Letters Letter From the Editor Letter From the Editor Welcome to the June issue of MORNING STAR. The Lord continues to bless this magazine ministry. We keep getting good news reports from all around the world. This past month we received kind words of encouragement from friends in Canada, Israel, Norway, Australia and the Philippines. Please pray that the Lord will open doors to even more countries for distribution of Morning Star. The theme in this issue is counseling. We would like to thank Dr. Gary Collins, Ph.D. and the staff of the American Association of Christian Counselors, as well as Barbara Thompson, M.A., Brenda Poklacki, and the staff of Minirth-Meier Clinic Dallas and Minirth-Meier Clinic West, for their help in providing material for this issue of Morning Star. As I try to mention in every issue, we are constantly in need of stories, articles, testimonies and ideas! If you would like to make a literary contribution or wish to write for Morning Star on a more regular basis, please contact us either through our postal box or one of our electronic mail links. (Refer to the Staff List and Mail Links column) If you are wondering what to write for, there are two options. You can submit something that would fit into one of our over twenty regular columns. You can also tailor an article or story to one of our future themes, to be published in the Feature section. Upcoming themes are: Volume 1.10 - Christian Women's Issues Volume 1.11 - Bible Study Volume 1.12 - Praise, Prayer and Worship Volume 2.1 - 1990's Evangelism (Computers, BBS, faxes, software, film, television, radio etc.) In the Resource section at the back of this issue, you will find a list of electronic bulletin board systems (BBS) that this magazine can be found on. We hope to publish a much larger list in our October issue (Vol 2.1). There is no doubt that there are more BBS carrying Morning Star that we simply haven't been made aware of yet. There are certainly many more boards, perhaps hundreds across the U.S., that would love to carry the magazine but simply don't know about us. This is certainly an area that many Christians can help out with. If you are aware of a BBS in your area that does not carry Morning Star, contact the System Operator and ask to upload a copy. Please send us a note to inform us of the BBS's name, number, state and the System Operator's name. Lastly, keep the magazine and staff in prayer! The Lord remains faithful, we keep meeting our deadlines, despite many obstacles. The enemy certainly does not like to see the Lord's work travelling across the globe each month and is continually throwing his fiery darts at those on the staff! Fortunately, our God is an awesome God and His Will shall be done! In service to Jesus, our Wonderful Counselor! Toby Trudel MORNING STAR accepts literary contributions from believers wherever they may live. It is our policy to publish testimonies as they are originally submitted with minimal alteration of the text. Opinions stated in these testimonies do not necessarily reflect those of the MORNING STAR staff. The content of MORNING STAR does not necessarily represent the views or opinions of any computer network. Your Letters Your Letters "Thanks for the recent issue of Morning Star. I am anxious to find a few minutes so I can read it. I will see that Randy Mitchell gets a copy and that other copies are distributed. You have a unique publication. I trust it will bless many hearts and challenge many lives. God bless you." John Larson Chaplain, Ellis II Unit Huntsville, Texas "Dear Friends, Morning Star is a very informative publication and a blessing to read. I read it from front to back and find it insightful, challenging, and moving. I really appreciate the CFI reports it has stirred my heart to be faithful in prayer for Israel. You're all in my prayers and may the Lord richly bless Morning Star and speak to the hearts of the people who read it." Diana Bull Sheridan, California "I would like to praise the Lord about the Morning Star ... I'm so glad that from the very beginning of the publication I have a copy, though I've wanted to disseminate it to other pastors. But, it is very hard to reproduce in the Philippines because we do not have access to computer systems where we are yet. So what I do is to lend it to somebody who is quite closer to me. I am really very very glad for that, because it includes almost all the topics that could be taken under the sun. It is very very rich in information as well as the Bible study it has included. So, I'm very glad and so thankful for that." Roger J. Obe Iloilo City, Philippines "I would Like to take this moments to thank Bruce Derouen for the supplying the Morning Star Magazine to The Word BBS." Myong Yu Sysop - The Word BBS Orange, Texas "I would also like to thank Bruce for sharing with us this magazine. I had the opportunity of reading it today and thought it was great reading. I am notorious for keeping all my "old magazines". This is going to be able to help me just to save it on floppies." Larry Henry Orange, Texas "I think your magazine is great and a wonderful idea. I enjoy the entire magazine ... Keep up the good work." Mason D. Murch Wayne, Michigan "Greetings in Jesus' precious name! I wanted to first of all give praise to God for Morning Star magazine and its ministry around the globe. I stumbled into your magazine one day looking around a Christian BBS (Corpus Christi) in Napa, California. I was merely curious, but once I got hold of it, I've anxiously awaited its download! I'm pleased with your content and intent, and have prayed for you regularly ... that the magazine would reach the eyes and hearts of those who need encouragement, and those who are lost and need the divine hand of deliverance ..." David J. Blacksmith Sonoma, California Commentary Commentary "Then Jesus came to them and said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.'" (Matthew 28:18-20) This is a very familiar passage, or at least the first half is. The call to go and make disciples has motivated missionary zeal throughout church history. Many mission organizations have used verse nineteen as the basis of their efforts to go out into the world, bringing the message of salvation to the unbeliever. But, does this passage focus on the call to save the lost? Certainly, the need to bring the Gospel is implied in the passage. You cannot be a disciple of Christ unless you have accepted His payment for your sin. And of course, that payment is His shed blood on the cross, the final sacrifice for all sin. But, the thrust of this passage is not limited to the need for salvation. It is concerned with the necessity of helping believers grow in their walk with God. And this growth is demonstrated by obedience to Christ's commands. Christ, of course, made His commands very clear. "... 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments'" (Matthew 22:37-40). To make disciples then means, first, presenting the message of salvation, and seeing it accepted. And second, discipleship is a life-long process of helping the believer grow in obedience to Christ's two commands. Making disciples, and helping them grow, is the major purpose behind Morning Star. We endeavor to bring material to non-believers that will show them their need to accept Christ as their Savior. We also provide information that will help believers grow in their relationship to God. Making disciples is the main work of the church, the body of Christ. This must include sending evangelists out into the world, taking the message of salvation to those who have not heard it, and instructing disciples in how to live as followers of Christ. Making disciples is also the work of the church among its own people. This includes the teaching of Scripture from the pulpit, in Sunday School, in small fellowship groups, and anywhere else training occurs. This should be the underlying intent of all ministry occurring within the context of the local church. The responsibility to disciple cannot be limited to the clergy or lay leaders. All believers are called to make disciples. The activities that go on in small fellowship groups should be examples of how we, as believers, can disciple one another. "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another" (Proverbs 27:17). Some churches have discipleship programs where believers meet one-on- one, or in twos or threes. They spend time in the word, prayer, encouragement, and holding one another accountable to the teachings of Scripture. This must always be done within the spirit of Christ's love, or it can turn into something very damaging. (See this issue's SCUD Warnings.) But there is another place where training believers to walk in the God's way is practiced. This is in the context of Christian counseling. And it is to this area, that we turn in this issue of Morning Star. Biblical counseling is the most intensive form of helping believers to mature. This is true in any counseling situation, such as group therapy, marriage enhancement, family practice, or individual therapy. The purpose of Biblical counseling is to bring the truths of Scripture into the lives of those who are struggling with emotional problems. Basing his or her approach on Scripture, the Biblical counselor has a model for a healthy personality. This model is developed by identifying the godly qualities found in people. These are the qualities we received when we were created "in the image of God." The ultimate illustration of these are provided by our Savior, Jesus Christ. Historically, the church has been the provider of wise counsel. With the rise of secular counseling, activities appear to have moved away from the church. This isn't the case. Statistically, today more people still see clergy than secular counselors. Over the last years, we have seen the development of a new group, identified as Christian counselors. These may be individuals with clinical training who are Christians. Those who are truly Christian counselors allow Scripture and the Holy Spirit to direct them in the exercise of their professional skills. These individuals can be invaluable resources to the local Christian community. The Christian clinician is available where pastors don't have the gifts necessary to counsel, are already overburdened with clients, or have time limitations. Another area where resources outside the church are vital is the inpatient clinic unit. There comes a time when even the most competent clergy counselor has a client who needs inpatient care. Frequently, inpatient programs ignore the faith of the client, and in some cases, actually see faith as part of the problem. The Christian inpatient unit can be a God-send. Pastors should explore the availability of these services in their area. Those of us who are pastors need to remember our responsibility to have some knowledge of the skills, beliefs, and approaches of the counselors we refer clients to. As shepherds of our churches, we must be careful that we refer to clients to counselors or counseling centers where help is going to be received, not where faith may be destroyed. And being careful we do find that there are Bible-believing, Spirit-filled Christian counselors available. Each of us as believers must be concerned that our own church is a place where hurting people can come to meet the Great Physician, Jesus Christ. As Paul said, "Bear one another's burdens, and thus fulfill the law of Christ" (Galatians 6:2). This means that it isn't enough to have sound teaching coming from the pulpit. We must also be a caring and loving people, committed to nurturing one another. Let us never forget, the church is to be a mid-wife, helping new babies to be born into the kingdom. The church is also to be first, a nursery and then a school helping these new babies grow into maturity. And as they grow, they can move out into a fallen world, reaching others for Christ. Finally, the church is to be a special place of hope and comfort where the wounded worker can come for food, rest and healing. This is where all believers should receive the message of the hope of eternal peace with our Lord. Let us do all we can to ensure that our churches are such special places. "Now the God of peace, who brought up from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the eternal covenant, even Jesus our Lord, equip you in every good thing to do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen." (Hebrews 13:20-21) Staff List Morning Star Staff List MORNING STAR STAFF LIST EDITOR IN CHIEF Toby Trudel - Nashua, NH SENIOR EDITOR - Biblical Department Geoffrey Kragen - Roseville, CA SENIOR EDITOR - Christian Life Department Teresa Giordanengo - Canonsburg, PA SENIOR LITERARY EDITOR Al Murillo III - El Paso, TX ASSOCIATE EDITORS Jerry Johnson - Modesto, CA Clark Stephens - Huntington Beach, CA Dale Strand - Dublin, CA J.C. Trudel - Naples Park, FL Mike Wilkinson - Citrus Heights, CA Dr. Charles Wootten - Matoaca, VA SENIOR PUBLISHER - DOS and WINDOWS Editions Steve Paulovich - Derry, NH NETWORK DISTRIBUTION AMERICA ONLINE Network: Jerry White - Germantown, MD COMPUSERVE Network: Kay Hall - Cocoa Beach, FL GENIE Network: Mike Wilkinson - Citrus Heights, CA DELPHI Network: Derrick Shipman - Greenville, SC DIRECTOR OF BBS DISTRIBUTION - USA Walter H. Bauer Jr. - Sugar Land, TX MSDOOR PROGRAM DISTRIBUTION Alan Graff - Wheelersburg, Ohio INTERNATIONAL DISTRIBUTION Sharon Sanders - Jerusalem, Israel Lars Storstrand - Minde, Norway Peter Cunliffe - Noisiel, France Roger J. Obe - Iloilo City, Philippines Scott Walters - Punchbowl, NSW, Australia David Faris - Yaounde, Cameroun OFFICE SYSTEMS TECHNICIAN Patrick Auriemma - Nashua, N.H. Features Unity In Christian Counseling Unity In Christian Counseling We live in a day when many of the people we know are dealing with a significant amount of personal pain. Personal pain may be a product of struggling with abuse and/or other circumstances that have injured individuals during some period of their lives. They may be suffering the results of some of the choices they made for themselves. And certainly, Christians within the church are not exempt from this problem. The Christian community has a responsibility to provide an environment where this pain can be recognized and the resources be made available for recovery. Unfortunately, it seems that among certain elements of the body of Christ, there is more fighting about method then concern with helping. This isn't to say that all treatment methods are either appropriate or acceptable from a Biblical perspective. Frequently though, judgments don't focus on treatment approach; they are made on the salvation and faith of those caring for the damaged. In the following editorial we read the call for unity in Christ, not necessarily unity in method. There are many Christian practitioners who care for the hurting with only a desire to serve God. They desire to bring their clients to a mature Christian walk, helping them to be conformed to the image of Christ. UNITY IN CHRISTIAN COUNSELING Used with the permission of the American Association of Christian Counselors. This is an editorial from the January 1992 issue of "The Christian Journal of Psychology and Counseling," the official journal of the American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC). In the summer of 1977, futurist author John Naisbitt declared bankruptcy. Five years later, his financial problems disappeared with the publication of his widely-heralded volume, MEGATRENDS. The book gave an upbeat projection into the future, spent two years on the "New York Times" best-seller list, and sold 8 million copies worldwide. Critics blasted Naisbitt for "bottling the obvious and peddling it as revelation," and some questioned the accuracy of his predictions. But nobody disputed the impact of the megatrend thing. Clones and follow-ups by other authors soon made their appearance. Maybe it isn't surprising that Naisbitt decided to try again. With the assistance of his wife, Patricia Aburdene, Naisbitt wrote MEGATRENDS 2000: TEN NEW DIRECTIONS FOR THE 1990'S. But unlike its predecessor, the new book got a cool reception. Some called it flashy, unrealistic, overly optimistic, "a megaretread of the first happy tome." Probably I am not the only one who found that is was just plain dull. Even so, in a world of change, most of us like to have guidelines for the future. Seers, fortune tellers, soothsayers, astrology writers, forecasters, futurists, and even doom predictors appear with frequency on talk-shows and in newspaper columns. Some of our theological colleagues have attracted large followings and considerable attention from their speculations concerning the ways that biblical prophecy relates to contemporary world events. Psychologists have long maintained that "the best predictor of future behavior is past behavior." The effective counselor keeps aware of trends in society and is aware of future trends. Most of us have considered some megatrends in the field of counseling and we know that ignorance of these emerging changes will leave us behind the times, irrelevant, and eventually without counselees. But we know too that only God knows the future. Only God is in control. And only God can guide our work as we move into the coming decade. This is the centennial year of the American Psychological Association. Psychology, psychiatry, social work, and related disciplines, including Christian counseling, are relatively new. In the first century of its formal existence, secular therapy has split into a variety of directions, and Christian counselors have done the same. Like the diversified denominations with which we are affiliated, Christian counseling is a collection of beliefs, attitudes, values, and ways of doing things. In the past two or three decades, we have drifted into camps - sometimes warring camps - where brothers and sisters build their methods and look with suspicion, and sometimes with hostility, on those who approach counseling differently. We talk about the value of research and the weakness of case histories, but then we ignore research and laud our theories, build on our success stories and the selective use of biblical texts. Few of us believe in the possibility of one "true" counseling approach. Jesus used a variety of methods in his people-helping activities and we are likely to do the same. Even those who believe in the authority of Scripture and the Lordship of Jesus Christ have different personalities and varying approaches to people-helping. We are diversified members of the body of Christ. We are not all the same. God didn't make us that way. But just as the parts of any body must work together, so we who are counselors must learn to respect, learn from, and seek to avoid criticizing one another. There is strength in our diversity. As iron sharpens iron, so we can rub against and sharpen each other (Proverbs 27:17). But there is also strength in our unity. Paul's words to the Corinthian believers could apply equally to us. "I appeal to you ... in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought" (1 Corinthians 1:10). As Christian counselors, we have different levels of training, different theoretical perspectives, and different methods of intervention. But our task is to pull together, serving the Lord as people- helpers who are diversified in perspectives, but united in Christ and willing to serve alongside one another. AACC is in the process of change. We have exciting plans for the future, but we must not forget our ultimate twofold goal: promoting excellence and unity in Christian counseling. To help us reach this goal, a new Board of Advisors has been formed, drawn from the thousands of dedicated Christian counselors who serve Christ every week in counseling rooms across the country. In most cases, these consultants were approached by telephone and asked to serve. Their reactions were frequently the same. "I am willing to affiliate with an organization that has a clear biblical perspective and that seeks to pull us all together." We can make megatrend predictions about the future of our field, and in some cases our prognostications might even be right. Even so, some of the future will remain uncertain until Christ returns. While we await that day and while we move into the future, we will all be more effective if we move forward together, united as counselors who are servants of Jesus Christ. Information on the American Association of Christian Counselors can be found in the Counseling Resource Area of this issue. False Comfort : Cliches That Discourage False Comfort : Interview With Dr. Linda Jean Schupp As believers we are called to care for one another. We are to comfort one another in times of stress and pain. Unfortunately we frequently use common cliches as a way of dealing more with our own discomfort, that the pain of the one we are trying to comfort. Dr. Linda Jean Schupp speaks to this problem in this excerpt from a slightly longer article published in "The Christian Journal of Psychology and Counseling." Dr. Schupp's comments to the "Christian Journal" are concepts drawn from a manuscript, for a book, tentatively titled, "False Comforters." Her concerns spring out of the experiences of herself and her son during his years suffering with cancer. Cliff, her son, died November 3, 1978 at the age of 18, after a five year battle with the disease. FALSE COMFORT: CLICHES THAT DISCOURAGE An Interview with Dr. Linda Jean Schupp Used with the permission of the American Association of Christian Counselors. Taken from the October 1991 issue of "The Christian Journal of Psychology and Counseling," the official journal of the American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC). Cliche One "God will not give you more than you can bear." There are two perilous aspects to this cliche. The first message assumes that God is the giver of horror or tragedy. If this was not the assumption, then the comforter would not begin by saying "God will not give you." The second implication can wield a not-so-obvious but equally damaging message, God will not give you "more" than you can bear. In other words, the severity of God's horror gift will be determined by the character of the victim. It implies that if someone is strong and mature that God will give him or her a double dose of tragedy. The strong will have more horror gifts and the weak will receive fewer. What a paradox! Scripture encourages us to be strong, courageous, and confident, yet the reward for such behavior is the privilege of enduring another onslaught of torture. If we take this cliche literally, then it would seem logical to exhibit weakness so we can avoid tragedy. I believe that the origin of this may be the misuse of I Corinthians 10:13 where Paul says that there is no temptation taken you but such is common to man. The Corinthians were yielding to all kinds of temptations such as sexual sins and drunkenness. This passage is not discussing trial, but rather providing a way of escape for those who want to clean up their lives and live righteously. Also, there is a freedom of choice for the Corinthians. They could choose to change the way they were living by allowing the Holy Spirit to control them. In the book I refer to a young father who accidentally ran over his daughter. This had nothing to do with his will. I Corinthians 10:13 is inappropriate to many types of pain and sorrow. In the Bible there are examples of indescribable murders of babies. For example, Herod had all the Jewish babies killed in order to destroy Jesus. In Moses' time the Pharaoh decreed that all Hebrew babies should be killed. Those murders were a Satanic scheme. John 8:44 tells us that Satan was a murderer from the beginning. Cliche Two "Have you given it to the Lord?" This question may be viewed by the sufferer as condemning. Often, when someone uses this cliche, they are insinuating that if you have really given a problem, pain, or situation to the Lord that you should no longer be bothered by it or at least not mention its existence. In their perception, the fact that you are enduring this pain is proof positive that you have not committed it to the Lord. The Apostle Paul was left with a "thorn in the flesh" and continued to suffer. Whether his thorn was physical or simply problems with people is not the issue. We do know that Paul's suffering was not a lack of commitment on his part. Rather than use a cliche which questions their commitment, my suggestion would be to offer to pray for the person and to find practical ways of assisting them. Usually the only person who receives any comfort from asking, "Have you given it to the Lord?" is the person asking the question. If I tell you that you should give it to the Lord then I do not have to deal with the problem. Galatians 6:2 says that we should bear one another's burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ. As a false comforter I may be ignoring the reality of the person's problems rather than choosing to get involved and help the person. Such a spiritual sounding platitude allows us to evade our Christian responsibility one to another. Colossians 1:18 and I Corinthians 12:13-27 talk about the body of Christ. Each of us has a function to provide and a ministry to each other. I should give what I have to the member of the body who needs it. Christ, the head, may tell the foot or hand to go and minister to the suffering person. The foot or hand may reply, "No Lord, that is your job. I can't do it." While the assigned part of the body is arguing with the head, the sufferer receives nothing. The body tries to give the responsibility back to Christ and Christ keeps giving it to the body. When we tell a sufferer to put a burden in God's hands, we must remember that we may be God's hands to that person. When a sufferer comes to us and shares, he is in effect putting it in God's hands. We should pray and suffer with them rather than deny our responsibility by saying, "Give it to the Lord." When I offer to pray for the person I am joining them in their suffering rather than leaving them to suffer alone. "Remember them that are in bonds as bound with them and them which suffer adversity as being yourselves also in the body." Cliche Three "Cheer up and stop feeling sorry for yourself." This one is not based on Scripture or theology but it is said so much by Christians that I believe it needs to be included. May people believe that sorrow is not an acceptable emotion to express. following the advice of this cliche can hamper the normal grieving process. In the book, I cited the example of Beth, a woman whose husband was killed in a plane crash. Her friends unknowingly rejected her when they would not allow her to express her grief. They forced her into playing an unhealthy role. Rejection, denial, and condemnation resulted from this cliche. It is as though the false comforters are saying, "Let's play a game. Smile and pretend that everything is all right." In doing so they reject the person. Also, they deny the person's pain and want him or her to function like a robot. These false comforters are protecting themselves from the reality that a similar tragedy could happen to them. In effect they are saying, "I can share happiness with you, but I do not want any part of your sorrow." "It is easier for me to deny what is happening to you in order to protect myself." In the case of Beth, her visitors also condemned her because she could not withhold her tears of grief which they interpreted as self-pity. In essence they said, "We came to help you with your practical needs and you have placed us in an uncomfortable position by grieving. We have to remind you that you are involved in self-pity, which is a sin." How much better it would be to follow the advice of the apostle Paul. I have found it useful to apply his principle of "mood matching" which comes out of Paul's statement in Romans 12:15, "Rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with them that weep." Many people think that they have to be cheery and pretend that everything is all right, which encourages the sufferer to deny what is happening to them. This prolongs the grief process. The scriptural principle that should be emphasized is to "weep with those who weep." Walk into the pain of those who suffer. Even though there are a variety of opinions as to the explanation, we know that Jesus wept. The impression of the people who observed him was expressed in the statement, "Behold how He loved him." (John 11:36) Jesus is "touched with the feelings of our infirmities." (Hebrews 4:15) Ecclesiastes 3:4 says, "There is a time to weep." We