November 22, 2009
Volume XXVIII - Number 47
National Security - The Real Solution (Part 1)
By WAYNE JACKSON

Those conversant with the Scriptures are surely aware of the fact that God expects individuals to strive for personal righteousness. What is not so well-known, however, is the fact that Jehovah demands a certain level of righteousness for nations as well. "Righteousness exalts a nation; but sin is a reproach to any people" (Proverbs 14:34). David exclaimed: "The wicked shall be turned back into Sheol. Even all the nations that forget God" (Psalms 9:17). In view of this, it is apparent that each citizen should endeavor to contribute to the righteous climate of his nation.

The following truths are taught in the Bible: (1) The destiny of Earth's nations is ultimately in the hands of the Lord. (2) He expects nations to conform to certain moral criteria. (3) When the moral fabric of a people deteriorates to a certain point, God can and will bring that power to its knees.

Jehovah's Sovereignty
One of the great biblical truths regarding the Creator is that of his omnipotence. Job declared (concerning the Lord): "I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be restrained" (Job 42:2). This includes, of course, the control of national powers. A fundamental truth set forth in the book of Daniel is that of Jehovah's international sovereignty. The prophet affirmed that "the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomsoever he will, and sets up over it the lowest of men" (Daniel 4:17). Again, the Lord "removes kings, and sets up kings" (2:21). God is said to be "ruler over the nations" (Psalms 22:28).

The Almighty can even exalt a pagan power to punish his own people when they rebel against him. To the ancient kingdom of Judah it was declared:

"Behold ye among the nations, and look, and wonder marvelously; for I am working a work in your days, which ye will not believe thought it be told you. For lo, I raise up the Chaldeans, that bitter and hasty nation, that march through the breadth of the earth, to possess dwelling-places that are not theirs" (Habakkuk 1:5-6).

Even in the Christian age, the inspired Paul would announce that God determines the nations' "appointed seasons" (i.e., the duration of their existence) and the "bounds of their habitation" (the extent of their conquests) (cf. Acts 17:26).

The book of Revelation plainly teaches that Jesus Christ is "the ruler of the kings of the earth" (Revelation 1:5); indeed, he is "King of kings, and Lord of lords" (19:16). To those who respect the testimony of the Scriptures, the issue is clear—God has not lost control of the affairs of this earth!

. . . . TO BE CONTINUED NEXT WEEK

Happy Thanksgiving

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 1 Thess. 5:18

Have a happy and safe Thanksgiving Holiday,
for we are of all people, most blest.

 

Teachers Needed
The new year is just around the corner and we are putting together the teaching schedule for 2010. We have a new teacher questionnaire on the table in the foyer, that lets us know what class(es) you are willing to teach or assist in, for next year. We have an additional class this year, Kindergarten/1st grade. Due to the additional class we need more teachers this year. It is our desire to allow teachers to rotate, so that no teacher has to teach consecutive quarters. We appreciate so very much your willingness to help and serve. Please return the teacher questionnaire to either Sabrina or myself.

Thank you.
Chad Tagtow

Ladies' Work Group
The Ladies' Work Group is scheduled to meet tomorrow evening (Mon.) at 7:00 pm in the ladies' workroom. All of our ladies are invited to attend and participate in the group's good works.

Add to your Directory
Please add the following information to the extended family portion of your directory:

RIVERA, Hector & Amanda
P.O. Box 31073
Ft. Greely, AK 99731

A "warm" greeting is always in order :-)

In Sympathy
Harold Harper, Rita Bauer's uncle, died this past Monday at age 96. The viewing was in Jacksonville on Friday and funeral services will be held in West Virginia at a later date.

Pantry Update!
Last Thursday, we had 35 people to show and fed 110. We need:

    • Macaroni & Cheese
    • Tuna
    • Green Beans
    • Corn
    • Peanut Butter
    • Pork & Beans
    • Raimen Noodles

 
TODAY'S SERMONS

AM: "BEING A THANKFUL PEOPLE"
(Psalm 100:1-5)

PM: "RENEWING OUR ZEAL"
(1 Corinthians 15:55-58)

PRAYER LIST

Evelyn Haiflich, Micky Bell, Barbara Deel,
Lucy Blackman, Wanda Greene, Teresa Phillips, Lynda Waters, Chris Everling, Haskel DeBord, Phyllis Winans, Mary Joens,
Luther Pendergrass, Minnie Lee Stout,
Jonathon DeWalt, Riley Parker, Vivian Bently,
Zach Mathis

– Shut Ins –
Pansy Sims, Ken Skinner, Robert Cox,
John Baker, Frances Black,
Mattie Hughs

– In The Nursing Homes –
Mona Howard (Springlake),
Jim Huggins (A,dale Oaks)