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Tonight we come to the third in our series of messages on why Jesus must return to earth. The Bible which, of course, is the standard of the Christian faith, and has been since its completion two thousand years ago, nearly, the Bible records for us in the Old Testament, of course, was completed some 400 years at least before that. But the Bible itself relates to us the beginning and the end of man's day.
The Bible records God's account of the creation of the earth and the creation of man. The Bible records why God made man in the very beginning. The Bible also records at the very end of it in the book of Revelation how it's all going to conclude. And so you have God's record of the beginning and God's record of the end in the Bible. And in between you have the history of man. From the beginning to the person of Jesus Christ, and a little bit after. And within that history our principles for living, principles for living with our fellow men. Principles for living in this world. Principles for living with God and principles for living in the world to come.
We are studying particularly the end. How everything is going to wrap up. God is very clear about how it all began and God is also very clear about how it's going to end. And the Bible portrays vividly, repeatedly the final scenes of man's day on the earth. Just as there was a beginning, there will be an end. And the Hebrew prophets seem to indicate to us some very clear pictures and some very clear prophecies of what the end is going to feature. So that if we look carefully at what's happening in the world at any given moment, we can pretty well ascertain what time it is on God's clock.
There are some very specific things that the prophets have said in regard to the end times and I want to just share two of them to begin tonight. In Daniel Chapter 12, verse 4, the Holy Spirit, who is the author of all of this Scripture speaking to Daniel says this. "But thou Oh Daniel shut up the words and seal the book even to the time of the end."
Now you have a very direct statement there, "the time of the end," referring to the fact that man's day is coming to an end. "Seal up the words, close the book until the time of the end." Then he goes on to describe a couple of the features of the time of the end. "Many shall run to and fro and knowledge shall be increased." One of the great signs of the end is going to be an increase in knowledge. And just along that line, I want to share with you some things that I have picked up of great interest that seem to indicate that knowledge has increased sufficiently to give us great cause to feel that this might be closely akin to the time of the end.
For example, of all the scientists who have ever lived in the history of man, 90% of them are alive in 1973. 365,000 hardback titles are published every year, 1,000 per day and that doesn't include paperbacks or magazines. Science and technology produces 60 million pages of information a year. Experts, if there is such a thing, when 1,000 new books come out every day, nobody could be an expert. But some experts say that all of man's knowledge is doubling in less than five years.
Bob Phillips who is a good friend up in Hume Lake has written a book called When The Earth Quakes. And in that book he has some most interesting things. One of them is a little chart which I reproduced for you. You'll notice that the little yellow square represents all of man's knowledge from Adam to 1845. And it's one inch on a relative basis. From 1845 to 1945, man's knowledge on a relative basis is the equivalent of three inches. From 1945 to 1970, it would be the height of the Washington Monument, 555 feet.
That is the tremendous increase in the knowledge of man. Daniel said, at the time of the end there will be a knowledge increase. Some of the things that have recently been presented to us as scientific features of tomorrow and today are these, the ability to select the sex of the newborn, creation of life in a test tube, growth of fetuses in artificial wombs, genetic control and micro-surgery by radiation and laser beams, development of ova and sperm banks, control of the aging process with the life expectancy of 100 years, elimination of two decay by welding enamel on teeth with laser beams, there goes Crest. Spot welding of the retina of the eye and extended use of the bloodless knife in surgery. The bloodless knife is a beam which cuts the skin and cauterizes the blood vessel while it cuts. The extended use of artificial organs such as plastic corneas for the eye, metallic bones, Dacron arteries, artificial hearts, computerized electronic muscles, development of synthetic foods, development of ocean farming and possibly undersea cities, general immunization of the world against common diseases, experiments in human hibernation. And here's one we all long to see, development of effective overweight control programs, development of a worldwide money and credit system. Development of fantastic cities of the future. Herman Kahn, for example, in the book The Year 2000 suggests there will be cities of 50 to 100 million people.
He calls them megalopolises. And he humorously names them from Boston to Washington as BosWash, from San Francisco to San Diego is SanSan and from Chicago to Pittsburgh is ChicaPitts. Household robots in operation by 1984. Not to be confused with your wife, right? Wideband radio communications with hundreds of channels to choose from, automated libraries and central encyclopedias that will make possible the procurement of almost any information by using the telephone. Doctors and lawyers will be able to call data clearing houses for advice on any medical or legal problem they may encounter.
Improved weather forecasting and control of weather fronts. Sophisticated teaching machines which allow children to attend school in their own homes. A television command center with which the President of the United States can view any trouble spot in the world. Increasing use of nuclear reactions to supply electrical power. Electrical power from solar converters and satellites. Development of large laser tunneling machines that will replace present tunneling methods. At MIT it was found that unfocused 1.1 kilowatt gas laser beam could crumble granite and marble in less than 30 seconds.
The use of automatic shovels or nuclear bulldozers. Excavation similar to the Panama or Suez Canal could be easily dug by using a chain of these nuclear powered vehicles. And so it goes. Absolutely unbelievable things happening scientifically. Daniel said one of the signs of the end, the increase of knowledge. Another interesting sign of the end that Jesus Himself mentioned is Matthew 24:7. He said this, and we're going to study this chapter in detail so we'll just pull one thought out. "For nation shall rise against nation, kingdom against kingdom," believe it there's going to be war right up until the end, "and there shall be famines and pestilences and earthquakes in various places." One of the signs of the end is earthquakes and we know that there are more earthquakes now as far as the people who are experts know than there have ever been.
But look at the word famine. Jesus said at the end there's going to be famine. Paul Ehrlich and The Population Bomb said this, "The battle to feed all of humanity is over. In the 1970's and 1980's, hundreds of millions of people will starve to death in spite of any crash programs. There are only two kinds of solutions to the population problem. One is a birth rate solution in which find ways to lower the birth rate. The other is a death rate solution in which ways to raise the death rate, war, famine, and pestilence find us." And that's exactly what's going to find us according to Scripture.
Food production is restricted by pollution and so it goes. And so we're living in a day in a world that is facing the reality of extinction. The Bible clearly predicts when it's going to happen in terms of the things that will be going on, though it never predicts the year. Now we believe we who are Christians and committed to the truth of the Scriptures believe that it all ends in the return of Jesus Christ to the earth. The reason we believe that is because the Bible says that. And the reason we believe the Bible is true is because every time the Bible has ever said anything, it has been right.
And since it has a perfect track record, we also believe that Jesus is coming because that's what the Bible also claims. Literally, physically Jesus will return to the earth. This is not a false hope, this not a vague dream. This is a settled fact based on absolute evidence in the Scripture as verified by the Bible's accuracy in history. Jesus must return. Now we started two weeks ago to give you nine reasons that Jesus must return. We've given six and we'll conclude tonight.
Nine reasons that Jesus must return. The first three reasons involve the person of God. Because of who God is a Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, Jesus must return. The three were these. One, the promise of God demands His return. In the Old Testament, God promised a Messiah and God promised that when Messiah came He would do certain things. We told you that there are no less than 333 prophecies about Messiah.
When He came the first time, He only fulfilled 109 of them, approximately. Which means there are yet 224 prophecies that must be fulfilled by Messiah. Now if God is true and does not lie, then He must come back to fulfill those promises. And so we believe that Messiah will return because the character of God is at stake. God is not a liar. The New Testament says God who cannot lie. And so we believe that if God says Messiah will do these things, He'll do them. If He doesn't do them the first time, He must return to do them. That's exactly what God said He would do.
The second reason that we believe Jesus is going to return to earth is because the statements of Jesus Himself demand it. When Jesus was on the earth He promised that He would go away and return, John 14. In Matthew 24 and 25, Jesus Himself described His return. In Luke Chapter 9, Jesus Christ vividly illustrated His return in the transfiguration which we studied last time. And then in Revelation we find that at least six times He shouts from the clouds of heaven and says, "Behold I," what, "I come quickly." And so the credibility of Jesus is at stake. If Jesus doesn't return to earth He's a liar. The third reason dealing with the person of God is the guarantee of the Holy Spirit demands it. All throughout the New Testament, the Holy Spirit through the various writers claims that Jesus is going to return. The apostle Paul, James, John, Peter, Jude, all of them writing in the Epistles of the New Testament make the claim for the appearing of Jesus Christ on the earth. That's the Holy Spirit's testimony, for all the New Testament writers were writing from the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.
Remember what Jesus said on the night before His crucifixion. He said, "the Holy Spirit is going to come and He is going to teach you all things and He is going to bring all things to your remembrance." That was a promise primarily to the writers of the New Testament.
And so the Holy Spirit promised the return of Jesus. God said, Jesus said it, the Holy Spirit said it. The credibility of the Trinity is at stake if Jesus doesn't return, then God is a liar, the Bible is a waste, Christianity is a joke and we are doomed and damned forever because we put our hope in a false issue.
The second area that demands a return of Jesus is not only God's person, but God's program. Clearly in the Bible God has a specific program in mind. And there are three features to God's program that demand the return of Jesus. Feature number one, the program for the church demands it. Now God has a specific program for the church. He is going to take out a body of people from Jews and Gentiles and then He's going to take them to Himself.
Look at 1 Thessalonians for just a brief moment and I know you're familiar with the passage, but let me remind you of it, because its such a glorious thing. Verse 13, 1 Thessalonians, Chapter 4, now Paul is writing to these who are in the church, Christians, believers. This is what he says. "I would not have you to be ignorant brethren." That's a common phrase in the New Testament when something of great importance is going to be said. "Don't ignorant concerning them who are asleep." They were worried about some people who had died who were Christians. What would happen to them in the rapture. If Jesus came to get the church and they were dead, what happens to them?
