₦airaland Forum

Many people believe that their life and future are predestined by a higher power. They feel that from conception to death, we all follow a script already written in the mind of God. ‘After all,’ they say, ‘God is all-powerful and all-knowing, or omniscient, so surely he must know every detail about the past, the present, and the future.’ But does God foreordain our life course and ultimate destiny? What does the Bible say?
The Bible teaches that God is selective when it comes to foreordaining the future. For example, God foretold that “a great crowd” of righteous humans would survive the destruction of the wicked at the end of the present system of things. (Revelation 7:9, 14) Note, though, that God did not give a specific number for that great crowd. The reason? He does not predestinate individuals. God is like the loving father of a large family. He knows that at least some of His children will reciprocate His love, but He does not predetermine the number.
Another reason why our future is not Predestined is because humans were created with freewill. Humans can choose to do good or bad. Another example is during the time of the Israelites, God said to the nation of Israel: “I have put life and death before you, . . . and you must choose life . . . by loving Jehovah your God, by listening to his voice and by sticking to him; for he is your life and the length of your days.” (Deuteronomy 30:19, 20) Jehovah gave them a choice and also state the rewards or consequences of their choice.
By means of the Bible, God is, in effect, saying to us: ‘This is my purpose for mankind and the earth, and this is what you should do to gain everlasting life. It is now up to you to decide whether to listen to me or disregard me.’ Thus, our future is not Predestined but based on outcome of the choices we make today.

Many people have been harassed by what they have been led to believe are the souls, or spirits, of the dead. They are convinced that such harassment has come from the unappeased souls of dead relatives, family members or friends. Because of that fear, they try to appease their dead love ones. But what does the Bible say about this?
As stated in an earlier thread, which is https://www.nairaland.com/7116011/what-happens-death Ecclesiastes 9:5 says --"For the living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing at all, nor do they have any more reward, because all memory of them is forgotten." Also, Isaiah 26:14 says partly"They are dead; they will not live. Powerless in death, they will not rise up."
As seen in the two Bible verses, the Dead are powerless and know nothing. So, when someone dies, he/she(the dead individual) does not have the power or knowledge to go and trouble or harass a living family member or friend. So then who are those dead people harassing their family members or friends?
Ephesians 6:12 says "because we have a struggle, not against blood and flesh, but against the governments, against the authorities, against the world rulers of this darkness, against the wicked spirit forces in the heavenly places." So, there are wicked spirit forces(demons) masquerading as dead loved ones harassing living humans.
Thus, We should not be afraid because the dead can do nothing but by prayer and supplication to Jehovah and faith in him, we can conquer the lie that the dead communicate with the living.

Humans were not created to die. Our first parents, Adam and Eve disobey God and part of their punishment (which also extends to we, their children) is death. The Bible states the consequence of their action at Romans 5:12-- 'That is why, just as through one man sin entered into the world and death through sin,and so death spread to all men because they had all sinned.'.
So now, what happens when we die? Genesis 3:19 says--- "In the sweat of your face you will eat bread until you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken.For dust you are and to dust you will return.”. Humans are physical creatures. Our thinking faculties cannot survive the destruction of our body. The Bible also supports this view at Psalms 146:4 --“He breathes his last breath, he returns to the dust; and in that same hour all his thinking ends.”​(The New English Bible).
Another Bible verse that is in alignment with the fact that when we die, our thinking, human reasoning is also dead, is found at Ecclesiastes 9:5a---'For the living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing at all'
From the above verses, it is cleared that when humans die, they do not have spirits wandering around, troubling others.
But there is good news, in the near future, God promise to end death forever. He said at Revelation 21:4 that death will be no more.

Kobojunkie:
According to Jesus Christ Himself, a one who is a Christian is one who obeys His teachings(commandments) - John 14 vs 15 - 25

We are basically saying the same thing.

Many people claim to be a Christian by simply attending a Church service every week or following certain celebrations or traditions. A dictionary defines a Christian as someone who professes belief in Jesus as Christ or who follows the religion based on his life and teachings.

