A Sign of the End Times?

Swine flu has struck Mexico and the U.S. Since the announcement a few days ago, disease analysts and health officials are studying the virus, considering border closings and travel warnings, speculating on the extent, and assuring the public of every precaution against its spread. Promising preparation for an expanding epidemic is under way.

Just calling it swine flu is scary. In 1918-19, about 50 million people worldwide died of the Spanish swine flu, which particularly decimated military installations. Corpses were stacked like cordwood, and fear nearly paralyzed our nation.

Flu epidemics occur with frightening regularity a couple of times each century, but no one knows what their severity or duration would be. Though usually spread only among livestock handlers, mutations allow the viruses to spread person-to-person. Horrendous consequences in illness, death, inadequate treatment and prevention, and economic disruption may maim the global population.

In 1976, a young born-again Army trainee at Fort Dix collapsed during maneuvers and died. His body showed the same strain of swine flu as that of the earlier epidemic. (There has since been speculation that the Army recruit actually died from pneumonia.) President Gerald Ford was saddled with the decision to inoculate huge segments of the U.S. population, and the government assumed responsibility for any side effects. The debilitating Guillain-Barre syndrome sickened many who were inoculated, and some died. Others still bear the tragic effects.

Epidemiologists have been warning for years that we were running out of miracle drugs even for known viruses as they gain strength through overuse of antibiotics. Mutating and combined swine flu organisms have long endangered millions. They are unpredictable, can circle the globe in only three months and kill people who have no immunity. Should this current swine flu problem be a widespread pandemic, there is probably no stopping it until it has run its course.

What should perceptive people do? First, realize that massive scourges of this type are going to be an end-time phenomenon. In Matthew 24:7-8, Jesus predicted, “For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of sorrows.” Luke varies Jesus’ words only slightly writing, “And there will be great earthquakes in various places, and famines and pestilences; and there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven” (Luke 21:11-12). The Greek word translated as “pestilences” actually means “plagues”.

Israel was promised unique health if it unwaveringly served the Lord. Exodus 15:26 says, “If you diligently heed the voice of the LORD your God and do what is right in His sight, give ear to His commandments and keep all His statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you which I have brought on the Egyptians. For I am the LORD who heals you.”

But ancient Israel had to ponder a possible divine punishment in the form of pestilence. If you want a shocker, read each instance in the Bible that pestilence was divine punishment—over forty times. Just one example is found in 2 Chronicles 7:13-15: “‘When I shut up heaven and there is no rain, or command the locusts to devour the land, or send pestilence among My people, 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 heal their land.’” Note that God’s potential judgment of disease is just one verse prior to the famous revival verse millions of believers will be hearing on the National Day of Prayer on May 7.

Let no believer be stricken with disease through immoral lifestyle or improper dietary or health practices. Let no believer ever be a carrier through sinful behavior or lowered immunity from worry or fear.

In a scary time, when millions could sicken and die, rest in the comfort of Psalm 91:1-10:

“He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.’ Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler And from the perilous pestilence. He shall cover you with His feathers, And under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler. You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, Nor of the arrow that flies by day, Nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, Nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday.

“A thousand may fall at your side, And ten thousand at your right hand; But it shall not come near you. Only with your eyes shall you look, And see the reward of the wicked.

“Because you have made the LORD, who is my refuge, Even the Most High, your dwelling place, No evil shall befall you, Nor shall any plague come near your dwelling…” (emphasis mine)

If the Lord opts not to deliver every believer from disease (after all, we all have to go out of this life through some physical problem), we have the calm assurance of 2 Corinthians 5:8: “We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.” Meanwhile, we pray for health oversight personnel to use their God-given wisdom in prevention and cure.

Dave Virkler

Obama’s First 100 Days

The first milestone of any new President is the analyzing of the first 100 days in office. For America’s new leader, that time has arrived. The moment has come when many will pause to consider if the man who campaigned on the slogan, ‘Change You Can Believe In’, has lived up to his election promises.

When comparing Mr. Obama’s words to his actions it can be said that there have been certain changes as promised. In other spheres, like not adding to the deficit, the exact opposite has occurred. And of course, depending one one’s political views, there is either joy or frustration on whatever changes have or have not occurred.

Anyone who has spent any time on planet earth knows well that nothing much stays the same. One exception is making things ‘right’ with Uncle Sam each year on April 15th. Technology changes. People change. Laws change. Politics and politicians change. Relationships change. Values change. And of course there is the ever-consistent change in the weather. Change is obvious. It is predictable and it is unstoppable.

But in the midst of it all, there is something, actually someone, whose character, promises, and standards remain firm. He is God of the Creation and the Savior of humanity. His flawless consistency is anchored in the reality seen in the brief words seen in Hebrews 13:8. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” His love, His righteousness, and His requirement for salvation never alter nor falter.

