Tragic Cult Deaths
The bodies of 48 people were found in two hamlets in Switzerland. They were all members of the Order of the Solar Temple, a cult led by Luc Jouret, a self-styled Messiah. At first it was thought that it may have been a mass suicide but further evidence forced the authorities to conclude that they had been murdered. In recent times bizarre cults have risen up in different parts of the world and have attracted followers. As with the cult followers who perished in the Waco siege in Texas, these deluded followers of Luc Jouret have come to an untimely end. It is not altogether surprising that such cults should flourish in an age when Christianity is at a low ebb worldwide. The Scripture warns us that in the last days perilous times shall come. The Saviour declared that there would arise false Christs, and false prophets, who would show great signs and wonders and would deceive many. Such is our day. How many are led astray from the truth as it is in Jesus, and embrace another gospel. What need there is to be kept by the power of God from the many delusions that are rampant in our day.
The Pope’s Demise
It is thought that the Pope may be nearing his end. Informed sources say he could be suffering from pre-senile dementia. Journeys which he expected to take have been cancelled. Already speculation is taking place as to who shall succeed him, whether an Italian or African Pope. It must be an embarrassment to the Romish Church that the Head of that Church, who claims to be Christ’s Vicar on earth, and who claims for himself infallibility, is in the state of mind where he will not be able to fulfil the role laid out for him by that anti-Christian system. If the Roman Catholic Church is to have another Pope, and if it is necessary to have one sooner rather than later, the Jesuits have ways of bringing this about. They are not too squeamish about how it can be accomplished. The most solemn thing about the Pope’s expected demise is that he goes to give in his account for usurping the place and honour which belongs to Christ alone.
Sea Disaster
The sinking of the ferry Estonia, off the Finnish coast with the loss of 910 lives, was the worst sea disaster, so far as loss of life was concerned, since the Second World War. The wreck is believed to contain most of the 810 missing bodies. What sorrow this calamity must have brought to many families in Finland and Sweden especially, to which countries most on board belonged. The disaster reminds one of the Titanic disaster which took so many lives at one time. The sea has always taken its toll of life, but sometimes catastrophes such as this take place, in which many souls are suddenly ushered in to eternity. It is a renewed call to us to be ready when the midnight call comes.
Giving Away God’s Word — for a Hundred Years
Just over a hundred years ago, a Protestant Alliance meeting in East London was disturbed by a group of unbelievers. As they interrupted the proceedings, Mr E. A. Toms was struck by the spiritual ignorance of these men. Considering their sad state he realised that the only way to dispel such darkness was to spread the light. Immediately, two verses from the Bible came to mind — Let there be light: Genesis 1:3 and The entrance of Thy Words giveth light: Psalm 119:130.
Three months later, on 24 August, 1894, the Bible Spreading Union was formed; its sole aim being the free distribution of the Bible — God’s eternal Word of Truth. This objective has never changed, and neither has God’s promise — that His Word will accomplish His purposes; see Isaiah 55:11. Still true to the original concept of spreading the light by using only faithful versions, the Bible Spreading Union continues to give away the Authorised Version, or an equally reliable translation overseas.
Almighty God has graciously preserved the work and, to date, around 65,000 copies of the Bible have been sent throughout the world. The Bible Spreading Union also acknowledges its close association with the Trinitarian Bible Society, who have provided Bibles from the very beginning.
Secretarial duties have passed from the founder to his son and, subsequently, to his grandson. Further details can be obtained from him: Mr Stephen A. Toms, Secretary, The Bible Spreading Union, 1 Donald Way, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 9JB. Telephone: 0245 268815.