Forward to the Kingdom!

By guest blogger Whitney Smith

When God makes something holy, He sets it apart as something that is special. Knowing that God creates all that is considered holy, what element of becoming unholy then sounds appealing to people? Unholiness goes completely against what God created and what we’re expected to be.

I’d argue that very few intend to become “unholy,” as the people of the perilous last days are described in 2 Timothy 3:2. The word implies becoming wicked, unrighteous, sinful and not sacred.

Recent headlines illustrate some of the wickedness in the world today: “In War Zones, Rape Is a Powerful Weapon,” “Massacre Leaves 13 Dead at Fort Hood” and “Former NYC Police Commissioner Kerik Pleads Guilty.”

Of course, unholiness and wickedness are not new. The word wicked is used over 340 times in the Bible; it was a problem in biblical times as well.

So it comes back to my initial question: What is appealing about becoming unholy? The key to answering this question is to understand whose influence the world is currently under. Satan roams the earth, looking for those who are susceptible to his deceit (Job 1:7; Revelation 12:9). He understands what we as humans desire and knows how to play into what appeals to our inherent nature.

Satan is like a roaring lion...

As a result of Satan’s cunning ability to mask his intentions, we have to be able to perceive his influence in what we watch, listen to, read and become involved with. Peter gives the advice, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8).

Avoiding unholiness requires completely transforming our way of thinking to be in a right mind-set in line with what God teaches.

To learn more about Satan and how to avoid his ever-present influence in the world, read “How Can We Resist Satan?” from the booklet Is There Really a Devil?

To see the other articles in this series on signs of the perilous end times, see the “Signs of Perilous Times” category.

David Baker, United Church of God senior pastor for Asia, sent this prayer request:

“This past Wednesday, Indian Home Minister P. Chidambaram announced the process of forming a new state in India, Telangana.  The state will be formed from 10 districts of Andhra Pradesh.  This announcement has provoked violent protests by those opposing the move as well lively celebrations by those in favor of the decision.  Some analysts believe that Telangana state is likely to include one of India’s major software hubs, Hyderabad, home to leading world companies in India like Microsoft and Google. 

“Currently Hyderabad is the capital of Andhra Pradesh and home of our member, Dr. Ali, and her two daughters.  We have also held the Feast of Tabernacles in Hyderabad for the past two years.  I received a call from Dr. Ali [yesterday] morning and she is concerned about their safety.  She requested that we remember her family and the citizens of Hyderabad in our prayers as she feels the violence will increase in the days ahead.”

(BBC’s coverage of this news can be found at http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8405146.stm.)

On Monday the UN climate change conference began in Copenhagen with 192 countries represented. About 100 world leaders are expected to attend various parts of the two-week conference intended to replace the Kyoto Protocol, which expires in 2012.

An international survey commissioned by the BBC found that “64% of people questioned said that they considered global warming a very serious problem—up 20% from a 1998 poll.”

But the recent so-called “ClimateGate” scandal has led to “widening concern about the state of climate science” that “could jeopardize any agreement at this week’s summit in Copenhagen,” said CBS correspondent Declan McCullagh. “To be sure, many—perhaps even most—climate researchers say any flaw in the leaked data assembled by the University of East Anglia’s Climatic Research Unit (CRU) does not mean the theory of man-made global warming is false. Nicholas Stern, chair of the Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment at the London School of Economics, calls evidence for that theory ‘overwhelming,’” Mr. McCullagh wrote.

Still, a Rasmussen Reports survey shows many Americans are not convinced. Over half think it is likely that some scientists have falsified research data, and 35 percent believe it is “very likely.” Also 49 percent think the United Nations is not a reliable source of information on global warming.

Besides these doubts, economic realities and different priorities between industrialized and developing countries seem likely to limit the final agreements of the conference.

But in all the debate, is there an important aspect of climate change that is being totally overlooked? The Bible talks about a cause of future climate change that no scientific model can predict and that no amount of debate can debunk. The core of the Bible teaching is simple, but the future predictions are earthshaking.

