Chinese Interests in Bahamas

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In Brief... World News Review

Chinese Interests in Bahamas

 by Cecil Maranville, John Ross Schroeder, Peter Eddington Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

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Concerns have been raised by Communist Chinese connections so close to American soil.

In 1962 the United States and Russia came dangerously close to nuclear war over the issue of nuclear weapons based in Cuba, just a few miles off the coast of Florida. Today there are concerns expressed over the presence of a Chinese company, Hutchison Whampoa Limited, in Panama, where it has contracted to manage the entrances to the former U.S. possession. The same Chinese company is currently completing construction of the largest container port in the world in Freeport, Bahamas-just 60 miles from Florida.
While this is a far cry from placing nuclear weapons close to United States soil, it has raised concerns that a company with Communist Chinese connections is operating in two strategic geographic points very close to American interests.
Several U.S. military experts say that these activities in both Panama and the Bahamas by Hutchison Whampoa Limited, a Hong Kong-based conglomerate, pose a significant risk to U.S. national security.
Officials for Hutchison Whampoa have heatedly denied any links with the Red Chinese government, but several established connections suggest that the Chinese government has a keen interest in the company's activities.
One port facility that has captured the interest of the Chinese government is Hutchison Whampoa's sprawling port facility in the tourist destination of Freeport on Grand Bahama Island.
According to the company's Web site, the port is located at one of the most strategic spots in the world because “Freeport is the closest offshore port to the east coast of the United States, at the cross-roads of routes between Europe and the Americas and through the Panama Canal.”
Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott (Republican-Mississippi) and former U.S. Defense Secretary Caspar Weinberger have expressed concerns about Hutchison's influence over the Panama Canal.
Lott has described the Hong Kong firm as “an arm of the People's Liberation Army.”
Hutchison Whampoa's chairman, Li Ka-Shing, is also a board member of CITIC-the China International Trust and Investment Corporation. U.S. intelligence sources have described the firm as a front for China's governmental State Council.
Congressman Dana Rohrbacher (Republican-California) has stated that CITIC has been used as a front company by China's military to acquire technology for weapons development. A recently declassified report by the United States Southern Command's Joint Intelligence Center, prepared in October 1999, said that “Hutchison Whampoa's owner, Hong Kong tycoon Li Ka-Shing, has extensive business ties in Beijing and has compelling financial reasons to maintain a good relationship with China's leadership.”
The military intelligence report also warns that “Hutchison containerized shipping facilities in the Panama Canal, as well as the Bahamas, could provide a conduit for illegal shipments of technology or prohibited items from the West to the PRC, or facilitate the movement of arms and other prohibited items into the Americas.”
Retired Admiral Thomas Moorer, former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and former commander in chief of the Pacific and Atlantic Fleet said this of the Chinese efforts: “Of course the Chinese military sees the benefit of having a base, a future base, so close to the United States. What China is trying to do is get a kind of maritime position worldwide, and they need a home base, so to speak, in every ocean.” (Newsmax.com)

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

This Is the Way... Wise Men Still Seek His Star

article by Robin Webber

Two thousand years ago, men of the East gazed into the heavens and were drawn to a star. They were compelled by something beyond themselves to follow its light.

Two thousand years ago, men of the East gazed into the heavens and were drawn to a star. They were compelled by something beyond themselves to follow its light.
Perhaps they were familiar with ancient Israel's literature that spoke of a time when "a Star shall come out of Jacob; a Scepter shall rise out of Israel" (Numbers 24:17I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth.
See All...).
Again, they may have pondered and acted upon the colorful depiction of Isaiah 60:1-3 [1] Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee.
[2] For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee.
[3] And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.

