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Search the Scriptures

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The Berean form of Bible study applies to every student of the Bible - no matter how long we have been studying.

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[Darris McNeely] God's Word, the Bible – when you open this pages and study the Bible, do you bring your bias, any of your prejudices, to your study of the Word? Something to think about. In Acts:17:11These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so., during the travels of the apostle Paul, we find him coming into the city of Berea. He's just had to be run out of the city of Thessalonica, and he goes on down the road, and he encounters a group of believers and serious students of the scriptures in the city of Berea. And here's what it says – a well-known passage: "The brethren immediately sent Paul and Silas away, and they went by night to Berea. There in Berea, these were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness and searched the scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so."
They searched the scriptures on a daily basis in Berea, and these believers here lent their name to a very serious student of the Bible who would daily open up the passages of the scriptures and study to see what they meant. It's interesting to look at what this word "searched" means. It comes from a Greek word anihcrino ( anakrino , anakrinontes - Strongs NT 350 ) and it means to search in an investigative manner, in a critical manner, without bias, without prejudice. And that's really what marked – was the hallmark of these people in Berea, when they searched the scriptures daily to prove whether the things that Paul taught them were true.
As we search the scriptures, as we listen to what people say about the Bible, this is a very valuable lesson for all of us at all times, no matter how long we've been studying the Bible, and no matter how well we think we know the Bible, to take this particular point to heart. And as we daily search the scriptures, do it without bias, without prejudice. In that way, we can go deeper, we can continually learn and grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ, and all that the Bible has to offer us in the riches of spiritual wisdom and understanding.
Be a Berean. Do it without bias. Study God's Word. Search those scriptures daily, without prejudice. And be assured of spiritual growth and understanding of what God's way tells us.
That's BT Daily . Join us next time.

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How to Fight Back Against What #YesAllWomen Deal With Everyday

by Mitchell Moss

A sickening tragedy has resulted in a tremendous online hashtag campaign to bring to light the outrageous daily misogyny that women (yes, all women ) face from men.
There are 7 people dead, including the gunman, in a case of an unstable man whose twisted expectations of what he deserved to get from women went on a killing spree in retribution.
I could lament the societal conditions that have contributed to something like this even being possible (sex sells after all, and the cultural expectation to be able to "experiment" in your college with promiscuity has been cemented for decades), but instead I just want to give three things we can do individually that can positively impact our own worlds.

1. Don't take part in the objectification of women

Pornography is the most obvious form of objectification (from the most hardcore end of the spectrum to the "leering laddie" end), but it can be more subtle than that, too. For instance, this woman explains that she apologizes when not wearing make-up —as if her value is contingent upon her looks. I'm not certain what my response would be if a woman were to say that to me (I'd like to think that I'd protest her apology), but from now on I'll make sure my reaction reinforces her value above what she looks like.

2. Make it a point to compliment women on things other than their looks

Female family members and friends of mine have explained this to me before, and it makes a lot of sense. Our cultural tendency is to compliment girls from a super young age on how pretty they are, often leaving aside other accomplishments they may make. A lifetime of these compliments on both a macro and micro scale throughout our society would serve to reinforce those values; people tend to live up to the expectations that are set for them (which is why you see generational cycles, such as the cycle of poverty or the cycle of spousal abuse).
So make it a point not to follow that norm. Compliment young girls on their talents in school, their interest in reading or biology or astrophysics or LEGO. The way I think about this is, everybody else in the world will be continually telling them they're pretty, so there's lots of room for me to compliment the girls I know on anything else.
And when it comes to adults, whether it be strangers or friends, make your compliments (you are complimenting your friends regularly, right?) large in variety. Learn when to compliment on appearance, which is important, but learn how to do it well, at the correct time, and never at the expense of other genuine accolades.

3. Speak up if somebody you know expresses misogynistic attitudes

My mom is excellent at speaking up when somebody starts badmouthing another person in their absence (she always speaks up with praise about that person in their defense); doing so with specific regard to misogynistic attitudes is another small way to help counteract those attitudes in our own circles. If you're a guy hanging out with your bros at the pub and the conversation turns to women, speak up against any attitudes you may detect that objectifies or disrespects women. You may lose bro points or be the odd man out that night, but honestly, the sign of true manhood is the ability and willingness to stand up for what you believe in despite peer pressure.
Christians are expected to do this kind of behavior in everything they do (Ephesians:4:15But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:).

