The 10 Commandments and God’s Way of Life. Christ’s Example of Sabbath Observance. Statin Muscle Toxicity.

.

The 10 Commandments and God’s Way of Life

“Our Creator God knows what is good for us and what is bad for us. What does the Bible tell us God wants us to do? Why did God give the 10 Commandments?

God knows what is good and bad for us, and He has recorded this information in the Bible to save us from the heartache and suffering that the wrong choices—what the Bible calls sins—bring.

But humanity as a whole has chosen to try to discover right and wrong by trial and error. Even worse, most people choose to experiment for themselves, not even learning from the mistakes of others!

The 10 Commandments show the right way

Jesus Christ summarized the right way in two great commandments: Love for God and love for others (Matthew 22:37-40 ). This basic approach is further defined by the great law God thundered from Mount Sinai—the 10 Commandments.

The rest of the Bible further magnifies the holy, just and good law of God. It reveals a way of life that produces great benefits in this life and that Jesus said is a prerequisite to entering eternal life (Matthew 19:17 ).

How can we know how to love God except He tells us? How can we avoid the pitfalls of human relationships unless we accept the wisdom revealed in God’s law?

And how can we know what sin is unless God defines it? In 1 John 3:4 sin is defined: “Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness.” The Contemporary English Version translates this as “sin is the same as breaking God’s law.”

Importance of the 10 Commandments as guardrails

Many seem to think of the laws of the Bible as burdensome and restrictive. But the apostle John shows the opposite:

“For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome” (1 John 5:3).

God’s commandments are expressions of His love for us, and obeying them allows us to show we appreciate that and love Him in return. So instead of viewing them as burdensome, we can look at the 10 Commandments as the protective guardrails that can help guide us away from going over the edge of the cliff.

God’s laws show the way to good relationships and eternal peace and joy. Breaking God’s laws does the opposite—damaging relationships and causing unhappiness, conflict, suffering and ultimately death.

God’s commandments are not complicated or convoluted, like so many of man’s laws are. But they can guide us in all areas of life and provide a structure for understanding the other complementary teachings of the Bible.

Disagreements about the 10 Commandments

Some argue that Christ’s death did away with the need to obey the 10 Commandments. But if they honestly look at each commandment, the vast majority wouldn’t say that it is okay to kill, commit adultery, steal or lie. They wouldn’t advocate for blasphemy or idolatry or covetousness. Generally, the only commandment most object to is the Sabbath command.

But did Jesus, the “Lord of the Sabbath,” who said it was made for our benefit (Mark 2:27-28), really repeal the Sabbath commandment? See more about this in our article “Lord of the Sabbath” and related articles.

Different numbering of the 10 Commandments for Jews, Catholics and Protestants

One other disagreement should be mentioned here—how they are numbered. The Bible itself doesn’t number the 10 Commandments, but it does tell us there are 10 in Exodus 34:28 and Deuteronomy 10:4. This is also reflected in the Greek word that came into English as Decalogue.

But you may notice that different religions number those same commandments differently. We follow the numbering also used by most Protestant groups. But many Jewish resources will show Exodus 20:2 as the First Commandment, while we consider that verse a prologue since it doesn’t include a command. These resources then combine verse 3 (which we call the First Commandment) and verses 4-6 (which we call the Second Commandment). From there, the numbering matches the way we list them.

The Catholic numbering combines the ones we call the First and Second Commandments, calling the combination the First Commandment. From there, their numbering is one less than the list we use. For example, in the Catholic list, the Sabbath command is called the Third Commandment, rather than the Fourth Commandment in our list.

To come up with 10, the Catholic list breaks the law against coveting into two parts. For Catholics, the Ninth Commandment is to not covet your neighbor’s wife. The 10th Commandment is to not covet your neighbor’s goods.

Considering that coveting your neighbor’s wife does not come first in Exodus 20 (it does in Moses’ retelling of the law in Deuteronomy 5), we believe it makes more sense that the law against coveting is all one commandment.

Of course, the important point is not the numbering or how they are grouped, but making sure none of the commandments are neglected. When the 10 Commandments are only looked at in short form, such neglect is a distinct danger. See “10 Commandments List” for a look at these Jewish and Catholic lists.

Learn more about the 10 Commandments

See more about how God wants us to live—for our own benefit—in this section on “The 10 Commandments and God’s Way of Life.” Articles in this section explore God’s laws and examine the continuity of God’s law between the Old and New Testaments. Articles on each commandment examine the meaning of the 10 Commandments in simple terms and how they apply today.” From: https://lifehopeandtruth.com/bible/10-commandments/?

________

Christ’s Example of Sabbath Observance

Luke 4:31  Then He went down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee, and was teaching them on the Sabbaths.

“As we discussed concerning the passages in Mark 1:21 and Mark 6:2, Jesus Christ’s custom was to observe the Sabbath. The Bible teaches us to follow Christ’s example and to walk as He walked (1 Peter 2:21; 1 John 2:6).

The apostle John explained: “For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome” (1 John 5:3). So why do so few Christians follow Christ’s example of keeping the Sabbath commandment? Why do so many neglect this gift from God?

For more about what Jesus Christ expects of His followers, see our article “How to Keep the Sabbath Holy.”       From: https://lifehopeandtruth.com/bible/blog/christs-example-of-sabbath-observance/?

_________

Statin Muscle Toxicity

Below is an approximation of this video’s audio content. To see any graphs, charts, graphics, images, and quotes to which Dr. Greger may be referring, watch the video at https://nutritionfacts.org/video/statin-muscle-toxicity/

“Video updated 3/5/2012 to reflect new FDA warning labels citing risks of confusion, memory loss, new onset diabetes, and muscle injury. Even people who don’t experience pain or weakness on cholesterol-lowering statin drugs may be suffering muscle damage.”

