Norbert Link will give the sermon this Sabbath. The title is: “Principles of Faith.”

The services can be heard at www.cognetservices.org at the appropriate time, just click on “Connect to Live Stream.”

It is easy in this life to take those closest to us for granted! We have all been guilty of such actions in our daily lives and that is certainly something we need to work on. When we are on the receiving end of such an error, we do not appreciate it.

But – do we allow ourselves this same prerogative with our God? If we are not careful, brethren, this can become a very easy thing to do and can become habitual. Generally our lives are filled with activities and at times it becomes difficult to keep all the balls in the air simultaneously. The tendency becomes one of selecting what we feel is important and letting everything else go. However, God is very clear about certain priorities we are to have in our lives.

In Exodus 20:3, God is very clear in His statement where He tells all who would follow Him – “You shall have no other gods before me.” He adds, in verse 5, “For I am a jealous God…” Brethren, it becomes very easy, in our hectic lives, to allow ourselves to put off doing things that even we consider very important, thinking “I can do that later,” in order to accomplish what we feel pressured to do. Therefore, many times we let our Bible study and time for meditation, our time for prayer and fasting to slip, in order to accomplish the tasks which are a part of our everyday routine.

We must not allow ourselves to do this. God gave special instructions regarding those who would be established as kings over the nation of Israel, ruling over the Children of Israel. Note in the book of Deuteronomy, chapter 17, beginning in verse 18 –

“And it shall be, when he sits on the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write for himself a copy of this law in a book, from the one before the priests, the Levites. And it shall be with him, and he shall read it all the days of his life, that he may learn to fear the Lord his God and be careful to observe all the words of this law and these statutes, that his heart may not be lifted above his brethren, that he may not turn aside from the commandment to the right hand or to the left, and that he may prolong his days in his kingdom, he and his children in the midst of Israel.”

You and I have been called to be kings and priests in the Kingdom God will soon establish on this earth. God has thus given to us an awesome responsibility, in which we must not be negligent.

Anything we put before our God and the responsibilities He has given us at this time becomes an idol before Him, and we become guilty of breaking His law. We must not do this. We must learn to put first things first in our lives; and, in so doing, fulfill the royal law of love. Let us not be negligent in this important area of our Christian lives.
 

THE WORLD AT THE BRINK OF WAR?

Actually, this headline does not even accurately reflect the grim reality — since the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, including the red horse, signifying war, have already been riding on this earth for quite a while. Many of today’s battle fields remain virtually unnoticed by the general public.

CNN.com published an article on January 31, titled, “Conflicts rage across the globe.” It pointed out the following: “Iraq and North Korea have dominated the world’s attention in recent months, yet in countries and regions around the globe, strife smolders with sporadic notice. Civil war. Mutilations. Threat of nuclear deployment. Human trafficking. Starving babies. Those are some of the seeds and harvest of conflicts in Africa, Asia, Europe and South America… Millions of Zimbabweans face starvation… Since tensions broke out in the African nation of Burundi in 1993, more than 200,000 people have been killed… Burundi could evolve into a genocide without too much imagining… The conflict over Kashmir has raised the specter of nuclear conflict… Most regions in conflict suffer from long absences of international attention until overwhelming bloodshed or combat renews interest…”

This week, the world was shocked to learn that North Korea has “an untested ballistic [long-range] missile capable of reaching the western United States,” according to USA Today. This revelation followed North Korea’s announcement that they will use nuclear weapons if the United States maintains their troops in the region.

At the same time, a worldwide terror alert has prompted the governments in Great Britain and the United States to increase measures to defend against such an attack, including the stationing of military personnel at Great Britain’s airports in London and Heathrow. According to the “Guardian,” terrorists have allegedly smuggled rockets into Great Britain.

Truly, Christ’s warning that we will hear, in these end times, of wars and rumors of wars are being fulfilled before our very eyes and ears. And, no one is safe anymore, no matter where one may be, UNLESS one has God’s protection.

As prophesied, the friendship between the United Sates and Germany (and much of the rest of Europe) continues to cool off. This week, we witnessed a further heated exchange between American and German government representatives. While Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld had declared earlier that he did not want to attack Germany, when comparing the country with Libya and Cuba, his advisor Richard Oerle stated, “The Germans do not play a role any more.” (Bild-Online). This was followed by a statement of Donald Rumsfeld that countries such as France and Germany that favor giving Iraq another chance to disarm are undermining what slim chance may exist to avoid war. (msnbc.com, February 8). Der Stern ran an article on February 7, pointing out that the “marriage” between Europe and the United States was in a “deep crisis.”

During the Munich Conference on Security Policy, Mr. Rumsfeld encountered strong resistance from Germany’s Foreign Minister, Joschka Fischer. As Netzeitung.de reported on February 8, Fischer addressed Rumsfeld personally in a speech, saying, “You have to convince us. We have to discuss the matter together.” He also stated to Rumsfeld, “Excuse me, I am not convinced.” (Der Spiegel, February 8). He added, “We have not completed our job yet (in Afghanistan). Why now these priorities? I don’t understand the reasoning.” According to Bild Online, Mr. Rumsfeld “did not explain the reasoning.” Der Stern wrote, “The ditches between Germany and the United States have deepened.”

At the same time, Joschka Fischer had a private audience with the pope. The pope criticized the first official draft of the future European Constitution, presented by former French president Valery d’Estaing, as it makes “no mention of Europe’s religious roots nor the juridical status of churches,” according to Zenit, February 7. The pope expressed his support to Fischer for Germany’s position toward Iraq, according to Bild Online. The paper added, “Catholic Fischer gave the pope a promise: He will see to it that God is going to be included in the European Constitution.”

The relationship between the United States and some European countries increasingly worsened this week, when Germany, Belgium and France vetoed a NATO proposal to help Turkey arm for a conflict with Iraq. This action has caused great concern within the United States. Some even went so far as to say that the survival of NATO is at stake.

In light of all of these events, observers waited anxiously for German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder’s parliamentary address on Thursday. If anyone had thought, however, that Mr. Schroeder might modify his stance, they were disappointed. Mr. Schroeder insisted that there is still a peaceful solution, and that his government will not support a war against Iraq. He also emphasized that Germany is not isolated at all, but that France, Russia and China are supporting Germany’s position. He stated that Resolution 1441 does not authorize a preventive war against Iraq, and that only the Security Council of the U.N. has the jurisdiction to decide what the next steps should be. Mr. Fischer added that he has received more support from the pope than from the Christian parties in Germany (CDU and CSU).

At the same time, Belgium angered Israel’s President, Ariel Sharon. Brussel’s Court ruled that Sharon could be sued in Belgium for alleged atrocities against Palestinians in 1982, but only, once Sharon loses his immunity after his term as President. Israel’s Minister of Justice, Meir Schitrit, responded that it is unacceptable that such a “little and insignificant nation” should become the judge of the world (Spiegel Online, February 13, 2003).