See All... where it declares, "Arise, shine; for your light has come!… The Gentiles shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising."
Their account in Matthew 2 is a story of faith set in motion to encounter the revelation of that star. Their unwavering purpose as recorded for future generations is summed up in their own words: "For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him" (Matthew 2:2Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.
See All...).
As we know from the familiar passages related to the first coming of Christ, these strangers from the East were not foreign to the protocol worthy of a ruler and thus offered gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh to the Christ child. Their anticipation was matched with the realization of being summoned to appear before a king.
The "voice of God" quieted?
What do these wise men of old have in common with us, and how might we tap into their wisdom? And why turn our sights in reverse to the first coming of Christ when so much of this magazine is devoted to current events and future prophecies?
Actually, there are amazing similarities! Let's come to appreciate that at the time of Christ's birth it had been 400 years since the "voice of God" had been recognized and accorded stature as Holy Scripture. There had been no sure word from the Lord since the time of Malachi the prophet. A bestial system with an iron boot held sway over much of the world. The people of Judea had already experienced the force of Rome for nearly three generations.
It was a time of darkness in which there was a bubbling to the surface of anticipation, not too far removed from desperation, for a special deliverer sent by the Almighty. And yet God Himself appeared "quiet" in the arena of events.
In one sense, there was no secret about what was to transpire. God had foretold the coming of the Messiah. How often had the words of Isaiah 7:14Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
See All... been read: "Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel" or the "x-marks-the-spot passage" of Micah 5:2But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.
See All... that declares: "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of you shall come forth to Me the One to be Ruler in Israel, whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting"?
Oh yes, the people of that time had much to consider! But did they comprehend? Well, that would be another matter. Yet there would come a time when all the pieces began to come together and these men, called magi, with all their accumulated human wisdom did the smartest thing of all. They remained open to God's lead. They made sure they were available to follow the sign when it did come, and they were willing to go wherever it led them.
The bottom line is they moved beyond knowledge to action, and that made and continues to make all the difference in the world.
The seamless interventions of God
It has been more than 2,000 years since that journey wrought by a beckoning star, and the first coming of the Christ child can seem like distant history. That's five times the duration of quiet between Malachi and the time of Christ. Yes, it seems like forever and more!
But our Heavenly Father, the One who inhabits eternity, looks at the first and second comings of His Son as one seamless activity. God, because He is God, has looked far into the future and brings us as His invited audience forward to understand and come to appreciate His great love for us even when at times He seems far away and out of touch.
As you read this column, autumn will be knocking on our seasonal door in the northern hemisphere. We will be entering what I like to call "the season of kingdoms." It is in this time of year, not the humanly appointed winter solstice celebration of Dec. 25, that the King of our lives first came to earth.
Oh yes, there was heraldry involved with proclamations of angels, visiting shepherds and the before-mentioned celestial light show illuminating the way. But most of mankind missed the first coming. But come Immanuel did, not in our prescribed time by our human clocks, but in the right time! Not in how we would have done it, but in how God knew it had to be performed. God's perfect interventions are always better than the best of our human machinations.
God chose to pitch a tent
John, the Gospel writer, spells out in crystal clear fashion how the God Being called the Word "became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth" (John 1:14And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
See All...).
It is of note that the word dwelt comes from the Greek term skenoo , which means to literally "pitch a tent" or "to tabernacle." It is John, under the inspiration of God, who shows us that God decided to "pitch a tent" within the wilderness of the human condition.
It is this statement that differentiates Christianity from all other religions. It reveals that God is not merely some benevolent "First Cause" and absentee faraway cosmic babysitter. The One known as the Word separated Himself from the privileges of His divine station and volunteered to be placed on a bed of straw in a dark and smelly manger, because "there was no room for them in the inn."
It is in the framework of this humble setting that God interrupts human history. It is here in this perfect "palace of humility" that He reveals the incredible attributes of the godly servant. The apostle Paul shares how the "quiet of the centuries" was shattered in Galatians 4:4But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,
See All...: "But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law."
The time was ripe
No, God was not late, for the time was ripe! God not only created time, but is the master of timing. It was in this moment of historical convergence of the Roman Empire, the Greek language and the Jewish Diaspora that the bright light, heralding the birth of a king in the autumn, was on display.
But this light was more than a celestial flashlight guiding the footsteps of camels. Rather this heavenly sentinel showed how all along God had worked "loudly" behind the scenes in preparation for the entrance of our Savior. He had moved empires, spread languages and scattered His religious folk around the Mediterranean Sea so that their religious house might be a springboard of understanding to grasp the fulfillment of Isaiah's words.
But Christ's pitching a tent among humanity is not left standing alone in the Gospel accounts. Remember how I mentioned the seamless nature of the comings of Christ to our world and how the autumnal time that approaches can be called the "season of kingdoms"? It is noteworthy that the biblical festivals of Trumpets and Tabernacles are observed during this time frame. These God-ordained observances, centering on the saving works of God through Jesus Christ, bring us into remembrance that Jesus Christ is returning to this earth to establish His Kingdom.
Many who read the Bible can accept a first coming, and thank God for a good story of a baby, shepherds and wise men. But a true and responsive believer accepts that a first coming demands a second coming, and that a first coming must precede a second coming. And do you know how you know you believe that? Because, when you come into contact with the reality that God became a helpless baby, and that He loves us so much that He is going to enter human history once again to rescue humanity from itself—a major change takes place.
Yes Christ is going to pitch a tent once more. But next time it will be in holy splendor and not merely straw. Revelation 21:2-3 [2] And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
[3] And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.

