Signs of the Times
June 2003
Nova’s Gold-medal Life
A highlights video of the sporting achievements of Nova Peris would be compelling viewing: the first indigenous Australian to win an Olympic gold medal; her switch to athletics (she was the first to win Olympic and Commonwealth gold in different sports); then her run in front of the Sydney home crowd in 2000.
The Roads to Addiction
According to experts, there’s a range of bio-psychosocial factors that increase a person’s chances of becoming addicted to alcohol or other drugs. For example, if an identical twin with an alcoholic parent develops alcoholism, an amazing 60 per cent of their identical twins will also develop alcoholism, even if raised by non-alcoholic adoptive parents.
Wars and Rumours of Wars
Jesus, speaking of our times in answer to an inquiry by His disciples about the time just prior to His second coming, said it would be characterised by “wars and rumours of wars” (Matthew 24:6). He also mentions an increase in the occurrence of famines and earthquakes. Although this is a gloomy picture, as Jesus wants us to see and understand it, it is also a glimpse of good news, for we can gather confidence from the accuracy of His prediction.
And the Winner Is . . .
Meet John (he’s practising his wedding vows): “I take you, Joanne, to be my lawfully wedded wife; to have and to hold, from this day forward . . .” Now meet Paul (he’s reading an email from his girlfriend of 15 months): Of course I love you Paul. . . . Heaps. But as I said, I’m not sure enough to take the walk down the aisle. Can’t we just live together and see how things go? Kisses, Alina. Now meet Alex: “Hey, you great huge hulk! [He’s talking to himself in the mirror!] You’re the man!” He loves mirrors, and the single life!
SARS, Not a Drink but an Epidemic
Just as a can of Sarsaparilla will bubble and spread unless handled carefully, so will SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome). That’s why travellers are restricting their flights to South East Asia; they’re fearful of catching this frequently fatal disease. In one Asian locality, a quarter of those dying are the health professionals attempting to save the lives of other SARS patients.
Geoff Bradon: Keeping Faith
Geoff Bardon died in early May, 2003, after a short battle with cancer. Although awarded an Order of Australia medal for his amazing contribution to the welfare of Aboriginal culture and art, his life and work wasn’t without its difficulties.
Immersion Into Christ
Baptism is about formalising a relationship, and with it comes obligations in exchange for certain rights, foremost among them is eternal life with Him. Just as a bride will usually take on a new name, that of her husband, so the baptised wear the name of Christ—“Christian.”
Sir Silas Atopare: His Destiny in God’s Hands
As the representative of the Queen in Papua New Guinea (PNG), the Governor-General, Sir Silas Atopare, presides over the country’s constitution—a job, he concedes, that’s not always easy. He alludes to the most recent election as an example, with accusations of vote rigging and ballot-box fraud. These issues require the wisdom of Solomon and patience of Job.
Living a New Life in Christ
There are some who’ve known the pardoning love of Christ and who really desire to be children of God, yet they realise their character is imperfect, their life faulty, and they are ready to doubt whether their hearts have been renewed.
Help for Teens at Risk
Over the past several years a number of colleagues and I have been working on better understanding what we can do to prevent the behaviours that are well known to contribute to the transmission of HIV, the virus that has been identified as causing AIDS. The focus of our work has been directed at adolescents between the ages of 12 and 20 or so.
The Essence of Life
Control of water resources and access to potable water will be among the major issues to confront the world this century. There’s no way to overestimate the importance of water in people’s lives. It’s necessary for cropping, livestock and basic hygiene and health.
Worth the Wait
I breathed, then waited. Ten minutes passed, then 15—time during which I recalled another such occassion following the slamming of her door. I remembered how, as I stood outside I heard the security screen being lifted from the window, waiting, praying. Then, hearing the sound of breaking glass, I rushed in to see 12-year-old Amelia with blood streaming from her hand, threatening.
Signs Regular Columns
Trends:
Interview with the Doors
Our Times:
Long lunch for poor, DIY self-destruction, miners beware and more. . .
Backpack
Money Matters:
Real Wealth
Food Matters:
Feed Them Fruit
Food Matters Recipe:
Fruit Treats for the Family
Bible Discovery:
Mother of All Wars
Medical Hotline
This month Dr Wright tells about natural ways to lower your blood pressure, dealing with an embarrassing and annoying skin problem, twitching limbs and a loose bowel.
Lifeguide
With Counsellor Carole Ferch-Johnson
Home - Archive - Topics - Podcast - Subscribe - Special Offers - About Signs - Contact Us - Links
 |
 |
|
Copyright © 2006 Seventh-day Adventist Church (SPD) Limited ACN 093 117 689