Cause and effect

One of the key lessons of the Bible is the lesson of cause and effect. There’s the farming analogy that says you reap what you sow (Galatians 6:7). The wisdom of Proverbs 26:2 tells us that “a curse without cause shall not alight.” And two long chapters in the books of Moses spell out the causes of blessings and the causes of curses (Leviticus 26 and Deuteronomy 28).

These blessings and curses include physical things like good or bad weather and agricultural abundance or famine. Interestingly, the cause of these climate changes goes far beyond our decisions about how to treat the environment. God says the blessings and curses are the consequences of whether we obey His laws (Deuteronomy 28:1, 15).

What does God say about future changes to the climate?

Part of God’s commands deal with how we care for His earth, and God is angry with those who destroy the earth (Genesis 2:15; Revelation 11:18). But God tells us that how we treat each other and how we treat Him is also a part of the cause-and-effect equation. Sin—disobedience to God’s laws—will lead to disastrous climate changes.

Punishment for sin

The mysterious book of Revelation is full of warnings of end-time plagues brought about because of humanity’s rejection of God. The calamities predicted include the death of “every living creature in the sea” and the sun scorching people with “great heat” (Revelation 16:3, 9).

Sadly, God tells us that these plagues on the physical environment are necessary to wake people up to the evil effects of sin.

But thankfully the God who sends these plagues will also reverse them, and will create a beautiful new environment in which to start over. In the Kingdom of God under Jesus Christ’s rule, the nations of the world will learn not only to care for the environment, but to obey the spiritual laws that create a peaceful climate between people and with God. The prophet Isaiah pictured it like a return to Eden, with hunger and disease removed and joy and gladness in their place (Isaiah 51:3; 35:1-2, 5-7).

For a deeper understanding of God’s warnings for the end time and the hope He offers on beyond, read Are We Living in the Time of the End? More details are available in “The Destruction of Satan’s Kingdom” from the booklet The Book of Revelation Unveiled.

Dean Rammelsberg, a World War II veteran who served in the Pacific, called me this morning from snowy Iowa in remembrance of Pearl Harbor Day. I asked for his memories of that day, Dec. 7, 1941. He said:

“The United States as a whole didn’t want war… It was a sunny fall day in Iowa. We didn’t have all the news like we do today. Everyone heard the news of the attack on the radio, and everyone gathered around the radio to hear the president’s speech.”

I told him I had just been reading that speech, and that I was planning to share it on this blog. Here is what U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt told Congress Dec. 8, 1941:

President Franklin D. Roosevelt addresses Congress after Pearl Harbor attack.

“Yesterday, December 7, 1941—a date which will live in infamy—the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.

“The United States was at peace with that nation, and, at the solicitation of Japan, was still in conversation with its government and its Emperor looking toward the maintenance of peace in the Pacific.

“Indeed, one hour after Japanese air squadrons had commenced bombing in the American island of Oahu, the Japanese ambassador to the United States and his colleague delivered to our Secretary of State a formal reply to a recent American message. While this reply stated that it seemed useless to continue the existing diplomatic negotiations, it contained no threat or hint of war or of armed attack.

“It will be recorded that the distance of Hawaii from Japan makes it obvious that the attack was deliberately planned many days or even weeks ago. During the intervening time, the Japanese government has deliberately sought to deceive the United States by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace.

Despite heroic efforts, much of the U.S. fleet was destroyed at Pearl Harbor.

“The attack yesterday on the Hawaiian Islands has caused severe damage to American naval and military forces. I regret to tell you that very many American lives have been lost. In addition, American ships have been reported torpedoed on the high seas between San Francisco and Honolulu.

“Yesterday, the Japanese government also launched an attack against Malaya.

“Last night, Japanese forces attacked Hong Kong.

“Last night, Japanese forces attacked Guam.

“Last night, Japanese forces attacked the Philippine Islands.

“Last night, the Japanese attacked Wake Island.

“This morning, the Japanese attacked Midway Island.

