The following article appeared in the Messenger of May 1954. Rather than change the historical references, it was thought best to reprint the article as it appeared then, indicating the importance of the careful handling of the Word of God. When the Word of God is handled property, it is relevant for all time and one is spared embarrassing retractions.

Although the recent news releases of Operation Ivy (the first full-dress explosion of the hydrogen bomb) have illicited thousands of words of response on a scientific, political, social, and religious level, one cannot refrain from adding a few more thoughts on this crucial issue. When even the leaders of the world are openly confused and troubled, it is time for the Christians to respond with clear-sighted realism and confidence knowing that they have the answer. This is certainly no time for platitudes on the one hand, or hysterical and sensational prophetic predictions on the other. Of course, in three hundred words, we're not going to settle the world's ills, but we can do a little thinking about our response.

In the first place, let us not be tricked by Satan into squandering our already abbreviated time for studying the Word of God in a combing of the Scriptures for charts of the times and seasons, which, says our Lord, "are in the Father's hands." Even if such a thing were a part of indisputable Christian truth, a chronological system of the end of the age is no substitute for a prepared heart. Many Christians in sincerity have become enamored of working jigsaw puzzles to the neglect of the development of personal piety and devotion to Christ. It may be interesting as a hobby, but it is strictly in the category of teaching the football player how to embroider his initials on his jersey. There are some things in prophecy, however, that are not subject to whims of interpretation. These are the essentials.

One of them is that the Lord is coming again in person. Another is that this coming could be at any time. Therefore, whether one lives in the age of Nero, or Napoleon, or Malenkov, the Word of God to all men is, "Be ready."

In the second place, we must look ourselves squarely in the face and ask if we're walking with God. This is no time for bickering Pharisees, or Sunday Christians. Whether it is the fiery furnace of Babylon, or the church of the catacombs in Rome, or the purge of the Korean Christians, there has always been only one way to face the dark unknown--hand in hand with God. To walk with God is to walk without fear. If we don't want to walk with God, then we'll have to be afraid.

In the third place, we can pray for peace. The Bible tells us to do so. We do not have to sit with hands folded and wait for the ax to fall. Communist tyranny is not inevitable. Paul says, "I exhort you therefore, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for kings and for all that are in authority; that ye may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty, for this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; who will have all men to be saved and to come unto the knowledge of the truth" (I Timothy 2:1-4). We are to pray for peace for the sake of world evangelism.

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