Virtual Christian Magazine Editorial
Relating the Bible to Life
By Tom Damour

In this month's issue of Virtual Christian Magazine, a series of articles have been compiled which we hope will help you relate the Bible with everyday life. After all, if we don't understand how to relate God's Word to life, how can we benefit from its timeless truths?

The articles cover subjects that, at first glance, might seem unrelated. However, upon closer examination, a theme will emerge which we hope will help you understand how to apply God's Word in both your personal life as well as how to make sense of the turmoil in today's world news.

In our lead article, "The Middle East: Worlds in Collision," Scott Ashley will take us on a brief historical journey into the turbulent history of Jerusalem in general, and the controversy surrounding the Temple Mount. As the title of this article indicates, religious fervor has long fueled the animosity between the adherents of the world's three major religions. As you read this article, don't lose heart. Jesus Christ has promised to return one day to Jerusalem to usher in a new time of world peace. When this happens, Jerusalem will become the focal point of world news again, but at last it will live up to its name and truly become the City of Peace.

Do you know God? Millions claim to understand who and what God is, yet without their realizing it, much of what they believe is rooted in Greek philosophy. Learn how pagan philosophical beliefs have confused millions as to the very nature of God in the article by Larry Walker entitled "Only God Knows What He Knows." In this brief article you will learn the dangers of limiting God by human reasoning. Coming to know who and what God is will open new vistas of understanding.

Did you know that others are attempting to manipulate you? Howard Davis addresses this topic in his article entitled "Is Your Family Manipulated by Mass Media?" You will be surprised how easy it is to allow ourselves to be unduly influenced by the world around us. We can learn how to limit outside influences on our families by understanding how mass media manipulates us from within our own homes. By doing so, we can begin to protect our families from being manipulated by others who do not share our values and beliefs.

Finally, the article "Take Responsibility for Your Own Health" is designed to remind each of us of the basic rules regarding maintaining vibrant health. As you read this article, remember that someday, when Jesus returns to the earth, the hundreds of millions of people who have survived the carnage of the great tribulation will need to be taught how to eat the way God intended humans to eat all along.

When Jesus Christ returns to the earth, people will not be kept ignorant of the way to a long and vibrant life. No longer will mass media be used to exploit and manipulate people into accepting false and distorted claims about what constitutes a balanced diet.

The fact is this same knowledge is understood by very few today. By applying the principles found in this article, you will begin to enjoy the benefits of eating the way God intended His human creation to sustain itself from the beginning.

As you read each issue of Virtual Christian Magazine, keep in mind that the information is designed to teach a way of life which works in our chaotic world today and will also work in the thousand-year reign of Jesus Christ. However, having knowledge is not enough. It's critical that the knowledge gained from this publication be translated into your life. It is our prayer you will be inspired to deepen your relationship with God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ through the articles of Virtual Christian Magazine.

Copyright 2002 by United Church of God, an International Association  All rights reserved.