Nations don’t die all at once. Various factors contribute over time. We are witnessing the decline of a great power, America, long blessed by God as an exceptional nation and model for others. People around the world are watching this year’s election. They know it will impact their future.
by Darris McNeely
Articles
10 Lawlessness Will Abound Holding Fast as the Moral Fabric Unravels
The Bible warned that the last days would be marked by an increasing disregard for law and morality. What must you do as it all falls apart? by Jim
Tuck
13 Persecuted for Righteousness
The legacy of the people of God’s Church in facing religious persecution has been one of deep faith and spiritual endurance. But what if the time comes when you are confronted with that? How will you react? by John LaBissoniere
6
18 The Last Best Hope of Earth
Many lament how far the United States has fallen from its early aspirations and fear its soon-coming demise—of losing what Abraham Lincoln called “the last best hope of earth.” But America was never that. The true last best hope is yet ahead. by Tom Robinson
20 How to Confront and Defeat Fear and Anxiety
With God’s great help we can perform rationally and calmly in anxious situations and win every battle against fear and anxiety. by John LaBissoniere
22 Scientific Discoveries Support Biblical Perspective by Mario Seiglie & Tom Robinson
24 Eight Core Biblical Values to Teach Your Children
Parents are to help their kids stay the right course through an aimless and corrupt world. Here are some key areas to focus on. by Becky Sweat
30 Questions & Answers
Can a Christian suffer depression?
Columns
4 Editorial
5 Letters From Our Readers
16 Current Events & Trends
A critical eye on current world conditions from a biblical worldview.
28 Follow Me . . . Becoming Clothed With Humility
There is a great spiritual gulf between the devil’s corrupt way of pride and Jesus Christ’s example of humbling Himself. How do we follow the path Jesus set for us? by Robin Webber
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Council of Elders: Scott Ashley, Jorge de Campos, Aaron Dean, Dan Dowd, John Elliott, Victor Kubik, Len Martin, Darris McNeely, Tim Pebworth (chairman), Mario Seiglie, Rex Sexton, Paul Wasilkoff
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On the Edge of Great Change—Where to Turn?
As the months are counting down to the 2024 presidential election in the United States, much hangs in the balance. Besides the legal wrangling in the run up, including the unprecedented development of a state trial in a local court pronouncing one candidate guilty of crimes (though that verdict will certainly be appealed), serious issues are on the table pointing to vastly different directions for the country. Many see the outcome as a matter of national survival—and of major impact on the entire world.
Already, everything everywhere seems at the edge of a sea change. Regional wars in Eastern Europe and the Middle East, so-called proxy wars between global powers Russia, the United States, Israel and Iran, threaten much wider consequences. Amid increasing division between ultraliberal and conservative factions around the world, 64 nations are holding national elections this year, not to mention leadership changes following the Iranian president’s death and a general election called for in the United Kingdom early in July.
Where will all this lead? Will the world move in the direction of more government and even global control at the hands of elites, or will a more populist, nationalist movement advance, as people see their freedoms eroding?
In the United States, differences in philosophy and approach between the likely presidential candidates have never been starker. Some predict a return to peace, economic stability and energy independence with one candidate, while those opposing fear he’ll upend the rules-based world order. Supporters of the other speak of preserving our institutions, yet those against predict ongoing war, internal strife, economic downturns and border insecurity.
The United States’ economy and power have been a “backbone” for the world order for decades. But the country is suffering from internal decay that will lead to its downfall, just as internal decay has written the eulogy of many world-leading powers throughout history.
Is it too late for America? Has it grown too polarized to ever unite again? Has its downward spiral into depravity so corrupted the populace that it cannot return to the basic principles of family and morality underpinning every successful nation?
Time will tell, but no matter which candidate emerges as president in the November elections, it’s likely that widespread refusal to accept the election outcome, with possible violence, will lead to continued stalemate, confusion, and inability to deal with internal or international problems. In the face of an unsupported leadership and divided
worldview, the nation will eventually fall. Jesus Christ said that a house or kingdom divided against itself cannot stand— that it will fall (Matthew 12:25; Mark 3:25; Luke 11:17).
And when America falls, the rest of the world will be severely impacted—the global economy relying so heavily on the United States. What will happen with America’s decline? The Bible provides the answer, revealing the rise of a geopolitical tyranny described in Revelation as “the beast” in partnership with a great false religious power.
The future without America as a world leader is unknown, but dark. Yet we should not fret, as all is in God’s hands. The Bible reveals that when a nation departs from God, blessings He’s given will be taken away. America will have itself, especially its leaders, to blame for the disaster it will bring on itself and the world. “The leaders of this people cause them to err, and those who are led by them are destroyed” (Isaiah 9:16).
Of course, whether they remain in power or not is up to God, as “He removes kings and raises up kings” (Daniel 2:21). The next U.S. president will be according to what He decides. Yet it should be realized that the leadership of this world is not the leadership God ultimately desires for mankind.
Thankfully, in God’s great plan, Jesus Christ will return to save this world from itself, including its misguided leaders and influential elites. (You can read more about that wonderful age yet to come in “The Last Best Hope of Earth” beginning on page 18.)
In the time of Christ’s rule, leaders under Him will be those who have become like Him. They will rule with humility, a true attitude of service, watching out and caring for the well-being of all mankind. They will lovingly teach the way of God, as expressed by His commandments and principles of life—these given to mankind for our good (Deuteronomy 10:13). And the world will then know peace, harmony and abundance in a way never experienced in history.
As this magazine has long taught, in accordance with the Bible, put your trust in God, not human rulers (Psalm 146:3). Jesus Christ is the only Savior of this world, in both a physical and spiritual sense. In these uncertain days, the time is now to turn to God and start living His way. That is where hope, the future and eternity lie.
Read the articles in this magazine with this overriding perspective, looking to God’s Word for hope, purpose and certainty in your future.
Rick Shabi, President United Church of God
Is This How We Live Forever?
What Tech Doesn’t Fathom About the Spirit of the Human Mind
“Why You Don’t Have an Immortal Soul” I read your article with great interest. While pondering it, I wonder if it comports with Luke 16:19-31, where Jesus described the plight between the rich man and Lazarus after they both died? Similarly, Revelation 6:9-11 describes the cry of the martyrs. I am looking for answers, so please do not think I am being argumentative.
From the Internet
Great questions! For lack of space, we’ll direct you to our short study guide The Truth About the Rich Man and Lazarus, where we cover that parable and its interpretation in depth. And our study guide Heaven & Hell: What Does the Bible Really Teach? addresses the Revelation passage in a sidebar titled “Do Some Bible Verses Teach We Have an Immortal Soul?” All this is available at ucg.org/ja24 . Thanks again for the questions!
The entire topics covered under the issue of March-April 2024 are exciting, and more particularly emphasis should be made on the article “Teen Mental Health: Light at the End of the Tunnel.” It explains thoroughly how vexingly the present teenagers are addicted to and under mental agony. Thank you!
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Thank you for the March-April issue. It is very inspiring. May you continue preaching the truth of God’s Word.
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More letters about our magazine and other free resources
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The cover article in our March-April 2024 issue explored the tech industry’s race for immortality through AI and microchip implants, and the key ingredient that’s missing from those plans: the human spirit.
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Proofreading error in “Human Nature: What You Need to Know” from the MayJune issue
I was reading the article in the May-June edition of Beyond Today magazine on human nature. On page 11, there’s a scripture misquote for Ephesians 2:2. It’s not the “sons of obedience,” but the “sons of disobedience.” Just wanted to inform you of that. We have to be very careful with quotes from Scripture, especially in today’s society. It’s a very good article. First time reading your magazine.
Much thanks to you and some others for pointing out the mistake. It’s been corrected online. Though we sometimes find small errors after publishing, one like this is lamentable. It shows how we sometimes see in reading text what we think it’s supposed to say rather than what it does. And it serves to keep us humble.
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The Global Impact of the
U.S. Election
Nations don’t die all at once. Various factors contribute over time—cultural shifts, economic challenges, political instability, external pressures. We are witnessing the decline of a great power, America, long blessed by God as an exceptional nation and model for others. People around the world are watching this year’s election. They know it will impact their future.
by Darris McNeely
The 2024 American presidential election will determine the outcome of the current war involving the United States and key nations in the world. This war is bigger than the Cold War with the Soviet Union of the past. It is potentially the biggest world war since the one that ended in 1945. This global war, wherein America’s preeminent role in world affairs is being challenged by many nations, will determine whether America remains the leader of the free world.
You might respond that American troops are not fighting in Europe. You could also point out that America has not sent its armies to the current Israeli-Hamas war in Gaza, and that no Chinese planes or ships are engaged in direct struggles with U.S. forces. But there is a world war occurring right now nevertheless, and the implications for each of us are vital to understanding the next steps in world affairs.
For nearly 80 years the world has experienced the Pax Americana, a period of relative peace and stability guaranteed by U.S. military, economic and political power. While there have been wars and skirmishes, a repeat of the world wars of the first half of the 20th century has been avoided. The Cold War ended with the collapse of the Soviet Union in late 1991. The American-led peace has fostered an unprecedented era of global economic growth and development.
Most of us do not think enough about what the United States has meant to the world order. We should. For now the nation faces an alliance of hostile forces both abroad and within as well as its own series of missteps, presenting the most dangerous moment of this generation. At the center of it now is the outcome of the November 2024 presidential election.
Biden vs. Trump
Barring any unforeseen change, the 2024 election will be a rematch of the 2020 election—when Democratic Party candidate Joe Biden became president
in place of the former Republican president Donald Trump.
Both candidates express deep scorn for one another. President Trump declined to attend Mr. Biden’s inaugural ceremony in late January 2021. The situation was especially bitter for President Trump, as he and many other Americans questioned the results of the election, and he was impeached by congressional Democrats along with a few Republicans for the second time, this time claiming he led an insurrection at the Capitol on Jan. 6, a position the country is divided over.
Later, various criminal and civil charges were levied against Donald Trump, ranging from election tam-
Editors’ note: We at Beyond Today do not endorse any political party or candidate but strive to analyze major news of our day through a biblical worldview.
and have kept him off the campaign trail while draining his finances. Has that been the intent, as many believe? What would that bode for the nation going forward? In any case, contributions to his campaign increased after his guilty verdict and his polling numbers remain high.
Of course, many also oppose him, to such a degree that there are concerns over civil strife if he wins. Yet there’s also a sizable group that does not like him but fears that another four years of the current administration would be, as
This global war, wherein America’s preeminent role in world affairs is being challenged by many nations, will determine whether America remains the leader of the free world.
pering to campaign finance fraud to overstating real estate values to illegal possession of classified documents—all disputed. The timing and nature of these charges have raised much discussion and questions about unequal application of justice and lawfare against political opponents. A special counsel assigned by the Justice Department under Biden to investigate his own appropriation and storing of classified documents found that law was violated but recommended against prosecution.
The New York trial that declared Trump guilty of felonies, championed by the Biden administration, the mainstream media and a large part of the country, is looked on by the other large part of the country as legal artifice and miscarriage of justice. This verdict will be appealed.
The various allegations and trials against Trump paint him as a criminal
the former U.S. attorney general stated, national suicide, alarmed over worsening economic strain and escalating cultural and political upheaval that has already fundamentally changed the national character.
Societal destruction and border collapse
The current administration implemented measures enabling the LGBTQ sexual revolution to be embedded into schools from elementary though college. State social services have been empowered to remove children from parents who try to prevent a child from going trans. Promotion of the LGBTQ agenda has intruded into every major aspect of culture, the problem escalating from pernicious sin into an attack on the essence of human existence. People everywhere are intimidated into accepting diabolical evil as something normal and good.
