Why Would Syria Use Chemical Weapons Now?

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Why Would Syria Use Chemical Weapons Now?




by Mitchell Moss



Alleged victims of a 2012 Syrian chemical attack seen in a screen capture from a YouTube video uploaded by Syrian rebels.



Source: The Times of Israel

Last week, news reports broke that the regime of Syria's president Bashar al Assad apparently used chemical weapons in a massacre of civilians on a scale not yet seen in that country's two-year-long civil war. A year ago, U.S. president Obama drew a red line , stating that if Syria used them, America would recalculate its plans for dealing with the violent government crack-down on rebels attempting to overthrow the regime. Up to then, and to this day, he hasn't made any moves to intervene. The international community has likewise kept its distance.

Puzzlingly, the attack came at a time when United Nations weapons inspectors had been invited into the country. Those inspectors now on the ground will be reviewing the scene of the attack and if it confirms chemical weapons were used by the Assad regime, global support for stronger action will be almost unanimous. We'll find out what that stronger action looks like. Analysis of the situation exposes a precarious position—if America strikes, what's to stop Syria from retaliating by launching an attack on Israel? One of Syria's most loyal allies, Iran, has warned that an attack on Syria would lead to such an attack. If Syria does that, Israel will undoubtedly hit back with a barrage of its own. At that point, not to be dramatic, we're looking at the possibility of World War III.

But it all begs the question of "Why?" Assuming Assad launched a chemical attack on his own citizens, why would he do so right at the moment weapons inspectors are arriving, and why now after more than two years of uprising? A New York Times piece seeks to answer this question, and does a good job at explaining many possible reasons. Many of the reasons put forth in that piece could certainly be true and be factors.

But another explanation that I think could very well be a large part of all this turmoil is that there is a great struggle going on in the spirit realm. We know that the spirit realm, although unseen, is involved in human affairs—the story of Job, the angels of the churches in Revelation, the angels pouring out different events in the end time, etc. In another example and a fascinating passage of scripture, an angel appeared to Daniel the prophet and told him that he had been sent to see Daniel earlier, but was delayed for three weeks by the prince of the kingdom of Persia (Daniel 10). He was unable to overcome the prince of Persia until one of the chief princes of God, Michael, came to his aid. Clearly the princes referred to are angels or fallen angels. With regard to the prince of Persia and the prince of Greece (verse 20), those are evidently spirit rulers over these empires under the chief of demons, Satan the Devil. Apparently, there are spirits who rule over different nations, and the spiritual battles between them manifest themselves physically in our realm.

The latest attacks on the people of Syria presumably by their own leader, Bashar al Assad, make no logical sense. But if we look at things through the lens that there are spiritual forces at work who perhaps are eager to see a spiral downward into massive global war, things begin to come into focus.

As always, we should be praying for God to speed the day of his coming while drawing closer to Him in our lives, perfecting our character as Christians. And that He will protect us in the times of danger ahead.

Current Events & Trends: Poverty on the rise in America

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Current Events & Trends: Poverty on the rise in America






article by Jerold Aust, John Ross Schroeder





A London Times analytical report from the United States revealed that "figures from the US Census Bureau suggest that the economic crisis sparked in 2007 has turned the US into an 'hourglass' society, with a shrinking middle class squeezed between the very affluent and the very poor.







Source: Photos.com. . . The spending power of those in the middle is falling and real median income, at $50,054 (£30,000) remains 8 per cent below pre-recession levels" (Alexandra Frean, "A Squeezed Society," Oct. 6, 2012).



Introduced back in 1961, "America's main weapon against hunger is the Federal Government's food stamps programme, which provides a record 47 million people with funds to buy groceries" (Rhys Blakely, "This Is Our Nation Too, Say America's Invisible Poor," Oct. 6, 2012).



According to Mr. Blakely's report, "Nearly a quarter of the nation's children live in poverty . . . and the number of people living on less than $2 a day has doubled since 1966."



This simply should not be in a nation so abundantly blessed by God as He predetermined so long ago in the book of Genesis. To understand what's happened, read our Bible study aid booklet The United States and Britain in Bible Prophecy . (Source: The Times [London].)

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"There Is One God, the Father...and One Lord, Jesus Christ"

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"There Is One God, the Father...and One Lord, Jesus Christ"


A number of scriptural passages identify Jesus Christ as God along with God the Father. Yet some contend that the apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 8 denied the divinity of Christ in applying the distinction God exclusively to the Father. Let's consider what Paul was actually saying here - and what he wasn't.



In a discussion over whether Christians could eat meat sacrificed to idols, Paul agreed that idols were powerless and represented false gods, stating: "About eating food offered to idols, then, we know that 'an idol is nothing in the world,' and that 'there is no God but one.' For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth—as there are many 'gods' and many 'lords'—yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things, and we for Him; and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things, and we through Him" (verses 4-6, HCSB).



So does the fact that "for us there is one God, the Father," mean that Jesus cannot also be God? Initially it might seem so. But consider a parallel question based on the same passage: Does the fact that "for us there is . . . one Lord, Jesus Christ," mean that the Father cannot also be Lord?



This is obviously not the case, for the Father is certainly Lord—meaning Master and Ruler. Jesus prayed, "I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth" (Matthew 11:25At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.



See All...). And 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... mentions the Kingdom "of our Lord and of His Christ." Jesus is indeed Lord, but obviously the Father is Lord above Him. This does not contradict Paul's statement. And neither do other verses that proclaim the deity of Christ.



Rather than excluding Jesus from being God, a careful reading of 1 Corinthians 8:4-6 [4] As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one.

[5] For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,)

[6] But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.





See All... should help us to see that He is included in the divine identity. Paul is briefly affirming the contrast between pagan polytheism (the belief in many gods) and true monotheism (the belief in just one God). But why doesn't he limit his affirmation that "there is no God but one" to stating only that "there is one God, the Father"? Why does he even mention "one Lord, Jesus Christ," in this context?



Surely it is because Jesus is an important part of what God is. As elsewhere, Paul shows here that while "all things"—the entire created realm, both physical and spiritual—is ultimately from God the Father, it was all actually made through Jesus Christ. And Jesus rules over it all as Lord under the Father.



Does "Lord" designate divinity?

Some maintain that of the terms "God" and "Lord" used here, only "God" designates divinity in context. It is true that the term Lord does not always denote deity. It can refer to any master—divine, human or otherwise. Yet we should note the parallelism in what Paul has written. He refers to the pagans' "so-called gods" as both "many 'gods' and many 'lords.'" Thus he includes the latter term "lords" as designating deity—whether the imaginary gods of the pagans or human rulers looked on as divine. In parallel, Paul refers to the true God as both "one God" and "one Lord." So "Lord" in this context likewise designates divinity.



In fact, the passage here recognizes far more power and rule belonging to the Lord Jesus Christ than what the pagan systems attributed to their various gods. This point is vital to understanding the matter at hand. Paul acknowledges the label of "gods" for the pagan objects of worship, each believed to have a limited sphere of power. Yet he points out that Jesus, "through whom are all things," is the Maker of all that exists, including ourselves!



