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Mary’s Role in God’s Purpose | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2009002 | Mary’s Role in God’s Purpose
DURING Jesus’ ministry, a woman raised her voice above the din of the crowd and called out: “Happy is the womb that carried you and the breasts that you sucked!” If Jesus wanted his mother to be revered, he had here a golden opportunity to recommend that form of devotion. Instead, he replied: “No, rather, Happy are those hearing the word of God and keeping it!”—Luke 11:27, 28.
Jesus did not single out his mother for any special honors; nor did he ever tell his followers to do so. How does this fit in with the adoration that many sincere believers bestow on Mary? Let us consider some of the widespread teachings about Jesus’ mother in the light of the Holy Scriptures.
“Full of Grace,” “Blessed . . . Among Women”
The angel Gabriel announced to Mary what her role in God’s purpose would be. On that occasion, he greeted her, saying: “Good day, highly favored one, Jehovah is with you.” (Luke 1:28) An alternative translation of that same greeting is: “Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you.” Soon thereafter, Elizabeth greeted Mary with the words: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!” (Luke 1:42) Do these phrases not indicate that particular reverence is due Mary?
In reality, no. Although these words are incorporated in a prayer that Catholics direct to Mary, the Bible itself gives no justification for praying to her. Gabriel and Elizabeth acknowledged Mary’s outstanding privilege as the one who was to bear the Messiah, but the thought of praying to her is alien to the Scriptures. On the contrary, when Jesus’ disciples asked him to teach them how to pray, he indicated that prayers were to be directed to his Father. In fact, Jesus’ famous model prayer begins with the words: “Our Father in the heavens.”—Matthew 6:9.
Among the Rulers
Another common teaching about Mary is that she is now “the Queen of heaven.” The Bible never accords her such a input. It does show, however, that she occupies a special place in God’s heavenly arrangement. What place is that?
Jesus indicated that some of his faithful disciples would rule with him in his Kingdom. (Luke 22:28-30) Jesus will empower those chosen ones to serve as “priests to our God, and they are to rule as kings over the earth.” (Revelation 5:10) The Bible clearly leads us to the conclusion that Mary is among those who have been granted this exalted privilege. How can we say this?
You will recall that after Jesus’ death, Mary was “persisting in prayer” with Jesus’ disciples and his brothers. Some 120 met for this purpose, including “some women.” (Acts 1:12-15) While “the festival of Pentecost was in progress,” says the Bible, “they were all together at the same place” when God’s holy spirit was poured out upon them, granting them the ability to speak in foreign languages.—Acts 2:1-4.
That Mary was among those blessed in this way shows that she and the other women who received the holy spirit were chosen to be a part of Jesus’ heavenly Kingdom. So we have every reason to believe that Mary now sits with Jesus in heavenly glory. (Romans 8:14-17) Consider some of the privileges that she and Jesus’ other corulers will have in the outworking of God’s purposes.
Dispensing Marvelous Blessings
The Bible book of Revelation says that 144,000 individuals would be resurrected to heavenly glory to serve alongside Jesus as priests, judges, and kings. (Revelation 14:1, 4; 20:4, 6) As priests, they will share in applying the merits of Jesus’ sacrifice to all obedient mankind, raising them to spiritual, moral, and physical perfection. (Revelation 21:1-4) What a privilege it will be for all loyal worshippers of Jehovah to see that wonderful time!a
Mary played, and still plays, a part in the outworking of Jehovah’s purposes. For her humility, faith, obedience, and devotion as a mother, not to mention her endurance under trial, she is worthy of imitation. For her role in giving birth to the Messiah and in dispensing everlasting blessings to mankind, she is to be highly respected.
However, the most important lesson we learn from Mary is that she, along with all other faithful servants of God, worships Jehovah and no other god. Mary, along with Christ’s other corulers in heaven, raises her voice to proclaim: “To the One sitting on the throne [Jehovah God] and to the Lamb [Jesus Christ] be the blessing and the honor and the glory and the might forever and ever.”—Revelation 5:13; 19:10.
[Footnote]
a For more information concerning these blessings, see chapter 8 of the book What Does the Bible Really Teach? published by Jehovah’s Witnesses.
[Blurb on page 10]
Mary’s humility, faith, and obedience are worthy of imitation |
Sing Praises (ssb)
1984 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/Ssb | Song 89
The Divine Pattern of Love
(1 John 4:19)
1. Jehovah, our God, has wisely provided
For us all,
One and all,
A pattern divine, that we may be guided,
Lest we should fall,
Lest we should fall.
That excellent way by which he keeps ever,
To which he invites our constant endeavor,
From which we may part, no, never, no, never,
Is that of love,
For God’s way is love.
2. By walking God’s way, our love for our brother
Will be true,
Warm and true,
Will make us alert to help one another
In all we do,
In all we do.
O let us e’er show that true warm affection,
Help others to guard ’gainst any deflection,
Lest finally some should suffer rejection,
Thus show our love,
Our brotherly love.
3. Jehovah is love. His organization
Will always,
Yes, always,
Unselfishly serve to his vindication,
Singing his praise,
Singing his praise.
So let us proclaim his name to each hearer,
Help other sheep see the truth ever clearer.
Let his service grow still dearer and dearer,
For that is love;
Yes, that is true love. |
Young People Ask, Volume 1 (yp1)
2011 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/yp1 | SECTION 4
My Journal—Sex, Morals, and Love
Write out three personal policies that you are determined to live by. Include why you believe that each policy is wise.a
1. ․․․․․
2. ․․․․․
3. ․․․․․
[Footnote]
a For example, “I will refrain from sex until I am married, and I believe that this is the best course because . . .” Make sure that what you write expresses your moral convictions, not simply those of someone else. |
“All Scripture” (si)
1990 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/library/r1/lp-e/all-publications/books/all-scripture-si | Bible Book Number 27—Daniel
Writer: Daniel
Place Written: Babylon
Writing Completed: c. 536 B.C.E.
Time Covered: 618–c. 536 B.C.E.
1. What kind of history is contained in Daniel, and what does it highlight?
IN THIS day when all nations of earth stand on the brink of disaster, the book of Daniel brings to attention prophetic messages of momentous import. Whereas the Bible books of Samuel, Kings, and Chronicles are based on eyewitness records of the history of God’s typical kingdom (the Davidic dynasty), Daniel focuses on the nations of the world and gives forevisions of the power struggle of the great dynasties from Daniel’s time down till “the time of the end.” This is world history written in advance. It leads up to an absorbing climax in showing what comes to pass “in the final part of the days.” Like Nebuchadnezzar, the nations have to learn the hard way “that the Most High is Ruler in the kingdom of mankind” and that finally he gives it to one “like a son of man,” the Messiah and Leader, Christ Jesus. (Dan. 12:4; 10:14; 4:25; 7:13, 14; 9:25; John 3:13-16) By paying close attention to the prophetic fulfillments of the inspired book of Daniel, we will appreciate more fully Jehovah’s power of prophecy and his assurances of protection and blessing for his people.—2 Pet. 1:19.
2. What confirms that Daniel was an actual person, and during what eventful period did he prophesy?
2 The book is named after its writer. “Daniel” (Hebrew, Da·ni·yeʼlʹ) means “My Judge Is God.” Ezekiel, who lived at the same time, confirms that Daniel was an actual person, naming him along with Noah and Job. (Ezek. 14:14, 20; 28:3) Daniel dates the beginning of his book as “the third year of the kingship of Jehoiakim the king of Judah.” This was 618 B.C.E., Jehoiakim’s third year as tributary king to Nebuchadnezzar.a Daniel’s prophetic visions continued down to Cyrus’ third year, about 536 B.C.E. (Dan. 1:1; 2:1; 10:1, 4) What eventful years were covered by Daniel’s life span! His early days were spent under God’s kingdom in Judah. Then, as a teenage prince, along with his noble Judean companions, he was taken to Babylon to live through the rise and fall of that third world power of Bible history. Daniel survived to serve as government official in the fourth world power, Medo-Persia. Daniel must have lived nearly one hundred years.
3. What proves the canonicity and authenticity of the book of Daniel?
3 The book of Daniel has always been included in the Jewish catalog of inspired Scriptures. Fragments of Daniel have been found among those of the other canonical books in the Dead Sea Scrolls, some of which date from the first half of the first century B.C.E. However, an even more important proof of the book’s authenticity is to be found in the references to it in the Christian Greek Scriptures. Jesus specifically names Daniel in his prophecy on “the conclusion of the system of things,” wherein he makes several quotations from the book.—Matt 24:3; see also Dan. 9:27; 11:31; and 12:11—Matt. 24:15 and Mark 13:14; Dan. 12:1—Matt. 24:21; Dan. 7:13, 14—Matt. 24:30.
4, 5. How has archaeology routed the assertions of higher critics regarding Daniel?
