"F" - Topic Index

Alphabetic Index:abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
Fairness
  1. What Can You Do When Life Isn't Fair? (l) - Unfairness seems to pervade life. When unfair circumstances affect you, how can you best respond?
  2. It's Not Fair! (l) - Does life seem unfair to you? Would you like to know one sure way to overcome problems and trials?
  3. The Parable of the Workers - A Fair Wage From a Fair Employer (l) - One of Christ's parables might strike some of us as unfair, but it holds valuable lessons about God's generosity and our need to stick to the course to the end.
  4. Proverbs: Honest Weights and Measures (l) - Wisdom that sticks with you - straight from God's Word.
  5. God is Always Fair (l) - Recognizing that all is not fair in this life is vastly different from accusing God of being unfair.
  6. How "Fair Dinkum" Are You? (l) - Why do you do the things you do? Why do you say the things you say? Are you hiding behind a facade of fears and false values? How real are you?
  7. Why do we blame God for Catastrophes? (l) - Sometimes our opinion of God really isn't fair.
Faith, definition of
  1. Act Without Thinking (l) - It seems like strange advice, but come along and you'll see what I mean.
  2. Faith and Attitude (l) - A big part of what determines the level of our faith is the kind of attitude we adopt.
  3. Your Invitation to Believe the Gospel (l) - When Jesus talked about the gospel, He meant good news for you. He invites you to not only enjoy the world's best news yourself, but to help spread it!
  4. Two Questions for a Disciple (l) - Jesus of Nazareth asked two key questions of His disciple Peter -- questions that each of us also must ultimately answer.
  5. God Is Calling - Will You Answer? (l) - God is calling you to a special relationship with Him like no other. Answering that call will change your life, enriching it in the present and leading you into eternity!
  6. The Crucial Role of Faith (l) - What is faith, and what role does it play in the process of repentance leading to baptism and salvation?
  7. The Meaning of Faith (l) - Faith is attitude, conviction and conduct based on a right relationship with God.
  8. Faith and Fidelity (l) - How essential is faith in our relationship with God?
  9. Grace, Faith and Law (l) - Paul taught that salvation is a gift from God by grace through faith.
  10. How to Cope Spiritually in Times of Darkness (l) - What must we do to stay encouraged in times of growing darkness? Christ's first followers show us the way to keep hope alive!
  11. Profiles of Faith: James: Half Brother of Jesus (l) - James understood that only by obeying God's laws can mankind experience true freedom- freedom from want, sorrow and suffering, from the degrading and painful consequences of sin. He encourages each of us to be a "doer of the law" (James 4:11).
  12. The Working Energy of Faith (l) - There is an urge and a rage in people to destroy, to kill and to murder and until all mankind without exception undergoes a great change.
  13. What Is Faith? (vt) (l) - What is faith and what do you need to believe?
  14. How Much Faith Is Enough? (l) - A quiz to see what the Bible says about faith.
  15. Spiritual Troubleshooting (l) - If only we had as much faith in God as we do in computer science.
Faith, examples of
  1. Samson: Accomplishing God's Purpose -- the Hard Way (l) - Some find it perplexing that this man with all his faults is among the faithful of Hebrews 11 who are awaiting God's Kingdom. What did he do to deserve this distinction? What can we learn from his life?
  2. A Different Breed of Warrior (l) - One man earned six medals for heroism in World War Two. This hero without a gun waged a different kind of fight. Meet Desmond Doss.
  3. Thoughtful Service (l) - What lessons can we learn on the job?
  4. Women of Faith (l) - Of all the faithful listed in Hebrews 11, only two are women: Sara and Rahab the harlot. But are there other faithful women in the scriptures and, if so, what can we learn from their examples?
  5. Man's Best Friend (l) - What qualities is God looking for in a friend?
  6. Early Trends That Affected the Future of the Church (l) - Two distinct religions developed from the apostolic era: one faithful to Christ, the other deceived by Satan.
  7. Examples of Living Faith (l) - When we learn how other people have succeeded, we are encouraged that we can triumph as well.
  8. A Stirring Example of Faith (l) - The faithful example of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego.
  9. Faiths Hall of Fame (l) - We can find great lessons in the heroes of faith mentioned in Hebrews 11 when we're dealing with the trials of life. Regardless of how bleak and discouraging things may seem, we have a God who loves us and wants only the best for us.
  10. Ukakachira! A Story of Faith in Our Time (l) - Stories of amazing faith and perseverance are not limited to the Bible and Bible times. Such stories still happen, and in the most amazing places and circumstances!
  11. The Ageless 'Heart Steps' of a Pilgrim's Walk (l) - This coming Thanksgiving in America, the exploits of the Pilgrims and the lessons of pilgrimage can be lost in the holiday shuffle.
  12. Nehemiah: Portrait of a Leader (l) - In the book bearing his name, Nehemiah records his memoirs. He tells how, against tremendous odds, he accomplished an unimaginably difficult undertaking.
  13. Miriam: a Lifetime of Faith (l) - Miriam was a prophetess of God, but she too had lessons to learn.
  14. David: A Man After God's Heart (l) - God looks at the heart not the outward appearance.
  15. Esther: A Woman of Faith and Courage (l) - The Bible offers Christians many examples of faith from which we can learn and be encouraged. One of the most remarkable examples is that of Queen Esther.
  16. Profiles of Faith: Hezekiah: A Faithful King (l) - A King reforms his kingdom; a kingdom returns to God.
  17. Noah: An Example of Righteousness (l) - The story of Noah.
  18. God Hasn't Told Me to Leave (l) - "Haiti" can be a state of mind. Life can seem out of control, threatening to overwhelm you. And, right now, all you know is that you want a "one-way ticket" out of despair.
  19. Profiles of Faith: Elijah: Uprooting Evil From the Land (l) - Ancient Israel was sliding even more swiftly into abject paganism. God sent Elijah to reverse this disastrous into heathenism.
  20. When Lightning Strikes Again (l) - As Christians, each of us has a story. God has called each of us to share our faith, not our fears.
  21. Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego (l) - One moment they were relatively safe, even held in great esteem as officials in the government of Babylon. The next moment they were brutally tossed headlong into a inferno.
  22. Profiles of Faith: Josiah: A Kingdom Returns to God (l) - If we are willing to mend our ways, Jesus Christ says we can be spiritually prepared for the dangerous times prophesied to come at the end of this age.
  23. Profiles in Faith: Paul's Beloved Friend and Companion (l) - Rahab's story reminds us that one day God will save all people who respond to Him and allow Him to transform their lives.
  24. Faith and the Balance Beam (l) - How can we learn to exercise faith in our everyday lives? I learned an important lesson from my granddaughter?
  25. Profiles in Faith: Isaiah - A Prophet for Then and Now (l) - The relevance of Isaiah then and now.
  26. Gideon: When a Few Make a Majority (l) - Spiritual exercise in overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
  27. Abraham: God's Friend (l) - Christians are encouraged to walk in the steps of Abraham, the father of the faithful. God called Abraham His friend. In the same way, Christ calls us His friends.
  28. Daniel: God Is My Judge (l) - Why would a beloved prophet of God want God to judge him? Doesn't the Bible show that God's judgment is reserved for evil people? Read God's view on this seeming paradox.
  29. Sarah: A Story of Virtue (l) - Her shortcomings were typical for any day, any epoch, but her virtues are uncontested as an example for women and men forever.
  30. Ruth: an example of faith and devotion (l) - Ruth's loyal devotion can inspire us to remain faithful to God, His truth and His Church.
  31. Profiles of Faith: James: Half Brother of Jesus (l) - James understood that only by obeying God's laws can mankind experience true freedom- freedom from want, sorrow and suffering, from the degrading and painful consequences of sin. He encourages each of us to be a "doer of the law" (James 4:11).
Faith, living
  1. Eleanor Had It Right (l) - Fear can hobble us in life. Facing fears with God's help can make us grow in ways we cannot imagine.
  2. Just Say the Word (l) - Jesus held up a Roman centurion as an outstanding example of faith. And there's much for us to learn in this encounter between two leaders of men.
  3. Is Belief All That's Required for God's Gift of Salvation? (l) - Eternal life is God's gift, not something any of us deserve or can in any way earn. But does God set conditions for us to receive this gift? It's vitally important to your relationship with God and to your future that you understand!
  4. Why Ask Why? (l) - Have you ever found yourself in a tragic situation and asked God, "Why is this happening to me?"
  5. The Crucial Role of Faith (l) - What is faith, and what role does it play in the process of repentance leading to baptism and salvation?
  6. The Book of James: An 'Epistle of Straw'? (l) - Paul wrote, "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith," and we are "created in Christ Jesus to do good works" (Ephesians 2:8, New International Version). James summarized this concept simply and concisely, telling us that "faith without works is dead" (James 2:20).
  7. What Is Faith? (l) - The Bible tells us salvation is by God's grace and is not earned by good works "lest any man should boast" (Ephesians 2:9). But we are saved by grace through faith (verse 8). The danger we face is that our faith will die if we neglect our salvation by not living a life of obedience to God (Hebrews 2:1-3).
  8. Living Faith and God's Grace (l) - We must have faith that Christ really lived and died for us and that He will change us now and ultimately at the resurrection.
  9. Keys to Coping in Troubled Times (l) - When you face stressful, unsettling trials and troubles, how can you cope most effectively? Plus, what is genuine faith and how can it help you successfully face and overcome life's inevitable adversities?
  10. The Working Energy of Faith (l) - There is an urge and a rage in people to destroy, to kill and to murder and until all mankind without exception undergoes a great change.
  11. What Does God Require for Eternal Life? (l) - God promises eternal life to all who believe in and accept Jesus Christ as their Savior. But do we have any responsibility beyond believing?
Faith, loss of
  1. Enemies of Faith (l) - Have you ever wondered why we don't see more evidence of faith? The Bible identifies several tendencies that undermine faith.
  2. Introduction: You Can Have Living Faith (l) - Far too many have come to believe that every aspect of life is simply a matter of personal choice, and nothing matters beyond their feelings. Instead of relying on God, they trust only themselves to solve their problems.
  3. Introduction (bsc4) (l) - How do we reconcile anguish and suffering with the Bible's portrayal of a loving God? Why would He allow the horrendous miseries that afflict humanity? Does the Bible explain suffering?
  4. Questions and Answers - Jan/Feb 2004 (l) - Questions and answers. Good News Magazine, Jan/Feb 2004.
  5. Don't Throw Out the Baby With the Bath Water! (l) - Scandal and hypocrisy among religious people can be devastating to others' faith. Can human failure lead us to reject God?
  6. Has Christ Failed? (l) - The Bible tells us God wants all people to be saved. So what are we to make of the fact that only a third of the world is even nominally Christian?
  7. Walking on Water: Faith Over Physics (l) - Remember when Peter walked on water, if only for a few moments? Think about this: Physically speaking, what are the chances that a human being could walk on water?
Faith, need for
  1. Stepping Into the Lifeboat (l) - Sometimes we must make difficult decisions in life. Our choices will and do impact our lives.
  2. I Am Really Struggling Right Now to Find Work. (l) - I have a severe back problem, which keeps me from doing construction work. I am also unable to collect unemployment, unable to find work and have a mortgage on my house and bills to pay.
  3. No Heat, No Water, No Electricity... No Plan? (l) - Are you prepared?
  4. Faith: Is It All God Requires for Salvation? (l) - Martin Luther was correct in rejecting Catholic teaching and practice that one could essentially "buy" salvation through donations to the church or physical acts. But his belief in "faith alone" is a serious theological error with lasting impact to this day.
  5. Who Are God's 'Called, Chosen and Faithful' People? (l) - Jesus Christ exclaimed, "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven". His warning should cause all of us to carefully consider our religious beliefs and assumptions.
  6. Where Does the Story Begin? (l) - When did God begin revealing information about His kingdom to mankind?
  7. The Fruit of the Spirit (l) - Conversion should produce the fruits of the Spirit: "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control".
  8. Faith Puts the Law on "Firmer Footing" (l) - A comment by Paul that many lift out of context and misinterpret is Romans 3:28: "Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law."
