This Week's 66/40 Radio Broadcast

Articles and Commentary

• The Asian Century - (Read)
• On Faith and Films - (Read)
• How Many Isaiahs? - (Read)

Important News Headlines

Memory Verse of the Week

THE ASIAN CENTURY - (Print)

Take a moment and make a mental list of all the items in your home which require electricity. That list could include a television, cell phone, computer, microwave, stereo, laundry machine, hairdryer, as well as various kitchen appliances and probably at least a dozen light bulbs. Think about how much energy you use in a single day. Now with that in mind, consider the following: according to some estimates the average Chinese household uses the equivalent of just one 100-watt light bulb per person per year. That statistic is staggering, especially when you consider the potential demand. The energy needs of China's 1.3 billion citizens are growing at tremendous rate. China's economy is booming, and it is estimated that China will triple its energy consumption between now and 2020.

More and more people are moving to the cities and China's middle-class is growing fast. By the year 2020, the "consumer class" in China will have grown from less than 100 million people, to more than 700 million. As the middle-class grows, so will the amount of disposable income and the demand for consumer electronic goods. In fact, if current trends continue, China's per capita income could match that of the United States by 2031.

Inflation in China has reached an 11 year high. So while China is clearly experiencing economic growing pains, it has showed no signs of slowing down. China's red hot economy has grown at an astounding rate of more than 10 percent for the past five years. However the economy isn't the only area where the Chinese are making strides.

Space Ambitions

In recent years the Chinese have launched an ambitious space program. This year China plans to send up more than 10 space missions. In 2003 China became the third nation to put a human in space. It's space program serves both a scientific and military purpose.

In January of last year China used a ballistic missile to successfully shoot down an old weather satellite. China is now the only nation, besides the US and Russia, that has demonstrated the capability to successfully target and destroy a satellite.

In October the Chinese launched a lunar orbiter that will make a three-dimensional survey of the moon's surface. The lunar orbiter will eventually be followed by two rover missions to investigate the moon's surface and collect rock samples. The Chinese are also reportedly working on a new rocket to launch their own space station as well as a mission to explore Mars.

China has transformed itself from an isolated communist nation into a growing superpower. If the 20th century was the American century, then the 21st century will undoubtedly be the Asian century. To learn more about this topic, listen to Chuck's briefing titled Kings of the East.

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ON FAITH AND FILMS - (Print)

"I will set nothing wicked before my eyes."  - Psalm 101:3a

Kids today spend an average of more than 6 hours a day immersed in movies, television, magazines, music, computers, internet, video games and other forms of media. Furthermore, studies show the majority of young people say their parents don't impose any rules on them regarding the use of such mediums. There is no denying that the media has a significant impact on both adults and kids alike. However in our increasingly secular, media saturated culture it can be difficult to control what our kids are exposed to.

Hollywood, for example, routinely rewards directors and producers who "push the envelope" and "go to extremes" - phrases usually indicative of excessive violence, foul language, gratuitous sex scenes and crude humor. Hollywood has historically been equated with excess and wickedness, but in recent years the motion-picture industry seems to have reached new lows. Even G-rated children's movies aren't guaranteed to be free of thinly-veiled sexual innuendo.

The good news is that in recent years the production of family-friendly and faith-based films is on the rise. Films such as Facing the Giants, Amazing Grace, End of the Spear, and One Night With the King (the story of Queen Esther), have received praise for both their artistic qualities and their strong Judeo-Christian themes. For Christians who are looking for wholesome and uplifting entertainment, there are options, but you have to be willing to do your homework.

Most people enjoy a good movie. Unfortunately, determining which movies are appropriate can be like navigating a minefield. It requires diligence, and often we don't realize we've made a mistake until it's too late. If you find that you've made a poor choice, take corrective action. Don't be shy about turning off the TV or leaving the theater. Also, take the opportunity to have a discussion with your kids about your decision.

If you rely on movie ratings alone to determine what is acceptable for your family, be aware that such ratings are notoriously inconsistent. A study conducted by the Harvard School of Public Health concluded that ratings have changed over the last decade and today's movies contain significantly more violence, sex, and profanity on average than movies of the same rating a decade ago. Furthermore, the study showed that movies with the same rating can differ significantly in the amount and types of potentially objectionable content.

If you're looking for a little help, the Screen It website is a great resource for parents who want to know precisely how a movie earned its rating. Screen It parental reviews contain direct quotes and detailed descriptions of a film's objectionable content so you know exactly what your kids will encounter.

The Bible tells us to think about things that are true, honest, just, pure and lovely - things that have virtue and that are praiseworthy (Phil 4:8). Don't be afraid to set boundaries, do your homework, lead by example, and encourage your kids to spend their precious time and energy on pursuits that are pleasing in the eyes of the Lord.

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HOW MANY ISAIAHS? - (Print)

My early zeal for studying the Scripture was dampened many years ago as I encountered what is often called "textual criticism." I was surprised to learn that it was naive and unlearned to regard the Book of Isaiah as actually written by the prophet Isaiah, as was commonly thought.

With its 66 chapters, Isaiah is the longest prophetic book of the Old Testament. Most scholars agree that the book falls naturally into two major sections, Chapters 1-39 and Chapters 40-66.

The first section has a distinctive style which changes noticeably in the final section. It is easy to remember since it parallels the Bible itself, with 39 books in the Old Testament and 27 in the New Testament. (But don't make too much of this; the chapter divisions, as we know them, were added in the 13th century.)

The Deutero-Isaiah Theory

The "textual critics" have insisted that the Book of Isaiah is a compilation of two different writers, each calling himself Isaiah but writing at different times. This "Deutero-Isaiah" theory is surprisingly prevalent in many modern ("liberal") commentaries. (There are some that even advocate a three-Isaiah theory.)

The first section of the book deals with God's approaching judgment on the nation of Judah. In some of the most striking passages in all the Bible, the prophet announces that God will punish His people because of their sin, rebellion, and worship of false gods. While this section includes many references to the coming Messiah, including His virgin birth and his rule on the throne of David, the style of this section is distinctive and certainly fits the subject matter.

The last section, in contrast to the first, is noticeably different. It emphasizes the Messianic expectation and an ultimate comfort for God's people. (Most of Handel's Messiah was drawn from this section of the Book of Isaiah.) The heart of his stunning prophecy occurs in Chapter 53, as Isaiah presents the role of the coming Messiah in its highest point. Some call this passage the "Holy of Holies" of the Old Testament. The Servant's suffering and death and the redemptive nature of His mission are clearly foretold. Although mankind deserved God's judgment because "we have turned, every one, to his own way," God sent His Servant to take away our sins. According to Isaiah, it is through His suffering that we are reconciled with God, since "the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all."

It is principally on the basis of the stylistic changes between the two sections that critics have developed the Deutero-Isaiah theory. Those who assign Chapters 40-66 to a "Second Isaiah" point out that the two major sections of the book seem to be set in different times. Chapters 1-39 clearly belong to the eighth century b.c., a turbulent period in the history of Judah.

But Isaiah 40-66, according to these scholars, seems to be addressed to the citizens of Judah who were being held as captives in Babylon about two centuries after Isaiah lived and prophesied. These scholars also point to the differences in tone, language, and style between the two major sections as proof that the book was written by two different authors.

The Traditional View

There are, however, conservative scholars who insist the entire book was written by the famous prophet Isaiah who ministered in the southern kingdom of Judah for 40 years, from about 740-700 b.c. They point out that the two sections of the book have many similarities, although they are dramatically different in tone and theme. Many phrases and ideas that are peculiar to Isaiah appear in both sections of the book.

A good example of this is Isaiah's unique reference to God as "the Holy One of Israel." The appearance of these words and phrases can be used to argue just as convincingly that the book was written by a single author.

In the second section of his book, Isaiah looked into the future and predicted the years of the Captivity and the return of the Covenant People to their homeland after the Captivity ended. If the prophet could predict the coming of the Messiah over 700 years before that happened, he could certainly foresee this major event in the future of the nation of Judah.

The style of each section deliberately matches its subject matter.

The Valley of Doubt

Doubts about the authorship and authenticity of any book in the Bible can have tragic consequences for those who are attempting to take the Bible seriously. As I look back on my own spiritual journey, I recall the many years that these views introduced a subtle doubt in my mind and hampered my real growth in the Word.

Is there a way to resolve this without getting drawn into the distressing debates and arrogant displays among erudite scholars and "textual critics"? Indeed, there is. I only wish I had discovered it earlier in my own travels through God's wondrous Word.

The Discovery in John 12

What a precious chapter! It has many marvelous insights, but among the dearest to me personally are verses 37-41:

37] But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him:
38] That the saying of Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spake, Lord, who hath believed our report? and to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed?
39] Therefore they could not believe, because that Isaiah said again,
40] He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them.
41] These things said Isaiah, when he saw his glory, and spake of him.

In this passage we first encounter a quote, in verse 38, familiar to many of you, that begins the famous chapter of Isaiah 53. This would be in the section attributed to the "Second Isaiah."

In verse 40 we have a quote from Isaiah Chapter 6 (v. 10), as verse 41 also highlights what occurs when Isaiah beholds the throne of God. This is, of course, in the first section of Isaiah.

Oh, how I am grateful for verse 39! Notice that John tells us that "that Isaiah said again" when he links the two passages and, thus, the two sections and attributes them both to "that" (same) Isaiah! If you take John seriously, and recognize the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, then you need not doubt the authorship of Isaiah - both "sections."

It is fascinating to me to notice that there is no heresy - or controversy - that hasn't been anticipated by the Holy Spirit within the Scripture itself. If we recognize the reality that we have 66 books penned by 40 authors over thousands of years that are an integrated whole, and that every detail has been the result of careful and skillful engineering, then there is no need to stumble over the erudite skepticism and arrogance by scholarship falsely so called.

Isn't God wonderful? If we would just learn to take Him at His Word.

Related Links:

Musharraf Rules Out Resignation - February 19, 2008
Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf says he has no plans to resign, despite a sweeping victory by the opposition in the country's parliamentary elections. BBC

Pakistan Nuclear Staff Go Missing - February 19, 2008
Two employees of Pakistan's atomic energy agency have been abducted in the north-western region near the Afghan border. At the time of their capture they were conducting a geological survey. The technicians went missing on the same day as Pakistan's ambassador to Afghanistan, Tariq Azizuddin, was reportedly abducted in the same region. BBC

US Presses NK on Syria - February 19, 2008
The United States, alarmed by mounting evidence that North Korea gave nuclear assistance to Syria, has rejected pressure from some of its partners in six-nation talks to compromise on an overdue declaration of Pyongyang's nuclear activities. Washington Times

Fidel Castro Resigns Cuban Presidency - February 19, 2008
An ailing Fidel Castro resigned as Cuba's president Tuesday after nearly a half-century in power, saying he will not accept a new term when the new parliament meets Sunday. The announcement effectively ends the rule of the 81-year-old Castro after almost 50 years, positioning his 76-year-old brother Raul for permanent succession to the presidency. AP

But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation
James 5:12 KJV

"Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." John 8:32

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