See All... gives us a sense of what is to occur, when speaking through the apostolic writer:
"Then I, John saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, 'Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God.'"
Right there in the middle of this triumphant declaration of God's plan is the word dwell . That's right, skenoo or "to pitch a tent" is right there at the end of the good book. It's kind of a graphic and simple term, to remind us that God never changes His plan, from the manger till now and beyond. He wants us to know He is coming and will plant Himself in our lives when times are troubled and seemingly quiet as to the "voice of God."
"The Bright and Morning Star"
That's why the book of Revelation speaks of a star—the "morning star" that is. It doesn't get the same attention as the one mentioned in Matthew, but it's just as important and it's the one you and I have been given to focus on and follow now!
It is interesting that Revelation 2:28And I will give him the morning star.
See All... speaks of this morning star as a gift given to the Church. Jesus, the risen Christ in heaven, says, "I also have received from My Father; and I will give him [speaking of His followers] the morning star." And then it says in verse 29: "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches."
We are granted further definition of this gift in the last chapter of the Bible. Interestingly, this star is mentioned here as one of the last pivotal items that God asks us to consider through Christ. It is here in Revelation 22:16I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.
See All... that Christ defines this gift to the Church as Himself.
Notice, "I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches, I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star."
Why does Christ reserve this name to Himself? Consider for a moment that it is the morning star that appears when it is darkest and coldest. It is the appearance of this sentinel of light that gives hope for the dawning of a new day. It is when it is coldest and darkest in human history that He enters time and space one more time.
"Follow Me"
How wise will we be? The wise men of old set a course for us to consider. It's interesting that Jesus, the Bright and Morning Star of Revelation, always came to His followers with one message: "Follow Me" (Matthew 4:19And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.
See All...; John 21:19This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me.
See All...).
Perhaps it is the encouragement of Jesus' own words of "follow Me" that points us to the admonition of Isaiah 30:21And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.
See All...: "This is the way, walk in it."
Like our counterparts from yesteryear, today's wise men will be open, available and willing as they still seek and wait upon a star. It is time to look up and follow! WNP

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

Vertical News: Teen Marijuana Use and Memory Damage

article by Amanda Stiver

Long-term, habitual drug-use during teen years linked to potential for permanent damage.

Source: sxc.hu/artM

Researchers from Northwestern University in Illinois analyzed the impact of heavy marijuana use on the brains of teenagers. They found that regions of the brain critical to memory function and reasoning were damaged by excessive use. Scientists acknowledged that they didn’t have a “before” picture of participants pre-drug brain structures, which would have given even greater clarity to findings.
However, the damage to brain structures from marijuana use was clear and experts are concerned that heavy use by teenagers could have long-term effects. The study also analyzed the effects of cannabis use on individuals suffering from schizophrenia (Brian Alexander, “Teen Pot Use Could Hurt Brain and Memory, New Research Suggests,” NBCNews.com, December 16, 2013).

First, do no harm...

With new medical-marijuana legislation proceeding in the United States, the question of what is harmful and helpful arises.
The discussion of the above study isn’t about a medical amount of any substance, but recreational use of marijuana. Drugs like marijuana fall into a unique category of substances that induce a drunken state in a person within minutes, if not seconds depending on the substance. This drunkenness is akin to the state one achieves with excess alcohol.
“Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards , nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God,” (1 Corinthians 6:9-10 [9] Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,
[10] Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.