The enemies of America see this cultural shift to a woke progressive agenda as a weakness to be exploited. Russia, China and Iran, called an axis of evil and an axis of ill-will, look at this one issue alone as a weakness encouraging them to promote and plan disruption of America’s world status. How, they reason, can such a morally depraved nation be taken as a serious force that can endure long in its dominant position? When Iran’s mullah leaders call America “the Great Satan,” they demonstrate their total disdain for the culture.
And besides internal rot, the gates have been flung open to external invasion. It’s been reported that more than 10 million illegal immigrants, many of them military-age males, have streamed across America’s southern border in the last four years—an unprecedented national crisis. It’s common knowledge that many who have crossed have ties to terrorism. Some fear that cells of such operatives are being placed in strategic locations to be activated in an asymmetric assault that could disrupt key infrastructure elements of the nation, such as the power grid and water and food supplies. The Hamas attacks in Israel of Oct. 7, 2023 could be replicated in the United States.
War in Europe and other threats abroad
The outcome of this year’s election could determine the future of American involvement in current conflicts. Since February 2022, the Ukrainians have been fighting back the invasion of Russian forces bent on subjugating the nation and returning it to the Russian fold. It looms as an existential threat to Europe. If Russia wins, and well it might, no nation in Europe is safe. The NATO alliance, which has kept
and funneling money to profiteers and other bad actors. It’s no secret Donald Trump has shown faint support for Ukraine and Europe in particular. He has long been a critic of Europe not shouldering its portion of defense costs. If he again becomes president, the era of an American blank check for the Europeans’ defenses is ending. They are on their own. Already Germany and France have increased their defense budgets.
For now the nation faces an alliance of hostile forces both abroad and within as well as its own series of missteps. At the center of it now is the outcome of the November 2024 presidential election.
A country is not a sovereign state if it cannot secure its borders. When national policy removes this key safeguard of national integrity and identity, it signals weakness and lack of resolve to other nations. The damage done by this influx of illegals may well be impossible to turn back regardless of who wins the election. Irreparable damage may already have been done.
the peace in Europe since 1945, could crumble.
America has supplied Ukraine with military weapons and hardware to carry on this proxy war for others. But America’s financial and military support is cracking. Congressional support has kept it trickling in, though many see it as draining U.S. resources
In 2021 Biden ordered the shocking and discreditable U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, allowing the regressive Taliban to regain control. This sent clear signals that America was not a reliable strategic partner, emboldening Putin to go into Ukraine. When criminals see law enforcement pull back from neighborhoods, they see easy prey. The same happens on the world scene. That brings us to another area of conflict. When and how will China move to take over Taiwan— or repatriate its people into mainland China, as Communist Chinese leaders describe it? Some experts say it will not happen before 2027. But others say it is imminent, with the U.S. election in view. Jesus warned of not just wars in the last days but “rumors of wars,” with still some time before the end (Matthew 24:6). We don’t know how these things will pan out.
Some have speculated that China might impose a blockade on Taiwan, cutting off inbound and outbound shipping, strangling the nation. How would America react to honor its commitment to the defense of Taiwan? If this occurred in the term of the next president, what would he do as commander
Matt Hernandez
in chief? It’s a question that hangs over the coming election. In the real world, leadership matters. Strength matters. When the strong grow tired and weak, lacking resolve, other powers fill the vacuum.
Moral breakdown leading to anguish
The prophet Isaiah spoke of the nation of Judah as being “sick . . . From the sole of the foot even to the head, there is no soundness in it, but wounds and bruises and putrefying sores; they have not been closed or bound up, or soothed with ointment” (Isaiah 1:5-6). This describes America now, languishing in moral sickness leading to other problems, from the common people up through the presidency of the nation and other government leaders.
In post-Covid America, reckless behavior is epidemic: “Americans gambled a record $66.5 billion in 2023. Compared with 2019, there has been an 18% increase in fatal accidents involving alcohol and a 17% increase in those involving speeding. Over 500 Americans are dying every day from alcohol-related deaths, a 30% increase. Sexually transmitted diseases are rising across the nation, too” (“Four Years Later, Covid Isn’t Done With Us,” The Wall Street Journal, March 8, 2024).
Anxiety and depression are increasing: “Rates of depression and anxiety in the United States—fairly stable in the 2000s—rose by more than 50 percent in many studies from 2010 to 2019. The suicide rate rose 48 percent for adolescents ages 10 to 19. For girls ages 10 to 14, it rose 131 percent” (“The Terrible Costs of Phone-Based Childhood,” The Atlantic, March 13, 2024).
Meanwhile, in recent years the number of U.S. drug overdose deaths has skyrocketed to more than 100,000 annually—much due to dangerous drugs smuggled over the porous southern border. The list of problems, which could go much further, illustrates what we can see happening around us every day. America is coming apart one stitch
What can you as a disciple of Jesus Christ do? In these times, and even worse times to come, do not be terrified. Have settled hearts and clear thinking, which promote patience.
at a time, and the world is noticing.
Other nations see a country that once led the world being unable to lead itself out of a deepening pit of problems. Despite the wealth, the power, the outward bravado of moralistic posturing, the nations are watching America. They see the problems and rightly ask, What does the future hold? They entertain themselves by watching the U.S. political circus, but within they know there are problems signaling monumental change. And these problems are spreading out to affect them as well.
The coming presidential election in America will not solve such deep problems. Neither of the main candidates can articulate a vision to lead the people to the outcome God ultimately desires for everyone.
What can you do?
We asked this question in the previous issue of Beyond Today. To add to that article, you can rouse yourself from a sense of complacency and awake with a sense of urgency. We live in troubled times, and we are closer to the markers Jesus said would herald the end of this age and the dawn of His return with the Kingdom of God. Let that be a wonderful source of comfort and hope as world conditions worsen. (To learn more, be sure to read “The Last Best Hope of Earth” beginning on page 18.)
Jesus explained of the time leading up to His return: “‘. . . But when you hear of wars and commotions, do not be terrified; for these things must come
dive deeper
to pass first, but the end will not come immediately.’ Then He said to them, ‘Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be great earthquakes in various places, and famines and pestilences; and there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven’” (Luke 21:9-11).
What can you as a disciple of Jesus Christ do? In these times, and even worse times to come, do not be terrified. He went on to encourage them to have settled hearts and clear thinking, which promote patience (verses 14-19).
Turn your fascination and interest in American politics to a functional reality. America matters in the world, but the time is rapidly approaching when America’s sins will devour her vitality and promise. God will bring a judgment. A different world, with a new yet old power, will arise. It is not pleasant to consider. Yet Bible prophecy shows it is coming. America’s time of supremacy is coming to a close. Prepare yourself by understanding what the Bible says about this moment.
While it may be too late for America to reverse course no matter which candidate wins, it’s not too late for you. Turn to God. Repent of your sins. Focus on the coming rule of Jesus Christ over the world, the only One who can lead all nations into a better world without pain and uncertainty and evil. (Again, read “The Last Best Hope of Earth” in this issue, along with our editorial about where to turn on page 4.)
With Christ’s help, you can endure. BT
Many see America sinking fast and wonder if it’s too far gone. To help you better understand what’s happening, watch our video presentation “Is It Too Late for America?” And be sure to also request or download our free study guide The United States and Britain in Bible Prophecy. Scan the code or visit ucg.org/ja24 to find them both.
lawlessness abound ‘‘ ’’ Will
Holding Fast as the Moral Fabric Unravels
The Bible warned that the last days would be marked by an increasing disregard for law and morality. A look at our society at all levels, including those who claim to be Christian, fits that description all too well. What must you do as it all falls apart?
by Jim Tuck
The fabric of our society seems to be unraveling at an alarming pace. From the corridors of power to neighborhood streets, lawlessness is rampant. Moral decay is everywhere, manifested in various forms, including rising crime, failure to prosecute offenders, the release of criminals, and the erosion of traditional values. For a civilized populace to continue to exist, it must rely on upholding laws and regulations regarding human conduct and the protection of individual rights. Otherwise, all will devolve into chaos.
Nearly 2,000 years ago, Jesus Christ warned in a prophecy of world events preceding His return that “lawlessness” would abound (Matthew 24:12). Is the increasing corruption and violation of law and morality in our times a sign of the end of this age? It well fits what we see happening more and more. It’s even evident among those who claim to be Jesus’ followers. What are you to do as society’s foundations crumble?
Crime out of control
Murders, rapes, robberies, riots and assaults—looking through crime statistics is chilling when you think about each number representing a victim. Each one is a real person—a wife, a husband, a child, a grandparent. The offenders disregard the laws on the books intended to protect people. And they’re increasingly unrestrained—by authorities and their own sense of right and wrong.
Instead of holding criminals accountable for their actions, we see leniency and even encouragement of lawlessness, such as many seeking to defund or dismantle the police. Many police officers have been so frustrated with the animosity toward law enforcement that they have resigned, retired or changed careers. Open border policies not only undermine the integrity of national immigration systems but also pose threats to public safety, as many with malicious intent are admitted in.
We must be vigilant in upholding the principles of justice, righteousness and truth in our own lives and spheres of influence.
The increase in violence and crime is deeply troubling. From senseless acts of violence on our streets, like randomly punching strangers in the face, to crime syndicates and drug cartels operating with impunity, it seems that law and order have taken a back seat to political correctness and social justice agendas. The lead-up to the last U.S. presidential election saw violent riots, marching in the streets, public buildings burned, injuries and murders. What will the next election bring?
With moral breakdown, it’s becoming more common for people to vent their anger on others, as in road rage incidents. News reports give the awful details of murders in homes, schools and workplaces. We could go on ad infinitum.
It almost seems like the world before Noah entered the ark, when “the earth was filled with violence” (Genesis 6:11).
Lying is the way of the world
Furthermore, we are witnessing a disturbing trend of political lying and corruption in government, academia, science and Big Tech. The truth is being suppressed and distorted to serve political agendas, and those who dare to speak out are often silenced or marginalized. This erosion of truth and integrity undermines the foundations of our society.
Lying is so common now. Whom can you trust? Media pundits and government officials engage in a constant stream of gaslighting—a form of psychological abuse and manipulation wherein people are deliberately and systematically fed false information to get them to question their sanity, memory or perception of reality. How can it be that America’s head of Homeland Security has repeatedly testified before Congress that the border between the United States and Mexico is secure when it clearly has not been? The mainstream media had no pushback against this narrative until only recently. Everything must be “fact checked”—but those who claim to be fact checkers are themselves often part of the gaslighting, though at times unwittingly, having embraced a false narrative themselves.
International relations are as corrupt as ever. Duplicity and bribery are a large part of the politics between the nations, with diplomats sitting around conference tables lying to one another. Nations make compacts with each other only to break them when it’s to their advantage.
God’s law commands honesty and integrity. But all are in rebellion. “‘And like their bow they have bent their tongues for lies. They are not valiant for the truth on the earth. For they proceed from evil to evil, and they do not know Me,’ says the Lord” (Jeremiah 9:3). Instead, they succumb to the influence of Satan the devil, the father of lies (John 8:44).
All in society must come to repent of their evil ways— from presidents, legislatures and the mass media down to the grassroots of the common man. No true servant of Jesus Christ should want to be a part of the corruption of this world.
Revelation 21:8 warns us that “all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.”
A society that has lost its moral compass
There is a growing sense in society that something is dramatically wrong. In America, it’s evident that the Constitution is not being upheld, with those who stand by it being ridiculed. It’s increasingly felt that the laws of the land, which have helped ensure peace and safety, are being disregarded by the nation’s leaders. Worse still, people see these being turned upside down. In addition to political corruption, we are seeing a rise in what can only be described as “lawfare” against political opponents. The weaponization of the legal system to target and silence dissent is antithetical to the principles of justice and fairness. Elections are being compromised through collusion, bribery and blackmail, and foreign interests are exerting undue influence on government leaders.
Moreover, national governments everywhere are essentially stealing on a massive scale. Monetary policies devalue the currency and rob hardworking citizens of their wealth. The financial mismanagement only serves to exacerbate the economic inequalities already plaguing society.
But perhaps most troubling of all is the moral decay we see all around us. Abortion, the LGBTQ agenda and the erosion of traditional family values are symptoms of a society that has lost its moral compass. Even churches, which should be promoting light and truth, are increasingly accepting of practices contrary to God’s Word.
How can this be so? And where is this heading?
Many false prophets
Note that when Jesus mentioned the rise of lawlessness, it was in this context: “Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold” (Matthew 24:11-12). Thus, many false teachers would come along to corrupt the teachings of Scripture.
In 2 Thessalonians 2:7, the apostle Paul refers to “the mystery of lawlessness,” explaining it would exist in the end of the age but was already at work. This is essentially a negation of God’s law for one’s personal determination of right and wrong. Ultimately, the great lie is that you don’t need God and His law. You can be your own god. The world has bought into this idea, even most people professing to follow Christ. Indeed, it is at heart a false religious system.
Over time, the original Church that Jesus founded was pushed to the fringes as a powerful false Christianity rose up
Suffering the Lawlessness of Terror
It’s shocking to see people across U.S. campuses and throughout Western nations chanting in praise of the actions of the terror group Hamas and against the Jewish people and Israel. On Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas terrorists attacked Israel on one of its holiest days of the year, massacring hundreds of men, women and children. Rapes, murders, mutilations and beheadings were part of this gruesome assault. Around 1,200 people were murdered during the unprecedented attack, mostly civilians slaughtered in their homes or at an outdoor music festival, as well as soldiers in bases near the border. More than 240 people, including the elderly, women and children, were abducted to Gaza, in the bloodiest and most deadly attack in Israeli history.
People around the world have moved on from those dreadful times, but rest assured that the parents of children counted among those held hostage have not. In a shocking account in The Guardian, one mother, Renana Jacob, tearfully relates that Oct. 7 “was a regular Saturday morning—a day for the kids to sleep in, relax and play . . . She was out and about, visiting a friend on a nearby kibbutz, when she heard gunshots. She phoned home to make sure everything was OK. It wasn’t.
“Her two boys, 16-year-old Or and 12-yearold Yagel, had locked themselves in the safe room in their house to protect themselves from attack. ‘The last call I got was from my youngest,’ she says. ‘I could hear the terrorists walking in. He was whispering: “They’re coming in, they’re coming in,” and I told him to be quiet. The last thing I heard was him crying, begging them: “Please don’t take me. I’m too young. You can’t take me, I’m too young.”’ He and his brother were kidnapped. ‘I don’t know where they are; I’ve heard nothing. I don’t know whether they are alive. I hope they’re in a tunnel, because if they’re not in a tunnel, it’s even worse’” (“The Mothers Whose Children Are Held Hostage by Hamas,” The Guardian, Nov. 9, 2023).
We long for the day when such lawless evil will be brought to an end.
as the more visible church and came to dominate the Western nations. It rejected various elements of Jesus’ teachings but still retained certain moral principles. In more modern times, even this traditional Christianity has been increasingly marginalized by a more liberal view of the Bible—with distinction from the world growing ever fainter.
And of course the world has had its own more secular and even antireligious prophets who have become proselytizers in their own right, pushing their errant worldviews on others who are less and less resistant. The descent from a semblance of biblical morality has in recent decades become quite steep—to where now it is plummeting. And the effects have been dire.
Persevering through perilous times
In 2 Timothy 3, Paul warns of dangerous times to come in the last days, the period preceding Jesus’ return: “But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!” (verses 1-5). This increasingly describes our time.
People would turn inward; they would care only about the self. And as Jesus said, their love—to God, His truth, His people—would “grow cold” (Matthew 24:12). This is a warning even to believers. Whether
it’s because of the deluding influence of the false preachers, the political circus, the false news of media outlets or just going with the flow of the culture, the zeal and devotion of many will erode.
What, then, are you to do? Jesus in the very next verse stated, “But he who endures to the end shall be saved” (verse 13).
We are called to stand firm in the face of lawlessness and moral decay. We must be vigilant in upholding the principles of justice, righteousness and truth in our own lives and spheres of influence. We must speak out against corruption and immorality, supporting the message of God’s Church in calling the world to repentance.
If we want to be on the winning side of history and be given eternal life, we will be different. We will be set apart or sanctified by the truth. As 2 Corinthians 6:17-18 tells us: “Therefore ‘Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you.’ ‘I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.’” Above all, we must turn to God and His Word for guidance and strength in these troubled times. For it is only through His power that we can hope to overcome the darkness that threatens to engulf us. Thankfully, there is light ahead. Jesus will ultimately return with God’s Kingdom to rule all nations and redirect the world toward what is right (see “The Last Best Hope of Earth” beginning on page 18).
And as we wait for it, let us all hold fast, making sure to apply God’s ways in everything, living by His laws of love and shunning the lawless ways of this world. BT dive deeper
Do today’s worsening times and other world events and trends we’ve been seeing indicate that we are living in the last days, the period of crisis leading up to the return of Jesus Christ? Be sure to read our free study guide Are We Living in the Time of the End? Scan the code or visit ucg.org/ja24 to find it.
Persecuted for Righteousness
The legacy of the people of God’s Church in facing religious persecution has been one of deep faith and spiritual endurance. But what if the time comes when you are confronted with that? How will you react?
by John LaBissoniere
On Dec. 1, 2023, a violent mob of about 200 Hindus and Muslims from a village in Bangladesh attacked members and prospective members of the United Church of God, an International Association, the publisher of Beyond Today magazine. Village leaders were angry, having just received official papers recognizing this Christian church being set up there, with a parcel of land purchased for a meeting place. The leaders incited residents to attack the Christians to pressure them out of attending church events.
Members and prospective members of the United Church of God in Bangladesh who were attacked over fears of them spreading Christian faith.
This attack was not an isolated incident in Bangladesh, where Sunni Muslims constitute 91 percent of the population and Hindus 8 percent. Christianity and other minority religions, which account for the remaining 1 percent, are subjects of persecution even though the nation’s constitution is supposed to protect those of all faiths. Plus, its penal code states that a “deliberate and malicious” intent to insult religious sentiments will be subject to fines or up to two years in prison.
During the violent incident, a prospective member of the church was beaten with fists and sticks. His wife was hit and pushed to the ground while trying to defend her husband, and the couple’s 20-year-old son was attacked. In addition, an older man, a father of church members, was punched and hit on his back with a stick, leaving him with painful wounds and difficulty walking. A local grocery store owner, he was unable to open his business due to his injuries. Another prospective member who also owned a grocery shop opened his store, but villagers initiated a boycott against him.
Local police recommended the church file a lawsuit against the attackers, but members responded they had already forgiven them (see Matthew 5:44). They decided to forego court action in trying to be peacemakers. And to further encourage peaceful relations with village residents, church members built a well on church property to share with the community. Relations were improving, but village leaders resorted to leveling accusations followed by other threats against church members and deals with officials to close the road to the church property and its well. The closure was
prevented, but one church family has been pressured to move to another town. Tensions are unresolved.
Persecuting Christians in past ages
The attack that occurred in that small village was but one example of the religious persecution perpetrated against the Church since its beginning in the first century A.D. It commenced when Jewish religious leaders rejected Jesus Christ as the Messiah. Later, officials of the Roman Empire viewed Christianity as a destabilizing religious cult since its adherents refused to venerate the emperor and worship the empire’s pantheon of gods and goddesses.
In the second century, the Church was persecuted by an increasingly powerful false Christianity that accused genuine Christians of supposed errant teachings and practices, such as observing the “Jewish” Sabbath and Passover. This mistreatment continued over the centuries. Then in the 1500s to 1600s the Church of England, which broke away from the Roman Catholic Church, oppressed various Christianprofessing groups such as the Puritans for not complying with its ecclesiastical rules and doctrines. To escape this persecution, various small Sunday-observant and Sabbatarian (Saturday-Sabbath) groups fled to the American colonies in the early 1600s as a haven for freedom of worship. Following the establishment of the United States under its federal constitution in the late 1700s, the right of religious liberty was soon signed into law as part of its First Amendment.
Since that time many other nations established laws or constitutional provisions protecting freedom of religion, speech and expression. Also, the United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights received formal recognition by the General Assembly in 1948. Article 18 of its charter
states that all people have “the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion.” Yet might commitments to such be withdrawn or ignored amid deteriorating world conditions?
What if you had to face such abusive opposition?
Most church members in this present age have not had to face persecution like what occurred in Bangladesh. But what if the day comes when you encounter similar or even worse persecutions, perhaps from government authorities or other sources, for holding steadfastly to biblical beliefs? Would you have the same zeal to love and obey God and serve your neighbors?
Bible prophecy reveals that worsening world conditions will eventually lead to a rise in persecution. Imagine, for example, one or more of these catastrophes suddenly afflicting your nation: economic collapse and resultant depression leading to widespread unemployment along with food and fuel scarcities; a massive surprise terrorist attack; an overwhelming enemy military strike; a large-scale biological weapons attack; a devastating cyberattack; or an electromagnetic pulse (EMP) severely damaging the electrical infrastructure. Normal life would come to an abrupt halt, with mounting casualties.
Amid great fear, pandemonium and accusations of failed policies and inadequate response, might national government try to deflect outrage by pointing to threats posed by societal disrupters—people they want the public to perceive as fanatical, militant and antiestablishment groups, painting them as hostile religious extremists?
The Roman emperor Nero, seeking a scapegoat for the massive and devastating fire in Rome in A.D. 64, blamed the city’s small community of Christians, bringing an onslaught of unjustified yet vicious persecution.
Bible prophecy reveals that intense animosity and oppression will be inflicted on the true Church of God by Satan the devil shortly before Jesus
Christ’s second coming (Matthew 10:23; Revelation 12:12-13). Bearing malevolent sway over humanity (1 John 5:19), Satan will direct his wrath toward God’s people, influencing other people to oppose and attack them. He will especially direct the prophesied “Beast”—a revived Roman Empire and its tyrannical leader—toward this aim (Revelation 13:7; Daniel 7:25).
The Church made to appear dangerous?
But even before the Beast’s rise to power in Europe, might not world events like the catastrophes noted above turn many against Christ’s true followers? Even as the Church faithfully teaches biblical truth, could it be made to look unhinged, pernicious and dangerous to society—particularly with its resolute stance on moral issues?
For example, the Church teaches, based on Scripture, positions that are increasingly painted as extremist or subversive: that sex before marriage and cohabitation are sin; that marriage can only be between one man and one woman; that homosexuality and transgenderism are immoral and destructive to the family structure; that abortion, infanticide and assisted suicide are murder; that its members should not voluntarily participate in the nation’s military and, if forced to by state authority, should refuse to bear arms to kill on military orders.
Moreover, some of the Church’s practices, such as observing the seventh-day Sabbath, Passover and other biblical Holy Days, are often viewed as “Jewish.” Consider the rising tide of antisemitism in America, Europe and the Muslim world. Might that impact Christians following such practices?
What if the time came when these various biblically derived teachings are rebuked as being contrary to societal order and the Church is accused of being a destabilizing group? What could result from such potent denunciations? Could Sabbath services and other meetings be banned by the government?
Some early Christians were martyred by Rome for their belief in Jesus Christ.
Could leaders and pastors in the Church be arrested and jailed without recourse? Could members be forced from their jobs and have their property and possessions seized? Could they be made into pariahs by a hostile media? While these exact scenarios may not materialize, how should God’s faithful people prepare spiritually, mentally and emotionally for events like these or other persecutions?
