2.2 billion Christians

There are almost 8 billion lives on the planet, a quarter claim to follow Jesus Christ. It is time to ask do those who claim to be Christians reflect the qualities of Jesus Christ?

Many would shout Yes! pointing the great works of charity done in the name of Christ. These reflect the attitide of those identified in Matthew 7: 21 “Not everyone saying to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter into the Kingdom of the heavens, but only the one doing the will of my Father who is in the heavens will.22 Many will say to me in that day: ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and expel demons in your name, and perform many powerful works in your name?’23 And then I will declare to them: ‘I never knew you! Get away from me, you workers of lawlessness!’

We have to ask “am I following Jesus as he would want?”

Three things to reflect on:

1. God’s Kingdom was the focus of Jesus life – is the focus of my life?
2. Preaching and teaching were in his ministry – do I preach and teach others about God’s Kingdom? The best news for suffering humanity!
3. Do I worship the God Jesus taught us to pray to?

This year is ending on yet another low note. COVID-19 is still with us, the world is facing ecnomic and environmental disaster, politically there is little leaders can do to stem the global misery, Europe has a war and Russia continues to threaten. Notice jesus words at Luke 21: 25 “Also, there will be signs in the sun and moon and stars, and on the earth anguish of nations not knowing the way out because of the roaring of the sea and its agitation.26 People will become faint out of fear and expectation of the things coming upon the inhabited earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.27 And then they will see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.28 But as these things start to occur, stand up straight and lift up your heads, because your deliverance is getting near.”

Therefore Christians need not be afraid of the future rather they need to explain what God’s Kingdom is doing and will do to resolve the calamity facing the planet.

In the Revelation the Apostle John heard those before the throne of God thanking Jehovah for salvation but notice how the verses continue 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.”

Here is the question – Why aren’t 2.2 billion Christians pointing to the promise of salvation? Why are they fighting in wars? Voting in a political system that is flawed? We go back to Matthew 7 and Matthew 25, not everyone claiming to be a Christian is recognised by Jesus. Not everyone saying “Lord, Lord”,

Changing standards

Minority opinions and life styles have been accepted into the Churches, particularly Christianity. Now one incident of how changing standards confuse people.

Until recently religious groups of all faiths had received funding through tax resourced grants. The grants were made to the groups based on the faith of the subscribers, a simple calculation. However, recently that has changed. To receive the grants the religious group must accept secular standards, allowing thosewho practice or live in a alternative life stlye choice to remain members of the congregations. Churches have taken the line of least resistance and made the changes carry on as usual.

Now principles spring to mind – “We must obey God as ruler rather than man (governments)”. To prove faithful we must “obey Gods commandments” Jehovah is the arbitor of what is right not society.

So faiths like Jehovah’s Witnesses no longer receive the grants. It is expacted other countries will remove their tax concessions in the future. However, the majority of Christians just alter the rules.

Jesus was unpopular, radical, peaceful, kind, and focused on the future. His followers (Christians) we loving, peaceable, morally clean and committed to following in Jesus footsteps. How many of the 2.2 billion individuals claiming to follow Christ today even attempt to follow The Christ?

Britain is now officially a secular state with saying they have no religion and yet their god whom they worship is very clear. The whole world is controlled by one God and his aim is to ensure that those living today will be destroyed.

Join the millions of Christians searching for the Truth, because as Jesus stated “Your word is Truth” search the bible and find the you too can “Enjoy Life Forever”

APOLOGIES FOR THE GAP IN POSTS – CRITICAL HEALTH ISSUES HAVE REDUCED TIME ONLINE.

End of Suffering – How can the Bible help

Wherever we live in the world we are facing increasing problems in daily life. Due to the environment, financial problems and those caused by conflict to name just a few.

So how can the bible help us now, and in the future?

Although written many years ago the bible offers practical help in all sorts of areas – how to find true friends, how to find family happiness. By applying its principles in daily life millions of people are living happier and purposeful lives.

But the bible also answers the big questions – will evil and suffering ever end? Does God really Care about me? and, how can I get to know God?

All of these things are covered in our online bible study course, the publication – “Enjoy Life Forever” supported with online video, audio and articles.

