Beyond Today Magazine - May/June 2019

®
Help for Today, Hope for Tomorrow January-February 2016

A Magazine of Understanding May-June 2019
What Should We Learn?

D-Day and Divine Intervention 9 • Europe’s Great Divide: Which Vision Will Prevail? 14
Abortion and the Soul of America 20 • The Holy Spirit: A Gift of God’s Grace 26
TABLE OF
CONTENTS May-June 2019
®
FEATURE ARTICLES
4 D-Day + 75 Years:
History’s largest invasion armada was assembled
75 years ago. Hitler’s Atlantic Wall was breached,
and the Nazi Empire began to crumble. Do these
events hold lessons for us today?
9 D-Day and Divine Intervention
Photos, from top: U.S. Army, AlxeyPnferov/iStock/Getty Images Plus, Pearl/Lightstock Cover: Robert Sargent/U.S. Coast Guard Page 3: Wikimedia, New York Public Library
On this 75th anniversary of D-Day, we look back on the
remarkable miracle of its success—an answer to prayer
and the fulfillment of destiny.
14 Europe’s Great Divide:

Which Vision Will Prevail?
Europeans are torn between two competing
paths—a bigger and more powerful European
Union or individual countries having their own
9
national control. Where is this divide leading?
20 To Kill a People: Abortion

and the Soul of America
Actions by legislators to allow the murder of full-term
children forces us to consider how far we have come
in the culture war and where it is taking the nation.
23 Why Baptism?
The spiritual imagery associated with baptism is
rich, deeply meaningful and bursting with hope,
joy and anticipation. Discover its hidden treasures!
26 The Holy Spirit:

A Gift of God’s Grace
What I learned about grace from a friend long ago
helped transform my life. It can do the same for you!
30 The Fruit of the Holy Spirit:

What Are These All About?
The Bible tells us that God’s people will be led by
14 23
God’s Spirit—and that the Spirit will produce specific
evidence in their lives in the form of “fruit.”
DEPARTMENTS
34 The Overwhelming Force 18 Current Events and Trends
When you have God and His indisputable power on
your side, you can be fully confident He will see you An overview of events and conditions around the world
through every trouble you face.
38 Letters From Our Readers
36 “The Words That I Speak to You” Readers of Beyond Today magazine share their thoughts
More important than having the Bible at hand
is having its life-giving words ingrained in our 39 Beyond Today Television Log
hearts—trusting and following their guidance. A listing of stations and times for the Beyond Today TV program
2 Beyond Today • B Tm a g a z i n e . o r g
EDITORIAL
When Dreams Scott Ashley
Become Nightmares
Managing editor
T
empire that would dominate Europe for another thousand
his summer’s commemoration of the 75th anniver- years, along with the whole world, and he set about making
sary of D-Day—the Allied landings in northern France his dream a reality. In terms of direct conquest, he was far
that breached Adolf Hitler’s Atlantic coast defenses—will more successful than his predecessors, establishing German
be especially poignant for the simple reason that very few rule over a vast territory—stretching from deep inside Russia
who took part in that struggle will be there. Most now rest in the east to the Atlantic Coast in the west, and from the tip
in their graves, and memories of that day steadily slip away of Norway in the north across North Africa in the south. The
into the long night. German eagle emblem was raised over these lands just as the
Each day several hundred World War II veterans pass away, Roman eagle standard (which Hitler copied) had been raised
and those remaining are in their 90s. Soon none will be left, over them almost 2,000 years earlier.
and the world will be poorer for it. And this is where dreams grow
Most of my uncles served in var- dangerous—and indeed become night-
ious branches of the U.S. military mares. Hitler set out to do exactly what
during that conflict. My father vol- he had described in Mein Kampf. He
unteered for the Marines while still began his proposed extermination of
in high school, but the war ended the Jews (and succeeded in murdering
before he could be sent into com- 6 million). Germany needed lebens-
bat. When I was growing up, the war raum (“living room”), so he invaded,
was still a fresh and raw memory for plundered and enslaved his neighbors,
many. I never heard my uncles talk leading to the deaths of millions more.
about their experiences—some things His National Socialist Party indeed
must’ve been better left unsaid. One ruled a new and stronger Germany,
of my wife’s uncles came home in a box, felled by shrapnel but his dream of a German-led Europe turned into a night-
from an artillery shell in the last year of the war. mare for Europe and Germany alike. His campaign of con-
It’s hard to imagine the horror of that fateful day as 18-, 19- quest eventually ground to a halt and was then forced to
and 20-year-olds charged into a pounding surf and across 200 retreat, surrounded by enemies on all sides.
yards of open beach amid a hail of bullets and shells—fired by When the Allied landings on D-Day proved successful, Ger-
other 18-, 19- and 20-year-olds wearing different uniforms. many’s days were numbered. Less than a year later Germany
Many young men on both sides didn’t live to see another dawn. surrendered, but not before the country had been pounded into
What factors led to this maelstrom of death and destruc- near-oblivion. Hitler died in ignominy, committing suicide in
tion? Much of the blame can be laid at the feet of one man—a his underground Berlin bunker as Russian troops closed in.
failed artist and former soldier, Adolf Hitler, who never rose Perhaps his lasting legacy was proving that sometimes nations’
above the rank of corporal in the First World War. Yet through leaders can be their people’s worst enemies.
a highly unlikely chain of events he rose from obscurity to But what does this have to do with us today? A great deal,
become Germany’s chancellor and then dictator. actually, for Bible prophecy reveals that history has a way
He spelled out his dream in his two-volume work Mein of repeating itself. And sobering prophecies from the bib-
Kampf (“My Struggle”), written during and shortly after his lical books of Daniel and Revelation show us that another
1920s imprisonment for stirring up political unrest. It outlined power-hungry ruler will arise in the time shortly before Jesus
his racist ideology (the Aryan Germans were the “genius” mas- Christ’s return. He will be leader of a bloc of nations col-
ter race, and the Jews the “parasite” race to be eliminated), Ger- lectively called “the Beast”—a term reflective of its nature,
many’s need to expand (by conquest of other countries) and which will be like a wild, carnivorous animal. You can read
how his National Socialist (Nazi) movement would gain and more about this in the articles in this issue.
exercise power in a new and much more powerful Germany. Jesus Christ warns us to “watch therefore, and pray always
When Hitler came to power in 1933, he proclaimed his new that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things
regime the Third Reich (reich meaning “realm” or “empire”). that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man”
This signaled another aspect of his dream, because the first (Luke 21:36). In Beyond Today, we want to help you under-
and second reichs of German history were the Holy Roman stand where our world is headed so that you may grasp the
Empire of 800-1806 and the German Empire of 1871-1918. urgency of these times and, as Jesus said, “to stand”!
The Holy Roman Empire dominated Central Europe, and
the German Empire controlled most of Central and much
of Eastern Europe before its fall at the end of World War I.
Hitler saw himself as the leader of a new German-led
B Tm a g a z i n e . o r g • May-June 2019 3
WORLD NEWS
& PROPHECY
D
“ ad, what is this picture of?” I asked. land and quickly begin pushing inland.
“Oh,” he replied, “that’s the first As the head of this allied spear being thrust at Adolf Hitler’s
American cemetery in Europe in vaunted Atlantic Wall, these men had to perform their job
World War II. After D-Day, June 6, quickly and effectively or the entire invasion would be stalled.
I sent a team of men with a bull- Behind them were thousands of ships carrying many thousands
dozer to dig it on Omaha Beach.” of men. These engineers, along with paratroopers who had been
The faded black-and-white photo dropped behind the lines during the night hours, had key jobs to
with a few smudges and wrinkles had been perform so the invasion would roll smoothly.
in a box with dozens of other photos my father brought back On Omaha Beach these men met the toughest Nazi defense.
from his experience in World War II. Sure enough, looking Strategically placed machine guns in concrete bunkers and
at the sign and the small fence around the plot, you could behind reinforced embankments began raking the beach with
read what it said: “Here marks the site of the first American deadly fire. Landing the men from the specially designed
cemetery in France, World War II.” landing craft was challenging. Men dropped several yards off
I was looking at the resting place of dozens of American the beach in deep water were overwhelmed by the weight of
soldiers who died on “bloody Omaha,” the Normandy beach the 70 pounds of gear they were carrying on their backs. Many
that took the heaviest casualties on that momentous day 75 drowned before reaching the beach.
years ago. In this deadly killing ground, those who made it to the beach
Before my father, Lloyd McNeely, died, I was able to have were raked with machine-gun fire and forced to find whatever
him go through these pictures with me, writing some notes cover they could. An estimated 2,400 American soldiers were
on the back so we would know the story after his passing. killed or wounded on Omaha Beach that day.
Otherwise they would just be a box of photos filled with D-Day has always held a special place in my life. My father
unknown people, places and experiences. survived this hell. He was a staff sergeant in charge of a platoon
My dad was an American soldier, a combat engineer of men. He would have been at or near the front of one of
assigned to the 149th Engineer Combat Battalion of the 6th those landing ships when the front opened and the men began
Engineer Special Brigade. This group was among the first wave scrambling out.
of soldiers to hit the beach as dawn broke over the northwest If you’ve ever watched the opening scenes of the movie
coast of France on June 6, 1944. Combat engineers had the job Saving Private Ryan, it depicts a soldier being shot through
of clearing the beach of mines, barbed wire and other obstacles his helmet as the gate dropped on one of those craft. It is a
and establishing paths up the bluffs from the beach so that gruesome but accurate scene. It could easily have happened to
the oncoming waves of tanks, jeeps and other soldiers could my father, but it didn’t. He was spared and came home after the
History’s largest invasion armada was assembled

