One Billion Computers and Counting?

According to Gartner Research, the number of personal computers worldwide has exceeded one billion. The study also predicts the number to double in only about 6 years - a staggering rate of growth, to say the least. And this is not including laptop models! Gartner also claims that emerging markets will account for 70 percent of the next billion PCs to come online.

Other data reveals that fifty-eight percent of today's PCs are owned by U.S., European, and Japanese users and that his year, some 180 million computers currently in use globally will be retired. This means that approximately 35 million of these will be dumped into landfills but with little apparent concern for their potentially hazardous content.

Amazingly, a day is coming soon when there will be a PC for every 3 or so people on the planet. If laptops are included, the numbers would soon approach 1 of every 2. But as incredible as this all is, there is something more amazing and far more important than even the stunning proliferation of modern computing technology.

Wikipedia, the massive online encyclopedia, records the following figures. “The Bible Society of the United Kingdom calculates that the number of Bibles printed between 1816 and 1975 was 2,458,000,000. Furthermore, worldwide sales of the Bible number more than a staggering 100 million each year. This means that as of the year 2007, approximately 7.5 billion Bibles have been distributed throughout world—with the vast majority still available for use. And these figures do not include the various digital versions of the Bible being used today by millions on computers, Blackberries—and now iPhones. Currently, the complete Bible has been published in over 450 languages with the New Testament alone being published in nearly 1,400 languages."

Without a doubt, the Bible remains the best selling book of all time and statistically there is now at least one Bible, in some format, to represent every human life on earth!

But despite the vast numbers of computers littering the globe, there are some who will never own or even see one due to a host of reasons. However, the God of the Bible has provided a comprehensive plan of salvation which is meant to be the private possession of every living being. (1 John 2:2, 1 Timothy 4:10) The gospel writer made abundantly clear the scope of God’s redemptive plan in Mark 13:10. “And the gospel must first be preached to all the nations.” The method of distribution was made equally clear and was related later in Mark 16:15. "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.”

The saturation of God’s Word is no accident. Within its own prophetic pages is forecast its own indestructibility and global impact. (Mark 13:31, Matthew 24:14) But the most effective evangelistic tool, even today, is still the simple word of mouth communication of salvation in Jesus Christ. The price has been paid. (1 Corinthians 6:20) The plan is in place (John 3:16) And now only the proclamation process remains with the very best example of effective outreach seen in the early ‘computer-free’ church.“

"For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place. Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need to say anything.” (1 Thessalonians 1:8)

That is always the very best use of the PC - namely, the

Personal Communication of the Person of Christ!

Bill Breckenridge

Which Stairway To Heaven?

It was considered a rock masterpiece. And its durability certainly bears that out. The eight-minute long piece was written and performed by what many feel to be the best ever in their genre of music.

They are Led Zeppelin – the British heavy metal rockers known for their powerful vocals and unmatched instrumental prowess. The band formed in 1968 and has sold over 300 million albums worldwide. Obviously the group has enjoyed staggering success but the song that is most associated with them is “Stairway To Heaven”. The first stanza of the rather lengthy tune reads:

There's a lady who's sure

All that glitters is gold

And she's buying a stairway to heaven

When she gets there she knows

If the stores are all closed

With a word she can get what she came for

And she's buying a stairway to heaven

As far as the song’s meaning, its writer and band lead singer Robert Plant said, "It was some cynical aside about a woman getting everything she wanted all the time without giving back any thought or consideration.”

The super song was released back in 1971 through Atlantic records and is arguably the single most famous rock tune of all time. It has been played on the radio nearly 3 million times - equal to more than 45 years of uninterrupted airtime! But even today“Stairway” has not yet achieved its full money making potential, since Zeppelin has typically shunned many of the usual financial opportunities. Recently, executives in the music advertising and entertainment industries came up with some numbers of the real and potential value of “Stairway." Should the group decide to go totally commercial, the total estimated value of the 37-year old legendary hit, in all of its various forms, could exceed a staggering $572 million dollars.

Meanwhile, a new study by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life has revealed some interesting, if not very disturbing, beliefs about Americans’ views about the other road to heaven. The survey of 35,000 adults found that a shocking 57%, who attend ‘evangelical’ churches feel that their religion is not the only stairway to a heavenly home – despite what their own church may teach. The report also sites that only 14 percent see their religious beliefs as the main influence on their political thinking. This led D. Michael Lindsay, a Rice University sociologist of religion to state, "The survey shows religion in America is, indeed, 3,000 miles wide and only three inches deep."

It is fully understandable why those of other faiths would feel heaven is attainable apart from what the Bible teaches. The reason is simple. They do not believe in what the Scriptures teach despite the overwhelming evidence of its divine authorship. But any who do claim to be evangelical Christians would be well advised to rethink their alignment with those who reject an exclusive nature of a Bible-based salvation. To not do so is to absolutely reject and willingly ignore the many clear and powerful passages that speak directly to the issue.

There are others, but the following three passages are classic examples of what God has revealed concerning His exclusive redemptive plan and the forgiveness of human sin.

First, the Apostle John writes, “Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6) Later in 1 John he relates, “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. These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God,that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.” (1 John 5: 11-13)

Then Peter makes the same distinction abundantly clear stating, “Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." (Acts 4:12) The one and only “Stairway To Heaven” must be climbed exclusively and literally on the back of Jesus Christ. Few things are made any clearer in God’s Word because few things even approach its importance. But unlike the misguided woman in Zeppelin’s song, a happy earthly life and a future heavenly home can never be bought through material means. (Isaiah 55:1-3)

Along with Christ being the one way to heaven, His path is also the free way there. In his greatest doctrinal thesis, the Apostle Paul spoke about the price of salvation in Romans 5:8. “Therefore, as through one man's offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man's righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life.”

God’s only ‘Stairway To Heaven’ is a pathway free from any human efforts or moral requirements. Its steps are accessible to all willing to climb it God’s way and who agree to hold fast to the railing of the faith as designed and required by its Savior.

But the forgiveness of sin should always be accompanied by a deep awareness that salvation was anything but free. It was infinitely costly to the One whose mighty sacrifice made the priceless gift of redemption and heaven a glorious reality!

Bill Breckenridge

Infamous Comedian Dies

He outlived his infamous prediction – at least partly so. He was radical comedian George Carlin, who has died of heart failure at age 71.

He was a star of the counterculture, having begun his career in the 60’s. His humor was often blasphemous and off-color. But Carlin will best be remembered for his act, “Seven Words You Can Never Say on Television”. No explanation is necessary. Although network TV has keep most of these vile expressions at bay, the advent of cable has meant that Carlin’s prophecy did not exactly pan out – unfortunately.

Actor Ben Stiller called Carlin "a hugely influential force in stand-up comedy. He had an amazing mind, and his humor was brave, and always challenging us to look at ourselves and question our belief systems, while being incredibly entertaining. He was one of the greats."

It is not uncommon around the Easter season for churches to speak what is known as “The Seven Last Words From The Cross”. In reality, they are 7 short phrases uttered by Jesus Christ as He suffered on the cross and died there for the redemption of the world. The sayings were originally uttered in Aramaic, although just one is preserved in the original language in most modern English translations. The expressions have been used also in sacred music by notable composers like Joseph Hayden.

These few, but significantly profound theological words, are recorded in Scripture as follows:

1. "Father, forgive them, they know not what they do." Luke 23:34
2. "This day thou shalt be with me in Paradise." Luke 23:433.
3. "Woman, behold thy son." John 19:26-74.
4. "My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?" Mark 15:34 5.
5. "I thirst." John 19:286.
6. "It is finished." John 19:307.
7. "Into thine hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit." Luke 23:46

While some may feel that George Carlin offered humorous challenges to look within and question one’s beliefs, his words are not even worthy to be mentioned along side of what Jesus Christ did and said during His last hours on the cross.

The Savior’s agonizing cry to the Father of ‘forsaking Him’ was both crucial and biblically significant. It was the Son's reaction over the heavenly Father’s reaction to Jesus literally becoming sin for us. (2 Corinthians 5:21) This, in turn, caused a holy God to have to look away from His beloved Son. None will ever know the depths of the emptiness and despair Christ suffered in those horrendous hours. His pain infinitely exceeded even the excruciating physical effects associated with crucifixion.

But Christ’s stunning loneliness and unimaginable suffering ultimately led to the most significant words ever spoken – even among the 7 amazing phrases considered here. Just before breathing His last, He cried out, “It is finished.” Simply stated, His task was complete. He had fully paid the eternal fine for sin – at the terrible price demanded by God. Nothing more needed to be done to fulfill the plan of salvation designed in eternity past! All that remained was His glorious resurrection - the most stunning proof that He was exactly who He claimed to be - the eternal God wrapped in human flesh. (John 1:14)

George Carlin died from a heart condition. And his infamous ‘seven words’, or the fame and fortune they brought, were of no value when he stepped into the presence of His Creator. But those who understand the words of Christ from the cross, and act upon them in faith, have their spiritual hearts repaired and renewed as Romans 10:8-10 records. “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.”

Only 7 simple words directed at Christ, but offered in sincere and trusting faith, will suffice for salvation. ‘Lord, I’m a sinner. Please save me’.

Bill Breckenridge

Oldest Church Found?

Archaeologists in Jordan have discovered what they think may be the world’s oldest Christian Church. The spot is actually a cave. It is found beneath a church building which is already thought to be one of the oldest on record. It is estimated that St. George’s Church, located in the Jordanian city of Rihab, was built around the year 230 AD.

Archaeologist Abdel-Qader al-Housan, head of the Rihab Center for Archaeological Studies, said that excavation has shown evidence of early Christian rituals. He described a circular worship area with stone seats separated from a living area that had a long tunnel leading to a source of water. He said the early Christians likely hid there from persecution.

