Living a philosophical choice

So I got lost in meditation a few days ago, prompted by a scripture. John 11: 26 “and everyone who is living and exercises faith in me will never die at all.”

Can it be said that we really have a choice on whether we live forever or just exist for today? Living with eternity in mind is very different from being alive.

The opportunity to live forever is extended to Christians many times in the Gospels and throughout the whole Bible.

Often confused with the notion of the reward structure – floating on a cloud plucking at a harp or burning in the pits of Hell fire and being tormented.

The meaning of Philosophical choice –

relating or devoted to the study of the fundamental nature of knowledge, reality, and existence.

“philosophical discussions about free will”

So the idea of living forever isn’t just a dream of concept but a fundamental examination of who we are.

Last week I got sent a “Pure Cremation” pack inviting me to plan a “no fuss” funeral and it got me thinking. If I had to choose a date to die on could I? Would everyone think I had lost my mind if I decided that the 29th February 2024 was the date? Would others try to dissuade me?

We all have to die according to science but we look at extending our lives for as long as we can. Those who believe in the immortality of the soul want to remain in the physical form.

None of us with reasonable health or in favourable circumstances would chose to die. So starting at that point we begin to ask what would make life worth living forever? Good health, true peace, real security, removal of poverty, a beautiful home and strong family.

Is this possible? this is where “the study of the fundamental nature of knowledge, reality, and existence” comes in. We need to examine for ourselves the evidence. I can tell you or try to explain what I have discovered but the most important way is to seek the truth about our hope and the potential to live forever.

I don’t have the power to give anyone everlasting life but notice the words of Jesus often quoted by Christians John 17: 3 “This means everlasting life, their coming to know you, the only true God, and the one whom you sent, Jesus Christ.” and his words at John 4: 14 “Whoever drinks from the water that I will give him will never get thirsty at all, but the water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water bubbling up to impart everlasting life.”

Study and meditation

Understanding comes from personal study and meditation on God’s word ensures that we have the the insight. Those who look at life today and say there should be so much more and we should be able to find a real meaning to life need to examine, explore and understand that Everlasting Life is a promise not a dream.

To find out how we can be so certain start an examine of the Bible using the Study Aid Enjoy Life Forever follow the advice that we should draw close to God because he is close to each one of use if we reach out to him.

As a parent I remember my sons taking their first steps and walking unassisted what gave them confidence was that we were right their when they needed us, they stretched out their hands and we caught them, the same applies with God – he reaches out for us when we indicate that we need that support.

Read the Bible – download a personal copy at no cost. Join the millions now living who will never die.

Everlasting Life – Really?

“This means Everlasting Life” Jesus stated in John 17: 3 “their coming to know you, the only true God, and the one whom you sent, Jesus Christ.” A simple statement that conveys the hope Christians have.

But is it realistic to think in terms of living forever, never dying?

Ask yourself if you have good health, your circumstances are stable and you are living in security, what day would I choose to die. What age would be enough? Recently the world’s oldest person died at the age of 119, the quality of life had not improved over the last few years but they clung to life. Why? Ecclesiastes 3: 11 He [God] has made everything beautiful in its time. He has even put eternity in their heart; yet mankind will never find out the work that the true God has made from start to finish.

God put eternity in our hearts. So it is natural to want to live as long as we can.

The Bible explains why we don’t but it also explains why it is realistic to have the hope we can live forever. In Pauls letter to Titus he explains where that assurance is founded Titus 1: 2 “and is based on a hope of the everlasting life that God, who cannot lie, promised long ago;“

So God’s promise of everlasting life is solid because he can’t lie, his word is dependable we are confident it will come true.

What is Everlasting Life?

Everlasting life is different to immortality. It is dependant on our relationship with God. Let’s look at the beginning of the human family. When God placed Adam in the Garden of Eden he didn’t say that he should expect to die. He made the provision of the Tree of Life. Death was stated as a consequence of sin.