Verse 14, "If we believe Jesus died and rose again even so those who have died in Jesus will God bring with Him." The dead aren't going to miss anything. "For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord," in other words, I'm not just shooting of my mouth this is right from God Himself, "that we who are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord won't proceed those who have died. For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, the voice of the archangel, the trump of the God, the dead in Christ shall rise first, then we who are alive and remain shall be caught together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, so shall we ever be with the Lord."
Now there is a picture of the rapture, the calling out of the church. Christ is going to come gather His church. Now when an individual dies, his spirit goes to be with the Lord, but his body has not been resurrected. But Jesus is coming and the bodies of those who've already died, obviously new bodies, because you know, decomposition has obviously set in. But new bodies are going to come out of the graves and then we who are still alive are going to be caught up together to meet them in the air and we're going to meet the Lord.
Now, that's not the coming of Christ to earth. It doesn't say His feet touch the Mount of Olives. This is the meeting in the air, it's the rapture. And He takes His church out. That is the beginning of His second coming. That's the first phase of His return. And so you see He must return for His church. He has promised to do it. Paul says, "this we say unto you by the word of," whom, "of the Lord." This is His promise to His church. He's coming to gather them out.
Jesus must return the church demands it. His plan, His program for the church. Remember we saw last week that the church is like a virgin waiting for the husband to come and consummate the wedding. And so He must return for His bride. And then fifthly in our list of nine, and secondly under God's program, the program for the nations demands it. You see God has promised to judge the ungodly. God has promised to judge ungodly nations. Nations that reject Him are judged. He did it in the Old Testament, He's going to continue to do it. And last week we looked at Joel Chapter 3 and we saw that God had prophesied very clearly that He was going to judge the nations.
Now I want to just call to your attention a couple of thoughts from Joel 3 so that you understand this most, most important point. Joel a little prophecy, the beginning of the minor prophets, 3. Just listen if you're not there, 3:1. "Behold in those days and in that time when I shall bring again the captivity of Judah and Jerusalem, I will also gather all nations."
Now here God says in the end time, I'm going to gather the nations together. Then over in verse 14, He says, "multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision." In verse 16, "the Lord shall roar out of Zion." Now what happens here is God is gathering nations together for judgment. And the Lord is going to come and fiery judgment roaring He is pictured.
Now God's program for the nations then is a program of judgment. They're going to be gathered in the valley of Jehoshaphat. You say well, how will they get them all there? They'll already be there. You say why will they be there? Because they came there to fight against God and against His Son and against Israel. They came there for the battle of Armageddon. All the nations are going to be converging. The king of the south, the king of the north, the west, the east all massing in Israel. They come together to fight God and they wake up and realize they're at the judgment bar of God about to be destroyed.
Satan does the gathering, God does the harvesting. And so all the nations are gathered there and Jesus then says in book of Revelation, returns to earth, they turn to fight Him in the sky and He judges them immediately. The plan for the nations beloved demands that Jesus return. Now Jesus is the judge, isn't He?
Back in Psalm 2, listen to this, "why do the nations rage and the people imagine a vain thing? Listen, the kings of the earth set themselves. And the rulers take council together against the Lord and against His anointed." Who is the anointed? Messiah. The world is going to get itself against Him. And verse 4 is a tragic verse. "He that sits in the heaven shall laugh. The Lord shall have them in derision." It's a joke to think that the world is going to get together and fight God and God's Son.
And the Father says of the Son, verse 6, "I have set my king upon my holy hill of Zion." You're not going to defeat, He's going to come and set up His kingdom. And verse 8, He says to the Son, "Ask of me and I will give you the nations for your inheritance." Verse 9, "You'll break them with a rod of iron, you'll dash them in pieces like potter's vessel." You see the prophecy was that there were going to be nations gathered for judgment and that the Father would commit to the Son the judgment. That He would give the Son the rod of iron to rule. In John Chapter 5, Jesus announced to the world that He had been given that right. John 5:22 says this, "For the Father judges no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son." Now listen, if God says I'm going to gather the nations and judge them and God says my Son will be the judge, then His son must return to earth. Do you understand?
In order for it to happen and it happens. Matthew 25 describes it. "The Son of man comes in His glory," verse 31, "all the holy angels with Him, He'll sit on the throne of His glory and before Him shall be gathered all the nations." Matthew 25:32, this is Jesus Himself saying that they're going to be there gathered and He's going to be there judging.
"And He shall separate them one from the other as a shepherd divides his sheep from goats. Some go into the kingdom, some go into everlasting punishment." The Son is the judge. He is going to sit on the throne of judgment. And so Jesus you see must return to earth not only to take His church, but He must return to earth to judge the nations. That's in the prophecy of the Old Testament and the New Testament. The program for the church demands His return. The program for the nations.
Thirdly, in this second and sixthly overall, the program for Israel demands that He return. We read last week in Romans 11:25-26 that when the fullness of the Gentiles is done, then all Israel is going to be saved. God's going to take out His church. The fullness of the Gentiles just means the church. When the Gentile church is full and complete the church goes out and then God begins to deal with Israel. Their blindness is lifted, do you remember? They look on Him whom they have pierced. And Romans 11:26 says, "So all Israel shall be saved."
Salvation for Israel. You say well He wouldn't have to come back just for that, but there's an added thing. Psalm 72, "once Israel is saved," listen to this, this is very important, "once Israel is saved, then they have the right to receive," what, "the kingdom promised to them." The reason they didn't get the kingdom the first time Messiah came was because they wouldn't accept salvation.
Once Israel is saved then Messiah comes to set up His kingdom. Look at Psalm 72, tremendous Psalm. If you want to read a Psalm that'll give you the pattern for government as it ought to be, this is it. Here's how Christ is going to rule in the kingdom. "Give the king they judgments Oh God, and thy righteousness under the king's Son. He shall judge thy people with righteousness and thy poor with justice." A system of justice that's always right. Wouldn't the world like that? The world's going to get that in the kingdom. "The mountains shall bring peace to the people and the little hills by righteousness." His righteousness is going to bring world peace in the kingdom. And look at the poverty program in verse 4. "He shall judge the poor of the people. He shall save the children of the needy, shall break in pieces the oppressor." Everything's going to be equalized, tremendous poverty program.
Verse7, "In his days shall the righteous flourish, abundance of peace as long as the moon endures." A peace program that does more than just talk about it. Verse 11, "Ye all kings shall fall down before Him. All nations shall serve Him." Now people if He's going to be worshipped by all nations, He's going to have to be here. He's going to be reigning on the throne of His glory. He's going to bring about a world situation where poverty is dealt with and justice is dealt with. Peace becomes the reigning theme and the nations bow down to Him.
Now watch verse 19, "And blessed be His glorious name forever," now watch, "and let the whole earth be filled with His glory." Where is the glory going to be during the kingdom? Where? On the whole earth. He must come back, that's the promise. That the earth is going to be filled with His glory. This earth, which God originally created to manifest His glory and place the kind of glory right in the garden didn't He? And then the glory departed when man began to sin. The glory will be back and it will fill the whole earth.
Believe me, Jesus must return because the kingdom is going to be on earth. He is going to reign on the throne of David. His glory is going to fill the earth and the nations of the earth are going to bow to Him. In fact, the man says return to the earth. And there are many, many prophecies. And when we get into the study of the kingdom, we'll get into this in detail. But listen to Isaiah 2, and the word of the...the word that Isaiah, the son of Amoz, A-m-o-z, saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem. Listen, "It shall come to pass in the last days, Messiah's time, that the mountain of the Lord's house shall be established." Where? In heaven? No, "in the top of the mountains shall be exalted above the hills and all nations shall flow into it and many people shall go and say come ye and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord to the house of the God of Jacob. And He will teach us His ways and we will walk in His path."
Now listen, "For out of Zion shall go forth the law and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem." Did you get that? Where is Christ going to be then during the kingdom? In Jerusalem. The program for Israel demands that Jesus return to earth. If you read Isaiah Chapter 11 you'll find in Isaiah Chapter 11, you don't have to turn to it, just read it on your own some time, you'll find that there are earthly features to the kingdom that demand his return to earth literally.
In Isaiah 59, verse 20, listen to this, and the Redeemer shall come to Zion and under those who turn from transgression and Jacob saith the Lord." Where's He going to come again? To Zion, that's a mountain in Israel. "As for me, this is my covenant with them saith the Lord. My spirit that is upon thee, my words which I put in thy mouth shall not depart out of thy mouth, nor out of the mouth of thy seed, nor out of the mouth of thy seeds seed saith the Lord from henceforth and forever."
The Lord is going to come and grant His spirit on earth. Isaiah 61, verse 1 and verse 2, talks about Christ coming to earth. And if you look carefully, interesting, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me because the Lord has anointed me to preach the good tidings to the meek to bind up the brokenhearted, proclaim liberty to the captives, the opening of the prison to those who are bound."
Now Jesus said that that was fulfilled in Him didn't He? He said it right in Nazareth. It was fulfilled on earth. Second part of the prophecy 2, "To proclaim the acceptable year of our Lord, He also claimed was fulfilled the first time He came," then this, "and the day of the vengeance of our God."
Now if Jesus earthly fulfilled all the first, believe me the second He'll fulfill earthly as well. And so the kingdom must come to the earth.
Zechariah 14:9 says this, listen, "And the Lord shall be king over all the earth." How people can come up ah-millennialism that there's no earthly kingdom, I'll never understand. Jeremiah 23:5, "Behold the days come saith the Lord that I'll raise unto David a righteous branch, a king shall reign and prosper, shall execute justice and righteousness in the earth. In His days Judah shall be saved, Israel shall dwell safely." That's in the earth again. It's in the earth. Jesus went away, two angels said "This same Jesus who is taken up from you shall so come in like manner as you have seen Him go." He went from earth to heaven, He'll come from heaven to earth. Just as literally as He left, that's the promise of Acts 1, verse 11.