“Last week, February 28, 2012, the FDA announced newly mandated safety labeling for cholesterol-lowering statin drugs—such as Lipitor, Mevacor, Crestor, Zocor, and Vytorin. The FDA issued new side effect warnings regarding the increased risk of brain-related side effects, such as memory loss and confusion, an increase in blood sugar levels, and risk of new onset diabetes associated with taking this class of drugs. 

One prominent cardiologist described the Faustian bargain to the Wall Street Journal. Apparently, “1 to 2 out of 100 patients at risk for a heart attack will avoid one” by taking statins. But research now suggests for every 200 people taking a statin, 1 will develop diabetes. 

Wouldn’t it be great if there were some way to lower the risk of heart attacks and diabetes at the same time?

First, let me address the third side effect newly addressed by the FDA: the risk of muscle injury. We’ve known that about 1% to 5% of patients suffer enough muscle damage to cause pain and overt weakness, but only about 1 in 6,000,000 or 7,000,000 actually suffers enough muscle damage to kill them. It’s called fatal rhabdomyolysis, where your muscles break down so rapidly your urine starts looking like this, as you literally start peeing your muscles down the toilet. Then your kidneys fail, and you die.

But that’s like winning the lottery chances. There’s a 1 in 2 chance we’ll die of heart disease—so, no surprise Lipitor is the #1 prescribed drug on the planet Earth.

But then, this study was published. Normally, if you have muscle pain on a statin, you go to a doctor, and they take blood to see if you have elevated levels of muscle breakdown products in your bloodstream. Now if you don’t, they basically say, oh, it’s all in your head—go home, keep taking your medicine.

What these researchers did, though, was they instead took these people, and got muscle biopsies, and proved that even though their blood levels were normal, they were indeed suffering muscle damage. The damage just wasn’t leaking into their bloodstream. Well, if that’s the case, if you can’t pick it up with the test, maybe everyone taking statins is suffering muscle damage—whether they’re experiencing pain or not.

And that’s exactly what they found. Clear evidence of skeletal muscle damage in statin-treated patients—all statin-treated patients. This is what a muscle is supposed to look like under a microscope. This is your muscle; this is your muscle on statin drugs.

But, the degree of overall damage was slight. Most people don’t even feel any pain with statins, so what’s the big deal?

This is the big deal. New study on statin therapy, muscle function, and falls risk. Hundreds of older men and women followed for a few years, and those who were on statins suffered greater declines in muscle strength and muscle quality, and greater increases in falls risk.

So we don’t want to be taking this drug unless we really need it. The problem is, because heart disease remains our #1 killer, most everyone does need to take a statin drug like Lipitor every day for the rest of our lives—except for one group. This is from the editor-in-chief of the American Journal of Cardiology: “Only pure vegetarians for practical purposes do not need statins. Most of the rest of us do!”    So, it’s our choice.”            From: https://nutritionfacts.org/video/statin-muscle-toxicity/

________

Turkey and Syria: Making Sense of the Tragedy. How Does God Want to be Worshipped? Is Cheese Really Good for Our Health?

.

Powerful Earthquakes Hit Turkey and Syria: Making Sense of the Tragedy

A distraught woman sits on rubble of a building in southern Turkey that was destroyed by the earthquakes of Feb. 6, 2023 (AP Photo/Khalil Hamra). 

“Thousands have died in the recent earthquakes in Turkey and Syria. Life in this region will be impacted for years to come. Why do such tragedies occur?

Thousands of lives were suddenly wiped out when a magnitude 7.8 earthquake and then a magnitude 7.5 earthquake struck southern Turkey and northern Syria on Feb. 6, 2023. As of this writing, the death toll is over 6,000.

With the more than 300 aftershocks and frigid temperatures, this number will undoubtedly rise as more bodies are recovered from the rubble. In an instant, a shaking earth destroyed buildings and roads and buried thousands of unsuspecting people. Over 13,000 people were injured, and tens of thousands were without food, shelter and hope.

Both Turkey and Syria were grossly unprepared for this tragedy. Their buildings were not designed to withstand an earthquake of this magnitude. On top of that, they lack the resources to handle the aftermath of these deadly earthquakes.

Syria is still embroiled in a seemingly unending civil war. The city of Aleppo, home of many displaced refugees, was first ravaged by missiles and is now even more decimated by this natural disaster.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families affected by this tragedy. Tragedies like this should remind us how precious life is and how quickly life can be turned upside down. It’s at times like these that we should turn to the Bible. The Bible gives a unique perspective on tragedies, including difficult lessons we should learn.

To learn more about the biblical perspective on tragedies, read “Why Does God Allow Evil and Suffering?”

Lessons from the tragedy in Turkey and Syria

Consider these three lessons:

1. This is not God’s world.

Many see tragedies like this as proof that there is no God. They reason that an all-powerful, all-loving God would not allow tragedies like this. But the Bible shows a different way we should look at it. Tragedies don’t occur because God doesn’t care. Ultimately, they are a result of humanity’s rejection of God. Essentially, this is not God’s world!

The suffering and anguish in Turkey and Syria and everywhere else are a result of living in a world cut off from God. When God created Adam and Eve, He placed them in a beautiful garden and interacted directly with them (Genesis 2:8; Genesis 3:8). There were no earthquakes or other natural disasters in this garden. God was there and provided perfect protection and order. All God required of our first parents was that they live by His instructions. If they did, they would live in complete safety and happiness. They would not need to worry about natural disasters.

But when Satan appeared in the form of a serpent, he convinced them to reject God’s instructions and authority over their lives (Genesis 3:1-5). Because of this rejection, dire consequences would follow for them and their descendants. God removed them from the Garden of Eden and let them live in a world without His protection and influence (Genesis 3:23).

All human beings have been given the same free will to choose their own way of living. God warned that rejecting His law would bring suffering and death (Genesis 2:17; Deuteronomy 30:15-20). Satan’s influence currently prevails over this world because man follows his own way over God’s way (2 Corinthians 4:4). The suffering and anguish in Turkey and Syria and everywhere else are a result of living in a world cut off from God.