  9. Grace and Law: What Does the Bible Say? (l) - Many people have the impression that grace and law are fundamentally opposed. But is this what the Bible teaches? Let's examine what it really says.
  10. Will He Find Faith? (l) - In times of crisis more people turn to God, yet usually for only a short time. Will we break the pattern?
  11. Faith - The Indispensable Spiritual Quality (l) - The Indispensable Spiritual Quality. Many finds from science and history have helped to verify the words of the Bible. But is knowledge and evidence all that's needed for you to know, honor and love God?
  12. Are You Saved by Faith Alone Without Works? (l) - The Bible says we are saved through God's gift of grace through faith. Does that mean faith in Christ is all we need?
  13. Walking on Water: Faith Over Physics (l) - Remember when Peter walked on water, if only for a few moments? Think about this: Physically speaking, what are the chances that a human being could walk on water?
  14. Faith (l) - Jesus taught the importance of enduring faith and consistent prayer. Consider the lesson of the parable of the unjust judge.
Faithfulness
  1. Faith and Faithfulness: Fundamental to Relationships and Responsibilities (l) - Do you trust God completely? So much so that you live accordingly--to the point that He is able to trust you? When Jesus Christ returns, wouldn't it be wonderful to hear Him say approvingly, "Well done, good and faithful servant"?
  2. Lessons from the Parables: "Well Done, Good and Faithful Servant" (l) - Jesus Christ gave two parables, of the minas and the talents, that hold crucial lessons about what He expects us to do with what He's given us. Will we learn those lessons?
  3. St. Patrick's Day - It's The Little Things That Count (l) - Is it okay to participate in some elements of popular religious holidays? Or are there more serious consequences to disobeying God's laws?
  4. God's Greatest Miracle (l) - Your Bible and all nature tell of the many miracles of God. But one qualifies as His greatest. Could it involve you?
  5. What Did "Grace" Mean in the First-Century World? (l) - The Greek word commonly translated "grace" had a specific meaning in the first-century Roman Empire in which the apostles taught. What does it reveal?
  6. How "Grace" Was Understood in the Time and Culture of the Apostles (l) - The Greek word charis, commonly translated "grace" in our Bibles, had a specific meaning in the time and culture in which the New Testament was written. It also had a set of other words associated with it that appear many times in the Bible, particularly in the letters of the apostle Paul. Understanding what these words meant in that context aids us greatly in understanding what they should mean in the lives of Christians today.
  7. "Antipas My Faithful Martyr" -- Holding Fast to His Name (l) - Relying on Jesus' name, the church of Pergamos, including its faithful martyr Antipas, was able to endure persecution to the end -- as the way into life.
False Christianity
  1. Europe and the Church, Part 3: The Early Church (l) - The first Christians expected Jesus Christ to return in their lifetime, bringing an end to the Roman Empire. But the empire was set to continue for many centuries. The relationship between the early Church and the state caused turmoil in the Church and led to the development of a very different church.
  2. Europe and the Church, Part 5: The Identity of the Little Horn (l) - Who is the little horn of Daniel 7:8, the horn with "eyes like the eyes of a man, and a mouth speaking pompous words"? Since this article is the fifth in a series that began in the May 2008 issue, readers should be aware that some of the content builds on information explained in previous installments.
  3. Be Not Deceived! (l) - Here are seven steps to avoid being deceived in these last days!
  4. Easter or Passover: Which Is Christian? (l) - Many believe that God's endorsement of Passover ended with Christ's death-and that He has since replaced it with the observance of Easter as a celebration of Christ's resurrection. But is that so?
  5. Jesus Christ: Victim of Stolen Identity! (l) - Most people understand that Jesus died for our sins, and the details of His illegal crucifixion are well known. But few know that after Jesus' death His identity was stolen! Many well-intentioned believers have fallen for the deception. Could you also be duped?
  6. Are You Following a False Teacher? (l) - The Devil has invaded professing Christian churches on a dramatic scale unbeknownst to their multitude of followers.
  7. Comprehending Counterfeit Christianity (l) - Jesus Christ clearly stated: "Take heed that no one deceive you. For many will come in My name . . . and will deceive many" (Matthew 24:4-5).
  8. What Do You Believe and Why? (l) - How do you know if what you believe is really true? Is it possible you have been influenced to believe things that are wrong? How can you replace faulty notions with true knowledge?
  9. Who Started It? (l) - Who started Yuletide worship of Sun, mother and child?
  10. Is Your Christianity "the Real McCoy"? (l) - "The Real McCoy" means "the best of its kind" or "the highest quality." But do you know the story behind the phrase and what it teaches us about embracing true, biblical Christianity?
  11. The Parable of the Tares: God's Field (l) - I've written about the gardens I used to plant and what I've learned through the many seasons and plantings. Let's consider that God, too, has a garden, a spiritual field -- and what our part is in that.
  12. Bible Prophecy and You (3/2016) (l) - In this study you'll see how very cautious we need to be when we hear someone making predictions about the future!
  13. What Happened to the Beliefs of the Early Church? (l) - Why do you do the things you do? Why do you believe the things you believe? What is the origin of your religious beliefs? Have you ever really asked yourself these questions?
  14. The Destruction of Satan's Kingdom (l) - When will God put an end to wickedness? When will He eliminate Satan's influence? When will man's inhumanity to his fellowman cease?
  15. Satan: The Great Seducer (l) - Satan uses people to deceive other people. He especially likes to use people who seem, from outward appearances, to be trustworthy.
  16. Introduction: The Church Jesus Built (l) - I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in . . . the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth" (1Timothy 3:15).
  17. The Rise of a Counterfeit Christianity (l) - The apostles repeatedly warned Jesus' followers to beware of false teachers who would introduce counterfeit-Christian beliefs.
  18. Early Trends That Affected the Future of the Church (l) - Two distinct religions developed from the apostolic era: one faithful to Christ, the other deceived by Satan.
  19. Easter vs. the Bible (l) - For millions of professing Christians Easter is the most important day of the calendar year because it commemorates Jesus' resurrection. Easter sunrise services are considered the holiest assembly of the year--a time when Christians reaffirm that Jesus is risen and their hope in Him is true.
  20. How Ancient Trinitarian Gods Influenced Adoption of the Trinity (l) - Many who believe in the Trinity are surprised, perhaps shocked, to learn that the idea of divine beings existing as trinities or triads long predated Christianity. Yet, as we will see, the evidence is abundantly documented.
  21. The Surprising Origins of the Trinity Doctrine (l) - Few understand how the Trinity doctrine came to be accepted - several centuries after the Bible was completed! Yet its roots go back much farther in history.
  22. Are Some Tortured Forever in a Lake of Fire? (l) - Satan, a spirit being, will indeed suffer torment long after the wicked are burned to ashes. The evil angels-demons-will share with Satan his torment (Matthew 25:41). The beast and false prophet will have ceased to exist.
  23. Visions of Judgment: The Horsemen of Revelation (l) - The "four horsemen of the Apocalypse"-- this latter term being the Greek name for the book of Revelation--have intrigued Bible readers for centuries. What do they represent? The implications for mankind are staggering. In this first article of a series, we introduce the overall prophecy and look in detail at the first horseman.
  24. Following in the Footsteps of the Apostles (l) - Paul informs us of an important characteristic of the Church that Christ built. With Christ as its foundational cornerstone, the Church's foundation also rests on the teachings of the apostles and -- not to be overlooked -- the prophets of the Old Testament (Ephesians 2:19-20)
  25. Heresies denying Jesus as God in the flesh (l) - One influential and diabolical heresy was gnosticism, which was starting to form in the late New Testament period.
  26. A man who would make himself as God (l) - The apostle Paul issued a warning about the spirit of antichrist that would infiltrate the Church.
  27. What Did Paul Really Say in Colossians 2:16? (l) - In Colossians 2:16 Paul defends the Christian's right to rejoice and enjoy food and drink on God's holy days.
  28. Do Not be Deceived (l) - Many have missed the first warning sign Jesus Christ gave in the Olivet Prophecy. They have fallen prey to religious deception!
  29. A Counterfeit Gospel Arises (l) - It wasn't long until a counterfeit Christianity, teaching a corrupted gospel radically different from that of Christ and His apostles, grew into a religious movement.
  30. Introduction (bsc6) (l) - When Jesus spoke of the Kingdom of God, what did He mean? Was He referring to the Church He built through His disciples? Or was He talking about something entirely different?
  31. The Devil's Role in Religion (l) - The devil plays an immense role in the religions of mankind. Only those who ask for God's help as the diligently study the Bible and compare their beliefs to what it teaches can hope to overcome the deceptions that are so prevalent in today's religious organizations and fellowships.
  32. How We Are Tempted (l) - Paul cautioned Christians, having turned from Satan's influence, not to surrender again to it.
  33. The Role of Satan in the End Time (l) - The Bible speaks of a supernatural being performing supernatural feats just before Jesus Christ comes to this earth a second time. Do you know what the Scriptures say this deceiver will do? How will his actions affect teens?
  34. Question and Answers - VT Jan/Mar 2004 (l) - Questions and answers on issues of interest to young people who want sound biblical advice.
  35. Ghouls, Ghosts and Goblins (l) - The origin and meaning of Halloween.
  36. Asking the Tough Question: Has Religion Failed? (l) - Public figures speak warmly of all religions, attempting to foster unity and to ratchet down the hostility in the many current religious-based confrontations. But let's ask the tough question: Has religion done for mankind what it purports to do? Is the world community more peaceful? Are the individual citizens of the world more moral for the presence of religion? What can we anticipate the future will bring vis-ŕ-vis religion?
  37. 'Many False Prophets Will Arise and Deceive Many' (l) - When Jesus Christ foretold the major trends that would precede His return to earth, the first sign He mentioned was religious imposters who would come in His name. Do you take that warning seriously?
  38. World News and Trends - May/Jun 2004 (l) - An Overview of Conditions Around the World, May/June 2004
  39. Signs and Lying Wonders: Will You Be Deceived? (l) - Bible history and prophecy show that not all miracles are from God. At the end time, there will be counterfeit miracles to deceive the nations and, if possible, even God's people.
  40. Our Cultural Battlegrounds (l) - In this edition we focus on the unspoken issue at the heart of all these debates -- the battle over the Bible. Is it the holy, truthful and authoritative Word of God, or is it only human tradition and stories? It's crucial that you examine the evidence.
  41. Beware of Prophecies! (l) - Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world" (1 John 4:1).
  42. God's Mandate to America (l) - In light of President Bush's reelection, what should be the real focus of America's vision? What can we learn from the message God sent to Israel and Judah through the prophets? The message, or mandate, is radically different from what anyone really wants to consider.
  43. Religious Deception in the Post Modern World (l) - How will the sophisticated people of the Western world be deceived?
  44. Feast Days: God's or Man's? (l) - How were holidays substituted for Holy Days?
  45. Should You Attend Church? (l) - Many, perhaps even you, have become disillusioned with churches and religious leaders. They wonder what they should do and where they should turn. What does God say?
  46. The Perfect Prophetic Storm (l) - The Bible prophecies a time when two earthshaking events will combine to overwhelm humanity. What are these two events, these prophectic storms?
  47. Modern Christianity's Forgotten Roots (l) - Why do you do the things you do? Why do you believe the things you believe? What is the origin of your religion's beliefs?
  48. Out of Sight -- Out of Mind! (l) - What is the European Union (EU)? This is not such a strange question when you realize that many, if not most, Americans are largely unaware of vitally important EU activities such as the signing of the new Treaty of Rome. Yet Bible prophecy shows that future events in Europe will shock America and the world -- perhaps in the not-too-distant future.
Family
  1. "Fatherhood" (l) - A poem about fatherhood.
  2. Can You Break the Cycle of Generational Dysfunction? (l) - Often some of our deepest personal problems are rooted in something we can't control-dysfunctional family behavioral patterns that came before us. But we can control our choices, and each of us can choose life and good things!
  3. Timothy Was Blessed for His Mother's and Grandmother's Faithfulness (l) - The apostle Paul reminds us that even one parent or grandparent can have great influence on a family.
  4. Careers and Motherhood: Maximizing Your Options (l) - Choices made earlier in life have a significant impact on the opportunities that will come later. Here is one couple's story and advice.
