1 00:00:00,188 --> 00:00:03,146 On September 17th 1960, while campaigning 2 00:00:03,147 --> 00:00:06,479 for the presidency, a young senator from Massachusetts 3 00:00:06,480 --> 00:00:08,811 stood before an adoring audience at the Coliseum 4 00:00:08,812 --> 00:00:10,354 in Raleigh, North Carolina. 5 00:00:10,355 --> 00:00:12,730 He articulated his vision for what the nation 6 00:00:12,731 --> 00:00:17,313 could accomplish under his leadership. 7 00:00:17,314 --> 00:00:19,811 With a short, but simple and eminently memorable 8 00:00:19,812 --> 00:00:22,646 phrase, John F Kennedy unknowingly described 9 00:00:22,647 --> 00:00:24,313 one of the greatest shortcomings 10 00:00:24,314 --> 00:00:26,479 of our current generation. 11 00:00:26,480 --> 00:00:28,104 In his speech, he extolls the courage 12 00:00:28,105 --> 00:00:30,895 and determination required to bring the United States 13 00:00:30,896 --> 00:00:33,146 through the second world war. 14 00:00:33,147 --> 00:00:34,105 Kennedy then observes: 15 00:00:40,272 --> 00:00:42,811 The symptoms of a society without purpose and direction 16 00:00:42,812 --> 00:00:44,979 are evident all around us. 17 00:00:44,980 --> 00:00:47,811 Lack of meaning in life is a scourge which is tearing 18 00:00:47,812 --> 00:00:50,854 through the Western World leaving broken families, 19 00:00:50,855 --> 00:00:53,895 crushed communities and lost lives in its wake. 20 00:00:53,896 --> 00:00:56,021 The plain truth is that people thrive 21 00:00:56,022 --> 00:00:57,396 when they have purpose; 22 00:00:57,397 --> 00:01:00,979 that life itself is not absent meaning. 23 00:01:00,980 --> 00:01:03,604 Join me for this edition of Tomorrow's World 24 00:01:03,605 --> 00:01:26,811 as we explore man's need for purpose. 25 00:01:26,812 --> 00:01:28,396 What drives you to get out of bed in the morning? 26 00:01:28,397 --> 00:01:30,811 It's a simple enough question, 27 00:01:30,812 --> 00:01:33,104 but is it one you've paused to consider? 28 00:01:33,105 --> 00:01:35,811 Do you get out of bed just because it's a habit to do so, 29 00:01:35,812 --> 00:01:37,062 or do you wake with a purpose 30 00:01:37,063 --> 00:01:39,771 to carry out each and every day? 31 00:01:39,772 --> 00:01:42,104 Darwinian evolution describes the act of survival 32 00:01:42,105 --> 00:01:44,563 as the driving force in life. 33 00:01:44,564 --> 00:01:47,688 Are you merely trying to survive, or do you see purpose 34 00:01:47,689 --> 00:01:50,229 in your life beyond survival? 35 00:01:50,230 --> 00:01:52,521 Statistics can be fascinating tools, 36 00:01:52,522 --> 00:01:54,979 but they often they present an incomplete picture. 37 00:01:54,980 --> 00:01:57,229 Many of the leading indicators of quality of life 38 00:01:57,230 --> 00:02:00,438 present a paradox during what can only be described 39 00:02:00,439 --> 00:02:02,812 as the greatest sustained period of wealth, 40 00:02:02,813 --> 00:02:06,062 peace and prosperity the world has ever seen. 41 00:02:06,063 --> 00:02:08,811 Let's set aside for a moment, our own personal accounts, 42 00:02:08,812 --> 00:02:09,979 perhaps you've lived through war 43 00:02:09,980 --> 00:02:11,811 or suffered significant poverty. 44 00:02:11,812 --> 00:02:14,604 I'm not trying to say that those elements don't still exist. 45 00:02:14,605 --> 00:02:16,271 However, the amount of people plagued 46 00:02:16,272 --> 00:02:17,937 by them is significantly less. 47 00:02:17,938 --> 00:02:21,811 If you could live in any period of time, 48 00:02:21,812 --> 00:02:24,979 it would be difficult to come up with a better one than today. 49 00:02:24,980 --> 00:02:27,313 Sure, if you were in a position of power the 1500s 50 00:02:27,314 --> 00:02:30,811 may have been grand, but it wasn't for the vast majority. 51 00:02:30,812 --> 00:02:33,811 We've eradicated numerous diseases, the infant mortality 52 00:02:33,812 --> 00:02:36,271 rate has fallen significantly; there is no time 53 00:02:36,272 --> 00:02:38,811 period with greater access to healthcare. 