Tag: jesus

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

A Taste of the Kingdom

~ Rhi

As part of The Lord’s Prayer we say, ”your Kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” These were Jesus’ words when his disciples asked him to teach them to pray. Do you ever wonder about God’s Kingdom? For most people with a belief in God, ideas about life after death are a vague concept involving heaven, pearly gates and things which are better described as superstition rather than a Biblically founded belief.

Jesus spoke about God’s Kingdom. In fact, the Gospel can be summarised as “the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ” (Acts 8:12). Many of the parables that Jesus used revealed information about the Kingdom
of God which will be on the earth.

When we believe in God and we want to understand what His plan is with the earth that He created, it is better to use His Word to us (the Bible) than to rely on traditions invented by people.

Jesus told many parables about the Kingdom of God and described many aspects of what it would be like. The prospect of being in the Kingdom of God is a major part of the hope of Christians. The Bible speaks of a time where there will be an absence of death, pain, injustice and inequity with no pain and sadness.

We are having a presentation about what Jesus says about life in the Kingdom and how it has an impact on this life now. If the prospect of God’s Kingdom doesn’t appeal to us now, how is it even possible to look forward to it or for it to have an impact on the way we live our lives today? Come and find out more about what Jesus says about this.

Join us for a presentation on this subject on 4th May at 2.00pm, God Willing
at 110 Pontardulais Road Gorseinon SA4 4FQ

New Year! A new opportunity to set yourself a new goal

~ Rhi

It’s 2025… the beginning of another new year… another opportunity to set yourself a new goal. How about setting yourself a new kind of resolution for this year: to read God’s Word every day!

‘Seek the Lord while He may be found’ – Isaiah 55v6

You may have set yourself many different goals in the past and wondered why some of them were so hard to keep… the trick is to set out some realistic and achievable steps to follow. If you do this, you will find it much easier to keep to your resolution.

‘Receive the word with all readiness of mind… search the scriptures daily’ – Acts 17v11

Here are 5 steps to help you achieve your new goal:

  1. Set aside some time to read the Bible every day, even for just 10 minutes or so…
  2. Find yourself a Bible or download a Bible app onto your phone.
  3. If you like to have something to follow, you could use the Daily Reading Planner (see below) or you could choose a book of the Bible to read through at your own pace.
  4. Read carefully and meditate on what you have read. Think about the meaning… what is God trying to say to you?
  5. Put what you learn into practice – live your life as a follower of Christ.

‘Delight in God’s Word and meditate upon it’ – Psalm 1v2

The FREE Bible Reading Planner suggests a chapter for each day and includes helpful notes. To request your free copy email info@gorseinonchristadelphians.org.uk