This month many of us may avail ourselves of the opportunity to celebrate our loved ones with a traditional remembrance. It is also an appropriate time to remind ourselves that you and I are the recipients of the ultimate “valentine.” It was written in blood on a wooden cross that was erected in Judea almost 2,000 years ago. And yet it was interlaced throughout the history of mankind with a scarlet thread of promises.

Having spent the better part of last year going through our series on “Reflecting God’s Image,” the lesson we’ve learned is that as Christians we have been created for God and His purposes. And only when we align ourselves with those purposes, will we ever be fulfilled and able to glorify Him.

The financial debacle we’ve all been plunged into was brought about by two bubbles: the real estate bubble and the associated credit bubble. A choreography of fiscal lunacy is well summarized in a New York Times article by Michael Lewis and David Einhorn:

Continuing our series on reflecting Christ’s image, you can see that abiding in the Lord and spiritual warfare must go hand in hand. Abiding in His presence involves companionship, communion, fellowship, mutual delight and decision making; whereas, spiritual warfare involves being a watchman on the wall protecting this relationship and always keeping an eye on the health of our soul.

Ezekiel was one of the most fascinating and mystical prophets of the Old Testament. He was held captive with King Jehoiachin in the second of three deportations under Nebuchadnezzar, years before Jerusalem was overthrown. Daniel, who had been in Babylon years before Ezekiel arrived, is mentioned three times.

2008 has been one of the most gratifying years for the Koinonia Institute. It has continued to grow in depth as well as reach. Our diverse Membership of over 2,000 now spans over 30 countries:

Contrary to the governments of the United States and Israel, various experts in both countries reject the “two-state” solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. I shall mention their views while developing five decisive arguments against a Palestinian state: Economic, Demographic, Political, Strategic, and Democratic. Let’s begin.

May the Lord give you a very blessed Christmas and may your New Year be filled with the “fragrance of Christ.”

One of the most familiar “Christmas Card” verses is found in Isaiah:

One of Christianity’s most controversial issues—and one of our most frequently asked questions—involves the concept of Eternal Security. There are good scholars on all sides of this issue, yet we felt it would be useful to explain our own views on this highly charged subject.

First of all, I want to wish every one of you a very blessed holiday season. Even though the times right now are difficult, Scripture tells us we have much to be thankful for. Read Isaiah 9:6-7 again. Maranatha!

Can a man lose his salvation? Yes! If it depends on him. This is one of the most controversial issues—and one of our most frequently asked questions. There are good scholars on all sides of this issue, yet we felt it would useful to explain our own views on this highly charged subject.

Ever since it was originally suggested by Thomas Chalmers in 1814, there have been two reactions to the so-called “gap” theory: either to dismiss it completely or to misapply it. We will attempt to do neither. Let’s start at the beginning:

It’s possible that our energy policies have been founded on a myth.

Continuing our series on Reflections of His Image, a very important part of “abiding in Christ” is the ability to recognize the attacks of the enemy and to know what exactly to do. The Lord tells us in Psalm 91 that if we abide, “He will keep us from the snare of the fowler and no evil will befall us;

We conclude our three-part China series this month with an exploration of the affects of Communism and the struggles facing the current regime.

Most of us are alarmed at the rapid decline of our once-great country. Our elected officials pass laws they haven’t studied, exempt themselves from the burdens they impose on others, and become the pawns of the power brokers rather than faithfully representing their own constituents. All this at a time when our own economy is irresponsibly ignored.

The Torah—the five books of Moses—details seven feasts during the Hebrew calendar:

We are in the middle of a series covering China in depth—we will not bring you the latest “flash in the pan” news about China but rather reveal the undercurrents that have dictated the path of China’s meteoric rise. With that in mind, we continue with part two of our series in which we will explore how capitalism has changed China and what its future holds.

This month I would like to share about a rather unfamiliar topic: Being “friends with God.” (This is still a part of our Reflections of His Image series.)