need to give people time to heal. We would not expect a man who had his leg amputated to immediately get up and try to run. Yet, we do not give people in emotional pain the same benefit. We accept the necessity of time for healing in the physical realm, but often fail to accept it in the emotional realm. Cliche Four "God wants to make you dependent upon him." First of all, let me clarify that I believe that it is important to be truly dependent upon the Lord. We must depend upon Jesus as our source of salvation and the Holy Spirit to guide, direct, and empower us to live the Christian life. However, sometimes this cliche can be interpreted so as to create pathology. My concern regarding this cliche lies again in the perception of the image of God. Every time that something catastrophic or terrible happens it should not be interpreted as God trying to make us dependent upon him. In my book, I give the illustration of a woman with a mentally handicapped child who was abandoned by her husband. When someone stated this cliche to her, she could not understand why God would delight in seeing his children become like her son who was not able to walk, speak, make decisions, or take care of himself in any way. Passive dependency and true spirituality should be differentiated. In some cases, the church says that an infant-like dependency is considered spirituality. However, Paul says in the third chapter of I Corinthians that Christians should be weaned from milk and grow up. The cliche may imply that the less a Christian does, the more spiritual he is. I had a friend who gave up his job and quit working in order to show the Lord that he was totally dependent upon him. Finally, he lost everything, including his wife and home. When he was at the lowest point, he said, "I don't understand why God has not provided for me. I have been totally dependent upon him." I told him that God may have wanted to provide for your needs, but He wanted to provide them through you. He may also have wanted to supply needs for others through you. You may have blocked the channel through which He wanted to operate. My friend had bought into a sick type of dependency. Paul said in II Thessalonians 3:10, "If any will not work, neither let him eat." Paul did not condone passive dependency. Dependency is normal as a child. Only as we grow into maturity can the Lord use us for His glory and purposes. Another example is that of a twenty- eight-year-old son who lived with his parents. He worked just enough to buy liquor and a few things that he wanted. His parents were amply providing for him. We would not praise this young man and hold him up as an example for people to model. It would be ridiculous to talk about how much faith he has in his parents and that he is expressing it more and more each day by doing less and less. Yet, in the church we sometimes consider passive dependency as great spirituality. God is not trying to make us dependent upon him. Rather, He is trying to get us to a place that He can depend upon us. When we grow up enough to be useful to Him, perhaps much of the suffering of the world can be alleviated. Cliche Five "It is God's Will." Of all the cliches, perhaps this can be the most devastating. To attribute the tragedy to an ever-loving, good God can inflict unbelievable pain on a grief-stricken person. To provide some clarification, let us look at four realms or aspects of God's will. The first aspect is God's DETERMINED will. It is fixed and unalterable. A second type of will is God's DESIRED will. His desired will includes all of the things that He would like to accomplish in and through our lives. For example, He tells us to preach the Gospel. Sometimes we do and sometimes we do not. He tells us to love one another and sometimes we do and sometimes we do not. The desired will of God is dependent upon our compliance on our yielding to him. The determined will is what God causes to happen. God's desired will is what He wants to happen. I have interviewed many people who have experienced deep suffering and grief. From my observation most people interpret this cliche to mean either that God caused it or He desired it. This is the interpretation that my son and I had when people came into his hospital room and said, "This is God's will." When people used this cliche with my son, he would say, "You should not continue to pray for me. If it is God's will for me to have cancer and you pray for it to be removed, then your prayer is in opposition to God's will." He would say it in a sincere and graceful way, but in his mind there was a contradiction in what people were saying and doing. I do not believe that God gives cancer to children or anyone, because God does not cause evil. He does not cause the drunk driver to drink to excess and kill an innocent party or babies to be murdered. Neither does He want or desire such tragedies. It is contrary to His good and holy nature. The third realm of operation is what I call God's DILUTED or DIMINISHED will. This is God's permissive will. God permits things which He does not directly determine or desire. For example, God told Jonah to go to Ninevah to preach. Jonah went the opposite way and eventually ended up in the belly of the fish. God did not make or desire for Jonah to sin, but He did allow him to sin. In this case, it was Jonah's choice to operate temporarily in God's diluted will. Fortunately, Jonah got a second chance to obey God and get back in His Desired will. Sometimes we get into God's diluted will through no fault or lack of yielding on our part. I use the example of a woman who had four children and her husband left her for another woman. Her friends insisted that these circumstances were God's will. The question then becomes, did God make her husband sin? God did not cause her husband to have an affair and desert her and their children. Neither was it God's desired will. God did not want the man to commit adultery. God's diluted will can be defined as what He wants us to do in circumstances that He did not determine or desire. With Jonah God wanted him to get back into the desired will. The woman whose husband left did not have an option but there were certain things that God wanted her to do in those circumstances. He wanted her to look to him, pray for wisdom, and follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit so as to make the best choices possible for herself and her family. The fourth realm of God's will is the DISCIPLINARY will of God. The disciplinary will involves the actions that God takes to remove evil and restore good. For example, if we do not recognize and acknowledge sin in our personal lives, God acts to correct us. His discipline is for our good. Just as the parent acts to correct the misguided child, God is training us. The story of Noah and the flood is about God's effort to destroy evil and restore good. Many confuse the acts of God and the acts of Satan. They need to be clarified. God's intent and purpose in disciplining us is to eliminate evil and restore good. Satan's intent and purpose is to elevate evil and destroy us. A simple differentiation of the acts of God and those of Satan is that God wants to help us, while Satan wants to hurt us. Another cliche that is related to "It is God's will" is an explanation of why children die. People sometimes say, "Your child was so precious that God wanted him or her in heaven." Let me relate an example of a couple whose children died in a fire. When people used the "God wanted them in heaven" cliche their response was, "He could have made clones of them, or could have lifted them to heaven ever so gently without leaving us with their charred remains." People try all kinds of ways to explain causes for suffering and they may end up speaking erroneously for God. Also, culture dictates that we have to find a reason to explain anything that we do not understand. Of one thing, we can be certain. Proverbs 6:17, 18 says that God "hates hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, and feet that be swift in running to mischief." God cannot do the things that He hates. He hates shedding innocent blood so He was not responsible for the children's death. Another mistake that people make is in labeling bad events as good. This leads people to deny loss and act as though nothing has happened. Sometimes this is done as a misapplication of Romans 8:28 which says, "All thing work together for good for them who love God...." All things can work together for good if a person is yielded and allows the free reign of the Holy Spirit. But it does not say that the act itself is good. To say that a murder is a good deed is calling evil good. If we accept evil as good, then we do not allow the griever to grieve. How can you grieve for something that is good? The "God's will" cliche blocks the griever from openly expressing and sharing their true feelings. Another similar cliche that prevents full grieving is often used when the death of a spouse occurs. People might say, "Aren't you glad that you have your children left." If you only focus on what is left rather than what is missing, you avoid the grief process. Focusing on the remaining family members does not make up for the loss or make the family whole again. Frequently, false comforters point to the living as a distraction from the dead. The message is, "Don't grieve quite so hard. You still have someone left." While it is important to be thankful for our many blessings and count our blessings, this should not be used as an excuse to prohibit someone for going through the grief process. There is a time to grieve. The griever needs to look at the loss, grieve and mourn it, then go through the adjustment, healing, and recuperation process. This grieving process is thoroughly explained in the research and work of Dr. Elizabeth Kubler Ross. In closing this discussion on whether God can or will do evil, I would like to make one more point. God is perfect and perfection cannot create imperfection. Imperfection or sin originated in human beings through the influence of the evil one. I believe that Satan confuses the issue. He wants as little difference between himself and God as possible. Satan desires to discredit God. If Satan can get us to attribute his evil characteristics to God, he has discredited God in the eyes of people. Satan's purpose is to make God look as though He is evil and make himself look righteous. He wants the counterfeit to look as real as possible. The cliche, "It is God's will," has contributed to the slander of God's character. I am sure that Satan is delighted when people attribute evil to God because it encourages them to turn away from God as I did for a period of time. Praise God, I have moved into a faith that is based on the character of God. God is good! He cannot do evil because his nature is good whether we see it, feel it or understand it. It is very important for Christian counselors to understand God's will and have some discernment of issues related to good and evil. Otherwise, we will promote neither spiritual nor emotional health, maturity, and well-being. ------------------------- Information on the American Association of Christian Counselors can be found in the Counseling Resource Area of this issue. Lazarus - An Example For Encouragement Lazarus - An Example For Encouragement by Russell D. Welsch As believers, we can comfort others, not using cliches as mentioned in the preceding feature article, but with the truth, as encompassed in the account of the resurrection of Lazarus. LAZARUS - AN EXAMPLE FOR ENCOURAGEMENT By Russell D. Welsch Pastor (retired) Assemblies Of God Man's disappointments can be God's appointments. With the natural mind, this is hard to understand. When we begin to experience disappointments and trials, when our faith and devotion begins to seem unreasonable, it is possible to allow discouragement to become our greatest spiritual enemy. Is is then God appears on the scene and begins to reveal to us that He is more than able for every situation. Many times this encouragement comes through the Word of God. The biblical record of the death and resurrection of Lazarus, (John 11:1-46), allows us to see how our hearts can be encouraged in the midst of disaster. The writer John begins by revealing the love Jesus had for these three individuals. Verse 5 reads: "Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus." Christ had a deeper love for them than ever was realized. Even in the midst of sickness and death, Christ was devoted to them. He loved them with an everlasting love. The first truth of encouragement is: God Loves Us! His love for us is beyond our understanding, far beyond our thinking. We should be encouraged in the fact that circumstances never change His love towards His children. Many of us have blamed God for disasters that have taken place in our lives. We seem to think that God's love towards us has changed to some degree. Human love has its limitations and endurance. God's love for us is deeper in its nature, stronger in its power, longer in its duration than any love ever known. The second important truth that brings encouragement to our heart is knowing we have the privilege of bringing our needs to the Lord. When Lazarus became afflicted, the scripture tells us how Mary and Martha reacted. "So the sisters sent word to Jesus, 'Lord, the one you love is sick.'" (John 11:3) They made their request known. The apostle Paul, in writing to the Philippian church, wrote these words: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." (Phil 4:6) The writer to the Hebrews gives to us this encouragement: "Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." (Hebrews 4:16) How easy it is to forget the privilege which we have - coming directly into the throne room of heaven. During the time of the Old Testament, when the Israelites where worshipping according to the Law, the individual worshipper did not have the privilege of entering into the Holy of Holies. He could not approach the mercy seat. Only the High Priest could enter into the presence of God. When Christ was crucified, "the curtain of the temple was torn in two." (Matthew 27:51) You and I can now come directly - any time - into God's presence, presenting our burdens. God's love provided this privilege. Let us rejoice and be glad! The third truth that gives us encouragement is: God is in control. Perhaps it may not be as we have pre-planned, yet He will work to bring glory to His name. After Jesus received the announcement that Lazarus was sick, the scripture records, "He stayed where He was two more days." (Verse 6) In verse 11, Jesus told the disciples what He was planning to do: "Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep; but I am going there to wake him up." Verse 14 describes how devastating the situation had become: "So then he told them plainly, Lazarus is dead." Verse 15 fully explains the ways of God: "and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe." Perhaps the disciples were thinking and wondering as to why Jesus didn't hurry to do something now. Jesus was not only considering the present, but also the future. This miracle was the last miracle performed by Christ before His death and ascension into heaven. Jesus knew the early Church would suffer trials and tribulations. Many would face disappointments. There would be times when the heavens would seem to be silent. Christ was mindful of every event that would take place in their lives. At the grave of Lazarus Jesus said, "Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?" Jesus knew if the disciples had faith in Him while He was still upon earth, that faith would remain and become stronger after His departure from their midst. The apostle Paul reminded the early church of this same fact: "My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power." (I Cor 2:4,5) A faith which is founded on the doctrine of the church, or upon human reasoning is unstable and unable to sustain in time of need. But a faith founded on the demonstration of the Spirit is abiding, there to keep us from falling in the hour of temptation. While we are upon earth, we will suffer persecutions, face disappointments, experience disasters, but let us be encouraged by the Word of God. Let us remember, God loves us with an everlasting love. We have the privilege of bringing every burden to the Lord. Let us never forget that God is in control! He knows our every need, He cares and understands. He is working for His glory and our good. He will give to us strength to endure and bring us into total spiritual victory as we trust in Him. Tribulation and Patience Tribulation and Patience by L.E. Bartlett TRIBULATION AND PATIENCE By L.E. Bartlett Tempe, Arizona I once thought that being Christian meant that one would escape from the trials of the world. But then, life and the scriptures taught me that God does promise that we will escape all of life's ills, indeed Jesus has told us that, "In the world ye shall have tribulation:". The promise of Christ is not that his followers will escape every problem, but that in Him we will find peace. [John 16:33] So, our task is not to wonder why afflictions beset us - afflictions are part of the world, a part of living in a mortal body amongst other mortals who are as imperfect as we are. Afflictions are something that we should expect and so, we should be prepared to meet these afflictions as God would have us meet them. This was the understanding that I gained from the scriptures during a period of time when life seemed very harsh and unfair. During this period of time, I did not feel very close to the Lord, in fact, I felt a little angry with Him and began to doubt that He really cared for me. It seemed that if He cared, He would relieve me of my afflictions. During this period of time, I was guided to the scriptures by a very wise woman, my mother. She opened the scriptures and asked, "Show me where God has said that mortal life would be fair?" My reply was that a loving God should be fair, and in return she told me, "God is fair - but His fairness is seen when you look at things from an eternal perspective. Christ has promised those that follow him that they will be blessed through all eternity. And when you weigh the hardships of this life against the glory of the life to come, you can see that God's blessings far outweigh any hardship we may experience now." She then went on to quote, "For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal." [2 Corinthians 4:17] Then, she gave me a list of scriptural passages and told me that I needed to search the scriptures for answers. God would tell me what I should do to overcome my feelings of depression and despondency. The first of the scriptural passages on the list scolded me for my lack of faith: "And these are they which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness' and have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word's sake, immediately they are offended. And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word, and the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful." [Mark 4:16-19] I asked myself, had I received the word on stony ground? Were my roots in the gospel shallow? Was I allowing the cares of the world to choke the word of Christ out of my life? I had to answer yes. So what should I do to become close to God, to gain the peace that He has promised? The next scripture pointed out that I had been approaching God in prayer in the wrong manner: "O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt." [Matthew 26:39] How often had I asked God to let the cup pass from me? Many, many times! But not even once had I said, "Nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt." I prayed to be relieved of my problems, but I dictated the way that I expected that relief to come. I never exercised the faith I claimed to possess by placing myself in the Lord's hands. I refused to allow Him to make the decisions, instead I tried to bend God to my will. Is it any wonder that I could not find the peace that He promised to those who follow him. I wasn't trying to follow, I was trying to lead! Returning to the parable of the sower, I learned what it takes to become a follower. "But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience." [Luke 8:12] Patience. The Lord expects us keep the word and to be patient. But not just passive, apathetic patience. The scriptures taught me that it is not enough to have the kind of patience which simply waits for time to pass. This kind of patience hopes that problems will resolve themselves if we just hide ourselves away long enough. No, the scriptures speak of active patience. It is active patience that Paul describes to the Romans when he said, "... by patient continuance in well doing." [Romans 2:7] and to the Hebrews when he admonished them, "That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises ... For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise." [Hebrew 6:12-15] It is active patience that is spoken of in the parable of the sower, "...bring forth fruit with patience." [Luke 8:12] And active patience that Peter details in his epistle, "For what glory it, if when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God." [1 Peter 2:20] Patience in affliction and tribulation means to put down roots in the gospel of Christ so that we can stand against the trials of the world without losing our faith. This means to study the scriptures, pray, and seek the guidance of the Lord through the comforter, which is the Holy Spirit. [John 14:26] Patience means to learn to look at life from an eternal perspective and see that God is not only fair, but generous and we have no reason to feel that the scales have been tilted against us. To do this we must study the scriptures and pray to understand just what it is that we have been promised. By growing closer to God in this life we can begin to understand how glorious it will be to be with Him through all eternity. Patience is to continue in well doing, even if there does not seem to be an immediate reward. Christ has said that those who seek a reward in this life will indeed be rewarded in this life, but that is the only reward that they will have. [Matthew 6:16] But those who expect no reward, who perform their services in secret without thought of reward will gain a better reward than anything that is available in this life. [Matthew 6:18] Patience is becoming a follower of Christ according to the manner that Christ has specified. He has detailed that the way to serve Him is by serving our fellow men. [Matthew 25:40] It is through the love that we show to others that we show that we are his disciples. [John 13:35] But most of all, patience is being willing to exercise your faith in God by putting yourself into His hands and saying, "Nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt." Trusting God to fulfill His promises in His own way. Does active patience work? I testify that it does. When I trust God, allowing him to decide what is best for me instead of screaming against "fate" and demanding that God fix things to suit my preferences, I find that I can accept my trials with a greater sense of well-being. I can feel as Paul felt when he said, "We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted by not forsaken, cast down, but not destroyed." [2 Corinthians 4:8-9] When I concentrate on the well-being of others, offering my love and service to my fellow man, I find that I don't have time to think about my own problems. In losing myself in service to others, which is losing myself for Christ's sake, I do indeed find myself. [Matthew 10:39] Through study and prayer I draw closer to God and I begin to see things from a different perspective. The problems don't go away, but they no longer seem as important as they seemed before. The peace that God promised was not just for the next life. We can also find peace through Christ in this life. Now when I face affliction, I no longer pray to be delivered from that affliction, instead I pray that I might bear the affliction with patience - active patience that allows me to receive the seed of the Word in fertile soil, so that my roots will grow deep in the gospel and my branches will abound with the good fruit of service and love. May the peace of God be found in all of us. In Christ's Holy Name. Amen. (All scriptures quoted are taken from the King James Version of the Bible.) Counsel Counsel by Bruce Soren COUNSEL By Bruce Soren Goodwater, Alabama Imagine applying for a new job. Without hesitation your new boss agrees to take you on and proceeds to take you to a new office with state-of-the-art machinery wall to wall. With no further explanation he tells you to produce and disappears. You stare at all the wonderful machines before you, wondering if you have the courage or the know-how to operate and produce as your boss instructed. You decide to give it your all and jump right in pushing buttons, sliding switches, and flipping levers. All to no avail. Investigating closer you discover manuals to some of the mysterious machines and begin to read but soon discover that the manuals seem to be in another language, one you unfortunately don't understand. When the janitor comes in you ask him if he has any ideas. He tells you that the person in the office before used to push this button a lot and seemed to slide that lever but he isn't quite sure, he's the janitor remember. You go out in the hall and see another office worker rushing by. You ask him if he can help. He makes it known that he doesn't have a lot of time to mess around, but if you hit this switch the machine will give you enough output to make the boss happy until you can take the time to do it right. This process goes on for some time before you finally find an old experienced hand who takes you under his wing and tell you first hand what he has learned in dealing with the machine. He carefully explains what did and didn't work and how to get the best from the machine. All too often, many of us walk into marriage as though it were the job from the story. Without any real preparation we walk into something that, without the proper instruction wreaks havoc on our lives. That was surely the case in my own marriage. With the best of intentions we were joined as man and wife, living semi-happily for a while before communication broke down and our lives began a down hill spiral that eventually ended in divorce. It's often hard to say that there is anything good about divorce, but in our case it was the glass of ice water in the face that caused me to wake up and see that there were things in me that I had to face. Although my wife had attributed to me more than I believe I was capable of producing on my own, she still had many very valid complaints about my life and the way I was living. At this point I was turning to the "janitors" in my life who wouldn't know for sure if there was a problem let alone have the answers on how to fix them. Sure they were well meaning and had my best interest in mind, they just didn't have the answers. I knew that there were problems but for many of them there was no way for me to find the answers. I began to ask the harried passersby who were so wrapped up in their own lives that they could only offer quick fixes and short lived relief for the real problems that lay at the core. So many times I would cry out for help, only to be passed by because of the pressures of daily life and the cares of this world. Finally, I found a men's prayer group who cared about helping me. They were patient and listened to me during the hard times, that seemed to be very frequent at first. They didn't give up on me but included me in all the activities they could. They shared with me things from their own lives that they thought might help me. They loved me and showed me in a loving way the areas that needed the most help. It was in the counsel of this caring group of men that I learned to love myself, as I was, and learned to love my wife as Christ loved the church. We began to pray for my wife, that the hurts she felt would be miraculously healed and that the Lord would restore my marriage again. This prayer went on for about a year but was answered when, on April 11, 1986, my wife and I were remarried. Since that time we have gone as a couple to get formal counseling to help us resolve some of our problems but we have also relied on good Godly groups of men and women, who have loved us enough to share their counsel and be honest and frank with us. Perhaps one of the best things anyone can do is to surround themselves with good, solid, real