Hawaii's 50th Anniversary as America's 50th State

Fifty years ago on August 21, 1959 the Territory of Hawaii became the 50th state of the United States of America. Earlier that same year, on January 3, the Territory of Alaska had become the 49th state. Both were immense additions to the nation's wealth and blessings.

The history of America's territorial expansion is fascinating. For each addition, the cost was relatively low or none at all.

The source of America's blessings

Looking back on its history, some say America has been amazingly "lucky!" Others say that the evidence strongly points to divine intervention—that God was handing the nation's pioneers a new promised land!

Time after time enormous portions of land seemingly fell into America's lap! One enormous asset of the United States is its abundance of fruitful land in ideal and strategic locations.

But if God has time and again so blessed America, what was His purpose? Before addressing that question let's consider a simplified summary of the territorial expansion of the United States.

U.S. acquisitions

The Revolutionary War that officially began in 1776 concluded with the Treaty of Paris in 1783. That treaty gave the United States far more land than the colonies along the Atlantic coast. It defined the nation's territory as all the land between British Canada to the north, Spanish Florida to the south and the Mississippi River to the west!

Then in 1803 the size of the country virtually doubled with the massive Louisiana Purchase from France! The cost was $15 million, about $18 per square mile.

With a treaty in 1819, the United States acquired more prime real estate when Spain ceded Florida to the U.S. for about $5 million.

The Republic of Texas, having gained independence from Mexico in 1836, was annexed in 1845. At that time, the territory included not only the present state of Texas but also territory that now is part of Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, New Mexico and Wyoming.

From coast to coast

Beginning in 1818 "Oregon Country" from the Rockies to the Pacific was jointly controlled by the United States and the United Kingdom. A treaty in 1846 divided the territory at the 49th parallel, giving the United States the area that now includes Oregon, Washington and Idaho.

At the conclusion of the Mexican-American War in 1848, Mexico ceded an enormous area to the U.S. for about $18 million. The region includes all of the present-day states of California, Nevada and Utah, and portions of Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Wyoming—completing the nation's expansion from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean.

Three more acquisitions

With the Gadsden Purchase of 1853, the U.S. purchased from Mexico a strip of land now in New Mexico and Arizona for $10 million.

Alaska was purchased from the Russian Empire in 1867 for $7,200,000—about 1.9 cents per acre. Some Americans thought this was a wasteful purchase—that Alaska was just a big icebox!

Hawaii, a republic since 1894, was annexed in 1898. Although there are eight main islands, Hawaii actually has hundreds of islands spread over 1500 miles. Other islands around the world have also become territorial possessions of the United States through a variety of circumstances.

Is God responsible?

Now to the fundamental question: Did God plan and announce long in advance the blessings and mushrooming expansion of the United States? Both the historical and biblical evidence emphatically say yes!

That is not to say that America's earliest settlers personally earned or deserved these blessings. Instead, it's a result of God fulfilling His specific territorial promises to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. There is ample historical evidence that the earliest settlers in America came mostly from peoples in Britain who descended from the biblical tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh, direct descendants of Jacob's son Joseph.

God promised the biblical patriarchs that because of their obedience and steadfast faith, He would greatly bless their descendants and someday make great nations of them. And He did as He promised.

But He also warned that He would withdraw His blessings from them or any nation or people if they turned their backs on Him. Both the British and American people are rapidly abandoning their biblical roots. What will their future be?

Can You Know God's Plan?

Only a few realize that these biblical festivals are a teaching tool God uses to reveal His plan.

In early October my wife and I will join thousands of other Christians in a weeklong celebration. We'll gather at locations from Argentina to Australia, from Canada to Cameroon, from Malawi to Mexico, in a biblical observance that's been around for at least 3,400 years.

Although it will be a family time, with lots of family activities, greeting old friends and making new ones, our primary focus will be on learning more about God. We'll hear a number of biblically oriented messages and presentations addressing what God is doing—right now, in the near future and throughout the history of mankind.

The celebration in which we'll be participating is the biblical Feast of Tabernacles. Most who identify themselves as Christian have never heard of it. Although this feast is mentioned several times in the Bible, many have probably read right over the words with it never registering.

Yet Jesus Christ Himself observed this Feast, even risking death at the hands of His enemies to travel to Jerusalem to keep it (John 7:1-14). The apostle Paul thought God's festivals so important that he left the fledgling church in Ephesus, telling them, "I must by all means keep this coming feast in Jerusalem" (Acts 18:21).

So why has so much of Christianity ignored the biblical festivals? Most take the position that these celebrations were only for the Jewish people or ancient Israelites—though God Himself proclaimed them "the feasts of the Lord" and said, "These are My Feasts" (Leviticus 23:2, emphasis added throughout). God tells us they are His feasts, not those of some particular cultural, religious or ethnic group.

Some think these have no relevance at all to Christians. Yet the apostle Paul, using language plainly showing he was referring to another of God's biblical feasts, told the mostly non-Jewish Christians in Corinth, "Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth" (1 Corinthians 5:8).

Are we missing out on a message from God? Yes. By ignoring His biblically mandated celebrations and observances, we have lost sight of what God is doing.

Only a few realize that these biblical festivals are a teaching tool God uses to reveal the great plan He is working out with human beings here below. For example, the first of God's annual festivals is the Passover, when God directed that a lamb be slain (Exodus 12:3-14; Leviticus 23:4-5). What did this signify?

John the Baptist recognized that Jesus was "the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" (John 1:29)—making it possible for us to be saved from eternal death. Paul understood that Christ was "our Passover, [who] was sacrificed for us" (1 Corinthians 5:7).

The first and most foundational step in God's plan of salvation, "foreordained before the foundation of the world," was that we could be redeemed by "the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot" (1 Peter 1:18-20). Similarly, God's other festivals go on to reveal the other major steps in His great plan through which He is working with mankind.

In this issue we examine how God's feasts reveal how He will at last bring about the kind of world for which man has always hoped and dreamed—a world in which suffering will be no more.

Visit our Web site at www.ucg.org/feast if you'd like to learn more about the upcoming Feast of Tabernacles. Perhaps we'll see you there!

David—A Man After God's Heart

Most men do one thing well and call it enough. King David did many things well and was usually ready and eager to do more.

David's convictions became apparent to his family and friends early in his life. While visiting an Israelite military camp, David was horrified to see the Philistines' champion, Goliath, arrogantly challenge the Israelites: "I defy the armies of Israel this day; give me a man, that we may fight together" (1 Samuel 17:10).

No Israelite dared face the giant. This situation infuriated David. "What shall be done for the man who kills this Philistine and takes away the reproach from Israel?" he demanded. "For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?" (1 Samuel 17:26).

The events that immediately followed became a legend.

How did this young man, whose background included herding sheep, writing poetry and playing and singing songs under starry skies, become a fearless, valiant warrior?

Let's consider how David matured into the most renowned of Israel's kings.

David's accomplishments were many. He captured Jerusalem, making it the national capital, and reunited the nation. In a 40-year span he controlled an empire that stretched from Egypt to Mesopotamia. A man of many talents, he was a shepherd, poet, musician, warrior and statesman and an administrator who set a standard for the later kings of Israel and Judah.

As the youngest of eight sons of Jesse, his job was to tend sheep. Shepherding meant lonely vigils as well as opportunities to come to know God in an intimate relationship that developed throughout David's life.

The story of David's ascent to the crown began rather unceremoniously. It all started when God sent Samuel to anoint a replacement for King Saul. Saul had disqualified himself to rule; God decided on another man: young David.

Outward appearance secondary

God directed Samuel to go to the abode of Jesse, where he would anoint a king from among Jesse's sons. Samuel did as he was told, then began to take stock of each son. "So it was, when they came, that he looked at Eliab and said, 'Surely the LORD's anointed is before Him'" (1 Samuel 16:6). Samuel reasoned the way so many of us do: He was certain that Jesse's oldest son, Eliab, with his confident bearing, height and impressive good looks, was the one God would choose.

"But the LORD said to Samuel, 'Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart'" (1 Samuel 16:7, emphasis added throughout).

