited about the movies. One friend in particular is against Harry Potter and The Golden Compass, but she embraces these vampire novels. I have had discussions with my daughter about the danger that resides within these kinds of stories after she had heard about the supposed coolness of Meyer's books.



"I am relieved to see someone on the same page as me when it comes to this topic. While I was reading your article, my head kept nodding in agreement. It certainly is a 'subtle deception' with a presentation of good trying to win out over evil. Reading these kinds of stories invites unwanted beings into your life."



Not everyone agrees with my point of view. Another reader says: "I read the article Darris McNeely wrote in reaction to the movie and book Twilight. I was very disappointed with his approach... I think the approach should have been that there is a mix of good and evil—like in most movies and books today. The job of God's people is to discern between these things... Encourage their ability to discern as they take in popular culture..."



Exactly! You and I are to learn to discern between good and evil as we are bombarded with all the elements of our popular culture. The subtlety of evil in today's world is such that we begin to see it as something acceptable to allow into our minds and lives.



You must remember we are in a spiritual war for our minds and lives! We see only the physical and miss the spiritual dimension of this struggle. "Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places" (Ephesians 6:11-12 [11] Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

[12] For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.





See All...).



I said in my article that in my youth I would watch occult-type movies. Over the years I have moved away from that form of entertainment. I am not into burning books or censorship. I believe in the freedom of the individual to choose his or her reading and entertainment. I also believe that God expects us to choose life, not death—to choose what is good and righteous in all areas of our life.



Read the article "Twilight in the Land." Ask yourself how good a job you are doing in raising the spiritual standards of your life. Your peace of mind and quality of life is important. Then write and let me know what you think about the subject.



World News and Prophecy Facebook Page



Those of you who use the social media tool Facebook will want to join our World News and Prophecy page. Through this you can follow the blog we use to comment on topical news each day. It is a growing site for us and one we continue to develop. The March/April issue of World News and Prophecy is also posted online. Keep up with us on these sites and as always...



Keep watching.

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This Is the Way...Two Men and a Valley

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

This Is the Way...Two Men and a Valley

article by Robin Webber





This is the story of so many young men who have put on the uniforms of their respective countries.



In a world away and a lifetime apart from most of us, there lies a small and delicate valley tucked away into the steep and gorgeous hill country between Thailand and Burma (Myanmar). There above the jungle-clad slopes, punctuated with picturesque rice paddies filtering down to quaint tribal villages below, stand two young men of Asia who have never spoken to one another. In fact, they have never met. They merely know one another from afar.



This is their story. This is the story of so many young men who have put on the uniforms of their respective countries. And, it touches a truth in our lives.



Recently, my wife and I traveled to Thailand to take part in a Christian leadership training program for local leaders who serve tribal groups and refugee camps in northern Thailand and Burma. After the seminar was completed, we went about three hours north of Chiang Mai, Thailand, towards our intended destination, the Royal Agricultural Project, which hovers in the shadows of the Burmese border.



Here, nearly 30 years ago, the current monarch, King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand, invested his royal prestige and influence in developing a project that would teach the highland people how to turn from the cash crop of opium to farming profitable long-term crops. This was quite an undertaking and transformation of an entire mind-set. These local residents had to overcome the very real pulls of "cashing" in on the profitable drug trade of exporting opium.



A cloud over Shangri-la



As we came over the horizon and looked down on the royal project, thoughts of "Shangri-la" flooded my mind. The luscious green slopes eased down to neatly tended farmland of orchards, meticulously planted rows of vegetables and greenhouses full of produce. The locals seemed happy and content. It was a joy just meandering through such a renaissance atmosphere of transformation and renewal. I saw a small type of the biblical prophet Micah's millennial vision: "But everyone shall sit under his vine and under his fig tree, and no one shall make them afraid" (Micah 4:4But they shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree; and none shall make them afraid: for the mouth of the LORD of hosts hath spoken it.



See All...).



My mind snapped back to the present as our hosts then mentioned to us, "Burma is right there!" My eyes slowly traveled away from the valley floor up the slopes opposite where we had come. Suddenly a feeling of foreboding clambered through me. The Thai and Burmese people have been at loggerheads for centuries. Oftentimes, the border area is shut down due to political rivalries, ethnic tensions or military operations. Suddenly, Shangri-la had a cloud over it.