What am I saying? I'm saying the program of God for the church, for the nations, for Israel demands a literal return. Finally, three last things and they're very brief. Not only God's person and God's program, but God's priorities demand that Jesus return to earth.
God has three priorities that fit in here. Number one the humiliation of Christ demands that He return. The humiliation of Christ demands that He return. You see Jesus must return to vindicate Himself. I mean, in my mind, and I'm sure in yours, it is absolutely inconceivable...I say that advisedly, it is inconceivable that the last view that men would ever have of Jesus Christ is the view of a bleeding, dying, crucified criminal covered with blood and spit and flies hanging naked in a Jerusalem sky. That's inconceivable that that's the last view that the world will ever have of Jesus.
Don't you believe it, it is not the last view. You say well what about after His resurrection? After His resurrection beloved no unbeliever saw Him. The Bible's very clear about that. 1 Corinthians Chapter 15 gives you a list of the people that saw Jesus and there's not an unbeliever the in the group. It tells us in 1 Corinthians 5, "He was seen of Cephas of the twelve of 500 brethren. After that of James, then of all the apostles, last of all seen by me, Paul."
That's the list. And not an unbeliever in the bunch. There's no evidence to realize to believe that Jesus was ever seen after His resurrection by any unbeliever. In fact, isn't it the early church preachers who continue to say we were the eyewitnesses of His resurrection? The last Jesus the world has ever seen, people, is the Jesus dying and hanging on the cross. That's the last one the world ever saw.
They never saw His glory, and I'll tell you something they will see it. He will return because His humiliation demands it. He must return in exaltation. The writer of Hebrews is clear. Listen to this, verse 20...well, let's look at verse 24...well, verse 26. "But now once in the end of the ages He appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself." Christ came once to die, right? Watch verse 28, "So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many. And unto them that look for Him, shall He appear the second time without sin unto salvation." Is He coming back? Yes, only next time it's without sin. What does that mean? No more sin bearing, no more humiliation. The next time believe me He comes in exaltation. You know, the Old Testament saw that, Psalm 22, Psalm 22, verse 16. Listen here's the description of the first time He came. "Dogs have compassed me, they pierced my hands and feet, I count all my bones. They look and stare at me, they part my garments among them, cast lots for my vesture." When did that occur? On the cross.
Psalm doesn't end there. Beautiful climax, verse 27, "All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn unto the Lord. And all the kindreds of the nations shall worship before thee for the kingdom is the Lord's, He is the governor among the nations." Listen, He's coming back in glory, isn't he? Look at Matthew 26 and you can see this graphically presented by Jesus Himself.
Matthew 26:57, And Jesus has just been captured, arrested, and it says in verse 57, that "And they that had laid a hold on Jesus lead Him away to Caiaphas the high priest where the scribes and elders were assembled. Remember what happened don't you? They mocked Him, played games with Him, plucked His beard, humiliated Him, executed Him. Is that all? I mean, is that end of Jesus in the eyes of the world? Is that how it all ends? Is that what the world's going to see the last Jesus they see?
Look at verse 63, "Jesus held His peace. And the high priest answered and said unto Him, I adjure you by the living God that you tell us whether you be the Christ, the Son of God. I command you to speak in the name of God." Jesus said unto him, "you said it." "Nevertheless, I say unto you," you ready for this one, "hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power and coming in the clouds of heaven."
Is He going to be invisible when He comes? No, you shall see. Oh the high priest flipped out. He tore his clothes. "He hath spoken blasphemy." Verse 67, they spit in His face, buffeted him, smashed Him with the palms of their hands saying prophecy unto us Christ who smote you." Is that the last the world is to see of Jesus?
Don't you believe it. You shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of glory. The last view the world hasn't yet seen, He'll be back. He'll be back. You say well are people going to see Him? Oh are they going to see Him. Revelation 1:7, listen to this, "Behold he cometh with clouds," with clouds, not necessarily in them, He'll shine through any cloud believe me, "He cometh with clouds and every eye shall," what, "see Him." You say oh yeah that's believers. Oh? And everyone who pierced Him and all the kindreds of the earth shall wale because of Him."
Oh they're going to see Him. Beloved Jesus must return to this earth because His humiliation demands it. Do you see what I'm saying? It is not right. It is inconceivable that the last view of Jesus the world would have would be of a defeated, dying, bleeding, criminal. He'll be back. In Luke 21:25, Jesus said, "And there shall signs in the sun and the moon." You know there's going to be a forewarning. You realize that? God turns out every light in heaven. The stars fall like untimely fig trees. The heaven is rolled up like a scroll, God turns out ever light in the universe and then here comes Christ blazing in the sky. You couldn't miss it.
And there should be signs in the sun and the moon and the stars and the earth, the stress of nations with perplexity, the sea and the waves are going to roar, men's hearts are going to fail them for fear. There are going to be heart attacks all over the world. What's going to happen? "For looking after those things which are coming on the earth for the powers of the heaven shall be shaken." Now watch, "And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the cloud of power and great glory."
They're going to see it. The humiliation of Christ demands that He return. He returns that He might receive the glory that is due Him. The eighth point in the second one under the last. The exaltation of Satan demands that He return.
This is another priority. You know, the word of God talks about Satan, it talks about the devil. He's the most powerful creature God ever created. He has access to the heaven of heavens. He appears night and day before God accusing us. He rules of kingdom of spirits we call demons. He is called in Ezekiel 28 the anointed Cherub and the Bible seems to indicate that the cherubim were the highest ranking angels. He was a super angel. He was the angel of all angels. When our Lord was being tempted by Satan up on the mountain, do you know what Satan did to...it says in Luke 4, verse 5, I think it is, it said that "Satan showed Him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time." That's power. Satan actually could reveal to Christ the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. He's an amazing being. Not only did He reveal them to the Christ, but He then said I'll give them to you, which means He has them. Do you know that Satan runs the world?
You ought to know it. Three times he's called the prince of this world. In 2 Corinthians 4:4, he's call the god of this age. In 1 John 5:19, John says, "the whole world lies in the arms of the evil one." Satan runs the world. And for thousands of years since the fall he has the run of the world. He's had free reign to run all over the earth. Exalting himself and receiving worship. You want to know something, he's a usurper, he has no right to rule. Who is the king of this earth? The Lord Jesus Christ. But who's going to overthrow Satan? Satan's running around doing whatever he wants. Who's going to take back the earth? We can't legislate it back. No man that I ever met could do it. No committee. Who's going to get it back? That was the dilemma of Revelation 5. Look at it.
In fact, it was such a dilemma John started crying in his vision. Revelation 5 he says, "I saw on the right hand of Him that sat on throne," that's God, John, his vision sees a throne of God and God's got a scroll in His hand. And it was written all over the place. The scroll was written front and back and everywhere, which meant it had a lot to say. Roman law required that any kind of a will, this was a will, this was a title deed to the earth God had in His hand, any title deed or any will that was to be transferred had to be sealed seven times according to Roman law. So God had a seven sealed scroll, the title deed to the earth.
And a strong angel proclaimed with a loud voice, who is worthy to open the scroll and to loose its seals, which means who is going to take back the earth from Satan and give it back to the one it belongs to. Who can do it?
And verse 3, "And no man in heaven or in earth, neither under the earth was able to open the scroll and look on it." Nobody came. The angel had made an announcement. "Who's going to take back the earth from Satan?" Nobody could do it. And John started crying, verse 4, "And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and read the book to look on it. Who's going to take it back?" I love this.
"And one of the elders said unto me, stop crying John, weep not. The lion of the tribe of Judah, the root of David hath prevailed to open the scroll and loose it seven seals. And I beheld and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four living creatures," four angels, "in the midst of the elders stood a lamb as though it had been slain having seven horns," horns a symbol of power, seven the symbol of perfection, perfect power, "and seven eyes," which are the seven spirits of God of the seven fold Holy Spirit, "sent forth into all the earth and He came and took the scroll out of the right hand of Him that sat on the throne." Who is the lamb? Jesus Christ. Who's the only one that can take back the earth? Jesus Christ. Oh did they get happy. They started singing like crazy, playing harps and everything in verse 8.
Verse 9 they sang a new song "thou art worthy to take the scroll and open its seals," and oh they had a great time before the chapter ends, all of heaven is just having a halleluiah chorus.
That's where the halleluiah chorus, part of the great work of music came from that chapter. Well, you see what happen, there's only one in all the universe who can take the earth back, right? Now listen to me people, that's just one more reason that Jesus has to return to the earth. Why? Because He's the only one that can take possession of it and arrest it from the hands of Satan. Do you see?
And incidentally beginning in Chapter 6, Christ starts to take it back. And from Chapter 6 right through the end of the book of Revelation is the story of Jesus taking back the earth. And you know how He breaks the seal, the first, the second, the third, the fourth, the fifth, the sixth, and the seventh seal and out of the seventh seal gushed the trumpets and a vials and all the judgments and so forth. That's Jesus Christ taking back the earth.
Now Christ has already showed His power to Satan according to Hebrews Chapter 2 Satan only had one weapon and that was death and Christ took that away from him. Hebrews 2:14 says that "through death he might destroy him that had the power of death," that is the devil. And when Jesus died on the cross he ripped death out of Satan's hand, right? Because he came to the grave and he said "because I live," what, "ye shall live also." And so Christ has already taken the only weapon Satan has and He's the only one that could take the earth back and so He must come.
He must come to deal with the devil. In Revelation Chapter 20 shows you what happens when He does it. "I saw an angel come down from heaven having the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand." Here comes an angel out of heaven, and John says he's got a key and big chain.