New alliances are being formed. We will see soon a strong coalition of continental European countries, with the support of the pope, protecting and advocating what they determine to be their interests and values. Ultimately, this coalition will be at odds with the United States, Great Britain and the nation of Israel.

In observing these events, we must not forget why these developments occur. God is very angry because of the sins of the modern nations of the houses of Israel and Judah. God will use a modern United Europe, mainly under the leadership of modern Assyria, to punish modern Israel and Judah. Isaiah 10:5-6 reads, “Woe to Assyria, the rod of My anger And the staff in whose hand is My indignation. I will send him against an UNGODLY nation, And against the people of MY WRATH. I will give him charge, To seize the spoil, to take the prey, And to tread them down like the mire of the streets.” God describes the modern nations of Israel and Judah as “ungodly nations.” He says in Isaiah 1:2-4: “Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth! For the LORD has spoken: ‘I have nourished and brought up children, And they have rebelled against Me; The ox knows its owner And the donkey its master’s crib; But Israel does not know, My people do not consider.’ Alas, sinful nation, A people laden with iniquity, A brood of evildoers, Children who are corrupters! They have forsaken the LORD, they have provoked to anger The Holy One of Israel, They have turned away backward.”

The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse — religious deception, war, famine and death — have been riding for a while. The very next event — pictured by the fifth seal — describes the Great Tribulation: religious persecution and captivity of national and spiritual Israel and Judah.

But, it does not have to include you. You can be protected from war, terror attacks, sickness, plagues and death. Notice Psalm 91:2-10:

“I will say of the LORD, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.’ Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler And from the perilous pestilence… You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, Nor of the arrow that flies by day [wars and terrorist attacks], Nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, Nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday [at
tacks with chemical and biological weapons]. A thousand may fall at your side, And ten thousand at your right hand; But it shall not come near you. Only with your eyes shall you look, And see the reward of the wicked. Because you have made the LORD, who is my refuge, even the Most High, your dwelling place, no evil shall befall you, Nor shall any plague come near your dwelling.”

Have we made God our refuge? Or do we believe that man’s wars are the solution to our problems? Ari Fleischer made some interesting comments to the press on February 12, 2003, as shown on CNN. He said that the President of the United States respects the train of thought by those who believe that war is never the answer. He added that there is a long-standing tradition in the United States for this position. We hope that, when the times comes, this statement will be remembered and applied towards God’s people who are conscientiously objecting against any wars fought by men.
 

A: According to the Hebrew calendar, a month starts with a new moon. While there are express and clear commandments in the Bible to celebrate today God’s weekly Sabbath and His annual Holy Days, there is no command in the Bible, enjoining us to celebrate today the beginning of the new months — or new moons. The early New Testament Church continued to keep and celebrate the weekly Sabbath and the annual Holy Days, but we do not have any Biblical record indicating that they celebrated new moons. (In Colossians 2:16, Paul does not speak about “new moons” in general, but about “a new moon” — referring specifically to the Feast of Trumpets, the only annual Feast day which falls on a new moon.)

In ancient times, some assembled on the occasion of each new moon, with the blowing of trumpets, to signify the beginning of a month (Numbers 10:10). Calendars were not available to everyone in ancient Israel the way we have them today. Rather, the priesthood was entrusted with the responsibility to determine and make known to the people when a new month would start.

Some form of ceremony took place on the day of a new moon, to let the people know that a new month had begun. Some used the occasion to have a feast on that day (1 Samuel 20:5, 18, 24) — although, as mentioned, the Bible nowhere commands that new moons have to be celebrated in that way. We read that offerings were to be given on new moons (2 Chronicles 31:3; Ezra 3:5; Nehemiah 10:33), but such offerings (sacrifices) are, of course, no longer required today, either. Even in ancient Israel, we do not find that God commanded the celebration of new moons per se — that is, unconnected to the giving of sacrifices. On the other hand, we do find that the weekly Sabbath and the annual Holy Days were in force before the sacrificial system was introduced, and that they are to be kept today, even though sacrifices are no longer necessary (Our booklet, God’s Commanded Holy Days, on the Sabbath and the annual Holy Days proves this fact from the Bible.).

It was, however, necessary in ancient times to somehow mark the beginning of the month, as it was not always easy for everyone to independently observe the new moon, due, perhaps, to clouds or heavy rain. By actually conducting a certain ceremony at the appearance of a new moon, the general population was sufficiently informed and enabled to prepare for any approaching seasons or annual Holy Days, which are counted and determined by the appearance of the new moon. For instance, as mentioned, the Feast of Trumpets is celebrated on a new moon (compare Psalm 81:3) — the first day of the month. Ten days later, the Day of Atonement is kept, and the Feast of Tabernacles begins fifteen days after the Feast of Trumpets.

It appears that in the process of time, the ancient celebrations of new moons had reached proportions that were not accepted by God. He tells us in Isaiah 1:14, “Your New Moons and your appointed feasts My soul hates; They are a trouble to Me, I am weary of bearing them.” Apparently, new moons were even celebrated in the same way as Sabbaths are to be kept — with prohibitions to engage in merchandising (compare Amos 8:5). However, such a prohibition for new moons cannot be found in Scripture.

Today, it is not necessary to mark the beginning of each new month with feast celebrations, the blowing of trumpets, or an assembly. Calendars are available which list, well in advance, the dates of the appearance of each new moon throughout the year.

It is true that the Bible indicates that at the beginning of the Millennium, new moons will be kept in conjunction with the bringing of sacrifices (Ezekiel 45:17, 46:1, 3, 6; Isaiah 66:20-23). Why God will reintroduce a system of sacrifices in the Millennium, connected with new moon celebrations, the Bible does not explicitly say. Our free booklet, “And Lawlessness Will Abound…” suggests a distinct possibility.

It is clear from Scripture, however, that God does not command His people today to celebrate new moons.

Edwin Pope will give the sermon this Sabbath. The title is: “God’s Law and the Covenants.”

The services can be heard at www.cognetservices.org at the appropriate time, just click on “Connect to Live Stream.”

Over the years we have shown that so many of the world’s celebrations are to be avoided. The world’s holy-days or holidays, days of celebration — religious or otherwise — keep coming round. Whereas God’s Holy Day calendar shows a Master Plan wonderfully thought out, the world’s days are just a jumble of days without any co-ordination or real meaning whatsoever.

One of those days rooted in paganism, Valentine’s Day, is just around the corner. Radio and television programs and advertisements will be full of it as will be newspapers, magazines and periodicals. Little, if any thought will be given to its background and whether it should be something to be involved with. The world ‘s society doesn’t think that way. God is not in the picture.

The world will celebrate Valentine’s Day this year on February 14th. Let’s notice the pagan origins of Valentine’s Day:

Centuries before Christ, the pagan Romans celebrated the evenings of February 14th and February 15th as an idolatrous and sensual festival in honor of Lupercus, the “hunter of wolves.” The Romans called the festival “Lupercalia.” In her book, “Customs and Holidays Around the World,” Lavinia Dobler states, on page 172, the following: “It was not until the reign of Pope Gelasius that the holiday became a ‘Christian custom.’ As far back as 496, Pope Gelasius changed Lupercalia on February 15th to St Valentine’s Day on February 14th.”

