A massive attack against Christianity has been wagedduring the last few decades. Millions of people havedropped out of “mainstream” churches, and many othersare on the way out. Increasingly, educated people are turn-ing away from religion and, seemingly, from God.

Why?Why do untold thousands of young people enroll in

colleges as believing church members, yet emerge a fewyears later as secular unbelievers, unsure of God’s existenceor the Bible’s authority?

Understanding the genuine answers to these prob-lems will greatly affect your future—and the life of ournations. We must not be afraid to confront the “ultimatequestions” such as these!

First of all, our modern Western educational institu-tions increasingly promote the theory of evolution. Yet,more than most people realize, the premises flowing fromevolutionary theory affect fields of study apart from thephysical sciences. Unproven concepts are usually takenfor granted when they are taught under the supposedaegis of “science.”

Yet most honest scientists freely admit that theyhave no way to disprove a “First Cause.” They have notrue way to fill in the many “gaps” in evolutionary theo-ry. And, from a religious perspective, they have no wayto disprove the literally dozens of specific Bible prophe-cies that have already come to pass!

Perhaps without realizing it, today’s atheists basically“hide their heads in the sand” and simply ignore the awe-some prophecies of the great God, as recorded in Hisinspired word! Yet they are not being fully honest intellectu-ally, unless they admit into their minds the knowledge ofthe great God of creation, and how He has intervened inthe past and even now is intervening in human affairs! Thereal God of the Bible spoke through the prophet Isaiahmore than 2,500 years ago: “Remember the former thingsof old, for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, andthere is none like Me, declaring the end from the begin-ning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done,saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will do all My pleas-ure’” (Isaiah 46:9–10).

Many otherwise intelligent people are atheists or agnos-tics because they have “given up” on mainstream religion,

which has fabricated so very many untruths that it is nowonder educated people are turned off by such nonsense!Thousands of old-fashioned Bible-thumping preachers havethundered, “The Bible says that God created the earth 6,000years ago. So we didn’t descend from monkeys and the sci-entists are all wrong!” But does the Bible, in fact, actuallysay that God created the earth 6,000 years ago? No way!

What the Bible does say is: “In the beginning God creat-ed the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). The words “inthe beginning” do not give a specific time-frame! We in thisWork of Christ have always proclaimed that the world mayhave been created billions of years ago. Yet scientists haveoften changed their theories about how many billions—toss-ing around billions of years like they would toss around tennis balls. For, in truth, they do not know! They are simplygiving us “educated guesses.” However, from what we knowabout this planet and its development, it does appear thatour planet came into existence billions of years ago.

But how? Again, the scientists have no real way toprove or disprove a “First Cause.” But, being human, theyare often turned off by preachers’ silly ideas—which theydo not recognize as unbiblical because most scientists donot “search the scriptures” with an open mind to see whatGod actually does say. The typical scientist, like the aver-age American citizen, is a biblical illiterate.

Dr. Stephen Prothero, Chair of the Department ofReligion at Boston University, commented: “More than 90percent of federal legislators call themselves Christians,making Congress more Christian than the United Statesitself…. Yet U.S. citizens know almost nothing about theBible. Although most regard it as the word of God, fewread it anymore. Even evangelicals from the Bible Beltseem more focused on loving Jesus than on learning whathe had to say…. Surveys that are more scientific havefound that only one of three U.S. citizens is able to namethe four Gospels, and one of 10 think that Joan of Arc wasNoah’s wife. No wonder pollster George Gallup has con-cluded that the United States is ‘a nation of biblical illiter-ates’” (Charlotte Observer, March 18, 2007).

Many atheists and agnostics claim that they cannotbelieve in a God who “allows so much suffering” in the

Why Atheists?

A personal message from the Editor in Chief, Roderick C. Meredith

Tomorrow’s World has no subscription price. It is made possible by the tithes and offerings of Living Church of God members, and by otherswho have chosen to become coworkers in proclaiming Christ’s true gospel to all nations. Donations are gratefully acknowledged, and may betax-deductible. All scripture references are from the New King James Version ©Thomas Nelson, Inc., Publishers) unless otherwise noted.

HHooww YYoouurr SSuubbssccrriippttiioonn HHaass BBeeeenn PPaaiiddTomorrow’s World has no subscription price. It is made possible by the tithes and offerings of Living Church of God members,and by others who have chosen to become co-workers in proclaiming Christ’s true gospel to all nations. Donations are gratefullyacknowledged, and may be tax-deductible.

(Continued on page 30)

What Should the Church Be Doing?

Discovering Original ChristianityWhat people call “Christianity” today bears almost no resemblance to the faith andpractice of Jesus Christ and His apostles. But you can live by what Christ taught,and receive the blessings He intends for you, if you know how!

From social hub to self-help center, churches are redefining their missions in the hope of gaining new members. But what does the Bible say the Church should bedoing?

Cover

Eight Words That Will Improve Your LifeTry this brief exercise and see whether you can develop the tools to become a peacemaker.

Early Christianity and Europe’s Western IslesChristianity came to Great Britain and Ireland centuries earlier than most peopletoday realize. Why has the truth been ignored, forgotten or suppressed? The answermay surprise you!

How To Study Your BibleYou probably own a Bible, but if it mostly sits on your coffee table or your shelf, it cannot help you. There are proven strategies you can learn to make the most of yourBible study!

9 Questions & Answers14 Prophecy Comes Alive21 Letters to the Editor

26 Tomorrow’s Youth31 TV/Radio Log

Features

Departments

Tomorrow’s World® is published bimonthly by the Living Church of GodTM, 2301 Crown Centre Drive, Charlotte, NC 28227. ©2008Living Church of God. Printed in the U.S.A. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission isprohibited. Canada subscriptions: Canada Post Agreement Number 40034253. Send change of address information and blocks of undeliverable copies to P.O. Box 409, Mississauga, ON L5M 2B9. Postage paid at Charlotte, NC and at additional mailing offices.Postmaster: Send address changes to Tomorrow’s World, P.O. Box 3810, Charlotte, NC 28227-8010.

TToommoorrrrooww’’ss WWoorrlldd iiss pprrootteecctteedd tthhrroouugghh ttrraaddeemmaarrkk rreeggiissttrraattiioonn iinn tthhee UUnniitteedd SSttaatteess,, aanndd bbyy iinntteerrnnaattiioonnaall ttrreeaattiieess.. TTrraaddeemmaarrkkrreeggiissttrraattiioonn ppeennddiinngg iinn ootthheerr ccoouunnttrriieess.. TThhee ssyymmbbooll ®®,, aappppeeaarriinngg hheerreeiinn,, ddooeess nnoott iinnddiiccaattee ttrraaddeemmaarrkk rreeggiissttrraattiioonn iinn ccoouunnttrriieess wwhheerreeiitt iiss nnoott yyeett rreeggiisstteerreedd oorr pprrootteecctteedd bbyy ttrreeaattyy..

EDITOR IN CHIEF Roderick C. Meredith

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Richard F. Ames

EXECUTIVE EDITOR William Bowmer

REGIONAL EDITORS Rod King (Europe),

Bruce Tyler (Australasia), Gerald Weston (Canada)

ART DIRECTOR Donna Prejean

PROOFREADERS Sandy Davis, Linda Ehman,

Genie Ogwyn, June Olsen

NEWS BUREAU Don Davis

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All scripture references are from the New King James Version (©Thomas Nelson, Inc., Publishers) unless otherwise noted.

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f Jesus of Nazareth were to return to planet Earthtoday, would He recognize the religion that isusing His name? Would He be shocked to findthat people claiming to be His followers have

been waging war against each other almost continual-ly for the last 1,900 years? Most of His professed fol-lowers today believe totally contrary doctrines to whatHe taught, and observe different days of worship, fol-lowing totally different customs. Most have a com-pletely different concept of God and of His purposethan Jesus and His original apostles did.

Jesus might wonder, “Why are they putting Myname on all this stuff?”

Most genuine religious scholars recognize thatvast changes have transformed professing Christianityinto something radically different from the beliefs andpractices of Jesus and His apostles! Respected main-line Protestant scholar Jesse Lyman Hurlbut describedwhat he called an “age of shadows” separating theoriginal Church from what came later: “For fifty yearsafter St. Paul’s life a curtain hangs over the church,

through which we strive vainly to look; and when atlast it rises, about 120AD with the writings of the earli-est church-fathers, we find a church in many aspectsvery different from that in the days of St. Peter and St.Paul” (Story of the Christian Church, p. 41).

If the leaders of the “age of shadows” to whichHurlbut referred were filled with and led by God’sSpirit, then why would the church suddenly be “verydifferent”? For the Bible tells us that Christ is “thesame yesterday, today, and forever” (Hebrews 13:8).Yet the professing Christian church today is not evenremotely the same as the one Jesus founded.

Describing the time period after all the originalapostles and their successors had died out, Hurlbutwrites: “The services of worship increased in splendor,but were less spiritual and hearty than those of formertimes. The forms and ceremonies of paganism gradu-ally crept into the worship. Some of the old heathenfeasts became church festivals with change of nameand of worship. About 405AD images of saints andmartyrs began to appear in the churches, at first as

By Roderick C. MeredithBy Roderick C. Meredith

What happened to the original Christianity of Jesus and His apostles? It has almostcompletely disappeared from the earth, but it does exist—and you can discover it!

I

memorials, then in successionrevered, adored, and worshiped.The adoration of the Virgin Marywas substituted for the worship ofVenus and Diana; the Lord’s Supperbecame a sacrifice in place of amemorial; and the elder evolvedfrom a preacher into a priest” (p.79).

Pre-Christian festivals wereturned into “church” festivalsbecause, just as God had predicted,evil men and false leaders wouldtake over most of the church!Remember this inspired warningthe Apostle Paul gave the Ephesianelders: “For I know this, that aftermy departure savage wolves willcome in among you, not sparingthe flock. Also from among your-selves men will rise up, speakingperverse things, to draw away thedisciples after themselves.Therefore watch, and rememberthat for three years I did not ceaseto warn everyone night and daywith tears” (Acts 20:29–31).

When Paul realized the scopeof the coming apostasy—whichwould eventually reach most of thechurch—it hit him emotionally. Hethen “did not cease to warn every-one night and day with tears”! Yetvery few people today are con-cerned enough even to think ofshedding tears over that massivechange!

HOW Could It Happen?

This massive apostasy occurredbecause men and women backthen, just like today, did not zeal-ously prove to themselves whereGod’s Truth was being taught. Thatis why the Living Christ correctedthose Christians living near the endof the Apostolic Era: “NeverthelessI have this against you, that youhave left your first love. Remembertherefore from where you have fall-en; repent and do the first works,or else I will come to you quickly

and remove your lampstand fromits place—unless you repent”(Revelation 2:4–5).

What about today? How canwe account for the hundreds uponhundreds of denominations andsects all calling themselves“Christian”? All of them have dif-ferent ideas, traditions andapproaches, yet they claim to fol-low the same Jesus Christ!

Part of the answer is the factthat extremely few professingChristians really study Scripture,so they do not “prove” what theybelieve by carefully researching itin the Bible! They may enthusiasti-cally study books and articles onhealth, on self-improvement, or oninvesting and making more money,but somehow it does not occur tothem to thoroughly study the mostvital subjects of all: “Is there a realGod? If so, what is His purpose increating human beings? And howcan we fulfill thatpurpose?” Yet theBible commands,“Prove all things;hold fast thatwhich is good” (1Thessalonians5:21, KJV).

Most peoplehave just “accept-ed” the religionpassed downthrough theirfamily. Have youjust “gone along”with the beliefsand the traditionsyou were taught as a child?

Los Angeles Times religionwriter Teresa Watanabe reported:“According to one religiousresearch firm, two-thirds ofAmericans don’t regularly read theBible or know the names of theFour Gospels. More than half ofAmericans surveyed can’t nameeven five of the TenCommandments. And the majority

say they find the Good Book irrele-vant…. ‘We still hold the Bible inhigh regard, but in terms of actual-ly spending the time reading it,studying it and applying it—that isa thing of the past,’ said [religiouspollster] George Barna. The rea-sons cited range from changes inAmerican culture to the intrinsicdifficulty of the text itself. Nowreligious organizations are makinga major effort to jazz up theancient Scripture’s dodderingimage. Bible publishers are produc-ing a dizzying array of products,with translations and editionspitched to every conceivable nichemarket, to convince people thatthe book is neither arcane norirrelevant” (Los Angeles Times, July23, 1999).

Of course, the real underlyingcause of this massive religiousapostasy is that this is Satan’sworld and that he has totally

deceived the vastmajority of humanity.In the comfortablesurroundings of ourwestern civilization,most of us in NorthAmerica and Europefail to realize that theoverwhelming majori-ty of human beingshave never believed inany form of“Christianity”—letalone the realChristianity of Christand His apostles!

If you will studyand believe your own Bible, you willfind that Satan the devil is describedas the one “who deceives the wholeworld” (Revelation 12:9). You willalso find Satan referred to as “theprince of the power of the air, thespirit who now works in the sons ofdisobedience” (Ephesians 2:2). ForSatan “broadcasts” a selfish, rebel-lious attitude throughout this earth.He is the one who is influencing

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deceived men into injecting enor-mous amounts of licentious sex, vio-lence and a general spirit of disre-spect and lawlessness into the so-called “entertainment” you and yourchildren see or hear on television, atthe movies, on the radio or whenplaying various kinds of pervertedcomputer games which simulatealmost indescribable acts of perver-sion or violence. Do you know whois really laughing at all this “funstuff”? Satan is!

For by perverting mankind’snormal interest in sex and excite-ment, andby cleverlyinjectingsick humorinto so many“situationcomedies,”Satan is ableto cleverlymisleadhumanityinto abusingitself, degrading itself—and ulti-mately destroying itself—if Goddoes not intervene at the last minuteto stop it (Matthew 24:21–22). Satanis truly the “god” of this presentworld! The Apostle Paul wasinspired to write, “But even if ourgospel is veiled, it is veiled to thosewho are perishing, whose minds thegod of this age has blinded, who donot believe, lest the light of thegospel of the glory of Christ, who isthe image of God, should shine onthem” (2 Corinthians 4:3–4).

Most important of all, Satan hasinjected into mainstream“Christianity” a whole series oftotally false ideas about the originand destiny of man, of what God islike, of what God’s awesome pur-pose is, and how we are to achievethat great purpose. Satan has “cov-ered up” the truth. Additionally,Satan has confused people aboutprophecy so much that most pro-fessing Christians and even most

professing Christian ministers andpriests simply throw up their handsand almost totally neglect biblicalprophecy. Yet our Creator devotesabout one-fourth of the entire Bibleto the “sure word of prophecy” (2Peter 1:19, KJV).

Key Facts to Consider

The first point to consider,then, is that mankind has beentruly deceived. We see that we havegone “way off the track” when wecompare modern professing

Christianitywith the reli-gion of Jesusand the apos-tles. As onenoted profes-sor of reli-gion wrote:“If by anychance ChristHimself hadbeen taken

by His later followers as the modeland pattern of the new way, and aserious attempt had been made toset up His life and teaching as thestandard and norm for the church,Christianity would have beensomething vastly different fromwhat it became. Then ‘heresy’would have been, as it is not now,deviation from His way, His teach-ing, His Spirit, His kingdom”(Rufus M. Jones, The Church’s Debtto Heretics, pp. 15–16).

