Unforeseen Events

9th March 2023 in the City of Hamburg 7 Jehovah’s Witnesses were shot dead and up to 8 others injured in their Kingdom Hall. The media fail to understand that the congregation were attending a regular meeting and that was the pattern of their weekly schedule. Therefore, the gunman chose a time when there was maximum opportunity to take the lives of those attending. He had enough ammunition to kill all 50 attendees.

Our thoughts go out to those Brothers and Sisters who were in the Kingdom Hall and to their family’s. Our prayers go to Jehovah but we are already confident that the survivors are receiving the support of their Christian Family.

Thoughts on the Gunman

Whatever the reason for the heinous act of violence, however, his thinking was twisted to the point he thought that somehow this would provide some satisfaction and an answer to his pain he was a flawed human, he had chosen to take this course of action knowing that the outcome would be tragic.

The wages of our life course are calculated in Romans 6: 23 “For the wages sin pays is death, but the gift God gives is everlasting life by Christ Jesus our Lord.”

All the Gunman accomplished is 8 people including him have died. The world hasn’t changed. Solomon wrote in Ecclesiastes 1: 2 “The greatest futility!” says the congregator, “The greatest futility! Everything is futile!” and then in verse 8: What has been is what will be, And what has been done will be done again; There is nothing new under the sun.

These things continue to happen to people all over the globe and Jehovah’s Witnesses are not immune as 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.” verses 17 and 18 also help with further insight.

Jehovah’s Witnesses will not lobby for greater gun control, nor will Jehovah’s Witnesses close the doors of their Kingdom Halls, the Gunman is a sad reflection of the world we live in. No matter the reason for the action it is not our place to judge, abhor the act, hate what is bad and support those affected by the outcome including the Gunman’s family.

Our Hope

Jesus promised at John 5: 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.”

Yes all those who have died and are in the memory of the Creator they will receive a resurrection. They will not be judged on past sins because death pays the price for sin.

Those who die will live again, that is what the bible teaches. Where will they live and when? Those questions require personal review of the bible evidence and study of what Jehovah has done, is doing and promises to do. Like all things that are a matter of faith we must convince ourselves, I can’t tell you to believe, or prove that the evidence that convinces me will convince you. It is a personal hope and everyone needs to dig into this for our self.

So review the personal Bible Study Aid “Enjoy Life Forever”.

Many accept the teachings of religion and science without researching, they listen to people who are educated and think “well they should know” but how can they? For example, the origin of the Universe, science prefixes everything with “we think” “the evidence suggests” or as DR Brian Cox said when talking about Black Holes something like if you don’t understand what I’m talking about that’s fine because I don’t know either.

The arrogance of Humanity is that we think that because we can ask all the questions that we should be able to come up with all of the answers. Science fact doesn’t change, the order of creation in Genesis reflects what we know to be the process of the development of life on earth. The science of the water cycle and many other facts are recorded in the bible long before they were agreed by science.

Like the ant of the railway line thinking it is the master of all it sees we know little, can explain even less but dream big and hope for something better. We need to find out from the author of the Bible if we can guarantee an outcome based on the evidence we see around us.

Life and Death happen, so the message from Hamburg is live your life the best way possible, make today a day of great value and if it is our last that we can say like those Witnesses shot and injured, My trust is in Jehovah, he will call and I will answer at the resurrection.

The Bible Gives Real Hope

We all hope for many things. Often, this involves hopes for the future, hope that everyday things will improve. But are our hopes realistic? Is there any real basis for them?

The Bibles promises of hope is different. First they come from our creator, the one who gave us life. The bible also explains why things are what they are and shows what the things are what they are, and shows what the solution will be. To believe it’s promises and to hope in them we first have to build our trust in the one who made them. This establishes the evidence to show that they have a real basis, we have to as Acts 17: 11” Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thes·sa·lo·niʹca, for they accepted the word with the greatest eagerness of mind, carefully examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so.” The focus is Carefully examine the scriptures daily. We need to complete our own research and establish the truth for ourselves.

As we do so we will be able to put trust and believe in the hope the Bible offers us.

Among these are:

An end to “suffering, illness and death”

• Isaiah 25: 8 He will swallow up death forever, And the Sovereign Lord Jehovah will wipe away the tears from all faces. The reproach of his people he will take away from all the earth, For Jehovah himself has spoken it.

• Isaiah 33: 24 And no resident will say: “I am sick.” The people dwelling in the land will be pardoned for their error.

An End to War and the trauma caused by war

• Psalm 46: 9 He is bringing an end to wars throughout the earth. He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; He burns the military wagons with fire.
• Psalm 37: 11 But the meek will possess the earth, And they will find exquisite delight in the abundance of peace.
• Psalms 37: 28, 29 For Jehovah loves justice, And he will not abandon his loyal ones. ע [Ayin] They will always be guarded; But the descendants of the wicked will be done away with. ע [Ayin] 29 The righteous will possess the earth, And they will live forever on it.

These are just a few bible promises we can hope for with certainty of their fulfilment. To find out much more and see how the Hope the Bible gives can help everyone of us in our lives today, tomorrow and forever.

For more information please follow the link to JW.org and learn more about how we can Enjoy Life Forever Chapter 2 The Bible Gives Hope for the Future.

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.

The Resurrection

Can you believe it happened?

Christian Churches often promote the death of Jesus and then question the truth of the resurrection. Is this a reasonable idea? Can you both believe in Jesus as the son of God, recognise the sacrifice and then question the resurrection?

Apparently so. Yet, this is not what the Apostle Paul expressed in 1 Corinthians 15: 12 “Now if it is being preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how is it that some among you say there is no resurrection of the dead?13 If, indeed, there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised up.14 But if Christ has not been raised up, our preaching is certainly in vain, and your faith is also in vain.”

If we believe that the soul is immortal there is no need for the resurrection and certainly no need for Christ to act as our ransom. Paul continues the reasoning with these words in verse 16 “For if the dead are not to be raised up, neither has Christ been raised up.17 Further, if Christ has not been raised up, your faith is useless; you remain in your sins.18 Then also those who have fallen asleep in death in union with Christ have perished.19 If in this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are to be pitied more than anyone.

Christians without a cause and reason to remain faithful. This simple denial emboldens those who subvert the Christian teachings to water down the bible’s message. For example, we only have to accept Jesus as our saviour. The New Testament repeatedly warns us against this complacent attitude. Because we are working for our own salvation through our dedication and the evidence of this. To understand how we perform works that demonstrate our faith we need to study the Bible.

Personal Experience

As a young person, I was pressured by peers and teachers to look hard at the reasons for my faith. They explained my parents were using religion and its rules to control my life and that I was missing out. Also, flattery played a part, being told you are intelligent and completing the challenging problems set, solving complex situations quickly led them to say I was wasting my life.

So I began to question what I had been taught to believe. Read extensively, the ancient history of the period the Bible was written, studied Archaeology, Natural History and theology.

Take a walk through the creation and ask not just How? ask WHY?

Then I began to look at the record of modern science, the people who wrote and thought about how we arrived on the planet, our evolution and the development of society.

I began to realise there was something missing – the “why?” factor. Having reviewed the probability factors of events over billions of years we come back to the same question, if you allow for random chance, why did the cells of the body develop the way they have? How did they realise that the environment would change (sometimes rapidly) why were they able to make the transition? and why isn’t there a clear record of all the intermediate life forms that failed?

Then it came down to why do we require a moral code or set of rules? The evidence presented demonstrated a stark contrast, the Bible led moral code versus our modern approach. If I chose to follow the Bible code what damage will that do me? Set the contrast and ask the same question about none bible standards.

I came to the conclusion that God exists, we can see the works of Gods hands everywhere if we choose to perceive note the words of the Apostle Paul again to the Romans 1: 18 For God’s wrath is being revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who are suppressing the truth in an unrighteous way,19 because what may be known about God is clearly evident among them, for God made it clear to them.20 For his invisible qualities are clearly seen from the world’s creation onward, because they are perceived by the things made, even his eternal power and Godship, so that they are inexcusable.21 For although they knew God, they did not glorify him as God nor did they thank him, but they became empty-headed in their reasonings and their senseless hearts became darkened.22 Although claiming they were wise, they became foolish23 and turned the glory of the incorruptible God into something like the image of corruptible man and birds and four-footed creatures and reptiles.

