Despite everything that has occurred over the last five years, the United States remains the only major world power. The events leading up to World War I and World War II proved that isolationism is not a viable foreign policy. After World War II, the US put together a series of alliances and economic entities to move the world towards relative peace and economic prosperity. Through the decades of the Cold War, those systems have worked. But today, the US position is being challenged by China and, to a lesser extent, Russia. China’s growing military and economic power pose a genuine threat to the national security of the US. Time will tell whether the trade strategies President Trump is pursuing will work. But there are two areas where the US can learn from both history and common sense—Russia under Vladimir Putin and Afghanistan.

A new study of the book of Colossians: setting up the scene in Colosse, introduction, and analysis of Paul’s greeting to begin chapter 1.

The conclusion of our study of Hebrews, as the author shares what the Christian life looks like.

In Disney’s classic cartoon feature, Bambi, “Thumper” the rabbit offers a wise piece of advice: “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.” God’s Word has much to say about the words we use and how hurtful and damaging they can be (see the Proverbs and James 1:19-27; 3:1-12). Most of us forget physical hurts we may have incurred growing up, but we remember vividly the cruel words from a bully or a childhood enemy—or even a merciless parent. Such words are often the root cause of bitterness, which is poisonous and destructive.

In last week’s Issues in Perspective, I explored the topic of thinking biblically about space exploration. Human beings are the only creatures created in God’s image. Among other things, that means humans represent God. We are God’s dominion stewards over His world (see Genesis 1:26ff). We have been given the authority to rule over it, to explore it, and use it as good stewards. But, given this dominion authority, human sin remains the essential challenge.

Lessons from Hebrews on the reasons and rationale when God’s disciplines His children.

Continued discussion of Old Testament examples of faith & perseverance, and how we can apply this today.

This summer we are celebrating the 50th anniversary of Neil Armstrong walking on the moon (20 July 1969). Those of us who are older can remember what we were doing that day in July fifty years ago. It was a monumental achievement of American technology, drive and perseverance. The Apollo space program harnessed nearly everything that was unique about American civilization to realize one of humanity’s greatest achievements. But it was also wrapped around the realities of the Cold War.

Discussion and examples of Old Testament saints who exhibited faith and perseverance.

That anti-Semitism is in resurgence is a well-documented fact. The cause of this resurgence is not as clear. In this Perspective I seek to document the rather frightening evidence of growing anti-Semitism and then speculate on its causes and why this is an important issue for us as Christians.