By the very terminology Paul employs here, Jesus must rank as divine. For how can the imaginary Aphrodite or Venus, goddess of love appearing as the evening star, be classified as deity while Jesus, Maker of all the stars and of man and woman and of human love—having greater power and lordship than that attributed to all of the pagan gods and goddesses combined—not be classified as deity?



With this in mind, some label Jesus as a god—but that would imply power over a limited sphere. Yet Jesus has dominion over everything that exists with the exception of only one thing—the Father, who is over Him. Jesus is thus subordinate to the Father, but the Father has entrusted "all authority" and "all things" to Him (Matthew 28:18And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.



See All...; 1 Corinthians 15:27-28 [27] For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him.

[28] And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.





See All...). And as explained elsewhere, Jesus is in perfect and total agreement with the Father.



Both crucial to defining God

So if both Father and Son are God and both are Lord, why does Paul divide Them out as "one God, the Father" and "one Lord, Jesus Christ"? We are not explicitly told, but the classification is used elsewhere in Scripture. In Psalm 110:1(A Psalm of David.) The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.



See All..., Israel's King David referred to an intermediary between God and himself as Lord. The verse begins: "The Lord [ Yhwh ] said to my Lord . . ." As the New Testament makes plain, Yhwh (the Eternal God) in this case designates the Father, who is speaking to the One who became Jesus Christ, David's immediate Lord, ruling on the Father's behalf.



We also have Jesus' own prayer to the Father the night before His death, wherein He stated, "And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent" (John 17:3And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.



See All...). Some regard this verse as likewise denying the divinity of Christ, but it assuredly does not. Besides the fact that Jesus said this while His power was limited in human flesh, when only the Father could act throughout the universe as God (John 5:30I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.



See All...; 14:10), the obvious intent is that He was pointing to the Father as the true focus of our worship, with Himself as the Father's representative serving as intermediary.



This latter fact is evidently what Paul had in mind as well. In declaring the Father as the one God, he was referring to exclusivity of position, not exclusivity of divine nature. Just as Christ Himself did, Paul was acknowledging the Father as the Supreme Being over all and the focus of our worship. While "all should honor the Son just as they honor the Father" (John 5:23That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him.



See All...), it should be evident that our honor of the Son is still relative to our honor of the Father. We honor the Son in this way because the Father has so ordained it. Thus, the Son is not the one God in the sense of the Supreme Being—and Paul therefore did not include Him in that designation.



But this does not exclude the Son from being God in the sense of sharing the same level of existence with the Father and sharing rule with the Father over all—and of acting as God on the Father's behalf throughout eternity, past and future. For the Son is in fact God in this very sense. Yet had Paul referred to Jesus as God in this particular context of denying polytheism and labeling the Father as the "one God," it would likely have resulted in confusion for many. So he chose to use a different distinction, Lord —the same title Paul typically used for Jesus in his writings.



Designating Jesus as the "one Lord" stresses His role as the One who exercises God's rule over creation—the point being that the Father does not do so directly but acts through Jesus Christ. This fact is a crucial aspect of defining God. And particularly for us, just as David recognized, Jesus is our immediate Lord and Master—the Father being ultimate Lord and Master. But there is no division in allegiance, for devotion to Christ is the way we are devoted to the Father. So again, the fact that the Father is Lord does not contradict Jesus being the "one Lord." For their lordship is not divided. Rather, the Father rules through the Son.



This then, in stark contrast to the competing deities of pagan polytheism, is Paul's brief explanation of true monotheism—God the Father, who is supreme, working through the Son, who perfectly carries out His will, these two being one in unity. And it is through Jesus that we worship and serve the Father. Thus, we should be able to see that Paul in 1 Corinthians 8 was not denying the deity of Christ but was, rather, affirming it through carefully chosen wording.

Current Events & Trends: Syria's civil war spills over its borders

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Current Events & Trends: Syria's civil war spills over its borders






article by Jerold Aust, John Ross Schroeder





Successful containment of any major difficulty normally means a much better chance of concluding it.



But what was a national Syrian conflict has become so prolonged that it now rages well beyond its borders and even threatens yet another major Middle Eastern war. Nations parry and thrust at each other like wild beasts. Verbal threats are all too common. The psalmist asks, "Why do the nations rage, and the people plot a vain thing?" (Psalm 2:1Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?



See All...).



Wrote Patrick Cockburn in the London Review of Books: "Over the last year a military stalemate has prevailed, with each side launching offensives in the areas where they are strongest. Both sides have had definite but limited successes" ("Is It the End of Sykes-Picot?" June 6, 2013). Lately foreign countries (and groups within countries) are intensifying their interventions on either one side or the other. Now Syrian President Bashar al-Assad or the rebel groups could possibly gain the upper hand in the near future.



USA Today reported: "The Syrian civil war is increasingly drawing in nations across the Middle East, a regionwide conflict that threatens to pit world powers against each other" ("Syria's Deepening Sectarian War Bleeds Across Borders," May 29, emphasis added throughout). President Assad and the various rebel groups have their backers. Russia and Iran have delivered sophisticated weapons to Damascus, and Israel has used precision air strikes to destroy some of them. Thousands of Hezbollah soldiers have actively intervened on Assad's side and pulled Lebanon into this brutal civil war.



August peace talks are planned by the United States and Russia, but so far rebel groups have apparently declined to participate. Another USA Today communique (this one from Jerusalem) stated, "Israel warned Thursday that it needed to prepare for a 'new era' of war in the Middle East as the Syrian regime claimed the first shipment of anti-aircraft missiles from Russia had arrived" ("Syria Says It Has Advanced Missiles From Russia," June 1). The Syrian foreign minister warned that Damascus "will retaliate immediately" if Israel strikes Syria again.



The dogs of savage wars bring untold suffering and death to any country so afflicted. "Barbarity is now commonplace in the Syrian war. Some 80,000 Syrians have been killed since the Arab Spring arrived in March 2011, and unknown numbers have been tortured and maimed" (Victor Davis Hanson, "Why Some Wars Are So Savage," The Wall Street Journal, May 29). Meanwhile Jordan strives to cope with some 500,000 refugees from Syria.



Since its inception The Good News has kept abreast of major events in the Middle East and explained their overall meaning in the light of biblical prophecy. This strategic region remains the key to the fulfillment of many end-time prophecies leading up to the second coming of Jesus Christ. The United Church of God also publishes a comprehensive Bible study aid exploring the region's historic and prophetic legacy - The Middle East in Bible Prophecy . (Sources: London Review of Books, USA Today, The Wall Street Journal. )

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Syria in the Crosshairs Again over Chemical Weapons

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Syria in the Crosshairs






article by Cecil Maranville





World opinion is that Syria appears to have gone one step too far in its deadly game of sponsoring terrorism. The assassination of Rafiq Hariri will have far-reaching consequences for Syria, as well as for the entire Middle East.



Already at odds with Washington for a number of reasons, Damascus finds itself in the crosshairs of the Bush administration, as well as the governments of Europe.



Although Bashar al-Assad's government decried the car bombing that killed popular former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri, Syria is the prime suspect behind the killing. The United States has recalled its ambassador from Syria, and the European Union is joining the United States in calling for an international investigation, as well as for free elections in Lebanon and the lessening of Syria's presence there.