The starting point is to recognize that what Jesus Christ said about oppression applies to each of us. He declared, “If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you” (John 15:20). Also, we ought to personally take to heart the words of the apostle Paul in stating, “All who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3:12, emphasis added throughout). By embracing these declarations, we will not be shocked or spiritually fail under pressure when persecution comes our way, but rather will be ready with God’s powerful help to respond with faith, courage and resolve.
Reacting to persecution
What can we learn from Paul regarding his own response to persecution? The record of his oppressions and sufferings was extensive (2 Corinthians 11:23-27). Despite what Paul encountered, he refused to protest or complain. Rather he said, “I am glad when I suffer for you in my body, for I am participating
The Roman emperor Nero, seeking a scapegoat for the devastating fire in Rome in A.D. 64, blamed the city’s small community of Christians, bringing an onslaught of vicious persecution.
in the sufferings of Christ that continue for his body, the church” (Colossians 1:24, New Living Translation).
Other forerunners in the faith likewise endured terrible persecution. These included members of the Smyrna congregation described in the book of Revelation. Although the apostles taught respect and obedience to human government when its rulings did not conflict with God’s laws, the church members at Smyrna were accused of disloyalty to the emperor by simply upholding their Christian beliefs (see Revelation 2:8-10; Romans 13:1-7; 1 Peter 2:13-17). While God gave them divine strength to endure, their personal resolve to remain faithful to Him was critical.
It is vital we exhibit that same spiritual determination when we experience persecution. To accomplish this, we must, as Paul explained, “put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm” (Ephesians 6:13, NLT). Paul also stated that “God keeps his promise, and he will not allow you to be tested beyond your power to remain firm; at the time you are put to the test, he will give you the strength to endure it, and so provide you with a way out” (1 Corinthians 10:13, Good News Translation).
Though persecution is certainly unpleasant, standing firm under its pressure with God’s help can strengthen and solidify our faith. The apostle Peter wrote: “Your faith will be like gold that has been tested in a fire. And these trials will prove that your faith is worth much more than gold that can be destroyed. They will show that you will be given praise and honor and glory
when Jesus Christ returns” (1 Peter 1:7, Contemporary English Version).
Other sources of hostility
Besides government authorities, there are other sources from which harassment and oppression could arise. Persecution can spring from our own family members and relatives who do not share our spiritual values. Christ addressed this circumstance by saying, “A man’s enemies will be those of his own household” (Matthew 10:36). However, if our physical families do not share our beliefs and convictions, we can take comfort in knowing that our spiritual brothers and sisters in God’s Church will offer support and encouragement.
Persecution can also originate from religious organizations that claim to profess Christianity yet are described in Scripture as fraudulent (2 Corinthians 11:13; 2 Peter 2:1). These groups are at serious odds with the biblical teachings of God’s Church. They claim as heretical what’s actually true: the fact that Saturday is the Sabbath day; that the doctrine of the immortal soul is unscriptural; that the Bible disapproves of observances like Christmas and Easter; that God’s seven annual festivals, including the Passover, are to be kept; that the biblical health laws are to be followed, including not eating pork or shellfish; and that the doctrine of the trinity is false (search at ucg.org for any of these topics).
Furthermore, while the Bible sym-
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bolically depicts the true Church of God as holy and blameless (Ephesians 5:27; 2 Corinthians 11:2), it also presents a counterfeit universal church ascending to great prominence and authority shortly before Jesus Christ’s return. This false church will be supported and fortified by civil authorities, and together they will severely “persecute the saints of the Most High” and even cause some to be killed (Daniel 7:25; Revelation 6:9-11; Luke 21:12; John 16:2).
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness
Again, what if you have to personally undergo persecution—perhaps similar to what the believers in Bangladesh endured or as other faithful Christians confronted in past ages? Would you have the same zeal to continue to love and obey God and serve others as they did? Would you—will you—remain true and faithful to God and His Word? The fact is, persecution for living faithfully by the Word of God is something we should prepare for since it is part of our calling to be faithful “to the end” (Matthew 24:13). As Jesus said in John 16:33, “In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” And He will help us through it.
Finally, the legacy of God’s people who’ve gone through persecution is one of deep faith and spiritual endurance. They’ve demonstrated that contending with persecution in a righteous manner builds great faith and divine strength of character (read Hebrews 11). Those believers are vital examples for us to emulate when the time comes to withstand persecution. Let us remember and live by the words of our Savior Jesus Christ who said in Matthew 5:10, “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” BT
The world is moving ever farther from the teachings of Jesus Christ—including most who claim to follow Him. Where is the Church Jesus founded? The rewards of being part of it far outweigh any opposition or hardships to be faced. Be sure to request or download our free study guide The Church Jesus Built. Scan the code or visit ucg.org/ja24 to find them.
Pro-Hamas, anti-Jewish sit-ins and rallies on U.S. campuses
Earlier this year images of “protesters” across college campuses dominated the news. The lines and masses of loud-chanting young adults seemingly sprang up all at once across the nation in nearly a hundred universities. Some observers felt these protesters were merely inspired by other demonstrations, known as “encampments,” at Columbia and Yale universities. Nationwide, students called for a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war and for university endowments to divest from companies tied to Israel’s military operations—having quickly forgotten about the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas attack or even denying what happened.
Demands for Israeli cease-fire progressed into openly pro-Hamas support effort. The “protestors” took over university buildings and shouted antisemitic and pro-Hamas and Palestinian slogans. Given that U.S. law forbids providing assistance to what the State Department labels terrorist organizations, some observers noted that the pro-Hamas activities are illegal. But whether the various actions done constitute that is debated.
There was a great deal of intimidation of Jewish students and blocking them and others from
getting to class—along with chants against the Jewish people and Israel.
A lot of protesters wore face masks to hide their identity, and many were not college students. Many interviewed by news outlets did not know what they were protesting (except “war”) and could not identify Palestine or Gaza on a map. Where did these professionally orchestrated protests come from and who was paying them? Politico, a left-leaning news outlet, identified the backers as major left-wing
Increasing problem of squatters
With lawlessness increasing in the United States and other countries, along with economic distress faced by jobless or unskilled individuals as well as those with mental-health problems and drug addictions, so have incidents of squatting—unlawfully occupying someone else’s property or land. Squatters gain access to and reside on premises without permission or legal title and without paying rent.
They may even be using the properties for criminal activity, including drug and sex trafficking. We also see illegal immigrants moving into vacant homes. Yet squatters can in many places be regarded as legal occupants. In New York, after 30 days a squatter is considered a tenant. And in some places, efforts to evict them are either ineffective or can land the actual homeowners in legal trouble.
What can you do if this happens to you? According to Stessa, a company that produces an app for landlords, you need to act as fast as possible before the squatter is able to stay there. And
removing squatters should only be accomplished through legal means. This could take months and cost thousands of dollars especially if the squatter makes a claim to your property. Find out if your state has rules covering “squatter’s rights.”
Here are six things to do to help prevent squatting if you have to be away from it at times. Improve security. Make your house look occupied. Inspect your property frequently. Shut off the water (as squatters don’t want to live somewhere without water, and it may be illegal to shut it off after a squatter moves in). Keep property documents on hand. And check if your area has a “house watch” program, with police able to inspect your property when you’re gone (“How to Safely and Effectively Get Rid of Squatters,” stessa.com).
It is truly lawless when someone can steal access to your property and effectively take control of it. The Bible forbids moving landmarks denoting property boundaries—as theft that brings a curse (Deuteronomy 19:14; 27:17).
political donors.
At UCLA, Stanford, and other locations, Muslim imams were brought in and calls to prayer were played over loudspeakers—a major objective in all this being to advance Islam throughout the country. Among the lines of those bowing low in the traditional Muslim submission in response to the calls could be seen many college students, including girls wearing clothing that would result in their stoning in Afghanistan and punishment in almost any mosque.
Iran’s “Supreme Leader,” Ayatollah Khameni, welcomed American students, saying they had now “formed a branch of the Resistance Front” (X [formerly Twitter], May 29, 2024)—the name Hamas being an Arabic acronym for Islamic Resistance Movement. The young people at these colleges have been corrupted by their professors and a long chain of indoctrination—and failure of parents to have given them proper direction. And now to that is being added the promulgation of Islam.
An old saying points out that if you believe in nothing, you will fall for anything. Mass deception is changing the course of the nation.
Corrupt system allowing huge number of repeat offenses
Problems of lawlessness are getting out of hand in some of our major cities—especially as criminals seem free to go out and commit the same crimes again and again, either through the crimes not being prosecuted or not penalized.
During an NBC News interview that aired on March 6, 2024, New York Police Dept. Transit Chief Michael Kemper said about the repeat offenders, “We arrest people all the time that have 50-plus arrests, 100-plus arrests.” This is staggering.
And in a different interview with the local Fox station around the same time, Mayor Eric Adams stated that the city has a “recidivism crisis,” with some who’ve assaulted transit workers or shoplifted having committed a large number of crimes (those assaulting transit workers averaged nearly 30 crimes per person and shoplifters had committed around 14 crimes per person).
How low things have sunk to. Be sure to read “Lawlessness Will Abound” beginning on page 10.
Almost half of
U.K. university scientists won’t say sex is binary
Aheadline in The Telegraph in Britain noted that according to a new survey, “Sex is binary, say majority of scientists polled” (Feb. 3, 2024)—binary referring to there being two sexes, male and female. The percentage of those accepting sex as binary is noted to be 58 percent. But the headline misses what the survey actually found. As reported, 29 percent agreed with the statement “Sex is not binary,” but 13 percent had no views or wouldn’t answer. This means 42 percent would not say sex is binary. Furthermore, even many scientists accepting sex as binary said gender is fluid. Almost two thirds of the scientists (64 percent) said gender is fluid, and 22 percent said gender is binary, with 14 percent giving no answer. Dr. Wolfgang Goyman, a
professor of behavioral biology told The Telegraph, “To me this just means that at least 29 per cent of the academics that filled out this questionnaire do not understand the biological concept of sex, and at least 22 per cent of them do not know what gender means.”
What insane confusion! Nearly half thinking sex is not binary or won’t say. More than two thirds thinking gender is fluid. And evidently many who don’t even know what these things mean. These are supposed to be scientists.
The Bible is quite clear that God made man male and female and they don’t float back and forth between the two. But in this lawless age, all the foundations are being quickly eroded.
The staggering decline of what was Great Britain
Acommentary by Sunday Telegraph editor Allister Heath in February was disturbing to read, detailing some of the serious decline of the United Kingdom that is continuing unabated. He relates: “Britain’s decline over the past 25 years has been staggeringly rapid. Almost everything is getting worse, and almost nothing is getting better. Our public and private institutions are broken, presided over by an incompetent, selfish and narcissistic ruling class. Living standards, when adjusted properly for living and property costs, are declining.
“Even the simplest things don’t work any longer. Queuing, scarcity and congestion are rife, our infrastructure is embarrassingly poor, and the honest and hardworking face endless bureaucratic battles to obtain what they are due. Free riding, crime, disorder, fraud, littering and generalized rule-bending are rife, and all too often tolerated by apathetic citizens and an indifferent state. Britain’s residual virtues, our individualism, independence of mind, tolerance and openness, uniquely appealing features of our national character, are fading” (“For the First Time in My Life, I’m Now Beginning to Think Britain Is Finished,” Feb. 14, 2024).
He is further appalled at the outbreak of terrible anti-Jewish and pro-Hamas demonstrations: “The
return of anti-Semitism is not just an existential threat to Britain’s tiny, 292,000-strong Jewish community, but a damning indictment of a Britain that is regressing into darkness. As Lord Sacks put it in 2016, ‘the hate that begins with Jews never ends with Jews . . . the appearance of anti-Semitism in a culture is the first symptom of a disease, the early warning sign of collective breakdown.’” This is in part a consequence of the nation’s rejection of the Bible and a large Muslim influx.
