As the world teeters on the brink of financial disaster, leaders are calling for a new world order. Why?
The current financial collapse has the West hearing phrases not heard before: “exploding deficits” and “devastating inflation,” with the situation possibly getting “worse than the Great Depression.” In the end, the “magnitude of the debacle” may cause the situation to “fragment disastrously” on a global level.
Former European Parliament presidents attend a plenary session of the European Parliament in the northeastern French city of Strasbourg (Feb. 13, 2007).
Perhaps the most profound statement heard is that “nations will be redefined and their futures fundamentally altered,” uttered by Rupert Murdoch.
As one commentator put it, “We are all in trouble.”
These are sobering times. Uncertainty grips every level of Western civilization.
Families are uncertain whether they will keep their homes. Housing values have plummeted. Headlines of lost jobs are almost daily. Sudden unemployment is knocking on the doors of fathers and mothers with young mouths to feed.
Companies are scrambling to keep solvent, as stocks tumble and opportunities dry up. Many reported near-devastating losses from 2008. Well-known businesses that have thrived for decades are suddenly laying off employees, reporting losses and, in some cases, staring down the barrel of fatal bankruptcy. Icons of Western culture, thought to always exist, may soon be reduced to relics of history.
Financial institutions are caving in. Having already sought funds from their governments, many are in need of more assistance to survive. Some banks are being nationalized to protect the world economy from collapsing.
Governments are racing to assess the economic situation within their countries. Every option is on the table, with many nations passing bills of unprecedented proportion. Unrest is growing, with some expecting protests and riots to break out.
In January 2009, a columnist for the Financial Times painted a bleak future for the West: “This vast reordering of our economic system has only just begun. We shall have to cancel all the self-indulgence of endless welfare spending and cultivate rather more of a work ethic and a sense of self-sufficiency. Expectations must be modified and attitudes altered profoundly. Expect years of negligible growth, permanent high unemployment, declining property prices, higher taxes, crumbling currencies and falling living standards.”
Families, companies, institutions and national governments face tough times. In this interconnected world, as some of the wealthiest nations begin to collapse, others will fall with them.
Many think, A solution that rises above any one nation must be found.
A Call for Action
Presidents and prime ministers race to make sense of this ever-worsening situation, convening summits to resolve the problem. Many conclude it cannot be solved on a family, company or country level. New governmental institutions and procedures that stand above any national government must be put in place to protect the global economy. International leaders call on nations to pull together under intergovernmental institutions, in what is commonly called “a new world order.”
Gordon Brown, prime minister of the United Kingdom and a fiscally minded leader, stated, “As some want, we could close our markets—for capital, financial services, trade and for labour—and therefore reduce the risks of globalization…But that would reduce global growth, deny us the benefits of global trade and confine millions to global poverty.”
“Or we could view the threats and challenges we face today as the difficult birth-pangs of a new global order—and our task now as nothing less than making the transition through a new internationalism to the benefits of an expanding global society—not muddling through as pessimists but making the necessary adjustment to a better future and setting the new rules for this new global order” (BBC).
The Sydney Morning Herald, in its article “Time for a new world order: PM,” reported that Australia’s Prime Minister “Kevin Rudd has denounced the unfettered capitalism of the past three decades and called for a new era of ‘social capitalism’ in which government intervention and regulation feature heavily.”
The EUobserver reported on comments made by German Chancellor Angela Merkel: “Earlier, during a gathering of the world’s business and political leaders at the annual World Economic Forum in Davos…she called for the setting up of an international economic body with powers that would allow it to prevent rather than react to crises.
“New economic principles should be enshrined in ‘a new charter for a global economic order,’ the German chancellor said.
“‘This may even lead to a UN Economic Council, just as the Security Council was created after the Second World War,’ she added.”
Former United States Secretary of State Henry Kissinger wrote, “While American political judgments have often proved controversial, the American prescription for a world financial order has generally been unchallenged. Now disillusionment with the United States’ management of it is widespread.”
“The nadir of the existing international financial system coincides with simultaneous political crises around the globe. Never have so many transformations occurred at the same time in so many different parts of the world and been made globally accessible via instantaneous communication. The alternative to a new international order is chaos.”
“Every major country has attempted to solve its immediate problems essentially on its own and to defer common action to a later, less crisis-driven point. So-called rescue packages have emerged on a piecemeal national basis, generally by substituting seemingly unlimited governmental credit for the domestic credit that produced the debacle in the first place—so far without more than stemming incipient panic.”
“The role of China in a new world order is equally crucial. A relationship that started on both sides as essentially a strategic design to constrain a common adversary has evolved over the decades into a pillar of the international system.”
“An international order can be permanent only if its participants have a share not only in building but also in securing it. In this manner, America and its potential partners have a unique opportunity to transform a moment of crisis into a vision of hope” (International Herald Tribune).
Clearly, such a proposed world order would be economic in nature.
Decades of Calls for a New World Order
Since the early 20th century, mankind has pursued the dream of one world government to solve its problems. Most “solutions” were presented in the context of producing peace and freedom, while eradicating poverty and disease. With injustice and mass suffering evident, thinkers, planners and leaders have, understandably, sought solutions to these horrific, widespread concerns.
A world out of control: Destroyed buildings hit by Israeli air strikes in Beirut, Lebanon.
Unemployed construction workers demonstrate outside the district office of Assembly Speaker Karen Bass, D-Los Angeles, California.
The Pending Home Sales Index, based on contracts signed in Feb., slipped 1.9 to 84.6 percent, according to the National Association of Realtors.