To God the heart-a person's innermost motivation and attitude-is of prime importance: "But on this one will I look: On him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, and who trembles at My word" (Isaiah 66:2). Eliab's regal appearance didn't qualify him to become Israel's next king. David's heart did.

One by one Jesse's sons came before Samuel to determine who was to be king. It didn't occur to Jesse to send for young David. Samuel was puzzled as it became evident God had chosen none of the sons brought to him. "Are all the young men here?" he asked (1 Samuel 16:11).

Informed that the youngest was out tending sheep, Samuel requested: "Send and bring him. For we will not sit down till he comes here."

"And the LORD said, 'Arise, anoint him; for this is the one!' Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers; and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward" (verses 12-13).

From these humble beginnings came Israel's greatest king. David's early training had taught him to herd sheep; now God would teach him to lead a nation.

After his anointing as king, David returned to his flocks, and it was from there that he visited his brothers on the Philistine battlefield and witnessed Goliath's challenge.

When David asked what would happen to the man who slew this insufferable braggart, someone reported David's words to King Saul, and the king sent for him.

David wasn't intimidated by Israel's king or the enemy giant. He recounted how he had killed a lion and a bear that had threatened his family's sheep, "and this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, seeing he has defied the armies of the living God ... The LORD, who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, He will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine" (1 Samuel 17:36).

Fighting in God's name

Carrying only his staff, David marched forward to meet the giant, stopping only to select five smooth stones from a brook. When Goliath saw how small young David was, he mocked him: "Am I a dog, that you come to me with sticks? ... Come to me, and I will give your flesh to the birds of the air and the beasts of the field!" (verses 43-44).

David's response was fearless: "You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the LORD will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you and take your head from you. And this day I will give the carcasses of the camp of the Philistines to the birds of the air and the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel" (verses 45-46). The following events quickly found their way into legend.

David rushed toward the giant. "Then David put his hand in his bag and took out a stone; and he slung it and struck the Philistine in his forehead, so that the stone sank into his forehead, and he fell on his face to the earth. So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone, and struck the Philistine and killed him" (verses 49-50).

Saul and the army of Israel were shocked to witness the impossible. An unknown shepherd boy had killed the giant. The stunned Philistines fled; the battle turned into a rout.

A jealous king

After David killed Goliath, King Saul required David to live with him in his palace as a military commander (1 Samuel 18:2, 5). He proved a loyal and wise leader.

However, after a campaign in which Israel had again soundly defeated the Philistines, the people of Israel welcomed back Saul, David and the army. When Saul heard the women singing that "Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands" (1 Samuel 18:7), he grew envious.

David served under Saul's jealous rages. The king tried several times to kill David, but to no avail.

David found himself forced to become a fugitive, an outlaw. However, God used Saul's persecution of David to forge leadership qualities in him. From the anxieties and turmoil he suffered, David developed faith, resourcefulness and determination.

David first fled to Nob, where he stocked provisions and obtained Goliath's sword from the priest, Ahimelech. From Nob David fled to Gath, in Philistine territory. There he would be safe from Saul. At Adullam he gathered around him other disaffected members of Israelite society, the nucleus of a formidable fighting force.

When David returned to Judah, Saul heard about Ahimelech's aid to David. Saul ordered 85 priests from Nob killed for Ahimelech's presumptuousness in assisting David. Only one of Ahimelech's sons escaped, and he joined up with David.

David heard that the Philistines were harassing Keilah, a town of Judah. With God's help he defeated them. Yet the ingrates of Keilah contrived to turn David and his 600 men over to Saul. So David fled into the Wilderness of Ziph.

The opportunistic men of Ziph plotted to betray David to Saul. David fled again, this time to the Wilderness of Maon, just ahead of Saul and his men. When Saul was momentarily diverted by news that the Philistines had raided the land, David descended to the strongholds of En-Gedi, near the Dead Sea.

David twice spares Saul's life

This is where David's sterling character shines through.

In his first embarrassing encounter, Saul, leading 3,000 soldiers, hotly pursued David and his little band. When Saul entered a cave to "cover his feet," or "relieve himself" (as some Bible versions word it)-the very cave in which David was hiding-David's men urged him to slay his pursuer: "This is the day of which the LORD said to you, 'Behold, I will deliver your enemy into your hand, that you may do to him as it seems good to you'" (1 Samuel 24:4). Instead, David restrained his men and crept close enough to cut off a corner of Saul's robe.

An unwitting Saul left the cave and rejoined his soldiers outside. David then revealed himself at the mouth of the cave. Showing the corner cut from Saul's robe, David pleaded with Saul to stop pursuing him: "Therefore let the LORD be judge, and judge between you and me, and see and plead my case, and deliver me out of your hand" (verse 15).

Saul was momentarily conscience-stricken. He admitted his depravity in his attempts to murder David and that David had indeed served faithfully and righteously. Saul asked David to swear to him that when he became king he would not destroy Saul's descendants. David agreed and kept his promises.

Saul's change of heart did not last. He again tried to hunt down and kill David. While Saul was encamped with 3,000 soldiers, David asked Abishai, brother of Joab, to accompany him on a daring nighttime maneuver that took them to the heart of Saul's camp.

Together the two crept into the camp and saw Saul lying in a deep sleep. Abishai begged David to let him take Saul's spear and run him through to the ground, but David refused: "Do not destroy him; for who can stretch out his hand against the LORD'S anointed, and be guiltless? ... As the LORD lives, the LORD shall strike him, or his day shall come to die, or he shall go out to battle and perish ... But please, take now the spear and the jug of water that are by his head, and let us go" (1 Samuel 26:9-11).

When David and Abishai had traveled a safe distance from the camp, David called back to Saul, revealing how easily the king could have been killed.

Again, Saul was ashamed of his murderous designs toward David. His parting words were prophetic: "May you be blessed, my son David! You shall both do great things and also still prevail" (verse 25).

David becomes king

David's own words about Saul that night were also prophetic. Saul did perish in battle, as did his son, Prince Jonathan (1 Samuel 31:2, 6). The day was infamous in Israel's history. David's anguish (2 Samuel 1:17-27) over the deaths of Saul and Jonathan is a model of righteous grief. The words of his lament-"How the mighty have fallen!"-have echoed down through the ages.

David returned to Judah, where, in a public ceremony, he was anointed king over Judah (2 Samuel 2:4). He reigned in Judah for seven and one-half years (verse 11). Israel's northern tribes did not yet receive him, for Abner-commander of Saul's army-had Saul's son Ishbosheth installed as king.

The rivalry between supporters of the two monarchs soon heated up, played out by Abner and Joab, David's general officer. In a battle between their two armies, Abner killed one of Joab's brothers. Then Joab retaliated by killing Abner. David mourned the valiant Abner's death just as he had mourned for Saul and Jonathan. Shortly thereafter, Ishbosheth was murdered. David mourned his death and had the murderers executed. This showed David's concern for fairness: He would not let unjust deeds go unpunished.

The way was clear for David to assume sole power over Judah and Israel, and he was anointed king over the reunited nation. Shortly thereafter David captured Jerusalem and made it his capital (2 Samuel 5:6-10). He reigned over all Israel for 33 years following seven in Judah-a total of 40 years.

The kingdom thrived under David's rule. Things went well for him militarily, administratively and spiritually. With God's help, David experienced one military victory after another.

David's material power was staggering. His kingdom included the Mediterranean on the west, the Sinai desert in the south, much of Transjordan on the east and the Euphrates on the north (2 Samuel 24:5-7). God was with David; he enjoyed much success in his roles as ruler and warrior.

The troubled court of David

Like all people, however, David was far from perfect. He was prone to stumble, sometimes quite dramatically. God recorded David's mistakes so we can learn from his example (Romans 15:4; 1 Corinthians 10:11).

His sordid behavior with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11) was a turning point in David's life. God's subsequent punishment of David for adultery and murder brought dire consequences. David had greatly prospered, but after this watershed incident his troubles markedly increased. Yet David's repentance, recorded in Psalm 51, has stood as an inspiring example throughout the generations.

The next major episodes in David's life included his two sons, Amnon and Absalom. Amnon raped his half sister, Tamar. In retaliation, Absalom killed Amnon and fled. Absalom was eventually brought back to David by Joab. Although David allowed Absalom to return, they were not reconciled for two years.