“Japan has, therefore, undertaken a surprise offensive extending throughout the Pacific area. The facts of yesterday and today speak for themselves. The People of the United States have already formed their opinions and well understand the implications to the very life and safety of our nation.

The sudden sneak attack at Pearl Harbor provoked anger and resolve to prevent future attacks.

“As Commander-in-Chief of the Army and Navy, I have directed that all measures be taken for our defense.

“But always will our whole nation remember the character of the onslaught against us.

“No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might, will win through to absolute victory.

“I believe that I interpret the will of the Congress and of the People when I assert that we will not only defend ourselves to the uttermost, but will make it very certain that this form of treachery shall never again endanger us…”

Sadly, in our world of 9/11 and suicide bombers, we know that no human effort can totally remove the danger of sneak attacks and treachery. But we have God’s assurance that someday, and we pray that it may be soon, Jesus Christ will return to bring real peace to this earth (Revelation 11:15; Isaiah 2:4). May God speed that day, and forward to the Kingdom of God!

This week Google released its “Zeitgeist 2009: The Collective Consciousness” report, its attempt to read the world’s mind based on search patterns. Marissa Mayer, VP Search Products and User Experience, wrote:

“Since 2001, we’ve been releasing our annual Zeitgeist—our view into the spirit of the times—which includes the fastest-rising Google searches (those that had the greatest surge in the past year) and most popular (those that are consistently searched in large volume, like [weather])…

“So what has captivated the minds of searchers around the world this year? As millions of fans said goodbye to the King of Pop, Michael Jackson led the list of our top 10 fastest rising queries across the globe. And a new star was born, too—quirky pop singer Lady Gaga became a search sensation the world over…

“This year’s Zeitgeist also confirms that the social web is alive and well. In a sweeping confirmation of the web’s ability to connect us, both Facebook and the Spanish social-networking site Tuenti appeared on the fastest rising searches at #2 and #3 respectively. Twitter also made our global list for the first time at #5 [actually it was #4 when I went to the list]—undoubtedly propelled by celebrity tweeters from Ashton Kutcher to Miley Cyrus.”

Marissa Mayer also pointed out that the swine flu epidemic was a popular search around the world, and in the United States it was searched even more than the inauguration of President Obama.

So here’s the global top 10:

Fastest Rising (Global)

1. michael jackson

2. facebook

3. tuenti

4. twitter

5. sanalika

6. new moon

7. lady gaga

8. windows 7

9. dantri.com.vn

10. torpedo gratis

Sanalika? TechCrunch Europe says: “Sanalika is a virtual world where you can play multiplayer games and join realtime events. It was launched on November 2008 and has already reached over 3 million users.”

Dantri.com.vn is a Vietnamese Web site, and, best I can tell, torpedogratis.net looks like a Twitter for Portuguese. (Anyone care to enlighten me?)

But what I really wish we would see, what I pray for, is a fast-rising spike in searches for Kingdom of God, salvation, Christian church, Bible prophecy, free Bible study and other truly important things like that! That’s what the world needs.

What do you think?

By guest blogger Joy Porter

A prominent public figure has admitted to an affair. In spite of a sterling reputation of excellence, his image is now riddled with the salacious details of an extramarital relationship. He has complicated the situation by using his powerful influence to destroy someone who stood in his way.

If it sounds like today’s news, it’s not. This is the plot line of the adultery of one of the most well-known figures of the Bible, King David. A powerful leader, he not only enhanced his kingdom but he believed in God and adhered to a strict moral code. Yet he became entangled in one of the most famous adultery stories in history when he seduced a married woman and impregnated her. When his attempts to cover up his wrongdoing failed, he arranged the death of her husband, who was a decorated war hero in his army.

Three thousand years later, elements of King David’s tragic story are repeating once again, this time in the life of superstar professional golfer Tiger Woods. Once called the world’s most marketable athlete, his carefully built reputation is now being questioned as he finds it impossible to contain the story from a media relentlessly pressing to expose more details of his alleged affair. What Tiger will do in this pivotal moment to either rebuild or dismantle his life is not known, and perhaps it shouldn’t be made public.