The result of this dichotomy is expressed in Romans 1: 24 Therefore, God, in keeping with the desires of their hearts, gave them up to uncleanness, so that their bodies might be dishonored among them.25 They exchanged the truth of God for the lie and venerated and rendered sacred service to the creation rather than the Creator, who is praised forever. Amen.26 That is why God gave them over to disgraceful sexual passion, for their females changed the natural use of themselves into one contrary to nature;27 likewise also the males left the natural use of the female and became violently inflamed in their lust toward one another, males with males, working what is obscene and receiving in themselves the full penalty, which was due for their error. read on in verses 28 -32 many Christians who reject the resurrection and fail to put faith in Jesus as the redeemer of humanity tolerate they approve of acts that the Bible identifies as unacceptable to God.

So to accept the resurrection of Christ requires an understanding that there are answers to the big questions, however, it is up to us to decide just how we respond. Salvation is through Jesus Christ the Son of God, he died for a reason and each of us needs to understand that for ourselves.

Those who accept the bible standards and God’s right to tell us what to do can show where the evidence is but like myself you have to prove it for yourself. So starting with the resurrection of Jesus you can begin to build a real picture of what the meaning of life is and why we can be certain that all of humankind has hope for the future, including those living today.

To understand how you and your family can enjoy life forever consider How Jesus’ Death Saves Us

Will you be a survivor?

The situation is perilous and there are so many reactions to what is happening around us it reminds me of the Titanic.

• You had those who believed it couldn’t sink!
• Those who resigned themselves to die!
• Those who were trapped and had no way to safety!
• Those who fought for access to lifeboats by denying access to others but ultimately lost their lives
• The crew who had to go down with the ship if they weren’t in control of the lifeboats
• The survivors

Survival was really a bit of a lottery. But what it highlights is the reaction to news of impending disaster.

• Bury your head in the sands
• Carry on regardless and take your chances
• See the signs and prepare to survive.

There are many examples of understanding the signs and heeding warnings, none better than the threat of a Giant Tidal Wave (Tsunami). There have been examples where families have headed down for a day at the beach only to get there and find the tide has taken the sea a long way out, sometimes out of sight completely.

The Ocean Drawback before the wave

Vast amounts of new sand exposed aren’t a sign of freedom but disaster.

Knowing this phenomenon is a precursor to the superwave of water rushing towards them the ones who knew the sign turned and started running back to higher elevations and safety. They shouted warnings but others just stood and watched until it was too late. Then survival became another lottery.

Are we in that position?

Just reflect there are those that are saying things are going on as they always have, others who think we can’t avoid the fate of the planet and we just have to hope we’re not around to see the end. This list goes on.

However, reading the full account at Matthew 24: 2 through 22 we can see signs unfolding before our eyes. This world is unstable, hurtling to events beyond its control and those who live here are passengers.

There are life preservers and tools that we can use to ensure that we use them effectively. As a climber in the past I know it is easy to have all the right gear but if you have no knowledge of how to use it properly it is as useful as a chocolate teapot – looks great but the first sign of heat it’s gone.

We are facing a point in time where we can choose to be ready to survive or take a losing ticket in the life lottery.

What do we need to do?

Read the life saving information, just as you get on a plane and read the safety leaflet we need to read the Bible, it is the manual for those who want to survive.

Then what? We need to follow the instruction 2 Peter 3: 11, 12 “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,”

Holy acts of conduct and deeds of godly devotion how do these separate us for the rescuers to see? Note 2 Peter 3: 14 Therefore, beloved ones, since you are awaiting these things, do your utmost to be found finally by him spotless and unblemished and in peace.

We are clearly marked for survival, that bright yellow toilet seat cover we have on (life vest) the whistle to attract and light to attract the rescuer’s attention.

Note the further words of 2 Peter 3: 17 “You, therefore, beloved ones, having this advance knowledge, be on your guard so that you may not be led astray with them by the error of the lawless people and fall from your own steadfastness.”

We have the warning the tide is a long way out, now is the time to prepare for survival not when we can see the wall of water because we won’t outrun it. Our lives depend on being visibly ready for survival.

Remember the world is lying in the power of Satan the Devil, he has no concern for you or I, for anyone of any age. But as you know the truth, heed the warning yourself you are compelled to shout the warning to everyone else.

Great ready to survive now and don’t wait for the lifeboats to hit the water it is far too late. Holding on to the wreckage of this way of life gives us no chance of survival.