  5. The Honorable Role of Men (l) - The role of men includes leadership within the family.
  6. Dinner Time: The Perfect Time to Rebuild Family Togetherness (l) - Competing pressures and priorities may be making dinners together a thing of the past for many families. If this is happening to you, perhaps you need to think about what you're really missing!
  7. What's at the Heart of National Problems? (l) - In the Bible we find page after page of God's warnings to ancient Israel of the inevitable negative consequences of national and individual sins. But are we any different? Is there a message here for us today?
  8. Reviving the Family Meal (l) - Mealtime is important family time -- and not just on special occasions!
  9. Sibling Rivalry! Causes and Cures (l) - How do you know whether you have sibling rivalry or not? How can you survive it?
  10. The Empty Nest (l) - Society has changed a great deal ever since farming stopped being the norm for families. But how has the family dynamic changed as a result?
  11. How to Make Peace With Your Mother-in-Law (l) - Your mother-in-law may mean well, but sometimes it is difficult to get past what feels like an invasion into your marriage. So what can you do?
  12. VCM Letters to the Editor: January 2011 (l) - Letters from readers of VCM - January 2011.
  13. The Luangwa Elephants: A Lesson for All (l) - Depredations of the elephant herds of northern Zambia by poaching led to a breakdown of the social structure of these magnificent creatures. Their experience holds sad and sobering lessons for people as well.
  14. God's Intent for Marriage (l) - Marriage between a man and woman is one thing, but does God have even a bigger marriage plan?
  15. Me, Us, Them: My Journey to Wife and Motherhood (l) - Marriage and family brings broadened perspective.
  16. Who Will Win the Battle Over Marriage? (l) - Family values are changing dramatically. Television and other forms of media promote wrong values that undermine marital relationships. Who and what is behind this subtle, seductive battle over marriage, and why?
  17. Five Keys to a Happy Family (l) - With the advancement of technology and social media, the family unit is disconnecting and fragmenting. You can build or restore family closeness with five keys that can open rewarding doors to a happier family.
  18. The Ultimate Purpose of the Family (l) - Do you know the ultimate purpose for the family? When you know that purpose, it can transform your family's relationships!
  19. What's the Purpose of Family? (l) - What is God's purpose for families? It's spelled out in the Bible, but most overlook it.
  20. All Lives Matter (l) - Tension, rioting, shootings, violence and unrest not seen in decades is ratcheting up. What's behind all this division, what's a Christian to think and what's the way forward?
  21. Finding the Path to a Happy Family (l) - God didn't create the family relationship and then leave us to stumble blindly trying to find the best way to make it work. The keys for family happiness and success are revealed in the Scriptures.
  22. What Is God's Family Model? (l) - As the family goes, so goes a nation. The family model undergirds all peace-loving societies. It was instituted by God for a grand purpose and will live on forever!
  23. Current Events & Trends November/December 2019 (l) - An overview of events and conditions around the world featured in the November/December 2019 issue of Beyond Today.
  24. What Are They Teaching Your Children? (l) - The battle for social change in the United States is increasingly taking place among vulnerable young people, especially in our public schools. And the stakes couldn't be any higher.
  25. Does Father Know Best? (l) - Research shows that children without a father tend to be less settled and more insecure. Now is the time to break that cycle of distant and damaged family relationships wherever they exist.
  26. Forget About Being Normal (l) - Almost everybody wants to be considered normal. But what is normal? Should we always want to be normal?
  27. The Juggling Act (l) - Working mothers, do you feel guilty?
  28. Parenting in the 90s (l) - The chances for successful parenting are aided by a deep commitment to the biblical principle that children are truly a blessing, well worth the time and energy tht will be required.
  29. Where Have All the Fathers Gone? (l) - A devastating epidemic is leaving a trail of broken hearts and broken dreams in its wake. What is this tragic outbreak? It's the epidemic of disappearing fathers, who are sorely needed.
  30. Will the Family Survive? (l) - The family definitely needs help. The overwhelming pressures against it seem insurmountable. The family is surrounded and beleaguered on all fronts, from media to finances to school and finally by the subtle undermining of culture. Can these influences be counteracted?
  31. Children Are a Blessing, Not an Inconvenience (l) - A tragic consequence of the pervasive defilement of the marriage institution is the widely accepted view that children are an inconvenience.
  32. Rejoice in Life! (l) - Life often seems to be a daily struggle. We forget to delight in daily events that seem insignificant -- until we look back upon our life. Rejoice in life for it passes quickly. Rejoice for your future, which includes an incredible inheritance from God in His Kingdom!
  33. God's Purpose for Sex and Marriage (l) - When and how did sex and marriage originate and for what purpose?
  34. An Overview of Conditions Around the World - Sep/Oct 1999 (l) - A brief synopsis of world events. September/October 1999.
  35. What Happened to the Family Meal? (l) - Here's why it's worth saving - and what you can do to save it.
  36. An Overview of Conditions Around the World - Nov/Dec 1996 (l) - Fathers' involvement with children. Do-it-yourself morality. U.S. water supply.
  37. You Can Win the War Against the Family (l) - Modern pop culture is robbing children of their innocence while undermining their character growth by addicting them to random violence, filthy language and explicit sex. In spite of this subtle brainwashing, you can still win the war being waged against your family.
  38. Values Turned Upside Down in a Generation's Time (l) - A major movement is underway to redefine "family". A militant secularism prevails in our society today.
  39. Message in a Song (l) - Being away from home and family as a young teen for a couple of weeks had a way of making me miss those things I took for granted, in particular my Dad.
  40. SMBC and Disposable Fathers (l) - Family structure is constantly changing. We cannot afford to assume that different is better. Tampering with God's design will bring catastrophic results.
  41. What's So Special About Families? (l) - Some suggest a family should be defined as any group living together in the same household. Is this valid? Before we throw away our traditional view, perhaps we should consider what we would lose in the process.
  42. What Are You Doing With Your Time? (l) - Rich or poor, old or young, male or female, we all have the same amount of one thing--time. How we use it will largely determine how far we'll go in life and in our relationship with our Creator.
  43. Is Your Family Manipulated by Mass Media? (l) - Does your family properly use electronic mass media? Or do you let the media abuse you? Here are 10 principles to help you regain control and stamp out media abuse.
  44. Whatever Happened to the Family Meal? (l) - Can eating together improve relationships in your family? With a little effort and planning our mealtimes ... it just might.
  45. What's so Special About Families? (l) - Some modern visionaries are now suggesting that the definition of family is any group of people living together in the same household regardless of blood connection or sex. But before we throw away the traditional view, shouldn't we consider what we would lose in the process?
  46. Help Your Children Cope During Family Crises (l) - How to help children cope with family crises. Parental example is likely to trigger similar behavior in children.
Famine
  1. Worldwide Food Crisis (l) - You have likely heard of the global food crisis. You might even have already encountered rationing of goods you wanted to buy! What you haven't heard is the unique perspective that this article will give you.
  2. World News and Trends - May/June 2008 (l) - An overview of conditions around the world.
  3. What's Behind the Growing Food Crisis? (l) - Growing shortages around the world are driving up the price of food. For hundreds of millions this could lead to hunger or starvation. What's behind the global food crisis, and how can it be resolved?
  4. Seeking Security in a Dangerous Age (l) - Global economic and financial turbulence stalk the world--along with a growing food and energy crisis. Apocalyptic doomsaying is seen in newspapers everywhere. Can you survive whatever perils may come your way? What or who will be your anchor?
  5. World News and Trends - September/October 2008 (l) - An overview of conditions around the world. Sept/Oct 2008
  6. A Return to Eden: An End to Hunger and Disease (l) - The plight of the sick, poor and hungry makes us long for the day when a real utopia will spread around the earth!
  7. Coming Food Crises Threaten Mankind (l) - According to Newsweek, "None of the factors that drove the global food crises in 2008 have gone away" (Dec. 7, 2009). And The Economist stated that "1 billion people will go to bed hungry" (Nov. 21, 2009). But hold on to your hats. The Bible clearly tells us that present conditions are slated to get a lot worse before they get better.
  8. Is a Global Food Crisis Brewing? (l) - You've likely noticed recent increases in the cost of food, and no end is in sight. Are we seeing the beginnings of growing food shortages? What's behind this trend, and where is it leading?
  9. World News & Trends March 2011 (l) - An overview of conditions around the world. March 2011
  10. Famine Stalks the Earth (l) - From time to time, experts in many different fields and disciplines issue urgent warnings of famines to come.
  11. Rusty Wheat: New Fungus Threatens Crops (l) - New specially designed wheat varieties are in the works to combat a deadly fungus that could potentially threaten the world wheat crop.
  12. Worldwide Decrease In Crop Diversity (l) - What do global agricultural trends really mean to us on a daily basis?
  13. Scarcity Drives Nigerian Gunmen to Murderous Raids on Local Villages (l) - On March 16, 2014, gunmen on motorcycles raided at least four Nigerian villages. They opened fire on residents and burned homes to the ground.
  14. 200 million fewer hungry than in 1990 (l) - In the mid-20th century, food shortages and hunger were a big concern. Some progress has since been made, but hunger has yet to be eradicated.
  15. The Population Explosion and Prophecy (l) - The population explosion is a fact of life. But little have people realized that these circumstances are leading to the fulfillment of end-time prophecies-ultimately bringing the solutions to a troubled world that only God in His mercy can provide.
  16. Jesus Christ's Olivet Prophecy: Where Are We Now? (l) - Jesus Christ, in the Olivet Prophecy, predicted several major trends that would increase and intensify before His return.
  17. Story Flow of the Book of Revelation (l) - Story flow of the book of Revelation.
  18. The Population Bomb Keeps Ticking Away (l) - Should we celebrate that the world's population now tops six billion-or should we be alarmed? The population explosion portends problems that may crescendo into the end of this present age!
  19. Coming Calamities: Does God Offer Protection? (l) - Where will you be when terror strikes the nations? Does God offer safety for anyone? Will He care about you when your fellow man doesn't?
  20. The Horsemen of Revelation: The Black Horse of Famine (l) - The food-rich countries' potential to feed the entire planet makes it hard to imagine a famine extensive enough to thrust the earth into a global crisis. Yet the third seal of Revelation 6, employing the symbol of a black horse, describes just such a horrifying scene. How could this happen? What would be its consequences?
  21. World News Review Dec 2002 (l) - World news review. December 2002.
  22. Visions of Judgment: The Ride of the Third Horseman -- Famine (l) - With the potential for the food-producing countries to feed the entire globe, it's hard to imagine how famine could grip the earth in the crisis that ends the age. Yet, the third seal opens to a horrifying scene of food scarcity that leads to global famine. How could this happen? What will be the result?
  23. Food Insecurity in a Hungry World (l) - Starvation, malnutrition and consequent diseases are an all-too-familiar fixture in today's world. This article reports on the current situation and looks through the window of prophecy at the future. The present is bleak, but the future is fabulous!
Fantasy
  1. Vantage Point: The Supernatural and Disasters (l) - Unfortunately, most of humankind have ignored or outright rejected God's way of living and are now beginning to suffer a new and frightful round of consequences.
  2. The Bible and Harry Potter (l) - Is the occult fantasy of Harry Potter just innocent fun?
  3. Questions and Answers - Oct/Dec 2004 (l) - questions and answers represent issues of interest to young people who want sound biblical advice.
Fascism
  1. Extreme Right Reappears in Central Europe (l) - A disillusionment with democracy and worries about immigrants are fueling the growth of right-wing parties.
  2. Fascism Returns to Europe (l) - Today, no extremist party calls itself fascist, but whatever the name, fascism is still the game.
Fasting
  1. Building a Better Relationship With God (l) - Here are five tools that can help us build a stronger, closer friendship with God.
  2. Fasting: A Spiritual Power Tool (l) - The Bible shows us that many notable figures spent time in fasting--going without food and drink. God even commands us to fast at least one day each year. What does fasting teach us, and how can we use this tool for growth?
  3. How to Stir Up God's Spirit (l) - The apostle Paul admonished members in one of the churches he started, "Do not quench the Spirit" (1 Thessalonians 5:19). He also urged the young evangelist Timothy: "Stir up [rekindle into flame] the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind" (2 Timothy 1:6-7).