So Jesus helps us understand what everlasting life depends on in Matthew 4: 4 : “It is written: ‘Man must live, not on bread alone, but on every word that comes from Jehovah’s mouth.’” 7 “Jesus said to him: “Again it is written: ‘You must not put Jehovah your God to the test.’ and 10 “For it is written: ‘It is Jehovah your God you must worship, and it is to him alone you must render sacred service.’”

Ecclesiastes 12: 13 “The conclusion of the matter, everything having been heard, is: Fear the true God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole obligation of man.” expresses it this way.

So keeping Gods commandments, something that Adam failed to do is a step, also, we must ensure that we show reverential fear of God. Not to be afraid of God but to acknowledge and honour our creator.

So Everlasting Life is the outcome for those who follow God’s commandments, love him with a whole heart and soul. These ones make it their aim to follow in Jesus footsteps and what did he teach us to pray for?

Matthew 6: 9 You must pray, then, this way: “‘Our Father in the heavens, let your name be sanctified.10 Let your Kingdom come. Let your will take place, as in heaven, also on earth.11 Give us today our bread for this day;12 and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.13 And do not bring us into temptation, but deliver us from the wicked one.’14 “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you;15 whereas if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

This breaks up into the scantification of God’s Name, the Vindication of his rulership, his purpose to cover the whole universe and then the material things. Because as Jesus explains through the Sermon on the Mount, God cares for us, so our obligation is to seek first the kingdom.

Everlasting Life is the reward for faithful service.

How do we recieve that reward?

John 17: 3 explained there are steps we can take. Begin by getting to know God – not know there is a God but know the person and personality of God. How? Through the universe that encompasses our planet, the life on earth and the systems that renew the earth everyday.

The Bible as 1 Thessalonians 2: 13 “Indeed, that is why we also thank God unceasingly, because when you received God’s word, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but, just as it truthfully is, as the word of God, which is also at work in you believers.”

To do this effectively we need to study God’s Word, note the words of the Psalmist in Psalm 1: 2 But his delight is in the law of Jehovah, And he reads His law in an undertone day and night. By understand how individuals have drawn close to God and how Bible prophesy is fulfilled in the past and in our time we get to agree that God’s Word is reliable, trustworthy.

Your Everlasting Life depends on You

Throughout my life I have been lied to many times, I have believed false reporting (media, government, friends and family members). I am convinced that God’s Word the Bible is 100% accurate, our lives depend on how we respond to the message it contains so now is the time to act and start that journey.

Modern life is an impossible journey, there is no hope and things will only go from bad to worse, so stop pushing the boulder up the hill and embrace the truth because it leads to Everlasting Life. Where and when? Study the Bible with the Aid of “Enjoy Life Forever”

Stopping trying to do the futile tasks and find the truth of Gods Word the reward is everlasting life.

Is Hell a place of torment?

Luke 16 introduces the Rich Man and Lazarus where in verse 23 “And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.” For many, this explains the difference between Heaven and Hell.

Jesus’ words are very clear, two locations separated by a chasm that cannot be breached or crossed. Hell is depicted as a place of torment. In the original Greek, this is translated as Hades the place of the dead which is translated from the Hebrew Sheol. Bible scholars agree that the meaning of the word is the “Grave” or “Pit”.

The condition of the Dead – Old Testament

The Douay Version of the Bible renders Ecclesiastes 9: 10 “Neither work, nor reason, nor wisdom, nor knowledge, shall be in hell.” and the words of the Psalmist in 31: 17 “Let the wicked be ashamed, and let them be silent in the grave [hell, Douay-Rheims].”

So a place of silence and no activity, Psalm 146: 3 “Do not put your trust in princes Nor in a son of man, who cannot bring salvation. 4 His spirit goes out, he returns to the ground; On that very day his thoughts perish.”