With the end of the Cold War, and problems escalating in the Mideast, U.S. President George H.W. Bush discussed a new era in his September 1990 speech to Congress: “A new partnership of nations has begun, and we stand today at a unique and extraordinary moment. The crisis in the Persian Gulf, as grave as it is, also offers a rare opportunity to move toward an historic period of cooperation. Out of these troubled times, our fifth objective—a new world order—can emerge: A new era—freer from the threat of terror, stronger in the pursuit of justice and more secure in the quest for peace. An era in which the nations of the world, East and West, North and South, can prosper and live in harmony.
“A hundred generations have searched for this elusive path to peace, while a thousand wars raged across the span of human endeavor.
“Today that new world is struggling to be born, a world quite different from the one we’ve known. A world where the rule of law supplants the rule of the jungle. A world in which nations recognize the shared responsibility for freedom and justice. A world where the strong respect the rights of the weak.
“This is the vision that I shared with President Gorbachev in Helsinki. He and other leaders from Europe, the Gulf, and around the world understand that how we manage this crisis today could shape the future for generations to come.”
“Once again, Americans have stepped forward to share a tearful goodbye with their families before leaving for a strange and distant shore. At this very moment, they serve together with Arabs, Europeans, Asians and Africans in defense of principle and the dream of a new world order. That is why they sweat and toil in the sand and the heat and the sun.”
Truly, as President Bush stated, “A hundred generations have searched for the elusive path to peace.”
Nearly 20 years have passed since these statements were made—yet ills and troubles continue to plague mankind.
As early as 1917, U.S. President Woodrow Wilson tried to rally the world in pursuit of peace and toward removing the cause of war. He called for a league of nations to institute “peace without victory.”
On the other hand, the motives for a new world order have not always been noble. The New York Times reported on Jan. 21, 1941, “Foreign Minister Yosuke Matsuoka told the Japanese Diet today that Japan, Germany and Italy certainly would accomplish their goal of a new world order ‘if only given time’…”
In 1999, South Africa’s President Thabo Mbeki stated, “We cannot accept that war, violent conflict and rapine are a permanent condition of existence for us as Africans…We will make our due contribution to the construction of a new world order that will be responsive to the needs of especially the poor of the world.”
Almost a decade later, considering the depth of troubles in South Africa, has any real progress or contribution to a new world order occurred?
Depending on the leader and the context, the motivation for a multi-national order differs. Today’s catalyst for new world order is the economic collapse.
Some nations are reassessing the relations between countries. Many accuse America’s capitalism for the cause of the most recent problems.
In 2005, Russia and China “issued a joint statement on a new world order in the 21st century, setting forth their common stand on major international issues, such as UN reforms, globalization, North-South cooperation, and world economy and trade.
“The statement was signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin and visiting Chinese President Hu Jintao after their talks.
“During their talks, the two leaders discussed ways to further enhance the strategic and cooperative partnership between China and Russia, and exchanged views on major regional and international issues.
“The joint statement said the two countries are determined to strengthen their strategic coordination in international affairs and promote peace, stability and prosperity of the world” (Xinhua news agency).
One cannot deny that powers are shifting.
Insurmountable Difficulties
Why have there been calls down through history for international institutions? The answer is simple. Mankind continues to produce problems and evils, and leaders sincerely look for solutions!
The world is awash in pain and suffering, injustice and corruption, war and conflict. The introduction of the booklet Why Man Cannot Solve His Problems – Unknown Until Now by David C. Pack perhaps sums it up best:
“The world is filled with problems—disease, pollution, poverty, ignorance, religious confusion, war, terrorism, crime, violence, hunger, immorality, slavery, oppression, political upheaval and much more. Why? With the passing of time come more problems, not less. Why? Also, existing problems grow collectively worse instead of better. Why? Why, at every turn, has man bungled and botched all efforts to solve his truly great problems?
“Individually, people have never seemed more incapable of addressing and overcoming their personal problems. As with the world in general, the passing of time finds individuals and families drowning under an ever-worsening sea of decadence and seemingly insurmountable difficulties. More and more seem completely incapable of managing their lives.
“Yes, why?
“Men have created many amazing technological inventions, but they cannot create solutions to their problems. Mankind has harnessed the power of computers to help process vast amounts of information, but human beings cannot correctly process their personal problems. Scientists have discovered much about the size, magnificence and precision of the universe, but they cannot discover the way to peace. Astronomers can find majestic, beautiful new galaxies throughout the universe, but they cannot find a way to preserve the beauty and majesty of earth. Scientists have also unleashed the power of the atom, but they are powerless to unleash answers to life’s greatest questions. Educators have taught millions how to earn a living, but not how to live.
“The well-known presidential historian and columnist Peggy Noonan summarized the complex, jumbled course that has been mankind’s history: ‘In the long ribbon of history, life has been one long stained and tangled mess, full of famine, horror, war and disease. We must have thought we had it better because man had improved. But man doesn’t really “improve,” does he? Man is man. Human nature is human nature; the impulse to destroy coexists with the desire to build and create and make better’ (‘America’s Age of Uncertainty,’ Knight-Ridder, Nov. 9, 2001).”
In search for solutions to man’s great problems, leaders turn to the possibility of a global government.
Conspiracies Abound
The concept of a new world order has also been the subject of much conspiracy over the last few decades. Many believe that there are unseen, unknown groups of power brokers behind the scenes steering the world to a place where these same individuals can lead a new world order. People go to great lengths to supposedly “connect the dots” regarding elements of society, feeling that their evidence points toward a plot by an unknown group to control all nations.
