For me, the day Hamas attacked Israel on October 7 will always be one of stark contrast. As the news poured in—Islamist extremists murdering and raping civilians and brazenly attacking Israeli military bases—I was in sunny Florida with my family for the Feast of Tabernacles, along with other members of The Restored Church of God, the organization behind this magazine.

Hamas’ attack threw global stability into a tailspin. It caught everyone off guard. Worries immediately cropped up that this was a flying leap toward World War III.

This is where the contrast comes in. The Feast, outlined in Leviticus 23:34-36, pictures the time when God’s Kingdom will be set up and peace and unity will spread worldwide.

Leading up to the attack, I and other Church members had been meditating on the time when “nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore” (Isa. 2:4). Knowing God’s overall plan for mankind helped cut through the confusion of October 7 and its aftermath.

In my decade-long tenure as managing editor of The Real Truth magazine, together with our dedicated team of writers, editors and designers, we have strived to bring that same clarity and comfort from God’s Word to our readers.

And all the momentous events of 2023 definitely needed to be viewed through a biblical lens.

Following the recent attack, we published “Israel vs. Hamas: 4,000 Years in the Making,” which revealed the ancient roots of the animosity between Palestinians and the Jewish people. In June, we wrote “Why Do Migrants Want to Be in America?”, revealing the reason for the abundance in the United States. We also covered the only true solutions to economic troubles in “7 Old Testament Laws That Would Fix the Global Economy.”

The Bible is not an irrelevant, out-of-date book. It has much to offer in understanding current headlines.

Looking forward, our effort to help you make sense of a confusing world will continue in 2024. That is why we decided to call this first issue of the year “What the Bible Says About Today’s World.” Each article contains a towering principle to understand God’s plan for mankind.

To kick things off, our Editor-in-Chief, David C. Pack, wrote about the importance of Bible prophecy in understanding today’s trends and what the future holds.

Another feature article covers the subject of war. The turmoil in the Middle East is not the only war underway—far from it. From global conflicts like the Russia-Ukraine war to internal battles in Sudan, Ethiopia and Pakistan, “Is War Really the Answer?” reveals God’s perspective on military conflicts.

Other features include “Feast and Famine in America,” exploring the paradox of food scarcity amid abundance, and “Biblical Identities of Modern Nations,” revealing unexpected scriptural insights into the origins of major geopolitical players. Lastly, “Does the World Need God?” tackles this question on the minds of many abandoning organized religion.

Each article adds to a larger narrative about God’s role in the affairs of mankind.

Keep all these Bible principles in mind over the next 12 months. They will help you make sense of everything occurring and yearn more fully for God’s coming Kingdom. Of course, we will be right there with you, continuing to bring God’s perspective to the events of the new year.

Significantly, more than half of the world’s population will hold an election in 2024. These expressions of democracy are not just political events. For many frustrated citizens, they are personal.

In a year marked by elections worldwide, our coverage will extend beyond mere political analysis to explore what God is doing in the establishment of leaders and governments. Romans 13:1 teaches, “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.” If God ultimately chooses leaders, where do the votes of the public fit in?

The 2024 U.S. presidential campaign will be a slog. Cities are less safe. There remains social, racial and economic unrest. There are also the issues of abortion, inflation, gun violence and problems in families. Americans are deeply concerned about the nation’s trajectory.

Reflecting on these times, I find Paul’s words in II Timothy 3:1-4 quite relevant. He says that a period called the “last days” would be marked by people who are “lovers of self, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God.”

Is this not a commentary on today’s world?

Amid societal shifts, many are putting faith in emerging technologies, especially artificial intelligence. AI is leading a transformative era, like the changes seen during the Industrial and Information Revolutions. For us at The Real Truth, how AI will impact journalism and the spread of misinformation is of utmost interest.

AI definitely holds the potential to significantly enhance our knowledge and productivity. However, this advancement raises concerns about its benefits being equally accessible to all—that it could further widen the gap between the haves and have-nots.

Proverbs 22:2 reminds us, “The rich and poor meet together: the Lord is the maker of them all.” This is just one of many scriptures that call us to consider the broader implications of our decisions and their impact on all people.

2024 will also see many ongoing debates over complex problems for which mankind has no clear answer. Think of energy production and the environment. Governments and corporations are trying to determine which energy sources are the cleanest and most efficient. Although green energy seems like the best option, it comes with difficulties in practical implementation and environmental impact. Fossil fuels, on the other hand, are abundant, efficient and credited with bringing many primitive societies into modernity. Yet they are harmful to the environment. A key point is which to choose when both are mired in competing agendas and financial interests.

Looking ahead to all the complexities of 2024, the world remains unpredictable and in turmoil. This only increases the need for deeper discernment and insight only found within the pages of Scripture.

In such difficult times, we at The Real Truth are committed to shedding light on what is happening. We will continue to report and analyze the news to bring God’s clarity to a world filled with confusion.