But what is underlying Britain’s terrible decline? The answer is found in the Bible. To help you see what’s going on and why, be sure to request or download our free study guide The United States and Britain in Bible Prophecy at ucg.org/ja24 .
Premarital sex a pathway to a damaged life
Sex before marriage has become the norm and even expected in today’s culture, as does moving in together and cohabiting when things get serious. Yet this clearly violates God’s laws as revealed in Scripture and leads to consequences, as backed up by studies and statistics. And those who follow God’s way end up happier.
In terms of physical health, there are the risks of Sexually Transmitted Diseases and unintended pregnancy even when using condoms and other birth control methods. Either of these can upend your life.
In terms of emotional health, “according to a study published in the Journal of Marriage and Family, individuals who engaged in premarital sex reported lower levels of relationship satisfaction and higher levels of instability than those who waited until marriage . . . likely due to the fact that . . . a more casual attitude towards sex and relationships . . . [leads] to a lack of emotional commitment . . . [Also] according to a study published in the Archives of Sexual Behavior, individuals who engaged in premarital sex were more likely to experience sexual regret than those who waited until marriage . . . lead[ing] to feelings of shame and guilt, which can have long-term effects on an individual’s emotional wellbeing” (“Sex Before Marriage? Secular Research Shows You Should Wait,” Politicrossing, March 16, 2023).
In terms of psychological health, a study in the Journal of Sex Research showed that those “who engaged in premarital sex reported higher levels of anxiety and depression than those who waited until marriage . . . [Further,] according to a study published in the Journal of Family Psychology, individuals who engaged in premarital sex reported lower levels of self-esteem than those who waited until marriage . . . [resulting in] long-term consequences on . . . mental health and overall wellbeing” (ibid).
And of course premarital sex is also damaging to spiritual health, as our sins separate us from God (Isaiah 59:1-2). Yet God is merciful and ready to forgive, if we will commit to Him and make a new start. Yet we still may have to bear certain consequences of our past mistakes in this life.
To learn more, request or download our free study guide Marriage and Family: The Missing Dimension at ucg.org/ja24.
of Earth
As the United States celebrates its national birthday and gears up for a rancorous political election season, many lament how far the nation has fallen from its early aspirations and fear its soon-coming demise—of losing what Abraham Lincoln called “the last best hope of earth.”
But America was never that. The true last best hope is yet ahead.
by Tom Robinson
hile America again celebrates its independence, for many it is with sighs of melancholy over what once was—and with pangs of unease and foreboding about what’s to come. Confidence in the continued prosperity and success of the nation at home and on the world scene is waning. Against the aspirations at the nation’s founding and the struggles to preserve it, serious cracks have formed throughout society. The upcoming elections in the country will likely strain cohesion even more. With growing cultural and political division, many have expressed worry that widening fragmentation may eventually lead to civil war.
There is certainly cause for concern. More and more are remarking that Americans are on the brink of losing the country. How sad is this thought that America, the great bastion of freedom—a positive influence in history in spite of its flaws—could be lost. Yet the tragic reality is that, according to Scripture, the country will ultimately be lost—brought to judgment for widespread sinful rebellion against God’s laws (see our free study guide The United States and Britain in Bible Prophecy). But where would that leave us?
During the American Civil War in the 1860s, President Abraham Lincoln warned of losing the country, calling
America the “last best hope of earth.” But it wasn’t—nor is it today. The actual last best hope for the world is yet to come— in a new government God will bring to the world, the rule of the Kingdom of God.
The pathway out of tyranny and enslavement
When Thomas Jefferson, who had written America’s Declaration of Independence, became the country’s third president, he referred in his 1801 inaugural address to the new republic as “the world’s best hope,” seeing it as the pathway out of the tyranny of past human governments. Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president, altered that phrase a bit during the dark days of the Civil War.
Lincoln gave a message to Congress on Dec. 1, 1862 that was mostly a list of government initiatives and management issues—showing that governance continued uninterrupted. But he then proceeded to deeper matters, outlining some plans for freeing the slaves, this coming the month before the Emancipation Proclamation. And he then said this:
“Fellow-citizens, we can not escape history. We of this Congress and this Administration will be remembered in spite of ourselves. No personal significance or insignificance
The Kingdom is not some ethereal imagining in men’s hearts. Rather, it is the actual rule of God through Christ that will be established over all nations when Jesus returns.
can spare one or another of us. The fiery trial through which we pass will light us down in honor or dishonor to the latest generation. We say we are for the Union. The world will not forget that we say this. We know how to save the Union. The world knows we do know how to save it. We, even we here, hold the power and bear the responsibility. In giving freedom to the slave we assure freedom to the free—honorable alike in what we give and what we preserve. We shall nobly save or meanly lose the last best hope of earth.”
Lincoln saw the American experiment in republican self-government as mankind’s ultimate hope for freedom— with the freeing of the slaves as a major part of this. Yet while there was high value in the contribution of America to human liberty, particularly as part of God’s blessings in this age, the nation’s exaltation as the last best hope of earth was misplaced. That distinction truly applies to what Jesus Christ announced in His gospel or good news message—the coming of the Kingdom of God (Mark 1:14-15). And He further sent His disciples to proclaim the same message (Mark 16:15).
The Kingdom is not some ethereal imagining in men’s hearts. Rather, it is the actual rule of God through Christ that will be established over all nations when Jesus returns— when it will be announced that “the kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever” (Revelation 11:15, English Standard Version).
The Scriptures had promised of the Messiah that “the government will be upon His shoulder . . . Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice from that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this” (Isaiah 9:6-7; compare Luke 1:31-33).
The beacon of light as the world grows dim
From chains of physical bondage and oppression to the captivity of spiritual darkness under Satan and sin, humanity has yearned for deliverance. Amid this longing the promise of the Kingdom of God shines forth as the ultimate beacon of hope.
Yet things will darken before the new dawn breaks. The world will be plunged into the worst time ever as we approach Christ’s second coming. America and other nations will eventually suffer terrible devastation. We must keep the vision of the Kingdom of God firmly before us to endure until its arrival—and submit to its rule in our own lives now.
In God’s Kingdom, the world will learn to live by God’s law— His way of life: “Many people shall come and say, ‘Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; He will teach us His ways, and we shall walk in His paths.’
For out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem” (Isaiah 2:3). He will thereby lead the world into peace: “Neither shall they learn war anymore” (verse 4).
God’s law is a law of liberty (James 1:25; Psalm 119:45) and of love, or outflowing concern toward others (Romans 13:10; 1 John 5:3; 1 Corinthians 13:4-5). In His Kingdom His calls for compassion will be met—the oppressed finding solace, the downtrodden finding refuge, and the broken finding healing. There will be no place for oppression or injustice. And we should also be learning to reflect that in our lives today as we submit to God.
Moreover, God’s Kingdom will bring reconciliation and unity, breaking down the barriers that divide humanity and fostering a world of mutual respect and understanding even between former enemies, with all learning the truth of God and helped to live by it (Isaiah 11:9; 19:23-25; Jeremiah 31:3134)—receiving Christ’s sacrifice for forgiveness and the Spirit of God for empowerment and transformation.
As we navigate our present wayward world and the calamitous times to come, let us hold fast to the true last best hope of earth—the Kingdom of God. This hope transcends the limitations of human endeavor, trusting in the future God has promised of the time when justice will reign and peace will prevail.
Again, in embracing the vision of the Kingdom, we are called to embody its values of love, mercy and faithfulness in our daily lives. Through exemplifying God’s way of life today, we can become agents of transformation, heralding the dawn of the new era when the promise of liberty and justice for all is fully realized.
Seeing the decline of America—or whatever nation we call home—is heartrending. And we are right to mourn over it. But we need not despair. For that is not the end.
Ultimately, the Kingdom of God stands as the true last best hope of earth—a beacon of light shining amid the darkness, guiding us toward a future of freedom and redemption for all nations. As we press on toward that light, let us hold fast to this wonderful truth, knowing that in God’s Kingdom, all shall be set free, and mankind shall be saved. BT
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To learn more about the Bible’s promises about the coming Kingdom of God and how it will set the world right, be sure to request our free study guides The Gospel of the Kingdom and Christ’s Reign on Earth: What It Will Be Like. Scan the code or visit ucg.org/ja24 to find them.
Confront & Defeat How To Fear & Anxiety
With God’s great help we can perform rationally and calmly in anxious situations and win every battle against fear and anxiety.
by John LaBissoniere
Late one night I was walking alone down the middle of a moonlit street. It was quiet and still. The houses were dark. No one was outside, and not a single car was moving. Suddenly, I heard a strange noise behind me. Looking back, I saw a huge lion rushing madly toward me from about half a block away! Fear gripped me, and I began to run!
With my heart pounding I sensed the beast was gaining on me. In panic I rushed through the front-yard gate of an old house and hurdled up the steps to the porch. Glancing back, I saw the lion racing through the gate! Pushing open the front door I scrambled up some stairs to the second floor. Looking down I saw the fierce creature charging up the steps. Dashing down a hallway, I found a large old trunk, dove inside of it and quickly closed the lid. Seconds later it reopened. It was the lion! His mouth was wide open! And then . . . I woke up. Yes, it was a terrible dream, a frightening nightmare I experienced as a child. Not only did I occasionally endure
bad dreams as a youngster, but various fears troubled me. Perhaps during your youth, you experienced the same. The fact is, both children and adults are affected by real or imagined fears and anxieties.
Healthy fear vs. harmful fear
Numerous books are available today that pledge to help people overcome their fears and worries. Yet, are some of our fears justified? Yes, there’s healthy, proper and necessary fear that’s prompted by the desire for self-preservation. Without it, people would not take appropriate caution to avoid perils or injury.
In a scene from the 1962 Academy Award–winning motion picture To Kill a Mockingbird, a violent, rabid dog was roaming a residential neighborhood, sending frightened people to huddle in their homes for protection. But Atticus Finch, played by actor Gregory Peck, chose to deal with the threat. Standing alone outside with his rifle, he shot and killed the dog, ending the menace. In
this case, legitimate, healthy fear led to a critical element—the willingness to take suitable steps to confront it.
Harmful fear, in contrast, is the result of not taking measures to deal with a disquieting and potentially dangerous situation. The consequences of not facing and dealing with our fears are anxiety, distress, nervousness and worry. Healthy fear can actually mutate into harmful fear when alarm and panic, rather than knowledge, logic and godly faith, govern our thinking and actions.
Confronting our fears
Challenging, managing and mastering our fears are essential to living a happy, successful life. Stanley Rachman, a psychologist and emeritus psychology professor at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada, wrote in his book Fear and Courage, “When a situation becomes predictable, the fear diminishes” (1990). In other words, when facing a fearful condition, the more information available about it, the better it can be
When we are threatened by fear and anxiety and turn to God in prayer for help, we can rely on Christ’s intercession to bring the needed intervention.
precisely and rationally dealt with. Additionally, when grappling with a demanding and potentially distressing event, discussing the circumstances with others who will not be judgmental or critical can help alleviate distress. Obtaining wise input and advice from trusted sources is important, because, as Dr. Rachman wrote, “Suppressing fear is not a very effective technique.”
Nevertheless, if fear or worry persists, experts advise seeking professional help to determine if treatment could be beneficial. Suggested resources in the United States include the National Institute of Mental Health (nimh.nih.gov), the Anxiety Disorders Association of America (adaa.org) and the Ross Center for Anxiety & Related Disorders Inc. (rosscenter.com). For readers in other countries needing such help, check locally for mental health organizations that could be beneficial.