4. Do all these things out of love

I said I was only listing three things, but the fourth one is kind of the underlying foundational thing to remember all the time anyway. The motivation for everything we do as a Christian is love. God loved us so much that His son died for our shortcomings in order that we may live forever (John:3:16For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life., 1 Peter:2:23Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:). Every human being is destined for that glorious life. Paul even wrote that being a Christian erases our physical distinctions, spiritually speaking (Galatians:3:26-28 [26] For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.
[27] For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
[28] There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. explains why racism and bigotry is un-Christian, and likewise why degrading women is also ungodly).
So as a child of God, each woman is worthy of respect and honor. Us men must take it upon ourselves to protect that honor and respect. Both passively by not contributing to the culture of objectification but also actively by standing up against those attitudes when we see them. More specifically, we must treat the women we know and love (friends, family, spouses) with that respect and dignity as if Jesus Christ Himself were standing there listening to and watching our conduct.
#YesAllWomen deserve honor, dignity and respect. Let's do our part to give them what they deserve.

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Vertical News: Parents Hiring Coaches to Teach Kids Basic Skills

article by Amanda Stiver

Trend sees parents outsourcing their teaching role to skilled coaches.

Source: freeimages.com/joejoe77

Day-care has long been a norm for many families. Sometimes out of necessity, sometimes not, and its success is disputed. Now it seems additional parental duties are being outsourced to non-family “experts.” A growing trend has emerged for “coaches” who teach children everything from riding a bike to potty-training. For bike riding lessons it will cost $90 U.S. for a session with a qualified expert. Everything has a price! (Cheryl K. Chumley, “American Exceptionalism Is Officially Dead: Coaches Hired to Teach Kids to Ride Bikes,” The Washington Times at WashingtonTimes.com, May 21, 2014).
The reasoning goes that parents simply don’t have the time or skills to teach such things and the children will suffer if they don’t learn them from someone, or anyone, really. Interestingly, it isn’t a new phenomenon, having become a part of the culture since the mid 2000’s (Polly Leider, “Outsourcing Messier Parts of Parenting,” CBS News at CBSNews.com, April 17, 2006). But it’s been around longer than that. Historically, tutors on various subjects were a common standard for those with the affluence to afford them, and many upper-class families had nannies to raise children from babyhood to the teenage years. However, the cost to society was a number of dysfunctional familial norms arising from such a system, including, at the very least, alienation between children and parents.
Does the Bible support outsourcing of parental roles? The book of Deuteronomy has some helpful instruction regarding this subject. Speaking of God’s Law, “And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up,” (Deuteronomy:6:6-7 [6] And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:
[7] And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up., NKJV).
There’s a clear expectation of daily, even hourly parental involvement in the lives of children. Some of which may have occurred in an agricultural society where parents and children worked side-by-side. However, this is a dynamic of communication that was cultivated and commanded by God. Though we struggle for perfect fulfillment, the goal of a teaching, loving, actively communicating family environment is vital.

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Restoration...What Have We Learned?

article by Darris McNeely

Sadly, mankind did not learn the lesson from this "War to End All Wars."

I have a ritual every year on Memorial Day. I pop into my VCR an animated Peanuts special entitled, What Have We Learned, Charlie Brown ? It's a program that takes the beloved Peanuts characters on a tour of famous European battlegrounds. Their tour includes a visit to Flanders fields from World War I where, according to the poem, "The poppies grow, between the crosses row on row." The words of this haunting poem continue, "We are the Dead. Short days ago we lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, loved and were loved, and now we lie in Flanders fields."
Sadly, mankind did not learn the lesson from this "War to End All Wars." Just 21 years later the world plunged into another global war. The Peanuts characters move on to the scene of a great battle of that conflict—Normandy, where allied troops stormed the French beaches to begin the liberation of Europe from Nazi control. While looking over the calm white beaches and rocky cliffs, scenes from the invasion are superimposed. The characters walk through the American cemetery where thousands of young soldiers are buried. This plot of land was permanently deeded to America by the French government.
While walking among the graves, the words of Dwight Eisenhower, who commanded the allied forces that June morning, serve as a fitting testimony to the action. Former President Eisenhower had returned to Normandy 20 years after the invasion and recorded a documentary for American television.
He said, "Many thousands of men came here to storm these beaches for one purpose only. Not to gain anything. Not to fulfill any ambitions that America had for conquest. But just to preserve freedom, systems of self-government. Many thousands of men have died for ideals such as these. In the 20th century for the second time America, along with the rest of the free world, had to come across the ocean to defend those same values. But these young boys...over whose graves we have been treading... never knew the great experiences of going through life. I devoutly hope that we never again have to see scenes as these. I pray, think, hope that humanity will have learned more than we learned up to that time. We must find some way to work for peace and...gain an eternal peace."
Indeed, "What have we learned?" Wars and conflicts continue to create new graves with the same echoes of unrealized hope. In this issue we continue to point our readers to those areas of the world that will make the headlines of the future. Europe continues shaping its destiny as a global power. Our lead article gives you an analysis of the recently revealed draft of the European constitution, another milestone along the path to a European federation. While many leaders hail this as a positive step toward global cooperation, Bible prophecy indicates otherwise.
The search for peace in the Middle East remains elusive. Fresh from victory in Iraq, the United States is engineering a game plan towards establishing order and stability for this volatile region. We again point you to what the Bible says will transpire in Jerusalem prior to Christ's coming.
What have we learned? Not enough to bring peace among nations. We continue to look and wait with hope for the time when Christ will restore a government of peace upon the earth as described by the prophet Isaiah. It is his thoughts found in Isaiah:2:4And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. that offer us a different future. Those words state, "Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore." —WNP