It is logical then that the word 'Christian' refer to a way of life that reflects the attitudes, values, and conduct that Christ preached and exemplified. Jesus said to his followers: “You are my friends if you do what I am commanding you.” (John 15:14). Soon thereafter, “the disciples were by divine providence called Christians.” (Acts 11:26) This new name they bore meant that they believed that Jesus was the Son of God, who had transmitted to mankind the will of his heavenly Father. This belief led them to follow a way of life that differed from that of the world around them.

Christ’s teachings moved his followers to follow Bible teachings, which meant avoiding bad things such as “fornication, uncleanness, loose conduct, idolatry, practice of spiritism, enmities, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, contentions, . . . drunken bouts, revelries, and things like these.” (Galatians 5:19-21). A true Christian way of life should patterned the way Jesus lives his life and not the bad things mentioned earlier.

Another distinctive sign of a true follower of Christ is zealous evangelizing work. Christ commanded his followers: “Go therefore and make disciples of people of all the nations.” (Matthew 28:19, 20)

Thus, to be a Christian and a true one at that, is to learn what Jesus taught in the Bible and apply it in our lives, and not just by being a member of a Church.

As stated in the first post in this thread, Jehovah God is not the one punishing someone for a sin committed in the past. Rather, there are other things that causes this.. What are they? God’s Word, the Bible, reveals three main causes why suffering exists:

1. Selfishness, Greed, and Hatred-->Ecclesiastes 8:9 says "All of this I have seen, and I applied my heart to every work that has been done under the sun, during the time that man has dominated man to his harm."
The last part of the verse is clear. People often suffer because they are victimized by imperfect, selfish, or cruel humans.

2. Time and Unforeseen Events-->Humans often suffer “because time and unexpected events overtake them.” (Ecclesiastes 9:11) That is, people are simply at the wrong place at the wrong time, accidents occur, or people are careless or make mistakes.

3. The Evil Ruler of the World.--> The Bible clearly identifies the primary cause of human suffering. It states at 1st John 5:19 that "We know that we originate with God, but the whole world is lying in the power of the wicked one." That “wicked one” is Satan the Devil, a powerful spirit creature who was originally an angel of God but later rebelled against God. Other spirit creatures joined Satan and rebelled against God in order to pursue selfish desires, thus making themselves demons. (Genesis 6:1-5) Ever since their rebellion, Satan and his demons have exerted a powerful and cruel influence over this world’s affairs. This has been particularly so in our time. Now, the Devil has great anger and “is misleading the entire inhabited earth,” which has resulted in “woe for the earth.” (Revelation 12:9, 12) It is Satan​—not God—​who causes people to suffer.

Some individuals have this mindset that their present suffering or sickness or any other bad situations are as a result of punishment from God for their past deeds or sins. Some may also wonder, does God really use sickness to make people suffer for their sins? What does the Bible say about this?

Deuteronomy 32:4 says "The Rock, perfect is his activity,For all his ways are justice. A God of faithfulness who is never unjust; Righteous and upright is he".

The Bible is clear. Jehovah God “is never unjust.” For example, God would never cause an airplane disaster, killing hundreds of innocent people, because he wanted to punish someone on board! Just before Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed; Abraham, a faithful servant of God, said that God would never “sweep away the righteous with the wicked.” That would be “unthinkable,” he said. (Genesis 18:23, 25) The Bible also says that “God does not act wickedly”; he does not “do wrong.” according to Job 34:10-12.

So it is clear from the Bible verses above that God does not punish someone with suffering,but rather Suffering is the outcome of something else. A future post shall address this.

Life can be very good when all is going well. But what if circumstances makes your life unbearable to the point of depression or feeling suicide.

Have you ever felt so bad that you no longer wanted to live? Perhaps, you lost a very close family member or someone you love to the cold hands of death or you are battling a sickness that seems to defy any cure or sickness.

Do not despair! The best friend anyone can have is Jehovah God, who provides wonderful help in his Word, the Bible. Jehovah understands our feelings better than anyone else, and he wants to help us. Isaiah 41:13 says "For I, Jehovah your God, am grasping your right hand, The One saying to you, ‘Do not be afraid. I will help you.’"

Another assurance is at Revelation 21:4 which says "And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes,and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore.The former things have passed away.”

Life is worth living. The present bad situations that you might be going through now will soon end.

