SAT UPDATE (3:56,59 pm) Hello! A valuable CTC Policy entitled Proper View of Law has been included, as CTC (3)--Something all should be sure to have.

THU UPDATE (11:10,14,16,31 am) Hello! See the CTC (2) article that has been updated to include my plans for greater home fire safety, as God's wisdom is applied to bring His blessing under according to His Kingdom promises! The work and education on home safety can eventually be applied world-wide for much greater security as God has promised! I've inserted and alerted you to this work being done in the former article Realities of God's Government and Beneficial Standards, mostly beginning with the paragraph "One Such Safety Intervention."

(8B) COME TO CONSENSUS CORNER (1)

As it turns out, the Celsius (°C) Temperature scale is excellent for generating a number range for a Feels-Like Weather Comfort Rating for the Day's outdoor activities. I worked on this in just under Picture Perfect temperatures indoors, primarily in hopes that we might have an improved Feels-Like System that included more than the wind, in an insightful Format. Here it is in a Chart form, which professionals might use as well for their day planning. For most people, our outdoor weather experiences should fall between 0 and 40 on this scale, with 0 being the freezing temperature of water (32°F). It may be that our day's activities may often fit nicely into one or two of these range areas, all factors accounted for!

COME TO CONSENSUS CORNER

We’ve seen how GOD’s STANDARDS ARE REALISTIC, REASONABLE, RELIABLE, AND REWARDING.

We’ve also noted that: UNDER THE RULE OF GOD’S GOVERNMENT, THE STANDARDS SET FORTH IN HIS WORD WILL MAKE POSSIBLE PUBLIC POLICIES THAT PROMOTE HONESTY, FAIRNESS, REASONABLENESS AND HAPPINESS.

APPLYING PRECEPTS. Putting these truths together, the way true peace will be obtained and will remain among mankind will be by both GOD’s blessing, and also by the education and application of GOD’s astounding word and it’s principles, or precepts. This will be seen, for instance, in the vast reduction and practical elimination of serious and life-threatening infractions, such as regarding home and work fire hazards and alcohol-related and other harmful auto incidents. Of course, GOD’s blessings will be flowing upon mankind, and we shall have HIS assistance to promote safety, security, and happiness among one another. Yet all this will be enhanced by means of an extensive public educational policy, blessed by GOD, that will encourage awareness of HIS beneficial laws and standards. And LOVE for GOD and for one another will be the dominant motive prevailing! Let’s take the above examples and consider how we may largely eliminate such threats to our peace.

FIRE SAFETY. Under control, fire may be included among some of our most cherished memories, perhaps a campfire with family and friends roasting hot dogs and marshmallows. But out of control, what a threat to our security and happiness! In a home, for instance, what makes the difference? Don't we need both safe and regulated systems and equipment, as well as to be informed about fire hazards and safety, and act accordingly, or appropriately? Today, however, how often are you presented with loving guidance or instruction in these matters? How often is commercial air time used for an educational message regarding fire safety? Yet statistics indicate roughly a 1/2 million fire incidents per year, in a nation of over 300 million people. Shall we say that’s “just” one in 600? Or, rather, is it a 1/2 million too many?

WITH JEHOVOE GOD’S BLESSING in full force under HIS RULERSHIP, HE will assist us! And efforts can be applied under the leadership of the Christ, having access to the helpful guidance necessary to QUICKLY REDUCE and PRACTICALLY ELIMINATE fire hazards around our workplaces and homes.

ADVANCEMENTS. And, advancements have been and can be made in the use of fire-resistant building materials and modifications to existing homes. Also, smarter systems can be put in place around cooking equipment and home heating systems. Recommendations can be made, or provided, to assist in such matters. All of this will just make it easier for Jehovah GOD to fulfill His promises toward mankind, as in Revelation 21:3-4:

“3 With that I heard a loud voice from the throne say: “Look! The tent of God is with mankind, and he will reside with them, and they will be his people. And God himself will be with them. 4 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. ”