Afterward Absalom began an active campaign of subversion against his father (2 Samuel 15). Flattering and promising the citizens everything they had ever wanted, Absalom eventually won them over. His father, David, once again had to flee for his life.

The stage was set for a final confrontation between Absalom's forces and David's army. Absalom's soldiers, under Amasa, were no match for David's seasoned warriors. The slaughter was unbridled, and Absalom fled for his life. As he absconded, his hair got caught in the boughs of a tree. The mule he was riding left him dangling from the tree. While he struggled to free himself, his pursuers caught and killed him.

After Absalom's death came a power vacuum. It took some time for David again to be accepted by the people of Judah, and even longer before Israel accepted him. It wasn't until Joab killed Amasa (2 Samuel 20) that Judah and Israel were again joined under David's leadership.

A man after God's own heart

Considering such problems, some might wonder why God thought so highly of David. Part of the answer is that, in spite of his lapses, David usually wholeheartedly sought God's will. He didn't withdraw from the responsibilities of life. The biblical record shows that, the more conditions around David deteriorated, the more he grew in character.

David remained faithful to God throughout his life. His loyalty to His Creator was beyond question. Read about his reliance on God in the psalms of David. He was "the sweet psalmist of Israel" (2 Samuel 23:1).

Luke writes in the book of Acts the assessment of the apostle Paul, that David was a man after God's own heart. God, wrote Paul, "raised up for them David as king, to whom also He gave testimony and said, 'I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after My own heart, who will do all My will'" (Acts 13:22). What a tribute to the former shepherd boy who became king!

Right Values: Light in an Age of Confusion

The debate over values continues to grow. Are values changing? Are there moral absolutes? Is there a source we should go to to determine right values? Many wonder what happened to the traditional values that brought us through a tumultuous century—and worry about what lies ahead.

They'll probably never again invite Joe Wright, pastor of a church in Wichita, Kansas, to open a session of the Kansas Legislature with prayer. Mr. Wright feels strongly about issues of right and wrong and isn't shy about expressing himself in no uncertain terms. After his recent invocation a few of the legislators took loud exception to his prayer: "It was gross, divisive, sanctimonious, overbearing," one said. Others called it "blasphemous and ignorant." What had this minister said that so stirred the wrath of these state representatives? Here is that prayer, as widely quoted in the print and electronic news media:

"Heavenly Father, we come before You today to ask Your forgiveness and to seek Your direction and guidance. We know Your Word says woe to those who call evil good, but that's exactly what we have done. We've lost our spiritual equilibrium and inverted our values.

"We confess that we have ridiculed the absolute truth of Your Word in the name of moral pluralism. We have worshipped other gods and called it multiculturalism.

"We have endorsed perversion and called it an alternative lifestyle. We have exploited the poor and called it a lottery. We have neglected the needy and called it self-preservation. We have rewarded laziness and called it welfare.

"In the name of choice we have killed our unborn. In the name of right to life we have killed abortionists.

"We have neglected to discipline our children and called it building esteem. We have abused power and called it political savvy. We have coveted our neighbor's possessions and called it taxes. We have polluted the air with profanity and pornography and called it freedom of expression. We have ridiculed the time-honored values of our forefathers and called it enlightenment.

"Search us, O God, and know our hearts today. Try us and show us any wickedness in us. Cleanse us from every sin, and set us free. Guide and bless these men and women who have been sent here by the people of Kansas and who have been ordained by You to govern this great state. Grant them Your wisdom to rule, and may their decisions direct us to the center of Your will. I ask it in the name of your Son, the living Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen."

To some people Mr. Wright's invocation may seem inappropriate against the backdrop of modern moral and social values. But is it? Haven't we as a society strayed from our moral moorings?

Losing our bearings?

Values are like a lighthouse. They send out a constant message of reassurance and warning: As you make your way through the murkiness and confusion of life, keep values in view, or risk disaster.

A lighthouse marks a point from which ships can judge their positions to maintain their safety and security. It serves as a consistent, unswerving guide.

Values are like that. They are like beacons, allowing people to navigate safely the ocean of life.

Where in the world are we relative to traditional Christian values? Let's take a look:

• Two decades ago television-network situation comedies were talking about people's posteriors; now they show them.
• Today a woman can contract with a physician to terminate her unborn child yet be charged with child abuse if she takes drugs while pregnant.
• In some states a child cannot legally be given an aspirin without parental permission, yet a pregnant girl can undergo an abortion without informing her parents.
• Various self-proclaimed experts say that our values should depend on our circumstances and perspectives. In higher education the only absolute is that there are no absolutes.

Disintegration of values

Peggy Noonan, speechwriter for Presidents Ronald Reagan and George Bush and author of several books on values, wrote an article for Ladies' Home Journal, "What's Happened to Our Values?" She warned that Western culture is full of harmful messages, that our values are deteriorating before our eyes (March 1995, p. 70). In a series of television interviews in 1994, she asked questions of other people who had written about values.

In Greenwich Village she interviewed essayist and social philosopher Stanley Crouch. Mr. Crouch, who is black, related to Miss Noonan the world of his youth, black neighborhoods of New York in the 1950s. "Back then, he said, when you waited with your books for the school bus, the old ladies would come by and say, 'You study those books,' and the barbershop was full of guys who'd give you a dollar for every A on your report card. Where are those old ladies and old men now? I asked. They're still there, he said, but they're fighting a losing battle, overwhelmed by cultural forces they cannot control" (p. 72).

Miss Noonan was struck by Mr. Crouch's observations: "On crime: We have 'defined deviancy down'-unable to accept the explosion of crime around us, we have taken refuge in redefining crime, calling it a social ill and hoping that money and good intentions will solve it. On the city in which he grew up: It was a place of hope, a place where, in spite of the Depression, people had a sense of possibility. On the city today: a landscape of broken homes and social pathology" (p.72).

Miss Noonan interviewed Barbara Dafoe Whitehead on the breakup of families. Ms. Whitehead, a "social observer," was the academic who stunned Atlantic Monthly readers with her article "Dan Quayle Was Right." As she undertook the research to write this controversial article about the former vice president's views on the American family, she discovered a world of unspoken data documenting the debilitating effects of divorce.

Ms. Whitehead, who is not divorced, spoke openly of family life in the United States. She noted that 20 years ago Americans began acting as if they had changed their minds about the foundation of family life. "We decided in the 1970s, out of a sense of optimism about the future, that we were going to reengineer family relationships in a way that made them more productive of our own individual satisfactions, and that it was okay to give up on an unhappy marriage and move on. That was a big change in thinking. And the second part was that children would bounce back. That was such a pervasive idea in the literature [of] the 1970s. Well, who would refuse a deal like that? And then, sadder but wiser, we now stand in the 1990s-and we realize that that optimistic scenario hasn't been played out" (Ladies' Home Journal, March, 1995, p. 73).

Television reflects society

Jacquelyn Mitchard, writing for the July 13 TV Guide, asked a question that plagues parents hoping to watch family-oriented television programs with their children: "What happened to the family hour? Eight p.m. used to be a time that brought us all together" (p. 12).

She contrasted '70s shows with telecasts of the '90s. On The Brady Bunch, Greg was afraid to tell his parents he had wrecked their car. On Mad About You, Paul's sister fears telling the folks she's a lesbian. On Happy Days, sharing Coke meant drinking cola through separate straws. On Beverly Hills 90210, sharing coke means snorting an illegal substance through straws.

"What was so great about the best of the family television shows of the past was that they weren't afraid to go beyond surface sentimentality to authentic-and sometimes complicated-feelings like compassion, ambivalence and gentleness" (p. 18).

Neil Postman, professor of communication arts and sciences at New York University, in his bestseller Amusing Ourselves to Death, argues that society is entertaining itself to death. He contrasts the opposing views of Orwell and Huxley, noting that Orwell wrote that our worst nightmare was externally imposed oppression, whereas Huxley's vision predicted that people would come to love their oppression, to adore the devices that would undo their capacity to think (1985, p. vii). We love to be entertained. But at what price do we mortgage our family values?

