"Know God, Know Peace."
Course Content
An editorial note from Scott Ashley
Great truths are sometimes expressed in few and simple words. One fit neatly on a bumper sticker: "No God, No Peace. Know God, Know Peace." I'm not big on bumper stickers, but seldom have so few words said so much. We live in a world of far too little God and far too little peace. It's not hard to see the connection.
I grew up poor, but in an environment in which religion mattered. Every morning at our small rural school the entire student body joined in reciting Psalm 19:14: "Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer" (King James Version). And I still have the two small Bibles given to every student in the school during my time there.
It never occurred to us that our minds and freedoms were being abused by having to endure a moment of prayer and being given free Bibles by generous people. But eventually it occurred to somebody, and lawsuits have largely eliminated God and the Bible from American schools and public life. Since then "no God, no peace" has become the national norm. The United States is materially rich but spiritually poor. And it seems the nation is set upon by enemies on every side, within and without, as its troubles continue to mount.
Is there a way out? Collectively, probably not. There comes a point in the lifetime of people and nations alike when there's no turning back. The die is cast; the momentum is too great to turn things around. The U.S. elections, decided around the time this issue arrives in readers' homes, show a nation deeply divided over issues of culture and religion—and indeed over whether religious belief still matters to a country founded on it.
Is there a way out individually? This is where "know God, know peace" should have great meaning to you. Without God, it's difficult to make things make sense. With God, life has a meaning and purpose that transcends the troubling headlines of today and offers hope and promise for this life and beyond.
The Good News is dedicated to several simple propositions: 1) God exists and is a being of infinite love. 2) The Bible is His divine revelation to mankind. 3) God's way of life works and brings great blessings to those who follow it. You'll find those themes evident in this issue.
Knowing true peace comes from knowing the true God of the Bible. That's where our lead article, "10 Things You Should Know About God," comes in. You likely already know some of these. Others may come as a surprise. But all are important, and if you're to have a right relationship with God, it's important to accept what He reveals about Himself!
In Philippians 4:6-7, Paul beautifully described the peace that can result from this relationship: "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
To know God is to know peace. Through The Good News we want to help you know God and to build a personal relationship with Him. We want you to understand what He's doing in the world and what He wants to do in your life. And we want you, in spite of troubles mounting around us, to enjoy the peace that only He can give.
In a world that doesn't know God or peace, you can. GN
Scott Ashley was managing editor of Beyond Today magazine, United Church of God booklets and its printed Bible Study Course until his retirement in 2023. He also pastored three congregations in Colorado for 10 years from 2011-2021. He and his wife, Connie, live near Denver, Colorado.
Mr. Ashley attended Ambassador College in Big Sandy, Texas, graduating in 1976 with a theology major and minors in journalism and speech. It was there that he first became interested in publishing, an industry in which he worked for 50 years.
During his career, he has worked for several publishing companies in various capacities. He was employed by the United Church of God from 1995-2023, overseeing the planning, writing, editing, reviewing and production of Beyond Today magazine, several dozen booklets/study guides and a Bible study course covering major biblical teachings. His special interests are the Bible, archaeology, biblical culture, history and the Middle East.