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Vertical News: Coffee Crop in Peril from Rust Fungus

article by Amanda Stiver

Life without coffee? Rust causing fungus threatens coffee crops around the world.

Source: freeimages.com/eziquelzic

Some headlines hit closer to home than others, and this one threatens to affect the cherished morning routine of millions of coffee drinkers. Coffee rust, a fungus, Hemileia vastatrix , that attacks Arabica coffee trees has already destroyed the varietal in Java, Indonesia and threatens more crops worldwide. Arabica beans are used for high-end coffee such as espresso and other drinks. It has reached Central America and is causing alarming damage there.
The fungus has been known of since the 1800s, and destroyed coffee production in Asia, an area which no longer produces significant coffee crops. However, its recent spread and difficult containment when it becomes airborne, threatens anew. Once it affects a coffee tree, and without fungicide treatment, it will kill the plant in several years.
Experts estimate that coffee production from Central America may fall by 15 to 40 percent in coming years, severely impacting a $100 billion industry with 25 million workers. The concern is that once coffee is no longer an active crop, desperate farmers may turn to drug production (Marc Lallanilla, “Trouble Brewing for Coffee Crop, Thanks to Fungus,” LiveScience at News.Yahoo.com, May 19, 2014).
Just like the weather, a seemingly small event can trigger a cataclysm. Who would think that a tiny spore of fungus could reshape an entire economic system, but the potential is there. We live in a tenuous world, much of our perceived stability depends on God’s mercy. 

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Our Masada Option

by Amanda Stiver

Source: Amanda Stiver

They stood at the top of the fortress and looked down at the encampment below. There was no way down, no trail unguarded, and the enemy was rapidly building a ramp on which to deploy siege engines and all the might of their forces.
All options of escape were gone and the final decision had to be made.
If this story sounds like the attack on Masada, the 1 ^st century fortress near the Dead Sea which was built by King Herod and used by a small band of Jewish rebels after the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 A.D., you’d be right. Masada it is.
Now a historical site with a tram, trails and tourism, it still makes you stop and ponder the serious decisions made by the men and women who were under attack. When the wind hits the outcropping and swirls dust around your feet you can imagine the sounds of Roman soldiers below, their taunts and grunts as they added foot after foot of rubble to the siege ramp, ever closer to overwhelming the defenders.
The tragic end of the tale was not in the slaughter by the Roman aggressors, but in the decision the rebels made to end their lives on their own terms. After drawing lots, each man cut the throats of his wife and children, and then they turned the knives on themselves. When the Romans finally breached the ramparts they found the bodies of the dead. A victory stolen.

Ours not to die… just yet

The Jewish rebels who made the decision to commit suicide felt that option was the only way to prevent their families from a potentially more horrific fate at the hands of the Roman soldiers, who were known for extreme cruelty to conquered peoples. The Romans had been itching for a political statement like this and after many weeks of waiting to attack they were undoubtedly well motivated.
We can ask the question, “What would we have done?” But a better one to ask is, “Haven’t we been here before?”
If we’ve ever felt up against the wall and our human skills, abilities and cleverness have failed us, then we have faced our own Masada. Maybe not as dire, but certainly there are times when all our options seem to be gone.
The difference is something we have, that we probably take for granted. The strength of God.
Through God’s Holy Spirit (His power, not a person), which he gives to baptized members upon the ceremony of baptism, laying on of hands, and commitment to God’s way of life, we have access to that superior strength of mind. Through prayer we can also call upon His superior force for protection.
God is our Masada option. When all else fails, He’s got our back.