54 00:02:38,812 --> 00:02:41,438 Few people ever journeyed outside their town 55 00:02:41,439 --> 00:02:42,812 and now travel is widespread. 56 00:02:42,813 --> 00:02:46,730 When is the last time you had to go hunt your dinner? 57 00:02:46,731 --> 00:02:48,854 I appreciate that some viewers may do so by choice, 58 00:02:48,855 --> 00:02:51,229 but it's not likely that they do it for every meal. 59 00:02:51,230 --> 00:02:55,730 What about washing machines, cars and smart phones? 60 00:02:55,731 --> 00:02:57,771 If you want a picture of how much the world 61 00:02:57,772 --> 00:03:01,605 has changed since the 1600s listen to this: 62 00:03:30,647 --> 00:03:32,811 Not that we should be competing to impress people, 63 00:03:32,812 --> 00:03:34,479 but when is the last time you rented 64 00:03:34,480 --> 00:03:36,811 a pineapple for a dinner party? 65 00:03:36,812 --> 00:03:40,271 The point is this: in many ways, we have it good. 66 00:03:40,272 --> 00:03:42,479 Good isn't even a strong enough term for it. 67 00:03:42,480 --> 00:03:45,021 In respect to the advantages that we have on our side, 68 00:03:45,022 --> 00:03:48,479 there is no comparison with past generations. 69 00:03:48,480 --> 00:03:49,771 And yet, for all that we have, 70 00:03:49,772 --> 00:03:52,396 something is clearly missing. 71 00:03:52,397 --> 00:03:55,479 I mentioned that statistics presents us with a paradox. 72 00:03:55,480 --> 00:03:58,563 It is this: in the greatest time to be alive, 73 00:03:58,564 --> 00:04:02,354 depression and suicide have skyrocketed. 74 00:04:02,355 --> 00:04:04,479 Why have so many thrown away their lives with drug 75 00:04:04,480 --> 00:04:07,396 addiction, particularly during the current opioid crisis? 76 00:04:07,397 --> 00:04:10,811 On today's program I'm going to show the results 77 00:04:10,812 --> 00:04:12,104 of losing purpose. 78 00:04:12,105 --> 00:04:13,812 I'm going to prove to you that mankind 79 00:04:13,813 --> 00:04:16,895 can have all of the advantages imaginable, and yet, 80 00:04:16,896 --> 00:04:18,811 if you don't have a reason to get out of bed 81 00:04:18,812 --> 00:04:22,688 in the morning than no advantage will make up for it. 82 00:04:22,689 --> 00:04:24,937 Before we really dive into this, I want to let you know 83 00:04:24,938 --> 00:04:26,730 about the free booklet we'll be offering 84 00:04:26,731 --> 00:04:28,521 throughout the program. 85 00:04:28,522 --> 00:04:29,811 "What Happens When You Die?" 86 00:04:30,607 --> 00:04:32,637 This controversial subject is paramount 87 00:04:32,662 --> 00:04:34,998 when discussing our purpose in life. 88 00:04:36,646 --> 00:04:39,020 The opioid crisis, the rise in substance abuse 89 00:04:39,021 --> 00:04:41,270 of any kind and the staggering increase 90 00:04:41,271 --> 00:04:43,936 in suicide rate are just a few of the indicators 91 00:04:43,937 --> 00:04:47,810 that something in our society has gone horribly wrong. 92 00:04:47,811 --> 00:04:49,811 Take this statement published in the New York Time 93 00:04:49,812 --> 00:04:53,811 including a question which begs an answer: 94 00:05:13,811 --> 00:05:16,061 Reacting to the increased suicide rate reported 95 00:05:16,062 --> 00:05:20,730 by the CDC, Dr. Diane Dreher described the problem: 96 00:05:53,187 --> 00:05:56,270 It should not come as a surprise that the increase 97 00:05:56,271 --> 00:05:59,645 in addiction is being linked to the same cause. 98 00:05:59,646 --> 00:06:01,395 Purpose and meaning are essential 99 00:06:01,396 --> 00:06:03,562 to our basic will to live. 100 00:06:03,563 --> 00:06:05,437 When one does not have something to strive for, 101 00:06:05,438 --> 00:06:08,103 something to work towards, some reason to get out of bed 102 00:06:08,104 --> 00:06:11,645 in the morning, than escapism becomes attractive. 103 00:06:11,646 --> 00:06:12,810 Something to numb the pain, 104 00:06:12,811 --> 00:06:15,478 to take away that feeling of meaninglessness. 