WHAT ON EARTH IS HAPPENING?

musclce-confusion-workouts

The speed of events worldwide is breathtaking! These are just a sample.

* Brexit has totally transformed the political landscape in the UK. In days there was a new Prime Minister and Cabinet. This change has huge consequences for Britain and Europe.

* According to the US National Oceanic and Atmosphere Administration this June was the hottest ever recorded worldwide and the 14th consecutive month that global heat records were broken.

* We have witnessed Islamic terror attacks in Europe.

* The refugee and economic migration crisis is destabilising Europe.

* Aleppo is Syria’s largest city – 300,000 residents are facing barrel bombing by Syrian forces.

* President Putin has signed an anti-terror law which includes the banning of many activities by Christians such as emailed invitations for friends to attend church services.

* Because of intimidation worldwide, particularly in France, large numbers of Jews are moving to Israel.

The list goes on! Where can we find the solution to our world’s horrific problems?

God’s revealed Word, The Bible, has the answer.

The prophecy of Habakkuk in the Old Testament opens with the prophet complaining to God about the evils of that society – Habakkuk 1: 1 – 4. God then warns him of greater problems to come – Habakkuk 1:5 -12. God advises Habakkuk to place his faith in Him – Habakkuk 2: 1-4, that one day “… the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea” Habakkuk2:14.

God then tells the prophet in a vision, Habakkuk 3, of the day when God will intervene in the earth and will establish that “glory”.

Having received this vision and having believed in what God had promised, Habakkuk accepted that horrific events were to happen in his own life time. Nevertheless he looked forward in faith to the time God has promised and writes “ yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will take joy in the God of my salvation. God the LORD is my strength…”Habakkuk 3:18-19.

Are we like Habakkuk? Shall we see the “glory of the LORD” when Jesus returns? Just like Habakkuk we need the spectacles of faith to see beyond the horrors of the present time. How do we obtain faith? “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God” Romans 10:17.

glory-1

 

Quotes taken from the KJV and ESV

*To find out more about our hope and how you can become a part of it, visit our website: www.ammanfordchristadelphians.co.uk.

Please share and like this post:

Rio 2016!

rio_endpage_feathers_1024x576

The Olympics in Brazil are upon us! Will Mo Farah successfully defend his Olympic 5,000 metres title? All that training, self discipline over many months, even years, to be ready for the important day. We all admire Mo’s dedication and his obvious elation when he wins, but what about those who don’t do well on the day? The glory attached to winning is transient. One is a media hero for a few days, and a few years later forgotten.

The Bible talks about a race, keeping fit, and the prize set before the runner. This spiritual ‘Olympics’, however, is dealing with the race in which the participants are not competing against each other, but helping each other to win. The Apostle Paul writes “Do you not know that in a race all the runners compete, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control lest, after preaching to others, I myself should be disqualified.” (1 Corinthians 9:24 -27) Notice that his training is in conquering himself, his earthly desires and being filled with what the Bible calls “the fruit of the Spirit” (Galatians 5:22).

What about the prize? Imagine you have won the 100 metres race, all the glory and praise! Move on 25 years and hardly anyone remembers your ‘glory’ You look back in thought to those halcyon days. If only they could be repeated! Think of the Christian, growing old, yet looking to the future with joyful anticipation! Paul wrote “Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me at that Day, and not to me only, but also to all who have loved his appearing” (2 Timothy 4:8). And although it is a spiritual race, the consequences of faithful running is the prize of an immortal body, on this planet, energised by the Spirit of God and giving glory to God. The prophet Isaiah wrote “But they who wait for the LORD shall renew (change) their strength: they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk, and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31)

Let us choose God’s Olympics!