The bishop deputy of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese in Amman called the finding an important milestone. He commented concerning early believers, “Christians in this region are not strangers. They are real citizens who have always had roots in this region from those days until the present." Other experts are not so sure and feel that additional proof is needed before accepting the ‘oldest Christian church ever’ claim.

While religious archaeological discoveries are fascinating and often important, the real question concerning the age of the church has to do with actual definition of the church.The New Testament makes general reference to a few specific churches in specified locations. But generally speaking, the writer was always addressing the people there. There was seldom, if ever, some physical structure in mind. (1 Corinthians 1:2)

The term ‘church’ is from the Greek word ‘ekklesia’. It basically means ‘that which is called out.’ Biblically it refers to those who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ and thereby been called out of the world to form a new and living spiritual organism. In this sense, the ‘church’ is the universal body of Christ. It includes every one who has been redeemed and have entered God’s family through faith alone.

While archaeologists continue to search and research religious artifacts, including the oldest church dwelling, the book of Acts relates the specifics about the official start of the living church on earth. Not long after the ascension of Jesus into Heaven, we are told in Acts 2:1-4, “When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.”

The true church was born at the arrival of the Holy Spirit after the departure of Christ to His Father. (John 16:7-8) It was at that exact time that God began building this new supernatural and spiritual entity. A great example of the dramatic expansion of the early church is found in Peter’s forceful message in Acts 2. After a brutally honesty and fiery gospel proclamation, his efforts brought astonishing results as referenced in verses 40-42. “And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, "Be saved from this perverse generation. Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them." Verse 47 then adds, “And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.”

The church is all about Jesus Christ. He gave himself for His church. (Ephesians 5:25) He is the head of His church. (Ephesians 1:22) He nourishes and cherishes His church. (Ephesians 5:29) He sanctifies His church. (Ephesians 5:26) And He will someday present His church as holy and without blemish. (Ephesians 5:27) But the Lord also uses His church for His eternal purposes and will protect it until His mighty redemptive plans are achieved.

This final aspect was revealed in a telling moment when Peter proved that he finally got it! When the Apostle was questioned by Jesus concerning the Lord’s identity and position he answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God. Jesus answered and said to him, "Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.” (Matthew 16:16-18)

“Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” (Ephesians 3:20-21)

Bill Breckenridge

“The Great American Think-Off”

“The Great American Think-Off” It is called “The Great American Think-Off". And as the title suggests, the competition is not a physical one but rather a contest involving just the intellect. The idea behind the event is to give everyday ordinary people the opportunity to debate some of the extraordinary issues of the day.

This year’s gold medal winner was Craig Allen of West Lynn, Oregon. Allen won by most effectively answering the question, “Dies immigration strengthen or threaten the United States?" Three of the four finalists concluded that the current immigration policy is potentially harmful to the nation. They also addressed what it means to be an American and stressed that American identity is evolving.

The effects of immigration and citizenship will continue as a source of debate and will likely be a key issue in the upcoming election. The vast difference in opinions is because both sides have valid points. There are those who would come to America with wrong motives and/or destructive plans. But there are presumably many more who dream of a new life and are willing to work hard, obey the rules, and contribute to society.

There is something related on this subject, but on spiritual plane. It supercedes all physical questions, concerns, and fears. Those who have trusted Christ as their personal Savior have become foreigners, in a way, even in the country where they legally reside. In reality, they have a dual citizenship. Paul speaks to this in Philippians 3:20 when he writes to, and about, all true Christian believers. “For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.” In addition, he reveals these words to the equation. “Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone.” (Ephesians 2:19-20).

But even the great significance of belonging to God’s kingdom extends beyond the immeasurable blessings and benefits of a heavenly home and future. The earthly residence of these same heavenly citizens is also is a distinct advantage to the nation in which they reside. The reason? Their godly lifestyles.

First, God’s people are admonished in Romans 13 to be ‘model citizens’. Verse one begins by revealing, “Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.” Then a few specifics, Paul again emphasizes God’s will in verse 5. “Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience' sake.”

Then in addition to becoming ‘model citizens', God expects His people to be ‘moral citizens’. They are commanded to cling to a far higher standard than is the human norm. Peter sheds supernatural light on this in his first letter stating, “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.” (1 Peter 3:15-17) And back in chapter one he relates the staggering degree of behavioral excellence that is to be outwardly evidenced by anyone who names the name of Jesus Christ. “But as He who called you is holy , you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, "Be holy , for I am holy ." (1 Peter 1:15-16)

It is unfortunate that many of America’s current citizens, and those desiring to join them, are not also citizens of heaven. The logic is simple, but the results undeniable. When Christians pattern themselves after their Lord, their lifestyles will be a great advantage to nation where they live and a credit to the God in whom they serve.

Bill Breckenridge