2. Unless we change, we will all perish.

Jesus Christ commented on two tragedies that occurred in His time on earth. One was the execution of several people by Pontius Pilate (Luke 13:1). Another was the accidental death of 18 people crushed to death by a falling tower (verse 4).

Turkish citizens searching for survivors in the ruins of a collapsed building in Diyarbakir, Turkey, Feb. 6, 2023 (Voice of America).

Christ used these tragedies to stress an important point. He said that those who died were in the wrong place at the wrong time. God hadn’t singled them out for punishment. The point He drew from these incidents was this: “Unless you repent you will all likewise perish” (verses 3 and 5).

Those who died in the recent disaster did not bring these earthquakes on themselves. The people living in this region weren’t necessarily more guilty of sin than any other people. They were simply in the wrong place at the wrong time.

The point we must take to heart is that we will die eternally if we do not repent of our sins. That is the death we should be most worried about! Those who die in tragedies may have lost their temporary physical lives (which God says He will restore in a resurrection), but if we don’t repent and change, we will perish forever (Romans 6:23).

3. Earthquakes are prophesied to increase and intensify during the last days.

Why are earthquakes (and other natural disasters) continually increasing around the world?

In the Olivet Prophecy, Jesus Christ prophesied that in the last days there would be “earthquakes in various places” (Matthew 24:7). As that time approaches, earthquakes will increase both in intensity and in frequency. Read more in our article “Earthquakes in Bible Prophecy.”

Since the start of the 21st century, not including this recent disaster, there have been 22 major earthquakes (greater than a magnitude 6) causing some 834,000 deaths! Some of the deadliest earthquakes since 1900 have occurred in recent years. These include:

• The growing number of earthquakes is a sign that the return of Jesus Christ is drawing near. Haiti (Jan. 12, 2010). Magnitude 7; 316,000 people killed. This was the deadliest earthquake of this century.
• Indonesia (Dec. 26, 2004). Magnitude 9.1; 228,000 people killed in the earthquake and subsequent tsunami. This was the third- largest earthquake since 1900.
• China (May 12, 2008). Magnitude 7.9; 90,000 people killed or missing and presumed dead.
• Pakistan (Oct. 8, 2005). Magnitude 7.6; over 86,000 people killed.
• Iran (Dec. 26, 2003). Magnitude 6.6; 41,000 people killed.

(Since casualty reports in these disasters often vary, the above casualty numbers should be considered approximate.)

As the weeks turn into months, the death toll from the recent earthquakes in Turkey and Syria will undoubtedly rise and possibly cause them to rank among the worst earthquakes in recent times.

The growing number of earthquakes is a sign that the return of Jesus Christ is drawing near. This should motivate us, more than ever, to heed Christ’s warning from point two: repent!

What will you do now?

The Bible and history prove this simple statement: A world without God leads to suffering, tragedy and death.

As you see the resulting suffering of this tragedy, ask yourself this question: Do I want to continue to be a part of the suffering that comes from a life cut off from God? Or do I want to have a relationship with Him and live a life that is blessed and happy (Psalm 1) and help prepare for the peaceful world Jesus Christ will bring at His return?”  From: https://lifehopeandtruth.com/prophecy/blog/powerful-earthquakes-hit-turkey-and-syria-making-sense-of-the-tragedy/

To learn more about the future time when natural disasters will end, download our free booklet The World to Come: What It Will Be Like.

  __________

How Does God Want to be Worshipped?

Jack Le Roux/Unsplash

“Christ commanded us to worship God in spirit and truth (John 4:24). But how do we worship God? Can we know what pleases Him?

Christ kept the Sabbath Holy all His life, and He was an example for us. 

Yes, in God’s Word we can learn how He wants to be worshipped. Christ Himself said, “If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15). Those timeless commandments God gave to mankind are key to happiness, peace, abundance and harmony. Just read through any of them and imagine how life would be if all mankind strictly observed just one of those ten!

But, how do we worship God? The first four of the Ten Commandments all have to do with how we respect and honor God. He tells us how to live if we truly love Him and want to “hallow His name.” Those first four are:

1. Have no other gods besides Me.

2. Make unto yourself no graven image of anything in heaven or earth or the water under the earth; you shall not bow down to them nor serve them.

3. You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain; and

4. Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy.

If you believe in Christ, you probably agree with the first three of the Commandments, but do you keep the fourth?

The Sabbath day

On the seventh day of creation God created the Sabbath day for mankind (Genesis 2:2-3). Jesus Christ said the “Sabbath was made for man and not man for the Sabbath” (Mark 2:27) and that He was “Lord of the Sabbath” (Matthew 12:8). Christ kept the Sabbath holy all His life, and He was an example for us. His apostles kept the Sabbath day all their lives—even after Christ died, was resurrected and then ascended into heaven—as did the New Testament Church of God.

God designed the Sabbath to be “Holy time”— a 24-hour period we should remember and set aside to do God’s will. In Leviticus 23, God says that each Sabbath is a “Holy convocation”—a time for His people to assemble before Him (Leviticus 23:1-34).

If we say we worship God and want to please Him, we must do as He says. If we do, He says He will make His home with us. If we don’t, Christ says, “Depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness” (Matthew 7:23).

Do you worship God the way He wants to be worshipped? Living God’s way is a “24-7” life. The Sabbath day is Holy and we must honor Him on that day.

Do you want to worship God as He wants to be worshipped each Sabbath? Then please join us for Sabbath services, even if it is virtually at first, at one of our many locations around the world. If you’d like to talk to someone or want more information, contact us and we will get right back with you.  We encourage you to read our vital booklet on this subject, “Sunset to Sunset: God’s Sabbath Rest.”     From: https://www.ucg.org/bible-study-tools/bible-questions-and-answers/how-does-god-want-to-be-worshipped

________

Is Cheese Really Good for Our Health?

“What is the real story behind the recent studies that show cheese has neutral or positive health effects?