Some individuals have the mindset that the world should be destroyed so that a new better world can be created. Is that what the Bible, God's Word, says?

Some will point to 2 Peter 3:7 which says "But by the same word the heavens and the earth that now exist are reserved for fire and are being kept until the day of judgment and of destruction of the ungodly people." But if we take a closer look at the verse, you will notice that it is the ungodly men or ungodly people that will be destroyed, and not humankind as a whole or physical earth. The world as we know it, is filled with wicked people who are not ready to repent! They are the "world" that will be destroyed!

The reference of fire in the verse is not literal but symbolic. If it is literal fire,then it will contradict what Psalms 37:29 says, which is, "The righteous will possess the earth,and they will live forever on it."

So from the above, it is clear that it is not the physical world that will be destroyed by fire but ungodly people who don't want to repent, and their destruction is just like symbolic fire.

An image that is an object of worship is an idol. Examples could include crosses, pictures of Mary, etc People will say that these images are aids in worshipping God. But the real question is, what does God think about use of images in worshipping him?. His Word the Bible gives his feelings or reactions to this.

Exodus 20:4,5a says "You must not make for yourself a carved image or a representation like anything that is in the heavens above or on the earth beneath or in the waters under the earth. You must not bow down to them or be enticed to serve them".

You will notice that the prohibition is against making of images and worshipping them. The Israelites made a calf image and says the calf image represent Jehovah God, but God was angry with them for making a representation of him.(Exodus 32:4-7)

So from just this two verses, it is clear, that use of images like cross, pictures of Mary and other things that people say are aids in worshipping God is not right and Jehovah God himself does not want it.

ChocolateWine:
Smh for this 3 people above me.

Stop teaching people wrong things.

God doesn't test anyone with suffering. That's indirectly saying he's a wicked person. Job 34:12; James 1:13

We're suffering because it's he choice we made, well our first parents.

You are correct! I am in agreement with your post and Bible verses cited. I was stating in my post why God allow suffering and not that God cause suffering.

The question has bothered a lot of people. We are living in a world where so many people are suffering and some have ask why God can't intervene to save them from their current suffering. Well, first thing to note is action of humans can cause suffering. Jehovah God has reason(s) why he is allowing this present situation.

One of the reason is at 1Peter 3:9 which says "Jehovah is not slow respecting his promise, as some people consider slowness, but he is patient with you because he does not desire any to be destroyed but desires all to attain to repentance". If God had immediately executed Adam and Eve, following their sin, none of us would be in existence today. Surely, that is not what we would want.

Moreover, had God at some later time destroyed all who were sinners, we would not have been born. The fact that God has allowed this sinful world that causes suffering to exist until now has afforded us the opportunity to be alive and learn his ways, to make needed changes in our lives, and to avail ourselves of his loving provisions for eternal life. That Jehovah has granted us this opportunity is an evidence of great love on his part. The Bible shows that God has a set time to destroy this wicked system and will do so soon. Habakkuk 2:3 says there is an appointed time,even if there is a delay, it will happen.

gsegun43:
The meaning of life is whatever meaning you give to it. Life can be meaningless actually.
Every individual I'd trying to survive, the strong prey on the weak and it continues like that. Nothing more.

Life is not meaningless. You might view life as worthless due to personal situations you might be passing through,but in reality, we were created for a reason as Ecclesiastes 12:13 states.

The question of the meaning of life may be asked in many ways, such as Why are we here? or Does my life have a purpose? The Bible shows that our purpose in life is to build a friendship with God. Consider some of these fundamental truths that the Bible reveals:

-- God is our Creator. The Bible says at Psalm 100:3 that 'Know that Jehovah is God. He is the one who made us, and we belong to him. We are his people and the sheep of his pasture.' It is God that has made us, and not we ourselves.​

--- God has a purpose for everything he creates, including us. Isaiah 45:18 says in part "For this is what Jehovah says, The Creator of the heavens, the true God, the One who formed the earth, its Maker who firmly established it, who did not create it simply for nothing but formed it to be inhabited."

---God created us with a “spiritual need,” which includes the desire to find meaning in life. (Matthew 5:3). He wants us to satisfy that desire (Psalm 145:16.)