Malachi chapter three also offers insight into His pure reliability, stating in verse 6, “For I am the LORD, I do not change.” For any seriously seeking for a changeless standard, and a lasting change they can really believe in, they need look no further than their Creator. Unlike the recent political promise that offered ‘a change you can believe in’, God’s concept of it is more: ‘a belief by which you can be changed.’

The Bible speaks clearly of the most unique, radical, and enduring of all changes. Verse 17 of 2 Corinthians chapter 5 states, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” The change itself represents life’s ultimate alteration. It changes everything in life. And it originates through a personal change of mind about one’s own lost spiritual condition and about the only one who has the capacity to fix it – Jesus Christ. The requirement is specific. “I say to you, he who believes in Me has everlasting life. (John 6:47) The Lord repeats the exclusive formula again later in the epistle when He states, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6)

The Spiritual rebirth described in John 3:3 is about a change – a change you can have belief in and a belief that can change you – forever. It is also a change that will never change as described in John 10:28-29. “And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father's hand.”

The President’s next 100 days and 100 weeks will bring more change. Obviously some of it may be helpful to the nation and some will not. But the change that arises through personal faith and by God’s miraculous grace is good for any country. And it is uniquely good for those who are guaranteed to experience peace of mind, prevention of sin, and the spiritual power and perception to deal with any change in life that comes our way.

Bill Breckenridge

It Is All About me, me , me

It can lead to aggression, materialism and shallow values. Its traits include excessive self-love, based on self-image, vanity, conceit, egotism or simple selfishness. It is known as Narcissism. And now a new book has taken a hard look at its growth and effects on the American culture.

Psychologists Jean M. Twenge and W. Keith Campbell have authored a new book entitled “The Narcissism Epidemic.” According to the writers, material on the topic was not very difficult to locate. In fact, they found high levels of narcissism most everywhere! In a study of 37,000 college students, narcissistic personality traits rose just as fast as obesity from the 1980s to the present. The major shift seemed to be among women, but the tendencies have spread throughout the entire culture.

The authors also stated, “Not only are there more narcissists than ever, but non-narcissistic people are seduced by the increasing emphasis on material wealth, physical appearance, celebrity worship, and attention seeking. A popular dance track repeats the words, "money, success, fame, glamour" over and over, declaring that all other values have "either been discredited or destroyed."

The phrase that might best sum up this growing phenomenon is simply, “It’s all about me”. And although it may well be on the rise in modern America, the flaw has been part of the human condition since the very start – and even before.

Isaiah 14 describes the very first case of sin that was directly linked to a massive dose of narcissistic thinking. It did not yet involve man, but in the heart of God’s highest and most impressive created being – Lucifer who would become Satan, God’s arch-enemy. The attitude leading to his downfall begins in verse thirteen. “For you have said in your heart: 'I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will also sit on the mount of the congregation. On the farthest sides of the north; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High.” The five “I wills” in just these few verses leave no doubt that, in Lucifer’s mind, it was all about him!

But later on, after Satan’s explosion from heaven, he took the opportunity to lead the very first man and woman straight onto his prior destructive path. Their fateful meeting is described in Genesis chapter three. In wanting also to be ‘like God’, both disobeyed a direct order and foolishly tried to fulfill their own selfish desires. That fateful move then plunged them and all humanity into sin and into a world saturated with pain, suffering, and death.

Fortunately, the loving God who was rebelled against came to the rescue hinting at His plan in Genesis 3:15. His perfect Son would come and die in man’s place as a way to make all things right and be forgiven of all things wrong. Jesus Christ would live out the polar opposite of the attitude and actions that began back in the Garden of Eden. His selfless attitude and sacrificial death are described by Paul in Philippians 2:5-8. “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.”

The King of Glory met the scourge of sin head on by allowing Himself to be brutally and unjustly executed for the sake of those who ignored and rejected Him. None of His earthy ministry was ever all about Him!

Narcissism make well be growing in a lavish and increasingly secularized American culture. But the same is fully incompatible with the heart of Jesus Christ and authentic Christianity. True believers are encouraged, and even commanded, to also be like their Savior and to do the exact opposite of those that live only for the moment and mostly for themselves. And just as Narcissism today is easy to find, so are verses in Scripture that address it. These few should suffice.

“Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:3-4)

“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.” (Galatians 6:9-10)

“And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.' This is the first commandment. And the second, like it, is this: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these." (Mark 12:30-3)

For those in Christ, life is first all about Him, then all about others, and in a distant third place, about themselves.

Bill Breckenridge

Miss USA – A Second Place Winner

It is a flash point in American politics. But few expected it to be an issue in the Miss USA pageant.

