Five Foundations of Human Development: A Proposal for Our Survival in the Twenty-First Century and the New Millennium

By Errol A. Gibbs and Philip A. Grey

Five Foundations of Human Development (FFHD) is a philosophical, religious, and practical discourse on human development based on the following five foundations: Spiritual, Moral, Social, Intellectual, and Physical. The authors proffer that human beings possess the capacity to rise to a higher state of civilization when we allow Spiritual Intelligence to underpin human intelligence as our capable guide. The indomitable spirit within human beings that brought civilization out of the Dark Ages and into an Age of Enlightenment demonstrates our capacity to transcend moral hope and optimism for a better world with peaceful coexistence among individuals, families, and nations.

This book will help inform, enlighten, and empower individuals and leaders in such fields as engineering, science, religion, politics, the military, and other great institutions to engender solutions to the myriad of unsolved problems of past centuries, problems of the present, and emerging problems of the future. Problems, such as wars, genocide, greed, and the exploitation of human beings begin within our destructive spiritual nature and manifest in the physical nature. Therefore, solutions also lie in the spiritual realm as a counterbalance to the natural realm of human existence.
FFHD is a blueprint for human survival based on adherence to physical laws and spiritual laws that transcend a belief in an omnipotent (all powerful), omnipresent (everywhere) and omniscient (all knowing) being. It will awaken the conscience to comprehend the lifethreatening issues that face humankind. The solutions, therefore, cannot merely be left only to the educated elite, the military forces, and those in high public and private office.

The global significance of this book is that it informs a more communal view of our world. It is the only perspective that will allow us to enter the global village prepared for the racial, social, cultural, environmental, and economic challenges that lie ahead.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Jun 8, 2011
• ISBN: 9781456737702

Errol A. Gibbs

Errol Gibbs and Philip Grey bring a unique collaboration to their seminal work, Five Foundations of Human Development (FFHD). Combined, they have travel experience in thirtytwo countries, including, Belgium, Cameroon, China, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Japan, Mexico, and Singapore. Their experiential background has fostered a unique understanding of the challenges that face humanity in the modern age. Their aggregate knowledge can lead to the betterment of humanity. Errol is a devout Christian who made an irreversible commitment to the faith through baptism in May, 1983. In 2003, he made a lifechanging decision to relinquish a career in Engineering (Project Management), to commit to search for answers to problems that afflict humanity. Five years of research in the Holy Bible, not as an academic study, but for its basic spiritual truths, underpins his new and inspiring perspectives. His scientific background informs the need for congruity between the spiritual and the natural world we struggle to comprehend. Errol immigrated to Canada from Trinidad in his midtwenties. He lived in the United States for five years and currently resides in Milton, Ontario, Canada. Philip is an international evangelist, author, and motivational speaker. He was born in the United Kingdom, where he lived until his midtwenties. Philip also lived in Liberia, West Africa for three years, and in the United States of America for nine years. He currently resides in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Philip has an extensive background in international ministerial research and practice. He has held positions from youth pastor to National World Missions director with the Church of God. Philip has also served on an International Leadership Advance Conference Committee; a regional council for Ontario Churches, the Ontario Ministerial Development and Credentialing Board, and was a member of the Board of Directors for the International Bible College, Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Canada.

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FIVE

FOUNDATIONS

OF HUMAN

DEVELOPMENT (FFHD)

A PROPOSAL FOR OUR SURVIVAL IN THE TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY AND THE NEW MILLENNIUM

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ERROL A. GIBBS

PHILIP A. GREY

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1663 Liberty Drive

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© 2011 Errol A. Gibbs & Philip A. Grey. All rights reserved.

No portion of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any without the written permission of the author.

First Published by AuthorHouse 12-29-2011

ISBN: 978-1-4567-3772-6 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4567-3771-9 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4567-3770-2 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2011902105

Previous Publication by AuthorHouse 8-29-2008

ISBN: 1-4208-8795-5 (sc)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2005908890

Printed in the United States of America

Because of the dynamic nature of the internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

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Genre: Christianity, Religion/Inspiration/Enlightenment/Empowerment/

Philosophy (General)

We trust that you wiil read this book in its entirety, and send us your comments. Whether you live in the Occident or in the Orient, whether you are rich or poor, academic or lay person, religious or irreligious, we invite you to join us in making new history, not just for ourselves, but for future generations, as well.

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Website: www.ffhdwritersinc.com

Contents

DEDICATION

FOREWORD

PREFACE

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

INTRODUCTION

PART 1 FIVE PREEMINENT FOUNDATIONS

PREEMINENT FOUNDATION 1—WHO IS GOD?

PREEMINENT FOUNDATION 2—WHO IS JESUS CHRIST?

PREEMINENT FOUNDATION 3—WHAT IS THE CHURCH?

PREEMINENT FOUNDATION 4—WHAT IS THE HOLY BIBLE?

PREEMINENT FOUNDATION 5 —WHO IS A CHRISTIAN?

PART 2 FIVE FOUNDATIONS OF HUMAN DEVELOPMENT (FFHD)

FIVE FOUNDATIONS OF HUMAN DEVELOPMENT (FFHD)

—FOUNDATION 1 SPIRITUAL FOUNDATION

FOUNDATION 1 SPIRITUAL FOUNDATION

-1.1. LOVE (CARING)

FOUNDATION 1 SPIRITUAL FOUNDATION-1.2. FAITH (ASSURANCE)

FOUNDATION 1 SPIRITUAL FOUNDATION

-1.3. HOPE (EXPECTATION)

FOUNDATION 1

SPIRITUAL FOUNDATION-1.4. CHARITY (AID)

FOUNDATION 1 SPIRITUAL FOUNDATION—1.5. PEACE (HARMONY)

FOUNDATION 1 SPIRITUAL FOUNDATION

-1.6. HUMILITY (MEEKNESS)

FOUNDATION 1 SPIRITUAL FOUNDATION

—1.7. PATIENCE(LONGSUFFERING)

FIVE FOUNDATIONS OF HUMAN DEVELOPMENT (FFHD)

—FOUNDATION 2

MORAL FOUNDATION

FOUNDATION 2 MORAL FOUNDATION

—2.1. LEADERSHIP (GUIDANCE)

FOUNDATION 2 MORAL FOUNDATION—2.2. AUTHORITY (POWER)

FOUNDATION 2 MORAL FOUNDATION—2.3 ENLIGHTENMENT (REVELATION)