In my series of videos on saturated fat, I talked about a major campaign launched by the global dairy industry to “neutralize the negative image of milk-fat among regulators and health professionals as related to heart disease.” As you can see in my video “Is Cheese Really Bad for You?”, (Is Cheese Really Bad for You? | NutritionFacts.org) that campaign continues to this day with the publication of a meta-analysis demonstrating “neutral [non-harmful] associations between dairy products and cardiovascular and all-cause mortality,” that is, death.

How do we know the dairy industry had anything to do with this study? Well, it was published in a journal that requires authors to disclose financial conflicts of interest. So, what ties were divulged? As you can see at 0:47 in my video: Dairy, dairy, dairy, dairy, dairy, dairy, the fourth largest dairy company in the world, dairy, dairy, milk, beer, soda, McDonald’s, dairy, dairy, dairy, dairy, and more dairy. Oh, and the study itself was “partly funded by…the Global Dairy Platform, Dairy Research Institute and Dairy Australia.” So, there we have it.  More at: https://nutritionfacts.org/2023/01/26/is-cheese-really-good-for-our-health/?

Key Takeaways

• The dairy industry’s campaign to “neutralize the negative image of milk fat among regulators and health professionals as related to heart disease” continues, and the industry still funds studies like the meta-analysis that purportedly showed that dairy products have non-harmful associations with “cardiovascular and all-cause mortality.”
• Researchers affiliated with the largest dairy producer in China, thereby one of the largest dairy companies in the world, suggested eating cheese each day isn’t only neutral (non-harmful), but beneficial for our health.
• Many studies were from Europe where greater cheese consumption is associated with a “higher socioeconomic status” since it is generally more expensive. Higher socioeconomic groups also consume more fruits and vegetables, and have higher education levels and higher paying jobs, all of which are associated with better health outcomes.
• Higher socioeconomic groups also tend to consume more candies. The candy industry and the U.S. Department of Agriculture have claimed that candy consumers have lower inflammation levels and a 14 percent lower risk of elevated blood pressure.
• U.S. taxpayer dollars prop up the sugar industry with a billion dollars annually. Similarly, the U.S. government uses tax dollars to buy tens of millions of dollars’ worth of surplus cheese.
• The U.S. government has been found to collude with the dairy industry to promote their products. “These [checkoff] funds are used to promote junk foods, which contribute to the very diseases our federal government is allegedly trying to prevent. Does it make sense to tell Americans to avoid foods high in salt, sugar, and saturated fat, while engaging in the promotion of those same foods?”  From: https://nutritionfacts.org/2023/01/26/is-cheese-really-good-for-our-health/?

_______

America’s Forgotten Christian Heritage. When He Had Given Thanks. How Effective Is Chemotherapy?

.

America’s Forgotten Christian Heritage

“As the U.S. holiday of Thanksgiving comes around again, we are reminded of America’s founding and how far the nation has drifted from the devotion to God on which it was founded.

Paintings courtesy of the Architect of the Capitol 

This famous painting in the rotunda of the U.S. Capitol building depicts the presentation of the draft of the Declaration of Independence to Congress on June 28, 1776.

The wall of the rotunda of the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C., features a series of eight massive paintings illustrating key events in the founding of America. One of these depicts the Pilgrims who were first on the Speedwell before transferring to join others on its sister ship the Mayflower. Prominent figure William Brewster holds open the Bible to the clear words “The New Testament of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” Above them on the sail are written the words “God with us,” shortened from the Pilgrim motto, “In God we trust, God with us.”

Of course, “In God we trust” is America’s national motto even today—imprinted on all U.S. currency and coins. Yet new polls reveal that trust in God and in the Bible have plummeted in recent years. But this result has been a long time coming—the end of a leftist, secular humanist agenda to banish God from the public sphere.

For many decades we have seen a concerted effort to play down the role of the Bible and religion in early America. Now things have gone much further, with the nation’s founders denigrated as evil racists. Of course, they were not perfect men, even by the world’s standards. But they established a nation that has overall been a great blessing to the world.

Yet as they would be first to point out, this achievement was not their doing but God’s. They regularly acknowledged Him and, along with the wider populace, sought out His direction and blessing. Let’s take a closer look at the Christian underpinnings of America’s founding and consider the depths to which the nation has now sunk—and what that means for the future.

Restoring the Sovereign

The Pilgrims and other Puritan settlers sought to construct a model Christian society. Conrad Cherry, in his 1971 book God’s New Israel: Religious Interpretations of American Destiny, states: “They believed that, like Israel of old, they had been singled out by God to be an example for the nations (especially for England). With their charter and company in America, the Puritans could in effect construct a republic independent of an English crown that had not allowed them the freedom of their experiment at home” (p. 27).

Setting up and spreading the Kingdom of God, as they understood it, was central to their national purpose. The 1643 Articles of Confederation for Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Plymouth and New Haven declared, “We all came into these parts of America with one and the same end and aim, namely, to advance the kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to enjoy the liberties of the gospel in purities with peace.”

To this end, the Puritans set up a theonomist state—one based on the laws of God as found in the Bible. The 1644 New Haven Charter was written with the following stated purpose: “that the judicial laws of God, as they were delivered by Moses . . . be a rule to all the courts in this jurisdiction . . .”

Fast-forward a century to the Continental Congress deciding to break away from British rule, the group signing a world-changing document “appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world . . . with a firm reliance on the Protection of Divine Providence.” That document, the Declaration of Independence, meant independence from Great Britain but direct dependence on God.

Unbelievable as it may seem today, the United States of America was formed not as a secular republic but one recognizing God as its unseen Ruler. In The Nature of the American System, R.J. Rushdoony writes: “The concept of a secular state was virtually non-existent in 1776 as well as in 1787, when the Constitution was written, and no less so when the Bill of Rights was adopted. To read the Constitution as the charter for a secular state is to misread history, and to misread it radically. The Constitution was designed to perpetuate a Christian order.”

