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Extraterrestrial Life: What Does the Bible Say?

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article by David Treybig

Humans have long searched the heavens for signs of other life. Is there life out there? Is there a way to know for sure?

Most of the world is markedly ignorant of the extraterrestrial life to which the pages of the Bible so abundantly testify.

Source: Photos.com

Humanity is fascinated with the concept of extraterrestrial life. Many wonder if intelligent life residing somewhere else in the universe is busy watching us develop. We want to know who we are and if there is anything (or anyone) else out there that resembles us.
Interest in contact with aliens is not just the grist of science fiction but a real-life passion for many devoted to the search for other life forms. When a job transfer put me near Roswell, New Mexico, I soon learned of July 4, 1947, the date of an alleged crash landing of an alien ship a few miles northwest of the city. The next day's newspaper reported that the commander of the nearby U.S. Army base confirmed that a "flying saucer" had indeed crashed into the desert the previous evening.
Rumors circulated that on board the craft had been aliens who had died in the crash. On the second day, however, the commander said the crash was simply a downed weather balloon.
Another report, released in June 1997, just days before the 50th-anniversary extravaganza staged by local residents, said that what some thought had been dead aliens were only test dummies.

The search for life

Of course, man's curiosity has not been limited to stories about flying saucers. Reporting on a radio-telescope project, an article in U.S. News & World Report said recently: "In 1960, Project Ozma in West Virginia began its quest to detect alien radio signals. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration committed $100 million to a formal mission-the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence-but so far, no word has come from out there" (Victoria Pope, "Is There Life on Other Planets?," August 25, 1997).
The article also stated: "Space exploration hasn't turned up life, either. When NASA's Viking landers examined Mars two decades ago, they found a dry, sterile environment. Venus was a blazing inferno. It was only the images from the Galileo spacecraft that raised a slight hope of finding suitable conditions for life elsewhere in our solar system: Jupiter's moon Europa appeared to have an ocean of liquid water covered with pack ice."
More recently NASA's Pathfinder has sent back pictures of Mars that show a rocky desert terrain devoid of any surface vegetation or other signs of life. Now attention is turning to what might be below the surface of the red planet. Scientists wonder whether they should be looking for types of microbes similar to ones on earth that can live in extreme conditions such as searing heat, salt and high pressure.
An alleged martian meteorite recovered in Antarctica containing microscopic wormlike structures generates more questions. Are these structures fossils of earthlike bacteria? Are they just the result of mineral or geologic processes that didn't involve life-forms? Is it possible that life like ours once began on Mars, only to die out later?
Although new possibilities and questions continue to arise as quickly as old ones are rejected, one simple fact remains: We have no scientific evidence of intelligent life beyond this planet.

Comparing science and the Bible

Missing in this discussion is information that has been disallowed by the scientific method, which discards any information that cannot be verified or disproved by observation or experimentation.
That missing information is found in the Bible. The scientific approach generally leads to rejection of biblical facts and statements about other intelligent life, because science cannot prove those statements. This isn't necessarily the fault of science; it simply is the way the scientific discipline was established and functions. Of course, we can rely on something science has proven. But, like most things, even science has its limitations.
When the Bible reveals something of a spiritual nature, such information is often beyond the level of science. Science is often incapable of proving or disproving what is stated. The Bible describes this kind of information as revealed knowledge, or knowledge we cannot discover through human effort alone.
An interesting example of this is found in Matthew 16. Here, Jesus asked His disciples what people were saying about Him. The answers varied. Then He asked: "'But who do you say that I am?' Simon Peter answered and said, 'You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.' Jesus answered and said to him, 'Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven'" (Matthew:16:15-17 [15] He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?
[16] And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.
[17] And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.).
Understanding Jesus Christ's identity as the Son of God is not scientific; it is not in the flesh-and-blood realm, proven through a microscope or telescope. This kind of knowledge is beyond science. In His conversation with Peter, Jesus affirmed that only God reveals this kind of knowledge. This revealed knowledge is the missing component in man's desire to understand his place in the universe. Without it, man will forever be left with a string of unanswered questions and endless possibilities.
Of course, not all who claim revealed knowledge actually have it. Occasionally we learn of cultlike small groups that claim to have secret knowledge of the unknown. When tragedy results, like the recent mass suicide of the Heaven's Gate group near San Diego, many are inclined to dismiss all revealed knowledge.
The difference between these groups and the Bible is the source of their information. Even large, long-established religious assemblies have shown their inadequacies in interpreting and explaining the Bible and attempting to represent God's revealed will. All groups have fallible human leaders, while the Bible contains the very words of God Himself. As 2 Timothy:3:16All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: tells us, "all Scripture is given by inspiration of God." Its authority is unassailable, whereas speculation of individuals remains just that-speculation.

The Bible has answers

So what can we learn from Scripture about extraterrestrial life and man's place in the universe? The Bible reveals that there is extraterrestrial intelligent life, but not as many suppose. The Bible does not speak of aliens who live on other planets, but it does speak of a Spirit Being who "inhabits eternity" (Isaiah:57:15For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.).
The Bible is silent about extraterrestrial life-forms as popularized in science fiction and the entertainment media, yet it is by no means silent about real extraterrestrial life in all its great abundance. The beings spoken of in the Bible are real. They have appeared and spoken directly to humans (Genesis:3:9-10 [9] And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou?
[10] And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself.; 4:9; 16:9). The Bible records the existence of many millions of angelic beings (Revelation:5:11And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands;) who are "ministering spirits" to mankind in fulfillment of God's purpose (Hebrews:1:13-14 [13] But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool?
[14] Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?).
The first verse of the Bible introduces us to the ultimate Spirit Being: God. "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth" (Genesis:1:1In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.). It presents two pieces of revealed knowledge beyond the realm of science. The first is the existence of God. The second is found in the word created, a translation of the Hebrew word bara.
"This verb is of profound theological significance, since it has only God as its subject. Only God can 'create' in the sense implied by bara. The verb expresses creation out of nothing, an idea seen clearly in passages having to do with creation on a cosmic scale..." ( Vine's Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words, 1985, Thomas Nelson Publishers, Nashville, "Create").
The concept of bringing the universe into existence from nothing is completely outside the parameters of scientific observation and experimentation. Science tells us a great deal about matter that already exists. It tells us that matter can change shapes and form. But science cannot account for the appearance of something that previously did not exist. It can only theorize about possible explanations for how everything we see around us came to exist from nothing.
We see this even in the various theories for the evolution of life into the myriad forms we see today-all start by assuming that matter already existed.

The Bible vs. evolution

In the face of this fundamental deficiency, some have tried to blend revealed knowledge with scientific theory in what is known as theistic evolution, or a belief that God made matter and then allowed evolution to shape life. In a monumental announcement the Roman Catholic Church recently agreed that life as we know it may have come about in this way.
Theistic evolution, however, is not the simple bridge between the spiritual and the physical worlds many would like. There are simply too many conflicts. The Bible, for example, reveals that God formed Adam from the dust of the ground (Genesis:2:7And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.), not by evolutionary happenstance.
Scientific limitations aside, the apostle Paul said, "For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities-his eternal power and divine nature-have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse" (Romans:1:20For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:, New International Version).
Science acknowledges that we live on planet Earth, but in rejecting revealed knowledge it can provide no absolutes about how our world came to be. In contrast, Paul said this beautiful planet, with its many sophisticated, interwoven relationships among its intricate array of life-forms, is testimony to God's existence.
The Bible further says, "The fool has said in his heart, 'There is no God'" (Psalm:14:1(To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David.) The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good.; 53:1). Why would anyone reject revealed knowledge simply because it did not meet humanly imposed limitations? Paul, speaking of man's moral decline, explains: "For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools" (Romans:1:21-22 [21] Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
[22] Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,, NIV).
Mankind desperately needs the revealed knowledge that only the Bible can provide. Through the pages of this divinely inspired book, we learn not only about extraterrestrial intelligent life (God and the angelic realm), but how this planet and we humans came to be-and what God has in store as our ultimate destiny.