FOUNDATION 2 MORAL FOUNDATION—2.4. RESPONSIBILITY (DUTY)

FIVE FOUNDATIONS OF HUMAN DEVELOPMENT (FFHD)

—FOUNDATION 3 SOCIAL FOUNDATION

FOUNDATION 3 SOCIAL FOUNDATION—3.1. RELATIONSHIP (RELATIONS)

FOUNDATION 3 SOCIAL FOUNDATION—3.2. RACE AND RACIAL PERSPECTIVES (ONENESS)

FOUNDATION 3 SOCIAL FOUNDATION-3.3. BEHAVIOR (CONDUCT)

FOUNDATION 3 SOCIAL FOUNDATION-3.4. SELF-ESTEEM (CONFIDENCE)

FIVE FOUNDATIONS OF HUMAN DEVELOPMENT (FFHD)

—FOUNDATION 4

INTELLECTUAL FOUNDATION

FOUNDATION 4 INTELLECTUAL FOUNDATION-4.1. INTELLIGENCE (INTELLECT)

FOUNDATION 4 INTELLECTUAL FOUNDATION-4.2. EDUCATION (LEARNING)

FOUNDATION 4 INTELLECTUAL FOUNDATION -4.3. KNOWLEDGE (UNDERSTANDING)

FOUNDATION 4 INTELLECTUAL FOUNDATION-4.4. CAPABILITY (ABILITY)

FIVE FOUNDATIONS OF HUMAN

DEVELOPMENT (FFHD)

—FOUNDATION 5 PHYSICAL FOUNDATION

FOUNDATION 5 PHYSICAL FOUNDATION—5.1. HEALTH, FAITH AND SUFFERING

FOUNDATION 5 PHYSICAL FOUNDATION—5.3. PHYSICAL HEALTH

CONCLUSION

APPENDIXES

ACRONYMS

ILLUSTRATIONS: FIGURES

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ILLUSTRATIONS: TABLES

SELECT BIBLIOGRAPHY

EPILOGUE

THE AUTHOR’S JOURNEY OF DISCOVERY

BIOGRAPHY OF ERROL A. GIBBS

BIOGRAPHY OF PHILIP A. GREY

ENDNOTES

—Five Foundations of Human Development, by Errol Gibbs and Philip Grey

I am impressed with the depth and breadth of research, the passion, the compelling arguments and the analytical reasoning in this timely book. It is a ‘must read’ for adherents of all religions, academics, intellectuals, philosophers and visionaries, as well as non-academic and non-religious individuals.

—Alvin Frank, M.Div, Former Thermal Station Engineer/Officer, Mississauga, ON

This book is well researched and written. It is most relevant and can be utilized as a great tool for training and equipping leaders for ministry in the 21st century.

—Andrew Binda, Administrative Bishop (Church of God),

New York, NY

FFHD provides analysis of problems in our modern era, and make suggestions that could bring about permanent solutions. It is a must read" for all those who work in the field of Politics and International Development—Great work!"

—Cynthia Kwakyewah, (University Student), International Development and Political Science, Toronto, ON

… Your efforts to share some light in this world will bring positive results. In particular, the area of Charity is important. I read your chapter on this topic with great interest …

—Michael Frederiksen M.A., M.Ed., LHD President, CES Canada/Director, CES Kenya

FFHD answers the call of modern man for divine intervention and guidance in these perilous end times in a manner that makes the Word of God shine forth in 21st century technological style …

—Rev. Dr. Hazel Ann Gibbs-DePeza, Ed.D. Principal, Herman Parris Spiritual Baptist Southerland School of Theology, The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, West Indies

… the authors marry the themes of spirituality and morality… .This link at the heart of the book between the two major themes, is, in the opinion of this reader, almost ethereal in its brilliance.

—Antonio Villarroel, M.Sc. Columnist Toronto, ON

DEDICATION

To our wives, Marjorie and Sandra; you have been extraordinarily patient as we embarked on this journey that seemed never-ending. You have enabled us to overcome many challenges, as we prepared this blueprint of hope for us, and others to follow. If we faithfully follow the path, a life of fulfillment awaits us, as we have already discovered in our journey; guided by the light from above that illuminated our path.

—Errol and Philip

FOREWORD

Errol Gibbs and Philip Grey recognize and respect the contributions made by leaders, globally, in every field of human endeavor throughout history and up to the present. These fields include, but are not limited to, philosophy, politics, religion, economics, health, education, and science and technology. To some extent the entire human race has benefited from great scientific, material, and intellectual progress, both in the Western hemisphere and in other parts of the world. Gibbs and Grey have combined world travel experience in various countries within North and South America, Europe, Asia, the Caribbean, and West Africa. Their cumulative knowledge and experiences allow them to bring unique observable and philosophical perspectives to their discourse on human development.

The authors have conducted extensive research combined with empirical observations of some of the six thousand years of recorded human history in their search for God’s knowledge, wisdom, and understanding, as well as for the application of these to the fulfillment of His purpose on earth. They have examined recorded examples of humanity’s achievements and failures over the past centuries. Our past is full of practical demonstrations of the futility of self-reliance to the exclusion of God, and on the other hand, of the ability to triumph through our belief and trust in His Word. Differences and division among individuals and nations seem inevitable; misery is persistent, and the human condition is always in need of improvement. A recurring message is that history repeats itself. Every nation, every society in history has known that its knowledge was incomplete, as we also know today. Despite the great advances we have made in science, medicine, and exploration, human knowledge is always in an embryonic stage. God knows all, and only through God’s knowledge can we hope to achieve our full potential.

The authors put forward that there have been lasting effects of inhumane activities down through the ages to the present time. The evidence is not only in the genocide, wars, slavery, colonization, and apartheid of past decades, but also in the continuation of these atrocities into the twenty-first century in various parts of the world. Human anxiety, stress, depression, loneliness, and other ills in the crucible of the twenty-first century, threaten the survival of the human species.

This book, a philosophical, religious, and practical discourse on human development, is the authors’ contribution to the vast clearinghouse of human knowledge. They center their discussions on their observations and interpretation of everyday experiences, which they base on an understanding of the Holy Scriptures as the primary source for the solution of difficult and unsolved human problems. They propose that in order to understand the Five Foundations of Human Development (FFHD), the reader must first come to terms with the vital Five Preeminent Foundations, from which emerges all human existence. These foundations answer the following enquiries: Who is God? Who is Jesus Christ? What is the church? What is the Holy Bible? and most importantly, Who is a Christian (and What is Christianity)?

Unlike academic texts on theology or any field of social science discourse, such as sociology or psychology, this text is not essentially a religious or academic study. It does not compare or analyze the religious traditions or customs of world religions. Instead, the authors bring to the discourse of human development a body of knowledge which is simple to comprehend, yet unique, compelling, and useful for spiritual, social, moral, intellectual, and physical growth. The basic premise of the text is that there is hope for a better world, but that this hope calls for a new understanding of the religious, intellectual, and philosophical perspectives discerned from the Holy Scriptures. Their conviction is based on the fact that they believe that human problems lie within the human spirit; therefore, the solutions require humanity’s access to God’s Spiritual intelligence.

Gibbs and Grey recognize the paradox of our advances in scientific knowledge, and of our failure to apply that knowledge to the betterment of the human condition. The authors use graphics and statistical tables to illustrate some important trends in our modern societies. Their illustration of points by the use of particular Scripture verses, repeated throughout the text, also demonstrates intrinsic links among the five-part text, Five Foundations of Human Development and the companion text, Five Preeminent Foundations.

This book, therefore, offers individuals in positions of leadership and authority, both in the private and public sectors, unique philosophical, religious, and practical approaches from which to examine and solve the complex human problems of our modern world. This body of work presents strategies that may be used to break down barriers that separate individuals, families, groups, societies, and nations from God and from each other, thus creating interdependent relationships. The text reminds the reader of the common moral code that links the human race in a common purpose for our spiritual existence. In addition, the book reveals the light of God’s love as displayed in His wisdom, knowledge, and understanding (Proverbs 1:7; 5:1-2).

Gibbs and Grey have presented an approach that is relevant to our modern era. They invite readers not only to read the book in its entirety from the perspective of hope for a better world, but also to join with them in making new history. The authors recommend obedience through adherence to God’s Word; only this will lead humanity to more fulfilled living. They appeal to leaders-educational, political, religious, and business-to seek the wisdom of God in using our vast global wealth, science, technology, and human capital to educe relevant and applicable strategies for the betterment of humanity. It is their hope that readers will grasp their unique approach to human development and understand the great inherent capacity that exists for human beings everywhere to solve fundamental problems of life. Readers are encouraged to apply the perspectives therein, not as another prescription, but as an alternative directed by the wisdom of our Sovereign Lord.

—Canute B. Blake Th. B, Th. M, DD, R Ed. D.

Senior Pastor: Malton Church of God, Malton, ON

Former Canadian National Moderator (Superintendent)

PREFACE

Over the past century, the world has experienced exponential growth in world religions, human knowledge, and great financial and material wealth. Significant progress has been made in academia, in science and technology, in space exploration, in medical research, and in the treatment and eradication of some common diseases. Global peace organizations, humanitarian organizations, and non-governmental organizations have also grown exponentially alongside the global religious organizations. The intellectual observer could conclude that our modern world should blossom into a new era of high civilization with peace, prosperity, and justice for all; with social and economic equity; and to a great extent wars and humanly inspired suffering being relegated to past history.

Instead, humanity has been ushered into a global village, observably unprepared to manage past challenges, present challenges, and impending challenges of the twenty-first century. Some of these challenges include: political apathy, natural and man-made disasters, global warming, economic collapse, population explosion, civil unrest, genocide, terrorism, wars, war refugees, illegal immigrants, global hunger, unemployment, youth unrest, and medical care crises. Despite our advances in the physical realm, we are not making comparative progress in the spiritual realm.

The new dynamics of the modern world demand that we view these challenges from a new vantage point, not just through political and economic prisms, but through religious, moral, social, and cultural prisms, as well. Developed nations have great scientific and technological capacities, but being prepared for the challenges ahead requires a new paragon of world leadership and authority that takes into consideration non-technical attributes, as well. We present our discussion from a Western Christian viewpoint; however, it is not a work exclusively for Christians. We recognize and respect the works of other researchers based upon their religious, social, cultural, academic training and qualifications and life experiences.

Aggregate world travel to thirty-two countries, eleven years of research and observation, and experiential knowledge substantiate our discourse. More importantly, our combined backgrounds in theology (the spiritual) and technology (the material) provide a platform for objective discussions of the human conditions. We present our discussion not as experts or as giving expert advice, but as a body of knowledge, simple to comprehend, for the betterment of humanity and with hope and optimism for humanity in the twenty-first century and in the new millennium.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture reference and quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION ®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved.

Note on historic biblical dates: Some historic Biblical dates are generally taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc., Used by permission. All rights reserved. Some dates are taken from Reese, Edward; The Reese Chronological Bible, (King James Version) Minneapolis, Minnesota: Bethany House, 1977 Frank R. Klassen, Dating System, 1975. All dates are designated as approximate (approx.), due to variations in dates derived at by various other Biblical writings.

Special Acknowledgments and Citations

We acknowledge and express eternal gratitude to those who have granted us permission to include the copyrighted materials that we have cited in footnotes and in other citation formats. We are also thankful to other great writers (whom we have cited) of yesteryear and of the present, for their philosophical roadmaps to guide us in this modern age. Our work is only a minor contribution to the vast body of work penned by these notable philosophical giants. We stand on their shoulders as we take a ‘panoramic view’ of the twenty-first century and of the new millennium with hope and optimism for the future of our world.

We also thank family and friends who have accompanied us at various stages of this remarkable journey in our boundless search for higher knowledge, wisdom, and understanding of God so as to enable the writing of Five Foundations of Human Development (FFHD) (Spiritual, Moral, Social, Intellectual, and Physical), and the companion text, Five Preeminent Foundations. The message lives in us, and hope preserves. You have enabled us with your academic insights, experiential knowledge, critiques, and comments to present a message of hope and optimism. This chronicle is an accumulation of our faith, belief, and practice, nurtured by our transformation and progression from the knowledge of yesteryear to today’s new knowledge, wisdom, and understanding, which we must now impart as we continue our journey together.

INTRODUCTION

The Word of Life

That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched-this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. We write this to make our joy complete.

1 John 1:1-4 (NIV)

Five Foundations of Human Development (FFHD) (Spiritual, Moral, Social, Intellectual, and Physical), and the companion text, Five Preeminent Foundations, offers hope for the survival of humanity in the twenty-first century and in the new millennium. We tender the indisputable observation that our materially driven life is a threat to the spiritual purpose of our existence and thus leads humanity away from worship of God, service to humanity, loyalty to family, obedience to authority, and management of God’s creation. We believe that God’s creation of human beings was the first step in His plan to reveal to us the glories of His creation. Likewise, He did not leave us to our own devices to figure out our destiny. It is from this viewpoint that we begin our brief inquiry about God, His Son Jesus Christ, the head of the church, and about Christianity, as one of the major world religions.

We acknowledge the existence of many varied world religions, including Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Judaism, Baha’i, Jainism, and Shinto (to name a few) as ways of life and practice to their adherents. We note the influence and ancient knowledge that all religions bring to the table of civilization. We are especially mindful of Judaism, one of the oldest religious traditions. The tenets and history of Judaism are the major part of the foundation of other Abrahamic religions, including Christianity and Islam.

The West has historically accepted Christianity as its principal religion, and God of the Holy Bible as the Creator of the universe. The West has also historically accepted His Son Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of the world and Christianity and the Holy Bible as the moral guides for humanity. Judaism has been a great influence in shaping the West and the world. It is the religion of the Jewish people and one of the earliest monotheistic faiths in recorded history. Judaism and Islam are also religions practiced in the West, although adherents of these religions may not have the same view or understanding ofJesus Christ as do Christians.

God established foundational principles for us to follow in order for us to grow in faith, and to develop virtuous insights regarding the purpose of our existence and His creation. Jesus Christ relates God’s message to us through the writings of the New Testament. The evidence of the supreme authority of a universal God and of His manifest power and works lies in the absolute nature of His Word. It is from this standpoint that we provide religious perspectives which enable us to understand the compelling arguments demonstrating the inherent power of God’s Word. His knowledge, wisdom, and understanding enable human beings to solve problems using principles that require nothing but fundamental understanding and the open-mindedness that comes from faith in God.

Jesus Christ gave to His disciples the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20). The Western world has historically responded to the Great Commission by making disciples who observe and follow His teachings. Christian missionaries go throughout the world to preach the good news (gospel) of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of humanity. This has been the mission of the Christian church, at the direction of Jesus Christ its founder, and a long-held tradition of the West. Over the centuries and throughout the world, the Christian church has experienced significant growth, and in Western nations the freedom to worship has been observed like in no other society in recorded history. Notwithstanding the freedom to practice our different faiths, we need to comprehend the intrinsic links between advancements in material knowledge and the spiritual decline of nations (Ecclesiastes 1:18).

The Industrial Revolution of the 1800s-1900s increased our capacity to create great wealth and great quantities of things, but at the same time, humanity and spirituality ebbed. The fall of the great empires of the ancient world is testament to this correlation and is an illustration of the futility of a society that abandons God’s plan for human survival.

The problems encountered in daily living originate from within the human heart. These problems manifest in outward actions such as genocide, war, racial, cultural, and religious intolerance, and in general acts of inhumanity to each other. These actions threaten to unravel the religious, social, and economic fabric of nations. More importantly, they threaten the existence and survival of humanity. They frustrate individuals, nations, and the international community and result in great financial burdens on the world economy. Furthermore, they constitute a drain on human and material resources; the world’s productive capacity; and they violate the rights of human beings to live in peace and harmony.

Emphasis on wealth accumulation and human authority, as opposed to the authority of God and service to humanity, contributes to the decline of nations. There is, without question, a need for and a purpose to individual and national wealth as well as for human authority, but these are always secondary to the directions and structures given to us by God. Modern civilization has taken a materialistic path, relying on wealth, power, and human authority as the first imperatives of human existence. This path has caused some individuals and nations to view their existence in terms of material wealth and power; these have become the dominant measures of enlightenment and progress.

God’s divine knowledge, wisdom, and understanding are available to guide us to a purposeful existence, but the pursuit of materialism has become a major distraction from the higher purpose for which God made us. Our great material wealth has failed to satisfy an inner emptiness, an inner struggle, and an inner hunger for a life of peaceful co-existence among individuals and nations. Further observation indicates a need to embrace principles of pure religion to comprehend the spiritual power which is inherent in God’s uncompromising love for all humanity.

The accumulation of human knowledge over centuries has culminated in advancement and understanding in Western civilization, insofar as our understanding of the world around us grows exponentially, but this understanding brings with it an unjustified confidence in the sufficiency of our human knowledge. This new knowledge threatens the legacy of great human progress and the collective rights of all of humanity to exist in harmony with God’s law, and to reap the benefits of His provisions. Historical observation shows that when we lose sight of the fact that without voluntary control of superfluous wealth and power and the practice of universal social and economic equity, neither individuals nor nations can progress.

We need to examine our failings and realize the great potential for pure religion to heal the incalculable wounds that have resulted from the brutality which neighbor has inflicted upon neighbor, contrary to the preservation of God’s creation. Religion calls our attention to the interrelation of all human endeavors that underpin our survival. Whether the domain is religion, family, business, education, politics, commerce, athletics, or science, human development necessitates the incorporation of religious, social, and intellectual values into all our endeavors.

In the absence of these values, the hardships we plainly see will continue to be dismissed as the plights of others; yet, we can alleviate human suffering by virtue of a universal perspective of the human condition.

Five Foundations of Human Development (FFHD) is not a work to be read only by academics, intellectuals, theologians, ministers, students of religion, professors, or by some select few. It is a book for everyone; it has a message that everyone can read, and that everyone can benefit from. It is a book for anyone who is interested in a revolution of hope, a revolution of optimism, and a revolution of knowledge. Knowledge can help us to change the course of human history, and take us on to a path to joy, peace (harmony), and fulfillment. Modern civilization has arrived at a critical crossroads in our twenty-first century. This is our defining moment. We have a narrow window of opportunity to choose God’s Spiritual intelligence to enable human intelligence to direct our path in the future. We also recognize that we have a spiritual responsibility to pray fervently for leaders that guide nations. Leaders recognize the central fact that all nations represent the whole of humanity, and when we acknowledge this important fact of human survival, it positively enables our ability to lead our own nation effectively in the world, and enable others to lead their nations effectively, as well.

FFHD took shape from our earnest desire to share our religious and philosophical insights, experiences, and intellectual observations with our readers. It recognizes the human family as one indivisible whole with a common need for universal love, joy, peace, happiness, patience, compassion, forgiveness, gentleness, and kindness. We acknowledge that this book cannot match the original simplicity, or the Divinely-inspired message of the Holy Scriptures, which is the foundation of our enquiry. Nevertheless, we trust that this text will engage, enlighten, and inspire you to further search for the universal truths of human existence.

PART 1 FIVE PREEMINENT FOUNDATIONS

FOUNDATION 1: WHO IS GOD?

FOUNDATION 2: WHO IS JESUS CHRIST?

FOUNDATION 3: WHAT IS THE CHURCH?

FOUNDATION 4: WHAT IS THE HOLY BIBLE?

FOUNDATION 5: WHO IS A CHRISTIAN?

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Five Preeminent Foundations is the principle basis upon which the authors wrote Five Foundations of Human Development (FFHD). It attempts to answer five preeminent, fundamental questions that readers must understand in order to grasp the reasons for the hope that the authors express for better societies and nations. They recognize that writers from other faiths would present their preeminent foundational beliefs, based on their own religious history, faith, belief, and practice. The authors’ foundational beliefs lie in the inherent power of the Word of God and in the adherence and obedience to the teachings of His Son Jesus Christ, who is head of the church and who is our authority and capable guide. The five preeminent foundations help us to understand the power that is inherent in the Holy Spirit, and the importance of the Holy Spirit to our relationship with God the Father, and His Son Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit described in Greek as the parakletos also meaning Helper or Advocate. The Bible teaches that the Holy Spirit is the third member of the Godhead. The unity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit symbolizes the unity that Jesus Christ expects among His believers, known as Christians. The church as a body of believers is also symbolic of the Holy temple of God, both visible and invisible.

PREEMINENT FOUNDATION 1—WHO IS GOD?

God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth John 4:24 (NIV). God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble Psalm 46:1 (NIV). God reigns over the nations; God is seated on his holy throne. The nobles and nations assemble as the people of God of Abraham, for the kings of the earth belong to God; he is greatly exalted.

Psalm 47:8-9 (NIV)

Who is God? Saint John (circa CE 27) tells us: God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth (John 4:24 NKJV) (see figs. 1 and 2). God is not merely a Spirit; He is an infinite Spirit. We can feel His spiritual presence within our spirit, but we do not know how to describe God in human terms, because His existence has no parallel in our physical existence. There are countless definitions of God, just as there are countless definitions of religions and countless manifestations of God’s presence. To some, God is a mystery which continues to perplex the human intellect in our modern era. To the astute, God is an intellectual probability. Old Testament Job magnifies God: Behold God is great, and we do not know Him; Nor can the number of His years be discovered (Job 36:26 NIV) (circa 1967 BCE). The Psalmist glorifies God: God reigns over nations; God is seated on His holy throne (Psalm 47:8 NIV).

In defining God, it is essential to acknowledge God who has proven His mighty works, which He has chronicled in the inspired writings of the Holy Scriptures. God instructs Moses: Go and gather the elders of Israel together, and say to them, ‘The LORD God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob, appeared to me, saying, I have surely visited you and seen what is done to you in Egypt; and I have said I will bring you up out of the affliction of Egypt to the land of the Canaanites and the Hittites and the Amorites and the Perizzites and the Hivites and the Jebusites, to a land flowing with milk and honey’ " (Exodus 3:16-17 NKJV) (circa 1463 BCE).

In the Book of Nehemiah, Nehemiah relates how God demonstrates His great compassion: Even when they made a molded calf for themselves, And said, ‘This is your god That brought you out of Egypt,’ And worked great provocations, Yet in Your manifold mercies You did not forsake them in the wilderness. The pillar of the cloud did not depart from them by day, To lead them on the road; Nor the pillar of fire by night, To show them light, And the way they should go (Nehemiah 9:18-19 NKJV) (circa 444 BCE). For You are God, gracious and merciful. Now therefore, our God, The great, the mighty, and awesome God, Who keeps covenant and mercy: Do not let all the trouble seem small before You That has come upon us." (Nehemiah 9:31-32 NKJV).

Biblical history confirms that nations which have violated the laws of God have suffered grave consequences, and failed to fulfill their promise (2 Chronicles 7:19-22). However, God has given human beings clear direction that provides the basis for moral authority and moral leadership in the world. God sacrificed the life of His Son Jesus Christ as the perfect example of suffering for righteousness to be the perfect example for humanity. God has demonstrated His unique personal attributes through the life of His Son Jesus Christ, who manifested the heart of God by His love, joy, peace, longsuffering (patience), kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22). These attributes were not reserved for His followers alone, but for all people of God.

Let us examine descriptions and applications of the doctrine found in the Bible regarding God (Theology Proper). In the Old Testament, God’s character is revealed in names that express His nature and through which He referred to Himself. Some examples are: Jehovah-jireh (The Lord will provide), Jehovah-rapha (The Lord is my healer), Jehovah-tsidkenu (The Lord is my righteousness), Jehovah-shalom (the Lord is peace), Jehovah-nissi (the Lord is my banner) and Jehovah-shammah (the Lord is there). However, the key to knowing the God of the Bible is in accepting His Son, Jesus Christ, as LORD and Savior, through whom God manifests Himself to us through the Holy Spirit, which is the mind of God (1 Corinthians 2:15, 16).

KNOWING THE GOD OF THE HOLY BIBLE

The God of the Holy Bible is knowable. His Word transcends Christianity, which is a way of life, embodied in a corporate society or fellowship, centered on the worship of God. He revealed His presence to the world through His Son Jesus Christ of Nazareth, who lived as a humble human being for about thirty-three years in Palestine. The presence of God was manifest through the redemptive works of Jesus Christ on earth, in the flesh (Ephesians 1:7). Jesus Christ’s presence on earth also accentuated the wondrous works of God, through the Holy Spirit and thirty-seven miraculous acts penned by the writers of the synoptic gospels (Matthew (CE 40-140); Mark (CE 55-65); and Luke (CE 60-70). We can take comfort in the fact that Jesus’ departure from earth did not signify an end to His divine intervention in our lives, but introduced a new phase as intercessor for the saints (Romans 8:26; Hebrews 7:25). Therefore, the Christian’s experience with God of the Holy Bible is through a relationship with His Son Jesus Christ as His followers had. The first letter to Timothy teaches: "For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time" (1Timothy 2:5-6 NKJV).

God is omnipotent (all powerful), omnipresent (everywhere) and omniscient (all knowing). He is the One who knows our daily trials and tribulations. He knows when grief, pain, loneliness, and depression overwhelm us and when the full realization of our inadequate nature confronts us. He knows how hard-heartedness incapacitates and paralyzes us with shame and guilt and how we are unable to face our transgressors and our own transgressions. God’s omnipotence, His omnipresence, and His omniscience mean that God is in everything we do and experience; we should be willing to open our eyes to His influence (see fig. 3). His greatness draws us closer to His spiritual presence.

God knows when our limited capabilities transform us from hope to hopelessness as our world crumbles under genocide, wars, catastrophic illness, and natural and man-made disasters. Imagine the personal peace and peaceful coexistence that is possible among families, nations, and the international community when we trust God. Imagine how fear would take flight from faith and how moral bravery and moral courage would lead us towards our potential for the higher and greater good. Can we live without God’s guidance? Absolutely not! Can we live without a Godhead, Creator, and absolute authority of the universe that can bind all human civilization into a harmonious whole? Absolutely not! Without the understanding of and adherence to God’s law to guide us, all that human beings can do is cling precariously to human laws, engineered by the human intellect and arising from our imperfect understanding of the world around us and of God’s purpose. God’s law, on the other hand, was given in perfect knowledge of creation and of our role within it, and it cannot be equaled.

God in His infinite wisdom gave the world Ten Commandments as the ultimate moral guide for humanity. The first four Commandments are directly concerned with religious belief and worship. The other commandments provide the framework for moral conduct, for our relationship with the Creator, and for relationships among ourselves. Adherence to God’s Ten Commandments and observance of the hierarchical structure of authority leads to all forms of stability in the world. When we strive daily to overcome our weaknesses and are enlightened by God’s Ten Commandments, with a little effort we can alleviate the conditions of hopelessness that overwhelm human existence (Exodus 20:1-17).

Henry Grady Weaver (1889-1949): Finally, as a last resort, Moses reduced the teachings of Abraham to a written code of moral law. Known as the Ten Commandments, it stands today as the first and greatest document of individual freedom in the recorded history of man. Each of the Ten Commandments is addressed to the individual as a self-controlling person responsible for his own thoughts, words, and acts. And each of them recognizes liberty and freedom as inherent in the nature of man.¹

In the writings of the Old Testament, God made His chosen people, Israel, to be an example to all peoples. The first imperative of human existence then, becomes the realization of God’s great gifts to humanity. God’s immutable law governs all life, and the law that governs all life is God. Over the centuries, as the world has shifted to a new paragon of self-governance, generally apart from God’s immutable law. The intellectual observer ponders the proliferation of human laws that seem to govern all life. Arguably, hundreds of thousands of human laws are a testimony of this fact. Nevertheless, the fact remains that obedience to the authority of God results in love, joy, peace, hope, happiness, fruitfulness, and the true progress of nations. Conversely, violation of God’s law can result in pain, suffering, and separation from His providential guidance, thus bringing about a decline in our ability to manage His creation and achieve lives of fulfillment.

The spiritual presence of God in the world enables us to overcome our inclination to stray from His path. It helps us to understand and manage the conditions that cause hopelessness. God of the Holy Bible in His infinite wisdom instituted a hierarchical structure for our relationship with Him and the world (see fig. 9). God made us the church through His Son Jesus Christ, to unite Christians as a corporate body of believers in His Son. Likewise, He gave us access to the Holy Spirit through Jesus Christ His Son. He gave us the institution of marriage for procreation, and families to create stable societies. He gave us governments for the protection (Acts 21:27-37), the punishment (1 Peter 2:13-14), the advancement (1 Timothy 2:1-2), and the welfare of humanity (see fig. 5).

Through the revelation of the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, we are enlightened in our understanding of the Triune God. Jesus counsels: All things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, and who the Father is except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him (Luke 10:22 NIV). For the Father judges no one, but has committed all judgment to the Son that all should honor the Son just as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him (John 5:22, 23 NKJV). The Holy Bible teaches: For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power (Colossians 2:9, 10 NKJV) (see fig. 1).

The Book of Deuteronomy further provides us with historical insights into God’s laws for the Restoration of Israel. God promised abundant blessing: "The LORD your God will make you abound in all the work of your hand, in the fruit of your body, in the increase of your livestock … if you obey the voice of the Lord your God, to keep His commandments and His statutes which are written in this Book of the Law, and if you turn to the Lord your God with all your heart and with your soul" (Deuteronomy 30:910 NKJV) (circa 1423 BCE). We should be no less mindful in the twenty-first century of God speaking to us through His Son Jesus Christ, who provides His followers access to His grace and manifestation through the Holy Spirit.

RELATIONSHIP AMONG FATHER, SON, AND HOLY SPIRIT

It is essential for us to understand the power that is inherent in the Holy Spirit, and the critical importance of the Holy Spirit to our relationship with God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ. The Bible teaches that the Holy Spirit is the third member of the Godhead. Jesus commanded His disciples: Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19 NKJV). The Holy Spirit was not relevant just for the time of the disciples (the first century). Before Christ was crucified, He foretold of the coming of the Holy Spirit to guide us into all truth, to declare the glory of Jesus Christ and the Father, and to reveal things to us, which are yet to come (John 16:12-15).

French L. Arrington (1992), Ph.D., theologian and teacher: Many scriptures compel us to regard the Holy Spirit as God, coequal with the Father and Son. These same scriptures make it clear that we are to understand the Spirit is a person. He performs personal acts such as teaching (John 14:26), commissioning (Acts 13:2), guiding (Acts 16:6), and interceding (Romans 8:26). He is affected in personal ways. He can be blasphemed (Matthew 12:31, 32) and grieved (Ephesians 4:30). He has intelligence-the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God (1 Corinthians 2:10). He has will-The Spirit distributes Spiritual gifts to each one individually as He wills (1 Corinthians 12:11). The Holy Spirit is identified as God.²

The Holy Spirit has character, a mind, and emotions. The Holy Spirit teaches. The Apostle Paul writing to the Corinthians counsels: These things that we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual (1 Corinthians 2:13 NKJV). The gospel according to Luke says: For the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say (Luke 12:12 NKJV). The unity of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit symbolizes the unity that Jesus Christ expects among believers, hence His instruction to His disciples in the Great Commission: to baptize all nations in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit-making clear the singularity of the Godhead (see fig. 1).

The Holy Spirit has restraining power (it shields and protects and lifts up a standard against the enemies of the LORD). The Holy Spirit has convicting power (Felix, a Roman governor was convicted as Paul the Apostle preached [Acts 24:25]). King Agrippa responded to Paul’s message, saying: You almost persuade me to become a Christian (Acts 26:28). The Holy Spirit has regenerating power (Jesus explained to Nicodemus that he must be born of the Spirit to enter the kingdom of heaven John 3: 3-7).

Jesus Christ, having made Himself known to humanity on earth, through His pure love for us, sharing our joy, pain, and suffering, helps us to understand the unfathomable and indescribable God. God was from the beginning, is now and will be when all things come to an end. He exists independently of us, but without Him, we cannot be. Our existence depends on God. Our search for fulfillment in life is a search for our Spiritual connection with God through the Holy Spirit, and not a quest for fame, or fortune, or the other fleeting things which do not incorporate or further His purpose.

THE SEARCH FOR GOD

The search for God and the meaning of our existence has both defined and perplexed every civilization, from the earliest recorded nations to our modern society. Furthermore, the search has perplexed every religion from tribal systems to the most sophisticated mono-and polytheistic religions of our modern world. The search for God is the most vital search and it takes us beyond the natural realm of human existence. It is a search for purpose to our existence (see fig. 2). Diligent search for God means exercising conscious effort to find His purpose for our existence. Our search is continual, and will always be continual, because we can never attain the fullness of God’s purpose in this mortal body.

The turbulent twenty-first century presents the greatest challenge to our search, as humanity wanders farther away from our core religious beliefs. We enter a new age of doubt and rationalism; skepticism and humanism; distracted by our mastery of God’s creation. It does not matter if the god(s) we seek are idols, or mere mortals; the search for God is an unending search. Even those who follow no creed, but who feel celestial connections with the universe in some sense accept the existence of God. They have their deities in the obligation of awe and worship, the recognition of something great and inscrutable.

In observing religious beliefs and practices, it is apparent that perhaps the greatest question of our time is: Can the search for God ever end? Can there be a rational interpretation of God? God has revealed his nature to us through His Holy Word (Exodus 20:1-17). God proves Himself to us every moment of our existence (Romans 1:20 NIV). His divine creation should inspire spiritual awareness in us. The complexity and perfect balance of God’s planetary system should be a constant reminder that God has revealed himself to us in a personal way on planet Earth; Earth is the only inhabitable planet known to humankind. There are many who believe in the possibility of other beings in the great universe, although we have not had definitive proof. Have we ever considered that our treatment of our earthly neighbors might negate our entitlement to extraterrestrial neighbors? Can any other known planet provide human beings with such evidence that we are divinely chosen of God from among His creation? For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities-his eternal power and divine nature-have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse (Romans 1:20 NIV).

The unanswered questions of the universe manifest God’s creative power, but it is only His revelation and spiritual guidance that can ultimately aid us in our attempts to comprehend His creation. Similarly, spiritual blindness sets up barriers between our Creator, His divine creation, and us. God is Creator, life, and the light of the world. The Holy Bible teaches: "So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. (Genesis 1:27 NKJV) All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made" (John 1:3 NKJV).

To Christians, God reveals Himself through His Word as the living God (Hebrews 9:14; 10:31; Hosea 1:10; 1 Timothy 3:15; Joshua 3:10). God’s Word differentiates Him from Old Testament gods (Baal, Ashtoreth, the gods of Syria, Sidon, Moab, the Ammonites, and the Philistines) (Judges 10:6). Likewise, God is distinguished from ancient gods and goddesses in the Egyptian, Greek, and Roman pantheons. Isaiah, the uncompromising great prophet and poet, reminds us of the voice of the LORD: Thus says the LORD, the King of Israel, And his Redeemer, the LORD of hosts: ‘I am the First and I am the Last; Besides Me there is no God’ (Isaiah 44:6 NKJV) (circa 712 BCE). "I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. You shall have no other gods before Me (Exodus 20:2-3 NKJV). You shall not make for yourself a carved image—any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; you shall not bow down to them nor serve them … " (Exodus 20:4-5 NKJV).

Diverse religious beliefs have been present at every level of human civilization and most religions have a God or god that they worship. In some ancient and modern cultures there were many gods, appeased with gifts and offerings. The mythology of ancient Egypt embraced an extensive pantheon of gods and goddesses. The ancient Cretans sacrificed their most beautiful daughters to the Minoan bull. Aztec priests lifted the bleeding heart of the human victim to their gods, in their incantations. The god Moloch was appeased with burnt offerings of live babies by the Carthaginians.

Henry Grady Weaver (1947): The pharaohs of Egypt, the Roman emperors, and the Japanese mikados were believed to be gods in human form. Until 1911, the empress of China was a sacred being. The Tibetans still believe that God is incarnate in their Grand Lama. In 1776, Continental Europeans, South and Central Americans, and most of North Americans believed that their kings were God’s appointed agents, ruling by divine right. As recently as the First World War, most Europeans and all Asiatics took it for granted that anyone of royal blood was endowed with divine qualities.³

Observe the challenges of our times. Many cry out to God to intervene and stop the decline of civilization. God can intervene, but He has instructed us in the solution to our problems. God allows us to exercise free will and moral judgment (ethics, fairness, honesty, and integrity), to choose to do according to His will in order to experience His manifold blessings. Conversely, we can choose wrongdoings and experience the consequences of our actions. Yet we can repent from our sins and trust Jesus’ atoning sacrifice for our sins and experience His salvation for our souls (Leviticus 17:11), His remission of our sins (Hebrews 9:22), and His forgiveness for all of our wrongdoings (Romans 3:25). The Apostle Paul admonishes: Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life (Romans 5:9-10 NKJV) (circa CE 57-58).

UNDERSTANDING GOD’S PRESENCE IN OUR LIVES

Many profess the presence of God in their lives, yet there is a compulsion and an inherent weakness within us that separates us from God’s reservoir of spiritual power. When we move away from God’s limitless reservoir of spiritual power, we render ourselves powerless to meet the challenges of the world. The most profound challenge in our lives is the exercise of the will, the conscious act of obedience or disobedience to God (Romans 12:2). The human will is an essential element in God’s creation, but the incorrect exercise of will, informed only by human intellect and perceptions, sets up spiritual barriers between God and us. Without God’s enlightenment, we sub consciously and even consciously resist God’s Spiritual manifestation and act in violation to His moral laws.

The human intellect, as it unravels more of the mysteries of God’s creation, often disregards the spiritual nature of God, and sets up the conditions that incline us to violate His will. Our conscience should act as a moral guide that leads us to right actions, but pride, perversity, and stubbornness misguide us. These negative human characteristics are never in agreement with God’s will. The natural mind of human beings is enmity to God (Romans 8:7-8), but this enmity is generally unintentional. An unrealized and passive hostility lives within our soul and subconscious mind. The carnal mind sets up a barrier which blocks the source of God’s power that enables us to do according to His will. As we perceive the workings of that portion of God’s plan that our senses comprehend, we, in our pride in our achievements, lose sight of the fact that the greater portion of our existence must be informed by faith in God and in the mystery of His greater purpose, the solution to which is clearly set out in God’s commandments.

When our will is not in conformity to God’s will, we give into the tendency to do wrong to others and to ourselves. For example, unchecked anger can lead to injury and death, or reckless driving can result in catastrophic accidents. We cry out to God in our suffering, and He understands the inherent weakness of human beings that motivates wrongdoing. He knows (by His omniscience) of our transgressions; He knows our physical and mental anguish as no mother, father, husband, wife, sister, brother, or friend can. God also hears the inaudible cries of sorrow that come from deep within the human soul.

Our sorrow may guide us toward the light of God, or our fears may fuel greater apprehension of God and lead us farther away from Him. God’s omnipresence persists even in the darkest valley of our trials (Psalm 139:7-10). The perplexing question one might ask is: Can we know God or understand Him through the human intellect? It is only faith in the Word of God grafted in human hearts that evokes a desire within us to know Him and to obey His Word. His Word is the shield against the daily temptations of the world; therefore, we need to read God’s Word and seek His forgiveness daily, lest we find ourselves moving away from His grace and mercy.

No human companionship, no material possession, no wealth, and no power can satisfy the hunger within the human spirit; such fulfillment can only come from God. Paul the Apostle speaking to the Romans counsels: "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?" (Romans 8:35 NKJV) God will intervene if we fervently seek Him (James 5:16). God’s love (agap’e) alone can sustain us. Whether we are rich or poor, strong or weak, educated or uneducated, and regardless of color, race, language, culture, or religion, God is just and merciful. He does not bring suffering upon us because of our weaknesses, as we frequently do to others consciously or sub-consciously, often with regret.

God’s command is that we accept His grace and mercy and His offer of forgiveness with humility and contrition. This is God’s ultimate gift to humanity, but oftentimes we fail to comprehend His nature, His assurance of forgiveness, His love, and His promise of everlasting life (John 3:16). We are oblivious at times to God’s gift of His only begotten Son Jesus Christ, who is our moral and spiritual guide, and the Giver of life eternal. This forgetfulness promotes dependence upon human intellect and upon mastery of our physical environment as opposed to reliance upon God’s divine guidance. It also causes the disputes and challenges among us to become insurmountable and unsolvable, as we struggle daily to manage our circumstances without Him.

Thankfully, our free access to God’s grace and mercy allows His light to shine through us. Our inadequacies and failures that attempt to obstruct our passage to Him no longer have mastery over us. Spiritual discernment allows us to comprehend human suffering and to have empathy for the suffering we cause or permit. We are better able to understand and manage the circumstances of our birth, color, race, culture, family, ancestors, and other social and economic conditions, that previously had mastery over us.

We face circumstances daily that are real and can have a lasting impact on our lives, but circumstances can neither circumvent the love of God for humanity nor restrict our access to Him. He is never far from us. He is omnipresent and is faithful to those who believe in His Word and do according to His will. Notwithstanding the circumstances, God promises us both spiritual and material rewards for our obedience. Our hope lies in God’s manifold promises which He has kept from the beginning of the ages. We list fifteen of God’s manifold Old Testament (OT) and New Testament (NT) promises that ensure our survival.

FIFTEEN OLD AND NEW TESTAMENT PROMISES—OT PROMISE 1: ABRAM

And Abram said: You have given me no children; so a servant in my household will be my heir. Then the word of the Lord came to him: ‘This man will not be your heir, but a son coming from your body will be your heir.’ He took him outside and said, ‘Look up at the heavens and count the stars-if needed you can count them.’ Then he said to him, ‘So shall your offspring be.’ Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness (Genesis 15:3-6 NIV).

—OT/NT PROMISE 2: CHILDREN

God reinstituted His admonishment with promise to children in the Old and New Testaments. Honor your father and your mother, as the LORD your God has commanded you, so that you may live long and that it may go well with you in the land the LORD your God is giving you (Deuteronomy 5:16 NIV). "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. ‘Honor your father and mother’-which is the first commandment with a promise-’that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth’ (Ephesians 6:1-3 NIV).

—OT PROMISE 3: KING DAVID’S PRAYER

And now, LORD God, keep forever the promise you have made concerning your servant and his house. Do as you promised, (2 Samuel 7:25 NIV) O Sovereign LORD, you are God! Your words are trustworthy, and you have promised these good things to your servant. Now be pleased to bless the house of your servant, that it may continue forever in your sight; for you, O Sovereign LORD, have spoken, and with your blessings the house of your servant will be blessed forever (2 Samuel 7:28-29 NIV).

—OT PROMISE 4: PEOPLE OF ISRAEL

Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bring your children from the east and gather you from the west. I will say to the north, ‘Give them up!’ and to the south, ‘Do not hold them back.’ Bring them my sons from afar and my daughters from the ends of the earth-everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made (Isaiah 43:5-7 NIV).

—OT PROMISE 5: PEOPLE OF ISRAEL

My eyes will watch over them for their good, and I will bring them back to this land. I will build them up and not tear them down; I will plant them and not uproot them. I will give them a heart to know me, that I am the LORD. They will be my people, and I will be their God, for they will return to me with all their heart (Jeremiah 24:6-7 NIV).

—OT PROMISE 6: PROMISE OF RESTORATION

This is what the LORD says: ‘You say about his place, It is desolate waste, without men or animals. Yet in the towns of Judah and the streets of Jerusalem that are deserted, inhabited by neither men or animals, there will be heard once more the sound of joy and gladness, the voices of bride and bridegroom, and the voices of those who bring thank offerings to the house of the LORD, saying, Give thanks to the LORD almighty for the LORD is good; his love endures forever. For I will restore the fortunes of the land as they were before,’ says the LORD (Jeremiah 33:10-11 NIV).

—NT PROMISE 7: FOLLOWERS OFJESUS CHRIST

Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? (Matthew 5:11-13 NIV).

—NT PROMISE 8: FOLLOWERS OF JESUS CHRIST

The synoptic Gospel writer Matthew tells us that God promises to fulfill all of our needs when we seek Him and His righteousness as a first imperative of our existence. Our heavenly father knows our needs. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own (Matthew 6:33-34 NIV).

—NT PROMISE9: FOLLOWERS OF JESUS CHRIST

"For God so loved the world