Signs of the Times
November 2003
Prince Charming: Reluctant King
William stands an athletic six-foot-three, with “dreamy” blue eyes and a tousled mop of blond hair. His undeniable good looks– an inheritance from his late mother–his status as heir to the throne and a multi-million-pound fortune have seen him hailed as “one of the most eligible bachelors in the world” by magazines on both sides of the Atlantic.
Can a Scientist Believe in God?
One can extract any number of misrepresentations of surveys about what scientists believe by looking at the unbridled Internet and elsewhere. However, two studies published in the prestigious journal Nature can be assumed to be reliable. The results were surprising.
From Hate to Love: Ku Klux Klan chief to disciple of Christ
He soon became the clan chief, David Duke’s bodyguard, from where he rose to the Grand Dragon of Oklahoma. Feeding his mind on racist literature, he became a zealous recruiter and fiery speaker, “filled with Satan and with hate. I started thinking I was a big shot,” he recalls.
Ancient Practice With Modern Meaning
As the forerunner to Christ, John the Baptist fused the links between the Old Testament prophecies of Jesus Christ and their New Testament fulfilment. He revealed new meanings at a time when the common people had little faith in their religious leaders, Herod or Caesar. John’s baptism not only filled a void but prefigured and revolutionised a simple earthly ritual washing into a heavenly symbol showing acceptance and the ultimate promise of transport to the kingdom of God.
Spring Into Summer
The warmer weather of our temperate climate makes the outdoors much more inviting and accessible. Summer offers a wider variety of activities, especially water-based, like surfing, swimming and deep-water running. But you might be wondering if last year’s swimmers still fit, and how to get fit enough to take advantage of the warmth, holidays and exercise opportunities.
Cars: Blessing or Curse?
Not only have we become obsessed with car ownership, our need for speed and owning a hot set of wheels is part of our culture. It’s common for families to have what looks like a small used-car sales lot in their front yard, depending on the number (and gender) of their children. With the decline in public transport and increase in urban sprawl, it’s generally accepted that a new or near-new car isn’t one of life’s luxuries, but an essential part of living and working.
It’s a Kid’s World
During the launch of the Year of the Child—an initiative of the churches of Australia—at Government House, New South Wales, Pastor Earl Roberts, the national chairman, told his listeners of adults and children: “This is all about our future. While children are only 25 per cent of our population, they represent 100 per cent of our future.”
Mud, Sweat and Tears
During the rainy season, the rain seems to have no end. It begins with drizzle for the first few minutes before turning into a constant downpour. This particular day was no exception. It had been pouring for hours, and water filled every pothole and hollow of the uneven dirt road, so that the once rock-hard red dirt was now slippery, red mud. Our four-wheel-drive Toyota with a big green sticker of people holding hands—Adventist Development and Relief Agency’s (ADRA) logo—was going nowhere.
What Jesus Said Then About Now
Terrorist attacks, street gangs, violent demonstrations, car bombings and kidnappings. The list is growing. Just where can a person feel safe? Almost nowhere, it seems. At one point, recently, the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs had “travel advisories” on 129 countries. That leaves just 62 it considered safe! Fully two-thirds of the world was thought unsafe.
. . . Next to Godliness!
You know it’s time to do a little house cleaning when you walk across the kitchen and a slipper sticks to the floor. Things have gone too far when neighbours write “Please wash me!” on your windows. At times like these, there is one sure-fire way to deal with the problem—invite someone over for dinner. Nothing motivates me to clean the house like the fear of people finding out how we really live.
Signs Regular Columns
Trends:
In memory of de Mello
Our Times:
Wet mail, marathon man, lost 'n' found and more. . .
Food Matters:
The Sugar of Life
Food Matters Recipe:
Orange Pancakes
Bible Discovery:
Stand Up and Be Counted
Book Review
A Breif History of Heaven
Medical Hotline
With Dr James Wright
Lifeguide
With Counsellor Carole Ferch-Johnson
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