The Encyclopedia Britannica states on page 336 in its 15th edition, volume 10:

“St Valentine’s day as a lovers’ festival and the modern tradition of sending valentine cards have no relation to the saints but, rather, seem to be connected either with the Roman (sexual) fertility festival of the Lupercalia (February 15th) or with the mating season of birds.”

The Encyclopedia Americana states that “this pairing off was, of course, linked with sexual immorality.”

How did this pagan festival acquire the name of “St Valentine’s Day”? In addition, why is the little naked Cupid of the pagan Romans so often associated today with February 14th?

The Church published an article in “Tomorrow’s World,” in February 1970, explaining that Valentine was a common Roman name. Roman parents often gave the name to their children in honor of the famous man who was first called Valentine in antiquity. That famous man was Lupercus, the hunter. Who was Lupercus? Why should he also have borne the name “Valentine” among the heathen Romans? The Greeks called Lupercus by the name of “Pan.” The Semites called Pan “Baal” – mentioned so often in the Bible – and this name was merely another name for Nimrod, the “mighty hunter” (Genesis 10:9). The hunter Nimrod was the Lupercus – or wolf hunter – of the Romans. “St Valentine’s Day” was originally a day set aside by the pagans in his honor.

Alexander Hislop wrote something similar in the “Two Babylons.”

Here, then, is the real origin of the Roman Lupercalia. The early Catholic Church, seeking the allegiance of the Roman populace, attempted to “Christianize” this festival along with other popular pagan celebrations.

In the above-mentioned article in “Tomorrow’s World,” the Church also explained why the Romans chose February 15th and the evening of February 14th to honor Lupercus – the Nimrod of the Bible. (Remember that in ancient times, days began at sunset the evening before). Nimrod – Baal or sun god of the ancient pagans – was said to have been born at the winter solstice. In ancient times the solstice occurred on January 6th and his birthday therefore was celebrated on January 6th. Later, as the solstice changed, it was celebrated on December 25th and is now called Xmas. It was the custom of antiquity for the mother of a male child to present herself for purification on the 40th day after the day of birth. The 40th day after January 6th – Nimrod’s original birthdate – takes us to February 15th, the celebration of which began on February 14th – the
Lupercalia or St Valentine’s Day. On this day in February, Semiramis, the mother of Nimrod, was said to have been purified and to have appeared for the first time in public with her son as the original “mother and child.”

We have to remember that Satan is behind all of this society’s customs and practices, wanting to throw true believers off the Godly path. Satan is far cleverer and more subtle and crafty than any human being (1 Peter 5:8; 2 Corinthians 4:4; Ephesians 2:2).

The world at large doesn’t realize that the devil is a real spirit being. He most certainly is, however, and his handiwork is all around for those who have eyes to see. Satan has blinded humanity and deceived the whole world (Revelation 12:9). Is it any wonder then that when the days of this world come along that they are all inspired by the great deceiver? Jeremiah 10:2 tells us not learn the way of the heathen.

Valentine’s Day is one of those pagan days that has become part and parcel of the fabric of today’s society.
It is clear that Valentine’s Day – whichever way you look at it – has paganism written all over it. Paganism is not to be entertained by the people of God.
 

AMERICA’S TROUBLE — AND NO END IN SIGHT

SPACE SHUTTLE CATASTROPHE

The world was stunned and saddened to learn about the most recent space shuttle Columbia disaster, causing the deaths of all of the seven astronauts on board. At this time of mourning, USA Today asked some poignant questions in its editorial of February 4:

“Clear vision… was lacking in America’s space program long before Columbia shattered into pieces on its journey home this past Saturday. Since Neil Armstrong’s walk on the moon in 1969, the space program has lost its way… In 1986, the Challenger exploded on takeoff, and no shuttle flew for nearly three years. The nation had an opportunity then to redefine the program’s goals. Instead, it focused on making the fixes needed to save the shuttle program. Now a second disaster offers another chance… Risking lives requires clear reasoning… Tuesday, the president praised the seven lost astronauts for possessing ‘the daring and discipline required of their calling.’ America needs a measure of both to define a space mission worthy of their memories.”

NORTH KOREA THREATENS THE UNITED STATES

As USA Today reported on February 6, 2003, “preemptive attacks on North Korea’s nuclear facilities would trigger a ‘total war,’ the communist state warned Thursday after U.S. Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld labeled the North’s government a ‘terrorist regime.’ The harsh rhetoric came a day after North Korea said it was putting the operation of its nuclear facilities on a ‘normal footing,’ triggering fears it was about to produce weapons materials.” The magazine also quoted a spokesman of the North Korean government, stating that North Korea was capable, willing and entitled to launch a preemptive strike against the United States.

COLIN POWELL ADDRESSES UN SECURITY COUNCIL

On Wednesday, February 5, 2003, Secretary of State Colin Powell addressed the U.N. Security Council, giving America’s strongest presentation so far against Saddam’s dictatorship and his possession of weapons of mass destruction.

As USA Today reported, Mr. Powell claimed “that weapons inspections are futile because Iraq has perfected the art of concealment and has no intention of voluntarily offering up its weapons… He asserted for the first time that an active cell of the al-Qaeda terrorist network has been present in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, for the past eight months, and that it has ties to operatives in five European countries.” Mr. Powell also quoted from unidentified sources, showed slides and played audio tapes of phone conversations between Iraqi officials, allegedly proving the existence and concealment of weapons of mass destruction.

The reaction to Mr. Powell’s presentation was mixed – both in the United States and internationally. A Gallup Poll in the U.S. showed that 57% favor war, with a margin of error of 4 percentage points, according to USA Today. Members of Congress in both parties described Mr. Powell’s presentation as “compelling.” Several key senators, however, stated that the President needs to do more to explain to the American people the war’s likely aftermath. Senator Joseph Biden of Delaware said many voters don’t realize how long the United States is likely to be engaged in the region after military action is over. “But Johnny will not be marching home,” he said. Rather, Americans should be prepared for a long and expensive period of establishing political stability in Iraq.

The world reaction was even more cautious. Iraq, of course, dismissed Mr. Powell’s presentation as a “fabrication,” containing nothing but lies.

Britain’s Foreign Secretary Jack Straw stated that Iraq is in further material breach. At the same time, a majority of the British people is opposed to a war with Iraq, at least without a further UN resolution.

France’s Foreign Minster Dominique de Villepin wants to give Mr. Hans Blix more time to verify Mr. Powell’s claims [Another report of Mr. Blix is due on February 14. German newspapers have joked about his first report, stating, “Blix weiss nix.” (“Blix knows nothing.”)]. Virtually all of the French newspapers reacted sarcastically to Mr. Powell’s speech, stating that he did not present any facts that would warrant military actions, according to the French correspondent of the Today Show.

Russia’s Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov also advocated more time for the weapons’ inspectors. He thereby accurately reflected the overwhelming sentiment of the Russian people. They are strongly opposed to war.

China’s Foreign Minster also agreed with the reactions of Russia and France.

Even Canada’s Foreign Minister Bill Graham did not feel that the evidence presented by Mr. Powell justified an immediate assault.

On the other hand, ten Eastern European nations signed a joint declaration, stating that Mr. Powell gave compelling evidence of Iraqi deception and evasions. These nations are: Albania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Macedonia, Romania, Slovakia, and Slovenia.

Germany’s Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer, who was also presiding over the Security Council Meeting, stated that the United States’ evidence needs to be studied. He pointed out that Saddam is a cruel tyrant whose activities need to be stopped. The German newspapers reacted in a more differentiated way. Der Spiegel Online called Mr. Powell’s presentation “a matter of faith.” The article stated, “If the U.N. Security Council’s session proved anything, then it proved the determination of the United States to immediately eliminate the problem Hussein Saddam… Are there enough proofs, which justify a war? Perhaps there are – perhaps there are not. “

The German tabloid, Bild, reacted quite differently. In its commentary, it pointed out: “The facts are grave. They convict Saddam of lies and intentional deception…. [German Chancellor Gerhard] Schroeder becomes a laughing stock when he pretends that it is irrelevant to him what the Americans lay on the table…. The material is… dangerous… Who can deny that? Are the inspectors to continue to search in the Iraqi haystack? Powell’s presentation was not a declaration of war, but a final warning. If Saddam does not reveal his poisons, a military [intervention] cannot be avoided.”

This mood swing in at least some influential German papers, beginning to support the United States’ position regarding Iraq, coincides with Gerhard Schroeder’s devastating defeat in two state elections (This “protest vote” was mainly due to Germany’s high rise of unemployment and the perceived lack of vision of the German government as to how to change the situation). Unfortunately, at the same time, U.S. Minister of Defense, Donald H. Rumsfeld, compared in a speech before the U.S. Congress Germany with Libya and Cuba. The German press responded furiously. Bild (the very same paper that had just supported Mr. Powell’s speech), wrote: “Rumsfeld shoots again against Germany… He had already attacked Germany last month… What does he think to gain with his criticism?… Is he going to repeat his bad attack?”

Der Spiegel Online wrote, “The German-American friendship is again being tested…. The Greens [German coalition party] stated that Rumsfeld’s comments were rude.” Der Stern wrote that U.S. Ambassador in Germany Daniel Coats distanced himself from Rumsfeld’s remarks, pointing out that “Rumsfeld does not speak for the government of the United States.”

The position of the Catholic Church and many Protestant Churches remains unchanged. As Zenit reported, the Vatican Newspaper L’Osservatore Romano strongly criticized the concept of a “preventive war” and drew attention to the plight of the Iraqi people. It also stated that the presidency of the Swiss Episcopal Conference appealed to all believers to redouble their prayers so that war will not break out and that common sense would triumph. The bishops said, “For years, the Iraqi people, most especially the children, have suffered atrociously from the consequences of the international embargo against this country. Let us not martyr them still more…”

Zenit also announ
ced that John Paul II will meet on February 14 with Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister Tariq Aziz. Aziz is a member of the Christian minority. The fact that Aziz seeks support from the pope is interesting, given the fact that some of the descendants of the ancient Assyrians live in Iraq.

This world is at the brink of war. New alliances are being formed against the United States. Bible prophecy is marching on. We need to watch and pray that we can escape all those things that are surely going to come to pass soon.
 

Doesn’t this contradict Scriptures such as Deuteronomy 24:16, stating that children are not to be put to death for their fathers, but that a person “shall be put to death for his own sin.”?

A: This question has puzzled many over the years. To fully understand what God is saying in Exodus 20:5, let us read the entire passage in context, beginning with verse 4:

“(4) You shall not make for yourself a carved image… (5) you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, (6) but showing mercy to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments.”

Similar statements can be found in Exodus 34:6-7; Numbers 14:18; and Deuteronomy 5:8-10.

In addition, passages like Deuteronomy 24:16 state that children are not to be put to death for the sins of their fathers. The same is expressed in 2 Kings 14:6. Also, Ezekiel 18:4, 17, 19-20 tells us, “(4) Behold, all souls are Mine; The soul of the father As well as the soul of the son are Mine; The soul who sins shall die…(17) [The righteous son] shall not die for the iniquity of his father; He shall surely live…(19) Yet you say, ‘Why should the son not bear the guilt of his father?’ Because the son has done what is lawful and right, and has kept all My statutes and observed them, he shall surely live. (20) The soul who sins shall die. The son shall not bear the guilt of the father, nor the father bear the guilt of the son.” (Compare, too, Exodus 32:31-33.)

All these passages don’t contradict each other; rather, they compliment each other.

Notice how some commentaries explain the passages in Exodus 20 and in Ezekiel 18:

The Companion Bible comments to Ezekiel 18: 4, 20: “Descendants were not punished for the sins of their ancestors unless they persevered in their ancestors’ sins.” The same thought is expressed in Exodus 20. Note that Exodus 20:5 speaks of those “who hate Me.” Soncino points out that the phrase, “of those that hate Me,” applies to the children, i.e. God will punish the children if they [the children] hate Him. Soncino comments, too, that the punishment will be brought upon the children, “when they retain the evil deeds of their fathers.”

Those who hate God will be “visited” by God. Note, though, it does not necessarily say that they will die. Those who love God will receive His mercy. At the same time, the conduct of the parents may have a lot to do with the fact whether their children or grandchildren love or hate God.

The sins of the fathers do affect future generations — and so does the penalty for sin, which is oftentimes automatic. Soncino explains that the “effects of the penalty imposed upon a sinner are felt up to and including the fourth generation.” The New Commentary of Holy Scripture, S.P.C.K., 1951, comments, “It is an everlasting law of human society that children suffer by reason of the sins of their fathers.” This shows, then, how parents must consider the consequences of their actions – not just for their own sakes, but also for the sakes of their children, grandchildren, and future generations (A wrong lifestyle might very well affect the parents’ offspring – even in physical ways).

For instance, as long as even one parent is in the church, his or her children are sanctified (1 Corinthians 7:14), that is, they can and do have access to God. If both parents leave the Church, their children’s access to God is no longer guaranteed and may in time totally disappear. We note that because of Lot’s righteous conduct, God saved his daughters, while David’s adultery caused the death of his child (2 Samuel 12:13-14, 19-23). It should be pointed out here, however, that God did not consider David’s child to be guilty in any way and worthy of punishment. God punished David. The innocent child will be brought back to life by God at a time of peace and happiness, when prejudice and the hatred towards illegitimate children (compare Judges 11:1-2), who did nothing to deserve their fate, will be a thing of the past.

When Adam and Eve sinned, the penalty imposed on them affected all mankind. Through their sin, they cut themselves – and man – off from God. Sin separates us from God (Isaiah 59:1-2), and since all have sinned, all have incurred the death penalty for sin (Romans 5:14). One might say that the sin of Adam and Eve affected, at the very least, the third and fourth generation, but since Cain sinned, his sin affected the next four generations, and so on. The effect of sin is cumulative. Finally, sin had become so all-encompassing that God decided to destroy the entire world in a flood.