75 years ago. Hitler’s Atlantic Wall was breached, and
the Nazi Empire began to crumble. Do these events hold
lessons for us today?
by Darris McNeely
war, and a few years later I was born. Had he died on behind the German lines.
Omaha, I would not even be here to write this article. The first strategic location
My father, along with thousands of other Allied captured was Pegasus Bridge on
soldiers like him, carried out incredibly brave acts the Caen Canal, taken by British
on that day. paratroopers. Historian Andrew
Roberts says: “Pegasus Bridge was
The greatest invasion in history the only possible route to reinforce
What was my father a part of? The Normandy the 12,000 men of the 6th
Invasion—D-Day—was the largest amphibious Sgt. Lloyd McNeely during WWII. Airborne Division who were about
invasion not just of World War II, but in all history. to bear the brunt of concerted
Photos, from top: Robert Sargent/U.S. Coast Guard, courtesy Darris McNeely
It included troops from the English-speaking nations of attempts by the 21st Panzer Division [German tanks] and
America, Great Britain and Canada. Nearly 7,000 ships of all several other German units to descend on Sword Beach and
kinds and more than 11,000 aircraft carried nearly 2 million fling the invaders back into the sea before they had established
soldiers from England across the English Channel to France. the bridgehead” (History of the English-Speaking Peoples Since
On that first day alone, 156,000 men landed in France. Ten 1900, 2007, p. 340). (For more on all this, see “D-Day and
thousand of them became casualties, with more than 4,000 Divine Intervention” beginning on page 9.)
confirmed dead. The Germans lost more than 1,000 soldiers. The Canadian soldiers who landed on Juno Beach fought
Nothing on this scale had ever been attempted in ancient or valiantly. Their troops advanced seven miles inland, more than
modern warfare. any others. Roberts says the Canadian troops, with names like
The landings occurred on five sections of the French Nor- the Queens Own Rifles of Canada and Royal Winnipeg Rifles,
mandy coast code-named Utah and Omaha (American sectors) “were the only units to achieve all their objectives on D-Day”
and Gold, Sword and Juno (British and Canadian sectors). The (p. 342). He also includes a little-known quote from Gen.
Allied troops were commanded by U.S. Gen. Dwight Eisen- Eisenhower that “man-for-man the Canadians were the best
hower. His second was British Gen. Bernard Montgomery. soldiers in his army” (p. 343).
D-Day was termed “the longest day” by German field marshal The French Resistance, knowing the Allies were coming,
Erwin Rommel. Gen. Rommel commanded German troops played a key role in the liberation of their country. About
in this region, and his tactics created the formidable obstacles 3,000 members of the Resistance cut 950 rail and road lines
encountered by soldiers on the beaches. “The longest day” began of communication, which significantly delayed German
shortly after midnight when paratroopers from the British 6th reinforcements being sent to Normandy from southwestern
Airborne and American 82nd and 101st Airborne units dropped France.
WORLD NEWS
& PROPHECY
The New World liberation of the old months of hard fighting still lay ahead. But the beachheads
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Winston Churchill, were secure. In less than a year the Allies would push through
Britain and the members of the British Empire had held the Western Europe into Germany. By early May 1945 the German
line until the invasion armada could be assembled. Visiting the army capitulated, Hitler committed suicide and the war in
United States and Canada, he was able to secure guarantees of Europe was over.
financing and materiel, known as Lend-Lease, from President Caught up in something bigger
Franklin Roosevelt and Canadian Prime Minister MacKenzie
King. At a dinner in Ottawa on Dec. 30, 1941, Churchill was Earlier I mentioned my father’s small role in this great
told Canada would be giving $1 billion directly and would conflict. Again, what exactly was he part of? My father came
convert British debts of $700 million into an interest-free loan. to know war in all its cruel forms, and when he was discharged
Churchill understood the special connection between the he wanted no further part in the making of war. But he did not
English-speaking peoples. He also knew America could not really understand the full scope of the conflict.
stay out of the European fight indefinitely. He further knew Lloyd McNeely was a farm boy from southeast Missouri.
that the British would need the might of America to come to Along with three of his brothers he answered the call and
their aid if they were to survive and for there to be any hope went off to war. He did not understand all the political and
to push back the dark tyranny that had descended on Europe historical forces that worked to create that global event. He and
and other parts of the world. At stake were all the hard-won millions of other soldiers and the civilian populations were
freedoms of Western civilization. caught up in an event bigger than the sum of all their lives, the
In perhaps his most famous speech of defiance, given defining event of their generation.
before the House of Commons on June 4, 1940, Churchill I have briefly described the history of the invasion. D-Day
knew that the other English-speaking nations (Canada and was a key turning point in World War II. World War II was
America) could be counted on. In his famous “we shall fight in some ways the second round of World War I, which had
on the beaches” speech, he ended with what would amount to ravaged Europe a generation earlier. These massive conflicts
something of a prophecy: were the largest in history, both in size and implication.
“We shall go on to the end. We shall fight in France, we Daniel’s vision of modern times
shall fight on the seas and oceans, we shall fight with growing
confidence and growing strength in the air, we shall defend Bible prophecy did not specifically foretell these two wars,
our island, whatever the cost may be. We shall fight on the but it does give an outline of the rise of powers in the modern
age that fit what happened in Europe and Asia.
beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in
Prophecy shows the rise of great powers that are described
the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall
never surrender, and if, which I do not for a moment believe, as “beasts.” The prophet Daniel saw a vision of the four
this island or a large part of it were subjugated and starving, winds stirring up a “Great Sea” (Daniel 7:2). The waters are
then our Empire beyond the seas, armed and guarded by the the nations of the earth, and the winds are the forces that act
British Fleet, would carry on the struggle, until, in God’s goodamong the nations to propel the rise and fall of nations and the
time, the New World, with all its power and might, steps forth wars that rage between great powers. “And four great beasts
to the rescue and the liberation of the old.” came up from the sea, each different from the other. The first
The “New World” did indeed step forth to liberate. D-Day was like a lion, and had eagle’s wings” (verses 3-4).
was the largest military effort mounted by the English– Daniel watched and saw three other beasts rise out of the
speaking peoples of the world. “waters.” The second was “like a bear” (verse 5). The third
was “like a leopard” (verse 6), and the fourth was something
The Atlantic Wall at last overcome “dreadful and terrible, exceedingly strong” and “had huge iron
Hitler’s Nazi army had anticipated the Allied invasion for teeth; it was devouring, breaking in pieces, and trampling the
some time. World War II had already lasted nearly five years residue with its feet.” This beast “was different from all the
since Germany invaded Poland in September 1939. By the beasts that were before it, and it had ten horns” (verse 7). It is
spring of 1940 France had fallen, and the countries of Central this fourth beast that focuses Daniel’s attention.
and Western Europe were under the control of the fascist Axis Later he says: “Then I wished to know the truth about the
powers of Germany and Italy. Hitler tried to subdue England fourth beast, which was different from all the others” (verse
by an aerial bombing campaign known as the Battle of Britain, 19). He was told: “The fourth beast shall be a fourth kingdom
but England bravely held out. Failing to defeat England, Hitler on earth, which shall be different from all other kingdoms, and
set about fortifying the European continent’s Atlantic border shall devour the whole earth, trample it and break it in pieces.
from Norway to the Pyrenees at Spain. The ten horns are ten kings who shall arise from this kingdom”
Securing Europe by this “wall” was a massive, if not near- (verses 23-24).
impossible, project. Hitler knew that in time there would be Daniel was seeing the advance of history from his day in the
an invasion of the continent that would seek to turn back all seventh century B.C. to the end of the age, the time leading up
the Nazi advances. His failed effort to defeat the Soviet Union to and including the second coming of Jesus Christ. The fourth
finally led in 1943 to his full attention of defending himself beast is understood to be the empire of Rome, and the 10 horns
from an expected invasion of Western Allied troops. are successive revivals of a political/religious system modeled
When the sun set on D-Day, “the longest day,” the Allied on the Roman Empire.
troops had punctured this vaunted wall of defense. Days and A study of history shows the fulfillment of these remarkable
in world history. First, it came from the combined wealth of
Great Britain, the United States and Canada. These nations
represent peoples with a birthright that originated with the
promises God made to the patriarch Abraham. These nations
are the wealthiest in all history. That they held their wealth and
power at this critical moment in history was not a coincidence.
God provided for their time on the world stage and gave them
the power to do what they did (see Acts 17:26).
This alliance of nations was able to cast a spear into the
heart of this beast power and kill it—turning back its power.
The Americans especially had the industrial capacity to gear
up a war effort that churned out tanks, airplanes, armaments
and munitions to wage total war. They could grow the food,
manufacture the clothing and produce the materiel to support
soldiers across the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. The nation was
at first reluctant, but once roused “the arsenal of democracy”
made the critical difference, tipping the scales in favor of
the Allies.
What this means today
All of this seems such a paradox. War is the scourge of
mankind. More than 60 million people died in World War II.
Sixth Engineer Special Brigade Memorial set up in France. Yet millions more would have died had this beast power not
been defeated. Free nations of the world fought back against
prophecies in the form of successive revivals of the Roman this tyranny. But another tyranny arose in the Soviet Union.
Empire. The empire received a “deadly wound” when the Western With the conclusion of World War II, the world was plunged
Roman Empire fell in A.D. 476, but this wound was to be healed into a “Cold War” that lasted another 40 years. Two more great
(see Revelation 13:3, 12). The ninth horn of this beast began conflicts were fought in East Asia, first in Korea and later in
developing prior to World War I. Its most dreadful form emerged Vietnam. There are unresolved issues from both these wars.
in the 1930s with the rise of Nazi Germany under Adolf Hitler War, no matter how “just,” is still war. People suffer, lives are
and the fascist government in Italy led by Benito Mussolini. ruined and more conflict is spawned.
Both of these men signed agreements with the Roman And as already mentioned, Bible prophecy shows yet
church that gave legitimacy to their fascist regimes. another global power will one day arise and seek to enslave the
Declaring the reappearance of the Roman Empire, Musso- “bodies and souls of men” (Revelation 18:13). Could America
lini formed an alliance with Hitler, bringing about the Rome- and Britain mount another round of opposition and defeat
Berlin Axis. Hitler proudly proclaimed Germany’s Third this coming superpower? Prophecy shows they will not. Many
Reich, envisioning a new German empire that would rival the factors are working against the strength of both countries. Yes,
Holy Roman Empire of the German nation established by Otto America still has the strongest military in the world, and both
the Great. From 1939 until 1945 the Allied and Axis powers nations are nuclear powers. But each country is also deeply
fought the Second World War, battling and bloodying each divided internally, and both face uncertain futures.
other across Europe, Africa, Asia and the Atlantic and Pacific Great Britain is in the process of leaving the European
Oceans. Germany’s dream of a Europe united under a new Union and, in doing so, fracturing its own political structure.
empire almost succeeded—at a horrendous cost. More than half the nation voted to leave, but those who
And there is yet to arise the 10th horn, a final beast-like desire to remain in the EU are among the wealthiest and
power, modeled again after Rome, that will plunge the world politically powerful. The process of leaving is opening large
into war once more—yet this time an age-ending period of wounds in the nation that may not heal. Britain’s push to exit,
trouble worse than World War II or any other war. commonly called “Brexit,” will lead Europe to reshape itself as
What will be the outcome? a continental power, its historic role in the world.
U.S. President Donald Trump has pushed for Europe to
D-Day: the beginning of the end take on more of the financial burden for its defense. While
D-Day was an assault on a despotic tyrannical power on the this is not a new U.S. stance toward Europe (recent presidents
Photo courtesy Darris McNeely
European continent, long foretold to rise in the prophecies of have said the same), the personality of Mr. Trump and his
your Bible. Had the Nazi war machine succeeded in its plans, aggressive posture and positions on various issues alienate
we would be living in a vastly different world. Leaders like European leaders. They transfer their anti-Trump feelings to
Winston Churchill understood what was at stake and why the geopolitical position of Europe vis-a-vis Russia and the
there needed to be a response to defeat that “dreadful and Middle East, creating the potential for major change. His
terrible” beast that had arisen from the nations. words and policies have had the effect of driving perceived
The coalition of English-speaking nations that mounted the wedges between America and Europe.
assault on the Atlantic Wall and Fortress Europe was unique Both these developments could provoke changes strong
WORLD NEWS
& PROPHECY
enough to awaken slumbering spirits. Europe will undergo help in this, be sure to request our free study guide The United
changes to preserve and remake itself, reasserting itself in the States and Britain in Bible Prophecy. It will give you the story
world as a power to be reckoned with. The ghosts of the past from your Bible of the future of the English-speaking peoples.
will rise. European integration has stumbled. The changing
demography and massive unassimilated immigration is pro- The greatest liberation lies yet ahead
voking fear. Combine that with a growing sense that the elites Once the English-speaking nations punched through the
do not relate to the common people, and we see a volatile mix. Atlantic Wall on D-Day, Hitler’s reign of terror over Europe
Add in a crisis from an unknown source, and a power could was essentially finished. Within a year the Third Reich was
arise on the continent that stuns the world. defeated, and Europe began to rebuild. Hitler’s fate was sealed
Europe is not an irrelevant dusty old museum for American by sunset on D-Day.
tourists to visit. It is more than scenic and culinary delights for The outcome of God’s plan is even more certain. God has
travel and leisure enthusiasts. Europe is where nearly 345,000 laid down His promise to redeem mankind. In Genesis 12
American soldiers died during the last century. Their many He promised Abraham: “I will make you a great nation;
well-tended graves bear witness to this fact. What happens in I will bless you and make your name great; and you shall be
Europe concerns America and every nation. a blessing . . . and in you all the families of the earth shall be
A united Europe is bigger in territory and population than blessed” (Genesis 12:2-3). This promise included physical and
the United States. Its problems and pluses have a direct bearing spiritual aspects.
on the American economy and policies with regard to other The spiritual dimension of this promise refers primarily to
nations. What happens in the Middle East and Asia and with God sending Jesus Christ, whose life, death and resurrection
Islamic terrorism is directly impacted by Europe. The European provide the liberating salvation for all humanity. Christ is
continent is relevant to all of us, and we need to better under- the King of the coming Kingdom of God. He will replace all
stand its historic and prophetic role. human government at His second coming. “Then the seventh
Again, Bible prophecy shows a final Roman revival will angel blew his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven,
arise in the world. This great power will have as its heart the saying, ‘The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom
political power of Europe. In union with the Roman church, it of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and
is called “Mystery, Babylon the Great,” and is shown as a global ever’” (Revelation 11:15, English Standard Version).
political, economic and spiritual power. Jesus has not returned yet, but His coming and victory are
When we gather and examine all prophecies about this event, sure. Satan’s reign as “the god of this age” (2 Corinthians 4:4)
it appears that this system will be seen as the world’s solution is all but over. There is not much time left.
to all its ills. It will hold a hope and promise for peace and The physical part of the promise has been fulfilled in large
prosperity for all. A massive deception will envelop people, even measure in the English-speaking nations of the modern world,
those who are watching for its appearance. Even discerning true led by Great Britain and America. Their influence, wealth
Christians could be deluded (see Matthew 24:24). When the and power has been the greatest blessing to all nations in the
mask of deception is removed, this power will be revealed for modern world. That God has fulfilled the physical promises
to the seed of Abraham in this age is a marker that He will
what it is at its heart—a satanic manifestation that will bring war
and suffering at unprecedented levels. fulfill all the spiritual promises to all mankind through Jesus
Christ at His second coming. The world will then experience
Will America and Britain stop the coming tyranny? a liberation from the evil influence of Satan. “Sorrow and
The tragedy at this moment of history is that the English- sighing shall flee away” (Isaiah 35:10; 51:11).
speaking peoples will not be able to mount another D-Day-style My father was caught up in a great struggle for freedom.
assault on this tyranny. The time of their power and influence I did not follow his steps and go to war in the human arena.
will have passed. Prophecy shows that the descendants of Jacob Instead, I have been caught up in the larger spiritual cause
will experience a time of unprecedented and devastating trouble of the Kingdom of God.
and that their power will fail (Jeremiah 30:7). I always wondered what he thought about my choice in
America’s growing culture wars are only a symptom of a life. On his deathbed he gave me his blessing. I think he knew
greater spiritual disease, an incurable wound so severe that a my choice will herald a better world, a better solution to the
cure is unattainable. No medicine will be found to heal and problems of mankind. He will rise from the grave one day and
correct the moral slide. Its allies will turn their backs and not will be given understanding of the larger pieces of history and
lift a hand to give aid to soothe the pain. God says this will be the Bible. God speed that day of freedom for all!
because of sin, great national sins that are an affront to Him.
It’s hard to believe, but there will be a time when God says that LEARN MORE
the nation at large is beyond repentance and that He will not Why does Europe have a long history of
hear the sorrowful cries of the peoples who have been blessed dictators, wars and conquest? Where are
by Him until after the nation is punished (Jeremiah 30:12-15). today’s geopolitical trends leading? You need
Right now there may still be time for America and other to read our study guide The Book of Revela-
nations of British descent to turn to God. Can it happen? It tion Unveiled. Download or request your free
could, but the possibility seems remote. Yet you can turn to copy today!
God and change your life. You can gain understanding of God’s BTmagazine.org/booklets
plan for the nations, including the English-speaking nations. To
D-Day and Divine
Intervention
On this 75th anniversary of D-Day, a crucial event in the push to Allied
victory in World War II, we look back on the remarkable miracle
of its success—an answer to prayer and the fulfillment of destiny.
by Tom Robinson
I
t’s been 75 years since D-Day, June 6, 1944, when Western operation launch: “This day eight years ago, I made the most
Allied forces during World War II launched the largest agonizing decision of my life. If there were nothing else in my
invasion in history with nearly 7,000 ships of all sorts andlife to prove the existence of an almighty and merciful God,
more than 11,000 planes, crossing the English Channel and the events of the next twenty-four hours did it . . . The greatest
landing more than 150,000 troops (and more over the days break in a terrible outlay of weather occurred the next day and
that followed) on the beaches of Normandy to free France allowed that great invasion to proceed, with losses far below
and the rest of Europe from Nazi tyranny. those we had anticipated.”
German leader Adolf Hitler had prepared a vast defensive The Allies had tried to plan for every eventuality, but they
network of artillery, gun emplacements, mines and other had no control over the vital weather. They hoped for good
deadly obstacles stretching from the west coast of France up to weather to make the 100-mile sea crossing to Europe, as had
Norway. This “Atlantic Wall” had to be breached for the Allies miraculously occurred in the mass evacuation from Europe
to press forward and defeat this evil, genocidal regime that at Dunkirk early in the war. What they didn’t realize was that
with its Axis partners was intent on continuing the carnage of bad weather—the windiest in 20 years—would hand them
many millions while trying to conquer the world. success beyond all expectation.
Famed war correspondent Ernie Pyle, who arrived at Nor- D-Day was originally scheduled for June 5 and could only be
mandy the day after D-Day, noted that the Allies achieved postponed for the short term to the 6th or 7th, while the tides
victory “with every advantage on the enemy’s side and every were still low and the moon was full for visibility (along with clear
disadvantage on ours.” Yet, as he wrote, the total Allied casu- weather), especially for clearing or avoiding mines in the surf.
alties “were remarkably low—only a fraction, in fact, of what Otherwise it would have to have been put off a good while later.
our commanders had been prepared to accept.” Pyle con- With the terrible weather that sprang up on June 5, it looked
cluded, “Now that it is all over, it seems to me a pure miracle like the operation was a no-go, but meteorologists reported a
Dominik Kiss on Unsplash
that we ever took the beach at all.” break was about to occur in the weather to allow the 17-hour
What was miraculous about D-Day, and why would God crossing, though there was as yet no sign of any calming.
have intervened? Eisenhower made the agonizing decision for the ships to
launch on the 5th (to arrive the next day) in the face of severe
The weather and other surprises—flukes or God’s handiwork? winds. As it turned out, the weather was only marginally
Gen. Dwight Eisenhower, Supreme Allied Commander (and better on the 6th, yet enough for the invasion to succeed even
later U.S. president), said later on the 1952 anniversary of the with weather-related losses.
WORLD NEWS
& PROPHECY
What really helped win the day was that the Germans could
not believe the Allies would cross the English Channel in such
awful weather, and they were caught completely unprepared.
They had stood alert at low-tide and full-moon days in May, but
they now did not see the need. Half the German division com-
manders and a fourth of the regiment commanders left for war
games exercises in Brittany. Field Marshal Erwin Rommel, in
charge of the Normandy defenses, decided to travel 500 miles to
Germany to celebrate his wife’s birthday. He came back at word
of the invasion, but it took him all day—by then too late.
Also, Adolf Hitler and other leaders under him were con-
vinced by Allied ploys and their own theories that the Allied
invasion was going to be further east. And when it arrived they
assumed it was a diversion, with the real landing to take place
elsewhere—a belief that Hitler bizarrely clung to up through Gen. Dwight Eisenhower talks to U.S. paratroopers on the eve of D-Day.
August!
Meanwhile, most of the “The hopes and prayers of liberty-loving people
Luftwaffe (German air force)
planes based in Normandy had everywhere march with you . . . Let us all beseech
been relocated to Germany to
defend against increasing Allied the blessing of Almighty God upon this great
bombing. With that and the bad
weather, German planes were not
and noble undertaking.”— Gen. Dwight Eisenhower
patrolling the English Channel.
Moreover, this was the only night
the German U-boat submarines
did not patrol it. So the Allies
encountered hardly any enemy
forces on the way.
Confusion among German
defenders
A key early step in the invasion
was for paratroopers to come in
gliders at 100 mph with no guiding
lights and to land secretly next to
two critical guarded bridges and
secure them—to keep the Germans Canadian soldiers land on Courseulles Beach in Normandy as part of the D-Day invasion.
back and prevent the Germans
from destroying them so the Allies couldn’t use them. The But he had to get approval, as these forces were under the
weather helped in this too, hiding the gliders in the low clouds German high command. Approval was not given, as Hitler
as they flew by stopwatches until they dropped out at 200 feet, had to give the order, and he was still sleeping—and he didn’t
when the pilots could then see. awaken until noon. Hitler’s approval did not come until 4 p.m.,
The first paratroopers to land were stunned, British platoon and by that time the weather had cleared and Allied aircraft
leader Maj. John Howard later stating: “When we came to our ruled the skies over Normandy, smashing anything that moved
senses, we realized there was no firing. There was no enemy firing. on the ground. (Much more could be said of Hitler’s terrible
Photos, from top: U.S. Army (2), Imperial War Museum
It all seemed quite unbelievable.” The 22 paratroopers trotted blunders, which some speculate may have resulted from disease
over the bridge, the terrified guards dove into the bushes, and or drug and chemical interactions affecting his brain.)
the garrison was taken in 10 minutes. But two German tanks Many remarkable things happened on D-Day. The landing
arrived, with four more on the way. The paratroopers had only a at Utah Beach was actually in the wrong place, but this worked
single anti-tank gun, and with one chance succeeded in hitting out in the Allies’ favor, as the beach was less defended there.
the tank right in the middle, setting off all the ammunition Of course, other places saw far worse fighting. The taking of
inside—the burning tank now blocking the German advance the Normandy beaches was still horrific, with thousands dead
and enabling lost paratroopers to be reoriented. or wounded. Yet the casualty count had been expected to be
The Germans were not then able to counterattack there or many times higher. And the victory allowed the liberation of
across the wider area. They now had only two panzer (or tank) Europe to follow over the next year.
divisions near the Normandy landings. Early in the morning, The weather that seemed poised to thwart the Allied cause
Field Marshal Gerd von Rundstedt ordered these to move in, in reality greatly helped it. And the Nazi leadership was in
not believing such a large-scale invasion could be a deception. many ways confounded. Eisenhower and many others saw
this as clear help from Almighty God. In fact, newspapers at conquest. They fight to liberate . . . They yearn but for the end
the time declared the events of D-Day, Dunkirk, El Alamein, of battle, for their return to the haven of home. Some will never
the Battle of Britain and a number of other battles to be mira- return. Embrace these, Father, and receive them, Thy heroic
culous, particularly in the wake of widespread prayer to God servants, into Thy kingdom.
for deliverance. “And for us at home . . . help us, Almighty God, to rededi-
cate ourselves in renewed faith in Thee in this hour of great
U.S. and British leaders and people look to God sacrifice.
Gen. Eisenhower told the troops embarking for Normandy: “Many people have urged that I call the nation into a single
“The eyes of the world are upon you. The hopes and prayers of day of special prayer. But because the road is long and the
liberty-loving people everywhere march with you . . . The tide desire is great, I ask that our people devote themselves in a
has turned! The free men of the world are marching together continuance of prayer. As we rise to each new day, and again
to Victory! I have full confidence in your courage, devotion when each day is spent, let words of prayer be on our lips,
to duty and skill in battle. We will accept nothing less than invoking Thy help to our efforts . . .
full Victory! Good Luck! And let us all beseech the blessing of “And, O Lord, give us faith. Give us faith in Thee; faith in
our sons; faith in each other;
faith in our united crusade
. . . With Thy blessing, we
shall prevail over the unholy
forces of our enemy. Help us
to conquer the apostles of
greed and racial arrogances.
Lead us to the saving of
our country, and with our
sister nations into a world
unity that will spell a sure
peace—a peace invulnerable
to the schemings of un-
worthy men. And a peace
that will let all of men live
in freedom, reaping the just
rewards of their honest toil.
“Thy will be done,
Almighty God. Amen.”
As word of the invasion
spread, prayer vigils
were quickly organized
throughout the country.
With the Normandy beachhead secured, vast numbers of Allied troops and military vehicles flood ashore. Many businesses closed for
prayer.
“Such an historic march of events can seldom have “This was the Lord’s doing,
taken place in such a short space of time . . . Let us and it is marvellous in our
eyes”
say to each other, ‘This was the Lord’s doing, and it is Britain’s King George
marvellous in our eyes.’”— Gen. Bernard Montgomery VI said in a worldwide
radio address on D-Day:
Almighty God upon this great and noble undertaking.” “Four years ago our nation and Empire stood alone against
British Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery had told the an overwhelming enemy, with our backs to the wall. Tested as
troops, “Let us pray that the Lord, mighty in battle, will give us never before in our history, in God’s providence we survived
victory.” that test . . .
As the forces approached Normandy, U.S. President Franklin “Once more a supreme test has to be faced. This time the
Roosevelt took to the airwaves with this call: “In this poignant challenge is not to fight to survive, but to fight to win the
hour, I ask you to join with me in prayer.” final victory for the good cause . . . That we may be worthily
He publicly prayed: “Almighty God: Our sons, pride of our matched with this new summons of destiny, I desire solemnly
nation, this day have set upon a mighty endeavor, a struggle to call my people to prayer and dedication.
to preserve our Republic, our religion, and our civilization, “We are not unmindful of our own shortcomings, past
and to set free a suffering humanity . . . They will need Thy and present. We shall ask not that God may do our will, but
blessings. Their road will be long and hard . . . that we may be enabled to do the will of God; and we dare
“They fight not for the lust of conquest. They fight to end to believe that God has used our nation and Empire as an
WORLD NEWS
& PROPHECY
instrument for fulfilling His high purpose. fulfilled primarily through the United States and Britain and
“I hope that throughout the present crisis of the liberation other nations of British descent. In fact, these nations are in
of Europe there may be offered up earnest, continuous and large part actually formed of the descendants of Joseph! (Be
widespread prayer . . . sure to read our free study guide The United States and Britain
“If from every place of worship, from home and factory, in Bible Prophecy for the proof of this identity and heritage.)
from men and women of all ages and many races and occupa- Though this truth is unknown to most, many over the
tions, our intercessions rise, then, please God, both now and
in the future, not remote, the predictions of an ancient psalm
may be fulfilled: ‘The Lord will give strength unto His people;
the Lord will give His people the blessing of peace.’”
Did God answer this great outpouring of prayer? Many are
justifiably convinced that He did.
After the Allies swept triumphantly through France in 1944,
Gen. Montgomery felt compelled to say: “Such an historic
march of events can seldom have taken place in such a short
space of time . . . Let us say to each other, ‘This was the Lord’s
doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes.’”
A God who intervenes and answers national prayer
The Bible reveals that God cares about what happens in the
German forces surrender to Allied soldiers in France, August 1944.
affairs of nations and intervenes in working out His overall
plan. “For wisdom and might are
His. And He changes the times
and the seasons; He removes
“I have the feeling that God has . . . brought us to
kings and raises up kings” (Daniel
2:20-21)—sometimes to punish
our present position of power and strength for
sinful nations and rulers (compare some great purpose.”— President Harry Truman
Genesis 15:16; Isaiah 10:12)—and
also to protect His servant people from annihilation. last few centuries have had a sense of the promises to Israel
He chose the people of Israel to fulfill a very special destiny. applying in some ways to these great Bible-believing nations.
In prophesying of the Israelites in the last days, God promised
to make Joseph’s descendants through his sons Ephraim and Leaders who recognized the hand of God at work
Manasseh the most blessed nations in the world and strengthen Observe what Winston Churchill, British Prime Minister
them against their enemies (Genesis 49:22-24), declaring that at the time of D-Day, said in his memoirs of the First World
their descendants would “push the peoples to the ends of the War regarding an encounter with Scripture just after he took
earth” (Deuteronomy 33:17). He further said the Israelites charge of the Royal Navy:
would be “like a lion . . . Your hand shall be lifted against your “That night when I went to bed, I saw a large Bible lying on
adversaries, and all your enemies shall be cut off” (Micah 5:8-9). a table in my bedroom. I thought of the peril of Britain, peace-
Other verses show that God would also discipline the loving, unthinking, little prepared . . . I thought of mighty
Israelites through losses to enemies. But He promised that Germany . . . wave after wave of valiant manhood . . . of the
if His people would humble themselves in prayer, He would sudden and successful wars by which her power had been set
forgive them and heal their land (2 Chronicles 7:14). up. I opened the Book at random, and in the 9th Chapter of
All of this plays a huge part in what happened at D-Day Deuteronomy I read—
and the various other instances of divine intervention during “‘Hear, O Israel: Thou art to . . . possess nations greater and U.S. Army
World War II and in other conflicts. For, as incredible as it mightier than thyself . . . a people great and tall of whom thou
may seem, the prophecies regarding end-time Israel have been hast heard say, who can stand before the children of Anak!
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“‘Understand therefore this day, that the Lord thy God is
he which goes over before thee; as a consuming fire . . . Not
for thy righteousness, or for the uprightness of thy heart . . .
but for the wickedness of these nations the Lord thy God doth Check us out
online!
drive them out from before thee, and that he may perform the
word which the Lord sware unto thy fathers, Abraham, Isaac
and Jacob.’
“It seemed a message full of reassurance” (The World Crisis,
Mentor edition, 1968, pp. 58-59). Indeed it was.
During the Second World War, the same Churchill, now
prime minister, gave a message in 1942 stating: “I sometimes
You’ll find much more helpful
have a feeling of interference. I want to stress that. I have a
feeling sometimes that some Guiding Hand has interfered. I
biblical material on our
have a feeling that we have a Guardian because we have a great
Cause, and we shall have that Guardian so long as we serve
website, including
that Cause faithfully.”
At the victorious conclusion of the war, Churchill led the
British House of Commons to “give humble and reverent
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thanks to Almighty God for our deliverance.”
Harry Truman, U.S. president at the end of World War II,
later remarked in 1951: “I do not think that anyone can study
the history of this nation without becoming convinced that
Divine Providence has played a great part in it. I have the
feeling that God has created us and brought us to our present
position of power and strength for some great purpose. It is
not given to us to know fully what that purpose is.”
Will we continue to look to God?
While these men did not grasp the big picture of what God Bible Study Guides
was working out, they and others at the time still realized who
had saved them and seen them through. Do we?
It’s heartrending to contemplate, but it will not be long
before the world is plunged into the worst time of trouble
ever—far worse than World War II. America and Britain
will not then succeed in beating back the enveloping tyranny
but, having drifted far from God, will experience devastating
defeat and destruction.
Yet, thankfully, a great deliverance will at last come—from
the same God. The Father will send Jesus Christ to return to
the earth in awesome power. Descending with the hosts of
Video Bible Study Series
heaven, Jesus will come in divine war, crushing the armies
arrayed against Him. Overthrowing the tyranny of wicked
men and of Satan behind it all, He will take over the governing
of the whole world, then bringing an end to war and guiding
mankind into the way of peace.
As we remember D-Day, let’s be grateful for God’s great
intervention then and at other times and, humbling ourselves
in prayer, continue to trust Him now and for the future
deliverance He will ultimately bring.
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WORLD NEWS
& PROPHECY
Europe’s
Great Divide:
Which Vision Will Prevail?
Europeans are torn between two competing paths—a bigger
and more powerful European Union or individual countries
having their own national control. Where is this divide leading?
W
by Justin Palm
hat do Europeans talk about when they Europeans talk about their nation and their continent. Yet
talk about Europe? there are often many clashes between the distinct nations
They talk about money: “Why do some and cultures of Europe. In many ways it seems a miracle that
countries have to step in and bail out other citizens within Europe’s various countries have been able to
ones who’ve been irresponsible?” . . . “But don’t come together over the last 75 years.
we have to do something big like that to keep all Why was the European Union created, and why have so
our economies going?” many nations joined? Looking at how we got here helps explain
They talk about religion: “Do most people even care anymore today’s divisions over Europe’s future.
about traditional Christianity or Catholicism?” . . . “What about
Islam? Can we all live together if we’re afraid of each other, or we Conflict over differences
look down on each other, or we’re blowing each other up?” In the first 50 years of the 20th century, Europeans and
They talk about politics: “Power should go back to the people others around the world let their differences of opinion give
instead of unelected bureaucrats or elected officials who don’t way to unbridled passion. Blood was spilled in unprecedented
represent us. We should have more say in what’s happening.” . . . numbers and ways. The Sixth Commandment about killing
“But isn’t this what we all signed up for? We might have to give people was cast aside by many. The first half of the 20th
up some things, but I think they know what they’re doing.” century was a time of hate, power, control, tyranny, slaughter,
They talk about immigration: “It’s all well and good to take national zeal, midnight rallies, concentration camps, suffering,
people in, but how can we support everyone? How can we pay mass migration and new weapons.
for it all? And what does it mean for our culture and security?” Then on August 6, 1945, an American plane dropped a new
. . . “Don’t we have some kind of responsibility to them though? kind of weapon that instantly killed 70,000 people in Hiro-
Where else are they supposed to go?” shima, Japan. Three days later, another bomb was dropped
Europeans have a lot of opinions, and a lot of differences of that instantly killed 40,000 people in Nagasaki. British Prime
opinion. This is because the European Union (EU) is a great Minister Winston Churchill had previously called the scale of
mix of more than 500 million people across 28 individual the atomic bomb “the Second Coming in Wrath.” This terrible
countries under one European flag—counting Britain, though weapon brought an end to a war that had already killed 60
it has voted to leave. million people—yet its introduction threatened the possibility
The other EU countries are Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, of even greater death and destruction in the future.
Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, American President Harry Truman toured Berlin in 1945.
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, He was shocked by survivors so numb they were past the point
Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, of feeling. As one biographer describes it:
Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden. “The motorcade passed miles of ruin and devastation,
Nations often have their own unique personalities and bomb craters, blackened burned-out buildings, and seemingly
identities. For European nations, this involves their relation endless processions of homeless Germans plodding along
to the rest of Europe, with some nations having a stronger beside the highway carrying or dragging bundles of pathetic
European heritage than others. Far more than do people belongings. They were mostly old people and children who
in America, Britain, China, Russia, Venezuela and Nigeria, appeared to be headed nowhere in particular, with nothing
but blank expressions on their faces, no anger, no grief, no The king of Belgium, the president of West Germany, the
fear, which Truman found extremely disturbing . . . Most of president of France, the president of Italy, the grand duchess
those trudging past never bothered even to look up” (David of Luxembourg and the queen of the Netherlands signed their
McCullough, Truman, 1992, p. 414). names.
Millions of people carried the awful memories of war with The European Union thus took its first breaths.
them in their hearts as they rebuilt the world. They vowed to This began a process of independent nations gradually
never let such mass killing happen again, especially with the ceding sovereignty to a supranational entity. As the years went
onset of the nuclear age making human extinction possible. by, more countries answered the call and joined; more treaties
were signed; bureaucracy expanded; countless European laws
The idea behind the European Union were passed; Brussels became the capital; people traded their
European political architects had an idea: Create a system currencies for a shared currency; leaders opened their borders;
of interconnectedness between their nations. If, the logic went, the European power became stronger and more integrated,
we weave our countries together like a Gordian knot, then one striving toward “an ever closer union.”
country deciding to start a war to bring down other countries What became the European Union grew, and grew, and
grew—and as it did, the contract was further and further
changed. Leaders were giving up some of the direct governance
of their own nations to have a small say in governing all of
Europe.
Enter the Eurosceptics
Doubt entered some people’s minds—doubt about the fair-
ness of this evolving agreement, doubt about whether it was
worth it, doubt about the end goal, and the big question: Does
Brussels really have our country’s best interests in mind?
To some, Europe had become something like Frankenstein’s
monster—too big, out of control and dangerous. Although
Mary Shelley’s scientist had good intentions, to bring life and
hope, the creature became something grotesque. It tells the
An elderly woman is escorted from the ruins of Caen, France, in 1944. scientist, “I ought to be thy Adam, but I am rather the fallen
angel.”
Millions of people carried the awful memories Two camps formed, and
now they are pushing two
of war with them as they rebuilt the world. They competing ideas for Europe’s
future. One wants to press
vowed to never let such mass killing happen again! on with the founders’
vision. Another group, the
would bring destruction on itself—thus deterring war. Eurosceptics, wants more national control.
Europeans started working together under this premise, Britain became the first nation to actually vote to leave.
beginning with economic cooperation between nation states. On June 23, 2016, after much debate and campaigning, 51.9
People in six core countries—Germany, Belgium, France, Italy, percent of British voters decided it would be best to exit the
Luxembourg and the Netherlands—agreed on some basic union. This referendum started a messy divorce process.
principles and decided to make it binding. They first formed After the vote, Nigel Farage, leader of the UK Independence
Phtoso, from left: AlxeyPnferov/iStock/Getty Images Plus, U.S. Army
the European Coal and Steel Community in the 1951 Treaty Party and member of the European Parliament, addressed the
of Paris. This was a precursor to soon afterward drafting a assembled Parliament on June 28. Some members booed him
broader and more cohesive partnership in the Treaty of Rome as he summarized the argument against the European Union:
on March 25, 1957, on Rome’s Capitoline Hill, creating the “When I came here 17 years ago and I said that I wanted to
European Economic Community. lead a campaign to get Britain to leave the European Union,
The phrases used in the treaty’s preamble are beautiful in you all laughed at me—well I have to say, you’re not laughing
their noble intentions (emphasis added): now, are you? And the reason you’re so upset, you’re so angry,
“DETERMINED to lay the foundations of an ever closer has been perfectly clear, from all the angry exchanges this
union among the peoples of Europe . . .” morning . . .
“ANXIOUS to strengthen the unity of their economies “You as a political project are in denial. You’re in denial
and to ensure their harmonious development by reducing the that your currency is failing . . . You’re in denial over [German
differences existing between the various regions . . .” Chancellor] Mrs. Merkel’s call [in 2015] for as many people
“RESOLVED . . . to preserve and strengthen peace and lib- as possible to cross the Mediterranean [into the European
erty, and calling upon the other peoples of Europe who share Union]—which has led to massive divisions . . . within
their ideal to join in their efforts . . .” countries and between countries.
The preamble ended with, “. . . and to this end . . . have agreed “The biggest problem you’ve got and the main reason the
as follows,” the terms of the treaty then being spelled out. UK voted the way it did is because you have by stealth and
WORLD NEWS
& PROPHECY
deception, and without telling the truth to the rest of the peoples to hand responsibility off to others, even trading freedoms for
of Europe, you have imposed upon them a political union . . . a sense of security.
“What happened last Thursday [in the Brexit vote] was a Is ever-more-powerful human government the answer?
remarkable result—it was a seismic result. Not just for British An ancient dream answers once and for all who should rule
politics, [or] for European politics, but perhaps even for global on the world scene. It holds the missing dimension that frames
politics too. Europe’s past, present and future.
“Because what the little people did, what the ordinary people
did—what the people who’d been oppressed over the last few A king’s disturbing dream
years who’d seen their living standards go down did—was they Many centuries ago, a Babylonian king named Nebuchad-
rejected the multinationals, they rejected the merchant banks, nezzar had a dream that frightened him. He could not under-
they rejected big politics and they said actually, we want our stand it and refused to even tell anyone what he saw in his
country back, we want our fishing waters back, we want our dream. None of his magicians, astrologers or sorcerers could tell
borders back. him the dream or its interpretation.
“We want to be an independent, self-governing, normal nation. But one man in his kingdom was given the interpretation
That is what we have done and that is what must happen. In in a night vision. The Hebrew prophet Daniel stood before
doing so we now offer a beacon of hope to democrats [that is, King Nebuchadnezzar and was able to tell him what he had
those who advocate popular government rather than control by dreamed.
unelected bureaucrats] across the rest of the European continent. Nebuchadnezzar had dreamed of a giant statue of a man
I’ll make one prediction this morning: the United Kingdom with a golden head, silver chest and arms, bronze belly and
will not be the last member state to leave the European Union” thighs, iron legs, and feet and toes that were a mixture of iron
(emphasis added). and clay. A mysterious stone struck the feet, and the entire
No one yet knows how the Brexit situation will affect the statue was crushed and blown away. The stone grew into a
European Union, but Farage is not the only one to speculate mountain that filled the earth (Daniel 2:28, 31-35).
that others will follow suit. Daniel then told the king the divine interpretation:
“Now we will tell the interpretation of it before the king.
Who should rule? You, O king, are a king of kings. For the God of heaven has
Whatever the fallout of the Brexit situation, Germany and given you a kingdom, power, strength, and glory . . . you are
France have promised to keep the European project alive. this head of gold. But after you shall arise another kingdom
But people in Hungary, Ireland, Poland, Slovakia, the Czech inferior to yours; then another, a third kingdom of bronze,
Republic and other nations are becoming more and more which shall rule over all the earth.
sceptical of the European Union contract.
Hungary went so far as to build a 325-mile
wall on its border with Serbia and Croatia
Who should ultimately rule? Not people,
to block illegal immigration. Thinking that
leaders in Brussels were not doing enough to
but God. Only His government will be able
protect them, the Hungarians took matters to bring people peace and prosperity!
into their own hands.
Italians are now trying to take back more national control, “And the fourth kingdom shall be as strong as iron, inasmuch
with mixed results. The New York Times reported: “After as iron breaks in pieces and shatters everything; and like iron
months of torturous negotiations, acrid insults, internal ten- that crushes, that kingdom will break in pieces and crush all
sions and enough social media airtime to fill a Netflix series, the others. Whereas you saw the feet and toes, partly of potter’s
Italy’s populist leaders bowed to the demands of the European clay and partly of iron, the kingdom shall be divided; yet the
Union to roll back its expensive, rules-flouting budget” (Jason strength of the iron shall be in it, just as you saw the iron
Horowitz, “Italy and E.U. Reach a Budget Deal, as Populist mixed with ceramic clay.
Plan Runs Into Reality,” Dec. 19, 2018). “And as the toes of the feet were partly of iron and partly of
Let’s step back. Besides the two visions for Europe’s future, clay, so the kingdom shall be partly strong and partly fragile. As
there is still a deeper issue at heart. Europeans for the most you saw iron mixed with ceramic clay, they will mingle with the
part, including leaders, want essentially the same thing—peace seed of men; but they will not adhere to one another, just as iron
and prosperity. They want to make an impact on the world. does not mix with clay” (verses 36-43).
They want to survive, thrive and live. The arguments are over The statue, starting with Nebuchadnezzar, represented four
the best way to achieve these goals, yet these come down to successive great empires—Babylon, Persia, Greece and Rome.
deep divides in outlook. The “fourth kingdom,” Rome, would continue in some fashion
People in the EU camp believe that centralized power in until the end time, the feet with 10 toes being a final revival of
Brussels is best for the people. this system in the end time.
Eurosceptics believe individual nations know best how to While this coming revival of the Roman Empire will not
govern themselves. look exactly like today’s European Union, it will be centered in
And of course, with corrupt human nature, people often Europe and will likely have roots in the European integration
believe that they could coach the team better if they were in project going back to the 1957 Treaty of Rome.
charge. On the other hand, there are many who would prefer And Daniel 2 reveals that division within Europe will not
be resolved in political integration. Competing visions will What does this mean for the future?
remain. The coming superstate will be “divided . . . partly of Which competing vision for Europe’s future will win in
iron and partly of clay . . . partly strong and partly fragile.” the end?
People with different nationalities will not be able to agree on The Eurocentric vision currently championed by Germany
everything, but prophecy indicates that both groups will partly and France has dominated the continent’s thinking in recent
get their way. years. But ironically, these champions of greater European
Other prophecies show that religion will also play a major unity have sown the seeds of greater disunity by encouraging
role in the rise of this kingdom. A powerful element among massive immigration from third-world countries. In so
today’s Eurosceptics is a desire for Europe to return to its strong
doing, they have actually helped give birth to a pushback or
religious roots. Historically, religion helped unite Europe under countermovement.
the reigns of the Holy Roman Emperors Charlemagne (A.D. That countermovement is the more nationalistic vision now
742-814) and Otto the Great (A.D. 912-973). being advocated by many in Hungary, Poland, Italy and other
Like Frankenstein’s monster, the “fourth kingdom” will states. A powerful element in this movement is the desire for
have unprecedented power. It will cause death and destruction European nations to return to their strong religious roots—
far beyond what was done by the Axis Powers in World War which, as mentioned, led to previous attempts to unite Europe
II. In fact, the end-time superpower will bring mankind to the in earlier Roman revivals, such as those under Charlemagne
brink of extinction without God’s intervention. and Otto the Great in the Middle Ages.
Leading up to this, despite the division there will be a How will these competing visions of Europe’s future play
final transfer of national power and sovereignty over to the out? For the near future, we simply don’t know. Europeans are
European superstate and its leader. The 10 toes of the image in deeply divided, and the continent is facing tumultuous times.
Daniel 2 are found as 10 horns in a prophecy in Revelation 17, And tumultuous times can lead to catastrophic results. It was
revealed to be 10 rulers in this final Roman revival. The apostle the unstable conditions of the 1920s and 30s that led to the
John is here told: political ascent of Benito Mussolini and Adolf Hitler and their
“The ten horns which you saw are ten kings who have Axis, forming what they viewed as a reborn Roman Empire.
received no kingdom as yet, but they receive authority for one They promised stability, and they produced a measure of it—
hour [a brief time] as kings with the beast [the final dictator]. until disaster came!
These are of one mind, and they will give their power and Ultimately, though, Bible prophecy is clear. Again, as the
authority to the beast. These will make war with the Lamb [the prophet Daniel assures us, “The dream is certain, and its
returning Jesus Christ], and the Lamb will overcome them” interpretation is sure.” A new and final European-centered
(verses 12-14). superpower will form as indicated in Nebuchadnezzar’s dream
“The kingdom shall not be left to other people” and other prophecies in Daniel and Revelation. It will be
“partly strong and partly fragile” because the peoples of which
This brings us back to the stone that smashes the image in it is composed “will not adhere to one another.”
Daniel 2: But that doesn’t mean that such a superpower cannot wield
“And in the days of these kings the God of heaven will terrible power and wreak enormous damage on the world,
set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed; and the as Nazi Germany and fascist Italy and their partners did
kingdom shall not be left to other people; it shall break in during World War II (see “D-Day + 75 Years: What Have We
pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand Learned?” beginning on page 4). In fact, this new superpower
forever. Inasmuch as you saw that the stone was cut out of the will be involved in the most horrifying warfare humankind
mountain without hands, and that it broke in pieces the iron, has ever seen—so deadly and devastating that humanity would
the bronze, the clay, the silver, and the gold—the great God has be on the verge of extinction if God did not intervene.
made known to the king what will come to pass after this. The As age-old prophecies draw ever nearer to their fulfillment,
dream is certain, and its interpretation is sure” (verses 31-45). we would do well to heed Jesus Christ’s instruction in Luke
Many Bible verses describe Jesus Christ as the “stone.” At 21:36: “Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be
His second coming, He will strike down this final European- counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to
centered global empire. Mankind’s final, best effort to bring pass, and to stand before the Son of Man”!
peace and prosperity will become a tyrannical beast and then Continue reading Beyond Today magazine and watching
at last be toppled with Christ’s return. This “stone” becomes Beyond Today TV to stay abreast of where today’s trends are
a mountain that fills the earth—the Kingdom of God being taking your world!
established over all nations.
God will take the reins of power and end the corruption of LEARN MORE
human misrule: “The God of heaven will set up a kingdom
Europe has long been torn between com-
which shall never be destroyed; and the kingdom shall not be peting visions for its future. In the last century
left to other people.” this led to two world wars. What lies ahead
Here is the lesson God wants all of us to learn: People cannot for Europe’s future? Download or request
truly solve people’s problems. Nations cannot, and federal our free study guide The Book of Revelation
superstates cannot. Who should ultimately rule? Not people, Unveiled to learn what prophecy reveals!
but God. Only His government will be able to bring people BTmagazine.org/booklets
peace and prosperity!
WORLD NEWS
& PROPHECY Current Events & Trends
Expert on civilization collapse raises red flag

T
he BBC recently started, as part of its BBC Future as never before can lead to greater problems on the unwilling to listen to the past.”
department of stories, a new series of articles world scene: A biblical proverb comes to mind about an attitude
called “Deep Civilisation,” focused on “the long “Worryingly, the world is now deeply intercon- that brings calamity: “Pride goes before destruction,
view of humanity.” Its stated intention is to “stand nected and interdependent. In the past, collapse was and a haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18,
back from the daily news cycle and widen the lens of confined to regions—it was a temporary setback
our current place in time” (“Deep Civilization, BBC”). . . . Moreover, the weapons available during social
The series’ description also points out: “Modern society disorder were rudimentary: swords, arrows and
is suffering from ‘temporal exhaustion,’ the sociolo- occasionally guns.
gist Elise Boulding once said. ‘If one is mentally out “Today, societal collapse is a more treacherous
of breath all the time from dealing with the present, prospect. The weapons available to a state, and some-
there is no energy left for imagining the future,’ she times even groups, during a breakdown now range
wrote.” from biological agents to nuclear weapons.”
Such musing can be a noble pursuit, this “wider He offers this sobering analogy: “Think of civilisa-
lens” resulting in news analysis different from the tion as a poorly-built ladder. As you climb, each step
usual “noise.” The series further aims to “explore that you used falls away. A fall from a height of just a
what really matters in the broader arc of human history few rungs is fine. Yet the higher you climb, the larger
and what it means for us and our descendants.” the fall. Eventually, once you reach a sufficient height,
One of these “Deep Civilization” articles, titled “Are any drop from the ladder is fatal.
We on the Road to Civilisation Collapse?” (Feb. 19, “With the proliferation of nuclear weapons, we
2019), presents some worrisome trends. The author, may have already reached this point of civilisational
Luke Kemp, is a researcher based at Cambridge Uni- ‘terminal velocity.’ Any collapse—any fall from the
versity’s Centre for the Study of Existential Risk. ladder—risks being permanent. Nuclear war in itself emphasis added). Bible prophecy shows that cataclys-
Extrapolating forward from history and present con- could result in an existential risk: either the extinction mic events truly are coming on our civilization. But the
Photos, from left: NASA, everlite/Getty Images Plus, Antonio Guillem/iStock/Getty Images Plus, Israel Government Press Office
ditions, he offers some conjecture about what could of our species, or a permanent catapult back to the causes are outside the understanding of the world’s
bring us down. And he’s not optimistic about where Stone Age.” prognosticators, and these events will not end the way
things seem to be headed. Kemp concludes by telling us to keep our eyes they think. To learn more about what lies ahead, read
While some of his concerns are debatable, Dr. and ears open: “We will only march into collapse if our free study guide Are We Living in the Time of the
Kemp importantly notes that our societies being linked we advance blindly. We are only doomed if we are End? (Source: BBC.)
Hubble analysis reveals larger universe, more stars than expected

D
espite tremendous advances in cosmology, more distant galaxies (Instituto de Astrofisica de
as well as imaging and analysis technolo- Canarias, “Making the Hubble’s Deepest Images
gies, scientific understanding of the size, Even Deeper,” Phys.org, Jan. 24, 2019).
structure and content of the universe is not well The latest surprise was published in the aca-
understood—as recent findings continue to demic journal Astronomy and Astrophysics in Janu-
demonstrate (in stark contrast to the authoritative ary 2019, when improved composition methods
tone of many textbooks). applied to the same images analyzed in 2012
The Hubble Ultra-Deep Field (HUDF) images detected much more light than prior techniques
are a startling example of both the developments revealed, showing some galaxies almost twice as
taking place as well as the limitations of our cur- large as previously measured, equating to billions
rent knowledge. In 2003, the HUDF project began more stars hidden in plain sight!
capturing light from a small patch of space that The trend in cosmology is upward revision in
appeared completely dark in previous imaging. the estimated size of the universe—new findings
The original results, involving about 100 hours’ indicating greater complexity are confounding
worth of exposure time, revealed that this dark 2012 Hubble image showing thousands of galaxies. expert predictions. Even more remarkable is that
patch of sky was teeming with galaxies—more this concerns just the observable universe. It’s been
than 10,000 of them, each with millions of stars of its own! (Nadia Drake, “When commonly accepted that far more galaxies lie beyond a point where no light is
Hubble Stared at Nothing for 100 Hours,” National Geographic, April 24, 2015). able to reach the earth at all, meaning they cannot be observed by any telescope
Numerous additional exposures from the Hubble telescope, combined with we could build!
groundbreaking image processing techniques, have revealed even more from what Through great effort, mankind has merely begun to glimpse the breadth and
was once thought to be “a patch of sky filled with absolutely nothing remarkable” magnificence of what our Creator has made. Meanwhile, God “counts the number
(ibid.). A 2012 composite of 230 more hours of exposure while focused on this of the stars; He calls them all by name. Great is our Lord, and mighty in power; His
same area yielded a “deeper” image, picking up even fainter light signatures from understanding is infinite” (Psalm 147:4-5). (Sources: National Geographic, Phys.org.)
U.S. recognizes Israel’s claim to long-disputed Golan Heights
F
acing a seemingly endless battle against impla- wars of aggression, you lose territory, do not come and
territory has been considered vital to Israeli security.
cable foes, the state of Israel has constant concern Following President Trump’s recognition of this claim it afterwards. It belongs to us” (David Halbfinger
over its security. area as rightfully belonging to Israel, Israeli Primeand Isabel Kershner, “Netanyahu Says Golan Heights
Earlier this year on its southwestern border, “Israel’s Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserted that territory Move ‘Proves You Can’ Keep Occupied Territory,” The
military said it struck dozens of Hamas targets in the New York Times, March 26, 2019).
Gaza Strip and the Islamist group launched numerous Israel’s annexation of the Golan was and
rockets into its territory, raising the risk of a wide-scale remains a defensive move, and some see
conflict two weeks before an Israeli election”—this the same rationale for continued control
after Israel declared Hamas responsible for an earlier over and even possible annexation of the
attack (Dov Lieber and Felicia Schwartz, “Israel Strikes so-called “West Bank” area, also captured
Hamas Targets in Gaza After Rocket Attack Near Tel in the 1967 war.
Aviv,” The Wall Street Journal, March 25, 2019). The volatility of this region will remain
The same week U.S. President Donald Trump, who a continual focus for our publication. Jeru-
has shown himself a stalwart ally of Israel, signed an salem is at the center of major prophetic
official proclamation recognizing the Golan Heights events leading to the return of Jesus Christ.
region in the opposite part of the country, northeast- The ongoing feud we see in the Middle East
ern Israel next to Syria, as territory belonging to Israel. Israeli tanks in the Golan Heights in the Six-Day War. is not a conflict that will go away before
This elevated land overlooking northern Israel, that. No political negotiating or maneuver-
including the Sea of Galilee, is strategically valuable. seized from an aggressor in war does not necessarily ing will bring real and lasting peace here. This area
The Syrian military used to regularly fire artillery shells have to be returned, as many contend. “‘There is a will not know true peace until Jesus Christ returns and
at Israeli settlements in Galilee from here until Israel very important principle in international life,’ Mr. establishes a Kingdom of peace. Read our free study
seized the Golan Heights after being attacked in the Netanyahu said [March 25] after attending the Golan guide The Middle East in Bible Prophecy to learn more.
Arab-Israeli war of 1967. Since then, holding on to this signing ceremony at the White House. ‘When you start (Sources: The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times.)
Erosion of privacy continues many have come to recognize that these are actual businesses whose primary
commodities are our attention and personal information—both of which they
I
n January 2019, an investigation by the online technology news organization leverage to sell highly targeted advertising space. As the saying goes, “If you’re
TechCrunch blew the whistle on the “Facebook Research” app, resulting in the app not paying for it, you are the product.”
being withdrawn and banned from Apple’s app store. The report noted, “Since What is most troubling about this development is that it encouraged teenagers
2016, Facebook has been as young as 13 to voluntarily sell even more detailed data than what Facebook
paying users ages 13 to already regularly collects from its users.
35 up to $20 per month One could argue that adults have the right to sell their private information, but
plus referral fees to sell targeting children who do not fully understand the potential negative impact of
their privacy by install- such a decision is wrong. This is a disturbing step beyond merely making children’s
ing the iOS or Android information into a commodity, and it’s already the accepted business model of
‘Facebook Research’ app” these companies.
(Josh Constine, “Facebook Proverbs 15:21 says, “Folly is joy to him who is destitute of discernment, but a
Pays Teens to Install VPN man of understanding walks uprightly.” The allure of social media, especially for
That Spies on Them,” teenagers, is partly fueled by peer influence or fear of missing out on what friends
TechCrunch.com, Jan. 29, are doing online. Sadly, the call to “have fun” is too often not tempered by an
2019). assessment of the risks or consequences.
The age of social The underhanded data collection and privacy invasion committed recently by
networking has brought Facebook will no doubt be repeated in numerous ways by other companies, and
individual privacy con- represents just one small way that technological advancements are changing the
cerns to the forefront. Platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat world in which we live. We must be watchful and discerning, now more than ever.
and others are engaging ways to keep in touch with family and friends. However, (Source: TechCrunch.)
How can you make sense of the news?

So much is happening in the world, and so quickly. Where are today’s dramatic and dangerous
trends taking us? What does Bible prophecy reveal about our future? You’re probably very con-
cerned with the direction the world is heading. So are we. That’s one reason we produce the
Beyond Today daily TV commentaries—to help you understand the news in the light of Bible
prophecy. These eye-opening presentations offer you a perspective so badly needed in our
confused world—the perspective of God’s Word. Visit us at ucg.org/beyond-today/daily!
WORLD NEWS
& PROPHECY
To Kill a People:
Abortion and the
Soul of America
Recent actions by state legislators to allow the murder of full-term children forces every one
of us to consider how far we have come in the culture war and where it is taking the nation.
L
by Darris McNeely
ately I’ve begun to think America has crossed a line, as evil and an abomination (2 Kings 16:3; 21:2-6; Jeremiah
a point of no return, and awaits the judgment of 32:35)—depraved actions that are utterly reprehensible and
God for the horrendous national sin of legalized deserving of death (Leviticus 20:2-3). The invasion of the
abortion. More than 60 million legal abortions have mother’s womb to remove a developing human life violates a
been performed in America since the Supreme Court space created by God to nurture life until it is fully brought
legalized abortion with its landmark 1973 Roe v. Wade deci- forth in birth. Make no mistake: The Supreme Court’s ruling
sion. Since this ruling, which in effect legalized the procedure has transgressed the eternal spiritual law of God.
in all 50 states, it has become the most divisive social issue of It’s bad enough that more than 60 million legal abortions
this generation. have been performed since 1973. It’s made worse by the fact
Politicians seeking high office stand a precarious chance that it has gone on so long in plain sight of all Americans that it
of being elected if they advocate an anti-abortion stand. Every has become an accepted part of our culture—a culture rightly
nominee to the United States Supreme Court must avow sup- called by others a culture of death and a “silent holocaust.” We
port of a woman’s right to abortion, assuring all that he or she go about our lives giving in to the “established law” thinking,
would not seek to overturn Roe v. Wade, or face outrageous as we are told, that it is a “woman’s right” and that nothing can
and horrendous opposition. In the meantime, clinics perform be done to reverse the carnage.
thousands of abortions each day, and a generation of children Perhaps nothing can be done through the nation’s legal
are unborn, their lives and tiny bodies ripped from their system to turn back this great evil. Marches, protests and
mother’s womb. lobbying have changed nothing. A few months ago a news
report mentioned that in one recent year, abortions did go
What makes me think it’s too late? down slightly in America. For that I am glad. I pray abortion
In the pages of Beyond Today we’ve covered abortion a will suddenly end through our selfish, hedonistic culture
number of times, citing scriptures showing that a life in the turning around to acknowledge God in a true change of heart.
womb of a mother is considered by God to be human and that to But, hope as I might, I do not see that happening.
take that life is murder. We’ve also done Beyond Today television
programs on this subject. We have raised our voice when the New York law crosses a deadly new line
annual March for Life rally takes place in Washington, D.C., on In January, the New York State legislature passed what is
the anniversary of this horrible Supreme Court ruling. (Search called the “Reproductive Health Act,” which legalizes the
for “abortion” on our website at ucg.org to learn much more.) unthinkable. To a cheering crowd of politicians, Governor
The Supreme Court decision on abortion is an affront to Mario Cuomo signed this macabre law that allows medical
God’s sovereignty over human life. He is the Creator and personnel (no doctor required) to kill a fully formed child
Giver of life. He tells mankind, “You shall not murder.” The up to the moment of birth if needed to protect the “mother’s
Bible shows that the unborn within their mother’s wombs are health”—a loophole that, when construed as including mental
individual, living human beings (Exodus 21:22-23; Jeremiah and emotional health, is large enough to allow abortion for
1:5; Luke 1:39-45). God views the killing of innocent children practically any reason at any time.
The bill also removed all criminal penalties—meaning if activists has been laid bare. The brutal evil will of governors,
a child escapes the forceps, the vacuum, and the potassium state legislators and activists who, in the name of “women’s
cyanide often administered for abortion and is born live, reproductive health” and “women’s rights,” are willing to kill
even at full term, its life can be terminated without any fully formed, live-born children is an unspeakable horror.
criminal charge. To celebrate this law, the governor ordered
the Freedom Tower in Manhattan to be lit pink—signifying a More to come
“victory” for women’s rights. It should have been illuminated Vermont passed a law very similar to the proposed Virginia
in blood red for the unspeakably horrible law that it is. law. Other states will enact similar legislation. It’s said that
Not to be outdone, the Virginia statehouse a few days later Rhode Island Democrats will go even further with a law
saw similar legislation introduced. As it was being debated, proposing to allow abortions up to the end of pregnancy for
the supposedly moderate Governor Ralph Northam, an any “health” reason, including “age, economic, social and
obstetrician, went on radio to describe what the law meant: emotional factors,” these advocates describing all protections
for unborn babies as “insidiously restrictive, harmful and
patriarchal reproductive laws.”
Some conservative states like Mississippi and Kentucky have
passed their own laws prohibiting the procedures allowed now
by New York law. These laws have been challenged in courts
and blocked for the short term. Again, as happened with Roe v.
Wade, the issue will likely be determined by judges rather than
legislators.
The revulsion many citizens feel at the passage of these laws
seems to have created something of a backlash against these
extreme acts. But it will probably be for only a short time. It’s
highly unlikely that we will see legal abortions eliminated in
the nation.
We have reached a point in America where it seems all
restraint has been cast off regarding this issue. Gone is the
restraint cautioned not that long ago by former President Bill
Clinton, who said abortion should be “rare, legal and safe.”
While that statement in no way agrees with what God says
about killing the unborn, in the current climate it sounds
moderate—and that is the problem. The nation has become
drunk on this discussion to the point that it has
“For men will be lovers of themselves . . . lost all moral and spiritual mooring. Those who
want to protect life at any stage of development
unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, are not heard or not strong enough to make a
difference. No leader in politics, education or
without self-control, brutal . . .” religion is strong enough to lead a repentance
to God and an embrace of the sanctity of life as
“When we talk about third-trimester abortions, these defined by God in His Word, the Bible.
are done with the consent of obviously the mother, with the All kinds of legal protections are in place for birds, mice,
consent of the physicians, more than one physician, by the turtles and the like, complete with stiff fines and significant
way,” Northam said. “And it’s done in cases where there may prison time for harming their eggs or young. But protections
be severe deformities, there may be a fetus that’s non-viable. for innocent unborn human beings are rapidly disappearing.
So, in this particular example, if a mother is in labor, I can tell Thousands upon thousands of unborn infants are killed by
you exactly what would happen. The infant would be delivered. lethal injections every year, but they draw nowhere near the
The infant would be kept comfortable. The infant would be protests or media coverage given to one murderer executed by
resuscitated if that’s what the mother and the family desired, lethal injection for his despicable crimes. In any sane world
and then a discussion would ensue between the physicians and this would rightly be viewed as insanity!
the mother. So, I think this was really blown out of proportion.” America and much of the world has reached a moral collapse
Did you catch what he really said? A baby could be born at a level from which they seem unlikely and unwilling to
Zffoto/iStock/Getty Images Plus
alive, then “kept comfortable” while the mother and physicians return. It’s painful to write these words. But this issue of abor-
decided whether it would live or die. And the newborn could tion has become the defining issue of our age, and God will call
then be executed with no legal consequences for its murder. the nation to account for what it has done.
The Virginia bill would have allowed such procedures to
be done in unlicensed clinics with the consent of only one Hideous evil
physician—and as late as the end of the third trimester of The raw brutality of these recently passed laws, and the
pregnancy. This bill was killed in committee, but damage ever-escalating toll of young lives literally poisoned and ripped
was already done. The brazen raw desire of abortion rights apart, should stun all who value human life and decency. That
WORLD NEWS
& PROPHECY
a people would put forward legislation allowing the ending Kermit Gosnell was an abortion doctor running an abortion
of a life just minutes after leaving its mother’s womb reveals a clinic in Philadelphia. For years he performed abortions on
stark level of brutality and inhumanity that’s now entered our poor black women from the west side of Philly. He was busted
culture—courtesy of those we’ve chosen as our leaders! by police for prescription drug dealing. For anyone who paid
The Bible contains a graphic description of what our world his fee, he would sell prescriptions for drugs like Percocet,
today has become: “But know this, that in the last days perilous Oxycontin and Xanax.
times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of When police raided his clinic, they discovered a horror shop
money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, filled with frozen fetal parts stored in dairy cartons and plastic
unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, with- containers. Unsanitary conditions and broken equipment were
out self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, the setting for years of operations where pregnant women,
haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a many in late term, were induced into labor to enable partial-
form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people birth or full-birth abortions. The babies born alive had their
turn away!” (2 Timothy 3:1-5). necks snipped with large scissors. Evidence of such murder
Notice the word brutal used here. I think that expresses the led to his conviction. Gosnell today serves a sentence of life in
attitude behind the current wave of abortion legislation. prison without parole.
How can a doctor who has taken an oath to preserve Watching this movie was a horrible experience. The man
life perform an abortion? Doctors trained in the biological was a monster. Gosnell would use discarded fetal body parts
science of human life in the womb know there is a heartbeat, as bait to fish clams and oysters out of the bay to use in feeding
developing brain and nervous system. They know a life is the exotic turtle collection he kept in his abortion clinic.
developing and that it’s far more than inert fetal tissue to be Such cold, brutal habits are barely fit to be spoken. The
removed and disposed of. film shows the vile conditions in which Gosnell practiced for
To hear Virginia Governor Northam calmly describe what decades, without inspection and investigation by public health
the Virginia law would allow to be done in a clinic with a fully authorities.
born baby is chilling. It is raw brutality. It is ungodly, and those Abortion clinics in America are comparable in some ways
who practice, support and encourage abortion on this scale are to concentration camps and gulags of another time, with
leading the nation to ruin. They are killing the next generation. death practiced in plain sight while life goes on. People know
They are killing the soul of a people. they are there and what they do, but it becomes part of the
Paul wrote the words above from 2 Timothy at the height landscape of indifference in the never-never land of the human
of the Roman Empire in the first century. His words describe psyche. Tragically, we fail to realize that the soul of a people
the Roman culture as much as our modern time. The ancient is being killed every day these clinics of horror are allowed
Romans practiced abortion. They and other pagan cultures to operate.
also allowed infanticide. The father in a Roman family had the
power of life and death over his children. If a newborn was Is it too late?
deformed or simply unwanted, for whatever reason, it could I realized after watching the movie that Gosnell would
be rejected by the father and removed from the home and left not be convicted under the grossly misnamed “Reproductive
in an open place, sometimes in the city center or outside on a Health Act” recently passed by New York. What he did in
large flat rock. Left to the elements, the child would soon die. severing the spines of live babies would be considered legal
Yes, there were some people with compassion who might and unindictable. Today he would be continuing his practice
come and take the baby into their own family, and some who unhindered. And maybe he will yet get out on account of laws
might take the child away for a life of slavery. But more often he was sentenced under being overturned! That’s how much
the child would be left to die. Its corpse was then disposed of we have changed in just a few years.
as a piece of unwanted refuse. This was a brutal civilization We have sown the wind and are reaping the whirlwind
that eventually came to an end. (Hosea 8:7). The abortion issue will continue to divide
What is to prevent America, the United Kingdom, Canada, America, tearing and trampling our humanity, all in the name
Australia or any other nation that practices large-scale abortion of “women’s rights” and personal freedom.
from disappearing? The facts of history warn us that it will I fear it may be too late for a moral revival in America and
happen. Every nation in history that has practiced child sacri- other nations. God help us all if it is. I hope you as a reader will
fice, infanticide or abortion has collapsed and disappeared. prayerfully consider your own view of abortion and its impact
The Bible shows that the nation chosen by God, Israel, also on us individually and on our nation and the world at large.
collapsed because it lost its way and was caught up in idolatry—
especially the idolatry of the self, the same evil Paul identified LEARN MORE
in his letter to Timothy. Why are the United States, Britain, Canada,
Australia and other English-speaking coun-
Gosnell—America’s biggest serial killer tries in such a moral free fall? This was proph-
While gathering material on this topic I came across a esied long ago in the Bible! To learn more,
review of a movie released in the fall of 2018, Gosnell: The Trial download or request your free copy of The
of America’s Biggest Serial Killer. It received very little press United States and Britain in Bible Prophecy.
coverage. After a brief theatrical release it went straight to www.BTmagazine.org/booklets
video streaming channels, and I was able to watch it on one.
EXPLORING
GOD’S WORD
Why
Baptism?
The spiritual imagery associated with the biblical instruction of baptism
is incredibly rich, deeply meaningful and bursting with hope, joy and
anticipation. Discover its hidden treasures!
by John LaBissoniere
N
o doubt you have greatly anticipated various Throughout that period I was awakened to the critical realiza-
events in your life. Perhaps it was the day you tion that much of what I had been taught previously about
received your driver’s license or the impending Christianity was completely erroneous. Plus, I came to see that
day or your graduation from high school or the self-absorbed way I was living was not only detrimental to
college. Maybe it was your wedding day or the day me and others, but was profoundly displeasing to God.
of the birth of your child. Indeed, there are many
exciting days and times you may have looked forward to with God’s calling to repentance
great enthusiasm, or will in the future. How was I able to come to this understanding? It was
I have also personally waited expectantly for various stirring due to the miraculous and merciful spiritual calling of God
occasions, but there was one that I anticipated more than all the Father (John 6:44). Through that He helped me to begin
the others. I’d like to tell you why it was so meaningful to recognizing my need for repentance from sin—which is
me in the hope it may inspire those of you who have yet to not only the viola-tion of His holy laws but the cause of a
experience this to look forward to it in your own life. What separation from Him (John 5:17; 1 John 3:4; Isaiah 59:2). As
was the event I had anticipated most of all? It was the day of to repentance, the Scriptures define it as deep, heartfelt regret
my baptism, which took place nearly 47 years ago on Oct. 21, and sorrow over one’s offenses against God and commitment
1972, when I was 23. to change (Psalm 51:4; Acts 3:19; 17:30).
Now, you may be asking, why baptism? Well, for about Because of God’s generous calling and guidance, I slowly
18 months prior to that day, I had studied and learned a tre- came to see that I required a spiritual overhaul—a complete
mendous amount from the Bible and Church of God literature, turnaround in the direction of my life—from following
Pearl/Lightstock
which included a highly illuminating Bible study course. I had my own ways to actively and consistently pursuing God’s
also listened regularly to the Church’s radio program, which priorities.
added still more information and inspiration to what I was I also started realizing just how much I needed to become
discovering. like Jesus Christ, who during His human life on earth set the
EXPLORING
GOD’S WORD
Baptism is actually a symbolic burial of a person’s “old self.”

As the baptized individual rises out of a figurative watery grave, it
portrays a resurrection from the dead to a fresh, new, changed life.
perfect example of obedience to His Father and selflessly and grace and opportunity to repent of your sins and turn to
willingly died for humanity’s sins (1 Corinthians 15:3; 1 Peter Him in deep humility and obedience (see Proverbs 16:25;
1:18-19). Jeremiah 17:9). He may be leading you to follow a new, exciting
Besides this, I began learning how imperative it was for me to divine pathway to formerly unseen and awesome blessings
begin building a strong and enduring relationship with God the of boundless hope, joy and eternal life in His divine family
Father and Jesus, recognizing Christ as my cherished, personal (Romans 2:4; Acts 11:18; James 1:25).
Savior and spiritual brother (Romans 5:8-10; 2 Corinthians 5:18- Let me return, now, to the day I anticipated so greatly. Why
20; Matthew 12:50). did I so look forward to this day I was to be baptized? It’s
Furthermore, God offered me the enormous prospect of helpful to obtain some perspective by going back in biblical
being fully reconciled to Him (Romans 5:8-10; Isaiah 5:3). In history to the amazing story of the beginning of the New
addition to that great gift, He also provided me with wonder- Testament Church on the day of Pentecost, one of God’s
ful understanding about His spectacular purpose for all annual festivals. On that remarkable day, 120 of Jesus Christ’s
humankind, which centers on eternal life in His divine family disciples were gathered in Jerusalem awaiting the fulfillment
and Kingdom. Included in this was the knowledge of His of the spectacular promise He made to them only 10 days
astounding blueprint for the future of the earth and humanity earlier—that they would “receive power when the Holy Spirit
following Jesus Christ’s second coming. has come upon you” (Acts 1:8).
But this sparkling treasure trove of divine knowledge would When that tremendous event occurred on Pentecost, “they
have been utterly impossible for me to have known about, much were all filled with the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:4). On receiving
less comprehend, unless God had taken the marvelous and this magnificent gift of God’s presence in their lives, these
merciful step of opening my mind. As one illuminating passage devoted disciples began generating immediate spiritual
explains: “The natural person does not accept the things of results.
the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able Acts 2 records how the apostles began witnessing to crowds
to understand them because they are spiritually discerned” of people who were residents of Judea and pilgrims who
(1 Corinthians 2:14, English Standard Version, emphasis added had traveled to Jerusalem from around the known world to
throughout). observe this holy festival. The apostle Peter stepped forward
Indeed it goes even deeper than that, because “the mind- with the other apostles and began speaking passionately and
set of the flesh is hostile to God because it does not submit to convincingly about Jesus Christ to the multitudes.
God’s law. Indeed, it is unable to do so” (Romans 8:7, Christian Included in his inspired oration was this piercing assertion:
Standard Bible). “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that
The apostle Paul, in writing to members of the church God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and
congregation in Ephesus, described what their lives were like Christ” (Acts 2:36).
prior to their conversion, stating that they had “once walked Hearing Peter’s stirring message, the listeners felt “cut to the
according to the course of this world, according to the prince heart” and pleaded with Peter and the other apostles by crying
of the power of the air [that is, Satan the devil], the spirit who out, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” (Acts 2:37). Peter
now works in the sons of disobedience, among whom also we answered by exclaiming, “Repent and let every one of you be
all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins;
the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38).
children of wrath, just as the others” (Ephesians 2:2-3). Through Peter’s moving and convicting message, 3,000
Yes, God graciously helped me to perceive my true inner people repented, were baptized and received God’s Spirit, which
sinful disposition. Without His intervention to help me is the very essence of His nature and power (Acts 2:40-41).
understand spiritual things, I would have remained ensnared From that crucial event in biblical history, the Holy Spirit
in a selfish, adversarial approach and attitude toward Him and has been made available to every person God calls who genu-
His way of life. To be sure, this is true for all human beings. inely repents and is properly baptized (Matthew 22:14; 2 Peter
Therefore, until God proactively opens a person’s heart and 1:10). It is important to note at this point that since baptism
mind and grants him or her repentance—and, as Scripture is such a serious, life-changing decision, it is reserved only for
vividly explains, even the willingness to do so—the spiritual those who are mature enough to understand its true spiritual
understanding we need is impossible (2 Timothy 2:25-26). purpose and make the commitment involved.
Be baptized for forgiveness of sins Baptism’s wonderful spiritual imagery
So I came to understand all this through God’s loving and The only form of baptism we find practiced in the Bible is
generous calling. And, just as He did with me, perhaps God is being fully submerged in water. Why is that?
calling you at this time. He may be helping you to understand Baptism is actually a symbolic burial of a person’s “old self”
your nature as a human being while granting you the divine (Romans 6:1-6; Ephesians 4:22-24). As the baptized individual
rises out of a figurative watery grave, it portrays a resurrection Committing yourself fully to God
from death to a fresh, new, changed life. This is because, in a Baptism was foundational to my conversion journey toward
spiritual sense, the repentant person’s sins are totally washed greater understanding of God’s Word and His plan. Now,
away in the baptismal water through God’s overwhelming decades later, He continues to guide me each day by His Spirit to
forgiveness and mercy. help me overcome sin and serve Him faithfully and obediently.
The prophet Micah expressed this wonderful experience by Plus, through baptism God placed me into His Church,
writing, “You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea” which He commissioned to “go therefore and make disciples of
(Micah 7:19). King David further explained, “As far as the east all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and
is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all
from us” (Psalms 103:12). things that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20). The
God also inspired His prophet Isaiah to state: “Though your Church is composed of repentant, baptized individuals from
sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow. Though all nations, races and economic and cultural backgrounds.
they are red like crimson, I will make them as white as wool” Everyone works together to carry out God’s work in this age
(Isaiah 1:18, New Living Translation). and to love and serve one another as spiritual brothers and
Baptism symbolizes the complete removal of sin in a sisters in Christ (Romans 12:10; Galatians 6:10).
repentant person’s life, made possible through Jesus Christ’s So, what about you? As I posed earlier, could God be calling
sacrifice of His own precious blood (Acts 22:16; 1 John 5:6; you to a deeper understanding of Him and His Word? Are you
Revelation 1:5). This allows the person to move forward in life coming to see yourself and your corrupted human nature as
with a renewed and dynamic spiritual purpose (1 Timothy 1:5). it really is and why you need to repent of your sins and begin
It also results in no longer needing to feel guilt over past sins. anew while building a strong relationship with your Savior,
What remains is a wholly clean and clear conscience and a Jesus Christ?
passionate and determined eagerness “to serve the living God” As I mentioned earlier, it took me about 18 months to
(Hebrews 9:14). come to the point where, after studying and learning, I felt
As for me, I came to see how baptism was an essential ready to take the next step. That step, of course, was to be
action that demonstrated my earnest desire to be thoroughly baptized and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit—which
committed to Christ and the Father in full obedience and God gives immediately afterwards through the laying on of
faith. It was also a tremendous opportunity for me to pledge hands by a true minister of Jesus Christ (see Acts 8:17; 19:6;
to the Father, as Jesus did, “Not My will, but Yours, be done” 2 Timothy 1:6).
(Luke 22:42). Considering all of this, I sincerely encourage you to continue
In addition, just as Jesus arose from the grave, baptism studying the Bible. And there are many articles in Beyond Today
gives a repentant person complete assurance that the Father magazine and numerous free study aids, including a 12-lesson
will resurrect him or her from death to everlasting life at Bible Study Course, produced by the United Church of God in
Jesus’ second coming. Paul wrote: “Therefore we were buried print and on its website (at ucg.org/beyond-today). There you
with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was can also find many compelling Beyond Today video programs
raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we to help you gain further knowledge.
also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been united Also, if you would like to discuss repentance, baptism, the
together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be Holy Spirit, attending services or other spiritual subjects, the
in the likeness of His resurrection” (Romans 6:4-5). United Church of God would be pleased to arrange a private
So when a person is called by the Father, responds energet- appointment with one of our ministers. You are welcome to
ically, repents, is baptized and receives God’s Spirit, he or she contact the Church via the addresses or telephone numbers
begins a new life of spiritual growth as the old, selfish human listed by country or region on page 39 of this issue or by
nature is gradually replaced with God’s selfless, loving divine visiting our contact page (ucg.org/contact-1).
nature (2 Timothy 1:6; 2 Peter 1:4). Finally, if God is calling you and you are beginning to see
How exciting and thrilling it is! Can you now see why I your need for repentance, in due course you will be able to
anticipated the day of my baptism so much? While baptism make a decision about committing yourself to God. When that
figuratively cleansed me from past sins (Acts 22:16), it also time comes (and how long differs with each person), you will,
represented an exhilarating pathway to a transformed life of as I did, greatly anticipate the day you will be baptized! May
hope, happiness and purpose. Plus it opened the door to a God bless and guide you on your spiritual journey!
wonderful and growing relationship with God the Father and
Jesus Christ (Romans 6:4, 11).
Furthermore, it was the beginning of a thrilling journey LEARN MORE
toward eternal life in the Kingdom of God. The apostle Peter How can you get started on this path to
exclaimed, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus baptism and a new life? Where do you begin?
Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us To understand what the Bible says about this
again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ crucial subject, download or request your free
from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled copy of The Road to Eternal Life. We’ll gladly
and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who mail your copy to you!
are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready www.BTmagazine.org/booklets
to be revealed in the last time” (1 Peter 1:3-5).
THE BIBLE
AND YOU
The Holy Spirit:

A Gift of God’s Grace
What I learned about grace from a friend long ago helped transform my life. It can do the same for you!
I
by Darris McNeely
once knew a woman named Grace. She and her husband were beginning or end, eternal, but wanting and willing to share
family friends when I was younger. Grace was kind, generous Their way of life and glory with Their human creation. You
and fun-loving. She was interested in your thoughts, your life were created in the image of God with the ability to share part
and your welfare. She was loved, respected and admired by of the glory of God in this life today. But how?
just about everyone who knew her. God graciously gives us the gift of His nature by and through
Grace was able to show the love of God and demonstrate to His Holy Spirit. With that Spirit we can live a transformed life
my young mind the fruit of the Spirit of God by the way she beyond any semblance of our life before that. In short, God
lived and carried herself. Charm, kindness and love flowed offers us the opportunity to take on His divine nature, thus
from her. I didn’t realize it back then, but in the brief time our becoming like Him in character, thought and action.
paths crossed Grace taught me some of my first lessons about Let’s look at how we receive that Spirit, what that Spirit is
the pricelessness of grace. and what it can do for our lives.
As I sit down to write about how life can be transformed by
the Spirit of God, I remember the generous and gracious life of Repentance to life
this person I once knew. When the apostle Peter gave his defense to the Church mem-
Can I convey in one article how to let God live in us through bers in Jerusalem after baptizing the gentile (non-Israelite)
His Spirit? We all need to set our hearts to do so and achieve converts of the household of Cornelius, he summarized the
the state of grace personified by the lady named Grace I knew essence of what happens when one receives the Spirit:
long ago. “‘And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them,
I can think of no more pressing topic for us than to under- as upon us at the beginning. Then I remembered the word
stand how God wants to have a relationship with us through of the Lord, how He said, “John indeed baptized with water,
the essence of His nature, the Holy Spirit. but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” If therefore
Greg Rakozy/Unsplash
God gave them the same gift as He gave us when we believed

Created to share glory on the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could withstand
Jesus Christ tells us that “God is Spirit, and those who wor- God?’ When they heard these things they became silent; and
ship Him must worship in spirit and truth” (John 4:24). God they glorified God, saying, ‘Then God has also granted to the
the Father and Jesus Christ exist in a harmony and unity Gentiles repentance to life’” (Acts 11:15-18, emphasis added
beyond what we can humanly understand. They are without throughout).
stand” (Romans 5:2). The step of faith leading to repentance,
baptism and receiving God’s Spirit produces peace with God
and our Lord Jesus Christ and a deep relationship built from
confidence that our Father and our Elder Brother love us. God
understands us fully. When Paul says we “stand” in God’s
grace, he refers to a wonderfully comforting relationship with
God, a relationship that is enduring and faithful.
Having made that commitment, we need not worry that
God will instantly condemn us when we slip and sin (see
Romans 8:1). God does not remove Himself from us (Hebrews
13:5). The connection remains as long as we do not turn
completely away from God in refusal to ever repent, totally
quenching the Holy Spirit in us.
When we veer from God’s gracious relationship with us,
through sin or neglect, we will suffer the devastating impact
of sin. God has not moved, but we have. Life will hit us in the
face with excruciating impact. We then have a choice whether
to return to a right relationship with God. Yet this is also an
aspect of God’s grace, as the difficulties are meant to help us,
God working all the while to rescue us. Of course, the choice to
continue with God, following the lead of His Spirit, ultimately
remains ours. And we must strive to maintain that.
Paul explains the work of the Holy Spirit in us as the
basis for our hope of sharing in the glory of God. The Spirit
of God in us will create the essential quality of endurance
and character to withstand the trials of our lives. Grace and
righteousness are gifts that create a stable life. Paul explains
The change of your mind and heart that leads you to seek that grace reigns through righteousness that leads to the hope
the crucial connection with God leads to receiving the essence of eternal life through Christ (Romans 5:21).
of His nature, the Holy Spirit. This changed orientation is So when he then asks, “Shall we continue in sin that grace
called repentance. It leads to a new life with the potential for may abound?” the obvious answer is “Certainly not!” (Romans
a close personal relationship with God. 6:1-2). God’s gift of grace and His Spirit should lead us away
Godly repentance is a change of mind and attitude toward from sin—away from our corrupt natural inclination that leads
God. It follows conviction by the Holy Spirit and the Word us toward sin. Paul then explains that baptism—immersion in
of God acting on our conscience. Repentance involves an water—is a symbol of putting to death the old self, an outward
awareness of personal sin, which is the transgression of God’s sign of our inner desire to live a new life with new priorities
holy and righteous law (1 John 3:4). It is accompanied by and a completely different orientation.
sincere remorse and resolution to respond to God’s calling Paul likens our emergence from the “watery grave” of bap-
by obedience and submission to His way of life. tism to Jesus Christ’s resurrection from the grave, with us
Repentance toward God is not a temporary emotional rising to then walk in a new way of life. With Christ we then
response. It is a response resulting in a permanent change live a new life to God, “dead indeed to sin but alive to God in
of thought, behavior and direction of life. It results in a Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:8-11).
determined commitment to turn to God, to forsake a life of sin
that separates us from God and to walk forward in all of God’s How are we doing?
commandments. The only right we have to call ourselves Christian—to
Scripture shows that such a mind change—coming to bear the name of Christ—is through a genuine repentance in
understand that we are sinners who must forsake sin and turn faith and baptism in Christ’s name. Have you ever examined
to following God—should be followed by baptism and the yourself by this standard? Several scriptures convict us to do
laying on of hands by a minister of God (Acts 2:38; 8:17; 22:16). so. To the Church members in Corinth Paul said: “Examine
It is then that God gives His Spirit to those who obey (Acts yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves.
Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—
5:32). It is then that a life of the Spirit can begin—a life graced
by God’s presence dwelling in us through that Spirit. unless indeed you are disqualified” (2 Corinthians 13:5).
The key, we see here, is Christ in us. That is the test as to
Standing in grace whether or not we are truly Christian!
The apostle Paul explains the reality of this new life in some Paul expands on this in his letter to the Church members
remarkable passages of Scripture. In his letter to the Romans in Rome: “Letting your sinful nature control your mind leads
he explains the gift of grace we have through the forgiveness of to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life
sin and God’s Spirit—His essence—dwelling in us. and peace. For the sinful nature [of the fleshly mind] is always
He explains the grace we have as something “in which we hostile to God. It never did obey God’s laws, and it never will.
THE BIBLE
AND YOU
That’s why those who are still under the control of their sinful literally formed in the image of our parents. DNA is the
nature can never please God. definitive identifier of our lineage.
“But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are The Spirit of God joins with our spirit to make us children
controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in of God. Romans 8:16 tells us: “For his Spirit joins with our
you. (And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of spirit to affirm that we are God’s children. And since we are his
Christ living in them do not belong to him at all.) And Christ children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are
lives within you, so even though your body will die because of heirs of God’s glory” (NLT). By the Spirit we are literal heirs of
sin, the Spirit gives you life because you have been made right God and joint heirs with Christ. We are part of the God family.
with God. God is preparing us, as His children and heirs, to inherit all
“The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in things (Revelation 21:7).
you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will With the Holy Spirit we are “partakers of the divine nature”
give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within (2 Peter 1:4). God’s “spirit DNA” is in us, and we take on the
you” (Romans 8:6-11, New Living Translation). character and nature of God our Father and Jesus Christ our
Here is a key fact to understand about the Holy Spirit. Receiv- Brother and High Priest.
ing God’s Spirit makes God our Father in a literal manner. That Think on this. What Paul writes takes on new meaning.
Spirit makes us sons of God. When God gives us His Spirit, the “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but
divine nature enters our life, making us literal children of God. Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh
To use a parallel, as physical children carry in their makeup I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave
genes passed on from their parents, God’s Spirit—the essence himself for me” (Galatians 2:20, King James Version). Paul
of His divine nature—literally becomes a part of our life when plainly tells us that through the Spirit, Christ lives in us.
we are baptized and receive that Spirit.
“I will come to you”
The beginning of grace Paul here adds depth to what Christ told His disciples on
Through this relationship with God, we enter into the the eve of His death. Before His arrest, He explained why He
life of the Spirit. This is where we begin to live in grace and had to be killed and then raised and what that would mean for
demonstrate the gracious nature of God.
When I noticed the appealing and kind
nature of my friend Grace all those years By the Spirit we are literal heirs of God and
ago, I was seeing the wonderful qualities
Paul called the fruit of the Spirit of God
joint heirs with Christ. We are part of the God
(Galatians 5:22-23) coming out in the family. God is preparing us to inherit all things.
warmth of her eyes, the gentle tone of
her voice and the kindness shown toward so many people. them and all who would follow after as disciples—including
These qualities drew people to her in friendship. She was using you today. Jesus promised a “Helper” or “Comforter,” from
the Spirit to be like God in character. the Greek word parakletos. This presence would be with us—
How? She let God live in her life. That is what we do when we in fact, the presence and power of the Father and the Son dwel-
let God live in us through His Spirit. ling within us. Christ called it “the Spirit of truth” and said it
This is profound. The truth of the Bible on this subject is “dwells with you and will be in you.” And He added, “I will not
never more needed. So many people live confused, complicated leave you orphans; I will come to you” (John 14:16-18).
lives of despair. Seeking meaning in life often leads down a Christ’s words speak to us today, explaining how we can
dead-end street. Don’t you want to connect to the purpose for have a relationship with Him and access the power of the Spirit
your life? You can! That is what this article intends for you, to live out a meaningful life touched by the kindness and grace
through Scripture, to come to understand. When God invites of God. His suffering and death provided the means for this to
us to understand His purpose for creating human life, we are happen. His resurrection from the dead forever made possible
connected to the most important of all knowledge! the Father sharing His glory with humankind.
At the heart of this revealed truth is the Holy Spirit of God, “At that day you will know that I am in My Father, and you
the divine nature of God in us as a force we can use to live with in Me, and I in you” (verse 20). Jesus Christ and the Father are
power, love and a sound mind. Fear need not be a part of our one in purpose and intent. They share the glory we will inherit.
life (2 Timothy 1:7). They also share the peace and power we desire and need to
Christ in us LEARN MORE
Let’s go back to the point made above that we are literally
Where and how do you begin to live a
sons and daughters of God. This is not a vague symbolic truly Spirit-led life? How does God grant us
religious thought. It is a fact of Scripture, and most people read His Spirit, and what must we do to receive
right over the verses that reveal this truth, never stopping to it? Learn what the Bible says in our study
grasp what God offers us in this life. guide The Road to Eternal Life. Download or
As human children we have the DNA of our biological request your free copy today!
mother and father in every cell of our body. The language BTmagazine.org/booklets
in the DNA strands determines our features so that we are
live successfully today. Christ is mind of the Creator of life to you.
explaining the key to success in life. Wired into your makeup is the need
Through the Spirit of God living in us,
we have power to cope with whatever
life deals us.
for this connection with God. The
yearning you have to be loved and to
be understood—to understand and to
Who’s
Hope without despair
show love—comes from the fingerprint
of God on your life from conception. Behind
A friend of mine recently called to
tell me his only daughter had died.
She was 39 years old, and though she
We are at first an incomplete creation,
in need of the Spirit of God to join with
our spirit, forming the connection of
Beyond
had some health issues, the sudden
death was unexpected. He and his
grace by which God lives His life in
us—transforming us into His image.
Today?
wife were devastated. As we talked he
You can choose to begin today!
W
commented on what life sometimes ho’s behind the Beyond Today
deals us. “It is sometimes a bad hand,” Jesus Christ added another crucial
magazine and television pro-
he said, using the well-known analogy thought while teaching His disciples:
of being dealt a hand of playing cards. “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My gram? Beyond Today is pro-
“And you have to work with it. You word; and My Father will love him, vided by people from all walks of life,
cannot change it.” How true. Real life and We will come and make Our home from all over the world, as enabled by
circumstances cannot be turned back. with him” (John 14:23). By the Holy God. We share a common goal—to
We must “play the hand” we’re dealt. Spirit, the essence of Their nature, both proclaim the gospel of the Kingdom of
How much better for us to “play the Father and Son live in the believer. God and to teach
the hand” with the power of God in Thus, Christ presented Himself and the all nations to obey
us, the life of Jesus Christ? That is Father to be the Source of comfort, help everything Christ
what God offers with the promise of and encouragement provided through commanded (Mat-
a “Comforter” or “Helper.” God in us the promised Comforter. Part of His thew 24:14; 28:19-20).
gives hope when there is despair. The purpose in this passage was to point
We are dedicated
Father in us gives a quality of love that out that He would do far more through
leads to a patient endurance of the the Spirit dwelling in them than He to proclaiming the
sorrow and pain. God does not intend did while He lived among them in the same message
that the trials of this life be endured flesh. And this was borne out by the Jesus Christ brought—the wonderful
without the calming salve of His grace. work Christ did through the Church, as good news of the coming Kingdom of
It is a bitter experience to go through recorded in the book of Acts. God (Matthew 4:23; Mark 1:14-15; Luke
this life, what William Shakespeare We have access today to this power 4:43; 8:1). That message truly is good
called “this vale of tears,” without the that can make all the difference in our news—the answer to all the problems
comfort of God’s presence. lives. What I saw in my friend Grace that have long plagued humankind.
This abiding presence of God is was the fruit of the Spirit in her life. Through this magazine, our TV
like a soothing salve, a lotion that Her words and deeds gave benefit and program, and in dozens of helpful free
calms and aids in healing. God’s grace to those she knew. To this day
study guides, we show the biblical
grace ultimately works like a balm I remember her as an example of the
that comforts our heart and soul grace of God shown through the life of
answers to the dilemmas that have
with kindness and patience and love. one person. It is what happens when we defied human solution and threaten
The abiding presence of God in us submit to God in faith and allow Him our survival. We are committed to tak-
provides the hope beyond the hurt, the to live in us. ing that message to the entire world,
expectation of joy beyond the depth Paul lists the fruit of the Spirit sharing the truth of God’s purpose as
of sorrow and the gentleness of spirit as “love, joy, peace, longsuffering, taught by Jesus Christ and His apostles.
when life and people cause hurt and kindness, goodness, faithfulness, The United Church of God has con-
harm. gentleness, self-control” (Galatians gregations and ministers around the
Check the headlines of your life. 5:22-23; and see “The Fruit of the Holy world. In these congregations believers
Chaos? Lack of purpose? Fear? A Spirit: What Are These All About?” assemble to be instructed from the
search for understanding among beginning on page 30). Taken together
Scriptures and to fellowship. For loca-
competing ideas? Life is not meant to these qualities are the essence of
tions and times of services nearest you,
be like that. You can find the way out God’s nature, the manifestation of His
of fear and confusion to a place of love grace. A life led by the Spirit of God contact us at the appropriate address on
and a sound mind—a place of grace. will demonstrate these traits. It will page 39. Visitors are always welcome.
You can find it in the pages of a book transform our lives, giving power to For additional information, visit our website:
you probably have in your home— live a life free of fear.
the Bible. It contains the words of God
waiting to speak to you and reveal the
May you begin to do what God
requires to begin such a life!
ucg.org/learnmore
THE BIBLE
AND YOU
The Fruit of the Holy Spirit:

What Are These All About?
The Bible tells us that God’s people will be led by God’s Spirit—and that the Spirit will produce
specific evidence in their lives in the form of “fruit.” What are these, and what are they all about?
A
by Don Hooser
re human beings basically good at heart? We might heart of God so we can be admitted into the family of God!
want to think so or wish that were the case, but is it This miracle is accomplished primarily by the power of God’s
true? What does the Bible say? Holy Spirit working within us. (To better understand how we
Have you really looked into what the Bible reveals receive the gift of God’s Spirit, see “The Overwhelming Force”
about the human heart? You might find its diagnosis beginning on page 34. And how God uses that Spirit to work
and description surprising! within us is explained in “The Holy Spirit: A Gift of God’s
The prophet Jeremiah wrote: “The human heart is the most Grace,” beginning on page 26.)
deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really God says, “My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your
knows how bad it is?” (Jeremiah 17:9, New Living Translation, ways My ways” (Isaiah 55:8). Our thoughts and ways must
emphasis added throughout). conform to God’s thoughts and ways, which is why Paul wrote
Jesus Christ said, “For from within, out of a person’s heart, that you must “be transformed by the renewing of your mind”
come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, (Romans 12:2). This is a radical transformation indeed!
greed, wickedness, deceit, lustful desires, envy, slander, pride, In Philippians 2:5 Paul wrote, “Let this mind be in you
and foolishness” (Mark 7:21-22, NLT). which was also in Christ Jesus.” That’s what we need! We can
The apostle Paul wrote: “As the Scriptures say, ‘No one have the mind of Christ by the Holy Spirit dwelling within us.
is righteous—not even one. No one is truly wise; no one is But just what does the holy, righteous, pure and perfect
seeking God. All have turned away; all have become useless. character of God look like as it’s being developed in a person?
No one does good, not a single one’” (Romans 3:10-12, NLT). What are the virtues, attributes, characteristics and qualities
Other scriptures portray raw human nature in similar ways. the nature of God expresses? God inspired Paul to list nine
These scriptures are not meant to describe the overall key virtues of God’s character in Galatians 5:22-23: “But the
character of every individual. The world has lots of very nice fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness,
people and lots of people somewhere in between the extremes. goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.”
Many factors contribute to the formation of a person’s charac- The Greek word translated “fruit” in Galatians 5:22 is
ter and personality—family, friends, teachers, religion, laws, singular because it is referring collectively to nine virtues—
environment and everything we allow into our minds. that is, the produce of the Spirit or what the Spirit produces—
But people are not inherently righteous. If we were, we in the life of a Christian in whom that Spirit dwells. However,
would only need to acquire some “improvements” from God. we sometimes refer to plural “fruits of the Spirit” when we are
Jesus compared that idea with the foolishness of pouring new focusing on the individual virtues.
wine into old wineskins (Luke 5:36-39). Each person must Can people have those virtues without the Holy Spirit? To
become a totally “new man” (Ephesians 2:15; 4:24). some extent, people can have love, joy, peace, longsuffering,
The Bible frequently warns of the evil influences of Satan kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control
the devil and the demons, the “world” and “this present evil without the help of the Holy Spirit. Earlier we mentioned some
age” (Galatians 1:4). But while we must resist our spiritual of the many influences that shape each person’s character and
enemies on the outside, our biggest enemy is on the inside— personality, either for the good or bad.
the human heart. We need a spiritual heart transplant! However, without the help of the Holy Spirit, those good
qualities will be shallower, weaker, less reliable and less con-
Needed: a radical transformation of our hearts sistent. And while some people have some of those virtues, it is
What we especially need to understand is God’s plan of much less likely that they will be filled with all nine virtues.
salvation revealed in the Bible. That plan involves the process Galatians 5:22-23 is quite inspiring since “fruit of the Spirit”
of replacing our natural minds and hearts with the mind and refers to the virtues produced by the Holy Spirit rather than by
We suggest you carefully read and think about verses 19-21
to better appreciate the contrast with the wonderful fruit of
the Holy Spirit in verses 22-23. Following are brief summaries
of each of the nine fruits Paul lists.
The fruit of love
Love obviously belongs at the head of the list. Godly love is
so all-encompassing that it can include all the other fruits.
“God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and
God in him” (1 John 4:16). The two “great” commandments
are to love God and to love all of God’s children, which
is everyone (Matthew 22:35-39). That means that the Ten
Commandments are telling us exactly how to love God and
how to love our neighbors.
Love is a major theme of the Bible, which is God’s “instruc-
tion book” for mankind. In the New King James Version, the
word “love” appears 362 times.
In the Bible’s use of the word “love,” whether as a verb or
a noun, the emphasis is on action and doing, not feelings and
emotions. We love God by obeying, worshipping and serving
Him. For example, 1 John 5:3 tells us, “For this is the love of
God, that we keep His commandments.”
We love people by how we treat them. God says to love your
neighbor as yourself, which means we are to treat others as
well as we treat ourselves. The
Golden Rule is spelled out in
What does the holy, righteous, pure and perfect Matthew 7:12: “Do to others
character of God look like as it’s being developed whatever you would like
them to do to you. This is the
in a person? God inspired Paul to list nine key essence of all that is taught
in the law and the prophets”
virtues of God’s character in Galatians 5:22-23. (NLT).
Godly love is summarized
our mere human efforts. With the Holy Spirit, one can have in 1 Corinthians 13, the beautiful “love chapter.” Paul here
much more of these virtues than he ever could by human said if I “have not love, I am nothing” (verse 2).
effort alone. Knowing this should motivate anyone who has
not been baptized to seek to be baptized so he or she can The fruit of joy
receive God’s Spirit. Some people tend to think that joy is not really important,
especially if they equate it with just having fun or only a nice
Contrasts in Galatians aftereffect of some pleasant experience. But real joy is far
The book of Galatians is one of Paul’s most corrective beyond that.
epistles or letters. Highly disappointed and alarmed that As a matter of fact, God wants real joy to be one of our
many Church members who had correctly understood and high-priority goals. God commands His people to rejoice.
responded to God’s calling were later led astray by false “Rejoice” means to think joy and express joy. In the New King
teachers, he points out numerous contrasts between God’s James Version, “joy” appears 158 times and “rejoice” appears
truth and the false teachings that had infected them. 199 times!
Paul draws a major contrast between the “works of the Once we understand God’s truth, we should feel a sense of
flesh” in Galatians 5:19-21 and the “fruit of the Spirit” in “my cup runs over” with gratitude for all that God has done, is
verses 22-23. The Greek word for “flesh” is sarx, Paul using a doing, and will do for us (see Psalm 23:5). Rejoicing is a way of
form of this word to refer to the corrupt sinful nature of the expressing that gratitude.
human heart. Paul could perhaps have used the word “fruit” A joyful person uplifts those around him and makes the
(Greek karpos) in place of the word “works” (Greek erga) world a better place. Therefore, expressing ourselves cheerfully
because in this context both terms are referring to products, is an important responsibility regardless of how we are feeling
Jodie Morgan/Unsplash
results or effects. inside.

However, it may be that Paul is subtly pointing out a related All of the fruits of the Spirit are important ingredients to
problem—the heresy infecting the churches in Galatia that being “the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14-16). People are
a person can be justified (made spiritually guiltless and much more likely to have a good impression of our religious
righteous) by human works rather than by grace and faith in beliefs if they see joy and the other virtues in our character
God (see Galatians 2:16-17; 3:11, 24; 5:4). and personalities.
THE BIBLE
AND YOU
The fruit of peace Thankfully He doesn’t lose His temper toward us!
“You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow
The word “peace” is found in the New King James Version to get angry” (James 1:19, NLT). Our relationships with
397 times! The importance of peace can’t be overstated. The others should be “with all lowliness and gentleness, with
world will become a paradise after the “Prince of Peace” longsuffering, bearing with one another in love” (Ephesians
returns to the earth (Isaiah 9:6). 4:2).
It’s a huge blessing when we can be in a peaceful environ-
ment, but by having God’s Spirit within us we can have inner The fruit of kindness
peace even when we are suffering or surrounded by turmoil. The apostle Paul accurately foretold a selfish, cold, unmer-
Paul sums this up beautifully in Philippians 4:6-7: “Don’t ciful and hard-hearted world “in the last days” (2 Timothy
worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell 3:1-3). Many people have been neglected, shunned, abused,
God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then ridiculed, bullied and starved for human kindness!
you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we The fruits of the Spirit obviously overlap in practice.
can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds Kindness clearly relates to love, longsuffering and gentleness.
as you live in Christ Jesus” (NLT). Kindness includes being tenderhearted, merciful and
The epistles of Paul and Peter begin with the encouraging compassionate toward others. To exercise kindness often
greeting of “grace to you and peace.” It’s significant that involves some self-sacrifice and generosity on our part,
coming under the grace of God at repentance and baptism especially of our time. But know that God will bless you
enables us to have profound peace. for that sacrifice (see Philippians 2:3-4; Matthew 5:7; 10:42;
We are to be “peacemakers” (Matthew 5:9; see also Romans 25:34-40).
12:18). We are well-equipped for that if we have God’s Spirit. Jesus Christ practiced a kindness that was radical for that
The fruit of longsuffering time and culture. He respected, loved, healed and helped
every type of person, including women, children, minorities,
The majority of English Bibles translate the Greek word the poor, the sick and those with disabilities. When He saw
makrothumia as longsuffering, but others translate it with suffering, He was “moved with compassion” (Matthew 9:36;
more modern terms such as patience, tolerance or forbearance. 14:14; 18:27). We must follow His example!
The meaning seems to be a combination of all these words. Some people are kind only to their family and friends, while
It definitely has a stronger meaning than today’s view of the others treat their families worse than anyone else. Both of
word patience. those examples are sinful (see Luke 6:27-36; 1 Timothy 5:8).
The Greek word makro (from which we get macro) means
“large” or “long.” The root word thumos means “temper.” The fruit of goodness
Therefore, makrothumia literally means long-tempered, the In the Bible, the “goodness” of God often refers to His
opposite of short-tempered or having a short fuse. Compare gracious generosity in providing abundantly for mankind’s
with 1 Corinthians 13:4: “Love suffers long.” needs (Psalms 23:6; 65:11). When we know we have been
Jesus Christ is “longsuffering toward us” (2 Peter 3:9). blessed by God, we like to say, “God is good!”
Other Fruit of the Holy Spirit

