Prayer is surely needed for President Bush to make wise decisions at this difficult time. It would be a pity if it leads to a third world war. From my limited understanding of history, it only needs another super-power (or nation strong enough to think of itself as super-power) to side against the west to set such a war in place. It certainly brought to my mind the error of Rhehoboam, (1 Kings ch.12). President Bush needs to listen to wise council, not rash counsel. Pray that his counselors, who have had experience of the last world war, will be given the wisdom to make the right decisions.

For a challenging article with a difference, visit http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BoldChristianLiving/message/102

Do these events relate to what the bible says? Very much. As the above article says, I believe such a disaster is primarily God's way to get the attention of mankind. There are far worse things that will happen to the world.

See also related Bible Study article.

However:

Don't get me wrong: it's not true to say that the events in Manhattan were done by God: they were done by terrorists. God only allowed them. But that doesn't alter the fact that He is a God of love. If He were merely interested in judging and hurting men, then He wouldn't have sent His Son to die for us (see "Free Gift, Good News")

No. God is patiently waiting for mankind to repent and turn to Him. In the Bible, in 1 Peter 5:7 it says: "Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you". Billy Graham said at the American Service of Remembrance, "God cares for us".

There are various days (ages) that God has arranged for us. The present age is called the "Day of Grace". It is the present time now, when God is graciously waiting and allowing mankind to repent and turn to Him (see "Free Gift, Good News")

The next day, the Day of Judgment, will see the direct judgment of God upon this world. That is not happening now. But it should turn your attention to the fact that it will. Now, Jesus is the Son of God. When Jesus was here, He cited tragic events of His day. In the Gospel of Luke chapter 13, we read:

Now, notice the most important fact that Jesus mentions: "except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish."

In the book of Revelation we read of many far worse things happening. Now, I want you to know that I think that the events that happened at Manhattan were terrible. I do not want you to think that I'm coldly indifferent to the suffering. I grieve as I think of the loss of lives. I don't know how I would cope if I were one of the firefighters or police who are still bravely working there, knowing that hundreds of their colleagues lie dead in the rubble. Now read how Jesus reacted to the grief of two sisters who had lost their beloved brother, recorded for us in the Gospel of John, chapter 11::

Here, we clearly see how Jesus had full emotional sensitivity to the sad situation.

But suppose I knew that another aircraft was going to hit Canary Wharf in London in half an hour's time. What would you think of me if I didn't tell anyone? Yes, of course you'd say I was most thoughtless. Well, similarly it would be thoughless of me if I didn't warn you of the far worse things that are going to happen to you if you reject the free offer of salvation that God offers you. In the book of Revelation we read of the details of judgments that will kill millions, not just thousands. See in particular chapters 8 and 9. More than once it says "one third of mankind were killed".

So, the basic message from me is:

Receive God's free gift of salvation now, otherwise "you shall likewise perish".