A scientist's last words

The late Carl Sagan was respected worldwide as one of this century's greatest scientists. His many credentials included his tenure as the David Duncan professor of astronomy and space sciences and director of the Laboratory for Planetary Studies at Cornell University. He also wrote 30 books and served as an adviser to NASA on the Mariner , Voyager and Viking unmanned space missions.
Before dying from a rare disease in December 1996, he penned these words: "Six times now have I looked Death in the face. And six times Death has averted his gaze and let me pass. Eventually, of course, Death will claim me-as he does each of us. It's only a question of when. And how.
"I've learned much from our confrontations-especially about the beauty and sweet poignancy of life, about the preciousness of friends and family, and about the transforming power of love...
"I would love to believe that when I die I will live again, that some thinking, feeling, remembering part of me will continue. But as much as I want to believe that, and despite the ancient and worldwide cultural traditions that assert an afterlife, I know of nothing to suggest that it is more than wishful thinking" ( Billions & Billions, Random House, New York, 1997, p. 214).
Although he excelled in scientific endeavors as few others have ever done, Sagan's otherwise expansive outlook was in many ways shackled by the scientific method to which he had devoted his life. This remarkable man had not come to trust in the revealed knowledge of the Bible-promises that human beings can eventually "be like" their Creator (1 John:3:1-2 [1] Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.
[2] Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.) and take on His "divine nature" (2 Peter:1:2-4 [2] Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,
[3] According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
[4] Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.).
From the outset the Bible describes man as created "in the image of God" (Genesis:1:27So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.). The profound ramifications of this concept are discussed and described throughout the rest of the Bible.
Whether human beings understand these things or not, the Bible promises that "the glory of the LORD will be revealed, and all mankind together will see it. For the mouth of the LORD has spoken" (Isaiah:40:5And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it., NIV). In due time this will come to pass. The Good News is dedicated to sharing this revealed knowledge found within the Bible.
The Bible is silent about extraterrestrial life, as it is popularly conceived, in other parts of the universe. At the same time, most of the world is markedly ignorant of the extraterrestrial life to which the pages of the Bible so abundantly testify. Mankind is also largely ignorant of the incredible future potential God has in store for human beings "out there."
There is indeed life out there-and your destiny is to become part of it if you so choose! GN

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What Is Armageddon?

Most people believe Armageddon is about the end of the world. But what does the Bible actually reveal? Learn the real truth.