An hour later, we were in a quaint village of tribal hill people whose lifestyle remains the same as it has been for many centuries. Their village rests on a thin rim of mountain strand looking down on curving slopes streaming down to the flatlands below. Chickens strutted across the road and piglets scampered across the gravelly stretch in front of us in search of their next whimsical adventure. Smiling and curious children were seemingly everywhere, and we walked up and down the streets with them. Immediately, we were "buddies," even though we couldn't speak a word of their tongue.



We are here; come no further



The placidity melted, as we moved up the road a short distance to a small army post. It struck me that the presence of this small fort says, "We are here; come no further." On this small ragged bluff, 15 young men stand ready to thwart any incursion from neighboring Burma.



A young officer came out to see what the commotion was all about. Our Thai-speaking host asked the officer if we might walk up to the outskirts of the border outpost, which is lined with sand-bagged trenches and bunkers, and have a look. Before and below the one lone soldier on duty was a deep mountain ravine, and a couple of hundred yards across the ravine was another fort with an identically situated young sentry. Two nations, two forts, two men, one valley—all come together in tropical paradise.



Something is terribly wrong here.



As we look through a pair of military binoculars, we see a Burmese soldier staring at us through his binoculars. As close as we are, we remain worlds apart and unable to meet each other.



I began to think how often in a day, every day, every month, every year and every decade do the two solitary sentries of Burma and Thailand stand alone, occasionally observing one another through their binoculars.



They simply wait and stare



Do you suppose they ever consider what the other is thinking? Where he is from? Is he married? Does he have a family?



They arise to the same sun, breathe the same mountain air, feel the chill of the morning and the same noontime warmth of tropical sun. They hear the same birds as they soar and dive into the valley before them. They get wet from the same thundercloud and see the same rainbows. But they only know one another by fixed stares through binoculars. Two men of Asia, alone, in a valley. They do not speak. They do not move forward. They simply wait and stare.



There are so many other valleys where other men face each other, standing guard. Valleys in Pakistan, India, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Chechnya, as well as the urban canyons of Belfast, Medellin and Hebron.



In the aftermath of World War I, Erich Maria Remarque wrote an epic antiwar novel titled All Quiet on the Western Front. It is the story of young German lads who gladly go off to serve the Fatherland thinking that they will shortly return to finish school and life will go on just like it was before. But they soon come to understand the ever-so-true maxim of "war never leaves a nation where it found it." They are about to meet the enemy in the close quarters of battle, and they find the enemy is the same as they are.



A man just like me



The pivotal point of the book is when the main character, young Paul Baumer, meets the other side. Pinned down in a foxhole with machine-gun bullets whizzing overhead, he sits and waits, hoping against hope that the enemy will pass by. In a brief but brutal hand-to-hand combat with an enemy soldier, Baumer mortally wounds him. His victim dies slowly, and the victor reflects on how much like himself the dying man is.



"If only he had run two yards farther to the left, he might now be sitting in the trench over there and writing a fresh letter to his wife... The silence spreads. I talk and must talk. So I speak to him and say to him: 'Comrade, I did not want to kill you. If you jumped in here again, I would not do it, if you would be sensible too. But you were an idea to me before, an abstraction that lived in my mind and called forth its appropriate response. It was that abstraction I stabbed. But now, for the first time, I see you are a man like me. I thought of your hand-grenades, of your bayonet, of your rifle; now I see your wife and your face and our fellowship.



"'Forgive me, comrade. We always see it too late. Why do they never tell us that you are just poor devils like us, that your mothers are just as anxious as ours, and that we have the same fear of death, and the same dying and the same agony—Forgive me, comrade; how could you be my enemy? If we threw away these rifles and this uniform you could be my brother just like Kat and Albert. Take twenty years of my life, comrade and stand up—take more, for I do not know what I can even attempt to do with it now'" (1929, p. 227).



Remarque wrote this over 70 years ago, but it might as well be today.



The Sun of Righteousness shall arise



As we walk away from the bunkers and trenches, 15 of Thailand's native sons slowly lower the Thai colors to the singing of the national anthem. It is getting darker by the second as I look over the forest to the sun going down over the hills of Burma just yards away. I think to myself that the exact same ceremony is playing out just across the valley with another group of young men, another flag and another song. There is a greater shadow lurking here than that cast by the men guarding the sovereignty of two nations. It is the darkness of human nature left to its own devices.



Nearly 50 years ago, the Cold War statesman John Foster Dulles put it so well when he stated, "The world will never have lasting peace so long as men reserve for war the finest human qualities." We often equate peace as being "the absence of conflict," rather than the true peace that comes by the presence of workable solutions. As the Thai flag went down with the sun, I could not but sense the need for another light to arise and shine on these two men of Asia, and the humble village and the beautiful farming valley below.