Syrian officials have variously called the assassination "a terrorist act" and "a horrendous criminal attack." President Assad urged the Lebanese people "to fortify their national unity and to reject those seeking discord." The Syrian foreign minister added: "We hope the Lebanese people will remain united and strong and continue to reject domestic strife and foreign intervention." And the Syrian information minister praised Mr. Hariri for fighting for "Lebanon's growth, prosperity and independence."



Syria acts as if the world doesn't know about its activities in Lebanon, or that it doesn't care. Their official comments are patently meaningless on account of Syria's direct link with terrorism in that country.



Syria has been sponsoring terrorism against Israel for decades, principally from southern Lebanon. Syria is the "foreign power" seeking to destabilize Lebanon and preventing it from becoming independent. Syria maintains a force of approximately 15,000 troops in Lebanon to ensure that the country follows the wishes of Damascus. The UN Security Council passed Resolution 1559 last September, reaffirming a call for respect for Lebanon's sovereignty and for the withdrawal of "all foreign troops," which meant the Syrian army.



Satellite of Syria



Lebanon has literally been a satellite of Syria. Mr. Hariri indeed fought for Lebanon's independence, but how bitterly hypocritical of the Syrian president and the information minister to praise him in death for doing so, when he was fighting for independence from Syria! In fact, he resigned from the Lebanese government last October in protest after Damascus pressured Lebanon to extend the term of its pro-Syrian president.



So you see how absurd it is for the Assad regime to wring its hands in shock and horror at the assassination of Hariri.



And it is little wonder that the Lebanese people are scorning diplomatic niceties coming out of Damascus. Thousands have marched in angry protests, attacking Syrians and Syrian interests.



In death, Hariri may have accomplished what he was not able to accomplish in life—free Beirut of Damascus' stranglehold, for Syria may have no choice but to yield to the international pressure to withdraw from Lebanon completely. Even before the assassination, the United States had already levied heavy sanctions against Syria for its support of terrorism, and Washington is poised to turn up the heat.



Israel the reason



Immediately after the death of Hariri, the Israeli government announced that Syria would have to expel the offices of terrorist groups from its territory, end its occupation of Lebanon, allow Lebanese forces to take control of the border with Israel and stop acts of aggression against Israel, before it would reenter negotiations about the sensitive issue of the Golan Heights.



The Golan Heights is a 459-square mile plateau at the southwestern edge of Syria and the northeastern tip of Israel. It's a logical jumping-off point should Syria invade Israel (as it has in past wars). For several years leading up to the 1967 war, snipers used to shoot into Israeli villages from atop this hilly area. But Israel captured the Heights in 1967, officially annexing it in December 1981 during the Begin administration. The international community hasn't recognized Israel's right of ownership and has long pressured it to return the Golan Heights to Syria.



The Golan Heights are also an important source of water for Israel, for within it are the headwaters of the Jordan River valley. The Golan Heights borders on the eastern edge of the Sea of Galilee, a major freshwater source for Israel. Bashar al-Assad's government wants to reopen negotiations for the return of the Golan Heights to Syria (talks broke down five years ago), but sentiment runs high against the idea among Israelis, given the strategic issues involved. With 20,000 settlers in the area, the cost of relocating and compensating them for their losses would amount to about $10 billion.



Israel is the reason for Syria's interest in Lebanon. It's been a staging area for attacking Israel for decades. President Bush said in his recent State of the Union address: "Syria still allows its territory, and parts of Lebanon, to be used by terrorists who seek to destroy every chance of peace in the region." Syria blatantly supports the terrorist group turned political party, Hezbollah, as well as many Palestinian terrorists.



Russia is making matters worse. Recently, it announced the sale to Syria of a sophisticated weapons system (including surface-to-air missiles), ignoring U.S. and Israeli back-channel requests that they cancel the deal. Russia's president justified the sale by declaring, "First of all, we understand and are committed to maintaining the balance of power in the region. We understand our responsibilities" ("Russia Tells Israel Arms Deal With Syria Will Go Ahead," The Daily Star, AFP, Feb. 16, 2005).



"A terrorist bazaar"



President Bashar al-Assad is much less subtle than his late father about Syria's ties to the Hezbollah militia. The elder Assad never had a face-to-face meeting with Hezbollah's leader, Sheikh Hasan Nasrallah, although Hafiz al-Assad certainly used the terrorist militia to his advantage. But the current president meets with Nasrallah frequently. Some reports say Bashar al-Assad supplied Nasrallah with missiles when Hezbollah pounded Israel from southern Lebanon in March and April 2002.



Assad is a wild card in the Middle East, as no one knows with certainty whether he has firm control of Syria, or the ability to provide stable leadership for the enigmatic nation. For that matter, no one knows exactly what goes on within this country of 18 million people.



Is the "accidental president" fully in charge, or is the country run by an old guard from his father's days? (Bashar's brother Basil was the designated heir to Hafiz al-Assad, until Basil was killed in a car accident only six years before the elder Assad's death. Bashar was an ophthalmologist practicing in London until his brother's death, when he was recalled to Syria to undergo extensive secret grooming for taking over from his father.)



Jeff Babbin of The National Review Online called the country "a terrorist bazaar" ("Regime Change, Again," Nov. 12, 2003). Washington charges that it has chemical weapons (including a stockpile of the nerve agent sarin and possibly VX) and that it is developing offensive biological ones. It has an inventory of Scud and SS-21 short-range missiles armed with chemical warheads.



Violating UN sanctions, Syria earned $3 billion in secret trading with Saddam Hussein's regime. It provided safe haven for many of Saddam's fleeing thugs, as well as for billions of dollars looted from the Iraqi people by his regime. Syria may also have given Hussein a hiding place for his weapons of mass destruction.



World News and Prophecy reported last year on Jordan's serendipitous interception of a terrorist plot to blow up its intelligence headquarters with a mixture of 71 chemicals that would have produced a toxic cloud of death for up to 80,000 people. The chemicals almost certainly came from Syria (or Syrian-controlled Lebanon), whether from Saddam Hussein's cache or from Syria's stockpiles.



That alone demonstrates the critical danger of the Syrian regime.



A journey through time



Israel and Syria have crossed swords many times throughout history. When Syria was, for the most part, a group of city-states, mainly Damascus, Hamath and Zobah, it often clashed with the kings of Israel and Judah. We read of King David killing 22,000 Syrians from Damascus and Zobah (2 Samuel 8:5And when the Syrians of Damascus came to succour Hadadezer king of Zobah, David slew of the Syrians two and twenty thousand men.



See All...).



Interaction between these territories was not always negative. Jesus and His disciples likely spoke the language of the people of Aram, which was Aramaic. When Christ began His ministry, His fame spread through all of Syria (Matthew 4:24And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them.



See All...).



Bible students will recognize the names of Syrian cities where the Church of God took root in the first century, according to the book of Acts. They include Damascus, Antioch, Seleucia and Caesarea Philippi. And, of course, the apostle Paul was struck down and called of God when en route from Jerusalem to Damascus.