  4. Five Tools for Dealing With Trials (l) - What do you do when you've tried everything within your power to solve a problem? Here are five tools to help turn trials into godly character.
  5. What Are You Doing With Your Time? (l) - Rich or poor, old or young, male or female, we all have the same amount of one thing--time. How we use it will largely determine how far we'll go in life and in our relationship with our Creator.
  6. What Does the Bible Teach About Fasting? (l) - Fasting - going without food and water- is mentioned often in the Bible. What can we learn from the examples we are given?
  7. Fasting: A Spiritual Power Tool! (l) - Three earlier articles in this series covered prayer, Bible study and thinking or meditation. Along with those spiritual tools, we need to frequently combine this fourth tool -- fasting.
Fatherhood
  1. "Fatherhood" (l) - A poem about fatherhood.
  2. A Big Shadow (l) - We all have a bigger shadow to stand in. Is that a good or a bad thing?
  3. Father in the House (l) - What does the Bible have to say about our relationship with our Heavenly Father?
  4. Hey, Dad, Remember Me? (l) - That question burned deeply in the young woman's heart. And she didn't feel her prayers to a Father in heaven would connect. What can a person in this predicament do?
  5. The Dynamic Influence a Father Has on a Daughter (l) - How can we ensure that our daughters have the best chance of leading successful lives?
  6. Fathers Vital to Healthy Development of Children (l) - Recent research from Canada confirms the importance of the father in the life of a child.
  7. Proverbs: A Father's Training (l) - Wisdom that sticks with you - straight from God's Word.
  8. Why Are Fathers Important? (l) - Dr. Ross Parke is a distinguished professor of psychology at the University of California at Riverside . He has more than 30 years of experience researching and writing about fatherhood and is the father of seven children. He is the author of Fatherhood (1966) and co-author of Throwaway Dads(1999).
  9. Whatever Happened to Father in Children's Literature? (l) - The absent father in literature is a reminder of the intense need children have for their parents.
  10. Time to Be a Father (l) - Is your father "Superman"? Remembering your Father and how you and he can strengthen that relationship.
  11. Does Father Know Best? (l) - Research shows that children without a father tend to be less settled and more insecure. Now is the time to break that cycle of distant and damaged family relationships wherever they exist.
  12. Where Have All the Fathers Gone? (l) - A devastating epidemic is leaving a trail of broken hearts and broken dreams in its wake. What is this tragic outbreak? It's the epidemic of disappearing fathers, who are sorely needed.
  13. In Search of Heroic Leadership (l) - God places great and grave responsibility on the shoulders of the leadership. We must all share the responsibility for the condition of the world, our nation, our church, our families.
  14. The Missing Father (l) - He didn't want to be gone from our lives, but God's Word is clear: If He is distant from us, it is because we--all humanity--left Him.
Fear
  1. Do It Anyway (l) - There is a country song by Martina McBride called "Anyway." It is about not being afraid to go forward even if things don't always turn out as we think they should. Sometimes the strength to go on comes from the human spirit. Sometimes it takes more.
  2. Peace: The Hunger of Human Hearts (l) - The apostle Paul, locked in a depressing prison cell, wrote, "I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content." He reminded his readers that they also could have "God's peace, which is far beyond human understanding." You too can have this unique contentment and peace!
  3. Fear and Depression: Conquer Them With These Crucial Keys (l) - Feeling anxious and depressed? With the world and the economy in such bad shape, it's no wonder such feelings are common. What can you do to combat these negative ways of thinking? Use these five keys to help!
  4. Eleanor Had It Right (l) - Fear can hobble us in life. Facing fears with God's help can make us grow in ways we cannot imagine.
  5. Resisting the Roaring Lion (l) - Fear -- that raw emotion of dread, terror, fright or panic -- can be pervasive. If uncontrolled, fear can drown out reason, facts and faith. Can it be defeated?
  6. Mindsets -- A Set Mind (l) - We can carry around problems for most of our lives without realizing what kind of mindset we're developing. With God's help, we can overcome these mindsets and change our inner man to prepare for the Kingdom.
  7. Do We Need to Fear World Events? (l) - A dangerous and darkening world can lead to constant anxiety. How do we cope?
  8. The Power of the Holy Spirit (l) - Is your life ruled by fear and uncertainty? Do you feel disconnected from God and unsure of how to improve your life? Learn how God's Spirit can powerfully transform your life.
  9. Enemies of Faith (l) - Have you ever wondered why we don't see more evidence of faith? The Bible identifies several tendencies that undermine faith.
  10. The Fear of God (l) - The Bible speaks often of the need to fear God. But what does this mean? What should it look like in our lives?
  11. COVID-19 and Rampant Fear (l) - The Bible foretells a rise of disease epidemics and other calamities, but it also foretells mass panic. Put your trust where you should and don't give in to fear.
  12. A Cure for Code Orange (l) - I can't stop living. And, for sure, I can't stop believing that there is a cure for the Code Oranges of this lifetime.
  13. "But They Feared God" (What Greatness Is) (l) - Consider the story of two women who became great because of their obedience to God.
  14. Biblical Solutions to Anxiety (l) - What the Bible says about worry and anxiety.
  15. The Bible's Keys to Mental Health (l) - Why are mental problems and disabilities on the rise? Could it be that we overlook the Bible's keys to healthy, positive thinking?
  16. Esther: A Woman of Faith and Courage (l) - The Bible offers Christians many examples of faith from which we can learn and be encouraged. One of the most remarkable examples is that of Queen Esther.
  17. A Solution to Fear (l) - There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.
  18. Dealing With Fear (l) - "Do not be afraid of sudden terror, nor of trouble from the wicked when it comes".
  19. Defeating Our Fears (l) - At one time or another each of us have experienced fear. When we were children, some of us had a night-light or could not sleep with the door closed. Fear is at the root of many human failures. But God has a solution.
  20. Fear Factor (l) - We live in an age of fear, but God promises relief from worry and despair for those who follow Him.
Feast of tabernacles
  1. The Better Travel Plan (l) - God set up a financial system that allows us to have maximum enjoyment while keeping His annual Feast of Tabernacles.
  2. The Biblical Map to Jesus Christs Return (l) - Maps show the way from where you are to your final destination. The Bible provides the only spiritual map to our ultimate destiny. Doesn't it make good sense to plan your life's journey by learning how to read the genuine biblical map?
  3. Can You Know God's Plan? (l) - Only a few realize that these biblical festivals are a teaching tool God uses to reveal His plan.
  4. God's Feasts Answer the Big Questions - Part 2 (l) - Just as teachers prepare lesson plans for their students, God, through His feasts, provides a lesson plan for humanity.
  5. The Millennium Pictured by the Feast of Tabernacles (l) - The seven-day Feast of Tabernacles pictures the coming Millennium.
  6. Is Thanksgiving Rooted in a Biblical Festival? (l) - Historians and Jewish sources point out that America's Thanksgiving holiday may not have been a totally new celebration-but that its roots may go back thousands of years to the biblical Feast of Tabernacles.
  7. Take a Vacation from the World - Part 1 (l) - Learn how God provides spiritually oriented time off for you and your family.
  8. Will World Peace Come in Our Time? (l) - God established a festival in the Bible, called the Feast of Tabernacles, that symbolizes coming period of peace and unparalleled prosperity on earth. What lessons does this Feast hold for us today?
  9. The Bible's Holy Days: God's Blueprint for Peace on Earth (l) - History proves mankind doesn't know true peace. Yet God promises it will come. How? A series of biblical festivals shows how He will bring permanent peace to the entire world.
  10. God's Fall Feasts (l) - Do you know the meaning of God's Fall Holy Days?
  11. A Little-Known Feast of the Bible (l) - Take the opportunity to learn more about God's festivals as revealed in the Bible.
  12. Celebrating the Feast of Tabernacles in Today's World (l) - This seven-day biblical festival gives you a preview of the coming wonderful age beyond today.
  13. How Do Christians Celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles Today? (l) - To observe the seven days of the Feast and the Eighth Day that immediately follows, families gather in centralized locations for the entire festival.
  14. The Feast of Tabernacles: Jesus Christ Reigns Over All the Earth (l) - God's plan for mankind involves restoration. The Feast of Tabernacles symbolizes the restoration process, which will start with the return of Jesus Christ, pictured by the Feast of Trumpets, and the banishment of Satan, depicted by the Day of Atonement.
  15. The Feast of Tabernacles (l) - United Church of God members celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles in some 40 locations around the world. More than just an annual convention or vacation, the Feast of Tabernacles helps our members focus on God's great plan and the wonderfully positive news Christ proclaimed about His return to establish His rule on Earth.
  16. The Feast of Tabernacles (bsc12) (l) - The joyful Feast of Ingathering represents the time during which God will gather the great harvest of humanity into His family.
  17. Paradise Found! (l) - God's plan to bring back the paradise man lost is revealed in biblical festivals meant for all to observe -- culminating each year in rejoicing over the restoration to come.
  18. The Diets of the Millennium Should Be the Diets of Today (l) - After the second coming, Jesus will not only heal people, but teach the world how to build and maintain good health. This is one of the lessons of the Feast of Tabernacles.
  19. A Holy Day Provides Comfort (l) - I'd enjoyed a wonderful Feast of Tabernacles and Last Great Day with my family and friends. Little did I know how important the meaning of this final Holy Day was going to be when I returned home.
  20. The Feast of Peace (l) - What is the meaning of the Feast of Peace? What is God's plan for mankind?
  21. You Go! I Am Coming! (l) - God provided a blueprint for us to follow through His Holy Days. As we honor them, we honor God. Through the keeping of these days, we demonstrate our belief in God and Christ guiding our footsteps.
  22. The Biblical Festivals That Show How God Will Bring World Peace (l) - Will mankind ever experience lasting peace? Humanity's track record isn't very good. But a series of biblical feasts reveals how God will indeed bring lasting world peace!
  23. Knowing God for the First Time (l) - A time is coming when all mankind will come to know God. But meanwhile, through His festivals, God offers us the opportunity to experience now what the whole world will experience in the future.
  24. The Biblical Festivals That Teach Us About Jesus Christ (l) - Few people are aware of the seven festivals God reveals in the Bible. Even fewer are aware that they center around and teach us a great deal about Jesus Christ and His role in God's plan for all mankind.
  25. The Feast of Prosperity (l) - Our world is wracked by poverty,injustice and turmoil. But a little known biblical festival reveals how a new world of peace and prosperity will dawn.
  26. Why Not Join Us for the Feast Jesus Kept? (2003) (l) - Here are locations for this year's Feast of Tabernacles.
  27. Why Not Join Us for the Feast Jesus Kept? (l) - Dates and locations for observing the Feast of Tabernacles in 2004.
  28. A Statue Comes to Life! (l) - The setting: the United Nations gardens in New York City. The plot: a dream symbolized by a statue becomes reality. The cast of characters: being chosen now...
Feast of Trumpets
  1. The Biblical Map to Jesus Christs Return (l) - Maps show the way from where you are to your final destination. The Bible provides the only spiritual map to our ultimate destiny. Doesn't it make good sense to plan your life's journey by learning how to read the genuine biblical map?
  2. Trumpets, Trumpets Everywhere (l) - The reverberating echo of a distant trumpet stirs deep emotions and moves us to conviction and action. What does the Bible say about this instrument?
  3. God's Feasts Answer the Big Questions - Part 2 (l) - Just as teachers prepare lesson plans for their students, God, through His feasts, provides a lesson plan for humanity.
  4. The Bible's Holy Days: God's Blueprint for Peace on Earth (l) - History proves mankind doesn't know true peace. Yet God promises it will come. How? A series of biblical festivals shows how He will bring permanent peace to the entire world.
  5. The Exciting Feast of Trumpets (l) - The Feast of Trumpets, one of the Holy Days of the Bible, pictures future times of both sadness and gladness -- essential steps leading to the establishment of the Kingdom of God on earth!
  6. God's Fall Feasts (l) - Do you know the meaning of God's Fall Holy Days?
  7. The Feast of Trumpets: A Turning Point in History (l) - The Feast of Trumpets introduces the autumn festivals - representing the culmination of the present age of man and the beginning of an incredible time during which God will play a much more direct part in world events.