Ecclesiastes 9: 4 There is hope for whoever is among the living, because a live dog is better off than a dead lion.5 For the living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing at all, nor do they have any more reward, because all memory of them is forgotten.6 Also, their love and their hate and their jealousy have already perished, and they no longer have any share in what is done under the sun.” is more specific they have no share. Consequently, we are instructed in verse 9 “Enjoy life with your beloved wife all the days of your futile life, which He has given you under the sun, all the days of your futility, for that is your lot in life and in your hard work at which you toil under the sun.10 Whatever your hand finds to do, do with all your might, for there is no work nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom in the Grave, where you are going.”

The conclusion to be drawn is – Death is the opposite of life, non-existence. Therefore, we are alive and breathing, we die ceasing to exist and our body is placed in the ground – a grave, pit, hades or hell.

What about the New Testament

Let’s start with a simple statement made by the Apostle Paul in Romans 6: 23 “The wages sin pays is death.” the consequence of death he explains in Romans 6: 7 “the one who has died has been acquitted from his sin.” Those who have died have paid the price for the sins of their life. Not a mention of torment.

The Gospels also explain that we are drawn to God by his love not fear of torment or punishment.

There is another point often lost on those who believe in hell and everlasting torment Acts 2:31: “He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell.”—King James Version. Meaning that Jesus Christ went to hell (the Grave) when he died. It is unthinkable to conclude that a righteous man would be tormented forever in Hell for sins he didn’t commit.

Hope for the those in Hell

Revelation 20: 13 “Death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them.”—King James Version. Therefore, all those in hell are dead. They will come back to life by means of the resurrection. So where will the torment continue? How could they pay a price, then be asked to pay more?

Eventually, hell will be destroyed according to Revelation 20: 14 “Death and hell were cast into the lake of fire.”—King James Version.

So Luke 16 cannot be referring to a literal place or people. It was a parable, a story with a meaning. Jesus was explaining the religious divide between the leaders in Israel and the ordinary people.

For the account to be literal it has to fit the theme of the bible which it doesn’t, therefore, we recognise that the Bible has never taught that Hell is a place of eternal torment because the dead know nothing, feel nothing and have paid for their sins. Jesus went into hell but was raised and he hadn’t experienced or deserved to be tormented. Finally, hell is to be destroyed in the future which enables us to conclude that the doctrine originated elsewhere.

When the apostasy set in many pagan beliefs moved into Christianity and polluted the truth. Job wanted to die and go to Hell, others prayed for death also and we know that God does not torment the righteous or the unrighteous.

So we need to find the truth of the Bible and allow the Truth to clear our thinking and set us free.

Jesus’ Life, Ministry, Death and resurrection teach us much about the love of God remember the words of John 3: 16 “For God loved the world so much that he gave his only-begotten Son, so that everyone exercising faith in him might not be destroyed but have everlasting life.17 For God did not send his Son into the world for him to judge the world, but for the world to be saved through him.18 Whoever exercises faith in him is not to be judged. Whoever does not exercise faith has been judged already, because he has not exercised faith in the name of the only-begotten Son of God.” Also, part of that process is described in John 5: 25 “Most truly I say to you, the hour is coming, and it is now, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who have paid attention will live.26 For just as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted also to the Son to have life in himself.27 And he has given him authority to do judging, because he is the Son of man.28 Do not be amazed at this, for the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice29 and come out, those who did good things to a resurrection of life, and those who practiced vile things to a resurrection of judgment.30 I cannot do a single thing of my own initiative. Just as I hear, I judge, and my judgment is righteous because I seek, not my own will, but the will of him who sent me.“

Choose Life without end, everlasting life in Paradise is more than a dream it is a promise from God.

A Test of Faith

Christians are facing the greatest period of personal threats to their faith. Is it happening to you?

