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.

Afraid to Die

Is a fear of death unhealthy? The answer is no, fear is the primary tool we use in remaining safe and keeping our family safe. Yet we know from Psalm 90:10 “The span of our life is 70 years, Or 80 if one is especially strong. But they are filled with trouble and sorrow; They quickly pass by, and away we fly.”

Romans 6: 23 “For the wages sin pays is death,..” Ecclesiastes 9: 5 “For the living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing at all,..”

The English Actor and Play write Christopher Bullock (1716) first penned the words “’tis impossible to be sure of any thing but Death and Taxes” and Benjamin Franklin, one of America’s Founding Fathers, penned a letter to French scientist Jean-Baptiste Le Roy “Our new Constitution is now established, everything seems to promise it will be durable; but, in this world, nothing is certain except death and taxes.”

There is an inevitability in life, we all die. So why do we fear something common to us all?

Living with that fear

The spectre of death becomes enhanced when we become parents, we realise that our responsibility for another life that is so fragile is all consuming. The phone call I have always dreaded is a message to say either of our sons has been in an accident.

Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, an 1887 painting by Viktor Vasnetsov. From left to right are Death, Famine, War, and Conquest; the Lamb is at the top.

Yet we live with the constant awareness that we can’t prevent the unexpected, and this has consequences. 40 years ago a friend went out to work, it was at a height, he fell, and he died a few days later. He hadn’t gone out that morning thinking of that event, he had been strong, vigorous and full of life, he and his wife were expecting their first child. He fell 28 feet, a couple of weeks earlier I had fallen from over 30 feet with a minor injury. Death is our unexpected master.

Yet we all get on with life, we can’t hide away and wrap ourselves in cotton wool, we weigh the risks and try to manage them as best we can. Why?

Ecclesiastes 3: 11 “He 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.”

Jehovah God put eternity into our hearts, we focus on living today and as we know taking one day at a time means that everything around us carries on and we want to do the same.

Jesus Promise

John 5: 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.”

All those who have died and who remain in God’s memory will hear Jesus voice, did the ancients believe that? Job 14: 14 “If a man dies, can he live again? I will wait all the days of my compulsory service Until my relief comes. 15 You will call, and I will answer you. You will long for the work of your hands.”

Written by Moses the book of Job and again with Abraham in the book of Genesis we appreciate that they understood that there is to be a resurrection, the time when Jehovah God would call to them and they would live again.

So the condition of the dead becomes important note the rest of Ecclesiastes 9: 5 “For the living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing at all,..” by reading the full context of the paragraph 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.”

The same point is expressed in 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.”

No thought, planning, pain or suffering, Jesus said of Lazarus that he was sleeping. These ones are waiting for that call.

Does it really matter? Well ask two questions:

Can I choose the day on which I will die?
Given the chance of healthy life how long would I want to live?

Take steps to prepare for life without the fear of death, be assured of the Bible promises and explanation of why we find ourselves in this situation. For those without a Bible – down load a copy

Need support in studying the bible request a free Bible Study course, online or in person in your own language the study aid is interactive, fast paced and enables you to answer questions for yourself using “Enjoy Life Forever” download your free copy today.

Remember Jesus said 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.”

We can live forever without fear and coming to know our creator and his son.

Armageddon – something to fear?

This has to be given some thought because the answer is both Yes and No!. The reason is who side you are on.

Governments perceive that Armageddon is the ultimate War that destroys the earth, yet that is not an accurate understanding of the scriptures.

The final book of the New Testament – The Revelation written to John or known by many as The Apocalypse chapter 16 and verse 16 reads “And they gathered them together into the place which is called in Hebrew Har-magedon”

Lets ask the obvious question who is the “they” referred to in this text? Let’s begin with the context John sees bowls of denunciation and judgement poured out in sequence, the War spoken of is the climax of the sixth bowl.

Therefore, lets begin with the out pouring of that bowl, Revelation 16: 12 “And the sixth angel poured out his vial upon the great river Euphrates; and the water thereof was dried up, that the way of the kings of the east might be prepared.”

We know fro9m the overall context of the visions these events were to occur in a period identified as the “last days” or as many like to refer to them as “end times”. Therefore, the information is not literal, we are not to expect that suddenly the River Euphrates will stop flowing, rather this refers to the state of humanity and the attachment to religion and faith. The Great River Euphrates ran through Babylon and we are witnessing the number of those who claim to have a faith dry up. Also, as a Political power we are watching Governments struggle to convince their fellow citizens that they have the best solution. Therefore, as the water and seas are often a reference to the state of Humankind we are looking at the evidence today of dwindling support for the established way of life.

That seems quite simple but note the next part of the prophetic vision Revelation 16: 13 “And I saw three unclean inspired expressions that looked like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon and out of the mouth of the wild beast and out of the mouth of the false prophet. 14 For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.“

Okay, so we have three protagonists in this part of the vision, these have already been identified in the earlier parts of “The Dragon” in chapter 12 is Satan the Devil and he has positioned himself against God’s Kingdom. The other characters are linked to the authority he has given them as he rules the world 1 John 5: 19.

Looking at their single purpose “they go out to the kings of the entire inhabited earth, to gather them together to the war of the great day of God the Almighty.”

Armageddon is a war led by Satan, using human rulers to fight against God’s Kingdom. What do you think the outcome will be. Revelation 17 begins with the destruction of the Harlot or world religion – the rulers of the world will take the lead in this

Revelation 18 : 4 “And I heard another voice out of heaven say: “Get out of her, my people, if you do not want to share with her in her sins, and if you do not want to receive part of her plagues.” So we know we can escape that part of the destruction or the war that is coming.

Revelation 19 reminds us that salvation is with God, the one fighting as Champion against the Devil is identified – the invincible warrior king Jesus Christ. Then note Revelation 19: 19 “And I saw the wild beast and the kings of the earth and their armies gathered together to wage war against the one seated on the horse and against his army.20 And the wild beast was caught, and along with it the false prophet that performed in front of it the signs with which he misled those who received the mark of the wild beast and those who worship its image. While still alive, they both were hurled into the fiery lake that burns with sulfur.21 But the rest were killed off with the long sword that proceeded out of the mouth of the one seated on the horse. And all the birds were filled with their flesh.” Human rulers and those who follow them cannot be victorious because they are fighting against God. So Armageddon is a moment in time when Human Rulers turn their attention to removing all of those who follow God’s Kingdom. They align themselves with the invisible Satanic creatures who are ensuring they are destroyed.

Revelation 20 and 21 explain that those on the side of God’s Kingdom will survive, it also describes the resurrection of the dead and the final war between invisible creatures.

We are involved. Satan taunted Jehovah that like Job we only serve God for what we get out of it. However, the survivors answer that challenge with the critical words in Revelation 19:1After this I heard what seemed to be a loud voice of a great crowd in heaven. They said: “Praise Jah! The salvation and the glory and the power belong to our God,2 because his judgments are true and righteous. For he has executed judgment on the great prostitute who corrupted the earth with her sexual immorality, and he has avenged the blood of his slaves that is on her hands.”3 And right away for the second time they said: “Praise Jah! And the smoke from her goes on ascending forever and ever.”

Whose side have you chosen? Do have questions about how you chose the winning side now? The Interactive Bible Study Course Enjoy Life Forever as a free download, or request a hard copy and free course support. Life depends on get the right choice made now. Once we are at the point of Armageddon we have made the choice and the battle lines are drawn. The outcome is assured.

World War III – Can you Survive?

Russia threatens nuclear war over the NATO reaction and response to the annexing of the Ukraine. It is an issue that is frightening many is that this conflict will lead to the Bible War of Armageddon.

There are clear difference between the War in Europe, Nuclear and Armageddon. These are worth reviewing. Humanity is threatened by the posturing of Russia and there could be a nuclear incident but is this Armageddon?

Well lets check the Bible description – Revelation 16: 14 “For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.” then verse 16 “And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon.”

Nations are not fighting each other they have a common opponent – GOD! This war is further described in Revelation 19: 19 “And I saw the wild beast and the kings of the earth and their armies gathered together to wage war against the one seated on the horse and against his army”.

The Nations Join together

The Bible refers to the coalition of Nations who decide to turn against religion, and the idea that God’s Kingdom has any right to rule. So they gather themselves, led by the international mouth piece – again identified in the Bible, this global grouping of the nations thinks it has established peace as the words in 1 Thessalonians 5: 1 “Now as for the times and the seasons, brothers, you need nothing to be written to you.2 For you yourselves know very well that Jehovah’s day is coming exactly as a thief in the night. 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“

The entertainment and film industry have long projected to people that this is a war they can win. However, fighting the power and armies of God is not like fighting “Aliens”. The human resolve will fail in this battle and the outcome is one that individuals find unpalatable because they assume the Religions reflect what Theocracy is like. For example, Islam and some sects of Christianity (like Catholicism) have painted God to harsh, unforgiving and cruel.

Life now is brutal, cruel, worthless and without hope, be honest with yourself do you really see this way of life prevailing and establishing real peace? Humans can’t rule humans because they dominate and damage.

So will the conflict and threat of Nuclear War herald Armageddon? No! This is a war between Governments and Humans Armageddon is a war against God.

The outcome is assured there are those who will survive so now is the time to do all we can to understand what is really happening in the World. We do not need to be afraid, although facing an uncertain period we know and are confident that Jehovah God has provided the route for survival but like all survival guides you have to read it , consult it and follow it. Something billions are not prepared to do.

The answer is simple to find out more let the Bible answer the question

The survival guide is the Bible, it is in most homes and available for free online – download a copy to your device and read it everyday.

Please comment if you would like to ask questions we are happy to answer from the Bible. Be courageous and strong because deliverance or rescue is very near, so reach out for the saving hand because soon it will be gone as the world decides to confront the creator and it won’t end well for the political, social and commercial systems of this earth. No one can fight against God and be victorious

We Obey God as Ruler!

Are Christians seditionists as the precedence set by Jesus and the Apostles is absolutely clear. Here is the principle set out in scripture Acts 5: 29 “In answer Peter and the other apostles said: “We must obey God as ruler rather than men.”

Jesus words add to this John 17: 14 “I have given your word to them, but the world has hated them, because they are no part of the world, just as I am no part of the world.”

The mainstream Christian Churches have taken the principle at Romans 13: 1 “Let every person be in subjection to the superior authorities, for there is no authority except by God; the existing authorities stand placed in their relative positions by God.2 Therefore, whoever opposes the authority has taken a stand against the arrangement of God; those who have taken a stand against it will bring judgment against themselves.” to mean that Governments are placed in power to do God’s will and that they rule ‘by the grace of God’.

Let’s go back to a reference that Jesus made the full account is found in the context of Matthew 22: 15 “Then the Pharisees went and conspired together in order to trap him in his speech.16 So they sent their disciples to him, together with party followers of Herod, saying: “Teacher, we know you are truthful and teach the way of God in truth, and you do not seek anyone’s favor, for you do not look at the outward appearance of people.17 Tell us, then, what do you think? Is it lawful to pay head tax to Caesar or not?”18 But Jesus, knowing their wickedness, said: “Why do you put me to the test, hypocrites?19 Show me the tax coin.” They brought him a de·narʹi·us.20 He said to them: “Whose image and inscription is this?”21 They said: “Caesar’s.” Then he said to them: “Pay back, therefore, Caesar’s things to Caesar, but God’s things to God.”22 When they heard that, they were amazed, and they left him and went away.”

So Jesus and the Apostle Paul were clearly distinguishing between the authority of God and the right of the human Government. Both were accused of speaking against the Roman Emperor of their time and many branded them as blasphemers, some translations and commentators ranked this as sedition.

Was it the fact that the Roman Empire wasn’t Christian at that time? No, both recognised just what subjecting themselves to God means. Remember the Lords Prayer – priorities were listed as the sanctification of God’s name (Jehovah), the vindication of God’s rulership and that his kingdom come.

In the first century the Apostles had learned through their upbringing the Messiah would appear during that period but he would be cut off and that there were two sides. Acts 4: 23 After being released, they went to their own people and reported what the chief priests and the elders had said to them.24 On hearing this, they raised their voices with one accord to God and said: “Sovereign Lord, you are the One who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all the things in them,25 and who said through holy spirit by the mouth of our forefather David, your servant: ‘Why did nations become agitated and peoples meditate on empty things?26 The kings of the earth took their stand and the rulers gathered together as one against Jehovah and against his anointed one.’27 For truly both Herod and Pontius Pilate with men of the nations and with peoples of Israel were gathered together in this city against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed,28 to do what your hand and counsel had determined beforehand to occur.29 And now, Jehovah, give attention to their threats, and grant to your slaves to keep speaking your word with all boldness,30 while you stretch out your hand for healing and while signs and wonders occur through the name of your holy servant Jesus.”

The Governments took their stand against God’s Kingdom, so Christians have to make a choice. Human Kings and Governments are appointed by people, they use their authority to provide security and order in many countries, to do this they require taxes and Christians follow Jesus example – we pay the tax, keep the laws up to the point they are directly opposed to Gods kingdom.

Why? The principle “We obey God as Ruler” Jehovah God appointed Jesus Christ to reign in his Kingdom so as Christians we hold that Kingdom as the ultimate standard.

1 John 5: 19 “We know that we originate with God, but the whole world is lying in the power of the wicked one.” Jesus stated his disciples were no part of the world that includes the political structures, do they intend to undermine Satanic back rulership note the words of Micah 5: 15 “In anger and wrath I will execute vengeance On the nations that have not obeyed.”

Isaiah 61: 2 To proclaim the year of Jehovah’s goodwill And the day of vengeance of our God, To comfort all who mourn,

To round this off with balance Romans 12: 17 “Return evil for evil to no one. Take into consideration what is fine from the viewpoint of all men.18 If possible, as far as it depends on you, be peaceable with all men.19 Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but yield place to the wrath; for it is written: “‘Vengeance is mine; I will repay,’ says Jehovah.”20 But “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by doing this you will heap fiery coals on his head.”21 Do not let yourself be conquered by the evil, but keep conquering the evil with the good.”

Jesus has been appointed to rule, he is appointed as judge and his law trumps any that restricts a Christians responsibility to advocate the “King and His Kingdom”.

The battle isn’t ours, Governments take their stand against God’s Kingdom, as Christians we do nothing to undermine human rulers, we stay out of the political circus and have no opinion on the decisions made. Compliance is assured up to the point where God’s standards are higher and require specific public action. This is why hundreds of Jehovah’s Witnesses have been imprisoned in countries around the globe, reasonable people putting God’s Kingdom ahead of human Government.

Our everlasting life doesn’t depend on the Presidents, Kings, Prime Ministers and Religious leaders rather on John 17: 3 This means everlasting life, their coming to know you, the only true God, and the one whom you sent, Jesus Christ.

So are Christians seditionists? Here is Webster Definition

Definition of sedition

: incitement of resistance to or insurrection against lawful authority

Jehovah’s Witnesses don’t suggest any member take up arms, rather for as long as human governments are permitted we observe the guidance at Romans 13: 1 and emphasise the Acts 5: 29 is the ultimate standard.

Governments have labelled Jehovah’s Witnesses as extremists, seditionists and decided that the peaceful message preached around the world that God’s Kingdom is the only hope for humankind as anti-government. Ultimately, as the future unravels we will see great events unfold and part of that is the allegation that those who are waiting on God’s Kingdom are to be hated.

All religion faces the ultimate test in the coming months and years but Psalm 37: 9 “For evil men will be done away with, But those hoping in Jehovah will possess the earth.”

“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.“

On the United Nations Building a scripture appears but notice the full text Isaiah 2: 3 “And many peoples shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of Jehovah, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of Jehovah from Jerusalem.4 And he will judge between the nations, and will decide concerning many peoples; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning-hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.”

God’s Kingdom achieves this look at how it is happening know on the Official Website of Jehovah’s Witnesses

Preach the Word!

2 Timothy 4: 2 “Preach the word; be at it urgently in favourable times and difficult times; reprove, reprimand, exhort, with all patience and art of teaching.”

There is no doubt in the we limp from crisis to crisis, there is so much pressure created by the pace of change in our lives.

What “word” are we to Preach? Should we be shouting about tolerance, inclusion, setting the world to right through some social activity or civil disobedience?

Jesus was clear about the message he told his disciples to share Matthew 10: 7 “As you go, preach, saying: ‘The Kingdom of the heavens has drawn near.’

Again in Matthew 24: 14 “And this good news of the Kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.”

The Global Preaching Work

The most powerful message we have on earth today is that the Kingdom of God is here and from the Bible prophesy we can be certain we live in the “last days”. Who is preaching about “God’s Kingdom and his Anointed King”? Who are doing this Globally? The Congregations of Jehovah’s Witnesses!

During June 2022 millions of Witnesses have returned to their Public Ministry, privately, you may have met them in parks, received letters or telephone calls. The Preaching of the Word has not stopped.

Wherever you are, whatever language you speak Jehovah’s Witnesses introduce everyone to God’s Word the Bible, encourage people to examine the Bible for themselves. Oh yes they are labelled, ridiculed and persecuted for this. In the Russian Federation elderly Witnesses have been imprisoned for their faith, these are ordinary people, many are grandparents, carers and important family members.

What is the issue for those who poke fun, or have decided that they are a radical group brainwashing others to pay their taxes, obey the Cival Authorities, live honestly, promote fidelity and be good neighbours? One point Jesus explained – he described his followers as those who were no part of this world! Those who prayed for God’s Kingdom and of course like the Christ they are popular with those who know them, but hated by those who love the things God’s Kingdom will remove.

How sad it is that when the Cry is Salvation is at hand! the majority of the population respond we’re not interested.

Therefore, if you want to find out more detail on what the Kingdom is then stop at one of the public witnessing carts in your town, or visit http://www.jw.org

Jehovah’s Witnesses have the message of salvation, it costs nothing to ask the questionand then with support you can open the Bible for yourself and establish how 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 promise that assures us of a future without stumbling from crisis to crisis

The Bible, Politics and Christianity

For almost 2,000 years there has been a group called Christians, in the same period Political change has occurred moving to accountable governance and the Bible included the books of the New Testament – or Christian Greek Scriptures.

So from history we know the Apostles and disciples wrote to the early Christians to build their faith because they were persecuted. The title Christian was used to describe the followers of Jesus the Nazarene. This group were hated, persecuted particularly by Rome, Judaism and society.

Set Apart

When Jehovah created a covenant or contract with the nation of Israel he made it clear that they were to separate, their religious activities and Government from all the other nations around. This isolationist or separatist policy was designed to demonstrate they had dedicated themselves to God and recognised his right to rule.

Jesus made a new covenant with the Spiritual Israel of God and he again separated them, this meant that they were identified as different – they were Christians!

The Impact

The Governments stood up against the Christians, persecution followed, men like Peter, Paul, James the Apostle, Stephen and so many others were cruelly treated. Why?

Three Reasons:

Jesus was hated by the Jews and Rome

Jesus told the Apostles they would be hated because they followed him

Christians promote an alternate government God’s Kingdom that will destroy human rulership

John 15: 18 If the world hates you, you know that it has hated me before it hated you

John 17: 14 I have given your word to them, but the world has hated them, because they are no part of the world, just as I am no part of the world.

Matthew 6: 33 “Keep on, then, seeking first the Kingdom and his righteousness, and all these other things will be added to you.

For at least 250 years Christians continued to be persecuted. So the Political Governmental Power decided to “accept” Christianity but it required those leaders to compromise, which many refused to do.

The bright sparks in Government suddenly thought, “lets establish a Universal form of Christianity” locate it in Rome and encourage people to adopt it by linking festivals and services with the pagan religions. That way they exercise control of society.

So in the 4th Century Modern Christianity was established. Jesus had described this as weeds being sown amongst the wheat. So Original Christianity and Modern Christianity would exist alongside each other.

Note what happens to those who are deceived by the propaganda 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!’

Pseudo-Christians are left at the time of inspection thinking they had followed Christ but he will not recognise them, why? verse 24 “Therefore, everyone who hears these sayings of mine and does them will be like a discreet man who built his house on the rock.” Hears and does.

Original Christians Today

The scrutiny of the Bible in the last 500 years has impressed on some of the those deceived ones a need to return to the saying of Jesus Christ.

This has made them unpopular with Governments and Modern Christianity, for example Tyndale translating the Bible into English, Wycliffe and so many others who were persecuted, murdered by the state for their honest desire to get the Bible into the hands of the common person.

Society changed Modern Christianity fragmented to accommodate the differing needs of those who started to study the Bible. Morality changed and people accepted standards and practices that fly in the face of the Bible. Religion, especially Christianity is truly universal all are welcome, with or without a faith in God. Sounds odd but it is true.

Who Are Identified as Different

Globally the Bible Education Work of Jehovah’s Witnesses is unparalleled in scale and impact, the common unity that they support God’s Kingdom and obey God as ruler, following closely the steps of Jesus Christ. You may know them for the medical stance, or that they won’t join the military, you will never be fighting against a practicing Jehovah’s Witness on the frontline. For example, Russia and Ukraine have no Witnesses in their fighting or Government Forces.

This is religious group that seems to get a “Marmite” reaction. Love them or hate them their stand for God’s Kingdom in Jesus Christ’s hands as the only solution sets them apart, just like the Original Christians.

Check out what they teach, what the Bible teaches and what the Original Christians accepted in the first and second centuries.

What happens when someone practices sins that are contrary to the Bible standards the congregation follow the bible direction.

Persecuted for not supporting the state, labelled as extremist although not a threat to the Government. In the UK the Government’s own review of extremism identified Jehovah’s Witnesses as a pacifist group that hold extremist standards, the same label is attached to them in Russia and in European countries and the threat is they undermine the nationalistic spirit that enables the countries to go to war, invest in weapons and exploit people.

So Governments cry and security when they invest in war, they persecute those who have found the Original Christian way and follow it.

If this has raised questions or you are interested in finding out more please visit www.jw.org

This not an official voice for Jehovah’s Witnesses but to be persecuted for the same reasons as the Original Christians is something all Modern Christians should be interested in because if it is easy to be a Christian today we need to ask Am I following Christ or Modern Christianity?

The Failure of Religion

This week, the 24th May 2022, after being sentenced to 6 years in prison in Russia Denis Christensen was released from a Russian prison.

His offence? he was labelled an extremist and dangerous to the State of Russia, I enjoyed reading one description of him a “passive terrorist”, call it what you will this is a contradiction in terms.

He had paid his taxes, kept the laws of the land, however, his faith made him an enemy of the state. This stance was promoted by the Russian Orthodox Church leaders.

Why is this simply echoing the position of other religious movements? Jesus taught his followers to love one another, although singled out for persecution by the religious leaders of his day he didn’t say to his disciples campaign to stop them, or become involved in the political system to protect your own interests.

The principle that guides Jehovah’s Witnesses globally reflects the words of the Apostles who are recorded as saying at Acts 5: 29 “In answer Peter and the other apostles said: “We must obey God as ruler rather than men”

At Jesus death the religious leaders aligned themselves with the state and the same applies today. Religions and the Political infrastructure are linked. For example in China the Communist Party now have a say in the appointment of Catholic Bishops.

In the UK Parliament Religious Leaders sit in the House of Lords, spend time criticizing the Government but what did Jesus advocate? Matthew 6: 33 “Keep on, then, seeking first the Kingdom and his righteousness, and all these other things will be added to you.

Which Kingdom? 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.’” God’s Kingdom.

Religions around the world fail to point to this the only hope of salvation. Using their political influence to silence and obstruct those who make it plain, we are not in control of our destiny we need external support and Jesus died for us to get that support.

So remember the words James 4: 4 “Adulteresses, do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God”

We are no part of the political system as Christians because we promote God’s Kingdom ruled by Jesus Christ. The countries we live in are just places to be, and supporting the religious movement of nationalism is evidence of Religion forming and alliance with those who will battle against God’s Kingdom. Religion is described in Revelation as a Harlot riding on a wild beast who will be destroyed by that beast. It is really worth examining whether we are part of the wild beast, the harlot or those whom they wage war against.

Prayerfully consider where we want to be on God’s side on going down with the billions of followers of false religion.

Jesus made it clear when he said at Matthew 7: 13 “Go in through the narrow gate, because broad is the gate and spacious is the road leading off into destruction, and many are going in through it;14 whereas narrow is the gate and cramped the road leading off into life, and few are finding it.“

If we find it easy to be a Christian today, if we discover our views are popular with those around us then we need to examine which gate we have accessed and turn around if we need to.

This means everlasting life – getting to KNOW God and Jesus Christ

The time left is very short so examine the bible for ourselves and don’t let religions drag us into a war with God by opposing those who serve him faithfully.

We rejoice in the release of someone faithful and remember all of those who continue to be persecuted by the state supported by the religious leaders, this include Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Communism and Nationalism

Let the truth of the Bible set us free and may we live forever because of the sacrifice that Jesus made on our behalf.

“The undeserved kindness of our Lord Jesus Christ be with the spirit you show, brothers. Amen.”

There Is So Much More to Life!

There is a reality that we all come to understand at some point in our lives. As an individual, we can make sense of the conclusion recorded in

Ecclesiastes 1:14, 15

¹⁴ I saw all the works that were done under the sun, And look! everything was futile, a chasing after the wind.a¹⁵ What is crooked cannot be made straight, And what is lacking cannot possibly be counted.

There is a futility in our existence, we come into the world with nothing, what we acquire through family and education can lead to the accumulation of wealth, property and influence, it can be snatched away at any time and when we eventually die we leave with nothing. We can take none of the things we own with us.

Give it a few weeks and life has carried on without us, we start to slip from the memory of friends and acquaintances.

In life, there are two constants – uncertainty of how long it will last and the certainty of death.

The future of the Human Race

The analysis of all forms of government, all economies, environments, communities, major religions and philosophies live precariously on the brink, science and technology move us all closer to extinction and the beauty of this is we can all watch it wherever we are. As never before globalisation enables us to realise that the planet, society and individual existence of all life is threatened and our survival is at stake.

Should we be bothered? “Life finds a way” as the famous quote from Jurassic Park sums up the attitude of many. The issues in Ukraine have brought home to Europe just how tenuous peace is, something that Africa, Asia, South and Central America already know. But “I’m alright Jack so pull up the ladder” or burying our heads in the sand won’t work anymore. These issues and concerns are touching all of our lives.

Governments speak of peace, have conferences, sign treaties and make great promises but what we know is just one Leader can change all of those proposals and the rest weakly stand by and do little.

Science established a way of coping with COVID but can’t cure it or eradicate it, the truth is that Governments do not want to look at how it became so prevalent, was it a mistake in a Lab? Human contact with diseased animals? Who gets a vaccine is determined on the basis of how much Money a Government has, the largest population centres are often the last to receive these vaccines and life-saving treatments. 500,000,000 people have contracted Covid 6,259,000 have died. The daily death rate has been reduced but not all the figures have been collected. Look at the Data listed on Worldometer to review the staggering impact humans have on this planet as we race towards a population of 8 billion. Then recognise that 12 nations have the capacity to kill everything on the planet in less than 24 hours. Humanity must realise just how futile life is. Like trying to control the tide.

Christian religions

They speak of peace but bless weapons of war, tell people that God is on their side and he fights for them. What outstanding hypocrisy! Hope does not originate with the peddlers of their own importance.

The Christian leaders are clearly instructed to “Seek first the ‘Kingdom'”. The Kingdom they have taught Christians to repeatedly pray for in Matthew 6: 9, 10 “Thy Kingdom Come!” is God’s Kingdom.

We inherited the problems we face today, the human condition, alienation from God, a lack of real understanding. The Bible explains what happened, why it happened and when things are set to change! To find the real meaning or purpose of life we need to address these issues.

In law, ignorance isn’t a defence because we have a responsibility to find the information, establish the facts and apply them. Yet so many settle for the word of others. In a recent conversation, it was made clear to me that Bible accounts were as accurate as Greek and Roman Myths and local legends. So the first question was which had the person read the Bible or Homer? Unsurprisingly the person responded with neither.

The conclusion they had drawn was based on what others had told him. How foolish, note the words of the proverb “When anyone replies to a matter before he hears the facts, It is foolish and humiliating.”

We have a real choice today, find out what is really going on and be ready for the consequences or just let things carry on as normal, hoping that some miracle will happen and humans will learn to live in peace without the threat of extinction.

The clear point of this post is that if you agree that there should be so much more to life then don’t wait for someone else to tell you, Study the Bible, get to the truth of why things are the way they are.

Establish for yourself that there is more to life now and that the future is full of hope, we continue to pray for God’s will to be done on earth, research what that will is and how you are already in line for access but more needs to be done.

You can Enjoy Life Forever and that life is full of meaning and opportunity. First, you need to discover what is required to line up with the millions looking forward to God’s Kingdom Government led by Jesus Christ

Spiritual Values

Over the course of human history, every generation has felt some need to answer the question “what are spiritual values?” Do you think it really matters if you believe in a God? Or, that God has communicated with us through the acts of creation?

Millions of educated and academic people today have rejected the concept of “God” and looked at the idea that all things have spirituality, or there is only the current reality and nothing else to look forward to.

For those who believe in God as something or someone note the words of the Disciple James 2: 19 “You believe that there is one God, do you? You are doing quite well. And yet the demons believe and shudder.”

For those who don’t believe in one God the words of the Psalmist come to mind in Psalm 10: 4 “In his haughtiness, the wicked man makes no investigation; All his thoughts are: “There is no God.”

For many the view is expressed in Malachi 3: 14 “You say, ‘It is of no value to serve God…”

The person with Spiritual Values

However, for those still trying to determine things and the future who have real questions they want answered note the words in 1 Corinthians 2: 15 “However, the spiritual man examines all things, but he himself is not examined by any man” Spiritual values begin by asking questions, examining all things.

Therefore, we need to immerse ourselves in the study of God, the dealings that humanity has experienced and the reasons fo0r our current state.

Do you believe God is to blame for the world we live in?
Do you think he is intent on torturing people for eternity because of their failings over a short life span?
Have you set the date on which you wish to die?
Do you have deep questions about why we exist? Why the battle between good and evil?

All of these questions bother someone with spiritual values. The suffering of others is wrong and it is unnatural to look on and do nothing. Yet, governments talk about peace but leave the people of Yemen, Ukraine and so many other places to suffer at the hands of violent rulers.

The governments talk about global warming but again fail to make the simple cuts that would benefit the planet and generations to come.

People get rich on the exploitation of others, does this reflect who we are? I have asked many people if they would do something if they could and 90% have always said: “of course”. So the person with spiritual values realises that God is not ignoring the plight of individuals, he will step in a do something.

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 global destruction of governments and then replacement by one Kingdom. Intervention at a specific point in time. What does this achieve? 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.”

God’s Kingdom allows the Human Governments to wage war with his government, this leads to the cleansing of the earth.

Now the person with spiritual values asks who will be saved? and can my family and I be among them? The answer is yes, however, Jesus explained what is required John 17: 3 “This means everlasting life, their coming to know you, the only true God, and the one whom you sent, Jesus Christ.”

Once we have come to know God and Christ Jesus Romans 10: 10 “For with the heart one exercises faith for righteousness, but with the mouth one makes public declaration for salvation.” and Psalm 25: 5 “Cause me to walk in your truth and teach me, For you are my God of salvation. ו [Waw] In you I hope all day long.”

So the person with spiritual values is being taught by God’s Word, accepts there is only one God, that Salvation is through Jesus who gave his life for humanity and we walk in the truth. For we know the truth and it sets us free.

Our God is loyal, just, and righteous, the time has come for the nations to be judged and the person with spiritual values is making an earnest effort to live by God’s standards.

Look who the Secretary was told to mark for salvation in Ezekiel 9: 4 “Jehovah said to him: “Go through the city, through Jerusalem, and put a mark on the foreheads of the men who are sighing and groaning over all the detestable things that are being done in the city.”

Spiritual values set us apart from the crowds, so life will be lonely and it will be a challenge to follow those values but the words of Jesus resonate for us in Matthew 24: 13 “But the one who has endured to the end will be saved.”

Begin your personal research with a copy of the Bible and the Bible Study Aid “Enjoy Life Forever”