See All..., emphasis added).
Habitual, unrepentant drunkenness is a sin that can keep us from the kingdom of God, therefore, any substance that renders us in that state and is used habitually falls into the same category.
“Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who [that] is in you, whom [which] you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s,” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20 [19] What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?
[20] For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.

See All...).
To inflict damage, of any kind, on our bodies is an affront to God, who created the very molecules that make up our bodies. Drug use that results in permanent or ever semi-permanent damage to our physical vessels is to treat God’s gift of life with contempt.
To care for our bodies as much as we are able, and to stay away from sinful mindsets or habits that would take the place of God’s way in our lives is the path we take as people of God.

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

What Do You Believe and Why?

article by John LaBissoniere

How do you know if what you believe is really true? Is it possible you have been influenced to believe things that are wrong? How can you replace faulty notions with true knowledge?

Elizabeth Kenny served as a nurse in the remote Australian outback.

Source: Wikimedia

Although people do not realize it, they may embrace beliefs that are simply not true. How is that possible? It's because their views have been formed as a result of tradition, hearsay or information not based in fact or properly researched.
Furthermore, people will often adopt the beliefs of their family, group or religion with little or no question. If or when those positions are challenged, people will defend them even if their position doesn't match the facts. An example of this reaction is described in the following true story.

Elizabeth Kenny and infantile paralysis

In the early 1900s Elizabeth Kenny served as a nurse in the remote Australian outback. She diagnosed and treated people who could not get to a doctor. For example, in 1911 she was called to a farm to help a young girl who was in severe pain and whose legs were seriously impaired.
In a telegram to Aeneas McDonnell, a physician at the Toowoomba, Queensland, hospital, Kenny described the symptoms and asked for a treatment method. Dr. McDonnell thought the symptoms indicated poliomyelitis, often called polio or infantile paralysis. Although there was no known cure, he advised Kenny to do what she could to deal with the symptoms.
She then treated the girl with applications of moist, warm towels so as to ease the pain and relax the muscle spasms in her legs. Kenny then gently stretched and massaged the muscles. However, the now-relaxed leg muscles would not function. Kenny then worked at retraining them so they could again operate normally.
Not only did the little girl recover completely, but Kenny administered her treatment to five other children in the vicinity who suffered from the same affliction. Each of them regained normal mobility.

Method in conflict with accepted practice

Kenny's innovative procedure conflicted with conventional medical practice, which was to immobilize affected limbs with casts and splints. She believed that the routine method of treating the disease actually generated its deformities and paralysis. Although Kenny's new technique was not a cure, it offered significant relief from pain and severe crippling.
Kenny's treatment brought her into sharp disagreement with many Australian medical authorities. They found it inconceivable that such a simple method, originating with a nurse and not a trained medical doctor, could produce such positive results.
Nevertheless, the resistance Kenny faced did not discourage her from working to help children in need. Although it took nearly three decades, her technique gained some recognition in Australia, where she set up treatment clinics in several cities.
In 1940 the government of New South Wales sent Kenny to the United States to introduce her treatment. Although many American physicians were opposed, the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis found it credible.
In June 1940 she demonstrated her method at the University of Minnesota Medical School and Minneapolis General Hospital. The medical personnel at these institutions recognized Kenny's procedure as a new model in treating polio. During the 1940s many Kenny treatment centers opened across the United States.
Kenny retired to her home in Toowoomba in 1951. Two years after her death in 1952, a vaccine was developed that led to a rapid decline in the number of polio cases. Kenny's principles of muscle rehabilitation left an important mark in the medical world. Some have called her the founder of modern physical therapy.

Conventional wisdom often seems correct

Elizabeth Kenny's story is remarkable in terms of the thousands of children she helped. A larger point however, deals with the intense opposition she encountered for many years from the medical establishment. It is a prime example of what happens when people's beliefs are challenged by competing facts.
Such beliefs are often described as "conventional wisdom," which the dictionary defines as "the body of ideas or explanations generally accepted as true by the public or by experts in a field" (emphasis added throughout). People often feel comfortable with such beliefs because other people feel the same way, including perceived experts and authorities.
For example, through most of the 19th century epidemic illnesses such as cholera and the plague were commonly thought to be caused by poisonous mists in the night air. Also, until the early 20th century, a common way to treat disease was bloodletting. Even though these ideas were later proved wrong, generations of people believed they were valid.