Some feel that this “new world order” will be brought about gradually by various agencies such as the World Bank, International Monetary Fund, the United Nations, etc. Others feel that a military power will force it. Others believe that this will begin through a surveillance program that will slowly take control of the global populace.
What Next?
The fundamental question is: What is next for America, the West and the world?
First, as leaders scramble to solve this financial crisis, institutions may likely be put into place to deal with the world’s economy. While America will continue to be a global player, her power and influence will decrease. Mr. Kissinger stated that this financial collapse was “a major blow to the standing of the United States” (International Herald Tribune).
Decades ago, the United States was the lone superpower, militarily and financially. This meant that the world’s mightiest country had the most say in making fiscal policies. However, times have changed. All experts agree that power and influence is shifting to other nations.
The Bible explains that the United States of America, along with the other primarily English-speaking nations of the West will have the “pride of their power broken” (Lev. 26:19). This financial collapse has, and will continue, to contribute to the decrease of power held by the West.
What about a new world order? The power in the world is shifting and will continue to shift. But the “new world order” that conspiracy theorists are convinced of will not occur.
In the coming few years, the Bible foretells that Europe will increase in power, as will nations in the East. But in the end, after even worse troubles, now on the horizon, a stable, peaceful world will be realized, but not through the efforts of man.
Could a new world order just a handful of years from now produce peace and prosperity for all? Will the ultimate goal verbalized by many world leaders finally occur?
Only time will tell....
Monday, March 9, 2009
Friday, March 6, 2009
U.S. Army To Buy $6 Million Of Riot Equipment - Will The Economic Crisis Lead To Civil Unrest?
The U.S. Army is to invest $6 million in riot equipment, a fact that has furthered fears that troops will be used inside the U.S. in order to quell any civil unrest resulting from the ongoing economic crisis.
The U.S. Army Contracting Agency, based at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, has a post on the Federal Business Opportunities website, requesting the equipment and has received several notices of interest from potential vendors.
The request titled “84–RIOT EQUIPMENT” outlines the need for hard polyethylene Shin and Chest Guards, shock absorbing Forearm Protectors, Interior leg brace supports as well as knee and ankle protectors.
The ACA asks that the equipment be able to “safely withstand a substantial blow… from non-ballistic weapons or flying debris”.
The Solicitation also states:
The associated North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) code for this procurement is 453998 with a small business size standard of $6M. This requirement is a [ Small Business ] set-aside and only qualified offerors may submit bids.
Interested vendors include Irish Brigade inc., manufacturers of hunting and safety gear with facilities located in the heart of Kansas City , Missouri. Federal and Military resource company MCLEARVISION, LLC is another interested party, as is Kentucky based U. S. CAVALRY STORE, INC.
In our article yesterday we highlighted the fact that Urban warfare training drills are taking place across the country as top analysts as well as officials predict a potential “summer of rage” across Europe and America as civil unrest from the economic fallout builds.
Are such drills really for the purpose of preparing troops for foreign combat zones? Undoubtedly - but other factors indicate that the drills may very well also be aimed at preparing troops for dealing with mass civil unrest as the economic crisis worsens.
There’s no question that U.S. authorities have been closely observing riots that have toppled governments in Iceland and Latvia and also threatened to do so in several other European countries. The fact that they have contingency plans in place to deal with such scenarios should they unfold in America cannot be disputed.
Indeed, before a media exposé forced them into a denial, Northcom revealed that one of the duties of at least 20,000 active duty troops that are being placed inside the United States would be dealing with “civil unrest and crowd control”.
The U.S. Army War College in November released a white paper called Known Unknowns: Unconventional ‘Strategic Shocks’ in Defense Strategy Development. The report warned that the military must be prepared for a “violent, strategic dislocation inside the United States,” which could be provoked by “unforeseen economic collapse,” “purposeful domestic resistance,” “pervasive public health emergencies” or “loss of functioning political and legal order.” The “widespread civil violence,” the document said, “would force the defense establishment to reorient priorities in extremis to defend basic domestic order and human security.”
The U.S. Army Contracting Agency, based at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, has a post on the Federal Business Opportunities website, requesting the equipment and has received several notices of interest from potential vendors.
The request titled “84–RIOT EQUIPMENT” outlines the need for hard polyethylene Shin and Chest Guards, shock absorbing Forearm Protectors, Interior leg brace supports as well as knee and ankle protectors.
The ACA asks that the equipment be able to “safely withstand a substantial blow… from non-ballistic weapons or flying debris”.
The Solicitation also states:
The associated North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) code for this procurement is 453998 with a small business size standard of $6M. This requirement is a [ Small Business ] set-aside and only qualified offerors may submit bids.
Interested vendors include Irish Brigade inc., manufacturers of hunting and safety gear with facilities located in the heart of Kansas City , Missouri. Federal and Military resource company MCLEARVISION, LLC is another interested party, as is Kentucky based U. S. CAVALRY STORE, INC.
In our article yesterday we highlighted the fact that Urban warfare training drills are taking place across the country as top analysts as well as officials predict a potential “summer of rage” across Europe and America as civil unrest from the economic fallout builds.
Are such drills really for the purpose of preparing troops for foreign combat zones? Undoubtedly - but other factors indicate that the drills may very well also be aimed at preparing troops for dealing with mass civil unrest as the economic crisis worsens.
There’s no question that U.S. authorities have been closely observing riots that have toppled governments in Iceland and Latvia and also threatened to do so in several other European countries. The fact that they have contingency plans in place to deal with such scenarios should they unfold in America cannot be disputed.
