From the attention this issue has received this past week, you would assume these boxes were just uncovered this month, or certainly within this year. Would it surprise you to know that the tomb was first discovered in 1980 when construction workers were digging in the Jerusalem neighborhood of Talpiot to clear the way for new appartments there? So why is this breaking news now??

James Cameron, the name behind the hype, is not an archeologist or scientist, but a film maker known for directing the Titanic. James has now put together a "documentary" which will be aired on the Discovery channel. It used to be that during Lent and Holy Week films like the Robe and the Ten Commandments would be on TV, as everyone was thinking about these kinds of values during those days. But now, the big bucks come from critics who produce fictional stories about Jesus and Mary being married. So now is the time to break the news of this important discovery.

Amos Kloner, the archeologist who oversaw the initial dig more than 25 years ago said "the makers of a new documentary detailing the supposed discovery of Jesus' tomb should be ashamed of the inconsistencies and unscientific evidence they are reporting in the film." He said: "The documentary was made according to the 'imagination of people. I don't accept the claim that this tomb was the burial place for the family of Jesus.'"

What do I think? Peter, James and the other disciples all died very agonizing and torturous deaths as martres, claiming that they saw Jesus alive. Why not spare themselves this unnessary pain and recant? They were ordered time and again to stop preaching about Jesus, but they said they could not stop telling what they had seen and heard. The apostle Paul, who sought believers in Christ to arrest them and put them to death, after personally meeting the Lord, began to preach and teach that Jesus was the Christ. He endured more beatings, whippings, terms in prison, and other abuse than I can imagine, but would not stop taking the message as far as he could. The history of the church is built on the blood of men and women who were willing to give up their lives for what they believed.

I am not worthy to be compared to these witnesses, but I have experienced the power and presence of Christ in my life many times, the promises of the Bible have proved themselves over and over again. Hundreds of details concerning the life and death of Christ were predicted hundreds and even thousands of years earlier in Scripture, and were fulfilled to the letter. Archeologists have been busy digging for generations, and what they uncover is consistent with the teachings of Scripture. I will cast my vote on the authority of Scripture and the testimony that has proved itself throughout history and in my life time and time again. Jesus died for our sins according to the Scriptures (and there is no other grounds for forgiveness of sins apart from his death). He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and He is alive today, preparing a place with Him in glory for those who are willing to place their trust in Him. This is what I believe. The more archeologists uncover, the more they find that what the Bible states is true. Keep digging.

Some would point to the teachings of Jesus found in the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus said: "You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.' But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also... You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I tell you: love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven." These are very important teachings for disciples to follow, but they are teaching personal ethics. Jesus wants His disciples to demonstrate the same kind of love that He has.

But in Genesis 9:6, the Lord gives direction to the government. It states: "Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed." How do we reconcile these opposite teachings? Some would say the Old Testament law is outdated, and superceded by the teachings of Jesus and the New Testament, which emphasizes love. Actually, however, we must follow both. In the chapter before the previous quote, in the very same Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said: "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them, but to fulfill them. I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will be any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished."

Romans 13:1 makes it clear that God established government for a purpose. "Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is not authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Paul goes on to explain the purpose of government is to protect its citizens, and establish righteousness. "But if you do wrong, be afraid for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He (the government) is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer."

Saddam was guilty of many violent crimes, and the punishment God has established in Old Testament law is death. This law was the constitution God gave to Israel. It is not our constitution. But we must ask ourselves, "Why would a loving God demand such a severe punishment be carried out in the nation He, himself, established and ruled?" The answer to that question is found in the conclusion of Genesis 9:6. "Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed; for in the image of God has God made man."

God created human beings in His own image. They have infinite worth. Those who deliberately take away that life are, in fact, killing God in effigy. First degree murder is a very serious crime. Because of its severity, God prescribed a very serious penalty to deter such violence. Knowing the penalty, people will very very careful not to take another person's life. They know their own life is at stake.

But in our country, while many states do have capital punishment, there is little or no deterent, because criminals know very few will die, and even then, it will take years. They must first go to trial, and then can appeal time and again for any and every cause, and then can count on many years in prison waiting for appeals to end. There is little fear of death.

In Iraq, the case went to trial, Saddam was found guilty, and he was immediately executed. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus encourages his followers not to take the law into their own hands, but to trust God and demonstrate love and mercy. The government, however, has the mandate to execute those who deliberately take another person's life. Saddam took many. Now justice has been served. It was a very good thing.

If there had never been a Christmas, the world would be far different than it is today - in ways you may never have imagined. Christmas represents the birth of the Christ-child. His coming changed history. (We number our calendars by it.) He taught His followers to love their neighbors as themselves (Luke 10:27).

To live out this idea, His followers invented the idea of organized charity. The early Christian communities stressed support for widows, orphans, the sick and disabled. They organized efforts to help those who were dying. They built, staffed, and paid for hospitals. In recent times, Christ's followers have founded virtually every charitable organization on earth, including the Red Cross, the Salvation Army, World Relief, World Vision, Samaritan's Purse, Food for the Hungry, and Compassion International. It was Christians who encouraged the building of schools, to teach young people to read the Bible. Christians founded the first 123 American colleges and universities.

But even more important, without Christmas, there is no hope of life after death, no hope of heaven, for it was at Christmas, that God Himself became a man, that He might offer His life as a sacrifice for sins. Without Christmas, we, along with the Jews, are still living in the Old Testament, hoping, waiting, longing for a Savior. But this is how the Chronicles of Narnia begin. In the first chapter of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, we read of how four children, Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy, enter a magical land called Narnia, where animals walk and talk, and the land is ruled by a wicked witch whose magic spell keeps the entire land always winter, but never Christmas. But then, as the story unfolds, the Christ of Christmas enters the land. In The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe, Christ comes in a different form than He came to our world. He comes in the form of the great Lion, Aslan.

Last week, our son Josh wrote asking for a number of recipes. He and his roommate were going to have a traditional Thanksgiving Dinner. Katie was coming down to join them. He wanted to prepare all of the family favorites. Kay sent him the recipes, and for days they were busy, preparing to make this holiday special. I want to give you some recipes to help make your Advent Season special. Advent, the four weeks before Christmas, is a time to prepare for the coming of Christ. While we live in a culture that does not even want to mention the name of Christ, and encourages us to have a "Happy Holiday," we have the opportunity to season our world with His name. Our children will not here the name of Jesus in school, but I want to encourage you to make use of every opportunity to let our world know what Christmas is all about. If you want to read the Christmas story in the Bible, you can turn to Luke 1-2 to get the most detailed account, which is the story of Christmas from Mary's perspective. You can supplement this account with Matthew 1, which gives us Joseph's side of the story. But John is the one who gives the theological significance of the story: Read John 1:1-14.

Probably most of you have a box somewhere marked Christmas. Inside our box are decorations and Christmas ornaments that have special meaning to our family. Some are reminders of our children. During the years, they have added many ornaments to our collection. Some are reminders of significant events from the past. Vacation trips we have taken, Packers glory years, the Badgers (my wife makes us put these ornaments toward the back of the tree). But then, there are also ornaments that remind us of the real meaning of Christmas. One is a nail, hanging on a red ribbon, reminding us of the reason Christ was born. Putting up trees and decorating them is a very ancient custom. It began as an old English tradition But Christians adapted that old tradition, using the opportunity to tell the Christmas story. Apples were put on the tree, first known as a Paridise Tree, retelling the story of Adam and Eve. Wafers were put on the tree, as a reminder of Jesus, the bread of life, and candles were lit to remember Christ as the light of the world. Some churches and families make Chrismons, special ornaments shaped as symbols of Christ, which they hang on their trees. We use evergreens, as a reminder of the gift offered to us of eternal life. Every year, as we put up the Christmas Tree, one of my goals is remind everyone of what Christmas is all about: “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. (John 1:14)

In the Scriptures, God has revealed to us the way to experience the very best of life. (Deuteronomy 6:1-9) Because these truths are so important, God wants us to take every opportunity to talk about them with our children, to teach them. God gave the Israelites an annual ceremony, the Passover, to perform as a reminder of who the Lord is, and what He has done. He told them, "On that day tell your son, I do this because of what the Lord did for me when I came out of Egypt."

Advent is a time to use our Christmas traditions as an opportunity to teach our children. It is also an opportunity to share the message of Christ with others. (Read Colossians 4:2-6). We begin with devotion to prayer. Take time during Advent to pray regularly, that the message of Christ might go forth, from our lips, from our lives, from all that we do. Make use of every opportunity to share the message of Christ.

As you decorate, present your decorations to the Lord, as a tribute to Him. Pray before you decorate. Worship Him as you decorate. Give thanks to Him as you decorate. Through traditions of putting up the Christmas Tree, and decorating the house, sending our cards, entertaining family and friends, meeting and speaking with the people around us at the store and wherever we go, we can make sure our words are "seasoned with salt," making the most of every opportunity to share the real meaning of Christmas.

One resolution was entitled "Marriage is Between One Man and One Woman." It pointed out that "throughout the Scriptures marriage is always defined as being between one man and one woman." God originated the concept of marriage, and He does not change. Jesus Christ, our Lord and the Head of the church, affirmed marriage between one man and one woman. "This resolution provides an opportunity for General Synod to faithfully proclaim the teachings of Jesus the rest of Scripture in regard to marriage being the union of one man and one woman."

The other resolution was entitled, "Resolution in Support of Equal Marriage Rights for All." It explained that Scripture must be interpreted "through the lens of the Gospel." Scripture calls for love and justice in all relationships. Therefore the General Synod was being asked to affirm: "equal marriage rights for couples regardless of gender and declares that the State should not interfere with couples regardless of gender who choose to marry and share fully and equally in the rights, responsibilities and commitment of legally recognized marriage." It further encourages congregations and individuals in the United Church of Christ to "engage in serious, respectful, and prayerful discussion of equal marriage rights for couples regardless of gender," and "calls upon congregations to prayerfully consider adopting Wedding Policies at their churches that do not discriminate against gay and lesbian couples."

Understanding that this would be a controversial topic, just days before General Synod met, John Thomas, President of the United Church of Christ, gave a speech addressing this issue. He began: "For many, extending the full and equal legal rights and privileges to same gender couples as those afforded to heterosexual couples, and offering the same blessing and discipline of the church, seem entirely consistent with the over three decade long trajectory of General Synod actions and the accompanying reception process in the church. As a matter of justice and of pastoral care, affirming marriage equality would be a bold step, but one that continues a journey we have been on for a long time as a church."

Personally, I have observed this "journey" for more than 25 years, and it has been painful to watch. It has seemed to be a journey that has taken this church, step by step, away from an acceptance of the Scriptures as the Word of God and toward many questionable decisions that are diametrically opposed to the teachings of the Bible. Many who have grown up in the United Church of Christ have watched with sadness as the denomination they have come to love has continued this journey farther and father from what they believe.

President Thomas continued, "On the other hand, …some, including the presenters of the resolution affirming marriage as only being appropriate between a man and a woman, speak out of their own deep conviction, nurtured by their own interpretation of scripture and the tradition. Consideration of marriage equality moves us into the very center of a highly polarizing and politicized cultural debate in which United Church of Christ members find themselves disagreeing. We all know that the covenants uniting this church are fragile at best. We know that there are congregations and members already in dissent from the General Synod’s earlier positions on gay and lesbian concerns."

As President Thomas acknowledged, this "highly polarizing and politicized cultural debate" has brought loss of membership in the UCC, as well as financial struggles. Many members and even churches have made the painful decision to leave the wayward denomination. But in spite of these concerns, he went on to affirm: "Here is what I believe: I believe that the General Synod should affirm the rights of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender persons to have their covenanted relationships recognized by the state as marriages equal in name, privileges, and responsibilities to married heterosexual couples."