God offers us powerful help
In confronting and defeating fear and anxiety, let’s examine the most important tool we can employ, which is the marvelous support our Creator generously offers. Since He doesn’t want us to be tormented by harmful, destructive fear, He provides us tremendous aid. “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7, emphasis added throughout). A “spirit of fear” does not originate with God but arises in the human mind, influenced negatively by Satan the devil (1 John 5:19). However, with God’s limitless help we can perform rationally and calmly in fear-inducing situations (Isaiah 41:10).
We can also be fully confident that we will win our battles against fear because God cares for us deeply and is
close by our side: “For I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand, saying to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you’” (Isaiah 41:13). Plus, God’s way of love is flawless: “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” (1 John 4:18).
Considering what God is willing to do for us, we never need to feel lost and alone or be embarrassed when we occasionally feel and display anxiety. The fact is, even some of the great personalities of the Bible felt and expressed fear. For instance, the apostle Paul mentioned some of his personal fears to the Christians at Corinth, noting: “We were troubled on every side. Outside were conflicts, inside were fears” (2 Corinthians 7:5). Nevertheless, Paul didn’t stay fearful but relied on God’s love and strength to aid him in successfully facing and overcoming his fears (Romans 8:38-39). We can do the same!
When Jesus Christ lived as a human being, He fully grasped what human distress was like and clearly understood our fears and worries. And when we are threatened by fear and anxiety and turn to God in prayer for help, we can rely on Christ’s intercession to bring the needed intervention. “For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:15-16).
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Be anxious for nothing
Unlike human beings, who can sometimes be fickle, God will never let us down if we fully trust and obey Him. He will give us the spiritual, mental and emotional strength we need to face and conquer our fears and anxieties. “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6, New International Version). Furthermore, Paul admonishes us, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God” (Philippians 4:6). What will happen as a result of our diligent prayers and God-given faith? (See Ephesians 2:8.) “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7).
It’s God’s intense desire that we be completely free of harmful fear. Even so, there is a type of fear He actually wants us to have. Proverbs 1:7 explains, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.” The term “fear” in this context has the sense of “profound respect and awe.” It does include a healthy caution against judgment and disappointing Him, as with a child toward a loving parent. But God does not want us to be in terror or dread of Him. Rather, He wants us to understand the magnitude of coming before Him as our Creator and Sustainer and to be motivated to honor and faithfully submit to Him, which will result in being blessed with true peace of mind and great joy (see Deuteronomy 5:29).
With God’s steadfast guidance, strength and encouragement, we can confront and defeat destructive fear and anxiety! BT
Critical to resisting fear and anxiety is firm trust in and reliance on God. For a better grasp of this vital matter, request or download our free study guide You Can Have Living Faith. Scan the code or visit ucg.org/ja24 to find it.
Scientific Discoveries Support Biblical Perspective
by Mario Seiglie and Tom Robinson
Small bird sets new flight record
The May 2024 issue of Scientific American marveled at the recent feat of a pigeon-sized bird, called a Bar-tailed Godwit, in setting a world record by flying nonstop for 11 days from Alaska to Tasmania, just south of Australia.
As the magazine reported: “In October 2022, a bird with the code name B6 set a new world record that few people outside the field of ornithology noticed. Over the course of 11 days, B6, a young Bar-tailed Godwit, flew from its hatching ground in Alaska to its wintering ground in Tasmania, covering 8,425 miles without taking a single break. For comparison, there is only one commercial aircraft that can fly that far nonstop, a Boeing 777 with a 213-foot wingspan and one of the most powerful jet engines in the world.
“During its journey, B6—an animal that could perch comfortably on your shoulder—did not land, did not eat, did not drink and did not stop flapping, sustaining an average ground speed of 30 miles per hour 24 hours a day as it winged its way to the other end of the world. Many factors contributed to this astonishing feat of athleticism—muscle power, a high metabolic rate and a physiological tolerance for elevated cortisol levels, among other things.
“B6’s odyssey is also a triumph of the remarkable mechanical properties of some of the most easily recognized yet enigmatic structures in the biological world: feathers. Feathers kept B6 warm overnight while it flew above the Pacific Ocean. Feathers repelled rain along the way. Feathers formed the flight surfaces of the wings that kept B6 aloft and drove the bird forward for nearly 250 hours without failing” (emphasis in original).
The title of this article? “Why Feathers Are One of Evolution’s Cleverest Inventions” (April 16, 2024). As if mindless evolution could invent anything!
How sad that so many scientists are so steeped in evolutionary fiction that they cannot see reality to give God the glory for creating birds and their
amazing flying abilities. God asked Job, as He could well ask these unbelieving scientists, “Does the hawk fly by your wisdom and spread its wings toward the south?” (Job 39:26). No, scientists with all their vaunted knowledge have no idea how to create such a bird or endow it with such remarkable abilities—and neither does their fantasized evolution, which has no knowledge at all. Despite clear evidence of design, scientists deny the Designer (Romans 1:18-21).
To learn more of what the evidence has to say, request or download our free study guides Life’s Ultimate Question: Does God Exist? and Creation or Evolution: Does It Really Matter What You Believe? at ucg.org/ja24 .
Living fossils: a difficulty for evolution
One problem with the geologic column portrayed in many scientific textbooks—showing certain organisms appearing through evolution for only a certain time in past geologic eras—is the existence of what are called “living fossils.” These are creatures that, according to the standard interpretation of the fossil record, showed up and then disappeared through extinction millions of years ago, and yet they are found alive today in the same form. How could that be if evolution was causing creatures to be repeatedly replaced with newer forms over the eons? This casts doubt on the reading of the fossil record.
A recent headline at Live Science reads “Mystery of ‘living fossil’ tree frozen in time for 66 million years finally solved” (Sept. 15, 2023).
The reference here is to the Wollemi pine, discovered in 1994 by hikers in a canyon in Wollemi National Park near Sydney, Australia.
“Called a ‘living fossil’ by some, the Wollemi pine (Wollemia nobilis) is nearly identical to preserved remains dating to the Cretaceous period (145 million to 66 million years ago). There are now just 60 of these trees in the wild—and these tenacious survivors are threatened by bushfires
“Called a ‘living fossil’ by some, the Wollemi pine (Wollemia nobilis) is nearly identical to preserved remains dating to the Cretaceous period (145 million to 66 million years ago).”
A young Bar-tailed Godwit flew day and night covering 8,425 miles over an 11-day period without taking a single break.
right:
in the region. It was thought to have gone extinct around 2 million years ago” (ibid.).
Now scientists have decoded the tree’s genome. They imagine a bottleneck of genetic diversity around 10-20,000 years ago and think it’s now reproducing mostly through effectively cloning, with new shoots springing out of the bases—this in reaction to transposons or “jumping genes” leaping to new locations in the genome and producing mutations. But this is also noted to have suppressed disease resistance, which leads one to wonder why it is not extinct after all. Despite the headline, the existence of this living fossil amid supposed evolutionary development is not at all solved.
In 2020, a professor of entomology in Pennsylvania was using his
The giant lacewing, Polystoechotes punctatus, was discovered in eastern North America for the first time in more than 50 years. These insects of the family ithonidae are basically unchanged for, supposedly, 165 million years .
personal insect collection as part of a class when he realized that a dragonfly-like insect with a 2-inch wingspan that he had plucked from the front of a Walmart in Arkansas in 2012 was not, as he had thought, an antlion. Instead it was a Jurassic-Era giant lacewing, Polystoechotes punctatus, the first of its kind recorded in eastern North America in more than 50 years—and the first record of the species ever in Arkansas (“Rare Insect Found at Arkansas Walmart Sets Historic Record, Prompts Mystery,” PennState, Feb. 27, 2023). While these had been known to exist previously in more modern times, the discovery that they had not died out in this part of the world is remarkable and also highlights the issue of these insects of the family ithonidae being basically unchanged for, supposedly, 165 million years.
For more examples of living fossils and other impediments to evolutionary theory, be sure to request or download our free study guide Creation or Evolution: Does It Really Matter What You Believe? at ucg.org/ja24 .
A great void in space to the north
There’s been some renewed attention of late to the discovery first made some decades back that a vast void north of the earth has few galaxies in relation to the rest of space. This largest void found so far in the universe is called the Boötes Void, in the upper part of the constellation Boötes, near the Big Dipper in the northern sky.
Space.com notes: “Though Boötes is a large constellation, it contains few
astronomical objects. In fact, the constellation is the home to the Boötes Void, an area of the universe 250 to 330 million light-years across that is nearly empty, containing only a handful of galaxies, according to NASA” (“Boötes Constellation: Location, Stars and Mythology,” June 28, 2023). Cosmologists now refer to it as a “supervoid” (“The Boötes Void: Why the Universe Has a Mysterious Hole 330 Million Light-Years Across” (BBC Science Focus, Feb. 6, 2022).
An Indian news media site adds: “. . . The Boötes Void, also known as the Great Nothing. According to American space agency NASA, Bootes Void was discovered in 1981 by astronomer Richard Kirshner. It is a roughly spherical region located 700 million light years away from Earth, near the constellation of the same name. Bootes Void is around 330 million light-years wide—a region the Milky Way could fit into billions of times over” (“Boötes Void,” NDTV.com, March 8, 2023).
This discovery was possible only through the technology of modern telescopes, not something discernable through unaided observation. Yet the ancient book of Job in the Bible contains this amazing declaration about God: “He stretches out the north over empty space; He hangs the earth on nothing” (Job 26:7). How could Job have known that northern space was empty? Only God could have revealed it to him. Moreover, how could he have known the earth was suspended in space—when ancient ideas imagined it on pillars or on the back of a god or a stack of primordial animals. This advanced scientific understanding must have been divinely inspired. Interestingly, there are indications in Scripture that God’s heavenly throne is in the northern sky. Lucifer, the archangel who became Satan, in his rebellion thought to exalt his throne “above the stars” and sit “on the mount of the congregation on the farthest sides of the north . . . above the heights of the clouds” (Isaiah 14:13-14, emphasis added). We also see the statement in Psalm 75:6-7 that exaltation does not come from east, west or south but from God. That seems to put God in the north. Some see a reference here to the temple on the north side of Jerusalem. But Satan’s attempt to usurp God’s throne on the farthest sides of the north came long before the Jerusalem temple. Perhaps there is some association here with the northern void.
In any case, the statement in Job is confirmed by what science has discovered. The Bible is a reliable witness to the past—and to the truth of God, being His inspired Word. To learn more reasons to accept that, request or download our free study guide Is the Bible True? at ucg.org/ja24 . BT
Eight Core Biblical Values to Teach Your Children
Parents are to help their kids stay the right course through an aimless and corrupt world. Here are some key areas to focus on.
by Becky Sweat
If you’re a parent, you have the incredible responsibility and privilege of shaping your children’s character development. One of the most critical aspects of this role is instilling values that will guide them throughout their lives. Without a solid moral compass, they’re at the mercy of random emotions or whatever is popular with their peers or in the media, which could get them into trouble.
But what morals should you teach your kids? Educators, media professionals, psychologists, physicians and self-help gurus all have their own lists, with everyone having their own ideas about what virtues are essential.
Yet there’s no reason for the confusion. Absolute moral standards have been clearly spelled out for us. The source of these truths is what society has largely cast aside—the Bible. Within its pages, we’re told what behaviors, attitudes and attributes are important to God. They’re important to Him because He, as our Creator and Designer, knows what works toward our good. His standards are what we should value, and what our children and grandchildren should value too.
Realistically, your kids probably won’t adopt these values on their own initiative or just by chance, especially with all the godless messages coming at them from the media and entertainment industries. It’s critical that you talk with your kids on a regular basis about what God values, and how these truths can be applied in their everyday lives.
The following eight qualities, which are core biblical values, would be a good place to start.