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[Darris] On the hills outside the city of Nazareth in Galilee of Israel, you can stand and look out over the flat plain of the Jezreel Valley. To the west, at the end of the valley you can make out a hill, the site of a place called Megiddo. I have been to both places and there is a connection.
Nazareth is where Jesus was raised by His parents, Joseph and Mary. It is not hard to imagine Jesus as a youth spending time in these hills overlooking the valley. Jesus, who was God in the flesh - knew the history of the land before Him, both past and future. He knew one day, on that spot, armies would gather to fight Him at His glorious second coming.
Jesus grew up near a place called Armageddon. Armageddon carries a powerful message for the world - a message that comes straight from Jesus Christ.
Join us on Beyond Today as we examine a message straight from God's Word, "What is Armageddon?"
[Announcer] Join our host Darris McNeely, and his guests, as they help you understand your future on Beyond Today !
[Darris] Armageddon! What do you think when you hear that word? Most of us probably think of the end of the world - or a movie.
But what most people believe is not accurate. Armageddon is actually just an old city. It's a real-life place on the map and you can travel there today. It's a place no longer inhabited and it's surrounded by a long and wide valley.
In future prophecy, Revelation reveals that armies will gather in this valley to fight Jesus Christ when He returns in glory and power.
There's a powerful message for each of us in the prophecy of Armageddon. If you heed that message, it can change your life and prepare you for Christ's return.
For every person you ask about Armageddon, you'll get a different answer. But what's the truth? What do the Scriptures say? Let's look in the book of Revelation.
In chapter 16, we see seven devastating plagues that represent God's final judgment on the world - a world that has rejected Him. They are symbolized by bowls being poured out upon the earth.
The fifth of these bowls brings darkness on the throne of the evil ruler of the final superpower of mankind, which is depicted as a beast. The impenetrable darkness will be so frightening that people will be gnawing their tongues out of despair. In their anger and their pain they are going to curse God. And instead of turning to Him for help, they will refuse to humble themselves or to repent. Tension in the world will escalate (Revelation:16:11And blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, and repented not of their deeds.). Satan, of course, is pulling out all strings behind that evil leader called the Beast, and in his rage against God, he prepares to maneuver the world and its armies into a box canyon. There will be no way out.
Notice what it says in verse 12. "Then the sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river Euphrates, and its water was dried up, so that the way of the kings of the east might be prepared." In other words, great armies from the east will be on the move toward Israel. It continues, "And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs coming out of the mouth of the dragon, out of the mouth of the beast and out of the mouth of the false prophet." Who is the dragon, the Beast and this false prophet? The dragon is Satan. The Beast is the leader of the final, evil superpower of mankind. And the false prophet is an evil religious leader who will deceive the whole world with his false religion. The Scripture continues: "For they are spirits of demons performing signs, which go out to the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty" (Revelation:16:12-14 [12] And the sixth angel poured out his vial upon the great river Euphrates; and the water thereof was dried up, that the way of the kings of the east might be prepared.
[13] And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet.
[14] For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.).
What we're reading is an incredible peek into the invisible spirit world. With hints like this throughout the Scriptures, we know that there is another dimension that we really can't see, feel, touch or taste. But it is very real. It's inhabited with good spirits - angels, servants of God - and evil spirits, Satan and his demons. In this verse, it gives us a metaphorical vision of what is going on in the spiritual dimension. It shows the dragon - Satan - spewing from his mouth evil spirits - represented here by frogs. What happens in the spirit realm has always had a connection with what happens in our own physical realm. What we're reading here are evil spirits causing chaos in the spirit realm. These evil spirits directly influence events in our physical world.
In other words, Satan's rage behind the scenes will be what causes the armies of the world to gather in the land of Israel. Armageddon is not the name of the battle that will be fought. It is the place where they will gather for what is possibly the largest, and certainly the most conclusive, battle in all world history - The Battle of the Great Day of God Almighty. Of all the great battles in history - battles such as Gettysburg, Thermopolye, or Normandy - this battle is more significant than all the others combined. It's been named two thousand years in advance.
Now take note of something remarkable in the Scripture in verse 15. It says, "Behold, I come like a thief! Blessed is he who stays awake and keeps his clothes with him, so that he may not go naked and be shamefully exposed" (Revelation:16:15Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.). Right in the middle of this description of end-time armies, spiritual deception and the wrath of Satan is this little gem of a statement.
Then it continues right on after this as it did before with descriptions of more dramatic signs and events. It would be easy to just gloss over it, but that would be a critical mistake. I'm going to come back to this verse later in the program and I'll explain it a bit more.
Let's go on to verse 16 and see what it says, "And they gathered them together to the place called in Hebrew, Armageddon" (Revelation16:16). The word, "Armageddon" is just the combination of two Hebrew words: the word, "har" and the word, "megiddo." Of all the places, why then is this so significant? Why do the armies gather there? Well a brief look at the history of the area can help us answer that question.
On a map of the State of Israel, you can see the site of Megiddo. For thousands of years, it was a city where people lived. Every time it was destroyed in war, they'd fill in the dirt and they'd build on top. Today it is a hill popping up out of the flat plain called, Jezreel. Archaeologists have excavated the site for several decades. Their work has exposed ancient secrets long hidden beneath its soil.
Megiddo has seen more battles than any other place on earth. Why? Because whoever controlled Megiddo controlled a narrow strategic stretch of road called the Via Maris, which was a major international highway in the ancient world. This road stretched from Egypt all the way to Babylon, which is today, more or less, the modern nation of Iraq. In ancient times, this was the link - this Via Maris - between the major empires and the trade routes of the day. In the ancient world, any nation who wanted control of this region had to control Megiddo.
Over the years, many battles took place at Megiddo. In 1479 B.C., the Egyptian Pharaoh Thutmose III launched a campaign near Megiddo to assert dominion over territories in- and north of Canaan.
In the Bible, King Solomon stationed troops, and chariots and horses in Megiddo, using the city as a northern fortress (1 Kings:9:15And this is the reason of the levy which king Solomon raised; for to build the house of the LORD, and his own house, and Millo, and the wall of Jerusalem, and Hazor, and Megiddo, and Gezer.). Today there are massive gates still standing at the entrance to the ruins in Megiddo, and they date from this period and they are evidence of the city's strategic regional location. Later, during the reign of Judah's King Josiah, pharaoh Necho from Egypt came to Megiddo to fight against Assyria. Even though God told Josiah not to get involved in this battle, he did and he was killed (2 Kings:23:29In his days Pharaohnechoh king of Egypt went up against the king of Assyria to the river Euphrates: and king Josiah went against him; and he slew him at Megiddo, when he had seen him.).
And in modern times both Napoleon (1799) and the British General Allenby (1918) defeated Turkish forces at Megiddo. The area has never lost its significance as a battleground for control over this crucial crossroad of empires.
So we see that Megiddo is the place where armies have gathered in the past and it is where armies will gather in the future before the Battle of the Great Day of God Almighty. Does the Bible show us then where the actual battle will ultimately be fought? It does, and I will show you where in a minute.
Conflict in the Middle East dominates the news today. In my lifetime I do not know of any period when problems in Egypt, Iran, Syria, Israel or Lebanon have not focused attention on the region. Why does this part of the world matter to you? The answer lies in Bible prophecy.
To help you better understand the biblical and the historical background of current Middle Eastern events and what the future holds, be sure to order your personal, free copy of the booklet we are offering today: The Middle East in Bible Prophecy . You can receive a copy by calling toll free: 1-888-886-8632. Again, that's 1-888-886-8632, or you can go online to BeyondToday.tv .
This essential, free Bible study aid will help you better comprehend Bible prophecy and how future events will affect your life. So please, don't wait to order your free copy. Just call now: 1-888-886-8632. Again, 1-888-886-8632. Or you can go online to BeyondToday.tv - download, read or order your free copy of this study aid: The Middle East in Bible Prophecy.
We have seen that armies from all over the world will gather at Armageddon in the "time of the end" to fight Christ at His coming. Armageddon is a place. The battle is the event. And, there is an important spiritual lesson that connects events that took place in ancient Megiddo to what is happening today . It has immediate importance to your life. What is it? Stay with me - I'm going to explain about that in a moment.
But right now, let's look at a couple of scriptures to set the stage.
Let's look at Zechariah chapter 14, where it tells us: "Behold, the day of the Lord is coming, and your spoil will be divided in your midst. For I will gather all the nations to battle against Jerusalem... Then the Lord will go forth and fight against those nations, as He fights in the day of battle" (Zechariah:14:1-3 [1] Behold, the day of the LORD cometh, and thy spoil shall be divided in the midst of thee.
[2] For I will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle; and the city shall be taken, and the houses rifled, and the women ravished; and half of the city shall go forth into captivity, and the residue of the people shall not be cut off from the city.
[3] Then shall the LORD go forth, and fight against those nations, as when he fought in the day of battle.).
The prophet Joel adds some detail to this. It says: "I will also gather all nations, and bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat; and I will enter into judgment with them there on account of My people, My heritage Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations; they have also divided up My land" (Joel:3:2I will also gather all nations, and will bring them down into the valley of Jehoshaphat, and will plead with them there for my people and for my heritage Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations, and parted my land.).
Jerusalem is where the battle of the great day of God Almighty is fought. Specifically, the focal point of battle will be in the steep valley that is today called, Kidron located between the Old City of Jerusalem and the Mount of Olives. Christ will descend with a spirit army and tread the winepress of His wrath. Revelation 19 says this: "And the winepress was trodden without the city, and [the] blood came out of the winepress, even unto the horse bridles, by the space of a thousand and six hundred furlongs" (Revelation:14:20And the winepress was trodden without the city, and blood came out of the winepress, even unto the horse bridles, by the space of a thousand and six hundred furlongs.). As human armies fight God the carnage will be so great that the blood will run several feet deep. It will be a terrible battle - one that will end in the peace of the Kingdom of God.
Megiddo and the Jezreel Valley provide an ideal staging point for this battle. We can imagine forces flowing in through the port of Haifa, a few miles to the northwest. Transport planes, and helicopters, troop carriers and tanks will ferry men and materiel into the region. Jet fighters and missiles will no doubt be engaged in a battle that suddenly turns its attention to a force coming from an unexpected location - the heavens above Jerusalem. In their folly and deception, they will fight Christ, never recognizing Him as the Messiah.
Today, this is difficult, very difficult to imagine. We read these scriptures and we ask, "How could political leaders be deceived to fight Jesus Christ, the Son of God?"
The answer may lie in one verse we skipped over in Revelation 16. Let's go back and read it. Notice that verse 15 is a thought injected by Jesus Christ, who is the author of the book of Revelation. It says this: "Behold, I am coming as a thief. Blessed is he who watches, and keeps his garments, lest he walk naked and they see his shame" (Revelation:16:15Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.). Here is Christ saying to those with ears to hear - there is a way to avoid being part of this great end-time deception.
What is Christ saying to us? What is in this message that we must understand? What is the spiritual lesson that Armageddon represents? It's this: That unless you obey Jesus Christ and His teachings every day, you too may be fooled into resisting Him on that day along with everybody else. See, the Bible says that the deception will be so subtle and so powerful that even somebody looking for it will be deceived. How? Look again at what Jesus says: "Behold, I am coming as a thief. Blessed is he who watches, and keeps his garments, lest he walk naked and they see his shame" (Revelation:16:15Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.).
What are the "garments" mentioned? They are keeping God's commandments, knowing right from wrong, discerning between good and evil. Garments are worshipping God instead of the devil, who is the god of this age. Garments are the "righteous acts" of God's people (Revelation:19:8And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.). In the final confrontation between God and Satan, God wins! And Christ is summoning us to a life where we stand with Him - today - against the powers of darkness. That is what it means to keep one's garments.
What do your "garments" look like?
Are you standing with Jesus Christ today? Do you stand with God in truth when we see signs of spiritual and moral decay all around us? Have you looked at popular culture lately? The signs of inner-cancer are plain to see. Of course, we would all say that we try to stand our ground and keep our morals intact. But it's so easy to slowly allow tolerance of sin to seep into our lives.
Megiddo was a place where empires sought to control the ancient world. In this prophecy, it represents sinful man's final effort to control the world apart from the righteous creator God. And, there is a parallel to our society today. Let me explain why. Let me give you just one example.
There is one vivid lesson from the old city of Megiddo that illustrates my point. At the edge of the city is a large circular altar. Throughout history people would offer sacrifices on this altar in the worship of a fertility god. Now some historians even believe that human sacrifices were made here. This would also include child sacrifice. Imagine what one of those worship services might be like. Loud music. Worshippers dancing, shouting and calling out to the fertility god. A large fire roaring on the altar. And then they throw a small child into the embers to die an excruciating, senseless death in service of a fake god. It's difficult to imagine how people could do such a thing. Today, we recoil in shock and horror at the thought.
But you know what? It happened in Megiddo way back then - and it happens today. We don't call it child sacrifice, we call it abortion. Every year we sacrifice millions of babies to our modern gods - the gods of convenience and personal choice. We can't bring ourselves to call it murder. We call it planned parenthood. And instead of calling it a child, we call it a fetus. We deny that the child is a life and then we deny the child its life. We have corrupted our sense of right and wrong. We call good evil, and evil good. The stain of abortion today is but one of many sins that will bring God's judgment on our country and the whole world.
Yet abortion is just one sin that we've allowed to control us - greed, gluttony, adultery, drunkenness, and much more convict us before God. We are a society turned inside out, incapable of discerning righteous judgment.
Mankind's sin and rejection of God's way is exactly why this battle - that many people call "Armageddon" - why that battle must take place. This final battle represents God's judgment on a world that has forgotten and rejected Him in favor of their own desires.
We have forgotten God and abandoned His spiritual law. We are a people who do not want to admit that God has a sovereign claim on our lives. We are unwilling to submit to Him in obedience. What the apostle Paul wrote applies to us: "And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting" (Romans:1:28And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;).
Megiddo was a key city in the ancient world. Whoever controlled it controlled a vital link in world commerce. And in the end of the age, Megiddo - or it's other name, Armageddon - represents man's last effort to control the world without God. Let God's words motivate us to discern this time and not be caught unaware, naked and ashamed.
Up next, the Beyond Today panel will discuss Armageddon and what it means to you. But first, let me tell you about today's free offer.
When you request our free study aid, The Middle East in Bible Prophecy , we'll also send you a free subscription to The Good News . The Good News gives you articles that help you understand your Bible. Every issue carries articles providing understanding about our changing world - and it does so in the light of the Bible. Other articles show you how to use the Bible as a tool to deal with challenging life issues like depression or addiction.
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Thanks to the generous support of members of the United Church of God and from viewers like you, we provide all our literature completely free of charge. So, be sure to call us now at: 1-888-886-8632. Or, write us at the address that is shown on your screen. And you can also read: The Middle East in Bible Prophecy and The Good News magazine online at BeyondToday.tv [Beyond Today, PO Box 541027, Cincinnati, OH 45254].
I'm joined now by my fellow Beyond Today hosts, Steve Myers and Gary Petty.
Gentlemen, we covered a very important prophecy - Armageddon, a place, an event of the battle of the Great Day of the God Almighty. This prophecy is a culminating prophecy, and yet, I am struck by verse 15 of Revelation 16 and Jesus' words. I want to read it one more time.
He says, "behold I am coming as a thief. Blessed is he who watches and keeps his garments. Lest he walk naked and they see his shame" (Revelation:16:15Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.). And the author of the book of Revelation says that here, interjects this thought. What exactly does He mean when He says watch?
[Gary] Well you know what's interesting is what He said before that. He said He would come as a thief, so you'd have to watch. Now when you look at this Book, and all the things that are in this Book, telling you what is going to happen before the return of Jesus Christ, how could anybody not know what is going to happen? All these events are there. Everybody has a Bible. Why will they not see it?
Well He says to watch, because something's going to happen that deceives people so profoundly that they won't even recognize what's happening. So He's telling us to watch world events in light of the Bible.
[Steve] He even tells us that the elect could be deceived. You go back to Matthew 24, He tells them, be careful, you could be deceived. So there is something that looks like it's real, looks like it's religious, looks like it's right but in actuality it is not.
[Darris] We have a great false religious teacher pictured here in this false prophet, and deception - spiritual deception. I am struck by what you both said about the elect and people with a Bible actually not seeing and understanding that it is Jesus Christ. Other people understand these Scriptures, they read them seeking understanding and they are looking for these things even within the context of what we are talking about today, and what is it though that is missing that causes them to be deceived? Could it be false teaching, false doctrine, false belief today?
[Gary] Well yes, but it's going to be even greater than that. When you look at the description of the false prophet, it says he looks like a lamb, but he speaks like a dragon which is Satan (Revelation:13:11And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon.). Of course Jesus Christ is the Lamb of God. So it's not only a false doctrine, it's going to be a mixture of false doctrine. It says he does all kinds of miracles, so he is going to see people through miracles (Revelation:13:13And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men,). This is going to look like a great Christian leader because he is going to speak as the Lamb. That's what's very important. So it's false doctrine, it's miracles, it's going to be working together with the Beast power to exert an attempt at world government. So it's, you know, it's going to be very confusing for people if they don't' know this and they aren't watching.
[Steve] And very convincing.
[Gary] Yes.
[Steve] Not only confused but convicting that this must be right because it looks right. But if you don't get beyond just appearances, I think the important part is, if you don't get beyond that and really have a relationship with Jesus Christ, you're going to be in trouble.
[Darris] You know on Beyond Today we cover a lot of teachings from the Scriptures to explain to people that what they believe and think they understand regarding the Sabbath, regarding holidays verses God's Holy Days, regarding heaven or hell is not what the Bible teaches. False doctrine today can cause people to be deceived in this day and in this time. That's how I see it.
[Gary] You better believe it. In fact, it's a false worship of God is what it is. And one of the great…
[Darris] Today.
[Gary] Yes.
[Darris] …by false practices.
[Gary] …Absolutely. That's right.
[Steve] Well even Christ said, many will call me, "Lord, Lord." They will say, "Lord, Lord," but what will Christ's response be? His response is, "I never knew you" (Matthew:7:21-23 [21] Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
[22] Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
[23] And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.). That's a scary thing. So that people could be worshipping Christ but not really the true Christ, the true God.
[Darris] You mentioned earlier, Steve, about having a right relationship with God. Is that what Christ says by keeping our garments lest we walk naked and they see the same?
[Steve] Absolutely. Absolutely. The watching also means watch yourself. Keep an eye on yourself, not just world events, but I better be watching myself. Paul even tells us, the apostle Paul, it's high time to awake out of sleep and that we're to put on Christ. Clothe ourselves in Christ. Become more Christ-like, have a relationship with God. Those things are so critical when it comes to this time.
[Gary] All through the entire Bible, especially in the New Testament, Christians are described as people who have cleaned garments. They are not spotted. And in all those passages, it's talking about righteousness (Ecclesiastes:9:8Let thy garments be always white; and let thy head lack no ointment.; Revelation:3:5He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.; Revelation:19:8And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.). And so, it's our faith in God and our obedience to God that is so important, and that those are the two things that are going to keep us focused as the world heads into a very deceiving time.
[Darris] It seems like obedience to God and understanding His commandments, and the testimony of Jesus Christ, as another scripture points out, is what is going to separate people who are deceived from those who actually understand this particular event that is taking place.
[Steve] What Christ emphasized is that you can't have faith without obedience. They go hand in hand.
[Darris] Remember our free offers today: The Middle East in Bible Prophecy and The Good News . You can order them both by calling: 1-888-886-8632 or go online to BeyondToday.tv .
And remember that all of our publications are absolutely free of charge, offered as an educational service. So, please call right now. We're looking forward to hearing from you!
And, the United Church of God has hundreds of Sabbath-keeping congregations meeting on Saturday across the United States and around the world. Go online to again, BeyondToday.tv - click on the "Contact" tab to find a congregation near you. Call one of our pastors and share your story with them. Find out more about how the "place called Armageddon" will impact your life.
What is Armageddon? It is a place in the land of Israel that has a powerful and direct message for you and all in today's world. The message is this: Watch and understand today's world. Watch and understand how this culture of death is leading to a time of confrontation with God in a day and a place of judgment. Watch and understand how you can avoid its deceptions. In that day, you want to be able to stand before your Creator God.
Today's world events are leading to the day of the final battle for earth - the battle of the Great Day of God Almighty. That's why understanding today's world events matters. Here on Beyond Today we give you understanding about today's world and where we are headed. Join us next time as we continue to explain how to use the Bible as a guide for your life. Join us please in praying, "Thy Kingdom come." For Beyond Today , I'm Darris McNeely. Thanks for watching.
[Announcer] For the free literature offered on today's program, go online to BeyondToday.tv . Please join us again next week on Beyond Today !