---We fill our spiritual need by building a friendship with God. Although the idea of being God’s friend might seem difficult to some, the Bible gives us this encouragement: “Draw close to God, and he will draw close to you.”​ which is at James 4:8.

To become God’s friend, we must live in harmony with his purpose for us. The Bible states this purpose at Ecclesiastes 12:13 (Good News Translation) “Have reverence for God, and obey his commands, because this is all that we were created for.”​

So, from what the Bible says about this subject matter. Life does have great meaning for humans. We were created for something good by our creator. The last verse cited above had already stated that purpose and if we comply, we will live forever

MANY people feel that happiness can be found by acquiring material possessions. How about you?

Material things can only bring physical comforts but it cannot build faith or fill our spiritual needs. In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus Christ said: “Happy are those conscious of their spiritual need, since the kingdom of the heavens belongs to them.” (Matthew 5:3)

Many seek happiness by engaging in illicit sex and other “works of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:19-21) However, yielding to sensual pleasures does not bring true and lasting happiness. So, then, where can we find real happiness?

To be truly happy, we must recognize our inborn spiritual need. Jesus said: “Happy are those conscious of their spiritual need.” To illustrate: What would happen to a marathon runner who after the race failed to respond to his body’s craving for water? Would he not soon face dehydration and other serious consequences? Likewise, if we fail to respond to our need for spiritual nourishment, we will eventually wither spiritually. This will lead to loss of joy and happiness.

True happiness cannot be obtained by acquiring material things; nor does happiness result from catering to the fallen flesh. True happiness is a condition of the heart, based on genuine faith and a good relationship with Jehovah God.

Faith and a good relationship with God will bring you true happiness.

Our heavenly father Jehovah, is willing and pleased to hear our sincere prayers. But there are things that would stop him from answering our prayers. What are these things? The Bible tells us.

"When praying, do not say the same things over and over again"--Matthew 6:7

Jehovah does not want us to repeat memorized prayers. Instead, he wants us to speak from the heart. Imagine how frustrating it is to have a friend tell you the same words to you day in and day out! It is the same with us and God when praying.

"When you do ask, you do not receive because you are asking for a wrong purpose"---James 4:3

We should certainly not expect God to answer our prayers if we were to ask for things we know he does not want us to do. For example, Would Jehovah grant a gambler's request for good luck when he has clearly warned against greediness? (Luke 12:15a) We should make sure that our requests are in harmony with his will.

"The one refusing to listen to the law -- even his prayer is detestable"— Proverbs 28:9

In Bible times, God did not answer those who rejected his righteous laws.(Isaiah 1:15,16) If we want God to answer our prayers, we must do what we can to live in harmony with his laws.

Have you ever felt that your prayers are not heard by God? If so, you are not alone. Many have prayed to God for help, but their problems still remain. Do you think God hears you when you pray?

The Bible (God's Word) has some assurances to give to such ones. Jehovah God listens to our prayers. Psalms 145: 18,19 says in part " Jehovah is near to all those calling on him, to all who call on him in truth....he hears their cry for help."

God also wants you to pray to him. Philippians 4:6 says "In everything by prayer and supplication along with thanksgiving, let your petitions be made known to God".

So be rest assured that in due time Jehovah God will answer your prayers if you are persistent in your request along with faith.

As an addition or continuation to a previous thread or topic,
https://www.nairaland.com/6870218/better-world-near#108007273

Humans can live in a new world by first following what is stated in John 17:3 which says partly "This means everlasting life, their coming to know you, the only true God". To survive the end of this world and live forever, we need to know God. This simply means been friends with God and not just knowing God exists.

The next step is to read God's Word, the Bible daily and apply what we are reading. Humans need to do God's will (1st John 2:17), practice what is good in the eyes of Jehovah God.

As long as the aforementioned steps are maintained and practiced each day, then humans can survive this world end and live in a better world so close at hand.

Well, nothing will make 2022 different from 2021 in terms of people getting sick, getting old and dying.

The reality of our times is that those discomforting things that happened last year will happen this year. In fact, as you read this post, someone somewhere is about to die, someone has died and the person's family are wailing. That's truly strange, but there will be a time when things will truly change.

Read with me
Revelation 21:4,5

He will wipe out every tears from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.
5. And the one seated on the throne said "Look! I am making all things new. Also, he says: "Write for these words are faithful and true."

You may have noticed in verse 4, it mentioned the things that will be removed: death, and all the things that make us cry.
Notice a key expression in verse 5.
"Look! I am making all things new".
That is the newness of things that will make the change. Imagine a time when no one ever dies and everyone is truly happy because no one gets sick, suffers hunger, or feels pain.

But for now, instead of saying happy new year, it should be happy new day. Let's thank Jah everyday and not till end of the year.

The Bible does not give the date of Jesus’ birth, nor does it say that we should celebrate his birthday. The Scriptures refer to only two individuals who celebrated their birthday. Neither of them was a worshipper of Jehovah, the God of the Bible, and their birthday celebrations were cast in a negative light. (Genesis 40:20; Mark 6:21). The early Christians opposed the pagan custom of celebrating birthdays. Surely, if Jesus wanted his followers to celebrate his birthday, he would have made certain that they knew the date of his birth.
Also, the Bible does not record that Jesus or any one of his disciples celebrated Christmas. Rather, Jesus gave clear instructions on what he wanted his followers to do, and these are recorded in the Bible. Celebrating Christmas, however, is not one of them. Just as a schoolteacher does not want his students to go beyond the instructions given them, Jesus does not want his followers to “go beyond the things that are written” in the Holy Scriptures. (1 Corinthians 4:6.).
As we have seen, Christmas is a birthday celebration, and early Christians did not follow that pagan custom. Furthermore, the Bible does not mention that Jesus or anyone else celebrated Christmas.

What kind of future do you desire? Can education and money guarantee a better life? Will being a good person guarantee you a secure future? These are some questions people often ask about the future?... The reality or truth is all the aforementioned things does not guarantee a secure future. A very rich individual still face family problems, health tragedies, and economic uncertainties in the future. A person who is very good to others today may be rewarded with bad deeds in the future. The ultimate question now is, How can we find the way to a secure future?.
The Holy Writings say " Wisdom is good for you. If you find it, you will have a future" (Prov. 24:14). In the Bible, you will find words of wisdom that can lead you to a secure future. To have that bright future, one needs to love Jehovah God and listen to his voice. ( Deut. 30:20). Then life everlasting with full health, comfort and love from loved ones will be ours.

The news humans keep hearing worldwide are full of distressing reports. They might include disease and pandemics, poverty and hunger,pollution, crime, violence,corruption etc. This has made people to wonder if this world can be better than it is now.
The truth is there is a better world just around the corner. The Bible gives the answers. Psalms 37:10,11 says the wicked will be no more but those who are meek and righteous will possess the earth and live in it. God will put an end to wickedness by means of his kingdom. It will replace human governments and it will rule forever (Daniel 2:44). God's kingdom will bring about a better world. The question now is, how can one be a part of this new world?. .....to be continued

Many individuals have the belief that "soul" means the spirit part of a human being that survives the death of the physical body.
In reality, The Bible gives the truth about the human soul. Gen. 2:7 says Jehovah God proceeded to form the man out of dust from the ground,...and the man came to be a living person (or soul, in some translations). The verse did not say that man was given a soul but that he became a soul, a living person.
Another verse is at Joshua 11:11a which says They went striking down everyone ( or every soul, in some translations) that was in it with the edge of the sword. The soul is here shown to be something that can be touched by the sword, so these souls could not have been spirits.
With these among other numerous verses shows soul is not spirit part of a human but rather it is the individual himself or herself that is a soul.

Nothingserious:
Bible prophecies are sure.

Me I am waiting for the day humans will evolve to other beings or apes will turn to humans or eyes evolve to other organs.
When will this likely happen pls?

I am glad you believe in Bible prophecies. The same Bible does not say anything about evolution or apes turning to man. Genesis 2: 7 says Jehovah God form the man out of dust from the ground, and not from earlier animals. Also, Genesis 2:21,22 says Eve was formed, not from an animal, but with one of Adam's ribs as starting material. Thus, evolution did not happen in the past nor will it happen in future.