Christ, in showing the evil influence of their parents and their own culpability in their continued hate of God, pointed out in Matthew 23:31-36, how the principle of Exodus 20:6 was fulfilled in the persons of the scribes and Pharisees at Christ’s time.

The vicious cycle of sin, penalty, and death can be interrupted, however, when a person turns to God, repents, and obtains forgiveness. Noah was found righteous, and because of his righteousness, eight souls were spared from death, and through them, mankind survived. God’s mercy, extended to Noah, affected “thousands.” Because of the righteousness of Abraham, the father of the faithful, “thousands” experience God’s mercy to Abraham, due to the unconditional promises given to him, pertaining to national greatness and spiritual grace. Then, because of God’s mercy towards obedient David, his offspring were blessed, in that his throne would always be occupied by one of his descendants. We can also think of the harlot Rahab, who, by virtue of her righteous deed of saving the spies and God’s mercy extended to her, saved her family and offspring.

The most shining and outstanding example of God’s mercy, extended to a Man, and through that Man, to “thousands,” is of course Jesus Christ. Through His sacrifice and death, all of us can be saved, if we respond to God’s call. Although all of mankind has become an enemy of God, due to the sins of Adam and Eve, the resulting penalty of being cut off from God, and man’s continued disobedience of God’s law, man can return to God through the deeds of one Man, Jesus Christ, the second Adam. Only a few are called today to return to God, but all will be given the same opportunity of accepting God’s mercy, in due time (1 Corinthians 15:23-24).

When God tells us that His mercy will extend to “thousands” who love Him, He is really talking about man’s ultimate potential to join His very family, for all eternity. Notice how the Jewish Bible translates Exodus 20:6, “…but showing kindness to the thousandth generation of those who love Me and keep My commandments.”

If you count all generations from the creation of Adam until the time of the end of the Great White Throne Judgment (Revelation 20:11-12), you will still not have a thousand generations. Therefore, the thought is conveyed here that all who love God and keep His commandments will obtain God’s love and mercy, due to the love and obedience of their forefathers – including Noah, Abraham, David, and of course Jesus Christ. Especially through Christ who kept the law perfectly, and who loved God the Father perfectly, God’s love and mercy are extended toward all of us, if we, too, follow in the footsteps of Christ (1 Peter 2:21). The end result of God’s love, if we abide in it by keeping His Word, is our entrance into the Kingdom and Family of God (2 Peter 1:10-11).

Dave Harris will give the sermon this Sabbath. The title of the sermon is: “Our Relationship To God.”

The services can be heard at www.cognetservices.org at the appropriate time, just click on “Connect to Live Stream.”

The greatest prophet who ever lived spoke to His generation about the good news of the Kingdom of God. Of that prophet’s work, these words seem to sum up how many of those who heard Him responded: “But although He had done so many signs before them, they did not believe in Him.” (John 12:37).

This is, of course, the Savior-Jesus Christ. In chapter 8 of John, verse 43, Jesus said to some of the Jews: ” ‘Why do you not understand My speech? Because you are not able to LISTEN to My word.’ ” But these weren’t just any Jews. In verse 31 of this same chapter, we learn that He was speaking “…to those Jews who believed Him.” However, they dismissed what Jesus taught, and we see in verse 59 that these who once believed “…took up stones to throw at Him.”

At the first, these Jews-along with many of their countrymen-found Jesus to be a great attraction. After all, they thought He might just be their promised Messiah. And though He indeed was, they were unable to recognize Him as fulfilling that role. They had so shaped an expectancy into the way they interpreted the Word of God that when they heard the truth, they rejected it!

Peter, James and John were able-in vision-to see Jesus in the kingdom. What was further revealed to them at that time was something they were to do relative to the Son of God-they were to ” ‘…Hear Him!’ “

People have from time to time been in a position to hear the truth. The children of Israel heard the voice of God. Yet, they immediately turned to idolatry. Solomon, although God appeared to him twice in vision, later turned away from God.

However, we can also look to ourselves and our own generation. The truth of God has flowered in our time with many hearing the good news of the Kingdom of God. We, too, must be on guard to not take what we hear for granted or to turn away from what is true.

Paul spoke prophetically of a time to come when people-people who hear the truth-would have “itching ears.” He showed that the reason for this was that these people would put their own desires first, and because of this, they would not continue to listen to “sound doctrine.” (Cp. 2 Timothy 4:3-4).

We are further warned in Hebrews 4, verse 7, ” ‘Today, if you will hear His voice, Do not harden your hearts.’ “

Just as does all of God’s Word, the voice that the three disciples heard speaks to all Christians for all times-and especially those of us upon whom the end of this age now falls–“Hear Him!”

IRAQ — NO END IN SIGHT…

As we announced in our last Update (#77), Germany and France — the two leading European nations opposing a preventive military strike against Iraq — angrily rejected U.S. Minister of Defense, Donald H. Rumsfeld’s remarks identifying Germany and France with the “old Europe” and as an “isolated problem” within Europe. CNN.com stated on January 24 that “Rumsfeld’s comments had unusually brought unity among French and German politicians of left and right together with the two countries’ newspapers, from the German tabloids to the French heavyweights… Even the strongest advocates of U.S. policy in Berlin and Paris were annoyed, including Germany’s mass circulation Bild Daily, traditionally a vocal supporter of the United States.” CNN.com quoted excerpts from Bild’s editorial. We bring you here the entire text:

“Dear Mr. Rumsfeld:
“France and Germany are for you the ‘old Europe,’ and Poland, Estonia, Lithuania, etc., are the ‘modern Europe.’

“To start with two items: Without the old Europe, there would be no new world and you would not exist. Both your parents are of German descent. Also, ancient grandpa and grandma Rumsfeld, old residents of Bremen, do not like to hear in heaven, how you put down your native land.

“The ‘old Europe’ is a bridge to the childhood of America, and it led the way across the ocean to the forests and prairies of your country — and to the moon and back. The German rocket scientist Wernher von Braun has given you this triumph. Thomas Jefferson, the author of the American Declaration of Independence, was inspired by the ideas of the French Revolution. He almost copied them : liberte, egalite, fraternite.

“Mr. Rumsfeld, hundreds of thousands of your ‘G.I.s’ fell for old Europe, because they freed us from the tyranny of Hitler. You are sinning against your own heroes by disparaging old Europe. Your ‘G.I.s’ died for the ideals of your place of origin.”

On January 28, the Los Angeles Times reported that Secretary of State Colin Powell was attempting to “repair [the] rift between [the] U.S. and Europe.” At the same time, he warned that the United States “is prepared to go to war alone.”