From http://el-paso.ucg.org/  or call 1-888-886-8632. Please follow on twitter here: https://twitter.com/UCGElPaso.

Book Review - Plato's Shadow: The Hellenizing of Christianity

United Church of God minister Gary Petty has compiled a concise overview of the tragic transformation of Christianity from its Hebraic roots to a syncretic religion laced with pagan doctrines and Greek philosophical concepts that are still present in traditional Christianity today. It’s a timely contribution in light of a growing interest in understanding and returning to “the faith once delivered to the saints,” as well as a valuable resource for every pastor..

Book Information

Author
Gary Petty

Publisher
Little Frog Publishing

Publication Date
2013-11-26

ISBN
0615917135

Recommendation

Larry Walker recommends this.

Paperback, 208 pages
Find it on Amazon

I discovered and obtained a copy of this book during a discussion with Mr. Petty at a recent meeting planning conference.
After reading it on the plane flight back home, I was impressed with how well it was written and its relevance for true, biblical, doctrinal understanding—especially for the increasing number of people who are becoming disgruntled with the weakened state of traditional Christianity, and for those involved in the recent trend of Christians seeking to rediscover what is often referred to as “the Jewish roots” or “Hebrew roots” of Christianity that characterized the teachings and practices of the first century Church.
Interestingly, while reading the book on my return flight, I overheard a conversation between two women in the row behind me discussing that very topic. One lady from Central Oregon was telling the lady next to her how much learning about the Jewish roots of Christianity has enriched her understanding of the truths of the Bible.
Plato’s Shadow begins with a brief introduction, which concludes with Gary’s explanation of his purpose for writing the book:
“This book is an attempt to discover elements of what is commonly called Primitive Christianity. In it we will explore a brief overview of the Jewish and Roman world of the early Christians and what the earliest followers of Jesus believed about the afterlife, the Ten Commandments, the Passover, baptism and idolatry. We will explore Christianity’s Jewish roots and the manner in which early Christian groups became influenced by Greek philosophy. The story is…important to examine if we are to understand the future of Christianity. It is important for anyone who desires to be a true disciple of Jesus Christ” (page 3).
A summary of the content on the back cover begins by asking, “If Jesus’ apostles walked the earth today, would they recognize Christianity?”

Continuing with the summary:

“Plato’s Shadow looks at some foundational teachings of the earliest Christians, exploring how Greek and Roman society later shaped their message. The early church used the Old Testament as Scripture and believed in Jesus as the prophesied Messiah. It also taught that baptism and laying on of hands are necessary for converts. Early Christians shunned the use of any images in their worship, observing the Ten Commandments as the foundation of Christian conduct.
“The forces of Gnosticism and Hellenistic society reshaped these teachings. As a result, some of today’s most cherished Christian teachings are remarkably different from what the early church taught.
“Today, millions of Christians are searching for a deeper understanding of God’s purpose in their lives. The answers can be found in the teachings and customs of the earliest followers of Jesus Christ. Discover for yourself the importance of ‘primitive Christianity’ through Plato’s shadow.”

Chapter headings:

1. A Jewish Sect in the Outpost of an Empire
2. The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob
3. Pythagoras, Plato, Philo and Philosophy
4. The Legacy of Romulus and Remus
5. A Rabbi Named Jesus
6. The Jewish Messiah
7. Growth of the Jesus Sect
8. Simon, Samaritans and Syncretism
9. Turning the World Upside Down
10. The Wisdom of the World
11. A Deranged Emperor and the Destruction of the Jewish Temple
12. Why Become a Christian?
13. Persecution, Forgeries and Gnostics
14. The Eighth Day and Quartodecimans
15. Hellenized Orthodoxy
16. Hellenized Christianity Triumphant
As the back cover of the book mentions: Gary Petty “is a regular contributor to The Good News magazine and a host of the Beyond Today television program.”
Because the target audience is the general public, the book is written with an approach and terminology that will resonate well. It is an easy read, even for those who are not familiar with New Testament Church history or technical theological terms.
I highly recommend the book for those seeking a more accurate view of Christianity.
Plato’s Shadow (published in 2013 by Little Frog Publishing, ISBN #9780615917139) is available in softcover, 204 pages, footnoted with reference sources and abundant scriptural references, and can be purchased from Amazon.com .

From http://el-paso.ucg.org/  or call 1-888-886-8632. Please follow on twitter here: https://twitter.com/UCGElPaso.

Pointing the Finger

People seem to be quick to voice their opinions about almost everything that our life has to offer.

We state our thoughts when we see our favorite sport teams making "poor decisions," and we think nothing of stating our definition of sin, virtue or might. In doing so, the image that we project is that we know and understand these areas. We boast that we have not sinned as others have and that we would not steal or abuse power. Years of experience and a long productive life teaches us lessons, and with those years comes some expertise. Those years gave credibility to the woman who deserves praise (Proverbs:31:26She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness., Proverbs:31:31Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.).
We can speak of virtue after we have met and defeated temptation. We can speak of overcoming after we have won a struggle within. We can speak of strength after we have grown from weakness into strength. Judgments do need to be made for the determination of right and wrong, good and evil, holy and profane, but those judgments belong to those who fear God and have learned the lessons of life. Walk carefully with your God and observe His works, then the finger pointing will be salted with understanding, kindness, hope and love.