INTERVENTIONS. As the number of fires quickly drop nationwide and eventually worldwide, GOD Himself will most certainly be behind it. Even praying to Jehovah, seeking HIS help and blessing each day can reflect our humble, appreciative attitude toward life. And while we aim to maintain a sound mind, can Jehovah not intervene to prevent a serious mistake or calamity? Certainly His Son will be blessed to bring about changes that will help prevent the problems many have experienced! Under the rule of HIS Kingdom, certainly problems can be solved, as we continually look to God and His Son for guidance in life, and may all be grateful for that direction! (Compare Psalm 19:7-8, 11-14). In such ways, Paradise blessings will be achieved and experienced by mankind, and as foretold, GOD is making this possible through the Christ, the Son of man, with his co-rulers, all upholding Jehovah GOD’s sovereignty! (Matthew 19:28).

ONE SUCH SAFETY INTERVENTION that should soon begin to correct unsafe home electrical systems, and greatly reduce several electrical fire hazards, is my plan to redirect or convert typical 120V AC systems to a 32V DC outlet than can then be safely altered properly and power-inverted/converted back to AC for typical household use. Initially some work was done on DC 8V systems, a more stable, and effective voltage for many purposes. However, 32V is even more powerful and versatile, without compromising safety. Please allow my patented work with God's blessing to continue on this, and see what may be done to support the work on this in the coming days and months, in line with the rest of us. Since AC power strips must use all the power of a single outlet, without trying to share AC with any other device in the same receptacle, it has been agreed by many that the best approach is to have a single power-inverted AC outlet, that can either have a single power strip hooked to it, OR that outlet can alternatively have other outlets connected over it, such as a typical two-outlet receptacle, or even a four-outlet receptacle, for best efficiency over a six. Also, at the same time that this conversion work can be done at receptacles throughout a home, less conductive ALUMINUM receptacle boxes can be used to replace the existing ones, further greatly cutting fire risk at wall outlets. I am aiming to work with partners to appoint several appropriate innovative U.S.-based groups to work together on this concept, together able to recognize and address any further issues, that we may see it through in a timely fashion, making it possible for this work to be done in households throughout the United States and abroad.

OTHER SAFETY SOLUTIONS. For the kitchen, we can use start mass production of BAKING-SODA Fire extinguishers, with less force than typical extinguishers, when dealing with a grease fire, for instance. Look for recommended ways to deal with a grease fire--if you can safely cover the pan, not using water, but possibly baking soda, and exit the building, this may prevent disaster. Some typical extinguishers, while good for other fires like electrical, can shoot the burning grease and cause a house fire, whereas using baking soda with proper instructions will quiet the hot grease making it easier to cover the fire with the pan lid and safely take it outside the building to a hard or dirt surface without grass or plants, to be cooled. As regards flammable ceilings and such, capable painters can also use paint rollers to coat either a water-based flame-resistant mixture (evidently best of Rooibos tea and baking soda, about 1:1) over the entire ceiling and even on the walls, or an oil-based nonflammable paint, although more of a pain to apply, could also be used.

DRIVING INCIDENTS. Along the same lines, can we not expect intervention by GOD and Christ regarding the plague of driving accidents nationwide? MUCH of this is attributed to alcohol abuse—an insidious, confusing influence that deceptively disrupts normal driving skill and ability. The people of GOD will beat this problem, under Christ’s direction, as true knowledge is applied to the issue, with GOD’s blessing! Inhibitive fear itself is to be practically eliminated in GOD’s new world.

Micah 4:4 says “4 And they will actually sit, each one under his vine and under his fig tree, and there will be no one making [them] tremble; for the very mouth of Jehovah of armies has spoken [it].”

NEVER ENDANGER OTHERS. May all take a close look at their practices in this regard. Jehovah GOD is “ready to forgive.” Some have caused others harm in the past by ignoring alcohol’s subtle and deceptive influence. May they turn around from such practices, realizing the danger, and lovingly and compassionately making arrangements so they never endanger others behind the wheel in such circumstances. And many have never fallen into this trap. Under the rulership of Christ, all will be educated in such things, so we can avoid threatening others in such ways! May we behave in ways that uphold GOD’s loving will and purpose for humans, eliminating fear and injustice in our practices. All will be helped to do so in GOD’s new world.

CONCLUSION

UTTER SORROW TO VANISH. These are just two examples of how the Christ will lead the way in an extensive educational campaign to bring such issues under control with GOD’s benevolent blessing. Arrangements will be made within GOD’s government, likely in cooperation with Christian institutions, to address various matters involving the life and health of humanity. Tears of sorrow will all but vanish as we address issue after issue needing attention to be in harmony with GOD’s loving ways and wondrous Word! May we thus continue to be educated in the marvelous ways of GOD by continually feeding at HIS table, considering thoughts from the Bible that INSPIRE, EDUCATE, CLEANSE, AND BENEFIT all humans accepting such provisions!

COME TO CONSENSUS CORNER

Week 10: ISSUE AFTER ISSUE ADDRESSED BY GOD’S KINGDOM: PROPER VIEW OF LAW

Psalm 1:2 “But his delight is in the law of Jeho'voe, And he reads His law in an undertone day and night.”

Joshua 1:8 “This book of the Law should not depart from your mouth, and you must read it in an undertone day and night, in order to observe carefully all that is written in it; for then your way will be successful and then you will act wisely.”

Jeremiah 31:33 “For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days,” declares Jeho'voe. “I will put my law within them, and in their heart I will write it. And I will become their God, and they will become my people.”

NEED FOR LAW. The need for some code of law became apparent with time in man’s history. Before the advent of such laws, humans, closer to the perfection originally present in our first parents, Adam and Eve, generally lived by their consciences. Likely, discussions of right and wrong actions were among the conversations our first parents had with their children. It was possibly even before a law code existed that Joseph fled from having an adulterous affair with his Egyptian owner’s wife, saying “How could I commit this great badness and actually sin against God?” In the oral history handed down, he knew God had brought the first man and woman together in marriage, and at this, God’s word says: “That is why a man will leave his father and his mother and he will stick to his wife, and they will become one flesh.” (Genesis 2:24). Thus respect for the covenant of marriage was engendered early on, especially among God-fearing persons.

AN EARLY CODE. One early law code was the code of Hammurabi. This was before the time of Moses. Hammurabi’s code laid down some 282 laws, having been written upon stone pillars within the kingdom of Babylon, so everyone would know the law. Hammurabi is known as the sixth king of Babylon, and is believed to have ruled between 1792 BCE and 1750 BCE. Hammurabi evidently did not write these laws, but brought together and organized existing laws. It became the standard of judgment throughout his empire. Of course, there were some similarities and differences when comparing his law to that of God’s law through Moses. Both codes stated, for instance, that kidnapping a child would bring the death penalty.*

WHY SEVERE PENALTIES? Why do such laws of man and God, even today, have severe punishments associated with certain wrong actions? If everyone is aware of the law code, and know how severe the penalty would be for a specific harmful, criminal act, this should serve as a powerful deterrent from engaging in wrong conduct, thus enabling a peaceful existence to be maintained in society. Just as violating a law of physics, such as gravity, you know could mean your death, so serious moral laws should never be violated either. God reveals at 2Peter 3:9 that He “...is patient with you because he does not desire anyone to perish but desires all to attain to repentance.” Thus, He wants everyone to understand and respect His laws, which promote genuine peace and happiness among society. Hammurabi’s code even included death for robbery, while God’s law through Moses generally only required returning the item stolen, if possible, and added compensation, totaling up to four times the amount, depending on the situation. Thus, God’s law was more reasonable in this case, while the penalty still serves to deter the crime. Also, God’s law promoted fairness and equality, whereas Hammurabi’s law considered a crime less serious if it was committed by one with higher social status. More than a crime against man, God’s law made it clear that crimes such as robbery were also being committed against God—who loves His human creation, and wants the peace and happiness of all. They thus were sins against God, requiring forgiveness by Him.