Follow the link above or visit jw.org to request support with your bible study program form a local minister.

The comfort we find in the Bible assures all those searching for God that in the near future Psalm 37: ¹⁰  Just a little while longer, and the wicked will be no more;+ You will look at where they were, And they will not be there.+¹¹  But the meek will possess the earth,+ And they will find exquisite delight in the abundance of peace.+

How Does the Bible help us today?

Many people view the Bible as simply a book, an old book, a ‘good book’ also as an out-of-date and ‘irrelevant” to modern life.

Yet the Bible has answer to the questions we all have, what does the future hold? What happens when we die? and will we ever see peace on earth?

It says of itself in Psalm 119: 105 Your word is a lamp to my foot, And a light for my path.

This describes the Bible as the Light that can guide us. As well as answering the big questions, it also gives solid advice on everyday things:-

• how to find and keep a good friend
• how to cope with stress
• how to find a real purpose and contentment in life

It also as Romans 15: 4 For all the things that were written beforehand were written for our instruction, so that through our endurance and through the comfort from the Scriptures we might have hope. The scriptures offer us comfort that we might have hope. The hope is the prospect of being able to “Enjoy Life Forever” in a paradise here on the earth free from war, hunger and death.

For more information please visit JW.org where you can request a free study of the bible – online or in your home

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.

Response to the assertion that: God Both Causes and Punishes Sin

I recently read the Blog Perfect Chaos by Stephen Colborne the London Based philosopher – I found the title intriguing and the reasoning disturbing until I reread it. This is a post that covers the personal conclusions reached after years of study.

Interestingly, I began my personal search for understanding the reasons for Sin and the punishment, really the outcome, death. This led me to a very different conclusion.

God Does not Cause or Punish Sin!

The source material for this conclusion is not philosophy or personal enlightenment it is the product of studying the Bible. Let’s begin with the notion that God is Omnipresent not to be confused with Omniscient (all-wise).

The Bible clearly states in Hebrews 4: 13 “And there is not a creation that is hidden from his sight, but all things are naked and openly exposed to the eyes of the one to whom we must give an account.” He sees all things. However, there is no evidence to support the conclusion that God is Omnipresent – is present everywhere, in all things.

The Bible clearly identifies that God has form, is a spirit and has a dwelling place. Just start the research with John 4: 24 “God is a Spirit” The bible also identifies that there are millions of spirit creatures in heaven – the residing place of God 1 Kings 8: 30 “his dwelling place in the heavens”.

Sin

Sin had a beginning. The bible explains how it came about in 1 John 3: 8 “He who carries on sin originates with the Devil, because the Devil has been sinning from the beginning.” Sin originated not with humans but in the spirit realm with the Slanderer and Resister Satan the Devil.

James 1: 14, “But each one is tried by being drawn out and enticed* by his own desire. 15 Then the desire, when it has become fertile,* gives birth to sin; in turn sin, when it has been carried out, brings forth death.” Satan wanted something he couldn’t have and he exercised his free will to rebel. Not content with the personal separation from God he decided he would take others with him, in the heavens and here on earth.

Eve was deceived and Adam followed by taking a side against God and rebelling. Again exercising free will.

The outcome? is recorded in Romans 6: 23 “For the wages sin pays is death,..”

Sin is defined as falling short of the mark or standard, in this case, God’s standard. Therefore, we have another choice do I perpetuate the outcome of sin or do I seek salvation? Simple enough.

The disciple James came to this conclusion about God and answers the point is God the cause of our sins and our suffering? note the words in James 1: 13 “When under trial, let no one say: “I am being tried by God.” For with evil things God cannot be tried, nor does he himself try anyone.14 But each one is tried by being drawn out and enticed by his own desire.15 Then the desire, when it has become fertile, gives birth to sin; in turn sin, when it has been carried out, brings forth death.” Clearly, the half brother of Jesus understood that God neither causes sin nor tempts us with sin to test us.

Punishment for Sin

It is strange how unequivocal the Bible is about the outcome of sin. Go back to to the original response from God for both Satan and Adam in Genesis 3: 3 “But God has said about the fruit of the tree that is in the middle of the garden: ‘You must not eat from it, no, you must not touch it; otherwise you will die.’” Only outcome death! Genesis 3: 15 “And I will put enmity between you and the woman and between your offspring and her offspring. He will crush your head, and you will strike him in the heel.”

