Armageddon – What does it really mean?

~ Rhi

The word Armageddon is appearing more and more in our newsfeeds. With tensions rising around the globe and talk of World War III, journalists and commentators often use it to suggest a coming catastrophe that could wipe out humanity.

For many, Armageddon is thought of as a final, devastating war, the ultimate conflict that ends the world. Some may even recall the 1998 Hollywood blockbuster Armageddon, which portrayed an asteroid threatening life on Earth.

Some don’t realise that Armageddon is not a term invented by the media or the movies. It actually comes from the Bible, in fact, a single reference in the book of Revelation. And it doesn’t describe the end of the world, but rather the end of human misrule and the beginning of something far better.

Armageddon is about a gathering of nations to a conflict. But more importantly, it’s about God’s purpose with the Earth. It’s a call to everyone to consider where they stand in relation to what God is going to do.

The Bible promises that when this event takes place, it will pave the way for a time when nations “shall beat their swords into ploughshares” and “learn war no more” (Isaiah 2:4). Rather than fearing the future, we can look forward to it with confidence if we understand what God has revealed and prepare ourselves to be part of the peace He will bring.

We’re planning a presentation which will explore the true meaning of Armageddon, its Biblical context, and how it directly relates to each of us today. More than just a warning, it brings hope – the hope of a coming kingdom where peace and righteousness will finally prevail

Please come to our presentation on this subject on Sunday October 12th at 2pm, 110 Pontardulais Road, Gorseinon, SA4 4FQ

#bible4wales

Pontardawe Bible Week (4th – 9th August, God willing)

~ Rhi

From the 4th to the 9th of August Pontardawe Arts Centre plays host to not one but two fascinating exhibitions about the Bible which will be on display in the Main Theatre.  The Bible is a unique and extraordinary book which has played a large part in creating and preserving our language and culture. 

The Bible Exhibition charts how the Bible has been preserved through the centuries and translated into modern language.  Archaeological exhibits confirm the historical accuracy of it’s claims and displays bring to life some of the incredible prophecies which have come true.  The exhibition finishes by describing the vital message of the Bible and its relevance in the modern world.  With kid’s activities, a quiz, an audio guide and interactive displays there is plenty to keep all ages absorbed and entertained.

The Welsh Bible Exhibition tells the classic story of Mary Jones and her Bible and shows how critical the Welsh Bible was to the survival of the Welsh language.

Admission is free and you will not be asked for any contributions.

Programme for the week:

Our aim is to encourage people to read the amazing book, the Bible, which is God’s message to us.  For those motivated to read and understand the Bible for themselves, we are holding a 6-week seminar series in Pontardawe Leisure Centre, starting in September.  The Learn to Read the Bible Effectively seminars aim to give you the tools to discover the Bible message:

  • Let the consistent message of the Bible interpret itself
  • Find out what happens when we die
  • Understand biblical words (eg the title ‘Christ’)
  • Discover who wrote the Bible
  • See an overview of each book
  • Hear about remarkable Bible history and prophecies which have come true
  • Use study tools & cross references
  • Discuss the differences between Bible versions and how to choose one
  • and most importantly, gain guidance for life and a hope for the future

If you don’t have your own Bible, you can pick a free one up in the exhibition. 

You can book in advance (email: bible4wales@gmail.com) or just turn up.  We would love to see you there and share our love of reading the Bible and of course God and Jesus.

What?  Learn to Read the Bible Effectively seminars (free, no obligation)

When?  Tuesdays, 7:15 – 8:45pm from 2nd September for 6 weeks

Where?  Pontardawe Leisure Centre, Studio 3

Who?  Run by local Christadelphians (we are a worldwide group and have several churches in the area – Ammanford, Bridgend, Gorseinon, Llanelli, Mountain Ash, Mumbles, Swansea)

#bible4wales

God’s Kingdom on Earth

~ Rhi

There are so many problems that we face in life – at a global, regional and a personal level. Different problems within each context, and each of us faces different difficulties in our lives.

God created the earth to be inhabited – He created it to reflect his glory and that includes the creation of plant, animal and human life – we were created to reflect the glory of God in His Kingdom.

Many people think that God’s Kingdom will be in heaven, but that’s not what the Bible teaches. We can see from the Lord’s prayer that Jesus taught us to pray ‘Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven’. It is a heavenly kingdom because it is God’s Kingdom and Jesus will be the King over it – on the earth.

Everything will be made perfect and new. This will mean an end not only to all the problems people cause but to all sadness, suffering, pain and even death.

This time is coming soon, it is the good news we can read about in the ‘Sermon on the Mount.’ (Matthew chapters 5-7). In this Biblical passage, Jesus speaks about what God wants from people and we can build a mental picture of what effect this would have on our lives.

Romans 14:17 says “the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” This tells us that the Kingdom will be defined by these positive characteristics rather than focusing on the physical attributes that concern us in this life.

The invitation to this kingdom is open to all, God wants everyone to be there. Respond to His invitation, believe, repent, be baptised and try to live now as we all will in that kingdom.

Take a look at our presentation on this subject on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ow8wPdgGEw

Are the Gospels Reliable?

~ Rhi

One way to answer this question is to look at the language in which they were written. Languages vary from place to place and from time to time, and by looking at the language we can discover when and where the material in the Gospels began. The Gospels were written in Koine Greek, used in the eastern Mediterranean in the first century AD. However, the Greek used in the Gospels contains linguistic features which indicate that the speech within them came from people who often thought in Hebrew or Aramaic.

These ‘linguistic fossils’ are consistent with the idea that the accounts in the Gospels come from Palestine at the time of Jesus, and not from a gentile church, although they were written for a Greek-speaking readership.

This indicates that the accounts are close to the events of the ministry of Jesus, and not church-inspired fiction.

The presence of the linguistic fossils also shows that they have been copied reliably by Greek scribes over the centuries, as alterations would tend to follow later language conventions. In addition to the general linguistic background of the Gospels, we have specific features of the speech of Jesus. He has an individual style which appears in all the Gospels (for example, the use of parables and the use of the word “Amen” at the start of a saying rather than the end).

Linguistic evidence tends to suggest that the Gospels give a very reliable account of the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Join us for a presentation on this subject in Pontlliw Village Hall, on 14th June at 10.30am, God Willing