The truth is clear. Modern“Christianity” has become vastlydifferent from the Christianity ofChrist!

Some might say, “So what?”But this is no small matter we aretalking about. Frankly, we are talk-ing about the way to eternal life onthe one hand, or eternal death onthe other (Romans 6:23). And ifyou do not have the Christianity ofChrist, you have no Christianitywhatsoever!

Jesus Himself warned, “Noteveryone who says to Me, ‘Lord,Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom ofheaven, but he who does the will ofMy Father in heaven. Many will sayto Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, havewe not prophesied in Your name,cast out demons in Your name, anddone many wonders in Your name?’And then I will declare to them, ‘Inever knew you; depart from Me,you who practice lawlessness!’”(Matthew 7:21–23). It is importantto realize what Christ will say tothose failing to do the “will” of theFather: “I never knew you.” Inplain language, these deceivedchurchgoers will be told that theywere, in fact, never acquainted withthe Christ they claim to serve. Theywere never really converted. Theywere never really “Christian”!

Jesus said, “But why do youcall Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do thethings which I say?” (Luke 6:46).A “lord” or “master” is someoneyou obey. But most professingChristian ministers and their fol-lowers do not want to follow theclear teachings and examples ofJesus and the apostles. And most ofthem do not even bother to studythe Bible deeply to find what thoseteachings and examples are!

Discovering Original Christianity

The key issue, then, is ourdesire and willingness to get backto the true Christian faith, “thefaith which was once for all deliv-ered to the saints” (Jude 3). Areyou willing to genuinely try to fol-low the Christianity of JesusChrist? Or would you rather ignoreChrist’s words and “take a chance”with your relationship with Godand your quest for eternal life?

The “little flock” (Luke12:32)—the true Church of God—has always understood the need topattern itself after the teachings

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and examples of Christ and theapostles. Although very few haveseriously attempted to follow thispattern, many scholars and reli-gious historians have understoodthe concept of the “JerusalemChurch of God.” This is a vitalconcept to understand if we aresincerely interested in contending“for the faith once delivered.”

The Apostle Paul was inspiredto write to the Thessalonians, “Foryou, brethren, became imitators ofthe churches of God which are inJudea in Christ Jesus” (1Thessalonians 2:14). The book ofActs makes itclear that, formany decades,the earthly“headquarters”Church of Godwas theJerusalemChurch. It wasJerusalem wherethe Holy Spiritwas originally poured out on thetrue Christians (Acts 2). It wasJerusalem where Peter, James andJohn carried on most of their min-istry for many years (Acts 4:1–4;8:1; 11:1–2). Later, Paul andBarnabas came to the Jerusalemleadership to settle the major ques-tion of circumcision for the Gentilesand related questions (Acts 15:4). Asrenowned historian Edward Gibbonwrote: “The first fifteen bishops ofJerusalem were all circumcised Jews;and the congregation over whichthey presided united the law ofMoses with the doctrine of Christ. Itwas natural that the primitive tradi-tion of a church which was foundedonly forty days after the death ofChrist, and was governed almost asmany years under the immediateinspection of his apostle, should bereceived as the standard of ortho-doxy. The distant churches very fre-quently appealed to the authority oftheir venerable Parent” (The Decline

and Fall of the Roman Empire, chap-ter 15, section 1, p. 389).

After the major Jerusalem con-ference noted above, Paul and Silastraveled through Asia Minor visitingthe churches: “And as they wentthrough the cities, they delivered tothem the decrees to keep, whichwere determined by the apostles andelders at Jerusalem” (Acts 16:4).

Paul Looked to Jerusalem

Clearly, the original Apostlesand the Jerusalem Church of Godset the inspired pattern for true

Christianity,not just forthat time,but for alltime!Contrary tothe hereti-calProtestantidea thatGod later

used the Apostle Paul to “reinvent”Christianity, the real Apostle Paulof the Bible constantly showeddeep respect for the original apos-tles, and deferred to the Jerusalemleadership in all major matters!And it was the Apostle Paul whowrote to the primarily Gentilechurch at Corinth: “Circumcision isnothing and uncircumcision isnothing, but keeping the com-mandments of God is what mat-ters” (1 Corinthians 7:19).

Noted historian Carl vonWeizsacker wrote in 1895: “Paulwas far from confining his interestto the Gentile Christian Churchwhich he had himself founded. Histhoughts were much too lofty toleave Jewish Christianity to itself. Hetoiled not merely for his own work,but for the Church of God… thewhole Church. He never forgot for amoment the true birthplace of thegospel. And for him the Christiansin Jerusalem were always the

[saints]…. He did not howevermerely entertain a grand policy ofecclesiastical union, but his first andconstant thought was that the primi-tive Church was the foremost divineinstitution under the Gospel…. Inthe early Apostles he saw… theApostles of the Lord. From them thetestimony of the Resurrectionemanated (1 Corinthians 15:1 ff.).They were ever the Apostles, whomGod had placed at the head of HisChurch, the first of those divinelycommissioned men who held theleading office in the Body of Christ”(The Apostolic Age of the ChristianChurch, pp. 12–13).

Later in Paul’s ministry, hetraveled again to Jerusalem: “Andwhen we had come to Jerusalem,the brethren received us gladly. Onthe following day Paul went inwith us to James, and all the elderswere present” (Acts 21:17–18).Notice that Paul presented himselfto James, the Lord’s brother, whoby now was undoubtedly the chiefapostle at Jerusalem—Peter proba-bly having gone to the “lost sheep”of the house of Israel in northwestEurope and the British Isles.

After rejoicing in the good newsPaul brought about God’s Workamong the Gentiles, the Jerusalemleadership told Paul, “You see,brother, how many myriads of Jewsthere are who have believed, andthey are all zealous for the law” (v.20). The term “myriad” literallymeans “tens of thousands.” So asnot to confuse or discourage thesemany Jewish Christians, theJerusalem Church asked Paul to gothrough an offering ceremony topublicly demonstrate that he wasnot teaching in any way againstGod’s law. As the Jerusalem leadersexplained to Paul, “Take these menalong and be purified with themand pay all the expenses connectedwith the shaving of their heads.This will let everyone know there isno truth in the reports they have

heard about you and that you stillregularly observe the Law” (v. 24,Jerusalem Bible).

If Paul had in any way beenteaching against God’s law—espe-cially the spiritual law known asthe “Ten Commandments”—hemost certainly would not havegone through this ceremony of theLaw of Moses! That particular cer-emony, probably a thank offeringat the conclusion of the Nazaritevow, was not necessary for a NewTestament Christian. But neitherwas it sinful! Paul’s deep respectfor God’s law, for the originalmother Church and for the patternof obedience to God’s law, all guid-ed his decision to participate inthis ceremony. Through this, Godshows us that Paul’s approach wasof obedience to law, not of tryingto do away with or “reasonaround” God’s spiritual laws—as somany Protestant theologians teach!

Describing the common prac-tice of the early Christians, churchscholar Samuele Bacchiochi notedthis comment from historian W. D.Davies: “Everywhere, especially inthe East of the Roman Empire,there would be Jewish Christianswhose outward way of life wouldnot be markedly different from thatof the Jews. They took for grantedthat the gospel was continuouswith [the religion of Moses]; forthem the New Covenant, whichJesus had set up at the Last Supperwith His disciples… did not meanthat the covenant made betweenGod and Israel was no longer inforce. They still observed the feastsof Passover, Pentecost andTabernacles; they also continued tobe circumcised, to keep the weeklySabbath and the Mosaic regulationsconcerning food. According tosome scholars, they must havebeen so strong that right up to thefall of Jerusalem in AD70 they werethe dominant element in theChristian movement [Judeo-chris-

tianisme, “Paul and JewishChristianity,” 1972, p. 72]” (FromSabbath to Sunday, p. 151).

So, for about the first 40 yearsof Christianity, guided by the HolySpirit, the “dominant element” inthe Church of God still followedChrist’s example of keeping theweekly and annual Sabbaths com-manded by God. They were stillfollowing the example set by theJerusalem Church of God!

Who dared to change all ofthat?

As we have seen, it was not theApostle Paul. It was certainly notany of the original twelve apostles.Rather, as the time period—whichis fittingly called the “Dark Ages”—began to get underway, misguidedCatholic bishops and popes beganto change virtually everything thathad made the Christian religiontotally different from the pagancults of the Roman Empire.

It is important that all ourreaders fully recognize that thoseof us in this Work are all dedicatedto the task of restoring originalChristianity! As you read our arti-cles and booklets, and as you viewthe Tomorrow’s World program, it isvital that you recognize where weare coming from. For we strive topreach and teach the same messagewhich Jesus and the early apostlesdid. We try to practice—in all of

its spiritual aspects—the way oflife Jesus and the apostles livedand taught. Also, guided by God’sSpirit, we will preach the inspiredprophecies of the Bible—and warnthose willing to listen about whatlies ahead. If your mind is open andyou wish to learn more about theoriginal Christianity of Christ andthe apostles, then write us or callus and request your free copy ofour eye-opening booklet, RestoringApostolic Christianity. For youneed to understand the Truth ofgenuine Christianity—and to acton that Truth!

As the time of God’s interven-tion in human affairs and the soon-coming Great Tribulationapproaches, it is absolutely vitalthat you and your loved ones makesure that you truly belong to JesusChrist—the true Christ of theBible. That you are worshiping God“in spirit and truth” (John 4:23).And that you are part of the trueChurch of God, which teaches andpractices original Christianity—theChristianity of Jesus and His apos-tles. If you would like to learnmore, or even to meet at your con-venience with a representative ofthat true Church, please call orwrite to our regional office nearestyou, listed on page 30 of this maga-zine. “He who has an ear, let himhear…” (Revelation 3:13).

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Write for our FREE booklet, Restoring Apostolic Christianity,or download it from the Booklets section

of our Web site www.tomorrowsworld.org.

Restoring Apostolic Christianity

Jesus Christ and His apostles taught a way of lifethat few today understand—or even recognize. Butyou can reap the blessings of God’s way, if you learnhow to put Christ’s original Christianity into practicein your life!

Jesus Christ and His apostles taught a way of lifethat few today understand—or even recognize. Butyou can reap the blessings of God’s way, if you learnhow to put Christ’s original Christianity into practicein your life!

Answer: Yes, there is hope! You can accept JesusChrist as your personal Savior, turning to Him inheartfelt repentance, and He will forgive your sinsand give you the ability to obey Him and live thejoyous and abundant life He wants for you.

It is not a question of your being “good enough” toreceive God’s call. It is God, not you, who is responsi-ble for your calling. Scripture makes it plain that unlessGod is calling you, you cannot “will” yourself to bedrawn toward Him. Jesus said, “No one can come toMe unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and Iwill raise him up at the last day” (John 6:44). Why,then, do so few people actually come to their Savior?Does this mean God is a “failure”? No! The amazingtruth is that God is not trying to “save everyonenow”—most people are simply receiving a warning,and are being prepared for the Great White ThroneJudgment, at which they will receive their first oppor-tunity to understand God’s Truth, and to repent, acceptChrist’s sacrifice, and obey Him. To learn more aboutthis little-understood aspect of Bible truth, please readour booklet, Is This the Only Day of Salvation? You mayread it online at our Web site www.tomorrowsworld.org,or contact the regional office nearest you (listed onpage 30 of this magazine) to request a free printed copy.

However, if you are reading this, you need toconsider the likelihood that God is calling you now.There is no such thing as a “second chance”—and ifGod is offering you the opportunity to become oneof His “firstfruits” (James 1:18; Revelation 14:4),you need to take that opportunity with all serious-ness. What, then, should you do?

To be forgiven, you must first acknowledge yoursins and confess them to God. Repent, be baptizedand receive the Holy Spirit. Then, with the help ofGod’s Spirit, you must continually commit yourselfto stop sinning, and must strive to live in obedienceto God’s laws. Realizing that you are a sinner, andthat you need to turn from your sins, is a vital step.God wants to forgive us, if we repent and turn toHim. “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive our-

selves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess oursins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins andto cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say thatwe have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and Hisword is not in us” (1 John 1:8–10).

Are you too great a sinner to be forgiven? BeforeGod called Saul to conversion, he had bitterly perse-cuted God’s people. “As for Saul, he made havoc ofthe church, entering every house, and dragging offmen and women, committing them to prison” (Acts8:3). He even participated in the murder of a deaconin the New Testament Church. “And the witnesseslaid down their clothes at the feet of a young mannamed Saul. And they stoned Stephen as he was call-ing on God and saying, ‘Lord Jesus, receive my spir-it’”(Acts 7:58–59). Yet God still called Saul into Hisservice, and he became the Apostle Paul! Read theamazing story in Acts 22:1–21.

Why would God call such a sinner as Paul tobecome His minister? Paul explained this in a letterto the young evangelist Timothy. “And I thankChrist Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, becauseHe counted me faithful, putting me into the min-istry, although I was formerly a blasphemer, a perse-cutor, and an insolent man.... Christ Jesus came intothe world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in mefirst Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as apattern to those who are going to believe on Him foreverlasting life” (1 Timothy 1:12–16).

Yes, God called Saul, that very great sinner, soHe could show us that we, too, can be saved if we repent, strive to obey our Savior, and allow Him to use us as His obedient servants. If God would call Saul, is it any less likely that He is callingyou? To learn more about this vital subject, pleaseread our booklet, Christian Baptism: Its True Meaning. You may read it online at our Web sitewww.tomorrowsworld.org, or contact the regionaloffice nearest you (listed on page 30 of this maga-zine) to request a free printed copy.

Question: I have come to realize that I have spent my whole life sinning against God. I amhaving trouble believing that He could ever forgive all the terrible things I have done. Is thereany hope for me?

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ainstream “Christianity” is in anidentity crisis! Many who consid-er themselves Christians areuncertain about their church’s

purpose, and about its role in their lives. Someyearn for the comfortable traditions of the past.Others seek a more “authentic” experience.Some just search for healing and comfort. Butwhat is the purpose of the church?

Many people, disillusioned with “organizedreligion” altogether, are looking elsewhere foranswers. For them, religion has become largelyirrelevant, because their church has no meaning-ful identity or role. Researchers James Pattersonand Peter Kim concluded that Americans in vir-tually every region of the nation, “simply donot turn to God or religion to help them decideabout the seminal or moral issues of the day”(The Day America Told the Truth, p. 199).

Why are churches in such a confusedstate? What is the purpose of the church in

the first place? And what should your churchbe doing today?

Follow Jesus Christ

When Christ walked the earth, He left nodoubt as to what His Church should do andwould do. He built it and said it would existuntil His return (Matthew 16:18). But what wasthe role of that Church?