Christians with whom they can seek Godly counsel. Counseling Resources Counseling Resources COUNSELING RESOURCES The following is provided for the benefit of the reader. Listing does not imply endorsement by Morning Star or it's staff, except where noted. INPATIENT, OUTPATIENT AND SEMINAR SERVICES Minirth-Meier Clinics (Refer to the Ministry Profile column in this issue for information on Minirth-Meier) Western Region - 1-800-877-HOPE Eastern Region - 1-800-486-4673 Mid-Western Region - 1-800-848-8872 Southern Region - 1-800-229-3000 ASSOCIATIONS The American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC) 2421 West Pratt Avenue, Suite 1398 Chicago, IL 60645 1-800-526-8673 The AACC is an organization dedicated to providing professional, lay and pastoral counselors with a unique opportunity to join other individuals committed to the practice of people-helping within a Christian context. The AACC will provide resources, information, and encouragement to help you in your counseling efforts. Dr. Gary Collins, Ph.D., has recently become the Executive Director. AACC has been an excellent recourse for Christian counselors, and the future looks even brighter. Membership includes "The Christian Journal of Psychology and Counseling" which comes out quarterly and is accompanied by an audio tape resource. Any Christian involved with people-helping should consider joining AACC. For membership information call the "800" number listed above. BOOKS Resources for Christian Counseling Word Ministry Resources P. O. Box 2518 Waco, TX 76702-2518 1-800-933-9673, ext. 2037 This is a thirty-plus volume series of Christian counseling books. Volumes are available individually, through your local Christian bookstore, or by subscription directly from Word Books. Dr. Gary Collins, Ph.D. is the senior editor of this collection. These books provide specific information on a number of counseling issues. (Issue # 3 of Morning Star reviewed the volume dealing with Homosexuality.) The topics cover everything from marriage and family counseling, to grief therapy, eating disorders, and case studies. The material is provided from an evangelical position. Recommended to those whose ministry is largely counseling oriented. Psychotherapy Book Club 230 Livingston Street P. O. Box 941 Northvale, NJ 07647-9970 1-800-525-6939 This is a discount buying service for clinical books. This material is secular and represents 81 publishers. A free no obligation book newsletter is available by contacting the "800" number listed above. The following two book distributors are discount sources for many Christian books. They each have an annual membership fee. Either or both are recommended for those who buy Christian material on a regular basis. Books are not limited to counseling books. Both also carry videos, computer material, records and compact disks. Great Christian Books also carries home schooling materials. Great Christian Books 229 S. Bridge St. P. O. Box 8000 Elkton, MD 21922-8000 Contact Customer Services for information on obtaining a current catalog. (410) 392-0930 Christian Discount Book Service P. O. Box 6000 Peabody, MA 01961-6000 Contact Customer Services for information on obtaining a current catalog. (508) 977-5050 PERIODICALS For pastors, clinicians, and counselors Journal of Psychology & Theology Subscription Manager 13800 Biola Avenue La Mirada, CA 90639-0001 An Evangelical Forum for the integration of Psychology and Theology. Quarterly publication from Rosemead School of Psychology, affiliated with Biola and Talbot Theological Seminary. Subscription rates: 1 year (4 issues) USA $32.00 All other countries $35.00 (surface mail) All other countries $43.00 (air mail) Journal of Religion In Psychotherapy Haworth Press, Inc. 10 Alice St. Binghamton, NY 13904 1-800-342-9678 - Call for current subscription information Subscription rate: 1 year (4 issues) $ 24.00 individuals $ 32.00 institutions $ 60.00 libraries Journal of Pastoral Care Journal of Pastoral Care Publications 1549 Clairmont Rd., Suite 103 Decatur, GA 30033-4611 Subscription rate: 1 year (4 issues) $ 20.00 For the general reader Solutions A Minirth-Meier Clinic West Publication contact 1-800-877 Hope for subscription information Today's Better Life A Minirth-Meier Publication P. O. Box 1924 Marion, OH 43305-1924 1-800-942-9500 The magazine of spiritual, physical & emotional health from the doctors of the Minirth-Meier Clinic. Subscription rate: 1 year (4 issues) $ 14.95 for one year $ 24.95 for two years Visa or MasterCard subscriptions accepted (include card #, expiration date, and signature) Biblical Department New In Christ New In Christ "New in Christ" is a regular MORNING STAR column written primarily for people who wish to learn more about the basic teachings of Biblical Christianity. The editorial staff at MORNING STAR encourages all readers to freely use this information to help new Christians grow in their walk with the Lord. In this issue we conclude our article, begun in the previous issue, on living a Christian lifestyle. THE GOD OF THIS WORLD (Part 2 of a 2-part article) In part one of this article (Morning Star Volume 1.8) we discussed the character of Satan, the "god" of this world. In this month's column we look at what the God of the universe has given unto His children to combat the evil one. ------------------------- Besides the examples of Satan's power given in part one of this article, there is also the account in Matthew 8:29 when Jesus went to cast demons out of a couple of men. These demons shouted at Him and asked if Jesus had come to impose their eternal torment on them before the designated time. Of course Christ hadn't come to do this, but only to cast them out of the men. The demons, as they addressed Jesus, referred to Him as "the Son of God." This was a clear sign that they "believe about" Christ. In another Bible passage, it tells how Satan will be permanently tossed out of heaven down to earth during the Earth's last few years. He will cause worse misery for people than ever before, because he will know his time is short. (Revelation 12:12) Satan and his demons know who Jesus is and they know their scripture too. Being aware of his power, what are Christians to do if they sense Satan causing problems for them? If you recall from earlier, we have many weapons, (Ephesians 6:10-18), the greatest of which is to PRAY. "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." (James 4:7) What a Christian has to do is call on God with all his or her heart to get Satan out of their life, and he must flee. He cannot resist the will of God, and God does not turn his back on His people when they pray to Him earnestly. In fact, Christ Himself said that we could ask for anything within the will of God, and it would be done for us. It may take some intense praying. The Lord may direct you to correct something first, (i.e. make amends with someone you're quarreling with. [Matthew 5:23,24]) But God will answer your prayers. (Matthew 21:22, Mark 11:24, 1st Peter 3:12, James 5:16, 1st John 5:14,15) God says that you must pray earnestly, and not waver in your belief. You must have complete faith that the Lord will hear you and not hold any doubt. (James 1:5-8) So if you don't get an answer right away, keep praying. The Lord may be allowing the situation to continue to test or strengthen your belief. God sometimes allows Satan to test us and therefore will not protect us from his actions. Consider how God allowed Satan to attack Job, tempt Christ, and prevent an apostle from going to Rome. Never despair or feel resentment if this occurs, as the Lord knows what's best for you, and may be working to correct flaws in your faith. He does this because He loves you, though like any child we may not always understand why our father disciplines us. (Hebrews 12:6-11) Remember, we're not capable of understanding all of the Lord's ways. It's also a good idea to get another Christian to pray with you. The Lord says that if two people agree to pray for anything within His will, it will be done for them. (Matthew 18:20) Rest assured that God will not allow anything too great for you to withstand to remain in your life. (1st Corinthians 10:13) As the title, "the god of this world" suggests, there is a relationship between Satan and this world. The more you understand what Jesus Christ taught through His words and actions, and what God's plan for mankind is, the more you realize there is a lot in this world that conflicts with both. The world defines success by wealth, fame, or sexual prowess. Who do you think is the "driving force" behind these non-Christian pursuits in the world today? Through the reading of Scripture you will recognize Satan's power. You will also discover that his goals are always contrary to the Lord's. As a result it's not hard to see that he is the driving force. Compare the Lord's position with that of the world's on almost any issue. You'll begin to understand why He tells us that we are not to love the world or the things in it. Anyone who does, hasn't God's love in him. (1st John 2:15) He specifically refers to the lust of the flesh, (sex), the lust of the eyes, (material possessions), and the pride of life, (fame), as being ideals of the world. These, of course are in direct opposition to His standards (1st John 2:16) As usual, there's no gray area with God; whoever is a friend of the world, is His enemy. (James 4:4) If it starts to sound that Christians are to distance themselves from a lot of what goes on around them, you're right. (Romans 12:2) This isn't a call to quit your job, unless it's directly sinful. Paul isn't saying to cut yourself off from the unbelievers you come into contact with each day. What he does say is that you shouldn't be adopting the values of the world. You can be certain that if God made it a point to mention these things specifically, they will be the ones that Satan primarily focuses on. New Testament examples of Satan's abilities show he has the capacity to offer riches, fame and sexual distractions. As he also knows his Scripture, he's aware that it's almost impossible for a rich man to find Christ. (Matthew 19:23,24) He realizes that God resists those who are proud. (James 4:6) So wealth, popularity, and the lure of sex, are the "carrots" Satan uses to lead people away from the Gospel. Playing upon the natural desires of men and women, and granting them occasional "success" in these areas, is one way he blinds people from God's truth. He knows human beings won't want to get involved with something that opposes the values of the world. This is why he is the god of this world. What are we to do if our friends or business partners who aren't Christians want us to go along the route of some of the activities mentioned above? As that's a likely problem today, it's a good thing the Lord has told us exactly what to do. We are not to be associated with such people. We should try to correct them if possible, but are to have nothing to do with them and their plans. They are not on the same team that we are. (2nd Corinthians 6:14-18, Ephesians 5:11) In this world, you must make a choice of which team you will be on, Christ's or Satan's. When Jesus prayed to His Father, He prayed not for the world, only for His followers. (John 17:9) Remember what He said about making a choice between Him and friends or family if it came down to one. Christians don't belong to this world and the god it serves. (John 15:19, 17:14-16) In fact we are only visitors, passing through. We are waiting to arrive at our real destination with Christ, which is Heaven. (Hebrews 11:13, 13:14) Bible Study Bible Study The Bible Study column examines specific sections of Scripture. This issue features a study of 2nd Thessalonians, Chapter 1. This is the first part of a three part series. Future studies will include other Psalms, and books from both the Old and New Covenants. FIRE & BRIMSTONE (2nd Thessalonians, Chapter 1) New parents are a constant source of entertainment. This was demonstrated on one specific episode of the television comedy "Family Ties." Alice and Stephen were going out to dinner for the first time after the birth of their caboose baby. They had committed to each other that they wouldn't talk about the baby. And it looked as if they would accomplish their goal. Unfortunately, at the table next to them was another couple with a brand new baby. Alice turned and, as most people would be inclined to do, smiled and tried to get the baby to smile. Realizing that she was disturbing the parents, she apologized with the information that their new baby was at home. Soon Stephen had whipped out the pictures, and even the couple with the baby brought out pictures, saying the baby wasn't feeling well and so he looked better in the pictures. As a result, both couples' dinner was disrupted by the discussion about the respective infants. A common source of jokes centers around the couple who brings out the family albums, films or video tapes of their little "crumb cruncher," inflicting the material on any unwary guest. But in spite of the endless hours of infliction of babies most people are more than sympathetic of the proud parents. Each of us has felt the need to brag about someone or something at least once in our life. Even the apostle Paul found himself in the position of wanting to boast about those he considered like his own children: the Thessalonians. It was the early 50s (A.D.), and Paul was in Corinth. He had just been informed that "the Thessalonians were continuing to grow and to remain faithful to Christ in spite of persecution." * On the other hand, "false teaching concerning the day of the Lord had entered the church and was causing confusion and leading some of the Christians to quit their jobs in expectation of the Lord's return." ** It was in light of these facts that Paul sat down to pen the second letter to the Thessalonians. We would do well to use his approach as we strive to help one another grow. First, Paul identifies the Thessalonians' past progress (Chapter 1). Next, he spoke to the need for correction of current error (Chapter 2). Finally, he encouraged these believers with the hope of their positive future (Chapter 3). In this, the first of three articles, the positive response of these believers will be examined. Also, the factors involved in their hope and confidence will be explained. These same truths that were a comfort to the Thessalonians serve as a comfort for today's Christians. Paul opens the letter with a greeting that is similar to a number of his other letters. He informs the reader that the message comes not just from him, but also from Silas, or Silvanus and Timothy. The content of the letter, comes not from those named, but God. The letter also comes from the Lord Jesus Christ, the one who is the basis of Salvation. Paul is writing from his authority within the church. Paul addresses the letter to the believers with "grace" and "peace." These are the Greek and Hebrew greetings. They each have specific significance. Grace, or "charis," refers to "the act of God in Christ whereby man's sin is put away and salvation made available as a free gift." *** Peace is the Hebrew word shalom and doesn't refer to the absence of war or turmoil, but "is concerned with 'wholeness', 'soundness', and signifies prosperity in the widest sense, especially prosperity in spiritual things." **** Paul writes to the Thessalonians based on the foundation of their relationship with God, grounded on the shed blood of Christ. Paul deals with them as believers, and his praises, concerns and instructions are based on the reality of their salvation. In his salutation, he informs them that his words carry the weight of divine authority. Before Paul can get to the main point of his letter, he feels thrust upon him the need, the duty to thank God for these believers. His specific reasons for his thankfulness are: First, the ever-increasing faith demonstrated by them. And second, along with the increase in faith, they showed growth in the depth of the relationship among themselves, that is an increase in agape. Agape is the love of God, putting the needs of others ahead of their own, lived out through believers. Paul is like a proud father, bubbling over with joy and excitement at the spiritual growth of God's children in this body. And, like the exuberant father, he even finds himself boasting to some of the other churches he comes in contact with. He speaks of the qualities found within the Thessalonian body. If possible, he would have probably whipped out pictures as well. Paul's letter notes that the Thessalonians deserve of his good words. But even the Thessalonians' quality of faith and love wasn't the basis for his joy and pride. It was the fact that these qualities validated God's righteous judgment in His relationship with them. The believers' perseverance in suffering was proof that they were part of God's kingdom. Pain, contrary to current popular teaching, isn't a sign of lack of faith, a lack of love, or even being out of God's will. On the contrary, these things were proof that God considered the Thessalonians an integral part of His kingdom. Their faithfulness in the midst of pain showed that God was working through them. Christians don't need the strength of the Lord to stand firm when everything is going smoothly. But, if you are to remain true in the midst of trials and tribulations, then you must depend on His strength, for you have none of your own. It is because of the righteousness of God that He allows Christians to suffer so that they can be better conformed to the image of Christ. This doesn't mean that God brings suffering, but He does allow it. Suffering comes from living in a sinful world. All men suffer, both the saved and the lost. The difference is that the Christian can truly say, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28). Paul notes that the Thessalonians' ability to persevere is the evidence of God's righteousness working in their lives. It is God that empowers them in their perseverance. Their steadfastness is also the validation of the future judgment, in which the righteous will be rewarded and the unrighteous will be punished. The comfort here is that God cares for His own, even in the midst of their trials. This is the hope and comfort of all believers, that one day God will bring vindication for suffering and persecution, resulting in comfort for the saved. And, in a real sense, there is comfort in the fact that the unrighteous will be judged and will suffer everlasting punishment. The comfort is their imminent punishment, but the fact that God is a just and righteous God. If He does not punish sin, then what confidence can the Christian have in the truth of His justice? Paul makes it clear that this eternal punishment goes hand in hand with eternal separation from the Lord. The judgment will fall when Christ returns with His children. These children will include the Thessalonian believers. Believers will be compensated in two ways. First, and most important, they will enjoy an eternity with the Lord. Second, they will be vindicated by His judgment on those who had rebelled against Him and persecuted His children. Grounded in these truths, Paul continues to lift the Thessalonian believers up in prayer. He requests that God would continue to strengthen them and to help them to continue to grow in their faith and deeds, that is, become more conformed to the image of Christ. As they continued to grow, the name of Christ would be glorified, for again their faith was the proof of the Lord's working in their lives. Plus, they would receive the blessings that come from being God's children. Now first, it should be noted that the specific type of trials the Thessalonians faced were at the hands of men. They were being persecuted for their faith. It was for this reason Paul stressed that those who rejected the truth of the gospel would be eternally separated from God, and would experience eternal ruin. Second, with the coming of Christ they would experience an end to all suffering and pain. Just as those who have rejected Christ would be rejected, the Thessalonians would receive the reward of their faithfulness. Finally, it should be noted that their faith and perseverance were not the criteria by which they were saved. The faith and perseverance was the proof that they were saved. Works are not the basis of salvation, but the product of a saved condition. Without any works there is real doubt if salvation is present. As James wrote: "But someone will say, 'You have faith; I have deeds.' Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do" (James 2:18). Paul could write this same letter to the Christian today. Most believers in the United States are not experiencing the same kind of suffering, that is the type of persecution that these early believers lived through. Some of Morning Star's readers outside the United States may be experiencing this, but there is also no question that many of the difficulties in the lives of Christians exist because they have chosen to live according to the Lord's direction. Many believers' trials are tied to circumstances, poor health, a difficult economy or the inappropriate choices of those around them, and therefore are not tied directly to their faith. There is also no question that the very faith and perseverance that is demonstrated in standing up to these trials is proof of the Lord's working in their lives. While all of us would like life to be easy, or fair, you should realize that it is through your experiences in trials that you continue to grow in your dependency on the Lord, and to be more conformed to His image. Paul's message of Christ's imminent return is to be the believer's comfort. The assurance that what you suffer today will be rewarded in the quality of your eternal relationship with the Lord can be a true motivator. The believer can move toward an attitude of not only accepting present circumstances, but taking joy in the knowledge that he will be compensated in eternity. Finally, the knowledge that God is just and therefore, just as He will reward you for your faith and obedience, so He will also judge those who haven't accepted Christ's payment for their sins. This truth should motivate you as a believer to bring the Gospel to whoever the Lord puts in your path. As you depend on the Lord, He will provide you with the faith, strength and comfort to carry on, no matter how difficult your circumstances. And, as you see Him working in your life, so will others. As a result, the name of Christ will be glorified and you will also be glorified in Him. Through this others will come to know Him and to also desire to grow in their relationship with Him. As you struggle in the difficulties of life, it is vital that you remember one fact. Your very suffering is proof that "...you will be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering," As you have these opportunities you will find yourselves in good company, for remember, it was said: "The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name" (Acts 5:41). Christ suffered for you, so that you can spend an eternity with Him. Praise the Lord, not for your difficulties, but for the blessings and opportunities that come out of them. Finally, pray that you will continue to grow in your faith and love so that within the body of Christ you can care for one another as you struggle to glorify your God and Father. Even so, come Lord Jesus. ------------------------- * Thomas L. Constable, THE BIBLE KNOWLEDGE COMMENTARY, "2 Thessalonians," Victor Books, 1987, pg. 713. ** Ibid. *** Leon Morris, TYNDALE NEW TESTAMENT COMMENTARIES, "1 and 2 Thessalonians," Inter-Varsity Press, 1983, Pg. 33. **** Ibid. Special Studies Special Studies The Bible is an account of God's relationship to man, a covenant relationship. We find this from the day of creation to the eternal relationship we can have with the Messiah. This is the sixth in a series of articles detailing the individual covenants found within Scripture. Last time we discovered the impact of the Abrahamic Covenant, when God revealed that it was time for man to relearn how to trust Him. GOD IS REVEALED IN THE COVENANT OF FREEDOM By Dr. Charles A. Wootten The next revelation of God occurs when He revealed Himself to Moses. God recalled His covenant with Abraham. Accordingly, He had mercy on His people, and therefore sent Moses to deliver the children of Israel from Egyptian bondage. "God spoke to Moses and said to him, 'I am the LORD. I appeared to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob as El Shaddai, but I did not make Myself known to them by My name Adonai. I also established My covenant with them, to give them the land of Canaan, the land in which they lived as sojourners. I have now heard the moaning of the Israelites because the Egyptians are holding them in bondage, and I have remembered My covenant. Say, therefore, to the Israelite people: I am the Lord. I will free you from the burdens of the Egyptians and deliver you from their bondage. I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and through extraordinary chastisement'" (Exodus 6:2-8, JPSA). God instructed Moses in the building of the Tabernacle, ordination of the clergy, details of ritual worship, and requirements of the Levitical law. An exciting statement on the revelation of God, as seen through the eyes of Moses and Aaron, is found in the Midrash. Here is an account of the interview which took place between them and Pharaoh. Pharaoh asked them, "Who is your God that I should hearken unto His voice?" They replied, "The universe is filled with the might and power of our God. He existed ere the world was created, and He will continue in being when the world comes to a final end He formed you and infused into you the breath of life. He stretched forth the heavens and laid the foundations of the earth. His voice hews out flames of fire, rends mountains asunder and shatters rocks. His bow is fire and His arrows flames. His spear is a torch, His shield the clouds and His sword the lightning. He fashioned mountains and hills and covered them with grass. He makes the rains and dews to descend, and causes the herbs to sprout. He also forms the embryo in the mother's womb and enables it to issue forth as a living being." (Exodus R.v.14). This is the understanding of the revelation of God. It was this revelation that was the undergirding of the Mosaic Covenant. The Mosaic Covenant was given to the children of Israel 430 years after the Abrahamic Covenant. God heard the cry of the children of bondage and decided to set them free as He had promised. In this action, His redemptive purposes, His character and His way of life were revealed to His people (Exodus 1-5; Deuteronomy 5). The words of the covenant, more words than any other, involved the Law (Exodus 20-40; Leviticus 1-27; Numbers 1-10, 15, 18, 19, 28-36; Deuteronomy 1-34). The Law had three major divisions: Moral, Civil, and Ceremonial. The promises of the covenant were conditional on the same platform as the Abrahamic Covenant (see previous articles). As we shall see later, the curses were outlined in the Palestinian Covenant. Regarding the terms of the covenant, we find faith-obedience was replaced with legal-obedience. "You shall keep My laws and My rules, by the pursuit of which man shall live: I am the Lord" (Leviticus 18:5 [JPSA]) (cf Galatians 3:10- 12). Under this restriction, Israel could obtain the promise of life only by fulfilling the works of the Law to obtain righteousness (Deuteronomy 6:25; Leviticus 18:5; Romans 10:1-5; Galatians 3:21). Under other covenants they could receive righteousness by faith in God's promises (Galatians 3:11; Romans 4:1-5). A summary of the terms is: 1. The Ten Commandments, which showed man's relationship to God and man's relationship to man (Exodus 20:1-17; Deuteronomy 5:1-21). 2. Legal obedience to God (Deuteronomy 11:26-28; 13:4; Jeremiah 11:1-10). 