Robert Rector, senior analyst for welfare and family issues at The Heritage Foundation, writing in National Review July 15, compares religion to penicillin, noting that it is lethal against a wide array of behavioral pathogens. He comments on the irony of progressive thinkers who view religion not as a medicine, but as leprosy from which society must be quarantined. Mr. Rector believes the issue is not merely the purging of religion from public consideration and debate, but the more-critical expansion of the public square in the modern era, displacing the church from its essential roles in education and charity.

But, in spite of efforts to shove it to the sidelines, the church remains America's strongest weapon in the war against family disintegration, crime, drugs and despair among the poor (pp. 32-33). Values-based religion, not just preached but practiced, still influences our society.

Who decides our values?

News commentator Ted Koppel once remarked that when Moses descended Mount Sinai he wasn't carrying with him the Ten Suggestions on the tables of stone. Mr. Koppel's allusion was to the deceptive twin beacons of moral and ethical relativism. The Bible says the Architect and Designer of life presented us with moral and spiritual laws, the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20; Romans 7:14).

Could anyone deny that the Ten Commandments are unique among the codes humans can follow? They define human behavior and morality in a simple way. Would anyone disagree, for example, that a law against murdering another human being was appropriate?

Yet in spite of the obvious morality of the Ten Commandments, many think of them as no longer appropriate, that no single source can determine the validity of values. Since all nations have long since enacted laws against murder, how could anyone say the Sixth Commandment, for example, should not be binding?

The opponents of and arguments against the Ten Commandments are legion. These laws are explained away in every way imaginable.

A classic argument claims that the Ten Commandments were meant only for the ancient Israelites, or that they are part of an "Old Covenant" and therefore long since obsolete. Yet the Bible clearly tells us that these are not Jewish laws, but God's laws for mankind (Exodus 19:7; 20:1; Deuteronomy 5:10; John 14:21; Revelation 22:14).

Some claim that, since several of the Ten Commandments tell people what not to do, they have no place in a world that emphasizes positive self-esteem and attempts to relieve everyone of any kind of responsibility. What some fail to recognize is that God used the "Thou shalt not" approach for eight of the Commandments because He had already witnessed the natural, downward pull of human nature: "Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually" (Genesis 6:5).

The apostle Paul wrote that "the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God's law-indeed it cannot" (Romans 8:7, New Revised Standard Version). If mankind were naturally inclined to avoid degenerate behavior, God would not have found it necessary to reveal commandments forbidding such harmful actions!

God sets moral standards

God gave us the Ten Commandments because they constitute the highest moral standards. They are absolute-they are perfect-because they are from God. But God created mankind with freedom of choice (Deuteronomy 30:19).

God laments that we often make wrong choices, rejecting His moral absolutes and bringing suffering on ourselves: "Oh, that they had such a heart in them that they would fear Me and always keep all My commandments, that it might be well with them and with their children forever!" (Deuteronomy 5:29).

We can think of the Ten Commandments as a lighthouse shining its trustworthy beam through the dense fog of ethical relativism and pointing the way to a life in harmony with godly principles. King David honored God's commands: "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path" (Psalm 119:105). He lamented that human beings do not naturally look to God's laws as lights to guide their lives: "Rivers of water run down from my eyes, because men do not keep Your law" (verse 136).

Almighty God carefully designed His eternal values as beacons to benefit us, to protect us from ultimate shipwreck. He instructs mankind how to live, but He leaves us the choice of whether we will follow His way.

God promises to ultimately give all humanity His Spirit so everyone will seek Him by keeping the Ten Commandments, which reflect His divine values. Then those legislators who took issue with the invocatory prayer might feel a little more kindly toward Pastor Wright. After all, he was only trying to shine some light in their paths. Apparently they thought he was blinding them.

Fog of War

The fog of confusion intensifies fear and fuels overreaction. When you are overwhelmed with confusion—stop, consider the situation, explore the options and proceed with caution.

You have probably heard the phrase "fog of war." You have probably not heard of the Battle of Kiska.

During World War II, the Japanese invaded the Aleutian Islands off the coast of Alaska. In August 1943, over seven thousand American and Canadian troops prepared to take back the island of Kiska.

The landing was shrouded in heavy fog. Allied soldiers soon found themselves in a firefight. They experienced fear; confusion; and the difficulties of fog, wind, and frigid temperatures. Men began to die. For two days the Allies slugged it out with an enemy they could not see.

The Allies suffered scores of combat casualties before Kiska fell. It was then discovered that the Japanese had abandoned the island before the invasion. In the heavy fog, the Americans and Canadians had been shooting each other.

The fog of confusion intensifies fear and fuels overreaction. When you are overwhelmed with confusion—stop, consider the situation, explore the options and proceed with caution.

To paraphrase one of my Dad's sayings, "When you know something is right be decisive, when in doubt—wait."

Cronkite's Legacy of Trust

What kind of legacy will you and I leave behind?

This past weekend one of the giants of American journalism, Walter Cronkite, passed away. Tributes from colleagues, government officials, and friends have only begun, but it is abundantly clear–America has lost a national treasure.

Why did America trust this man?

Ted Koppel called him our national town crier. Former president Bill Clinton said, "To me, he represents the best of the First Amendment." Diane Sawyer said, "There was a time when one person could say, 'That's the way it is,' and we all trusted it was true." She continued, "I think he was the most wonderful combination of a certain steel of integrity, but absolute humanity."

Many of us have our own memories of Walter Cronkite and his unique role in the history of the last century. Some remember his reports from the front lines of World War 2 and Viet Nam. Many remember the moving scene in 1963 of Cronkite struggling to control his own emotions when he brought the nation the news that John F. Kennedy had died by an assassin's bullet. Six years later it was Cronkite's voice that jubilantly reported that the "Eagle" had landed man for the first time on the lunar surface. When Cronkite, reporting from the city of Hue during the Tet offensive in the Viet Nam war, told America that the official government reports were not true, President Lyndon Johnson reportedly said, "If I've lost Cronkite, I've lost middle America."

Walter Cronkite did not achieve this level of respect and admiration simply because fate placed him in the right place at the right time. He was a man for whom personal integrity was important. His word could be trusted. He did not simply say what the rich and powerful wanted him to say. His character was not for sale at any price. As a result, he leaves a legacy of personal honor and courage.

What kind of legacy will you and I leave behind? It's doubtful that any of us will ever affect the public to the degree that Cronkite did, but does that make our personal legacy less important? He knew that any influence he had depended upon being a person whose word could always be trusted. That principle is just as true in our private lives as it is in the news media or government or business, and it doesn't depend upon where we are or who's watching. It depends upon consistently choosing to be honest in every situation regardless of the consequences.

King Solomon wrote, "A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold." [Prov 22:1 NIV] Walter Cronkite earned the respect of a nation because he would not compromise his personal integrity. That same choice is just as important for you and me.

New Young Farmers

A new world is coming that will fundamentally feature young farm families.

We had a farm in South Dakota. I grew up working cattle, irrigating corn, stacking hay, driving tractors and riding horses. But the high interest rates of the last recession of the late 70's and early 80's put the farm into a financial vise-grip and finally squeezed it out of business.

So I get excited when I hear that something good is happening to farming in America–especially considering biblical prophecy!

It's also a positive trend compared to many societal trends that are either immoral, self-serving or spiritually subversive!

The new agricultural phenomena is young farmers—and new farms.

Young farmers are vital to a nations food production system—especially in the United States where the USDA reports the average age of farmers is nearly 60.

The new trend for farming is among those in their twenties and thirties. It's not large enough to affect USDA statistics yet but no doubt will be soon. Farms in America peaked at 6.8 million—in 1935 then went into long decline.

There are more new farmers because the farms tend to be very small, around 6 acres compared to the 449 acre average of current agri-businesses.

America's "cow colleges"—universities that were originally organized to teach agriculture are finding a resurgence of interest among students.

Rather than a rejection of society's urban rat-race, the new young farmers (men and women) are simply embracing the soil and growing crops and livestock. It's become a deliberate career choice—even if it isn't a high income one.

Quoted in a recent USA Today article, food editor at Grist.org Tom Philpott describes the new young farmers this way, "There's very little to do for educated college graduates besides sit in a cubical and punch (a) computer all day," he says. "Small-scale farming is management-intensive. It's an incredibly intellectual exercise, but you're also getting your hands in the dirt—that's why it's so attractive. There's a hunger for that."