Syria was of great strategic importance for many centuries, due to her position at the intersection of three continents (Asia, Africa and Europe), and on a crossroad between the Caspian Sea, the Indian Ocean, the Black Sea and the Nile River. She lay upon the famous silk route between China and Europe.



Alexander the Great conquered Syria, and after his death it passed to one of his generals, Seleucus. He and the territory he ruled became the king of the North of the prophecy of Daniel 11. Antiochus Epiphanes, who set up the first "abomination of desolation" in the temple in Jerusalem (Daniel 11:31And arms shall stand on his part, and they shall pollute the sanctuary of strength, and shall take away the daily sacrifice, and they shall place the abomination that maketh desolate.



See All...), was a king of Syria.



Thus, modern Syria stands in the shadow of history. The Syrian Tourism Office accurately claims, "A journey through Syria is a journey through time."



Abomination of desolation yet to come



Bible students know that there is another "abomination of desolation" yet to come. So said Christ in foretelling events that will occur just before His return (Matthew 24:15When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:)



See All...). By the time of Christ, Syria had come under the control of the Roman Empire, so that great power inherited Daniel's "king of the North" mantle.



The Roman Empire waxed and waned, realizing several resurrections between Christ's time and now. Although this last great empire long since migrated from the Middle East, it still concerned itself with events in this critical region. We believe it will come to life yet again, and that it will precipitate the modern abomination of desolation in Jerusalem. You can read the details of Daniel's prophecies in our booklet The Middle East in Bible Prophecy .



Given the ever-increasing influence of the EU, as well as the historically strategic importance of Syria, it's conceivable that the final king of the North will again envelop Damascus. It is arguably an important Islamic country, if for no other reason than for its strategic location. As we reported in these pages last month, Turkey is presently aggressively petitioning to join the EU, promising that it would be a conduit for expanding European influence into Eurasia. Could the EU's umbrella of influence one day extend over Syria? Time will tell.



Democratic reform next door in Iraq (and perhaps in Lebanon soon) will bring pressure on Syria to come in from the cold of its isolation from the world community of nations. Given the relentless pressure from Washington on state sponsors of terror, Syria will definitely be making changes. WNP

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Modesty

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Modesty




article by Robert Berendt



Are you modest in the sight of God and man?



The dictionary defines modesty as the quality or fact of being modest. Being modest is defined as restrained by a sense of seemliness; unobtrusive; unpretentious; unassuming; decent, chaste, pure, and delicate as in thoughts or language; not excessive or extreme; moderate. All of these words can further be defined and broken down in various ways – but all point to a care of dress and behavior that reflects good character. Modesty is defined in different ways in different cultures, so the normal guideline is taken by the culture a person is living in. Anything that would be offensive to those around you could be defined as immodest, even though in your own land, that may not be the case. One example is a land and culture where women wear a veilin public. A woman coming from the United States or Canada could be seen as immodest (though in some cases veils have a religious significance, which is a slightly different situation) if she refuses to show some deference to that custom of the land. Modesty is a word that defines the appearance and behavior of men as well as women. The principles are the same, and appreciation for that quality of character is universal.

Modesty applies to rich and poor alike and reflects a frame of mind that is shown by one’s appearance and conduct. The usual Bible verse cited as a guideline is 1 Timothy 2:9-10 [9] In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;

[10] But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.



See All.... Paul had been addressing men and then states, “in like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing” (New King James Version). The guidelines apply to men as well as women, and there was a time when men placed a high value on clothes that were fancy; some referred to them as “dandies.” The key to Paul’s comments is “which is proper for women professing godliness.” That is what Christians are to reflect in their actions. Paul went on to say that we need to learn how to conduct ourselves in the house of God (1 Timothy 3:15But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.

See All...). That is a great responsibility, and one we must not treat lightly. Converted people are called “children of God,” and children carry the name and reputation of their parents wherever they go and whatever they do.

Standards

Standards of modesty are not clearly defined in our society, and since there may be a mixture of tastes and cultures that play a role in defining modesty for any person, we ought to be cautious not to condemn something by standards that we have designed. Those standards are usually our own. For example, God does not give an exact measure for the length of a skirt, though the Bible does state that exposing the thigh is more than just unseemly. Isaiah called it a shame (Isaiah 47:1-3 [1] Come down, and sit in the dust, O virgin daughter of Babylon, sit on the ground: there is no throne, O daughter of the Chaldeans: for thou shalt no more be called tender and delicate.

[2] Take the millstones, and grind meal: uncover thy locks, make bare the leg, uncover the thigh, pass over the rivers.

[3] Thy nakedness shall be uncovered, yea, thy shame shall be seen: I will take vengeance, and I will not meet thee as a man.



See All...). The clothes we wear may be provocative – that differs from being acceptable. The words of Isaiah ought to put the followers of Jesus Christ on guard. Modesty indicates purity of social position; immodesty indicates the opposite.

Proverbs 8:12I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions.

See All... carries some good advice. “I, wisdom, dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge and discretion.” Words like prudence and discretion reveal that there is thought behind our actions. We carry a great responsibility if we are considered to be citizens of God’s kingdom. Proverbs 2:10-13 [10] When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul;

[11] Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee:

[12] To deliver thee from the way of the evil man, from the man that speaketh froward things;

[13] Who leave the paths of uprightness, to walk in the ways of darkness;



See All... explains that wisdom and knowledge are pleasant to the soul and discretion will preserve you. Proverbs 5 is a whole chapter that advises a man to be satisfied with his own wife and to be on guard for one who is immoral. Proverbs 6:25-29 [25] Lust not after her beauty in thine heart; neither let her take thee with her eyelids.

[26] For by means of a whorish woman a man is brought to a piece of bread: and the adulteress will hunt for the precious life.

[27] Can a man take fire in his bosom, and his clothes not be burned?

[28] Can one go upon hot coals, and his feet not be burned?

[29] So he that goeth in to his neighbour's wife; whosoever toucheth her shall not be innocent.



See All... carries a stern warning of disaster to one who is seduced by that which seems exciting and sweet, but in God’s terms is bitter and sour. It is possible to appreciate beauty without coveting that which is beautiful. Handsome men and beautiful women are not a curse on this earth – misuse of beautiful things is the source of the curses that may come. We need oxygen to live, but too much oxygen can kill us. We need food to live, but eating indiscriminately can lead to poor health and an early grave.

Peter tells Christians to be clothed with humility (1 Peter 5:5Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.

See All...). That is an attitude of mind reflected in how we walk, how we dress, and how we speak. Humility does not allow a person to strive to outshine others by fancier clothing and hairstyles, bigger and gaudier tattoos (the Bible tells us not to tattoo ourselves – Leviticus 19:28Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the LORD.

See All...), using a loud strident voice to be heard or doing things just to be noticed. When the mind is clothed in humility, the appearance and conduct of a person reflects that mental state. It may be that a person can appear to act or dress immodestly and yet not be conscious of it. At that moment, it is the thought in the mind of another that defines modesty. There is a time when it is acceptable to be stark naked (in the shower or bath, for example). Nobody is there to decide whether you are being modest or not. The closeness of husband and wife is another time where modesty has a different meaning. Going into public wearing that which the public considers modest is where our greatest concerns need to be exercised. Wearing a bikini or tiny male bathing suit in a shopping mall is an extreme that all of us would recognize. Though our tastes in color, style and quantity of skin that is revealed may differ, there are extremes that we would all agree upon. Condemning another person by our own standards is an act that may also reflect a lack of humility. Condoning behavior that is rude, vulgar or unseemly is not right either. Care needs to be taken in judgment and declaration of the modesty, or lack of it, in another person.