But the rest of us can learn from the ancient story of King David, in which we find a worthy example of repentance and God’s forgiveness. David admitted his sin to God and was forgiven, although the physical penalties of his sin were immense. The Bible records his repentance in Psalm 51:

“Have mercy on me, O God, because of your unfailing love. Because of your great compassion, blot out the stain of my sins. Wash me clean from my guilt. Purify me from my sin. For I recognize my shameful deeds—they haunt me day and night. Against you, and you alone, have I sinned; I have done what is evil in your sight” (verses 1-4, New Living Translation).

It remains to be seen whether Tiger Woods will be able to salvage his reputation and spare his wife, young daughter and infant son from the fallout of this situation. In the meantime, perhaps it is better for us to consider our own sins, and the God who already knows of them. Repent wholeheartedly and strive to obey God, and God will say to you what Jesus once said to another caught in the web of adultery, “Go and sin no more” (John 8:11).

For more on repentance, see “Repentance: Your First Step” from the booklet The Road to Eternal Life.

by Rex Sexton, United Church of God pastor, Tacoma and Olympia, Washington

This past Sunday morning, in a small coffee shop barely 20 miles from my home, four police officers were murdered as they sat doing paperwork. The crime took place in Parkland, a small suburb between the city of Tacoma and Fort Lewis. The officers killed were from Lakewood, an adjacent suburb. This is small-town America next door to the big city.

To describe the impact of such a horrific crime in this area is difficult. People have been seen crying as they shopped or stood on the streets. I noticed that no one wanted to talk much in the home improvement store I went to. Memorials have sprung up in several places. The largest is at the Lakewood Police Department building where thousands of flowers, cards and candles fill the sidewalk. The entire area is stunned and in shock. Four dedicated servants of the community are dead, leaving spouses and nine children who have lost a parent.

As I write this, news has just come over the radio that the suspect in the murders has been shot and killed by a Seattle police officer. People are relieved that no one else has been injured and the massive manhunt is over. The authorities are in the process now of arresting as many as 10 people who helped the suspect evade authorities over the past three days, including the driver of the getaway car.

People are asking, “How did this happen?” The alleged murderer, Maurice Clemmons, had a long history of violence and arrests. He was released early from prison at least twice in another state and later not prosecuted due to paperwork errors. He was arrested here in May for hitting a police officer in the face and for the rape of a 12-year-old girl. According to court records, as he was being booked into the Pierce County Jail he told workers, “I’ll kill all you [expletive].”

But once again he was released, this time after posting bail. When asked why a probable child rapist with a long criminal record was released, deputy prosecutor Grant Blinn responded, “A typical child rape-2 defendant is summonsed into court, not even arrested. A lot of them are released on their own personal recognizance.” I have a difficult time comprehending why child rapists are turned loose so easily. Six days after being released this time, Clemmons reportedly told acquaintances to watch the TV news because he planned to “shoot police.” Something is clearly wrong with our system.

On a fundamental level our society has lost much of the understanding of evil. The ideas of the humanist movement that permeate so much of our education, entertainment and legal systems have many people convinced of “the good in everyone” and the concept that “all people are the same.” They reject the teachings of the Bible, which clearly show that some people choose to be wicked and evil. God’s Word also teaches that these people are influenced by an evil being that is referred to as “the prince of the power of the air” and “the god of this age” (Ephesians 2:2; 2 Corinthians 4:4).

Modern research is gradually demonstrating that God was right to begin with. In his monumental book Without Conscience, Dr. Robert Hare, who has studied the criminal mind for more than 30 years, writes clearly about psychopaths in our society. In the introduction to his book he states, “It is a personality that is characterized by egocentricity, grandiosity, impulsivity, recklessness, contentment with self, and, most disturbing, a total lack of conscience.”

As a society, we must learn how to better deal with evil.

Messages of sympathy and condolence are coming to this area from all over the United States as word of the horrific crime of this week has been reported. We are praying for the victims’ families and others who are suffering. We wish there were something more that could be done. It is likely that the Tacoma area will never be quite the same as it was.