---

 

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Crisis in Ukraine: Why It Matters

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Most Americans have little understanding of the critical importance of Ukraine in the balance of power in Europe.

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[Darris McNeely] The news right now is transfixed with news out of the Ukraine because of the revolutions that has been going on there in recent weeks, and now the vote in Crimea to separate from Ukraine and to realign itself with the Russian republic. Many people are watching and trying to understand what's taking place, but I think that the biggest question that we should understand and focus on is why Ukraine matters within the context of a massive geopolitical fight between Russia, Europe, and America's posturing and roles that it's taking right now with the threat of sanctions. Why does this matter? What's taking place?
These three maps on the board here help us to at least begin to understand that. At least geographically, it's important to understand that Ukraine borders Russia, Poland, some of the Baltic states, and Western Europe. Ukraine has recently wanted to become a part of the European Union, but that was blocked last fall, and now with the overthrow of the government there, and the redistribution that's taking place, Russia has now moved in and a vote has taken place in Crimea to realign itself with Russia. What this means is that there is a major shake-up taking place within this very critical country. These other maps show, again, a little bit more of the agricultural and industrial importance of Ukraine to Europe, Russia especially. It's interesting to note that agriculturally, western Ukraine represents some of the richest, most productive soil in the world – probably within the top three agricultural areas in terms of the value of the land to agricultural production in all of the world. This is important to Russia as well as to Europe.
This other map shows the crossing of energy pipelines from Russia, across Ukraine, into Western Europe. Western Europe gains the majority of its natural gas and petroleum from Russia. And the lines, the pipelines that carry that petroleum and that natural gas go through Ukraine. Who controls Ukraine is going to control the heat in Germany, in Poland, and other parts of Western Europe. So you see the stranglehold that is there. And of course, with Russia involved in this right now, it's impacting its relationship with other European nations and the United States – financial ties, political ties, especially with the role that Russia is playing with the other great powers in the Middle East, Syria in particular – the relationships between all of these nations – the United States, Europe, and Russia – is very, very critical and very important. That's why it matters.
There's a couple of – there's a few other issues for us to consider as to why this matters, as well. What is taking place in front of us, really, is the biggest crisis since the end of the Cold War over twenty years ago. And for most of us in the United States especially, we've been having a holiday from history. We have not been all that interested. We're more interested, perhaps, in the sports events, the next NCAA tournament that's now just gearing up in the United States, other matters, and we're not really interested in what's taking place in other parts of the world. But this is big. This is the biggest in over twenty years. And should Russia – which it looks like it's going to do – annex Crimea ( this was recorded before Russia annexed Crimea ), possibly eastern Ukraine, because of the ethnic Russian majority in this part of Ukraine, it would also represent the biggest land grab since Adolf Hitler in the late 1930s, and what he began doing in Europe that triggered World War II. That's important. That's why what is taking place over there matters.
There's one other thing to consider. We're coming up this year on the 100th anniversary of World War I, the beginning of World War I, August 1914 – August 2014, 100 years later. And as we see these alliances between Russia, relationships with Europe, led by Germany, the United States, France, and other nations in the periphery of Ukraine, we're reminded that it's all about alliances, and it was the alliances that triggered World War I. And now we are seeing all of these alliances among these same powers – different personalities, different leadership – things have changed in one sense in 100 years, but in another sense, things haven't changed. And these relationships are very important. They get out of line, they can trigger unintended consequences and other events that can lead to bigger issues. That's why this is important – to understand and to watch, as well.
There's some other Biblical issues that we need to consider, as well. I'll save that for another Daily . But this, at this point, is important to at least help us to grasp why Ukraine is important.

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Free Bible Study Materials for Homeschooling Families

