text:
POPSUGAR Fashion Cacharel Fall 2011 Paris Fashion Week: Cacharel Cacharel Fall 2011 by POPSUGAR Fashion News 3/05/11 0 Shares Like us on Facebook Previous Photo 1 of 43 View on One Page ADVERTISEMENT ( more slides) Next Share This Link Copy What's Your Reaction? Thanks for your reaction Don't forget to share this with your friends! 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 Cacharel Fall 2011 Previous Photo 1 of 43 View on One Page ADVERTISEMENT ( more slides) Next Read More 2011 Fall Paris Fashion Week GalleryFall 2011 Paris Fashion Week2011 Fall Paris Fashion WeekFall 20112011 Fall Fashion Week2011 Fall2011 Paris Fashion Week2011 Fashion WeekCacharelParis Fashion Week Cacharel Break Time: Chris Benz Is Skipping Fashion Week, and He's Not the Only One Cacharel Spring 2013 Cacharel Fall 2012 Cacharel Fall 2012 Get chic with our daily newsletter Enjoy street style trends, runway looks, and the best in celeb beauty in your inbox. Beauty Tips Street Style Celebrity Style Fashion & Beauty News Sign up with What's Your Reaction? Thanks for your reaction Don't forget to share this with your friends! 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0Reactions Link Love This Vogue Japan shoot would make Barbie proud — Who What Wear Zac Posen has a new job to add to his résumé — The Cut These shots prove Anna Wintour's just like us — HuffPost Style The ladies of Downton Abbey have stylish offscreen moments too — InStyle A roundup of the best denim moments in history — Racked How old is too old for those trusty cutoffs? — SheFinds Why Carven might be debuting a brand-new look at PFW — Style.com Already a print-mix master? Try this — Lucky This is how we know for sure that normcore is dead — Man Repeller Latest Fashion
Happy Birthday, Justin Bieber! 9 Other Ways Your Favorite Stars Celebrated Their 21st People StyleWatch 714 Shares


text:
Vertical Gardening
Many plants, fruits and vegetables can be trained to grow vertically. We're talking about plants that will beautify your landscaping and discussing ways to grow vegetables and plants in small areas. Discuss tools, techniques and strategies with others who share your 'vertical' passion.
Confirm your GardenWeb account
to post a new discussion.
Confirm Your Account
to post a new discussion.
Don't have an account yet? Sign up
184 Garden Web Discussions | Vertical Gardening
Plant to grow over boulder but not take over (scared of vines)Updated 6 hours ago
Working with Cattle Panels, questionUpdated February 7, 2015
Built my first cattle panel arch trellis today!Updated January 24, 2015
My vertical garden.........againUpdated January 23, 2015
Luffas in MissouriUpdated October 16, 2014
The ideal tomato stake?Updated August 17, 2014
any suggestions to train summer squash to grow vertically?Updated August 6, 2014
Garden Tower Project reviews?Updated July 28, 2014
would like to do hanging garden! please help!Updated June 26, 2014
Need Help - Garden Layout - Trellis Spacing!Updated June 5, 2014
Pumpkins rotting at vine baseUpdated May 22, 2014
help with building hanging tomato plant standUpdated May 20, 2014
Anyone have a vertical garden from wooden pallets?Updated May 16, 2014
Why vertical gardening or plants?Updated May 1, 2014
Rabbit wire vertical spinning cageUpdated April 20, 2014
Small, hot microclimate- container flower options?Updated April 14, 2014
A Vertical Garden For Your Desk!Updated April 12, 2014
Hanging Basket PlantersUpdated April 9, 2014
my first time going verticalUpdated April 1, 2014
Plastic or what kind of lineUpdated March 27, 2014
Melons in concrete wire tomato cages?Updated March 10, 2014
what plants you can grow in vertical gardening?Updated March 5, 2014
A small green wall... any comments or suggestions?Updated January 4, 2014
How strong are different sizes of steel electrical conduit?Updated December 24, 2013
Cantaloupe on trellis are taking forever to ripenUpdated September 6, 2013
Sweet potato vines- vertically upwards?Updated August 19, 2013
Let's see what's UP!Updated August 6, 2013

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Spring's Sprung
by Lynn Plourde Illustrated by Greg Couch
Mother Earth rouses her
daughters — March,
April, and May.
You must wake the
world to start a new day.
But sisters March, April, and May begin quarreling as soon as they awake from their long winter's sleep. They are so busy competing with each other that they have forgotten that it's their job to make the world blossom into springtime.
Can Mother Earth soothe her daughters and stop their silly squabbling?
Will spring ever arrive?
Lynn Plourde's bouncy text and Greg Couch's luminous illustrations continue the story of Mother Earth and her children. Families everywhere will herald the arrival of spring!
- Ages
- 6, 7, 5
- Interest Level
- Grades K - 2
- Publisher
- Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
- Number of Pages
- 32
- Genre
- General Fiction
About the Author and Illustrator
Lynn Plourde
Greg Couch
The Reading Toolkit
Sponsor Spotlight
It's a reading SEUSS-ebration!
Visit Seussville.com for games and activities!
Visit Seussville.com for games and activities!


text:
Winner Winner Chicken Dinner
A Warming Chicken and Orzo Soup for Winter
A simple and restorative weeknight soup to help you stave off a late-winter cold.
Read More »Please enter a quantity larger than 0. | ||
Sorry, this item is currently out of stock.
Notify me when it's back. Submit Thanks! We'll email you when it's available again. |


text:
Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION
Pride, pain, perseverance
Despite struggles, four determined runners are eager to get to the starting line of Sunday's Manitoba Marathon
One has endured a painful groin injury. Another, an agonizing knee injury. One has spent more time at work than on the pavement while another is still grieving the death of a family member.
It's been a wild ride of highs and lows for the four Manitoba marathoners we've followed since February.
With only six days left until race day on Sunday, our marathoners are tapering their training regimens and psyching themselves up to cross the finish line.
Here's an update:
Mike Booth
He's won the Manitoba Marathon four times, but elite runner Mike Booth admits he was a bundle of nerves up until a few weeks ago.
"I think I was freaking out a little bit with all the pressure I'd been putting on myself," says the massage therapist and owner of Massage Athletica, whose 12-hour days working at his fledgling business have trumped marathon training.
Today, Booth, 31, says he's more confident and at peace about the upcoming marathon instead of fixating on what others think about his race performance.
"If you run it, you do it for yourself. If you don't run it, you do it for yourself."
Booth, who came in fourth overall in last year's marathon, makes it clear he would like to win it this year.
He thinks he can do it.
His time constraints have forced him to take a more unconventional approach to training in the last weeks before race day. Whereas most runners training for a marathon complete several long runs, Booth has, instead, focused on high-intensity interval runs -- most of them completed on the treadmill, rather than pavement.
His intervals consist of high-intensity 60-second to five-minute treadmill runs completed on an incline.
For the last few weeks, he's been doing double workouts, one in the morning and one in the evening.
Such training, he believes, has been easier on his legs and prevented him from any injury this training season. But there are trade-offs -- the possibility that his "legs might not hold up" because of a lack of pounding the pavement.
Right now, Booth says race-day strategy is weighing on his mind.
He knows he'll start race day at 2 a.m. with a 3,000-calorie breakfast: A one-litre smoothie and a bagel. He'll take a quick nap and be ready to race at 7 a.m.
He'll start the race slow.
"I'm probably going to go out a bit more conservative and just worry about myself," says Booth. "If I start picking people off, than good for me. If I don't, (at least) I'm going to be able to make it to the finish line in one piece."
Corey Gallagher
After placing second in last year's half-marathon, Corey Gallagher is focused on working through the agony of his recent injuries and winning this year's race.
"There is still some pain there," says the stoic 24-year-old Canada Post letter carrier whose hip and groin injury several weeks ago has led to lower-back discomfort. "Just working through it. It's not really too much of an inconvenience."
Gallagher admits he had overworked himself -- walking up to 16 kilometres a day delivering mail, working a second job at running store Stride Ahead and training daily. A few weeks ago, those injuries became so debilitating that he had to take time off from running.
Now he's back.
With less than a week to his half-marathon, he has decided to "rest everything."
For Gallagher, that means reducing his workouts by 75 per cent. Where he used to do 10-kilometre track workouts and 21-kilometre distance runs, the St. Vital resident is now completing 6.5- and 16-kilometre runs -- mostly in the streets.
Gallagher knows the half-marathon course well. He's run all but one half Manitoba Marathon since age 12.