The field had been narrowed down to just a few. Only the final question and answer segment was left for the judges to consider. It was then that Miss California, Carrie Prejean, was handed an explosive, and perhaps an unfair, question by a pageant judge who may well have been following his own agenda. The finalist was asked in front of millions of viewers for her personal view on gay marriage. Sticking to her convictions, Prejean stated, "I believe that a marriage should be between a man and a woman,"

Miss California said she felt she was being tested by God and that her stand for her beliefs likely cost her the title. Perhaps it did since Judge Hilton told ABC News: "She lost it because of that question. She was definitely the front-runner before that." Keith Lewis, who runs the Miss California competition, stated, "As co-director of the Miss California USA, I am personally saddened and hurt that Miss California believes marriage rights belong only to a man and a woman."

In an increasingly secularized and non-religious culture, living by one’s moral convictions and biblical beliefs is not seen as a positive thing. To the contrary, it is viewed as being narrow-minded, unloving, and judgmental. To inflict any personal views on the moral behavior of others is seen as a sin in and of itself. And to even suggest that certain activities and actions might be unwise or ungodly is considered more dangerous than the questionable behavior itself.

People are indeed free to believe however they wish. But they are not free from the potential consequences of certain behavior. But those who feel that the gay lifestyle and gay marriage is acceptable should at least be honest and admit that their views are at odds with the God of the Bible. With that said, Scripture has not singled out gays as a special category of sinners who are worse than all others. But to say theirs is an acceptable biblical behavior flies in the face of passages like 1 Corinthians. 6:9-11. “Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God.”

Then in Romans one, Paul reveals a lengthy list of sins with verses 26-27 including precise words that speak to very specific forms of shameful behavior. “For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.” Then after adding a variety of wrong and immoral activities, the Apostle concludes by condemning those who even approve and promote such things in verse 32. “Who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.”

There are some who claim that the gay lifestyle is no big deal since Jesus Himself never specifically condemned homosexual activity in the Bible. But that argument has one fatal flaw. Colossians chapter one clearly identifies Christ as God in the flesh, beginning with verse 15. “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist.” When that is coupled with, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God”, in 2 Timothy 3:16, every word from Genesis to Revelation is consistent with the mind of Christ. As the second person of the Trinity, His divine guidance and approval is stamped on every verse in Scripture!

To a holy God, sin is sin. He is the final authority on right and wrong. It matters not how culture defines as legal rights or what is seen as right. It matters not how judges rule, how politicians vote, or how standards change. And it certainly does not matter what a pageant judge or co-director think. In addition, homosexual marriage does not justify an activity if it is considered wrong in God’s eyes. But when a man and woman who are having sinful pre-marital relations do marry, things are made right since God invented and sanctioned marriage on that level.

What matters to God is that His followers obey Him when confronted with unbiblical ideas or actions. Ephesians 5:11-12 is rather explicit on the subject when declaring, “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret.”

But it also matters to God that believers accept their calling as outlined 2 Corinthians chapter five. The passage makes them aware of their God-given duty and position. It orders them to share their Savior’s love and His great salvation to those who are lost, misled, and under the domination of sin – any sin. Verse 20 reads, “Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God.”

If Carrie Prejean’s stand, and subsequent loss, was based on her understanding of Scripture and a personal relationship to the Savior who authored it, she has done well. And she can now rest fully in the words of comfort presented in Romans 10:11. “For the Scripture says, "Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.”

Bill Breckenridge

Sing Like Susan Boyle

We could call it from rags to riches, from scorn to adulation and from obscurity to prominence. Hyperbole is no excess in describing the noble ascendancy of British singer Susan Boyle. She stunned the Britain’s Got Talent show, evoking the highest praise from the three judges. In fact, one declared it was the biggest surprise he’d had in three years of the show. “When you stood there with that cheeky grin…everyone was laughing at you. No one is laughing now. That was an incredible performance. Amazing. I am reeling from shock.”

From an obscure village in Scotland, the unknown 47-year old with a homespun spinster image had walked alone to center stage and declared her desire to be a famous singer. As cameras zoomed in to the incredulous expressions of the judges, who thought her singing was to be a pathetic joke, Boyle broke into glorious song and stunned everyone with “I Dreamed a Dream”, a poignant lyric of hopes gone sour, from the musical Les Miserables.

Presently, judges and audience thought they were dreaming. Only a few phrases in, judges and audience were on their feet in raucous approving applause.

One judge declared his approval saying, “It is the biggest ‘yes’ [vote] I’ve ever given anybody.” Another stated, “We were all being very cynical. That was the greatest wake up call ever… It was a complete privilege listening to that.” The final judge said, “Susan Boyle, you can go back to your village with your head held high and three ‘yes’s.”

As of the morning of April 20, the YouTube clip of Boyle had 33,570,148 views. The millions of hits attest to her global honor. Boyles’ sudden catapult from obscurity to prominence gives common people hope and dignifies those whose dreams may have indeed died but for whom hope still lingers.