From http://el-paso.ucg.org/  or call 1-888-886-8632. Please follow on twitter here: https://twitter.com/UCGElPaso.

God, Music, and You

article by Kevin Greer

Wherever we go and whatever we do, it seems we are always surrounded by music. Is our choice of music important?

Source: freeimages.com/carloszk

There are radios in our cars and in our bedrooms. TV shows and movies have theme songs and background music to enhance the mood or introduce a scene. Businesses rely on music to cheer up customers in stores and elevators, and use cute jingles to form a customer bond with their product or service. Choir, band, and orchestra are taught at countless schools around the world. Music is a key part of our entertainment, even in unrelated events—the Super Bowl has one of the biggest annual concerts every year at half time.
But what does God say about music? Self-examination is very important for Christians. Where does music stand in your relationship with God? As a Christian, what’s your or my responsibility with regard to music?

God Knows You Better Than Anyone

“O Lord, You have searched me and known me. You know my sitting down and my rising up; You understand my thought afar off. You comprehend my path and my lying down, And are acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word on my tongue, But behold, O Lord, You know it altogether” (Psalm:139:1-4 [1] (To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David.) O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known me.
[2] Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off.
[3] Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways.
[4] For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether.).
Have your parents ever gone through your iPod or phone? How did you feel at the time? Was it a pleasant experience?
What if God went through your iPod? What would He find? Would He be pleased with the songs and content you downloaded? Would He be disappointed with your choices? Or would it be a mixture of both?
Here’s a news flash: God already went through your iPod—in fact, He’s knows what’s on everyone’s music list! Because He knows our thoughts and actions, He already knows the songs we listen to. Now we need to think about what we listen to!

What Should I Do?

The apostle Paul wrote about examining what we hear—“test [or prove] all things” (1 Thessalonians:5:21-22 [21] Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
[22] Abstain from all appearance of evil.). As young people, we especially need to discern and weigh the message of the songs we to which we typically listen. We are then told to “hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil.” A Christian should seek out and then cling to good influences and pure music. At the same time, we should distance ourselves from lyrics promoting sinful activity.
The apostle said that God’s followers are “holy,” meaning that we are sanctified—set apart for a special purpose by God. You are important to Him! Therefore, we are not be “conformed to this world” (Romans:12:1-2 [1] I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
[2] And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.), that is, to not blindly accept worldly standards for music. These societal norms really come from Satan the devil’s influence. “But”, we are commanded, “be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (ibid). Christians should allow themselves to garner a new perspective as we grow closer to God and understand more deeply how to apply His principles in our lives. The passage ends with a positive admonition: “prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God”.
Prove your music. Does it fit and fulfill all of God’s standards, or are your choices bending to sinful values? Think about researching a song: what are its lyrics (in full)? What message or story did the songwriter and performers tell? Where did inspiration for this song come from? And lastly, search for and listen to godly music.

A Higher Standard

To find and hang onto music God would approve of, we need to use His standards to judge our music. His standard is His Word. The Ten Commandments detail ten spiritual principles we are to keep, both in the letter of the law (exactly as worded) and in the spirit of the law (in the mind and intent). The Two Great Commandments state that we are to love God above all else and love our neighbor as our selves. If a particular song glorifies or condones the violation of one of these laws, it is not a good choice for your play list. Since the foundation of these principles is love, it is easy to see why a song endorsing malice, hate, immoral sexual behavior (sex outside of marriage), lust, or greed would not be beneficial for Christian consumption.
Here’s an example of some positive biblical standards for music: “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true , whatever things are  noble , whatever things are just , whatever things are  pure , whatever things are  lovely , whatever things are  of good report , if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy —meditate on these things” (Philippians 4:8, emphasis added).
Our music should be able to fit those descriptors. It is up to each of us alone as an individual to apply those standards to our music; no one else can do it for you—or me. This is a personal duty and responsibility!

But Why Bother?

What’s the point of examining and filtering our musical consumption? Because God tells us to do so, and as God’s people, we obey Him, live by His Word, and submit to His authority. However, anything God commands us to do He does for our own benefit.
Music, as sound, enters our brain, and becomes a part of our thoughts. These thoughts form the words we speak. Words evolve into actions. Over time, repeated actions create habits and patterns in our behavior. Habits come together and produce our character, which is who we are as persons. Our music choices can shape or expose our character. Wise selections help build good character.
God is always with us and knows everything we do and think, including what songs we listen to. As Christians, it is our own personal duty and individual responsibility to examine and judge our music. You and I alone can interpret and employ God’s benchmarks for music in our own lives; there’s not another person who will do it for us.
The standards you use must be based on God’s Word, not on personal opinion or worldly views. We do this out of obedience to God, and He has commanded it for our benefit.
The next time you hear music while jamming to the radio or shuffling through your iPod, stop and think: What am I listening to?

From http://el-paso.ucg.org/  or call 1-888-886-8632. Please follow on twitter here: https://twitter.com/UCGElPaso.

Something Better Than Easter

1 comments

article by Mario Seiglie

Exactly how did Easter - a holiday not found in the Bible and never celebrated in the early Church - come to replace the Passover, an observance that is plainly found in the Bible?

Bust of Roman emperor Constantine in the Vatican Museum.

Source: Wikimedia

How did Easter become the popular holiday it is today? Have you ever looked into it?
Isn't it important to know the truth of the matter? Jesus Christ Himself said that the truth would make us free (John:8:32And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.). He was speaking of being free of wrong ideas that mislead, entrap and enslave us.
If we look back in history, one key date regarding Easter is the year A.D. 325. At that time, the Roman emperor Constantine held an assembly with some 250 bishops at Nicaea, a town in what is now northwestern Turkey, close to present-day Istanbul. This meeting is known in history as the Council of Nicaea.
What does this Council have to do with Easter? It actually set the stage for the removal of God's biblical feasts and the establishing of alternative feasts not found in the Bible, including Easter. Yet the Bible reveals what our practice ought to be.