Jesus Himself gave the answer. Notice whatHe was doing when He began His ministry. “Nowafter John was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee,preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, andsaying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom ofGod is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel’”(Mark 1:14–15). Jesus was announcing the goodnews of His kingdom, and was preaching repen-tance, belief in the gospel, and conversion.

Does your church do what Christ wasdoing? It should! Does it involve you in the

At the dawn of the 21st century, does the Church still have a purpose? Can you have a part in it?

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work of preaching the gospel ofthe Kingdom of God? Are youexperiencing true repentance andconversion? If not, why not?

Announce God’s Coming Kingdom

When Christ began to preachthe gospel (“good news”) of theKingdom of God, He was fore-telling His own literal reign onearth. The saints’ reign under theMessiah was understood and fore-told by the prophet Daniel (Daniel2:44; 7:18). Not only did Jesus’ lis-teners accept this as a fact; most ofHis disciples were so enthused thatthey believed this Kingdom wouldbe established immediately (Acts1:6; Luke 19:11). Yet, in our day,this prophesied truth of Christ’smillennial reign is unknown tomost professing Christians.

It was not always so. EarlyChristians were very focused on thehope of Christ’s return, and wereexcited about it! But they graduallylost their way, as historian EdwardGibbon explained: “In the primitivechurch… it was universallybelieved that the end of the world,and the kingdom of heaven, were athand.… The doctrine of Christ’sreign upon earth was at first treatedas a profound allegory, was consid-ered by degrees as a doubtful anduseless opinion, and was at lengthrejected as the absurd invention ofheresy and fanaticism” (Christianityand the Decline of Rome by EdwardGibbon, ed. Sloan, pp. 105–106).

As belief in Christ’s millennialreign waned over the centuries,many turned instead to the ideathat the church itself would trans-form the world. This led to anemphasis on various kinds of socialactivism in the hope of bringingabout a better world.

We have seen this trend inmodern times. After the SecondVatican Council, Roman Catholic

theologians in the 1960s developedwhat came to be called liberationtheology, which focused on socialtransformation rather than personalconversion. Author Robin Keeleynotes that in liberation theology,“service to the poor is understoodas understanding their plight,defending their rights and organiz-ing them for social activism” (TheQuiet Revolution, p. 226).

Christ healed the sick, raisedthe dead and relieved the oppressed,as we read in the gospels. He taughtHis disciples to do the same (Luke10:9). But notice that His missionwas not merely to heal; it was toannounce the coming Kingdom ofGod (v. 10–11).

When Jesus read Isaiah’sprophecy in the synagogue, Hestopped in the middle of the pas-sage. By doing so, He showed thatthe final fulfillment of Isaiah’sprophecy would occur in theMillennium, when the Kingdom ofGod had been established on planetEarth. In that prophecy, Isaiah fore-told that the Messiah would pro-claim “the day of vengeance of ourGod; to comfort all who mourn.…And they shall rebuild the old ruins,they shall raise up the former deso-lations, and they shall repair theruined cities, the desolations ofmany generations” (Isaiah 61:2, 4).Isaiah wrote of Christ’s return, andof the rebuilding process that willtake place after He has set up HisKingdom on earth!

That time is yet to come!Jesus Christ’s millennial reign willusher in an unprecedented degreeof prosperity, with comfort andaid for those who have beenoppressed and downtrodden.Isaiah foretells a wonderful age ofequality and fairness, when hesays regarding the comingMessiah: “But with righteousnessHe shall judge the poor, anddecide with equity for the meek ofthe earth” (Isaiah 11:4).

Christ told His disciples to gointo all the world to preach thegospel of the Kingdom of God(Mark 16:15). He knew that mostwould not respond, and would sim-ply receive the message as a witnessof what was to come. But He alsocalled His disciples to baptize thosewho would repent and would heedHis message (Matthew 28:19–20).

Many Christians today, whenlooking at the biblical descriptionsof the Millennium, conclude that itis their responsibility to become notjust socially active, but also politi-cally active, so they can advance themoral and societal issues theybelieve would help bring millennialconditions on Earth. But did JesusChrist actually desire that His peo-ple would try to “fix” this world?Or was His priority to proclaim andprepare for the next age, throughpropagating the good news of HisKingdom (Matthew 24:14)? Jesussaid that His kingdom was not ofthis world (John 18:36), and theApostle Paul described himself asan “ambassador for Christ” for thatcoming Kingdom (2 Corinthians5:20). Indeed, God’s true Churchwill not be entangled with the poli-tics of this present evil world, butrather will be busy proclaiming thecoming one!

Yes, there will always be peoplewho strive to influence kings andnations in the name of their reli-gion. Bible prophecy even revealsthat a great false church will entan-gle itself with an anti-God politicalentity and bring all humanity to thebrink of extinction! “Come, I willshow you the judgment of the greatharlot who sits on many waters,with whom the kings of the earthcommitted fornication…”(Revelation 17:1–2). This “har-lot”—or false church—will be partof a system that makes “war withthe Lamb, and the Lamb will over-come them, for He is Lord of lordsand King of kings; and those who

are with Him are called, chosen,and faithful” (Revelation 17:14).This conflict will bring about a hor-rific time of war the Bible calls the“Day of the Lord,” which will comevery close to extinguishing all lifeon Earth. However, Jesus Christwill return before all mankind isdestroyed (Matthew 24:21–22).

Christ certainly wants us to loveour neighbors (Matthew 19:19), andto do good to all people as we areable and have opportunity(Galatians 6:10). But the mission ofthe Church is to do the Work ofGod, not to trans-form this worldnow. The ChurchJesus Christfounded will fol-low His exampleby proclaiming thetrue gospel to theworld. It will notbe distracted by afalse gospel ofpolitical or socialactivism, becauseit will be busy pro-claiming the goodnews of His comingKingdom!

An additionalreason why most churches todaydo not understand Christ’s comingKingdom is that they have forsakenthe biblical Holy Days, which JesusChrist and His apostles kept.Because those Holy Days pictureGod’s plan for humanity—includ-ing Christ’s return to rule HisKingdom—only the Church thatobserves and understands thoseHoly Days can truly understandthe full meaning of Christ’s com-ing. His Church observes the Feastof Trumpets, which foreshadowsHis triumphant return at the lasttrumpet (1 Thessalonians 4:16).Even in the end-time, God’sChurch will be keeping not onlythose “annual Sabbaths,” but alsothe seventh-day Sabbath, which

foreshadows the millennial Sabbathin the 7,000-year plan of God(Hebrews 4:8–10). Most today whocall themselves Christians believethat these Sabbaths were somehow“done away”—though neitherChrist nor His apostles did awaywith them. In fact, Scripture showsthat after Christ’s return, the wholeworld will be keeping the Feast ofTabernacles (Zechariah 14:16).

Preach Faith andRepentance

Christ not onlypreached the com-ing Kingdom ofGod, He also urgedHis listeners to“repent, and believein the gospel”(Mark 1:14–15).His message ofrepentance hadbeen foreshadowedby John the Baptist’s(Matthew 3:2). TheApostle Peter’s ser-mon on the Day ofPentecost alsoemphasized theimportance of

repentance from sin (Acts 2:38).Even so, many churches today

have become disoriented on theissues of sin, repentance, and faith.Writer Mike Regele explains that inthe 1980s, Christianity in Americaunderwent a significant shift awayfrom morality and the acknowledge-ment of sin, and toward a falsegospel of “personal growth.” “[Inthe 1980s], the awakening was over,and the inner-directed age of thera-py was center stage. Sermons on thedepth of one’s moral and spiritualdepravity simply did not feel verygood. In inner-directed eras, peoplewant to feel good about themselves”(Death of the Church, p. 39).

That false “feel-good” messageis not from Jesus Christ! He did

not bring “smooth” words whenHe came to Earth (Isaiah 30:10).He brought a strong message,designed to convict His listeners ofsin and motivate them to change!

Read carefully what Christ toldHis listeners in Matthew 5, in whatis often called the “Sermon on theMount.” People sometimes mistakeHis words for some kind of senti-ment that weakens or does awaywith the need to repent and to obeyGod’s law, but the truth is quite theopposite. Christ said that He camenot to destroy the Law, but to fulfillit (v. 17). He said that not one partof the Law would fail (v. 18). Hecondemned those who would breakeven the least of the commandments(v. 19). He cautioned His followersthat their righteousness must exceedthe righteousness of the Pharisees,but without the Pharisees’hypocrisy (v. 20). He taught notonly that murder is wrong, but alsothat the spirit of murder is worthy ofthe death penalty (v. 22). And Hetaught not only that adultery iswrong, but also that even thethought to commit adultery meritsthe penalty of death (v. 28).

Please do not misunderstand.Jesus Christ paid the penalty for oursins (1 Peter 1:18–19; Revelation12:10–11), and we cannot “earn”salvation—it is a gift from God(Romans 6:23). But why would Jesuspreach “repentance” with belief unlessturning from sin is compulsory fortrue Christians today? Will JesusChrist grant eternal life to anyonewho is living in rebellion to Himand His Laws? Christ Himself saidthat if we want to enter eternal life,we are to “keep the command-ments” (Matthew 19:17). Thosecommandments include keeping theseventh-day Sabbath and the sevenannual Holy Days, which most pro-fessing Christians today reject.

Even secular observers recognizethat a “Christian” message solelyabout personal growth, without a

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deep acknowledgement of sin and aturn towards repentance and belief,simply has no spiritual substance.“It is curious that one of the coun-tervailing criticisms of the pasttwenty years has been the increasingprivatization of personal faith.… Anear obsession with personal growthwithin faith traditions is maintainedunder the banner of ‘getting toknow God.’ We wonder if perhaps itis not just a way to justify anothermanifestation of self-indulgence, abehavior pattern completely consis-tent with the ‘mood’ of the inner-directed era” (Regele, p. 40).

Jesus was concerned abouthealing and helping those whowere broken and hurting. Hehealed the broken-hearted, andreleased the oppressed (Luke4:18). He healed the sick (Luke7:22). He came to ease the bur-dens of those under the yoke(Matthew 11:28–29). But He didnot bring a gospel of “self-indul-gence” or “rebellion against law.”He taught true liberty under the“law of liberty” (James 1:25).

Are you truly conforming yourlife to Christ’s message? Are youasking God to lead you to repen-tance (Romans 2:4; Luke 5:32)? Areyou bringing forth “fruits worthy ofrepentance” in your life (Matthew3:8)? Preaching repentance andbelief is part of the true missionChrist carried out—and that Healso entrusted to His Church.

The True Commission—Or Passing Fads?

Well into the first decade ofthe twenty-first century, manychurches find themselves scram-bling to find meaning and purpose.When churches ask their congre-gants for feedback on their “churchexperience,” they receive a dizzy-ing array of conflicting responses,as author Brian McLaren observes.“Complaints range from sensible to

incoherent to mutually exclusive:It’s too boring. It’s too entertain-ment-oriented. It’s too shallow. It’stoo deep. It’s too intellectual. It’stoo emotional. It’s too contempo-rary. It’s too traditional. It’s too pas-sive. It’s too active. It’s toodemanding. It’s too easy” (TheChurch on the Other Side. p. 43).

“Mega-churches” now cater tothose seeking an energetic mixtureof fellowship and self-help programswith a casual atmosphere. Yet someare already beginning to see thatthese institutions may attract num-bers—but may not attract true disci-ples. Columbus, Ohio, radio com-mentator Bob Burney reflected onthis phenomenon in his column atwww.townhall.com: “If you simplywant a crowd, the ‘seeker sensitive’model produces results. If you wantsolid, sincere, mature followers ofChrist, it’s a bust” (“A Shocking‘Confession’ from Willow CreekCommunity Church,” October 30,2007).

At the same time, fragmented“mini-churches” are proliferatingat an astounding rate. According toresearcher Mark J. Penn, there arealmost 10,000 unique religionsaround the globe, with two orthree new ones born each day.Most are fringe movements splin-tering off from larger organiza-tions. “Americans may be witness-ing the rise of mega-churches—

those sprawling God-o-plexes thatoffer everything from liturgicalenlightenment to teen raftingtrips—but worldwide, the oppositeis true. What’s flourishing is Mini-Churches: small, and seeminglyfaddish, new groups of intenselydevoted followers” (Microtrends, p.312). As new religious organiza-tions splinter and proliferate, con-fusion grows about the meaningand purpose of the Church.

Thankfully, you do not needto be confused about the role ofGod’s true Church today. In ourtime of rapid change, you can besure that the true Church whichJesus Christ built will faithfully bedoing what He did, until Hisreturn (Revelation 1:7). It will notbe blown off course by social fadsand trendy distractions, nor bycorrosive heresies. It will be pro-claiming to the world the goodnews of Jesus Christ’s comingKingdom (Matthew 24:14). And itwill be blowing a bold “warningtrumpet” of repentance and spiri-tual change. As Isaiah wrote: “Cryaloud, spare not; lift up your voicelike a trumpet; tell My peopletheir transgression, and the houseof Jacob their sins” (Isaiah 58:1).

This is what the Church thatChrist built will be doing, even inthe twenty-first century, just as itdid from the beginning. Are you apart of that Church?

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What Is a True Christian?

Write for our FREE booklet, What Is a True Christian?,or download it from the Booklets section

of our Web site www.tomorrowsworld.org.

Are you receiving the blessings God wants you toreceive? Are you living His way, experiencing thejoy and fulfillment that He wants you to have?

Are you receiving the blessings God wants you toreceive? Are you living His way, experiencing thejoy and fulfillment that He wants you to have?

JJeerruussaalleemm’’ss AAmmaazziinngg FFuuttuurree!!Many cities around the world are from time to time

the focus of violent conflicts. But the city of Jerusalem—especially its Temple Mount—is again and again at thecenter of world attention. This is no surprise to anyonefamiliar with Bible prophecy. Dozens ofprophecies indicate that the city ofJerusalem will dominate news headlinesjust before Jesus Christ’s return and theend of this age.

Dominated, Divided,Devastated

In recent years, seemingly endlesspolitical negotiations have been launched inpursuit of Middle East peace. Yet success haseluded every effort, just as the Bible predict-ed! God inspired the prophet Zechariah towrite, more than 2,500 years ago, that “itshall happen in that day that I will makeJerusalem a very heavy stone for all peoples;all who would heave it away will surely be cutin pieces” (Zechariah 12:3). For nearly a century, Jerusalemhas fulfilled this prophecy. Britain, Israel and the UnitedStates have all tried—and failed—to bring peace to thistroubled city and its region. Now the Europeans, theRussians, the United Nations and even the Vatican want totry to solve this age-old problem. According to Bibleprophecy, all who try will fail—until Christ returns!

Zechariah recorded another end-time prophecy.“Behold, the day of the LORD is coming… I will gather all thenations to battle against Jerusalem; the city shall be taken,the houses rifled, and the women ravished. Half of the cityshall go into captivity, but the remnant of the people shallnot be cut off from the city” (Zechariah 14:1–2). Thisprophecy appears to be on the verge of fulfillment.Jerusalem was devastated by the Babylonians in the seventhcentury BC, and by the Romans in 70AD. Later the Arabs, andthen the Ottoman Turks, controlled the city. However, theprophesied end-time conquest and devastation will come atthe hands of “all the nations.” In previous sieges, the entirecity was conquered and laid waste, but in the last days onlyhalf the city will be conquered. This could well be the Jewishhalf, if the other half—East Jerusalem—becomes the recog-nized capital of a full Palestinian state, as PalestinianAuthority President Mahmoud Abbas has proposed.

