Today, like no other time in history, people are searching for answers about the future and the course of events in this world. The longstanding unrest in the Middle East, global wars on terrorism, economic meltdown, high unemployment, escalating crime and poverty in cities, and frequency of natural disasters have baffled the minds of men and women.

The intensity of world and life’s events may even appear to some as a collision course that offers little hope for a good end. Many, grappled by fear and hopelessness, use extreme protective measures with elaborate home security systems, and others have taken their own lives to escape the troubled times in which we live. Others in desperate search of a better day have set specific dates for the second coming of Christ. However, these events and the perplexing responses to them should not come as a surprise, since Jesus forewarned His disciples of their certainty prior to the end of time (Matthew 24:1-8; Luke 21:25).

This special issue of Message is designed to bring you inspiring hope by shedding light on the “universal conflict between God (the good and perfect all-powerful Being who created all life in perfection and complete happiness) and Satan (a created being who wished to usurp God’s power and sought to effect this by accusing God of unjust government, and in so doing originated all known evil). The good news is that God’s power is not at all in jeopardy in this conflict. Rather, the conflict is over Satan’s false claims about the character of God.”* The majority of the content of this special issue is taken from a book entitled The Great Hope, by Ellen G. White. Though written more than a century ago, its pages still offer answers to many questions such as: Where did sin and its many devastating effects originate? Why is there so much pain and suffering in our world, and will it ever cease?

In addition to unmasking the true force of evil in the world, this issue will explore the history of the Christian faith with an emphasis on examining where it has strayed from the principles of Christ, and call upon Christians today to follow the Bible’s teachings wholeheartedly. My prayer is that the Holy Spirit will inspire you through the content of this issue to know with certainty that you are not without hope! Our greatest and only hope is, assuredly, Jesus Christ, who has redeemed us from Satan’s snares through His precious blood. We can joyfully and hopefully praise God that He is coming again—very soon, based on biblical signs. We can also rejoice in knowing that the great controversy between good and evil will finally be ended, allowing each of us to live victoriously in perfect harmony with Christ and each other forever.

After reading this special issue, please share its hopeful pages with someone else who will be blessed to know that we are not without hope!. WJ2