The male and female minds differ in what they perceive. A man is attracted and provoked by what he sees in a different way than a woman. Women sometimes do not understand what thoughts they stir in the minds of men by the way they walk and dress. Attracting another person can be defined in a negative or in a positive way. That is where wisdom and intent enter the picture. Paul has much to say about intent and effect. He tells us not to dispute over doubtful things (Romans 14:1Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations.

See All...) and to be careful we do not put a stumbling block before our brothers by our judgments and demands (Romans 14:10-18 [10] But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.

[11] For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.

[12] So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.

[13] Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way.

[14] I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean.

[15] But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died.

[16] Let not then your good be evil spoken of:

[17] For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.

[18] For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men.



See All...). He goes on to say that we ought not engage in any activity that could cause a brother to stumble, be offended or made weak (Romans 14:21It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.

See All...). To the Corinthians Paul stated, “Give no offense, either to the Jews, or to the Greeks or to the church of God” (1 Corinthians 10:32Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God:

See All...). He also said the church membership with Godly guidance was to judge for itself that which would be considered appropriate in matters of modesty. Let us conduct ourselves with modesty so that others do not find us offensive. In doing that we please God, and that, after all, is what really counts.

For more information about living according to God’s standards, go through the 12 lesson Bible Study Course .

Constantinople was for 1,000 years the Byzantine capital!

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

Media Principles From the Prophets






article by Graemme Marshall





God's encouragement to Jeremiah and Ezekiel can help us in our approach to preaching the gospel today.



Constantinople was for 1,000 years the Byzantine capital of the eastern Roman empire with Christianity its religion from the fourth century In 1453 that all changed for the next nearly 500 years.



Muhammed II laid siege to the city to make it capital of the Ottoman empire which at its height stretched from the Danube to the Euphrates. That empire lasted until World War I. He climaxed the siege by taking his navy and enormous bronze cannons overland to bypass chains across the harbor mouth. He then shelled the city from the inner harbor. On May 29, 1453, the walls were breached and Ottoman soldiers poured into Constantinople subjugating the local Christian and Jewish populations. A story from that time tells how Christian scholars in the besieged city (within days of becoming Muslim for the next 500 years!) were preoccupied with the following theological questions:



What color eyes had the virgin?



If a fly falls into holy water, is the water defiled or the fly sanctified?



Whether true or not, there's an unsettling parallel with our times. With the fabric of society tearing apart, many today seem preoccupied with similar debates. But we don't have to fall into that trap. We can be motivated by these dangerous times to get on with the job we've been given of preaching the gospel in all the world.



God's Church Always Involved in Promoting the Gospel



Recent home office news illustrates how we seem once again poised to grow. Treasurer Tom Kirkpatrick, commenting on the Church's income, said, "Our financial stability now gives us the ability to continue strongly fulfilling the commission of the Church." This is evidenced by requests for literature more than double last year. Some callers responding to the new radio broadcast ask, "Are you the same program as Herbert Armstrong?"



We indeed strive to continue the calling and commission of our recent past. It also parallels that given Jeremiah and Ezekiel. We can learn much about media challenges from what these two prophets were instructed by God.



Jeremiah and Ezekiel's Problems



Jeremiah was called to preach God's message in Jerusalem as Ezekiel was called, 700 miles away in Babylon. Jeremiah was told the problems he'd encounter and that, no matter, he was to fulfill his calling. His immediate response quite lacked enthusiasm. Like Moses he pleaded inadequacy, saying he was too young (Jeremiah 1:6Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child.



See All...). He may have meant he was too young as a priest and felt inexperienced. Or it could have reflected his introspective nature and that he, by temperament, felt personal inadequacy. Paraphrasing God's response as it applies to us: "Don't you think I know what I'm doing in calling you? Don't be afraid of the looks on their faces because I will give you the right words to say" (verses 7-8).



We too can feel overwhelmed by God's calling and feel inadequate for the task. God anticipated negative reactions to preaching His truth. He told Jeremiah to not be dismayed about it. We get discouraged at the lack of seriousness from others when we speak on God's behalf. There was a personal warning too, that if Jeremiah allowed unresponsive attitudes to deter him from doing the job, God would trouble Jeremiah before his detractors (verse 17). God knew people would fight against him, but He assured Jeremiah they would not succeed because God would be with him (verse 19).



Now it seems Ezekiel had a different personality, but he faced the same problems. In graphic language God described his audience as a "rebellious house, impudent and stubborn" (Ezekiel 2:3-4 [3] And he said unto me, Son of man, I send thee to the children of Israel, to a rebellious nation that hath rebelled against me: they and their fathers have transgressed against me, even unto this very day.

[4] For they are impudent children and stiffhearted. I do send thee unto them; and thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD.





See All...). Whether they would listen, or whether they wouldn't (because after all "they are a rebellious house"), Ezekiel was to still take God's message to them (verse 5). God's purpose includes making sure our peoples will in the future come to know that a prophet has been among them. Much of our effort may not bear fruit until later. Understanding how His human instruments can become discouraged, God sympathetically outlined to Ezekiel the people's attitudes: though we may be hurt by resistance, and words and looks make us afraid, we are NOT to be deterred from the task. We are told the people's reaction to truth will be like briers, thorns and scorpions (verse 6). Thorns prick our skin and make us bleed. Scorpions sting with burning pain. In a similar way their words and looks can psychologically demoralize and weaken our resolve. God emphasizes that whether they hear or refuse, we are to still do the job and make sure we aren't rebellious like them (Ezekiel 2:6-8 [6] And thou, son of man, be not afraid of them, neither be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns be with thee, and thou dost dwell among scorpions: be not afraid of their words, nor be dismayed at their looks, though they be a rebellious house.

[7] And thou shalt speak my words unto them, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear: for they are most rebellious.

[8] But thou, son of man, hear what I say unto thee; Be not thou rebellious like that rebellious house: open thy mouth, and eat that I give thee.





See All...). In comforting Ezekiel God further explains the reason they won't listen to us is that they will not listen to Him. They are unreceptive because their nature is "impudent and hardhearted" (Ezekiel 3:7-9 [7] But the house of Israel will not hearken unto thee; for they will not hearken unto me: for all the house of Israel are impudent and hardhearted.

[8] Behold, I have made thy face strong against their faces, and thy forehead strong against their foreheads.

[9] As an adamant harder than flint have I made thy forehead: fear them not, neither be dismayed at their looks, though they be a rebellious house.





See All...). While preaching God's truth we must remember they will NOT listen because of insolent hard hearts.



As with Jeremiah and Ezekiel, a lack of response shouldn't put us off. Dirty looks and hurtful words are a natural result from a rebellious nation.