Malachi's words came to mind: "But to you who fear my name the Sun of Righteousness shall arise with healing in His wings" (4:2). The healing that Jesus Christ, the ultimate Light of this world, is going to bring is more than a temporary cessation of hostilities between age-old enemies. It is the way to permanent peace through God's Spirit. Only Christ's way will reverse mankind's shameless record of but 300 years of recorded peace in over 6,000 years of recorded history.



What enables the vision of Micah, cited in the beginning? In his words: "They shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not raise sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore" (4:3). A change of heart makes it possible for this marvelous image to become reality.



Put down those binoculars



Sitting in the dark with my wife, as our host drove down the long and winding roads to the flatland below, I turned over again and again in my head how often I've been in the dark when it comes to what I can control. I'm not responsible for the Thai and Burmese people at this time. God will have to deal with them and the rest of the world.



But I, too, have so often maintained a "binocular mentality" of simply standing and staring at another person from a distance. There I stand as I wonder and ponder his every movement over the same valley of bloodline, beliefs or shared experience. There I stand simply holding my ground, rather than putting down the binoculars to gain a wider perspective of what needs to happen. And what is needed is to "wage peace" with real answers, rather than war with all my good excuses.



Do you have binoculars like mine? Maybe it's time to put them down, and start walking down into the valley never walked before, towards that person who is really a lot like you. It is then we demonstrate the encouraging refrain found in Isaiah 30:21And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.



See All..., "This is the way, walk in it."

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Just For Youth... What's So Special About Families?

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

Just For Youth... What's So Special About Families?






article by David Treybig





Some suggest a family should be redefined as any group of people living together in the same household, irrespective of blood connection or sexual orientation. But is such definition warranted? Before we throw away our traditional view, maybe we should consider what we would lose in the process.



Without a doubt you've heard that families today come in all shapes, sizes and configurations. Because divorce is so common, it's no longer unusual for children to be raised in households apart from their biological parents and with siblings who are their half brothers or half sisters or with teens or other children who have no biological relation to them at all.



Likewise, it's no longer unusual for people to have several marital partners during their lifetimes. Some believe such arrangements are simply the product of enlightened individuals seeking happiness. Many justify this casual attitude toward divorce, saying: "It's better for the kids to see us happy rather than fighting. The kids are strong and resilient. They'll get over the divorce and eventually have a new family." But rarely do they realize the full cost of divorce.



They too often assume that families are only temporary relationships until happiness ends or something better comes along. This, of course, is a monumental change from previous generations, which generally viewed families as fixed and stable for life.



It used to be commonly understood that, while new inventions would undoubtedly come along and change our lives, we could count on our families to remain stable. We would always have each other—for better or worse. But now the idea of disposable family relationships—lasting only as long as everyone in the relationship is happy—threatens to overwhelm the former perspective.



Humanly speaking, changing the definition of family may look like a logical decision to match the realities of our modern world. But this reasoning overlooks the teaching of the One who created families. God Himself is the originator of families, and His intent was that they remain the continuing source of happiness and support for married adults and their offspring throughout their lives.



Let's see how He did this and what He has in mind for families. Let's see what He says about brothers and sisters getting along.



God gives Adam a family

At humanity's earliest beginning, there was only one human being, Adam. As a single male, living alone, with no other human being around to share his life, he was not in what His Creator considered a good environment for him (Genesis 2:18And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.



See All...). In resolving this problem, God gave Adam a family that included one wife, Eve, and, later, sons and daughters (Genesis 5:4And the days of Adam after he had begotten Seth were eight hundred years: and he begat sons and daughters:



See All...).



God's intent for the children of Adam and Eve was that, as they grew up, they would marry and form new families. As God said: "Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh" (Genesis 2:24Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.



See All...). God wants people who marry to stay married. He hates to see divorce—for a husband or wife to leave and divide the family (Malachi 2:16For the LORD, the God of Israel, saith that he hateth putting away: for one covereth violence with his garment, saith the LORD of hosts: therefore take heed to your spirit, that ye deal not treacherously.



See All...). Further, God, in the Seventh Commandment, forbids adultery (Exodus 20:14Thou shalt not commit adultery.



See All...), an important safeguard for protecting family relationships.



From the instructions He gave, it is clear that God wanted marriages—and the families created by them—to last. Surprisingly, however, God's purpose in demanding



stable families is for far more than just providing immediate happiness.