Constantine and the Nicene Council reject biblical practices

At the Council of Nicaea, under the dominating eye of Constantine, the majority of the bishops backed replacing the biblical and Christian observance of Passover with the celebration of Easter, among other issues.
Actually, it should be understood that while they called the new celebration of Jesus' resurrection Pascha or Passover, it was certainly not the Passover of Scripture, but a religious celebration derived from pagan origins. Later it would become known as "Easter," the Germanic name for this festival and what it is commonly called today. (Other languages still call it Passover of the Resurrection, which can cause some confusion. Some English sources refer to the true Christian Passover, a memorial of Christ's death, as Easter, but this is clearly a misnomer, as we'll see.).
The dispute over this matter in the early Christian centuries is known in history as the Paschal Controversy. Regrettably, we virtually have only one side of the story.
James Carroll, writing about the Nicene Council in his book Constantine's Sword, explains the Roman emperor's motives: "Immediately upon coming to power as the sole ruler of the empire [A.D. 324], but only then, Constantine asserted the right to exercise absolute authority over the entire Church. He did this despite the fact that he was not baptized, and, as was not unusual, would not be until shortly before he died" (2001, p. 188, emphasis added throughout).
After this Council, Constantine wrote a blatantly anti-Semitic letter to the churches in the Roman Empire letting them know his thoughts about the Easter-Passover controversy.
Here is part of what he wrote as to the rationale for Christians to abandon the biblical feast of Passover, which the Jewish people had long observed in fulfillment of God's commands: "And truly, in the first place, it seemed to everyone a most unworthy thing that we should follow the custom of the Jews in the celebration of this most holy solemnity, who, polluted wretches!, having stained their hands with a nefarious crime, are justly blinded in their minds.
"It is fit, therefore, that, rejecting the practice of this people, we should perpetuate to all future ages the celebration of this rite in a more legitimate order ... Let us then have nothing in common with the most hostile rabble of the Jews.
" We have received another method from the Savior. A more lawful and proper course is open to our most holy religion ... Let us withdraw ourselves, my much honored brethren, from that most odious fellowship" (quoted by Eusebius of Caesarea, Ecclesiastical History , "Council of Nice," 1974, p. 52).
At first glance, it appears Constantine was attacking only Jews of the Jewish faith, but notice what Mal and Donna Broadhurst insightfully point out: "The fact that Christianity never had religious fellowship with non-Christian Jews means the Jews referred to were the Christian Jews . The reference to Jews instructing Christians how to observe the Christian Passover feast could only be applicable to Christian Jews, as non-Christian Jews did not tell Christians how to observe the Passover. The fellowship from which Constantine wanted the Church to withdraw was fellowship with Christian Jews" ( Passover Before Messiah and After ,1987, p. 147).
In fact, the leaders of Jewish Christianity, the successors of the group who had held the prevailing beliefs for the first century after the Church was founded, were either not invited to this Council or knew better and did not appear.
As the Broadhursts point out: "Constantine apparently began his plan to unify the church by simply not inviting any [Christian] Jewish representatives to the Council. (It is possible Jewish church leaders were invited and refused to come, but other facts about the Council lead to the former conclusion.) The lists of those present at the Council shows them all to have had Greek names. None of those present had characteristic Jewish names. The Palestinian delegates were from the coastal cities where mainly Gentiles lived. It is known that there were Jewish bishops in Palestine at the time" (p. 146).

The sword drawn against "Fourteeners"

As emperor, Constantine tolerated no dissent. So he soon drew his sword against those not following his wishes in not conforming to the teachings of the Catholic, or universal, church. The historian Robin Lane Fox notes: "At Nicaea, the Emperor himself imposed criminal sentences of exile on the bishops who refused to sign . He also investigated other reports of heresy" ( Pagans and Christians, 1986, p. 656).
Eventually, those bishops who did not agree with the decisions made in Nicaea were exiled and their works banned. A vicious persecution against Christian Jews and others branded as heretics began. So the Catholic Church, which previously had been persecuted, became the chief persecutor of those who chose to obey the commands of the Bible rather than the commands of a deeply compromised church.
"The Paschal Controversy was 'settled' at the Council of Nicaea—not theologically, but politically," the Broadhursts further explain. "It was settled by eliminating one of the viewpoints. Church law had been laid down. No longer could any Christians celebrate [the] Christian Passover the way [the apostle] John, Philip and other [Christian] Jews had celebrated it. All were required to celebrate on the Sunday following the 14th [of the Hebrew first month of Nisan]. Once respected 'Quartodecimans' ["Fourteeners"] who persisted in the belief handed down to them from the Apostles, would henceforth be called heretics" (p. 148).
What was the result of this Council? Historian Jesse Hurlbut candidly describes the consequences: "But while the triumph of Christianity resulted in much that was good, inevitably the alliance of the church and state also brought in its train many evils. The ceasing of persecution was a blessing, but the establishment of Christianity as the state religion became a curse.
"Everyone sought membership in the church, and nearly everybody was accepted ... The forms and ceremonies of paganism gradually crept into the worship. Some of the old heathen feasts became church festival s with change of name and of worship ... As a result of the church sitting in power, we do not see Christianity transforming the world to its ideal, but the world dominating the church" ( A History of the Christian Church, 1918, pp. 78-79).

A.D. 325 as the beginning of the Dark Ages

So the year 325 is crucial in the outcome of what traditional Christianity has become.
"As far as [the] Christian Passover is concerned , "the Broadhursts conclude, "the beginning of the Dark Ages can be set at 325 A.D. with the Council of Nicaea. Along with turning their backs on [Christian] Jews, the Gentiles turned their backs on the Jewish Scriptures [the Old Testament].
"They disallowed Jewish input to their faith, lifestyle, and worship ... It took a major reformation centuries later [in the 1500s] to begin to undo the horror and destruction the church brought on the world when the Gentiles at Nicaea formally adopted the policy of 'having nothing in common with the Jews'" (p. 149).
A few years later, in 332, Constantine again sternly rebuked those who opposed Catholic teachings with this warning and threat: "Forasmuch, then, as it is no longer possible to bear with your pernicious errors, we give warning by this present statute that none of you henceforth presume to assemble yourselves together.
"We have directed, accordingly, that you be deprived of all the houses in which you are accustomed to hold your assemblies: and [ we ] forbid the holding of your superstitious and senseless meetings, not in public merely, but in any private house or place whatsoever.
"Let those of you, therefore, who are desirous of embracing the true and pure religion, take the far better course of entering the catholic Church, and uniting with it in holy fellowship, whereby you will be enabled to arrive at the knowledge of the truth" (quoted by Eusebius, Life of Constantine, sect. 3, chap. 65).
A bloodbath eventually occurred. Those who did not conform to the Church of Rome, now united with the powerful Roman Empire, suffered implacable persecution. Regarding the aftermath of the Council of Nicaea, famed historian Will Durant stated, "Probably more Christians were slaughtered by Christians in these two years (342-3) than by all the persecutions of Christians by pagans in the history of Rome" ( The Story of Civilization, Vol. 4: The Age of Faith, 1950, p. 8).

The Roman calendar adopted by the Roman Church

Due to the decisions of the Nicene Council, the pagan Roman calendar was adopted instead of the Jewish calendar to determine the dates of what were now deemed to be Christian festivals. Those who continued keeping the true Christian Passover as handed down from the apostles had to go into hiding, for they were targeted along with other "heretics" by the church under Constantine and his successors.
Church historian Henry Chadwick points out about the Easter controversy: "Victor of Rome's intervention [referring to the earlier Roman bishop Victor's ruling to observe Easter instead of the Christian Passover or be excommunicated] turned out to be successful in the sense that his view was eventually to prevail. But it was a long time before those who kept Easter [i.e., the true Passover, it being misnamed here] on the fourteenth day (nicknamed Quartodecimans) died out.
"The group still existed in the ninth century despite the vigor with which church councils deplored them. It was impossible in so weighty a practical question for diversity to be allowed, but there can be little doubt that the Quartodecimans were right in thinking that they had preserved the most ancient and apostolic custom. They had become heretics simply by being behind the times" ( The Early Church, 1967, p. 85).
So from approximately 325 to 1585, a period of 1,260 years, Christians who continued to follow the Bible's instruction about Passover had to flee and hide from the vicious church and state persecutions during those ensuing centuries.