The L.A. Times also reported on the same day that Chief U.N. Weapons inspector Hans Blix gave a “tough report that helps Washington’s contention that Iraq has no intention of coming clean,” and that “Saddam Hussein does not appear to be serious about disarming.” USA Today added that “Iraqi weapons are missing,” including “VX nerve gas,” “anthrax,” “artillery shells,” “chemical bombs,” and “missile deployment.”

On January 28, President Bush gave his long-awaited State of the Union address. While he spoke for the first half about the U.S. economy, his tax plan, AIDS, Medicare reform, and education, he lunged out against Iraq in the second half of his speech. He pointed out that Iraq is an imminent threat, and that trusting Hussein’s restraint is “not an option.” He linked Saddam with al-Qaeda, said the Iraqi leader “is deceiving,” and made clear that he is willing to start a war together with those who will support him, regardless of whether the U.N. approves it or not. At the same time, he said that he is willing to work with the U.N., but not indefinitely.

The L.A. Times wrote in its “News Analysis”:

“President Bush’s state of the union address Tuesday night underscored how thoroughly his presidency is being driven by the fierce engine of war… His speech Tuesday night was dominated by the prospects of military action against Iraq — if not imminently, then before very long. ‘We will consult, but let there be no misunderstanding,’ Bush said. ‘If Saddam Hussein does not fully disarm, for the safety of our people and for the peace of the world, we will lead a coalition to disarm him.'”

Reactions to Mr. Bush’s speech were mixed. Many criticized his domestic agenda as being doomed to fail, while pointing out that he did not present so far the evidence to the American people that Saddam is indeed in possession of weapons of mass destruction. While Mr. Bush stated that Saddam had not proven that he had destroyed the weapons, some observers felt that it is Mr. Bush’s burden to prove that Saddam possesses those weapons, to begin with.

Mr. Bush announced that Secretary of State Colin Powell will share these proofs with the U.N. Security Council on February 5.

On January 29, Russia’s Vladimir Putin stated that the United States must present irrefutable proof for their allegations (Der Stern). Otherwise, the weapons inspectors must be allowed to continue their search and investigation. Russia stated, too, that they had no information about ties between Iraq and al-Qaeda (msnbc news).

CNN.com reported on January 29 that “British Prime Minister Tony Blair gave full backing to U.S. President George W. Bush’s State of the Union address. But other nations — notably Russia and France — said Washington had not done enough to make the case for war against Iraq… CNN’s Jim Bittermann in Paris said that French President Jacques Chirac spoke to Blair on Tuesday night and told him nothing so far that he had seen justified military action against Iraq… German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder sounded his most pessimistic in attempting to avert war. He was quoted by Reuters as telling a conference in the western town of Wesel on Wednesday: ‘The international situation, especially the crisis over Iraq is worrying me. I am worried about whether we will succeed in avoiding a war in Iraq.'”

On January 30, another bombshell hit the world in the ongoing saga of how to deal with Iraq. Spiegel Online reported, “Bush splits Europe.” It continued, “With a diplomatic offensive, U.S. President George Bush has succeeded to prevent a unified anti-war-coalition [in Europe]. The declaration of eight European countries seems to be saying, If you are not for the United States, then you are against it.” These eight countries, supporting the United States in the attempt to force Saddam to disarm, are Spain, Portugal, Italy, United Kingdom, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Denmark. Germany and France were not even informed about the declaration ahead of time.

At the same time, according to the magazine, the European Parliament passed a resolution, calling on the United States not to take unilateral military action against Iraq. Instead, the United Nations is to do everything possible to find a peaceful solution. The European Parliament reiterated their position that a preventive military strike would violate international law and the U.N. Charter. Further, as msnbc reported, “former South African President Nelson Mandela lashed out at President Bush’s stance on Iraq, saying the U.S. leader, along with British Prime minister Tony Blair were undermining the United Nations, and suggested they would not be doing so if the organization had a white leader.”

Roman Catholic Cardinal Georg Sterzinsky of Berlin, Germany, also strongly criticized President Bush. As Der Spiegel Online reported on January 30, the Catholic leader of Berlin stated that President Bush cannot expect to be viewed by the international community as a prophet. We will not do so, he said, adding that the Catholic Church has condemned a preventive military strike against Iraq.

It will remain to be seen what Germany and France will do. The attempt by some European countries to ignore them, intimidate them, or to push them into a corner might very well backfire on them. Germany and France are the leaders of Europe. They have the support of the Catholic and Protestant Churches. European countries such as Great Britain and Denmark might very well find themselves outside the confines of the European community before long. In addition, the Bible prophecies that the final United States of Europe will be “divided; yet the strength of the iron shall be in it, just as you saw the iron mixed with ceramic clay. And as the toes of the feet were partly of iron and partly of clay, so the kingdom shall be partly strong and partly fragile… they will not adhere to one another.” (Daniel 2:41-43). When c
hallenged or perceived to be challenged, however, by the United States, Great Britain, and certain other nations, they will give their power, authority and strength for a short time (“one hour”) to a future powerful, autocratic, political and military European leader (compare Revelation 17:12-13). As we see events developing, this time is not too far away.

A: Many years ago, the Church of God, under Mr. Herbert W. Armstrong, the late Pastor General of the Church, made the administrative decision to ask Church members and co-workers to send one tenth of their second tithe to the Church, to be used for necessary Feast of Tabernacles expenses, including rental for Church halls. Since then, the Church has usually referred to this amount as the “tithe of the tithe.” Church members and co-workers were asked to calculate their second tithe available to them at the time of the Feast of Tabernacles, and to send ten percent of that (calculated) amount to the Church, in advance, as soon as possible. This practice has allowed the Church to avoid using for the payment of Feast expenses general contributions received to be spent for the preaching of the gospel and the feeding of the flock.

At the time of the institution of the “tithe of tithe,” and sometimes since then, consideration has been given to the possibility to, instead, charge each individual Feast attendee with the same amount for his or her Feast attendance. This possibility was rejected, however, as it was judged to be arbitrary and unfair. Some Church members do not have jobs or live on small pensions, while others earn good salaries. Following Biblical principles (compare Acts 2:44-45; 4:32-35; 2 Corinthians 8:12-15), it was determined that the institution of the “tithe of the tithe” was the most equitable way for all concerned, to provide for the payment of necessary Feast expenses to be incurred by the Church, and also to help those less fortunate, as much as possible, to attend the Feast.

The Church of the Eternal God sees no Biblical reason to change Mr. Armstrong’s decision, realizing the Biblical wisdom for the decision, and acknowledging that the Church has the administrative authority to bind and loose matters like these (compare Matthew 16:19; 18:18).

Norbert Link will continue this Sabbath his series on the “Books of the Bible.” He will specifically focus on the Writings — the third and last section of the Hebrew Bible — and their importance and meaning for us today.

The services can be heard at www.cognetservices.org at the appropriate time, just click on “Connect to Live Stream.”