Every day something challenges our resolve to remain faithful. This includes:

• Public opinion
• Political opposition
• Our own desires
• The media propoganda, and
• Many other things

Do you ask when facing these challenges “why me? why us? why them?” We can all ask these questions and there are two scriptural answers note the first at Ecclesiastes 8: 9 “All of this I have seen, and I applied my heart to every work that has been done under the sun, during the time that man has dominated man to his harm”. this point is emphasised in the Psalms 146: 3 “Do not put your trust in princes Nor in a son of man, who cannot bring salvation.”

Human rulership, leadership and the inclination of the heart are never leading to salvation. Our lives are too short, we have the tendency to look after our own and left to ourselves the outcomes are always littered with unintended consequences.

The second scriptural reason 1 Peter 5: 8 “Keep your senses, be watchful! Your adversary, the Devil, walks about like a roaring lion, seeking to devour someone.” that someone is you. Why? Let the Bible explain Revelation 12: 7 “And war broke out in heaven: Miʹcha·el and his angels battled with the dragon, and the dragon and its angels battled 8 but they did not prevail, nor was a place found for them any longer in heaven. 9 So down the great dragon was hurled, the original serpent, the one called Devil and Satan, who is misleading the entire inhabited earth; he was hurled down to the earth, and his angels were hurled down with him.” He is on a limited timeline. Revelation 12: 12 ...”Woe for the earth and for the sea, because the Devil has come down to you, having great anger, knowing that he has a short period of time.”

The scriptures give us hope, however, notice what the Bible also explains in Revelation 3: 11 “I am coming quickly. Keep holding fast to what you have, so that no one may take your crown.” Jesus promise to act on our behalf

Action on our part

We are not to fight or engage with the Satanic controlled governments and leadership of this world. We are to focus on what Jesus instructed at John 17: 3 “This means everlasting life, their coming to know you, the only true God, and the one whom you sent, Jesus Christ.”

We must get to know God and Jesus Christ. Our faith draws us into union with Christ and his father. Therefore, we need to take note of the time, grasp the limited opportunities and build our faith.

Find out how to Enjoy Life Forever – Read and Study the Bible

Stand firm in the Faith and see the salvation that rescues humanity.

Is Social Justice Achievable?

Thousands have set their sights on Social Justice as the answer to many of society’s inequalities and failures. On the face of it, this appears to be laudable and yet the consequences are seen in cities across the globe.

Rising crime, poor housing due to investment failures and social migration. The geopolitical impact leaves the disadvantaged to fight for survival and a meaningless battle of rhetoric is fought on college and university campuses, town halls, schools and on the streets.

The definition presents 4 principles:

• Equity
• Access
• Participation
• Rights

What does this mean?

This places the individual at the centre of their personal universe, they are entitled just because. But notice something that the Bible teaches about true freedom and equality. The contrasting models of Freedom that is based on responsibilities, loyalty and love with the choice Adam made following selfish interests.

Genesis 1: 26 “And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the heavens, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.”

Very clear Humans created in God’s image with freedom of choice and a clear duty of care. The caretaker of the home for life on earth.

Breaking the shackles of Social Justice for true freedom

God went further in verse 29: “And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb yielding seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for food:30 and to every beast of the earth, and to every bird of the heavens, and to everything that creepeth upon the earth, wherein there is life, I have given every green herb for food: and it was so.“

Now that seems very fair look after the home and expand it, develop it with your children.

So free will and purpose! Achieving the balance we all seek.

Was the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil a test?

Genesis 2: 9 “And out of the ground made Jehovah God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.“

Genesis 2 16 “And Jehovah God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat:17 but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.”

At first, it may appear that way. Think about it in these terms, you enter a supermarket to shop for daily provisions, you want basic food and the isles have thousands of varieties all branded and high quality. You head to the checkout, see in another trolley/cart a product another shopper has bought and you decide to take that rather than go back to shelves and collect the product. It is the same but it belongs to the other shopper.

God said to Adam and Eve that tree is mine, all the other trees are yours. They decided that they wanted that tree as well. So naturally, it isn’t going to end well. They knew the cost.

So why the desire to steal from God?