For centuries, humans has established government but there seems to be no lasting happiness among the ruler and the ruled. What does the record of human rulership over the centuries show? Ecclesiastes 8:9: "Man has dominated man to his injury". (This is true even though some governments and rulers have started off with high ideals). The question now is why is it so?... Jer. 10:23 and Gen. 8:21 gives two reasons why human efforts in the field of government has failed.
If humans cannot establish a government that can bring lasting happiness, then which government can? The Bible puts us on notice that all human governments will come to their end at the hands of God and that God's government in the hands of his Son, Jesus Christ, will rule over all mankind and bring lasting happiness. Dan. 2:4; 7:13,14.

Yes, indeed! Jehovah God cares about humans. The Bible tells us that God gave man a perfect start ( Gen 1: 27, 31). Man was created to live forever in perfect conditions. But man rejected God's guidance and choose self-rule. Despite this, God made provision to remedy the situation which is a big sign of his love for humans. (John 3:16).
Aside from this, God has also set an appointed time when he will destroy those who ruin the earth and will cause lovers of righteousness to enjoy life in harmony with his original purpose. (Ps 37:10,11).
All the aforementioned are just a couple of reasons to show God really care about humans.

bipng:
Am think if our life have or purpose or is it that we are just born live for some years and then died. That is all

Op, Life does indeed have a purpose. Just consider what our Creator thinks in his word, the Bible. The Bible teaches that Jehovah God had a specific purpose for man and woman when he created them. Jehovah gave the following command to our original parents.

Genesis 1:28. “Be fruitful and become many and fill the earth and subdue it, and have in subjection the fish of the sea and the flying creatures of the heavens and every living creature that is moving upon the earth.”

God purposed that Adam and Eve and their children make the whole earth a paradise. He did not intend that humans grow old and die; nor did he want mankind to harm the environment. Psalms 37:29 specifically says we are meant to live forever on earth.

Meeu2:
What does apostle Paul really mean in 1corinthians 5 verses 5 : from good news Bible he said ' you are to hand this man over to Satan for his body to be destroyed, so that his spirit maybe saved in the day of the lord. Narialanders please share more light on that verse

Apostle Paul was instructing the congregation at Corinth as to the action to take toward a member of the congregation who had wickedly committed immorality. Apostle Paul was just giving the command to expel the man from the congregation. Turning him over to Satan would put him out of the congregation and into the world. The same reference is at 1st Timothy 1: 20.
The other part of the verse " so that his spirit might be saved in the day of the lord." simply refers to the need for repentance of the wrongdoer so that he comes back to the congregation and figuratively be save.

Nephilim:
What was the first thing God created?
Correct answer
Don't Google!

The first thing created by God on this earth is Light.(Genesis 1:3)

Genesis 2:18 says "Jehovah God went on to say: ' It is not good for the man to continue by himself. I am going to make a helper for him, as a complement of him.' "(The man is not here described by God as being a better person than the woman. Rather, God indicated that woman would possess qualities that would complement those of man within God's arrangement. A complement is one of two mutually completing parts. Thus women as a group are outstanding in certain qualities and abilities; men, in others. Men and women are equal before God.)

In human society today especially in Africa or Nigeria, women are not treated with respect or they are downgraded. What do you think, in your opinion, is God's view of women?

asainco:
I want to ask a question about the trinity.. As Christians do we worship Jehova or/and Jesus. I ask, because the bible said in 1corinthians 8:6 there's only one God and we go to him through Jesus. But in some gospel songs we sing about worshipping Jesus, whilst some songs we sing about worshipping Jehova. While some times we pray to Jesus instead of through him. Furthermore since we worship Jehova and Jesus(sometimes) why can't we worship the Holy spirit since he his part of the trinity?.
Ps, please read to understand. Thanks.

Humans should not worship holy spirit but only Jehovah God. The trinity concept is not supported in the Bible. Let me address the last part of your question. The holy spirit is not a person. Some Bible verses stated people were 'filled' with holy spirit, that some were "baptized" with it ( Luke 1:41; Matt 3:11: Acts 10: 38). These verses indicate that the holy spirit is God's active force. Jehovah is a separate person, Jesus who is son of God is separate, Holy spirit is not even a person.