He wants to make sure he doesn't repeat last year's performance, when he struggled across the finish line after hitting the infamous "wall" halfway through the race.
"I was a little disappointed that I blew up and it hurt so much. But I was happy with the end result," says Gallagher. "This year I'm looking for a little more."
In an unusual move -- one that many experts would criticize -- Gallagher plans not to use glucose gels or water during the race for fear it will weigh him down and cause cramping.
"I've learned from my mistakes. I don't train with water so I shouldn't need it during my race."
His main focus during the run will be avoiding the so-called wall -- the part of the race where a runner is so fatigued "you're almost going backwards." (For Gallagher, that's around the 10K mark, near the Bridge Drive-In on Jubilee Avenue.
"The adrenalin and the hype and all the people around really get you going. This year I'm going to take it out nice, easy, relaxed," says Gallagher. "Even if I do hit the wall I'll be able to maintain and push through it."
Ramona Turner
Headingley hobby runner Ramona Turner is constantly replaying in her mind how she'll control her pace during her first full Manitoba Marathon.
"I think a lot of about what pace I'm going to do. I've become a little addicted to my Garmin watch. I like challenging myself to stay within a certain pace," says Turner, an administrative assistant who has been training three nights a week with a clinic hosted by City Park Runners, a Portage Avenue specialty running store.
There she has steadily progressed to 37K runs -- sessions she says give her the much talked about "runners' high." A recent damper: An old ankle injury that has forced her to wear a stability boot that she will use for the marathon.
"You step on a curb wrong, you step on a rock... you could very quickly, when something is injured, reinjure it," says Turner, 44, who has been training over the past few weeks with the boot.
Turner, 44, first hit the pavement in 1997 and hasn't looked back. She has run three half-marathons so far.
After completing her last long run, now she's taking it easy before race day and will compete short jaunts
Her biggest race-day worry? She hopes the weather won't be too hot and humid. "I'm nervous about being nervous," says Turner who, at the same time, is proud of her running accomplishments.
But she can hardly wait to hear the national anthem and theme from the 1980s running flick Chariots of Fire -- music played at the beginning of every Manitoba Marathon.
"It's just such a huge emotional experience with all the people all there for the same reason-- wanting to do their best," says Turner. "I can hardly wait to see my kids and my husband in the stands and cross that finish line."
Kris Wood
Kris Wood can't get race day out of her head even when she should be sleeping.
"Last night I was up at four in the morning," says the Charleswood resident, jokingly asking how elite runner Mike Booth deals with his pre-marathon nerves.
"That guy, he wants to win. I just want to run."
Wood, 38, who is battling a old leg injury, says she's only doing "easy miles" now that race day is so close.
Wood initially intended to take a Running Room training clinic. She's attended only a couple of sessions and instead runs on her own or with friends. She also swims and bikes. Visiting her ill stepfather in an out-of-town hospital didn't leave Wood much time to train. He has since died. In the midst of her family crisis, she lost her job.
For Wood, running is deeply tied to family.
Three years ago, Wood's 55-year-old mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. The thought of losing her sent Wood into a tailspin. "I was sort of on the edge of a nervous breakdown. I was overweight because I quit smoking a few years before and was sort of drowning my sorrows in the drink," says Wood, who worried about her own predisposition to Alzheimer's. Her doctor offered her a way to cope and to help protect her brain from the disease: Exercise. "So I quit my job and I started running down a gravel road."
She has since lost more than 30 pounds and is fitter than she's ever been.
She says she's running her first full marathon for her mother and stepfather. But she will try not to let thoughts of them overwhelm her during the race.
As for her training, she had a "fantastic" 24K weekend run in the heat to prepare her for race day. That was followed by "the worst run of her life" a few days later.
Wood's athletic therapist has given her hip-strengthening exercises to do three times daily designed to help keep her in the race.
"It's hard to remember to do them," says Wood. "I'm exhausted. Physically, emotionally exhausted.
Yet, she looks forward to race day -- especially knowing her daughter and husband will be there to cheer her on.
"I just want it to be here already so I can get over it and move on. I'm just trying to get my head in the zone."
Have an interesting story idea you'd like Shamona to write about? Contact her at email@example.com
Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition June 11, 2012 D1
Fact Check
Have you found an error, or know of something we've missed in one of our stories?
Please use the form below and let us know.
Having problems with the form?
Contact Us DirectlyMore Your Health
You can comment on most stories on winnipegfreepress.com. You can also agree or disagree with other comments. All you need to do is be a Winnipeg Free Press print or e-edition subscriber to join the conversation and give your feedback.
You can comment on most stories on winnipegfreepress.com. You can also agree or disagree with other comments. All you need to do is be a Winnipeg Free Press print or e-edition subscriber to join the conversation and give your feedback.
Have Your Say
New to commenting? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.
The Winnipeg Free Press does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. By submitting your comment, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. These terms were revised effective April 16, 2010.
- Back to Top
- Return to Your Health
More Your Health
(1 of 40 articles for this week)
Public health alert after Nanaimo, B.C., Superstore cashier gets hepatitis A
6:57 PM 0NANAIMO, B.C. - Vaccinations are being offered to employees and some customers of a Nanaimo, B.C., grocery store after a ...
Most Popular
- Birth most common reason for hospitalization in Manitoba: study
- Surgeons complete 3 of 6 kidney transplants involving 12 people at San Francisco hospital
- About 1,200 B.C. health-care workers to be laid off in coming months: union
- Manitoba one of worst places for First Nations to live: federal documents
- Ottawa to compensate thalidomide victims with $125K each
- Leamington, Ont., moms sound alarm over potential birthing centre closure
- Another Los Angeles hospital has 'superbug' infections tied to tainted scope, 2nd in weeks
- Public health alert after Nanaimo, B.C., Superstore cashier gets hepatitis A
- 'Get me out of here,' aboriginal girl begged her parents before stopping chemo
- Head doctor, heart doctor
- About 1,200 B.C. health-care workers to be laid off in coming months: union
- Birth most common reason for hospitalization in Manitoba: study
- Doctors who have seen measles-related complications and deaths stress importance of vaccination
- Surgeons complete 3 of 6 kidney transplants involving 12 people at San Francisco hospital
- Another Los Angeles hospital has 'superbug' infections tied to tainted scope, 2nd in weeks
- Health Canada warns about bedbug control products after 2 Alberta children die
- 'Get me out of here,' aboriginal girl begged her parents before stopping chemo
- Alberta baby's death, sick children, linked to high levels of insecticide: official
- 'Take two orgasms and call me in the morning'
- Government on hot seat about dying Alberta man denied CPP disability benefits
- 'Take two orgasms and call me in the morning'
- 'Get me out of here,' aboriginal girl begged her parents before stopping chemo
- Insecticide that killed baby in Alberta apartment used on farms; licence needed
- Cluster of Ontario measles cases linked to Toronto youth event: health officials
- Curb your urge to splurge with these healthy tips for the festive season
- Another child from Alberta family dies after being exposed to bedbug insecticide
- Newfoundland doctor has licence suspended after woman dies of kidney failure
- Head doctor, heart doctor
- About 1,200 B.C. health-care workers to be laid off in coming months: union
- Alberta baby's death, sick children, linked to high levels of insecticide: official
Ads by Google


text:
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
- The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (known as the FAFSA) is a form that has to be prepared annually by current and prospective college students (undergraduate and graduate) in the United States to determine their eligibility for student financial aid.
Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeal form
Federal student financial assistance regulations require Sterling College, as an institution offering federal student financial assistance, to measure Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) of each attending student on a regular basis. SAP, as assessed by Sterling College's Financial Aid Office is separate and distinct from a student's academic standing as determined by his/her college or academic unit at Sterling College. SAP is a method of measuring a student's progress toward program completion. To be eligible for federal aid, a student must maintain satisfactory academic progress. SAP is measured through the use of qualitative and quantitative tests. Qualitative tests reference a student's grades (e.g. cumulative GPA) and quantitative tests reference how much time has elapsed since the student began his/her program of study (i.e. length/duration).


text:
im so pumped to see gabriel and jackson play http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/reiss_pieces/
Same here. Great news indeed. Bruschi can take all the time he needs so long as he's in game shape for the playoffs. Jackson and Gabriel, however, need to get on the field and get in synch with Brady and the O. With Dillon, Maroney, Watson, Faulk and co, the Pats can win the east with the power/short game, but come playoff time especially against teams like the Stillers and even Balt for that matter, they're going to need Jackson and Gabriel on the same page as Brady. Troy needs to be healthy also.


