Good News Magazine Subscriber Letter
Dear friend and Good News reader,
My heart goes out to the families of those massacred in Paris on Nov. 13. The attacks were barbaric and frightening. Terrorists claiming to be from ISIS attacked unsuspecting civilians in one of the swankiest districts in Paris. Most of the victims were in a concert where, ironically, the Eagles of Death Metal band played at the Le Bataclan Café—one of Paris’ most legendary clubs.
The terrorists achieved their goal of horrifying the French population and the world. They now bask in all the attention they’re getting from the media and are certain to continue their attacks on “infidels” in the West. What happened in Paris could happen in any Western city at any time and most likely will. When and where will they strike again? We now hear that Washington D.C. is in ISIS’ sights.
Pope Francis called the Paris massacre part of a “piecemeal Third World War.” The French have vowed a “merciless response” against the terrorist organizations behind the attack and are striking ISIS strongholds in Eastern Syria. Even if initially successful, will that bring lasting peace? Is more war only treating the symptoms of a complicated state of affairs in which this world finds itself? World reaction varies from outrage to grief, horror and revenge—even to “Where is God in all this?”
Where was God?
Actually, that’s a very good question and one that I would like you to think about.
As a subscriber, you’ve likely read our ongoing analysis and warnings in the pages of The Good News magazine. There are divine reasons why this is all happening today. As we settle from the shock, it’s high time for us to look at some of the deep underlying causes that few want to talk about—much less do anything about.
The Paris massacre has brought the convoluted Mideast violence closer to home. Syria is a nation that has exploded—spewing its poison to the whole world. Two hundred thousand have died in a complex civil war with strange alliances that involve the most powerful nations of the world—including the United States and Russia. The Mideast Gordian Knot is one that we in the West have not been able to disentangle.
To truly understand what is happening, we need to look beyond ourselves. That’s why we look to the Bible—an authoritative ancient text that is carefully preserved for us today. Here is truly good news! The Bible confidently shows that God remains in control, even if it seems that everything is crumbling into political and economic chaos. It provides the context and the framework we need for understanding why things are happening the way they are. And, perhaps most importantly, the Bible reveals what is to come for you and me.
Here’s important insight: “Surely the arm of the Lord is not too short to save, nor his ear to dull to hear. But your iniquities have separated you from your God” (Isaiah 59:1, NIV, emphasis added throughout).
As you may have read in the pages of our magazine and in our online commentaries, belief in God is declining in the United States and elsewhere. Many have abandoned the guiding principles of Holy Scripture. What is the outcome, the consequence, for nations embracing this deeply unfortunate action? “Your life will constantly hang in the balance. You will live night and day in fear, unsure if you will survive” (Deuteronomy 22:66, New Living Translation).
This hasn’t always been the case. Did you know that former President Dwight Eisenhower actually opened his 1953 inaugural address with an open prayer to God? He beseeched (his word) for the Almighty to: “Give us, we pray, the power to discern clearly right from wrong, and allow all our words and actions to be governed thereby…so that all may work for the good of our beloved country and Thy glory.” Do you remember that former President Ronald Reagan took the words of 2 Chronicles 7:14 as the presidential theme for both of his inaugurals? That verse poignantly reads this way: “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”
By faith we will survive
As many teachings and prophecies of the Bible authoritatively declare, a spiritual day of reckoning is swiftly coming upon this world. Unless people take action—individually and collectively—terrible things are in store. Paris is but the beginning of sorrows.
God promises security and safety for those who follow Him. “Blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him” (Psalm 34:8, NIV). Paul, citing the ancient prophet Habakkuk, declares: “The just shall live by faith” (Romans 1:17). By faith we can trust in God. By faith we can confidently know that God offers protection
to His elect. By faith we can survive. Jesus Himself tells us about the chaotic events preceding the end of the present age: “Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near” (Luke 21:28). What good news!
So what about you? God offers us all a solution: “I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that you and your descendants may live” (Deuteronomy 30:19). We can choose what we want to do and what course of action we will take. But we cannot choose the consequences of our choices.
According to the authoritative and powerful words of the Bible, we must all make this choice, whether individually or collectively as a nation. As a Good News subscriber, you are likely moving in that direction.
Our free offer for you today
To help you make sense of what’s happening, and to show you what a loving and all-powerful God has in store for you and me, I urgently invite you to read our free Bible study aid Christ’s Reign on Earth: What It Will Be Like. It will inspire you with hope for the future. This world truly will experience a “dream come true” when Jesus Christ returns to establish His Father’s Kingdom. The hearts and minds of humanity will be changed to the way of peace. Please return the enclosed card for a free copy.
As the events of Paris show us, we live in deeply troubling times. Please keep reading The Good News magazine (soon to be Beyond Today magazine), and please keep praying for us in our mission to preach the gospel to the world—proclaiming what is finally prophesied for humanity.
And, as you consider your year-end giving, please help support our preaching of this message of relief to a stressed and traumatized world. We appreciate your prayers. We are praying for you.
Thank you for helping us deliver critical understanding to a needy world. Lift up your eyes!
In Christ’s service,
Victor Kubik
