We rejoice that the Gospel goes out across the world in greater volume and impact than ever. Again, in this last holiday season, millions were reminded of Christ and His coming to earth to die for our sins. Christians must always and most earnestly pray that the message of the Gospel will be attended by the blessing of God and the support of the people of God.

“Using technological devices ranging from simple cassette tapes to solar-powered audio players and an iPod-like gadget called the Bible Stick, Christian groups are spending hundreds of millions of dollars a year to make one of the world’s oldest books accessible in remote corners of the planet...

Since 2000, the Bible—or parts of it—has been translated into 600 more languages, making it more accessible to tens of millions more people...” Mary Jordan, Washington Post

“The resurection of Jesus Christ is...absolute proof that He is God the Savior. The world’s religions cannot make this claim for their leaders, but instead, make shrines of their tombs... ‘About 30% of the Bible is devoted to prophecy. In contrast, prophecy is completely absent from the Qur’an, Hindu Vedas, or the sayings of Buddha or Confucius. Prophecy is unique to the Bible and vital in revealing God’s purpose for mankind. No prophecies foretold the coming of Buddha, Muhammad or any other religious leader. There are more than 300 Old Testament prophecies which identify Israel’s Messiah centuries before His coming.’” Jagged Edge

“The Secret by Rhonda Byrne...has been endorsed by Oprah Winfrey, and it has sold more than 6 million copies...The ‘secret’ turns out to be the old lie that you can be a god who can create your own reality through the power of your mind...If you will think positive things, then good things will happen to you...A focus on the negative will bring ill-health and bad luck.” The Lamplighter

“The 2008 Summer Olympic Games are scheduled to begin at precisely 8:08 p.m. on August 8, 2008. The ‘8’ theme is no mistake; it is a number symbolizing hope and prosperity in Chinese culture. China hopes the Olympics will be a catalyst to continue its surge as an economic and global power...

There is no doubt the country, and specif ically Beijing, have transformed in recent years...

But will it be a place of spiritual transformation as well? Frankly, we don’t know. Perhaps as the Olympics further exposes Chinese citizens to the international scene, they will become more open to spiritual matters.” A Beijing Insider, East Asia Insight

Make this a year to study the Word of God as never before. There is still time to set up a daily program of Bible reading so as to carefully read through the entire Bible this year. Memorize the Bible so that anywhere you may be you can still study the Scripture by going through its very words in your mind. A person who does not know the Word of God cannot be an effective Christian. Join those who can be used of God because of a working knowledge of His Holy Word.

ISLAM—What They Believe
by Harold J. Berry
What Do Muslims Really Believe?
Islam is more than a religion; it’s a monotheistic philosophy of religion, politics, and daily life. Explore the mysteries of the Muslims in this enlightening 64-page booklet, and learn why the Islamic state is actually a world order with a government, court, constitution, and an army. And discover how it is possible to effectively bring the Gospel of Christ to these people. Write or call for your copy.
Suggested Contribution: $6