Conventional wisdom is pervasive

Conventional wisdom can be a snare. People of all ages can be held in its grip. It can begin as early as childhood. If, for example, parents and relatives are members of a particular political party, union or religion, children simply assume the views of those organizations are correct.
Even though conventional wisdom is pervasive in both secular and religious society, it's often faulty. True knowledge comes only from the Creator God and is inherent in the laws He has set in motion to guide people's lives (Psalms 32:8I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.
See All...). It's each person's responsibility to carefully examine what they accept as true (John 8:32And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
See All...).
Where does conventional wisdom come from? To understand, we must go far, far back in time.
One of God's angels, referred to in the Latin translation of Isaiah 14:12How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!
See All... as Lucifer, meaning "light bringer," was an honored cherub the Bible describes as "the seal of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty" (Ezekiel 28:12Son of man, take up a lamentation upon the king of Tyrus, and say unto him, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Thou sealest up the sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty.
See All...).
This archangel allowed his heart to be filled with pride. It corrupted his character and judgment. Afterwards he led a third of the angels in rebellion against God and attempted to take over God's heavenly throne. Being no match for Him, they were cast down to the earth (Luke 10:18And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.
See All...; Revelation 12:4And 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.
See All...).
In their rebellion these angels became evil spirits or demons. And Lucifer became Satan—meaning "adversary." He has ever since incited rebellion and strife in the lives of human beings (Revelation 12:9And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
See All...; 1 John 5:19And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.
See All...). He seeks to especially prevent people from understanding God's marvelous truth by insidiously promoting counterfeit knowledge and wisdom (2 Corinthians 4:3-4 [3] But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:
[4] In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

See All...; James 3:13-14 [13] Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.
[14] But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.

See All...).
The devil is skilled at corruptly influencing humanity because people do not naturally want "to retain God in their knowledge" (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;
See All...; Romans 8:7Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
See All...; see also Jeremiah 17:9The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?
See All...). This leaves them easy prey for the devil's unrighteous influence.
The apostle Paul aptly described Satan-inspired, human wisdom as foolishness (1 Corinthians 3:19For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.
See All...). He urged people to conduct themselves "not with fleshly wisdom but by the grace of God" (2 Corinthians 1:12For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.
See All...). He cautioned them not to be held hostage to "the commandments and doctrines of men," which falsely offer "an appearance of wisdom" (Colossians 2:22-23 [22] Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men?
[23] Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh.

See All...).

Conventional Christian doctrines vs. the Bible

Perhaps you are a Christian and feel you understand the seriousness of what Paul said. You also need to be aware that the apostles and Jesus Christ Himself repeatedly warned about counterfeit Christianity. They also warned of ministers who, being unwittingly motivated by the devil, would promote seriously flawed doctrines (Matthew 7:15Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
See All...; 2 Peter 2:1But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.
See All...; 2 Corinthians 11:15Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.
See All...).
These wrong teachings are often filled with half-truths. That means they appear reputable to many people, but they don't accurately reflect what the Bible teaches (John 17:17Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
See All...; Luke 4:4And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.
See All...; 11:28).
Here are some conventional beliefs you need to look at, each followed by what the Bible actually teaches:
• Conventional doctrine: "Once saved, always saved," also known as "eternal security." Biblical truth: An individual can receive salvation from sins through Christ and still, through neglect, ultimately come to reject God, thereby losing salvation (2 Peter 2:21For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.
See All...; Hebrews 2:1-3 [1] Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.
[2] For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward;
[3] How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;

See All...; Hebrews 6:4-8 [4] For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,
[5] And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come,
[6] If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.
[7] For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God:
[8] But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned.

See All...; Hebrews 10:26-38 [26] For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,
[27] But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.
[28] He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:
[29] Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?
[30] For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people.
[31] It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
[32] But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions;
[33] Partly, whilst ye were made a gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became companions of them that were so used.
[34] For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance.
[35] Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.
[36] For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.
[37] For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.
[38] Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.