Abbas, like most Palestinians, wants Arab-dominatedEast Jerusalem—which Israel captured in the 1967 Middle

East war and has annexed in spite of international objec-tions—to be the officially recognized capital of a Palestinianstate in the Israeli-occupied West Bank and Gaza. Israeli

Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has tried tofocus on other less contentious issueswhen negotiating with Palestinian lead-ers; as a spokesman for Olmert’s Kadimaparty noted, “The issue of Jerusalem isvery sensitive and in this regard it ispreferable to begin with issues that havea chance of achieving understandingrather than starting with issues wherethe disagreements initially are large.”However, negotiations over the statusof Jerusalem cannot be avoided indefi-nitely. As those negotiations proceed,it will become more and more obviousthat conditions are developing inJerusalem which could see key Bibleprophecies fulfilled in the nearfuture.

Jeremiah records another of God’s prophetic warningsto the people of Jerusalem, “I will hand them over to trou-ble, to all kingdoms of the earth” (Jeremiah 15:4). Jerusalemhas been dominated by individual nations at differenttimes, but never by all the kingdoms of the earth.However, if United Nations observers and peacekeepersenter the picture, this prophecy will be fulfilled in aremarkable way. The Bible also reveals that Jerusalem’sfuture devastation will come suddenly at the hands of amultitude of nations (Jeremiah 6:26; 15:8; Isaiah 29:5;30:13). Recent decades’ developments in high-tech war-fare, and anti-Israel hatreds inflamed by Arab nations andtheir allies, add ominous relevance to this prophecy.

Jerusalem Trampled

Jesus Christ revealed an even greater significance ofthese Old Testament prophecies. When Jesus’ disciplesasked Him, “what will be the sign of Your [second] com-ing, and of the end of the age?” (Matthew 24:3), He toldthem to watch for one particular development involvingJerusalem: “When you see Jerusalem surrounded byarmies, then know that its desolation is near” (Luke21:20). Christ went on to reveal that “Jerusalem will betrampled by Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are ful-filled” (Luke 21:24). The Bible indicates that this end-time Gentile domination of Jerusalem will last for 42

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m o n t h s —three-and-a-halfy e a r s ( s e eRevelation 11:2).Since 1948, theU N a g e n d a h a sincluded an inten-t i o n t o p l a c eJ e r u s a l e m u n d e rinternational adminis-tration . This idea isgaining credence today,and variations of it haveeven been offered bypopes and U.S. diplomats.In conjunction with numerous otherprophesied end-time events, this shouldalert us to the real significance of the timesin which we live (see Matthew 16:3;24:32–34)!

The Temple Mount is a focal point ofreligious interest in Jerusalem for threemajor religions. Though it was oncethe site of Solomon’s temple and ofthe Herodian temple during Jesus’human lifetime, Jews are now forbidden to wor-ship on the Temple Mount, which is now occupied byIslam’s Dome of the Rock! The Temple Mount has beencalled “the most volatile spot on the face of the earth.” Bibleprophecy indicates that significant events will occur on theTemple Mount just before Jesus Christ’s return. Theseevents will be a warning—for those who have eyes to see—that the end of this present age is near!

Biblical prophecies describe two prominent individualsappearing on the world stage in the end times (seeRevelation 20:10). One is a powerful and persuasive politi-cal figure called the Beast (see Revelation 13:1–10;17:12–13). The other is a highly influential religious figureknown as the false prophet or man of sin (see Revelation13:11–18; 2 Thessalonians 2). The Bible reveals that theywill focus their attention on Jerusalem—and on the TempleMount in particular. These two Satan-inspired leaders willorchestrate two distinct events repeatedly mentioned inScripture. They will cause the daily sacrifices to cease, andthey will defile the temple sanctuary (see Daniel 8:11–12;9:27; 11:31; 12:11). These two distinct actions will takeplace in Jerusalem just before Christ’s return (Matthew24:15; Mark 13:14). However, before the daily sacrifices canbe stopped, they must begin! And before a sanctuary can bedefiled, it must be established! These two events will also beextremely significant.

Fulfillment Underway?

Remarkable as it may seem to secularminds today, plans are well underway inJerusalem that may lead to the fulfillmentof these ancient prophecies. Since 1967,Jewish scholars have been studying thelocation of previous temples on theTemple Mount, selecting and trainingpriests and preparing the vessels nec-

essary to reinstitute the daily sacri-fices previously carried out in

the temple. All that is needed isa place to erect a sanctuary, and

permission to begin the sacri-fices—which the Bible indicates

will happen just before the end ofthis present age!

Daniel writes of a coming leaderwho will deceitfully enter into a

covenant (Daniel 11:31–32) with theJewish people—a covenant that appears

to include the resumption of sacrifices andthe construction of a sanctuary (Daniel

9:26–27), perhaps in exchange for cedingEast Jerusalem to the Palestinians. This

agreement, however, will be abruptly brokenafter three years (ibid.)—probably in an effort

to enforce religious uniformity. The rebuilt sanctuary will thenbe defiled in some way (ibid.). Antiochus Epiphanes’ actionsin 168BC can be understood as a prototype of end-time events.Antiochus attempted to exterminate the Jewish religion byplacing a pagan idol in the temple and offering swine’s bloodon the altar. Scripture describes the coming false prophet taking similar actions. He is described as one who activelyopposes biblical religion and “sits as God in the temple of God,showing himself that he is God” (2 Thessalonians 2:4). Theselong-foretold activities will take place in Jerusalem just beforeChrist’s Second Coming. Millions, unaware of these events’true significance, will be deceived. However, this deceptionwill end, Jerusalem will be liberated and peace will finally beestablished when Jesus Christ returns to establish the king-dom of God (Zechariah 12:7–9; 14:3–11).

You can avoid being misled by these momentousevents if you understand what the Bible clearly revealsabout the end times. Study your Bible, watch worldevents, request our free booklet The Beast of Revelation:Myth, Metaphor or Soon-Coming Reality? if you have notdone so already—and keep reading Tomorrow’s World,where you will see prophecy come alive!

—Douglas S. Winnail

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You probably own a Bible. But have you truly studiedit? If you do not know how to study your Bible, it

will remain a mystery to you, and you will miss outon the most exciting, mind-expanding information

and knowledge the world has ever known!

ore than 100 million Bibles are sold annually aroundthe world. But does anyone really understand theBible? Can you understand it? In this article, we willdiscuss seven simple yet vital principles to help you in

studying this amazing book.If you are a long-time reader of Tomorrow’s World, you proba-

bly read the Bible often. But how many others do? The BarnaResearch Group reported that, in 2005, just 45 percent ofAmericans read the Bible in a typical week. Bible reading hasdeclined in recent decades. When a nation reads the word of God,

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and practices its precepts, itwill prosper. But great neglectof the Bible and its teachingswill continue to produce moraldecline—and eventual nationaldestruction.

Daniel Webster, the greatAmerican statesman, gave thiswarning about his nation’sfuture: “If there is anything inmy thoughts or style to com-mend, the credit is due to myparents for instilling in me anearly love of the Scriptures. Ifwe abide by the principlestaught in the Bible, our countrywill go on prospering and toprosper; but if we and our pos-terity neglect its instructionsand authority, no man can tellhow sudden a catastrophe mayoverwhelm us and bury all ourglory in profound obscurity”(Halley’s Bible Handbook, p. 18).

We in the western worldneed to take Webster’s warningvery seriously. We need tostudy the Bible, and to live byit. As Jesus said, “It is written,‘Man shall not live by breadalone, but by every word ofGod’” (Luke 4:4). Only obedi-ence to, and a love of, God’sword can lead to moral andnational prosperity.

Do you love the Bible?Ancient King David loved thescriptures that were available tohim. He said, “Your word is alamp to my feet and a light tomy path” (Psalm 119:105). Weall need that lamp and light!

How can studying God’sword benefit you? First of all, weneed to understand that the Bibleis the most important book inthe world! It reveals the truemeaning and purpose of life. Itgives principles for true success,fulfillment and happiness. Itexplains why our world is insuch confusion and danger. Itsprophecies reveal the future,

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www.tomorrowsworld.org

including the soon-coming Kingdomof God on this earth. It tells us howto prepare for the great events tocome. Scripture teaches us how toget along with our neighbors in agodly way. And it reveals the way tolife beyond death—eternal life.

We cannot afford to live with-out the incredible spiritual truthsand benefits the Bible has to offer.A Gallup Poll found that 82 per-cent of those surveyed in theUnited States call the Bible the“actual” or “inspired” word of God.Only 68 percent of Canadiansshared these views.

But even among those who saythey believe the Bible, their knowl-edge of its content leaves much to bedesired. We might expect that reli-gious people would know the firstfour books of the New Testament.But another Gallup Poll reportedthat 63 percent of Americans couldnot name all four gospels: Matthew,Mark, Luke and John.

Commentator Gary M. Burgeemphasizes the vital role Scripturemust play in helping us discerntruth from error. In a ChristianityToday article, he reminded us: “Todisregard this resource—to neglectthe Bible—is to remove the chiefauthority on which our faith isbuilt. We are left vulnerable,unable to check the teachings ofthose who invite us to follow”(“The Greatest Story Never Read,”August 9, 1999).

We need to be grounded insound, foundational truths! We donot dare “remove the chief authori-ty on which our faith is built.” Thesolution to the problem is obvious.We must read the Bible!

When was the last time youopened your Bible? If you are a fre-quent reader of this magazine, itmight have been just a few minutesago. But according to the above-mentioned Gallup Poll, 41 percentof Americans said that they rarelyor never read the Bible! Only 16

percent said that they read theBible every day. But we all shouldread the Bible daily. Bible truthsand Bible knowledge contribute tosound-mindedness—and the worldneeds men, women, and childrenof wholesome character and soundmental health!

The Bible is a storehouse ofvaluable treasure. How can we reapthe treasures contained in thisamazing book? Regarding trueknowledge, the Bible promises us,“If you seek her as silver, andsearch for her as for hidden treas-ures; then you will understand thefear of the LORD, and find theknowledge of God. For the LORD

gives wisdom; from His mouthcome knowledge and understand-ing” (Proverbs 2:4–6).

In this article, we will considerseven basic principles for Biblestudy. They will help you gainGod’s wisdom. You can grasp moreclearly the amazing plan theCreator God has for all humanity,if you use these keys to unlockvital truths of the Bible, which rel-atively few understand.

Principle 1: The Bible Is a Complete Book

Many cannot truly understandthe Bible because they throw outits first 39 books—the OldTestament. Yet, when Jesus quotedscripture, He quoted the OldTestament. In the wilderness, dur-ing His tremendous spiritual battlewith Satan the devil, Jesus wasquoting Deuteronomy 8:3 when Hesaid, “It is written, ‘Man shall notlive by bread alone, but by everyword of God’” (Luke 4:4). Thatprofound truth is absolutely foun-dational to people’s happiness—and their eternal life!

The Apostle Paul, writing to theyoung Timothy, spoke of the gen-uine faith that he saw in Timothy’sgrandmother Lois and in his mother

Eunice. These two virtuous womenhad taught Timothy the scripturesfrom his childhood. And what werethose scriptures? The first 39 booksof the Bible! The New Testamenthad not yet been written. As Paulreminded Timothy, “from childhoodyou have known the HolyScriptures, which are able to makeyou wise for salvation through faithwhich is in Christ Jesus” (2Timothy 3:15). Timothy was able tounderstand salvation through theOld Testament scriptures, andthrough accepting Jesus Christ ashis Savior.

The Bible is a complete book.It begins in the book of Genesisand ends with the book ofRevelation. In fact, God warns:“For I testify to everyone whohears the words of the prophecy ofthis book: If anyone adds to thesethings, God will add to him theplagues that are written in thisbook; and if anyone takes awayfrom the words of the book of thisprophecy, God shall take away hispart from the Book of Life, fromthe holy city, and from the thingswhich are written in this book”(Revelation 22:18–19). Be wary ofanyone who tells you that someother book is “a hidden part of theBible” or is “necessary for under-standing the Bible.”

Never forget that when Jesustaught us the two great command-ments, He quoted them from theOld Testament! The first greatcommandment, that we must loveGod with all our heart, soul andstrength, is written inDeuteronomy 6:5. The secondgreat commandment, that you shalllove your neighbor as yourself, isfrom Leviticus 19:18. Jesus was notmaking up something new whenHe gave these commandments;they are Old Testament precepts,and are commandments of God!

Truly, we cannot understandGod’s plan unless we study the

whole Bible as the word of God. Tounderstand the Bible, we must readboth the Old Testament and theNew Testament.

The Bible is God’s gift to allhumanity. Do we really treasure it aswe should? If we do, we really needto study the Bibleregularly. U.S.President AbrahamLincoln made thisstatement aboutthe Bible: “Ibelieve the Bible isthe best gift Godhas ever given toman. All the goodfrom the Saviour ofthe world is com-municated to usthrough this book”(Halley’s BibleHandbook, p. 18).

Principle 2: The Bible IsAlways Relevant

Some people believe that sincethe Bible was completed about1,900 years ago, it cannot be rele-vant for us today. That belief iswrong! As this magazine hasdemonstrated in dozens of articlesover the years, not only is the Biblerelevant for us today, but its prophe-cies also reveal humanity’s futureand our amazing destiny. The goodnews is that human beings will notcompletely destroy themselves.Jesus Christ will return at the mostdangerous point in human historyto save us from ourselves. Yes, welook forward to the end of this“present evil world”—the end ofthis age and the beginning of a newage, which we in this magazine call“Tomorrow’s World.” Jesus said,“And this gospel of the kingdomwill be preached in all the world asa witness to all the nations, andthen the end will come” (Matthew24:14). The gospel of the Kingdomof God is always relevant!

The Gallup organization discov-ered that 65 percent of Americansagree that the Bible “answers all ormost of the basic questions of life.”Yes, the Bible is relevant—it doesanswer life’s most basic questions!

A Barna Research Online studyfound, “Amonghouseholdswhich own aBible, the typi-cal count isthree Bibles perhousehold.”And, “almostevery householdin America (92percent) owns atleast one copyof the ChristianBible. Thisincludes mosthomes in whichthe adults are

not practicing Christians as well asthe homes of hundreds of thou-sands of atheists.”

If there are any atheists readingthis article, I challenge you to openyour Bible, if you have one, andsimply read it! I think you will beamazed at the plain and solid pre-cepts for successful living that youwill find. Do you doubt JesusChrist? Just start reading the bookof Matthew, then read the otherthree accounts of His life on planetEarth (Mark, Luke and John). Readtheir eyewitness testimony and evi-dence with an open mind. And ifyou live in one of those householdswith three Bibles or more, encour-age every member of your family toread the Bible. It can profoundlychange your life for the better!