1. Humility
Modern Western society emboldens us to be prideful. We’re urged to climb the ladder, put our personal desires first, promote ourselves, show off, strive to be the “top dog” and seek positions of power and status.
At a coffee shop recently, a group of teenage girls was sitting at the table next to me. Several were trying to outdo each other in terms of how many “likes” they got on social media. Two were taking nonstop selfies. The only pronouns I heard were “I” and “me.” Each was absorbed in her own little world, hardly interacting with anyone else.
In contrast, the Bible tells us to “be clothed with humility” (1 Peter 5:5) and that “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble” (same verse and James 4:6, New International
Version; see Matthew 23:12). Humility is a foundational biblical virtue (Colossians 3:12; Titus 3:2) and something you should definitely instill in your children.
In Character Still Counts, author James Merritt describes what humility is and isn’t: “Humility is not refusing to have any ambition to be better and to do better to reach your fullest potential, both in who you are and what you can do . . . Humility is not self-humiliation. Rather than putting yourself down, humility is putting yourself in your rightful place. That place is always second place for the good of others” (2019, p. 63).
Humility is not always valued in this world, but it’s necessary for harmony with others. Humility strengthens relationships because the focus is on building others up and thinking about their needs rather than making ourselves look good or pushing our own agendas. Humility also facilitates personal growth. Humble people know there’s always something new to learn and improve about themselves, and they recognize correction as an opportunity to grow. (Be sure to also read “Becoming Clothed With Humility” beginning on page 28).
2. Honesty
Dishonesty has become a way of life in our culture. People lie on job applications, cheat on tests, make up stories to cover their mistakes and stretch the truth on social media—and think nothing of it.
A friend shared how, when she was growing up, if she answered the phone and it was someone her father didn’t want to talk to, he’d tell her to say he was taking a nap and couldn’t be disturbed. Many times she even observed her father calling in sick to work when he wasn’t just so he could have a day off.
“This really clouded my own ideas about honesty,” my friend admitted. “My dad would tell me that lying is normal— that everyone does it. So the bad lesson I learned was that you don’t always have to tell the truth. So I started telling a lot of my own lies. And the more I did, the less people trusted me, and the harder it was to make and keep friends.”
Children need to know why honesty is important and, in contrast, that dishonesty always makes situations worse (even if it temporarily “seems right”). There are many examples in the Bible of people who told lies and how that
Absolute moral standards have been clearly spelled out for us. The source of these truths is what society has largely cast aside—the Bible.
backfired on them. Share these stories with your kids. Go over verses like Psalm 101:7 and Jeremiah 9:5, which make it very clear that God is not pleased with people who practice deceit.
Explain what being honest entails in real-life terms—that it means keeping promises, following through on commitments (see also point 6), being respectful of others’ property (including not stealing), and not purposely misleading others (through half-truths, exaggeration, etc.). A good point to emphasize is that if people can’t trust us, it will be impossible for us to have healthy relationships.
3. Self-control
Self-control is the ability to regulate our thoughts, emotions and impulses and behave the way we know is right. It means obeying God’s and man’s laws, or doing what is necessary to achieve personal goals despite internal pulls to do the opposite. Self-control includes delaying gratification and controlling anger and emotional outbursts.
Children with self-control will quietly sit in an auditorium while a performance is going on, not throw tantrums when their parents say “no” to something they want. They’ll do their homework when they’d rather play video games, and refrain from name-calling when someone taunts them.
Merritt describes self-control this way: “A lion named ‘self’ lives within each of us. This animal is wild and destructive but tamable. The biggest enemy you will have to your success, to going where you can and should go and being who you can and should be, will always be you. If you want to win the battle of life, you have to tame that lion within . . . Either self will control you or you will control self” (p. 181).
While children’s character is determined by their own
choices—as you can’t make them have self-control or any other character trait—you can help motivate them to doing what’s right. Remind them that God sees how they live their lives and that self-control is very important to Him. A good place to start is by reading Proverbs 16:32, which says that “he who rules his spirit [is better] than he who takes a city.”
Point out the benefits of self-control. There is always more harmony when those present are in control of their emotions. Your children need to know they’ll achieve far more successes and have fewer lessons to learn the hard way if they learn to control their destructive impulses.
4. Compassion
For even young children, everyday life can be packed with big emotions. Your child’s playground pal might fall down and cry. Maybe a friend is in tears about being teased or because the family pet died. If you have teens, they too will face others who are upset, down or discouraged. It’s essential that your kids know how to extend compassion and help those who are hurting.
That might sound like an ability that comes naturally, when really it doesn’t. Human beings have the tendency to be preoccupied with their own needs, wants, ideas and perspectives. It can be hard to put ourselves “in other people’s shoes,” especially if they’re experiencing something we haven’t. And for children in particular, they may not find it “fun” to be around someone who is hurting.
Yet children need to know that compassion—showing understanding and sympathy to those who are suffering and helping them with their needs—is a core biblical virtue. The Bible tells us to “bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the
law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2). Romans 12:15 says we should “weep with those who weep.” The apostle Peter counseled Christians to have “compassion for one another” (1 Peter 3:8).
The ultimate example of someone who showed deep compassion is Jesus Christ, who “when he saw the crowds . . . had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless” (Matthew 9:36, NIV). Jesus often showed sensitivity to others (see Matthew 14:14; Mark 1:40-41; Luke 7:11-16; John 11:3335). Go over these passages with your kids.
Explain, too, that showing compassion is not only encouraging to those on the receiving end, “it’s also beneficial to the one extending the compassion,” says Nadine Kaslow, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Emory University. “Helping children develop a strong sense of compassion encourages patience with and acceptance of others, and helps them build stronger, more meaningful relationships.”
Research has shown that compassionate individuals also tend to better deal with conflict, have less stress and are happier.
5. Respect for others
The apostle Peter admonished believers: “Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king” (1 Peter 2:17). The word translated honor in this verse can also be translated as respect and literally means “to place a great value or high price on something.”
Being respectful is to behave in a courteous and considerate way toward other people and to make them feel valued and appreciated. It involves treating others the way you would want to be treated, and displaying tact and good manners toward them, even if they are rude to you or if you disagree with them or don’t particularly enjoy their
company. Be sure to teach children whom they should show respect to. That includes parents (Ephesians 6:2; Matthew 15:4), governing authorities (Romans 13:1-7), the ministry of the Church (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13) and the elderly (Leviticus 19:32; Proverbs 20:29). Really, though, as was stated in 1 Peter 2:17, kids should be taught to be polite with everyone.
“Respect plays no favorites,” writes Merritt. “The chauffeur driving the limousine is as worthy of respect as the one who owns the limousine. Too often, we are overly concerned about being respected without being as concerned with being respectful . . . The foundation of respect must begin with an acknowledgment that we are all created in God’s image and therefore all equally worthy of respect” (pp. 106-107).
As is true with compassion, respect is as beneficial to the individual bestowing the respect as the one being respected. Everyone likes to be treated with kindness. “When children learn to be respectful, they grow up to be empathic and considerate of others, and that provides a solid foundation for relationships,” Kaslow says.
6. Responsibility
Another biblical virtue to focus on with your children is responsibility, which has multiple aspects. One is taking responsibility for what you’ve done or not done rather than blaming others or trying to justify yourself. We need to own up. If children always blame others for their troubles, they’ll see no reason to change. Galatians 6:4-5 says to “pay careful attention to your own work . . . For we are each responsible for our own conduct” (New Living Translation). When kids admit and recognize their mistakes, they can start to find solutions and make
5 Ways to Instill Moral Values in Your Kids
Along with discussing biblical virtues with your children, there are numerous other things you can do to help instill good morals in them, such as:
1. Be a good example.
Your children learn a lot just by watching you. They’ll observe how you treat your spouse, what you do in traffic jams, if you cheat when playing games, and whether you admit your mistakes or deny them. They’ll likely follow your example, so make sure the behavior they see is what you want them to imitate.
2. Take advantage of “teachable moments.” Use everyday experiences as springboards to reinforce lessons about character. For instance, if you catch your son lying, seize the opportunity to talk with him about how lies destroy trust. If your daughter is upset because she did poorly on a test, that’s a good time to talk with her about resilience. Drawing attention to everyday situations helps children see why values matter.
3. Turn TV time into family time.
Watch TV and movies with your children so you know what they’re viewing, and can talk about it afterwards. Select shows and movies to watch that reflect high ethical standards and impart good moral lessons.
4. Know what your kids are learning through school.
Carefully look over your kids’ textbooks and coursework. If you see or hear anything that contradicts biblical teachings, that will tell you specific areas you need to address with your kids or if they need a new environment.
5. Find opportunities to let them practice biblical values.
Encourage your children to serve others. They could make get-well cards for people who are sick, visit elderly shut-ins or help neighbors with yardwork. This will help them internalize values like compassion and respect.
If you’ve never talked about values with your children before, there’s no time like the present to start. What matters most is that you don’t just leave what they learn to chance.
improvements. And even if they are victims, they should consider if they have possibly contributed to the problem.
Another vital aspect of responsibility is having a sense of duty and honor—a mindset that leads to meeting commitments and being dependable so people know you can be counted on to help, and being a contributing member of your family, church or community. A person with this mindset feels a moral responsibility to provide assistance to others—even when it requires making personal sacrifices.
A child should come to recognize the importance of being a person of your word, maintaining a good name or reputation (Proverbs 22:1), representing yourself, your family and God well—for personal self-respect as well as faithful-
These character strengths are similar but not exactly the same, explains New York psychologist Caren BaruchFeldman: “Perseverance means staying the course to meet a challenge of some kind and not quitting. Resilience is about dealing with disappointments and failures and being able to bounce back, and maybe even coming away stronger.”
It’s vital that kids learn to both persevere and be resilient—not only to achieve successes in school and other youth activities, but also as preparation to meet career goals and other adult challenges.
The Bible admonishes us to persevere when we face difficulties (Matthew 24:13; Galatians 6:9; James 5:11; Hebrews 12:1). When we experience a defeat, we should get back on our feet and try
Being respectful is to behave in a courteous and considerate way toward other people and to make them feel valued and appreciated.
ness in serving God and others.
One mom told me how she’s been able to instill responsibility in her kids: “They have their regular chores, and if they don’t do them, I’ll talk with them about how we all need to do our part to keep the household running. I also encourage my kids to offer to help other family members and neighbors with whatever tasks they might be doing. They don’t always have the skillset to do the work, but just offering to help gets them thinking about other people’s needs.”
7. Perseverance and resilience
To one degree or another, all children face challenges, hardships and setbacks. They might try out for a sports team, have to practice for a piano recital, struggle with schoolwork, perform poorly in a competition, or fail a class. What helps kids get through these times are the same things that help adults overcome obstacles—perseverance and resilience.
again (2 Corinthians 4:8-9). Proverbs 24:16 could be viewed as the marching orders to be resilient: “For though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again” (NIV). These are key verses to go over with your kids.
Children should also be taught that when we have a relationship with God, our perspectives on perseverance and resilience will differ from someone who doesn’t. In particular, the goal becomes not just academic or career successes but growing spiritually. That might involve working through relationship problems with another person or staying committed to overcoming a personal weakness.
Sarah, age 22, shared what she learned about resilience after being seriously injured in an auto accident at 17: “I was in a cast for several months and couldn’t do much. My parents told me the way to get through this trial was to look to God for help—that there was only so much I could do with my own
strength alone. Also, there were some big lessons God was helping me see about myself. Keeping these things in mind gave me reasons to hang in there and not get overly discouraged.”
8. Trust in God
Instead of looking to God, people in our increasingly secular society put their trust in their finances, possessions, abilities, achievements, intellect and feelings. Or they place their confidence in political movements, technology and science. The trouble is, none of these things offers real solutions or lasting hope.