  8. God's Festivals in the New Testament (l) - God's festivals, which began in the Old Testament, are also observed by New Testament Christians. Here are a number of New Testament scriptural references to this fact.
  9. The Feast of Trumpets (l) - The Feast of Trumpets points us to the Day of the Lord, to the events that will occur just before and at the return of Jesus as King of Kings. But it also points us to the joyous time when Christians, living or dead, will receive God's gift of eternal life in the first resurrection.
  10. The Biblical Festivals That Show How God Will Bring World Peace (l) - Will mankind ever experience lasting peace? Humanity's track record isn't very good. But a series of biblical feasts reveals how God will indeed bring lasting world peace!
  11. The Biblical Feast of Trumpets: Foretelling 'the Day of the Lord' (l) - Does the ancient biblical feast, the Feast of Trumpets, hold great meaning for Christians today?
  12. The Biblical Festivals That Teach Us About Jesus Christ (l) - Few people are aware of the seven festivals God reveals in the Bible. Even fewer are aware that they center around and teach us a great deal about Jesus Christ and His role in God's plan for all mankind.
  13. The Festival Code: Unlocking the Future (l) - The following letters from and to Abdul are composites, but the events pictured by God's Holy Days are real! In fact, these little-known celebrations contain coded messages that reveal the future for everyone.
Fellowship
  1. Take a Listening Heart to the Feast (l) - When you see or hear the word "feast," what comes to mind? To members of our Church, the word relates to a wonderful yearly festival, the biblical observance of the Feast of Tabernacles.
  2. Prepare Yourself: Icebergs Ahead (l) - Like the Titanic, we must navigate dangerous waters. But God shows how we can make it through safely.
  3. Building a Better Relationship With God (l) - Here are five tools that can help us build a stronger, closer friendship with God.
  4. Tool of the Devil (l) - "Be sober; be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour" (1 Peter 5:8).
  5. First Impressions: They Count (l) - You never get a second chance to make a first impression. So consider now how to make your first meeting a good one.
  6. Confronting Loneliness (l) - When loneliness hits you -- here's how to deal with it constructively.
  7. Labels -- Part 1 (l) - Labels can tell us a lot, and we often stand by a label. But what happens when we label people?
  8. Take Time for Hospitality! (l) - There's more to the art of hospitality than hosting dinner parties. What does the Bible say about being hospitable, and how can you become a better host -- regardless of budget?
  9. Labels -- Part 2 (l) - Labels are difficult to remove, but they cause far more trouble than just sticking around.
  10. Arrangements Pending (l) - The older gentleman had lived his life on the social fringe, and exited the world almost unnoticed -- but the occasion of his death provided a lesson for those still living.
  11. God's Church Welcomes You (l) - God's fellowship is reserved for those who strive to obey God and have faith in Him and His promises.
  12. What Is Real Christian Fellowship? (l) - Fellowship can be a key to spiritual growth -- or a stumbling block. Here are KEYS to positive Christian fellowship!
  13. Christian Values Under Attack (l) - Will you be leaving home for college this fall? If so, your Christianity is sure to be tested. Read this article for advice on how to remain strong.
  14. Reflections on Loneliness (l) - You can be lonely even in a crowd, but God offers hope for the lonely -- now and for eternity.
  15. Should You Attend Church? (l) - Many, perhaps even you, have become disillusioned with churches and religious leaders. They wonder what they should do and where they should turn. What does God say?
  16. Rekindle The Flames Of Fellowship (l) - Can a Christian survive as a loner? It's possible, but it's much better to be with others as we face our life's challenges.
Feminism
  1. Feminism's Fatal Flaw (l) - The feminist minority: Why do women reject a movement that claims to advance their rights?
  2. The Politics of Education: "It's Not the Money, Stupid! (l) - "It's the economy, stupid!" was Clinton's theme in 1992. One of the greatest issues arising out of the current U.S. presidential election is the crisis in education. Most proposals include injecting large sums of money into the current educational system. But money alone will not bring the desired results.
  3. Radical Liberalism (l) - Lawyers argue in U.S. courts that pornography falls under the constitutional right of free speech. There is a strong movement to replace Judeo-Christian influences in schools with extreme multiculturalism. Radical feminists denounce concepts of the traditional family. Homosexuals want to totally redefine marriage. What is happening to America?
  4. New Sexual Revolution (l) - Counterculture parents of the '80s, feminists, the entertainment industry and thinking people who wanted to change a culture that mistreats women unwittingly worked together to start a revolution. The result is a raging social trend that threatens our teens.
Finances
  1. Coping With the Current Housing Crisis (l) - Last year was the worst year for U.S. foreclosures since 1932, at the height of the Great Depression. And 2008 looks set to be even worse. The economy may be in trouble, but there are steps you can take to prepare for the coming downturn.
  2. Questions and Answers - Mar/Apr 2008 (l) - Answers to readers' questions. Mar/Apr 2008
  3. Coping With a Growing Economic Crisis (l) - Last year was the worst year for U.S. home foreclosures since 1932, at the height of the Great Depression. The economy may be in trouble, but you can take steps to prepare for the growing downturn.
  4. Are You a Slave to Debt? (l) - Millions have allowed themselves to become enslaved to a harsh taskmaster - debt. Are you one of those caught in this trap? What can you do to break free?
  5. Prepare Like Joseph Did (l) - I conclude that the best that you and I can do is to make sure we are discerning and wise in how we handle our money, jobs and lives. Though much is out of our control on a national and global scale, we can control how we handle our own finances.
  6. Making the Most of Your Dough (l) - In light of the current financial crisis that has deeply affected most of the world, it's time to reassess some underlying philosophies about money. Make sure you understand sound financial principles.
  7. Managing Your Finances in Tough Times: Five Steps You Can Take (l) - In these serious economic times, what can you do to strengthen your family's financial position? Here are five crucial steps you can take to put your finances on a more sound footing.
  8. Lessons From Survivors of The Great Depression (l) - What is it like to live when goods are scarce? What does it mean to be in want? What lessons can we learn from those who have been through tough times?
  9. How to Teach Your Children Good Money Management Skills (l) - The Bible has a lot to say regarding how we should be using our money and parents should be passing these financial principles onto their children.
  10. Finances and Marriage (l) - A study that found that issues over money ranked second to infidelity as a leading cause of divorce.
  11. Kitchen Table Economics (l) - There are times when households reach the end of their financial resources and have to declare bankruptcy. Their income cannot meet their debts. Has America come to such a defining moment?
  12. Dealing With Debt (l) - Young people today have to deal with the debt crisis that the whole world is facing. How do you do that?
  13. Avoiding Financial Black Holes (l) - Gives advice about spending wisely, and about managing one's income.
  14. Credit Counseling Services (l) - Some people wisely turn to credit-counseling agencies for help in getting themselves back on solid financial footing.
  15. A Biblical Overview of Money and Wealth (l) - The Bible offers timeless and practical advice about managing your finances. So what does it say about money and wealth? Is it right or wrong, good or bad? Wealth itself isn't the problem-though our attitude toward it can be.
  16. Introduction: Managing Your Finances (l) - Whether due to the overall state of the economy or their own mistakes with money, many find themselves mired in debt and worried about their financial future. Where can you turn for practical guidelines to manage your money?
  17. Keys to Successful Money Management (l) - When we decide to use our money according to applicable scriptural principles, we soon see the need for planning and review.
  18. Monthly Income and Expense Worksheet (l) - After you determine your overall financial condition (net worth), the next step is to analyze your monthly cash flow. This will show you which direction you are headed-whether you are accumulating money, holding steady or going further into debt. Use the form below to examine your monthly income and expenses.
  19. Seeking God's Blessings (l) - The Scriptures teach us not to set our heart on riches but to help people in genuine need and generously support the work of sharing God's truth with others.
  20. Teach Your Children About Finances (l) - "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." Take this proverb to heart and teach your children the principles of money management.
  21. Family Finances: a Biblical Guide (l) - Managing your money - a Biblical guide.
  22. Do You Know How to Use a Credit Card? (l) - What tips do financial experts recommend on using credit cards? In principal, does the bible offer advice on this modern practice? Understanding and practicing the keys revealed in this article can help your family to bolster its financial security.
  23. Manage Your Family Finances the Bible Way (l) - Take a look at some of the sound financial principles the Bible offers us.
Finding a mate
  1. The Single Malady (l) - As a single, I was suffering from a sickness I didn't recognize, but I found a solution in Scripture that gave me true satisfaction and eventually a soul mate!
  2. Have You Made Your Perfect Girl or Guy List? (l) - What kind of person do you want to marry someday? And what kind of person would that person want to marry?
  3. Dating Disasters and Faulty Mate Selection: There Is a Better Way! (l) - Never before have bookstore shelves been so well stocked with such a variety of self-help relationship books, yet there seems to be such a dearth of understanding of how to live peaceably with one another. However, the principles of the Bible can be used to identify resources that can help prepare for a successful courtship and marriage.
  4. The Right One (l) - Is finding your "one true love" an impossible dream? How can you know when you have found "the right one"?
  5. When Will God Provide a Mate for You? (l) - Young people often wonder if God will bless them with someone to marry. And they often want to know when. Read this firsthand account of a recently married couple who had the same questions.
  6. Can We Be Wiser Than Solomon? (l) - Even though Solomon was wiser than everyone, did he ever make decisions that were not wise?
Firstfruits
  1. The Resurrection of the Dead: What Does the Bible Really Teach? (l) - Many people have at least a vague notion that the Bible teaches about a resurrection. But what is the resurrection all about? And how does it fit into God's overall plan for salvation?
  2. Pentecost: The POWER to Change Your Life (l) - What happened on Pentecost in A.D. 31 changed the apostles in a way they never could have expected. It also reveals an incredible change that can -- and must -- take place in our lives.
  3. The Biblical Feast of Firstfruits: How It Explains a Great Mystery (l) - A little-understood festival commanded in the Bible helps us understand a key aspect of God's plan and why most of the world doesn't know or understand Him.
  4. Who Are God's "Firstfruits"? (l) - The firstfruits of God's plan are those who are called now, in this age, and are having their minds and attitudes changed to become like Jesus Christ through God's Spirit working within them.
  5. The Feast of Pentecost: The Firstfruits of God's Harvest (l) - Pentecost serves as an annual reminder that our Creator still works miracles, granting His Spirit to the firstfruits of His spiritual harvest, empowering them to carry out His work in this world.
  6. Pentecost (l) - Pentecost is the anniversary of the beginning of Christianity under the New Covenant. It was on Pentecost that God first made His Spirit available to all who would repent.
  7. The Firstfruits of Salvation (l) - God is not trying to save the world now. He is calling only a few to the first of future harvests.
  8. The Lesson of the Feast of Firstfruits (l) - If Jesus Christ came to save mankind, why is the world in such sad shape?
Foot washing
  1. Spiritual Lessons in Foot Washing (l) - Christ washed His disciples' feet and told us to do likewise. What lessons can we learn from this practice?
  2. Washing Away Pride (l) - On the evening before He was captured and condemned, Jesus Christ left His followers with a profound example and lesson of service and humility.
  3. The Passover (l) - The New Testament Passover
  4. The Passover (BSC12) (l) - The apostles Paul and Peter understood that the slain Old Testament Passover lamb foreshadowed the death of Jesus Christ as our sacrifice for sin
  5. Follow Me - Seizing the Moment for God's Glory (l) - A faithful disciple made sure to not miss an important opportunity to show her love and devotion to Jesus Christ -- leaving a lesson and example for us all.
  6. Humility of Mind and Action (l) - An important part of the Passover ceremony is the washing of each other's feet. But why would Jesus want us to do it and what does it teach us?
  7. A Lesson for All Time (l) - By his powerful example Jesus Christ taught his disciples many vital lessons. Yet the sterling example shown to them less than a day before his death is one of the least understood and most neglected by those who claim to follow him.
  8. The Lesson of Foot-Washing (l) - Ancient Israel had to learn a painful, tragic lesson at Jericho. On the evening before His death, Jesus washed the feet of His disciples, then instructed that His followers would continue this practice to help us remember. What are we to learn from this simple but profound observance?