How many can survive? As many as want to, the door to rescue isn’t closed until disaster is imminent.

Choose to Enjoy Life Forever and prepare for survival now.

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.

Refugees

Compassion, pity and love of people moves us all to want to do something tosupport the refugees around the world.

Why so are so many people on the move? The indiscriminate destruction of life, individuals grasping something that they don’t own. The reality of most Political Leaders is a reflection of the world where they are the most dominent.

The Nationalism of every country is reflected in the media coverage, encouraging citizens to take sides with their government. Country Right or Wrong!

There is a greater Refugee Wave going on now and we need to make our own decision about joining those fleeing the pending conflict.

What is a country?

Lines on a Map and colours to define nationality

An arbitrary line on a map. Humanity transcends borders and social differences, as children we neither see the colour of skin or the cultural differences. We are conditioned to see every other nation as inferior or a threat.

We can share the same language, moral code and heritage but the line on the map divides families, communities and nations. National superiority empowers the idea that we have the right to impose our aims and passions on others. How very shallow and flawed.

The bible principle explains that Jeremiah 17: 9 “The heart is more treacherous than anything else and is desperate. Who can know it?” If the inner person is set to decieve us how can we trust our own judgement. Note the consequence 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.”

Assured failure is the outcome notice one simple reason 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.“

Assured Destruction

The Cold War ERA was marked by MAD – the concept of political stalemate but the next great war is one that Human rulers can not win. They have chosen to oppose God’s Kingdom and his King. Described in Psalm 2 the Political rulers amass against God. In Daniel 2 those Kings will face the righteous King Jesus Christ and his rulership will crush all governments.

Will any governments escape? No as Ezekiel describes their end as a beast with hooks in its nostrils being drawn towards the battle.

Human systems of rulership will come to an end.

Those who read the signs recognise now is the time to act. To become Refugees from this wicked and cruel world, its despotic leader Satan the Devil.

Jesus explained in Luke 21: 20 “However, when you see Jerusalem surrounded by encamped armies, then know that the desolating of her has drawn near.21 Then let those in Ju·deʹa begin fleeing to the mountains, let those in the midst of her leave, and let those in the countryside not enter into her,22 because these are days for meting out justice in order that all the things written may be fulfilled.

When we see the final fulfilment of this prophesy we have to begin fleeing to God’s Kingdom, becoming refugees or “no part of this world” as the Apostle John quotes Jesus saying in his final prayers on the night he was tried.

Refugee Support

Are there camps, food, sanitation and education services for these spiritual refugees? Yes, Jesus explained that during this time their would be a body of people who would care for his sheep, those who had fled the world under Satanic control and adopted God’s Kingdom as their home.

The temporary accommodation we have today will be replaced by the new government in the hands of Jesus Christ and he will satisfy the needs of everyone. So now is the time to read the signs effectively, make a personal choice, if you want to stay then accept the conditions we live in, if you see the warning signs begin to flee.

Jesus life, ministry, death and resurrection provide the assurance that we have a real hope, we are in control of the outcome, become and refugee from this world and live. Enjoy Life Forever by establishing the truth in the prophesy that continues to unfold in front of us.

The Blind See!

Jesus asked the Disciples of John the Baptist to let him know that Jesus was fulfilling the prophecy in recorded in Isaiah 29: 18 “In that day the deaf will hear the words of the book, And out of the gloom and darkness the eyes of the blind will see.”

It is interesting that today the Blind can see and the deaf hear – Jesus’ message is achieving something that individuals continue to strive for – real freedom – through the truth. Notice what his words express in John 8: 31 Then Jesus went on to say to the Jews who had believed him: “If you remain in my word, you are really my disciples,32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

A time of new hope and life

Role as the Ransom

The UK recently paid a sum to Iran – defined as a debt for the release of two detainees. That debt payment was the cost of their freedom, yes it was the ransom that had to be paid.

Humankind deliberately stepped away from God, and what that achieved created a substantial debt. The balance of the payment was beyond the collective contribution of all those who have ever lived.

Humans who want to restore their relationship with God must balance the scales of Justice and we must willingly pay that price for our freedom.

Adam sacrificed perfect human life for self-determination and the right to ignore Jehovah God, he looked for independence, he bought it and we’re stuck with it. It is like having the best health possible and deciding to get infected with a deadly virus.

To restore good health it is going to take some action.

Jesus became that ransom, he sacrificed his perfect life to buy those who wanted to restore what we had at first. Like the voluntary act of Adam to surrender that good condition Jesus voluntarily gave his whole life. He ceased to exist.

The healing today

Understanding the meaning of the sacrifice is so important – he died so we may live, but not just in the future, live right now.

We enjoy freedom from:

• false teachings
• traditions
• confused moral standards
• despair

Knowing why we need the ransom is critical, on Friday 15th April your local congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses commemorates the death of Jesus in line with the admonition in Luke 22: 19 “Keep doing this in remembrance of me.”​ They invite you to locate and attend the closest meeting where the significance of this sacrifice is explained.

How we respond to the ransom that has been paid is evidence of our desire to be healed at this time. Spiritual blindness cripples the world leaders, society and destroys hope, stopped up ears achieve a result that ultimately leads to disaster.

Jesus made the point clearly our hope and freedom is based on remaining in his word – to find out more attend the Memorial of Jesus’ Death in your community, if you can’t get to the venue ask Jehovah’s Witnesses to provide you with access to a streamed event and participate through the online connection.

This is the most important date of the year for Christians because at his death Jesus established our opportunity for redemption and everlasting life, he restored our sight and unstopped our ears, healed us spiritually. Take advantage of the opportunity to find out more and discuss the importance of this day.

The message

Having read many books about and observed the interest in communication with extraterestrials I have found it interesting that the Bible isn’t reviewed from that standpoint.

For example, the evidence of alien encounters has led to many strange accounts, pictographs and of course personal stories. We always expect the technology and intellect to be more advanced.

To establish the point read most Science Fiction. However, lets look at the expectation that the visitor would tell us something humans didn’t know long before they became aware of it.

The Earth

Isaiah 40: 22 “There is One who dwells above the circle of the earth, And its inhabitants are like grasshoppers. He is stretching out the heavens like a fine gauze, And he spreads them out like a tent to dwell in.” Key word is circle, simple in its statement but way ahead of contemporary thinking.

Job 26: 7 “He stretches out the northern sky over empty space, Suspending the earth upon nothing;” Science and the church taught something different.

We can find a description of the water cycle, that rivers fill the oceans and that there is a complete series of natural cycles that only science from the 18th century has determined.

I would expect that in a message from space!

The scientific advancement of civilisations doesn’t diminish the accuracy, it is just explained simply.

Look at the Stars, come closer to home and look at ourselves. The Bible reflects that every detail of a person is recorded from the embryo and yet people challenge the idea that God would communicate with humans so simply. So ask yourself if someone had put forward that light had components, it could be refracted, carry data and destroy rust 200 years ago the person would have been laughed out of the scientific community.

Humans and God

Humanity has searched for intelligent life in space thinking we were reaching out to it before it reached out to us. The reality is they were searching on their terms.

God had already reached out, had shown that he is willing to let us get to know him and see the whole truth about where we live, what life is about and of course what our future holds.

Now humans were subject to futility, we are born, we live for a while, form relationships, dream and plan but all too soon we get old, sicken and die.

We were not there when that began to happen but the message from God exlained the cause of the futility, explained why we want to live a long time, achieve more and how that wasn’t a dream, it was stolen from us.

The Restoration

I was born with a lung disease – the Doctors can tell me what it is, they can describe the impact but can not predict what will happen next, they just treat the condition today.

The issue is that they know what it is but not what it will become. The limited skills. However, Jehovah God explains through the Bible that we can identify the cause of our condition, he has given us access to the best tools to live with the condition until the remedy is ready. It is a bit like the COVID19 pandemic the government knew a vaccine would manage the impact of the pandemic but it wasn’t the cure.

Jehovah didn’t stop wit hthe treatment, he extended it to the restoration of the original human condition. That is the bible’s message.

Not how humans fell into sin and were separated from God rather that even in the condition we could become reconciled to God, restore our hhealth and start learning about something better.

Daniel 2: 44 “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,” A kingdom that will end corrupt government and will stand for universal justice set to God’sstandards.

Jesus made thsat Kingdom the theme of his Ministry – Matthew 24: 14 “the Good news of the kingdom” Matthew 6: 9, 10 he encouraged us to pray for “God’s Kingdom”, he emphasised the benefits of that Kingdom.

So the message was recieved thousands of years ago, the events of history and current incidents continue to demonstrate the accuracy of the Bible account.

Jesus explained how to benefit from it when and John 17: 3 he encouraged us to get to know God and the Christ. So that is the message, where do we start? First things first read all the message – so obtain a copy of the Bible in your own language where possible. Then review the message, test it for yourself and look at how we can apply the information.

Jesus explained once we understand it we are compelled to tell others that they need to search for the truth about the Good News of God’s Kingdom and why we can be certain that there is life beyond this planet.

Start with downloading a copy of the Bible and reviewing some bible study aids – no cost associated head to www.jw.org accessible in more than 1057 languages with the onlione bible and downloadable copies of King James if you don’t want to use the New World Translation.

The Healing of the Nations – What is it?

Revelation 22: 1 “And he showed me a river of water of life, clear as crystal, flowing out from the throne of God and of the Lamb2 down the middle of its main street. On both sides of the river were trees of life producing 12 crops of fruit, yielding their fruit each month. And the leaves of the trees were for the healing of the nations.”

The Bible Book of Revelation or Apocolypse is seen as the frightening end to the way humans have lived for thousands of years. With the death of the majority and only a great crowd surviving a war with God’s King and his Kingdom.

And yet – the content highlights that it isn’t that much longer and we will see an end to the things that our original parents brought us, our damaged relationship with God, therefore, sin, death through famine, disease, war, violence and natural disasters. All of these things are assured.

Prophesy fulfilled in our time

Speaking to the educated individual who has been taught question and accepts scepticism has proved the words of the Apostle Peter accurate for the time we live in because they lack understanding, accept what they hear and read in popular culture 2 Peter 3:3 “First of all know this, that in the last day’s ridiculers will come with their ridicule, proceeding according to their own desires4 and saying: “Where is this promised presence of his? Why, from the day our forefathers fell asleep in death, all things are continuing exactly as they were from creation’s beginning.”

It reminded me of an incident linked to building, now a housing estate was built on flat land just outside a town in South West England. Nothing unusual there, however, the farmer who cultivated the land before he was forced to sell told the developer that although it didn’t it the site was prone to flooding.

He was laughed at because there were no recorded floods in over 100 years. But what the farmer knew, because he did it, was that the leat or drain had to be clear 3 times a year. Miss the first and the water table rises, the second and parts of the site become boggy and third pools of water appear, miss 10 and you have floods.

What has prevented God’s Kingdom from acting on our behalf to this date? Simple it wasn’t the prophesied last days – it wasn’t time for the Kingdom to act.

Unknown reality

We are told that God is a myth, cruel, doesn’t care or doesn’t exist, why? because the intellectuals and educated among us think he would make the truth difficult and complex, requiring their cleverness to unravel the mysteries.

But the truth is very simple, humanity is crashing onwards through time to its destruction at the same time we are destroying something we don’t understand – the planet.

How are humans who are discovering so many new things so confident they know what is really going on? We all look at things right now and recognise that there is an unseen hand manipulating events that are now falling into line with Bible Prophesy makes the promised healing of the nations important.

The Water from the Throne

The life-giving and refreshing water coming from the throne is a reason for hope and joy. We are told to drink it, once we have, invite others to partake and see the healing effects.

What does that water do? First, it cleanses us because we drop the false doctrines, religious practices and political affiliations we see God’s Kingdom ruled by Jesus Christ! Then we apply the characteristics that the truth of serving God brings, there are no borders and boundaries, humans did that to control.

Millions of lives are sacrificed to the God of Fortresses and those who send them to their deaths appear to be immune from the consequences of their actions.

However, Daniel 2 : 44 “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,

The healing of the nations has started, now is the time to throw off scepticism and begin to build an understanding of bible prophecy, ask the difficult questions because God’s word can stand that scrutiny. Let the Bible – God’s Word answer for itself, don’t confuse religion for truth or doctrine as something based on the bible. That is where the healing begins for each of us.

Jehovah God is drawing those to his word who want better things now and in the future. The choice for us is, do we drink of the water of life and experience the healing of the nations or do rush headlong into the ravine with the rest of the masses.

Choose Life and Live Forever – find out how!