Musically, I am reminded of Bible songs sung in the clutches of stressful disappointment or rhymed out of dismal brushes with despair or even death itself. When blind Fanny Crosby penned, “I know I shall see in His beauty the King in whose law I delight, Who lovingly guardeth my footsteps and giveth me songs in the night,” she drew on several Old Testament texts: “Your eyes will see the King in his beauty: they will see the land that is very far off” (Isaiah 33:17), “Uphold my steps in Your paths, That my footsteps may not slip” (Psalm 17:5), and “But no one says, ‘Where is God my maker, who gives songs in the night” (Job 35:10).

After a severe beating, Paul and Silas spent the night in a Philippian jail singing. “But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them” (Acts 16:25).

After ragged and harassed Israel walked through the parted sea and stood on the safe and farther shore, Moses sang a song of redemption found in Exodus 15, a song to erupt from our lips in Heaven as Revelation 15:3 & 4 foretells. “They sing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying: “Great and marvelous are Your works, Lord God Almighty! Just and true are Your ways, O King of the saints! Who shall not fear You, O Lord, and glorify Your name? For You alone are holy. For all nations shall come and worship before You, For Your judgments have been manifested.”

God puts a new song of redemption in every convert’s heart. “And he has put a new song in my mouth—praise to our God; Many shall see it and fear, And will trust in the LORD” (Ps. 40:3). We may wonder how a song can be seen. Susan Boyle has surely shown it as a secular performer. She sang, and suddenly the world is watching.

God has His little obscure people throughout His Kingdom, yet so often “Little Is Much When God Is in It,” as the old Gospel song says. Isaiah 58:10 promises, “If you extend your soul to the hungry And satisfy the afflicted soul, Then your light shall dawn in the darkness, And your darkness shall be as the noonday…”

We may not look like much, nor do we all have impressive talent, but “singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord,” as Ephesians 5:19 enjoins, is a far-reaching success story that can circle the earth and be joyfully heard in Heaven.

Dave Virkler

The Terrible Tenth Anniversary

The word has become associated with horror, fear, suffering, and death. The word is simply Columbine.

On April 20th, 1999, the quiet community of Littleton, Colorado, was interrupted by gunfire. When the smoke settled, a high school campus became the intense scene of one of the most brutal crimes in America’s history. This past Sunday, hundreds attended a sunset candlelight vigil to honor the 13 victims of the Columbine High School massacre, on the eve of its 10th anniversary. The high school will be closed on Monday as a reminder of that fateful April morning when the entire country was ruthlessly taught that no one is truly safe anywhere.

It is unfortunate that it takes a “Columbine” to awaken so many to the fact that life is fragile and that death is certain - eventually. It is also unfortunate that those who do see that through some eye-opening experience like a “Columbine” tend to quickly forget the hard lesson it yields. And it is extremely unfortunate that so many fail, at that time, to enact the spiritual preparation to face with confidence any event that might usher them into eternity.

In Proverbs, the wisdom book of the Old Testament, the writer shares his simple but wise principle about ignoring the potential problems that can arise at any given moment in life. In chapter 27 and verse one he states, “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth.”

Then in the New Testament counterpart to Proverbs, James expands on the concept of assuming that a long life is a given and about planning apart from God’s instruction and input. Verse 13 begins, “Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit"; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. Instead you ought to say, "If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that." But now you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil.”(James 4:13-16)

This year, the Sunday night vigil for the Columbine tragedy victims came exactly one week after Easter. And for those who lost loved ones there, but who fully grasped and accepted and the meaning of Christ’s death on the cross and His subsequent resurrection, a special hope remains even after these ten long years. The reason is simple but highly profound and is summed up in 1 Corinthians 15:53- 57. “For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: "Death is swallowed up in victory." "O Death, where is your sting ? O Hades, where is your victory?" The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Yes, the word ‘Columbine’ has become associated with horror, fear, suffering, and death. But the word ‘Christ‘ should conjure up terms like peace, victory and hope, and life. And for that to be true requires only the correct view and response to the greatest event and offer in all of human history!

“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” (1 Corinthians 1:18)

Despite what many may think, there is a real place of ultimate safety and eternal security!

Bill Breckenridge

Columbine Anniversary

The word has become associated with horror, fear, suffering, and death. The word is
simply Columbine.

On April 20th, 1999, the quiet community of Littleton, Colorado, was interrupted
by gunfire. When the smoke settled, a high school campus became the intense scene of one ofthe most brutal crimes in America’s history. This past Sunday, hundreds attended a sunset candlelight vigil to honor the 13 victims of the Columbine High School massacre, on the eve of its 10th anniversary. The high school will be closed on Monday as a reminder of that fateful April morning when the entire country was ruthlessly taught that no one istruly safe anywhere.