Genesis 3: 2 “And the woman said unto the serpent, Of the fruit of the trees of the garden we may eat: 3 but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. 4 And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:5 for God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as God, knowing good and evil.”

So “the serpent” identified by Jesus as Satan the Devil stated God’s knows if you take the product from his shopping cart he can do nothing about it because you’ll be just like him. He is withholding something that is really your right.

Humanity Gets Social Justice

So the human family achieved the desired independence – rights, access, equity. We share the same outcome as Adam and Eve, pain suffering and death. Participation mostly definitely, humans destroy humanity and the planet we live on.

But is Social Justice True Justice?

No!

True justice is focused on the obligations we have to family, friends and these form society and gel together based on the principles found in the Bible.

It is simple, we can’t be like God! We don’t have the knowledge or capacity to be like God and we certainly need assistance to sort out problems.

So what was the conclusion or solution to our problems? let one of the wisest men summarise that for us Ecclesiastes 12: 13 “The conclusion of the matter, everything having been heard, is: Fear the true God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole obligation of man.14 For the true God will judge every deed, including every hidden thing, as to whether it is good or bad.”

Now let Jesus the wisest human explain what we need to do Matthew 22: 37 “He said to him: “‘You must love Jehovah your God with your whole heart and with your whole soul and with your whole mind.’ 38 This is the greatest and first commandment. 39 The second, like it, is this: ‘You must love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 On these two commandments the whole Law hangs, and the Prophets.”

And those who want true justice and real freedom John 13: 34 “I am giving you a new commandment, that you love one another; just as I have loved you, you also love one another. 35 By this all will know that you are my disciples—if you have love among yourselves.”

True Christians promote:

• Obedience
• Obilgation
• Love
• Responsibility
• Gods Kingdom
• Peace
• Unity
• Family
• Freedom

You can find out more about the real issues because we are in a time of decision and the informed choice is so important. Many dismiss the bible because of what they see but those who read it and appreciate that salvation is dependent on what others do but on our choices recognise that now is the time to make that choice. The invitation Christ made was be my follower and choose to Enjoy Life Forever.

Do not miss that opportunity because time is running out as it did for Adam and Eve when they exercised their friend choosing independence and alienation from our Creator Jehovah God.

End of Suffering – Getting to Know God

To benefit from the wonderful promises the Bible makes about our future, an end to all suffering, life on a paradise earth and real peace Jesus explains in John 17: 3 “This means everlasting life, their coming to know you, the only true God, and the one whom you sent, Jesus Christ.” remain the crucial steps we must take.

But how do we get to know God?

The Bibles reveals two ways:

• By looking at and studying the natural world – Creation
• Reading and meditating on the things written in the Bible

Creation reveals the power, energy, design and control that surrounds us for all living things and the Universe itself. From the smallest molecule to the vast Universe we observe conforming design, arrangement and purpose. The design of the wings of birds or the honeycomb structures of bees all reveals that although complex the same principles apply.

The Bible reveals and unfolds the purpose of creation, why God created people and then his purpose for their home, planet earth. The Bible explains how our lives have purpose and what it takes to be lead a happy life now, linking this to a strong foundation for the life to come.

What do we do first?

Develop a friendship with God, acknowledge that there are many things that science and philosophy can’t rationalise, fail to explain and ridicule. Ask yourself what don’t I know and what do I want to know?

To build a friendship names are important. The Bible repeatedly reveals the name God chose because it had purpose, meaning and formed a description of his personality. Psalm 83: 18 “May people know that you, whose name is Jehovah, You alone are the Most High over all the earth”.

You may struggle to find that in the translation you use but the original Hebrew Text contains and uses Jehovah more than 6500 times. The meaning of the name “he causes to become”.

Find out more about Jehovah, get to know the God of the Bible and not the propaganda of those who hide the truth. Once you know who he is then build a relationship with Jehovah.

More information is available in the publication “Enjoy Life Forever”

Where does Justice begin?

