What do you do when someone suffers a major loss?

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What do you do when someone suffers a major loss?

by Victor Kubik

Last week my staff and I conducted a ministerial conference in the Rocky Mountain States.

One subject of special interest was this: How does one comfort someone who has suffered catastrophic loss? What can we do or say that will help? We will all go through this dark experience during our lifetimes, and many sometimes find it awkward or difficult to talk to someone who has recently suffered a major loss through death: a mate, a child or a parent. Many are in denial—it's emotionally tough to deal with the fact that they will never see or talk to them again in this lifetime.

So what can we say that will give relief and comfort, even assurance to the one grieving?

1. Sometimes we don't know what to say or do in cases like these.

I'd like to share a few practical points from the conference that may be helpful when we face this moment: Do not avoid the person close to you who is reeling from the death of a loved one. Don't pretend that it isn't happening. Their grief may absorb their entire consciousness. Do make yourself available and be around them in showing support, even if you don't say much. What's meaningful to the person going through shock is that you as their friend are around and available.

2. When speaking to them, do not be afraid to mention the person who died.

The grieving person is stunned and deeply hurt by the loss. Your making mention of the person by name can actually be a comforting action and help them deal with the loss.

3. Where possible, do take care of some of the normal and routine needs of the person going through grief.

Provide food is most common…and it does comfort. The grieving person often has little interest in taking care of some of the simple things of living.

In my experience, the greatest comfort often comes from understanding what really happens when one dies. Paul encourages a grieving church in Thessalonica to deal intelligently and not ignorantly about death:

"But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep [those who have died in the faith], lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus."

Continuing, Paul wrote: "For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words" (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 [13] But 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.

[14] For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.

[15] For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.

[16] For 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:

[17] Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

[18] Wherefore comfort one another with these words.



See All...).

Here a supernatural literal resurrection from the dead at the sound of a trumpet is promised. The trumpet sounds when Jesus Christ returns and the dead return to life! Note this encouraging companion statement in 1 Corinthians 15:52In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

See All...: "In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible , and we shall be changed" (emphasis added).

Knowing the truth of what a wonderful future awaits those whose human life ends does more to alleviate the pain of loss than anything else I could say. This truth gives hope and assurance that death is not the absolute end.

As I write this, we are preparing to observe an annual biblical festival called the Feast of Trumpets . This festival celebrates the return of Jesus Christ to this earth and the resurrection of the dead. As we observe this day, it represents a reassuring and comforting declaration of peace and joy for all.

To understand more about the Feast of Trumpets and other festivals of God, I invite you to read our free Bible study aid God's Holy Day Plan: The Promise of Hope for All Mankind . This short but packed booklet lays out all the biblical plan that Christians observe that give them hope and comfort. You may be surprised at the depth of knowledge of sure and wonderful truth that is in the pages of your Bible. After you read it, I would welcome your comments.

Praying for Those in the Path of Hurricane Sandy

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Praying for Those in the Path of Hurricane Sandy


Submitted October 29, 2012





Hurricane Sandy Heads Toward the East Coast



Source: www.nasa.gov Hurricane Sandy has already hit the Caribbean and is moving up the east coast of the United States. 58 are reported dead already from the storm.



Sandy is expected to continue up the east coast of the United States from Florida to New England. Many cities along the coast have already been evacuated in anticipation of the pending destruction.



When natural disasters loom and lives are lost it is important to remember the words that God inspired: "... The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much."' - James 5:16Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.



See All...

Please join us in praying for those that will be affected by Sandy. We will continue to update this page as we hear new developments.

Praying for Those in the Path of Hurricane Irene

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Praying for Those in the Path of Hurricane Irene

Hurricane Irene is set to hit the east coast



Source: NOAAHurricane Irene is moving up the east coast of the United States. It is expected to impact the lives of people from Florida to New England. Many cities along the coast have already been evacuated in anticipation of the pending destruction.