The new small farm is a healthy trend. The fruit trees planted today by young farmers will mature enough to yield bushels of delicious apples, cherries and pears—given enough time and if the world doesn't end!

However, that latter gives us cause for concern. Other more negative societal trends and biblical prophecies indicate a coming end to our age.

Jesus spoke of the end of the world as we know it in the language of small scale farming. "Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near." (Matthew 24:32)

Summer meant the end of this age, but after the trouble is over and Christ has returned new young farmers will again be the wave of the future–as this prophecy states.

"He shall judge between many peoples, They shall beat their swords into plowshares, And their spears into pruning hooks; farm tools. But everyone shall sit under his vine and under his fig tree, And no one shall make them afraid; For the mouth of the Lord of hosts has spoken." (Micah 4:3-4)

A new world is coming that will fundamentally feature young farm families.

Keep Climbing

There are times when life can seem like an unscalable mountain, but with God's direction it's possible for you to reach the summit. So keep climbing.

Sir Edmund Hillary was the first man to climb Mount Everest. Over fifty years ago he scaled the highest mountain then known to man - 29,000 feet straight up. Not only was he was knighted for his efforts but he even made credit card commercials because of it!

But did you know that Sir Edmund had to grow into his success? You see, he previously attempted to climb Mount Everest, but failed. A few weeks after that disappointment, a group in England asked him to speak to its members. He received thunderous applause as he walked on stage.

Even though the audience recognized his monumental attempt, a disappointed Edmund Hillary didn't see himself as a success. Reportedly he moved away from the microphone and walked to the edge of the stage. He made a fist and pointed at a picture of the mountain and he said in a loud voice, "Mount Everest, you beat me the first time, but I'll beat you the next time because you've grown all you are going to grow... but I'm still growing!" Now the rest is history.

This is a great lesson for all of us. We all face disappointments and failures but like Edmund Hillary we have to refuse to accept failure. That's a godly principle: The Apostle Paul tells us: "I have not yet reached my goal, and I am not perfect. But Christ has taken hold of me. So I keep on running and struggling to take hold of the prize." (Philippians 3:12 CEV)

What about you? Has disappointment stopped your progress? You can choose to be "growing in every way more and more like Christ" (Ephesians 4:15 NLT) But you have to know God's plan for life. Get to know your Bible. Get to know the true God.

No doubt, there are times when life can seem like an unscalable mountain, but with God's direction it's possible for you to reach the summit. So keep climbing.

Judge Sotomayor and Just Law

How has America missed the key attributes of a just law?

How has America missed the key attributes of a just law?

US Senate Judiciary Committee hearings have just begun for the confirmation of Judge Sonia Sotomayor. She could potentially be the first American Hispanic citizen to sit on the US Supreme Court.

She's also the first Supreme Court justice nominated by newly elected President Obama.

In her introductory comments to the Judiciary Committee Judge Sotomayor stated that her legal philosophy "is simple - fidelity to the law." "The task of the judge is not to make the law," she said, "It is to apply the law."

Conservative thinkers voice concern about this word, "apply." Activist judges—both liberal ones today and conservative ones just after the American Civil War in the 1860s—have tended to apply the law as they saw fit, irrespective of how it is actually worded.

The United States has prided itself on being governed by the "rule of law"—rather than by the tyrannical whim, fancy or fury of a dictating parties or leaders.

However, Supreme Court nominations nearly always highlight how often America misses the three great points of the law.

These are drawn from the world's most ancient, authentic and authoritative legal document—the Bible.

One – You must have the same law for all citizens—no partiality.

This nation has paid a dear price in suffering and death to finally make strides in applying this point of the law. But as is inevitable, the pendulum of human nature swings to the opposite extreme, judge Sotomayor will face a challenge here.

Two – You must not add to or take away from the law—the law is the law.

Judges don't make the law, they administer the law based on how it is worded. Judicial activism misses this point.

But the biggest flaw in American law is number…

Three – You have to have the right law.

America is not alone here—the whole world misses this supreme point of the law.

The right law to govern all human and divine relationships—to govern all nations is God's Law, summarized by the 10 Commandments.

The divine law of the Bible was the basis of United States juris prudence in 1787 when the US Constitution was drafted, but there's no remote chance that it will be applied by any judge in our secular-humanist America today.

But not to worry, the three points of the law will be coming here soon. God has His own literal Supreme Court nominee—Jesus Christ. He has already been confirmed and just waiting to begin judgment when He returns.

There will be fairness—for everybody! There will the law, the whole law and nothing but the law. And it will be the right law—the law of love for God above all else, and love for neighbor equal to love for self.

Now that's the Judge and there's the Law that you need to learn more about today!

A Secret to Success

If you want to learn one of the secrets of success, go to the ant.

Could you learn anything about life from an insect?

Solomon, the wisest king of antiquity, wrote, "Go to the ant, consider her ways and be wise." (Proverbs 6:6)

Why the lowly ant? Solomon writes, "…having no captain or ruler, [she] provides her supplies for the summer, and gathers her food for the harvest." In other words, the ant prepares for the future.

Unfortunately, many human beings expect future success to happen by accident. Young people drop out of school because they see no purpose in history or mathematics only to find themselves trapped in a dead end job because of a lack of education.

All success is a result of preparation for success. Staying in school, learning geography and science, is practice for success in adult life. The harder you work in school, the more equipped you will be for future success.

If you want to learn one of the secrets of success, go to the ant.

Farrah Fawcett—Death of an Angel

One day, sicknesses such as cancer will be eradicated and will not ever claim the life of anyone. What a wonderful time to look forward to!

My wife and I have two beautiful brown-hair, brown-eyed daughters. When they were young children, they and one of their blonde girl friends would pretend to be Sabrina, Kelly and Jill—Charley's Angels. The show—immensely popular in the 70's—featured Farrah Fawcett as the blond for a few seasons before she opted out of her contract. My daughters had me buy myself a T-shirt with a picture of the original three "angels" on the front.

With all the attention given to Michael Jackson, the death of Farrah Fawcett was only a blip on the radar screen by comparison. Yet this beautiful, talented woman battled cancer for the last three years of her life before succumbing to the disease at the age of 62. How sad that another human being has been consumed by cancer! I have had friends who have battled cancer and are currently in remission—but always face the possibility of its return. I have also had friends who have lost their fight with cancer. Researchers have been trying to create drugs to stop this dread affliction, but so far none exist that can eliminate this disease.

People of all ages and ranks in life have been afflicted, exhausted and consumed by the effects of cancer. It is one of the world's worst killers. One in eight deaths worldwide is attributed to cancer.

But I have good news for all of us. There is a cure coming, and it is sure and certain. This cure will be ushered in by the coming Kingdom of God. Jesus Christ healed every disease and every sickness among the people He encountered when He walked this earth (Matthew 9:35). There is nothing too difficult for God to do—including conquering cancer (Genesis 18:14).

The Scriptures reveal a time when sickness will no longer ruin the quality of any life. Speaking of the life in the Kingdom of God, the prophet Isaiah wrote, "The inhabitant will not say 'I am sick'; the people who dwell in it will be forgiven their iniquity" (Isaiah 33:24).

One day, sicknesses such as cancer will be eradicated and will not ever claim the life of anyone—even one of Charlies angel's. What a wonderful time to look forward to!

The Philippines' Relationship with America

Recently, on the 4th of July the United States celebrated its 233rd Independence Day. The Philippines once shared the 4th of July with the United States as its own Independence Day—for almost 16 years.

As a citizen of the Philippines (the 12th most populous country on earth with 90 million people), I will briefly trace the now declining relationship that my country has had with the U.S. over the past century. I will start 110 years ago when the U.S., after winning the Spanish-American war, first acquired the Philippines.