4 Though higher critics of the Bible have called in question the historicalness of Daniel’s book, archaeological finds over the years have completely routed their assertions. For example, these critics leveled scorn at Daniel’s statement that Belshazzar was king in Babylon at the time that Nabonidus was reputed to be ruler. (Dan. 5:1) Archaeology has now established beyond question that Belshazzar was an actual person and that he was a coregent of Nabonidus in the last years of the Babylonian Empire. For example, an ancient cuneiform text described as the “Verse Account of Nabonidus” clearly confirms that Belshazzar exercised kingly authority at Babylon and explains the manner of his becoming coruler with Nabonidus.b Other cuneiform evidence supports the view that Belshazzar exercised regal functions. A tablet, dated in the 12th year of Nabonidus, contains an oath made in the name of Nabonidus, the king, and Belshazzar, the king’s son, thus showing that Belshazzar ranked with his father.c This is also of interest in explaining why Belshazzar offered to make Daniel “the third one in the kingdom” if he could interpret the handwriting on the wall. Nabonidus would be considered the first, Belshazzar would be the second, and Daniel would be heralded as the third ruler. (5:16, 29) One researcher says: “Cuneiform allusions to Belshazzar have thrown so much light upon the role which he played that his place in history stands clearly revealed. There are many texts which indicate that Belshazzar almost equaled Nabonidus in position and prestige. Dual rulership during most of the last Neo-Babylonian reign is an established fact. Nabonidus exercised supreme authority from his court in Tema in Arabia, while Belshazzar acted as coregent in the homeland with Babylon as his center of influence. It is evident that Belshazzar was not a feeble viceroy; he was entrusted with ‘the kingship.’”d
5 Some have tried to discredit Daniel’s account of the fiery furnace (chap. 3), saying that it is a legendary invention. An Old-Babylonian letter reads, in part: “Thus says Rîm-Sin your lord: Because he has cast the slave-lad into the oven, do you cast the slave into the furnace.” Interestingly, referring to it, G. R. Driver stated that this punishment “appears in the story of the Three Holy Men (Dan. III 6, 15, 19-27).”e
6. What two parts make up the book of Daniel?
6 The Jews included the book of Daniel, not with the Prophets, but with the Writings. On the other hand, the English Bible follows the catalog order of the Greek Septuagint and the Latin Vulgate by placing Daniel between the major and the minor prophets. There are actually two parts to the book. The first of these, chapters 1 to 6, gives in chronological order the experiences of Daniel and his companions in government service from 617 B.C.E. to 538 B.C.E. (Dan. 1:1, 21) The second part, comprising chapters 7 to 12, is written in the first person by Daniel himself as recorder and describes private visions and angelic interviews that Daniel had from about 553 B.C.E.f to about 536 B.C.E. (7:2, 28; 8:2; 9:2; 12:5, 7, 8) The two parts together make up the one harmonious book of Daniel.
outputS OF DANIEL
7. What leads to Daniel and his companions’ entering Babylonian government service?
7 Preparation for State service (1:1-21). In 617 B.C.E. Daniel comes to Babylon with the captive Jews. The sacred utensils from Jerusalem’s temple come also, to be stored in a pagan treasure-house. Daniel and his three Hebrew companions are among the royal Judean youths chosen for a three-year course of training in the king’s palace. Resolved in his heart not to pollute himself with the king’s pagan delicacies and wine, Daniel proposes a ten-day test of a vegetable diet. The test turns out in favor of Daniel and his companions, and God gives them knowledge and wisdom. Nebuchadnezzar appoints the four to stand before him as counselors. The last verse of chapter 1, which may have been added long after the preceding portion was written, indicates that Daniel was still in royal service some 80 years after his going into exile, which would be in about 538 B.C.E.
8. What dream and interpretation does God reveal to Daniel, and how does Nebuchadnezzar show his appreciation?
8 Dream of the dreadful image (2:1-49). In the second year of his kingship (probably dating from Jerusalem’s destruction in 607 B.C.E.), Nebuchadnezzar is agitated by a dream. His magic-practicing priests are unable to reveal the dream and its interpretation. He offers them great gifts, but they protest that no one but the gods can show the king the thing that he is asking. The king becomes furious and orders that the wise men be put to death. Since the four Hebrews are included in this decree, Daniel asks for time to reveal the dream. Daniel and his companions pray to Jehovah for guidance. Jehovah reveals the dream and its meaning to Daniel, who then goes before the king and says: “There exists a God in the heavens who is a Revealer of secrets, and he has made known to King Nebuchadnezzar what is to occur in the final part of the days.” (2:28) Daniel describes the dream. It is about an immense image. The head of the image is of gold, its breasts and arms of silver, its belly and thighs of copper, and its legs of iron, with feet partly iron and partly clay. A stone strikes and crushes the image and becomes a large mountain to fill the whole earth. What does this mean? Daniel makes known that the king of Babylon is the head of gold. After his kingdom there will follow a second, a third, and a fourth. Finally, “the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be brought to ruin. . . . It will crush and put an end to all these kingdoms, and it itself will stand to times indefinite.” (2:44) In gratitude and appreciation, the king extols Daniel’s God as “a God of gods” and makes Daniel “ruler over all the jurisdictional district of Babylon and the chief prefect over all the wise men of Babylon.” Daniel’s three companions are made administrators in the kingdom.—2:47, 48.