  • Join us at our hall in Foundry Road on Sunday 14th Aug 2016 at 18:00 to hear a special talk entitled: ‘Humanism and the Bible’. All are welcome to attend! See more of our upcoming events here.
Please share and like this post:

Light at the end of the tunnel

index

The world’s longest and deepest rail tunnel was opened officially in Switzerland recently, after almost two decades of construction work. The 57l metre long twin-bore Gotthard base tunnel will provide a high speed rail link under the Swiss Alps between northern and southern Europe. Switzerland believes the tunnel will revolutionise European freight transport. Goods currently carried by a million lorries a year will be carried by train instead.

Although it is easier to travel across Europe today, the political/social and economic situations there, as in most parts of the globe, are fraught with problems. There does not appear to be any light at the end of the world’s political/social/economic tunnel.

Jesus warned that world chaos would dominate prior to his return. He told his disciples that there would be “….. upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; Men’s hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven will be shaken”(Luke 21:25-26). The Greek word for “perplexity” means “finding no solution, at one’s wit’s end, having no idea how to proceed”.

Can we not see the beginnings of this perplexity in the world today? We see financial uncertainty, migrant crises, Middle East turmoil, Russian aggression, global warming and famine to name but a few issues causing fear, distress and perplexity. Who has the answer?

Having described the chaos to come upon the world, Jesus goes on to say “Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near”(Luke 21:27-28). Jesus, the Light of the World, is to bring the Kingdom of God and solve all the world’s problems. Please read Psalm 72, a wonderful picture of the Kingdom of God on this earth. To a true Christian, the light at the end of the tunnel of human experience is the coming again of Jesus to the earth. On a personal level the Christian’s salvation is totally dependent on this event. For the survival of the planet it is absolutely essential. Now is the time to come to the light of the Gospel.

1c86849be194e7db05996354c15c9c15

Quotes from NKJV Bible

Please share and like this post:

Who wants to live forever?

milestones_small_en

The above heading in the I Newspaper concerned a Russian businessman and founder of the 2045 Project, Dmitry Itskov. He wants to upload his brain to a computer so he can achieve “cybernectic immortality”. He wrote “The ultimate goal of my plan is to transfer someone’s personality into a new body.” He has invested a lot of money from his lucrative web media business to fund and fully concentrate on Project 2045.

Why not go to the Bible for an answer to this intriguing topic?

Jesus said: “Do not labour for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, that the Son of Man will give to you…”(John 6:27).

How is this everlasting life to be manifested? In an immortal body!

The Apostle Paul wrote ” …  the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.(Philippians 3:20-21).

After his resurrection Jesus displayed that immortal body to his doubting disciples.

He convinced a doubting disciple, Thomas, by showing him the marks of crucifixion in his hands and feet (John 20:27), He ate a meal with his followers (John 21:9 – 13). He was, and is, a real physical being energised, not by oxygen and blood, but by the Spirit of God.

There is a “spiritual” body (I Corinthians 15:44).

Paul writes: “For this perishable body must put on the imperishable and this mortal must put on immortality”(I Corinthians 15:53). This weak, frail, corruptible body will be changed into a powerful immortal body. When? At the return of Jesus Christ!

Paul writes:” For as in Adam all die so also in Christ shall all be made alive. But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; then, at his coming, those who belong to Christ.”(1 Corinthians15:22 – 23). Please note it is those “in” Christ, those who “are” Christ’s who will have this spiritual body. This is not for everyone..

Even if Dmitry Itskov were able to achieve his goal, would he really like to come back to this troubled world? The believers in Christ will experience, in their bodies, everlasting life, and will see and participate in the exciting project of God. There will be “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, among those with whom he is pleased” (Luke 1:14 – see also Psalm 72, Isaiah 2:1- 5).

We believe that the time is near when Christ will rule God’s Kingdom on this earth.

(All quotes from ESV Bible)

784d68d17dc4ba703d48c09f05149524

Please share and like this post:

The Elections – Who Deserves Your Vote?

Senedd

We are being inundated with manifestos for the Welsh Assembly elections, and every newspaper and television channel seems to be trying to help us make a decision on whom we should vote for.

As soon as this is over, it will all start again over the ‘in/out’ referendum over membership of the European Union.

At the last Welsh assembly election only just over 40% of the eligible electorate voted. In all of the elections for the Assembly the turnout has never reached 50%.

I am one of the people who have lived in Wales during the whole time that there has been a Welsh Assembly and have never once voted. In fact I have never voted in any type of election.

This is not because I am apathetic by nature, or have a radical political point to make. It is because I have religious conviction.

I do recognise that this Country, indeed this World urgently needs a solution to it’s problems, such as war, famine, disease and poverty to name but a few you know all too well. But I do not believe that, no matter how well meaning, men and women have a solution, no matter who may be elected.

The clear message of the Bible is that the God of the Bible, who created the heavens and the earth and all things therein does have a plan and purpose with our world. That purpose centres on the return of the return of His son, Jesus Christ, to rule over the world as it’s King.

The Bible presents us with Jesus’ ‘manifesto’ including:

  • Justice and fairness (Isaiah 11:4)
  • Help for the poor and needy (Psalm 72:13,14)
  • World peace (Micah 4:3)
  • An abundance of food (Psalm 72:16)
  • The cure of all disease, suffering and death (Revelation 21:4)
  • A kingdom that will last forever (Daniel 2:44)

The Old Testament prophet Daniel demonstrates that ‘God works in the kingdom of men’ in bringing about His purpose. A true follower of Jesus Christ recognises that they are ‘strangers and pilgrims in the earth’ waiting for His return. (See Daniel 2:44)

By accepting that God is in control, whoever is voted into power is the person God wants and therefore if I vote for the person or party that does not get elected I am voting against God’s will. Not something the true follower of Christ should do!

However, I do live in this world and the Bible teaches that I should ‘render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s’. That is to say that I must obey the law of the State and live a life without the ‘reproach of men’, provided that the State does not ask me to compromise God’s commands.

I am not voting in the forthcoming elections because my chosen candidate isn’t standing –yet!

‘The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever’. (Revelation 11:15)

*Join us at 6pm on 24th April in our hall, Foundry Road, Ammanford to hear a special talk entitled ‘Elections – Who deserves your vote?’. All are welcome to attend!

Please share and like this post:

Democracy Abolished!

imag

 

Winston Churchill observed in 1947: ” No-one pretends that democracy is perfect, or all wise, Indeed it has been said that it is the worst form of Government except all those other forms that have been tried from time to time”.  This was quoted in the Stratford Global Intelligence Report 29 January 2016. The author, Ian Morris, having reviewed democracy with its ‘spectacles of turbulence and contention’ concludes: “Should we assume that we are cleverer than our predecessors and that we finally figured out the best way of organising communities, regardless of their circumstances? Or should we assume that because democracy has a history, it, like everything else in history, will someday pass away?”

Yes, it will certainly pass away!

image1sThe Bible tells us plainly that God’s Government is  coming to this planet, God centred, guided and ruled over by Jesus Christ and hissaints.

The prophet Daniel writes: “And in the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that shall  never be destroyed, nor shall the kingdom be left to another people. It shall break in pieces all these kingdoms and bring them to an end and it shall stand forever” (Daniel 2:44).

If we go on we are told: “He [Jesus] shall have dominion also from sea to sea, and from the River to the ends of the earth” (Psalm 72:8) “… and his dominion shall be from sea to sea, and from the river even to the ends of the earth” (Zechariah 9:10)

Jesus told his followers: “The one who conquers, and who keeps my works to the end, to him I will give authority over the nations”. (Revelation 2:26)

This World will be ruled by Jesus Christ, the Saviour and his faithful followers who have, in spite of all the difficulties of life, really done their best to serve God.

This Kingdom of God (theocracy) will have righteous rulers whose concern is for all people (Psalm 72:12-14; Isaiah 32:1- 2), fertile lands, once desert (Isaiah 35), illness and death curbed (Isaiah 65:20), nations wanting to serve God (Micah4:2), and no more war (Isaiah 2:4).

Jesus said: “Your Kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven”.

This wonderful Kingdom will come soon! God and Jesus will rule the World.

 

*Quotes are from the ESV and the NKJV

To find out more about our hope and how you can become a part of it, visit our website: www.ammanfordchristadelphians.co.uk. Our next public meeting will be held at 6pm on Sunday, in our hall, Foundry Road, Ammanford. All are welcome to attend!

Please share and like this post:

Hezekiah’s Bulla and other archaeological evidence for him

It is not uncommon to hear it said that the Bible is simply a story book, written by some guy, the proof of which we cannot test and prove with strong, tangible evidence.  With such opinions rampant, when facts emerge like that of King Hezekiah’s seal – which was unearthed in Jerusalem recently, we should be excited that the even more archaeological evidence for the existence of people such as king Hezekiah has been unearthed, as it proves once more that the Bible is strongly supported by accurate history and archaeology, such as the following evidence which has already been discovered:

Sennacherib’s Annals  These records attest to the conquests made by King Sennacherib of Assyria when he invaded Judah’s cities such as Lachish, which is also confirmed in the bible to have been taken.

 The Lachish Inscription

The city mentioned in the Bible, was taken by the Assyrians and the conquest glorified in Nineveh by a series of pictures and the single inscription which once again confirms the Bible’s credibility: “Sennacherib, the mighty king, king of the country of Assyria, sitting on the throne of judgment, before (or at the entrance of) the city of Lachish (Lakhish). I give permission for its slaughter”

Siloam/Hezekiah’s Tunnel

This is recorded in 2 Kings 20:20 and 2 Chronicles 32 as a means by which to stop the kings of Assyria finding much water. The tunnel is open to tourists.

Hezekiah’s “Broad Wall”

God speaks also to Hezekiah in Isaiah and says “…the houses have ye broken down to fortify the wall…” (Isaiah 22:10). Archeological evidence for the wall has confirmed it to be from the time of Hezekiah, with houses integrated into the wall in certain places where a fulfilment of this passage has occured.

 The Bible is not something which comes with no evidence for a basis for belief. In fact when the apostle Paul writes to the believers in Berea, he appeals to them to look for the testable evidence of his argument to confirm whether what he was saying was correct according to the bible, rather than commanding them to believe without question (Acts 17:11). In a similar way, we are able to test the bible’s claim of authority by historic artefacts and sources.

Please share and like this post:

Space Travel and the Bible

images

 

During December an exciting event happened when Tim Peake became the first British astronaut to join the International Space Station. It certainly created excitement amongst the children at the Primary School which he had attended when they watched the ‘blast off’ from Kazakhstan.

 

One of the most groundbreaking visits to outer space was that of the landing on the Moon of the Apollo 15 Mission. The Director of that mission, Doctor Wernher Von Braun was asked which particular verse in the Bible had he found helpful or challenging. He replied; “Be thou exalted, O God, above the heaven; let thy glory be above all the earth” Psalm 57:5.
Doctor Wernher Von Braun also wrote: ‘I feel the universal validity of God’s law, on earth and other worlds, is expressed in this passage. Space travellers will not trespass on forbidden regions when they set foot on other worlds, but will be in God’s realm wherever they go.’

 

Do scientists know the number or names of all the stars? Of course not – but God does! In fact the Bible has many references to the sun, moon and stars for example: “He [God] telleth the number of the stars; he calleth them all by their names” Psalm 147:4 But the Bible is really only concerned with this planet upon which we live. Here is where the problems are. Jesus is coming back from heaven at the appointed time to sort out the complex difficulties now being faced by us all. On this planet there will be: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men” Luke 2:14. May we all particpate in this delightful experience. We make the answer now*!

 

index

 

*To find out more about our hope and how you can become a part of it, visit our website: www.ammanfordchristadelphians.co.uk. Our next public meeting will be held at 6pm on Sunday, in our hall, Foundry Road, Ammanford. All are welcome to attend!
Please share and like this post: