Green Box


Albert E. Farley


Two recent newspaper articles illustrate the tragic consequences of leaving God. The first, “Tomlin sees no easy fix for prisons,” (Lawrence Messina of The AP, The Exponent Telegram, May 23, 2011) reports that WV’s prison population exceeded 6,880 last month, will be 8,500 in 2016, and 9,700 in 2020. We have the second fastest growing inmate population in the U.S. Legislators are considering ways to “fix” this problem. One proposal is accelerated parole – the release of the least risky, nonviolent offenders. Another remedy is to build a new 1,200 inmate prison at a cost of $120 to $200 million. The delegates are looking for “the big answer” to the overcrowding problem. They want solutions and not just to “arbitrarily treat the symptoms.” Commissioner Rubenstein said, “There’s no magic bullet ...” This is a national problem.


The second article, (“College mental health screenings go high-tech,” (Martha Irvine of The AP, The Exponent Telegram, May 23, 2011) reports that many university counseling centers are “swamped” with students wrestling with many issues – some are “suicidal.” Ian Briky, the director of counseling at Lehigh University said they are “ ‘overwhelmed’ with students seeking help.” Research reveals that about a fourth of U.S. college students sought mental health services in 2010.


Dear friends, there is no “magic bullet,” but there is “one big answer” : Jesus Christ. I am not referring to the Protestant and Catholic denominations. I am speaking of the Jesus Christ, His gospel, and His holy church of the Bible! Modern-day “Christianity” has failed. Consequently, the home has failed. Therefore, our nation has failed. Can we not see that the increase in prison inmates and of psychological clinics is in proportion to the numbers of peoples who have turned away from God and who seek happiness and prosperity in the ways of the world: the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life? These are the ways of death. The way of man is not in himself: he cannot direct his own steps. Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth, and the Life: there is no life, morality, purpose, direction, peace, or hope in any other!


Our purpose is to proclaim Christ, His gospel, and His church to a lost and dying world. Will you help us? Subscribe for yourself and others. Our circulation last month was 2,784. Thank you. Albert.

 

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