Principle 3: The BibleInterprets the Bible

We have discussed this princi-ple in previous articles, and it isvital. Depending on how you countit, between one-fourth and one-

third of your Bible is prophecy. Buthow can you understand the sym-bolic language it often uses? Forexample, the books of Daniel andRevelation are rich with mysteriousimagery that very few today under-stand. But if you understand thisvital principle, that the Bible inter-prets itself, you can understand it!

In previous articles, we havediscussed examples of symbolismin the book of Revelation. Noticethe stars mentioned in Revelation1:20; these symbolize the angels ofthe seven churches. The sevenlampstands symbolize the sevenchurches. In Revelation 17, we readthat the Apostle John saw, in vision,a beast ridden by a harlot. Johnwrote, “And I saw a woman sittingon a scarlet beast which was full ofnames of blasphemy, having sevenheads and ten horns” (v. 3). She iscalled, “MYSTERY, BABYLON THEGREAT, THE MOTHER OF HAR-LOTS AND OF THE ABOMINA-TIONS OF THE EARTH” (v. 5).Verse 6 declares that this womanpersecutes true Christians.

How are we to understand allthis? The verses that follow give usthe meaning of the symbols. Verse12, for example, reveals the mean-ing of the ten horns of the beast:“The ten horns which you saw areten kings who have received nokingdom as yet, but they receiveauthority for one hour as kings withthe beast.” And verse 18 tells us:“And the woman whom you saw isthat great city which reigns over thekings of the earth.” What city isthat? To learn more about thisamazing prophecy and its relevancefor our day, please request a freecopy of our booklet, The Beast ofRevelation: Myth, Metaphor, or Soon-Coming Reality? Write to the region-al office nearest you (listed on page30 of this magazine), or go onlineto www.tomorrowsworld.org to readthe booklet online or request that afree copy be mailed to you.

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Sometimes the Bible will use asymbolic word, but perhaps theexplanation is not right there in afollowing verse. When this occurs,remember a fourth principle:

Principle 4: Study All theScriptures on a Topic

Bible students—and teachers—who fail to apply this principleoften end up believing false andmisleading doctrines. Take, forexample, the controversy oftendescribed as “law or grace.” DoesGod’s grace mean that a Christiancan live a life of rampant sin andblatantly disobey his Savior? Ofcourse not! As Jesus said, “But ifyou want to enter into life, keepthe commandments” (Matthew19:17). Jesus then went on to men-tion several of the TenCommandments.

Remember, the Bible does notcontradict itself. Jesus said, “TheScripture cannot be broken” (John10:35). God’s grace does not giveus permission to transgress God’slaw. The Apostle Jude warnedabout false teachers who would“change the grace of our God intoa license for immorality” (Jude 4,NIV). As the Anchor BibleDictionary states, “Paul clarifiedthat God’s grace brings liberty fromsin and not liberty to sin.”(“Antinomianism,” Vol. 1, p. 263).You can read this for yourself inRomans 6:1–2.

Some careless Bible studentswrongly take Ephesians 2:15 tomean that God’s TenCommandments and His moral laware done away for Christians. Thatverse reads: “having abolished inHis flesh the enmity, that is, thelaw of commandments containedin ordinances.” But if we lookclosely at that verse, we see thatthe word translated as “ordi-nances”—which is dogma, in theGreek—refers to the man-made

laws which many Jews of Jesus’ dayhad used to cause division betweenthemselves and Gentiles. The prin-ciple is to study all the Bible’s refer-ences on a topic, so we can be surewe understand it. Notice what theauthors of the NIV Study Bible havewritten about that verse. “Since Mt.5:17 and Ro. 3:31 teach that God’smoral standard expressed in theOld Testament law is not changedby the coming of Christ, what isabolished here is probably theeffect of the specific ‘command-ments and regulations’ in separat-ing Jews from Gentiles, whosenonobservance of the Jewish lawrenders them ritually unclean.”

Remember ourfirst principle of Biblestudy: “The Bible Is aComplete Book.” TheNIV Study Bible com-mentary is consistentwith this principle,recognizing thatChrist fulfilled—rather than abol-ished—the same lawthat He, as the God ofthe Old Testament,had proclaimed(Exodus 20; 1Corinthians 10:1–5).

Study the scriptures in boththe Old and New Testaments ofyour Bible. Then, to be sure youhave a clear grasp of Bible truths,be sure you have understood allthe scriptures on the topic you arestudying. When you do that dili-gently and honestly, you will oftenfind that the “mainstream” teach-ing on a topic does not match whatthe Bible actually says.

Principle 5: Understand the Context

When you study all the scrip-tures on a topic, go a little further.Read all the scriptures around averse you are studying. For exam-

ple, some mistakenly believe thatthe Jerusalem Conference in Acts15 abolished the TenCommandments for the Gentiles.But notice the Apostle James’ deci-sion: “Therefore I judge that weshould not trouble those fromamong the Gentiles who are turn-ing to God, but that we write tothem to abstain from things pollut-ed by idols, from sexual immorali-ty, from things strangled, and fromblood” (Acts 15:20).

When the Apostles specifiedthese four prohibitions, did thatfree the Gentiles to sin in otherways? Could they transgress thecommandment that says, “You shall

not kill”? Orthat, “You shallnot have othergods before thetrue God”? Ofcourse not! TheApostles in noway repealedthe moral lawof God. Tounderstandthis, we need toread and under-stand the con-text of theseverses. What

was the main question in dispute?“And certain men came down fromJudea and taught the brethren,‘Unless you are circumcised accord-ing to the custom of Moses, youcannot be saved’” (Acts 15:1).

The issue in Acts 15 was cir-cumcision. The JerusalemConference decided that Gentilesdid not need to be circumcised inorder to be saved. The Apostle Paullater wrote to the CorinthianGentiles, “Circumcision is nothingand uncircumcision is nothing, butkeeping the commandments ofGod is what matters” (1Corinthians 7:19).

Does this challenge your pre-conceived ideas about this verse and

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its meaning? Too often, preachersavoid sound explanation ofScripture in order to focus on emo-tional and devotional perspectivesthat are incomplete. As commenta-tor Burge wrote in his above-men-tioned ChristianityToday article,“Historical exege-sis is fast becom-ing a lost art in thepulpit. Rather thanexplaining the his-torical setting ofthe passage, textsbecome spring-boards for devo-tional reflection.Biblical passagesare taken out ofcontext as thepreacher searchesfor those storiesthat evoke the responses or atti-tudes desired.”

Be sure to understand the con-text by reading all the scripturesaround whatever verses you arestudying. Apply this principle, andyou can avoid the pitfall Burgedescribes.

Principle 6: Prove All Things

We often challenge our read-ers to open their Bibles and checkup on what we write. Do not takefor granted what we publish inthis magazine. Read it in your ownBible. Christians are admonished:“Test all things; hold fast what isgood” (1 Thessalonians 5:21). Or:“Prove all things; hold fast thatwhich is good” (KJV).

Notice the attitude of theBereans, who are commended fortheir positive, investigative atti-tude in reading the scriptures.“These were more fair-mindedthan those in Thessalonica, in thatthey received the word with allreadiness, and searched the

Scriptures daily to find outwhether these things were so”(Acts 17:11).

One way of testing, or prov-ing, is to practice the principlesand precepts of the Bible. Jesus

emphasized that wemust live by theBible, by “every wordof God.” He said,“But why do you callMe ‘Lord, Lord,’ andnot do the thingswhich I say?” (Luke6:46). You can proveand test the Bible bypracticing its instruc-tions. That is howyou can have a goodunderstanding. Weread: “The fear of theLORD is the beginningof wisdom; a good

understanding have all those whodo His commandments” (Psalm111:10). Perhaps you have heardteachers talk about “learning bydoing”? This principle alsoapplies in your Christian life.

Principle 7: Pray for Understanding

This principle is the founda-tion on which the first six princi-ples rest. The Bible emphasizesthat we need a teachable attitude.

Ancient King David was a manafter God’s own heart (Acts 13:22).Notice David’s teachable attitude inpraying for understanding. “Showme Your ways, O LORD; teach meYour paths. Lead me in Your truthand teach me, for You are the Godof my salvation; on You I wait allthe day” (Psalm 25:4–5).

Remember to pray for under-standing as you read and studyyour Bible. Pray for guidance. Godblesses those who respect the scrip-tures and reverence His holy word.Almighty God states, “But on thisone will I look: on him who is poorand of a contrite spirit, and whotrembles at My word” (Isaiah 66:2).

The Bible is the most impor-tant book in the world. If youhave neglected reading the Bible,now is the time to change. Read itdaily. If your attitude is right, youwill be greatly blessed and yourlife will be changed. As Jesus said,“The words that I speak to you arespirit, and they are life” (John6:63).

The Bible is not only a bookfor today, but it is also the book ofthe future! As Jesus said, “Heavenand earth will pass away, but Mywords will by no means passaway” (Luke 21:33). Thank Godthat He has shared with us Hisawesome spiritual truth, and thevery purpose of life.

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The Bible: Fact or Fiction?

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Have you proved for yourself that the Bible is God’sinspired word, and that it can change your life? Youneed to understand this most important book—God’s“Instruction Manual” for your life!

Have you proved for yourself that the Bible is God’sinspired word, and that it can change your life? Youneed to understand this most important book—God’s“Instruction Manual” for your life!

For the several booklets I have alreadyreceived in recent weeks, I am indeed

grateful. In a short space of time I havelearned more than I learned from thesermons I have listened to during my

many years of church attendance.

E. M., Hamilton, New Zealand

I found your Web site by accident... but it wasnot by accident, because I am trying to seek theKingdom of God for the first time in my life and I real-ize that keeping the Ten Commandments is essentialto my faith. It is such an awesome Web site, and Ithank all of you who are responsible for it.

L. W., Northridge, CA

I have enjoyed the booklets you have sent.They are very informative and sometimes scarybecause of the times that we live in. I enjoy yourmagazine because I have reread it a few times.The booklet The United States and Great Britainin Prophecy is very informative, and I wonderhow many people are aware what is going onaround them.

R. S., Tulsa, OK

I am now studying the booklet Revelation:The Mystery Unveiled! I am 74 years old andhave been to church a lot in my life, but havenever had the teaching about Revelation thatthis book has given. I am so grateful for this bookand the peace of mind this new knowledge hasgiven me. I am continuing to study. I want toknow the real truth.

Y. H., Wilmington, NC

Thank you for the magazines, the manybooklets and the Bible Study Course you havesent me. These have been of immense help inunderstanding the Bible. They have unlockedmany passages that I wondered about. Also, I’vewondered for a long time why the United States

was not mentioned for the end-time. Your mes-sage has cleared this up for me. Thank you somuch. Keep up the good work.

R. T., Jasper, AR

Since I have been reading your literature andusing the Bible Study Course in conjunction withthe Holy Bible, I can honestly say that I have a verygood understanding of what things mean. As youare aware, people today don’t use the same lan-guage as in the Holy Bible, but your literature putsit in plain everyday English so that we can under-stand what’s happening in the world today asrelated to the Holy Scriptures. You have changedmy way of thinking and my way of living.

D. R., Belton, TX

I no longer feel alone! Many years ago, I leftthe church I was raised in, knowing deep in myheart that the Truth was not contained therein.At the time, I believed that I would find utopia inone of the Protestant churches. I tried them alland none taught the Truth of Jesus Christ. Afterreading many of the pamphlets online fromTomorrow’s World, I am elated beyond words! Iwant to learn more, and more, and more! I wantto know what I should be doing right now, andtomorrow, and every tomorrow. I will continueto read more of the pamphlets, along withintense study of God’s word, the Bible.

C. P., Linwood, NJ

I just received the November-December 2007issue, and was so comforted by the truth of God’sword. Yes, I am bold enough to obey God’s truthregardless of what family or friends may say. To readthe “Christmas: Harmful to Children?” article reallyputs it on the line. I have been guilty of teaching itto my children. Now I have grandchildren and amnot making the same mistake. I cannot tell you howtreasured the issues of Tomorrow’s World are to me.

T. S., New Port Richey, FL

WWee eennccoouurraaggee yyoouu ttoo sshhaarree wwiitthh uuss yyoouurr rreeaaccttiioonnss ttoo TToommoorrrrooww’’ss WWoorrlldd.. PPlleeaassee ddiirreecctt yyoouurrccoorrrreessppoonnddeennccee ttoo ““LLeetttteerrss ttoo tthhee EEddiittoorr”” aatt oouurr UUnniitteedd SSttaatteess aaddddrreessss,, oorr sseenndd ee--mmaaiill ttoo lleetttteerrss@@ttoommoorrrroowwsswwoorrlldd..oorrgg.. LLeetttteerrss mmaayy bbee eeddiitteedd ffoorr ssppaaccee aanndd ccllaarriittyy.. RReemmeemmbbeerr ttoo

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ew understand the amazing religious drama thathas played out over the centuries in Britain,Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Key parts of thestory have been lost, forgotten or hidden. But the

coming of true Christianity to Europe’s western isles isa remarkable story, holding vital lessons for us today.

The true history of Christianity in Europe’s west-ern isles also sheds light on a deadly serious contestthat is moving toward a climax, involving not onlyhuman beings but also powerful spiritual forces. Whenyou discover what happened, you can begin to under-stand where current events are leading—events thatare destined to affect the entire world in the not-too-

distant future. If we ignore the lessons of the past, ourmodern generations will reap dire consequences!

Assertions and Assumptions

When we begin to explore the history of earlyChristianity in Europe’s western isles, one of the firstdiscoveries we make is that modern scholars’ typicalassumptions disagree with the clear record of history,as preserved both in the Bible and in secular sources.Richard Fletcher, a historian at the University of York,is typical in his mistaken belief that “the impressiongiven by Luke [in the book of Acts] of an orderly and

How did Christianity first come to Europe’s western isles? What happenedto the true gospel? Why does that history matter today?

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controlled diffusion… is mislead-ing… it is reasonably clear thatChristianity spread east and westboth quickly and anarchically,without overt strategy or leader-ship” (The Conversion of Europe, p.14). Catholic theologians JohnWalsh and Thomas Bradley write:“Christianity entered Ireland, pre-sumably in the fourth and fifthcenturies, by a slow and unplannedinfiltration” (The Story of the IrishChurch, p. 1). These assertions byFletcher, Walsh and Bradley ignoreplain facts of Scripture and history.

The Bible reveals that Goddoes not operate in a capriciousand haphazard manner. TheApostle Paul wrote: “God is not theauthor of confusion but of peace,as in all the churches of the saints”(1 Corinthians 14:33). To spreadthe gospel, Jesus called and trainedtwelve disciples (Luke 6:12–16).They were to go first to “the lostsheep of the house of Israel” andlater to the Gentiles (Matthew10:5–6, 18). Paul was sent to theGentiles and the children of Israel,while Peter was sent primarily tothe Jews—of Judea and also of the“dispersion” (Acts 9:15; Galatians2:7–8). When Philip preached inSamaria, he coordinated his activi-ties with the headquarters churchin Jerusalem (Acts 8:5–14). TheApostle Paul followed this samepattern (Galatians 1:18–19; 2:1–2).The book of Acts shows that Godguided the spread of the gospel bysupernatural means (Acts 10;13:1–2; 16:6–10), and that He pro-vided the strategy and leadershipthat directed the spread of earlyChristianity.