Thoughts from President McKinley

James F. Rusling, an elderly supporter of U.S. President William McKinley, recalled in 1903 that about four years earlier in 1899 McKinley had spoken to a religious delegation, saying:

"The truth is I didn't want the Philippines, and when they came to us as a gift … I did not know what to do … I prayed to Almighty God for light and guidance … And it came to me this way: (1) That we could not give them back to Spain … (2) that we could not turn them over to France or Germany … (3) that we could not leave them to themselves … they would soon have anarchy and misrule … worse than Spain's was; and (4) that there was nothing left for us to do but to take them all, and to educate the Filipinos and uplift and civilize and Christianize them, and by God's grace do the very best we could by them, as our fellow men for whom Christ also died" (Lewis L Gould, The Presidency of William McKinley, pp. 140).

All that Rusling claimed that President McKinley had spoken was accomplished. Not only was Christianity introduced, but also the English language, general public education, the American culture—and a degree of prosperity.

Philippine Independence Day: 4th of July

In acknowledgement to the affinity between these two countries, the United States granted the Philippines its national independence on July 4, 1946.

However, almost 16 years later on May 9, 1962 the then President Diosdado Macapagal, moved by resentment over rejection by the U.S. House of Representatives of the $73 million additional war payment bill (later rectified), changed the Philippine Independence date to June 12, 1898 (a date still disputed by some).

The most controversial provision of the Bell Act imposed on the Philippine legislature two days before its independence was a "parity" clause that would have granted United States citizens equal economic rights with Filipinos. Violation of the parity privileges would have given the president of the United States the authority to revoke any aspect of the trade agreements.

Although Manuel A. Roxas—the newly installed president of the Philippines—was successful in getting rehabilitation funds from the U.S. after independence, he was forced to concede military bases, 23 of which were leased for 99 years. From the U.S. perspective, of course, it was to give free and continued protection to our fledgling nation against the advance of communism in the region.

Declining U.S. influence

Later President Carlos P. Garcia modified the Bohlen–Serrano Agreement to shorten the lease of the U.S. bases from 99 years to 25 years, and made it renewable every five years. He also mandated the Filipino First Policy, favoring Filipinos over foreigners.

During the term of Corazon Aquino (our first woman president), the two biggest military installations outside of the U.S. were closed on September 13, 1991 when the Philippine Senate rejected their right to stay. The closed bases were:

Clark Air Base in Angeles City was operated by the U.S. Air Force from 1903 to 1991. It was not only the largest U.S. overseas base, but also the most advanced military facility in history. It became the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport and the Clark Freeport Zone.

U.S. Naval Base Subic Bay was the largest U.S. Navy installation in the Pacific, a major supply and ship-repair base and a rest and recreation facility for the U.S. Navy.

Changes in the wind

As the U.S. and the Philippines drift further apart each nation is losing many of its defense advantages. The rising influence of powerful non-democratic nations in Asia is cause for concern for those of us inhabiting the many isles of the Philippines.

Michael Jackson—The Man in the Mirror

On Tuesday, July 7, the media and entertainment world stood still while Michael Jackson, the king of pop was memorialized. The worldwide audience was estimated to be close to one billion people.

What was there about this man that caused such an outpouring of love and affection? Was Michael Jackson a saint or was he a freak? The media would have you believe one or the other.

But in reality, Michael Jackson was neither. Like other famous men, he will be remembered for his actions—the good and the bad.

Michael Jackson shared his wealth with many underprivileged children. He gave millions to charity every year. He gave support to children who were dying from cancer. His musical talent was universally praised. He could light up an audience by doing his patented moon walk across the stage.

But there were other issues in Michael's life. He suffered emotionally from a lost childhood. He was put on trial for molesting children. In one case he settled out of court by giving the alleged victim a reported 23 million dollars. The second case ended with a "not guilty" verdict.

For some he will always be the saint who could do no wrong, god-like in his position in the world of entertainment and unjustly persecuted by the world at large. To others he will simply be a freak who happened to have talent. Still others will never be able to separate him from the image of a child molester.

In 1988, Michael Jackson won a Grammy for his song "Man in the Mirror." The lyrics are haunting: "I want to be good. I'm starting with the man in the mirror. I am asking him to change his ways. If you wanna make the world a better place, take a look at yourself and then make a change."

This song makes an important point about our human existence. Each of us must look in the mirror every day and probe who or what we really are. One of the wisest men to ever live was King Solomon. In Ecclesiastes 12:14 he wrote "For God will bring every work into judgment. Including every secret thing, whether it is good or whether it is evil."

Your popularity or lack thereof in this life will not determine God's judgment for your future. It is the hidden man in the mirror that God will judge.

Even though one billion people watched his memorial, some praising him while others ridiculed, we are still left to wonder who Michael Jackson really was. Who was that man in the mirror? This is the same question each of us must ask ourselves every day.

Do you really know the person you see in the mirror? And more importantly, is this the person you want to be?

What's My Purpose Here?

There must be some meaning to humanity's mixture of awesome abilities and awful atrocities. What is the ultimate purpose and meaning of your life?

by Gary Petty

What would you ask the Supreme Being if you could get a direct and immediate answer? A poll in USA Today reports that the No. 1 question people would like to ask God is "What's my purpose here?"

With all our technology and sophistication we still haven't answered the fundamental question of what is the purpose and value of human life. It seems Henry David Thoreau's observation that most people live lives of "quiet desperation" is all too true.

Where would you even start to discover the purpose for your life? Can you find it in psychological tests or philosophy? Aptitude tests might help you pinpoint your abilities. Personality evaluations could conceivably help you focus on aspects of who you are. But the social sciences can't explain why you live.

The place to begin

The complexity and interdependency of nature around us, the miracle of life itself, reveal a Life Giver, a Creator. Would it make sense that a brilliant Life Giver would create intelligent beings without purpose? "What's my purpose here?" can ultimately be answered only by the Creator of life.

Western society claims to have its roots in Christianity, yet the last place many people search to find purpose in life is the Bible. The Bible reveals a special creation with a special purpose. The first book of
the Bible is Genesis, which simply means "beginning." Here is the Bible's first sentence: "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth."

God then created a unique biological being called man. Genesis 2:7 states, "And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being."

Does this mean that man is just another animal, different in form but essentially the same as a chimpanzee or other mammal?

The theory of evolution would lead us to that conclusion, but evolution doesn't explain the obvious differences between humanity and animals. How do we explain the human ability to create music and art, discover and use geometry, develop architecture or invent complex forms of communication?

Instinct and intellect

A slug or a spider is driven entirely by instinctive behavior. The more complex the life-form, the more it can learn. Yet the behaviors of even the supposedly highest forms of animals are primarily instinctive. This isn't true of humanity.

Mortimer J. Adler, in his book Ten Philosophical Mistakes, makes the point that if we compare animals with man "a radical difference appears. In the strict sense of the term instinct, the human species has no instincts—no innate, performed patterns of behavior. We have a small number of innate reflexes, only some of which are congenital. We also have what might be called instinctual drives or impulses. But in carrying these impulses out, members of the human species behave in a wide variety of ways. They do not all manifest a single pattern of behavior, such as we find in all members of a particular species of bee, ant or termite" (1985, p. 31).

This ability to reason and make complex decisions and choose courses of action makes humans infinitely different from any animal. The differences between the quality or quantity of the human brain and the brains of other mammals aren't sufficient to explain the vast differences in function. When it comes to size, some mammals have larger brains than humans' while others have a higher brain-to-body ratio than that of humans.

The difference between other mammals and human beings—the ability to reason, create, communicate emotions, experience love and empathy—are all aspects of what we call the mind.

Adler concludes: "The relation of the sensory powers to the brain and nervous system is such that the degree to which an animal species possesses these powers depends on the size and complexity of its brain and nervous system. This is not the case in regard to the intellectual powers. That the human mind has such powers does not depend upon the size or complexity of the human brain. The action of the brain is only a necessary, but not the sufficient, condition for the functioning of the human mind and for the operations of conceptual thought. We do not think with our brains, even though we cannot think without them" (pp. 52-53).

What is the human mind?

Brain size and biology can't explain humanity's uniqueness. So what creates the differences?

Once again we turn to the Bible. In the creation account we see that God created each animal "according to its kind," but human beings are in the "image" and "likeness" of God (Genesis 1:24-28).

Creativity, positive emotions, logic, love, abstract thought, communication skills—these are aspects of the mind of the Creator. These are ways in which He has created us in His likeness.