When natural disasters loom it is important to remember the words that God inspired: "... The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much."' - James:5:16Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

Please join us in praying for those that will be affected by Irene.

The Sabbath: It's Not Just a Good Idea, It's a Command from God!

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The Sabbath: It's Not Just a Good Idea, It's a Command from God!


A commentary by Randy D'Alessandro






A recent book is bringing public attention on the seventh-day Sabbath rest. While many agree that a day of rest every week is a good principle, is there more to it than that? See what God and your Bible say about the Sabbath as a day of rest and worship.





Source: Photos.comRecently, on the television morning show Fox and Friends, I saw an interview with Senator Joe Lieberman discussing his new book, "The Gift of Rest: Rediscovering the Beauty of the Sabbath."



Mr. Lieberman, as you recall, is not only a United States Senator but a former vice-presidential nominee and chairman of the Senate Homeland Security Committee.



The need for a day of rest

As a Sabbath-keeper I was intrigued by this man, who despite his high profile lifestyle, spoke on how the Sabbath has anchored, ordered, and inspired his life. Mr. Lieberman also expressed his encouragement of others who pick a day of the week to rest and keep in a special way.



Setting aside one day in seven as a special day of rest is indeed a good principle, but the real questions are: What does God think, and what does the Bible say? Is resting once a week just a good idea whose time has come in a hectic world, or is resting and worshiping God on a specific day of the week a command from God himself—not just to the Jewish people but to all peoples at all times?



Confusion about the Sabbath

Leaders and authorities from many religious denominations candidly acknowledge that Saturday is the biblical Sabbath day and that there is no biblical basis for Sunday observance. For example, note the following quotes:



"Nowhere in the Bible do we find that Christ or the Apostles ordered that the Sabbath be changed from Saturday to Sunday. We have the commandment of God given to Moses to keep holy the Sabbath day, that is the 7th day of the week, Saturday. Today most Christians keep Sunday because it has been revealed to us by the [Roman Catholic] church outside the Bible" ("To Tell You the Truth," The Catholic Virginian, Oct. 3, 1947, p. 9).



"But since Saturday, not Sunday, is specified in the Bible, isn't it curious that non-Catholics who profess to take their religion directly from the Bible, and not the Church, observe Sunday instead of Saturday? Yes of course, it is inconsistent; but this change was made about 15 centuries before Protestantism was born, and by that time the custom was universally observed. They have continued the custom, even though it rests upon the authority of the Catholic Church and not upon an explicit text in the Bible" (Dr. John O'Brien, Faith of Millions, pp. 543-544).



"You may read the Bible from Genesis to Revelation, and you will not find a single line authorizing the sanctification of Sunday. The Scriptures enforce the religious observance of Saturday, a day which we never sanctify" (James Cardinal Gibbons, Faith of our Fathers, 88th ed., p. 89).



"We observe Sunday instead of Saturday because the Catholic Church, in the Council of Laodicea, transferred the solemnity from Saturday to Sunday" (Peter Geiermann, The Convert's Catechism of Catholic Doctrine, 1957, p. 50).



"The Sabbath was binding in Eden, and it has been in force ever since. This fourth commandment begins with the word 'remember,' showing that the Sabbath already existed when God wrote the law on the tables of stone at Sinai. How can men claim that this one commandment has been done away with when they will admit that the other nine are still binding?" (Dwight L. Moody, Weighed and Wanting, pp. 47-48).



The Sabbath is a gift—and a command—from God

Jesus Christ, in condemning the practices of the religious leaders of His day, said, "In vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.' For laying aside the commandment of God, you hold the tradition of men…All too well you reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your tradition" (Mark:7:7-9[7]Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.[8]For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do.[9]And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.).



According to Christ's own statements, it is possible to worship Him in a way that does no good—that is, it is in vain. God does not give us the choice of how to worship Him—only whether we will worship Him according to His instructions or not.