Indeed, before a media exposé forced them into a denial, Northcom revealed that one of the duties of at least 20,000 active duty troops that are being placed inside the United States would be dealing with “civil unrest and crowd control”.
The U.S. Army War College in November released a white paper called Known Unknowns: Unconventional ‘Strategic Shocks’ in Defense Strategy Development. The report warned that the military must be prepared for a “violent, strategic dislocation inside the United States,” which could be provoked by “unforeseen economic collapse,” “purposeful domestic resistance,” “pervasive public health emergencies” or “loss of functioning political and legal order.” The “widespread civil violence,” the document said, “would force the defense establishment to reorient priorities in extremis to defend basic domestic order and human security.”
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Glenn Beck: Be Prepared
February 20, 2009 - 22:00 ET
If you believe this country was founded on divine providence — like our founders did — you believe that freedom was important enough that God got involved personally.
That's why this country was set up in a very specific way. Our rights and liberties come to us from God and we lend them to the government. Washington currently seems to have a different spin on that: government is god.
But, if you believe in the founders' ideals, it makes sense that God would give us an early warning system. That's your gut — don't dismiss it.
Whether it's Washington or the media, people aren't necessarily telling you the truth, because it's a hard truth. Some don't tell you because there are financial ramifications or others just honestly don't believe these things are possible. But they are possible.
Will they happen? I don't know. But I do know the Bush and Obama administrations met last month to war game about a set of coordinated IED attacks. (W H A T???)
Our government thinks it needs to be prepared for the worst-case scenario. Why would it be crazy for you to want the same thing?
You have a right to prepare yourselves. We're entering a time where you need to listen to your gut, ask reasonable questions and calmly and logically prepare yourselves for what's possible.
Remember: The impossible sometimes turns into the reality quicker than you can imagine. Ask anyone who is running a bank or flipping houses.
If you believe this country was founded on divine providence — like our founders did — you believe that freedom was important enough that God got involved personally.
That's why this country was set up in a very specific way. Our rights and liberties come to us from God and we lend them to the government. Washington currently seems to have a different spin on that: government is god.
But, if you believe in the founders' ideals, it makes sense that God would give us an early warning system. That's your gut — don't dismiss it.
Whether it's Washington or the media, people aren't necessarily telling you the truth, because it's a hard truth. Some don't tell you because there are financial ramifications or others just honestly don't believe these things are possible. But they are possible.
Will they happen? I don't know. But I do know the Bush and Obama administrations met last month to war game about a set of coordinated IED attacks. (W H A T???)
Our government thinks it needs to be prepared for the worst-case scenario. Why would it be crazy for you to want the same thing?
You have a right to prepare yourselves. We're entering a time where you need to listen to your gut, ask reasonable questions and calmly and logically prepare yourselves for what's possible.
Remember: The impossible sometimes turns into the reality quicker than you can imagine. Ask anyone who is running a bank or flipping houses.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Endless Partying
Worldwide, Mardi Gras (or Carnival) is known as a time for a “no-holds barred” celebration in the spirit of utter abandonment. It is seen as a time to have fun, to cut loose, to “throw down,” to “party till you drop,” to “let the good times roll.”
On Fat Tuesday, revelers in New Orleans jam the streets with non-stop partying. The atmosphere is charged with drunkenness and unbridled sexual activity and perversion. In the French Quarter, homosexuals have costume contests before audiences of thousands. Women lean over balconies and openly expose themselves to anyone who will give beads to them. The practice of revelers engaging in sex with strangers is common. Bourbon Street is the focus of activity because of the numerous music clubs, strip clubs and bars found there. After the festival ends, city streets are so filthy that the following day is jokingly referred to as “Trash Wednesday,” instead of Ash Wednesday.
Despite Hurricane Katrina’s devastating effects, plans were underway for another celebration. As one resident said, “We’ve got to have this party” (USA Today).
Another said, “We owe it to our ancestors and our children to keep this celebration going. We just can’t stop. This is so important for us” (Reuters).
Is This Real Fun?
In light of its sordid origin, should Mardi Gras still be viewed as harmless fun? Does God allow Christians to cast off all restraint and participate in its festivities—drunkenness, lewdness, public nudity, homosexuality, illicit sex, revelry and brawling—which He calls “the works of the flesh” (Gal. 5:19-21)?
Mardi Gras represents a blend of religion and immorality, steeped in ancient pagan fertility rites. Many of the parades celebrate and honor false gods such as Bacchus and Venus; others promote fornication and drunkenness—conduct that ends marriages, breaks up families and destroys lives! Professing Christians should take heed: Drunkenness, fornication and such reveling are among the kinds of conduct that exclude one from inheriting the kingdom of God (I Cor. 6:9-10).
It is hypocritical for anyone who claims to seek or serve the true God to participate in a festival that originates from paganism and promotes immoral behavior. Not only should Christians not participate in evil, God commands them to avoid even the appearance of evil (I Thes. 5:22). This certainly applies to Mardi Gras.
What about Lent? As noted earlier, the Catholic Church incorporated the 40-day fast that the pagans had been observing and renamed it Lent. This, too, is an unscriptural custom, and should be avoided by anyone striving to obey God. (Read our article “The True Meaning of Lent” to learn more.)
Any festival or religious observance of pagan origin is unacceptable to God, the “Lord” of the Old Testament (Deut. 12:29-32)—the same Being who later became Jesus Christ (I Cor. 10:1-4).
Live the Abundant Life!
Are those who participate in the wanton revelry of Mardi Gras truly happy? After the partying is over, they must return home and face their problems. Mardi Gras is simply a temporary diversion; it does not take away their troubles. And then there are the additional problems that result from foolish and immoral behavior. Remember: For every cause, there is an effect.