It is unfortunate that it takes a “Columbine” to awaken so many to the fact that life is fragile and that death is certain - eventually. It is also unfortunate that those who do see that through some eye-opening experience like a “Columbine” tend to quickly forget the hard lesson it yields. And it is extremely unfortunate that so many fail, at that time, to enact the spiritual preparation to face with confidence any event that might usher them into eternity.

In Proverbs, the wisdom book of the Old Testament, the writer shares his simple but wise principle about ignoring the potential problems that can arise at any given moment in life. In chapter 27 and verse one he states, “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth.”

Then in the New Testament counterpart to Proverbs, James expands on the concept of
assuming that a long life is a given and about planning apart from God’s instruction and input. Verse 13 begins, “Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to
such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit"; whereas
you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. Instead you ought to say, "If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that." But now you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil.”(James 4:13-16)

This year, the Sunday night vigil for the Columbine tragedy victims came exactly one week after Easter. And for those who lost loved ones there, but who fully grasped and accepted and the meaning of Christ’s death on the cross and His subsequent resurrection, a special hope remains even after these ten long years. The reason is simple but highly profound and is summed up in 1 Corinthians 15:53- 57. “For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: "Death is swallowed up in victory." "O Death, where is your sting ? O Hades, where is your victory?" The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Yes, the word ‘Columbine’ has become associated with horror, fear, suffering, and death. But the word ‘Christ‘ should conjure up terms like peace, victory and hope, and life. And for that to be true requires only the correct view and response to the greatest event and offer in all of human history!

“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” (1 Corinthians 1:18)

Bill Breckenridge

Secrets

Top secret? Classified? Or open to public view? One careless step cost England its terrorism control secrets and the top security officer his job.

On Thursday, April 10, Robert Quick, the top counter-terrorism officer of Great Britain, stepped out of his car headed for a meeting at 10 Downing Street to report on plans to insure the safety of his fellow citizens. The problem was that the top page of the sheaf of papers in his right hand exposed the secret plans. Sharp-eyed photographers enlarged the telephoto pictures they took and could clearly read of secret plans to surprise suspects in a forthcoming roundup. The careless move was captured and printed in inglorious color in The New York Times and elsewhere around the world.

The error cost Quick his job, and British citizens lost much-needed confidence in the government’s ability to strike national threats in a timely and effective manner.

It is a flashback of another unwitting disclosure during World War II. As America’s allies were preparing for D-Day, a sudden gust of wind whisked a few copies of top-secret plans for the invasion of Normandy off a desk and out an open window. Scurrying wildly, the planners hit the streets to recover them and found all but one. Not until the invasion was successful did they breathe the proverbial sigh of relief knowing the unfound copy had not fallen into enemy hands.

How different is the message arising from Easter’s cross and resurrection! Instead of being told to secretly preserve the battle plans and news, Christ’s disciples were commissioned to go everywhere (Mark 16:15-16). Christ told them, "Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature." Even in the Old Testament, anticipation looked globally. "Look to Me, and be saved, all you ends of the earth!" (Isaiah 45:22).

This global response is anchored to universal participation as Romans 10:14-15 outlines. "How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? As it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!"

The Great Commission as recorded in Matthew 28:18–20 enjoins comprehensive Christian cooperation. Christ has "all authority" sending us to "all nations," teaching them "all things" that He taught them, and He is with us " always, even to the end of the age." Since the age is not ended and we claim His unfailing presence, that commission is still in force for ALL CHRISTIANS.

The Gospel message should never focus on secrecy but on publicity. One of the most complimentary verses in all Scripture is Mark 16:20. "And they went forth, and preached everywhere…"

Each generation is the publicity department of the Kingdom. News of Jesus isn’t to be classified but publicized!

Dave Virkler

The Left Hand Or The Right?

In a rare medical procedure, a strange phenomenon seems to occur. A study at the Center for Cognitive Neuroscience, in Lyon, France, has been conducted on patients who have had both of their hands transplanted. Findings indicate that the brain, for some reason, re-established connections much more quickly with the left hand than the right – despite the patients being right-handed before the surgery.

The first researched case involved a 20-year-old man who received the transplants in 2003 after having used artificial hand devices for some while. Experts found that his brain had re-established nerve connections to control the left hand by 10 months. But it took over two years to complete the ‘rewiring’ needed for the right. In another case a 46-year-old man who lost both hands received a dual hand transplant. He was tested by the researchers well over four years later, only to find that the brain had recognized the the left hand, but not yet the right. Researchers said more study is needed to determine why this happens.