text:
By Stacey Schwinghammer FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE GRECO CLEANING SERVICES PARTNERS WITH A NONPROFIT Greenville, South Carolina – October 14, 2014 – Greco Cleaning Services is a locally owned cleaning company that has teamed up with Cleaning For A Reason, an international nonprofit foundation. The company brings the highest quality cleaning service to homes and offices through the use of environmentally safe cleaning products and technology. The company is built on the satisfaction of helping others. The goal is to build relationships with all of their clients. The key areas the company focuses on are: integrity and personal accountability, respect and cooperation, and… read more →
By Stacey Schwinghammer FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MERRY MAIDS OF PICKERING/AJAX IS CLEANING FOR A REASON Ontario, Canada – March 15, 2014 – Merry Maids of Pickering/Ajax is a franchise cleaning company that has teamed up with Cleaning For A Reason, an international nonprofit foundation. The company has been in business at this location since 1998. Heather Harper, sales specialist, states, "We are very passionate about our customers and have been partnered with Cleaning For A Reason in the past." The company wants to give back to the community, and make a difference to those in need with cancer. The company… read more →
Program Helps Cancer Patients Keep Home Clean
By Gord Bowes, News staff, Hamilton Community News While going through cancer treatment, cleaning one's home is usually not a priority. But it's got to be done. Claudia couldn't carry her vacuum up and down two flights of stairs, nor was it something her doctor wanted her to do. "I just couldn't keep up with it," said Claudia, who did not want to be identified because of her situation. "It had become overwhelming." Unable to do the work herself, the Mountain resident called POSH Cleaning, a Hamilton company she found online. When the owner came over to give an estimate, Claudia mentioned she was… read more →


text:
We have 1000+ members and are affiliated to the International Federation of Societies of Cosmetic Chemists (IFSCC).
The main object of the Society is to advance the science of cosmetics. It does this by attracting membership among highly qualified individuals with both academic and industrial experience in the field of cosmetics and related sciences, as well as through its activities including publications, educational programmes and scientific meetings.
The Aims of the Society are:
'SCIENCE AND INNOVATION IN WALESSpeaker: Professor Julie Williams, CBE (Chief Scientific Adviser for Wales)
'A Journey into Fragrance and Perfumery'


text:
The Gospels reveal that Jesus observed the Sabbath day and showed the true purpose and intent of the Sabbath commandment.
Many people, however, think that Paul, the other apostles and the early Church changed the Sabbath day. But what does the record of the New Testament really say?
"Therefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy and just and good" (Romans:7:12Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good.).
We have seen that Jesus Christ did not change God's Sabbath day. On the contrary, throughout His ministry He showed the true purpose and intent of the Sabbath. Jesus often showed that the Sabbath, and particularly His teachings and actions on that day, prefigured the coming messianic age—the time of the Kingdom of God—as one of healing, freedom and restoration for all humanity.
Jesus was a Sabbath-keeper. At the time of His death, His closest followers clearly observed the Sabbath, waiting until it was past to prepare His body for burial (Matthew:28:1In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre.; Mark:16:1-2 [1] And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him.
[2] And very early in the morning the first day of the week, they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun.
; Luke:23:56And they returned, and prepared spices and ointments; and rested the sabbath day according to the commandment.; 24:1). Fifty days from Christ's resurrection, many gathered for the Day of Pentecost, one of God's seven annual Sabbaths or feasts observed in addition to the weekly Sabbath (Leviticus 23), and it was on that day that the New Testament Church was founded by the coming of the Holy Spirit (Acts:2:1-4 [1] And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
[2] And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
[3] And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
[4] And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
The Bible shows no evidence of any change at Christ's death and resurrection concerning God's Sabbaths. We see only a continuation of Christ's followers observing them just as He had done—despite the assertions of some to the contrary.
Did Paul abolish the Sabbath?
If the Sabbath, or any part of God's law, was abolished or changed in the early New Testament Church, we should find clear evidence of such a dramatic shift in the New Testament writings. After all, the books of the New Testament were written in the first century over a period of decades ending in the 90s, more than 60 years after Jesus' death and resurrection.
Many who argue that the Sabbath was abolished in the New Testament point to the apostle Paul's writings to justify their view. But is this opinion correct? They commonly cite three passages to support that claim—Romans:14:5-6 [5] One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.
[6] He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.
, Colossians:2:16-17 [16] Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:
[17] Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.
and Galatians:4:9-10 [9] But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage?
[10] Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years.
To properly understand these passages we must look at each in context, both in the immediate context of what is being discussed and in the larger social and historical context influencing the author and his audience at the time. We must also be careful not to read our preconceived notions into the text. With that in mind, let's examine these passages and see if Paul indeed annulled or abolished Sabbath observance in his writings.
First, let's consider Paul's own statements about God's law. More than 25 years after the death of Jesus Christ, he wrote in Romans:7:12Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good., "Therefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy and just and good." In Romans:2:13(For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified. he stated, "For not the hearers of the law are just in the sight of God, but the doers of the law will be justified." In Romans:7:22For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: he said, "For I delight in the law of God according to the inward man."
Many assume that once we have faith in Jesus Christ, we have no more need to keep the law. Paul himself addressed this concept in Romans:3:31Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.: "Do we then make void [Greek katargeo, meaning 'destroy' or 'abolish'] the law through faith? Certainly not! On the contrary, we establish [Greek histemi, meaning 'erect' or 'make to stand'] the law." Faith does not abolish the law, said Paul; it establishes and upholds it.
In Acts 24 he defended himself before the Roman governor Felix against charges of dissension and sedition brought by Jewish religious leaders. Replying to the accusations against him, he said, "I worship the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the Law and in the Prophets" (verse 14).
Two years later he again defended himself against such accusations, this time before another Roman governor, Festus. "Neither against the law of the Jews, nor against the temple, nor against Caesar have I offended in anything at all," he responded to the charges against him (Acts:25:8While he answered for himself, Neither against the law of the Jews, neither against the temple, nor yet against Caesar, have I offended any thing at all.).
Here, some 25 to 30 years after Jesus Christ's death and resurrection, Paul plainly said he believed "all things which are written in the Law and in the Prophets" (terms used for the books of the Old Testament) and had done nothing against the law!
In light of these clear statements, we should expect to find equally clear instructions regarding abolition of the Sabbath, if that had been Paul's understanding and intent. But do we?
Are all days of worship alike?
In Romans:14:5-6 [5] One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.
[6] He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.
, Paul wrote: "One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike. Let each be fully convinced in his own mind. He who observes the day, observes it to the Lord; and he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it. He who eats, eats to the Lord, for he gives God thanks; and he who does not eat, to the Lord he does not eat, and gives God thanks."
From this statement, it could appear to some that Paul is saying that whatever day one chooses to rest and worship is irrelevant so long as one is "fully convinced in his own mind" and "observes it to the Lord." Does this mean that the Sabbath is no different from any other day or that we are free to choose whatever day we wish to observe?
To come to that conclusion, one must read it into the verse, because the Sabbath is nowhere mentioned here. In fact, the word Sabbath or references to Sabbath-keeping are not found anywhere in the book of Romans. The reference here is simply to "days," not the Sabbath or any other days of rest and worship commanded by God.
Keep in mind that Paul, earlier in this same epistle, had written that "the law is holy, and the commandment holy and just and good," that "the doers of the law will be justified," and that he found "delight in the law of God" (Romans:7:12Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good.; 2:13; 7:22). If he were saying in Romans 14 that Sabbath observance is irrelevant, such an assertion would be completely inconsistent with his other clear statements in this same letter.
What are the "days" Paul was talking about?
What are the days Paul mentions here? We must look at the context to find out.
The passage in question about days in Romans:14:5-6 [5] One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.
[6] He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.
is immediately between references to eating meat and vegetarianism in verses 2, 3 and 6. There is no biblical connection between Sabbath observance and vegetarianism, so these verses must be taken out of context to assume Paul was referring to the Sabbath.
The Expositor's Bible Commentary explains that "the close contextual association with eating suggests that Paul has in mind a special day set apart for observance as a time for feasting or as a time for fasting" (Everett Harrison, 1976, Vol. 10, p. 146). It is apparent that Paul wasn't discussing the Sabbath but, rather, other days during which feasting, fasting or abstaining from certain foods was practiced.
Paul was writing to a congregation composed of both Jewish and gentile believers in Rome (Romans:1:13Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles.; 2:17). Eating and fasting practices that were not clearly addressed in the Scriptures had become a point of contention.