What marriage teaches us

In writing to the church at Ephesus, the apostle Paul told husbands and wives to love each other and treat each other respectfully—just as Christ treats the Church. In concluding his discussion on marriage, Paul then made an astonishing statement: "This is a great mystery, but [in speaking of marriage here] I speak concerning Christ and the church" (Ephesians 5:32This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.



See All...). Previously, in this same letter, Paul spoke of God the Father having a "family in heaven and earth" (Ephesians 3:15Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,



See All...).



Paul explained that the human family is similar to our spiritual relationship with Christ. In this analogy, Jesus is the Husband, the Head of the Church (Ephesians 5:23For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.



See All...), and the Church is the wife, the Bride (Revelation 21:9And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb's wife.



See All...). Jesus died to make it possible for us to become part of God's family (John 1:12But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:



See All...; Romans 8:14For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.



See All..., 19). This has been God's purpose and plan from the beginning.



Just as God intended marriage to be a relationship of continuity and trust, so should our relationship with Christ be. In His relationship with the Church, Jesus will never abandon the Bride He deeply loves or betray that relationship (Hebrews 13:5Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.



See All...; 2 Thessalonians 3:3But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.



See All...). His Bride, the Church, is to be composed of individuals who are likewise faithful (Revelation 2:10Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.



See All...; 17:14). God's eternal spiritual family will not be a temporary, disposable relationship.



A human marriage built on the same principle of trust gives its participants a small taste of this relationship with Christ. Family, as designed by God with inherent trust and happiness, was planned to give us a foretaste of an even greater relationship with God in His future kingdom.



Foretaste of our spiritual family

Given that families serve as workshops for insight into spiritual principles, how can we fulfill God's desires for us in our families? For starters, we can obey the Fifth Commandment, which tells us to honor our parents (Exodus 20:12Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.



See All...). In learning to honor our physical parents, we indirectly learn to honor our spiritual Father.



If we are blessed with parents who love each other and are faithfully committed to each other, we see firsthand how to build and sustain mutual respect and love for others. Such families are safe harbors in a dangerous world of false values, deception and misinformation. The coming Kingdom of God, in the simplest of terms, is a large, happy family that will last forever. (For more articles on how parents and teens can have better relationships, check out the July - September 2002 issue of Youth United at www.youthmagazine.org . This E-magazine is especially for young people, and this issue focuses on family relationships.)



Though most young people have disagreements and fights with their siblings as they grow up, having to learn to get along with brothers and sisters is good experience for later in life. For all the supposed hassle of brothers and sisters, relationships between siblings often turn out to be the most enduring. After all, family is family, and family members remain family. We may disagree with each other at times, but we remain members of the same family.



God is calling us to be part of His family too, not just for the rest of this physical life but for all eternity. And, as any good parent, God expects us to get along with our spiritual brothers and sisters.



I was the oldest child in my family, with a younger brother and sister. Although I didn't always treat them as respectfully as I should have, my life today is richer and more complete because of them. They remain among my closest friends.



Family generations

Time has a way of altering our perspectives. Now that my own children are grown, I have a deeper appreciation for, and agreement with, my parents' emphasis on everyone getting along and showing respect for all members of the family. I guess I'm just following in their footsteps.



Through the years my family and my wife's family have been sources of stability, love and encouragement to us. I appreciate long-lasting family relationships because they reassure me that God offers us the same kind of relationship.



So what about the new idea that families can be just any combination of adults and children? God says the ideal family unit is a man with his wife and children committed to an enduring relationship (Genesis 2:24Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.



See All...; Matthew 19:4-6 [4] And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female,

[5] And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh?

[6] Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.





See All...; Ephesians 5:22-33 [22] Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.

[23] For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.

[24] Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.

[25] Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;

[26] That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,

[27] That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

[28] So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.

[29] For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:

[30] For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.

[31] For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.

[32] This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.

[33] Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.





See All...; 6:1-4). This is the model to strive for.



Having been blessed with the great joys of a traditional family as our Creator intended, I have no desire to see the definition of the family, as He created it, corrupted. When I compare my experience to that of the many dysfunctional families and unhappy relationships we see all around us, it's obvious that God's way, as shown in the Bible, is by far the best.



But what if your parents have divorced and remarried and you find yourself in a blended family with a stepparent and new brothers or sisters? Are you and your family doomed to failure? Of course not! God makes provision for us to learn from our mistakes and the mistakes of others and to have the opportunity to do things better the next time.



Your best course of action is to do the same thing any person should do—make every effort to make your new family work. Honor your parents as God tells you to do, respect your brothers and sisters—old and new—and remember your Creator. If we follow this approach, we can eventually be part of the greatest family of all, the family of God. GN

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