Notice what the Bible says in Job 32:8: "But there is a spirit in man, and the breath of the Almighty gives him understanding." One of the biblical prophets, Zechariah, declares that God "forms the spirit of man within him" (Zechariah 12:1).

Mankind and animals are both living "souls," or beings. Both are subject to death, the cessation of life. The difference is that man possesses a nonphysical component called a spirit that imparts individuality, intellect, creativity and personality.

The Bible reveals the mystery science can't solve. We are physical, chemical beings with a nonbiological component—a spirit—a mind that is in a limited way like the mind of the Creator. But, if human beings are like God in so many astonishing ways, why can't we solve our own problems?

An incomplete creation

Why are human beings capable of writing inspiring music and also able to commit terrible crimes against each other? We research into the intricate human body and create medicines that heal, yet we produce nerve gas that kills. We send a rocket to explore outer space but send a missile hundreds or thousands of miles to destroy a city.

If mankind is made in the image of God—who reveals Himself as loving, kind and merciful—why are we so filled with hatred, violence and selfishness? The answers lie in understanding that we are an incomplete creation.

Genesis reveals the root cause of humanity's evil. The first humans, Adam and Eve, were given freedom to choose between their Creator's instruction about life and a way simply called the "knowledge of good and evil." They chose the latter, the knowledge of good and evil.

God told Adam and Eve that once they started on the course of self-determination they would embark on a path that would ultimately lead to death. Evil—what the Bible calls sin—brings about death. History is a story of good and bad, of incredible potential and incredible failure. It is also a story of death. It seems that humanity's destiny is to struggle, suffer and eventually die.

Central to the Christian religion is the belief that Jesus of Nazareth is the Son of God who took humanity's death penalty upon Himself. Jesus also came to supply the missing ingredient to make eternal life possible. On the night before His crucifixion Jesus told His disciples He would send them another "Helper" (John 14:15-18).

The apostle Paul wrote to Christians in Corinth about the missing ingredient that keeps humanity from solving its problems: "... We speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory, which none of the rulers of this age knew; for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

"But as it is written: 'Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.' But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God" (1 Corinthians 2:7-11).

Here Paul writes that mankind knows the things of mankind-reason, creativity, mathematics—because of the "spirit of man." This spirit is what makes us have similarities to God and gives us the ability to have a relationship with Him. Paul shows that to really understand the spiritual nature of God we must also receive the Spirit of God.

The Spirit of God is the missing ingredient in humanity. Without it human beings become both good and evil, lacking the wisdom to always see and choose the good. Death is the natural result. The death process must be reversed and a new nature developed in us. Peter puts it succinctly when he writes that we must become "partakers of the divine nature" (2 Peter 1:4).

God's purpose for you

Humanity's problems—from agriculture to economics to education to government to family relationships to individual emotional health—are ultimately spiritual in nature. Real solutions require not just a change in environment but a change in people.

Our first parents chose to participate in both good and evil. Not just Adam and Eve, but every human being who has ever lived—except Jesus Christ—has made the same choice. The result is that every human suffers and dies. Jesus came to pay the death penalty for evil. He also came to make available to people the Spirit of God, the healing, missing ingredient that will change corrupt human nature into divine nature.

What is your ultimate destiny? What awaits those who are willing to be changed by God's Spirit from corrupted human nature to become partakers of the divine?

Paul explains in Romans 8:14-17: "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by [which] we cry out, 'Abba, Father.' The Spirit [itself] bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together."

The purpose of humanity is to become the spiritual children of God! The purpose for your life is more than making money, gaining social status and wearing the right clothes. The coupling of the human spirit with the Spirit of God makes possible the development of a new nature and eventually a resurrection to a new life as immortal children of God, joint heirs with Jesus of all things.

This is the ultimate potential of every human being.

But this isn't just a nebulous promise of something in the far-off future. The Creator says you can enjoy a Father—child relationship with Him now. There are real solutions to your problems. There is hope for those willing to discover their true purpose. The first step on that road of discovery is to turn to the Creator and His instruction book.

Freedom Fourth

As America celebrates the Fourth of July this year, it is good to recall the divine reasons for the emergence of America from the mists of history.

It is among the most remarkable coincidences in history. It was called a "visible and palpable" manifestation of "Divine favor." Fifty years to the day from the signing of the Declaration of Independence, on July 4, 1826, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, the two most intimately connected with this document of freedom, died within hours of each other.

In Quincy, Massachusetts, Adams' heart stopped at just past six in the evening. A thunderstorm had sprung up, and as the second U.S. president drew his last breath, "There was a final clap of thunder that shook the house, the rain stopped and the last sun of the day broke through dark, low hanging clouds—'bursting forth...with uncommon splendor at the moment of his exit'" (David McCullough, John Adams, 2001, p. 647). Through the prophet Daniel, God said He places and removes rulers of nations. We might wonder if God orchestrated the exit from life of these two giants of American history.

Thomas Jefferson authored the Declaration and Adams was its prime advocate on the floor of Congress. Its words speak a fundamental message of human freedom. "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal..." Those words continue to stir powerful emotions among people who are yet to experience freedom from fear, from injustice and the tyranny of evil.

What is often overlooked in the details of today's world events is the desire of people to be free. Freedom is indeed a gift from God. We humans are "hard-wired" with the desire. But when freedom comes it carries great opportunity and responsibility. God, the author of true freedom, also shows us the obligations and responsibilities that come with freedom.

As America celebrates the Fourth of July this year, it is good to recall the divine reasons for the emergence of America from the mists of history. And even though America has not restored freedom to the entire earth—only God's Kingdom will do that—it may well be a type of the time to come when we'll see the restoration of all things.

Are We Living in the Time of the End?

Many biblical prophecies leave us in no doubt that increasingly cataclysmic events will occur before God's direct intervention in human affairs.

For thousands of years people have been fascinated with predictions of the end of the world.

People who read and study the Bible are not the only ones concerned about where our world is headed. The late author Isaac Asimov, in his book The Choice of Catastrophes: The Disasters That Threaten Our World, listed and explained at least 15 dangers that could jeopardize human survival. Many of these potential global disasters, including nuclear war, have arrived at our door only in the last few decades.

At times people thought they understood when and how our age would end. But failed expectations about the end of the age have brought profound disappointment to scores of sincere religious individuals and groups. They thought they were correctly discerning the time and manner of the fulfillment of prophecy. But all have been wrong, or at least premature.

In spite of centuries of such disappointments, they haven't put an end to attempts to associate world events and conditions with biblical prophecies concerning the end time. This is especially true in America, where books, television and radio programs focusing on biblical prophecy abound.

If we look into the inspired writings of the Old Testament prophets and Jesus Christ's apostles, we find many prophecies that refer to the time of the end. Should we take them seriously? Should they mean anything to us? Are world conditions such that the predictions could be fulfilled in our day? Are we near the climax of the prophesied period in which the world is faced with insurmountable problems and global­distress of holocaust proportions? Are we approaching Armageddon?

Jesus Christ Himself talked of a future time so horrendous that "if that time of troubles were not cut short, no living thing could survive"— everyone alive would die if that time was not cut short (Matthew 24:22, Revised English Bible, emphasis added throughout). Was He speaking of our time?

Many Bible prophecies leave us in no doubt that increasingly cataclysmic events will occur before God's direct intervention in human affairs. These terrifying prophetic occurrences will see their fulfillment at some future time. The crucial question is when.

Much confusion surrounds the timing of these prophecies. But this need not be so. The Bible itself reveals certain vital keys that will help us place these forewarnings in an understandable prophetic framework. We must let the Bible itself interpret its prophecies.

In this booklet we examine exactly what Jesus Christ, His apostles and the prophets of old really said about the perilous days they referred to as the time of the end.

North Korea and Bible Prophecy

Today we have rumors and threats of war almost weekly. But what does that really mean? Should we be concerned?

We live in a very dangerous world. The headlines from this past week remind us just how true that statement is: Thousands Protest Election in Iran; Israeli Prime Minister Keeps Open the Option of a Military Attack on Iran; and North Korea Threatens the United States.