The curtain finally rises on the period of religious persecution

It was only during the time of Elizabethan England that a measure of religious tolerance was granted and the inheritors of the legacy of those early Jewish and gentile Christians, who followed the original practices of Jesus and the apostles, could finally emerge.
In 1585, England and Spain went to war, mainly over the attempt of Spain to militarily impose the Catholic faith on England. Spain lost the war, and also its famed Spanish Armada, so England was free to continue its religious tolerance—which eventually spread to its colonies abroad, including what became the United States and Canada.
Interestingly, there is a prophecy in the Bible which describes how the Church, symbolized by a woman, would have to flee and hide in safety for 1,260 days (Revelation:12:1-6 [1] And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars:
[2] And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered.
[3] And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads.
[4] And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born.
[5] And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne.
[6] And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days.). According to Scripture, a "day" in a prophetic context can represent a year (see Numbers:14:34After the number of the days in which ye searched the land, even forty days, each day for a year, shall ye bear your iniquities, even forty years, and ye shall know my breach of promise.; Ezekiel:4:6And when thou hast accomplished them, lie again on thy right side, and thou shalt bear the iniquity of the house of Judah forty days: I have appointed thee each day for a year.). So this period mentioned in Revelation 12 could well refer to the Church having to flee from the vicious persecutions during those terrible 1,260 years—until those dark ages ended and a new era of religious tolerance began.
In large part thanks to what happened then, we enjoy those same freedoms of worship in advanced nations of the world today.

The returning Christ will lead the world to keep God's festivals

Let's move forward to the 21st century. From what we have read, dare we ask if there is something better and more biblical to observe than Easter?
To answer this, just imagine in your mind the following scene: Jesus Christ has finally returned to rule on the earth, just as He had promised (Matthew:24:30And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.).
And note what will happen, as foretold in Zechariah:14:3-19 [3] Then shall the LORD go forth, and fight against those nations, as when he fought in the day of battle.
[4] And his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east, and the mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, and there shall be a very great valley; and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the south.
[5] And ye shall flee to the valley of the mountains; for the valley of the mountains shall reach unto Azal: yea, ye shall flee, like as ye fled from before the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah: and the LORD my God shall come, and all the saints with thee.
[6] And it shall come to pass in that day, that the light shall not be clear, nor dark:
[7] But it shall be one day which shall be known to the LORD, not day, nor night: but it shall come to pass, that at evening time it shall be light.
[8] And it shall be in that day, that living waters shall go out from Jerusalem; half of them toward the former sea, and half of them toward the hinder sea: in summer and in winter shall it be.
[9] And the LORD shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one LORD, and his name one.
[10] All the land shall be turned as a plain from Geba to Rimmon south of Jerusalem: and it shall be lifted up, and inhabited in her place, from Benjamin's gate unto the place of the first gate, unto the corner gate, and from the tower of Hananeel unto the king's winepresses.
[11] And men shall dwell in it, and there shall be no more utter destruction; but Jerusalem shall be safely inhabited.
[12] And this shall be the plague wherewith the LORD will smite all the people that have fought against Jerusalem; Their flesh shall consume away while they stand upon their feet, and their eyes shall consume away in their holes, and their tongue shall consume away in their mouth.
[13] And it shall come to pass in that day, that a great tumult from the LORD shall be among them; and they shall lay hold every one on the hand of his neighbour, and his hand shall rise up against the hand of his neighbour.
[14] And Judah also shall fight at Jerusalem; and the wealth of all the heathen round about shall be gathered together, gold, and silver, and apparel, in great abundance.
[15] And so shall be the plague of the horse, of the mule, of the camel, and of the ass, and of all the beasts that shall be in these tents, as this plague.
[16] And 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.
[17] And it shall be, that whoso will not come up of all the families of the earth unto Jerusalem to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, even upon them shall be no rain.
[18] And if the family of Egypt go not up, and come not, that have no rain; there shall be the plague, wherewith the LORD will smite the heathen that come not up to keep the feast of tabernacles.
[19] This shall be the punishment of Egypt, and the punishment of all nations that come not up to keep the feast of tabernacles.: "Then the Lord will go forth and fight against those nations, as He fights in the day of battle. And in that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, which faces Jerusalem on the east ... And the Lord shall be King over all the earth ...
"And it shall come to pass that everyone who is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall go up from year to year to worship the King, the Lord of hosts, and to keep the Feast of Tabernacles [one of God's annual festivals, listed in Leviticus 23]. And it shall be that whichever of the families of the earth do not come up to Jerusalem to worship the King, the Lord of hosts, on them there will be no rain.
"If the family of Egypt will not come up and enter in, they shall have no rain; they shall receive the plague with which the Lord strikes the nations who do not come up to keep the Feast of Tabernacles. This shall be the punishment of Egypt and the punishment of all the nations that do not come up to keep the Feast of Tabernacles."
Yet that is not the only festival all will be required to observe. Jesus will command all to celebrate God's weekly Sabbath and all His appointed annual feasts, and those who don't will be sternly disciplined. At last, all the nations will accept His rule and will observe His teachings. Then there will finally be joy, peace and harmony on the earth.
Included then among the required festival observances will be not Easter, but the true Christian Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread immediately following.

What Easter replaced—the Christian Passover and Feast of Unleavened Bread

Shortly before His death, Jesus prophesied to His disciples what feast He would keep when He returned. Again, it was not the manmade counterfeit Easter. Rather, He said, "With fervent desire I have desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; for I say to you, I will no longer eat of it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God" (Luke:22:15-16 [15] And he said unto them, With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer:
[16] For I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God.). Clearly, one of the festivals Christ will again celebrate when He establishes His Kingdom is the Christian Passover!
Similarly, the apostle Paul reminded Church members in Corinth to keep the Christian Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread that followed it. He wrote: "Therefore purge out the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, since you truly are unleavened. For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us. Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth" (1 Corinthians:5:7-8 [7] Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:
[8] Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.).
These true feasts of God were banished from the mainstream Christian calendar when the Council of Nicaea ruled that people were not to follow biblical instruction with regard to the feasts, but rather to eventually set up a different reckoning of time. As we have seen, the Nicene Council targeted the first of the annual biblical feasts—the Christian Passover—and there they chose instead Easter Sunday. Logically, since the seven annual feasts of God are grouped together as a unit in Leviticus 23, this decree would also affect the keeping of the other listed feasts as well.
This substitution of manmade feasts for the feasts of the Bible should not be taken lightly. It was prophesied centuries earlier in the book Daniel that such change would eventually be attempted, when a future haughty ruler would try to change the biblical dates and laws. (And considering that much of Bible prophecy is dual, these changes may be a forerunner of similar changes to occur during the end times.)
Speaking of this development, God had foretold in Daniel:7:25And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time.: "He shall speak pompous words against the Most High, shall persecute the saints of the Most High, and shall intend to change times and law"— dates on the calendar and biblical festivals, among other vile revisions. Remember, only the Bible, as the inspired Word of God, should determine which days are God's Holy Days and when they are to be kept—instead of looking to manmade traditions.
So yes, there is something available that is far better and more satisfying than Easter, and that is the Christian Passover, which was celebrated by the apostles of Jesus and the early Church. And although it was largely stamped out after the Council of Nicaea in A.D. 325, God's faithful people continued to celebrate this deeply meaningful biblical festival in spite of the threat of persecution and even death.
We can look forward to the day when Jesus Christ returns and restores all the genuine Christian feasts that were changed by deceived and deluded men in the distant past. The good news is that we can now celebrate all His feasts and rejoice in them every year—having wonderful fellowship and, as Jesus foretold in John:4:23-24 [23] But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.
[24] God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth., truly worshipping God in spirit and truth.