M M

The Year 2000. It's hard to believe it is here already. At the beginning of every year we have the difficulty of learning to write the new year. I remember changing from '98 to '99, through much of January I was still writing '98. Now I have had to put down 2000. Now it's not just the last two numbers but we must begin writing the first two digits 20. For all of us we have been putting 19 down for our entire lives. We've never known any different. This will be a difficult change. Something that will take diligence in our writing. But as in many things we must "change with the times" All who are alive today will be able to look back and say "I remember when we started the new millennium". The past 1000 years has been a time of human growth unlike any in time past. In just the past 100 years we have accomplished more than ever before. We have made great strides in medicine, completely wiping out some terrible diseases. In transportation, what used to take months to travel now takes hours. People used to stare at the moon and now certain men have had the privilege of walking upon it. We are truly living in magnificent times.

But sadly, we are also living in perilous times. In these past 100 years we have had two world wars, and several other smaller wars and "conflicts" in which thousands of men and women gave up their lives. In a country that has made great strides in medicine so that infant mortality is at an all time low, the killing of "viable fetuses", BABIES, has become common place and government sanctioned. Divorce is at an all time high, no longer are our children being raised by their mommies and daddies. Now they are raised by grandparents, godless child care workers, or even worse the TV. Our children used to read about Dick, Jane and Spot. Now they read about "Heather has two mommies". Our school systems used to be a place where we could send our children to receive a good education and they would be safe. Now in many instances our schools have become a battle zone filled with weapons, gangs and drug dealers.

Yes our world is at an all time high and yet it is on a steady path to destruction.

But now we are embarking into a new millennium. Many things have changed, but one thing has remained the same for 2,000 years. There is one constant that has never changed, the Word of God (Isaiah 40:8). In the Word of God we can find a source for peace, happiness, joy and hope (2 Pet. 1:3-7). In the Word of God we can find what is needful to turn this world upside down. (Acts 17:6) From the Word of God we can teach this world how to love again (1 Cor. 13).*With the dawning of a new year there is the feeling of starting over, starting fresh. Many make resolutions in the hopes it will make their lives better. There is no greater resolution we can make other than resolving to live our lives for the Lord. To do all that we can to learn of God's will and put it into practice in our lives. To fulfill the commandment of our Lord to "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you:" (Matthew 28:19,20).

Let's begin this new year, new century, this new millennium with the attitude and zeal of the first century Christians. Let's sound the battle cry and go forth into battle against the principalities and powers of this world. Let's fight the good fight, finish the race, and keep the faith , if we do this a "crown of righteousness" will be laid up in heaven for us (2 Tim 4:7,8)

Timothy R. Henderson