"And he laid whole on the dragon that old serpent who is the devil and Satan and bound him a thousand years." Wrapped him up and binds him and casts him into the bottomless pit and shut him up and set a seal on him. And keeps him there almost the whole thousand years. And remember he's let loose a little bit at the end. He deceives the nations of the earth, but that doesn't last long. Verse 10, "And the devil that deceive them was cast in the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are and shall be tormented day and night forever and ever. And I saw a great white throne and Him that sat on it from whose face the earth and the heaven flood away and there was found no more place for them." And who was on the throne? Christ. Satan is banished to hell forever. Only Jesus Christ can defeat Satan ultimately. He must return to earth. Listen to this word from beloved John. Listen to it. Here's what he said. "For this purpose the Son of God was manifested." What purpose John? "That He might destroy the works," what, "of the devil," 1 John 3:8. Jesus must return people, because He's going to take back the earth from the usurper. That's a priority on God's calendar. And so two priorities demand Jesus' return, His humiliation and Satan's exaltation. Both have to be reversed. Lastly, on one other priority necessitates the return of Jesus. Are you ready for this one? The hope of the saints demands it. Did you know that God's not in the business of giving false hope? You are beloved of the Father, did you know that?
You...He loves you just the same as He loves Jesus. That's right, because He loves you in Christ. And you are the most pampered, select object of His care. You are the center of His heart, you are the joy of His existence. And He knows you're expecting Jesus, right? And He's not in the business of giving false hope.
The old I come quickly six times and finally John says "even so come Lord Jesus." You can't imagine God saying, nope I changed my mind. God doesn't do that. He knows what we're waiting for doesn't He? He knows the longing of my heart. He knows that I'm loving the appearing of Jesus Christ. " The trial of your faith," said Peter "being much more precious than the gold that perishes. Though it be tried with fire, might be found under praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ whom having not seen you love." I'm waiting for the fulfillment of my love.
I don't think God's going to disappoint me. James, same hope that Peter had. Every good gift, every perfect gift that's from above comes down from the Father of Lights with whom there's no variableness neither shadow of turning if God said, He'll do it. I like what Paul said to the Philippians 1:6, "being confident of this very thing that He who has begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of," what, "Jesus Christ." The day that He returns.
And then perhaps mostly wonderfully 2 Thessalonians 1:5, listen, "this is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God." You want to know God is righteous? Here's a token to prove His righteous. Ready? "And to prove that you may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you." In other words, God's going to prove He's righteous by giving trouble to those who've troubled you. But watch, "And to you who are troubled, rest with us when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels."
Paul said to the Thessalonians you wanted some proof that God is righteous. One He'll punish those who've troubled you. Two, Jesus will come and take you out of the trouble. The righteousness of God is at stake. God gave us a hope and believe me God is in the business of fulfilling that hope.
And so we look for the day when Jesus comes. You know, there's a countless multitude of spirits in heaven and their bodies haven't come out of the grave yet. Do you know that? And they're waiting for resurrection when they get reunited with their bodies so they can enjoy eternity like it's going to be enjoyed forever.
I mean, they're just kind of spirits now, they need bodies so they can really maximize heaven. They're waiting for the resurrection. I always think about Revelation Chapter 6 where the souls under the alter are saying "How long Lord, how long? When are you going to go down here and do it?"
Listen the dead in Christ are waiting. They've got a guarantee that they're going to have a resurrection and that's the resurrection of Christ, right? 1 Corinthians 15. That not only the dead in Christ are waiting, we who are alive are waiting for Jesus to come.
We're waiting for that marvelous day. Titus 2:13, "Looking for that blessed hope and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ." That's us. We're looking for Him to come. And because we're looking John says, and I love this, 1 John 3:2, "Beloved now are we the children of God," that's nice to know right? "But it doesn't yet appear what we shall be." Can you imagine that? But we know one thing when He shall appear, we shall be like Him for we shall see Him as He is.
We're waiting to be like Jesus and He that hath this hope in himself does what? Purifies himself. Oh there's so many other verses, many, many. That's the blessed hope. Those are priorities with God. The humiliation of Jesus demands that He return and get the glory He deserves. The present exaltation of Satan demands that Jesus return and take the earth back from him and the hope of the saints demand that Jesus return because God doesn't give His people false hope. And Christians all over the world are looking up aren't they? They're looking up.
There are nine reasons that I believe Jesus is coming and I believe He's coming soon. And I'm thrilled that I can say in my heart because I put my faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, even so come Lord Jesus.
Let's pray. Father we are loving the appearing of Christ. Oh to be like thee, blessed Redeemer. To be as pure as thou art. Father we want Jesus to come. The only thing that would want us...that would cause to want to linger would be the fact that there are some who have not yet come to know thee. Some who have not yet put their faith in Jesus Christ. And were Jesus to come they would be left. Father we pray that tonight there would be no one would reject the blessed Christ who died for them, who suffered the humiliation, who bore their sin on the cross. Father that there would be no one who would reject that in favor of following the usurper, Satan who rules the world. For Jesus and all who love Him will be some day exalted and Satan and all who love Him will some day be damned.
Father we pray that those who are here making a choice will choose well. Will choose wisely, will choose Christ. Father we love to think that Jesus is coming. Father some of us are Christians and if we think long enough about it we may feel a little guilty because we know we've not yet done the things we should have done. Lord we just pray that when He comes He'll find us working and watching and serving faithfully.
If you really want to know Jesus Christ and be ready when He comes, and believe me, He's coming, you can be ready simply by putting your faith in Him, simply saying I realize I'm a sinner. God, I know you're going to judge sin. I want to accept Jesus Christ and have my sins forgiven that I might go when Jesus comes. Just that simple prayer places you in His kingdom and you will go when He comes if you mean that from your heart.
Seal decisions in our hearts tonight. We pray in Christ's name. Amen.
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This sermon series includes the following messages:
Please contact the publisher to obtain copies of this resource.Publisher Information


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A Beautiful Boston affair overflowing with dramatic calla lilies
Kate and Matt's Boston wedding was a picturesque, elegant event filled with understated touches of grand style. The traditional style was perfectly suited to the couple, who have known each other their entire lives. Their mothers have been great friends since college and got to see their children get married! <!–more–> With a muted palette of ivory, yellow and green, and incredible views of the city and harbor from the gorgeous State Room, this classically beautiful wedding was like a fairy tale! And it was captured exquisitely by East Coast and international shutterbug Laura Parent of Relive Photography.
Kate got a great deal on her incredible Carolina Herrera gown at Vows Bridal Outlet.
Gorgeous calla lilies were *everywhere*! From the bridal bouquets to the chuppah to the cake, florist Michelle Bernard did a fabulous job incorporating chic, modern, pretty arrangements into all parts of the wedding.
Bridesmaids dresses by Aria are dressed up with green sashes and vibrant bouquets of — what else? — calla lilies!
Stunning views of the Boston harbor and city are an incredible ceremony backdrop.
I love how Kate and Matt placed this elegant sign in front of the escort cards to let guests know that a donation was made in lieu of wedding favors. Kindness, elegance, and conservation — what could be better?
These centerpieces are modern and elegant, and the vases can easily be reused or donated.
The GORGEOUS wedding cake!
Thanks again to Kate, Matt, and Relive Photography for sharing these fantastic images with Recycled Bride!

subset: commoncrawl


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UPDATED: Tender Me This
With the deadline coming up in eight days, the Cowboys still have several players yet to sign their tenders. Several are unhappy and the rest have been very quiet.
Gerald Sensabaugh for example decided not to participate in the first offseason conditioning program this week. According to his agent he is not under contract but has been training six days a week on his own.
Marcus Spears and Steve Octavien signed their tenders yesterday. Cory Procter was the first to sign the tender back in March, which actually makes perfect sense.
I expect the remaining unsigned players will jump on board soon. I believe Miles Austin knows he will get his money eventually and hopefully it will all work out smoothly.
Interestingly enough, Alan Ball hasn't signed his exclusive rights tender and with the release of Ken Hamlin he could be more essential than ever before.
Its been a slow and silent offseason regarding free agency and the Dallas Cowboys. With our rivals signing big names we have remained very conservative to say the least. Maybe that's because we already have the players we need for a championship team. After the draft, hopefully we will have a few eager rookies who will complete this team that not only were the division champs, but also won their first playoff game in 12 years.
NOTE: We will update this post as the players continue to sign in the days to come.
UPDATE (4-7-10): Pat McQuistan has signed his tender.
UPDATE (4-8-10): Jason Hatcher and Junior Siavii have signed their tender.
UPDATE (4-9-10): Stephen Bowen has signed his tender.
Deadline: April 15th
Restricted Free Agents
Miles Austin, First Round Tender
Sam Hurd, Second Round Tender
Pat Watkins, Original Draft Pick
Duke Preston, Original Draft Pick
Gerald Sensabaugh, Second Round Tender
Stephen Bowen, Second Round Tender – SIGNED
Jason Hatcher, Second Round Tender – SIGNED
Junior Siavii, Original Draft Pick – SIGNED
Pat McQuistan, Original Draft Pick – SIGNED
Corey Procter, Second Round Tender – SIGNED
Marcus Spears, Original Draft Pick – SIGNED
Cletis Gordon – SIGNED 1 Year Deal
Shaun Suisham – NOT TENDERED
Unrestricted Free Agents
Montrae Holland, Unrestricted Free Agent
Exclusive Rights Free Agents
Steve Octavien, Exclusive Rights Tender – SIGNED
Alan Ball, Exclusive Rights Tender


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cmng necesitaba un nuevo diseño de logotipo y lanzó un concurso de diseño en 99designs.
Un ganador ha sido elegido entre 145 diseños de 65 diseñadores freelance.
Mega Discoteca Tineretului needs a strong , catchy and powerful logo . We will use the logo on the web (website, myspace, facebook,etc) but also on every promotional material , so it has to look good on everything from 10x10 foot banner, flags, branded cars to t-shirts ,caps, mugs, stickers, etc
Mega Discoteca Tineretului is the biggest outdoor club/discoteque in Romania ,located on the beach in Costinesti , Black Sea. The target age is 16 – 28 , the full capacity is over 7000 so we have to think young and fresh but also to think big!
We want a powerful, eye-catching and very popular logo . You HAVE TO use the words "Mega Discoteca TINERETULUI" and the name of the city "Costinesti" (but also you can add the initials ''MDT'' or just "T").
- must look good on every background
- must be vectorial
- powerful and strong
- very popular, eye-catching and easy to remember logo
- be very creative , do your very best
- must look good also black&white , so don't use many colours
Descubre cómo funciona un concurso de diseño u obtén más información sobre nuestros servicios de diseño de logo.


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We've been getting questions from many of you about the unusually low number of loans on the Kiva site for the past week. Currently, there are fewer than 100 loans on the site, when typically lenders can find over 1,000 borrowers looking for support.
We call this "low inventory," and we realize it can be frustrating because it may mean that you can't find the exact type of loan you like the fund. In Kiva's world, this is both good news and bad news.
The good news is that borrowers are getting funded! The not-as-good-news is that our lenders may not find the borrowers they're looking for, and therefore have a less-than-good experience with Kiva. And, because we want to make sure that we're consistently helping as many borrowers as possible, we don't like to see loan posting slow down.
What causes low inventory?
Every month, our partner organizations post loans to Kiva to help the borrowers they work with get funded. Some partners post more than others, and the numbers vary based on a whole host of factors.
At the start of January, there were upwards of 1,500 loans on the site. But between all the new lenders redeeming their holiday Kiva Cards and new year's enthusiasm, very few are left. Additionally, January tends to be a slower month for our partners as they take a break after posting a lot of loans to meet holiday demand.
What does this mean for borrowers?
Low inventory is a sign that more borrowers are getting funded to achieve their goals. Fewer loans are expiring, and our partners are getting the support they need to reach even more borrowers and continue offering non-financial services like business training, health care and more.
So, this is nothing to be worried about?
Correct! Current low inventory is not indicative of anything wrong at Kiva or at our partner organizations. A new, big batch of loans will be posted in early February, just like every month. So if you're waiting to fund someone from a particular country, or in a certain sector, stay tuned. New loans are on the way!
Have more questions about low inventory? Send them our way at firstname.lastname@example.com.


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Queen Helene strives to not only create products that work great, but are also great for the world we live in. They are dedicated to preserving our environment by only using recyclable packaging and continuing to look for new ways to further their commitment to protecting the planet. The Earth supplies many effective, environmentally-safe, natural ingredients and they use them in their products whenever possible.
Animal Friendly
In their efforts to bring you highly-effective products, they never test on animals, and have been certified by the Coalition of Consumer Information on Cosmetics (CCIC). They ensure cosmetic, personal care and household product companies who have been certified remain cruelty-free through all stages of product development and testing. They are proud to display the CCIC's leaping bunny logo on their products.
They work hard to keep our planet and everything that inhabits it health and happy!
About Queen Helene
Queen Helene has been a leader in quality health & beauty products for professional and personal use since 1930. Their products are inspired by nature's finest ingredients because they are safer, and often more effective, than harsh chemicals and unnecessary additives. They are proud to have created a full line of affordable and effective body care products that are still passed down from generation to generation. They use natural elements like cocoa butter that are rich with vitamins and natural emollient properties to moisturize, soften and heal skin and hair. They use pomegranate oil for its antioxidant protection against the skin-aging effects of the environment, and essential oils to help relax tired muscles and ease tension. Many of their products take advantage of the unique qualities of nature's finest ingredients to keep you looking your best.
For over 75 years, their commitment to excellence has made their Mint Julep Facial Masque the #1 facial masque and Batherapy the #1 bath salts brand in America. Their lotion line is among the leaders in the hand & body category and they are proud to continue their dedication to providing the most effective beauty products your body needs, from head to toe.


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Hunger Games 3
Hunger Games 3
Genre: Action/Drama/Science-Fiction
Directed by: Francis Lawrence
Written by: Danny Strong, Suzanne Collins
Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson Elizabeth Banks, Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Julianne Moore, Jeffrey Wright, Jena Malone, Sam Claflin, Stef Dawson, Donald Sutherland, Willow Shields
Release Date: November 21, 2014
Watch the movie trailer of Hunger Games 3 below:
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Movie Plot:
Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) reluctantly leads the districts of Panem in a rebellion against the tyrannical and corrupt Capitol. As the war that will determine the fate of Panem escalates to the point of destruction of the other districts by the Capitol, Katniss must decide for herself whom she can trust and what needs to be done, while all she holds dear hangs in the balance.


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Opinion: Too Big to Fail Students
Assistant editorial page editor James Freeman on President Obama's income-based repayment plan. Plus, Elizabeth Warren's proposal to give students access to the Federal Reserve's discount window. Photos: Getty Images
This transcript has been automatically generated and may not be 100% accurate.
... I ... welcome back to Opinion Journal I'm Mary Kissel it's graduation time or almost graduation time on college campuses across the nation ... analog listings are going to graduate with a lot of student loans ... well of the year one of those graduates out there that is Ardi pay off your loans ... the Obama administration is about to make you look like a soccer ... assistant editorial page editor James Freeman is here to explain ... the chain's what is the White House proposing to do ... well what they're saying basically is outlets create more ways for people ... not to pay back their student loans ... this is the can and strike a lot of taxpayers those a great idea but done basically the the concept is called income based repayment which is the ... you can borrow lot of money and similar program you don't need to demonstrate an ability to pay or ... or show your fight to a score is pretty much and suddenly you get a lot of money and not just for school and not just for college and grad school in your living expenses while you're in grad school so what the deal yes in some B ball amassed hundreds of thousands of dollars in debt so of ... income based repayment says ... oh well will love ... will allow you to pay the ten percent of whatever your income is even if that's a lot less than what you would owe him alone and eventually will forgive the loan and a ... the Obama innovation is to say let's make this available the more people and lets ... make it so that the IRS can ... tax you for what essentially becomes a gift when you buy a lot of money in the new open that so it can to cut about a trillion dollars in outstanding student loan debt read on the Obama missed ration has privatized assisted long markets are now taxpayers are only on the APUs are on the island of pride that his litany that drinking would still allow issued ... Friday ... and in that that there's a really behind all of this debt so in this isn't a free lunch is that while this is why it's so scary if you're watching this closely because it appears to be a free lunch because the fraudulent bookkeeping in Washington ... suggests that the of this is all just a very profitable enterprise for the government no downside ... the head of the CBO has said basically the counting is fraudulent because it doesn't take in the ... the costs of defaults which is ... the one in my ... mind one minor detail and now we have a Senator Elizabeth Warren weighing in ... with her own proposal we've got a call from around one pm on the screen and I quote ... if the Federal Reserve can float trillions of dollars to large financial institutions a low interest rates to grow the economy ... surely they can fund the Department of Education the money to fund our students ... keep us competitive ... and grow our middle class that Senator Elizabeth ... Warren salami if this straight games ... she stated ... that she wants students to access to the Federal Reserve ... rates of borrowing the discount window basically you can adopt the US and that's the honest and say here's another is in is another reason not to take her seriously but she's no she's gotta be grateful to the White House she's now ... they've made her look moderate Hutus were saying let's figure out ways not to pay the money back ... she's seems to be acknowledging that the money has to be paid out and it is ... only as repaid but but ... but this is what you know if you if you think the Federal Reserve is terrible ... this is a reminder how bad it could be if politicians directly control that ... and it became not an instrument monetary policy not to ... an institution that been so we hope manages with the banking system ensuring the fleet to the free flow of credit but ... essentially opinion bank Finma and have another stimulus pick it to Dole out ... transfer payments or up ... or really whatever else whatever else assistant editorial page editor James Freeman thanks so much for being with us thanks


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Running Time: 152 minutes
Released: 10/2017
Studio Name: Cockyboys
Series: Cream Of The Cock
Director: Jake Jaxson
Categories: Muscles Anal Safe Sex High Definition
Description: More classic Cocky Boys! The best are all here in this volume!
6 Scenes from Cream Of The Cock 8
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Being the fastest of the bunch is seldom a bad thing, extra speed usually equals extra kudos. This fact hasn't been wasted on the BMW Group which recently set about building the world's fastest Mini.
Called the Eagle concept car, this mean Mini was pieced together by specialist BMW tuner AC Schnitzer. To prove its ability and take its place as the Asafa Powell of Minis, the concept was taken to the Hockenheim circuit where it turned in a cracking lap time of 1:13.34. To put things into perspective a standard issue Ferrari California achieves a time of 1:13.5 and a Porsche 911 Turbo 1:14.6 – so the Mini was very rapid indeed.
The Eagle is based on the standard John Coooper Works platform and uses a modded version of its 1.6-litre turbocharged engine. Power output is fairly modest at 194kW but the vehicle's weight has been further reduced by 80kg. Other tweaks include height adjustable racing suspension and sharp 18-inch alloys with sport tyres.


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A tidal wave of apps and digital fitness products — loaded with practical data and often inexpensive (or even free) — is making tech-free running a thing of the past. A survey from Freescale Semiconductor, the chip supplier behind Fitbit and other wearable devices, found that 88% of runners training for marathons used wearable technology. Here's a sample of some data-tracking apps and gear we found useful.