If you would like to know more about what the Bible teaches, please request our free publications Why Does God Allow Suffering? and Is There Really a Devil?

It seems this time of year everyone starts throwing out predictions for the new year. I know many wiser people would do better at predicting, and many wiser people refrain from making predictions at all in our unstable and complex world. But based on some long-term trends that have a connection with biblical prophecies, let me add my 10 questions highlighting trends to watch in 2010.

1. Will Iran’s provocations over its nuclear program lead to an Israeli attack to prevent Iran from building nuclear bombs? Tensions continue to heat up. As the BBC reported Nov. 29:

After more than 60 years, will nuclear weapons be used again?

“Iran’s government has approved plans to build 10 new uranium enrichment plants, according to state media…

“It comes days after the UN nuclear watchdog rebuked Iran for covering up a uranium enrichment plant…

“BBC Tehran correspondent Jon Leyne says Sunday’s announcement is a massive act of defiance likely to bring forward direct confrontation over Iran’s nuclear programme.”

Read more of the background of this crisis in “What Would an Israel-Iran Nuclear War Mean?”

2. How much will implementing the Lisbon Treaty streamline and unify Europe? The treaty went into effect Dec. 1, and the newly created positions of full-time president (Belgian Prime Minister Herman Van Rompuy) and foreign minister (Britain’s Catherine Ashton) have been quickly filled.

Both are seen by many as compromise candidates without the name recognition to “stop the traffic” in Washington and Beijing. But will their terms bring further strengthening of the European Union’s goal of ever-closer union? Or will there be continued frustration that Europe isn’t able to speak with one voice and assume the superpower status to match its economic clout?

Bible prophecy shows that it is important to watch events in Europe.

3. Where will the next threat to the world economy come from? More bubbles and insecurities lie just beneath the surface all around the world, as the Dubai World debt crisis showed last week.

Governments and financial institutions understand the need to rush in to shore things up to prevent a meltdown. For example, Bloomberg reports, “The United Arab Emirates’ central bank said it ‘stands behind’ the country’s local and foreign banks, which face losses from Dubai World’s possible default…” But too many of the rushed “cures” only set the stage for future crises. We may not have to wait for 2010 for the next shock to the global system.

4. Will Americans spend or save? MarketWatch reports that the madness of Black Friday discounts only brought in a half percent increase in sales. This is a reminder that the American consumer, once considered the engine of the world economy, is still overstretched and cannot serve as the catalyst of another boom. In fact, the only sustainable approach would be for Americans to save more and spend less. But this tough medicine has its dangers. We’re in so deep, the prudent thing in the long run can be foolish in the short run.

5. How long can America afford to fight two wars? And what will the exit strategy be in Afghanistan? How will other nations take advantage of America being stretched too thin?

6. How long can Americans continue to buy far more from other countries than we sell to them?

7. Will the U.S. government be able to agree on how to cut the record-shattering deficits?

8. How long will countries like China be willing to bankroll the American government’s deficit as well as loaning us the money to buy their goods? As faith in the dollar decreases, what will other countries demand in return for feeding America’s addiction to more and more borrowed money?

9. How long can the U.S. dollar remain the world’s reserve currency?

10. Will the United States continue its slide into immorality, ignoring and even flaunting disobedience to God’s laws? Will America continue to export ungodly and degrading entertainment around the world, with the resultant spread of evil and decline of respect for America?

We cover many of these trends regularly in our publications The Good News and World News and Prophecy. You can also get more background information in The United States and Britain in Bible Prophecy. It explains where we believe the United States, Britain, Canada, Australia and New Zealand are mentioned in Bible prophecy, and why we make the connection between immoral and irresponsible behavior and the decline of our nations’ power. The good news is, the Bible also prophesies an end to these trends with the return of Jesus Christ to save us from ourselves and set up the Kingdom of God. I encourage you to download or request a free copy of these priceless publications and prepare for that wonderful time.