Bravo to Senator Lieberman for bringing attention to this important command from God! The United Church of God offers you literature that will walk you through the scriptures offering more information about this special gift from God to all mankind. Our booklet Sunset to Sunset: God's Sabbath Rest is available at no cost or obligation.

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Does the Bible Predict Storms Like Katrina for the End Time?

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Does the Bible Predict Storms Like Katrina for the End Time?

A commentary by Scott Ashley

In Matthew:24:6-8[6]And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.[7]For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.[8]All these are the beginning of sorrows., Jesus Christ foretold some of the signs that would mark the age leading up to His return: "And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of sorrows."



We have certainly seen devastating earthquakes in recent years. The December 2004 earthquake off Indonesia was the most powerful in decades, unleashing a massive tsunami that took some 300,000 lives—the greatest number of casualties from an earthquake in more than 500 years.



But this word translated "earthquakes" in Matthew:24:7For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. deserves a closer look. The Greek word is seismos, from which we derive such English words as "seismic" and "seismology," referring to earthquake activity and the study of earthquakes. Strong's Lexicon defines it as "a commotion, i.e. (of the air) a gale, (of the ground) an earthquake—earthquake, tempest" (Strong's No. 4578).



Seismos encompasses a broader meaning than just the earth shaking. Matthew 8, for example, records the famous story of how a violent storm overtook Jesus and His disciples on the Sea of Galilee, threatening to capsize their fishing boat and drown them—until Jesus miraculously calmed the winds and waves.



The word used in verse 8 for this sudden, powerful storm is seismos, here translated "great tempest." The parallel account in Mark:4:37And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. calls it a "great windstorm." Therefore, seismos can also refer to violent storms involving wind and water, and isn't limited strictly to earthquakes as we might assume.



When Jesus Christ foretold "famines, pestilences and earthquakes in various places," His words encompass natural disasters that include earthquakes, but also can apply to hurricanes, typhoons, tornadoes and other such violent storms in the air.



As the world recently saw with Katrina's devastation of New Orleans and the Gulf Coast, hurricanes can be enormously destructive. Katrina took more than 1,000 lives and caused an estimated $200 billion in damage. In 1998, rainfall from hurricane Mitch generated more than a million landslides in Honduras alone, wiping our roads and burying towns and farmland.



Are such natural disasters increasing as Jesus foretold?



The Sept. 16 issue of Science magazine reports on research by scientists at the Georgia Institute of Technology and the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder, Colorado. They concluded that while the number of hurricanes and cyclones had not increased, "the researchers did find a sharp increase during the past 35 years in the number of category 4 and 5 tropical cyclones, the most intense storms that cause most of the damage on landfall" (Richard Kerr, "Is Katrina a Harbinger of Still More Powerful Hurricanes?", p. 1807).



Specifically, they found that the frequency of the most dangerous and damaging storms—those rated category 4 and 5—increased by 80 percent from the 1970s to the last decade. Their conclusions mirrored findings by a Massachusetts Institute of Technology meteorologist reported in the Aug. 4 issue of Nature.



Such findings should certainly make us sit up and take notice. Later in that same prophecy of the end time, as recorded in Luke:21:25-28[25]And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;[26]Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.[27]And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.[28]And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh. (New International Version), Jesus says: "There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea." This appears to be not just a reference to massive storms, but also to more devastating tsunamis like the Indian Ocean tsunami from last December.

Here we also find Jesus using an interesting Greek word. Salos, translated "tossing," means "the tossing motion of large waves on a body of water—'surging waves'" (Louw-Nida Lexicon). A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament defines its meaning as "a rolling or tossing motion, surge, esp. of the waves in a rough sea . . ." Both of these definitions mention surging of waves. The huge storm surges produced by hurricanes are perhaps their most damaging aspect.

Jesus continues: "Men will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near."

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2011: The Year of Tumults

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2011: The Year of Tumults





Massive natural, environmental and economic disasters have defined the first half of 2011. Bible prophecy identifies events like these as one of the identifying signs of the end times. Where will all these things lead?





