Newsletter - September October 1999   IN FOCUS -  The Bible You may have gathered already that throughout all the things we do there is a very strong Bible content. We believe that the Bible is the inspired word of God. We also believe that the principles and teachings contained in both the old and the new testaments are relevant and even essential for modern day life in Manchester. The Bible is many things; it is the maker's instructions, the detailed plans for building the fullest life possible – a life with God. It is God's pronouncement of the world's future, the history of the way in which our creator has dealt with individuals and with nations in the past. You cannot ignore the Bible – it is the most influential book the world has ever known, it has stood the test of time and, if you want it to, it can transform your life. James 1:22 – "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says." THOUGHT – "Light Side vs. Dark Side" Star Wars, "Episode 1 The Phantom Menace", was released recently amidst all the usual media hype and ceremony.  One of the main secrets of its success is nostalgia. Many of us, now in our 20's and 30's, were brought up on Star Wars. Its' success also lies in a theme which touches on the emotions of all of us; the constant struggle between good and evil, between the Light Side and the Dark Side.  Maybe we can all relate to the following famous quote from the film "The Dark Side is quicker, easier, more seductive than the Light Side, but not as powerful !" So often we are seduced by those things which are wrong. The Dark Side may appear to be more exciting and more fun than the way we know to be right and good.  Thousands of years before Star Wars was released, the Bible speaks of a man who would come as a light to the world. "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." (John 1:5).  Jesus is this man and he is the true light. His uncompromising teaching was unpopular with many people and was certainly not as seductive as the ways of the world. His teaching even resulted ultimately in his death on the cross. However Jesus' resurrection from the dead is testimony to his righteousness and the fact that good is more powerful than evil. A Bible proverb goes like this  " There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death " (Proverbs 14:12).  Life for all of us is a matter of trust and of decisions made on what we trust.  When such a serious outcome is decided upon by the path we choose, then we should consider what exactly we are putting our faith in. It is God's purpose that Jesus will return to the earth to destroy once and for all, everything that is evil and harmful.
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