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by Sherrie G

Source: Sherrie Giddens

If you are a homeschooling parent, you are probably in the process of considering next year's course of study. After looking through the various company catalogs offering full curriculum choices, or taking the time to seek out used and less expensive options for your needs; your budget might be hitting its limit. Gaining access to quality educational material that is also affordable, can mean searching through various websites and is a time consuming endeavor.
The United Church of God offers several study guides that might be of interest when it comes to Bible Study courses and religious training. All materials are free of charge and written to encourage, uplift, and educate the reader.
Sabbath School lessons for children in levels K - 5 are available. Each level is designed for 10 months with 4 lessons per month. Parents can teach the lessons and then use them to create follow up conversations and activities.
The Teen Bible Study Discussion Guides have been designed to fit the needs of a family. You may want your older teens to use them as a launching pad for independent study while the younger teens in your family choose to list examples of how the study can apply to life today. Since there is no one way to use the guides, they will allow for flexibility and creativity when it comes to Bible study and your homeschool.
Vertical Thought Magazine is a magazine of understanding for tomorrow's leaders. It brings relevant content to young people ages 12-22 in helping them to discover and live God's way of life. While this magazine can be used in the homeschool environment, as a learning tool, it is also an invaluable addition to any home where raising great kids into great adults is a daily focus.
For the student who is looking for a more in-depth study or is interested in learning on a more adult level, you might consider the Bible Study Course or the free booklets which are available on various topics of interest.
While this school year draws to an end and plans for the next year are already being made, consider making these free materials a part of your family's Biblical studies. As parents we can ensure a better life for our children when we provide them with a straight path, using God's word and His way of life as the foundation.

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World News and Trends: Illegal-drug trade builds worldwide economic powerhouse

article by John Ross Schroeder, Scott Ashley

The trade in illegal drugs has grown to a $500 billion annual business, according to a report by Freedom House tracking the meteoric rise of the trade.

The trade in illegal drugs has grown to a $500 billion annual business, according to a report by Freedom House tracking the meteoric rise of the trade. The market in cocaine, marijuana, hashish, heroin, opiates and other mind-altering substances accounts for 10 to 13 percent of global commerce, an amount equal to the world market in crude petroleum.
The influence of drug money has led to the rise of "narco states" in South America, so called because of the predominance of corruption on virtually all levels of government. Some Caribbean islands are, in essence, drug fiefdoms that are nothing more than huge financial laundering operations. Drugs are now produced in at least 31 nations, with drug money laundered in 33 countries.
In some areas illegal drugs are so widely available that they have attained a de-facto legal status. Authorities lack the resources-and sometimes the will-to dampen drug use. In some situations drug smuggling has grown simply too pervasive to stop. For example, customs officials in America inspect fewer than one in 30 ship containers arriving in the country and only a fraction of the 8,000 trucks arriving from Mexico each day.
Because of the vast amounts of money at stake, law enforcers hold out little hope of cutting off illegal drugs at the source or of eliminating suppliers. The only way to end this scourge is to curb demand, and that can come about only through a change in human attitudes. (Source: Gannett News Service .)

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A Response to Bill Nye's Critical Question: What truly is "the most serious problem facing human kind"?

by Michael Snyder

Source: By Ed Schipul (originally posted to Flickr as Bill Nye) [CC-BY-SA-2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wiki

