www.christadelphians.co.uk - We live in challenging times on many fronts, especially financial. All around, people cry out for change - to the banking system, to government policy, even a change in government itself. Just look at the success of Barack Obama who won the US presidential vote on the back of a campaign for change. Why the need for change? Because people recognise that if things continue as they are we face a worrying and uncertain future. But how do we know any change will be successful? Even if it brings short term success, won't there just be a new set of problems to deal with in the long term? Obama wants a future "a little bit better" than today - don't we want a future that is much better?! Wouldn't it be comforting to be free from any worry about what the future might hold? To have guarantees about your future that you can depend on! Did you know that the Bible has much to say about the current world climate and the change it requires? Did you know that it can offer such guarantees? Maybe you've always dismissed it as irrelevant, inaccurate or made up. But have you ever actually stopped to check? Can you really dismiss it without looking into it? This presentation, held in the Midlands (UK) in December 2008, explores the remarkable message of hope contained within the Bible.

2. “ Britain's foreign secretary (David Miliband) has said he hopes the coming year will be an opportunity for global change... “ BBConline, November 19, 2008

6. The American Defence Secretary has launched a furious attack on Russia accusing it of Cold War brinkmanship in its threats to position nuclear weapons on its European border. Robert Gates claimed the Kremlin was trying to intimidate President-elect Barack Obama into dropping American plans for a new missile defence system based in eastern Europe. The row overshadowed a European Union summit designed to improve relations with Russia. Daily Telegraph, November 14, 2008

8. Iran's nuclear chief announced on Wednesday that Iran now has more than 5,000 centrifuges operating at its uranium enrichment plant, flatly defying UN resolutions. UN nuclear watchdog reported last week that Tehran had stocked enough enriched uranium to make its first A-Bomb, while US analysts said that they expect the Iranians to be able to make three bombs by the end of 2009. Debkafile, November 28, 2008

9. Intelligence sources have told the London-based The Times newspaper that the prospect of Israel taking pre-emptive military action to knock out Iran’s nuclear facilities appears to have become significantly more likely in recent weeks. A report published this week by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) points to the possibility that Tehran has already obtained enough enriched uranium to make one atomic bomb. Israel News, November 21, 2008

14. Civilization as we know it is coming to an end soon. This is not the wacky proclamation of a doomsday cult, apocalypse Bible prophecy sect, or conspiracy theory society. Rather, it is the scientific conclusion of the best paid, most widely-respected geologists, physicists, bankers, and investors in the world. These are rational, professional, conservative individuals who are absolutely terrified by a phenomenon known as global "Peak Oil."

15. And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. Luke 21:25-26

16. And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars ; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken . Luke 21:25-26 Fear stalks the world’s economies - various sources 21-11-08 "When I meet the heads of state I get a feeling of uncertainty and fear caused due to various problems”. (Indian President)

17. And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars ; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth : for the powers of heaven shall be shaken . Luke 21:25-26 Fear stalks the world’s economies - various sources 21-11-08 "When I meet the heads of state I get a feeling of uncertainty and fear caused due to various problems”. (Indian President) These are alarming times, but what are we all most afraid of? From London to Cairo to Beijing, a new geography of global anxiety is emerging (New Statesman 21-10-08) The global economic meltdown will be experienced not merely as a threat to the individual, but as a disaster that affects the entire world community

18. Britain's foreign secretary has said he hopes the coming year will be an opportunity for global change which will benefit the troubled Middle East. David Miliband, who has been in Israel, the occupied West Bank and Syria, was speaking after meeting Lebanese President Michel Suleiman in Beirut. He cited the new US administration and scheduled elections in Israel, Iran and Lebanon as potential agents of change. He said each country must think how it will contribute to peace and stability. "I think 2009 is going to be a very important year," Mr Miliband told reporters after meeting with Lebanese President Michel Suleiman. "It is the year of change globally because there is a new American president, there will be a new Israeli government, there will be elections in Lebanon and.... in Iran as well." Barack Obama vows to 'change the world'

19. Britain's foreign secretary has said he hopes the coming year will be an opportunity for global change which will benefit the troubled Middle East. David Miliband, who has been in Israel, the occupied West Bank and Syria, was speaking after meeting Lebanese President Michel Suleiman in Beirut. He cited the new US administration and scheduled elections in Israel, Iran and Lebanon as potential agents of change. He said each country must think how it will contribute to peace and stability. "I think 2009 is going to be a very important year," Mr Miliband told reporters after meeting with Lebanese President Michel Suleiman. "It is the year of change globally because there is a new American president, there will be a new Israeli government, there will be elections in Lebanon and.... in Iran as well." Barack Obama vows to 'change the world'

20. O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps. Jeremiah 10:23

21. O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps. Jeremiah 10:23 8 It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man. 9 It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes. Psalm 118:8-9

22. O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps. Jeremiah 10:23 8 It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man. 9 It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes. Psalm 118:8-9 The Bible has the solution!

23. And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh. Luke 21:27-28

24. God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it ? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good? Numbers 23:19 For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed. Malachi 3:6 In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began; Titus 1:2 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. James 1:17

27. Nebuchadnezzar's Dream

28. Head of Gold Chest and Arms of Silver Belly and Thighs of Brass Legs of Iron Feet part of Iron and part of Clay Nebuchadnezzar's Dream

29. Head of Gold Chest and Arms of Silver Belly and Thighs of Brass Legs of Iron Feet part of Iron and part of Clay Nebuchadnezzar's Dream The Age of Babylon The Age of Medes and Persians The Age of Greece The Age of Rome The Age of Our Day

30. And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.. Daniel 2:44

31. And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.. Daniel 2:44 Forasmuch as thou sawest that the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it brake in pieces the iron, the brass, the clay, the silver, and the gold; the great God hath made known to the king what shall come to pass hereafter: and the dream is certain, and the interpretation thereof sure . Daniel 2:45

32. The Jews For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God: the LORD thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth. Deuteronomy 7:6 And he took the book of the covenant, and read in the audience of the people: and they said, All that the LORD hath said will we do, and be obedient. Exodus 24:7

33. … if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the LORD thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth: Deuteronomy 28:1 But it shall come to pass, if thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe to do all his commandments and his statutes which I command thee this day; that all these curses shall come upon thee, and overtake thee: Deuteronomy 28:15 Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me. Isaiah 43:10

34. The Jews Therefore say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Although I have cast them far off among the heathen, and although I have scattered them among the countries, yet will I be to them as a little sanctuary in the countries where they shall come. 17 Therefore say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; I will even gather you from the people, and assemble you out of the countries where ye have been scattered, and I will give you the land of Israel. Ezekiel 11:16-17 For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed. Malachi 3:6

35. Global change What God intends … as truly as I live, all the earth shall be filled with the glory of the LORD. Numbers 14:21

38. 1 But in the last days it shall come to pass, that the mountain of the house of the LORD shall be established in the top of the mountains, and it shall be exalted above the hills; and people shall flow unto it. 2 And many nations shall come, and say, Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, and to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for the law shall go forth of Zion, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. Micah 4:1-2

40. Behold, a king shall reign in righteousness, and princes shall rule in judgment. Isaiah 32:1 And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever. Isaiah 32:17

42. Global change 1 And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: 2 And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD; 3 And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the LORD: and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears: 4 But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked. Isaiah 11:1-4

44. 3 And he shall judge among many people, and rebuke strong nations afar off; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up a sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. 4 But they shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree; and none shall make them afraid: for the mouth of the LORD of hosts hath spoken it . Micah 4:3-4

46. There shall be an handful of corn in the earth upon the top of the mountains; the fruit thereof shall shake like Lebanon: and they of the city shall flourish like grass of the earth. Psalm 72:16 13 Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that the plowman shall overtake the reaper, and the treader of grapes him that soweth seed; and the mountains shall drop sweet wine, and all the hills shall melt. 14 And I will bring again the captivity of my people of Israel, and they shall build the waste cities, and inhabit them ; and they shall plant vineyards, and drink the wine thereof; they shall also make gardens, and eat the fruit of them. 15 And I will plant them upon their land, and they shall no more be pulled up out of their land which I have given them, saith the LORD thy God. Amos 9:13-15