Free data
Pumatrac: The free iPhone running app tracks and audibly informs you of your distance traveled, speed, calories burned and weather, ultimately producing a real-time map, elevation profile of your route and an overall score for the workout (arrived at by a mysterious algorithm that combines all the variables). It also includes a social leader board that shows you how other Pumatrac users are doing.
Likes: Simple, effective and motivating. I liked hearing my time shouted out by the female British voice every kilometer and found the overall score function quite motivational. The Pumatrac also can help you figure out how weather conditions, music and days of the week affect your workout.
Dislikes: An irritating glitch occurred three times during my 45-minute run: The data collection function paused, even though I didn't stop running. But heck, it's free.
Price: Free. puma.com/pumatrac.
Story running
Runtastic Adventure app: This app's concept is "story running," found in four 38-minute dramatic narrated stories that have a protagonist running to or away from something: the fantasy story "Journey of Iomluath: The Tribes' Saviour," the motivational story "Toward the Finish Line," the travel story "The Globerunner: Rio's Marvels of Life" and the adventure story "The Carrier of Truth: Beyond the Walls of Alcatraz." Runtastic also includes normal workout and social features.
Likes: Enthralling. I got so caught up in the protagonist's escape from Alcatraz that I sometimes lost my sense of doing a workout at all. It was like being immersed in "War of the Worlds" or another 1930s radio show, where the character's experience becomes your own, forcing you to speed up in moments of anxiety, then slow down in moments of calm. Time flies. Great workout.
Dislikes: You must wear ear buds while you run.
Price: 99 cents for each story or the four-story bundle for $2.99. runtastic.com.
Window-free phone holder
Pure Move iPhone armband: It holds your phone in place without a clear plastic screen over it.
Likes: While comfortably keeping your iPhone 5, 5s or 5c secure on your arm, the screen remains uncovered for easy access and interaction. This makes it easier to use than the windowed pocket armbands that envelope the phone. Pure Move includes a cord keeper that prevents ear bud cords from getting tangled as you run.
Dislikes: The phone is not protected from the elements or 100% secure. I got up off the ground after a high-speed wipeout on my Trikke to find my iPhone missing. It was five feet away in the bushes. The rest of the ride, I kept glancing over at my left biceps every 30 seconds to see if it was still there. Finally, $50 is rather expensive for this type of product.
Price: $49.99. pure-gear.com.
Shoe odometer
Milestone Fitness Tracker: The small, light (1-inch diameter, 10 grams) mileage and data collection device has a built-in USB connector that laces onto one of your running shoes via a silicone jacket. Actuated by movement, it displays cumulative mileage and lets you know when to replace your shoes.
Likes: It's a no-hassle way to track your running mileage, since it stays on your shoe and has no buttons to push, batteries to recharge or need to carry a smartphone. Like a car odometer, it starts working automatically when you run, displaying the current total miles on the screen and providing an alert when you reach personal targets and shoe lifespan milestones. (The conventional wisdom is that running in the same shoes beyond 400 or 500 miles can lead to injuries from shoe wear, so knowing the mileage on them is a good idea). Bluetooth-enabled, Milestone stores 20 hours of data covering mileage, pace, cadence, distance, number of runs, steps per minutes and time, which can be loaded onto your computer via USB. Week and month views let you track long-term trends. Also, you can input your blood type and medical data, which is useful for emergency responders. Note: In June, a new app will allow the device to track your stance time and whether you're landing on your heel or your toe.
Dislikes: None
Price: $19.95. App is free. milestonepod.com.
Wallack is the author of "Run for Life." firstname.lastname@example.com


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WASHINGTON — Beyonce had belted her last note and President Obama, newly sworn in for a second term, had grabbed his last hand and given his last hug. But as he walked off the inauguration platform and through an archway to the Capitol, the president turned again to face the people who came to see him.
"I want to take a look one more time," Obama said, stopping his Secret Service detail. He smiled, eyes fixed in the distance. "I'm not going to see this again."
What Obama saw was a throng of Americans filling their capital on Monday. They were waving their country's flag, cheering their president, honoring their history and celebrating their government, adding a sheen of celebratory unity to a capital more accustomed to political division.
Hazel Carter from Springfield, Ohio, who is 90 and who attended Obama's first swearing-in, had vowed not to miss this one: "I prayed, 'God, just let me keep breathing until the inauguration.' "


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It is not easy to create an asset base that will allow you to retire comfortably and leave some assets to your beneficiaries. And if you do succeed, you certainly don't want to put it all at risk from personal liability.
It is not easy to create an asset base that will allow you to retire comfortably and leave some assets to your beneficiaries. And if you do succeed, you certainly don't want to put it all at risk from personal liability.
That's why asset protection strategies are important. Asset protection refers to sheltering your home, investments, real property, business and any other assets you own from lawsuits and other claims. You may not be able to guarantee that all of your assets are fully protected, but you can take steps to minimize the chances you can be sued successfully and/or lose your assets in other ways.
An excellent source is the book "Asset Protection Secrets" by Hillel Presser. His advice is: Shelter your wealth. Think defensively and realistically. And that advice is not just for the rich or for those in professions considered risky.
He points out that litigation in the U.S. has reached epidemic proportions; by his estimation, 100 million lawsuits are filed each year. People in all kinds of lines of work and businesses are exposed to significant liability without necessarily realizing it. You cannot predict what you could lose in a major lawsuit. A plaintiff who wins a few dollars in actual damages may be awarded millions in punitive damages.
Presser's book explains different ways to protect family homes, nonresidential real estate, investments (including retirement accounts), estates and inheritances, businesses and other assets. Here are a few ways you can take to protect yourself.
Tenancy by the entirety. When a married couple buys a home, there is a range of options for holding it. Of the types of co-ownership, tenancy by the entirety provides the most meaningful asset protection. Tenancy by the entirety is available only to a husband and wife. It offers right of survivorship and may protect the asset in certain states, provided only one of the spouses is sued. This is because, in most states, under tenancy by the entirety, their ownership interests are indivisible and may not be transferred without the other spouse's consent. Thus, most states do not allow a creditor to attach tenancy by the entirety property without the consent of both spouses. Your attorney can advise you as to the restrictions in your state.
Limited partnerships. Investments are at risk for liability suits when they are owned in individual names. There are other options to title investments and other liquid assets. Presser strongly suggests limited partnerships. A limited partnership has one or more general partners and one or more limited partners. As a limited partner, you can control the assets, protect your ownership, maintain operating flexibility, allowing you to plan your estate better and reduce estate taxes. The most important point, from an asset protection viewpoint, is that your limited partnership interest cannot be claimed by your creditor. There are other alternatives, such as limited liability companies, and Presser does a useful job of discussing their advantages and disadvantages.
Truly protected retirement accounts. The extent to which retirement plans are lawsuit-proof depends on state law. Some retirement plans established under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 are protected from creditor claims. However, not every ERISA pension plan is lawsuit-proof. You should review the protection with your plan administrator. IRAs, Roths and SEP IRAs are not ERISA-protected. Your protection depends on state law. There are options to protect you if your plan is not lawsuit-proof. For example, many states exempt annuities from lawsuits but don't protect IRAs. Your attorney should be able to advise you based on the law in your state.
Trusts. One of your objectives should be to ensure that your assets will pass to your beneficiaries free of lawsuit or creditor claims. Titling assets jointly with right of survivorship is one option. Presser also discusses the use of an irrevocable trust that you fund before you have creditors.
As a court mediator who has served for more than 12 years, I can tell you that most defendants do not expect to be sued. It is best to err on the safe side and take preventive actions to protect your assets. I recommend discussing the subject of asset protection with your attorney.
Contact Elliot Raphaelson, a certified court mediator in Florida with experience in estate planning, at email@example.com.


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Alfresco Gift Wraps Five New Premium Language Packs in Time for the Holidays
Meilleurs vœux! Besinnliche Feiertage! Buone Feste! メリー クリスマス, Felices fiestas!
Tweet This: #Alfresco Software announces availability of localized language packshttp://bit.ly/e2twUt
In today's global economy making products available in a local language has become increasingly critical. Alfresco's commitment to its growing world-wide user base made the development of quality language packs a logical next step.
"More than half of Alfresco's customers are based in non-English speaking countries, with our largest base of partners, customers and community members located in France, Germany, Spain, Italy and Japan, so we are responding to the needs of our global users." explained Denis Dorval, VP of Sales at Alfresco Software. "Our strategy of investing in a structured localization process for Alfresco, using a leading localization vendor, will play a key role in supporting our international customer base."
The localization process ensures Alfresco's localized products will perform as if it was originally created for use in the intended country. Professional localization teams will help improve consistency of the language and terms used and will greatly enhance acceptance by end users.
The first language packs are available now in the Alfresco Community download and will be incorporated into the Alfresco Enterprise 3.4 release early in 2011.
Download Alfresco Community from http://wiki.alfresco.com/wiki/Download_Community_Edition


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Used Car - 2012 Volkswagen Passat 2.0L TDI SEL2 in Brunswick, Oh
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About This 2012 Volkswagen Passat 2.0L TDI SEL2
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Brunswick, Oh
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Fuel Economy Estimates
City MPG
Highway MPG
Combined MPG: 35 - Efficient 30+ MPG
Estimated Monthly Fuel Cost: $63.57*
*Based on $1.78 per gallon and 15k miles per year.
Actual costs may vary.
Actual costs may vary.
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Seller's Description and Comments:
Located at KDK Auto Brokers Inc. in Brunswick, Oh. Call KDK Auto Brokers Inc. today at 330-460-3700 for more information about this vehicle.