There’s never a discussion about God punishing us, the Bible points to another being the ruler of the world in 1 John 5: 19 “We know that we originate with God, but the whole world is lying in the power of the wicked one.” This individual veils the message of salvation notice the point at 2 Corinthians 4: 4 “among whom the god of this system of things has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, so that the illumination of the glorious good news about the Christ, who is the image of God, might not shine through.”

In conclusion a study of the Bible and allowing the Bible to explain itself we can clearly determine that there is much more to the human state and we have personal responsibility for how our future looks.

The Bible describes God as Love therefore, why do we suffer, why do we have trials and problems? why do we die? those questions are answered using the Bible Study Aid Enjoy Life Forever. Download a personal copy along with a bible and start your research.

Skinned and Thrown About

When looking at the nation of Israel Jesus described them as sheep without a shepherd, skinned and thrown about but in what way and by whom?

The account in Matthew 9: 35 “And Jesus set out on a tour of all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and preaching the good news of the Kingdom and curing every sort of disease and every sort of infirmity.36 On seeing the crowds, he felt pity for them, because they were skinned and thrown about like sheep without a shepherd.” He was on a preaching tour, yes people were under pressure from the Roman Taxes and the local social structure but Jesus was discussing the spiritual condition of the people.

Notice how he described their shepherds in Matthew 23:13 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because you shut up the Kingdom of the heavens before men; for you yourselves do not go in, neither do you permit those on their way in to go in.” and verse 15 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because you travel over sea and dry land to make one proselyte, and when he becomes one, you make him a subject for Ge·henʹna twice as much so as yourselves“.

Their hypocrisy created a stumbling block for the nation. Preventing them from seeing the Messiah or Christ, they failed in their self-appointed role as custodians of God’s Law.

Sheep without a shepherd distracted by everything

Jesus Compassion

He expressed his care for the individuals in the crowds, they needed physical healing but more importantly, they needed comfort from the scriptures and real hope. That is why he said in Matthew 9: 37 “Then he said to his disciples: “Yes, the harvest is great, but the workers are few.38 Therefore, beg the Master of the harvest to send out workers into his harvest.”

People needed the care of the Kingdom promised from the founding of the world, the life of Abel the first faithful human.

Literally today we are in a similar place. Those so-called self-appointed custodians of truth and faith the Churches and their leaders trap individuals into a notion that we have to die and go to heaven to experience “real life”, to be in a place of true safety.

Is this what Jesus sacrificed his life for? So those people already destined for heavenly life because of their immortal soul could somehow balance an unnecessary scale. It makes absolutely no sense. If I’m going to heaven to be with Christ why do I need a redeemer?

Christian Truth is very straightforward, but just like sheep who are left unattended to wander from pasture to pasture and never get close to the lush pastures prepared for them, they are skinned, unloved, uncared for spiritually and they are dying without intervention.

So why did Jesus have to Die?

Let the Apostle Paul answer that at Romans 5: 12 “That is why, just as through one man sin entered into the world and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because they had all sinned” Adams sin brought death to Humanity but note the contrast in verse 19 “For just as through the disobedience of the one man many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one person many will be made righteous.” Paul also makes the point at 1 Corinthians 15: 21 “For since death came through a man, resurrection of the dead also comes through a man.22 For just as in Adam all are dying, so also in the Christ all will be made alive.”

If we had immortality in ourselves through a soul this statement confuses a Christian but attending the commemoration of Jesus’ Death this April on the 15th after the sun has set where you are. Join one of the Congregations of Jehovah’s Witnesses to hear an explanation of why Christ Died and that although close to the end of the period of harvest we are assured that there is still time to experience the compassion of Jesus Christ as we continue to be Skinned and Thrown About as sheep without a shepherd.

Studying God’s Word, his promise and understanding his plan for humanity has never included suffering and death but this is a consequence of our own human parents rejecting the source of life. Literally, they pulled the plug on their own life support. Hence the shared human condition.

Was God Lonely?