True happiness does not come from unrestrained partying, but from focusing on the interests, cares and concerns of others (Phil. 2:4). True love is showing sincere outgoing concern for others, which is accomplished by serving others. Serving other people brings true and lasting happiness.
At Mardi Gras, people focus on fulfilling their own desires, their own fleshly gratification—lusts. They are concerned with their own pleasure—not the needs of others. That is why so many live such miserable lives—because they are focused on themselves, their needs, their wants.
God shows us the true way to abundant living (John 10:10). His Way produces real joy, peace of mind, prosperity, and all the good things of life. That life can be yours! To learn how, read our article “You Can Live the Abundant Life!”
On Fat Tuesday, revelers in New Orleans jam the streets with non-stop partying. The atmosphere is charged with drunkenness and unbridled sexual activity and perversion. In the French Quarter, homosexuals have costume contests before audiences of thousands. Women lean over balconies and openly expose themselves to anyone who will give beads to them. The practice of revelers engaging in sex with strangers is common. Bourbon Street is the focus of activity because of the numerous music clubs, strip clubs and bars found there. After the festival ends, city streets are so filthy that the following day is jokingly referred to as “Trash Wednesday,” instead of Ash Wednesday.
Despite Hurricane Katrina’s devastating effects, plans were underway for another celebration. As one resident said, “We’ve got to have this party” (USA Today).
Another said, “We owe it to our ancestors and our children to keep this celebration going. We just can’t stop. This is so important for us” (Reuters).
Is This Real Fun?
In light of its sordid origin, should Mardi Gras still be viewed as harmless fun? Does God allow Christians to cast off all restraint and participate in its festivities—drunkenness, lewdness, public nudity, homosexuality, illicit sex, revelry and brawling—which He calls “the works of the flesh” (Gal. 5:19-21)?
Mardi Gras represents a blend of religion and immorality, steeped in ancient pagan fertility rites. Many of the parades celebrate and honor false gods such as Bacchus and Venus; others promote fornication and drunkenness—conduct that ends marriages, breaks up families and destroys lives! Professing Christians should take heed: Drunkenness, fornication and such reveling are among the kinds of conduct that exclude one from inheriting the kingdom of God (I Cor. 6:9-10).
It is hypocritical for anyone who claims to seek or serve the true God to participate in a festival that originates from paganism and promotes immoral behavior. Not only should Christians not participate in evil, God commands them to avoid even the appearance of evil (I Thes. 5:22). This certainly applies to Mardi Gras.
What about Lent? As noted earlier, the Catholic Church incorporated the 40-day fast that the pagans had been observing and renamed it Lent. This, too, is an unscriptural custom, and should be avoided by anyone striving to obey God. (Read our article “The True Meaning of Lent” to learn more.)
Any festival or religious observance of pagan origin is unacceptable to God, the “Lord” of the Old Testament (Deut. 12:29-32)—the same Being who later became Jesus Christ (I Cor. 10:1-4).
Live the Abundant Life!
Are those who participate in the wanton revelry of Mardi Gras truly happy? After the partying is over, they must return home and face their problems. Mardi Gras is simply a temporary diversion; it does not take away their troubles. And then there are the additional problems that result from foolish and immoral behavior. Remember: For every cause, there is an effect.
True happiness does not come from unrestrained partying, but from focusing on the interests, cares and concerns of others (Phil. 2:4). True love is showing sincere outgoing concern for others, which is accomplished by serving others. Serving other people brings true and lasting happiness.
At Mardi Gras, people focus on fulfilling their own desires, their own fleshly gratification—lusts. They are concerned with their own pleasure—not the needs of others. That is why so many live such miserable lives—because they are focused on themselves, their needs, their wants.
God shows us the true way to abundant living (John 10:10). His Way produces real joy, peace of mind, prosperity, and all the good things of life. That life can be yours! To learn how, read our article “You Can Live the Abundant Life!”
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
The Foundation of My Faith
It is absolutely vital for believers to have a solid understanding of why they are members of the Christian faith. Millions of people think they are part of the body of Christ, but they have no idea what it really means to be saved. I've known dozens of people who confessed to be Christians for a time, but who later simply wandered away from the flock. It is like their faith in God came with an expiration date.
We tend to view salvation as being a boundless commodity. Jesus warned that it is a finite resource with a limited time offer: “Because strait [is] the gate, and narrow [is] the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it” (Matt. 7:14).
The key reason some people have no grasp of faith is that they never established a meaningful relationship with their Creator. True believers stand firm in both good and bad times because they have a firm foundation for their faith. Carnal Christians will blow away when adversity, comes or even when the Christian experience becomes boring to them.
In June of 2008, I got a first-hand look at the importance of having a good foundation of support. On a Saturday afternoon, severe thunderstorms came roaring through my area with 90 mph gusts. The force of the wind blew down two huge spruce trees in my front yard. After the storm, I was amazed to see that a group of cottonwood trees, which were twice as tall as my spruce trees, had suffered little damage. While surveying the mess, I realized why my spruce trees had fallen and the cottonwoods had remained standing: the trees' root system. Spruces are big and broad, but they have very shallow roots. Cottonwoods endure the wind because they have deep roots. In fact, I later learned that nurseries warn people not to plant cottonwoods too close to houses because their aggressive root systems can get into sewer lines.
There is a mirror reflection of my tree experience in Luke 6:47 “Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like: He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock. But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great.”
Don't Lean on Man
I frequently receive emails from people seeking my support for their particular doctrinal views. They want me to validate their beliefs by agreeing with them. It astounds me that some people base their view of truth on a thumbs-up from someone else. The Bible is the only foundation we should use for our faith.
“This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success” (Josh. 1:8).
One day, I was sorting through a bunch of old teaching tapes I had collected from as far back as the early ‘80s. I pitched many of these tapes in the trash because I know now the people who authored those tapes held to some grievous doctrinal errors. Hobart E. Freeman is one such case. He believed that all sickness was a lie from the devil, and that it was a sin to go a doctor. Despite Freeman's claims of being able to rebuke all illness, he came to sad end in 1984, when he died of bronchial pneumonia and congestive heart failure complicated by an ulcerated gangrenous leg. One report said that 19 members of his church also died from needless neglect of medical conditions.
I didn't learn of Freeman's death until many years later. I had simply lost interest in his teaching because it was in conflict with the Bible. I have found that anyone preaching some new truth is most likely a false prophet. The best teachers are those who stick closely to the Word of God.
Don't Even Trust a Fool
The devil uses every trick in the book to deceive us. I was once searching through the YouTube site, looking at videos on evolution. I found a series of videos by someone named Edward Current, who was defending creationism. After listening to some of the messages, I was amazed at how poorly Ed was doing at defending his cause. About a month later, I was reading through the mountain of email I get each day, and I ran across a note that alerted me to the fact that Mr. Current was an atheist pretending to be believer.
Some of the videos produced by this deceiver have been viewed nearly a million times, so I'm sure thousands of people have watched them and concluded that Christianity is a bunch of nonsense. Because even the fool might be working for Satan, we need to confirm everything with the Word of God.
“It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in princes” ( Psalm 118:8-9).
Firm Foundations
Everyone has their own reasons for placing their trust in the Bible. Some reasons have such strong basic truth, they should be universally applied to the lives of most Christians. Listed below are the top four reasons I believe the Holy Bible is the supreme authority on all matters.
1. Prophecy Fulfillment
Many books claim to be the inspired writing of God. What makes the Holy Bible stand out from the crowd is that it is the only religious document that contains historically verifiable prophecies that have consistently been fulfilled. The Koran makes no attempt at predicting the future.
I'm at a loss to find a book that can be remotely compared to the Bible. Even the best soothsayer can only claim an accuracy rate of less than 4 percent. The writing of Nostradamus is widely acclaimed for predicting the future, but it's all based on smoke and mirrors. The success of his book, Les Propheties, rests on the fact that it is nothing but a collection of vague gibberish. For example:
“The year 1999 seven months from the sky will come the great King of Terror. To resuscitate the great king of the Mongols. Before and after Mars reigns by good luck.” (X.72).
Too much good times, too much of royal goodness, Ones made and unmade, quick, sudden, neglectful: Lightly will he believe falsely of his loyal wife, He put to death through his benevolence. (X 44).
Any predictions that have come to pass that can be attributed to Nostradamus were made so after the event occurred. The only connection is the resolve of people's active imaginations.
The Bible makes clear predictions, and there has never been a case when one of its prophecies has not come to pass. The Good Book has been so successful at foretelling the future, I believe people who scoff at it are making a "Sucker's Bet." They fail to realize that 87 percent of end-time prophecy is already in an advanced state of fulfillment.
The accurate prediction of the rebirth of Israel is Bible prophecy’s most stunning achievement. The Word of God also said that China would rise to be a world power; Europe would form a single government; the world would someday have a globally integrated financial market; and that there would be a diplomatic struggle (which we’re seeing today) over who should control Jerusalem.
There is no need for blind faith in what God has said in His Holy Word. I trust in the Bible because it has proven itself through prophecy.
2. God's Deliverance of the Jewish People
About 150 years ago, the King of Sweden was having personal doubts about the Bible's divine nature. He called for Count Von Zinzendorf, who was the bishop of the Moravian Church, to provide evidence that the Bible is inspired by God. When the Count arrived, the King told him he had set aside 10 hours to be enlightened on this matter. Zinzendorf said that much time would not be necessary because all he needed to do was to say two words. The King, skeptical, asked, “What words might those be?” Count Von Zinzendorf replied, "The Jews."
One of the greatest miracles of God is the preservation of the children of Israel. No other group of people has ever been completely annihilated as a nation and then later reborn. The rebirth of Israel in 1948 is the key indication that we are in the end times.
"Therefore behold the days are coming, says the Lord, that they shall no longer say 'As the Lord lives who brought up the children of Israel from the land of Egypt', but 'As the Lord lives who brought up and lead the descendants of the house of Israel from the north country and from all the countries where I have driven them' (Jer. 16:14-15).
The regathering of Israel is a remarkable task alone, but what makes one have to admit that the hand of God was involved is how the Jews managed to overcome unbelievable persecution. Each of the following nations and tribes has failed in its attempt to destroy the Jews:
Amalekites
Arameans
Assyrians
Babylonians
Canaanites
Edomites
Egyptians
Germany
Hittites
Midianites
Moabites
Persians
Philistines
Romans
Spain
The whole Muslim world
Of course, God is not finished preserving the Jewish people. During the tribulation, Satan will inspire several genocidal attacks against Israel. Anyone reading this article near the end of the tribulation will be able to add a few more names to this list of defeated foes.
3. Testimony of Jesus Christ
The Bible verse, John 3:16, is regarded as the one everyone in the Western world knows: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Being familiar with this passage doesn't make one a believer. Jesus may be a savior, but is he your Savior?
What causes people to fail to connect with Jesus is a failure to realize the importance of making him Lord of our lives. You can’t get a firmer foundation than realizing Jesus is your only hope for eternal life. "For other foundation can no man lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ" (1 Cor. 3:11).