105 00:06:15,479 --> 00:06:18,770 It is a dark path and one has to wonder how society 106 00:06:18,771 --> 00:06:21,145 will regain control of the crisis. 107 00:06:21,146 --> 00:06:23,271 ScienceDaily confirms that: 108 00:06:35,771 --> 00:06:38,061 The problem is there for all to see. 109 00:06:38,062 --> 00:06:41,061 The solution is much more difficult. 110 00:06:41,062 --> 00:06:44,603 How can you help a society that seemingly has everything, 111 00:06:44,604 --> 00:06:47,478 but has no purpose or sense of direction? 112 00:06:47,479 --> 00:06:49,312 If you struggle with finding and focusing 113 00:06:49,313 --> 00:06:51,810 on meaning in your life, how can you avoid some 114 00:06:51,811 --> 00:06:54,603 of the potential negative outcomes we've examined, 115 00:06:54,604 --> 00:06:58,687 and where can you find or revive your sense of purpose? 116 00:06:58,688 --> 00:06:59,810 In answering these questions, 117 00:06:59,811 --> 00:07:02,270 it can help to have a little perspective. 118 00:07:02,271 --> 00:07:04,437 Death is something we've all considered. 119 00:07:04,438 --> 00:07:07,478 Is it the end, or is there something beyond. 120 00:07:07,479 --> 00:07:09,353 Can you find a purpose better and beyond 121 00:07:09,354 --> 00:07:11,228 your current physical life? 122 00:07:11,229 --> 00:07:12,978 Richard Ames has been a long-time presenter 123 00:07:12,979 --> 00:07:15,770 on Tomorrow's World, and has written several of the books 124 00:07:15,771 --> 00:07:17,520 offered on the program. 125 00:07:17,521 --> 00:07:18,645 His latest work: 126 00:07:18,646 --> 00:07:19,810 "What Happens When You Die?" 127 00:07:19,811 --> 00:07:21,853 answers some of the most important questions 128 00:07:21,854 --> 00:07:22,810 you could ever face. 129 00:07:22,811 --> 00:07:25,978 We have a copy waiting for you, free of charge, 130 00:07:25,979 --> 00:07:28,438 just call and let us know how to get it to you. 131 00:07:38,001 --> 00:07:38,624 Welcome back. 132 00:07:38,625 --> 00:07:40,708 We have been looking at the repercussions 133 00:07:40,709 --> 00:07:43,081 of losing meaning and purpose in life. 134 00:07:43,082 --> 00:07:45,081 They are undeniable and they are grave. 135 00:07:45,082 --> 00:07:47,124 But we also have to ask the question 136 00:07:47,125 --> 00:07:49,624 of why an increasing number of people feel 137 00:07:49,625 --> 00:07:52,082 that they don't have meaning in their lives. 138 00:07:52,083 --> 00:07:54,583 We already reminded ourselves some of the many advantages 139 00:07:54,584 --> 00:07:56,499 to the time we are living in. 140 00:07:56,500 --> 00:07:59,081 These advantages also spread to purpose. 141 00:07:59,082 --> 00:08:03,081 In many ways it has never been easier to pursue a dream. 142 00:08:03,082 --> 00:08:05,374 Previous generations were often taught a trade 143 00:08:05,375 --> 00:08:08,374 by their parents and continued in the family business. 144 00:08:08,375 --> 00:08:11,081 Now, if someone identifies a passion, there are many 145 00:08:11,082 --> 00:08:13,081 avenues that can be followed in pursuit of it. 146 00:08:13,082 --> 00:08:16,081 There have never been greater social safety nets 147 00:08:16,082 --> 00:08:18,082 allowing individuals to take risks 148 00:08:18,083 --> 00:08:19,874 in pursuing their dreams. 149 00:08:19,875 --> 00:08:22,666 And yet, here we are, with mankind 150 00:08:22,667 --> 00:08:24,081 faced with a crisis of meaning. 151 00:08:24,082 --> 00:08:27,081 We could spend an entire series of programs 152 00:08:27,082 --> 00:08:30,666 asking why we are in such a crisis, but our focus 153 00:08:30,667 --> 00:08:33,791 today is on understanding the importance of purpose 154 00:08:33,792 --> 00:08:36,749 as well offering a solution to aid in finding purpose. 155 00:08:36,750 --> 00:08:39,749 But I do want to identify 3 reasons 156 00:08:39,750 --> 00:08:42,081 why we are facing this current crisis. 157 00:08:42,082 --> 00:08:44,749 Keep in mind that many of these are cyclical problems, 158 00:08:44,750 --> 00:08:46,624 which then feed into themselves growing 159 00:08:46,625 --> 00:08:48,749 ever more dangerous. 