Relatives and Friends Can Discourage Too



Interestingly, even family may at times hinder the gospel. In Jeremiah's case close family, probably embarrassed before friends by what he was saying, enlisted others to deter his public preaching. God makes clear that Jeremiah was in danger of being deceived by family (Jeremiah 12:6For even thy brethren, and the house of thy father, even they have dealt treacherously with thee; yea, they have called a multitude after thee: believe them not, though they speak fair words unto thee.



See All...).



Today we can have similar difficulty with unbelieving relatives. Strangely, too, some opposition to the gospel comes from within our Church family. Perhaps we err by a desire to placate others when we should step out in faith and stand for truth.



Yet, There Is Hope



God explains to Ezekiel that, even though they have eyes that can't see and ears that won't hear, he should still go ahead and preach as "it may be that they will consider" (Ezekiel 12:2-3 [2] Son of man, thou dwellest in the midst of a rebellious house, which have eyes to see, and see not; they have ears to hear, and hear not: for they are a rebellious house.

[3] Therefore, thou son of man, prepare thee stuff for removing, and remove by day in their sight; and thou shalt remove from thy place to another place in their sight: it may be they will consider, though they be a rebellious house.





See All...). This is very comforting. It makes our efforts worthwhile when just one person responds to God's calling. Ezekiel would become a sign later when the people realized the words he had spoken had come to pass. God explains that a lack of response has to do with attitudes of people who conclude, "The vision is for many days, he prophesies of days far off" (verses 6, 25-27). Isn't this true in our history? What the Church has preached hasn't happened, so they put off involvement. The task of the prophets was to be accomplished whether people listened or not. They would at a later time come to know a prophet of God had been among them (Ezekiel 33:31-33 [31] And they come unto thee as the people cometh, and they sit before thee as my people, and they hear thy words, but they will not do them: for with their mouth they shew much love, but their heart goeth after their covetousness.

[32] And, lo, thou art unto them as a very lovely song of one that hath a pleasant voice, and can play well on an instrument: for they hear thy words, but they do them not.

[33] And when this cometh to pass, (lo, it will come,) then shall they know that a prophet hath been among them.





See All...).Yet, despite our knowing this, a lack of response can make us feel we aren't achieving much. Elijah felt this, which puts us in great company! It seems strange that after the triumph on Mount Carmel and the execution of the priests of Baal, he would throw in the towel just because of a death threat from Jezebel. She had been trying to kill him for years. But stress can become the last straw that breaks our emotional back and he fled.



God succored Elijah for a while, then informed him of something he didn't realize. There were 7,000 who had not bowed to Baal nor kissed the idol. Elijah probably didn't know of these people. When the paganism of Ahab and Jezebel reigned supreme, God-fearing people would have quietly hid themselves. This illustration of people who remain faithful to God's covenant was used by Paul about a remnant in Israel (Romans 11:1-5 [1] I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin.

[2] God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew. Wot ye not what the scripture saith of Elias? how he maketh intercession to God against Israel, saying,

[3] Lord, they have killed thy prophets, and digged down thine altars; and I am left alone, and they seek my life.

[4] But what saith the answer of God unto him? I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal.

[5] Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.





See All...).



What of New Testament Times?



Although Justus, Crispus and many others believed and were baptized through Paul's preaching in Corinth, he became upset at stubborn attitudes against him. It deterred him enough to quit Corinth and plan to go elsewhere (Acts 18:6-11 [6] And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his raiment, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean: from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles.

[7] And he departed thence, and entered into a certain man's house, named Justus, one that worshipped God, whose house joined hard to the synagogue.

[8] And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized.

[9] Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace:

[10] For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city.

[11] And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.





See All...). Paul concluded his work there was over. But God knew better. Because Paul was determined to leave, God gave a vision one night saying: "I have many people in this city. So don't be afraid, no one will attack you, and I will be with you." Paul obediently stayed another 18 months. We can be so short-sighted and demoralized by resistance to our efforts.As John the Baptist prepared the way for Christ's first coming, so too Christ's Church prepares the way for His second coming (Mark 1:2-4 [2] As it is written in the prophets, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.

[3] The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.

[4] John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.





See All...).We have a commission and obligation to preach the gospel. Paul expressed his role this way: "Yet when I preach the gospel, I cannot boast, for I am compelled to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! If I preach voluntarily, I have a reward; if not voluntarily, I am simply discharging the trust committed to me" (1 Corinthians 9:16-17 [16] For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!

[17] For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me.





See All..., NIV). It was Paul's preference to sacrifice and from the heart see the gospel made available. He asked how can anyone hear the truth unless there are those who make it known (Romans 10:14-17 [14] How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?

[15] And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!

[16] But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?

[17] So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.





See All...)? If we sit back uninvolved, how will people who could have been reached by our efforts ever hear? Christ was busy with His Father's work when He was on earth. He said, "I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work" (John 9:4I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.



See All...).



Society ever rots around us. Can we afford to idly sit back and let darkness overtake us? Have the courage and heart for the gospel. Be involved in sowing the seed! UN

.

The Cyrus Cylinder and Egypt

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

The Cyrus Cylinder and Egypt


Egypt will not pull out of its constant crisis until there is a Bill of Rights for every faction of the nation.





[Darris McNeely] Is there a solution for the conflict we continue to see in the streets of Egypt with the recent coup that has removed President Morsi? I think there is, and it's probably from a source that people are not yet able and willing to look at with all of the conflict there between secularists, liberals, and fundamentalists in Islam. It's interesting to note that perhaps the solution could come from even the same region, but from a document that is older than the current crisis.

What Egypt needs is what every successful nation in history has needed and thrived upon, and it is a Bill of Rights. One thing that seems to be lacking in their Constitution and their government and in their whole approach to the life of every Egyptian is a Bill of Rights. A Bill of Rights is something that is probably symbolized by this particular picture right here, which is the Cyrus Cylinder that comes even from the same region of the Middle East discovered in 1879 in modern day Iran.

It is a cylinder about the size of a football. And on this cuneiform tablet is what some have called the first Bill of Rights for human beings written by Cyrus the Great in the year 539 when Cyrus conquered Babylon and decreed that the Jews and other captured peoples could return to their homeland.

This particular cylinder known at the Cyrus Cylinder , currently on tour in the United States, is what is called the first Bill of Rights. And it even deals with Bible history because it was written in 539 BC at the time of the Persian takeover of the Babylonian Empire, and it guaranteed peoples' freedom of religion and certain other fundamental human rights. And when we look at what is taking place especially in Egypt right now and the conflict there that is causing a great deal of suffering on the streets, what some are beginning to realize is a fundamental need is, again, a certain guarantee of rights regardless of one's political or religious persuasion. And that's the way to a solution in Egypt because it's been the way to a solution for any successful nation in modern history.

Ironically it's on a document that comes from the same region of the Middle East, and it also has biblical tie ins because Cyrus was a figure prophesied through the book of Isaiah (Isaiah 44:24-28 [24] Thus saith the LORD, thy redeemer, and he that formed thee from the womb, I am the LORD that maketh all things; that stretcheth forth the heavens alone; that spreadeth abroad the earth by myself;

[25] That frustrateth the tokens of the liars, and maketh diviners mad; that turneth wise men backward, and maketh their knowledge foolish;

[26] That confirmeth the word of his servant, and performeth the counsel of his messengers; that saith to Jerusalem, Thou shalt be inhabited; and to the cities of Judah, Ye shall be built, and I will raise up the decayed places thereof:

[27] That saith to the deep, Be dry, and I will dry up thy rivers:

[28] That saith of Cyrus, He is my shepherd, and shall perform all my pleasure: even saying to Jerusalem, Thou shalt be built; and to the temple, Thy foundation shall be laid.