Testimony of Jesus in the Gospel is proof enough of His deity, but the Bible has an added bonus. The Old Testament prophets foretold the coming of the Messiah in great detail. They listed several prophecies that Jesus fulfilled.
He would be a descendant of Abraham (Gen. 12:3; Gen. 22:18).
His tribe would be Judah (Gen. 49:10).
He would be an ancestor of David (2 Sam. 7:12 and 13).
He would be born in the city of Bethlehem (Mic. 5:2).
He would enter Jerusalem on a donkey (Zech. 9:9).
The Lord would lay on Him the iniquity of us all (Isa. 53:5-6).
He would remain silent before his accusers (Isa. 53:7).
He would be considered a criminal and executed with criminals (Isa. 53:12).
He would bear the sin of many (Isa. 53:12).
He would be killed (Isa. 53:8).
His hands and feet would be pierced (Ps. 22:16).
His clothing would be divided up and gambled over (Ps. 22:18).
He would be buried in the tomb of a wealthy man (Isa. 53:9).
His body would not see corruption (Ps. 16:10).
He would rise from the dead (Isa. 53:9-12).
He would ascend into heaven (Ps. 110:1).
4. The Work of the Holy Spirit
My last foundation of faith is the greatest one of all, but it is probably the least understood by most Christians. The Bible tells us that one of the missions of the Holy Spirit is to reveal the nature of God to those who seek knowledge. I know Jesus is Lord because the Holy Spirit revealed this truth to me.
“Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit” (1 Jn. 4:13).
In Matthew 16:16-18, Simon Peter said to Jesus, "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-Jonah: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father who is in heaven. And I also say unto thee that thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it."
It is the function of the Holy Spirit to reveal and confirm that we are a part of the family of God, “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together " (Rom. 8:14-17).
Many people make the error of just assuming that the Holy Spirit is directing them. If you have any doubt about your foundation of faith, seek the Lord's guidance and He will eventually bring you an assurance of salvation and understanding.
“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes; fear the Lord, and depart from evil” (Prov. 3:5-7).
We tend to view salvation as being a boundless commodity. Jesus warned that it is a finite resource with a limited time offer: “Because strait [is] the gate, and narrow [is] the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it” (Matt. 7:14).
The key reason some people have no grasp of faith is that they never established a meaningful relationship with their Creator. True believers stand firm in both good and bad times because they have a firm foundation for their faith. Carnal Christians will blow away when adversity, comes or even when the Christian experience becomes boring to them.
In June of 2008, I got a first-hand look at the importance of having a good foundation of support. On a Saturday afternoon, severe thunderstorms came roaring through my area with 90 mph gusts. The force of the wind blew down two huge spruce trees in my front yard. After the storm, I was amazed to see that a group of cottonwood trees, which were twice as tall as my spruce trees, had suffered little damage. While surveying the mess, I realized why my spruce trees had fallen and the cottonwoods had remained standing: the trees' root system. Spruces are big and broad, but they have very shallow roots. Cottonwoods endure the wind because they have deep roots. In fact, I later learned that nurseries warn people not to plant cottonwoods too close to houses because their aggressive root systems can get into sewer lines.
There is a mirror reflection of my tree experience in Luke 6:47 “Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like: He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock. But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great.”
Don't Lean on Man
I frequently receive emails from people seeking my support for their particular doctrinal views. They want me to validate their beliefs by agreeing with them. It astounds me that some people base their view of truth on a thumbs-up from someone else. The Bible is the only foundation we should use for our faith.
“This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success” (Josh. 1:8).
One day, I was sorting through a bunch of old teaching tapes I had collected from as far back as the early ‘80s. I pitched many of these tapes in the trash because I know now the people who authored those tapes held to some grievous doctrinal errors. Hobart E. Freeman is one such case. He believed that all sickness was a lie from the devil, and that it was a sin to go a doctor. Despite Freeman's claims of being able to rebuke all illness, he came to sad end in 1984, when he died of bronchial pneumonia and congestive heart failure complicated by an ulcerated gangrenous leg. One report said that 19 members of his church also died from needless neglect of medical conditions.
I didn't learn of Freeman's death until many years later. I had simply lost interest in his teaching because it was in conflict with the Bible. I have found that anyone preaching some new truth is most likely a false prophet. The best teachers are those who stick closely to the Word of God.
Don't Even Trust a Fool
The devil uses every trick in the book to deceive us. I was once searching through the YouTube site, looking at videos on evolution. I found a series of videos by someone named Edward Current, who was defending creationism. After listening to some of the messages, I was amazed at how poorly Ed was doing at defending his cause. About a month later, I was reading through the mountain of email I get each day, and I ran across a note that alerted me to the fact that Mr. Current was an atheist pretending to be believer.
Some of the videos produced by this deceiver have been viewed nearly a million times, so I'm sure thousands of people have watched them and concluded that Christianity is a bunch of nonsense. Because even the fool might be working for Satan, we need to confirm everything with the Word of God.
“It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in princes” ( Psalm 118:8-9).
Firm Foundations
Everyone has their own reasons for placing their trust in the Bible. Some reasons have such strong basic truth, they should be universally applied to the lives of most Christians. Listed below are the top four reasons I believe the Holy Bible is the supreme authority on all matters.
1. Prophecy Fulfillment
Many books claim to be the inspired writing of God. What makes the Holy Bible stand out from the crowd is that it is the only religious document that contains historically verifiable prophecies that have consistently been fulfilled. The Koran makes no attempt at predicting the future.