With the encouragement of the president, the synod voted on July 4 to pass this resolution, and voted to declare the other proposal about affirming marriage as between one man and one woman to be old fashioned, out of date, and good only for the garbage bin. From my perspective, the Bible was tossed there, right along with it. Every time I officiate at a marriage, one of the first statements that is read declares, "Marriage originates with God." When Jesus was questioned about whether it was proper to divorce, he pointed back to what was recorded in Genesis, and said: "Haven’t you read that at the beginning the Creator 'made them male and female,' and said, 'For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.'" When we try to redefine what marriage is, we are opposing the clear teachings of our Lord. Interestingly, the General Synod also passed a resolution affirming that Jesus Christ is the Head of the church, but how can we claim that He is Lord and then turn away from what He has to say?

This resolution has brought controversy in many United Church congregations, including my own. Many members of St. Peter and St. Paul have become quite disgusted with this journey away from the teachings they have grown up with. In the United Church of Christ, we understand that resolutions passed at General Synod have no direct authority over local churches. As is often pointed out, General Synod "speaks to the church, not for the church." But decisions such as this cast a long shadow on every one of its churches, as each is identified with the national body and its actions. Those who are sympathetic toward the votes appreciate the publicity General Synod brings to their church. But those who cannot endorse these actions are either splinted or forced to a difficult decision. Let the fireworks begin.

The Vatican newspaper was appaulled by this action, and wrote: "Who can judge the dignity and sacredness of life of a human being, made in the image of God? Who can decide to pull the plug as if we were talking about a broken or out of order household appliance?"

The U.S. House and Senate agreed on something, which is a miracle in itself, and voted to grant her parents the opportunity to appeal this decision to a higher court. President Bush indicated this is a tough decision, so if we are going to error, we should do it on the side of life. with this in mind, he signed the bill, putting it back in the hands of a judge in Florida.

But when the American public was presented with an opportunity to express its views, the poll shows that 60% of Americans wonder what our government was thinking getting involved in a personal decision. WEll here is the problem. The personal decision belongs to Terri. The Constitution of the United States guarentees every American, rich or poor, in sickness or in health, the right to pursue life... so I'm certainly thankful someone is concerned enough about her rights to take some steps to protect it. I would strongly encourage everyone to make sure they express their wishes very clearly in a living will, so they don't find themselves in this situation.

But I'm also thankful that God Himself shares in this concern, and He has done what was necessary to impart, not only physical life, but eternal life, to everyone who will receive it. This life is not our right. We cannot earn it, and do not deserve it. But He offers it, nonethe less, having sent His Son to go through the agony of death on the cross to pay for our sins, that we might have the privilege of receiving this gift. How many of us will take it?

Out of darkness and emptiness, God created a world that was perfect. Scripture proclaims: “God saw that it as good.” But some time after making man in his own image, for the purpose of sharing with him in fellowship, something happened. Adam and Eve chose their own path, rather than God’s, and disobeyed His will. A cloud passed over the heart of Adam and Eve, causing them to experience guilt, fear, and shame. Being cut off from the source of life, they would also suffer death. But that same black cloud of death and decay also passed across their world. Romans 8:19-22 reminds us: “The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration… in the hope that creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God. We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time.”

Every violent tremor of the earth and every erupting volcano stems from the groaning of creation. Is God all-powerful and in control? Yes. Is God responsible for everything that happens? No. Every violent tremor of the earth and every erupting volcano stems from a creation groaning under the curse of sin. Our world is filled with sickness and disease, but God is not to blame for this, either. Believers, as well as creation, long for the day of redemption. Is God all-loving, and concerned about every person? Just as the Lord assured Moses at the burning bush, He proclaims to all who hurt today: “I have indeed seen the misery of my people… I have heard them crying out… I have come down to rescue them. (Exodus 3:7-8).” Can God act? The cross of Christ proclaims that He has and He will.