Forgiveness
  1. Forgiving Your Parents (l) - "Impossible!" you say? Even though it's often hard to do, it can be done, and it's well worth the effort. Here's how.
  2. What's the Answer to a Better Life? (l) - Do you feel like the problems of your life have reached a dead end and there are no solutions? No matter how hopeless your life may appear, you can have hope for something better. But you can't solve today's problems with the same old solutions; you'll simply arrive at the same old problems.
  3. God's Forgiveness: What Does He Require From You? (l) - Our loving Creator promises complete forgiveness of our sins once we sincerely turn from and forsake them. How do genuine repentance and God's compassionate forgiveness work together to assure our salvation?
  4. What if We Sin After Conversion? (l) - He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness". This clearly is not a license for Christians to sin.
  5. A Lesson in Prayer (l) - You've probably heard about the power of prayer and how prayer can bring about wonderful changes in your life. But have you ever prayed and nothing happened? Have you recited the same words over and over, hoping God would somehow help you make a decision or supply an answer to an unsolvable problem? It's not that God doesn't care. The problem could be that you don't know what Jesus taught about prayer.
  6. Playing the Enemy (l) - Resolving conflict with others and avoiding new conflict in the future is within our power.
  7. Forgiving My Brother (l) - It is not always easy to forgive others, but the commandment to do so is not optional.
  8. Do Good Not Evil (l) - It's not always possible to like everyone we know, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't love people.
  9. Blessed are The Merciful for They Shall Receive Mercy! (l) - The best way to correct a mistake is to smother it with mercy.
  10. Handwriting for the Ages (l) - We must not condemn others when we stand guilty ourselves. Cry out for mercy - and be merciful.
  11. Shine Sweet Freedom - The Day of Atonement and the Jubilee Year (l) - Is there any way out of the debt spiral? In God's government, there is.
  12. So, What Do You See? (l) - A dinner host was aghast when a woman of ill repute wiped Jesus' feet with her hair. But Jesus had a message for him - and for us.
  13. Proverbs: Keep Away From Sin (l) - Wisdom that sticks with you - straight from God's Word.
  14. Proverbs: Whoever Forgives (l) - Wisdom that sticks with you - straight from God's Word.
  15. Pray for Enemies (l) - When people hang onto anger and seek revenge, no one benefits?
  16. Hope for Sinning Nations and Individuals (l) - In 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, the apostle Paul asks, "Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God?" He then goes on to list several sins -- fornication, adultery, stealing, coveting, drunkenness and homosexual activity -- that separate people from God and His great purpose for them.
  17. Christianity 101: Forgiven & Forgiving (l) - God offers us the priceless gift of forgiveness -- but requires us to forgive others in return. What does this mean, and how can we put it into practice?
  18. The Church of God Today (l) - The church of God today keeps God's commandments and holds fast to all that Jesus taught.
  19. Burying the Past (l) - Realizing how complete forgiveness is possible through Christ's perfect sacrifice, we must look ahead to maintaining the right course.
  20. Forgiveness Is Possible (l) - The road to forgiveness can be long and hard, but through God's loving guidance it is possible.
  21. God Can and Will Forgive You (l) - Our repentance and God's merciful forgiveness are both necessary, complementary parts of the overall salvation process.
  22. How is sin forgiven? (l) - Who pays the penalty for sin, making forgiveness possible?
  23. Jesus Christ's Perfect Love and Sacrifice (l) - No matter what our background or past mistakes, when we genuinely repent and are baptized, God promises complete forgiveness.
  24. Live a New Life in Christ (l) - You can have the power to overcome and grow spiritually if you seek God with your whole heart and submit yourself to His incredible will for your life.
  25. The Spiritual Need to Forgive Others (l) - Forgiveness does not come easily for most of us. Our natural instinct is to recoil in self-protection, retaliation and revenge. We don't naturally overflow with mercy, grace and forgiveness when we are wronged.
  26. God's Law and Sin (l) - God's law defines His love based upon the two great principles of love toward God and love toward neighbor.
  27. Repentance and Faith (l) - God does not condemn the believer as long as he remains in a repentant attitude of overcoming sin.
  28. The Sacrifice of Jesus Christ (l) - Jesus Christ is the focal point of Christianity. Forgiveness of sin and ultimately the gift of eternal life are available only through His sacrifice.
  29. Other Important Ways Jesus Fulfilled the Law (l) - Jesus fulfilled everything prescribed in the offerings for sin in the law of sacrifices.
  30. The 'Curse of the Law' (l) - In both writing and preaching, scholars and pastors alike turn to Galations 3:10-13 to support a badly misguided assumption that Paul viewed God's law as a curse.
  31. The High Priest Essential to Salvation (l) - Hebrews covers the distinctions between the Sinai Covenant and the New Covenant--and the role of God's law in each.
  32. Grace and Law: Why Are They Inseparable? (New Covenant) (l) - The word grace is regularly used by some religious people as if it replaces all need to obey God's law. That conclusion is not only inaccurate, it is also diabolical!
  33. Other Important Ways Jesus Fulfilled the Law (l) - Jesus also fulfilled the law in the sense that He met the law's requirement by paying the penalty each of us incurred for disobedience, which is death.
  34. How Does Justification Relate to Salvation? (l) - Understanding the relationship between justification and salvation.
  35. What Was 'Wiped Out' by Jesus Christ's Death? (l) - A misleading translation of a passage in Colossians 2 in some Bible versions is often used to support the flawed belief that God's law was "wiped out" by Jesus Christ
  36. Forgiveness of Sin (l) - How are we forgiven, and where do baptism and Jesus Christ fit in?
  37. A High Priest Eager to Help Us (l) - Jesus was born not only to make possible forgiveness of the past, but to help us conquer the strongholds of sin, the entrenched habits that are so difficult to dislodge from our lives. He is our merciful High Priest in heaven.
  38. Destination and Course Correction: Planned From the Outset (l) - Through Jesus Christ's sacrifice, human beings can be reconciled to God, and God's forgiveness of their sin will remove the death penalty.
  39. Gifts from God: The Foundation of His Relationship with Us (l) - God's gifts to humanity: love, forgiveness, his spirit.
  40. Is Our Conscience Important? (l) - Striving against sin after baptism, and God's continuing mercy and forgiveness.
  41. God's Grace and Forgiveness (l) - Forgiveness carries with it obligations. It is not license to sin.
  42. Why Must We Be Reconciled to God? (l) - At our baptism God forgives our past sins -- "sins previously committed" -- that we have repented of and stopped practicing.
  43. What is Repentance? (l) - Genuine repentance produces a change in the way we live, even in the way we think.
  44. "Christ, Our Passover" (l) - Passover is mentioned regularly in the Bible, in both the Old and New Testaments. Why did the apostle Paul refer to Jesus Christ as "our Passover"? What does it mean to you?
  45. The Apostle Paul: An Example of God's Grace in Action (l) - The word grace had deep meaning for the apostle Paul. His letters form the bulk of what we today call the New Testament, and in those letters he used the Greek word charis, most often translated "grace," approximately 100 times. Remarkably, the subject of grace shows up multiple times in every one of his letters that has been preserved for us.
  46. The Apostle Paul on Struggling With Sin Yet Still Under Grace (l) - How does grace interact with the law of God? How do we reconcile grace and law? Two major gifts of grace are the unmerited mercy God grants us by His loving nature and His spiritual law the apostle Paul said he took "delight in"
  47. Repentance, Forgiveness, Power and Understanding Through Grace (l) - The Bible describes sin as the deadly enemy of all mankind (Romans 6:23). Our corrupted human nature has a powerful compulsion to sin (Romans 8:7). But to receive God's gift of eternal life, we must forsake sin -- a process the Bible calls repentance.
  48. Moving Forward by God's Grace (l) - Many people struggle with unresolved guilt and feelings of shame over past mistakes and sins. How should our faith in God's grace and forgiveness affect our conscience?
  49. How Grace Reconciles Us to God (l) - God's Word tells us that our sins have separated us from God. So what is the solution to this estrangement? God has provided a way through His grace.
  50. Forgive as You Are Forgiven (l) - People often think of God's grace in terms of His mercy -- His showing of compassion and particularly His forgiveness of sins through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Yet God's grace involves far more than this -- indeed, all of His good gifts to us. Nevertheless, His merciful forgiveness is an important part of the grace He bestows. And a condition of our receiving and continuing to receive His forgiveness through grace is that we ourselves must be merciful, forgiving as we are forgiven.
  51. The Greatest Sacrifice (2020) (l) - Many are moved by inspiring stories of great courage, conviction and self-sacrifice, as we should be. Yet one sacrifice stands far above all others as the greatest of all time. And whether you realize it or not, it directly impacts you!
  52. The Power of Forgiveness (l) - Are you suffering guilt over what you've done in the past? Are you holding on to resentment for what others have done to you? There is freedom in forgiveness -- and in learning to forgive.
  53. Do You Remember When? (l) - Wonderful memories. Painful memories. Why did God give us the capacity for memories? Will we ever truly be able to wipe away the evil and remember only the good?
  54. Loving Your Enemies (l) - I began my personal journey in learning to love my enemies 13 years ago. Many other people's stories have taught me along the way.
  55. Are You Pulling Your Own Hair? (l) - Do we often overreact to situations without looking within? How can we better cope with offenses in life? Watching our newborn gave us food for thought about how adults react, and how we can better handle hurts and offense ourselves.
  56. If I Knew Then What I Know Now (l) - God provides an opportunity for a new beginning - not just once, but countless times after that initial start.
  57. Repentance: A Profound Turnaround! (l) - Previous articles in this series showed how we attain biblical understanding and spiritual growth through prayer, Bible study, meditation and fasting. What do we do then? This article shows how we must further use and apply that understanding!
  58. Forgive (l) - There is a parable that leads us to the goal of forgiveness.
  59. "Sometimes You Have to Break the Rules"? (l) - Deep down inside everyone likes to break rules. But is doing so really in our best interest?
  60. Thoughts From Dad (l) - Three letters of wisdom from a pastor to his three children about using your talents, honoring your parents and overlooking the mistakes of others.
  61. War's Long Memory (l) - It is easy to suggest that war survivors should forgive their enemies, but it is not easy to do.
  62. How Do You Recover From a Costly Mistake? (l) - When a broken bone heals, the body creates an area of increased density and strength at the site of the break. Godly repentance from sexual sins can strengthen your life.
  63. Reconciliation: A Vital Part of Christ's Message (l) - A major theme of Christ's message is reconciliation. But how does reconciliation fit into God's plan for you and me?
  64. Turning Swords Into Plowshares: Starting Now (l) - A nation ahead of its time in repairing the breaches.
  65. What Does It Mean to Have Freedom in Christ? (l) - Jesus Christ spoke often of the freedom humankind would find through him. But exactly what is the freedom that He promised His followers?
  66. The Transforming Power of Forgiveness (l) - Christ is interested in salvaging the lives of sinners. All who make a clean break with past sins can be completely forgiven.
  67. Forgiving the Unforgivable (l) - Abraham Lincoln's second inaugural address challenges the nation to "forgive the unforgivable and offer dignity to those in the throes of defeat."
  68. Seven Reasons Why Jesus Was Born (l) - Why did Jesus have to be born, and to die? Here are seven reasons.
  69. Questions and Answers - Sep/Oct 2003 (l) - Answers to Biblical questions about God's calling and the resurrection.
  70. Discover the Power of Forgiveness (l) - How important is forgiveness? The greatest benefits may come from granting, not receiving, forgiveness.
  71. Forgive, and You Shall Be Forgiven (l) - How can we remove the pain, hurt and guilt of broken relationships? How can we put forgiveness into practice?
  72. Did You Sin Today? (l) - None of us wishes to die, so perhaps we should understand where our wrong actions can take us.
  73. The Wheat Doesn't Know Hate (l) - Peace, like war, must be waged with vision, imagination, self-sacrifice and a big dash of hope!
  74. Just for Youth: Making Peace (l) - What should you do when friends are at each other's throats?
  75. Three Strikes and You're Out - or Are You? (l) - Our battle with sin is something like the battle of the batter at the plate. We need to stay in training for the victory God promises us.
  76. Can God Forgive Me? (l) - What do you do when life has turned upside down and you've gone completely the wrong way in life? Can God still forgive you?
  77. Religion With and Without Mercy (l) - Should religion make one more merciful or less merciful? By looking at the attitudes and actions of many religious people around the world, one would conclude less merciful!
  78. What Is Repentance? (1996) (l) - Repentance is an integral part of the gospel message - God's good news for mankind. But what is it? What does it mean to repent?
  79. Repentance, Penance and Grace (l) - God is pleased with repentance but not penance. Penance implies that we must pay for our own sins.
  80. What Does the Bible Teach About Fasting? (l) - Fasting - going without food and water- is mentioned often in the Bible. What can we learn from the examples we are given?
Four horsemen of the Apocalypse
  1. The Horsemen of Revelation: The Pale Horse of Pestilence (l) - Previous articles in this series covered the meaning of the first three of the horsemen of Revelation -- religious deception, war and famine. What does the fourth, the pale green horse and its rider, signify?
  2. Visions of Judgment: The Coming Ride of the Horsemen of Revelation (l) - Is there "just cause" for nations to interfere in the affairs of other nations?
  3. Visions of Judgement: The Horsemen of Revelation (l) - The "four horsemen of the Apocalypse" -- this latter term being the Greek name for the book of Revelation -- have intrigued Bible readers for centuries. What do they represent? The implications for mankind are staggering. In this first article of a series, we introduce the overall prophecy and look in detail at the first horseman.
  4. The Horsemen of Revelation: The Black Horse of Famine (l) - The food-rich countries' potential to feed the entire planet makes it hard to imagine a famine extensive enough to thrust the earth into a global crisis. Yet the third seal of Revelation 6, employing the symbol of a black horse, describes just such a horrifying scene. How could this happen? What would be its consequences?
  5. Ready to Ride? (l) - Are the Biblical four horseman of the Apocalypse ready to ride?
  6. The Horsemen of Revelation The Fifth Horsemen Rides (l) - Most Bible students focus only on the first four horsemen of Revelation 6. The phrase "Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse" is synonymous with frightening prophecies. But there is another horseman -- a fifth, whose ride signifies a much different future and brings promise of a far better age to come.
France
  1. World News and Trends - March/April 2007 (l) - An overview of conditions around the world. March 2007.
  2. Sarkozy, Europe and Religion (l) - The term European Christianity is not contradictory. Religion is alive in Europe and continues to play a unique role. In the future it could play an even larger role beyond its borders.
  3. World News and Trends - March/April 2008 (l) - An overview of conditions around the world. Mar/Apr 2008
  4. The Mediterranean Union: Another Roman Empire? (l) - A media circus was in high gear as U.S. Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama was greeted in the Middle East and Europe as a political superstar in late July 2008. But a potentially far more important development in that part of the world the week before garnered little attention.
  5. The New Mediterranean Union: Seeds of a New Roman Empire? (l) - A media circus was in full swing as U.S. Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama was greeted in the Middle East and Europe as a political superstar in late July 2008. But a potentially far more important development in that part of the world the week before garnered little attention.
  6. Europe and the Church, Part 10: Napoleon's Dream of European Conquest (l) - More books have been written on Napoleon than almost any other world leader. His period of glory is still remembered in his capital city of Paris, where the Arc de Triomphe commemorates the First Empire and Les Invalides is his final resting place. But Napoleon's dream of European unity failed as did those of others before him.
  7. Islamic Culture in Europe: Main Street or Side Street? (l) - Controversies over minarets and burkas highlight larger questions about the clash of cultures and whether Europe's religious heritage should be defended.
  8. Europe Braces for Terrorism (l) - Recent warnings of terrorist activity in Europe don't reveal the whole story of what is happening behind the scenes. Both security officials and terrorists know more than headlines reveal. Bible prophecy tells the rest of the story.
  9. The Growing Preeminence of Germany (l) - As just noted, many see the latest developments in the European Union as pushing Germany to greater dominance over the other member states.
  10. Germany Pushes on While France Threatens the Euro (l) - Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany continues to be the West's most successful political leader. John Peet, The Economist's European editor, reported that "in Europe it will be Germany that calls the tune" ("Wait for Angela," The World in 2013).
  11. European Far Right Reemerges (l) - During the last few years, threats to the survival of the euro have proved a principal factor in stirring up right-wing movements in opposition to European Union policies.
  12. France at the Center of a Culture Clash (l) - The Economist reports that "the French breathed a collective sigh of relief on July 1st when the European Court of Human Rights upheld the country's 2010 ban on the wearing of full-faced veils in public places" ("Why the French Are so Strict About Islamic Head Coverings," July 6, 2014).
  13. Current Events & Trends: Charlie Hebdo and freedom of speech (l) - The attacks in the French headquarters of satirical publication Charlie Hebdo dominated news around the world in a matter of moments.
  14. Five Trends to Watch in Europe (l) - From Santa Maria de Feira, Portugal, site of the latest major meeting of the European Commission, a report on what's ahead.
  15. French Riots Highlight Growing Clash of Civilizations (l) - For three weeks, young Muslims across France rioted every night, burning cars and destroying property. What's behind the riots and where are they leading?
  16. World News and Trends - Jan/Feb 2006 (l) - An overview of conditions around the world. Jan/Feb 2006.
  17. Our World Is Rapidly Changing - in Ways Foretold by Bible Prophecy (l) - Bible prophecy shows that we should keep an eye on Europe and the Middle East. Ongoing developments in both areas are rapidly reshaping our world in ways foretold centuries ago.
  18. French Intellectuals see Germany as Potential Threat (l) - Recent books published in France have warned about Germany.
  19. What It Is Like Being a Young Church Member in France (l) - Being a part of a small Christian church in France.
  20. The Man Who Would Be Pope (l) - Signs of Pope John Paul II's failing health clearly renew speculation that he may not live much longer. Who would replace him as the next leader of the Roman Catholic Church? What qualities will the cardinals look for in the man who would be pope?
  21. An Overview of Conditions Around the World - Jul/Aug 2002 (l) - An analysis of world news, trends, and conditions around the world. July/August 2002
  22. World News Review August 2000 (l) - World news review - Aug 2000
  23. Fascism Returns to Europe (l) - Today, no extremist party calls itself fascist, but whatever the name, fascism is still the game.
  24. World News and Trends - Jul/Aug 2003 (l) - With so much happening so quickly in today's world, how can you keep up? The Good News staff reviews dozens of news sources every day to bring you what's truly important.
Freedom
  1. World News & Trends March/April 2010 (l) - An overview of conditions around the world. March 2010
  2. A World Held Captive: Soon to Be Set Free! (l) - Most Bible believers think this is God's world-but how can we reconcile that with all the crime, violence, wars, oppression, starvation and disasters we see all around us? The surprising fact is that, in terms of human society and its impact, this is not God's world, but a world that has been kidnapped by an unseen enemy. Here's the story of how it was kidnapped and how it will be set free!
  3. Freedom and Free Enterprise - Great Biblical Blessings (l) - Few people understand how much the wonderful principles of civil liberty and free enterprise originated with God and are taught in the Bible!
  4. "Arbeit Macht Frei" (l) - How can work bring us freedom?
  5. Current Events & Trends: Charlie Hebdo and freedom of speech (l) - The attacks in the French headquarters of satirical publication Charlie Hebdo dominated news around the world in a matter of moments.
  6. Freedom Measured Against Security (l) - How valuable is freedom when an individual can cause so much harm working alone?
  7. Liberty Through God's Law (l) - Biblical freedom is both defined and guaranteed by law. Without law, there can be no effective or lasting liberty
  8. Current Confusion Over Christian Freedom (l) - Paul's reasoning regarding grace, law, justification and freedom has been so twisted out of context that today his meaning is rarely correctly understood.
  9. Can We Explain All Suffering? (l) - One of the consequences of humanity's decision to live contrary to God's instruction is a world subject to the capriciousness and vagaries of "time and chance" and the actions of others.
  10. God's Grace and Forgiveness (l) - Forgiveness carries with it obligations. It is not license to sin.
  11. Freedom: The Unfinished Struggle (l) - A decades-long struggle bought freedom for slaves in America. But the struggle from slavery is not over.
  12. Cartoon Controversy: Is a Clash of Civilizations Inevitable? (l) - European newspapers showing cartoons of Muhammad provoked riots in a number of countries, leading to increasing talk of "a clash of civilizations" between the West and Islam.
  13. "When in the Course of Human Events ..." (l) - Freedom never simply just happens. It has to be envisioned, considered and, yes, at times given birth through great sacrifice. Before one can reach a destination, the course must be laid out.
  14. "When in the Course of Human Events..." (l) - The Jesus of the manger and the cross is returning as the literal King of Kings and Lord of Lords over this earth and its by then abolished political systems that proved incapable of governing. Talk about a revolution.
  15. The Spread of Freedom: Foretaste for the Entire World? (l) - In recent months we've witnessed a trend away from oppression and toward freedom in some countries. Encouraging though this is, it doesn't compare with what God has in store for the entire world!
  16. What Freedom Means (l) - I asked several of my friends what freedom meant to them. I would like to share with you some of their responses.
  17. You Are Free! (l) - There have been many peoples over the years forced into slavery. Are we still enslaved today? Find out how, why and what can and will be done about it.
  18. A 40-Year-Old Dream With Shades of Eternity (l) - Freedom is a beautiful word. Freedom in Christ is a beautiful experience. For a Christian, freedom cannot be an afterthought, but a value laced throughout our thoughts, words and deeds.
  19. People in the Streets (l) - The quest for freedom; Common people, rising against tyranny and unjust government. It is a picture of people yearning for freedom to live and to love in peace and dignity, without another human depriving them that privilege
  20. Profiles of Faith: James: Half Brother of Jesus (l) - James understood that only by obeying God's laws can mankind experience true freedom- freedom from want, sorrow and suffering, from the degrading and painful consequences of sin. He encourages each of us to be a "doer of the law" (James 4:11).
  21. Some of the Freedoms God Offers Us (l) - Consider the many wonderful freedoms God offers us.
  22. True Freedom (l) - If you were as rich as billionaire Howard Hughes, you would enjoy great freedom. Wouldn't you?
  23. The Eternal Quest for Freedom (l) - Is slavery a thing of the past? Man's time of slavery is not yet over.
  24. Liberte! Egalite! Fraternite! (l) - More than 200 years ago these three French words reverberated through the streets of Paris during the French Revolution. If only every society could truly practice the biblical version of liberty, equality and brotherhood! Yet the time is coming when they will.
  25. Behind the Headlines - A World Without the United States (l) - The prophecies of the Bible concerning the rise of a new end time super power will come to pass.
  26. Mankind's Choice: Freedom or Slavery (l) - Captivity begins with human choice, spirit and character. Discover how we can we freed from spiritual slavery.
Freedom of choice
  1. The Wonderful World Beyond Today! Part 7: The Universe and Beyond (l) - The plans, promises and prophecies of the Bible all lead to one thing -- a potential almost beyond human comprehension! What does God have in store for you?
  2. Suffering: How It Began, How It Will End (l) - Our world is wracked with evil and misery. But why? From where did it originate? Why is it so pervasive? And most importantly, does God plan to do something about it?
  3. Is Liberty a God-Given Right? (l) - Is every individual born with great personal freedom as a gift from our Creator God? It's a topic that most people have not tried to analyze, and it is a little confusing. (This is the first article in a series on the God-given rights of "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.")
  4. Is God a Control Freak? (l) - Is God like a cruel sheriff waiting for us to break His law so He can punish us; or is He more like a caring shepherd who gives us the freedom to choose even to our own hurt?
  5. Meet God (l) - The Bible claims to be the Word of God Himself. This is where He has revealed Himself as the Creator and shown the purpose for His creation.
  6. How Does God Reveal Himself? (l) - If God accepted the challenge of always having to prove His existence, what would it take? Would it have been necessary for Him to personally appear to and perform miracles to every human being ever born?
  7. Everlasting Life Conquers Death (l) - Understanding the meaning of life, death and what follows this physical life can give us comfort and hope in the face of death. It should also have a great impact on the kind of people we are, motivating us to live carefully and make wise choices.