3. The heart condition of love of God that enabled them to keep His commandments (Deuteronomy 6:4-6; 10:12,13,16; 30:6-8). Unless God changed man's heart he would never be able, by self-effort, to develop a perfect heart of loving obedience toward Him. Interestingly enough, there was no oath of this covenant. Examining the blood of the covenant, there is an extremely detailed description of sacrifices that typified the atoning work of Christ. The blood, as we recall, symbolized life and atonement (Genesis 4:10; Leviticus 17:10-14). The Law includes many voluntary and compulsory offerings. The offerings include three voluntary ones: the burnt offering, the meal offering, and the peace offering (Leviticus 1-7). The compulsory offerings are the sin and the trespass offerings. We can see in the reading of the Law concerning the blood of the covenant that: It has a voice (Genesis 4:10; Hebrews 12:22-24) It is life (Genesis 9:4-6; Deuteronomy 12:23) It is an atonement for the soul (Leviticus 17:10-14) It is evidence of out-poured life (Deuteronomy 12:16,23,24) It is the evidence of judgment on sin by death (Exodus 12:13; Leviticus 16:15,16) The seal of the covenant is distinctly revealed as the weekly Sabbath Day (Exodus 31:12-17; Leviticus 19:30; 23:3; Ezekiel 20:10-26). This was a reminder that when the Lord had made the heaven and the earth, He sanctified the seventh day as a day of rest. God's day of rest is Man's first day of life. The goal of the Sabbath is Man's redemptive rest. It asserts the principle of freedom under God and of liberty under God's Law. The essence of the Sabbath is the work of restoration, God's new creation. The goal of the Sabbath is the second creation rest of God. Man is required to rest and to allow earth and animals to rest. This rest is necessary for God's restoration to work, and creation to be revitalized. Every Sabbath rest points to the new creation, the regeneration and restoration of all that things. God's work of restoration is from the ground up. The Sabbath has always had reference to the future. The pattern of the Sabbath is in the past, from the Sabbath of Creation. The entrance into the Sabbath is also in the past; for Israel, it was the redemption from Egypt. God's Sabbath for the Church is found in the Resurrection. In the next part of this series, we will take a pause to look at the symbols and types found in the Pentateuch, the first five books of Moses. The purpose will be to find a greater appreciation of the covenants in the many small ways that God is revealed in them. Two greater names of God will also be discussed. Messianic Studies Messianic Studies The Messianic Studies column explores the world of the Messianic Believer. Like the church at large, Messianic Judaism contains much diversity. It is made up of numerous views as to what it means to be a Messianic Jew, who we are, what we call ourselves and what we believe. This column will be used to explore this variety, giving the reader a broader perspective of Messianic Judaism than found elsewhere, exposing those of us who are Messianic Believers to the wide spectrum of practice found within the movement. Hopefully we will succeed in helping our Jewish brothers and sisters to understand why we follow Yeshua as our savior. We also hope that what is provided here will give our gentile readers both a better understanding of their Jewish brothers and sisters in Christ, as well as the Jewish roots of their own faith. JESUS, THE RABBI - WAS HE ORTHODOX? By David Bivin Part 1 of a 3-part series (A transcript of an address first given at Christ Church in Jerusalem on May 26th 1987. Reprinted with permission of Christian Friends of Israel) INTRODUCTION "Jesus, The Rabbi - Was He Orthodox?". It may be jumping ahead a little bit to ask whether or not He was observant and orthodox. First, we must ask, was He even Jewish? And then, was He a Rabbi? Only after that may we go on to find if He was an observant orthodox Rabbi. It is rather shocking to find out how many Christians are not aware that Jesus was Jewish. In this land (of Israel) for instance there are whole communities of people, Christian people, non-Jewish, who do not believe that Jesus is Jewish. A friend of mine was furthering her knowledge of Hebrew in an Ulpan (a language school) here in Jerusalem. She fell into conversation with a young lady from Bethlehem, a Christian, who was trying to learn Hebrew. At one point in the conversation my friend said, "Well, you know Jesus was Jewish after all". The lady replied: "He wasn't Jewish". My friend replied, "Well, go ask your priest and see what he says". She didn't ask her priest, but she went home and asked her mother and father. The father said: "Yes, she's right. He was Jewish". The mother said: "No, He's not Jewish". So it was a tie. Not only here, but in Europe, England and the United States, we would be shocked to find out how many Christian people have never realized that Jesus was Jewish. Another friend of mine, who is a film actor in the United States, was commissioned by a certain person in a large city to create a mural of Acts chapter two as an artistic representation. This friend of mine suggested that it should have a wider context. The mural should not only depict the fire and the tongues and the Holy Spirit, but the men and women should be represented as Jews, perhaps in Jewish dress. After all, he said, "Jesus was Jewish, and His disciples were Jewish". The person who had commissioned the mural replied, "You know, my pastor said that in his sermon last Sunday, and I was absolutely shocked!" I could go on with stories like this, but if you just do a minimal amount of research, you will find that many Christians still believe that Jesus was not Jewish. Let me begin by saying a few words about Jesus' Jewishness, as obvious as it should be. THE JEWISHNESS OF JESUS It is not hard to find evidence in the New Testament for Jesus' Jewishness. Firstly, Jesus genealogy is clearly Jewish. In the gospels of Matthew and Luke, His lineage is traced back to the patriarches in typical Jewish fashion. Jesus' family was also completely Jewish. Joseph, the earthly father's name, was the second most common name of the period for Jewish men. His mother's name, Mary, was the most common Jewish women's name. Inscriptions dating from the first century indicate that the name Jeshua, Jesus, was itself the fifth most common Jewish man's name after the names Simeon, Joseph, Judah and John. All of Jesus' known relatives were Jewish. They included Elizabeth, Zachariah the priest, their son John the Baptist, as well as Jesus' own brothers, James, Joseph (one of the sons carried the name of the father), Simeon and Judah. The fact that Jesus and His family were observant Jews is fully documented in the gospels. Jesus was circumcised on the eighth day, and as is still Jewish custom for male children, at his circumcision ceremony he was formally given his name. His parents also performed two other Jewish ceremonies in Jerusalem during that time. One was the "pidyon ha-ben" (the redemption of the first born), which Joseph symbolically performed on Jesus' thirty-first day, by giving five silver coins to a priest. The other occurred on the forty-first day after Jesus' birth when Mary performed the ceremony for her purification by bringing two offerings to the temple. Jesus' parents, we are told, went up to Jerusalem every year to observe the east of Passover. This devotion is exemplary and unusual, because many people living outside Jerusalem made a pilgrimage to the Temple only a few times in their lives, and some only once. To make a pilgrimage was a major expense for people who had to pay for the cost of the journey, the cost of the stay in Jerusalem and the cost of the sacrifices offered in the temple during the festival. The Biblical commandment of Deuteronomy 16:16, "Three times a year all your men shall appear before the Lord your God at the place that He will choose, on the Feast of Unleavened Bread, on the Feast of Weeks, and on the Feast of Booths", was not interpreted literally by the rabbis. Pilgrimage was encouraged by them but not made mandatory. Of course, all the other biblical regulations pertaining to each festival could be fully observed by each family in its place of residence. The evidence in the gospels indicates that Jesus was no less observant than His parents. For instance, Jesus was in Jerusalem for Passover when He was arrested and when he "ate the Passover" with His disciples. JESUS A RABBI So much for Jesus' Jewishness. Now, was He a rabbi? By the time Jesus began His public ministry, He had not only received the thorough religious training typical of the average Jewish man of his day, but He had probably spent years studying with one of the outstanding rabbis in the Galilee. He did not begin His ministry until a rather mature age. What was He doing all these years? We know quite a great deal about that from rabbinic sources. Jesus thus appeared on the scene as a respected rabbi Himself. He was recognized as such by His contemporaries, as many passages in the New Testament illustrate. And Jesus answered and said to him: "Shimon, I have something to say to you". And he said: "Rabbi, what is it?" A lawyer asked Him a question to test Him: "Rabbi, what is the greatest commandment in the Torah?" And behold a rich man came up to Him and said: "Rabbi, what good thing must do to have eternal life?" And someone in the crowd said to Him: "Rabbi, order my brother to divide the inheritance with me". Matters of inheritance were a typical thing that one came to a Rabbi about. And some of the Pharisees said to Him: "Rabbi, rebuke your disciples". And they asked him saying: "Rabbi, we know that you speak and teach what is right, and that you do not show partiality but teach the way of God truly ..." And one last example. Some of the Sadducees came up to Him and they asked Him saying: "Rabbi ...", and so on. Note the diversity of those who address Jesus as rabbi; a lawyer, a rich man, Pharisees, Sadducees, and ordinary people. Obviously there was a broad cross-section of people in Jesus' day who saw Him as a rabbi. To understand the significance of Jesus being called a rabbi, one must first grasp what a rabbi of the first century was and how he functioned in that society. The term "rabbi" is derived from the Hebrew word "rav" which in biblical Hebrew means "great". It was not used as a title or as a form of address. In Jesus' time it was used to refer to the master of a slave or the master of a disciple. Thus a rabbi literally meant "my master" and was a term of respect. It was not a formal title, but it was used when you addressed a teacher. From the gospel accounts, Jesus clearly appears as a typical first century rabbi. He traveled from place to place. He depended upon the hospitality of the people. He taught out doors. He taught in homes. He taught in villages. He taught in synagogues. He even taught in the temple. He had a band of disciples who followed Him around as He traveled. This is the very image of a Jewish rabbi in the land of Israel at the time. Perhaps the most convincing proof that Jesus was a practicing rabbi was His style of teaching. He used the same method of instruction that was characteristic of the other rabbis of His day. A simple example is Jesus' use of parables to convey His teaching. Parables such as Jesus used were extremely common among the rabbis of first century Israel and over 4,000 of them have survived in rabbinic literature. That is if you count only the full-blown story type parables. Other scholars estimate that there are around 20,000 parables that are found in rabbinic literature. It is of interest that of all of these thousands of parables, there is not one parable in Aramaic. Every one of them is in Hebrew. Even as much as a few hundred years later, 500 to 600 AD, which include texts written in Aramaic, the parable is always given in Hebrew. Next month: Part 2 - "Was Jesus Observant?" David Bivin has lived in Israel since 1963, when he came to do graduate studies at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. From 1970 to 1981 he was director of the modern Language Division of the American Ulpan, and also director of the Modern Hebrew Department of the Institute of Holy Land Studies on Mount Zion. He is co-author of two books: "Fluent Biblical and Modern Hebrew", and "Understanding the Difficult Words of Jesus". He is currently director of the Jerusalem School for the Study of the Synoptic Gospels, which is sponsored by the Centre for Judaic-Christian Studies. David Bivin also serves as an elder of the Narkis Street Baptist congregation in Jerusalem. Anee M'Amin Anee M'Amin ANEE M'AMIN is Hebrew for "I believe". Every month this column will feature the testimony of a Jewish believer in Yeshua (Jesus). OUT OF CONTROL By Susan Liles Addicted to crack, living on the edge, Susan Liles wandered far from her Jewish heritage - until someone suggested Jesus might be the answer to her problems. ------------------------- If you saw me at a family gathering, I always looked happy and in control. That is, if you were able to look past how thin and drawn I was. If you saw me out on the streets in the worst parts of town, you saw the real me: desperate, frightened, strung-out and self-destructive. I was a 30-year old mess, using crack cocaine, addicted to anything that made me numb. Ever since I could remember, I had been trying to escape the horrible situations around me. When I was very young, my father physically abused my three brothers, my mother and me. I remember trying to protect myself, and feeling so guilty that not only could I not stop him from hitting me, but my mother was often hit as she was trying to protect us. My mother and father had been high school sweethearts. My mother was Jewish and had escaped Hitler's Europe. My dad was not Jewish, but had been a tender person when they first met and married. After he returned from Korea, however, mom noticed a change. The abuse--verbal and physical--grew as the family grew. The closest thing to a traditional upbringing was the summers I spent with my grandparents in Long Island, New York. I also spent many holidays with my grandparents, and frequently attended synagogue with them. Finally when I was 10, my folks divorced. By that time, however, the damage was done. In addition to physical abuse, a relative had frequently sexually abused me. At night, I'd lie in bed, sometimes using safety pins to close my nightgown, afraid that he'd come in. I could never tell anyone because I was full of guilt, certain that I was doing something to deserve it. Death and Drugs So as far as I was concerned, life was horrible and I was horrible. At 13, I began to use whatever drugs I could find. The only person who loved me, and whom I trusted, was my oldest brother Robert. When I was 16, he was murdered while walking down the street. It seemed to me at the time it was because he was using heroin, and had gotten mixed up with drug dealers. Because they never proved the connection between his death and drugs, officially the case wasn't solved. With Robert's death, I felt my life go out of control. I occasionally tried returning to synagogue, and enjoyed the services. But I finally stopped, because my prayers never seemed to go anywhere. Over the next few years, I made many choices which led me deeper into drugs and relationships with men who, for the most part, were drug dealers or gang members. I attempted suicide several times, almost succeeding at age 25, which resulted in my being in a coma for four days. One night, early in 1991, I was at rock bottom. My latest boyfriend had thrown me out. With nowhere to go, I checked into a cheap motel room. When I ran out of crack, I stared into the empty jar, then swung it hard against the bathtub. Holding a piece of glass against my wrist, I was determined to succeed this time. I didn't want to die, but it seemed that there was just no other answer. "God," I cried out, "help me." That night, I put aside the glass and decided to live at least the rest of the day. Even then, I sensed that something, or someone, was preventing me from taking that final step. Against All Odds Not too long after that, I went to visit my mother and stepfather. Two of my stepdad's co-workers had been praying for me and told him about Teen Challenge. Against all odds, and despite a normally lengthy waiting list, I was accepted into the program within two weeks. If I hadn't been, I firmly believe I would have been dead in that same time. I was so frightened the day my mother and I came up the drive that I wanted to back out, but something inside of me kept pushing me forward. Inside, I was greeted by many faces. These people hugged me, some said they were glad I was there, and others told me they loved me. "How on earth could they love me?" I kept thinking. I knew how lousy I really was. Being around them made me very uncomfortable. I didn't trust anyone, and could tell they were either Jesus freaks or liars. And besides, I was Jewish. Jewish people didn't believe in Jesus. Even though my life had been so atypical, I did have a sense of Jewish identity, which became even more important to me than ever. Happy, Loving, Truthful, Slowly I began to see that even though I had learned not to trust people, these people at the center were real. They were happy, loving, truthful, caring, kind and patient (especially with me). Everything they said or taught was shown in their actions. One morning, while meeting with a staff member, she told me how she had come to a personal relationship with the Lord and went on to say, "Susan, you need to be willing to ask Jesus to reveal Himself to you. Ask Him and He will." All that day, under my breath, I asked Jesus--If He was real--to show me. I said it before I went to sleep. I repeated it when I got up the next morning. That morning, after breakfast, I went into the classroom we used for chapel. When I walked in, I was stunned. There was a long table covered with a white cloth, set with a complete Seder service. It was beautiful. There was even a bowl of charoseth, the special mixture of apple, nuts and honey, and I wanted to sneak up and take a taste. Defining a "Coincidence" A Jewish woman, Artis Clotfelter, a missionary with Chosen People Ministries, was there. I could feel everyone's eyes on me and I tried to act as if I wasn't affected by any of it. Then I looked over at my desk where there was a sign that read, "A coincidence is when God makes a miracle and decides to remain anonymous." I went and sat in the first row as Artis explained how the Messiah was portrayed in the Passover meal. There it was, amidst all the tradition and ritual I had always felt comfortable with: the truth that Jesus is the Son of God, that He is the Jewish Messiah. I watched Artis explain how the middle matzoh is taken out and broken, half is buried and then raised later in the service. All of my doubts and fears fell away. After the service, I went for a walk with Artis. For over an hour we talked about God and Scripture. It was as if I had been seeing everything through a gray film up until now, and suddenly everything became clear. Talking about how much God loves us and takes care of us, Artis plucked a tiny flower that was growing along the side of the path. "Look, God is a God of such detail." The love I felt was compelling, but still I worried about how my mother and grandparents would feel. Completing My Judaism She explained that I would not be departing from being Jewish...I'd be completing my Jewish identity as I came into relationship with the Jewish Messiah. She asked me if I'd like to receive my Messiah. Part of me wanted to, but I hesitated. We talked more about the Jewishness of the message, and Artis pointed out Jeremiah 31:31, where God promises a "new" covenant. Once more Artis asked, "Would you like to receive Yeshua (Jesus) as Messiah?" This time I replied, "Yes." I prayed, acknowledging that I was a sinner, separated from God. I recognized for the first time that Jesus was my Messiah, the son of God who died for me, the One Who loved me as no one else could. "I love You," I prayed, without fear, for the first time. "Jesus, I love You." ------------------------- Susan is still living at the Teen Challenge residence home, growing in the Lord and actively involved in their outreach. Her mother and stepfather say that she is a completely changed person. If you would like to know more about Yeshua (Jesus), Susan's Messiah, contact Chosen People Ministries. (See the resource area for their address.) You may also write us here at Morning Star for a referral in your area. Reprinted with the permission of the author, Artis Clotfelter, and Chosen People Ministries, from "The Chosen People," March 1992. The WORD for Today Seeking The Healthy Church Family Before this last Easter, many churches across the country were involved in The Chapel of the Air's "Fifty-Day Spiritual Adventure." This program was designed to help local churches become "The Family God Wants Us To Be." The material provided focused on dysfunctional behavior found in families and brought into the church. The article presented here is the first of seven messages given by Pastor Geoff Kragen. They were presented at Foothill Bible Church in Lincoln California as part of that church's involvement with the program. The balance of this series of messages will be continued in this column beginning with the next issue. Additional information on the "Fifty-Day Spiritual Adventure" can be found in the Counseling Resource area in this issue of Morning Star. ------------------------- SEEKING THE HEALTHY CHURCH FAMILY "Unconditional Love" 1 Peter 3:8 & 9 Over a many years of counseling, I have observed clients who are very performance oriented. They constantly strive to prove their worth by what they accomplish. They believe their value comes from the praise of others. They also believe they can only please the Lord by how they perform. They believe this because they learned, growing up, that it was performance that earned their parents love. I remember one specific individual who came to the elders of our church. He wanted to help us by going into the community, witnessing door to door and then also telling people about the church. Our response was that he needed to get to know us, and vice versa, if he was to represent us to the community. We were more concerned about his spiritual condition than we were about his ministry. He was not pleased with our response. He wasn't interested in being part of the body. He wanted to work. He said that the only time he felt close to God was when he was involved with ministry. It was clear that he believed that the only way he could please the Lord was by doing. It was because of this unbalanced view that we were not able to accept his offer. He immediately went elsewhere. One symptom of the dysfunctional home is: Personal value is dependent on performance. "I will love you, if..." Or, "Look what a great person your sister is, because she got all "A's." Often the performance-oriented type of individual is the product of parents who never validated him as an individual. The child was "loved" and praised, but only in relationship to the quality of his or her performance. The flip side of positive reinforcement for good behavior is negative reinforcement for inappropriate behavior. The parent or spouse says, "I can't love you because of what you have done to me." Or, "How could you treat me this way?" The spouse or child is valued when the expectations of the parent or spouse are met. He or she is devalued when failing to meet the other's expectations. The issue isn't even whether or not the expectations are valid. They may very well be. The problem is that the spouse, child or family member is not valued as a person. The individual is only accepted or rejected based on performance. Dysfunctional love is conditional, while healthy love is unconditional. This is true in our family. It is also true in the church family. This morning we are looking at the first attribute needed within the family, within the church, to become "The Family God Wants Us To Be." We are going to discuss the need to love each other unconditionally. First, let us examine the passage in I Peter. Next, we will discuss a couple of reasons why we often refuse to love unconditionally. Last, we will consider what it truly means to love unconditionally within the church family. The call to love, within the body, is not an option, it is a requirement. As Jesus said, "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another" (John 13:34-35). Peter, in I Peter, Chapter 3, had been discussing the duties of Christian living. Now, he closes this section of his letter with directions to the whole community which makes up the local church. "Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing." 1 Peter 3:8-9 Paul calls believers to get along with one another in love. Their relationships are to be typified by harmony, that is, they are to be of one mind. As we focus on the call of Christ to us as a church, we will be of one mind. This is not optional. Paul required the same unity of focus when he said: "Then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose" (Philippians 2:2). Is our primary focus on our common relationship with the Lord? Maybe we are more concerned with validating our specific doctrinal positions. Peter calls his readers to be sympathetic to one another. We must show compassion for one another. This means that while we may not be able to empathize with the pain of another, we must recognize the pain and demonstrate the Lord's compassion for the person experiencing the pain. As Paul put it: "Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn" (Romans 12:15). Do we hurt when others hurt? Instead, aren't we more likely to respond, "If they would depend on the Lord more, everything would be all right." Next, Peter says to love as brothers and be compassionate. It is safe to presume that he doesn't mean try to kill each other, as brothers sometimes want to do. He is assuming that brothers love one another and that this is an unconditional love, a product of the relationship. "Now about brotherly love we do not need to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other. And in fact, you do love all the brothers throughout Macedonia. Yet we urge you, brothers, to do so more and more" (1 Thessalonians 4:9-10). Brotherly love is a product of our relationship with the Lord and then each other. But Paul makes it clear that while we may have love, we always need to have more. Remember that our model of unconditional love is God, who "demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8). Lastly, note that Peter calls us to be humble. True humility is only experienced when we have an accurate self-image. If we see ourselves as God does, then how can we not accept people as they are? And what is the opposite side of the coin? Well, according to Peter, if we show all these positive qualities, then we would not want to get even with others. We wouldn't demand that we get our way. We wouldn't say, "But what about my rights?" As we love others, and give up the right to our rights, then we will truly be able to love others unconditionally. Then we will be able to fulfill Christ's command to love one another. So, why don't we love unconditionally? I think there are at least two reasons for this. First, we often take on God's role, demanding that others behave Biblically, righteously and justly. The problem here is that while we may be correct in our assessment of another's behavior, we are confusing the call to disciple one another with being judgmental. We will love those that meet our "Biblical" expectations. And often, our expectations aren't even grounded in Scripture. David Mains lists several excuses that we use to withhold our love. * Someone's taste in music is different. * Someone wears clothes others don't think are appropriate for the Sunday morning service. * Someone's been going to a charismatic Bible study. * Someone's been going to a theater, etc. * Now understand, I am not talking about compromise of truth here. After all, since God loves us, He expects obedience from us. His love provided the payment for our sin. But, God is concerned that we manifest His love, so we can grow in maturity, striving to become more like Christ. We are to love one another, teaching and correcting, out of love. We are to leave conviction to the Holy Spirit, and allow God to move believers at His own pace. Our love must never be dependent on the behavior of another. After all, how does God deal with us? His love isn't based on our behavior. He loves us in spite of who we are. In fact, when He disciplines us it is because He loves us. "Because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son" (Hebrews 12:6). The whole message of the parable of the Prodigal Son is that God loves his children, even when they are in the pig pen. How can we do less? We must always move towards one another regardless of the response. Again, God never rejects us as His children, no matter what we have done. So how can we reject one another? The main reason we don't love unconditionally is that we are self-centered. We want things our own way. We demand that our standards are to be the criteria for others. Just as the parent or spouse who says, "I will love you if." So we say that we will love those that meet our standards. The focus of our love is not the other person, but ourselves. Our concern is with our comfort, not the needs of the other individual. We feel challenged by the behavior of others. If we tell people what is right, they should respond accordingly. If they don't, they are rejecting our good advice. And how dare they! If we love them and they are being disobedient to God, then our response shouldn't be anger. Instead, we should be pained for what they are doing to themselves. When we sin as believers, God grieves for us. When Paul is concerned with the behavior of believers in the local church, he notes that discord grieves God. "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. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice" (Ephesians 4:29-31). By the way, if unconditional love was being lived out by the Ephesians, I suspect that they wouldn't have be experienced the sins Paul enumerated. If we are to love unconditionally, then we must be willing to take a significant risk. We must be willing to let the Lord examine our hearts. If we do, He will show us when our responses to others are self-centered instead of God-centered. "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts" (Psalm 139:23). Peter calls us to be humble. This is necessary if we are to demonstrate Godly love towards others. Humility requires an understanding of our own failings and that truth that God loves us anyway. Following God's example we too can love others by putting their needs ahead of our desires. Christ did this by dying for us. This being the case, how can we refuse to love others, no matter how justified we may choose to feel? How does Scripture define love? "Love is patient." How do you respond when your spouse blows it for the umpteenth time? With patience? "Love is kind." When your child fails you, do you react out of anger, or do you deal with him out of kindness? "Love does not envy." When someone in the body gets a new house, one better than yours, are you glad or jealous? "Love does not boast." Do I make sure everyone knows how I have helped someone out of love? Then they can say, "What a great guy!" Or, instead, do I keep my mouth shut? "Love is not proud." Even if I keep my mouth shut, I know deep inside just how wonderful I am to put up with you. "Love is not rude." Do we interrupt with advice, showing how much we know, or do we listen? "Love is not self-seeking." Are we happy when someone else sits at the head of the table? Or instead, do we feel rejected because we weren't chosen? "Love is not easily angered." Are we more concerned with the other guy or our bent feelings? "Love keeps no record of wrongs." Do we say, "I forgive, but I'll never forget!"? "Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth." If we love, we do react to the failures of our brothers and sisters. But we do so out of concern for them and a Biblical desire for restoration. And, when truth prevails, we rejoice, not because we can say "I told you so," but because the Prodigal Son has returned. "Love always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres" (1 Corinthians 13:4-7). If we love one another, then we will desire the best for each other. We will care for each other. We will trust one another, even when disappointed. And we will never give up on one another, no matter how great the failure or how long the time. The Lord never gives up on us, therefore we can never say, "Enough already!" If we demonstrate these qualities, then we are loving unconditionally. After hearing the message to this point, you may feel discouraged and think, "I can't even practice these things at home. How on earth can I possibly practice them here in the church?" Praise the Lord, I don't have to work up love to love you. And you don't have to work up love to love me. The Holy Spirit will empower us to love one another. But we have to choose to allow Him to do this through us. We must be willing to give up the right to be right. We must give up the demand that others meet our expectations. Instead, we must truly desire to love as God does. Then, we will be willing to recognize our sin when we refuse to love. But then we will be able to love unconditionally, and we will experience the true freedom to us as Christians. When we are able to love unconditionally, we will be free to meet God's expectations and longer be controlled by the expectations of others. We will be able to love even if we aren't loved in return. We will be able to say with Paul, "Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ" (Galatians 1:10). * David Mains, HEALING THE DYSFUNCTIONAL CHURCH FAMILY, Victor Books, Wheaton, IL, 1992, pg. 17-18 Prayer Guidelines Prayer and Faith by Mike Wilkinson PRAYER AND FAITH By Michael Wilkinson Article 4 of the "Prayer and..." Series "Peter was therefore kept in prison, but constant prayer was offered to God for him by the church. And when Herod was about to bring him out, that night Peter was sleeping, bound with two chains between two soldiers; and the guards before the door were keeping the prison. Now behold, an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shone in the prison; and he struck Peter on the side and raised him up, saying, 'Arise quickly!' And his chains fell off his hands. Then the angel said to him, 'gird yourself and tie on your sandals'; and so he did. And he said to him, 'put on your garment and follow me.' So he went out and followed him, and did not know that what was done by the angel was real, but thought he was seeing a vision. When they were past the first and the second guard posts, they came to the iron gate that leads to the city, which opened to them of its own accord; and they went out and went down one street, and immediately the angel departed from him. And when Peter had come to himself, he said, "now I know for certain that the Lord has sent His angel, and has delivered me from the hand of Herod and from all the expectation of the Jewish people.' So when he had considered this, he came to the house of Mary, the mother of John whose surname was Mark where many were gathered together praying. And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a girl named Rhoda came to answer. When she recognized Peter's voice, because of her gladness she did not open the gate, but ran in and announced that Peter stood before the gate. But they said to her, 'you are beside yourself!' Yet she kept insisting that it was so. So they said, 'It is his angel.' Now Peter continued knocking; and when they opened the door and saw him, they were astonished. But motioning to them with his hand to keep silent, he declared to them how the Lord had brought him out of prison. And he said, 'Go tell these thing to James and the brethren.' And he departed and went to another place." (Acts 12:5-17) As Christians, we believe that prayer is an important part of our faith. This is communication and communion with the Almighty God, who cares for His people and wants to bless us. As prayer is part of our faith, faith also must be vested in our prayers. The above scriptures give us a sad example of how Christians can pray and yet have no faith. As Peter was being kept in prison, the prayers on his behalf were constantly being offered up. No indication is given as to how many hours or days Peter was kept in prison. But, the church was faithfully praying, apparently with little faith, for perhaps the whole time. And the prayers were continuing even as Peter was knocking at the door of Mary's house. The girl who opened the door, Rhoda, was glad and excited to hear Peter's voice. Hopefully her excitement was due to the Lord's answering her prayers as much as for Peter being there. Yet it is apparent that many of the others had already given up hope even as they prayed. "You're out of your mind (for thinking that God actually answered our prayers)!" they said, or, "If it is Peter, it must be his ghost (because we think he must have already been put to death in spite of our prayers)!" We are to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17). If the faith ceases, the constant prayers are useless. This does not mean that the Lord will not answer (He did let Peter out of prison unharmed). The focus of prayer is the Lord, not faith itself. Yet the spiritual gain of the people praying was diminished. Remember that "without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him" (Hebrews 11:6). They must also have been humbled by the sight of Peter who had waited outside while they insisted it could not be him. They should have sensed their failing faith and prayed for help to believe (see Mark 9:24). Since "the just shall live by his faith" (Habakkuk 2:4), let us also pray with faith in the Lord. I hope this article will be helpful as a reminder to pray in faith. Remember that God can do "exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think..." (Ephesians 3:20). SCUD Warnings SCUD Warnings by Jerry Johnson SCUD WARNINGS S piritual C ounterfeits U ndermining D octrine * * * W A R N I N G S * * * By Jerry Johnson ************** TO DO LIST ************** Call Pastor Shepherd regarding the following decisions: 7:00 a.m. What do I have for breakfast; hot cereal, cold cereal, eggs, milk, juice? 7:30 a.m. Should I shower or bathe? Has the Lord given the Pastor any revelation about what deodorant I should change to? Has he received a word of knowledge about what dentist I should go to? 8:00 a.m. What route has the Lord told Pastor I should take to work? Should I type the Garret report in Pica or Elite type? What time should I take my break? 11:30 a.m. Take my lunch early to go to the Church to conference and pray for insight from the Lord through Pastor Shepherd for the following critical issues: 1) Should I go to McDonalds or Burger King for lunch? 2) Should I ask for a key to the executive washroom? 3) Does God want me to brush after snacks or just after every meal? 2:30 p.m. What route should I take home? Have Pastor call my wife to let her know what God wants us to have for dinner and how to prepare it. Does God want us to use Sweet N' Low or Equal? 4:30 p.m. Call Pastor prior to this evening's service to see what suit I should wear to church and who the Lord wants us to sit next to. 8:30 p.m. Talk to Pastor after church to see if God wants my wife and I to make love tonight. Also to see what negligee, if any, my wife should wear. 10:30 p.m. Call Pastor for last time today to see what side of the bed we should sleep on, what time I should set the alarm for and what times tomorrow we should call him. Also, one ply or two? NOTE: REPEAT THIS PROCESS EVERYDAY FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE. Seems pretty silly doesn't it? Or pretty sad. "Why are you doing an article on heavy shepherding groups? It's not like it's a major problem with the church as a whole. What's the matter, are you running out of topics?" Not yet. "Then why a topic that only applies to a smattering of small groups scattered about the country?" Well, first of all, about five columns ago I promised to talk about this topic. That was when I talked about the over-independence of many Christians in America. This is the flip side of that independence ... and the flip side of the flip side. (I think I just set a new record in obscure phraseology.) Also, for those of you who may not be sure of exactly what I am referring to, I am not talking about 350 pound men who watch sheep. I am talking about groups of people that believe a specific leader or group of leaders in their group are gifted by God to have divinely inspired knowledge of what God wants in the lives of each person in the group. The group will let these people decide their jobs, their spouses, where they live, who they associate with and multitudinous other decisions, mundane and important. I don't know which scares me most ... that people will let another human being make every decision for them ... or that there are people who feel qualified to make those kinds of decisions for scores to hundreds of people. I will admit there is a certain draw to being in a world where I don't have so much responsibility ... but to have none? And there is no doubt a sense of power and the glow from the fact that people trust you so much ... but so much that you decide the course of their lives? Last decade, the (il)logical extreme of heavy shepherding took place when the leader of a large cult had a mass wedding where hundreds of couples were married, some of whom had never met. I'd love to know the divorce and estrangement rating among those couples now! We'll tap a few simple scriptures to set the premise for this discussion: I Timothy 2:5. For there is one God and one mediator between God and man ... the man which is the pastor of your group. NOT TRUE! It's Christ. The perfect God/man. James 1:5. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask ... his pastor, who gives generously to all without finding fault. WRONG! No offense guys, but the shepherding groups that I have known have tended to be heavy into two things: control and guilt. Proverbs 3:5. Trust in the ... pastor with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge him and he shall direct your path. WHOA! I don't care how trustworthy a pastor may be. Even well-intentioned, he or she is human, and "infallible man/woman" is an oxymoron. To be infallible one must be perfect; completely perfect in attitude, thought and walk; functionally sinless ... and as Paul said in I John 1:8, "If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us." Imagine (NOT visualize) if you will, a church in which sit hundreds of adult believers. In pampers. Being bottle fed by a few select adults. They have to ask to be taken to the potty ... if they are potty trained. They have to be told when it is time to eat and what to eat. No one would tolerate adults acting in this manner. It is immature and they are not living up to what they are capable of. And so it is with those who yield control in heavy shepherding groups. By surrendering the privilege of coming boldly to the throne of grace themselves, they are not "working out their (own) salvation with fear and trembling," but passing the buck ... possibly in hopes of avoiding personal responsibility for failure, or maybe the world is just to complex for them. But it's not too complex for God. Look at the Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25. The servant got nailed for NOT doing anything in fear of failing. This probably applies pretty well to not being willing to make decisions, as well. Boy, am I getting preachy or what? Anyway, do I reject the idea of wise counsel? Of course not ... but it is counsel you are to seek. The decisions you are to get from God. As for those who feel called to act in the role of the heavy shepherd, I leave you these two verses: James 3:1. Not many of you should presume to be teachers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly." And that's just teaching ... not totally directing their lives. Exodus 20:5. "... for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God." Jealous for what? Jealous for His people to seek Him, desire His direction, trust Him. Personally, I wouldn't want to be the one to get between God and His people. Heavy shepherds do. Now, before I eat up too many bytes of info this disk, we go on to the flip side of the flip side: "Look, what you said is fine and good, but face it: it is not likely any people who are into heavy shepherding are reading Morning Star." Buzzzz. Wrong answer. I think that more Christians than we know are actually leaving most of the decisions in their lives to a heavy shepherd. Good old Pastor "Circumstances" ... the heaviest shepherd of them all. "Wait a minute! Doesn't God sometimes lead us through our circumstances?" God used a storm and a big fish to get Jonah to comply. God used Paul's imprisonment to get him to slow down enough to write most of the epistles. But there was a difference between those two cases: Jonah was called by God for a task and knew what it was and was trying to avoid it. Paul was called by God for a task, knew what it was and was willing to go through whatever was necessary for the gospel to get out. Both knew they had the call of God on their lives, one yielding quickly, the other dragging his feet. What a lot of Christians don't understand is that we all have the call of God on our lives. Every single one of us. "You didn't answer my question. Doesn't God lead through circumstance?" Let me digress into an analogy, with apologies to those who actually understand sailing: Consider circumstances to be wind. One boat catches a sail full of wind and goes whichever way that wind blows and ends up wherever they hit land. The other boat has a captain that knows exactly where he wants to go. When the wind comes up, he uses the sails and rudder and will zig and zag in order to use the wind to get to his destination, which can be nearly in the opposite direction of the way the wind is blowing. That's the difference between those who simply respond to the circumstances that occur in their life and those who willfully, repeatedly surrender every aspect of their lives to God's control. The wind blows in both cases, but one boat yields to the wind, the other yields to the Captain. So, the problem isn't just confined to a few small groups of people who want to let someone run their lives, it also effects those of us who let circumstances run our lives rather than God. I'll freely admit that this column is far from in-depth ... but I let the circumstances of the past few weeks on my job blow me a bit off course too. Next time: Is God a Macho Honkey? Prejudice and the church. Bible Quiz Bible Quiz BIBLE QUIZ The Lord is the wonderful counselor. His words of assurance have been of great help to many people in different situations. Match the words of the Lord to the person(s) He spoke them to. Look up the given scripture references to check your answers. 1. "I have put My words in thy mouth" 2. "Be of good cheer, it is I, be not afraid." 3. "Be not afraid, only believe." 4. "He is not here, for He is risen ... Come, see the place where the Lord lay." 5. "I will bring you up out of the affliction of Egypt ... unto a land flowing with milk and honey." 6. "My grace is sufficient for thee." 7. "Arise, lift up the lad, and hold him in thine hand, for I will make him a great nation." 8. "Fear not: thou shall not die." 9. "I establish my covenant with you." 10. "I am the God of Beth-el, where thou anointed the pillar, and where thou vowed a vow unto me: now arise, get thee out from this land, and return unto the land of thy kindred." A. Moses (Exodus 3:17) B. Jacob (Genesis 31:13) C. Noah (Genesis 9:9) D. Jeremiah (Jeremiah 1:9) E. Gideon (Judges 6:23) F. Hagar (Genesis 21:18) G. Paul (2nd Corinthians 12:9) H. Mary Magdalene and Mary (Matthew 28:6) I. Disciples (Matthew 14:27) J. Ruler of the Synagogue (Mark 5:36) Christian Life Department People Profile People Profile - Pastor Geoff Kragen Morning Star Senior Editor, Teresa Giordanengo, conducted this interview with Pastor Geoff Kragen of Roseville, California. Pastor Geoff is the director of Sepher Ministries at the Foothill Bible Church in Lincoln, California. He holds a BA degree in business from the California State University at San Francisco. Teresa: Where were you born and raised and tell us a little about your home life as a young person. Geoff: I'm a third generation San Franciscan, something which I have always taken pride. I grew up in an environment that was culturally Jewish, but not religiously. My mother was a believer when she married my father. My father accepted Y'shua as his Savior about nine months after I was born. Prior to the last couple of decades believing Jews didn't really retain their cultural and religious heritage. Frequently they accepted the common misconception, that having accepted Y'shua they were no longer Jewish. Consequently, I was raised in the mainline Christian church. I was brought up in the Presbyterian church. The family spent a short time in another denomination until my parents realized that the pastor was anti-semitic. The Lord was the foundation stone of our family, and I praise the Lord that I can credit this for the fact that my two brothers and myself became believers at an early age. Teresa: When did you become a believer in Y'shua and how did that come about? Geoff: This really isn't all that different from many believers. Having been raised in a Christian environment, I accepted the Lord at the young age of 5. I obviously didn't understand all the profound theological implications of this, but I knew that I was a sinner. At 5, I think that meant that I knew that I did things that were "bad" and that Jesus died for me. The reality though of accepting Y'shua was reinforced by home life, sound Biblical teaching in Sunday School, and the reality of the Lord's presence in my life. It has only been since my marriage that I began to express my Jewishness in the practice of my faith. My wife and I celebrate a number of the holidays from a Messianic perspective. We frequently invite our gentile friends over to celebrate Passover with us. Teresa: What type of work were you involved with at this time? Geoff: I have been in church leadership, teaching, and discipling for approximately twenty-five years. I went into full-time ministry in the mid 80's and was ordained in 1988. I have been involved with Christian Education and Counseling formally since that time, although I did lay counseling during the time I was in Hospital administration, providing advice and assistance to fellow workers. Copies of messages I preached during this period were used by pastors in the Philippines as well as individuals within the United States. Essentially the Lord called me out of lay work into full time ministry, using the experience derived over the years versus a formal theological education. I have not been published, outside of Morning Star of course. I have been invited to sit on the Pastoral Advisory Counsel for the Minirth-Meier Clinic in the Sacramento, California Area. Teresa: Why did you choose counseling as your life's career? Geoff: I'm not all that sure that I chose it. It appears that the Lord chose it for me, or at least until He chooses something else. I found over the years that many people would come to me for counsel and I developed the gifts to help them using abilities that God provides. These gifts were recognized at the time I was ordained and started formally counseling as part of my ministerial responsibilities. The last few years have been a time of formalizing my ministry until the main activity is counseling, discipling and related activities, including my work here at Morning Star. I believe that the ability to handle the word, the gifts of encouragement, discernment and exhortation are vital to a Biblical counseling ministry. Also it helps to be committed to continuing education and training where available. These are the gifts and qualities I look for in those I train to counsel. Teresa: What would you say to anyone today who is feeling depressed, lonely and unloved? Geoff: First, depression is not sin. There are many reasons for people suffering from depression. We see an excellent example when Elijah was depressed after his confrontation with the priests of Baal. God didn't criticize him for being depressed. Instead, God took action to help Elijah recover. One important factor in depression is the physical condition. I review my clients current circumstances and frequently encourage them to see a physician to eliminate medical problems as a source of the problem. If the client is suffering from deep depression (clinical depression) I will refer to a Christian psychiatrist because there may be a need for drug therapy. Beyond that I will work with the client helping them to see that they don't need to be controlled by their circumstances. We will work on helping them to understand that they may have very good reasons to feel unloved and lonely, but as believers, they can turn to the Lord to meet their needs for relationship. Depending on the seriousness of their condition working through depression can be a short or extended process. But the message of Scripture is that God is sufficient to meet our needs through doctors, counselors, the local church, and most importantly the indwelling Holy Spirit. Therefore we can comfort the client with the hope of release from their condition. Teresa: Who are the people that seem to need a counselor's help the most? Geoff: As a pastoral counselor I see people that need simple Biblical advice on a specific situation, but I also see people that are dealing with serious emotional problems as a result of childhood abuse, physical, emotional and sexual. I work with children that are currently victims of abuse, broken and dysfunction homes, rape, and serious problems. Couples that are having problems in their marriage should seek counsel to help deal with the difficulties before they become so serious that their marriage is in jeopardy. Since I equate Biblical Counseling with the call to disciple, I think that all of us at one time or another may seek a counselor. Ideally the local church is an environment where care and discipleship occurs so that many of the basic counseling needs are met within the body. This allows the pastor, professional and lay counselor to spend their time with the more serious cases. I should add here that the principles in Scripture are adequate for meeting the emotional and spiritual needs of the believers. I am convinced that some pastors refer out to the so called "professional" because they don't really believe this. Teresa: Does a profession in counseling have any affect on the counselor's own life after a while, due to having to hear depressing and problem situations constantly? Geoff: I think I'm asked this more than any other question, frequently by my wife. Pastoral counseling is a bit different than secular because of the discipling focus. This means that I don't hold myself emotionally at arm's length from the client. Biblically we are to rejoice and weep with our brothers and sisters in the Lord. I care about my clients and desire them to grow in their spiritual relationship with the Lord. Never-the-less, as a professional counselor I also have to keep some distance. This is necessary to avoid being overwhelmed by the pain of my clients. In the final analysis I have to depend on the Lord for the strength to care and at the same time not be dragged down myself. I need the involvement with healthy Christians to help keep things in perspective. I have a pastoral prayer group I meet with monthly. I have two senior pastors as advisors to my ministry. I check in with them to make sure my head is still on straight. I hope to be developing a support relationship with a local Christian Clinical Psychologist. But, having said all this sometimes it still gets to me. This is especially true as I work with young people that have been abused. Here I can only pray for the final hope of all believers, "Even so come Lord Jesus." Teresa: What are your plans for the future? Geoff: Well assuming that the Lord doesn't change my direction again, I would like to stabilize the financial condition of the ministry so that I can have the time to expand the services. The three areas that I would like to add are marriage groups, to help couples deal with problems before they become critical. I want to develop Agape Groups. This would be a program for the local church where believers can be trained to care for one another to be able to head some of the problems before they require the intervention of the counselor. Finally, I want to be able to provide no cost services to pastors, those in full time ministry and their families. Frequently no one is caring for the caregiver and we see this with the emotional and moral fall out of those in ministry. Teresa: Do you have any final thoughts you would like to leave with our readers? Geoff: Yes. The responsibility to help one another within the church is one of obedience to the command of Christ. "A new command I give you; Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." (John 13:34-35) Let us each, in our own church, strive to create a caring environment, where the spirit is not judgmental, but one committed to healing and bring about true Biblical maturity. Let us recognize