Vehicle Options:
- Abs Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- Am/fm Radio
- Automatic Headlights
- Cd Changer
- Cd Player
- Child Safety Door Locks
- Cruise Control
- Daytime Running Lights
- Driver Airbag
- Driver Multi-adjustable Power Seat
- Electrochromic Interior Rearview Mirror
- Electronic Brake Assistance
- Fog Lights
- Front Air Dam
- Front Heated Seat
- Front Power Lumbar Support
- Front Power Memory Seat
- Front Side Airbag
- Genuine Wood Trim
- Heated Exterior Mirror
- Interval Wipers
- Keyless Entry
- Leather Seat
- Leather Steering Wheel
- Manual Sunroof
- Navigation Aid
- Passenger Airbag
- Passenger Multi-adjustable Power Seat
- Power Adjustable Exterior Mirror
- Power Door Locks
- Power Sunroof
- Power Windows
- Rear Window Defogger
- Remote Ignition
- Separate Driver/front Passenger Climate Controls
- Side Head Curtain Airbag
- Steering Wheel Mounted Controls
- Tachometer
- Telescopic Steering Column
- Tilt Steering
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- Tire Pressure Monitor
- Traction Control
- Trip Computer
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- Vehicle Stability Control System
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2012 Volkswagen Passat ReviewThis car review is specific to this model, not the actual vehicle for sale.
All-new and designed for America.
The all-new 2012 Volkswagen Passat is a four-door, five-passenger sedan specifically designed for mainstream American car buyers. Redesigned and launched with aggressive pricing, the new Passat is built at an assembly plant Volkswagen opened in 2011 at Chattanooga, Tennessee. More than just building the car here, though, VW wants shoppers to consider the new Passat along side the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Ford Fusion, Chevrolet Malibu, and Hyundai Sonata. Volkswagen's goal was to make the Passat the most American of any car VW builds. In large part, VW has succeeded, in some ways maybe too well.
The first eye-catching feature of the 2012 Passat is its price, with the base Passat 2.5L S starting at $19,995, which is lower than any of its prime competitors, even the aggressively priced and marketed Hyundai Sonata, which opens at $20,145. The new Passat, though, delivers some unexpected features in that base model, among the more interesting being automatic dual-zone climate control and Bluetooth connectivity. Passat 2.5L SE is available with a GPS-based, touch-screen navigation system, although adding in all the other features needed to get to that one brings the price to $26,795. The Passat 2.5L models come with a 170-horspower, 2.5-liter, inline five cylinder with either a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission.
Also available in the new Passat is a turbocharged diesel, which VW monikers as the TDI and is unique in the market segment. The Passat TDI SE boasts an EPA miles-per-gallon rating of 31/43 mpg city/highway, which is tops for the segment (except for the hybrid-powered Hyundai Sonata and Ford Fusion). The Passat TDI can be fitted with VW's slick direct-shift gearbox, or DSG, which is a twin-clutch, 6-speed manual transmission that shifts electronically, sans clutch pedal.
The top of the line Passat 3.6L comes standard with the DSG and a VW-exclusive, 400-watt Fender sound system. Leather, navigation system, sunroof and keyless push button start/stop, along with some other semi-luxury features are available.
When we drove the new Passats, we found the ride quality comfortable without being soft, well tuned for American interstates. Handling is what most drivers expect from a mainstream, midsize sedan, as in, predictable and forgiving, properly suited for the ins and outs of the daily commute.
The new Passat's styling is understated, nothing really remarkable, but with enough trademark VW design cues to distinguish it from something imported from Japan or from Detroit. Its visual proportions obscure somewhat its interior roominess, where it claims best in class rear seat leg room, an accommodation that receives too little consideration in most mainstream sedans.
Fit and finish has that Teutonic feel, with tight tolerances and quality materials. Nothing flashy, just solid, functional controls and easy to read gauges communicating the essential data about the car's mechanicals and electronics. The optional wood grain looks better than the real wood in some higher priced cars. Visibility is good, although there's a bit of blockage out the rear due to the standard three rear seat head restraints.
All of these are strong points for this new Passat, which Volkswagen designed and developed just for the American market. It will not be sold in Germany, which continues to get the Euro-spec Passat. This should appeal to Americans' ego, which no doubt is part of VW's grand scheme. In addition to which, as noted, the new Passat has a smoother, quieter and more genteel ride. Its styling is less severe. Its interior has softer tones and lower contrasts. This should appeal to the majority of Americans, who look at cars as much as means of transportation as expressions of individuality.
But this also means that America will no longer get the German version, and some VW fans no doubt will be the lesser for it. Because in making the new Passat more appealing to more Americans, Volkswagen has scrubbed off some of the edginess, some of the crispness that allowed its predecessor to connect with a core of VW faithful.
The 2012 Volkswagen Passat comes with a choice of powertrains: a 170-horspower, 2.5-liter, inline five-cylinder with either a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission; a 2.0-liter, turbocharged, inline four-cylinder diesel called the TDI with one of two 6-speed transmissions, either a real manual or a Direct Shift Gearbox, which is an electronically shifted, dual-clutch, automatic manual; and a 280-horsepower, 3.6-liter V6 with the DSG.
Passat 2.5L comes in three trim levels. Passat 2.5L S ($19,995) includes automatic, dual-zone climate control system and Bluetooth connectivity. Among the other standard features are an AM/FM/CD stereo with six speakers and auxiliary input; power door locks, windows and outside mirrors; 8-way manual driver's seat; steering wheel-mounted audio controls; cruise control; padded center console with storage bin; and 215/60R16 all-seasons on steel wheels. Optional is an Appearance package ($2,695) that replaces the manual transmission with the automatic and the steel wheels with alloys and adds a fold-down, rear center console with storage bin.
Passat 2.5L SE ($23, 725) gets leatherette upholstery; 8-way power driver's seat; heated front seats; premium stereo with color touch screen, eight speakers, 6-CD changer, MP3 capability, SD-card slot and 3-month trial satellite radio subscription; multi-function leather-wrapped steering wheel; aluminum dash trim and middle console; exterior chrome window trim; sliding front center console; and 215/55R17 all-seasons on alloy wheels. Options start with the automatic transmission ($1,100), then a sunroof ($800) and finally a navigation system with 5-inch touch screen and USB and auxiliary inputs ($1,170).
Passat 2.5L SEL ($28,395) upgrades further with a navigation system and a 400-watt, 9-speaker Fender audio system with 6.5-inch color touch screen and 30-GB HDD; push-button start; programmable garage and gate remote; front sport seats; chrome and wood grain interior accents; and chrome exterior accents. Optional is a Premium package ($1,500), with leather seating surfaces; keyless access and remote start; fog lights; 3-setting driver seat memory; and 8-way power passenger seat.
Passat TDI SE ($25,995) comes with the same accouterments as the 2.5L SE. The sunroof and DSG are packaged as an option ($1,900), as are the navigation system with USB and auxiliary inputs; the fog lights; the exterior chrome accents; and 235/45R18 all-seasons on alloy wheels ($1,600). The Passat TDI SEL ($32,195) has leather seating; the sport seats; keyless access and remote start; the upgraded navigation/Fender audio system; driver seat memory; wood grain interior trim; 8-way power passenger seat; and interior chrome accents.
Passat 3.6L SE ($28,995) starts with the DSG; the leatherette seating; sunroof; 8-way power driver's seat; heated front seats; sport seats; touch screen radio with the Fender audio system; multi-function, leather-wrapped steering wheel; aluminum-trim dash and center console; exterior chrome window trim; dual exhaust with chrome tips; fog lights; sliding front center console cover; and 235/45R18 all-seasons on alloy wheels. A navigation system plus USB and auxiliary inputs and exterior chrome accents can add ($1,600) is also available. The Passat 3.6 SEL ($32,950) adds leather seats; keyless entry and remote start; the upgraded navigation system; driver seat memory; wood grain interior accents; 8-way power passenger seat; and interior chrome accents.
Safety features include six airbags (frontal, front seat side and side curtain); antilock brakes with brake assist; electronic stability control; and rear seat child safety seat anchors (LATCH). Also standard is VW's Integrated Crash Response System that cuts off the fuel supply, turns on the hazard flashers and unlocks the doors when seatbelts pre-tension or on airbag deployment.
Simply put, anybody who liked the looks of the 2010 Passat will like the 2012. VW's designers say they were trying for a timeless look; if that means very little change, they succeeded. Not that's it's unattractive, only that it's not going to turn many heads, let alone snap a neck or two, neither of which it managed over a day's driving from Chattanooga, Tennessee, where it's built, to Nashville though some delightfully green and scenic countryside, including a brief dip into Georgia.
The motif for the front end was horizontal-ness, according to the designers. The inverted trapezoidal chrome grille surround of the previous Passat is gone, replaced by the Passat's version of VW's new trademark façade: the traditional VW logo centered on a simple array of three chrome-like bars bracketed by trapezium-shaped headlamp units. A bold bumper splits the fascia atop a full-width lower intake with floating wing-like braces at each end that, depending on model and trim level, give the look of cooling ducts for the front brakes or house squat fog lights. Sculptured reliefs in the hood splay rearward from the outer ends of the grille to the A-pillars (front supports for the roof), giving an illusion of width.
For lack of a better descriptor, side view is basic European sedan, that is, it could be one of any number of mid-size four doors originating from any one of four or five continental car makers. No logo or other identifiers break up otherwise mostly generic expanses of sheet metal. Wrap around headlamp housings de-emphasize the front overhang. An understated character line crease runs from the trailing edge of the headlamp housings rearward across the doors slightly above the full-round door handles and ending in the leading edge of the wrap around taillight housing. Defined blisters outline circular tire wells. On some models, thin chrome striping frames the side windows; about the only feature that stands out is a kinky rear quarter window that serves both to lessen the mass of the C-pillar (the rearmost roof support) and, along with the deep rear side doors, to hint at the 2012's stretched wheelbase (distance between the tires front to rear) of more than three and one half inches longer than the previous Passat.