As the Declaration of Independence was being signed, Samuel Adams, who was the driving individual behind the American cause, stated it clearly: “We have this day restored the Sovereign to whom all men ought to be obedient. He reigns in heaven, and from the rising to the setting of the sun, let His Kingdom come” (quoted by Peter Marshall and David Manuel, The Light and the Glory, 1977). No one in the room objected.

The faith of the Founding Fathers

Many have tried to argue that the Founding Fathers were mostly deists. Deism is the belief in an impersonal God who set everything in motion but does not actively intervene in His creation. However, M.E. Bradford in A Worthy Company proves that up to 52 of the 55 framers of the Constitution were professing Christians.

On July 4, 1821, John Quincy Adams, the sixth president of the United States, declared: “The highest glory of the American Revolution was this: it connected, in one indissoluble bond, the principles of civil government with the principles of Christianity. From the day of the Declaration . . . they [the American people] were bound by the laws of God, which they all, and by the laws of the Gospel, which they nearly all, acknowledged as the rules of their conduct.”

George Washington, the “Father of Our Country,” spoke in his 1789 inaugural address of “my fervent supplications to that Almighty Being who rules over the universe, who presides in the councils of nations, and whose providential aid can supply every human defect, that His benediction may consecrate to the liberties and happiness of the people of the United States a government instituted by themselves for these essential purposes . . .”

In 1787, James Madison, the “Father of the Constitution” and fourth president of the United States, said: “We have staked the whole future of American civilization, not upon the power of government, far from it. We have staked the future . . . upon the capacity of each and all of us to govern ourselves, to sustain ourselves, according to the Ten Commandments of God.”

John Adams, a loud Christian voice in the early United States and its second president, believed that the nation should be governed by the Bible, writing: “Suppose a nation in some distant Region, should take the Bible for their only law Book, and every member should regulate his conduct by the precepts there exhibited. Every member would be obliged in conscience to temperance and frugality and industry, to justice and kindness and charity towards his fellow men, and to piety and love, and reverence towards Almighty God.

“In this commonwealth, no man would impair his health by gluttony, drunkenness, or lust . . . No man would steal or lie or any way defraud his neighbour, but would live in peace and good will with all men—no man would blaspheme his maker or profane his worship, but a rational and manly, a sincere and unaffected piety and devotion, would reign in all hearts. What a Eutopia, what a paradise would this region be” (Diary, Feb. 22, 1756).

The religious views of revolutionary America’s “Renaissance man,” Benjamin Franklin, are fiercely debated today. Many have stated that Franklin died a deist. But this is simply not true. While it’s clear from his Autobiography that he adhered to deism in his early years, he became disenchanted with it later in life.

In his famous speech to the Constitutional Convention on June 28, 1787, Franklin violated a fundamental tenet of deism—God’s non-involvement—when he said: “. . . The longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth—that God governs in the affairs of men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without his notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without his aid? We have been assured, sir, in the sacred writings, that ‘except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it.’ I firmly believe this . . .” He followed this with a proposal to hire a clergyman to open every session of Congress with prayer.

It should be noted that none of the Founding Fathers has been so misrepresented as Thomas Jefferson, who’s also charged as being a deist. Yet this is the same Jefferson who concluded his second presidential inaugural address by saying, “I shall need . . . the favor of that Being in whose hands we are, who led our fathers, as Israel of old, from their native land and planted them in a country flowing with all the necessaries and comforts of life.”

In 1815 he stated: “We are not in a world ungoverned by the laws and the power of a Superior Agent. Our efforts are in His hand, and directed by it, and He will give them their effect in His own time.” Clearly both Franklin and Jefferson believed in a personal, intervening God, and they both were supportive of the Christian religion.

Jefferson’s phrase about a “wall of separation between church and state” has been wrested from its context. He was speaking to a Baptist audience and was likely referring to a similar phrase by early Baptist leader Roger Williams—the “wall” referring to protecting the Christian church from the ravages of the world, not protecting the state from influence by Christian principles. The Founding Fathers did not want the establishment of a national state church, but they very much wanted the involvement of God and Christian believers in the governance of the country.

In an 1892 U.S. Supreme Court case, Church of the Holy Trinity v. United States, the justices reached this decision: “Our laws and our institutions must necessarily be based upon and embody the teachings of the Redeemer of mankind. It is impossible that it should be otherwise; and in this sense and to this extent our civilization and our institutions are emphatically Christian.”

Reaping national blessings—and curses

As a result of so many in early America relying on God, the nation experienced great blessings. We find this principle laid out by God in 1 Samuel 2:30: “. . . Those who honor Me I will honor, and those who despise me shall be lightly esteemed.” But the strong morality and devotion to God that characterized the early United States were not just happenstance. God brought it about as a necessity.

As explained in our free study guide The United States and Britain in Bible Prophecy, America was destined to separate from Great Britain and become a great nation in its own right, helping to fulfill the promises to the biblical patriarch Abraham of national blessings and of being a great blessing to the world (be sure to request your free copy).

This required that America have high moral standards and a devotion to the God of the Bible. God would not pour out His wonderful national blessings on a despicable populace that would misuse and squander all His gifts. Of course, there were problems and sins among the people, but not the widespread immorality and contempt for God we see today.

God turned the hearts of the early Americans toward Him to a significant degree so that He could bless them. We find a similar instance of this in Scripture, when Judah’s King Hezekiah sought to restore the worship of God after a period of idolatry and rebellion. As we’re told, “the hand of God was on Judah to give them singleness of heart to obey the command of the king and the leaders, at the word of the Lord” (2 Chronicles 30:12).

And so God did with the United States—which was richly blessed and in turn became a blessing to the world at large. But that was then. Today many Americans have rejected any sense of godly morality. They have increasingly turned away from Him, rejecting Him from having a role in their lives or society as a whole. Many outright blaspheme Him. So where does that leave America today?