The Talmud records that many Jews of that time fasted on Mondays and Thursdays. They also had other traditional fast days (compare Zechariah:7:3-5 [3] And to speak unto the priests which were in the house of the LORD of hosts, and to the prophets, saying, Should I weep in the fifth month, separating myself, as I have done these so many years?
[4] Then came the word of the LORD of hosts unto me, saying,
[5] Speak unto all the people of the land, and to the priests, saying, When ye fasted and mourned in the fifth and seventh month, even those seventy years, did ye at all fast unto me, even to me?
). Since some of the Jewish Christians in Rome self-righteously criticized others (Romans:2:17-24 [17] Behold, thou art called a Jew, and restest in the law, and makest thy boast of God,
[18] And knowest his will, and approvest the things that are more excellent, being instructed out of the law;
[19] And art confident that thou thyself art a guide of the blind, a light of them which are in darkness,
[20] An instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, which hast the form of knowledge and of the truth in the law.
[21] Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal?
[22] Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery? thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege?
[23] Thou that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking the law dishonourest thou God?
[24] For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written.
), perhaps they had become like the Pharisee who boasted, "I fast twice a week" (Luke:18:12I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.), and set themselves up as more righteous than others who were not fasting at these times.
Possibly members of the church at Rome were trying to enforce fasting on particular days on other Christians there, prompting Paul's pointed question, "Who are you to judge another's servant?" (verse 4). Paul appears to be setting the record straight by emphasizing that fasting is a voluntary exercise of worship not limited to particular days. Therefore, one person's fasting on a particular day when another is eating does not make him more righteous.
Why were some avoiding meat?
In Romans:14:2-3 [2] For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs.
[3] Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him.
Paul discussed vegetarianism ("he who is weak eats only vegetables") and continued this theme in verse 6 ("he who eats . . . and he who does not eat").
The context shows us that some members of the congregation there were eating meat, and others were abstaining from eating meat. The vegetarians were likely members who "feared lest they should (without knowing it) eat meat which had been offered to idols or was otherwise ceremonially unclean (which might easily happen in such a place as Rome), that they abstained from meat altogether" (W.J. Conybeare and J.S. Howson, The Life and Epistles of St. Paul, 1974, p. 530).
In 1 Corinthians 8 and 10, Paul addressed the issue of eating meat that may have been sacrificed to idols and consequently could have been viewed by some members as improper to eat. Paul's point in that chapter was that unknown association of food with idolatrous activity did not make that food unsuitable for eating.
Paul was evidently addressing the same issue with both the Romans and the Corinthians, namely whether members should avoid meats that may have been associated with idolatrous worship. This is indicated by Paul's reference to "unclean" meat in Romans:14:14I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean.. Rather than using the Greek word used to describe those meats listed in the Old Testament as unclean, he used a word meaning "common" or "defiled," which would be appropriate in describing meat that had been sacrificed to idols.
Paul's advice in 1 Corinthians 8 was the same as his conclusion in Romans:14:15But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died.: Be especially careful not to offend a fellow Christian, causing him to stumble or lose faith over the issue of meats.
In no way was this related to Sabbath observance, as the Sabbath is nowhere associated in Scripture with abstaining from eating meat or any food. The Sabbath is nowhere mentioned in Paul's letter to the Romans; it simply wasn't the issue.
Those who look to Paul's letter to the Romans for justification for their view that he abrogates keeping Old Testament laws face the added burden of explaining why, if his purpose is to argue that those laws are done away, Paul quotes from that same Old Testament more than 80 times in this same epistle as authority for his teaching. This simple fact alone confirms Paul's view that "the law is holy, and the commandment holy and just and good" (Romans:7:12Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good.).
Galatians:4:9-10 [9] But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage?
[10] Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years.
: Is the Sabbath bondage?
Galatians:4:9-10 [9] But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage?
[10] Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years.
is another passage from Paul's epistles that some see as condemning Sabbath observance. In these verses Paul wrote: "But now after you have known God, or rather are known by God, how is it that you turn again to the weak and beggarly elements, to which you desire again to be in bondage? You observe days and months and seasons and years."
Those who argue against Sabbath observance typically see Paul's reference to "days and months and seasons and years" as pointing to the Sabbath, festivals and sabbatical and jubilee years given in the Old Testament (Leviticus 23, 25). They see these God-given observances as the "weak and miserable principles" (NIV) to which the Galatians were "turn[ing] again" and becoming "in bondage" (verse 9).
Is this Paul's meaning? There is an obvious problem with viewing these verses as critical of the Sabbath. As with Romans 14, the Sabbath is not even mentioned here. The term "Sabbath," "Sabbaths" and any related words do not appear anywhere in this epistle to the Galatians.
Again, to argue against keeping the Sabbath, some assume that the "years" referred to in Galatians:4:10Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years. are the sabbatical and jubilee years described in Leviticus 25. However, the jubilee year was not being observed anywhere in Paul's day, and the sabbatical year was not being observed in areas outside the land of Israel ( Encyclopaedia Judaica, Vol. 14, p. 582, and Jewish Encyclopedia, "Sabbatical Year and Jubilee," p. 666). The fact that Galatia was in Asia Minor, far outside the land of Israel, makes it illogical to conclude that Paul could have been referring here to the sabbatical and jubilee years.
The Greek words Paul used for "days and months and seasons and years" are used throughout the New Testament in describing normal, civil periods of time. They are totally different from the precise terms Paul used in Colossians:2:16Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: specifying the Sabbaths, festivals and new-moon observances given in the Bible. He used exact terminology for biblical observances in Colossians, but used very different Greek words in Galatians—a clear indication that he was discussing altogether different subjects.
To understand what Paul meant, we must be sure to carefully examine both the historic and immediate contexts of these verses.
The Galatians couldn't turn back to what they had never observed
It is true that there was a Judaizing faction trying to introduce to the Galatians the need to be circumcised and take up the entire ritual system of the Mosaic law—which Paul strongly opposed. But this was new to the people here. For the Galatian churches were composed mostly of members from a gentile, rather than Jewish, background. Paul made it clear that they were physically uncircumcised (Galatians:5:2Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing.; 6:12-13), so they could not have been Jewish.
This background is important in understanding this controversial passage. In Galatians:4:9-10 [9] But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage?
[10] Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years.
, Paul said that the Galatians were "turn[ing] again to the weak and beggarly elements," which included "days and months and seasons and years." Since Paul's readers were from a gentile background, it is difficult to see how the "days and months and seasons and years" they were turning back to could be the Sabbath and other biblical festivals, since they could not turn back to something they had not previously observed.
This is made even clearer by the immediate context. In verse 8, Paul said, "When you did not know God, you served those which by nature are not gods." By this Paul referred "clearly to the idols of paganism, which, in typical Jewish idiom, Paul termed 'not gods'" (James Boice, The Expositor's Bible Commentary, 1976, Vol. 10, p. 475).
Paul wasn't referring to biblical practices
Is it possible that these "weak and beggarly elements" they were returning to (verse 9) could be God's laws, Sabbaths and festivals? The word translated "elements" here is the Greek word stoicheia, the same word translated "elements" earlier in verse 3. There Paul described his readers as having been "in bondage under the elements of the world." For this to refer to God's law in verse 9, it would also have to refer to His law in verse 3, since the same word is used.
To say that verse 3 refers to biblical law is insupportable, because these Galatians were gentiles, not Jews, and thus had no history of keeping the biblical laws. Also, "it does not explain why or how Paul could add the phrase 'of the world' to the term stoicheia. All Jewish thought would emphasize the other-worldly character of the law resulting from its divine origin" (ibid., p. 472).
Far more reasonable is to understand "elements of the world" as designating either fundamental principles of false human religion or the specific pagan concept of elemental spirits controlling natural forces. The Expositor's Bible Commentary continues: "It would seem that in Paul's time this exceedingly early and primitive view had been expanded to the point at which the stoicheia also referred to the sun, moon, stars, and planets—all of them associated with gods or goddesses and, because they regulated the progression of the calendar, also associated with the great pagan festivals honoring the gods. In Paul's view these gods were demons. Hence, he would be thinking of a demonic bondage in which the Galatians had indeed been held prior to the proclamation of the gospel . . .
"In the verses that follow, Paul goes on to speak of these three crucial subjects in quick succession: (1) 'those who by nature are not gods,' presumably false gods or demons; (2) 'those weak and miserable principles,' again stoicheia; and (3) 'days and months and seasons and years' (vv. 9, 10). No doubt Paul would think of these demons in ways entirely different from the former thinking of the Galatians . . . Thus, this whole issue takes on a cosmic and spiritual significance. The ultimate contrast to freedom in Christ is bondage to Satan and the evil spirits" (ibid.).
In any case, astrology was probably a major aspect of this. In Deuteronomy 18, God calls pagan fortune-tellers "observers of times" (verses 10, 14, KJV). While God gave the heavenly bodies "for signs and seasons, and for days and years" (Genesis:1:14And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years:), the pagan nations had succumbed to attributing power and influence to these objects and the times they marked. God warned, "Do not be dismayed at the signs of heaven, for the Gentiles are dismayed at them" (Jeremiah:10:2Thus saith the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them.).
The Galatians' superstitious observance of days and times
This is the context in which at least some of the Galatians had been observing "days and months and seasons and years." So let's now understand what Paul was really referring to in Galatians:4:10Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years..
"In the Greco-Roman chronography [time-measurement system], the smallest unit larger than a single day is a group of nine or ten days. In the majority of systems, these are the ten days respectively of the waxing moon, full moon and waning moon. "These three groups of ten days comprise a month of thirty days. Three months make one of the four seasons, and four seasons make a year. The years are then grouped into Olympiads of four years or eras of varying lengths. When Paul refers to days, months, seasons and years in Gal[atians] 4:10, he is describing a pagan time-keeping scheme" (Troy Martin, By Philosophy and Empty Deceit: Colossians as Response to a Cynic Critique, 1996, pp. 129-130).
The Judaizing faction had evidently succeeded in getting many in Galatia to believe it was necessary to embrace the Jewish ritual system to be a Christian. This resulted in two extremist positions.
Some fully accepted it. But others, unwilling to embrace what they saw as unreasonable demands of Christianity, seem to have turned to the opposite extreme, some reverting to aspects of paganism. Paul is rebuking them over this. He tells them, "I am afraid for you, lest I have labored for you in vain" (Galatians:4:11I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain.). He was trying to prevent them from again becoming entangled in their former pagan practices.
From the context, we see that it's simply not logical to conclude that Paul was criticizing the observance of the biblical Sabbath and festivals, since they were not even mentioned. The context shows that he was talking about pagan practices, something entirely different.
Is the Sabbath obsolete?
A third passage from Paul's writings, Colossians:2:16-17 [16] Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:
[17] Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.
, is also used to support the claim that observance of the Sabbath is no longer necessary. Here Paul wrote, "Therefore let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or sabbaths, which are a shadow of things to come . . ."
Again, let's examine these verses' context and historic setting to see if they support that view.
Did Paul intend to say that Sabbath-keeping is abolished? If so, we encounter some immediate problems with this interpretation. To accept this position, it is difficult to explain how Paul could leave the issue so muddled by not stating that these practices were unnecessary, when these verses indicate that the Colossians were, in fact, observing them. After all, the Colossian church was primarily gentile (Colossians:1:27To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:; 2:13), so Paul could have used this epistle to make it plain that these practices were not binding on gentile or Jewish Christians.
However, Paul nowhere said that. Regarding the practices of festivals, new moons and Sabbaths, he said to "let no one judge you," which is quite different from saying these practices are unnecessary or obsolete.
Paul wasn't discussing biblical practices
A more basic question to ask is whether Old Testament practices were even what Paul was addressing here. Was Paul even discussing whether Christians should keep the laws regarding clean and unclean meats, the biblical festivals, the weekly Sabbath or any other Old Testament laws?
Many people assume that the "handwriting of requirements . . . nailed . . . to the cross" (verse 14) was God's law and the requirements He gave in the Old Testament. But this is not what Paul meant. The Greek word translated "handwriting" in this verse is cheirographon. Occurring only here in the Bible, this word referred to a handwritten record of debt, or what we would today call an iou. In contemporary apocalyptic literature, the term was used to designate a "record book of sin," meaning a written account of our sins (since the payment of a penalty is owed for sin, as a debt).
Paul was not saying that God's law was nailed to the cross. What was nailed there, he said, was all record of our sins. Because God's law required the death penalty as payment for sin (Romans:6:23For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.), this record is what "was against us, which was contrary to us" (Colossians:2:14Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;), not the law itself.
The New Testament in Modern English, by J.B. Phillips, makes this plain, translating verses 13 and 14 as: "He has forgiven you all our sins: Christ has utterly wiped out the damning evidence of broken laws and commandments which always hung over our heads, and has completely annulled it by nailing it over His own head on the cross."
As this says, it is the evidence against us, not the law itself, that was nailed to the cross, enabling us to be forgiven.
This becomes clear when we read the rest of this chapter. It is apparent that other issues were involved that had nothing to do with God's laws given in the Old Testament. Among these were "principalities and powers" (verse 15), "false humility and worship of angels" (verse 18), forbidding to touch, taste and handle (verse 21) and "neglect of the body" (verse 23).
Further, Paul referred to the false teachings in Colosse as rooted in "persuasive words" (verse 4), "philosophy and empty deceit" and "the tradition of men" (verse 8). He also referred to submitting to "regulations" of this world (verse 20) and "the commandments and doctrines of men" (verse 22).
Could Paul, who in Romans:7:12Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good. said the law is "holy and just and good," possibly be referring to the same law here, or is he addressing something entirely different?
The Colossians were being affected by infiltration from gnosticism
Taking into account the historical context, the answer becomes clear. As the Church spread from the Holy Land into pagan areas such as Asia Minor, Italy and Greece, it had to deal with pagan philosophies such as gnosticism. The influence of this thought and practice is particularly noticeable in the New Testament writings of Paul, Peter and John.
Gnosticism "was essentially a religio-philosophical attitude, not a well-defined system" (Curtis Vaughn, The Expositor's Bible Commentary, 1978, Vol. 11, p. 166). As such, it wasn't a competing religion, but rather an approach to one's existing beliefs. The central theme of gnosticism was that secret knowledge ( gnosis is the Greek word for "knowledge," hence the term gnosticism )could enhance or improve one's religion.
"Its central teaching was that spirit is entirely good, and matter is entirely evil. From this unbiblical dualism flowed . . . important errors" ( Zondervan NIV Study Bible, introduction to 1 John). Among these errors were beliefs that "man's body, which is matter, is therefore evil. It is to be contrasted with God, who is wholly spirit and therefore good . . . Salvation is the escape from the body, achieved not by faith in Christ but by special knowledge . . . [And] since the body was considered evil, it was to be treated harshly. This ascetic form of gnosticism is the background of part of the letter to the Colossians" (ibid.).
In addition to these beliefs, "gnosticism, in all its forms, was characterized by belief . . . in mediating beings." Furthermore, "the knowledge of which the gnostics spoke . . . was knowledge acquired through mystical experience, not by intellectual apprehension. It was an occult knowledge, pervaded by the superstitions of astrology and magic. Moreover it was an esoteric knowledge, open only to those who had been initiated into the mysteries of the gnostic system" ( Expositor's, p. 167).
References to gnostic teachings in Paul's letter to the Colossians
All of these elements are seen to have been influencing the Colossian congregation. It is clear that Paul was combating the supposedly special knowledge claimed by the gnostics by pointing out that he was making known to the Colossians the higher, saving knowledge of God the Father and Jesus Christ (Colossians:1:9For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;, 25-29; 2:2-3).
Paul wrote to them, he explained, "lest anyone should deceive you with persuasive words" (verse 4). He called this secret knowledge nothing more than "philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ" (verse 8). The more important knowledge, wrote Paul, was that of God and Christ, "in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" (verse 3).
Proponents of the gnostic heresies included people advocating obeisance to angels and other spiritual powers. Paul warned the Colossians of those who delight in "worship of angels" (verse 18). In the light of Christ's atoning sacrifice, these supposed spirit "principalities and powers" were useless as a means of access to God, he said (verses 10, 15).
Paul addresses the misguided strict ascetic approach
Based on their belief that spirit was good and flesh evil, these teachers taught strict asceticism, denying the self any physical pleasure. Through "neglect of the body" (verse 23), they hoped to attain increased spirituality. Paul described their rules as "Do not touch, do not taste, do not handle" (verse 21). These regulations concerned only "things which perish with the using," he wrote, because they are based on "the commandments and doctrines of men" (verse 22) rather than teachings from God.
Given the mention of angels and spiritual hierarchies, this early gnostic asceticism probably integrated gentile concepts with elements of Judaism —perhaps also including circumcision (compare verse 11). "It is likely, therefore, that the Colossian heresy was a mixture of an extreme form of Judaism and an early stage of gnosticism" ( Zondervan NIV Study Bible, introduction to Colossians).
From the specific teachings Paul addressed, it appears that one or more branches of Judaism were influenced by gnosticism and infiltrated the Colossian congregation, teaching an extreme form of ascetic Judaism blended with gnostic beliefs. The ascetic approach advocated by these false teachers led them to condemn those whose religious observances were not up to their ascetic spiritual standards. Thus Paul cautioned the Colossians to "not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink" (verse 16, NIV).
The Colossians were being judged for how —not whether —they observed the Sabbath
Note that where the New King James Version has "in food or in drink" in verse 16, the New International Version has "eat or drink," while the New Century Version has "about eating or drinking." This is connected to the festivals and Sabbaths mentioned next.
Indeed, the Colossians were not being judged by Jews for not observing festivals, new moons and Sabbaths, as so many now assume. Rather they were being judged by ascetic gnostics for the fact that they were observing those occasions—and in particular for how they were observing them, apparently with joyous and festive eating and drinking.
The Colossians, knowing these days were God's festivals— festive, happy occasions—celebrated these days in a way that was entirely contrary to the ascetic approach of self-denial. They also understood that the Sabbaths and annual festivals are clearly commanded in the Old Testament. (New moons, it should be noted, were used as the biblical markers of time but never declared to be sacred Sabbaths, nor are they listed among the annual sacred festivals.)
Gnosticism was also concerned with the stars and planets, part of what Paul referred to as "the elements of the world" (verse 8, Green's Literal Translation), as in Galatians 4. This would likely have influenced the gnostics' observance of festivals, new moons and Sabbaths, since the calendar governing those days was determined by movements of the heavenly bodies.
By cautioning the Colossian members not to let others judge them for how they observed the festivals, new-moon celebrations and Sabbaths, Paul didn't address whether they should be kept. The obvious implication of these verses is that these gentile Christians were in fact observing these days, and in no way did Paul tell them to stop.
Instead, his point was that Christians should not be criticized for observing these days in a festive manner. Paul cautioned that members should not let others judge them by those misguided ascetic standards in what they ate or drank or how they observed the Sabbaths or festivals (verse 16).
The larger context of Colossians:2:16Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: is asceticism growing out of pagan philosophies, not a discussion of which laws are binding for Christians.
God's days of worship were "a shadow of things to come"
What about Paul's statement in Colossians:2:17Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ. that, as translated in the New King James Version, the Sabbath and biblical festivals "are a shadow of things to come, but the substance is of Christ"? Did Paul mean that they were irrelevant and obsolete because Jesus Christ was the "substance" of what these days foreshadowed?
Actually, Paul said they "are a shadow of things to come," indicating they have a future fulfillment. The Greek word translated "to come" is mello, meaning "to be about to do or suffer something, to be at the point of, to be impending" (Spiros Zodhiates, The Complete Word Study Dictionary: New Testament, 1992, p. 956).
Vine's Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words similarly defines mello as meaning "to be about (to do something), often implying the necessity and therefore the certainty of what is to take place" (W.E. Vine, 1985, "Come, Came," p. 109).
Paul uses the same word construction in Ephesians:1:21Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:, stating that Jesus Christ is "far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come" (NIV). He contrasts the present age with one "to come," showing there is clearly a future fulfillment.
This future fulfillment is also made plain from the phrasing in Colossians:2:17Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ. that these things "are a shadow." The Greek word esti, translated here as "are," is in the present-active tense and means "to be" or "is" (Zodhiates, p. 660). For Paul to have meant that the Sabbath and festivals were fulfilled and became obsolete in Jesus Christ, it would have been necessary for him to say they "were a shadow" and to have used entirely different wording.
Paul's choice of wording makes it clear that the Sabbath and festivals "are a shadow" of things still to come and not "were a shadow" of things fulfilled and made obsolete in Jesus Christ.
God gave physical acts to teach us spiritual lessons
Some assume that certain physical acts relating to worship—because they are representations or symbols of greater spiritual truths—have been "fulfilled in Christ" in the New Testament and are therefore obsolete and unnecessary. These people put the Sabbath and other biblical festivals in this category based on Paul's comment that they "are a shadow of things to come."
But this reasoning is flawed. Just because something is a shadow, a representation or a symbol doesn't mean its importance is diminished. The Old and New Testaments alike are filled with symbols and symbolic acts commanded by God to teach us important spiritual lessons.
Baptism is a symbolic act representing a greater spiritual truth, the burial of the old self and living a new life (Romans:6:3-4 [3] Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
[4] Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
), yet we are commanded to be baptized (Acts:2:38Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.). The bread and wine of the Passover service are symbols of the vital spiritual relationship we have with Jesus Christ, yet we are clearly commanded to partake of them (1 Corinthians:10:16The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?).
Laying on of hands (Hebrews:6:2Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.), anointing with oil (James:5:14Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:), foot-washing (John:13:14If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet.), partaking of unleavened bread (1 Corinthians:5:6-8 [6] Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?
[7] Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:
[8] Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.
) and other physical acts are commanded to be observed in the New Testament, not because they are greater than the things they symbolize, but to strengthen and enhance our spiritual understanding as we do them. After all, we are physical human beings who are in search of spiritual understanding. God gave us physical acts and symbols to help us better understand spiritual lessons.
These examples show that symbols and symbolic acts aren't strictly limited to physical worship in the Old Testament, but are clearly commanded in the New Testament as important elements of our worship. They are vital reminders of important spiritual truths, as Paul recognized (1 Corinthians:11:23-26 [23] For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread:
[24] And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.
[25] After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.
[26] For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come.
). The same is true of the Sabbath. Jesus Christ, through His actions and teachings on the Sabbath, showed that the Sabbath rest is a type—a foretaste—of the great coming messianic age of peace, rest, freedom and healing.
Paul's point in Colossians:2:16-17 [16] Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:
[17] Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.
, in saying that the festivals and Sabbaths are shadows of things to come, was that Christians must not let anyone get them overly focused on minutiae of regulation and strictness in observing these days to the point that they lose the big picture of the wonderful meaning of these days—the plan of God they picture.
As to the specific phrase in verse 17 that the New King James Version renders "but the substance is of Christ," there is no word here for "is" in the original Greek text, and the word for "substance" here is soma, translated "body" in the King James Version, as the NKJV renders the same word two verses later. So the literal wording here is ". . . but the body of Christ." This ties in with verse 19, which criticizes the gnostics for "not holding fast to the Head, from whom all the body . . . grows with the increase that is from God." The reference here is to Christ as "the head of the body, the church" (1:18).
Recall that Paul had begun his statement with, "Let no one judge you . . ." on how you celebrate festivals. He concludes the same thought with, ". . . but the body of Christ." In other words, don't let these others judge your manner of observing these days, but instead let the Church of God, of which Christ is the living Head, judge in this regard.
In Colossians:2:16-17 [16] Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:
[17] Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.
, Paul isn't discussing the permanence or transience of the Sabbath. As a matter of fact, Paul nowhere quotes the Old Testament in Colossians. He uses the Greek word for "law," nomos, dozens of times in his other epistles, but not once in Colossians. Why? The continuing necessity of the Old Testament and God's law simply was not the issue.
Far from negating Sabbath observance, Paul's instructions to the Colossians, written about A.D. 62, actually affirm that gentile Christians were indeed observing the Sabbath more than 30 years after Christ's death and that the Sabbath is an important reminder of vital spiritual truths for us today.
What does the historical record in the book of Acts show?
Out of all of Paul's writings, the three passages discussed earlier in this chapter are the ones commonly used in attempting to prove he did away with Sabbath observance. However, as we have seen, two of those passages do not even mention the Sabbath, and the third confirms that gentile believers were actually keeping the Sabbath, since Paul told them not to let themselves be judged by outsiders for how they kept it.
But in addition to Paul's words, his actions showed that he never intended to abolish or change the Sabbath and that he observed it himself. The book of Acts, written by Paul's companion Luke, makes this clear.
Acts 13 records that, 10 to 15 years after Paul was miraculously converted, he and his companions traveled to Antioch in Asia Minor, where they "went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day" (verse 14). After being invited to speak to the congregation, Paul addressed both Jews and gentile proselytes (verse 16), describing how the coming of Jesus Christ had been foretold throughout the Old Testament scriptures.
His message was received so enthusiastically that "when the Jews went out of the synagogue, the Gentiles begged that these words might be preached to them the next Sabbath" (verse 42). Notice that the gentiles in attendance wanted Paul to teach them more about Christ on the next Sabbath. Why? Because these gentiles were clearly already keeping the Sabbath with the Jews in the synagogue!