Consider this threat from North Korea. In 1994 North Korea signed an agreement with the Clinton administration promising not to develop a nuclear bomb. But in 2002, Kim Jong Il kicked all the nuclear inspectors out of his country while he began enriching uranium. Four years later in 2006 North Korea tested its first nuclear bomb and just last month, they tested their second nuclear bomb. Speculation is that there will soon be a third test.

This threat is real and it is growing. The Associated Press (AP) reported this week that: "North Korea... is believed to have enough weaponized plutonium for at least half a dozen atomic bombs."

In the same article the AP reporter wrote: "North Korea warned Wednesday of a 'thousand-fold' military retaliation against the United States and its allies if provoked..."

What is the world coming to—North Korea threatens the U.S.?

In His Olivet prophecy found in Matthew chapter 24 Jesus Christ warned that in the end time there would be "wars and rumors of wars."

Today we have rumors and threats of war almost weekly. But what does that really mean? Should we be concerned? History says "yes." In most cases, if left alone, unbalanced leaders like Kim Jong Il really are willing to do the unthinkable.

General James Cartwright, vice chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, told Congress on June 16 that North Korea was "3 to 5 years away" from having an atomic bomb that could threaten the U.S. When asked what our chances would be of shooting down a North Korean missile armed with a nuclear warhead and headed for the U.S., he said "excellent, 90% plus." That means that within 3 to 5 years, North Korea will have the capability to launch a nuclear attack against the United States. But, hold on, our defense system has a 90% chance of stopping the attack! That's pretty good, but it still leaves a 10% chance that the missile could get through. Consider what it would mean if a nuclear bomb were to detonate over an American city.

I don't know about you, but I am not reassured by the general's assessment.

The book of Revelation contains a prediction of a coming global war, through the metaphor of a horseman riding a red horse. In Revelation 6:4 we read: "...and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another..."

The Bible says this Great War is coming. It is simply a matter of who will start it and how soon!

If we are paying attention to Bible prophecy and watching world events we won't be surprised when this happens. We will know that the end is near and that the return of Jesus Christ to bring peace to this earth will follow shortly. This is the real gospel, the good news of the Kingdom of God.

President Obama & the Muslim World

So where is all this leading? Will the antagonism between the United States and many Muslims recede? Will it even disappear? And, of course, the big question: will there ever be real peace in the Middle East?

It was a remarkable speech! Last Thursday, June 4, US president Barack Obama delivered a landmark speech to a largely Muslim audience at Egypt's Cairo University.

He received vigorous applause as he entered the hall, and perhaps more importantly, a standing ovation as he left. He emphasized his middle name—"Hussein"—and his Muslim connections. He seemed to cover every base: security for the Jewish state, respect for Islam, withdrawal of US forces from Iraq, an end to suffering for the Palestinians, opposition to violence, extremism, Holocaust denial, and settlement expansion. Short on detail it may have been, but high on eloquence it was, too. Time will tell if that speech has a lasting effect on America's battered image in the Middle East and in the Muslim world generally.

Perhaps not coincidentally, the next major item of news from the Mideast came just three days later, as Lebanon went to the polls on Sunday. The pro-western bloc delivered a surprise defeat to the pro-Syrian and pro-Iranian alliance, led by the extreme Shiite movement Hezbollah. Opinion polls had shown the pro-Syrian group in the lead. Its defeat may make president Obama's Mideast agenda an easier one.

So where is all this leading? Will the antagonism between the United States and many Muslims recede? Will it even disappear? And, of course, the big question: will there ever be real peace in the Middle East?

The answer to the last question can come from only one source: Bible prophecy. The Holy Scriptures tell us what will take place in the medium to long term: that the Middle East will continue to be a focus of tension and conflict right up to the time of the return of the Messiah. There may be an ebb and flow of tensions and violence in that part of the world, but the problems aren't going to go away, till Jesus Christ, the "prince of peace," brings lasting salaam or "shalom" to the Middle East and to the world.

Mr. Netanyahu Goes to Washington

Politicians have been talking Mideast peace for decades. Will true, just peace ever come to this war-weary part of the world?

This week in Washington, President Barack Obama hosted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in talks about a range of issues, including peace negotiations with the Palestinians, and the nuclear threat from Iran. On Monday they emerged from talks all smiles. But some see tensions below the surface, resulting from competing agendas.

President Obama has, for the first time, stated that the creation of a Palestinian state is in the interests not only of the two sides, but also those of the United States. Prime Minister Netanyahu has yet to declare his acceptance of the "two-state solution," but has expressed his willingness to engage the Palestinians in an immediate resumption of peace talks. Hanging over the diplomatic activity is the long shadow of Islamic fundamentalism, from Iran with its nuclear ambitions, to violent Islamic groups such as Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas, now in control of the Gaza Strip. Both these groups reject the existence of the Jewish state, and call for its destruction.

Plans call for Washington visits by Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas, and Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, in the coming weeks. These leaders share Mr. Netanyahu's concern about the rise of fundamentalism, but see a different solution: create the Palestinian state soon, to put an end to Palestinian grievances and shut down the breeding ground of support for the fundamentalists. But Mr. Netanyahu may have different priorities; as he sees it, every time Israel has given up territory, the fundamentalists have come in and taken advantage.

Politicians have been talking Mideast peace for decades. The list of initiatives over the last four decades is lengthy, and none has ever really succeeded. The latest, the so-called "Road Map" sponsored by the United Nations, the US, the European Union, and Russia, has been violated by both sides. Talks have never lead to real security for Israel, nor to prosperity and freedom for the Palestinians. Both sides are wary and distrusting.

Will true, just peace ever come to this war-weary part of the world? I was in Israel recently, and couldn't help but notice how often I saw plaques in the religious places of differing faiths. Those plaques record an exhortation from the Bible: "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem." That's from Psalm 122, which goes on to say "Peace be within your walls, prosperity within your palaces."

Is that just a hope? Just wishful thinking? The prayers of many faiths are apparently not being answered, since the future of Jerusalem remains one of the thorniest issues confronting would-be peace makers.

But these commentaries are about Good News! And, believe it or not, there will be good news for the conflict-wracked Mideast. Peace will indeed come to Jerusalem, and to the rest of the Middle East, but not by human negotiation. Divine intervention will bring true, lasting peace—though only after humanity has tried everything, and failed.

Yes, the future of Jerusalem and of the peoples of the Middle East, both Jewish and Arab, is full of hope! Bible prophecy makes that very plain. Things unimagined lie in store, as our Creator sets His hand to solve the conflict and finally makes Jerusalem a city of peace. It's really going to come!

For GN Magazine, I'm Ralph Levy.

Miss California and the Truth

As Christians we are all to "speak the truth in love." May we all have the courage to stand up for our convictions and express them honestly as this courageous young woman did.

Carrie Prejean retains her crown as Miss California despite the release of pictures of her when she was younger by someone attempting to defame her. Donald Trump, the head of the Miss USA Pageant supported her retaining the crown. It all began when she was one of the finalists for the Miss USA crown. She was asked by a gay-activist judge for her opinion as to whether every state ought to sanction gay marriage. Her answer was delivered with a little nervousness, but with kindness and respect.

Because this was not a politically correct answer some feel it may have cost her the crown of Miss USA.

She has suffered malicious attacks on her character for giving her opinion and stating her belief in traditional marriage. What's so wrong about stating your personal opinion about marriage? She has been ridiculed and harassed by liberal media and gay and lesbian promoters.

Her answer was in line with what President Obama and millions of others believe. This young twenty-two year-old gave an answer according to her belief based on the Bible. You can search the Bible from Genesis to Revelation and you will not find any support for same-sex marriage. I personally believe what she said about marriage. In America, any person is free to choose what he or she will do or say regarding this issue. But, no matter what your belief is in this matter, it is plain wrong to attack this young lady's character and seek to destroy her reputation for stating her beliefs. Her answer contained no accusations or put-downs for those who held opposing views—quite the opposite of her critics.

I feel very sorry for a person who is attacked and ridiculed for simply stating personal beliefs. I feel a deeper sorrow for our country because so few have openly come out and defended Carrie's right to state her own beliefs in traditional marriage between a man and a woman.

As Christians we are all to "speak the truth in love." May we all have the courage to stand up for our convictions and express them honestly as this courageous young woman did.

For GN Magazine, I'm Gary Antion.