Listen. Be convinced. Repent.

"More prosperous than ever, but blighted by poverty and hunger. More technologically advanced, yet facing unprecedented environmental catastrophe. International alliances grow stronger yet war continues to afflict the lives of millions. New democracies offer hope for the future, as old regimes slide into chaos. The world in 2005 is a study of contradictions.

If one event shaped the new uncertainties of the third millennium, it was the terrorist attacks of September 11 2001, which brought about a fundamental shift in the relationship between the world's most powerful nation and many of its poorest. But in December 2004, the devastating tsunami that swept the Indian Ocean was the sharpest possible reminder of the powerful forces that governments and armies alone will never be able to tame.

Six billion people now inhabit planet Earth, and each and every one of us has a stake in its future. How we treat our home, and how we treat each other, will determine the fate of humankind."

The Independent Map of the 21st Century

Interesting, eh?! Some very astute observations. Yes, this world is in a mess. And yes, no governement or army can stand against natural forces such as tsunami's or earthquakes. It seems the more human beings try to advance themselves in an effort to find protection, the more vulnerable we become. It's all about us.

Until an earthquake, tsunami, terrorist attack....

And then, suddenly, it's NOT about us at all. But not because we want to trust in someone else. Because we want to avoid blame.

The thing is, it's NOT about us. And that's why we become vulnerable. Because we think it is, and we stand in pure pride. And pride comes before a fall...

Jesus warned against pride. Pride makes us turn away from him. Pride makes us refuse to accept him as Lord over our lives. Pride stops us repenting and falling at his feet in wonder, love and praise.

Pure pride.

And pride makes us think we can do without God (until, of course, something happens which, shock horror, is out of our control).

Jesus said "...I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." (John 10:10, The Bible).

FULL life! Life in abundance! Is that really possible?!

Well He says it is, and I'm inclined to believe him.

So who are the 'they' he's talking about?

Simply, ANYONE WHO ASKS!!!

"Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?" (Luke 18:18)

LISTEN. BE CONVINCED. REPENT. (Read Luke's gospel!)

"That if you confess with your mouth 'Jesus is Lord', and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, youwill be saved.....for, everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." (Romans 10:9, 13)

Yes folks, it really is that simple. Praise God.

"Six billion people now inhabit planet Earth, and each and every one of us has a stake in its future. How we treat our home, and how we treat each other, will determine the fate of humankind."

Hmmm. The thing is, what's gonna happen has already been made clear. Jesus WILL return. And He will return to judge all people. Death is the ultimate statistic. ("Just as man is destined to die once and after that to face judgement." - Hebrews 9:27, The Bible).

So what do we do with that?

How we respond to God, in fact, and his offer of eternal life - because He's amazing and because He created us to be in a relationship with Him and He loves us- is what determines our eternity.