I'm at a loss to find a book that can be remotely compared to the Bible. Even the best soothsayer can only claim an accuracy rate of less than 4 percent. The writing of Nostradamus is widely acclaimed for predicting the future, but it's all based on smoke and mirrors. The success of his book, Les Propheties, rests on the fact that it is nothing but a collection of vague gibberish. For example:
“The year 1999 seven months from the sky will come the great King of Terror. To resuscitate the great king of the Mongols. Before and after Mars reigns by good luck.” (X.72).
Too much good times, too much of royal goodness, Ones made and unmade, quick, sudden, neglectful: Lightly will he believe falsely of his loyal wife, He put to death through his benevolence. (X 44).
Any predictions that have come to pass that can be attributed to Nostradamus were made so after the event occurred. The only connection is the resolve of people's active imaginations.
The Bible makes clear predictions, and there has never been a case when one of its prophecies has not come to pass. The Good Book has been so successful at foretelling the future, I believe people who scoff at it are making a "Sucker's Bet." They fail to realize that 87 percent of end-time prophecy is already in an advanced state of fulfillment.
The accurate prediction of the rebirth of Israel is Bible prophecy’s most stunning achievement. The Word of God also said that China would rise to be a world power; Europe would form a single government; the world would someday have a globally integrated financial market; and that there would be a diplomatic struggle (which we’re seeing today) over who should control Jerusalem.
There is no need for blind faith in what God has said in His Holy Word. I trust in the Bible because it has proven itself through prophecy.
2. God's Deliverance of the Jewish People
About 150 years ago, the King of Sweden was having personal doubts about the Bible's divine nature. He called for Count Von Zinzendorf, who was the bishop of the Moravian Church, to provide evidence that the Bible is inspired by God. When the Count arrived, the King told him he had set aside 10 hours to be enlightened on this matter. Zinzendorf said that much time would not be necessary because all he needed to do was to say two words. The King, skeptical, asked, “What words might those be?” Count Von Zinzendorf replied, "The Jews."
One of the greatest miracles of God is the preservation of the children of Israel. No other group of people has ever been completely annihilated as a nation and then later reborn. The rebirth of Israel in 1948 is the key indication that we are in the end times.
"Therefore behold the days are coming, says the Lord, that they shall no longer say 'As the Lord lives who brought up the children of Israel from the land of Egypt', but 'As the Lord lives who brought up and lead the descendants of the house of Israel from the north country and from all the countries where I have driven them' (Jer. 16:14-15).
The regathering of Israel is a remarkable task alone, but what makes one have to admit that the hand of God was involved is how the Jews managed to overcome unbelievable persecution. Each of the following nations and tribes has failed in its attempt to destroy the Jews:
Amalekites
Arameans
Assyrians
Babylonians
Canaanites
Edomites
Egyptians
Germany
Hittites
Midianites
Moabites
Persians
Philistines
Romans
Spain
The whole Muslim world
Of course, God is not finished preserving the Jewish people. During the tribulation, Satan will inspire several genocidal attacks against Israel. Anyone reading this article near the end of the tribulation will be able to add a few more names to this list of defeated foes.
3. Testimony of Jesus Christ
The Bible verse, John 3:16, is regarded as the one everyone in the Western world knows: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Being familiar with this passage doesn't make one a believer. Jesus may be a savior, but is he your Savior?
What causes people to fail to connect with Jesus is a failure to realize the importance of making him Lord of our lives. You can’t get a firmer foundation than realizing Jesus is your only hope for eternal life. "For other foundation can no man lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ" (1 Cor. 3:11).
Testimony of Jesus in the Gospel is proof enough of His deity, but the Bible has an added bonus. The Old Testament prophets foretold the coming of the Messiah in great detail. They listed several prophecies that Jesus fulfilled.
He would be a descendant of Abraham (Gen. 12:3; Gen. 22:18).
His tribe would be Judah (Gen. 49:10).
He would be an ancestor of David (2 Sam. 7:12 and 13).
He would be born in the city of Bethlehem (Mic. 5:2).
He would enter Jerusalem on a donkey (Zech. 9:9).
The Lord would lay on Him the iniquity of us all (Isa. 53:5-6).
He would remain silent before his accusers (Isa. 53:7).
He would be considered a criminal and executed with criminals (Isa. 53:12).
He would bear the sin of many (Isa. 53:12).
He would be killed (Isa. 53:8).
His hands and feet would be pierced (Ps. 22:16).
His clothing would be divided up and gambled over (Ps. 22:18).
He would be buried in the tomb of a wealthy man (Isa. 53:9).
His body would not see corruption (Ps. 16:10).
He would rise from the dead (Isa. 53:9-12).
He would ascend into heaven (Ps. 110:1).
4. The Work of the Holy Spirit
My last foundation of faith is the greatest one of all, but it is probably the least understood by most Christians. The Bible tells us that one of the missions of the Holy Spirit is to reveal the nature of God to those who seek knowledge. I know Jesus is Lord because the Holy Spirit revealed this truth to me.
“Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit” (1 Jn. 4:13).
In Matthew 16:16-18, Simon Peter said to Jesus, "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-Jonah: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father who is in heaven. And I also say unto thee that thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it."
It is the function of the Holy Spirit to reveal and confirm that we are a part of the family of God, “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together " (Rom. 8:14-17).
Many people make the error of just assuming that the Holy Spirit is directing them. If you have any doubt about your foundation of faith, seek the Lord's guidance and He will eventually bring you an assurance of salvation and understanding.
“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes; fear the Lord, and depart from evil” (Prov. 3:5-7).
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