The Bible’s opening words at Genesis 1: 1 “In the beginning God Created the heavens and the earth. ” You may ask why? and Colossians 1: 13 “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation;” says of Jesus. So do we conclude that God was lonely?

No! 1 John 4: 8 explains that “God is love” his desire to create life comes from that unselfish love. With our limited capacity and direct knowledge we can discern that it is similar to the desire to become a parent. Very few of us think that we are perpetuating the human race by having children, we have a family because something conceived in love or out of passion gives evidence of that love we share.

Therefore, humans are an expression of God’s love. As are Angels, the Universe and everything he does.

This draws millions to serve him, to share bible truth and explain just what God’s purpose is for humankind.

What did God Create?

We’re told he created the earth to last forever, he put the first humans and animals in a beautiful garden, that paradise home known as Eden.

All of the natural cycles that keep our home clean, our air breathable, our planet producing all that we need. Nothing left to chance.

Therefore, we know God created everything.

So what went wrong?

One Angel looked at the relationship humans had with God and decided he wanted to have some of the glory, based on his desire he reached out to Eve and deceived her, Adam responded to the news that Eve had eaten the fruit by rebeling against God.

It wasn’t imperfection it was a decision bourne of self interest and without regard for those who would follow. That single act of rebellion established a challenge, that we as individuals only serve god for what we get out of the relationship. The account at Job 1: 7 “Then Jehovah said to Satan: “Where have you come from?” Satan answered Jehovah: “From roving about on the earth and from walking about in it.”8 And Jehovah said to Satan: “Have you taken note of my servant Job? There is no one like him on the earth. He is an upright man of integrity, fearing God and shunning what is bad.”9 At that Satan answered Jehovah: “Is it for nothing that Job has feared God?10 Have you not put up a protective hedge around him and his house and everything he has? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his livestock has spread out in the land.11 But, for a change, stretch out your hand and strike everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your very face.”12 Then Jehovah said to Satan: “Look! Everything that he has is in your hand. Only do not lay your hand on the man himself!” So Satan went out from the presence of Jehovah”.

Yes Satan asked this question not just of Job but all humans “Is it for nothing that Job has feared God?” It is an issue that involves each one of us.

Now even in a sinful state God blesses his servants but Satan is saying that this is the only reason why people want to worship him.

None of us can satisfactorily answer that challenge because we all sin. Therefore, we need to find someone who will redemm us.

This is the greatest act of kindness – God sent his only begotten son as a ransom for humans, living now, in the past and those who have the promise of life in the future.

This is a the “Good News” Christ died for our sins so that we can be reconciled to God and once again enjoy the relationship with the Creator Satan and Adam spurned.

To accept this redemption price we need to know the key issues and how we are to address them. John 17: 3 “This means everlasting life, their coming to know you, the only true God, and the one whom you sent, Jesus Christ.” is the key for our research.

Move away from theology, the views of those who claim to be educated – you know the ones that sap every grain of hope from our hearts. They focus on research over feeding the poor, there is enough money in circulation to eradicate food shortage and famine even when crops fail. Greed and self interest make the moral response impossible. On the one hand Governments finance weapons and the population finance the relif work and rebuilding through acts of charity. The logic of putting money into weapons that perpetuate warfare rather than putting the equivalent into the public services just demonstrates how warped the reasoning is of those who educate and lead us.

So go back to the beginning, why did God create when he was complete? what did he expect? what is his purpose? is there more to life? find the answers in the bible.

The Son of God

John 3: 16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Appears on the billboards of Christian Churches across the globe.

Those who accept the Trinity and those who understand the expression “only begotten Son” as a direct reference to the separateness of the two.

The Apostle John is often quoted as the source of the Trinitarian doctrine, however, when I first read Alexander Hislop’s “The Two Babylons” it took moments to realize that this doctrine was adopted from Eastern Religions in the 4th Century AD.

Jesus is clearly identified by the Apostle as the Son of God and he comes in the role of the “Son of Man” why?

Well, John explains in the following verses John 3: 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.” How we acknowledge Jesus’ role in God’s purpose for humankind explains what outcome we can expect.

In dark places the light of truth will penetrate – search for it now

Exercise Faith

Faith in what? Verse 14 clearly helps us to understand his role “14 And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so the Son of man must be lifted up,15 so that everyone believing in him may have everlasting life.”

The copper serpent in the wilderness was raised and those afflicted by the plague affecting the nation were required to look at the serpent, understanding that this would provide relief. What a simple message – look at the figure and you’ll be healed. But is that what was required? No those Israelites had to believe that the serpent would be used by Jehovah God to heal them, restore their relationship with him.

So how is the sacrifice of Jesus’ life like that serpent? Jesus was raised up before the world as the ransom for humankind, our sin and our separation from God. So those looking at Christ would have to recognise that specific role, he is the ransom the price paid for our sins.

Is it too much to ask?

As restrictions are lifted surrounding COVID19 we see many reactions, some describing it as liberating, others saying it is irresponsible but insisting on their rights. Recently, going into a retail outlet I was asked to wear a mask, I complied because it made others comfortable and there wasn’t any ventilation at the back of the shop. The person who followed me in refused to comply and the shop owner refuse to let the person in.

Was it too much to ask the person who refused to wear a mask and use a hand sanitiser to follow the infection control measures? Not at all! All of the circumstances taken into account the shop owner was thinking of everyone.

Now when Jehovah God made the provision for us to be reconciled to him he required that we acknowledge his Son Jesus, he stipulated we had to extend our faith to include the value of Jesus’ sacrifice because through it we are potentially in line for salvation. Nothing complex in that.

Through our faith in the value of Jesus’ ransom sacrifice, we are demonstrating that we exercise faith in God’s Kingdom and the opportunity for salvation.

Ensuring we acknowledge that the son exists in his own right and is not a person in the trinity is essential. Note the words of John 17: 3 This means everlasting life, their coming to know you, the only true God, and the one whom you sent, Jesus Christ.4 I have glorified you on the earth, having finished the work you have given me to do.5 So now, Father, glorify me at your side with the glory that I had alongside you before the world was. and again in verse 25 Righteous Father, the world has, indeed, not come to know you, but I know you, and these have come to know that you sent me.26 I have made your name known to them and will make it known, so that the love with which you loved me may be in them and I in union with them.”

Jehovah God gave credit to his son for the gift of the ransom that Jesus gave therefore, God raised him up, accepted the value of his sacrifice and by our personal faith in that ransom sacrifice we can live and enjoy a relationship with our heavenly father.

So 1 John 5: 3 “For this is what the love of God means, that we observe his commandments; and yet his commandments are not burdensome,4 because everyone who has been born from God conquers the world. And this is the conquest that has conquered the world, our faith.”

The conclusion is that “those who believeth in him” will gain everlasting life because God raised Jesus to be the symbol of salvation in our modern wilderness, the only means we have to exercise faith in Jehovah God is to acknowledge the role of his son who became the “Son of Man” to give his life as a ransom in exchange for many.

Is it reasonable to ask that we continue to search for what we know and understand about Jesus, separating him from the Godhead of false Christianity? “Know the truth and the truth will set you free”.

For an extended discussion on the role of the ransom download a copy of Enjoy Life Forever

Pushing

Daniel 11: 40 “In the time of the end the king of the south will engage with him in a pushing, and against him the king of the north will storm with chariots and horsemen and many ships; and he will enter into the lands and sweep through like a flood”

Bible scholars have been able to track the prophetic fulfilment of Daniel chapter 11. Identifying the powers, their wars and activities, how they have different ideologies but both want and enjoy wealth and power.

Are we seeing the next stage of this prophetic fulfilment?

Russia the agressor and the democratic powers trying to hold a line in opposition but because of their material interests always giving ground. It appears to be the case.

Yet there is one thing that unites the Kings, their desire for power, which fuels their need to oppose those who advocate for God’s Kingdom.

Daniel 11: 44 Looms Large

The reports out of the east do not refer to China or Asia because the east is where he will come to his end.

If we look to the parallel prophesy in Revelation the powers of the world unite in opposition and begin a process that leads to their defeat.

Given the final book of the Bible was written in 98 A.D. we have had the time to unravel the mysteries because as Daniel 12: 4 “As for you, Daniel, keep the words secret, and seal up the book until the time of the end. Many will rove about, and the true knowledge will become abundant.” explains there is a time period when that information is known.