  8. Why Suffering? Where Does It Come From? (l) - Why would God create a world of chaos and evil?
  9. Why a Loving God Allows Suffering (l) - Most people fail to recognize that God doesn't have to directly intervene every time we sin; the spiritual laws He set in motion are self-enforcing, bringing their own punishment when we break them.
  10. Freedom of Choice or Freedom from Suffering? (l) - How can we have true freedom of choice and still gain freedom from suffering?
  11. The Importance of Godly Character (l) - When we face difficult choices, God can see how committed to Him we are. Only when we obey Him under duress is the depth of our character fully evident.
  12. Why Suffering? (l) - If God is infinitely good, and infinitely powerful too, why should evil exist at all? God's purpose is best served by His giving us freedom of choice.
  13. How Does Christ's Suffering Help in Our Suffering? (l) - Why does suffering happen? Why does God allow it? How does the horrible suffering Jesus Christ went through relate to us? And will there be lasting relief?
  14. The Majority: Unknowing, Unaware and Unconcerned (l) - Most people have scant appreciation of the constant dangers that stalk our planet. The presence of God in our lives is our only sure protection.
  15. Seven Reasons Why Jesus Was Born (l) - Why did Jesus have to be born, and to die? Here are seven reasons.
  16. Choosing Your Future (l) - Some people believe in "kismet," or fate. Their death or "time to die" is preset, events were "meant to be," and they are not in control of their own futures. Truly we do not have total control over very many things -- but we do play a huge part in our own futures.
  17. Visions of Judgment: The Coming Ride of the Horsemen of Revelation (l) - Is there "just cause" for nations to interfere in the affairs of other nations?
  18. Predestination: Are You Just a Pawn? (l) - Is every detail of your life already mapped out in advance?Are you just a preprogrammed figure in a cosmic game of chess being moved from square to square by irresistible destiny?
Freedom of religion
  1. Religious Freedom Law Decried (l) - The state of Indiana recently passed the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) to ensure that people operating businesses are not compelled to act against their religious convictions.
  2. Jesus Chris is coming with His Kingdom - Choose life today! (l) - Everyone has a choice--a choice between life and death, good and evil and between God's Kingdom and Satan's.
  3. Current Events & Trends January/February 2023 (l) - An overview of events and conditions around the world featured in the January/February 2023 issue of Beyond Today.
  4. Sept. 11 Aftermath Highlights U.S. Strengths and Weaknesses (l) - America's response to the awful events of September 11 has highlighted both her strengths and weaknesses. Ironically, some of America's greatest strengths are also potentially great weaknesses.
  5. Cartoon Controversy: Is a Clash of Civilizations Inevitable? (l) - European newspapers showing cartoons of Muhammad provoked riots in a number of countries, leading to increasing talk of "a clash of civilizations" between the West and Islam.
  6. World News Review March 2006 (l) - Democracy affords many wonderful benefits, but because it is government by people, it will eventually break down with scandal and self-interest.
  7. Behind the Headlines - A World Without the United States (l) - The prophecies of the Bible concerning the rise of a new end time super power will come to pass.
Friends
  1. A Moving Experience (l) - How can we minimize the stress and maximize our friendships when we move?
  2. A Friend: "The Masterpiece of Nature" (l) - God made us to need friends, and especially to need a relationship with Him.
  3. What Would Jesus Do? Lessons in Friendship (l) - What can we learn from the only Person who has ever lived a perfect life as a human being? How did He interact with His friends?
  4. Betrayed by a Friend (l) - Betrayal is never easy to come to terms with, especially when it comes from those we trust and love. Are we at risk of betraying anyone?
  5. 1,200 Facebook Friends—Really? (l) - Some people seem to collect online friends just to see how big they can make their number. But is that real friendship?
  6. Too Many Friendships Can Make Us Introverted (l) - New research analyzes the ebb and flow of friendships and happiness.
  7. Current Events & Trends - July/August 2022 (l) - An overview of events and conditions around the world featured in the July/August 2022 issue of Beyond Today.
  8. Friends for Excellence (l) - Everyone knows that friends influence us, but can we really choose friends for excellence? Read this article to learn how friendships develop and how you can guide the process.
  9. You Can Pick Your Friends (l) - You must take seriously the personal responsibility of choosing the right friends. The good news is that with these guidelines, you can pick them!
  10. It Does Matter Who Your Friends Are (l) - The Bible tells us that we get to decide whether we'll walk with the wise or flounder with fools. Which will you choose?
  11. You Have a Friend in God (l) - The God of the universe desires a relationship with you!
  12. How to Say No (Without Losing Your Friends) (l) - Sometimes if you don't say no you can end up hurting yourself. The challenge is learning to say no without offending others and losing your friends.
  13. That's What Friends Do (l) - Friendship is often shoved aside in our busy lives. We need to make special effort not to push out those we love.
  14. Just for Youth - Keep a Close Friend Close (l) - How to keep and enhance a close friendship.
  15. Just for Youth: Making Peace (l) - What should you do when friends are at each other's throats?
  16. Circle of Friends (l) - Friendships--how can we build better relationships? Having and being a friend is important to our lives. We learn and become better people because of our friendships.
  17. Just for Youth... It Does Matter Who Your Friends Are (l) - The Bible tells us that we get to decide whether we'll walk with the wise or flounder with fools. Which will you choose?
  18. Rise Above Peer Pressure (l) - Finding true friends and dealing with unwanted pressures are challenges at any age. Where can teenagers turn for help?
  19. Reflections on Loneliness (l) - You can be lonely even in a crowd, but God offers hope for the lonely -- now and for eternity.
  20. Why Can't We Just Get Along? (l) - In a world filled with strife, having good friends can be difficult. What can you do to develop good friendships?
  21. Sticks and Stones May Break My Bones (l) - It seems people just naturally like to talk about people. But does what we say help or harm our relationships?
Friendship
  1. What Would Jesus Do? Lessons in Friendship (l) - What can we learn from the only Person who has ever lived a perfect life as a human being? How did He interact with His friends?
  2. First Impressions: They Count (l) - You never get a second chance to make a first impression. So consider now how to make your first meeting a good one.
  3. 10 Things You Can Say to Make Someone's Day (l) - What do you say when a friend is really hurting? Finding the perfect words is never easy, but here are a few possibilities to get you started.
  4. A Friendship Manual (l) - What do the Proverbs say about friendships?
  5. When a Friend Is Hurting: How You Can Help (l) - Facing difficult times is hard for anyone, but how about when it's a friend who is suffering? What do you do then?
  6. When a Friend Lets You Down (l) - A friend is supposed to be there for you through good times and bad. What can you do to restore a friendship?
  7. Confronting Loneliness (l) - When loneliness hits you -- here's how to deal with it constructively.
  8. Getting to Know Girls (l) - Can any relationship not built on friendship stand the test of time?
  9. Getting to Know Guys (l) - Take time for friendship before committing to a relationship.
  10. How to Make a Good First Impression (l) - You may have heard the warning, "You never get a second chance to make a good first impression." Here's how to avoid mistakes.
  11. When We Offend (l) - How willing are we to accept correction, in whatever form God may choose to send it?
  12. Friendship, Quantified (l) - Close friendships are few and far between, study shows.
  13. The Importance of Right Friendships (l) - People can be so much more effective, so much more balanced and so much wiser as a result of developing and maintaining healthy friendships.
  14. Are You a Friend of God? (l) - In the hours before His death by crucifixion, Jesus made a remarkable statement to His disciples: "No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends"
  15. Current Events & Trends January/February 2020 (l) - An overview of events and conditions around the world featured in the January/February 2020 issue of Beyond Today.
  16. Circle of Friends (l) - Friendships--how can we build better relationships? Having and being a friend is important to our lives. We learn and become better people because of our friendships.
  17. Listening--A Lost Art? (l) - Improving our listening skills can improve our relationships as well.
  18. Without Friends (l) - We all face times when a friend is hard to find. What can we do to remedy this difficult situation?
  19. Calming the Waters (l) - Everyone experiences problems with relationships. What can we do to restore happy, peaceful, respectful ones?
  20. The Friendship Formula (l) - How do you make friends? How do you keep friends? Is there a formula or technique for fostering good friendships? Here are some timeless biblical principles that work.
  21. The Loneliness Trap (l) - Loneliness truly is a common human experience. The earliest pages of the Bible reveal a lonely man and a loving God who said, "It is not good that man should be alone."
  22. Friends Don't Let Friends... (l) - When it comes to friendships, most people think they just happen. But are there any responsibilities in being a friend? Just what is expected of a true friend?
  23. Friendship Gone Wrong (l) - No one likes to think about friendships that come to an end, but sometimes this is the necessary course of action. Here are some points to consider when you face this decision.
  24. A Model Friendship (l) - Rather than a mere accident--the way many friendships seem to begin today--the friendship between David and Jonathan appears to have begun over respect for each other and shared values.
  25. Ending a Friendship (l) - No one likes to end a friendship, but sometimes it has to happen. But when? And how? These are the tough questions. Read this article to discover keys to help you make these important decisions.
  26. World News and Trends - September/October 2006 (l) - An overview of conditions around the world. Sept 2006.
  27. When Friends Disagree (l) - Friendships have their ups and downs, and disagreements can degenerate into misunderstanding, conflict and animosity. What can you do to keep from fracturing your friendships?
  28. Choosing Your Friends (l) - Learn the value of true friendship by being a good friend. "A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity".
  29. Just for Youth - Keep a Close Friend Close (l) - How to keep and enhance a close friendship.
  30. What Are They Thinking of Me? (l) - Making a good first impression is about more than your appearance - it's about giving!
  31. Friendship Quiz (l) - What kind of friend are you? What can you do to be a better friend and to help build better friendships? This quiz can help you gauge your current FQ (friendship quotient) and reinforce some of the keys to better friendships.
  32. Can You Hear Me Now? (l) - Younger people tend to be more in tune with and users of the latest technologies than those who are older. But are we really communicating better?
  33. Just for Youth: Making Peace (l) - What should you do when friends are at each other's throats?
  34. Your Greatest Asset (l) - The ability to make, evaluate and sustain relationships has never been so critically needed.
  35. You Raise Me Up, Because You Are Your Brother's Keeper (l) - Sobering statistics demonstrate how swiftly society is self-destructing. We especially see self-destructive behavior in our teens. Are we to be our "brother's keeper" and help one another?
  36. Why Can't We Just Get Along? (l) - In a world filled with strife, having good friends can be difficult. What can you do to develop good friendships?
Future
  1. Future Visions: The Wonderful World Beyond Today (l) - Will science create a gleaming utopia of peace and happiness for all? Or does a nightmarish world await us? Futurists offer a variety of conflicting visions. But is there a way to foresee what it will really be like in the world beyond today?
  2. The Wonderful World Beyond Today! Part 1: Future Visions (l) - Will science create a gleaming utopia of peace and happiness for all? Or does a nightmarish world await us? Futurists offer a variety of conflicting visions. But is there a way to foresee what it will really be like in the world beyond today?
  3. The World's a Mess: Can You Be Positive? (l) - There is a way to be positive in spite of troubling news.
  4. What's in Your Future? (l) - We're born, we live, we die and then we're history. But when we're young we think about our future!
  5. Chasing the Good Old Days (l) - Reflecting on the "good old days" can bring back warm thoughts and fond memories. But could longing for a lost past diminish the joy of the present and the hope God has in store for your future?
  6. Here's How You Can Be Part of the Greatest Adventure (l) - What motivates you? Does the opportunity for adventure excite you? If so, coming soon is an adventure you won't want to miss. It will pale into insignificance every past exploit or achievement and will completely surpass anything you have ever imagined!
  7. Raising the Global Alarm (l) - The direction of international events in the time ahead of us is vitally important for all people.
  8. Introduction - The Gospel of the Kingdom of God (l) - "The gospel of the Kingdom of God" is the message Jesus Christ instructs His followers to believe. This booklet will help you understand and believe this wonderful good news Jesus Christ announced to humanity!
  9. 2013: What Will It Be Like? (l) - 2013: What Will It Be Like? Where will you be in your life a decade from now?
  10. What Is Your Children's Future? (l) - Is the furture of our children left to chance and circumstance? Their future is in your hands more than you think.

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