Rearview, which only the 3.6L is going to display to other drivers with any regularity, is, again, relatively generic, although in this instance more Pacific Rim than Continent, save for the de rigueur VW logo. Taillight housings are 2-piece, split between the fenders and trunk lid. License plate tucks up beneath an overhang that crosses the trunk lid between the taillights. The trunk lid reaches the top of the rear bumper, itself a seamless piece that sweeps around the lower rear fascia from the trailing edge of one rear wheelwell to the other. The 3.6L gets twin exhaust tips.
When the feature that gets talked about the most at a new car's launch is rear seat legroom, it's clear not much was done to push the envelope in terms of refreshing a car's interior. Such is the case with the 2012 Passat.
The gauge cluster in the instrument panel is delightfully basic, with large round analog tachometer and speedometer, each with a small circular gauge embedded in its base, one monitoring coolant temperature, the other fuel status. A commendable addition, especially for drivers running solo, is a digital repeater for the navigation system, when equipped, in the mini-display screen, which also shows the trip computer data, centered between the two larger gauges.
Front seats, both base and Sport, are comfortable, with the Sport adding a smidgen of appreciated lateral support. The center stack, which houses the audio/navigation and climate control interfaces, stays true to the layout of the previous Passat, with the audio/navigation panels above and the trio of large knobs that manage the climate control settings below. Controls for the stereo and the very competent navigation system are unchanged from the previous Passat, consisting of two smallish knobs at the lower corners below vertical sets of four buttons on each side of the display that shows the various menus of touch-sensitive buttons, all of which work as efficiently and effectively as any our fingers have manipulated. (We haven't gotten a chance to check out the system in the base model.)
The rear seat is more bench than bucket but still accommodating, with foot wells deep enough that occupants can imagine they're seated in a chair instead of on the floor. What's most remarkable about the rear seat, however, as hinted above, is the leg room. While one inch of the lengthened wheelbase goes to the front seat, the rear seat gets almost an inch and a half, earning the 2012 Passat what VW claims is a best in class rating, bettering the primary competitors (the Chevrolet Malibu, the Ford Fusion, the Honda Accord, the Hyundai Sonata and the Toyota Camry) by between just under an inch (Camry) to more than four inches (Sonata). This is especially noteworthy because that added inch to the front seat also brings the Passat all but even with all except the Sonata, which treated the front seat more fairly, with an inch more leg room than the Passat.
Interior materials on the SE and SEL, the trim levels available at the launch event, were above average in feel and quality, with snug tolerances between panels and hard surfaces. The wood grain didn't quite pass as real but some real wood we've seen looked more like wood grain. Visibility is good, better out the front than the back, where the proud head restraint triplets crowd the view through the rearview mirror.
There are enough cubby holes and bins to satisfy the average hoarder. There's a map pocket in each door (although not the best design, as the rear-most area under the armrest pinches down to the point it's accessible only by a child's small hand, in itself not reassuring). The glove box, while basic plastic, is refreshingly spacious. The front center console bin is a bi-level set up, with an upper tray fit for cell phones (where they should stay unless the car is parked, even if you have a hands-free system; sorry, but distraction is distraction, no matter the source) and a deeper part that also holds the audio inputs. Each front seat back has a magazine pouch.
Trunk space splits the difference with the competition, with around a cubic foot more than the Malibu, Accord and Camry and about a cubic foot a half less than the Fusion and the Sonata.
Driving Impression
VW's many-times stated objective with the new, 2012 Passat was to make it more attractive to mainstream Americans, thereby increasing the car maker's share of the U.S. new car market and helping justify that new Chattanooga assembly plant. At the same time, VW understood that it also had to retain enough of the Passat's original VW-ness to maintain its appeal to the traditional VW buyers. Our test drives in the new Passat suggest VW may have had more success with the former than with the latter.
The Passat TDI's diesel engine produced linear power delivery with little of the surge sensation common with a turbocharger, but not as torquey as expected following our experience with VW's Golf TDI. Shifts from the 6-speed automatic, which felt programmed for conservation over quickness, were noticeable but generally smooth.
EPA-estimated fuel economy of 31 mpg City and 43 mpg Highway from the TDI diesel tops the gasoline-powered competition, by 8 mpg Highway (Hyundai Sonata) to 14 mpg Highway (Ford Fusion). Volkswagen Passat TDI bests the Toyota Camry Hybrid, which manages only a 31/35 mpg City/Highway on EPA's charts. The Fusion and Sonata hybrids better the Passat TDI with 41/36 mpg and 35/40 mpg respectively.
The Passat 3.6L was more fun to drive, primarily due to its responsiveness to a heavy foot on the gas pedal. The Direct Shift Gearbox delivered solid shifts but less promptly than expected in comparison with the Golf version, and even in manual-select mode. Expect stops at the gas station to happen at about the same frequency as with other V6-powered cars in this class; the Passat 3.6L's V6 is EPA-rated 20/28 mpg City/Highway, about average for the class.
We didn't get any seat time in the Passat 2.5L with the 2.5-liter five-cylinder gas engine at the launch event. Those who did reported it trailed behind the TDI in quickness off the line and exposure to oncoming traffic in passing zones, with credit for the difference going to the TDI's substantially higher torque (236 lb.-ft. vs. 177 lb.-ft. for the 2.5L). It generally trails, too, in fuel economy, with a 21/32 city/highway that falls most significantly short of the Sonata's 24/35 and its highway rating bettering only the Fusion's 29 mpg.
Ride quality in the new Passat is, well, very American. There's a bit of body roll in corners, although no float on mildly heaving interstates. But graded on what people might be sensitive to in a car wearing a German car maker's logo, it's definitely on the gentle side of firm. There was a bit of a whistle at speed from somewhere near the outside mirrors (from their 2-piece housings, perhaps?) on the Passats we drove at the launch, but nothing serious. Tire and road noise was minimal and varied little on different qualities and types of pavement. Put up against the competitors, it fits right in, not really standing out in any measure, but not falling short in any, either.
Which is pretty much the case in the handling department, too. Understeer (where the car wants to go straight when the driver wants it to turn) is the predominant characteristic when the Passat is pushed in a curve. Between the TDI and the 3.6L, the 3.6L feels less put upon when driven aggressively. We were told the 3.6L's steering is a bit tauter, closer to what's in the German-market Passat. None of the Passat models beg to experience an energetic blast through an extended set of twisties, however. Clearly, the Passat much prefers casual motoring, like a casual weekend getaway to the beach or a vacationing meander along the Blue Ridge.
Based on our experience, the Honda Accord feels more planted in winding roads, although the Accord filters out less of the mechanical and road and tire noise than the Passat does. The Ford Fusion All-Wheel-Drive is the most balanced in responding to steering inputs and quick changes of direction. The Fusion AWD exacts a price, however, with the worst city/highway numbers of the crew, at 18/26 mpg.
What was most disappointing with the new Passat was the brake feel, which clearly has been tuned for the American market. Gone is the prompt, sure-footed, throw-out-the-anchor response to the brake pedal that we're used to in VWs, and German-brand cars in general. We never worried about stopping power when driving the new Passat, but there was still this softness, not sponginess, just not the high quality firmness we've come to know and love, and appreciate, in Volkswagens. Thus, in comparing brake feel and the confidence it can inspire and the distinctiveness it can impart, we could have been in any of the five all-American competitors.
When the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu rolled into dealers' showrooms, some automotive pundits commended Chevy for finally making a good American Accord. Styling, packaging and ride and handling compared favorably to that year's best-selling Honda. With the 2012 Volkswagen Passat, it just may be that VW has built the best German Camry. That's not a slam; the Camry is a fine car, with impressive technology, strong appeal to American mainstream buyers and the consequential enviable sales numbers. The question that comparison is intended to pose, rather, is whether enough mainstream Americans are going to want a German Camry to keep that new Chattanooga factory humming.
NewCarTestDrive.com correspondent Tom Lankard filed this report from Nashville, Tennessee.
Model Lineup
Volkswagen Passat 2.5L ($19,995); 2.5L SE ($23,725); 2.5L SEL ($28,395); TDI SE ($25,995); TDI SEL ($32,195); 3.6L SE ($28,995); 3.6L SEL ($32,950).
Assembled In
Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Options As Tested
Model Tested
Volkswagen Passat TDI SEL ($32,195).The all-new Passat is the largest passenger car in the Volkswagen line-up. It has all the refinements and technology expected of a sophisticated German vehicle, but is now built in the USA specifically for the North American customer. The Passat is offered as a front-wheel drive four-door sedan with three engine choices; a 170-hp, 2.5-liter inline five-cylinder, a 140-hp, 2.0-liter TDI diesel four-cylinder, and a 280-hp 3.6-liter VR6. Numerous transmissions are available, a five-speed manual or six-speed automatic with the 2.5L, a six-speed manual or six-speed DSG with the TDI, and a six-speed DSG is standard with the VR6. Standard safety features include six airbags, four-wheel-disc anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, tire pressure monitoring, engine immobilizer and an intelligent crash response system that unlocks all doors, shuts off fuel and electrical supply and turns on the hazard lights. Standard creature comfort features include dual-zone electronic climate control, front and rear centre armrests, trip computer, keyless entry, automatic headlights with coming home function, cruise control and Bluetooth phone connectivity. For 2012, the Passat is completely redesigned and re-engineered inside and out.
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