160 00:08:48,750 --> 00:08:51,082 The first reason we face a crisis of meaning is: 161 00:08:51,083 --> 00:08:54,332 1. The Rise of Materialism 162 00:08:54,333 --> 00:08:56,874 Comedian George Carlin cleverly identified 163 00:08:56,875 --> 00:09:02,082 how collecting stuff has replaced meaning for many: 164 00:09:10,542 --> 00:09:13,081 As people try to find meaning in "stuff" 165 00:09:13,082 --> 00:09:14,749 many discover that they simply can't keep up, 166 00:09:14,750 --> 00:09:18,583 or if they do gain all the "stuff" 167 00:09:18,584 --> 00:09:22,041 that it doesn't make them feel the way the thought it would. 168 00:09:22,042 --> 00:09:24,416 This rise of materialism is having a significantly 169 00:09:24,417 --> 00:09:26,374 destructive effect. 170 00:09:26,375 --> 00:09:28,332 The second reason we face a crisis of meaning is: 171 00:09:28,333 --> 00:09:31,207 2. The Breakdown of Families 172 00:09:31,208 --> 00:09:33,791 Historically, many have found meaning in providing 173 00:09:33,792 --> 00:09:35,000 for their family. 174 00:09:35,001 --> 00:09:37,499 In striving to prepare their children for adulthood 175 00:09:37,500 --> 00:09:40,081 and in growing together as a unit. 176 00:09:40,082 --> 00:09:42,082 Not everyone has had this opportunity. 177 00:09:42,083 --> 00:09:44,624 But nowadays, finding someone who is part of a stable 178 00:09:44,625 --> 00:09:48,000 family unit is increasingly difficult. 179 00:09:48,001 --> 00:09:49,666 Family can provide a support network 180 00:09:49,667 --> 00:09:52,081 for when one is struggling with meaning. 181 00:09:52,082 --> 00:09:54,165 While we live in a society where communication 182 00:09:54,166 --> 00:09:57,666 and the ability to stay connected has never been easier, 183 00:09:57,667 --> 00:09:59,499 there has also never been as many people 184 00:09:59,500 --> 00:10:00,249 who feel alone. 185 00:10:00,250 --> 00:10:05,125 Those who have physical families are not immune to this. 186 00:10:52,834 --> 00:10:54,833 This is not to say that family is the ultimate 187 00:10:54,834 --> 00:10:56,624 meaning or purpose in life. 188 00:10:56,625 --> 00:10:58,666 However, when families break down, 189 00:10:58,667 --> 00:11:04,081 it can contribute to depression and feelings of meaninglessness. 190 00:11:04,082 --> 00:11:06,332 The third reason we face of crisis of meaning is: 191 00:11:06,333 --> 00:11:09,082 3. Decline of Belief in God 192 00:11:09,083 --> 00:11:11,416 For millennia, mankind has derived meaning 193 00:11:11,417 --> 00:11:14,874 from asking the question "Why are we here?" 194 00:11:14,875 --> 00:11:17,081 If we were not created, than we could not have been 195 00:11:17,082 --> 00:11:19,874 created for a purpose. 196 00:11:19,875 --> 00:11:21,249 This presents a problem. 197 00:11:21,250 --> 00:11:22,874 You'll notice that the plagues we spoke 198 00:11:22,875 --> 00:11:25,207 of in the first portion of today's program, 199 00:11:25,208 --> 00:11:28,541 primarily substance abuse and suicide are not exclusive 200 00:11:28,542 --> 00:11:30,416 problems to atheists. 201 00:11:30,417 --> 00:11:33,081 While belief in God has declined, what is perhaps 202 00:11:33,082 --> 00:11:36,041 just as startling is that for many, belief in God 203 00:11:36,042 --> 00:11:38,124 has become nothing more than a statement 204 00:11:38,125 --> 00:11:40,958 that is barely given a thought let alone something 205 00:11:40,959 --> 00:11:44,165 that could be described as a purpose in life. 206 00:11:44,166 --> 00:11:46,791 Real belief in God more than anything, 207 00:11:46,792 --> 00:11:50,249 has been able to provide meaning for individuals despite 208 00:11:50,250 --> 00:11:53,457 them living in unimaginable circumstance. 