I had significant computer problems last week and it has taken a
toll on my work; both in what I have been able to do and the time
available to do it. Hence, this week's newsletter is late and very
abbreviated.

For our new subscribers, this is not typical. Go to our Weekly
Newsletter page to get a better idea of what a normal newsletter
contains.

The June/July Special issue, A Clash of Cultures, of Truth Magazine
is now available to members for download.

All newsletter subscribers can download a sample article here:
A Clash About God

Dads & Grads Special Offer Below

*****
"There Was A Division"

To the surprise of many, Jesus was a very controversial person; and
still is. As He labored among the Jews, they debated each other
about Him. In John 8:43 it says, "So there was a division among the
people because of Him."

Jesus did not recoil at this division. He did not change His
message to make it more appealing and less-offensive in an attempt
to please everyone. Rather, He stayed the course and became
increasingly controversial. Eventually, as you know, it reached the
point where most turned against Him and cried out for His blood
(Mk. 15:11-13).

The disciple should expect no better than his Master (Jn.
15:18-21). A true follower of Christ will be controversial. Paul
was said to be "a plague, a creator of dissension" (Acts 24:5). He
stirred up trouble wherever he went. He was thrown in jail at
Philippi (Acts 16). He caused a riot at Ephesus (Acts 19). He was
arrested in Jerusalem after the crowd nearly tore him apart (Acts
21:26-36).

If we teach the truth and act in accordance with the gospel, should
we expect anything different? How controversial are you? It is not
that Jesus, Paul, and the others sought to anger people. They did
not act arrogantly. However, they did anger people to an extreme
degree. This is the nature of truth as it clashes with the world.
If we follow Jesus we will clash with the world too.

Also worthy of note is the fact that the enemies of Paul and Jesus
were religious men. Paul had trouble with pagans (Ephesus), but his
greatest persecutors were the Jews (Acts 14, 17). Jesus' enemies
were the religious leaders of Judaism. It should not shock us that
in our time the most rabid opponents of the truth are religious
leaders; ones that are popular and hold great influence over the
masses just like the scribes and Pharisees did.

No matter what, all those who love the Lord must stand with Him. We
cannot be cowards and get into heaven (Rev. 21:8). Rather, we need
to "Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong" regardless
of the controversy or divisions that will result (1 Cor. 16:13).
*****

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Oh...and by the way, we are still looking for suggestions on family
fun night activies. Do you have suggestions for fun events that the
whole family can do? Is there a "fantasy" fun day or night you
would like to do? This is contest, so think hard. Extra weight
will be given to activities that enhance Bible knowledge. Just
hit reply to this email and let me know your thoughts!

All the best,
Steven