Leviticus 26 and Deuteronomy 28 both start with a list of wonderful blessings that God would bestow on Israel for remaining faithful to Him in obeying His laws. But then these chapters move to list terrible curses for unfaithfulness and disobedience. Be sure to read these chapters with a mind toward where America has been and the road it is now heading down.

The curses read like many of today’s headlines. Many other sobering prophecies foretell terrible destruction to come as a consequence of our national sins. Again, see our free study guide and take heed.

We should pray for the nation and other nations—that all will come to repentance. But realize that they are set on a course they are unlikely to turn from until prophesied end-time calamities strike, which they assuredly will. But you can heed God right now and make sure that you personally are obedient to Him. As He promises, “Those who honor Me I will honor.”

As Thanksgiving approaches, reflect on the amazing origins of America as a God-honoring nation and be thankful for our blessings. But also grieve over the terrible wrongs we see. And pray for the day when the true Kingdom of God will come with the return of Jesus Christ and untold blessings will overflow the world.”  From: https://www.ucg.org/beyond-today/beyond-today-magazine/americas-forgotten-christian-heritage

________

When He Had Given Thanks

John 6:11

And Jesus took the loaves, and when He had given thanks He distributed them to the disciples, and the disciples to those sitting down; and likewise of the fish, as much as they wanted.

“Giving thanks for our food has a long history. Here Jesus Christ, the Son of God, not only gave thanks for the five barley loaves and two small fish, He gave a miracle that multiplied this lad’s lunch into enough food to feed thousands! This is the only miracle of Christ that is recorded in all four Gospels.

Every meal we eat is a gift from God and a reminder of the miracles of creation. So it is only fitting that we follow Christ’s example of thanking God for the food He provides.”

For more about the miracles Jesus Christ performed, see our article “Miracles of Jesus.” For more about praying as Jesus did, see “Do You Pray the Way Jesus Taught?”

From: https://lifehopeandtruth.com/bible/blog/when-he-had-given-thanks/

________

How Effective Is Chemotherapy?

“Most chemo drugs are approved by the FDA without evidence of benefit on survival or quality of life.

Transcript of YouTube at:  https://nutritionfacts.org/video/how-effective-is-chemotherapy/

Below is an approximation of this video’s audio content. To see any graphs, charts, graphics, images, and quotes to which Dr. Greger may be referring, watch the above video.

“Chemotherapy is one of the most common treatments for cancer. How effective is it for improving survival and quality of life? This video, and the next, will answer those questions.

Over the next few decades, the number of new cancer cases will continue to skyrocket. Are we winning the war on cancer? Sadly, in general, no––this despite the introduction of hundreds of new anticancer drugs.

The war on cancer has been likened to the war on terror. No matter how many drone strikes you do, it’s nearly impossible to kill all the bad guys, and no matter how precise the bombing, one must always consider the collateral damage. The toxicity from cancer therapy can be debilitating, and not just health-wise. There’s also the “financial toxicity.”

Patented anticancer drugs are priced at up to nearly a thousand dollars a day. Even with health insurance, the average cost to patients for stage IV breast cancer, for example, can run $190,000. It’s bad enough to be fighting for your life without bankrupting your family at the same time; it’s a problem still common to this day.

Who can forget the apocryphal story of Walter White, working two jobs with health insurance, and still couldn’t afford his cancer care. Now, not everyone is willing to start their own meth lab, but many are willing to go for broke. A large proportion of cancer patients reported their willingness to declare bankruptcy or sell their homes to pay for treatment. I mean, look, aren’t the high prices justified if new and innovative treatments offer significant benefits to patients? But you may be shocked to find out that many FDA-approved cancer drugs might lack clinical benefit.

Wait, then how did they become FDA-approved? “Most approvals of cancer drugs are based on flimsy or untested surrogate endpoints, and postmarketing studies rarely validate the efficacy and safety of these drugs on patient-centered endpoints.” Let me explain what that means. New chemo drugs are increasingly approved just based on so-called surrogate endpoints, which means instead of looking at what we really care about—survival or quality of life—they approve drugs based on things like “response rate” or tumor shrinkage. But who cares if the tumor shrinks, if it doesn’t actually extend your quantity or quality of life? It’s kind of counterintuitive, but just seeing a tumor shrink on a CT scan or MRI is not necessarily correlated with improvements in survival or symptoms. In fact, most studies that have actually followed people out found low correlations with survival. The most recent comprehensive analysis found 90 percent of studies of such validation trials found little correlation with overall survival.

Of 36 new chemo drugs approved by the FDA based on these kinds of surrogate endpoints, once they were actually put to the test in the real world, only 1 in 7 was actually shown to extend life, and half explicitly flopped, and the rest remain untested, revealing “that most cancer drug approvals have not been shown to, or do not, improve clinically relevant endpoints.” “Exorbitant drug prices are bad enough for treatments that work, but charging vulnerable patients for drugs without evidence that they actually improve patients’ survival and quality of life is unconscionable.”

Why doesn’t the FDA require proof that chemo drugs actually benefit patients before approving them? Drug companies say that requiring randomized, controlled trials with meaningful measures would take too long, but the study time reduction using surrogate endpoints rather than overall survival is estimated at just 11 months. So, instead of it taking 7.3 years to come to market, on average, it would take 8.2 years. Yes, we want to get these drugs out as soon as possible, but only if they’re actually going to help people.

Do cancer drugs improve survival or quality of life? “You don’t need to know, according to our broken regulatory system.” And things aren’t much better over in Europe. A systematic evaluation of chemo drug approvals showed that most entered the market without evidence of benefit on survival or quality of life. And even years later, there was still no conclusive evidence that these drugs offered any benefit, and when they did, the gains were often marginal.