Franklin Graham shared in a recent newsletter: “God’s answer to the pain and suffering of this present world is the cross. The cross is clear evidence of God’s incredible love for man.” God chose to leave behind His glory and crown, to become a man, to come into this world to deal with the root problem of all pain and suffering. No amount of teachings, band-aids, or medicine could cure this disease. It would require Christ’s death, in payment for all sin, and His glorious resurrection, proof that the price had been paid in full. But at the proper time, the Lord will return to earth to finish His work. Our lives and our world are still in the clutches of sin. But when we place our faith in Christ, He assures us that He will be with us, and He will help us through whatever we must face in this world, bringing good out of it. But the test is yet to come. In this world, we “groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies (Romans 8:23).” When the Lord returns in glory, He will bring His judgment on evil, and transform the world, once again providing a perfect environment for us to live together with Him in glory. In the meantime, He works in us, and through as, as He did with Moses, to bring healing and hope to a shattered world. “I will be with you, now go, I am sending you…”

Out of darkness and emptiness, God created a world that was perfect. Scripture proclaims: “God saw that it was good.” But after making man in his own image, to share with him in fellowship, something happened. Adam and Eve chose their own path, rather than God’s, and disobeyed His will. Because of sin, Adam and Eve experienced guilt, fear, and shame. Being cut off from the source of life, they would also experience death. But sin also affected the world we live in. Romans 8:19-22 reminds us: “The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration… in the hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God. We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time.”

Every volcanic eruption and every tremor is another groan of creation. Is God all-powerful and in control? Yes. Is God responsible for everything that happens? No. His creation was perfect, but we messed it up through sin. Every natural disaster reminds us that not only people, but creation as well became sick with decay, and longs for the day of redemption. Is God all-loving, and concerned about every person? Emphatically yes. Just as the Lord assured Moses at the burning bush, God proclaims to those who hurt today: “I have indeed seen the misery of my people…I have heard them crying out…I have come down to rescue them (Exodus 3:7-8).” Can God act? Yes, the season of lent reminds us that He has, and He will. As Franklin Graham shared in a recent newsletter:

“God’s answer to the pain and suffering of this present world is the cross. The cross is clear evidence of God’s incredible love for man.” God chose to become a man, and to come into this world to deal with the root problem of all pain and suffering. No amount of teachings, band-aids, or medicine could cure the disease. It would require Christ’s death, in payment for all sin, and His glorious resurrection, proof that the price had been paid in full. He knows what suffering is all about. He carried the weight of our sin, grief, and pain on the cross. But at the proper time, the Lord will return to our world to finish His work. Our lives and our world are still in the clutches of sin. But when we place our faith in Christ, He assures us that He will be with us, and He will help us through whatever we must face in this world, and bring good out of it. We who have Christ also “groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies (Romans 8:23).” When the Lord returns in glory, He will bring His judgment on evil, and transform the world, once again providing a perfect environment for us to live together with Him in glory. In the meantime, He works in us and through us, as He did with Moses, to bring healing and hope to a shattered world. “I will be with you, now go, I am sending you…”

Ellen Johnson, president of American Atheists, went on to say, "Bush's interview with the Washington Times demonstrates clearly that he does not respect the diversity of the country."

What stirred this controversy were these words from President Bush:
"I fully understand that the job of the president is and must always be protecting the great right of people to worship or not worship as they see fit. That's what distinguishes us from the Taliban. The greatest freedom we have - or one of the greatest freedoms - is the right to worship the way you see fit. And on the other hand, I don't see how you can be president - atleast from my perspective, how you can be president, without a - without a relationship with the Lord."

That is quite a statement. Can you be president without the Lord? Of course you can. I am sure we have had many presidents who did not have a relationship with Christ, and I'm sure many would say they did a fine job. But I understand what President Bush was saying. The Apostle Paul once said, "It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me." Those who have a relationship with Christ discover a power, a joy and peace, a new quality of life that others simply cannot understand. Paul also said, "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." Once a person has discovered the secret of new life in Christ, he is forever changed, and begins the great adventure of knowing and serving Him wherever he goes. But only a person who has discovered Christ can understand this.

I have Christ in my life. I have worked as a postal carrier, and Jesus helped me deliver mail, while I was being paid by the federal government. I have also taken Christ into the public schools while doing substitute teaching. Some may consider this illegal, but the power and life of Christ cannot be separated from me. Of course the president cannot dictate that others follow Christ. But neither can those without faith dictate to him how he lives out his life as the president. This is all a part of our freedom.