See All...).
• Conventional doctrine: The reward for a good life is going to live as a disembodied consciousness in heaven at the time of death. Biblical truth: The dead are not conscious, and no one has ascended consciously to heaven following death except Jesus Christ—after He was resurrected from the dead (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.
See All..., 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.
See All...; 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.
See All...; 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.
See All..., 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,
See All...).
• Conventional doctrine: You have an immortal soul. Biblical truth: You do not have an immortal soul. A soul can die, and again there is no consciousness in death. Death is compared in Scripture to a lifeless sleep from which people must be awakened in a resurrection (Ezekiel 18:4Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die.
See All..., Ezekiel 18:20The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.
See All...; 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.
See All..., 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.
See All...; Daniel 12:2And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.
See All...; 1 Corinthians 15:18Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished.
See All...).
• Conventional doctrine: Sunday is the Sabbath. Biblical truth: The seventh day of the week, Friday sunset to Saturday sunset, is God's Sabbath (Genesis 1:31And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day.
See All... - Genesis 2:1-3 [1] Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them.
[2] And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.
[3] And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made.

See All...; Exodus 20:8-10 [8] Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.
[9] Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work:
[10] But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates:

See All...; Isaiah 58:13If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the LORD, honourable; and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words:
See All...; Mark 2:28Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath.
See All...).
• Conventional doctrine: Jesus was crucified on a Friday and resurrected on Sunday morning, being dead for parts of three days. Biblical truth: Jesus was in the grave for three days and three nights, which cannot fit between Friday afternoon and Sunday morning (Matthew 12:39-40 [39] But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas:
[40] For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.

See All...).
These are just a few examples of many long-established, conventional Christian teachings contrasted with true biblical understanding. Do you see why it's so important for you to thoroughly challenge what you read, hear and accept as truth?

Jesus Christ resisted conventional religious ideas

Jesus Himself was the best example of challenging the status quo. His teachings and actions persuasively corrected accepted religious notions (Mark 1:22And they were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes.
See All...; Matthew 5:21-44 [21] Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:
[22] But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.
[23] Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;
[24] Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.
[25] Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison.
[26] Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing.
[27] Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery:
[28] But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.
[29] And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.
[30] And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.
[31] It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement:
[32] But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.
[33] Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths:
[34] But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne:
[35] Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King.
[36] Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black.
[37] But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.
[38] Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:
[39] But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.
[40] And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also.
[41] And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.
[42] Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.
[43] Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.
[44] But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

See All...). Jesus told His followers to carefully scrutinize what they were taught and to avoid following the wide, easy way that would lead to their destruction (Matthew 7:13Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
See All...).
The apostle Paul also encouraged people to "not be conformed to this world" but to "prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God" (Romans 12:2And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
See All...). You also need to question your religious beliefs by honestly comparing them to scriptural truth (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.
See All...).
True understanding comes from being willing to look outside traditional Christian teachings to what is actually written in the Bible (Isaiah 55:8-9 [8] For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.
[9] For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

See All...; Isaiah 66:2For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the LORD: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.
See All...; 1 Corinthians 1:19-21 [19] For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.
[20] Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?
[21] For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.

See All...).
Of course it may be difficult to accept what you learn because you will have to unlearn deep-seated ways of thinking. Discovering that something you believe is wrong can, at first, make you feel uncomfortable. Admitting you have been wrong is one of the hardest things you will ever do. Nevertheless, if you sincerely desire to please your Creator and follow His way of life, you will strive to reject all error and love the truth (3 John 11; 1 Peter 1:22Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:
See All...).

Living by every word of God

Elizabeth Kenny developed a revolutionary method to treat polio. Although many ridiculed her successful procedure, she never gave in to their criticisms. Kenny rejected conventional wisdom and lived by what she knew to be correct. You should also honestly compare traditional Christian doctrines with the Bible. Prove what's really true!

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

World News and Trends- India and China: the diplomatic conflict

article by Jerold Aust, John Ross Schroeder

What may help America in countering Chinese ambitions, at least temporarily, is the current diplomatic conflict between China and India.

What may help America in countering Chinese ambitions, at least temporarily, is the current diplomatic conflict between China and India. David Blair, covering Chinese affairs for London's Daily Telegraph, recently wrote, "India, revitalized and self-confident, sees itself as a barrier to the vaulting ambition of its age-old rival [China]" ( The Sunday Telegraph, Sept. 14, 2008).
Advantageous for New Delhi is that " India sits like an ancient aircraft carrier across Chinese shipping lanes." According to The Telegraph, "The two giant powers are long-standing rivals who share a disputed 2,100-mile border and are waging a diplomatic struggle for influence in Asia . They fought a border war in 1962, which ended in victory for China and left Beijing in control of 16,500 square miles of territory claimed by India" (Sept. 16, 2008).
China has a potential Achilles' heel in the Strait of Malacca, the shipping lanes that may be the site for a future military conflict between India and the Chinese republic. In contrast, India worries that Chinese courting of Pakistan and Myanmar will lead to the encirclement of the subcontinent nation. The United States is cooperating with and supporting India, as the two countries have obvious mutual interests in countering and containing Chinese ambitions.
David Blair concluded in another of his Telegraph articles that "China and India, which together comprise almost 40% of the world's population, harbour a longstanding rivalry which could shake the world in future decades" (Sept. 16, 2008). (Sources: The Sunday Telegraph [London], Telegraph.co.uk.)

In Brief... World News Review: Chinese Interests in Bahamas

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

In Brief... World News Review: Chinese Interests in Bahamas






article by Cecil Maranville, John Ross Schroeder, Peter Eddington





Concerns have been raised by Communist Chinese connections so close to American soil.



In 1962 the United States and Russia came dangerously close to nuclear war over the issue of nuclear weapons based in Cuba, just a few miles off the coast of Florida. Today there are concerns expressed over the presence of a Chinese company, Hutchison Whampoa Limited, in Panama, where it has contracted to manage the entrances to the former U.S. possession. The same Chinese company is currently completing construction of the largest container port in the world in Freeport, Bahamas-just 60 miles from Florida.



While this is a far cry from placing nuclear weapons close to United States soil, it has raised concerns that a company with Communist Chinese connections is operating in two strategic geographic points very close to American interests.



Several U.S. military experts say that these activities in both Panama and the Bahamas by Hutchison Whampoa Limited, a Hong Kong-based conglomerate, pose a significant risk to U.S. national security.



Officials for Hutchison Whampoa have heatedly denied any links with the Red Chinese government, but several established connections suggest that the Chinese government has a keen interest in the company's activities.



One port facility that has captured the interest of the Chinese government is Hutchison Whampoa's sprawling port facility in the tourist destination of Freeport on Grand Bahama Island.



According to the company's Web site, the port is located at one of the most strategic spots in the world because "Freeport is the closest offshore port to the east coast of the United States, at the cross-roads of routes between Europe and the Americas and through the Panama Canal."



Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott (Republican-Mississippi) and former U.S. Defense Secretary Caspar Weinberger have expressed concerns about Hutchison's influence over the Panama Canal.



Lott has described the Hong Kong firm as "an arm of the People's Liberation Army."



Hutchison Whampoa's chairman, Li Ka-Shing, is also a board member of CITIC-the China International Trust and Investment Corporation. U.S. intelligence sources have described the firm as a front for China's governmental State Council.



Congressman Dana Rohrbacher (Republican-California) has stated that CITIC has been used as a front company by China's military to acquire technology for weapons development. A recently declassified report by the United States Southern Command's Joint Intelligence Center, prepared in October 1999, said that "Hutchison Whampoa's owner, Hong Kong tycoon Li Ka-Shing, has extensive business ties in Beijing and has compelling financial reasons to maintain a good relationship with China's leadership."



The military intelligence report also warns that "Hutchison containerized shipping facilities in the Panama Canal, as well as the Bahamas, could provide a conduit for illegal shipments of technology or prohibited items from the West to the PRC, or facilitate the movement of arms and other prohibited items into the Americas."



Retired Admiral Thomas Moorer, former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and former commander in chief of the Pacific and Atlantic Fleet said this of the Chinese efforts: "Of course the Chinese military sees the benefit of having a base, a future base, so close to the United States. What China is trying to do is get a kind of maritime position worldwide, and they need a home base, so to speak, in every ocean." (Newsmax.com)

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