See All...; Isaiah 45:1-13 [1] Thus saith the LORD to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have holden, to subdue nations before him; and I will loose the loins of kings, to open before him the two leaved gates; and the gates shall not be shut;

[2] I will go before thee, and make the crooked places straight: I will break in pieces the gates of brass, and cut in sunder the bars of iron:

[3] And I will give thee the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places, that thou mayest know that I, the LORD, which call thee by thy name, am the God of Israel.

[4] For Jacob my servant's sake, and Israel mine elect, I have even called thee by thy name: I have surnamed thee, though thou hast not known me.

[5] I am the LORD, and there is none else, there is no God beside me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known me:

[6] That they may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west, that there is none beside me. I am the LORD, and there is none else.

[7] I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things.

[8] Drop down, ye heavens, from above, and let the skies pour down righteousness: let the earth open, and let them bring forth salvation, and let righteousness spring up together; I the LORD have created it.

[9] Woe unto him that striveth with his Maker! Let the potsherd strive with the potsherds of the earth. Shall the clay say to him that fashioneth it, What makest thou? or thy work, He hath no hands?

[10] Woe unto him that saith unto his father, What begettest thou? or to the woman, What hast thou brought forth?

[11] Thus saith the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, and his Maker, Ask me of things to come concerning my sons, and concerning the work of my hands command ye me.

[12] I have made the earth, and created man upon it: I, even my hands, have stretched out the heavens, and all their host have I commanded.

[13] I have raised him up in righteousness, and I will direct all his ways: he shall build my city, and he shall let go my captives, not for price nor reward, saith the LORD of hosts.



See All...) long before he came to power, long before this was put into writing. Cyrus was an instrument in the hands of God. The ultimate Bill of Rights comes from God's law and the rights and the laws of freedom that God gives to mankind . And when the Egyptian government, or when the Egyptian people, or when any modern people finally come to realize that, they're going to be on the road to success and to freedom. And they're going to be on the road to something that is lasting and enduring all rooted in God's way and God's law.

That's BT Daily . Join us next time.

What Do You Mean By 'Success'?

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

What Do You Mean By 'Success'?

by James Firth



Source: Amanda Stiver

Recently, a Royal Prince of Saudi Arabia, Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, placed a lawsuit against Forbes for defamation because the magazine underestimated his wealth in their annual “Rich List” of the world’s wealthiest people.

Prince Alwaleed bin Talal was ranked the 26th richest person in the world by Forbes with an estimated net worth of $20 billion US Dollars. He claims that the magazine underestimated his total wealth by $9.6 billion and thus harmed his business standing and public image of his financial standing, (Josh Halliday, “Saudi Prince Launches Libel Action Against Forbes Magazine Over Rich List,” TheGuardian.com, June 6, 2013).

The measure of worth

Being financially well-off is nice, and humankind generally strives to be successful, but what kind of success should we be chasing?

Is it having the most toys or the latest technology gadget? Is it having the most friends? Or always being top of the grade in every subject in school?

All these things can be beneficial in the right time and place, but being a Christian is all about moderation.

So what does God view as success?

In the book of Joshua, after Moses had died and Joshua was chosen to lead the nation of Israel into the Promised Land God gave Joshua this encouragement:

“Be strong and courageous, because you'll be leading this people to inherit the land that I promised to give their ancestors. Only be strong and very courageous to ensure that you obey all the instructions that my servant Moses gave you—turn neither to the right nor to the left from it—so that you may succeed wherever you go. This set of instructions is not to cease being a part of your conversations. Meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to carry out everything that's written in it, for then you'll prosper and succeed. I've commanded you, haven't I? Be strong and courageous. Don't be fearful or discouraged, because the LORD your God is with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:6-9 [6] Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them.

[7] Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest.

[8] This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

[9] Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.



See All..., ISV)

For Joshua to be successful the Lord expected him to follow these tenets: be courageous, obey instructions, meditate, do what is expected of you, and avoid becoming discouraged.

The one thing God doesn’t mention is the endless pursuit of wealth.

Plan for success

Solomon, the wisest man that lived, speaks on success, “Commit to the Lord whatever you do and your plans will succeed.” (Proverbs 16:3Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.

See All..., NIV) Solomon was indeed successful, but he lost balance and the acquisition of wealth and wives became his focus later in life.

“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Matthew 6:19-21 [19] Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:

[20] But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:

[21] For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.



See All...)

Working hard to make a living and being careful with our resources are good habits to develop, but Christ warns against making money our only goal.

Let’s not have our focus be on collecting the most social media “friends” possible, acquiring the most wealth, or the biggest house that money can buy. If we really want to be a story of success, then we must set our goals for life and align our value system with the example set by Jesus Christ.

Do you believe that Jesus Christ was born of the virgin Mary?

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

Do you believe that Jesus Christ was born of the virgin Mary?


Was Mary a virgin when she conceived and bore Christ?



Answer:



The United Church of God certainly believes and teaches that Jesus was born to Mary, a virgin at the time of His conception and birth. Isaiah 7:14Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.



See All... foretold this momentous event in history. The angel who spoke to Joseph declared: "Do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit" (Matthew 1:20But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.



See All...).



Earlier the narrative tells us that "before they [Mary and Joseph] came together [prior to any intimate marital relations], she was found with child of the Holy Spirit" (verse 18). God was Jesus' Father through the agency of the Holy Spirit. Jesus "was the only begotten of the Father" (John 1:14And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.



See All...).



Prior to these events, when an angelic messenger revealed to Mary that she would conceive and have a Son named Jesus, her immediate question was: "How can this be, since I am a virgin?" (Luke 1:34Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?



See All..., New Revised Standard Version).



Then the angel explained to Mary, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest [God the Father] will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God" (verse 35).



Clearly Mary was a virgin (verse 27) and did not have normal marital relations until after the time that Jesus was born. Joseph "did not know her [intimately] till she had brought forth her firstborn Son" (Matthew 1:25And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.



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Some believe, however, that Mary remained a virgin for the rest of her life. This idea is disproved by the Bible.



The word "firstborn" in Matthew 1:25And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.



See All... clearly implies that Mary bore other children later. We find four brothers named and other "sisters" (plural) mentioned in Mark 6:3Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him.



See All.... Thus Joseph and Mary had at least six other children born to them who were Jesus' half brothers and half sisters.



The apostle John reveals yet another part of the story. "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God . . . And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us . . ." (John 1:1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.



See All..., 14). Jesus was God in the flesh as well as a human being. He existed for past eternity with the Father and was the one through whom God created all things including mankind (verse 3). To understand more about Jesus Christ, please request our free booklet Jesus Christ: The Real Story .