I like Bill Nye. I actually like Bill Nye quite a lot.
A former Boeing engineer, Nye possesses the unique capacity to ignite a passion for discovery, particularly for young people. Leveraging his flair for disarming humor, his television programs on science and discovery are legendary. “Bill Nye the Science Guy” is a universally recognized brand.
Nye recently appeared in a quasi-debate on CNN’s “Crossfire” television program, a multi-person show that typically appears to be more of a verbal food fight with guests and hosts talking over each other on controversial issues. Following his appearance, many opined that Nye should now be known as “Bill Nye the Climate Guy,” as he emotionally defended a recent report on climate change. The ratings for this program were high.
Following the debate, he made a most interesting statement: “I will look anyone in the eyes and remind them that climate change is the most serious problem facing human kind…What will future generations think of us?”
Is climate change truly "the most serious problem facing human kind"? That's a fair and important question arising out of Nye's statement. Nye's follow-on question, “what will future generations think of us?” is equally valid.
To answer these questions, perhaps we can first pose another more probing question: what happens when one treats the symptoms of a problem and not its cause?
Engineering training includes a strategic emphasis on root cause analysis. If a product or application fails, it’s not enough to just fix it. Engineers want to know why it failed. By finding out what failed or caused the failure, a design flaw or issue can be remedied for future production and use.
Concerning Nye’s statement, let’s consider the root cause of possible climate change. In reality, greenhouse gases and toxic energy byproducts simply represent the symptoms of a much greater problem. The surprising root cause of Nye’s climate issue actually lies in ancient history, which cause has been amplified many times through the ages.
To frame things in perspective, consider this critical fact: students of the Bible know that scriptural teachings generally divide how we live life into two broad categories. The first is the way of life that God directs and espouses, which focuses on giving, sharing and collaborating. When this way of life is practiced, peace, balance and freedom result. The other way of life is one that tries to justify unfairly taking, hurting, promoting an unbalanced focus on self and harmful greed. It is commonly practiced today, and its outcomes (called “fruits” in various biblical analogies) are all-too evident.
It is this latter category of cognitive self-indulgence that allows emotional space to somehow tolerate children being gassed to death in Syria. It helps people justify why it is globally permissible for roughly five percent of the world’s population to greedily consume over 50 percent of the world’s finished goods (while depending on people living in poverty to sustain it). Its relabeling of greed as somehow justifiable allows people to rationalize living with hot national debt at incomprehensible levels in order to prop up an unsustainable lifestyle. Instead having a balanced approach to nurturing and caring for the land and environment that sustains life, this harmful approach to living explains away insolent atmospheric belching of harmful chemicals for industrial and energy production. It accounts for why nations distrust, even fear each other, and why they spend upwards of an inconceivable two trillion dollars annually on military expenditures. I could go on, but the picture is sufficiently clear.
Simply put, it is  give  versus  get .
And “get” wins hands down almost every time.
How did we arrive at this destructive point? Its etymology squarely lies in the answer to what is the most serious problem facing human kind. Future generations will talk long about the world’s present inability to properly address this issue.
What is it? What is the true root cause? Here it is: The most serious problem today is the foolish rejection of God by billions of people. Rejection of God means to willfully cut oneself off from critical guidance, from what the Bible describes as God’s “incomparably great power for us who believe” (Ephesians:1:19And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,, New International Version).
Make no mistake. God is all-powerful. God is not trying to somehow convince us that He is right. At a future point where this way of “get” will lead humanity to the precipice of total annihilation, when the way of “get” crescendos to unfathomable evil, God  will  intervene (Matthew:24:22And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.).
Until that time, God will continue to allow humanity to demonstrate to itself its incapacity to act and govern apart from God (James:4:1-3 [1] From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members?
[2] Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not.
[3] Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts., Isaiah:59:8The way of peace they know not; and there is no judgment in their goings: they have made them crooked paths: whosoever goeth therein shall not know peace.). He will permit the deadly consequences of human folly to nearly reach their full measure. We need to understand that the potential destructive outcomes of climate change represent some of these consequences.

Here’s the crux of the matter: It doesn’t have to be this way! The answer? David instructed Solomon: “Acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the Lord searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts. If you seek him, he will be found by you;  but if you forsake him, he will reject you ”(1 Chronicles:28:9And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever., New International Version, emphasis added).

As the world will learn, “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (Hebrews:10:31It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.). The consequences of humanity’s present preferred way of life are relentless.
With all due respect to Bill Nye, here’s a new statement to consider: Our variant? “I will look anyone in the eyes and warn them that rejecting God and embracing ‘opposing ideas of what is falsely called knowledge’ [1 Timothy:6:20O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called:, NIV] is the most serious problem facing human kind. Climate change is simply the consequences of humanity rejecting the benevolent law of God, which if truly applied, would result in the outbreak of peace and sanity. To survive, we must identify and treat the cause of our problems, not just the symptoms.”
God’s way is a way of love, of helping, of prospering. You don’t have to be a victim of humanity’s most serious problem. You have a choice .
From across the ages, the cry to choose wisely is clear: “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation” (Acts:2:22Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:). What will you do?

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In Brief...World News Review Vatican Releases Text of Fatima Vision

article by Cecil Maranville, Darris McNeely

The Vatican has released the text and commentary on the famous third vision of Fatima.

The Vatican has released the text and commentary on the famous third vision of Fatima. This comes one month after the pope beatified two of the Portuguese children to whom the Virgin Mary supposedly appeared in a series of visions in 1917. Long held a secret in the Vatican archives, the third vision was thought to contain apocalyptic visions foretelling the end of the world.
A reading of the text seems to portray a bishop dressed in white who is killed amidst the bodies of other saints and martyrs. The vision is being interpreted as foretelling the attempted assassination of John Paul II on May 13, 1981. The pope has credited the Virgin Mary for sparing his life. It is interesting that the first of the Fatima visions occurred on May 13, 1917.
While the visions do not reveal any dramatic future events, the Vatican affirms the "personal revelatory" nature of the visions, thus giving credence to the role of visions to the church's faithful. Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, writing in a comment upon the visions said, "'the events to which the third part of the "secret" of Fatima refers now seem part of the past.' Insofar as individual events are described, they belong to the past. Those who expected exciting apocalyptic revelations about the end of the world or the future course of history are bound to be disappointed."
The first two secrets have been known for some time. They deal with the outbreak of World War II, divine punishment for human sin and Russian Communism's attempt to eradicate religion. All three visions are officially relegated to past events.
In the long-term, those within the Catholic Church, the present Pope included, who represent the cult of Mary worship will likely gain the most. (BBC News.)

