Due to an unusually hot and dry summer, Portugal has requested help from Europe to combat forest fires on a scale not seen in recent memory. Thousands of firefighters are battling hundreds of blazes around the nation (Reuters, August 13, 2017).

U.S. public health officials have discovered fleas infected with the bubonic plague—sometimes called the “Black Death”—in the state of Arizona. This is the same bacterium that killed millions of people in Europe in the fourteenth century.

On September 24, Germans will participate in a federal election to select their chancellor. Many wonder if Chancellor Angela Merkel will be able to retain the office she has held since 2005. Her critics abound.

Jesus warned the disciples to beware of hypocrisy. People do not like hypocrisy in others. But could we ourselves be hypocrites?

Jesus told His disciples: “Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, nor hidden that will not be known” (Luke 12:1–2). Hypocrisy comes to light sooner or later, and when it does, it is widely spread (v. 3).

The August 21, 2017 total solar eclipse is a very rare event because it will be seen in the United States—and only the United States—from coast to coast. No other nation will be touched by this total solar eclipse. Referring to Genesis 1:14, some see this as a warning sign from God. Is it? Are eclipses signs? And if so, then what are they signs of? What Scripture reveals may surprise you!