A major theme of the Bible is to not put our faith in self or other people, but in God (Proverbs 3:5; Jeremiah 17:5). Only God is truly faithful and trustworthy (Deuteronomy 7:9; Psalms 25:10; 146:6). His word, as expounded in the Bible, is the one source of eternal truth (Psalms 93:5; 111:7).
Children should be taught to look to God for guidance in their day-to-day decisions, and to trust God to protect and provide for them. While children should be responsible, work hard and make wise decisions, they should always remember that their lives are ultimately in God’s hands. Trusting God also includes believing what’s written in the Bible and being convicted that it provides the answers to our real-life problems.
The fact is, trusting God is the starting point to valuing all the other things we should. But if we don’t trust God—if instead we look to ourselves to decide the right course or put our hope in what’s physical—we might have “values,” but they won’t be what God values. Teach your kids that the only true values are those based on the absolute truths outlined in the Bible.
In summary, try to make biblical values a regular conversation topic with your kids, starting with the eight core values discussed here. That will help your children build a relationship with God, get along with other people, and be better prepared to face an increasingly godless society. BT
Becoming Clothed With Humility
There is a great spiritual gulf between the devil’s corrupt way of pride and Jesus Christ’s example of humbling Himself. How do we follow the path Jesus set for us?
by Robin Webber
Often before turning in at night, I dim the lights, sit back in my chair and listen to music to internalize the call from Above—to, as Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still, and know that I am God” (emphasis added throughout). A regular song choice is “All Things New” by Elaine Hagenberg (words from Revelation). Its lyrics speak of the dynamic contrast between our current age and what God offers in His new world yet to come.
In listening, I reflect on those who’ve elected to lay down their old lives in heeding Jesus Christ’s invitation of “Follow Me” (Luke 9:23; John 21:21-23). And I’m sobered that we all have some road yet to travel, and more to lay aside and jettison, as we strive to embrace the clarion declaration in 2 Corinthians 5:17: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”
This “new” referred to is “not from around here”—but from Above. It speaks of not simply being better, but uniquely transformed from where we first heeded Jesus’ invitation. After all, disciples of Christ are called in preparation to be not merely guests at the wedding supper but His actual Bride (see 2 Corinthians 11:2, Revelation 19:6-7).
Let us explore just one dynamic
contrast between what is passing away and what being new in Christ is like. I speak of the spiritual gulf between pride and humility—and the need to be rid of the former and to put on the latter.
The devil’s self-exaltation versus the mind of Christ
Pride is the original sin and the gateway to all sins, then and now. Think about it! Pride begins with self-interest in place of God’s will. The god of this current self-absorbed age, Satan the devil (2 Corinthians 4:4), tried to presumptuously impose His will over the throne of God. His ill-fated initial coup is highlighted in Isaiah 14: “For you have said in your heart: ‘I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will also sit on the mount of the congregation on the farthest sides of the north; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High’” (verses 13-14). Note that pride is given birth in the heart, yet leads to what’s said. And in what’s said we hear the “roar of I” broadcast throughout the ages—five times in two verses along with one “my.” Dare I say, self-absorption?
What a contrast between this created being as a “wannabe god” and the uncreated One, the I Am, who dwelt among us (John 1:14) and submitted to His Father, stating, “. . . Not My will, but
Yours, be done” (Luke 22:42). He had earlier proclaimed: “I can of Myself do nothing. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is righteous, because I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father who sent Me” (John 5:30). And remarkably, He wholeheartedly and perfectly practiced what He preached.
Scripture paints the ultimate picture of humility in which Jesus died on the altar of Golgotha for a time that we might live forever with God: “Let nothing be done out of strife or conceit, but in humility let each esteem the other better than himself. Let each of you look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Let this mind be in you all, which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped [tightly held onto]. But He emptied Himself, taking upon Himself the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men. And being found in the form of a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death, even death on a cross” (Philippians 2:38, Modern English Version)
It’s here that we discover Jesus stripped bare and yet, in line with 1 Peter 5:5, “clothed with humility.” And consider that as He emptied Himself of His divine glory and power in becoming the Lamb of God, we must in turn as “a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to
God” (Romans 12:1), give up ourselves, surrendering our lives completely.
Learning to be humble
How then do we become “clothed with humility”? God’s Word awakens us by stating, “Let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall” (1 Corinthians 10:12). It’s been said, “A man can counterfeit love, he can counterfeit faith, he can counterfeit hope and all the other graces, but it is very difficult to counterfeit humility.” It’s one thing to make a humble profession of being Jesus’ disciple, but it’s quite another step to consistently practice humility as a way of life. The good news is that God says, “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land”—our lives! (2 Chronicles 7:14).
Let us grasp that “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6). We have a target-rich environment in which to grow and embrace humility and allow God to work in us rather than the little god called self. Here are some areas to focus on toward that aim.
1) Humility before God in prayerful need: Prayer with bowed head without a bowed heart goes nowhere! Learn to praise God more and complain less. In Ephesians 1:1, the apostle Paul says he’s an apostle, but this is not just a statement of title and mission underlined with pride. As biblical commentator William Barclay brings out, this is a confession of sheer amazement that God would even use a man with such
It has been said, “God has two thrones, one in the highest heavens, the other in the lowliest hearts.”
a past. Paul then moves on for 13 verses without a punctuating period in breathless gratitude towards God. Additionally, examine the prayer outline Jesus gave us, His disciples, in Matthew 6:9-13. It begins and ends with praise towards the Almighty. Learn that prayer is more than the physical posture of your prayer life, but the composition of our hearts.
2) Humility towards the world: As we look on others, always remember to take hold of the grand reality “There but for the grace of God go I.” It is not about you or me but the One who delivered us! This should be the motivating engine of our thoughts (and not the caboose being dragged behind)—that it is God alone who calls us and gives us eyes to see and ears to hear (John 6:44; 1 Corinthians 2:9). Remember that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Roman 3:23) and that even as earnest disciples we will stumble along the way while striving to heed Jesus’ invitation of “Follow Me.”
3) Humility towards others in how we communicate: How we approach people, talk over people, interrupt, answer a matter before it is shared, etc., speaks volumes, revealing what is lodged in our hearts. God’s Word exhorts: “Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath” (James 1:19). Remember Satan’s pronoun profile? A changed, humble spirit will drop the avalanche of “I” and “my” references. Such a change of heart with recognition of need is a worthy exercise toward building inward character, bending to following Christ’s example of selflessness.
It has been said, “God has two thrones, one in the highest heavens, the other in the lowliest hearts.” Until next time, as we heed Jesus’ invitation of “Follow Me,” let us remain humble, giving all credit to God, to whom it belongs. In the words of 1 Corinthians 1:31, “He who glories, let him glory in the Lord.” BT
dive deeper
It takes more than human determination to stay on the exemplary path of humility set by Jesus Christ. We need God’s ongoing help and intervention in our lives. To better see what is needed and how to persevere, download or request our free study guide Transforming Your Life: The Process of Conversion. Scan the code or visit ucg.org/ja24 to find it.
Questions & Answers
Q: Can a Christian suffer from depression?
A: Clinical depression is a serious illness, with various physical, mental and social symptoms, which can incapacitate people. The levels of certain chemicals in the brain can contribute to the problem. Those suffering from severe or chronic depression should seek specialized counseling and medical guidance in addition to applying the biblical tools mentioned here. (Likewise, unresolved issues involved of relational trauma or family history, with forgiveness difficult, may need professional help along with seeking God.)
Depression, in more everyday terminology, usually refers to periods of unusual sadness, of prolonged fear or worry, or of feeling overwhelmed by stress or distress. The immediate response is often to forget past successes, to feel hopeless and vulnerable, and to want to quit. No Christian is immune.
On occasion even some of the great men in the Bible suffered from depression. After a string of miracles and a long, close relationship with God, the prophet Elijah became prey to depression when Queen Jezebel threatened to kill him.
The apostle Paul instructs us to be “bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5). When a fearful thought or a worry first enters your head, pray to God and ask Him for His help to dispel it. Do not give it either time or space to implant itself in your mind. This may be easier said than done at first, but with God’s help, it does begin to work.
Prayer is a vital way of drawing close to God—as is the study of Scripture. Indeed, the Bible and its promises will help us to build faith. Paul pointed out that faith comes through hearing God’s Word (Romans 10:17).
Elijah was tired following a long period of stress, and this probably exacerbated his sense of discouragement and hopelessness. Nonetheless, God did not want him to remain in this condition. In a quiet, compassionate way, God explained to Elijah what he could not see in his irrational state—that he was not alone and that God would continue to support him in the work he had to do. Read about Elijah’s recovery in 1 Kings 19:1-18.
The book of Proverbs has much to say on depression and worry and offers useful guidance (see Proverbs 12:25; 13:12; 15:13; 18:14). In Luke 12:22-31, Jesus Christ explained the futility of worry, a trait that often leads to depression. (Be sure to also read “How to Confront and Defeat Fear and Anxiety” beginning on page 20.)
In the same Luke 12 passage, Jesus highlighted one aspect of the problem in referring to His disciples as “you of little faith” (verse 28). For a Christian, depression (again, the more typical variety, not the physiological malady) may sometimes be an outgrowth of lacking faith in God.
It would be easier for Christians if, following baptism and the laying on of hands for the receiving of the Holy Spirit, we could all be immediately filled with faith, love and patience. But it doesn’t happen that way. Instead, God expects us to develop these characteristics through experiences and even trials, as we learn obedience to His law. Christians should not remain in a depressive state. As God dealt with Elijah in the Old Testament, so He deals with Christians today through Jesus Christ. By His own suffering while here on earth, Jesus learned compassion for His people (Hebrews 4:14-16). He knows that we are weak and prone to fears, doubts and worry that can lead to depression. But He is always there to help when we are overburdened and promises to give us rest (Matthew 11:28-30).
In practical terms, is there anything we can do when anxiety, worry or depression threaten to engulf us? There is, but it takes mental effort and often means noticing potential problems before they take hold.
Paul also admonishes us, “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things” (Philippians 4:8).
As Christians, we should be familiar with the promises God has made to us. Remember the great love God the Father and Jesus Christ have shown us by providing a way by which we can be rescued from our sins. Meditating on these things can bring us comfort in times of sorrow. Read scriptures such as John 3:16-17, Luke 12:32, Romans 8:18-39 and Revelation 21:1-7.
Try actively imagining what the coming 1,000-year reign of Christ will be like, or the New Jerusalem in the eternal age beyond. Scriptures such as Isaiah 11:6-9, 35:1-10 and Revelation 21–22 may help here. You could even imagine yourself being there. However, we should never lose sight of present reality.
Always ask God for help. But also tap into the support of other Christians. Having someone you can phone, email or text can be a valuable help. Maybe a friend could contact you from time to time, just to let you know you’re not alone.
If you have Sabbath services in your area, go there to meet and fellowship with believers and hear biblical teaching. Get involved in something that does not add further stress or anxiety, but that improves your life. Physical activities such as walking, jogging, ballroom dancing, swimming and team sports can all help. Another huge help is to get involved in helping others, which also aids in getting our minds off our own problems.
Don’t get discouraged if you can’t overcome depression or worry all at once. As the apostle Peter wrote, “Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18, emphasis added).
Climbing out of depression can be likened to trying to climb out of a slippery pit. We can set off with good intentions and then slide back in. It’s a long journey, but we must keep at it with God’s help. Christians are those growing to be like Christ, and we all still have much to learn. bt
dive deeper
A number of helpful study guides relating to stress, worry and depression can be found on our website at freebiblestudyguides.org. Also read our free study guide You Can Have Living Faith and two online articles “Depression: Ways to Win the Battle” and “The Bible’s Keys to Mental Health.” Scan the code or visit ucg.org/ja24 to find it.
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