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Will I Go to Heaven When I Die?

article by Steve Myers

The idea of going consciously to heaven at death seems comforting. But does that make it true? The Bible's answer may astonish you!

How does Jesus Himself describe death? He simply compares it to sleep.

Source: Medioimages/Photodisc/Thinkstock

Funerals are sad experiences. It's heartbreaking to pay your final respects to someone you knew and loved.
Perhaps you've had to say farewell to a mother or father, laid to rest a brother, sister or perhaps say goodbye to a spouse or best friend. Have you wondered: What's happened to them? Where have they gone? Why do I doubt?
You may feel unexpected emotions such as shock and disbelief—making it difficult to accept what's happened.
You desperately want to know the truth. Supposing the person is safe and looking down from heaven is just not enough. You're skeptical, not completely satisfied with mere speculation. And you think: What about me? What will happen to me when I die?
You need to know what God has said. Is there a sure word from Him that will help you?

Going to heaven at death—truth or empty hope?

Sometimes you have a need to believe, especially at those times in life that force you to think about your mortality. We all know that in the end no one beats death. But it's one thing to know it in the back of your mind, and something else to come face to face with it.
When you're looking in the face of death, the idea of heaven can seem comforting. It can seem beautiful—but does that make it true? Is it just wishful thinking, or can you know the facts? Is it just a matter of faith?
Now here's what may be surprising: What the Bible says about death and heaven is probably quite different from what you may think you know or what you believe.
So how can you be sure of what you believe? The majority of Americans and Britons still believe in life after death. According to a Gallup poll, 81 percent of Americans and 55 percent of Britons say they believe in going to heaven.
We want to believe that our loved ones who have died are okay and that we'll be okay. So surveys show that most people are confident, or at least they have a feeling, that life doesn't end at the grave.

Only Jesus has gone to heaven

How would you answer this question: Where do your ideas about heaven come from? Most Christians would say they come from the Bible. Yet some have an image of floating on clouds. Some believe they'll be given wings like angels. Others believe that they'll gaze into the face of God for eternity.
Yet did you know that none of these are what the Bible actually says is in store for us? None of these are ideas that God has given us in the pages of His Word. It's time to examine your concept of death and your belief in going to heaven!
Don't just believe what someone else has said, or what a Sunday school teacher may have taught you, or what a church or religion says, or what this article says. Why not? If it's not based on the truth, what good is it? So don't believe any person's opinion—believe your Bible! You must believe what God says in the pages of His Word. That's the challenge today. Are you willing to look at what Scripture actually teaches? That's where our understanding of life and death must come from—the Word of God!
Notice what is stated in John:3:13And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven. (emphasis added throughout): "No one has ascended to heaven but He who came down from heaven" —and that one Being is Jesus Christ, who has returned to heaven!
Now that may be startling to you—but the Bible here is clear and plain. How does what it teaches here compare with what you've thought was true? If you look in the New International Version, it renders the statement as, "No one has ever gone into heaven." The Message says, "No one has ever gone up into the presence of God." God's Word Translation says, "No one has gone to heaven." The only exception is Jesus Christ Himself!
Jesus' disciple Peter echoed this sentiment in Acts 2: "Men and brethren, let me speak freely to you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his tomb is with us to this day . . . For David did not ascend into the heavens" (Acts:2:29Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day., Acts:2:34For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand,).
So Jesus' disciples did not teach that life beyond the grave meant going to live forever in heaven. Jesus Himself never promised that Christians would go consciously to heaven at death!
Hebrews 11, speaking of great men and women of faith of past ages, tells us that they are still awaiting their future reward of being made perfect in God's Kingdom: "And all these, having obtained a good testimony through faith, did not receive the promise . . . that they should not be made perfect apart from us" (Hebrews:11:39-40 [39] And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise:
[40] God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.).