The Bible uses the hands for both literal and figurative illustrations. There are references to lifting up holy hands. (1 Timothy 2:8) There is a reference of the need for sinners to cleanse their hands. (James 4:8) Then Jesus said from the cross in Luke 23:46, "Father, 'into Your hands I commit My spirit.'" And in a most serious and solemn warning, the writer of Hebrews said, “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” (Hebrews 10:31)

But it is in Mathew’s gospel account that Jesus used a figurative illustration that included a reference to both hands. In chapter five He presented what is known as the ‘Beatitudes’. In His lengthy message there, He covered an array of moral topics such as murder, marriage, love, honesty and forgiveness. Then starting with chapter six He touched briefly on the subject of humility and pride as it relates to doing good and charitable things. The negative example used in the passage came, as was somewhat typical for the Lord, at the expense of the religious and hypocritical elite leadership of that day.

Beginning with verse one pf that sixth chapter Jesus declared, "Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven. Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.”

Then in verse three the image of right and left hands came into play. “But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly.”

In 1 Corinthians three, the writer Paul also spoke out concerning the inner motives that accompany and drive outward good works. He begins in verse eleven stating, “For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each one's work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one's work, of what sort it is. If anyone's work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. If anyone's work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.”

In the final analysis it does not much matter how either hand is connected to or controlled by the brain. The issue in God’s eyes is only whether or not the heart properly motivates and spiritually guides what the hands then do. Obviously any and all good efforts will benefit those on the receiving end. But for the same to be pleasing to a holy God, and worthy of His eternal reward, they must fit His unique ‘hand to hand’ criteria!

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10)

Bill Breckenridge

The Cross

The cover of Newsweek magazine is a strange place to see a cross, especially since it’s surrounded by blackness and emblazoned with irregular red letters across and down that read "The Decline and Fall of Christian America."

Just in time for Good Friday, the article sounds the statistical retreat of American Christianity. While the cover is media overkill, the article does trace the loss in the culture wars by conservative evangelicals and the shifting views on faith and religious practice in our country.

Perhaps the dismal picture is an unintended affirmation of the words of at old hymn, "The Old Rugged Cross." As George Bennard put it, "O that old rugged cross so despised by the world, has a wondrous attraction for me; For the dear Lamb of God left His glory above to bear it to dark Calvary."

Calvary appeared to be a dismal failure, but now crosses are sometimes cast in gold and silver, placed upon church steeples and worn on chains around the neck. A current TV commercial offers an ornate silver cross with a tiny eyepiece imbedded in the center through which the viewer may observe Bible verses.

But the "old rugged cross" is a death instrument, and the Newsweek cover background in black recalls its morbidity and distress. According to Paul’s review of the cross, it also represents an introductory death experience in entering the born-again life.

Galatians 6:14 says, "But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world." The cross signifies a death separation from one sphere to another.

When a person was crucified, he was not coming back; he faced forward and had no future plans. It was an excruciating transition from life to death and from time to eternity. The cross of Christ similarly is a marvelous transition to life since Christ rose from the dead. Romans 6:6-10 spells this out. "Knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. For he who has died has been freed from sin. Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, dies no more. Death no longer has dominion over Him." (emphasis mine)

The risen Christ and the empty tomb insure a new enduring life dimension. "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me" (Gal. 2:20-21).

The term "accepting Christ" means more than mere casual mental assent. It is the unreserved acceptance of God’s viewing us as have been crucified with Christ and risen with Christ by receiving Him personally into our lives.

At the very least, I’m glad Newsweek published a word-formed cross on its cover. When Christ suffered and died on that old rugged cross, he was the Word become flesh and dwelling among us as John 1:14 says. As the ultimately victorious "King of kings and Lord of lords" (Rev. 1:4), He is portrayed as "clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God."

Statistics may show fewer of us Christians in America, but when the last chapter is written, we win.

Dave Virkler

Who was the historical Jesus?

The topic surfaces every Easter season. This time it is Rachel Havrelock, a Biblical scholar and professor at the University of Chicago. Her premise is that the historical Jesus may not be exactly who many of His followers may think He was. Havrelock’s opinions are being featured in a Discovery Channel documentary titled “Who Was Jesus?” In it, she seeks to confront common misconceptions about the Bible's teachings concerning its primary character - Jesus of Narareth.

The professor states, among other things, “The concept of God was, and perhaps still is, a radical social idea. The core of Jesus' message was directed to the economically downtrodden, the poor farmers, laborers and others who had little power in their own lives.”

There are also other fundamental issues that Havrelock questions. For instance she says, “Certain details of Jesus' life simply don't fit with idealized notions of a Messiah. The prophets of the Old Testament speak of a future king who will restore the Jews to their land and establish order and peace." Then she suggests, "The wording of the baptism accounts reveals embarrassment. Why should a son of God have to be baptized, since he should have been born without sin? It appears that John the Baptist was involved in creating another movement at around the same time as Jesus.” When asked just what permitted Christianity to spread so quickly, she relied, “Paul the Apostle was a marketing genius.”

The good scholar no doubt knows Bible history inside and out. But it would seem that she may lack some understanding of the Bible’s deeper spiritual truths concerning the person and purpose of Jesus Christ.

If she would read and understand Isaiah 53 she would see the clear concept of suffering by a sin-bearing Messiah. Verse two begins, “He has no form or comeliness; and when we see Him, there is no beauty that we should desire Him. He is despised and rejected by men, a Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him; He was despised, and we did not esteem Him. Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.”

If she understood baptism correctly, she would see that John was embarrassed to baptize Jesus. But it was not because Jesus was a sinner in need of some ceremonial cleansing. John’s issue was that he himself was a sinner and was overwhelmed to be baptizing the holy Son of God in a highly symbolic and instructional act. “I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” (Matthew 3:11) As far as John doing his own thing on the side, she might want recall the separating of John’s head from his body for his unbending worship and in the vital preparation for the ministry of his Lord.

If the scholar knew anything about the Apostle Paul, she would also know that his ‘marketing’ skills would not be too popular with most mere mortals. He summed up some of the results of his ‘genius’ in 2 Corinthians11:23-28. “I speak as a fool — I am more: in labors more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequently, in deaths often. From the Jews five times I received forty stripes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep; in journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness…” It is difficult to imagine this course of action as acceptable in any MBA degree program today.

And if the professor correctly understood the work of Jesus, she would know His purpose as stated in 1 John 3:8. “For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil." She would also know that He did not serve select groups, rich or poor, but came to deal with the sins of the whole world. (John 3:16) His issue with wealth was only as it pertained to being a huge stumbling block to accepting His gift of salvation. And his attitude towards material things can be summed up in Matthew 6:33. “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”

So exactly who is this Biblical and historical Jesus?

He was fully man.

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14)

He is also full and absolute deity – known in theological circles as the “hypo-static union”.

“Taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death.” (Philippians 2: 6-11)

He is the Creator of the universe.

“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.” (Colossians 1:15-17)

He is head of the universal church.

"And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence." (Colossians 1:18)

He is the final judge of all men.

"I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom." (2 Timothy 4:1)

He is the Savior of sinners.

"And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life." (1 John 5:11-12)

He is the keeper and the rewarder of all who know Him, trust Him, love Him, and who serve Him.

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time." (1 Peter 1:3-5)

So once again, who is the historical Biblical Jesus? Perhaps it is best to simply allow Him to answer that all-important question in His own words!

"I am the way , the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." (John 14:6)

Bill Breckenridge

A Bloody Week In America

The news came fast and furious, leaving little time to take one incident in before another event assaulted the senses.

It began with a mighty massacre at an immigration center in upstate NY. When the dust settled, thirteen had been gunned down in a gruesome slaying. Then days later, three police officers were ambushed and killed in Pittsburgh, PA. That was followed by the horrific murder of five children by their jealous dad in Washington State.

Like other places in the world, America is more and more becoming the home of random acts of brutality and senseless violence. This new way of life has many asking the question, “What is going on in our country?” The short answer is the same as it is anywhere else on planet earth: sin.

In a few days, Easter Sunday, the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, will arrive. And for those who ‘truly’ understand its meaning, there is no question as to why evil and violence exist. But for those to whom the holiday is simply candy, eggs, bunnies, and a new outfit for their semi-annual trip to church, the question of evil remains.

Good Friday and the glorious Sunday that follows it is about sin and a loving God’s response to it. It is about a sinless Savior who voluntarily took the guilt and penalty of a rebellious world and became literal sin for all. Paul presents that incomprehensible truth in 2 Corinthians 5:21. “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”

Philippians chapter two describes this miraculous sacrifice. “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.” (Philippians 2:5-8)

The reason for, and the reality of, human sin is explained in graphic detail in Romans chapter one. Those searching for the ‘why’ of evil and a broken world need look no further. But for any desiring to go beyond why sin exists and locate a solution to the same need to continue on in the book.

Before long they will land in chapter three and verse twenty-three where they will discover that all sin is an offense to a Holy God, not just those things of the caliber of a ruthless mass murder. Paul informs in Romans 3:23, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Then a few chapters later they will fix their gaze on words where the writer reveals the penalty for sin and the solution to sin just one short verse. “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 6:23)

All that is needed now to complete the inquiry is to discover what must be done to receive the ‘gift’ that deals with the plague and punishment for sin. That will be explained clearly in chapter ten. The Apostle records there “that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” (Romans 10:8-10)

Yes, it has been a bloody week or two in America, and something that will likely be repeated again before long. These kinds will also likely remain a terrible mystery to many in a nation forced to deal with increasing forms of evil and acts of brutality.

There are others, however, who fully comprehend the cause and remedy for wickedness of any caliber. These have experiencd eternal life in Jesus Christ. They have gained salvation through their understanding and positive reaction to their Savior's blood-based solution to sin. "In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.' (Ephesians 1:7)

All evil, on any level, is about sin. And dealing with all sin, on any level, is what Easter's crucfixion and resurrection is all about!

Bill Breckenridge

Record Drop In Home Prices

As though more bad economic news is needed, Selected Cities Standard & Poor’s Case-Shiller Home Price Index has reported that the prices of homes fell 19 percent in January, as compared to the previous year.

The evaluation uses 20 metropolitan areas and discovered that the worst hit area fell nearly 59%, with 13 more showing record declines. In addition, no market revealed any month-to-month improvement. Values in places like Phoenix, Las Vegas, Miami, San Francisco and San Diego dropped more than 40 percent causing David Blitzer, chairman of S&P’s index, to state, “There’s no daylight that I can see in this report.”

Rapid change and growing uncertainty have become commonplace in a nation where citizens have long enjoyed a fairly stable lifestyle. But today, troubling news invades constantly on a variety of fronts - the economy being the obvious leader at this juncture. And as the effects of a crumbling financial system trickle down, even those with large investments have felt the impact on their lives and futures. The growing question and controversy now is whether or not the government should take control and change the world’s greatest system of capitalism to one of socialism – something proven throughout history to not fare very well.

Today many formerly secure Americans are slowly realizing that nothing is guaranteed to stay the same. At the same time many Christians, who also share a dual heavenly citizenship, are again appreciating the blessing of a personal relationship with a loving, comforting, and stable God. And the current crisis has become, for some, a keen reminder of the safety and the security they enjoy in Jesus Christ.

While speaking of God’s coming Messenger the prophet Malachi made reference to the duration of the Creator. In chapter three, verse six he penned, "For I am the LORD, I do not change.” Then the writer of Hebrews in the New Testament affirmed the same truth when he wrote, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever." (Hebrews 13:8)

Not only is God’s character changeless, but so are His promises - especially those dealing with man’s salvation. Jesus made this abundantly clear in John 10:28 declaring, “And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.” Then, too, the most familiar verse in the Scriptures teaches the same. In John 3:16 Jesus reveals the duration of redemption. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

The changes in the today’s modern world are real and rapid. And with some notable exceptions, they mostly fall on the negative side of the global ledger. But even this real trend is no real shock to Bible believers who know the disturbing and prophetic words beginning in 2 Timothy 3:1. “But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come.” The Greek word rendered ‘perilous’ in verse one carries the idea of something difficult, dangerous, fierce, and something that reduces strength.

For those outside God’s family of faith, the ever-changing world must be frustrating at best and absolutely frightening at worst. But for those in Christ, the world’s greatest pressures are superceded by scores of God’s even greater promises.

“For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." So we may boldly say: "The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?" (Hebrews 13:5-6)

Bill Breckenridge

April Fool

Every year on April 1st, jokesters try to ambush gullible friends, relatives and fellow workers into believing nonsense and then say, "April Fool!" The day evidently began in the 1500s when news of a major calendar change either reached people late or was rejected altogether. Improperly celebrating a given event could make one a fool. But the Bible has prior claim on definitions and descriptions.

The word "fool" is found about 66 times in the Bible. It variously means "silliness," "stupid," "wicked," "perverse," or, in the New Testament, "to be frothing at the mouth," "dull" or "a blockhead." Adding the words "foolish"and" foolishly," there are countless more variations of meanings including "silly talk," "fat,""slack," "moronic," etc.

Evidently being a fool or foolish is extremely common for God's Word to address the problems of requently. Confining April Fool's to a singly day minimizes the problem and lets people off the hook. Biblically, folks can be fools any day of any month by going askew from God's norms. Let me list a few examples.

Saul - "…I have played the fool and erred exceedingly" (1 Sam 26:21). His sin was pursuing a righteous man and failing to see God's ultimate plan.

The atheist - "The fool has said in his heart, 'There is no God.' They are corrupt, They have done abominable works, There is none who does good" (Psalm 14:1). His problem was imagining himself as a mortal filling the whole universe which, if possible, would have made himself God , so very self-contradictory.

The rich man - "But God said to him, 'Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?'" (Luke 12:20). His problem was stashing away wealth for years to come but ignorant of imminent death. He was ready to live, but he was unprepared to die.

The supreme folly is ignoring God's wisdom for life and death. Proverbs 14:9 says, "Fools mock at sin, but among the upright there is favor." Years ago, martyred missionary Jim Elliott left behind this wise legacy: "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose."

As Easter approaches, shedding foolish ignorance of Jesus Christ's greatest victory is a worthy task. After His resurrection, Christ spoke to travelers on the road to Emmaus. "Then He said to them, 'O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! Ought not the Christ to have suffered these things and to enter into His glory?' And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself" (Luke 24:25-27).

This year, Wednesday, April 1st is trumped by Easter Sunday, April 12th.

David Virkler