that many Christians are in pain and need comfort, love and mature support to help them move toward the only true source of relief, our loving God. Ministry Profile Ministry Profile - Minrith-Meier Counseling Clinics MINIRTH-MEIER COUNSELING CLINICS In 1976, Dr. Frank Minirth and Dr. Paul Meier established the first of the Minirth-Meier Clinics. The two men had become friends in medical school, and both felt called to practice psychiatry. Their intent was that as Christians, their practice reflect an integration of their faith into every aspect of their practice. This initial partnership would become the foundation for the first clinic, and later a nation-wide ministry encompassing additional clinics, radio programs, community seminars, many books and other publications. Who are these two men, whose desire to serve the Lord has resulted in this major ministry? Dr. Minirth received a B.S. degree from Arkansas State University in 1968, an M.D. degree from the University of Arkansas Medical Center in 1972, and later an M.A.B.S. degree from Dallas Theological Seminary. He is a diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, and has been an Associate Professor of Pastoral Ministries at Dallas Theological Seminary for over fifteen years. Dr. Meier received an M.S. degree in Human Physiology from Michigan State University in 1969 and an M.D. degree from the University of Arkansas Medical School in 1972. He also received psychiatry residency certificates from the University of Arkansas Medical School (1974) and Duke University (1975). He took graduate courses at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Deerfield, Illinois in 1975-76 while on full-time faculty there, and received an M.A.B.S. degree from Dallas Theological Seminary in 1984. He is a member of the adjunct/extension faculty of Regional Seminary in New Jersey and Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia. Drs. Minirth and Meier established their first clinic because of their desire to have a ministry for Christ. This ministry is intended to help hurting people so these people can become more effective for Jesus Christ. They have expressed grief at the failure of the Christian community. On a radio program they expressed the following: "For too long the Christian community had abdicated the treatment of mental health issues to the secular professionals. We felt it was time to reclaim it for Christ. Our hearts were grieved as we encountered Christians who were rendered ineffective for Christ because of psychological problems that were untreated. Too often this was because they had been told somewhere along the line that Christians should never experience psychological problems, so they just buried them, felt guilty, and struggled along." Coupled with the desire to serve Christ and help the hurting is a commitment to excellence in many areas, including a professional Christian staff; compassionate, individualized patient care; and comprehensive quality treatment programs and services. The concern to help hurting people led to an approach for care incorporating the whole person, body, mind and spirit. "May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Thessalonians 5:23). From this focus on the whole person, The Minirth-Meier Clinic's distinct counseling philosophy was developed. Treatment Overview Treatment includes a balanced and coordinated program of observation, testing, diagnosis, evaluation and therapy which address the spiritual, medical and psychological aspects of each person's needs. Christ used a variety of approaches as He dealt with people, depending on their individual need. He was loving at times and very stern at other times. He knew when to be directive and when to help others gain insight through parables. He knew when to focus on the present without excluding the past. He knew when to focus on the spiritual aspect of man but not neglect the physical and psychological aspects. He knew there were times to confront and times to encourage; times to speak and times to listen. The Minirth-Meier Clinic counseling philosophy is built around four important Biblical emphases: Love The Scripture makes it clear that loving relationships are an absolute priority from God's perspective. Love is both the top priority and the bottom line when it comes to effective counseling. Insight An examination of Scripture reveals that God places a priority on our understanding the hidden motives, emotions, and defense mechanisms which can lead to a variety of emotional problems, including depression and anxiety. "The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?" (Jeremiah 17:9). Often, spiritual conflicts and uncertainties will "roll over," affecting social, emotional and physical aspects as well. Behavior Both the Old and New Covenants place a premium on responsible behavior and choices. "If you do what is right, will you not be accepted?" (Genesis 4:7). "Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers" (Galatians 6:10). Encouraging people to choose and to follow right behavior still plays an important role in Christian counseling today. The Power of Christ Within Schools of secular counseling emphasize love, insight and behavior. Yet this fourth principle is the distinctive of the Christian counselor. Only believers indwelt by the Spirit of God possess the power to overcome sinful habits, to gain insight into sinful emotions and motives, and to break through sinful defenses. "because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death." (Romans 8:2). "I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being," (Ephesians 3:16). "for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose" (Philippians 2:13). Counseling from a Christian perspective must always remind the counselee that for believers there is a difference. We not only know what to do, but have available God's enablement to do what we know is right. Over the years, since the establishment of the first clinic, the Lord has blessed the ministry and provided opportunities to care for a broader community than just the clients seen in various clinics. Community Services Minirth-Meier has found itself in the radio business. The radio ministry is represented by a nation-wide program. It is a live, call-in format created for the purpose of dealing with everyday problems at the point where people are hurting--right now, today! The Clinic West has its own West-Coast program. For information on where to hear the program in your area, call the main ministry information number at 1-800-545-1819. Recently, a new publication, "Today's Better Life" has been developed. This quarterly magazine provides a wide range of information designed to help the hurting deal with spiritual, physical and emotional concerns. In a continuing commitment to the community at large, in addition to the radio program and "Today's Better Life," Minirth-Meier provides community workshops and a speaker's bureau. The ministry sees itself as a resource for the local Christian community. The approach is one of believers caring for both believers and non-believers. And as is the case with many counseling ministries, Minirth-Meier provides care for both believers and non-believers. Treatment Services Minirth-Meier Clinics provide both outpatient services and hospital programs. Outpatient Services A general outpatient program is provided, including individual counseling, group counseling and marriage and family counseling. Hospital Programs Hospital care is provided including a day hospital program, and inpatient treatment programs for adults and adolescents. A Minirth-Meier Clinic West brochure describes the hospital activity as follows: "The program utilizes a multidisciplinary team approach working to design a personalized treatment plan to meet the specific needs of each individual patient. This approach allows each healthcare professional to make a unique contribution to the care and treatment of the patient. To deal with the painful issues of the dysfunctional person, we offer a full range of services to assist the patients and their families overcoming their disorders; Every patient is under the direct care of a qualified Christian psychiatrist and physician who will monitor their physical condition daily and direct medical intervention. To assist the patient in working through the emotional and psychological pain behind their problem, clients receive daily individual therapy from a caring Christian therapist. Daily didactic groups dealing with scriptural principles of emotional breakdown and restoration. Daily Christian process support groups in interaction and healing. Family therapy is provided to explore dysfunctional family roles and to support the client in making the necessary role changes within the family structure. Regular Bible studies and prayer groups are conducted by the pastoral staff. Worship programs. Occupational and Recreational Therapy. Physical exercise, relaxation, special events, and activities. Full time nursing support staff. Aftercare planning. Comprehensive follow-up, outpatient care is available after hospitalization." Beyond general counseling needs, many of the locations provide specialized treatment for: Substance Abuse -- Depression -- Life Traumas -- Phobias Eating Disorders -- Panic -- Victimization Minirth-Meier Clinics are committed to working with the Christian community to provide care to both believers and non-believers. The provide a vital service for those of us who are Christian Counselors, providing support to the community and hospital care for believers, grounded in a Biblical world view. If you would like general information on programs and services, contact The Minirth-Meier Clinic at 1-800-545-1819. For "800" numbers for your region, and/or subscription information for "Today's Better Life," see the Counseling Resource area of this issue of Morning Star. Education Factual Errors In Secular Textbooks GABLERS DISCOVER AMAZING FACTUAL ERRORS IN SECULAR TEXTBOOKS The following is from the Christian School Comment newsletter written by Dr. Paul A. Kienel, Executive Director of the Association of Christian schools International based in La Mirada, California. Used by permission. ------------------------ A recent Human Events magazine published the drama going on in the State of Texas over 200 factual errors uncovered in brand-new high school American history textbooks under consideration by the Texas State Board of Education. These errors were found by Mel and Norma Gabler of Longview, Texas. The Gablers, outstanding Christians, have been evaluating textbooks for 30 years, and here is what they found as reported in Human Events: American Voices: A History of the United States, Vol. 2, published by Scott, Foresman and Co., said that Truman's description of the Korean conflict as a "police action" was "accurate because the United States easily settled the conflict by using the bomb." In fact, "the bomb" - a reference to the atomic bomb - was not used in the Korean War. Atomic weapons have been used in only one war, World War II, and against Japan, not Korea. The same book also declared that "Carter produced in 1976 the only Democratic success in the previous six presidential elections." This amazing formulation suggest that Harry Truman was the last Democrat elected to the White House prior to Carter, which overlooks the election of Democrats John F. Kennedy (1960) and Lyndon B. Johnson (1964). This book also reported that George Washington was selected to head the Continental Army in 1798. The correct date is 1775. American Odyssey: The U.S. in the Twentieth Century, published by Glencoe-Macmillan/McGraw-Hill, described the Sputnik as the "first successful intercontinental ballistic missile launched by he Soviet Union," adding that it "carried a nuclear warhead." In fact, it was the first man-made satellite. (Thankfully, no country has launched a nuclear ICBM.) This book also said that the assassinations of Martin Luther King and Robert Kennedy occurred during the Nixon Administration (they happened during Johnson's presidency), and that Americans first walked on the moon on July 31, 1969 (the actual date was July 20). America: The People and the Dream, Vol. 2. the Later Years, published by Scott, Foresman and Co., had this dilly: "President Lyndon B. Johnson, who long admired her, invited (Barbara) Jordan to the White House in 1972 to preview his civil rights proposals." Johnson, as many readers will remember, left office in January 1969. It might be surmised that the inaccurate date was a mere typographical error, "1962" having been intended but Johnson did not become President until the assassination of President Kennedy in November 1963. The same volume also placed the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor and U.S. entry into World War II in 1942. The date that President Franklin D. Roosevelt said would "live in infamy," however, was Dec. 7, 1941. Three other textbooks proposed for adoption in the Lone Star State also contained errors, though perhaps not so conspicuous as those recounted above. Thus, The Story of America, Vol. 2. 1865 to Present, published by Holt, Rinehart & Winston, said that the ratio of 16 to 1 in coinage "meant that 16 times as many silver coins would be minted as gold coins would be minted." In fact, it meant that there would be 16 times as much silver in the silver dollar as gold in the gold dollar. Another textbook, History of the United States, published by Houghton Mifflin, said, "In 1796, George Washington won the presidency." Actually, Washington won the presidency in 1789. The second President, John Adams, won the presidency in 1796 as Washington was nearing completing of a second term. The Education Reporter, another publication reporting on the same Texas textbook story reported two other amazing factual errors: "Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on September 22, 1862." The fact is that Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863. One Texas newspaper editorialized, "With history written like this, Texas children may as well skip school and get a job ..." Mel Gabler said that one of the school board members had attributed part of the problem to the fact that the textbook publishers hired "experts" on multiculturalism, feminism and other trendy liberal requirements rather than insisting that the writers be experts on real history. "Many of those now writing the textbooks," he added, "were members of the 1960s counterculture." Thankfully, not all secular textbook publishers have an anti-Christian social agenda. But many do. Their focus is not the decimation of academic truth. They use and sometimes twist academic information to further their social causes. Almost all of them deprive students of basic knowledge of America's religious heritage and the name of Jesus is never mentioned. A study by Dr. Paul C. Vitz found that in 570 selections from classroom reading books there were no examples of Christian or Jewish culture. Dr. Vitz writes: There are scores of articles about animals, archaeology, fossils or about magic, but none on religion, much less about Christianity. How tragic this is for the nation's children. How tragic this is for the moral strength of our country. When I contemplate all of this I thank God for Christian schools where students are exposed to a complete picture of truth - not a censored version of reality. Testimony Testimony - Handling the Hidden Pain by Jamie Hidden pain is a major part of the life of contemporary humanity. The pain may be a product of abuse, dysfunctional families, or other circumstances of life. For Jamie, (not her real name) the hidden pain is a product of Satanic Ritual Abuse (SRA). And, as a result, Jamie has experienced Multiple Personality Disorder (MPD), a coping condition that helps specific individuals survive SRA. While there is disagreement within both the Christian and secular counseling communities as to the reality of SRA, Jamie testifies to its reality in her life. But, the real message that Jamie brings is the importance of the Lord in the therapeutic healing process. It doesn't matter what the spiritual struggle, it is only through the work of the Lord that recovery can be experienced. HANDLING THE HIDDEN PAIN by Jamie So many of us die emotionally deep inside ourselves everyday - the result of present and past hurts, often from our childhood; physical, sexual and emotional abuse. My own childhood experience includes many years of ritualistic abuse, which is characterized by Satan worship, sexual abuse, child pornography and the torture and murder of children. Before I gained the consciousness of these memories, I reached a point in my life where I was seriously contemplating suicide. The idea of praising God was incredibly foreign to me because I viewed the world as an awful place to be and I wanted out of it. I had already accepted Jesus into my life many years earlier but certainly did not feel His presence at that time. My past was catching up with me, a past I was not yet aware of. One evening I was alone at home, lying on the sofa, and suddenly felt a great, overwhelming sadness. It was a very, very heavy sadness that filled me and seemed to fill the entire room. Then I clearly heard the Lord say to me, "This is the sadness I feel when you consider taking your own life." I wept and realized how much God loved me and had been with me all of this time. He then said, "I will never leave you as you go through this." I had never before felt the depth of God's love for me. He is filled with sorrow and cries when one of His children chooses to leave Him. I did not know what lay ahead for me, but at that moment I chose to keep running the race because I had felt God's sorrow at losing one of His own children. "Unless the Lord had given me help, I would soon have dwelt in the silence of death. When I said, "My foot is slipping," your love, O Lord, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul." (Psalm 95:l7-19, NIV) I entered into Christian counseling and, through the Holy Spirit, uncovered layers of memories of being used in Satanic rituals for the purpose of glorifying Satan. I discovered that Satanism had existed in my family for generations. I feel that I and the other children who were abused experienced Satan's best shot. I witnessed death over and over again as children were sacrificed to Satan in many different ways, including being nailed to a cross, as Christ was, in order to mock His death. I realize now that Satan could only kill their small physical bodies with his "best shot." I know that Jesus was full of sorrow and wept and felt their horrible pain, and took them in His arms to live with Him eternally. The following is an excerpt from my journal: "I was six years old. Our innocence was never lost. We held onto it - they could not take it away. We all felt it - a strong bond. Jesus was holding onto us. The boy was very dark, straight black hair, large white and black eyes, about six years old. The other was a girl, a little taller than me, small eyes, long stringy blonde hair, long face, high cheekbones. She looked thin and wasted, like she had been in their control for some time. When I saw her eyes, I knew that she had already left. They said, 'You must choose which one will die.' The little girl was chosen. A big man was surrounding me, forcing me to grasp the weapon. The gun felt so big and heavy in my hands. The barrel of the gun was put in her mouth. The gun kicked back, ... I will always remember you - the anguish in your eyes, your innocence. I really did not want to be the one to choose and hold the gun. I am so sorry that you had to die. We thought the hurt would be forever. I know Jesus was with us, and He took you right up with Him. We were so close, yet we could only touch with our eyes. We just did not understand how big people could do these things to us. We never became one of them. We stayed together. We felt each other's spirit, and now I know that even in death we were not defeated. I know I will see you again and we shall be restored." As I dealt with these memories, I experienced times of great anguish and despair. I was diagnosed with Multiple Personality Disorder in which alternate parts of me were created during the abuse to handle the physical and emotional pain. These alters are the hurting children inside of me who were created by God to protect me. They each have their own experience to tell and be healed. The therapy process involves asking each individual alter to accept Jesus as their personal Savior in order to achieve wholeness. Some of them are in such despair that they do not believe there is a Jesus, and so the healing process takes place in God's own time. He cares for each one of the children inside of me, even through their hurt, anger and disbelief. I realize now that the more the perpetrators hurt me, the more strength I gained in Jesus Christ. Through their actions, I actually became closer to the Lord instead of turning against Him as they had planned. My becoming a Christian automatically destroyed their plans for me. I belong to the Lord. "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes say my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be." (Psalm 129:13-16, NIV) I have also recognized the spiritual battle that exists around us. I have come face to face with evil. Satan and his demons do exist and do have an effect on all those here on earth. In the sixth chapter of Ephesians, we are told by Paul to put on the armor of God. This is not just a symbolic statement Paul is making. There is spiritual warfare going on all around us, and Satanism is just part of that warfare. I have felt very strongly Satan's influence on myself during the healing process, especially evident in triggers, where a demon is called upon to reinforce self-destruction. But most of all, I have come to know what it means to really praise God. Knowing that Jesus chose to die for us so that we may live increases my praise ten-fold. He has felt all my suffering and has been with me every step of the way in healing. I am full of praise for Him. I love Him so much, because He first loved me. As He hung dying on the cross, Jesus cried out to His Father, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" The suffering and anguish He faced is evidence of His overwhelming love for us--His willingness to pay the price for our sins so that we may have eternal life. In our own lives, we also suffer and often feel abandoned by God, our Father. Jesus was once an infant needing love and acceptance and protection to survive. He was once a child needing encouragement and nurturing to continue into adulthood. Emotional pain was part of His daily existence. Today, Jesus is still that infant, still that child, still that adult. He carries our pain and our hurts--He has already been where we are. He touches the child within each one of us, longing to heal the pain from the past, longing to put His arms around us and cry with us, to hold that small wounded child inside of us. I praise God for my experiences because my faith is so much stronger then it ever would have been. "I will exalt you, O Lord, for you lifted me out of the depths and did not let my enemies gloat over me. O Lord my God, I called to you for help and you healed me. O Lord, you brought me up from the grave; you spared me from going down into the pit. Sing to the Lord, you saints of his; praise his holy name. For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning. When I felt secure, I said, "I will never be shaken." O Lord, when you favored me, you made my mountain stand firm; but when you hid your face, I was dismayed. To you, O Lord, I called; to the Lord I cried for mercy: "What gain is there in my destruction, in my going down into the pit? Will the dust praise you? Will it proclaim your faithfulness? Hear, O Lord, and be merciful to me; O Lord, be my help." You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing to you and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever." (Psalm 30, NIV) ----------------------- Jamie continues in therapy and will for some time. It is her faith in and relationship with the Lord that is the source of her strength. No matter what the circumstances you struggle with God, the Great Physician will be there for you. That is if you have accepted His gift of salvation, through the work of His Son on the cross. If you do not have a personal relationship with God, contact us here at Morning Star and we will be glad to help you to come to a saving knowledge of Christ. Young Adults Young Adults - Michael's Story by Linda Gates "MICHAEL'S STORY" by Linda Gates Sacramento, California Our problem with Michael became evident in the summer of 1987. My husband, Dave and I were sound asleep, when suddenly, Dave sat straight up in bed ... wide awake. The digital clock glowed 2:00 a.m. Dave pulled on his clothes and ran down the hallway to our front door. Looking down the street in the streetlights glow he could see two shadowy figures. One pushing, while the other steered, our daughter's car, without turning on the motor. He recognized one of the youth's to be our son. "Michael," he shouted. Both boys bolted and ran on down the street and around the corner, leaving the car in the middle of the street. That night proved to be our "rude awakening" to the evidence that our fourteen year old son was addicted to drugs. The summer nights often found Michael climbing out of his bedroom window in the middle of the night, phone calls after midnight, callers hanging up when we answered the phone, and "unusual" looking teenagers coming to our door. Several times we questioned Michael about his behavior. When asked if he was experimenting with drugs Michael would laugh and say, "Of course not." My eighteen year old daughter, confided in me in the latter part of that summer that she had experimented with using cocaine during her senior year in high school. It was obvious that Michael was experimenting also. It was several months later before we discovered he was using marijuana, LSD, cocaine and crank. Our family was a typical Christian one. We attended church every Sunday and our children had attended Sunday School since they were in pre-school. We were unprepared for the news that our children were experimenting with drugs. We also had a young child, three years old. I was busy taking care of our youngest and our home. Dave was holding down two jobs to meet our financial needs. Often I tried to be both Mother and Father to our children. Dave and I started attending some Tough Love meetings that summer. On our first night, we were handed a list of things to look for: They included: 1) When your child comes home from school, does he or she frequently go straight to his or her room? 2) Does he or she spend an inordinate amount of time alone? 3) Has he no appetite or does he have an excessive need to snack? 4) Do you see changes in your child's friendships, such as old friends disappearing and new ones appearing? 