Source: Photos.comJesus Christ predicted "earthquakes in various places" before His return to earth to set up the Kingdom of God. The Greek word translated "earthquakes" in the original language means "tumults," which can refer to any kind of environmental or human disaster.



So far 2011 has been a year of gargantuan natural tumults that have devastated broad areas of the world's greatest, most advanced nations and caused enormous global economic impact. In a virtually continuous explosion, today's headlines push out the headlines of last month's disasters before the full story is in on any one of them.



Massive flooding in Oceania

January's torrential rains and floods throughout the southern hemisphere inundated so much of Australia that government officials quickly acknowledged it as the greatest natural disaster in the nation's history. Queensland alone had floods the size of South Africa, with preliminary estimates of $10 billion in losses. That was without counting the impact on the enormous coal and coking operations, 90 percent of which were disrupted, and accounted for most of the immediate 20 percent rise in world coke prices. Coke is essential for manufacturing iron and steel products. Australia is the world's leading coal exporter.



As the floods spread south to New South Wales and Victoria provinces, the total area flooded was the combined size of Germany and France. The flood destroyed major parts of Brisbane, a metropolis much larger than New Orleans with scenes of devastation similar to Hurricane Katrina.



Simultaneously, 5,000 miles to the west, rains rampaged much of Sri Lanka's countryside, wiping out 21 percent of the rice crop. The same week, flash floods killed 626 in Brazil.



2011 defined by earthquakes

New Zealand's February earthquake flattened much of Christchurch, center of the region's population of 500,000. New Zealand's Prime Minister John Key observed, "We may be witnessing New Zealand's darkest day."



Japan's March 11th earthquake was the greatest in Japan's history and one of the greatest recorded in world history. The 24,000 death toll would have been much greater were it not for that nation's amazing social cohesion, high building standards, preparedness and ability to contain the ongoing nuclear disaster. But the 30-foot tsunami rolling over the coastal landscape is being followed by a tsunami of economic consequences for Japan and potential worldwide economic disruption.



Like a tsunami watch, analysts and central bankers are surveying the tides of capital flows, watching to see if the shock suddenly surfaces like a tsunami in capital markets in New York, London and the interconnected web of the global system of capital markets. Japan's earthquake disaster is far from over.



North America not excluded from disaster

April's outburst of tornadoes in the American South and Midwest is the most devastating in American history. In fact, the recent volume of tornado activity defies explanation by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the official weather service of the United States and the most sophisticated on the planet. This April's total of more than 600 tornadoes far exceeds the monthly average of 125. On April 25th, there were 305 tornadoes in 24 hours, resulting in yet uncounted billions of dollars in damage and an estimated 100 deaths



The NOAA website states: "It should be noted, due to the extreme nature of the tornado activity this month, that it will take several months for the count of tornadoes and tornado-related fatalities/injuries to be finalized. Numbers reported here will likely change in the coming months. A special report on all of the extreme weather and climate conditions of April 2011 will be released by early summer 2011.''



The insurance industry is likely to sustain billions in losses from the disaster. But even this is only the beginning of economic impacts on the United States. As part of the weird North American weather pattern, excessive rainfall combined with continent wide snow melt has led to flooding in the vast Mississippi River system similar to Australia's in January, flooding millions of acres of prime cropland just as planting of essential grains was to be completed.



And most recently a massive tornado swept through the city of Joplin, Missouri, killing over 100 people and causing massive damage. While Joplin is no stranger to tornados, the size and ferocity of this one was both unusual and horrifying.



Where does this all end? This may only be the storm before an even bigger storm of geopolitics in the Middle East and Europe. The unprecedented scale of these natural disasters certainly constitutes "tumults" as Jesus predicted.



Throughout these events, millions have prayed daily for relief, bringing meaning to the words of Christ to His followers: "Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven." Before