Wherever we are in the world society needs to be centred on equality and justice. This forms the core of government, rulership and peace.

Do Peace and Justice come from having a book of laws?

Historically, hundreds of laws are designed not for the poor but the powerful, prevent the loss of property and promote the idea that individual rights come from a document.

Is this where Justice begins? In the USA we see through court reporting how information is skewed, spun and justice is defined by the crowd of media and public opinion in the 21st Century. Justice enshrines the concept of “Innocent until proved beyond a reasonable doubt” a person is guilty. Society no longer sees this as the benchmark.

Justice begins with Love

Yes, it begins with Love for God, Love for neighbour, Love for life and Peace.

Jesus words in Matthew 5: 9 – “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.” Peace is an expression of justice, it is a result of pursuing justice and requires that each of us put the needs of others ahead of our own.

Civil unrest isn’t a call for justice, it is a demand for retribution, like baying hounds chasing the fox and when caught the damage is catastrophic.

The first principle we have to acknowledge Ecclesiastes 8: 9 All this have I seen, and applied my heart unto every work that is done under the sun: there is a time wherein one man hath power over another to his hurt. or as another translation renders it “9All this I have seen, and there was an applying of my heart to every work that has been done under the sun, [during] the time that man has dominated man to his injury.”

Death is the final arbiter for us all – we bring nothing into the world and take nothing away, so we are custodians, not owners. Caretakers with a clear job to do. We decided that humankind could effectively take on the responsibility for equality and justice but society failed.

The Apostle Peter tackled the subject of the outcome of Human rulership and what has to happen to achieve, equality and justice in 2 Peter 3: 11 through 13 “Since all these things are to be dissolved in this way, consider what sort of people you ought to be in holy acts of conduct and deeds of godly devotion,12 as you await and keep close in mind the presence of the day of Jehovah, through which the heavens will be destroyed in flames and the elements will melt in the intense heat!13 But there are new heavens and a new earth that we are awaiting according to his promise, and in these righteousness is to dwell.”

Human Rulership is to be dissolved – removed, irradicated and replaced. Now many argue we have the right to run our own lives and that is the choice we are faced with, do we continue to run our own lives, destroy the planet, affect all other life on earthy or do we recognise that we have a limited scope and understanding.

Recently, watching a television series looking at the universe the presenter made an astounding point when speculating about the future, he spoke with conviction and ended with “if anyone says they know or understand don’t believe them” In other words ‘trust me I don’t know what I’m talking about’.

When science, the media and government expect you to blindly follow and believe can you really say you’re running your life? Justice begins with information, knowledge and wisdom, treating everyone as an equal, recognising that we all have strengths and right now weaknesses. When we fail to recognise these things society begins to break down, justice fails, so we need a universal set of standards, consistent government and fantastic leadership.

Reading Matthew chapters 5 through 7 creates a set of principles that can change our lives.

Therefore, Justice Begins with Knowledge, spiritual awareness and consistent leadership. Want to find out more then it is time to research the Kingdom or Government that promises to put an end to all injustice afflicting the world.

True Justice is from God!

Will Terrorism Ever End?

In all parts of the world we are affected by terrorism, by those who threaten violence against others to pursue their ideology.

Sometimes these violent attacks are committed in the name of religion and to promote God’s Will. But can that be right? Would God approve of the indiscriminate destruction of human lives?

We have to ask how does the Creator of humankind feel about this?

Biblical History

The Bible clearly presents the creator as one who hates violence. Psalm 11: 5 states “Jehovah examines the righteous one as well as the wicked one; He hates anyone who loves violence.” (You may have been taught something different and that is why we need to investigate the truth)

Jesus rebuked his followers for seeking to save him the use of the “sword” on the night of his arrest and he makes a true statement when in Matthew 26: 52 he is quoted as saying “those who take up the sword will perish by the sword”.

Biblical Reality

The evidence presented in the bible demonstrates that God does care about all who suffer because of these violent acts.

The promise is made that his Kingdom will eliminate violence and establish.

Note the words at Psalm 37: 11 “But the meek will possess the earth, And they will find exquisite delight in the abundance of peace.” Peace is more than the absence of war and the threat of terror, true peace heals the people who benefit from just rulership.

Note the benefits:

• End of warfare
• End of terrorism
• End of fear
• End of trauma
• End of death

Note the words at Isaiah 65: 11 “For look! I am creating new heavens and a new earth; And the former things will not be called to mind, Nor will they come up into the heart.” How comforting these words are to those affected by the distresses of this modern age.

God’s Kingdom Rule which the bible promises is soon to come he can also bring back to the dead, giving them a chance to enjoy real peace and freedom.

For more information about why God has allowed such suffering to carry on and when it will please follow the link to Why Does God Allow Suffering?

And the exciting new bible study course “Enjoy Life Forever”

20 years and what has changed?

As I sat in the offices of the Charity Commission at Taunton Somerset on the 11th September 2001 we began to hear of some issues with a potential terror incident in the USA.

By the time we had reached Plymouth Devon, the twin towers were collapsing into the streets below.

World leaders stood up and said the people responsible for the outrage would be tracked down and held to account. A series of events then led to wide spread terror.

The UK was hardened to terrorist attacks with the internationally financed drive for freedom in Northern Ireland. However, the developed countries were dragged into a 20 year battle against a foe they can’t defeat.

Where are we now?

Technology may have changed the battlefield and strategy but the war continues. Government ideologies change, strategic campaigns are adjusted but the biblical truth remains absolute Jeremiah 10: 23 “I well know, O Jehovah, that man’s way does not belong to him. It does not belong to man who is walking even to direct his step.”

Why? Ecclesiastes 9: 11 “I have seen something further under the sun, that the swift do not always win the race, nor do the mighty win the battle, nor do the wise always have the food, nor do the intelligent always have the riches, nor do those with knowledge always have success, because time and unexpected events overtake them all.”

Go back a chapter and look at the wisdom in these words Ecclesiastes 8: 9 “All of this I have seen, and I applied my heart to every work that has been done under the sun, during the time that man has dominated man to his harm.”

Who was in the right or wrong has been lost in the generations and like every family story it gets embroidered upon, perceived injustices are magnified but what is the resolution to any of these issues.

“Let Your Kingdom Come”

Jesus proclaimed Good News – also in Islam the Prophet spoke of salvation, both referred to following God’s Word, obeying his laws and following the one God.

So why the fight? Whose God do you listen to? Well Jesus didn’t speak in an acceptable way for the religious leaders of the Judaic family, he wasn’t addressing any form of Islamic faith, he linked this statement to a Kingdom that had a purpose – the Prophet Daniel identified the Kingdom note the words of Daniel 2: 44, 45 “In the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed. And this kingdom will not be passed on to any other people. It will crush and put an end to all these kingdoms, and it alone will stand forever,45 just as you saw that out of the mountain a stone was cut not by hands, and that it crushed the iron, the copper, the clay, the silver, and the gold. The Grand God has made known to the king what will happen in the future. The dream is true, and its interpretation is trustworthy.”

Those Kings would include Persia, Egypt, Greece Rome, Britain and America the states that are locked in this spiral of death. I often think about this as two crocodiles fighting in a death roll, neither ready to let go and equally matched. But the Greater Kingdom, God’s Kingdom will crush and put an end to them both. What a challenge!

Now in schools around the Globe the prayer found at Matthew 6: 9 – 13 is said daily, in churches and homes many times a day but how many are ready for that Kingdom? How many will embrace the opportunity to find really peace?

The Comfort

The Kingdom of God does not ask us to fight on its behalf, rather we are show out commitment to that kingdom now by copying Jesus message preach the Good News about Gods Kingdom and the role his son Jesus has in the restoration of world peace.

This is difficult for many to accept because of the things they have been taught, the religious people they encounter and the propaganda of world leaders who have already taken their stand against God and his chosen one.

Let me pose a question to you the reader? Is there any government to your knowledge and in your living memory who has kept all their promises? Or have they been able to deliver the results they set out in their manifestoes?

Has science achieved the good it claimed it would? Resolved the issues with food production or housing and health? Does science explain the root cause of anything or does it continue to create more questions because there is an exception that proves the rule?

Note the words of the Psalmist when they stress the reality of human leadership Psalm 146: 3 “Do not put your trust in princes Nor in a son of man, who cannot bring salvation. 4 His spirit goes out, he returns to the ground; On that very day his thoughts perish.”

Left to human leaders and educators, religious guides and scientists there will come a moment when the sun will not rise on humanity the next day. Extinction is the path we are collectively walking down and the result is more despair, fear and tribulation.

Do not give up – only start looking for the answers yourself, take the time to research and understand why millions alive today have already stepped away from the governments of their countries and become international advocates of God’s Kingdom the universal solution to our stark issues.

Where are we today? 20 years closer to the intervention promised in Daniel chapter 2, 20 years further evidence of human inability to direct their own steps and sadly many have did on the altar of the fight against terrorism with world leaders knowing this was all in vain.

What Happened in Afghanistan?

Human Governments failed! Singling out one Government for criticism isn’t productive and really it is unnecessary.

The Bible answers this question in an open and direct manner. Note the words of the Apostle Paul when writing in 2 Timothy 3: But know this, that in the last days critical times hard to deal with will be here.2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, haughty, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, disloyal,3 having no natural affection, not open to any agreement, slanderers, without self-control, fierce, without love of goodness,4 betrayers, headstrong, puffed up with pride, lovers of pleasures rather than lovers of God,5 having an appearance of godliness but proving false to its power; and from these turn away.

This description catalogues the litany of failings that allowed the level of freedom promised to people who would eventually be lost to the rulership of religious groups.

Did God allow this to happen?

Yes and No! The bible explains in great detail that God made provision for Human rulership when they rejected him. Again note the words in Ecclesiastes 8: 9 “All of this I have seen, and I applied my heart to every work that has been done under the sun, during the time that man has dominated man to his harm.” and 1 John 5: 19 “We know that we originate with God, but the whole world is lying in the power of the wicked one.”

The inhumanity of the situation highlights that basic compassion is missing, the reason? As a family our life chances were sacrificed for this type of freedom. The right to determine how the few will rule the many. How the unseen forces manipulate events to play out a vile, evil and grotesque series of events.

Will real peace and security ever be attained by governments?

The Bible leaves us in no doubt Jeremiah 10: I well know, O Jehovah, that man’s way does not belong to him. It does not belong to man who is walking even to direct his step.

The outcome of their efforts 1 Thessalonians 5: 3 “Whenever it is that they are saying, “Peace and security!” then sudden destruction is to be instantly on them, just like birth pains on a pregnant woman, and they will by no means escape.“

Human Governments have none of the key answers, 2020, 2021 have emphasised that point, first disease, then natural disasters, war, political unrest all demonstrate that for life to continue this needs to take place Revelation 11: 18 But the nations became wrathful, and your own wrath came, and the appointed time came for the dead to be judged and to reward your slaves the prophets and the holy ones and those fearing your name, the small and the great, and to bring to ruin those ruining the earth.”

Let governments and religions, science and commerce wage war against God. Popular culture indicates that humankind can defeat any foe, the reality is that all the weapons on earth can’t defeat the weather, resolve the earthquakes, prevent the raging fires. Like the ant saying to the motor vehicle “I command you to stop!” the consequences are clear.

So now we find the words of Acts 17: 27 “so that they would seek God, if they might grope for him and really find him, although, in fact, he is not far off from each one of us.”

God Care and soon it will be his time to act for the oppressed, abused and damaged. Let us all continue to pray for Gods Kingdom to COME and Soon.