We are living in an unparalleled period of human history, to unite the world against a common foe the politicians are going to need an easy target. Biblically it is shown to be religion, faith in God has been replaced by jingoism and nationalism.

The riches of the religion are the initial attraction and its power over people. Envy and greed will cause the governments to turn against the structures. Leaving only those with deep-seated faith who are prepared to die for their exclusive devotion to God. We need to ask ourselves? Would I be prepared to die for my faith? Would I betray my faith or recant on my belief to save my life? Remember what the Devil taunted God with. In Job 2: 4 “But Satan answered Jehovah: “Skin for skin. A man will give everything that he has for his life.5 But, for a change, stretch out your hand and strike his bone and flesh, and he will surely curse you to your very face.” Your life for your faith.

In Russia, China, Germany, Eastern Europe, Islamic states and tyrannies Christians have been martyrs since the days of Stephen, James and Peter. 1900 years of faith but billions sold out their faith to false doctrines, philosophical religious concepts, yes they left the Bible and worked on their Creed, their acceptable gift to God. As I once heard it described as their shopping list.

Be very clear because Jesus was in Matthew 7 and Matthew 24 not everyone saying they serve God does so acceptably and they will be caught up in this conflict without protection.

Those who appear to have the least protection who advocate God’s Kingdom know 1 true Christian servant + Jehovah God forms the majority. They understand the truth of the words at Isaiah 54: 17 “No weapon formed against you will have any success, And you will condemn any tongue that rises up against you in the judgment. This is the heritage of the servants of Jehovah, And their righteousness is from me,” declares Jehovah.”

So as we look down the barrel of two opposing human government styles remember the solution isn’t with them. They are puppets, the governments are manipulated by Satanic forces and those who service Jehovah know for a certainty Romans 8: 35 “Who will separate us from the love of the Christ? Will tribulation or distress or persecution or hunger or nakedness or danger or sword?36 Just as it is written: “For your sake we are being put to death all day long; we have been accounted as sheep for slaughtering.”37 On the contrary, in all these things we are coming off completely victorious through the one who loved us.38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life nor angels nor governments nor things now here nor things to come nor powers39 nor height nor depth nor any other creation will be able to separate us from God’s love that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Jesus told us to “Keep on the Watch!” When we see the signs to use discernment and take our stand on the side of God’s Kingdom because it will be victorious.

Now you’re asking what convinces this crazed fool to write these stark words. It is simple lives are at stake, the burning building is collapsing but there is still time left for people to find the exit and find salvation.

To choose life is a positive step to do nothing or reject the words of the Bible is the convenient position but like the toad in the pan of boiling water whatever happens as soon as the lid goes on the options have run out.

God said to Israel “Choose Life!” Yes find out how to make that affirmative decision now because the water is boiling, the building is burning and the political system is sinking locate the escape routes now!

Rhetoric and Reality

The words are tough but reality shows that the actions are weak.

One of my pet gripes links to healthcare researchers, they shout “we’re going to find the cure for…” you name it, cancer, heart disease, diabetes etc, but the truth is they find treatments and management packages.

Or organisations like the United Nations – the bastion of world peace who cries whenever there is violence around the globe, the words are harsh in the chamber but the reactions are weak.

Who is being Failed?

Everyone who believes these individuals and government bodies can make an impact, change society improve the way we live.

Here is the reality check. History teaches us that societies collapse because of self-interest, weakness in the face of a strong enemy and a lack of appreciation for the common people.

Is that how it has to be? Not at all!

God’s Kingdom offers a different way of life now! You don’t have to wait to benefit from the education system, the principles that guide business, commerce, families, individuals and society. Up to 20,000,000 people can testify to that globally. There are no boundaries or physical borders because they are learning the law of love.

Every year things in life change, people are pushed beyond what they can cope with. Yet the solution is directly in front of them. Don’t take my word for it, check it out for yourself – find out what the bible says your future can be and how to improve the reality you live in now.

There are no simple answers because following the Bible standards is difficult that’s why so few have chosen the path but the rewards are incredible. Don’t miss an opportunity to change your life, open the Bible and let the content speak to you.