Later, the Apostle Paul sentpreachers and teachers to specificareas: Tychicus to Ephesus,Crescens to Galatia, and Titus toDalmatia and Crete (Ephesians6:21–22; 2 Timothy 4:10; Titus1:5). This harmonizes with whatlater histories record about the

apostles’ organized movements.Early church historian Eusebiuswrote: “Thomas… was chosen forParthia, Andrew for Scythia, Johnfor Asia” (Ecclesiastical History, Bk.3, chap. 1). Cressy, an Oxfordgraduate and Benedictine monk inthe 17th century, wrote that theapostles divided by lot the regionsof the world, for preaching thegospel (Church History of Brittany,vol. 4, Bk. 1, chap. 6). Fragmentedbits of Church history may lead tothe mistaken idea that Christianityspread in a chaotic fashion, but thecomplete record of the Bible andhistory reveal some-thing very different.

EvidenceIgnored

Regrettably,modern secularscholars often con-vey an erroneousimpression of whatcan be known aboutthe apostles’ travel,and about thearrival of trueChristianity inEurope’s westernisles. Clement, thefourth bishop of thechurch in Rome, wrote in the latefirst century that the Apostle Paul,“after preaching in the east andwest… taught righteousness to thewhole world, and came to theextreme limit of the west” (Epistleto the Corinthians, chap. 5, in Ante-Nicene Fathers, vol. 9, p. 231).Some think Clement’s phrase “theextreme limit of the west” refers toRome, while others believe it refersto Spain or Britain. Yet any map ofthe Roman Empire in the first cen-tury shows that the Britannic Isles—not Rome or Spain—represent theextremity of the west. Gildas, asixth century British monk,observed that “the island of Britain

lies virtually at the end of theworld, towards the west and north-west” (The Ruin of Britain, Bk. 3,chap. 1, Winterbottom, ed., p. 16).

Tertullian, bishop of Carthagein the second century, wrote: “Theregions of Britain which have neverbeen penetrated by the Romans[southwest England, Wales andScotland] have received the religionof Christ” (Def. Fidei, p. 179).Eusebius, bishop of Caesarea in theearly 300s, records that “the apos-tles passed beyond the ocean to theIsles called the British Isles”(Demonstratio Evangelica, Bk. 3,

chap. 5). Eusebiushad access to a sub-stantial library atCaesarea, which con-tained sources thathave since been lost.Theodoret, bishop ofCyprus in Syria (circa430AD) states that“Paul, liberated fromhis first captivity atRome, preached theGospel to the Britonsand others in theWest… and theCymry [the Welsh]”(D. Civ. Gracae Off.,Bk. 9). Around300AD, Dorotheous,

bishop of Tyre, stated that“Aristobulus, whom Paul saluted[Romans 16:10] was bishop ofBritain” and that Simon Zelotes alsocame to Britain (Synopsis deApostol., Synops. 9, 23). Gildas saysthat the coming of Christianity toBritain “happened first, as we know,in the last years of the emperorTiberius [14–37AD]” (The Ruin ofBritain, p. 18). This means thatChristianity arrived in Britain nolater than 37AD—less than a decadeafter Christ’s crucifixion. Gildas alsorecognizes the Britons as God’s “lat-ter-day Israel” (ibid., p. 28).

Scholars in previous centuriesdid accept these early reports as

Four centuries before Patrick’sa r r i va l , Ch r i s t i an i t y hadalready reached Ireland! (ZumaPress)

trustworthy accounts of history.James Ussher, Archbishop of Irelandand one of thegreatest scholarsof the 17th centu-ry, presented con-siderable evidencethat James, SimonZelotes, SimonPeter, the ApostlePaul and othersbroughtChristianity toEurope’s westernisles in the firstcentury (TheWhole Works ofJames Ussher, vol.5, chap. 1,Erlington). RobertParsons, an English Jesuit andOxford scholar, asserted in his 17thcentury work The Three Conversionsof England that the apostles firstbrought Christianity to the island,and that “the Christian religionbegan in Britain within fifty years ofChrist’s Ascension” (p. 14). Modernscholars are ignoring the evidencewhen they claim that the spread ofChristianity to Europe’s western isles“left no narrative trace” and that ithas been “lost beyond recovery.”

Facts vs. Fables

But what happened to the truegospel, which the Apostles broughtto Europe’s western isles in the firstcentury? How do the above-men-tioned reports jibe with widelyaccepted traditions that Patrickconverted the Irish in the fifth cen-tury, and that Augustine broughtChristianity to England in the sev-enth century?

On these points, reputablescholars make some surprisingadmissions. Irish Catholic histori-ans relate that “traditionally…Saint Patrick has been creditedwith converting the entire Irishrace from paganism in the very

short period between 432 and461… however, we have to admit

that therewere cer-tainlyChristiansin IrelandbeforePatrickarrived…and that thesaintworked asan evangel-ist only inpart of theisland [thenorth]”(Walsh andBradley, p.

1). Irish writer Liam de Paor wrotethat “Ireland was not converted byone man [Patrick]… it may be thatChristianity reached the westcountry [of Britain] and the south-ern Irish sea virtually independentof the Roman system, at a veryearly date… centuries beforePatrick” (Paor, pp. 21, 23). Thereare traditions that the ApostleJames preached the gospel inIreland before returning toJerusalem, where he was martyred(see MacManus, The Story of theIrish Race, p. 103). Indeed, manyhistorical sources confirm that theapostles brought true Christianityto Ireland four centuries beforePatrick’s visit. The story thatPatrick was the first to bringChristianity to Ireland is a fable!

Traditions surroundingAugustine also look very differentwhen we know the facts of history.Bede, an Anglo-Saxon monk livingin northeast England in the 700s,wrote what has been called the pri-mary sourcebook for this period:The Ecclesiastical History of theEnglish Nation. Bede was a highlyrespected scholar, but he has alsobeen called a “medieval spin doc-tor” because he tended to gloss over

subjects that did not fit the story hewas telling. As a Saxon, he glorifiedthe Saxons and put down theBritons. He was also an enthusiasticsupporter of Roman Catholicism.He writes nothing of the apostlescoming to Britain and Ireland, onlybriefly mentions Christians preced-ing Augustine in early Britain, andinstead focuses on Augustine as ifhe were the “bringer of the truefaith” to the English nation.

However, when we read Bede’saccount carefully, it becomes obvi-ous that British bishops alreadyfunctioning on the island wouldhave nothing to do with Augustineor the religion he represented!They would not accept the RomanCatholic observance of Easter, ortheir method of baptism, or thenotion that Rome could giveAugustine the authority to becomeArchbishop of England. Augustinetold the British bishops: “You actin many particulars contrary to ourcustom, or rather the custom ofthe universal church” (Bede, Bk. 2,chap. 2). Bede describes what hecalls the “errors of the Britons” andwrites that the “Scots in no waydiffer from the Britons in theirbehavior” (ibid., chap. 4).Describing why the Scottish bish-ops, at a confrontation at Witby in664AD, refused to adopt the RomanEaster, Bede reports that thesebishops followed an ancient prac-tice—“the same which St. John theEvangelist, the disciple of ourLord, with all the churches overwhich he presided, is recorded tohave observed” (ibid., chap. 25).

Bede’s account reveals that theScottish bishops were actuallyobserving the biblical Passover (atthe beginning of Nisan 14, shortlyafter sunset) and Days of UnleavenedBread (see Leviticus 23:4–8). Bedecountered the Scots’ appeal to scrip-tural practice and apostolic traditionwith a reference to then-current cus-toms of the Roman Church, and

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The Church in England, which had been following the teachings of Christ’s apostlesfor six centuries, at first rejected the strangedoctrines Augustine brought! (KPA PhotoArchive)

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with ridicule that “the Picts and theBritons, who foolishly, in these tworemote islands of the world…oppose all the rest of the universe”(ibid., Bk. 2, chap. 25). Yet this samebattle had raged several centuriesearlier in Asia Minor, when a Romanbishop had excommunicated the fol-lowers of John (calledQuartodecimans) for observing thePassover on Nisan 14 instead of theRoman Easter. Following the con-frontation at Whitby, the remnants ofapostolic Christianity retreated toScotland, Wales and southwestEngland, while the Saxons and even-tually more Britons embracedRoman Catholicism. In Europe’swestern isles, the original teachingsof Christianity were pushed aside bya different gospel emanating fromRome.

How Truth Was Lost

But why has the truth about thefirst arrival of Christianity inEurope’s western isles—and the fateof the true gospel there—beenobscured and forgotten? Why are somany clear historical recordsbrushed aside? There are a numberof reasons. The Bible reveals thattrue Christianity is in a strugglewith evil spiritual forces: Satan, hisdemons and whomever they caninfluence (Ephesians 6:10–12).Secular historians and liberal theolo-gians do not take this spiritualdimension seriously, yet it explainsmuch of what has happened to thetrue gospel. Satan, as the adversaryof God (Isaiah 14:12–15), hassought to disrupt and derail God’splan from the very beginning. Satanwas behind the efforts to kill Jesusand end His ministry (Matthew2:1–18; Matthew 26:1–5; John8:37–44; John 13:2). Satan alsoattempts to subvert true Christianityby promoting the spread of hereticaland subtly misleading ideas (seeActs 20:29–30; 2 Peter 2:1–3).

Faulty human reasoning alsoplayed a role in obscuring the truegospel. The Bible explains, “Thereis a way that seems right to a man,but its end isthe way ofdeath”(Proverbs14:12). Overthe centuries,some thought itreasonable to letformer paganscontinue theirfavorite reli-gious practices,as long as theydid so in a dif-ferent spirit,because thismight helpthem accept“Christianity.”This is why thepagan celebra-tions ofChristmas,Easter, saints’days, as well as their image wor-ship and prayers for the dead, wereendorsed by the Roman church. Yetthe Bible actually condemns thesepractices (see Exodus 20:1–7;Deuteronomy 12:29–32; Jeremiah10:1–5). As such customs weregrafted into the church, trueChristianity was eventually dis-placed by pagan practices.

Human prejudice also played apart in obscuring the truth. Afterthe first-century Jewish revoltagainst Roman authority, religiouspractices that appeared Jewish—Sabbath observance, keeping thebiblical Holy Days and followingbiblical dietary laws—becameobjects of scorn and revulsion,even though they were practicedby Jesus, His disciples and theearly Church (see Luke 4:16; Acts17:2; 18:21). It took centuries ofdetermined effort to stamp outthese teachings, as we see from the

Quartodeciman controversies inAsia Minor and England. Today,scholars are quick to useArchbishop Ussher’s incorrect cal-

culation that theEarth was createdin 4004BC as anexcuse to ridiculeand discredit hisother writings,including hissound historywhich collectedevidence showinghow the apostlesbrought thegospel toEurope’s westernisles in the firstcentury.

There isanother reasonwhy the truthsabout the firstarrival ofChristianity in theWest, and abouttrue Apostolic

Christianity, have been obscuredand forgotten. As historian Fletcherdeftly observes, “history is writtenby the winners” (Fletcher, p. 75).He explains that in the theologicaldisputes that raged over the cen-turies, individuals or groups whowound up on the losing side—whether right or wrong—were “sys-tematically vilified, their writingshunted down and destroyed”(ibid.)—which is exactly what hap-pened in Britain and Ireland. TheBritish bishops who opposedAugustine and the teachings of theRoman church were labeled “perfid-ious [treacherous] men” and hun-dreds were murdered (Bede, Bk. 2,chap. 2). Today, Bede’s biased histo-ry is widely available in English, yetUssher’s text—long recognized as“the most exact account” of theplanting of Christianity in Britain—

(Continued on page 29)

Carvings on the ancient Kells Cross showancient Celtic and Druidic beliefs beingfused into a new form of “Christianity”practiced by the Irish. (Photo by RobertWelch/Sean Sexton/Getty Images)

Four young men are scheduled to go on trial thisApril, charged with the murder of 24-year-old SeanTaylor, a star National Football League safety whoplayed for the Washington Redskins. Prosecutors saythat the four assailants, ages 17 to 20,broke into Taylor’s house in aMiami, Florida suburb on November26, 2007, thinking no one was home.When the burglars found Taylor inhis bedroom, one fired the shot thatkilled him.

Taylor was widely considered oneof his league’s top players, so his deathwas certainly a tragedy for his team.But a far greater tragedy is that he leftbehind an 18-month-old daughter,who was in the bedroom when herfather was shot.

This is a sad story, but the reason itmade front-page news is that the victimwas a famous athlete. Many other mur-ders took place that same day, all aroundthe world. Young people are the victimsof, and the perpetrators of, many violentcrimes that can occur at any moment. Welive in a violent world, as Sean Taylor’smurder reminds us.

A History of Violence

Violence involving young people is nothing new.In fact, the Bible’s first recorded murder occurredbetween Adam and Eve’s sons, when Cain slew Abel(Genesis 4:8). That fatal blow began a legacy of aggres-sion for the human family that has continued eversince. For too many, violence is a way of life—whetherin the case of a power-seeking despot or a gun-totingneighborhood thug.

It is impossible to know how many billions through-out history have suffered because of violence. It is safe tosay that wherever there have been people living together,there has been violence. Human beings often resort toviolence as a “shortcut” to handle a problem that couldbetter be dealt with in another way. It can seem mucheasier just to punch someone—or to pull out a gun—than to sit down and try to work out differences.

One biblical writer asked, “What causes fights andquarrels among you?” That is a very good question!

Here is his answer: “Aren’t they caused by the selfishdesires that fight to control you?” (James 4:1, God’sWord translation). The writer then describes acts of

violence, such as murder, as theresult of not controlling selfishdesires.

The story of Sean Taylor’sdeath serves as a sad exampleof how this happens . TheMiami Herald reported thatthe th i eve s chose to robTaylor’s house because of hiswealth. Photos of thick wadsof cash were displayed on theM y S p a c e p ro f i l e o f o n ealleged perpetrator, with thecaption “dis how i sleepafter a good day” next to aphoto of the young manlying on a bed covered inmoney. Clearly, “self ishdesires” were at the heartof this crime that ended inmurder.

Our Violence-Loving Society

One unique aspect of our modern society is its pro-liferation of violent entertainment. Of course, othersocieties have reveled in violent amusements, as did theancient Romans in their Coliseum. However, suchentertainment is now widely available, in many moreforms, than ever before.

Sociologists have estimated that by the time theaverage U.S. child starts elementary school, he or shewill have seen 8,000 murders and 100,000 acts of vio-lence on television. A quick scan through any list ofrecently released “action movies” reflects society’s lustfor violent entertainment through disturbing sci-fifilms, graphic slasher flicks and gruesomely realisticthrillers that feature gratuitous violence. This is inaddition to many young people’s steady musical dietof anger-filled hip-hop and rap music, featuring per-formers who are living—and sometimes dying—a vio-lent life.

