From the Bible student’s standpoint, the most important international developments of 1992 centered on peace talks in the Middle East and growing anarchy in Europe.
Syria, Jordan, Israel
Something is going to happen here. When the Gogian-led invasion sweeps through Israel, the nations of Egypt, Lebanon, Syria and Jordan are not with the hostile force. Where are they?
Iran, Ethiopia and Libya are with the invaders. Saudi Arabia and the oil emirates are with Tarshish and the young lions, but what about Israel’s immediate neighbors? They have either been conquered by Israel or have made peace with her.
We watch the manuverings in this area with great interest. In 1967, 1973 and 1982, there was an increasing intensity of activity that resulted in the Six-Day War, the Yom Kippur War and Israel’s invasion of Lebanon. The increasing activity now occurring is, no doubt, building to a climax of great importance. It may be realignment, it may be another war, but the pace of events clearly indicates some major development will soon occur.
Anarchy in Europe
Bosnia-Herzegovina is dominating the headlines. Ancient antagonisms have erupted to strip away the veneer of civilization and order. But this is not the only troubled area.
The neo-Nazi movement in Germany has defied all efforts to bring it under control. Most of the youth involved are from the former East Germany. When Germany was united, “The entire social structure collapsed…school, youth clubs, the legal system, the police — all are in turmoil. Into this void have moved leaders from the right wing. They recruit teenagers whose world has suddenly been turned upside down” (The Detroit Free Press, December 6, 1992). These young people want security more than the uncertain opportunities of democracy and a free-market system.
Similar instability exists throughout eastern Europe and the old Soviet republics. When the Russian legislature broke down into a flurry of fist fights a few days ago, the scene was an enacted parable of the dangerous confusion that plagues the area.
Even the European Community is having serious problems as its members put national interests ahead of the community. The next steps toward unification, scheduled to take effect this January 1, are being revised and postponed.
The situation is ripe for the rise of a dominant leader; one who combines ambition and intelligence with charisma and courage; one who will be ruthless yet will bring prosperity; one who will be anti-sematic and supported by the Catholic and Orthodox churches. These are exactly the characteristics of the “king of fier accountenance” described in Daniel 8:22,25.
Accordingly, we watch with great interest as last brings further developments of God’s plan.
Ecclesial developments
Within of North American community of ecclessia there were 88 baptisms reported to The Tidings in 1992. This was downs shortly from the 150 in 1991. Of course, there was no Gulf War last year. That event had a discernible impact in 1991, as baptisms were concentrated during and immediately after the conflict.
In 1992, the heaviest period of baptisms occurred in the months following the Bible schools. That fact should greatly encourage us to take advantage of such events, especially where our children are concerned.
While baptisms were down, there was great joy occasioned in several places by a uniting in fellowship of brethren who had previously been separated.
Unless we are personally involved, we may not appreciate the tremendous benefits that accrue from such reconciliation. Young people have a much greater opportunity to find partners in the Truth. Families who were meeting alone now have the benefits of ecclesial association. Small, previously isolated ecclesias have the joy of interchange with brethren and sisters in the area. Those who have special talents in music, speaking and exposition can be used on a wider basis.
And there is something else.
There is only one body in Christ. That is a doctrine as fundamental as one God, one Lord, one faith and one hope (Ephesians 4). True, the doctrine of the one body is not included in the statement of faith of most ecclesias. That, however, does not make it any less important to our God and our Lord Jesus.
“Love, joy, peace” are fruits of the Spirit that are evident when brethren who were once divided can join in ecclesial fellowship. We might not feel that this uniting of brethren is as important as baptisms into the faith. Yet only those who sow to the Spirit “shall of the Spirit reap everlasting life.”
Consider, in 1992, the contrast between the believer and the world. In many parts of the world, there is strife and hatred; they “bite and devour one another.. .(they practice) hatred, variance…wrath, strife, sedition’s…” In the brotherhood, we should seek a restoration of relationships “in the spirit of meekness…(that we might) bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Gal. 5:16-6:2). What a blessing it is when the contrast between the believer and the world exists not only in theory but also in practice.
There is, then, something more than the practical benefits of uniting those in the faith; there is an implementation of the great principles of our Lord.
The Tidings
As a new year begins, the printing of the Tidings has increased from 3,000 to 3,500 copies. Requests were received last year to extend distribution in two additional areas including the Caribbean ecclesias.
To our new readers, we would note that all readers are invited to submit articles that benefit our discipleship and are, on points of first principle doctrine, in harmony with the Birmingham Amended Statement of Faith. Questions, comments and discussion points should be submitted to the “Letters to the Editor” column. Please keep letters to 500 words. We prefer to know the author but we will not publish the writer’s name if so requested. This policy is to encourage forthright discussion of vital issues. We will, however, occasionally edit and condense letters for the purpose of readability.
Thank you
Our heartfelt thanks to those who have paid subscriptions and, in many cases, provided additional funds. Payment status is indicated by a date on the address label. “12/93” indicates payment has been made through 1993.
May our Lord come in this new year and find us ready to receive him with faith and joy.
The Origin of the Organic World – Part One