But our greatness as a nation does not come from freedom from religion. I comes from the long heritage we have as a nation built upon the practice of a Christian faith by those who believe in it.

Bill Bright related the following story:

In the 1830's, French diplomat Alexis de Tocqueville toured America in
search of the key to America's greatness. When his tour had been
completed, he made this observation: "I sought for the key to the
greatness of America in her harbors...; in her fertile fields and
boundless forests; in her rich mines and vast world commerce; in her
public school system and institutions of learning. I sought for it in
her democratic Congress and in her matchless Constitution. Not until I went into the churches of America and heard her pulpits aflame with
righteousness did I understand the secret of her genius and power.
America is great because America is good, and if America ever ceases to be good, America will cease to be great."

He continues, "The Americans combine the notions of Christianity and of liberty so intimately in their minds that it is impossible to make them conceive the one without the other."

I am sure those without Christ could never understand this, but I believe it is very true.

But what did Jesus offer to those He saw in need? When a great crowd of people followed him, and it was getting late, Jesus recognized their human needs, and asked the disciples, "Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?" John 6:6 tells us Jesus knew what He was going to do. He fully intended to provide for their physical needs, and He did, multiplying the loaves and fishes that were available. But shortly thereafter, when the crowds continued to follow Jesus, He said to them: "I tell you the truth, you are looking for me, not because you saw miraculous signs but because you ate the loaves and had your fill. Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you." Jesus went on to say, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty."

Should we feed the hungry and provide for the needy? Of course we should, for the Lord instructed us to love our neighbor as ourselves, and the related story of the Good Samaritan makes clear that our neighbor is anyone who needs help. But the most loving thing we can ever give to anyone is the gospel. James reminds us how foolish it is to offer only prayer and religious words to those without clothes and daily food (James 2:15-16). But if we really understand that Jesus is the Bread of Life, and source of eternal life, and that those who do not believe in Christ stand condemned (Christ's words, right after John 3:16), and all we offer is physical support, how loving is that?

What is the purpose of the church? What did Jesus command His disciples to do? It was not to feed the hungry, but to preach the gospel, and take this good news to everyone, everywhere. While the politically correct will tell us to keep our religion to ourselves, fortunately Peter and James and John did not listen to those who told them to stop talking about Jesus. (Acts 4:12-20, 5:28-29)

Knowing that most of those who suffered from the Tsunamis are not Christian should motivate those who know Christ to not only provide for physical needs, that will bring temporary help, but just as urgent, spiritual truth that will bring life eternal. It is for this reason that my missions giving goes to those who provide both physical and spiritual needs. What do you think?

Today the internet provides many more sources for stories, as well as an opportunity to dig out the facts. But with so many sources coming from the left and the right and everywhere inbetween, we are still left wondering where to search for something black and white, something that will not change from generation to generation. Jesus said that is why He came. Standing before Pilate, Jesus testified, "In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me." Pilate, evidently, was not convinced. It was at this time that he asked his familiar question, "What is truth?" (John 18:37-38).

The Pilates of our day will argue that there is no abolute truth, and cannot be, for each of us must determine for himself what is truth. But after exploring the claims of Christ, I became convinced that He is who He claims to be, the Creator of all, who came to deliver us from darkness, and bring us into His light. If it is true that He formed our universe and established the laws of nature, and created each one of us for a purpose, He alone can reveal to us the absolutes because He established them. I believe they have been revealed to us in Scripture.

A careful study of the gospels demonstrates that Jesus clearly believed the Scriptures were without error, and that what the Scriptures said, God said. Whenever Jesus was questioned about what he was doing, He appealed to the Scriptures: "Have you not read?" For Jesus, the Scriptures provided the foundation of truth upon which we must base our lives. Having accepted Christ as my Savior and Lord, I want to look at our world through Christ's eyes, and live consistently with His ways. But how can we do this?

Our responsibility is to keep in touch with what is happening in our world, by watching TV, listening to the radio, reading the papers and checking the internet, gathering the opinions of the day. But then we must open the Scriptures, and determine what God's Word has to say about what we see and hear, and then apply the principles of Scripture to life in the world today. This will be my challenge.