We have been called to a way of life that is not in alignment with the way the world does things — the way it worships God or the days that it keeps. We are admonished to follow the footsteps of Christ (1 Peter 2:21). Notice also that Revelation14:4 speaks about 144,000 saints who will stand in the future on Mount Zion with Christ: “These are the ones who follow the Lamb, wherever He goes. These were redeemed from among men, being firstfruits to God and to the Lamb.” If we learn to follow our living God now as His begotten children, we will follow Him in the future as His born-again sons and daughters.

Revelation 14:4 describes a group of individuals who remained true to their calling, who were “not defiled with women,” and who had been following the Lamb – regardless of where He was leading them. Walking in the footsteps of Christ is not always an easy task. It takes determination and a willingness to be led by, and to follow the lead of God’s Spirit.

At times we face trials, as the early Church did. In Acts 9:1-2, we read that Paul was persecuting the Church. He was looking for those “of the Way,” that he may bring them “bound to Jerusalem.” The Church had to experience persecution at the very outset of its existence; therefore, we should not be shocked if we have to endure persecution now or in the near future.

This Way is not always well spoken of, as we can see in Acts 19: 9: “…some were hardened and did not believe but spoke evil of the Way before the multitude.” Christ also warned us in Matthew 24:9, what the world will do to us: “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake.” We sometimes are not too happy about someone who doesn’t like us, but to be “hated by all nations” is something we have yet to experience. Also, notice verse 10, “Many will betray one another and hate one another.”

In spite of all this, we can draw strength from verse 13, “…he who endures to the end will be saved.” We have the sure word of God that if we remain faithful and endure to the end, continuing to walk the Way, our salvation is sure.

To do so has its trials, but also tremendous rewards – yet, we need to stay focused on the task given to us and continue to walk this way in spite of persecution. We need to always look to the Captain of our salvation, Jesus Christ, and continue to walk in His footsteps. I recall a quote from Mr. Armstrong, which I found very encouraging. His statement was, “Brethren, in the end, we win.”

Yes, we will win in the end, if we continue to “Walk This Way.”
 

BIBLICAL PROPHECY BEING FULFILLED

This week’s section on current events shows how steadily Biblical prophecy is being fulfilled in front of our very eyes. The Bible predicts a powerful Germany leading a United Europe, while the United States, Great Britain and Israel will become more and more isolated. The Catholic and Protestant Churches will also play an important role in the process.

Germany and France vs. the United States

The fear of a looming war of the United States against Iraq has prompted stronger and increased resistance by Europe and other world powers, and especially by Germany and France.

USA Today reported that “France, Germany, Russia and China have made it clear they will not be rushed by Washington’s timetable for war against Iraq, despite threats by the White House to move against Saddam Hussein without their approval.” The newspaper quoted French Foreign Minister Dominique de Villepin, who declared Tuesday that France does not see any “justification right now for any military action.” He added that Paris aimed to mobilize the European Union to avert a war, and that it is “important that Europe speaks on this issue with a single voice.” This Wednesday, French President Jacques Chirac called a war “the worst solution.” According to Christian Malar of French TV Channel, 82 % of the French are against military action at this point. They want to see more proof that Saddam is in fact developing weapons of mass destruction. Mr. Malar stated in the Today Show that if the United States were to launch an attack without the backing of the United Nations, this would be a “terrible blow” to French-American relationships.

USA Today pointed out that German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder stated on Tuesday that Germany would vote against a new [15-nation] U.N. Security Council resolution on war, or that Germany would at least abstain. Earlier this week, German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer had again warned of “disastrous consequences for long-term regional stability,” while a U.N. official pointed out that Iraq would face mass starvation if a rationing system to cope with 13 years of sanctions collapses during any U.S. invasion (Reuters).

“Though it wields no veto, Germany is set to assume a central role in Iraq war diplomacy when it takes over the council chairmanship [from France] in February,” according to USA Today. Schroeder added that Berlin’s position is increasingly being “understood by the European partners and in the world.” (USA Today). Der Spiegel Online pointed out on January 22, that only seven percent of the Germans would support a war against Iraq.

Germany joined the U.N. Security Council in January 2003 for two years. It will lead the Council for one month in February. Its affirmative vote has the same weight as that of the five permanent member states – United States, Great Britain, France, Russia and China. However, the five permanent member states have veto powers. If France should veto another U.N. resolution on war (it is certain that Russia and China will veto it), no such resolution, even with the votes of the United States and Great Britain, could be adopted.

The European Union and the United Nations vs. the United States and Great Britain

Reuters reported on January 21 that the European Union rejected Tuesday a war on Iraq without the backing of the United Nations. Speaking after a meeting with Romanian Prime Minister Adrian Nastase, Prime Minister Costas Simitis of Greece, EU president until the end of June, said that a war would harm peace and stability in the Middle East.

USA Today stated that “Britain, America’s closest ally, is the only major military power virtually certain to join the United States” in a war. “Other countries with smaller armies, such as Australia, Canada and Bulgaria, could provide supporting military roles.”

Yahoo! News reported that Tony Blair stated that Britain would support an U.S.-led war on Iraq without United Nations backing if any countries imposed an “unreasonable blockage to a new Security Council resolution.” However, as Bild Online reported, Tony Blair is increasingly loosing support for his position in his own country. Sixty-two percent of the British are unsatisfied with his Iraq-policy. Between 77 and 81 percent of the British are against an invasion of Iraq solely by the United States and Great Britain. On the other hand, Michael Smith, London Daily Telegraph, stated in an interview with the Today Show that once the war has begun, most British would support it.

USA Today also reported that, “White House spokesman Ari Fleischer said the United States could go to war with a select group of allies, even without Security Council approval.” Earlier this week, Secretary of State Colin Powell had remarked in an interview with Sueddeutsche Zeitung that the United States had a duty to disarm Saddam, with or without support of the international community. Subsequently, Mr. Powell criticized in an unusually strong manner Germany and France for their refusal to unconditionally support the United States (Net Zeitung, January 22, 2003). U.S. Minister of Defense, Donald H. Rumsfeld, was quoted in Stern Online, January 23, 2003, that he believes France and Germany constitute the “old Europe” and that they are an “isolated problem” in Europe. The magazine also reported that Germany wants a second report from the U.N. Weapons Inspectors about Iraq’s cooperation. “This would deepen the rift between the United States and Germany, as the United States does not see the need for such a report,” according to the magazine.

Germany and France on Thursday angrily rejected Mr. Rumsfeld’s remarks (Reuters, as reported by MSNBC News). Der Spiegel Online commented: “Thanks to Donald Rumsfeld… for liberating Europe. With his verbal accusations against France and Germany, he has perhaps contributed more to European unity than 40 years of the Elysee Treaty [see below]… With his remarks, Rumsfeld has forced Europe to do what Europe was afraid to do for a long time — to find a unified course of action in response to the warplans of the United States… The irony is that Rumsfeld, in attacking national pride, might create a supra-national alliance… Rumsfeld’s harsh reaction shows how nervous the United States are, when being confronted with European self-consciousness… If Rumsfeld has managed to accomplish that one says, ‘I’m proud to be a European,’ rather than saying, ‘I’m proud to be a German,’ or, ‘I’m proud to be a French,’ then the United States will have to deal with a new Europe.”

In addition, Ari Fleischer’s remarks, reflecting the U.S. approach, were especially resented by several U.N. diplomats, according to USA Today. One Western diplomat was quoted: “The Americans came here saying that if we don’t buy their line then they’re going ahead anyway and people are feeling very snubbed by that attitude. And so the response is that we’re not going to give Washington the blank check that they are looking for.”

U.N. concern has also increased following a Russian military report, as well as newspaper reports from Turkey, alleging that the United States would launch its war by the middle or the end of February (Yahoo! News, dated January 22, 2003). Vladimir Posner, Russian TV Channel, stated in an interview with the Today Show that 83 % of Russians are against a war without U.N. resolution. He pointed out that there is developing an anti-American sentiment among the Russian people at a grass-root level, because of a growing perception that the United States wants to have it their way. He pointed out that many Russians believe that the reason for the escalation with Iraq is “the oil, first and foremost.” They do not believe that Saddam has weapons of mass destruction, or that he has the capability to develop them.

United States Divided Against Itself?

Only 23 % of Americans support a war against Iraq, based on the evidence presented, according to a report in USA Today. David Gregory stated in the Today Show on Thursday that 63 % of Americans are against a war without a U.N. resolution.
They expect the Bush administration to present more evidence that Saddam is in fact producing weapons of mass destruction. Der Spiegel Online remarked on January 22 that the popularity of President Bush is decreasing rapidly in the United States, mainly because of his foreign and economic policies. In addition, due to Mr. Bush’s threat to attack Iraq even without international support, the U.S. dollar has lost again this week in value relative to the Euro and the Swiss currency, according to Der Spiegel Online, January 22, 2003).

Is Germany Ready and Willing to Intervene?

Der Spiegel Online reported on January 18 that Germany has invited U.N. Weapons Inspector and Swedish Diplomat Hans Blix to Berlin for a report on the situation, so that the German government can educate itself independently about the matter. Joschka Fischer is scheduled to travel to the Middle East, to visit four Arabic capitals, and to evaluate the possibilities for a peaceful solution.

The Roman Catholic and Protestant Churches of Germany vs. United States

The Roman Catholic and Protestant churches in Germany have condemned a war against Iraq. Following the Pope’s statement that a war against Iraq is not “unavoidable,” and that it would demonstrate a defeat for mankind, the German Catholic Bishops declared that any preventive attack violates Catholic and International Law. The German Protestant Church went even further and stated that any war is against God’s will, and must be overcome. The declaration of the German Protestant Church was supported by the American “United Church of Christ,” according to Der Spiegel Online of January 18 and 20, 2003. At the same time, the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Pakistan and the secretary-general of the National Council of Churches in Pakistan issued a similar statement (Zenit, January 21, 2003). So did the Conference of Catholic Bishops of Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei (Zenit, January 19, 2003).

Germany and France – the Leaders of Europe

The leading European nations are clearly Germany and France. This week they marked 40 years of reconciliation with celebrations at the same Versailles palace where victorious Western powers forced a beaten Germany to its knees after World War I, and where Germany had proclaimed itself an empire, crowning William I as “Kaiser,” after beating France in an 1870-71 war. Forty years ago, former French President Charles de Gaulle and German Chancellor Konrad Adenauer signed the Elysee Treaty, laying the foundation “for what arguably has grown into Europe’s cornerstone relationship,” according to Yahoo! News. The article continued that “French-German cooperation is vital in assuring peace and stability in Europe.” Chirac was quoted: “Once again, we have shown that the French-German engine, which is essential for European construction, is functioning well.”

How well it is functioning could be seen in joint declarations of Schroeder and Chirac, describing future cooperation between the two countries, including areas of European foreign, military and security policy (Der Stern, dated January 16, 2003). They also said that both countries want to be a leading force in Europe. The head of Deutsche Bank, Germany’s largest bank, Josef Ackermann, commented, “Europe needs a dynamic Germany. Who else, if not Germany – in concert with France – should take on the leading role?”

Der Stern published an article, dated January 21, quoting statements by two European officials, the German Guenter Verheugen and the French Pascal Lamy, stating, “When we want to build a United Europe…we must create here and now a German-French treaty. Other countries, supporting our goals, are invited to join the German-French treaty. We are not planing to create an island without bridges to the European Union.”

ISRAEL’S SHARON vs. EUROPE

During a news conference, Ariel Sharon of Israel, who is running for re-election next month, stated that he is unhappy with the European Union and their peace plan proposal. He stated that Europe is not balanced toward Israel, and that only the United States and Israel are seeing eye-to-eye (In an interview last week with American television, Saudi Arabia accused the United States of not being balanced towards the Arab world, unduly favoring and supporting Israel). Sharon suggested that he would not be pressured by Europe. As long as Arafat is the head of the Palestinian people, there can’t be any progress toward peace. He said: “The EU does not understand that.” (Source: Top Stories Audio/Video NRP, “Sharon: ‘Europe is biased against Israel,’” Sunday, January 19, 2003).
 

A: It is wrong. Such words are known as “euphemisms,” which are defined as the substitution of a mild, indirect, or vague expression for another felt to be too blunt or offensive.

God instructs us not to take His name in vain (Exodus 20:7). To casually use expressions such as “My God,” “O my Lord,” or “Jesus Christ,” just to utter surprise or emphasis, is therefore clearly prohibited. So is the casual use of a common German welcome greeting (“Gruess Gott” or “Gott zum Gruss”– meaning, “Greet God” or “God as a greeting”), or the casual use of the French or Spanish farewell expressions, “adieu” or “adios” (both meaning, “to God”).

Many common expressions such as “gosh” or “gee” are used as substitutes for God the Father or Jesus Christ. God instructs us to let “no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth” (Ephesians 4:29). This prohibition applies to careless speaking or using slang expressions or euphemisms which would profane God’s name, such as “gosh” or “gosh almighty” (a substitute for “God” or “Almighty God”) or “gee” (a substitute for “Jesus”). It also applies to the careless use of words describing characteristics or concepts clearly associated with God, such as “my goodness” (compare Matthew 19:16-17), “by heaven” or “for heaven’s sake” (compare Matthew 5:34; Revelation 13:6).

The same prohibition applies to curse words, such as “damn,” or “go to hell,” or euphemisms, such as “darn” or “go jump in the lake” (compare Revelation 20:14-15).

God wants us to use language pleasing to Him. Let us note how the New International Version translates Ephesians 4:29, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”

The Broadman Bible Commentary makes these insightful statements:

“Words are an index of character (Matthew 12:34). Good words are to be chosen over evil talk… Do our words build up the hearer’s character and make him a better man for his having heard your speaking? Do they meet his need? And do they in this way ‘bring a blessing’ by supplying that need?”

Whatever expressions we are inclined to use, we need to make sure that they are helpful, rather than unwholesome, offensive or even blasphemous. Christ warns us in Matthew 12:36-37, “But I say to you that for every idle [careless, thoughtless, useless] word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”