Death compared to sleep—that is, temporary

So why haven't they yet received the promise of eternal life? And if they aren't in heaven, where are they?
When Jesus' friend Lazarus died, Christ's reaction was very telling. Jesus Himself said, "'Our friend Lazarus sleeps, but I go that I may wake him up.' Then His disciples said, 'Lord, if he sleeps he will get well.' However, Jesus spoke of his death, but they thought that He was speaking about taking rest in sleep. Then Jesus said to them plainly, 'Lazarus is dead'" (John:11:11-14 [11] These things said he: and after that he saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep.
[12] Then said his disciples, Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well.
[13] Howbeit Jesus spake of his death: but they thought that he had spoken of taking of rest in sleep.
[14] Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead.).
That tells us something important. How does Jesus Himself describe death? He doesn't say that people who died immediately went to heaven or hell at death. He simply compares it to sleep.
So let's think of that comparison for a moment. When someone is in a deep sleep, they have no awareness of the passing of time or any knowledge of events that are occurring while they're asleep. It's like they're unconscious. They're oblivious to circumstances. So throughout the Bible, we see that it describes the dead as figuratively in a state of sleep. They're unaware. They're waiting in the grave.
King Solomon confirmed the fact that death is like a deep, unconscious sleep: "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going" (Ecclesiastes:9:10Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.). Just before that he wrote, "For the living know that they will die; but the dead know nothing" (Ecclesiastes:9:5For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten.).
So it becomes clear that the Bible consistently teaches that good people don't go to heaven or anything like heaven at death—instead they sleep in the grave. All of the dead—the good and the not-so-good alike— wait in the grave.
Now that's quite a change in perspective! We don't have to be overwhelmed and consumed by grief because we're told that even in death there is hope. As the apostle Paul wrote in 1 Thessalonians:4:13But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope., "I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope." So instead of the chilling thought of our loved ones having ceased to be, we're told that we can be comforted. We can be encouraged by thinking of them as being asleep in Christ!

A greater promise than heaven as commonly imagined

Think of the common concept of heaven. Supposedly heaven is where you, your best friends and your relatives go after you die. Many believe that their departed family members are looking down on them from paradise.
But if so, have you ever wondered what that paradise would really be like? Would it really be a place of perfect happiness? Would it really be a place of ideal joy and bliss? Imagine if it were true: How could it really be heavenly?
Imagine if you were in heaven, looking down and seeing this world. What would you see? You'd see a world of pain. You'd see a world of war and grief. Imagine watching your loved ones—seeing their shortcomings, seeing their blunders, watching them go through terrible trials, seeing their sinful acts—witnessing a world of evil! Would that be paradise? No. That would be torture and misery. Rather than some dreamy paradise, it would be your worst nightmare!
The Bible reveals a much greater truth and fate for those who die. Let's see again what Jesus Himself taught.
Since the dead are waiting in the grave as if asleep, what are they waiting for? When and how will they be awakened from that sleep?
The answer to that question is one of the great revelations of Scripture. God's promise of the resurrection of the dead truly brings us hope. It is not just a resurrection to life, but to a life of meaning and purpose with Jesus Christ here on earth, ruling for a thousand years (Revelation:20:4And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.). This all begins with the return of Christ, at which point His faithful followers are resurrected (1 Thessalonians:4:16For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:).
The Old Testament patriarch Job understood the gravity and full meaning of this future resurrection. Notice what he said in Job:14:14If a man die, shall he live again? all the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come.: "If a man die, shall he live again? All the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come" (King James Version). Job understood that he would one day be resurrected.
Even more importantly, he understood that a change would occur. This same change is described by Paul in 1 Corinthians 15 as a change from mortality to immortality—from physical, mortal flesh to immortal, glorified spirit. That is what the coming resurrection of the dead in Christ is all about—not an aimless eternity in heaven, but a real change to becoming like Jesus Christ (1 John:3:2Beloved, 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.).

Change your life now to be part of the change at the resurrection

This is the wonderful truth of God's plan for His people. It's God's purpose for your life. The Bible speaks clearly of a resurrection and a change from physical life to spiritual life. Understanding how one can have a part in that resurrection is so very important to having an understanding of what our life today is about and certainly a genuine hope for the future.
It tells us how we need to live right now. Our understanding of and belief in God's plan should make a difference in who we are and how we live our lives. Jesus clearly showed us what our priorities in life should be: "Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness" (Matthew:6:33But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.).
When you look to the truth of the Word of God instead of human tradition, you can have hope. You see that death, like sleep, is not permanent. You see that there will be an awakening and a change to an incorruptible life with Jesus Christ as your King!
This beautiful picture of the future is not a figment of your imagination. It comes directly from the Bible—the Word of God.
When you look to the one true source, the source of all things, you find incredibly good news. The time will come when the dead in Christ will be resurrected from sleep to immortal life at Jesus Christ's return to earth.
So be faithful. Look forward to His return!