5) When you answer the phone at home, does the caller frequently hang up or refuse to give a name? 6) Is your child borrowing more money from you than usual or are other items in your house disappearing? I had to answer yes to every question on the list. When I decided to have a look in Michael's bedroom I also found two razors and a mirror. (These items are used to cut cocaine.) I was stunned. Now I knew in my head that Michael was using drugs; but my heart refused to accept it. This is often called a state of denial. I had experienced alcoholism in my family as a child. "How could this be happening to me again?" I asked myself. Dave and I were advised to attend Al-Anon meetings. There we met many other parents who were going through similar experiences with their children. These meetings proved invaluable. There we received support and acceptance. We also forced Michael to see a Christian psychologist, who was trained to work with drug and alcohol dependency problems. The final crises came at the end of October. I returned from having lunch with a friend. As I unlocked the front door, I could hear the telephone ringing. Breathlessly, I answered, "Hello." "Mrs. Gates this is Police Detective Lewis. We have your son, Michael, in custody at juvenile hall. We'd like to come to your house to ask a few questions. Can we come by in half an hour?" "Sure," I answered nervously. The police detective arrived with another officer. They explained that Michael had broken into a house with a friend, during school hours. The boys had told them that they were looking for drugs in the house, since they had gotten drugs there previously. When they were unsuccessful in finding drugs, they became angry and ransacked the house. Michael and the other boys fingerprints were found on some of the items in the house. This led to his arrest. Dave and I decided to let Michael pay for what he had done. We determined that it was better for him to have to stay in juvenile hall and, later, a boy's correctional home than to rescue him from the consequences of his actions. Michael had to work his way out of the boy's home with good behavior. This took him five months. We felt the discipline of the place was good for him and it allowed our family time to recover from the tension of having an addicted person in the house. After his release from the home, he was able to be in an in-patient recovery program for six weeks. Michael told us later that his experience in the boy's home taught him to be grateful for the home he had. The therapy in the drug recovery program helped all of us. What are some of the causes of drug addition in a family member? What kinds of families are afflicted? Most experts refer to such a home as a dysfunctional one. In these families at least one member, and sometimes more, are not interacting properly. One member usually has some unresolved emotional conflicts. They may have never admitted or even known that they have unresolved pain; however, the pain is there. Sometimes a child will begin to "act out" in such a home. He will express the unresolved pain in diverse ways; often using drugs or alcohol to sedate himself from feeling the pain. Many times a child will dress in a way he knows is unacceptable to his parents, or wear his hair long, use abusive language, or listen to music that the parents do not accept. Michael had grown up in a military community. His father was a sergeant in the Army, and we had traveled to several States, and even to Europe. He was always able to make friends easily with the other military families' children. However, when we retired from the military, he was forced to adjust to going to school with the children who had grown up together. Michael was an outsider. He said he felt unable to relate with the majority of his classmates; always finding himself near the "bottom of the pecking order". He was uninterested in sports and loved to read and so he felt he "did not fit." Finally, he decided to try using drugs. Using drugs gave him instant friendships: however dubious, with other classmates who were using drugs. For the first time he felt he was accepted by a group of his peers. People often ask, "How were you able to survive the trauma of having a son so young on drugs?" In the beginning of our awareness that our son was using drugs, we blamed each other. We found that blaming each other was unproductive and drained us of emotional energy; energy we desperately needed to cope with our situation. It also kept us from supporting each other; just when we needed support the most. Early in our experience, we made a commitment not to blame each other for Michael's addiction. We supported each other daily in prayer. We also had friends who prayed for us and who never condemned us for what was happening. On many of the hardest days, I could actually feel the support of our friend's prayers. The Lord was faithful to provide for me in his Word every day. Long before our problems with Michael, I had developed the habit of daily reading the Bible and spending some time in prayer. I was used to going to God's Word for strength and guidance. God never failed to give me encouragement and hope. One of my most terrible fears was that someone would come one day to tell me my son was dead from an overdose or from tainted drugs. As I prayed about my fear one day, the Lord brought to life Words from Psalm 91:14-16: "Because he loves Me," says the Lord, "I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my Name. He will call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation." After the Lord gave me this Psalm for my son's life; whenever I was assailed by fear, I would speak these words out loud. This would strengthen my faith and drive out the fear. Finally, the Lord provided for my emotional survival through praise. The Lord dwells in the praises of His people. When I praised Him throughout the day I found I was strengthened mightily. Nehemiah said, "Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength." (Nehemiah 8:10) The Lord asked me to make the "sacrifice of praise" to Him. (Hebrews 13:15) When I obeyed, I was rewarded with strength and the joy of the Lord. Our family continues to recover from the problems of addition. Our son has been drug-free for three years. He is attending community college and is now out on his own. My husband and I continue to attend Al-Anon meetings. We also attend a program entitled Rapha. In these programs, we receive help for dealing with the pain of our past. Jehovah Rapha means "Our God Who heals." Truly the Lord is healing families and knitting them back together in love. He is always faithful and restores all who call upon Him in truth. He is giving our family "beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. (We) will be called oaks of righteousness a planting of the Lord for the display of His splendor." Isaiah 61:3 Paraphrased NIV Bible. Praise and Prayer Praise and Prayer The Praise and Prayer Column is our international prayer link. Send your request or praise report to MORNING STAR for publication in the next issue! PRAISE REPORTS: Michael in California praises God for his friend Rob who just accepted Jesus as His Lord and Savior! Dominic in California praises the Lord for answered prayer. Norma in Florida praises the Lord that her mom is back home from the hospital and doing well. Dale from California praises God for a major salary increase with a bonus. Thank the Lord for Jack in California who is doing very well with his brace training and therapy program. The funeral service of Buster, a brother in the Lord in Virginia, was very uplifting for everyone. Bret from Ohio thanks the Lord for the successful Bible Study group. Praise the Lord for a miracle baby Bianca, in Alabama, who was born premature at 6 3/4 months. She now weighs 2 lbs. 2.5 ounces and gaining weight on baby formula every three hours. Continue to pray for her good health and normal growth. PRAYER REQUESTS: Pray for the News media in Norway, that the Lord will have His way in this country. Pray for Leo in Florida, who is taking finals at Bible College. Garret and wife from Virginia are asking for the Lord's guidance in their move to Canada. Also pray for their financial needs and his bronchitis/hay fever condition. Pray for the family of Jack's friend in Alabama, whose father died suddenly. Pray for Donna in Virginia, that she will receive good news from her hospital tests. Continue to pray for 8 month old Sarah from Michigan, who has been diagnosed with brain tumor cancer and will be starting chemotherapy next week. Deborah from Maryland has two bad discs in her back and cannot sit up for very long without getting a headache. Gina asks for prayer for "G" in New York for the easing of the terrible financial stress on the family. Steven in California asks prayer that he will continue to have the will power to stop smoking. Rob in Pennsylvania for a legal situation that may come up, that would be expensive and disheartening. Also pray for his unsaved loved ones. Dave asks for prayer concerning his employment situation. Harry in Indiana needs a job. Pray for Joe's father in Florida who is having problems both mentally and physically. The newest report from the Christian Law Association notes that there is a great increase in churches suing or threatening to sue churches or fellow Christians across the country. This is a symptom of sin in the church. Pray that these groups and individuals go back to following the command of Scripture. Brother Herb needs prayer for a malignant tumor of the prostate gland. Pray for a church in California, that the Lord will intervene with the zoning problems. Murray asks that we please continue to pray for Helen King and family from Tennessee ... it seems her time is near. Pray for Dale's boss Paul in California to accept the Lord as His Messiah. Pray for Dale as he shares with this gentleman. Danny in Alabama asks for prayer for Carl's mother who is in the hospital with pneumonia and emphysema. Geoff in California needs the Lord's wisdom in a situation he must deal with in the church. Also pray for him as he counsels people with spiritual, mental and emotional problems. Cheryl from Virginia who is in the hospital for ritualistic abuse. She is dealing with satanic abuse from her past. Pray for the two men whom Alan from Virginia has been talking to about the Lord. Also pray for Alan as he ministers to these people. Pray for Bret's sister Lora from Ohio who may have ovarian cancer. Kalbo from Alabama wants a closer walk with the Lord and help during the finals at the University this week. Pray for Alice who is dying of cancer. May the Lord have His way in her life. Pray for Carrie Hudgeons in Texas who continues to have bouts of depression. Pray for a job for Dominic in California. Pray for Janet in New Hampshire with a very painful back. Jerry requests prayer for his sister from New Jersey for her spiritual needs and Christian friends. Pray for Kim from Pennsylvania who had a bout with Mono last year and has been feeling pretty tired lately. Terri from Pennsylvania asks for prayer for the family whose son was murdered and dismembered. Pray that the Lord will save this family. Holli asks for prayer for Paul in Illinois whose wife died of cancer and leaves a 10 year old daughter. Pray for Paul in Florida who needs a job. Danny and Ginger in Alabama ask for prayer in a new Desktop Publishing business they have started together. Gail S. asks us to pray for the Lord's direction in her life. J. L. Garland, Pastor of counseling at Santa Rosa Bible Church is going in for cancer surgery. Pray for Ron and the AMMI Ministry in Philadelphia. Pray for the JOPPA Ministry in Philadelphia. Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem. (Psalm 122:6). L'Chaim - To Life ! What is Angina ? By Carmine D. D'Amico D.O. L'CHAIM ("TO LIFE") is our column dedicated to wholesome living. WHAT IS ANGINA? By Carmine D. D'Amico D.O. The general definition of angina is the sensation of a strangling or suffocative pain. Although there are several different types of angina, usually when the term is used alone it is meant to represent angina pectoris. It is a strangling sensation across the chest occurring when the heart muscle is not receiving an adequate supply of blood and oxygen to meet its needs. Usually, angina pectoris (hereafter simply referred to as angina) occurs in association with underlying coronary artery disease. Sometimes people without significant coronary artery disease will experience angina, and is most likely due to spasm of one of the coronary arteries or its branches. However, by and large, when someone begins to experience angina, this is a warning sign that there is a partial blockage in at least one of the coronary arteries leading to an inadequate supply of blood and oxygen to part of the heart muscle during periods of physical and/or emotional stress. Physical stress doesn't only mean physical exertion or exercise, it can also mean the stress that occurs during exposure to extremes of temperature. It can also mean the stress that occurs after eating a large meal, when a larger proportion of blood is shunted to the digestive tract to meet the demands of digestion. For example, it is not uncommon for someone to experience an attack of angina after walking outside into the cold weather after eating dinner. Since angina is an important warning sign of underlying heart disease, some of the more common descriptions of angina will be presented. Most often, angina is described as a tight, heavy, or squeezing sensation located across the chest, often with radiation to the neck, jaw, or either arm (although the left arm is more common than the right). Many times, patients will say that they don't experience chest "pain", but rather a dull ache in the chest. Angina is also commonly associated with shortness of breath, nausea, or perspiration. As previously mentioned, angina most often occurs during periods of physical or emotional stress, although it can occur at rest. Usually, a single episode of angina will only last for a few moments, often resolving upon resting or placing a nitroglycerine tablet under the tongue when available. When angina doesn't resolve within a few minutes (15 minutes at the most) medical attention should be sought immediately. Although the above-mentioned descriptions are the most common, it is noteworthy that any pain or discomfort occurring between the level of the ears and the bellybutton may represent angina. It is also worth mentioning that the elderly and diabetics are among the least likely people to experience typical or classical anginal symptoms. In these populations, a feeling of bloatedness or indigestion may represent angina, rather than the classic sensation of heaviness in the chest. There are several types of treatment for angina, ranging from medication to more aggressive forms of treatment such as balloon angioplasty of critically narrowed coronary arteries or even coronary artery bypass surgery when indicated. Balloon angioplasty is a procedure where a catheter is inserted into the blocked vessel and inflated to open the obstructed area. Coronary artery bypass is a surgical procedure where a new vessel is connected to the obstructed vessel, before and after the blockage, so the blood flow bypasses the affected area. It is extremely important for someone who suspects that they may be experiencing angina to seek medical attention so that proper studies can be performed to determine if there is underlying coronary artery disease, and to determine which type of treatment (if necessary) would be best. Carmine D. D'Amico D.O. Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine Internship at Erie Pennsylvania Residency, Internal Medicine, Erie Hospital Deborah Lung and Heart Center, Brownsmills, New Jersey Cardiology Fellowship CFI Reports CFI Reports WATCHMAN'S PRAYER LETTER - June 1992 By Sharon Sanders Jerusalem, Israel To be an integral part of what God is doing in the earth today, we must realize our responsibility, and help other Christians to realize, that Israel and the Jewish people need righteous prayer on their behalf. The Lord seeks intercessors but many Watchmen sleep at their posts - having fallen asleep in prayer. Faithfulness in watching is key. Prayer is hard work, very hard work. (If we have not known that, we may not know what prayer is). The world is in distress and turmoil. Israel has many problems bearing the difficulties she is facing. She cannot overcome without the Lord. "But the end of all things is at hand, be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer." (1 Peter 4:7) Perhaps it is time to close the hymn books, shut down the organs, and get down on our knees. God's Watchmen watch best in a position of heartfelt prayer. Listen very carefully: if we do not pray against Israel's enemies, they will, indeed, continue to seek her total destruction. The clear clarion call is for far more God-fearing Christians to respond to the call to prayer. Defense Minister Moshe Arens stated recently in the JERUSALEM POST: "Syria might launch a limited war on the Golan Heights to promote its own interests ... It's not a question of positions, but decisions, which if made, would be taken in Damascus." Some experts agree that Syria appears to be emulating the Iraqi dictator, Sadam Hussein. PRAY that if any decision is made by Syria to attack Israel that Israel's enemies will be turned back by God and that all attempts to harm her would fail. "My enemies are turned back, they fall and perish at the presence of the Lord." (Psalm 9:3) Keep a real watch on Syria through prayer! SERIOUSLY INTERCEDE for the Lord to break the bands of strength of Syria and Iran who have joined forces in an unabated production of weapons. Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi also is building missile sites, all capable of striking at Israel. "Break thou the arm of the wicked and the evil man: seek out his wickedness 'till thou find none." (Psalm 10: 15) PRAY FERVENTLY that missile batteries and radar units in northern Iraq will be removed or destroyed. They still pose a real threat to Israel's security. Pray for a halting dangerous activities in this region. BESEECH THE LORD to hear the prayers of the oppressed Syrian Jews who have become hostages in Syria in a "prison without walls". Pray that their rights to emigrate to Israel will be recognized by Syrian or international law. Pray that they will "wait on the Lord and keep His way ... until they inherit the land ... " (Psalm 37:34) "Lord, Thou hast heard the desire of the humble ... to judge the fatherless and the oppressed, that the man of the earth may no more oppress." (Psalm 10:18) The Fundamentalist Moslem Brotherhood has formed an official political party with the goal of eliminating Israel. Raef Nijim, a major leader of the party, stated that the new party will "prepare for Holy War [Jihad] to eliminate Israel and to liberate Arab lands won from Jordan, Syria and Egypt during the 1967 Middle East War." WHOLEHEARTEDLY INTERCEDE against the growing Islamic religious fervor which is steadily growing all over the world - a world religion in which Jews and Christians cannot be tolerated. TRAVAIL IN EARNEST PRAYER against the deep hatred of some 100,000 Islamic followers in Israel of this wicked plan. Ask God to stretch forth His hand "against the wrath of Israel's enemies ..." (Psalm 18:7) Pray that God will break the back of Islam which perpetrates nothing but pure hatred against God's people in their goals to "liberate Palestine" through Jihad (Holy War). There is no such thing as a "holy" war! Also, pray for mercy and the love of Messiah to enter the heart of Muslims to bring about a change of heart to the Jewish people. Visiting Moscow Mayor, Gavril Popov, recently warned that a Fascist revolution was possible in the former Soviet Union. He said many Soviet immigrants he talked with in Israel were certain their decision to emigrate to Israel had been a "correct and necessary one." REJOICE for the understanding which came into Moyor Popov's mind when he stated: "The strength of democratic institutions anywhere can be measured by how that country treats its Jews." (Genesis 12:3; Isaiah 41:11,12; 49:25; Numbers 24:9) PRAY for many Jewish people in the former Soviet Union to "uproot" and leave behind all to come out before the "gates of brass" come crashing downward. Pray for a new wave of immigration to break on the shores of Israel in God's perfect timing. Pray that the immigrants will trust God for "... he that trusts God will possess the land." (Isaiah 57:13). Pray for the many "sitting on their suitcases" but who are unable to make a decision to come. BESEECH THE LORD for all Diaspora Jews to "have ears to hear" to make aliyah (immigration) from all over the world as the call was given in Israel by Chief Rabbi Mordechai Ehan during the time of Hanukka. Also, the Zionist Emergency Evacuation Relief Organization in Israel published an article in the Jerusalem Post the week of April 1st, 1992 for American Jews to leave for Israel immediately!" Let us pray for those who are to come to heed the call . Unrighteous ways such as rape, incest, sodomy, abortion, drugs, crime and even an effort to feature topless waitresses in Jerusalem bars is on the increase in Israel. PREVAIL IN PRAYER for Israel to become the holy nation God has called her to be. "And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation ..." (Exodus 19:6) Pray for sin to be recognized, repented of and the fear of the Lord to come into their hearts. "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge ..." (Proverbs 1:7) Addiction to heroin is expanding alarmingly also. Millions are being spent on treatment and prevention. Methods of abuse and an increase in addicts loom as a potential disaster here in Israel. PRAY for God to intervene and cause His People to make a "turning around", a reversal of the ways of the heart so that healing of damaged lungs, respiratory systems and breathing problems caused by drugs can take place. EARNESTLY LIFT UP the physical and mental health of many Israelis who need a spiritual awareness that they are injuring their bodies which were created in God's image: "... for in the image of God made He man." (Genesis 9:6) Please join with us in agreeing with an article written in the Jerusalem Post by Mr. Malcom Lowe. Even though the article described the long history of malice by "organized" Christianity towards Jews, he said: "May this festive season be an occasion for Christians and Jews to pray and seek the end of all malice between worshippers of the One God." We add our hearty AMEN to that! Music Column Music Column The sacred music this month was submitted by Gary Driskell, composer, from Nashville, Tennessee. We trust these words will draw you closer to the Lord. He is our refuge in the time of storm. ALWAYS DEEPER STILL Words & Music by Gary Driskell & Marty Hennis I've been right where you are That place where faith becomes so hard And you find yourself wondrin' where life went wrong Your dearest dreams have died And left the biggest emptiness inside Now your heart is askin' how it can go on Well it may seem like God's unaware But take it from someone who's been there No one falls beneath the Father's reach to rescue His children (CHORUS) Even when you sink down to the bottom of the well And knowin' when hope will come is awfully hard to tell No matter how hurt you are No matter how badly you've been scarred Even when the climbin' looks so steep And you think that you've fallen in too deep Know that God's love is runnin' always deeper still Know that God's love is runnin' always deeper still I felt like a castaway Stranded and so far away Unsure if God could hear me callin' His name The days seemed to last so long Without an answer to lean on I wondered if the waiting would all be in vain But just when hope became so tangled and tossed That I'd almost given myself up for lost That's when the Father proved to me His love never ever fails CHORUS You may think that God's unaware But take it from someone who's been there No one falls beneath the Father's reach to rescue His children CHORUS This song was written during a time when both Marty (co-writer) and I were going through the loss of a loved one. In both situations, we wondered how God could have allowed this to happen. The emptiness was just so great. We felt as if we'd fallen into a deep dark hole; no, actually we felt as if we were looking up through the bottom of a deep dark hole. We didn't wait for deliverance to write the song. We chose to write it at the bottom, confident in God's promises. God was there with us. And He didn't choose to pull us out right away. Instead, He used it, for a little while, to build the character that He has seen many an opportunity to facilitate since. God is truly good, knows the purpose that He has for us, and nothing can separate us from His love. JESUS NEVER FAILS Words and Music: Gary Driskell So many souls have tested Him Throughout the course of time So many still reach out to Him With broken hearts and minds And everyone of them will say With no exception that they find Jesus never fails Even in the days of old He brought His people through And then He came to show His love And died for me and you Then He rose again to prove That every story had been true Jesus never fails (CHORUS) Jesus never fails, Jesus never fails You might as well get thee behind me, Satan You cannot prevail Because Jesus never fails Sometimes this world brings troubles That we find so hard to bear We know we couldn't make it Without Jesus being there It's so encouraging to know However deep we're in despair Jesus never fails So what can I do to prove this to you, But tell me how can you deny There are no untold facts, no mysteries It's all so 'cut and dried' On the witness stand of your life I'll be the first to testify Jesus never fails CHORUS I've spent a good deal of my Christian walk running on ahead of Jesus. Looking back, I can almost see myself turning around and saying, "Come on Lord ... right this way ... hurry up!" Of course, that didn't work out too well. Many of us grew up in the church and know all about God's promises and commandments. We somehow believe in our heart but not in our hands and feet. I finally discovered that if I choose to cast my lot with Christ, then I put the burden of success or failure on His shoulders. On the one hand, I won't end up getting the credit for success, but on the other hand, I won't end up taking the blame for any failure. Since I often fail, and Jesus never does, I consider giving up my life to Him a pretty intelligent choice. To those who care more about getting credit than getting results, this becomes a much more difficult matter. Chef's Corner Chef's Corner The month of June makes us think of brides and weddings. The following recipes will help make the pre-wedding festivities extra special. ENGAGEMENT DINNER: STEAK WITH MUSHROOMS 1/2 c. butter 1 1/2 lb. 1/4-in. thick sirloin steak 6 peppercorns 1/4 c. chopped onion 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce 2 tbsp. vinegar 1 4-oz. can mushrooms, drained Melt butter in skillet; add steak, peppercorns and onion. Cook steak for about 1 minute on each side; remove to platter. Add Worcestershire sauce, vinegar and mushrooms to skillet; heat for about 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Return steak to pan; heat for 1 minute. Serve immediately. Yield: 4 servings. TWICE-BAKED POTATOES WITH ROQUEFORT 4 med. baking potatoes shortening 1/2 c. sour cream 1 oz. Roquefort cheese, crumbled 1/4 c. milk 4 tbsp. butter of margarine 3/4 tsp. salt Dash of pepper 4 slices bacon Rub potatoes with shortening. Bake in 400-degree oven for 1 hour or until potatoes are done. Remove from oven; cut lengthwise slice from top of each potato. Scoop out inside of each; mash. Stir in sour cream, Roquefort cheese, milk, butter, salt and pepper; Beat with electric mixer until fluffy. Spoon mixture lightly into potato shells. Place on baking sheet; return to oven for 15 minutes or until heated through. Fry bacon until crisp; drain well. Crumble; sprinkle over potatoes. Serve immediately. Yield: 4 servings. BACHELOR'S BRUNCH: BRUNCH PUDDING WITH SAUSAGES 3 pkg. frozen corn in butter sauce 2 tbsp. flour 1/2 c. light cream, scalded 2 eggs, separated 1/2 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. pepper 1/4 c. frozen chopped onions 1/4 c. frozen chopped green peppers 1/4 c. diced pimento 12 pork sausages, cooked Heat pouches of corn in boiling water according to package directions. Separate butter sauce from corn by emptying pouches into strainer or colander over saucepan. Blend flour into butter sauce; add cream, stirring to blend. Beat egg yolks with salt and pepper; add to sauce. Mix corn with onions, green pepper and pimento. Whip egg whites until stiff; fold into sauce mixture. Stir in vegetables gently; pour into buttered baking dish. Bake for 30 minutes at 350 degrees. Serve hot with pork sausages. Yield: 6-8 servings. SLICED CANADIAN BACON 12 1/4-in. thick slices Canadian bacon 6 thin onion slices 6 orange slices, peeled 2 tsp. sugar 1 tbsp. cornstarch 1 c. orange juice 1 orange, peeled and sectioned 2 tsp. grated lemon rind Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Arrange 6 slices Canadian bacon in greased, shallow 1 1/2-quart baking dish. Top each with onion slice, orange slice and another bacon slice. Bake for 30 minutes. Mix sugar and cornstarch together in saucepan; blend in orange juice, mixing well. Cook, stirring constantly, until thickened and clear. Stir in orange sections and lemon rind; heat thoroughly. Serve orange sauce over Canadian bacon. Yield: 6 servings. BRIDESMAID LUNCHEON: QUICHE LORRAINE TARTS 1 pkg. pie crust mix 1 tbsp. poppy seed 1 1/3 c. coarsely shredded Swiss cheese 2/3 c. chopped salami 1/3 c. sliced green onions 4 eggs, slightly beaten 1 1/3 c. sour cream 1 tsp. salt 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Prepare pastry for 2-crust pie according to package directions, stirring poppy seed into dry crumbled mix. Roll out as thin as possible on lightly floured board; cut into 3-inch rounds. Fit rounds into 2 1/2-inch muffin cups. Combine Swiss cheese, salami and green onions; spoon into pastry. Combine eggs, sour cream, salt and Worcestershire sauce; pour about 1 tablespoonful into each muffin cup. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Yield: 36 tarts. PEACH TORTE 6 egg whites 1/4 tsp. salt 1/2 tsp. cream of tartar 1 1/2 c. sugar 1 1/2 tsp. vanilla 6 med. fresh peaches 2 tbsp. fresh lemon juice 1/4 c. sugar 1 env. unflavored gelatin 2 tbsp. water Vanilla Whipped Cream Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Place egg whites, salt and cream of tartar in large mixing bowl; beat with mixer until eggs have doubled in bulk. Beat in sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating well after each addition; beat in vanilla. Spoon into buttered 8-inch springform pan; make depression in center about 5 inches wide and 1 inch deep, using back of tablespoon. Place in oven; close door. Turn off heat; let stand in oven for 12 hours or overnight. Do not open oven door. Remove pan from oven; run spatula around side to loosen torte. Release spring; lift off side gently. Slide torte onto serving plate carefully. Peel and slice peaches; sprinkle with lemon juice and sugar. Soften gelatin in water; dissolve over hot water. Blend with peaches; chill until juice has partially congealed. Pile into torte. Top with Vanilla Whipped Cream; garnish with slices of peaches and mint leaves. Serve at once. Yield: 6 servings. VANILLA WHIPPED CREAM 1/2 c. heavy cream 1 tbsp. sugar 1/4 tsp. vanilla Whip cream until stiff, adding sugar and vanilla gradually. Potpourri Potpourri This month's Potpourri column features poems submitted by Linda Gates of Sacramento, California. STORMS OF LIFE By Linda Gates c 1990 You save me from the storms of life You lift above the strife Though darkness fall and shadows hide Your light will be my guide In valleys of the shadow dim Your Presence by my side Give me your grace, O Lord to be a living sacrifice Give me the faith of God to fight The devil's hordes with calm delight He cannot win though strong the flood We lift Your Banner high We live our lives in gratitude for Jesus' sacrifice We say to you, O mountains high Be thrown into the sea You cannot keep the answer bound With Christ alive in me Look unto Him, Your Captain, Friend The Anchor of your soul The battle's won, victory's begun Though Christ's own self-control MY DEFENSE By Linda Gates c 1991 (Psalms 62:2) God is my Defense and Fortress I shall not be greatly moved He will now fulfill His purpose Show His lovlng-kindness soon In my times of trial and trouble When I feel like giving up He desires to give me double From His overflowing cup UNDER HIS WINGS By Linda Gates c 1990 (Ruth 2:12) Under His Wings I am safely hiding In His Protection I can surely trust For He has promised He will safely guide me Onto the path where He would have me walk He will sustain, In old age will He hide me Under the Shadow of the Wings of the Almighty Hiding me ever in the Shelter of His Cross NEWNESS OF LIFE By Linda Gates c 1990 I walk in newness of life Your love has removed me from strife I look back no more; New things are in store On paths of Your righteousness bright The valley of shadow may wait No evil will cause me to shake Your Presence will guide; In righteousness hide My sin for Your Precious Name's sake. THE LORD WILL PROVIDE By Linda Gates c 1990 (Jonah 2:2) I cried out of my distress to the Lord and He heard me; out of the belly of Sheol cried I, and You heard my voice. The Lord will provide Though all the seas run dry The Lord will provide; From His untold supply The Lord will provide; He hears your every cry The Lord, Jehovah Jireh, will provide In my distress I cried, O Lord, Please hear my cries You've hurled me in the depths; Help me or else I die Your waves and breaker lie around my neck so high O let this mountainside be leveled by my cry To worthless idols I would cease to clutch and try To make them be for me all that your grace should be The threatening waters rise; They'll soon divide And I, By Your mercy and Your grace Will find a wider place JERICHO By Linda Gates c 1990 He is our Peace Who makes us one Who gives us life Through His Dear Son Our walls of brokenness come down Compassed about with joyful sounds A watered garden we become The healer of the breach to some The walls of Jericho came down Preceded by a mighty shout With faith as strong as Israel's We, too, can cast the devil out Resource Department Book Review Book Review THE HOLY SPIRIT & COUNSELING Marvin G. Gilbert and Raymond T. Brock, Editors Vol. 1 - THEOLOGY & THEORY Vol. 2 - PRINCIPLES & PRACTICE Hendrickson Publishers Vol. 1 - 1985, Vol. 2 - 1988 Peabody, MA ENCOURAGEMENT - THE KEY TO CARING Lawrence J. Crabb, Jr. and Dan B. Allender Pyranee Books, Zondervan Publishing House - 1984 Grand Rapids, MI When speaking of Christian Counseling more is at stake than just counseling method. The place of Christian faith and theology in the counselor's life is of significant concern. Additionally, the role of the body of Christ in the life of the client is of major import. The two volume series, THE HOLY SPIRIT AND COUNSELING, deals with the reality of the role of the Holy Spirit in the practice of Biblical counseling. Drs. Gilbert and Brock, coming from a Charismatic perspective, are concerned that the Holy Spirit's place in the counseling practice is given the importance it deserves. While the evangelical may not agree with all that is written here, there is no doubt the Holy Spirit must be a major participant in any work directed at bringing about mental and spiritual health. Many of the ideas and resources provided here should benefit any believer involved with counseling activities. The authors express the issues to charismatic versus non-charismatic readers as follows: "These two volumes have been written with two groups of readers in mind. First, they will be of interest to Pentecostal or Charismatic believers, specifically those who are involved in providing pastoral and psychological care. Of course, such a classification crosses quite freely many denomination and ecclesiastical boundaries. Second, they will appeal to non- Pentecostal believers who accept - even embrace - the possibility that God can and does guide and empower His servants as they attempt to minister care to people in distress and pain" (from the introduction to vol. 1, pg. ii). Both volumes are a compilation of articles dealing with theory and practice emphasizing the role of the Holy Spirit. Volume one will be helpful to both pastoral and lay counselors in providing background regarding general practice of therapy. Included is an introductory analysis to many of the basic systems of therapy, and an analysis from a Biblical perspective. Reviewed are Psychoanalytic Theory, Client-Centered Therapy, Behavior Therapy, Reality Therapy and a number of other traditional systems. This is especially helpful to those unfamiliar with the methods practiced in these systems. Many Christian practitioners have clients that have previously had secular therapy, and the material provided will give the counselor a better understanding of what the client has experienced. Considering the limitations of space, these analyses are fairly thorough, including a history and analysis of the system, a review from a Biblical perspective, and an evaluation of the propriety of attempts to use them in a Christian practice. Even though the reader may not agree with the concept of integration as defined by Gilbert and Brock, the information on the individual systems should be helpful. Volume One also deals with the subjects of: The theology of the role of the Holy Spirit's role in the counseling practice. The counselor, his/her own spiritual live, concerns for burnout, and lay counseling in the local church. In contrast, Volume Two deals specifically with the Christian practice. Individual essays focus on specific counseling concerns and the place of the Holy Spirit. Articles range from the basic issues of establishing and maintaining a counseling ministry, to specific counseling areas. These include: Marriage Counseling and Enrichment, Family Therapy, Ministering to the Parents of the Handicapped Child, the Aging client, and those dealing with grief issues. One area presented as acceptable therapy that should be of serious concern is Guided Imagery and Inner Healing. This is highly controversial and many conservative Christian practitioners correctly recognize that this form of therapy is not consistent with the teachings of Scripture and is potentially harmful. The reader should approach these two volumes with care and discernment. But there is much to be drawn from this series that will be helpful to the Christian counselor. The most important point to be drawn is the need for an awareness of the role of the Holy Spirit in the care of the client. Without the involvement of the Holy Spirit in the Christian practice, there is very little difference with the secular practice. In the final analysis, it is the Lord that brings healing and comfort, and it is the indwelling Holy Spirit Who provides these gifts. Another major factor in the recovery of the client is the environment in which he or she receives support. This environment, for the believer, is intended to be the church. Too often the importance of the church, and the members of the local community, is overlooked in the recovery process. It is to this issue that Drs. Crabb and Allender speak in the book ENCOURAGEMENT - THE KEY TO CARING. The church is to be a place where the hurting believer can come for support, love and discipleship. "ENCOURAGEMENT" is intended to provide assistance in developing this kind of caring body. Remember that Christ said of His followers, "A new command I give you; Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another" (John 13:34-35). The following comments are found in the preface to this book. "This book is an effort to obey the invitation to "consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together ... but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near" (Hebrews 10:24-25)." Dr. Crabb continues in the preface... "In earlier books, I have sought to show that the work of counseling belongs in the church. Local churches can and should assume responsibility for restoring troubled people to lives of effective worship and service. It is gratifying to see that more and more churches are recognizing this responsibility and are making efforts to include counseling among their ministries. In developing a counseling ministry, churches must give prime attention to helping their people become encouragers ... ." A simply worded definition of encouragement might be "Encouragement is the kind of expression that helps someone want to be a better Christian, even when life is rough"" (preface to the book, pg. 9-10). The book is broken down into two sections. The first deals with understanding exactly what encouragement means. Crabb and Allender focus not only on what it means to encourage, but also the dangers of misunderstanding what it means to encourage. (For examples of false kinds of encouragement see our feature article "False Comforters.") The second half of the book helps the reader to develop an environment and process of encouragement. Here, recognition of the importance of the church is clearly spelled out in the chapter "The Local Church: A Restoring Community." The role of the church in Christian Counseling cannot be overemphasized. The book ENCOURAGEMENT - THE KEY TO CARING can be an excellent resource for the local church as it strives to create an environment where those in need of spiritual healing can be cared for. The Christian counselor, whether he or she is a pastor, professional counselor, or lay counselor, must be aware of the importance of the Holy Spirit and the local church to the success of the practice. The material reviewed here should be of significant help in developing a sensitivity to the place of the Holy Spirit in the practice, and the need to encourage the local church to be an encouraging environment. NewsDesk Morning Star NewsDesk MORNING STAR NEWSDESK - JUNE 1992 ******* MORNING STAR NEWSDESK ******* PROBLEMS WITH EC MARK The idea of a special "CE mark" to enable all products meeting minimum European Community health and safety standards to be sold freely throughout the 12 member states was approved this week, but not without some unforeseen consequences. In considering the proposal MEP's (Members of European Parliament) from the economic committee were somewhat startled to receive a letter from a group of Christian biblical fundamentalists, manufacturing medical equipment, who felt unable to affix the CE mark on their products. The reason the group claims, is given in Revelation chapter 13 verses 16-18, where "mark" is used to identify those associated with the Beast and Satan. Obliging as always, MEP's took these concerns on board and voted through an amendment changing the term in the directive to a "CE marking" and now everyone is happy. (EP EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT NEWS - April 92) TEEN MAGAZINE PROMOTES WITCHCRAFT The March 92 issue of "Sassy" a magazine for teenagers, featured an article called "Witchcraft Is A Religion". "No kidding," says the Sassy article, "And a very cool one at that." The article stresses that witches; "are not Satanists - they don't believe in Satan, don't sacrifice animals and don't even have any evil beings in their deity system. In fact, there is no such thing as a bad which." The article tries to make witchcraft appealing in three ways. It claims witchcraft is concerned about the environment; it is centered on women, giving it a feminist appeal; and thirdly, it promises magical powers to help teenage girls take charge of their lives. "Witchcraft is an earth-based religion," says Sassy, "and its environmentalist overtones make it very relevant ... also cool: On the whole, the religion has always been very woman-centered - feminist actually - It is one aspect of witchcraft that was definitely not appropriated by Christianity, a very male-centered belief system that does not allow females much authority. In fact, male-dominated society's desire to keep women down could have been one reason witches were persecuted after the rise of Christianity - 80 percent of the witches ever burned were women." Christina Kelly, the author of the article, speaks of Laurie Cabot's book, "Power of the Witch: The Earth, the Moon, and the Magical Path to Enlightenment. The article concludes with a thought by Cabot: "Witchcraft is a connectedness to everything, so you can center yourself and feel as if you can control some of your environment a little more. I think teenagers today need their own power. They need to feel that they can help shape the future." (CHRISTIAN WORLD REPORT - April 1992) CHRISTIANS AND NEW AGE PRACTICES A poll of 2,045 adults, conducted by the Princeton Religion Research Center of Princeton, New Jersey, indicated that "a surprisingly high number" of Christians identify with beliefs identified as "New Age" - even though most say that the New Age is not good for traditional religions. Among Protestants, just 23 percent said they feel the New Age is compatible with traditional religion, while 59 percent of Catholics believe they are compatible. On the question of extra-sensory perception, 46 percent of Protestants accept the possibility, compared with 52 percent of Catholics. On communication with the dead, 14 percent of Protestants and 23 percent of Catholics view it as a possibility. The report also stated that better than one in four Protestants and Catholics said they read their horoscope at least weekly. (From the THE ATLANTA JOURNAL as reported in the CHRISTIAN WORLD REPORT - April 1992) LOS ANGELES IS TEST CITY FOR IMPLANTS Los Angeles is about to start implanting dogs and cats adopted from its six animal shelters with computer chips with identifying information on the pet's owners (i.e. name, address, phone number etc.) All existing pet owners will be encouraged to have their pets similarly implanted. Los Angeles is a test city, with 14,000 implants expected in 1992. (McALVANY INTELLIGENCE ADVISOR as reported in the CHRISTIAN WORLD REPORT - April 1992) HIGH TECH LINKING IBM is looking for a partner to bring its technology for an interactive fiber-optic cable television programming system to market. Company spokesman David Harrah recently told the Reuter Financial News Service, "We hope to combine our networking and processing technologies with a media company to access what Hollywood calls software on a high-speed, high-capacity system." Despite this, Harrah and Time Warner Inc. officials have declined comment on published reports that IBM and Time Warner are in talks to launch such a system together. Harrah told Reuters that IBM's strategy is based on what it sees as a convergence of the computer, media, telecommunications and consumer electronics industries. He added IBM already has tested its technology, which uses both fiber-optic and coaxial cable technology. GLOBAL EDUCATION SHAPES UP Since being sworn in as Education Secretary, Lamar Alexander has been spending a great deal of time on the road selling President Bush's "America 2000" education strategy. Mr. Alexander claims that hundreds of communities in 31 of forty states visited have signed up. He also claims that progress in establishing national standards have been made. "Less than a decade after Congress debated whether there was any federal role in education, a panel of administration officials, congressional leaders, governors, teacher's union leader and other interest groups has agreed to set up two national bodies to certify national standards and tests." In a brochure titled "National Assessment of Educational Progress", the U.S. Department of Education states: "America 2000 calls for development of a new, voluntary, nationwide examination system called the American Achievement Tests that will be given in five core subjects: English, math, history, geography and science. The tests could be tied to world class standards that will be developed in conjunction with the National Education Goals Panel." ISRAELI MINISTERS BLAST U.S. BACKING OF PALESTINIAN RIGHT OF RETURN Israeli Cabinet ministers escalated their verbal war Sunday against U.S. support for a U.N. resolution backing the right of Palestinian refugees to return to homes in present-day Israel, terming Washington's stance "dangerous" and "a terrible mistake." "The United States must make it absolutely clear that it does not support the right of return," said Transport Minister Moshe Katsav, emerging from the weekly Cabinet meeting. "We see this demand for the right of return as an attempt to go back in time " he added." I see this as a danger to the existence of Israel." The comments came a day after Assistant Secretary of State Edward Djerejian sought to soothe Israeli concerns over State Department reaffirmation last week of support for U.N. Resolution 194, which backs a Palestinian claim for the right of return. More than 600,000 Palestinians lost their homes during Israel's battle for independence in 1947-48, departing by force or choice to surrounding Arab states and elsewhere. The Palestine Liberation Organization has maintained Palestinians have the right to return to their former homes, but Israel views the right of return as a weapon aimed at bringing about its destruction. Djerejian, in a speech in Washington, said the issue of American support for the right of return "has been really blown totally out of proportion." He added only Arab and Israeli negotiating partners could decide which issues to raise in peace talks and how they would be resolved. But several ministers, including Housing Minister Ariel Sharon and Defense Minister Moshe Arens, termed the American clarifications "unsatisfactory." "There is no issue in Israel which is surrounded by so wide a consensus as this issue is," added Religious Affairs Minister Avner Shaki. "This was not raised by the Americans for many, many decades and I hope it will not be raised again." "This was a terrible mistake," Shaki said. Only Foreign Minister David Levy struck a conciliatory note, stressing the Americans had made it clear they will not allow the right of return issue to be raised during peace talks with Palestinians and Arab states. The opposition Labor party has also criticized the American position, saying Israeli public opinion in its entirety rejects the Palestinian right of return. Citing the threat of the Palestinian right of return, Israel last week boycotted two of the five committees for multilateral talks accompanying ongoing direct bilateral Arab-Israeli negotiations. The Israeli government refused to sit down with exiled Palestinians at the committees for refugees and economic cooperation, saying this would constitute recognition of their right to return to Israel proper. (UPI - May 17 1992) AUSTRALIA LIFTS BAN ON PLO An Australian government decision to lift its ban on official contact with the PLO has sparked criticism from the Jewish community. Foreign Affairs Minister, Gareth Evans, announced the move, saying it reflected the constructive role the PLO has played in the peace process since the Gulf war. The ban on official contact was imposed in 1990 following the PLO's support of Iraq's invasion of Kuwait. The Australian Institute of Jewish Affairs criticized the government's decision. Institute chairman Isi Leibler said the Jewish community's response is one of "incredulity and disappointment." Evans said the lifting of restrictions should not be taken as indicating any formal recognition of the PLO, nor any endorsement of its policies. "It is consistent with our long established aim of encouraging the forces of moderation, rather than extremism, within the PLO and returns Australian policy to the mainstream of Western government practice," he said. The PLO's representative in Australia welcomed the move. (JERUSALEM POST 5-2-92) JEWS CAN BUY CEMETERY An ancient Jewish cemetery sold by Hamburg's Jewish community to private developers in 1950 can be bought back for 100 times its selling price, according to a city official. The cemetery, in the Altoona district, has been the scene of demonstrations by Orthodox Jews protesting plans to build a shopping center on the sight. (JERUSALEM POST 5-2-92) IRAN SAID TO HAVE MISSING WARHEADS Iran has obtained at least two nuclear warheads that had been reported missing from Kazakhstan, the newspaper The European reported. The article, based on a secret report from the Russian Foreign Intelligence Agency, again raises questions about whether the successors to the Soviet Union will be able to control their most dangerous weapons. The European did not say how it obtained the intelligence report. It quoted the report as saying several nuclear warheads vanished from the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site in Kazakhstan, which the republic's resident, Nursultan Nazarbayev, closed in early 1992. (ASSOCIATED PRESS - LONDON) TO THE FAR ENDS OF THE EARTH Robert Cunville, associate evangelist with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, preached in the village of Soanthalpur in West Bengal, India, February 3-7. The crusade was organized by the CNI Darjeeling Diocese. About 900 leaders from the Kingdom of Bhutan and from the Indian States of Sikkim and West Bengal attended; the leaders represented seven languages and dialects. During the five-day crusade, Dr. Cunville also presented three evangelistic Bible studies that were attended by 5,874 people. As a result, 601 people, many of them youths, made inquiries about Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. (DECISION MAGAZINE - May 92) OPEN DOORS IN MOSCOW A coalition of 24 churches in Moscow, Russia, has systematically hand-delivered Gospel booklets provided by Every Home for Christ (EHC) to 300,000 homes, resulting in more than 60,000 testimonies of salvation and/or requests for Bible study materials. The outreach was launched in November and will continue until every home in Moscow is reached with the Gospel. EHC has also distributed over 180,000 Gospel booklets in Kishinev, the capital of Moldova and over 350,000 booklets to homes in the Ukraine. (DECISION MAGAZINE - May 1992) Information and Product Guide Information and Product Guide MORNING STAR DISTRIBUTION - ONLINE EDITIONS The MORNING STAR BBS list contains those electronic Bulletin Board Systems (BBS) that are carrying MORNING STAR. They are either available as a compressed file for downloading or in some cases use a "Door" program that allows the viewers to read the magazine on screen. With the new MSDOOR program (available free from Alan Graff P.O. Box 131 Wheelersburg, Ohio 45694) callers can read or copy articles to their system while on line. Those BBS with the asterisk next to the name are using a door program to read MORNING STAR on line. The System Operator's names are posted where known. Is your local BBS carrying "Morning Star"? If not, send a message to the System Operator and upload it! Please let us know of any new BBS where MORNING STAR is being made available. MORNING STAR BBS LIST - USA ALABAMA 205 739-1469 Frontier BBS * CALIFORNIA 209 576-1606 Root Connection * 209 675-3218 Hangar 7 * 310 947-4402 Maclectic BBS - Bob Rockhill 916 395-8991 FYI Silent Eye COLORADO 303 935-6323 Electronic Library Exchange - Phil Scovill CONNECTICUT 203 456-1180 The Grapevine * FLORIDA 904 783-3236 The Shire * GEORGIA 404 948-3428 ACTS BBS 404 948-3428 Atlanta Christian Technical Society 404 924-7963 Educational Center - Joan Bates 404 509-8565 Pc Exchange - Jim Simmons 404 637-9276 The Potters House * 404 642-0406 Genesis BBS * LOUISIANA 504 878-3023 CDN Headquarters BBS - Ray Waldo MICHIGAN 616 792-4309 The Farside BBS * 616 531-7915 Warehouse BBS * MISSOURI 314 227-6885 Messianic Jewish Computer - Harvey Smith NEW YORK 313 455-5806 Cnypcug bbs - Barbara Mancuso 518 756-3002 Christian Hotline * 518 537-4881 The Open House BBS 718 352-0821 Hidden Manna OHIO 614 776-7136 Cross Connection - Alan Graff OKLAHOMA 918 492-1749 The Star Christian BBS - Dave Wenrick OREGON 503 632-6058 Starfall * 503 683-2614 The Provided Faith BBS * 503 632-6058 Starfall * PENNSYLVANIA 215 391-1612 The Abundant Life BBS * TENNESSEE 615 391-5771 Kerygma * - Phil Blansett TEXAS 214 216-1947 Amazing Grace - Mark Harris/ Geo. 214 680-3406 BBS America - Jay Gaines 214 539-9878 Eagle - Jordan Gallagher 214 709-9011 One Word - Geo. D. King 214 234-8847 Shepherd's Flock - Mark Harris 214 994-0093 Success BBS - Darrell Gilyard 214 414-8614 The Cross - Rod Porter 409 753-2014 The Agape Way * - Rick & Carol Arend 409 882-9282 The Word - Myong Yu 512 937-2088 Gethsemane * 512 575-5554 Byte BBS * 512 452-6350 Inspiration BBS 713 550-6644 Christian Fellowship - Ray Heuer 713 999-6712 Christian Friends - Michael/Amy Hill 713 643-2874 Eagles Nest 713 873-0403 Info Net and Police - Alan Bragg 713 537-6836 Jesus Connection - Rainy Day 713 277-5465 Keiths Lill BBS - Keith Watkins 713 338-2053 Kerygma II * - John Cheatham 713 980-7733 Kings Throne 713 880-3011 Koinonia 713 789-0857 Mel Douglas 713 955-1605 The Fish Bowl * 817 654-3671 Maranatha - Mike Young 806 795-9003 Agape BBS - Jorge Lopez WASHINGTON 206 581-3466 Heaven's Door * WISCONSIN 414 789-4210 Exec-PC - Bob Mahoney 608 277-1376 The Offline BBS * 608 238-6692 The Extra Mile * 715 732-1036 CompuLine - Joe Boburka MORNING STAR can also be found on these major networks: AMERICA ONLINE (DOS, MAC and WINDOWS editions) - Lifestyle and Interest Department, Ethics and Religion Area, Software Library COMPUSERVE (DOS edition only) - Lifestyles Department, Special Interests Forums, Religion Forum, Browse Libraries, Christianity GENIE (DOS and MAC editions) - Issues, Religion & Ethics Round Table, Software Library, BBS Uploads DELPHI (DOS edition only) - Group, Theological, Database, Sig Newsletter, Read MSTAR Mailing Address Morning Star Mailing Address MORNING STAR is produced and published monthly, by a staff of born again believers in Jesus, located across the United States of America. Correspondence to MORNING STAR may be sent via the U.S. Postal Service or one of several computer networks. POSTAL ADDRESS: P.O. Box 7755 Nashua, NH 03060-7755 ELECTRONIC MAIL LINKS: America Online E-Mail (DOS Files): MStarDOS America Online E-Mail (MAC Files): MStarMAC GENIE Network E-Mail: M.Wilkinson1 COMPUSERVE Network E-Mail: 70254,1576 DELPHI Network E-Mail: Derr1ck (Note on Delphi name: It is a number "1" between the "r" and "c")