The media elevates an entertainer’s sad death (eg Gordon Downie and so many others) but are unable to provide any explanation as to ‘why we die’, and/or true consolation!
In fact religious elements shamefully fail to provide the well explained reason for the cause of (natural) death in Scripture *, and/or even worse frequently misrepresent God’s future purpose for all mankind!
In fact God’s plan and ability to provide life after death is not only clearly explained in scripture, but there are numerous well documented cases of resurrection, the greatest of these being that of his son Jesus Christ!
Those grieving the loss of loved ones can read of these examples and find comfort from them. In fact there is abundant evidence a general resurrection ** NO NOT IN HEAVEN BUT RIGHT HERE ON OUR BEAUTIFUL PLANET EARTH! THAT is God’s future purpose for all those who humbly seek his approval, and, owing to his mercy, even those who do not! Extended future being determined by future, not past behavior!
*Matthew 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.
**Matthew 24:15,16: ” …..there is going to be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous.Because of this I always strive to maintain a clear conscience before God and men.”
There exists a symbiotic relationship between humans and animals. We only need to hear heartfelt, passionate, experiences of pet owners to confirm this truth! That we share genetics, perhaps even physical features in some cases, with other living creatures on earth is undeniable.* And who has not been humored by similarities, even resemblances to human characteristics in many plants and animals, including marine animals? (Bird of Paradise; Orchid Owl; and many more are not a fake pictures)
Humorous similarities in nature may contribute to belief in evolution. But is such reasoning the ‘only’ logical conclusion possible? I invite you to consider an alternative line of reasoning.
Consider famous artists, like Van Gogh, Michelangelo, or Leonardo Da Vinci. It doesn’t even take an expert to identify their particular works of art. Experts, or even qualified laymen can readily identify their distinctive style, subject matter, canvass, brush strokes, techniques and more!
I submit for your consideration, that, similarly, all life on earth is likewise a perfectly identifiable product of a single creative Artist! His distinctive style, brush strokes, and ‘living subjects’, being easily recognizable throughout the earth.
In fact, DNA of ALL life, greatly adds to the credibility of this line of reasoning! More and more it has been revealed that genetic building blocks of DNA are, not only common, but ‘nearly identical’ to all other life forms. Amazingly, all life on earth is based on the very same DNA constructs!
This is far different from the concept each individual life form is an accidental result of some unknown force of necessity. It is not an over-simplification to say that, to the extent that geneticists have been so far able to analyze DNA/RNA, only minor differences account for all the diversity of life on earth!
Yes we all share a very common basic makeup, from man to plants and animals! Simple comparisons might be an auto assembly line producing many different models of cars using the very same construction methods, or Lego blocks used to build an unlimited number of designs. Of course the building DNA strands of life are immeasurably more complex than those simple examples! *
The point is, just as works produced by famous artists clearly identify those creative geniuses, fundamental makeup of all life forms on earth provides a major identifying mark for a singular, incomparable, Artist-Creator! For more detailed DNA information go to my post: Evolution vs Creation.
With all that said, there are distinct differences between humans and all other forms of life on earth. As the ultimate Artist-Sculptor he’s made mankind the ‘apex production’ of his earthly works, how? By generously granting humans qualities in his very own likeness!You might say we are, spiritually, his self-portrait in love, wisdom, justice, and power!
Clearly every form of life has unique features, abilities, and appearances to it alone. Yet we need to acknowledge human capabilities exceed all other life forms on earth. For example; ‘conscience; and free will’!
While those exceptional and unique characteristics have been suppressed and eroded by the many adverse conditions today, there is no denying they do exist from the day we are born. And when properly trained they provide a supreme separation from the animal kingdom granted by our Artist-Creator.
In conclusion I want to emphasize the known common fundamental makeup of all life on earth provides strong evidence of an awesome ‘Artistic Creator‘ **. One who not only designed endless forms of life using genetic programming only beginning to be understood by mankind, but described by scriptural inspiration literally thousand of years before modern discovery! ** At the same time he’s granted humans superior attributes in His very own likeness, plus a free will to develop them!
Contributed comment:
“It is interesting that in some basic ways all animal creation follows a closely designed formula with overlapping characteristics. Eat, drink, eliminate, cohabit, bring forth offspring, etc., yet humans are several notches above… and consciously worship, design, plan, innovate, improve, etc. Is life on earth designed? Only the uninformed would say no! What about our future,… only the uninformed would say it has been left to chance in the hands of problematic human creations that seem to not recognize limits…”
* e.g. a mere teaspoon of DNA has a nearly ‘infinite’ data storage capacity!
** “Your eyes even saw me as an embryo; All its parts were written in your book Regarding the days when they were formed, Before any of them existed.” (Psalm 139:16)
Ergo: “For his invisible qualities are clearly seen from the world’s creation onward, because they are perceived by the things made, even his eternal power and Godship, so that they are inexcusable.” (Romans 1:20)
Please visit JW.org for more encouraging scriptural information!
I’ve touched on this subject before but am compelled to add to it because of ongoing observations. As a senior citizen, I feel very blessed to have been able to observe ‘some’ of nature throughout many years now, without being a back-woods hermit or luddite*.
Though I cannot claim to have been on African Safari’s, or an explorer in deep sea quests, yet from my viewpoint and experience it is utterly obvious that we have only begun to appreciate the complexity and diversity of life on planet earth.
That complexity and diversity of life on earth speaks volumes to me. It says that there is a power and intelligence far beyond human capability, yet still within our capacity to appreciate… if we are humble enough.
Humility is sadly lacking in most of humankind. Philosophers throughout the ages prefer to theorize, even that somehow we may only exist in a dream world. Descortes famously said ‘I think therefore I am!” A complex belief that internal thought and doubt are the only things we can trust. Even today’s science suggests by sheer accidental means we have developed into the ultimate life-form on earth. Even worse, that we are capable of managing our own affairs, and even all other life-forms of the earth wisely. Clearly real facts have proven otherwise!
These assumptions, supported by never-ending, conflicting and unsupported fanciful theories, strikes me as the greatest weakness of our kind, otherwise known as absolute arrogance!
Countless generations of mankind. even those of first nations peoples, has proven beyond a doubt we desperately need superior guidance to manage our affairs and care for all life on earth, including the environment. This may well be the simple, primary purpose of human life.
Its becoming more obvious to thinking people every day; this unique and beautiful planet was never intended to be managed in isolation from its designer and builder. Isn’t it about time we humbly and respectfully acknowledge that basic truth?**
*luditte: a person opposed to new technology or ways of working.
** He is “the Creator of the heavens, . . . the Former of the earth and the Maker of it.” (Isa 45:18) He is “the Former of the mountains and the Creator of the wind” (Am 4:13) and is “the One who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all the things in them.”
In general the expression ‘over the moon’ means exceptional feelings of course, and many of us share them with NASA today. However the Artemis crew’s views also adds new thoughtful meaning.
Tonight I add to their appreciation by personally observing the stunning beauty of a radiant full moon (May 1st 2026)!
In contrast the visual impressions of the ‘far side’, from all camera views simply show a dull ‘brownish surface material’! To me that ‘dark side’ emphasizes the contrasting nature of ‘our near side‘! How so?
Although still to be verified, there appears to be a reflective surface aspect to ‘our near side’ of the moon that is significantly dissimilar to the dark side. Check this out! *
If so what could this unique ‘reflective‘ surface material be attributed to..? Indeed, what well known feature has the moon always presented for us earthlings? Needless to say it is, and always will be, ‘a shining light‘ * for all mankind
The blanket of fine, loose, fragmental material covering the entire visible surface of the Moon is often called lunar soil, though it lacks the organic content of Earth’s soil it consists of pulverized rock fragments, mineral grains, and tiny glassy particles called agglutinates.” (biology insights)
Yes, I’m suggesting the near side of the moon has been especially designed for us by a grand and loving Creator!
* And God went on to make the two great luminaries, the greater luminary for dominating the day and the lesser luminary for dominating the night, and also the stars. Thus God put them in the expanse of the heavens to shine upon the earth and to dominate by day and by night and to make a division between the light and the darkness. Then God saw that it was good. (Genesis 1:16-18)
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The following excerpt regarding prospects for mars habitation is not related but very interesting:
Exposure to the unmediated Martian environment isn’t just hostile to human beings; it’s immediately lethal. While it may be possible to create a habitable environment on Mars, those habitats would be closer to hermetically sealed space stations or submarines than frontier settlements. (by freelance writer Alan Bradley’s ‘five myths’ about habiting mars)
Just in the USA about 50,000 people died by suicide in 2025, many being youths. How incredibly sad is that!? No doubt prospects for youths and even adults was severely impacted by the Covid-19 virus and variants – just one cause for some to give up on life.
My point in addressing this tragic issue is somewhat related to John Milton’s epic poems; ‘from paradise lost to paradise regained’ * but not entirely…please read on;
No doubt the absence of hope is the root cause of many if not most suicides! Clearly then, what is needed is real hope for the future based on solid facts.
Where can we find such real hope in a world that consistently engenders economic greed; government corruption; destruction of the environment; crime and violence; and the list goes on!?
The promise of ‘a return to paradise’ is a main theme of scripture. And scripture has been proven to be just as reliable as the rising of the sun. How can this be said? To begin with most scripture is recorded history of God’s dealings with man. That being the case, it’s possible to compare the biblical record with the known facts of history. Does it meet that litmus test, indeed it does! In fact many times the previously doubted Bible record has been proven correct when new archaeological and/or other factual historical evidence comes to light.
Indeed scriptures have shamed critics and proven to be accurate beyond any contradiction time and again, including references to known science; for one example the Psalmist said ‘his makeup was written down in a book before he was born’! ** A perfectly clear reference to only recently known DNA! And again, the scriptures refer to the ‘circle of the earth hanging on nothing‘, *** a fact we have only visually confirmed in recent times! But these words were written thousands of years before science confirmed them. Obviously the Bible was ‘inspired’ by the one who created these wonders we have only begun to appreciate!
The answer my friends is ‘written on the wind’, in a manor of speaking. The rotten conditions that exist on our beautiful planet are not in keeping with its purpose at all. **** Little wonder so many people feel hopeless. We naturally and rightly wish for a better world, a united world of mankind living in peace and security with plenty for all! And that is exactly what is promised for those who exercise faith in our Creator’s promise to regain paradise lost!
‘And I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the former heaven and the former earth had passed away,’…. ‘And God himself will be with them. 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’…. ‘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.'(see Revelation 21:1-5)
**** “For too long, we have been waging a senseless and suicidal war on nature. The result is three interlinked environmental crises: climate disruption, biodiversity loss and pollution that threaten our viability as a species.” UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres
If there is one thing you can say about ‘paleontologists’ is that they have more imagination than avant garde artists!
For example; from mere impressions in well worn seaside rocks they can visualize entire species and families of living sub-human creatures! Amazing isn’t it, reminds you of the attempts to justify a theory of evolution by fashioning pieces of bone together and naming it ‘Piltdown man’, which has been long since been ‘debunked’!
Like those who perpetrated that particular myth, no doubt the objective of many in this field is to, shall we say, gain recognition and credit for great discoveries. However objective examination of real facts simply do not support the ‘thousands of years’ they hypothesize, regardless of exercising very (modern) human imagination!
Even if the so-called rock impressions vaguely resemble human impressions, which is extreme conjecture, the age of the rocks themselves is completely unknown and undetermined!
So-called carbon dating etc, which by the way they don’t even bother to offer as evidence for making bold statements about the age of said rocks(?), continues to be a highly unreliable method as experts will confirm. No, even those dating methods simply do not provide reliable evidence for the formation of rocks, bones, and vegetation – much less provide support for belief humans existed millions of years ago!
Still high-priests of evolution will continue to promote and advocate some animalistic forms of human existence long before ‘modern man’, based on such things as mere well worn rock impressions. Impressions which by the way are well known to be created by ocean tides and currents to mention just a few ‘natural’ processes.
But sadly, similar to TV evangelists, science based glory seekers will continue to exert their imagination, creating illusions for a Nieve public, often well supported and misguided by news media, unfortunately.
Curtis & Leroy saw an ad in the Kentville Advertiser Newspaper in
> Kentville, N.S. and bought a mule for $100.
> The farmer agreed to deliver the mule the next day.
> Te following morning the farmer drove up, and said: “Sorry, fellers, I
> have some bad news for you, the mule died last night.”
> Curtis & Leroy replied; “Well then, just give us our money back.”
> The farmer said; ” Can’t do that…I went and spent it already.”
> They said; “Okay then, just bring us the dead mule.”
> The farmer asked; “What in the world ya’ll gonna do with a dead mule?”
> Curtis said; “We gonn’a raffle him off.”
> The farmer said; “You can’t raffle off a dead mule!”
> Leroy said; “We shore can! Heck, we don’t haft’a tell nobody he’s dead!”
>
> A couple of weeks later, the farmer ran into Curtis & Leroy at the Co-Op grocery store and asked: “Say…what’d you fellers ever do with that dead mule?”
> Curis, said; “We raffled him off like we said we wuz gonn’a do.”
> he added; “Shucks, we sold 500 tickets fer two dollars a piece and made a profit of $898.”
> The farmer said; “My Lord, didn’t anyone complain…?”
> Curt is said; “Well, the feller who won was really upset. So we gave him his two dollars back.” Curtis and Leroy now work for the government. They’re overseeing investigation of the Senate and the spending scandal.
This is a personal invitation for all subscribers to the most important Christian observance of the year, as Jesus himself directed. It will be held at sundown on Thursday April 2nd. 2026*
You are warmly invited to join more than 20 million world-wide in 240+ lands who will be attending either in person at Kingdom Hall’s or on Zoom. If you would like further information visit ‘JW.org‘.
This is a re-print of a well-circulated email I received. I do not know the author, but am very impressed with the logic offered, perhaps you will be also…?
By Jason Carlson and Ron Carlson
Is the Bible the Inspired Word of God?
During a question and answer session at a recent speaking engagement, a university student asked me, “Why do you believe that the Bible is the inspired word of God?” Now this is a very interesting question; and probably one of the most important questions any Christian could ask themselves. What is so special, so unique about the Bible that Christians believe it is literally the inspired word of God?
In answering this student’s question, I encouraged him to consider the following facts about the Bible:
First, the Bible is not just one single book. This is a more common misconception than many people realize, especially with people who do not come from a Judeo-Christian background. Rather than being a single book, the Bible is actually a collection of 66 books, which is called the canon of scriptures. These 66 books contain a variety of genres: history, poetry, prophecy, wisdom literature, letters, and apocalyptic just to name a few.
Second, these 66 books were written by 40 different authors. These authors came from a variety of backgrounds: shepherds, fishermen, doctors, kings, prophets, and others. And most of these authors never knew one another personally.
Third, these 66 books were written over a period of 1500 years. Yet again, this is another reminder that many of these authors never knew or collaborated with one another in writing these books.
Fourth, the 66 books of the Bible were written in 3 different languages. In the Bible we have books that were written in the ancient languages of Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic; a reflection of the historical and cultural circumstances in which each of these books were written.
And finally, these 66 books were written on 3 different continents: Africa, Asia, and Europe. Once again, this is a testament to the varied historical and cultural circumstances of God’s people.
Think about the above realities: 66 books, written by 40 different authors, over 1500 years, in 3 different languages, on 3 different continents. What’s more, this collection of books shares a common storyline- the creation, fall, and redemption of God’s people; a common theme- God’s universal love for all of humanity; and a common message- salvation is available to all who repent of their sins and commit to following God with all of their heart, soul, mind and strength. In addition to sharing these commonalities, these 66 books contain no historical errors or contradictions. God’s word truly is an amazing collection of writings!
After I had shared the above facts with this student, I offered him the following challenge: I said to him, “If you do not believe that the Bible is the inspired word of God, if you do not believe that the Bible is of a supernatural origin, than I challenge you to a test.” I said to the student, “I challenge you to go to any library in the world, you can choose any library you like, and find 66 books which match the characteristics of the 66 books in the Bible. You must choose 66 books, written by 40 different authors, over 1500 years, in 3 different languages, written on 3 different continents. However, they must share a common storyline, a common theme, and a common message, with no historical errors or contradictions.” I went on to say, “If you can produce such a collection of books, I will admit that the Bible is not the inspired word of God.” The student’s reply was almost instantaneous, he emphatically stated, “But that’s impossible!”
“But that’s impossible!” It truly is impossible, for any collection of human writings. However, the Bible passes this test. The Bible contains 66 books, written by 40 different authors, over 1500 years, in 3 different languages, on 3 different continents, with no historical errors or contradictions. The entire Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, bears the mark of Divine inspiration.
The next time you encounter someone who asks you why you believe the Bible is the inspired word of God, try sharing this challenge with them. Better yet, don’t wait until you’re asked, just go ahead and share this challenge with a friend today. You don’t even have to mention the Bible up front, just ask them if they think it would be realistic to assemble such a collection of books. After they say, “But that’s impossible!” you’ve got a ready-made opportunity for sharing the truth of God’s word with somebody!
Supplemental: What did Isaac Newton have to say about the Bible? Click on this link: Isaac Newton on the Bible.
Earth Rise!
