Peter explained to the Jerusalem Church how God lead him to baptize the first gentile Christians. Part of his concluding statement in Acts 11:17 was “could I withstand God?”
Jesus taught many lessons when he was training the apostles. Lessons that Churches of God need to remember. Listen to the Sabbath sermon, for further explanation.
Concerned citizens and scientists whose expertise is in nuclear power have refocused concerns about the US “practice of packing spent-fuel pools at power plants far beyond their capacity.”
Rod McCullum (director of the used-fuel programs for the Nuclear Energy Institute) says they think that it’s safe.
Oh, really?
According to some nuclear scientists in the US, we take more chances with our nuclear waste than was taken at the damaged Japanese plant.
Are you aware we have about 65,000 tons of nuclear waste spread across the United States at various facilities? According to an article from Fox Business News, there were over 200,000 spent fuel rods in 2009, with the number growing every year.
Years ago the federal government promised to find safe storage for these used rods (which will remain radioactive for THOUSANDS of years). But, as yet, that has not happened. Our government is still debating the HOW and WHERE.
Are we surprised? Have our scientists given our energy and profit hungry society a monster that we cannot kill, or even safely control?
The sort of problem that has threatened the life and quality of life of Japanese society can quickly become a WORLD-WIDE problem. This is all the more reason that we must enthusiastically pray, “THY kingdom come” and prepare ourselves to be a part of God’s solution for mankind and a truly utopian society when Jesus Christ does appear.
For reference, check out a short article on the web: http://www.stltoday.com/news/national/article_696e430a-5e57-5b17-b91e-a17ae28aa9b6.html
One interesting Scripture that describes a significant end-time event is found in Luke 21.
Luke 21:20 And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh.
What kind of “armies” does this verse describe, and why are those “armies” surrounding Jerusalem? Over the years there have been some interesting possibilities suggested for the “armies.” All of this war-like activity in Middle Eastern countries renews interest in identifying these “armies.” Anyone watching world news obviously realizes that all around the tiny State of Israel there are numerous unfriendly nations. Some of those nations are currently experiencing great internal conflicts, violence, and blood shed. Recently, there have been rebels troops, chaotic mobs and governmental troops doing battle in several of these countries. Can these warring groups be considered “armies?” Are these the “armies” of Luke 21? Or, is there a better explanation?
Are the armies surrounding Jerusalem because they are ready to destroy the city? Or, could the armies near Jerusalem be there because they have the goal of protecting Jerusalem? Perhaps, the “armies” are stationed in Jerusalem to keep other “armies” from destroying it?
For everyone looking toward the end-time, the Middle East is the place to watch…especially the city of Jerusalem.
Which of these has the greater authority in our lives?(1) Human philosophy (2) Reasoning (3) Tradition (4) Scientific “Fact” or (5) Biblical Truth, i.e., the Word of God?
Can we all emphatically answer that God’s Word has the greatest authority in our lives, affecting every decision we make?
The Word of God has many who twist it, mock it, malign it, hate it, and others who ignore it. But, none of these approaches to the Word of God will ever destroy it.
It is the Word that is able to make us wise unto salvation. (2 Timothy 3:15). It is also the Word that lives and abides forever (1 Peter 1:23).
So, why are there so many people who do not believe or appreciate God’s Word? The Bible itself points us to the answer:
Do we get the point? What do we really use for our decision making authority and direction? The Word of God must be our foundation for right knowledge, i.e., truth.
With the growing threat of radiation possibly being released from the damaged Japanese nuclear reactor after the earthquake and tsunami, it may be time for all of God’s people to learn more about how radiation is actually measured. Even if humanity is not to be exposed to the dangers of radiation from this tragic event, we still need to be as informed as possible. Earthquakes are becoming much more frequent (Refer to the sermon on earthquakes for more details). And, nuclear plants have been built on other fault lines in other areas of the earth. Who knows what will transpire in the near future?
The US government has an easy-to-read explanation about how to measure radiation. Although the vocabulary will be new to many of us, the article is easy to follow and understand.
You may have heard recently of the Pacific Ring of Fire. Japan lies along this well known Ring of Fire. A map of this area can be seen at
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pacific_Ring_of_Fire and
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-12710999
The recent earthquake in Japan happened on the “Japan Trench.” How does the recent earthquake affect the Ring of Fire? Perhaps, we should take notice (i.e., WATCH!). The floor of the Pacific Ocean is being pulled underneath Japan and towards Eurasia. Scientists speculate based on the size of the earthquake that the fault may have ruptured about 500 K.
We need to watch. However, let us not be troubled or anxious. The Bible speaks of great earthquakes in different places. These events are significant signs of our time.
Luke 21: 9-11 9But when ye shall hear of wars and commotions, be not terrified: for these things must first come to pass; but the end is not by and by. 10Then said he unto them, Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: 11And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven.