A World Without Violence – The Hope of God’s Kingdom

~ Rhi

We live in a world where violence is never far from the headlines. International conflicts continue to bring suffering to millions, with communities destroyed and families torn apart by war. Closer to home, organised crime and acts of violence leave many people feeling unsafe. Even in popular culture, violence is often presented as entertainment, with combat sports and aggressive forms of competition attracting growing audiences.

The Bible presents a clear explanation for why the world is in this condition. From its earliest pages, human violence is shown to be something that God doesn’t ignore or accept. Speaking of the world before the Flood, the Bible says “The earth was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence” – Genesis 6:11

Violence had become so widespread that God brought judgement upon that generation, preserving only Noah and his family. The problem was not simply that people were imperfect, but that their actions had created a society characterised by cruelty and harm.

The Bible also tells us that God Himself hates violence: “The LORD tests the righteous, but the wicked and the one who loves violence His soul hates” (Psalm 11:5). Violence is the very opposite of His character. God’s purpose for the earth is not conflict and suffering, but peace, justice and righteousness.

This is the hope at the heart of the gospel: the coming Kingdom of God on earth. A world where “nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore” (Isaiah 2:4). A kingdom where the causes of suffering will be removed, where people will live in harmony, and where righteousness will fill the earth.

God’s promise is not an escape from the earth, but the restoration of it. The message of the Bible is that peace is coming – through the righteous reign of Jesus Christ as King over the whole world.

1926 – 2026 Centenary Celebrations!

~ Rhi

This year marks a notable milestone as  Gorseinon Christadelphian Hall celebrates 100 years! For a century, our Hall has been a place of welcome, worship, and fellowship for generations of families in Gorseinon and the surrounding area.  To honour this special anniversary, we warmly invite all local residents – past friends, neighbours, and anyone curious about our history – to join us in celebrating this historic occasion.  We welcome you to come and share in a moment of gratitude, reflection and community as we look back on the past hundred years and look forward to the next.

Saturday 18th July, 2-4.30pm

Drop in anytime between 2pm and 4.30pm for the following, all completely free of charge:

  • Competition for the “best oldest thing”
  • Displays of old photographs and reminiscences from the past 100 years
  • Quiz (with prizes!)
  • Light refreshments; including tea, coffee and cakes
  • Children’s activities and stories

Short presentation at 4pm on the history of the hall, including key milestones. Also, quiz answers and prizes awarded.

Sunday 26th July, 12.30-3pm

We invite you to join us to celebrate this historic milestone at our Sunday Thanksgiving Service:

  • 12.30pm – Shared Lunch (meet and chat over a buffet-style meal)
  • 2pm – Thanksgiving Service (with hymns and readings)

Join us at Gorseinon Christadelphian Hall, 110 Pontardulais Rd, Gorseinon, Swansea SA4 4FQ

Does Everything Change?

~ Rhi

Everything we see around us changes and decays, including ourselves. We see change in all things: from nature and seasons to homes, transport, technology, fashion, government, even modern thinking. It’s interesting to think about the seasons in this regard. Even though they change throughout the year, they always still happen. God’s Word, the Bible, tells us that the seasons won’t fail to keep coming. Genesis chapter 8 verse 22 says, “While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, winter and summer, and day and night shall not cease.”

We are used to seeing change in everything. Even within most churches changes are made to religious doctrine, often under pressure from societal norms. But is this right? Does God or His message change? We should look to the only reliable source we have for an answer – God’s word. In Malachi chapter 3 verse 6 we read these words: “For I am the Lord, I do not change.” In Revelation ch 22 v 18-19 we are told not to add to, or take away from, God’s Word.

Since God does not change over time we can be sure that He will keep all his future promises just as He has fulfilled all past promises.

And God has promised that there is a better time to come, when this world in which we live will be transformed into a perfect world with no more suffering, sin, or even death.

Christadelphians have been meeting together in Gorseinon at 110 Pontardulais Road for 100 years! We’ve had a couple of different buildings on our site and many different faces throughout the years, but neither our hope nor belief has changed. If you are interested in hearing more we’d be very happy to hear from you, and meet you.

Coming soon! Put the dates in your diary for our upcoming Centenary celebrations: Saturday 18th July & Sunday 26th July, God willing

What is Grace?

~ Rhi

Grace is a word people often use in different ways. We might describe someone as having grace, meaning elegance, or speak of “saying grace” before a meal. In the Bible, however, grace has a more personal meaning. It is God’s undeserved, free gift of love to us.

God’s grace is most clearly seen in God providing His son, Jesus, as a sacrifice so that we can be forgiven for our sins:

“… God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5 v 8)

The Bible also teaches that we can’t earn salvation by the things we do. Even though Paul the apostle worked hard for God, he knew that his efforts could not save him (see 1 Corinthians 15 v 9 & 10).

Paul explains this by saying that just as people earn wages for their work, we earn death as a consequence of sinning:

“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6 v 23)

We all sin, so we naturally deserve to die in God’s eyes, but He offers to forgive and save us from everlasting death through Jesus. Grace, then, is truly wonderful. It is undeserved, freely given and life-changing. So, as Paul says,

“Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift” (2 Corinthians 9 v 15)

How certain is the future?

~ Rhi

Recent events in the Middle East have once again reminded the world how fragile global stability can be. Violence involving the United States, Israel, and Iran has dominated headlines and prompted many to ask familiar questions: Where is the world heading? Can anyone really predict what will happen next?

World leaders often speak confidently about securing peace and building a better future. But history repeatedly shows how uncertain human plans can be. Alliances shift, conflicts emerge unexpectedly, and decisions made by a handful of leaders can alter the course of nations. Despite the confidence sometimes expressed in political speeches and diplomatic agreements, the reality is that human foresight is limited. Even the most experienced analysts struggle to predict how world events will unfold.

The Bible presents a very different perspective on the future. It claims that world events ultimately unfold under the oversight of God, who

“rules in the kingdom of men.”

Throughout the Bible we find prophecies that describe the rise and fall of nations and the course of history long before those events occurred. Many have already been fulfilled in remarkable detail, giving confidence that the remaining promises will also come to pass.

At our public presentation in May we will explore what the Bible says about world events and how its prophecies help us understand the times in which we live. Rather than speculation or alarmism, we will consider the consistent message about God’s purpose with the earth, showing that while the world appears uncertain, the Bible assures us that God has a plan and has revealed it in His Word.

Please come to our presentation to find out more: May 10th @ 2pm (God willing), 110 Pontardulais Road, Gorseinon SA4 4FQ