209 00:11:53,458 --> 00:11:55,916 Ara Norenzayan, a social psychologist 210 00:11:55,917 --> 00:11:59,917 at the University of British Columbia was quoted by the BBC: 211 00:12:15,375 --> 00:12:18,249 This trifecta of the rise in materialism, 212 00:12:18,250 --> 00:12:21,666 breakdown of families and decline in belief in God 213 00:12:21,667 --> 00:12:24,291 has worked alongside other factors to create 214 00:12:24,292 --> 00:12:27,833 this crisis of meaning mankind's facing. 215 00:12:27,834 --> 00:12:29,416 While we've looked at the negative side effects 216 00:12:29,417 --> 00:12:32,165 of a lack of meaning, lets also examine the positive 217 00:12:32,166 --> 00:12:36,916 benefits one gets from having a sense of purpose. 218 00:12:36,917 --> 00:12:38,958 While the Declaration of Independence highlighted 219 00:12:38,959 --> 00:12:41,081 "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness" 220 00:12:41,082 --> 00:12:43,708 as examples of unalienable rights. 221 00:12:43,709 --> 00:12:45,874 Recent studies show that it may have been better 222 00:12:45,875 --> 00:12:50,584 to offer "life, liberty and the pursuit of meaning." 223 00:13:17,082 --> 00:13:19,916 The national center for biotechnology information 224 00:13:19,917 --> 00:13:22,081 published a study which highlights the impact 225 00:13:22,082 --> 00:13:25,875 meaning has on the quality of one's life. 226 00:13:49,042 --> 00:13:51,081 Those who wake up each morning with a reason 227 00:13:51,082 --> 00:13:55,583 to get out of bed, tend to live more successful lives. 228 00:13:55,584 --> 00:13:57,708 Kennedy's words in North Carolina were written 229 00:13:57,709 --> 00:14:02,041 more than 60 years ago, but have never been more pertinent. 230 00:14:02,042 --> 00:14:04,291 Effort and courage are evident all around us. 231 00:14:04,292 --> 00:14:08,207 But without direction and purpose, they fall flat. 232 00:14:08,208 --> 00:14:12,081 Mankind is in a dire need of an injection of meaning. 233 00:14:12,082 --> 00:14:14,249 This certainly applies to our everyday lives. 234 00:14:14,250 --> 00:14:16,499 However, our ultimate purpose is something 235 00:14:16,500 --> 00:14:18,791 that we cannot decide for ourselves. 236 00:14:18,792 --> 00:14:22,081 If there is a God, and He Created us for a reason, 237 00:14:22,082 --> 00:14:24,332 is the true purpose of man not to fulfill 238 00:14:24,333 --> 00:14:26,081 that purpose? 239 00:14:26,082 --> 00:14:28,081 This is a question whose repercussions extend 240 00:14:28,082 --> 00:14:31,082 far beyond our present lives and demands an answer 241 00:14:31,083 --> 00:14:34,124 to the questions "What Happens When You Die?" 242 00:14:34,125 --> 00:14:36,791 If you want to explore the reason you were Created, 243 00:14:36,792 --> 00:14:39,081 and how God intends to work with you to fulfill 244 00:14:39,082 --> 00:14:44,631 that purpose, than call now and receive your free copy. 245 00:14:51,909 --> 00:14:53,158 Welcome back. 246 00:14:53,159 --> 00:14:55,573 Today's world is overflowing with conveniences 247 00:14:55,574 --> 00:14:56,949 that - at least on paper - 248 00:14:56,950 --> 00:15:00,075 should result in a time of unprecedented happiness, 249 00:15:00,076 --> 00:15:03,573 reduced stress and genuine fulfillment. 250 00:15:03,574 --> 00:15:05,325 However something is missing. 251 00:15:05,326 --> 00:15:08,033 Our society is in the midst of an opioid crisis. 252 00:15:08,034 --> 00:15:10,573 Substance abuse and suicide are out of control. 253 00:15:10,574 --> 00:15:13,325 There have also been sharp increases in the number 254 00:15:13,326 --> 00:15:17,033 of people struggling with depression and anxiety. 255 00:15:17,034 --> 00:15:18,741 These are not merely issues that have always 256 00:15:18,742 --> 00:15:21,741 been with us but are just now being talked about. 257 00:15:21,742 --> 00:15:23,783 Something is wrong. 258 00:15:23,784 --> 00:15:27,949 We bear the symptoms of a society devoid of purpose. 259 00:15:27,950 --> 00:15:30,573 This paradox is summed up nicely by the great 260 00:15:30,574 --> 00:15:34,242 Russian author, Feyodor Dostoevsky: 261 00:15:42,534 --> 00:15:44,616 What do you live for? 262 00:15:44,617 --> 00:15:46,573 Ultimately, this is the same as the question 263 00:15:46,574 --> 00:15:48,241 I asked earlier in the program, 264 00:15:48,242 --> 00:15:50,573 "Why do you get out of bed in the morning?" 265 00:15:50,574 --> 00:15:52,991 Is it to provide and care for your family? 266 00:15:52,992 --> 00:15:54,741 To enrich the lives of those around you, 267 00:15:54,742 --> 00:15:56,616 or to better society? 268 00:15:56,617 --> 00:15:59,573 Is it to become famous, wealthy or successful - 269 00:15:59,574 --> 00:16:01,616 however you may define success? 270 00:16:01,617 --> 00:16:04,366 The harsh reality is that, while these purposes 271 00:16:04,367 --> 00:16:07,283 are far better than trying to get by without a purpose 272 00:16:07,284 --> 00:16:10,574 success in this life is difficult to obtain, 273 00:16:10,575 --> 00:16:15,325 is fickle, and all too often fleeting. 274 00:16:15,326 --> 00:16:17,573 Whatever we may choose to be the purpose of our life 275 00:16:17,574 --> 00:16:20,657 is truly only secondary if you believe mankind 276 00:16:20,658 --> 00:16:24,824 to be the creation of an all-powerful, all-loving God. 277 00:16:24,825 --> 00:16:26,657 The real question we must ask is: 278 00:16:26,658 --> 00:16:29,949 What is His purpose for mankind as a whole - 279 00:16:29,950 --> 00:16:32,158 and for me specifically. 280 00:16:32,159 --> 00:16:34,533 The 8th Psalm records David contemplating 281 00:16:34,534 --> 00:16:36,493 his own purpose. 282 00:16:47,617 --> 00:16:50,573 He looked up and asked, "If you created the entire 283 00:16:50,574 --> 00:16:53,200 universe, why are you concerned with mankind 284 00:16:53,201 --> 00:16:54,573 as a whole. 285 00:16:54,574 --> 00:16:57,241 Why are you concerned with me?" 286 00:16:57,242 --> 00:17:00,949 The reality is that God is concerned with mankind - 287 00:17:00,950 --> 00:17:02,075 not just as some sort of hobby, 288 00:17:02,076 --> 00:17:05,573 but with a definitive and measurable purpose! 289 00:17:05,574 --> 00:17:08,783 The question remains: what is that purpose? 290 00:17:08,784 --> 00:17:10,573 Sometimes this question is brushed off, 291 00:17:10,574 --> 00:17:13,241 that God has a purpose beyond our understanding, 292 00:17:13,242 --> 00:17:15,200 that "the Lord works in mysterious ways" 293 00:17:15,201 --> 00:17:18,033 and who are we to try and understand. 294 00:17:18,034 --> 00:17:20,325 Now, there is some truth, we cannot ascertain 295 00:17:20,326 --> 00:17:22,824 God's purpose in each and every event that occurs. 296 00:17:22,825 --> 00:17:28,492 But He does reveal His ultimate purpose for man. 297 00:17:28,493 --> 00:17:31,033 One aspect of life that does cause some to question 298 00:17:31,034 --> 00:17:33,408 God's purpose is that from time to time, 299 00:17:33,409 --> 00:17:36,158 car accidents, disease, or any number of other 300 00:17:36,159 --> 00:17:40,116 unfortunate events can occur and claim a life. 301 00:17:40,117 --> 00:17:43,492 It can be easy to wonder how they can fulfill God's purpose, 302 00:17:43,493 --> 00:17:45,699 or what God's purpose was for them. 303 00:17:45,700 --> 00:17:49,366 Some rashly judge those who are affected by tragedy, 304 00:17:49,367 --> 00:17:53,159 Jesus addresses this issue specifically: 305 00:18:20,909 --> 00:18:23,574 He is stating first of all that we must not rush 306 00:18:23,575 --> 00:18:26,075 to judgment when tragedy strikes. 307 00:18:26,076 --> 00:18:28,908 Secondly, that we should look in the mirror and ask 308 00:18:28,909 --> 00:18:31,824 ourselves if we are living up to God's standards, 309 00:18:31,825 --> 00:18:35,616 seeking to rectify those areas where we fall short. 310 00:18:35,617 --> 00:18:40,493 But in that context He gives an important parable: 311 00:19:11,034 --> 00:19:14,366 He is stating that even tragedy will not prevent 312 00:19:14,367 --> 00:19:17,033 Him from working with every single individual, 313 00:19:17,034 --> 00:19:20,866 giving them an opportunity to live up to their purpose. 314 00:19:20,867 --> 00:19:23,574 He wants the opportunity to work with every man, 315 00:19:23,575 --> 00:19:25,949 woman and child who has ever lived. 316 00:19:25,950 --> 00:19:29,573 And He will not be denied this opportunity. 317 00:19:29,574 --> 00:19:31,657 How badly does God want to see you live 318 00:19:31,658 --> 00:19:33,492 up to your potential, 319 00:19:33,493 --> 00:19:36,573 to achieve the purpose for which you were created? 320 00:19:36,574 --> 00:19:40,033 John 3:16 is often called the golden verse, 321 00:19:40,034 --> 00:19:41,658 it answers this question for us: 322 00:19:55,076 --> 00:19:57,574 I'd like to read a quote now from today's featured offer: 323 00:19:57,575 --> 00:19:59,741 "What Happens When You Die?" 324 00:19:59,742 --> 00:20:02,283 Here Mr. Richard Ames gives a glimpse of the purpose 325 00:20:02,284 --> 00:20:04,200 for which man was created. 326 00:20:04,201 --> 00:20:06,657 If you haven't already done so, I hope you do take 327 00:20:06,658 --> 00:20:11,076 the opportunity to call and receive your free copy. 328 00:20:35,867 --> 00:20:38,741 Continuing in 1 Corinthians 2, after verse 9 329 00:20:38,742 --> 00:20:41,573 which was quoted by Mr. Ames, Paul reveals 330 00:20:41,574 --> 00:20:43,451 how this information can be discerned. 331 00:21:04,117 --> 00:21:06,824 God provides us with the reality of His glorious 332 00:21:06,825 --> 00:21:13,116 purpose for mankind in His inspired Word-the Bible. 333 00:21:13,117 --> 00:21:15,325 This information comes with the responsibility 334 00:21:15,326 --> 00:21:16,908 to follow through on it. 335 00:21:16,909 --> 00:21:18,573 I hope you'll take us up on our offer 336 00:21:18,574 --> 00:21:20,241 for today's free booklet: 337 00:21:20,242 --> 00:21:22,033 "What Happens When You Die?" 338 00:21:22,034 --> 00:21:24,783 While the book focuses on death and what come after, 339 00:21:24,784 --> 00:21:26,824 it is vital to understand that the life 340 00:21:26,825 --> 00:21:30,408 you have been given now is not one without purpose. 341 00:21:30,409 --> 00:21:32,908 It is building towards something grand. 342 00:21:32,909 --> 00:21:35,573 Knowing God's purpose for you can be a life altering 343 00:21:35,574 --> 00:21:37,573 experience for the better. 344 00:21:37,574 --> 00:21:39,366 Here at Tomorrow's World we don't shy away 345 00:21:39,367 --> 00:21:42,573 from life's big questions, and this booklet tackles 346 00:21:42,574 --> 00:21:43,451 a multitude of them. 347 00:21:45,534 --> 00:21:47,783 Whatever your situation in life, I hope that you come 348 00:21:47,784 --> 00:21:50,573 to recognize that mankind has been created 349 00:21:50,574 --> 00:21:53,573 to need purpose beyond mere survival. 350 00:21:53,574 --> 00:21:55,573 I promise you that any worthwhile purpose 351 00:21:55,574 --> 00:21:57,991 will require you to tackle that purpose 352 00:21:57,992 --> 00:21:59,908 with two attributes. 353 00:21:59,909 --> 00:22:04,783 JFK boiled them down to effort, or hard work, and courage. 354 00:22:04,784 --> 00:22:06,574 But those attributes are nothing 355 00:22:06,575 --> 00:22:10,241 without purpose and direction. 356 00:22:10,242 --> 00:22:12,075 I hope you've found today's program to be both 357 00:22:12,076 --> 00:22:14,075 uplifting and edifying. 358 00:22:14,076 --> 00:22:15,824 Remember to keep watching and in a few moments 359 00:22:15,825 --> 00:22:18,573 Stuart Wachowicz will present TW Answers, 360 00:22:18,574 --> 00:22:21,533 examining the question of predestination. 361 00:22:21,534 --> 00:22:23,573 And tune in every week when Gerald Weston, 362 00:22:23,574 --> 00:22:25,866 Stuart Wachowicz and I will continue to deliver 363 00:22:25,867 --> 00:22:28,700 you the wonderful news of Tomorrow's World. 364 00:22:31,351 --> 00:22:32,891 To learn more about today's topic, 365 00:22:32,892 --> 00:22:37,523 visit www.TWCanada.org . 366 00:22:38,328 --> 00:22:41,162 Welcome to Tomorrow's World Answers. 367 00:22:41,163 --> 00:22:43,537 The subject of predestination occurs 368 00:22:43,538 --> 00:22:46,537 only five places in the Bible. 369 00:22:46,538 --> 00:22:51,327 The Greek words used are: proorizo, to predetermine, 370 00:22:51,328 --> 00:22:56,327 decide beforehand, to foreordain; proginosko, 371 00:22:56,328 --> 00:22:59,327 to have knowledge beforehand to foreknow, 372 00:22:59,328 --> 00:23:04,079 to predestinate; - and prognosis, foreknowledge. 373 00:23:04,080 --> 00:23:09,079 What is predestination? 374 00:23:09,080 --> 00:23:11,537 Two of the Scriptures in question are: 375 00:23:11,538 --> 00:23:13,454 Romans 8, 376 00:23:29,832 --> 00:23:30,499 Ephesians 1, 377 00:24:07,185 --> 00:24:09,983 The other three instances are similar. 378 00:24:10,008 --> 00:24:12,340 Some have looked at these scriptures 379 00:24:12,341 --> 00:24:16,505 and have concluded that our future is predetermined. 380 00:24:16,506 --> 00:24:19,881 This however ignores many other statements in the Bible 381 00:24:19,882 --> 00:24:22,506 that add clarity to this matter. 382 00:24:22,507 --> 00:24:25,840 There are no verses in the Bible that say anyone 383 00:24:25,841 --> 00:24:28,506 is predestined to be lost. 384 00:24:28,507 --> 00:24:32,506 But God has predestined that "all" will be given a chance 385 00:24:32,507 --> 00:24:37,048 to be saved-i.e. to repent and receive God's gift 386 00:24:37,049 --> 00:24:37,756 of eternal life 387 00:24:37,757 --> 00:24:39,173 (John 3:16; 1 Timothy 2:3-6; 2 Peter 3:9). 388 00:24:39,174 --> 00:24:41,631 Christ said He would build His Church (ekklesia), 389 00:24:41,632 --> 00:24:44,505 the whole body of Christians scattered throughout the earth 390 00:24:45,976 --> 00:24:49,131 Predestination has to do with the time 391 00:24:49,156 --> 00:24:52,517 when one is called - now, in this age, or later. 392 00:24:52,518 --> 00:24:56,642 The key to understanding this subject is Paul's statement 393 00:24:56,643 --> 00:24:59,682 "whom He predestined, these He also called" 394 00:24:59,683 --> 00:25:00,933 (Romans 8:30). 395 00:25:00,934 --> 00:25:03,892 Each child of God is called to become a part 396 00:25:03,893 --> 00:25:07,892 of a "Body" (i.e. the church) and has been added 397 00:25:07,893 --> 00:25:11,142 to that "Body" throughout the ages. 398 00:25:11,143 --> 00:25:14,601 The New Testament teaches that only those whom God 399 00:25:14,602 --> 00:25:18,766 calls (have their minds open to understanding) 400 00:25:18,767 --> 00:25:22,559 will be able to come to Christ in any age. 401 00:25:22,560 --> 00:25:26,350 He is simply not calling all people at the same time. 402 00:25:26,351 --> 00:25:32,475 (John 6:44) The Bible also teaches that all mankind 403 00:25:32,476 --> 00:25:36,392 who has ever lived, and who have died without that calling, 404 00:25:36,393 --> 00:25:41,067 will be raised to a physical life over 1000 years 405 00:25:41,092 --> 00:25:43,652 in the future to have their opportunity 406 00:25:43,677 --> 00:25:46,301 to choose God's way of life. 407 00:25:46,326 --> 00:25:50,203 Truly all mankind is intended (predestined) 408 00:25:50,228 --> 00:25:53,337 to be called, but each in his own order. 409 00:26:02,892 --> 00:26:06,056 Every person who has ever lived or ever will live 410 00:26:06,057 --> 00:26:09,182 is predestined to have a calling from God, 411 00:26:09,183 --> 00:26:12,390 and to then have the opportunity to choose to follow 412 00:26:12,391 --> 00:26:14,140 God's way of life. 413 00:26:14,141 --> 00:26:17,972 The time of that calling is God's decision alone. 414 00:26:17,973 --> 00:26:21,098 The decision of whether or not to answer that call 415 00:26:21,099 --> 00:26:24,056 lies with each individual. 416 00:26:24,057 --> 00:26:27,474 To submit a question for the show, email us at 417 00:26:27,475 --> 00:26:30,474 TWAnswers@tomorrowsworld.o rg. 418 00:26:30,475 --> 00:26:33,891 Be sure to watch us online at TWCanada.org 419 00:26:33,892 --> 00:26:38,599 or by searching Tomorrow's World Answers on YouTube.