What was Paul's response to the gentiles' request? "On the next Sabbath almost the whole city came together to hear the word of God" (verse 44). Had Paul not believed in the Sabbath, he could easily have told them to come the next day or any other day and he would teach them. Instead, he waited until the following Sabbath, when "almost the whole city," Jew and gentile alike, came out to hear his message!
The gentiles of the city, hearing that Paul had been commissioned to preach the gospel to the gentiles, "were glad and glorified the word of the Lord. And as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed" (verses 45-48). The Sabbath, commanded by God, was still the day for rest, assembly and instruction in God's way of life.
About five years later, in what is today northern Greece, Paul "came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews. Then Paul, as his custom was, went in to them, and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and demonstrating that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead, and saying, 'This Jesus whom I preach to you is the Christ'" (Acts:17:1-3 [1] Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where was a synagogue of the Jews:
[2] And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures,
[3] Opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ.
). Here, some 20 years after Jesus' death and resurrection, Paul's custom was still to go to the synagogue on the Sabbath to discuss the Scriptures and teach about Jesus Christ!
He continued to teach both Jews and gentiles: "And some of them were persuaded; and a great multitude of the devout Greeks [gentiles], and not a few of the leading women, joined Paul and Silas" (verse 4). So Paul, specifically commissioned to preach the gospel to the gentiles (Acts:9:15But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:; 13:47), taught the gentiles in the synagogues on the Sabbath!
Several years later he went to the Greek city of Corinth, where "he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and persuaded both Jews and Greeks" (Acts:18:4And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks.). Later still he went to Ephesus in Asia Minor, where "he went into the synagogue and spoke boldly for three months, reasoning and persuading concerning the things of the kingdom of God" (Acts:19:8And he went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God.).
The book of Acts was completed around A.D. 63, shortly before Paul's execution in Rome, covering the history of more than 30 years of the New Testament Church. It shows that, over a period of many years, Paul repeatedly taught Jews and gentiles on the Sabbath. Even though he was the apostle to the gentiles, he never hinted to them in either his writings or his actions that the Sabbath was obsolete or unnecessary.
To argue that the apostle Paul advocated abolishing or annulling the Sabbath, one must not only twist Paul's words out of context to directly contradict his other statements, but one must also ignore or distort Luke's written eyewitness record of the Church from that time. The book of Acts contains no evidence that the Sabbath was abolished or changed during that time.
In legal proceedings against him, Paul assured all who heard him that he believed in and had done nothing against the law (Acts:24:14But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets:; 25:8). As earlier noted, he said that the law of God is not annulled or abolished by faith, but, "on the contrary, we establish the law" (Romans:3:31Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.).
He concluded, "Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing, but keeping the commandments of God is what matters" (1 Corinthians:7:19Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God.). That is his unequivocal statement: Obeying God's commandments matters. They are vitally important to our relationship with God.
Paul, in observing the Sabbath, was only doing what he told others to do: "Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ" (1 Corinthians:11:1Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.). He observed the Sabbath just as his Master had done.
Paul delighted in the law of God
As we've seen, Paul himself wrote, "I delight in the law of God" (Romans:7:22For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:), not that it should be abolished. "The law is holy, and the commandment holy and just and good," he affirmed (Romans:7:12Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good.).
He did not see the New Testament as replacing the Old. After all, there were no New Testament scriptures as such during his lifetime—they were not fully assembled until several decades after his death. Paul quoted from what we call the Old Testament dozens of times in his writings, accepting and using it as an authority and guide for living (Romans:15:4For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.; 2 Timothy:3:15And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.).
The New Testament Church simply continued with Old Testament practices, including the Sabbath, but with greater insight and understanding of their spiritual significance in the lives of God's true followers.
Download all available Bible study aid booklets to your computer then add to your mobile device. Choose from the following formats:
Download PDF format - (47MB .zip file)
Download ePUB format - (20MB .zip file)
Download Mobi format - (28MB .zip file)
About the ebook formats...
The ePUB booklets can be read on several types of ebook readers and tablets, including the Apple iPad (iPhone & iPod Touch) Barnes & Nobles Nook (Nook Color), Samsung Galaxy Tab (using Kobo) and Sony Reader.
The Mobi booklets can be read on e-readers and mobile devices (phones), including the Amazon Kindle , Cybook, iRex Digital Reader, iLiad, Hanlin and BeBook. Download the Mobipocket Reader for mobile phones (Blackberry, Windows Mobile, Symbian & Palm operating systems).
Ebook FAQ Help...
Ebooks available for Barnes & Noble Nook or Amazon Kindle


text:
The Beatles (White Album) (2CD) (Original Recording Remastered) The Beatles - CD 21 New from £12.87 Free delivery Available used from £18.23
3 Overated, but still has great moments!Posted: 12/09/2009This album has some really high points, with the likes of "While My Guitar Gently Weeps", "Yer Blues", "Back in the USSR", "Julia" and "Helter Skelter". But the others are only ok, and some songs on here have no real effort put into them. If you compare the songs on here to the other albums around at the time, like Hendrix, Doors, Stones, Dylan, Who and Floyd, you'll see that the White Album doesnt mantain the high standard like the others do. What they should have done is released a single LP with the real gems on it, and left the others for a rarity compilation disc for the future.If your starting your Beatle experience, start with Sgt Pepper, Revolver, or Let it Be, but not with this, get this when you have heard a few of their other albums first.To sum up, its no Sgt Pepper!
5 AWESOME!Posted: 08/08/2009An awesome debut by Florence and the Machine, loads of brilliant songs with really cool lyrics, great singing and a great mix of folk, blues and soul. Buy it now, you wont be disapointed. Thats all i'm gonna say.
5 Folk Rock at its Best!Posted: 30/07/2009I got this deal cause i wanted to listen to more dylan music other than the ones that go on his greatest hits cds. I did my research and saw that these are a real high in his career, and dylan thinking highway 61 is his best work. When i heard them i really enjoyed all the albums, with a great mix of music and lyrics. And as time gone on i've been listening to different genres and artists, but these still maintain a brilliant factor, they've improved over time.So if you want to hear a brilliant song writers best music, look no further.
5 La Roux Have Lived Up To The Hype.Posted: 25/07/2009I normally like rock and hip hop music but in the past few months i've been listening to all this new electro pop thats come on the scene, like Little Boots, Ladyhawke and Lady Gaga. And just like the others i think this is a really good album, sure it has room for improvement, but overall its a solid debut and i will be buying her next album. The first 6 songs are really good with catchy singing and really good keyboard parts and you have the three awesome singles. Track 7 is a bit to slow pop for me, and tracks 8 and 9 dont really hold the standard of the first 6, but 10 and 11 really finish the album on a high note. And the bonus song is also a good extra.A fan of that 80s electro sound will really like this.I cant wait for the next albums from La R, Little B, Lady H and Lady G, then we'll see who is the real queen of electro pop.
5 One of the best British albums ever!Posted: 12/07/2009What do you get when you mix Electronic, Soul, Hip Hop and Dub. You get one of the best British albums ever. Every song is really good, with a great mix of genres, half of the album is quite cold and dark when the other half is very bright and uplifting. It does take a few listens to really get into, but a real fan of music that listens to a load of music and diffrent genres will really love this. And this album is one to have kicked of the Trip Hop genre so you know its special.
5 Awesome Debut Album!Posted: 12/07/2009As Electro Pop is getting very big with the likes of La Roux and Little Boots, you ask is Ladyhawke as good as them? Well she is, this album is really great, its got a more alternative sound compared to the others, instead of the all out keyboard and synths, LH has a more guitary sound. This album has got loads of great songs like Magic, Love Dont Live Here, Dusk Til Dawn, Back of the Van, Professional Suicide, and of course her most famous two, Paris is Burning and My Delirium. Looking as this is her debut i cant wait for her next album which might be even better.
5 Best Album of 09, Hands Down!Posted: 23/06/2009I heard little boots on Pete Tong Radio 1 live, and the 5 or 6 songs i heard were really awesome, a great mix of electronic pop with really catchy choruses. I got the album and i'm really loving it, everysone is really good, this is how electopop should sound.The best songs are Meddle, New in Town, Stuck on Repeat, No Breaks and the best, Mathematics.Move over, Gaga, Allen and Perry, Little Boots is the new girl in Town!
5 One of those brilliant 90s Brit albums!Posted: 09/06/2009Once I heard someone say that if you have this album your respect should go up!Thats how good it is, loads of brilliant songs with really good production. Every song is awesome that wont disapoint.A must for a fan of either rock or britpop!
The Beatles (AKA The White Album) (2CD) The Beatles - CD 3 New from £14.65 Free delivery Available used from £5.42
4 It has good songs, great songs and fillers.Posted: 09/06/2009I like sgt, let it be, and revolver. But this album is over rated, yes it has songs which every beatle fan will like, but i would have prefered better production and a single disc album with loads of stong songs intead of a double with weak tracks.Overall, its an album that could have been great!
5 A New Age of Psychedelic Music!Posted: 04/06/2009Lots of really cool songs on here, you've got the three singles, Time to Pretend, Kids and Electric Feel. The rest are also really good, a great mix of guitary songs thats got a late 60s sound to it. I'm really glad i got this one. It takes a few listens to really get into the non singles but overall a good album, and MGMT a have got lots of potential for making even better albums.MGMT - The band to look out for!


text:
Prepare and bake your favorite cake.
Shred cake and mix with 3 tbsp. Tropical Food's Banana Split®, peach jam, and heavy cream.
Form the cake mixture into 2-inch balls and freeze for 5 minutes.
Melt white chocolate and dip the cake balls in it, then roll in remaining Banana Split®. Place cake balls on a sheet pan covered with aluminum foil to harden.
Go to Full Version of


text:
New CFR InfoGuide Explores the Two Talibans
A new interactive, "InfoGuide: The Taliban," examines the two Talibans, in Afghanistan and Pakistan, and the consequences for the region.
See more in Afghanistan; Pakistan; Terrorism
A new interactive, "InfoGuide: The Taliban," examines the two Talibans, in Afghanistan and Pakistan, and the consequences for the region.
See more in Afghanistan; Pakistan; Terrorism
The Taliban has�outlasted the world�s most potent military forces and its two main factions now challenge the governments of Afghanistan and Pakistan.� As U.S. troops draw down, the next phase of conflict will have consequences that extend far beyond the region.
See more in Afghanistan; Pakistan; Terrorist Organizations and Networks; Regional Security
The Taliban has outlasted the world�s most potent military forces, and its two main factions now challenge the governments of Afghanistan and Pakistan. As U.S. troops draw down, the next phase of conflict has consequences that extend far beyond the region.
See more in Afghanistan; Pakistan; Terrorist Organizations and Networks
Imagine President Franklin Roosevelt announcing at the end of 1944, after the liberation of France but before the final defeat of Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan, that World War II was over and that U.S. forces were ending combat operations. Instead we would support our allies, from Britain to China, in their fight against the Axis powers.
See more in Afghanistan; United States; Wars and Warfare; Terrorist Organizations and Networks
After 13 years of war, the loss of many thousands of lives, and the expenditure of trillions of dollars, what has the United States learned? The answer depends on not only who is asking but when.
See more in Afghanistan; Iraq; Wars and Warfare
In the concluding pages of his fascinating memoir, War Comes to Garmser, Carter Malkasian, a Pashto-speaking U.S. diplomat who was stationed in a volatile region of Afghanistan in 2009�11, voices a fear shared by many of the Westerners who have participated in the Afghan war during the past 13 years: "The most frustrating thing about leaving Garmser in July 2011 and now watching it from afar is that I cannot be certain that the [Afghan] government will be able to stand on its own. ... The British and the Marines had put the government in a better position to survive than it had enjoyed in the past. What they had not done was create a situation in which the government was sure to win future battles against Taliban [fighters] coming out of Pakistan."
See more in Afghanistan; Defense and Security
As the international combat mission in Afghanistan comes to a close, Catherine Powell discusses Afghan women and girls� need for security and stability with Barnett Rubin and Rina Amiri.�
See more in Afghanistan; Women
International leaders and donors met in London on December 4, 2014, and they reviewed the democractically elected government's reform initiatives for fighting corruption and boosting the econommy and its requests for continued�financial aid as military troops leave.
See more in Afghanistan; Foreign Aid; Organization of Government
The Quarterly Reports by the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) to the United States Congress are required by Section 1229 of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) of Fiscal Year 2008. Click on months below to view reports, beginning with the first in October 2008.
See more in Afghanistan; Nation Building
Emerson Brooking and Janine Davidson, writing in Defense One, assess the state of the special immigration program reserved for Afghan interpreters who have assisted American forces. The authors argue that its renewal is both a strategic and moral imperative.
See more in Afghanistan; United States; Immigration
The foreward of this U.S. Department of Defense document states, "This report to Congress is submitted consistent with Section 1230 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 (Public Law 110-181). It includes a description of the comprehensive strategy of the United States for security and stability in Afghanistan. This report is the first in a series of reports required every 180 days through fiscal year 2010." See also the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) Quarterly Report to Congress.
See more in Afghanistan; Nation Building
On September 30, 2014, the United States and Afghanistan signed a bilateral security agreement, which allows some American and NATO troops to remain in Afghanistan after December 31, when the the international combat mission formally ends. These remaining troops's main focus is training the Afghan security forces. The previous version of this agreement stalled after disagreements on troop levels. See also the Center for Naval Analyses (CNA)'s Independent Assessment of the Afghan National Security Forces.
See more in Afghanistan; United States; Military Operations
Janine Davidson and Emerson Brooking argue that, on the eve of the 2014 NATO Wales Summit, the ongoing war in Afghanistan should not be relegated to a "side issue" in light of the crisis in Ukraine and growing threat of ISIS. The next few months will be critical in determining that Afghanistan does not follow the path of Iraq.
See more in Global; Afghanistan; NATO
Gayle Tzemach Lemmon investigates the mystery surrounding Sgt. 1st Class Anthony Venetz's death in Afghanistan in Jaunary of 2011.
See more in United States; Afghanistan; Veterans Affairs
Following the release of her report on the status of women in Afghanistan, Catherine Powell moderates a discussion with Open Society Foundations' Rachel Reid and the U.S. Department of Defense's David Sedney on the role the United States can play in extending the progress of Afghan in women in education, the economy, health care, and beyond.
See more in Afghanistan; Women
Catherine Powell argues that the advances made by Afghan women since the 2001 U.S.-led intervention remain fragile. She recommends that the United States bolster gender equality before the drawdown is complete and continue working with Afghanistan to maintain these gains in the future.
See more in Afghanistan; Women
CFR's Daniel Markey sheds light on the two Taliban branches—the Afghan-based group that negotiated the release of a U.S. prisoner of war, and the Pakistani Taliban, which attacked the Karachi airport last weekend.
See more in Pakistan; Afghanistan; Terrorist Organizations and Networks
Stephen Biddle discusses the on-going war in Afghanistan and what the United State's role will look like as the war continues.
See more in Afghanistan; United States; Military Operations
Max Boot reviews Carlotta Gall's new book The Wrong Enemy about the role Pakistan has played in the war in Afghanistan.
See more in Afghanistan; United States; Terrorist Organizations and Networks
President Barack Obama and Secretary of State John Kerry gave statements on May 27, 2014, on the U.S. strategy in Afghanistan after 2014. They outline the number of staff and troops that will be involved in upholding security commitments and assisting in political and economic transitions. President Obama also spoke on May 28, 2014, at the graduation ceremony at the West Point Academy, to discuss how Afghanistan fits into the broader military strategy.
See more in Afghanistan; Nation Building; Wars and Warfare
Campbell evaluates the implications of the Boko Haram insurgency and recommends that the United States support Nigerian efforts to address the drivers of Boko Haram, such as poverty and corruption, and to foster stronger ties with Nigerian civil society.
Koblentz argues that the United States should work with other nuclear-armed states to manage threats to nuclear stability in the near term and establish processes for multilateral arms control efforts over the longer term.
The authors argue that it is essential to begin working now to expand and establish rules and norms governing armed drones, thereby creating standards of behavior that other countries will be more likely to follow.
Smith's insightful book explores the policy issues testing the Japanese government as it tries to navigate its relationship with an advancing China. More
This revolutionary new look at volatility and crisis in oil markets explores the conditions in which oil supply fears arise, gain popularity, and eventually wane. More
Maximalist finds lessons in the past that anticipate and clarify our chaotic present, revealing the history of U.S. foreign policy in an unexpected new light. More
Learn more about CFR�s mission and its work over the past year in the 2014 Annual Report. The Annual Report spotlights new initiatives, high-profile events, and authoritative scholarship from CFR experts, and includes a message from CFR President Richard N. Haass.
Read and download »