Young people—and old—can engage in violencethrough video games, which are becoming more realis-tic every year. Some home gaming systems now use

Tomorrow’s YouthBBrreeaakk tthhee PPaatttteerrnn ooff VViioolleennccee!!BBrreeaakk tthhee PPaatttteerrnn ooff VViioolleennccee!!

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Tomorrow’s Youth

Sean TaylorSean Taylor

controllers that letplayers “act out” ag a m e ’ s p h y s i c a laction. In games witha violent storyline, onecan actually performthe motions of stabbingor choking an opponent.If this sounds bad, consid-er also the emotional con-nection a player feels when“playing” such a character’srole.

The debate on whetherviolence in the media affectspeople has raged for years.But there is evidence that itdoes have a negative affect.R e s e a rc h e r L . R o w e l lHuesmann and his col-leagues followed 329 sub-jects over 15 years, andfound that those whowere exposed to violentte lev is ion shows aschildren were muchmore likely later to be con-victed of a crime. Girls who watchedmore than an average amount of violence tendedto throw things at their husbands. Boys who grew upwatching violent television shows were more likely tobe violent with their wives. The researchers conclud-ed: “Every violent TV show increases a little bit thelikelihood of a child growing up to behave moreaggressively” (Developmental Psychology, Vol. 39, No.2, p. 218).

Sad Consequences

Attorney Sawyer Smith, who is representingtwo of the young men accused in Taylor’s murder,described to Washington Post reporter MattSedensky his clients’ feelings about their upcom-ing trial: “They’re terrified. These are young boyswho are absolutely terrified about the position inwhich they find themselves.” John Evans, thelawyer for another of the accused, said of hisclient, “He’s in a position, dressed in the orangejumpsuit over there in the county jail, thinkingabout his life and thinking about his future. You

can only imagine the things going throughhis mind now.”

The results of this one violent act aresadness, loss and regret. For the family,friends and teammates of Sean Taylor, atremendous feeling of sadness at the lossof someone so young who had a brightfuture ahead of him. For those chargedwith his murder, regret at the situationthey now face. Because of this violentact, many lives will never be the same.But if the accused had been “thinkingabout his life and thinking about his

future” before the act, SeanTaylor might still be

alive.That is the way

of violence! Beforeanyone can think,

the deed is done—a n d i t c a n n o t b e

undone. At the time itmay seem like a good

choice, maybe the onlyc h o i c e . B u t a l m o s t

always, there is anotherway!

Break the Pattern!

As long as people fail tocontrol their selfish desires,

violence will continue. Anyone can break this pattern,but first there must be a change on the inside. JesusChrist said, “For out of the heart proceed evilthoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts,false witness, blasphemies” (Matthew 15:19). So, howcan we change our hearts? One answer is given inJames 4:8: “Draw near to God and He will draw nearto you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purifyyour hearts, you double-minded.” The closer yougrow to God, the more your heart will change.

The good news is that our world will not always befilled with violence. The time will come, in God’sKingdom, when swords will be beaten into plowshares,and there will be no more war (Isaiah 2:4). For now,however, if you find your life filled with violence, youcan ask God to deliver you from that way of life. Thatchoice is up to you!

—Phil Sena

MMaarrcchh––AApprriill 22000088 2277

There are eight little words, used in four sim-ple phrases, that can help solve most of the inter-personal problems we encounter every day. Theycan end arguments, settle disputes and evenbring peace. Sadly, most people are too proud touse them as often as they should, so they contin-ue to suffer from needlessstrife and turmoil.

Two of the four phras-es contain two words; twohave three words. Twowords are repeated.Before you read on, see ifyou can put these eightwords together into fourshort phrases that canhelp bring an end to ourconflicts with other peo-ple: I, me, you, am, for-give, love, sorry, thank.

Did you come up withthe four phrases that canhelp bring peace? Whatare they?

“And let the peace of God rule in yourhearts, to which also you were called in onebody; and be thankful” (Colossians 3:15). Peoplewith independent or self-reliant attitudes canfind it hard to express gratitude. They do not liketo acknowledge their need for help, and some-times even resent others’ kindness toward them.Parents have often seen their little childrenexhibit the immature attitude, “I wanted to do itmyself!” As adults, we should understand thatpeople need each other, and we should expressappreciation for others’ kindnesses. We ought tobe grateful, even when people care enough tocorrect us (Proverbs 15:5). The first phrase weshould always be ready to use is: “Thank you.”

“If you really fulfill the royal law according tothe Scripture, ‘You shall love your neighbor asyourself,’ you do well” (James 2:8). In our Westernsociety, it can seem a little weird or uncomfortableto tell someone other than a close family memberthat he or she is loved. Satan has so distorted ourview of natural affection and friendship that evenin many marriages today, these words are rarely

expressed. Yet God commands us even to lovethose who may hate us. “But I say to you, love yourenemies, bless those who curse you, do good tothose who hate you, and pray for those who spite-fully use you and persecute you” (Matthew 5:44).When we show through our actions that we care

about another’s welfare,even if we do not speak thewords, we are in effect say-ing: “I love you.”

Pride often stops usfrom expressing remorse.People do not like to admitthat they are wrong. But ifwe stubbornly deny ourmistakes—and fail to apolo-gize to those we havehurt—we will only fortifytheir resentment. “A broth-er offended is harder to winthan a strong city, and con-tentions are like the bars ofa castle” (Proverbs 18:19).One of the best ways to

“pour oil on troubled waters” is to say, sincerely: “Iam sorry.”

We know we are supposed to forgive others,but how often does our pride stop us from real-izing our own need for forgiveness? “All theways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but theLORD weighs the spirits” (Proverbs 16:2). Whenwe think of ourselves as righteous, we are notconsidering our need to be forgiven. “For we allstumble in many things. If anyone does notstumble in word, he is a perfect man, able alsoto bridle the whole body” (James 3:2). When westumble, it takes humility to go to those we havehurt, and to ask them: “Forgive me.”

Using these words, when appropriate, is asymptom of Christ living in us. “Now the fruit ofrighteousness is sown in peace by those whomake peace” (James 3:18). We will improve ourrelationships when we string together—and usewhenever we can—the words that form thesephrases: “Thank you,” “I love you,” “I am sorry,”and “Forgive me.”

—Don Davis

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Eight Words That Will Improve Your Life

I meyou am

forgive lovesorry thank

1.

2.

3.

4.

www.tomorrowsworld.org

MMaarrcchh––AApprriill 22000088 2299

is found almost exclusively inLatin, if it can be found at all. It isno wonder that fundamental truthshave been forgotten.

Does It Matter Today?

We can learn important les-sons from the epic struggle thatoccurred in Europe’s western isles.True Christianity spread westwardfor a reason. The Apostles traveledto the isles in the sea becauseJesus commissioned them to go tothe “lost sheep of the house ofIsrael” (Matthew 10:6). TheAnglo-Saxon-Celtic peoples areIsraelites who, over many cen-turies, migrated from their ancienthomeland in the Middle East tothese islands, where they inheritedspecific blessings promised totheir forefathers Abraham, Isaacand Jacob (for more on this vitalkey to prophecy, please requestour free booklet, The United Statesand Great Britain in Prophecy).

However, with those blessingscame God-given responsibilitiesand warnings! God chose theIsraelites to be examples of a wayof life that other nations wouldnotice and want to follow(Deuteronomy 4:1–10). TheIsraelites were to teach their chil-dren God’s way of life, and werenot to compromise any of Hisinstructions. They were warnednot to forget God, nor His lawsand instructions, lest they reapserious consequences(Deuteronomy 4:15–28). Yet themodern descendants of ancientIsrael have for the most part for-gotten the truth, and have chosento believe in fables (2 Timothy4:4). In recent decades, secularscholars have tended to dismisswhat history records and what theBible reveals. Instead, they obscure

the truth of history and promotemisleading ideas about howChristianity came to Europe’swestern isles (2 Peter 2:1–3;3:1–9). As a result, the peoples ofEngland, Ireland, Scotland andWales simply do not know the truthabout their own identity and theirown history!

Corrupted by pagan ideas, andcut off from a sound biblical base,it is no wonder that organized reli-gion in Britain and Ireland—as inmany other Israelite countries—isfloundering and in decline. Mosttoday have forgotten—or do noteven know—the true God, and areturning to substitutes in the occultor the “cult of self.” The British,especially, have lost their God-given sense of mission, and arepursuing personal pleasures. TheUnited States and Britain, insteadof protecting and proclaiming thetruth of God to the world, are con-suming and exporting the corrupt-ing values of violence, greed andlicentious sex through the mediaand personal example. In doing so,they are fulfilling Moses’ ancientprophecies that “after my deathyou will become utterly corrupt,and turn aside from the way whichI have commanded you. And evilwill befall you in the latter days,because you will do evil in thesight of the LORD, to provoke Him

to anger through the work of yourhands” (Deuteronomy 31:29).

Unless we drastically changeour present course, we will reapthe results of our hedonisticbehavior. Long ago, God warnedthe people of Israel: “If you do notobey Me… I will even appoint ter-ror over you… I will set my faceagainst you… I will break thepride of your power… I will bringa sword against you… I will layyour cities waste… the LORD willscatter you among the peoples…where the LORD will drive you…in the latter days” (Leviticus26:14–33; Deuteronomy 4:23–30).

These prophecies are even moresobering because they are dual. Notonly did they apply to ancient Israel;they also apply to ancient Israel’sdescendants today—found in majorpart among the British-descendednations of the world.

The lessons of history and theprophecies of the Bible are not justdetails about the past; they arevitally relevant to our times today.Before it is too late, we need torediscover what has been lost,obscured and forgotten. JesusChrist came preaching the gospelof the Kingdom of God; for ourown good and the good of ournations, we need to obey His com-mand to “repent, and believe inthe gospel” (Mark 1:14–15).

Early Christianity(Continued from page 25)

The United States and Great Britain in Prophecy

Write for our FREE booklet, The United States and Great Britain in Prophecy, or download it from the Booklets section

of our Web site www.tomorrowsworld.org.

Christianity has been in Great Britain far longer thanmost people today realize. But did you know thatGreat Britain is also mentioned in your Bible, andplays a vital role in end-time prophecy?

Christianity has been in Great Britain far longer thanmost people today realize. But did you know thatGreat Britain is also mentioned in your Bible, andplays a vital role in end-time prophecy?

world. “Where was God during the Holocaust?” theywill ask.

Okay, where was God? Bible students understandthat He was on His throne in heaven, basically keepingHis “hands off” the human race—keeping to His plan toallow human beings to go their own way for 6,000 years,after which He will send Jesus Christ back to this earthfor a Millennial Sabbath of 1,000 years of peace andunderstanding (Revelation 20:6).

To the multitudes of His day, Jesus Christ spoke inparables. Only to the “inner circle” of His disciples did Hereveal the full meaning of those parables. Christ allowedthe multitudes to go on in their blindness (2 Corinthians4:3–4). He told His disciples, “Unto you it is given toknow the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto themthat are without, all these things are done in parables:that seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearingthey may hear, and not understand; lest at any time theyshould be converted, and their sins should be forgiventhem” (Mark 4:11–12, KJV). So Jesus was not even tryingto “save” everyone then, as so many have supposed. Thegreat God is merely “allowing” mankind to go its own wayfor 6,000 years, to learn the lesson that man’s ways—apartfrom God—lead to confusion, misery, suffering and death!God is not trying to “call” everyone at this time. That iswhy Jesus Christ also said, “No man can come to me,except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and Iwill raise him up at the last day” (John 6:44, KJV).

God allows all of us “free moral agency.” He does not“make” us do His will. If He did, atheists would complainthat “God is not fair” because He would not allow them toexperiment with their desires and lusts to misuse science,sex, drugs and to engage in so many activities that lead tohate, confusion, broken homes and war!

But the atheists and agnostics cannot have it both ways! Remember, God has allotted mankind six thousand

years to write the lessons of life through human sufferingand despair. Then, He will send the living Jesus Christback to earth as King of kings (Revelation 11:15). At thattime, God will open the eyes of all human beings, and theywill be taught the way of God—the way of peace, prosper-ity and joy based on His great spiritual law, the TenCommandments (Micah 4:1-4).

But what about the dead whom God never “called”—and who never had a genuine opportunity to learn ofGod’s plan and the real meaning of life? Most of thesepeople suffered and died, through the ages, without evenhearing the name “Jesus Christ.” Is all of their sufferingin vain? If there is a real and merciful God, will He notgive these billions of human beings a genuine opportuni-ty to know God and learn the way of their Creator?

As Jesus indicated, the truth is that God is not attempt-ing to call most people to understanding during this age.That is why God inspired the Apostle John to describeSatan as “that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan,who deceives the whole world” (Revelation 12:9). Satantruly is “in charge” of this confused world, at this time.Describing Satan, Jesus said, “the ruler of this world iscoming, and he has nothing in Me” (John 14:30).

How wonderful it is to realize that the billions of indi-viduals who never understood about God or their purposefor life will be resurrected in a “day of judgment”described in your Bible. It is not “a day of condemnation,”but rather a period of testing for people who will have theireyes opened for the very first time. That is why Jesus saidto the people of His generation, “Assuredly, I say to you, itwill be more tolerable for the land of Sodom andGomorrah in the day of judgment” than for those whounderstood and rejected His message (Matthew 10:15).

Meanwhile, although they are terribly deceived, theatheists and agnostics do—in one sense—have a point. Theyhave been confronted with a world of confusion, anguishand seemingly pointless suffering. And they have also beenconfronted with a false Christianity, which does not havegenuine answers to the questions of life. But you who readthis magazine can find the Truth, if you are willing to putforth the effort to study with an open mind. As Jesus said:“And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make youfree” (John 8:32). To fully understand God’s awesome pur-pose in all of this, be sure to call us or write us to requestyour copy of one of the deepest, most thought-provokingand enlightening booklets you will ever read. Just requestyour absolutely free copy of our booklet, Is This the OnlyDay of Salvation? It will truly open your eyes!

UNITED STATES: P.O. BOX 3810, CHARLOTTE, NC 28227-8010, www.tomorrowsworld.org, PHONE: (704) 844-1970 •AUSTRALASIA: PO BOX 300, CLARENDON, SA 5157, AUSTRALIA, PHONE: (61) 8-8383-6288, FAX: (61) 8-8127-9667 • CANADA:P.O. BOX 409, MISSISSAUGA, ON L5M 2B9, PHONE: (905) 814-1094, FAX: (905) 814-7659 • NEW ZEALAND: P.O. BOX 2767,AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND, PHONE/FAX: (09) 268 8985 • PHILIPPINES: PO BOX 492, ARANETA CENTER POST OFFICE, 1135QUEZON CITY, METRO MANILA, PHILIPPINES, PHONE: (63) 2-723-0499, FAX: (63) 2-414-5349 • SOUTH AFRICA: PRIVATE BAG X7,HATFIELD, PRETORIA, 0028, PHONE: (27) 58-622-1424, FAX: (27) 58-623-1303 • UNITED KINGDOM: BM Box 2345, LONDON,WC1N 3XX, PHONE/FAX: 44 (0) 844-800-9322.

