Ten years after the end of the American involvement in the Vietnam War, a career Foreign Service officer, Thomas J. Corcoran, set down in writing his thoughts on the history of U.S. State Department policy during America's involvement with South Vietnam. Like many Americans of his generation, he was perplexed by the failure of America to achieve its goals in South Vietnam. As an ambassador and with over 30 years of diplomatic experience – beginning in 1948 when he was assigned to Hanoi and involving other postings in Southeast Asia – he brought to his analysis a long and rich personal experience with events in Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam. The result is a thoughtful, objective and well-researched study that chronicles the key policy decisions made by the US State Department throughout the entire period from 1945 to 1975; decisions that ultimately led to the first war lost by the United States. In his extensive study, Corcoran does an excellent job of exposing many of the myths and falsehoods found in orthodox histories of U.S. involvement in Vietnam.

Interpreting Revelation . . . in its Proper Context Too often the Western Church views Scripture from a Greek Mind-set within the context of a Hellenized society. The Church follows a pagan, Roman solar calendar which fashions a linear, compartmentalized interpretation of the Bible-especially the Book of Revelation. Contrary to this modernist approach, the prophets and writers of the New Testament wrote the Scriptures under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit from a Hebrew cultural context. The authors lived in accordance with the Torah and the lunar Hebrew calendar. The Hebrew historical view is cyclical and the Hebrew Mind-set encompasses a complete lifestyle. The Hebrew and Greek Mind-sets differ in practice. The Hebrew is concerned with action, the Greek with knowledge. Right conduct is the ultimate concern of the Hebrew, right thinking that of the Greek. This distinction is critical because it affects how the Book of Revelation is interpreted. The end-time chronology of the Book of Revelation is not a strict linear account as is often viewed from the Hellenistic Mind-set. Through a Hebrew narrative of spiraling pictures, Revelation gives an overview of the Apocalypse followed by specific details which unveil the future of the nation of Israel, unbelievers and the body of Messiah. The Revelation of Jesus Christ is a unique, verse-by-verse account of the Book of Revelation viewed from a Hebraic Mind-set.

Last Days Prophecy.A Jewish Believer's Perspective Millions of Christians anticipate a secret and silent, pre-tribulation rapture, whisking them away to the glorious marriage supper of the Lamb. This concept is alluring. It would be a source of comfort to not pass through a coming great tribulation. Although this doctrine has wide appeal, does biblical evidence confirm it as truth? The author contends from biblical prophecy that in the foreseeable future even those who have enjoyed religious freedom with be persecuted for faith in Christ. As they are dragged to prison and even martyrdom, they will be ridiculed as 2 Peter 3:3-4 predicts: "First of all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say, 'Where is this "coming" he promised?'" As a Jewish believer in Christ, Steven Sherman, understands the feasts, fasts, and festivals found in the Old Testament which are most valuable in comprehending Bible prophecy. Revelation's prophecies were declared millennia ago for the benefit of God's church. The foreknowledge of the end of the age has been revealed to the elect so that the elect will be encouraged to stand firm even while facing death and the tumultuous events of the tribulation. Indeed Christ shall return for His church but will the church's purity shine from the fires of persecution? Understanding prophecy correctly will help the church be ready as a spotless bride for the bridegroom.