Yesterday the two powerful new jobs created by the European Union’s Lisbon Treaty were filled by less-than-powerful candidates.

What's ahead for the European Union?

Under the headline “EU President: European Press Laments ‘Dull’ Choice,” The Telegraph reported:

“Many European newspapers were dismayed by the EU’s choice of Herman Van Rompuy and Baroness Ashton as its first president and foreign minister…

“Newspapers claimed that the new president—the Belgian prime minister Herman Van Rompuy—and the new High Representative—the EU Trade Commissioner Catherine Ashton—do not carry the weight needed to compete on the world stage with the US and China.”

Reuters said:

“Catherine Ashton, a Briton who is currently EU trade commissioner, told BBC radio: ‘I have always been a believer that together as an economic superpower…we can do an awful lot more. It doesn’t take away from the nation state.’

“Asked who would make decisions on important foreign policy issues, she told BBC radio that views would still ‘emerge from the council’—the grouping of EU member governments.

“‘The council…will deliberate, will determine the views with my support, I hope with my input and expertise, and that will be the voice that I will speak with,’ she said.

“Ashton, who has a low profile in Britain, was a surprise choice for the job after a last-minute compromise at a Brussels summit on Thursday.

“Criticized in the British media for a lack of foreign policy experience and the fact that she has never held an elected position, Ashton said she was ‘humbled’ by the appointment but that she had the right skills and that EU leaders were comfortable with their choice…

“Under a compromise deal at the summit, Ashton got the foreign policy role and Belgium’s Prime Minister Herman Van Rompuy, who is also little known abroad, was named as the 27-nation EU’s first president. Both roles were created under the Lisbon Treaty, design to streamline the running of the bloc.”

Earlier in the week the EUObserver labeled the foreign minister job impossible and said it would take a “superhuman” to pull it off:

“The tasks of the proposed new EU foreign minister look relatively clear-cut and powerful on paper but analysts and politicians in Brussels suggest the person will need to be superhuman to manage all that is foreseen under the Lisbon Treaty.”

However, few are claiming superhuman powers for these compromise candidates. The EUObserver said:

“The Lisbon Treaty will reduce by one the number of EU representatives on the international stage but will still not create the famous ‘one telephone number for Europe,” a senior US official has said.”

So perhaps more frustration is in store for those looking for a single voice for Europe. Could that frustration during future crises lead to further changes? The Bible talks of an eventual short-term union involving 10 European leaders giving their powers over to one strong leader. Students of prophecy and those who love the second coming of Christ watch events in Europe and the Middle East carefully and prayerfully.

For more background, see the May 2008 World News and Prophecy article “Who Will Be the Next Superpower?”

By guest blogger Whitney Smith

In a society that thrives on becoming the best, the brightest and the most successful, people are told to build themselves up to stand out among their peers. Although self-confidence can help build reassurance for tasks that we are truly qualified for, arrogance can too often take the lead.

In the last days, men will be boasters and proud...

In 2 Timothy 3:2, the Bible describes a dangerous time when men will become boasters and proud. Instead of having humility and acknowledging God’s hand in their lives, men will look to themselves for answers from their own abilities without regard for others.

Evan Thomas’ column “The Politics of Arrogance” in Newsweek discusses how political candidates do not want to display any form of humility on the platform to avoid the chance of looking wimpy. These politicians, our leaders, are afraid to show humility. They often choose to boast about their strengths and personal accomplishments in order to gain a sense of respect from those they govern.

But God expects His people to be humble. God told Solomon, “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and will heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14). Many passages depict humility as a positive characteristic that God values and respects in people (Psalm 147:6; James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5).

Becoming more like what God desires and less of what we see displayed by our leaders, our athletes and our entertainers will allow us to avoid the qualities described in 2 Timothy 3. Having a humble attitude instead of becoming boastful and proud will allow us to truly give God the credit for His work within us now.

For more on the antidote to boastfulness and pride, see “Humility and Pride.”

To see the other articles in this series on signs of the perilous end times, see the “Signs of Perilous Times” category.