T
he word “fruit” can mean benefits, effects element of righteousness. • In Ephesians 1:13-14, Paul speaks of “the gos-
or results. There certainly are many benefits • God’s Spirit miraculously enables a person to pel of your salvation” and goes on to say: “When
of having the gift of the Holy Spirit besides deeply understand God’s spiritual truth. Without you believed, you were marked in him with a seal,
the nine fundamental qualities listed in Galatians the help of God’s Spirit, a person is spiritually blind the promised Holy Spirit, [which] is a deposit guar-
5:22-23 as the fruit of the Spirit. Let’s notice some (see 2 Corinthians 3:14; 4:3-4; Matthew 13:16- anteeing our inheritance until the redemption of
others presented in Scripture. 17). Particularly profound is what 1 Corinthians 2 those who are God’s possession” (New Interna-
• Ephesians 5:9 actually has the same phrase says about the “deep things of God” being a “mys- tional Version; see also 2 Corinthians 1:22; 5:5).
found in Galatians 5:22—“fruit of the Spirit.” tery” and “hidden” until God reveals them “through That perspective gives us a firm foundation for our
Ephesians 5:8-9 says: “For you were once dark- His Spirit” (verses 7, 10). “No one comprehends faith.
ness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as the thoughts of God except [by] the Spirit of God” • When God gives anyone a spiritual gift, it is
children of light for the fruit of the Spirit is in all (verse 11, English Standard Version). by His Holy Spirit that He does so (see Romans 12;
goodness, righteousness, and truth” (emphasis • Another wonderful result of God’s Spirit at work 1 Corinthians 12).
added throughout). These form a good summary in a person’s life is brought out in 2 Timothy 1:6-7, • With God’s Spirit dwelling in us, we have a close,
of the results God’s Spirit will produce in the lives where Paul tells us the “gift of God” is not “a spirit of intimate relationship with God the Father and
of believers, which are listed in greater detail in fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 1:9; 1 John 1:3, 6-7).
Galatians 5:22-23. • God uses His Spirit to lead and guide us, even to And along with Paul, we can say, “Christ lives in
• In Romans 14:17, Paul spoke of the “righteous- “teach” us what to say when we’re under pressure me” (Galatians 2:20).
ness, peace, and joy produced by the Holy Spirit” (Romans 8:14; Luke 12:11-12). Jesus also said Many more benefits of God’s Holy Spirit could
(International Standard Version). This overlaps the Holy Spirit will “bring to your remembrance all be listed, but space prohibits exploring them
the list in Galatians 5:22-23 and adds the crucial things that I said to you” (John 14:26). further here.
But God’s goodness is much more than those things. It Consider the great contrast between meekness and some
is the very essence of God’s nature—His righteousness and of the “works of the flesh,” which Paul lists as “hatred, con-
holiness. To the extent that we have God’s goodness, we have tentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions,
godliness or God-likeness. dissensions” (Galatians 5:19-21).
The Bible gives us God’s complete “instruction in righteous- God highly prizes meekness and gentleness. “Blessed are the
ness” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). To be good, we must learn what is meek, for they shall inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5).
good and then do good.
God summarizes His standards of goodness in the Ten The fruit of self-control
Commandments. King David wrote, “All Your command- For the last virtue in Galatians 5:23, some older Bible ver-
ments are [or define] righteousness” (Psalms 119:172). sions say “temperance,” but that word has changed somewhat
Some people make the mistake of thinking they are good if in meaning over time and has come to mean moderation.
they have a lot of Bible knowledge. But if they aren’t living by “Self-control” is a good translation. It includes self-
discipline. A true disciple must
be self-disciplined. Many people
The gift of the Holy Spirit within us greatly strength- overeat, overdrink, over-spend
ens a person’s ability to stay faithful to all his com- and overindulge in lots of things.
It’s fitting that self-control is
mitments, especially his commitment to God. the last in the list as that implies
that we need self-control to
that knowledge, God is more displeased with them than He maintain all the other virtues in this list.
is with someone who has no knowledge (see James 4:17; Luke Of all the things we have to govern in this life, self is often
12:47-48). We must be “doers of the word, and not hearers the biggest challenge. We must rule over our appetites, desires,
only” (James 1:22; see verses 21-25). impulses and reactions. Many people are ruled by their feelings
and can’t control their anger. In fact, one measure of maturity
The fruit of faithfulness is emotional control.
Most Bible versions translate the Greek word pistis in Gala- We must wage spiritual warfare, “bringing every thought into
tians 5:22 as “faithfulness,” although it is usually translated captivity to the obedience of Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:4-5).
as “faith” in other verses. It seems clear that faithfulness is However, self-control is not human willpower. Ultimately,
primarily what Paul was referring to in this verse, but faith- effective self-control is not self alone controlling self. Shortly
fulness is closely related to faith. We could say that faithfulness before Jesus returned to heaven, He told His disciples that they
is being full of faith, which enables a person to persevere and would soon receive “power from on high” (Luke 24:49). That
remain steadfast, loyal, trustworthy, devoted and true to his power from God is what we must have to rule over self! And it
commitments. requires yielding to God working in us.
When a person is baptized, he is entering a covenant
with God and promising to remain faithful to God. “He who Concluding words
endures to the end will be saved” (Matthew 10:22). In a wed- To conquer the “works of the flesh” and produce the fruit
ding, both the bride and groom promise to remain faithful to of the Spirit, we need the gift of God’s Holy Spirit dwelling
each other throughout their lives. within us. (See also “Other Fruit of the Holy Spirit” on page 32.)
The gift of the Holy Spirit within us greatly strengthens In the next chapter of Galatians is this inspiring message
a person’s ability to stay faithful to all his commitments, from Paul: “If you live to satisfy your sinful self, the harvest
especially his commitment to God. you will get from that will be eternal death. But if you live to
All those who have committed their lives to Jesus Christ please the Spirit, your harvest from the Spirit will be eternal
hope to hear these words when resurrected to eternal life: life. We must not get tired of doing good. We will receive our
“Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful harvest of eternal life at the right time. We must not give up”
over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. (6:8-9, Easy-to-Read Version).
Enter into the joy of your lord” (Matthew 25:21-23). So, how do you measure up? Does your life show the fruit of
God’s Spirit? If not, what’s stopping you from doing what God
The fruit of meekness and gentleness says you should do to receive the great blessings that come
The next Greek word in Galatians 5:22-23 is praotes. Older with that?
English Bibles usually translate it as “meekness,” but since that
word has drifted from popular usage, newer Bibles usually LEARN MORE
translate it as “gentleness.” How exactly does a person receive God’s
People often misunderstand meekness, partly because it Holy Spirit? And what does that Spirit do for
rhymes with weakness, but true meekness is a great strength. us? What does the Bible tell us about this?
It’s an ideal word for describing elephants because a tamed To learn the answers, download or request
elephant is extremely strong yet also very careful and gentle. our free study guide The Road to Eternal Life
Be aware that gentleness refers mostly to actions, whereas today. A copy is waiting for you!
meekness refers to attitude as well as actions. Meekness BTmagazine.org/booklets
produces gentleness.
THE BIBLE
AND YOU
The
Overwhelming Force
The nations of the world seek power to resist real or potential enemies. But
what about you? When you have God and His indisputable power on your
side, you can be fully confident He will see you through every trouble you face.
I
by John LaBissoniere
n modern history the concept of “overwhelming force” and received the Holy Spirit (verse 41). Acts 4:33 exclaims,
has been applied to warfare. For instance, during World “And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resur-
War II the German word blitzkrieg, meaning “lightning rection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all”
war,” was a coordinated rapid and concentrated attack (emphasis added throughout).
by tanks, infantry, artillery and aircraft creating an This “great power”—denoting God’s gift of the Holy Spirit—
overwhelming military superiority. infused the apostles and other disciples with tremendous
More recently, the “Powell Doctrine,” a media-created term spiritual dynamism and courage (Acts 1:8). The word “power,”
named after U.S. Gen. Colin Powell, emphasized “overwhelming which is translated from the Greek word dunamis (the Greek
strike capabilities” by the deployment of large quantities of word from which we get “dynamite” and “dynamo,” indicating
armor, aircraft and ground forces against Iraqi troops in Kuwait great power), means “miraculous strength and might.” It
during the 1990–91 Persian Gulf War. Similarly, in a possible is synonymous with the English word “ force,” which the
future conflict with the Lebanese terrorist organization Hez- dictionary describes as “energy, power and intensity.”
bollah, the Israeli military plans to counter it by launching what So, the “great power” the disciples demonstrated after God
it calls a “massive and overwhelming” force. gave them His Spirit proved to be compelling, forceful and,
A parallel concept to overwhelming force from a defensive yes, overwhelming. Indeed, this Spirit is the essence of God’s
perspective is illustrated by the phrase “peace through very own indisputable, vibrant and powerful divine nature!
strength.” This means that for a nation to maintain peace God’s supremacy and unconditional strength is made
and discourage military assault, it must be stronger than any plain throughout the Bible. The apostle Paul described Jesus
potential adversary. To illustrate, during a speech on March Christ as “far above all principality and power and might and
23, 1983, U.S. President Ronald Reagan said, “We maintain dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age
the peace through our strength; weakness only invites but also in that which is to come” (Ephesians 1:21).
aggression.” Also, the prophet Jeremiah wrote about God’s tremendous
While these strategies apply to potential or real physical authority and strength by stating, “No one is like you, Lord;
conflict between nations, they are also relevant in a divine you are great, and your name is mighty in power” (Jeremiah
sense to individual Christians, since Scripture explains that 10:6, New International Version). Likewise, the author of
we are engaged in spiritual warfare (2 Corinthians 10:4). And Psalm 147 said, “Great is our Lord, and mighty in power; His
there is an “overwhelming force” available to help you handle understanding is infinite” (verse 5).
every trial and trouble you face. Plus, there is a way you can
always experience spiritual “peace through strength”! The embodiment of God’s love
While the Holy Spirit is unquestionably God’s overwhelm-
“You shall receive power” ing force, it’s significantly more. It is the definitive embodiment
The biblical festival of Pentecost commemorates the spec- of His flawless love, integrity, character and righteousness (see
tacular day when God first imparted His Holy Spirit to live “The Holy Spirit: A Gift of God’s Grace,” beginning on page
within a group of people in the New Testament period. This 26). Indeed, the Eternal Creator is utterly pure, completely
great event is recorded in Acts 2, where 120 disciples were virtuous, fully knowledgeable, entirely wise and limitless in
gathered together in Jerusalem to observe this critical annual intelligence. To be precise, He is unequivocally perfect in every
Holy Day. Shortly thereafter, due to the apostles’ inspired way (Psalm 18:30).
preaching, more than 3,000 people were converted, baptized Looking further into Scripture we see how God, through His
Holy Spirit, has manifested His overwhelming power as well Your staff, they comfort me” (Psalm 23:4).
as His personal, caring nature—most especially toward those When considering this magnificent guarantee, can you see
who deeply love, honor and obey Him. For example Mary, the why we should all strive to overcome our anxious thoughts
mother of Jesus Christ, said, “For He who is mighty has done and worries? (See Luke 12:29 and Philippians 4:6.) Without
great things for me, and holy is His name” (Luke 1:49). a doubt, you can depend unconditionally on God who said,
In addition, notice how the prophet Jeremiah described the “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5).
astounding umbrella of divine protection and encouragement In knowing this, the apostle Paul persistently remained
that God personally provided to him: “But the Lord is with emphatically optimistic even while contending with arduous
me as a mighty, awesome One. Therefore my persecutors will trials and hardships. And you can do the same!
stumble, and will not prevail” (Jeremiah 20:11). In addition you can, like Paul, be a loyal and zealous disciple
Furthermore, the writer of Psalm 94, attributed in the Greek of Jesus Christ, focusing your mind and efforts on loving and
Septuagint to King David, expressed how God was not only obeying God while seeking His Kingdom and righteousness
rock-solid but completely reliable toward him personally: (Matthew 6:33). Paul summarized this vital conviction when
“But the Lord has become my fortress, and my God the rock he wrote, “For in Him we live and move and have our being”
in whom I take refuge” (verse 22, New International Version). (Acts 17:28). He personally accomplished this by relying not on
As God fully supported and sustained these and other his own paltry strength, but on the overwhelming force and the
servants through the overwhelming force of His Spirit, He perfect guidance of his Creator.
promises to do the same for you if you love Him and are striv- Paul also wrote: “Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in
ing to do His will! God’s caring and generous guarantee of reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s
assistance He offers to you is summed up in this reassuring sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians
passage: “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 12:10).
8:31). You can personally take immense solace in knowing that Paul and the apostle Peter knew, however, that patience
when God is on your side, no power on earth—even one that and endurance were absolute requirements when undergoing
seems overwhelming—can spiritually subjugate or destroy you. trials. Peter wrote, “Therefore humble yourselves under the
Even so, because of the troubles and pressures experienced mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time”
in daily life, it may appear at times that God is not there for (1 Peter 5:6). So, it’s not by your doing and not within your
you. The psalmists such as David felt this way at times in time frame, but God’s.
facing intense stress and persecution. Psalm 94 asks, “Lord, Finally, the promises and rewards that God holds out to
how long will the wicked, how long will the wicked triumph?” you are astounding! You can have the overwhelming force
(verse 3). But the same psalm answers this question a few of God’s Spirit with you at all times and enjoy peace through
verses later by stating, “For the Lord will not cast off His strength because you know that God will help you in every
battle you face
While God fully supported His servants through the over- (Philippians 4:6-7).
Plus, Jesus clearly
whelming force of His Spirit, He promises to do the same identified what’s
in store for you as
for you if you love Him and are striving to do His will! one of His faithful
disciples in His
people, nor will He forsake His inheritance” (verse 14). soon-coming Kingdom: “And he who overcomes, and keeps
The apostle Paul made a similar declaration in stating: My works until the end, to him I will give power over the
“What will separate us from the love Christ has for us? Can nations” (Revelation 2:26).
trouble, distress, persecution, hunger, nakedness, danger, or Therefore, stand firm in always maintaining your focus
violent death separate us from his love? As Scripture says: ‘We on the great goal of the Kingdom of God, and don’t allow
are being killed all day long because of you. We are thought of anything to dissuade you from obtaining it. You can know
as sheep to be slaughtered.’ The one who loves us gives us an with absolute certainty that God is fully willing and able “to
overwhelming victory in all these difficulties” (Romans 8:35-37, do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think,
God’s Word Translation). according to the power that works in us” (Ephesians 3:20).
And what is that power? It’s the overwhelming force of God’s
Anxious thought is unnecessary Holy Spirit!
What should this outstanding passage mean to you? It
shows that you need not be burdened by negative thoughts LEARN MORE
and feelings or overpowered by any trial or trouble. This is To those willing to surrender to Him, God
absolutely true because you have the incontestable power offers astounding promises—including the
of God and His deep love on your side. You can fully count gift of His Holy Spirit. How can we receive
on His unwavering commitment to always be with you and it? And what can it do for us? Download or
see you through every distress or difficulty so that you can request your free copy of Transforming Your
ultimately obtain eternal life in His divine family. As David Life: The Process of Conversion to learn more!
wrote, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow BTmagazine.org/booklets
of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and
THE BIBLE
AND YOU Follow Me...
“The Words That

I Speak to You”
More important than having the Bible at hand is having its life-giving words ingrained
in our hearts—trusting and following their guidance on our journey through life.
A
by Robin Webber
young man packing his suitcase for a journey said to demanding and consumes much of our personal lives.
a friend: “I’ve nearly finished packing. All that’s left Technology and social media offer a world of boundless
is putting in a guidebook, a lamp, a microscope, a information at our fingertips, tickling our curiosity. There
volume of fine poetry, a few biographies, a package are more people knocking on the doors of our minds and
of old letters, a songbook, a sword, a hammer and peering through the windows of our lives in one day than our
a few tools.” forebears could ever have imagined.
“But you can’t get all that in your suitcase,” replied his It’s doing something to us! We exist in the most connected
friend. yet disconnected society ever achieved by human design.
The young man smiled and said: “Yes, I can. It’s right here.” Perhaps it’s time for us to repack, correctly this time, being
He placed his Bible in the suitcase and zipped it shut. mindful of who is on the journey with us—our Maker and the
This story speaks volumes about what the young man One we ascribe as our Master!
valued and why he placed so much stock in God’s Word. He Now why is it so vital to keep Holy Scripture in the forefront
saw Scripture as all-encompassing in guiding him in every of our desire? Consider the request-laden words of Christ
circumstance that might arise on his journey. regarding those who would pursue His invitation of “Follow
A series of TV commercials for a credit card asks the Me” in His prayer to God the Father in John 17:15-17: “I do not
question, “What’s in your wallet?” Let’s go a step further and pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You
ask not merely what’s in your wallet, or your suitcase, but what should keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world,
is packed away in your heart? Allow me to be blunt: How we just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them by Your truth.
personally unpack the relevance of the opening story here and Your word is truth” (emphasis added throughout).
pack our hearts moving forward is crucial towards heeding Jesus noted that while His followers would remain here
Jesus Christ’s invitation of “Follow Me.” below in the 24/7 setting of this world, they would be set apart
The young man with the suitcase was truly onto something, by fortifying themselves with the words of God in Scripture.
and his actions mirror what Jesus said in proclaiming, “The In making the ongoing choice of one 24/7 world over
words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life” (John another that seemingly fills up our time and attention, let’s
6:63). Much of Jesus’ audience that day, upset at other difficult consider the example of Jesus Himself, who continually
things He said, abandoned Him (verses 60, 66). As they left, existed in His Heavenly Father’s 24/7 world.
He turned to His 12 closest disciples and asked a question In responding to challenges He would say, “It is written . . .”
that demanded a choice: “Do you also want to go away?” or “Have you never read in the Scriptures . . . ?” He knew well
(verse 67). the words of Job 23:12: “I have not departed from the com-
Peter spoke up: “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have mandments of His lips; I have treasured the words of His
the words of eternal life” (verse 68). Peter was echoing the mouth more than my necessary food.”
sentiments of the young man packing his suitcase: It’s all right His focus on what sustains real life, which enabled Him to
here, having everything needed for what lies ahead. withstand temptations in the wilderness, is expressed in His
quoting of Deuteronomy 8:3 in Matthew 4:4: “But He answered
Perhaps it’s time to repack! and said, ‘It is written, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by
Now regarding ourselves, we may be sincere in making every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.”’”
room for God’s holy Word in our life, but let’s be real for a In the true test of survival, He was connected to a differ-
moment and admit that the prevalent culture is incredibly ent 24/7 world. After all, bread feeds the body, but one’s
fundamental existence is sustained by “words that . . . are life” Bible in his suitcase knowing it possessed everything that
(John 6:63). We can eat our fill of bread but still be starving in would be required for success on his travels.
the most important sense. Again, leading the way in this was Jesus, the ultimate
sojourner, who fully trusted the Word of God that He read,
Putting first things first internalized, believed and cried out as His last words in a loud
Now, please, I’m not asking you to sell your car or throw out and knowing statement: “Into Your hands I commit My spirit”
your smartphone, but I am encouraging you to consider your (Luke 23:46; see Psalm 31:5). God’s Word was packed in tight
priorities and put first things first. Jesus plainly told those who and reached for in this moment of great need, giving assurance
already believed in Him that to be His true disciples, heeding that He had successfully “finished” the journey set before Him
His invitation of “Follow Me,” they had to “abide” in His word to be our Savior (see John 19:30).
(John 8:31). Perhaps the words of our Heavenly Father and Christ are
The word “abide” here is translated from the Greek word speaking to you right now through this column. My intent is
meno, which means to “stay, remain, dwell deeply.” It’s not quite simple: To help you consider that what we value the most
enough to have a Bible packed away in some proverbial we’ll make space for and do. How much do we treasure the
suitcase or real one. You must regularly open it and allow invitation to a new way of being human, a new way of being a
God to mold you through its words. You can have the best of man and woman, the call to a new spiritual community called
intentions, but let’s be real—a closed Bible might as well be a the Body of Christ with a sense of purpose that moves far
lost Bible. You might as well not have gone through the effort beyond the next distracting text message or Twitter feed?
to pack it!
What is Jesus telling us in John 8:31? Discipleship begins Such a privilege is ours!
with belief! Have you ever considered that you have the divinely granted
Where does such belief or faith spring from? God’s own privilege to directly hear from God’s throne room? Consider
Word tells us in Romans 10:17, “So then faith comes by that you are granted “the wisdom that is from above” (James
hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” 3:17) from the living Word of God, Jesus Christ (1 John 1:1-
Yet let’s go deeper. This isn’t simply addressing our auditory3), who gave us the spoken words of God (John 6:63; 12:50;
Hebrews 1:1-3), now set before us as the written Word of God
system, but “the words that I speak to you” are designed to pierce
the inward recesses of our heart, the factory of our motivations,in our own tongue.
leading us to turn to God in obedience and reliance. Yes, written at the expense of our Savior’s life and the lives
Hebrews 4:12 says God’s Word is “living and powerful, of brave men like Bible translator William Tyndale, who was
and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the strangled and burnt at the stake for giving the English people
division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a the “wisdom of God” in their own tongue. His last words at
discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” When we the stake were “Lord! Open the King of England’s eyes.”
Hopefully, this column has
There’s a difference between walking with Christ opened your eyes to the value of
being sure you pack more than
and allowing Him to walk inside us, which is our a Bible in a suitcase, but pack it
away in your heart to prepare
Heavenly Father’s desire from the beginning. for the bumps, curves, dips and
mountaintop experiences that
choose in faith to “abide” in the Scriptures, God speaks to us will come along the way on the greatest journey offered to
through them, molding and probing our entire being inside humanity to follow Jesus Christ into the ultimate Kingdom
and out in deep care for us. experience.
As we do, let’s remember that there’s a difference between
Listening well, developing trust walking with Christ and allowing Him to walk inside us,
Okay, you’re ready to pack or repack, but let’s stop a moment which is our Heavenly Father’s desire from the beginning.
and consider a nagging reality before proceeding. What value is our Father’s plan of development for us from the
How often have you noticed that what you read and what living Word to the spoken word to the written Word if the final
you end up doing are at times disconnected? Much of our step is never taken to pack it away in our hearts?
study and reading is like the boy who read aloud in school. The This ultimate step is perhaps given voice best in Psalm
teacher asked him to tell what he was reading. The young boy 119:10-11: “With my whole heart I have sought you; oh, let
replied, “I don’t know—I wasn’t listening”! me not wander from Your commandments! Your word have
Reading the Word of God was always intended to be directly I hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You.”
listening to God. When we not only “hear” but “listen” to God’s What is the psalmist saying here? That God’s words are to
Word, we begin to “abide” in the framework of His will rather become so “hidden” or so deeply embedded that nothing—
than ours, and this seamlessly segues into the next aspect of whether man, Satan or homegrown worry—can ultimately
properly responding to “the words that I speak to you.” tamper with God’s loving purpose for you. Are you ready
The moment you accept the words of God, such belief turns to pack or repack starting right now? Now is the time,
to trust—so much so that you make no decision without first not tomorrow, to open your heart, open your Bible, and
considering His words. It’s like the young man placing his internalize, as Christ said, “the words that I speak to you”!
LETTERS FROM
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From the Internet those origins and the meaning of Passover in our Bible study guide
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HOW WORLD WAR III BEGINS . . . AND ENDS

The puzzling language Get your FREE copy now
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book of Revelation give • The KEY to interpreting the book
—and it’s not just taking our word
an outline of another
for it! (page 6)
major war involving a • The major geopolitical power that
new superpower and will dominate the earth (page 50)
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Help for Today, Hope for Tomorrow January-February 2016

What Should We Learn?

9 D-Day and Divine Intervention

14 Europe’s Great Divide:

20 To Kill a People: Abortion

26 The Holy Spirit:

30 The Fruit of the Holy Spirit:

When Dreams Scott Ashley

History’s largest invasion armada was assembled

How your subscription to Beyond Today magazine has been paid

Expert on civilization collapse raises red flag

Hubble analysis reveals larger universe, more stars than expected

How can you make sense of the news?

Baptism is actually a symbolic burial of a person’s “old self.”

The Holy Spirit:

God gave them the same gift as He gave us when we believed

The Fruit of the Holy Spirit:

results or effects. inside.

Other Fruit of the Holy Spirit

“The Words That

Worldwide Television Airtimes

Printed in the U.S.A.

HOW WORLD WAR III BEGINS . . . AND ENDS

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