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God Is Great

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

God Is Great

by Dan Dowd

Christopher Hitchens died from cancer on December 15, 2011. Mr. Hitchens, a lifelong atheist, rose to fame with a book he wrote titled, God Is Not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything .  The premise of his book was that most bad things in history can be laid at the feet of religion – Christianity in particular, but, later in his life, also Islam.
While Mr. Hitchens was correct that too many bad things have been done in the name of various forms of Christianity, his reactionary view blinded him to the value that Christianity, in general, brought to the world. Such things as the end of slavery in the U.S. and Britain, support for the poor, hospitals to care for the sick, schools that teach across income and social levels, et al – along with civil laws based on Biblical principles.
Increasingly though, Mr. Hitchens’s views are gaining traction – and not just with atheists. Young evangelicals are leaving the churches of their youth because they don’t like being told how they should live their lives. They don’t like being told pre-marital (or extra-marital) sex is wrong, that living together unmarried is sin, that abortion is murder or that homosexuality is sin (Laura Sessions Stepp, “Why Young Evangelicals Are Leaving Church,” CNN.com, December 16, 2011).

The odds on faith

Unfortunately, too many “Christians” have bought into the same argument that Mr. Hitchens made, and they see God as the source of discomfort in their lives. They want religion to be a support for lifestyle choices rather than a mirror to see how a person needs to change in order to be more like God.
Let’s challenge ourselves. Instead of seeing God’s way of life as too hard, too demanding, or the source of mankind’s troubles, let’s look at it from another perspective. Blaise Pascal was a French mathematician, physicist, writer, inventor and philosopher who lived in the early 1600s. Pascal is famous for his “wager,” the Pascal Wager.
According to Pascal’s theory, and since the existence of God cannot be proven (or disproved) through reason, there is still much to be gained from wagering that God does exist, and little to gain from wagering that He doesn’t. Consequently, a rational person should simply “wager” that God does exist and live accordingly. 
While we shouldn’t look at following God’s way as a wager, Pascal does have an interesting point. What is the down side of living a life seeking to be like God? Is there a down side?

Christian qualities

Consider what you and I have because of obeying and living life as God says it should be lived. People know we are trustworthy because we don’t lie and won’t spread lies. We don’t steal. In fact, religious people are generally more generous in their time and money to help others.
We know and trust in answered prayer. Medical science can’t explain it, but people who are prayed for (even if they don’t know they are being prayed for) generally do much better in their recovery. We also watch what comes out of our mouths, a significant contrast in an era of unrelenting profanity.
Most strikingly, we have peace in our outlook because we know where world events are headed and why – and how it will all be fixed. We understand the meaning of life.

The other path

All around us we see the fruit of lives lived in opposition to God’s law. Does that disregard for, or rebellion against God’s law make them happy? Are their lives more meaningful? If so, why is there so much crime? Why are there so many broken families? Why are there so many wars and interpersonal conflicts?
Obeying the Ten Commandments and living according to Godly principles will, by themselves, bring a more rewarding life. Yet how much more do we have by knowing about God’s plan of salvation for ourselves, and all mankind?
Christopher Hitchens was wrong – God is great, period. God does exist, so let’s live our lives accordingly.

The Population Explosion and Prophecy

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

The Population Explosion and Prophecy


How is the increase of the world's population related to prophecy?



According to population experts, it took almost 1,900 years for the world to slowly rise from an estimated 250 million at the time of Christ to a billion and a half at the beginning of the 20th century. Then, in the 20th century alone, the earth's population has exploded as it quadrupled in size. It has passed the staggering mark of 6 billion people. In spite of advances in birth control, the world population still rapidly climbs.



A glimpse at the trend shows why many are concerned. According to the United Nations Population Division, it took 123 years to move from 1 billion to 2 billion population. Yet it took only 33 years to reach the 3 billion mark and 14 years to arrive at the 4 billion level. Next it took only 13 years to reach 5 billion, and just 11 years later we crossed the 6 billion mark.



From now on, it is estimated, a billion people will be added every 10 years. Provided this rate of growth—adding some 80 million new people per year—continues, the planet's population will double again in 50 years.



What does this all mean? Is the earth able to sustain this level of population growth without bringing on dire consequences?



Signs of global environmental fatigue



Already the earth is showing serious consequences from this rapid population increase combined with the excessive consumption of the earth's resources. In 1989 the fishing industry reported a dwindling of fish catches in oceans, and the decline has continued. Diminishing reserves of metals, fossil fuels, forests, arable lands, freshwater and wildlife are facts of life.



Pollution has reached a global scale, with hardly any part of the earth free from contaminated air, water and soil. This is not an extremist view, but what world organizations such as the UN and the Red Cross are regularly reporting.



Perhaps in the United States, Europe and Japan, where funds are available to curb the most damaging effects of the rise in population, there is not so much concern. But these nations comprise only a sixth of the world's inhabitants. The rest of the world is in a far worse condition.



More famines predicted



The dramatic increase in the world population has placed great strains on the political, military, economic and social systems around the planet. Some relief agencies already consider parts of Africa to be in a chronic state of hunger.



The population explosion is not only a problem of quantity, but of quality—because of varying living standards. While the birth rate in industrialized countries has plummeted, in backward regions it remains quite high.



It is estimated that 95 percent of population growth will occur in the 130 poorest countries. Already a fourth of the earth's inhabitants live on less than a dollar a day. Yet this is where population growth is greatest. Two countries and one region—China (1.3 billion people), India (1.1 billion) and Africa (800 million)—contain half the world's population.



As the population grows, it strains the relations within cities and among nations. More crime, violence and disease will invariably appear as people are increasingly forced to live in cramped and unhealthy quarters.



According to 2001 UN statistics, Tokyo was the world's most populous city, with 26 million. But the UN calculates that in the next 15 years the world's largest cities will be Bombay (Mumbai), India, with 26 million; Lagos, Nigeria, with 23 million; Dhaka, Bangladesh, with 21 million; São Paulo, Brazil, with 20 million; Karachi, Pakistan, and Mexico City with 19 million; and Jakarta, Indonesia, and Calcutta and Delhi, India, with 17 million. Can these nations, many of them impoverished, continue to provide basic services and enforce the peace as their resources dry up?



Prophecy on the march



How is this related to prophecy? First, according to the end-time scenario described in the book of Revelation, a massive army from east of the Euphrates will cross the river and bring a disastrous world war. "And I heard a voice … saying to the sixth angel who had the trumpet, "Release the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates.' So the four angels, who had been prepared for the hour and day and month and year, were released to kill a third of mankind. Now the number of the army of the horsemen was two hundred 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.





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For this prophecy to come to pass, billions of people must exist on the planet for this region to field 200 million able-bodied soldiers. Until the latter part of the 20th century, the nations in this area could not muster even half that number. But now, for the first time in history, they can provide such a massive military force.



Also, as world population multiplied in the 20th century, so did the explosion of knowledge, made possible by improved communications, travel and technology. We can easily see the fulfillment of the prophecy God gave to Daniel: "But you, Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book until the time of the end; many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase" (Daniel 12:4But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.



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We take for granted such things as rapid international travel, computers, the Internet and the knowledge explosion, but these were widely available beginning only during the closing years of the 20th century.