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Why Atheists?(Continued from page 2)

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SUN 11:00 amIA, Dubuque: MediaCom—Ch 16, THUR 8:00 pm;

MON 3:30 pm & 7:30 pm; TUE 10:00 am; WED 2:00 pmID, Boise: TVTV—Ch 11, SUN 9:30 pm; MON 11:30 amIL, Chicago: WGN—Ch 9, SUN 5:00 amIL, Moline: MediaCom—Ch 19, MON 4:30 pmIL, Peoria: Insight, Ch 20, SUN 7:30 pmIL, Springfield: Insight—Ch 4, TUE 10:00 pmIN, Bloomington: CATS—Ch 3, MON 5:30 pmIN, Fort Wayne: Comcast—Ch 57, SUN 3:00 pmKS, Chanute: Cablevision—Ch 5, SUN 7:30 am; TUE 5:30 pmKS, Salina: Community TV—Ch 21, MON & TUE 8:55 pm,

WED 6:00 pm, THUR 6:00 am, FRI 9:30 pm, SAT 2:30 amKY, Latonia: PEG 17—Ch 17, WED 5:30 pm; THUR 12:00 amKY, Lexington: Ch 14, Check Local ListingKY, Lexington: WUPX—Ch 67, FRI 1:30 pmKY, Louisville: Insight—Ch 2, SAT 12:00 am

KY, Louisville: WBNA—Ch 21, SUN 5:30 pmLA, Baton Rouge: KZUP—Ch 44, SUN 8:00 amLA, Lafayette: KLWB—Ch 20, SUN 8:30 amLA, New Orleans: WHNO—Ch 20, SUN 8:30 amLA, Shreveport: KSHV—Ch 45, SUN 8:30 am MA, Boston: WBPX—Ch 68, WED 7:00 amMA, Cambridge: CCTV—CH 22, FRI 11:00 am; SUN 3:00 pm,

WED 9:00 amMA, Everett: Community TV—Ch 3, TUE 1:00 pmMA, Malden: Access TV—Ch 3, SUN 11:00 amMA, North Adams: NBCTC—Ch 15, WED 8:00 pmMD, Baltimore: Community Media—Ch 75, SUN 9:00 amMD, Rockville: Community TV—Ch 19, SAT 5:30 pmMD, Westminster: Adelphia—Ch 19, THUR & FRI 10:00 amME, Auburn: GFTV—Ch 11, SAT 9:00 am; SUN 8:00 pmME, Brunswick: Cable 7—Ch 7, SAT 8:30 am; SUN 6:30 amME, Detroit: Comcast—Multi, SUN 7:30 amMI, Kalamazoo: CACTV—Ch 9, 20-22, 95, SUN 11:30 am;

MON, WED, FRI 5:00 pmMI, Portage: Access—Ch 19, 20, FRI 10:30 am, TUE 2:00 pmMI, Saginaw: Charter Media—Ch 16, THUR 2:00 pmMI, Traverse City: TCTV2—Ch 2, SUN 5:30 pmMN, Bird Island: BICC—Ch 7, MON 6:30 pm, WED 6:30 pmMN, Duluth: Public Access—Ch 24, SAT 11:00 am; SUN 7:00 pmMN, Hutchinson: HCVN—Ch 10, FRI 4:00 pm; TUE 4:00 pmMN, Minneapolis: Metro Cable—Ch 6, SAT 8:30 am, SUN 8:30 amMN, Minneapolis: MTN—Ch 75, THUR 6:30 pmMN, Minneapolis: NW Community—Ch 19, SAT 10:30 pm;

SUN 4:30 am, 10:30 am & 4:30 pmMN, Roseville: CTV—Ch 21, TUE 8:00 pm; WED 4:00 am & 12:00 pm MN, St. Paul: SPNN—Ch 14, SUN 8:30 pmMO, Joplin: KOAM—Ch 7, SUN 7:00 amMO, Kansas City: KCWE—Ch 29, SUN 8:00 amMO, Kansas City: Time Warner—Ch 4, SUN 10:00 pmMO, Springfield: KSPR—Ch 33, SUN 8:30 amMO, St. Louis: Double Helix—Ch 22, MON 4:00 pmMO, St. Louis: WRBU—Ch 46, SUN 7:30 amMS, Jackson: Time Warner—Ch 18, SUN 10:00 am; WED 4:00 pm MS, Jackson: WAPT—Ch 16, SUN 8:30 amNC, Burlington: Time Warner—Ch 5/10, SUN 9:00 pmNC, Charlotte: WAXN—Ch 64, SUN 7:00 amNC, Charlotte: WHKY—Ch 14/19, MON 7:30 pmNC, Greensboro: GCTV—Ch 8, SAT 7:30 am; SUN 10:30 pmNC, Wilmington: Time Warner—Ch 4, MON 10:00 pmNH, Hanover: CATV—Ch 6, SUN 6:00 pm;

MON 12:00 am & 6:00 am & 12:00 pm; THUR 7:00 pm;FRI 1:00 am & 7:00 am & 1:00 pm

NJ, Audubon: Comcast—Ch 2, WED 6:30 pmNJ, Camden: Comcast—Ch 19, SUN 8:00 amNJ, Cape May: Comcast—Ch 9, SUN 11:00 amNJ, East Windsor: Comcast—Ch 27, WED 5:30 pmNJ, Oakland: Cablevision—Ch 76, SUN 7:00 pm; SAT 11:30 amNJ, Trenton: Comcast—Ch 16, MON 11:00 pmNJ, Union: Comcast—Ch 27/81/93, SAT 5:00 pm; SUN 6:00 pmNM, Albuquerque: CCC27—Ch 27, SUN 6:30 pmNM, Rio Rancho: Cable One—Ch 51, THUR 7:00 pmNV, Carson City: SNCAT—Ch 10, SUN 6:00 pmNV, Gardnerville: Community Access—Ch 16, SAT 4:30 am

& 4:30 pm; SUN 4:30 am & 4:30 pm NV, Reno/Sparks: SNCAT—Ch 30/16, FRI 6:30 am NY, Albany/Troy: Time Warner—Ch 18, THUR 5:00 pm NY, Amsterdam: Public Access—Ch 16, TUE 6:00 pm NY, Batavia: Time Warner—Ch 19, TUE 5:30 pmNY, Binghamton: Time Warner—Ch 4, FRI 5:00 pmNY, Brookhaven: Cablevision—Ch 20, MON 5:00 amNY, Brooklyn: BCAT—Ch 35/68, SUN 7:30 pmNY, Buffalo: WUTV—Ch 29, SUN 7:00 amNY, Canandaigua: FLTV—Ch 12, SUN 11:00 amNY, Elmira & Corning: Time Warner—Ch 1, SUN 8:00 amNY, Fairport: FACT—Ch 15, SUN 7:30 pmNY, Glens Falls: Time Warner—Ch 18, FRI, MON-WED 8:00 pmNY, Hauppauge: Cablevision—Ch 20, MON 5:00 amNY, Irondequoit: ICAT—Ch 15, SUN 7:30 pm;

WED 11:30 am & 7:30 pmNY, Ithaca: Pegasys—Ch 13, SAT 8:00 pm; SUN 7:30 am & 1:30 pmNY, Manhattan: MNN—Ch 57/85, SAT 7:00 pmNY, New York: WRNN—Ch 62, SAT 11:30 pmNY, Niagara Falls: Community TV—Ch 20, MON 6:00 amNY, Oneida: Community Access—Ch 99, THUR 2:00 pm & 7:00 pmNY, Oneonta: Time Warner—Ch 23, WED 8:30 pmNY, Queens: QPTV—Ch 34/35, SAT 3:30 pm; TUE 9:30 pmNY, Rochester: Community TV—Ch 15, SAT 6:30 am; SUN 11:30 amNY, Rockland County: Cablevision—Ch 76, SAT 12:30 pmNY, West Seneca: Adelphia—Ch 20, MON 11:35 pmNY, Staten Island: CTV—Ch 34, SUN 8:00 pm; TUE 12:00 pmNY, Syracuse: Community Access—Ch 98, SUN 7:30 pmNY, Utica: Time Warner—Ch 99, MON 9:00 pmNY, Wappingers Falls: Cablevision—Ch 21, FRI 10:00 pmNY, Watertown: Time Warner—Ch 99, SUN 10:00 am & 6:00 pm;

MON 7:00 pm; TUE 7:00 pmNY, Webster: WCA—Ch 12, SUN 9:00 amNY, Woodbury: Cablevision—Ch 115, SUN 10:30 amOH, Centerville: MVCC—Ch 23, FRI 2:30 pmOH, Cincinnati: Time Warner—Ch 8 & 24, TUE 1:00 pm;

THUR 8:30 am; SUN 7:00 pm;OH, Dayton: DSTV—Ch 12, FRI 9:00 AM; SUN 11:00 pmOH, Fairborn: CAC—Ch 23, TUE 12:00 pmOK, Tulsa: KMYT—Ch 41, SAT 12:30 amOR, Ashland: RVTV—CH 15/31/95, SUN 10:00 pmOR, Oregon City: WFTV—CH 23, FRI 4:00 pm; SAT 8:00 am;

SUN 8:00 am; WED 4:00 pm

OR, Portland: MCTV—CH 11, SUN 12:30 pmPA, Allentown/Bethlehem: TV2—Ch 50, FRI 4:30 pmPA, Johnstown: Atlantic Broadband—Ch 9, SUN 8:30 amPA, Lehighton: BRCTV—Ch 13, SUN 8:30 amPA, Reading: BCTV—Ch 13/19, THUR 11:00 pmPA, Sayre: Time Warner—Ch 18, MON-FRI 5:00 pmPA, Scranton/Wilkes-Barre: FOX56 & WOLF—Multi Channels,

THUR 5:00 am; SAT 5:00 amRI, Providence: WPXQ—Ch 69, MON 11:30 amTN, Chattanooga: WDEF—Ch 12, SUN 8:30 amTN, Knoxville: WVLR—CH 48, SUN 7:30 amTN, La Follette: WLAF—Ch 12, WED 6:00 pmTN, Memphis: WPTY—Ch 24, SAT 6:30 amTN, Nashville: WZTV—Ch 17, SUN 6:30 amTX, Austin: Community Access—Ch 11, WED 7:00 pmTX, Bryan: KYLE—Ch 44, SUN 7:00 amTX, Dallas: iMedia Network—Ch 99/74, SAT 1:00 pm;

SUN 11:00 amTX, Houston: TVMAX—Cable, SUN 9:00 amTX, Lufkin: KTRE—Ch 9, SUN 6:30 amTX, Midland: KMID—Ch 2, SUN 9:00 amTX, Temple: KPLE—Ch 31/45, SUN 7:30 pmTX, Tyler: KLTV—Ch 7, SUN 6:30 amTX, Waco: KWKT—Ch 44, SUN 7:00 amVA, Charlottesville: Adelphia—Ch 13, MON 1:00 pm & 6:30 pmVA, Chesterfield: Comcast—Ch 6, THUR 6:30 pmVA, Fairfax: FPA—Ch 10, MON 12:00 pmVA, Norfolk: WSKY—Ch 4, SUN 9:00 amVA, Roanoke: WDRL—Ch 24/54, SUN 7:00 amVA, Virginia Beach: Cox—Ch 99 & 74, SAT 8:30 amVT, Bennington: CAT—Ch 15, WED 9:30 am & 12:00 am;

THUR 12:00 am & 9:30 pm; SAT 8:00 am & 4:30 pm VT, Burlington: Community Access—Ch 15, THUR 11:30 am &

FRI 12:00 PMVT, Montpelier: Community Access—Ch 15, SUN 9:30 amVT, Richmond: Community TV—Ch 15, SUN 6:00 am,

9:00 am, 12:30 pm, 7:00 pm; MON 7:00 am, 1:00 pmVT, Springfield: SAPA TV—Ch 8, THUR 10:00 pm; MON 12:00 pmWA, Everett: Comcast—Ch 77, WED 4:30 pmWA, Kennewick: Charter—Ch 13/99, SUN 8:00 pm; TUE 8:00 pmWA, Seattle: Community Access—Ch 29, SAT 9:30 amWA, Vancouver: FVCT—Ch 11, SUN 11:30 amWI, Wausau: Charter—Ch 10, THUR 9:00 pm; FRI 7:30 amWV, Charleston: WLPX—Ch 29, TUE 7:00 amWY, Casper: KTWO—Ch 2, SUN 10:00 amWY, Cheyenne: KLWY—Ch 27, SUN 10:00 am

RADIO STATIONS:Argentina, Bahia Blanca: Vida—107.7 FM, MON 8:00 pm;

THUR 12:00 pm; SAT 2:00 pmArgentina, Buenos Aires: Radio General San Martin—610 AM,

SUN 10:00 amChile, Santiago: Radio Arco lris—105.3 FM, MON, WED, FRI at

12:00 am & 1:00 amCosta Rica, San Jose: Radio La Gigante—800 AM, SUN 8:00 amGuadeloupe: Kilti FM—99.4 FM, MON-FRI 6:15 amGuyana, Georgetown: NCN—560 AM, TUE 7:30 pmMexico, Monterrey: XEMR-1140 AM, SAT 4:00 am; SUN 11:00 amPeru, Lima: Radio Huaytapallana-94.6 FM, MON 4:00 pm & 5:00 pmPeru, Lima: Radio Santa Anita-103 FM, SUN 9:00 am, MON-SAT 9:00 pmPeru, Cero de Pasco: 97.7 FM, AM 759, SUN 7:00 pm,

MON-FRI 9:00 pmPhilippines, Cebu City: DYLA—909 AM, SUN 6:00 amPhilippines, Baguio City: DZBS—1368 AM, SUN 6:00 amPhilippines, Davao City: DXUM—See Local ListingPhilippines, Ozamiz City: DXOC—1494 AM, SUN 5:00 amUSA, La Follette, TN: WLAF—1450 AM, SAT 3:00 pm

WGN: SUN 6:00 am ETWORD: FRI 1:30 am ETVISION, Canada: SUN 5:30 pm ET; MON 1:30 am ET: MON–FRI 3:00 am ET

WGN: SUN 6:00 am ETWORD: FRI 1:30 am ETVISION, Canada: SUN 5:30 pm ET; MON 1:30 am ET: MON–FRI 3:00 am ET

NEW U.S.A. TELEVISION STATIONS:NY, Buffalo: WUTV—CH 29, SUN 7:00 am

NEW UNITED KINGDOM SATELLITE NETWORK:United Kingdom: LoveWorld: SKY–CH 768, Daily: check local listing

REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA:Rebublic of South Africa: LoveWorld: SUN & WED 1:00 pmBolivia, Cochabamba: Radio Estrella—93.1 FM, SAT & SUN 8:30 am, THUR 8:30 pmMexico, Mexico City: Sterio Latina—105.6 FM, SAT 7:00 pm