OTHER PURPOSES OF LAW. We’ve seen that laws can be set as a deterrent from bad actions. But laws can also promote and accentuate good practices and standards. It can be used to set certain payments for government, legal and business services, for instance. It can serve as a guide for helping ensure that all can learn to live respectfully and peaceably with one another. It can outline fair practices between entities, whether governmental, commercial, or personal. It can outline a path to help various peoples overcome some disappointing or failing circumstances, to regain their peace, security, prosperity, freedom and/or happiness after some disaster or unfortunate occurrence(s). Laws can thus be used for much good, and contribute to the above-mentioned conditions that human hearts long to experience and maintain. And contrary to the notion that laws are only restrictive, in truth law can even protect various freedoms that promote such happiness among humanity. God’s word reveals that “where the spirit of Jehovoe is, there is freedom!” (2Cori 3:17). And James speaks of God’s law as a “perfect law that belongs to freedom.” He writes: “But the one who peers into the perfect law that belongs to freedom and continues in it has become, not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work; and he will be happy in what he does.” (James 1:25). Thus, God’s law can promote wise and good conduct, and help those who adhere to it act with greater wisdom, and find greater happiness. Psalm 19:7-8 says: “7 The law of Jehovoe is perfect, restoring strength. The reminder of Jehovoe is trustworthy, making the imprudent one wise. 8 The orders from Jehovoe are upright, causing the heart to rejoice; The commandment of Jehovoe is clean, making the eyes shine [“enlightening the eyes”, AMP].” Therefore, God’s commands support truth and true worship in a way that enables obedient ones to find wisdom and joy, to see more clearly where they are on the path of life, and where they are going.

WHAT OF THE RANSOM? Therefore, the ransom of Christ, while a merciful gift of God, does not do away with law, but rather establishes it. It is having faith, or deep trust, in that merciful provision for forgiveness that enables ones to gradually grow to greater adherence to the law of God. With a deep faith in God and His word and law, we are moved to respond to God’s love by loving Him in return. And 1John 5:3 explains: “3 For this is what the love of God means, that we observe his commandments; and yet his commandments are not burdensome.” Thus by such faith in God’s love, seeing God’s law as a way to know how to love Him in return, true righteousness is made possible, even a complete obedience of the heart of a person. This was not always understood. Some Jews felt that their own circumcision of the flesh itself gave them divine favor. Romans 3:23-24, 29-31 says: “23 For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and it is as a free gift that they are being declared upright by his undeserved kindness through the release by the ransom paid by Christ Jesus...29 Or is he the God of the Jews only? Is he not also the God of people of the nations? Yes, also of people of the nations. 30 Since God is one, he will declare circumcised people upright as a result of faith and uncircumcised people upright by means of their faith. 31 Do we, then, abolish law by means of our faith? Not at all! On the contrary, we uphold law.” Likewise, for true Christians, baptism itself is not an automatic sign of divine favor, but it is a “request made to God for a good conscience.” (1Peter 3:21). Holding a good conscience, that is eagerly trained by God’s word, with an obedient and loyal heart, brings divine approval, not as something we earn, but as a free gift, by God’s kindness, through the ransom of Christ.

CONCLUSION

FAITH IN GOD AND HIS LAW. Jesus when on earth taught many principles of divine truth, that aid one to understand God and His ways better, so as to WANT to live by them. Christ’s teachings help us to address our loyalty and faithfulness to God in a heartfelt way, becoming obedient from the heart to God’s standards and laws, promoting true peace, uprightness, and happiness. May we therefore come to delight in the law of God, as others throughout history, and look forward to God’s favored blessings and rewards. This requires faith, or deep trust, in Him, as explained at Hebrews 11:6: “6 Moreover, without faith it is impossible to please God well, for whoever approaches God must believe that he is and that he becomes the rewarder of those earnestly seeking him.” God’s Kingdom will thus help people to comprehend God’s law in a way that they can understand and live by it, seeing it’s wisdom and value in their life. Perhaps books will be published, with the aim of addressing a certain aspect or topic of God’s law, revealing insight into how it functions to contribute to earth-wide or even universal peace, security, prosperity, freedom, and happiness. They can be written with warmth and understanding, in “plain English” so-to-speak, in a way that may bring delight and satisfaction. May we continue learning of God’s perfect law, that we may live by it, respecting His law and His Son’s teachings, thus honoring our loving God and Father, Jehovoe, as the rightful Sovereign of the Universe.

* WORLD HISTORY for Christian Schools, 1984 ed. pp. 24-25