That’s why you see editorials in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute referencing Hans Christian Andersen, the author of the tale of The Emperor’s New Clothes. “These studies all converge on a singular conclusion: only a minority of new cancer drugs approved by US and European regulatory authorities in recent years deliver clinically meaningful benefits to patients;” in fact, some cancer-related deaths may be hastened, or even caused, by the toxic effects of chemotherapy rather than the cancer itself. Based on a review of tens of thousands of cancer patients, in as many as 27 percent of cases the cancer treatment itself caused or hastened death. Okay, but it might be worth that risk if the potential benefit is large enough.”  From: https://nutritionfacts.org/video/how-effective-is-chemotherapy/

See Fighting the Ten Hallmarks of Cancer with Food and How Not to Die from Cancer.

And that’s the subject of my next video:  How Much Does Chemotherapy Improve Survival?   https://nutritionfacts.org/video/how-much-does-chemotherapy-improve-survival/

_________

Children of God. “You Shall Not Make Idols.” “Enriched” Flour: What It Is and Why You Should Avoid It.

.

Children of God

“What does the Bible mean when it talks about the children of God? What does this description mean for our purpose in life—now and forever?

The ancient pagan world was rife with ideas about the relationships between mankind and the gods. They imagined gods who were half human and half animal; gods who were half man and half spirit. Even in today’s Christian community some believe angels cohabited with women to produce giants. What does the Bible say about children of God?

What does the phrase “children of God” mean? Is it just a way of describing those who do good deeds? Or the common heritage of mankind? Is it a mere label for professing Christians or other religious people?

If we are willing to look into the Bible for answers, we will find that children of God actually exist in our world today, preparing to inherit the universe from their Father.

Man and his gods

Ancient myths reveal that man wants to believe in gods and has created most of them in his own image. His gods may reside on earth, in heaven or in interplanetary space. They need have no morality or standards of behavior because as gods they are exempt. Their sexual exploits are a central theme of most myths, imagined by men to justify human immorality. Such gods may even be made of sticks or stones.

All of these gods are poor imposters, conjured up in the mind of the one described in the Bible as the “god of this age” (2 Corinthians 4:4). The former archangel, Lucifer, renamed Satan the devil, does hold sway over mankind for a limited time. Having lost his prominent place in the presence of God (see Isaiah 14:12), he is bent on destroying everything God stands for. He will soon be deposed by the returning Jesus Christ, who will take over Satan’s throne and rulership over the earth.

Of course, this Satan is not a man and does not literally sit on an earthly material throne. He is, in fact, a powerful spirit being, created by the Eternal God for good but turned to an adversary and destroyer through rebellion against his Maker. But he is the spirit ruler of earth and the deceiver who hides the true identity of the children of God.

The father of murder and lies

Is Satan really a god, then? Certainly, but only in the minds of those who worship him. Jesus Christ even called Satan the “father” of certain people. Why? Because he so dominates and influences the minds of men that they ignorantly model themselves after him. These might be properly called the children of a false god.

Man had been created to be the children of God, but Satan entered the picture and kidnapped the human race. He deceived them into rejecting God, and they lost that special relationship with their Creator. Satan in effect became their father. From that time forward, man’s behavior has reflected that of Satan himself.

Jesus, addressing certain religious leaders of His day, said to them, “You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it. But because I tell the truth, you do not believe Me” (John 8:44-45).

In Revelation 12:9 Satan is described as “the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world.” His deception blinds the minds of men and women to the real truth of their potential to become the “children of God!” Yet that close, loving family relationship with the Creator God is exactly what the Bible says is in store for all who will accept our Father’s call to be His children. Does that seem too fantastic to believe?

Children of God, now and forever

“Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. Beloved, now we are the children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is” (1 John 3:1-2).

Did you follow that? Though we may be called children of God today, we will become the true children of God at Christ’s return. The apostle John says that when Christ returns “we will be like Him.” And what is He like?

Most people today picture Jesus Christ as either a babe in a manger or a long-haired man walking the dusty roads of the Holy Land. He is often depicted as frail and sympathetic but rarely as a conquering warrior, king and judge.

But God’s Word gives us a completely different description of Him as He is in heaven today and as He will appear when He returns to earth as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

“His head and hair were like white wool, as white as snow, and His eyes like a flame of fire; His feet were like fine brass, as if refined in a furnace, and His voice as the sound of many waters; He had in His right hand seven stars, out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword, and His countenance was like the sun shining in its strength” (Revelation 1:14-16).

This is certainly no babe in a manger! Would you want to meet this Christ as an enemy? No! But what about as an elder Brother coming to rescue you from the destruction coming on the earth?

Brothers—sons of the same Father

It is common for Christians to mention Jesus Christ as our Brother. But what does that mean? Is He a brother only by personality or chosen lifestyle? Can we just pretend He is our brother on earth, in order to emulate His way of life? Or is there much more to the word brother in this relationship?

You will be amazed and astonished to find that you can actually become Christ’s literal brother in the spirit world—in the actual family of Almighty God, whom Jesus called His Father.

This is a great mystery! Since the Garden of Eden, God has allowed mankind to be ignorant of his potential relationship with the Father until Christ makes it known to whom He chooses. Jesus made this plain, saying, “All things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father. Nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him” (Matthew 11:27).

But Jesus has revealed that His Father is holding in reserve a great inheritance to give to Jesus Christ. And believe it or not, that inheritance is also waiting for us who are called joint heirs, or coheirs with Christ.

Glorified children of God

Notice this amazing Bible passage: “The Spirit Himself [itself] bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him that we may also be glorified together” (Romans 8:16-17)

This truth, directly from the Bible, has not been understood by most readers, perhaps because it is just too fantastic to believe! It clearly states that those who are spiritually in harmony with God through His Holy Spirit are going to be glorified.This truth, directly from the Bible, has not been understood by most readers, perhaps because it is just too fantastic to believe! It clearly states that those who are spiritually in harmony with God through His Holy Spirit are going to be glorified.

What does that mean? It means that they will be given the glory of God. As we read earlier, they are going to be like Him and see Him as He is. This is the future potential of the children of God today. But when will it happen? How does it happen?

A dramatic change coming

Here is the Bible’s answer: “Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed—in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality” (1 Corinthians 15:51-53).

This is a description of the soon-coming return of Jesus Christ to this earth. The dead in Christ will live again—as children of God.

Only after we become the literal children of God, born into His spirit family, can we inherit the Kingdom right alongside Jesus Christ. And to what are we heirs? “He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son” (Revelation 21:7).

This is entirely consistent with what is revealed to be the inheritance of our elder Brother, Jesus. Notice, “God … has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds” (Hebrews 1:1-2).

Yes, Jesus Christ, the firstborn Son of God, is heir of everything we know in the universe—and we are to be joint heirs with Him.

Doing the will of God

Who then are the children of God? How can we be counted among that number who are to inherit all things? Let Jesus, Himself, answer the question: “Then one said to Him, ‘Look, Your mother and Your brothers are standing outside, seeking to speak with You.’ But He answered and said to the one who told Him, ‘Who is My mother and My brothers?’ And He stretched out His hand toward His disciples and said, ‘Here are My mother and My brothers! For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother’” (Matthew 12:47-50). Christ’s brothers and sisters will be identified by doing the will of His Father in heaven!

Becoming part of the spirit family of God—often called everlasting life—starts with doing the will of God now, in this physical life. God created humankind to be born into His spirit family.

Do you really know God?

If you have read this short article about the children of God, you probably have an interest in knowing God. How will you respond to this precious truth?

Will you shrug it off as some do, or will you seek to know more? Will you dig deep enough into your own Bible to discover what it actually says about your incredible future? Will you be able to reject all the counterfeit gods and religious ideas that dominate our world?

Believe it or not, you can personally become one of the future children of God! We hope this website will help you explore what God wants you to do. Why don’t you start down that road today?”  From: https://lifehopeandtruth.com/life/what-is-the-meaning-of-life/children-of-god/?

For further study, read the companion article “Are We Children of God Now?”

_______

“You Shall Not Make Idols.”

“To give an overview of what the 10 Commandments are and why they are important.

“The EEI team is excited to announce the release of the next lesson on the 10 Commandments: “The Second Commandment: You Shall Not Make Idols.”

Idols are not just physically carved images; they can be anything that takes the place of God.

As this world becomes more focused on physical things, it is even more important that we teach our children that nothing should ever take the place of God.

This lesson helps to solidify that understanding, including an exciting activity! We hope this lesson will help you teach your children the importance of making sure nothing ever takes the place of God!

In addition, we are also excited to release a more in-depth overview of the 10 Commandments. This overview is complementary to the one already released. It is designed for those who want to do a more in-depth overview with their children. We hope it brings out even more to the purpose and awesome meanings of all of God’s perfect commandments.

Join other parents, grandparents and guardians to discuss how they are using the EEI Parenting Manual to teach their children in our Facebook Group.”       From: The Second Commandment: You Shall Not Make Idols - Life, Hope & Truth (lifehopeandtruth.com)

________

Enriched Flour: What It Is and Why You Should Avoid It

“When you read the ingredient list of supermarket products, you’ll see many contain enriched flour. Enriched flour is flour that has had vitamins and minerals, usually, niacin, riboflavin, folic acid, thiamine, and iron, added to it. This sounds like a good thing. After all, you’re getting B-vitamins and iron when you eat foods made with enriched flour – but what sounds healthy isn’t always. Here’s why.

Enriched Flour is Flour That’s Been Processed and Refined

The reason enriched flour has nutrients added is that they were removed during processing of the grain. To make flour, manufacturers process the grain in a way that removes two portions called the bran and the germ. Bran is the fiber-rich portion that contains protein and a variety of minerals. The germ is rich in B-vitamins and minerals that are essential for health. What’s left after processing is the portion called the endosperm. The endosperm has nutritional value, being a source of protein, carbohydrates, B-vitamins, and iron, but it undergoes still further processing to create a fine powder. During this process, it loses even more of its vitamins and minerals.

Processing grains to white flour removes much of its fiber and destroys most of the B-vitamins and minerals. Flour is “enriched” with B-vitamins and iron to add back what was lost. In reality, other vitamins and minerals were also lost including zinc, magnesium, selenium and vitamin E, but only iron and B-vitamins are added back. Not only does grain processing destroy vitamins and minerals, but it also removes natural antioxidants along with fiber and protein, which are not added back in.

The Benefits of Whole Wheat Flour over Enriched White Flour

Processing grains to make white flour removes most of the fiber. In fact, whole wheat bread has three to four times the amount of fiber as enriched white bread. Why is this important? When you strip grains of their fiber, they become mostly starch and are rapidly digested and absorbed. This creates a more rapid rise in insulin levels that send your blood sugar levels on a roller coaster ride. Plus, it deprives your body of the benefits of fiber, a dietary component that most people don’t get enough of. Soluble fiber helps to reduce cholesterol and lower the risk of heart disease. It also helps you feel fuller after a meal. In addition, white flour is bleached through various means, including the use of chlorine gas. This produces by-products, including a compound called alloxan that destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas of animals. No one knows if they tiny amounts that remain in flour after bleaching are a health threat to humans or not.

Be Informed When Shopping for Bread and Pasta

Look for bread that is 100% whole wheat or 100% whole grain. Don’t be fooled by the term “enriched wheat flour.” This means it’s made primarily from white flour with a small amount of whole wheat added. Wheat flour, without the “whole” in front of it, is made from milled wheat that’s devoid of the nutrient and fiber-rich portions of the grain – the bran and germ. “Unbleached” is another term to be wary of. Just because flour is unbleached doesn’t mean it’s made from whole wheat flour.

The bottom line?

Choose 100% whole wheat or whole grain products, and avoid grain enriched products that have been processed. It’s a healthier choice.”  From: https://cathe.com/enriched-flour-what-it-is-and-why-you-should-avoid-it/

References:  Vegetarian Times “White Bread versus Wheat Bread”
Food and Drug Administration. Code of Federal Regulations. “Enriched Flour”

________