9. What results from the three Hebrews’ bold stand against image worship?
9 Three Hebrews survive the fiery furnace (3:1-30). Nebuchadnezzar erects a mighty image of gold, 60 cubits (88 ft) high, and orders the rulers of the empire to assemble for its dedication. At the sound of special music, all are to fall down and worship the image. Any who fail to do so are to be thrown into the burning fiery furnace. It is reported that Daniel’s three companions, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, have failed to comply. They are brought before the enraged king, where they boldly testify: “Our God whom we are serving is able to rescue us. . . . The image of gold that you have set up we will not worship.” (3:17, 18) Filled with fury, the king orders that the furnace be heated seven times more than customary and that the three Hebrews be bound and thrown in. As they do this, the would-be executioners are killed by the fiery flame. Nebuchadnezzar becomes frightened. What is this he sees in the furnace? Four men are walking about unharmed in the midst of the fire, and “the fourth one is resembling a son of the gods.” (3:25) The king calls on the three Hebrews to step out of the fire. Out they come, unsinged, without even the smell of fire itself upon them! As a result of their courageous stand for true worship, Nebuchadnezzar proclaims freedom of worship for the Jews throughout the empire.
10. What frightening dream involving “seven times” did Nebuchadnezzar have, and was it fulfilled upon him?
10 Dream of the “seven times” (4:1-37). This dream appears in the record as Daniel’s transcription of a state document of Babylon. It was written by the humbled Nebuchadnezzar. Nebuchadnezzar first acknowledges the might and kingdom of the Most High God. Then he relates a frightening dream and how it was fulfilled upon him. He saw a tree that reached to heaven and provided shelter and food for all flesh. A watcher called out: ‘Chop the tree down. Band its stump with iron and copper. Let seven times pass over it, so that it will be known that the Most High is Ruler in the kingdom of mankind and sets up over it the lowliest one of mankind.’ (4:14-17) Daniel interpreted the dream, making known that the tree represented Nebuchadnezzar. A fulfillment of this prophetic dream soon followed. At a time of expressing great pride, the king was afflicted with madness; and he lived as a beast in the field for seven years. After that, his sanity was restored, and he acknowledged Jehovah’s supremacy.
11. During what debauchery does Belshazzar see the fateful handwriting, how does Daniel interpret it, and how is it fulfilled?
11 Belshazzar’s feast: handwriting interpreted (5:1-31). It is the fateful night of October 5, 539 B.C.E. King Belshazzar, son of Nabonidus, as coregent of Babylon, makes a big feast for a thousand of his grandees. The king, under the influence of wine, calls for the sacred gold and silver vessels from Jehovah’s temple, and from these Belshazzar and his guests drink, in their debauchery, while praising their pagan gods. Immediately a hand appears and writes a cryptic message on the wall. The king is terrified. His wise men cannot interpret the writing. Finally Daniel is brought in. The king offers to make him the third one in the kingdom if he can read and interpret the writing, but Daniel tells him to keep his gifts to himself. Then he goes on to make known the writing and its meaning: “MENE, MENE, TEKEL and PARSIN. . . . God has numbered the days of your kingdom and has finished it. . . . You have been weighed in the balances and have been found deficient. . . . Your kingdom has been divided and given to the Medes and the Persians.” (5:25-28) That very night Belshazzar is killed, and Darius the Mede receives the kingdom.
12. How is a plot against Daniel thwarted, and what decree does Darius then issue?
12 Daniel in the lions’ pit (6:1-28). High officials in Darius’ government frame mischief against Daniel by having the king pass a law that places a 30-day prohibition on making a petition to any god or man other than the king. Anyone disobeying it is to be thrown to the lions. Daniel refuses to obey this law affecting his worship and turns to Jehovah in prayer. He is thrown into the lions’ pit. Miraculously, Jehovah’s angel shuts the mouths of the lions, and next morning King Darius is glad to find Daniel unharmed. The enemies are now fed to the lions, and the king issues a decree to fear the God of Daniel, as “he is the living God.” (6:26) Daniel prospers in government service on into the reign of Cyrus.
13. In a private dream, what vision does Daniel have concerning four beasts and the rulership of the Kingdom?
13 Visions of the beasts (7:1–8:27). We return to “the first year of Belshazzar,” whose reign evidently began in 553 B.C.E. Daniel receives a private dream, which he records in Aramaic.g He sees four huge and fearsome beasts appear each in its turn. The fourth is unusually strong, and a small horn comes up among its other horns “speaking grandiose things.” (7:8) The Ancient of Days appears and takes his seat. “A thousand thousands” minister to him. “Someone like a son of man” comes before him and is “given rulership and dignity and kingdom, that the peoples, national groups and languages should all serve even him.” (7:10, 13, 14) Daniel then receives the interpretation of the vision of the four beasts. They represent four kings, or kingdoms. From among ten horns on the fourth beast, a small horn arises. It becomes mighty and makes war on the holy ones. However, the heavenly Court steps in to give “the kingdom and the rulership and the grandeur of the kingdoms under all the heavens . . . to the people who are the holy ones of the Supreme One.”—7:27.
14. What vision does Daniel have featuring a he-goat and a two-horned ram? How does Gabriel explain it?
14 Two years later, long before Babylon’s fall, Daniel sees another vision, which he records in Hebrew. A he-goat with a conspicuous horn between its eyes struggles with, and overcomes, a proud ram that has two horns. The he-goat’s great horn is broken, and four lesser horns come forth. Out of one of these comes a little horn that becomes great, even to defying the army of the heavens. A period of 2,300 days is foretold until the holy place is to be brought into its “right condition.” (8:14) Gabriel explains the vision to Daniel. The ram stands for the kings of Media and Persia. The he-goat is the king of Greece, whose kingdom will be broken into four. Later, a king of fierce countenance will stand up “against the Prince of princes.” Since the vision “is yet for many days,” Daniel must keep it secret for the present.—8:25, 26.
15. What causes Daniel to pray to Jehovah, and what does Gabriel now make known concerning “seventy weeks”?
15 Messiah the Leader foretold (9:1-27). “The first year of Darius . . . of the Medes” finds Daniel examining Jeremiah’s prophecy. Realizing that the foretold 70-year desolation of Jerusalem is nearing its close, Daniel prays to Jehovah in confession of his own sins and those of Israel. (Dan. 9:1-4; Jer. 29:10) Gabriel appears in order to make known that there will be “seventy weeks . . . to terminate the transgression, and to finish off sin, and to make atonement for error.” Messiah the Leader will come at the end of 69 weeks, after which he will be cut off. The covenant will be kept in force for the many till the end of the 70th week, and finally, there will be desolation and an extermination.—Dan. 9:24-27.
16. Under what circumstances does an angel again appear to Daniel?
16 North versus south, Michael stands up (10:1–12:13). It is “the third year of Cyrus,” and hence about 536 B.C.E., not long after the Jews’ return to Jerusalem. After a three-week fast, Daniel is by the bank of the river Hiddekel. (Dan. 10:1, 4; Gen. 2:14) An angel appears to him and explains that ‘the prince of Persia’ opposed his coming to Daniel but that “Michael, one of the foremost princes,” helped him. He now relates to Daniel a vision that is for “the final part of the days.”—Dan. 10:13, 14.
17. What prophetic history of the king of the north and the king of the south does Daniel now record?
17 As it opens, this enthralling vision speaks of the Persian dynasty and a coming struggle with Greece. A mighty king will stand up with extensive dominion, but his kingdom will be broken into four parts. Eventually there will be two long lines of kings, the king of the south as opposed to the king of the north. The power struggle will surge back and forth. These incorrigibly bad kings will keep speaking a lie at one table. “At the time appointed,” the warfare will flare up again. There is to be a profaning of God’s sanctuary, and “the disgusting thing that is causing desolation” is to be set in place. (11:29-31) The king of the north will speak marvelous things against the God of gods and give glory to the god of fortresses. When “in the time of the end” the king of the south engages with the king of the north in a pushing, the king of the north will flood over into many lands, entering also “into the land of the Decoration.” Disturbed by reports out of the east and north, he will rage forth and plant “his palatial tents between the grand sea and the holy mountain of Decoration.” So “he will have to come all the way to his end, and there will be no helper for him.”—11:40, 41, 45.
18. What things occur during Michael’s standing ‘in behalf of the sons of God’s people’?
18 The grand vision continues: Michael is seen standing ‘in behalf of the sons of God’s people.’ There is to be “a time of distress” unprecedented in human history, but those found written in the book will escape. Many will awake from the dust to everlasting life, “and the ones having insight will shine like the brightness of the expanse.” They will bring many to righteousness. Daniel is to seal up the book “until the time of the end.” “How long will it be to the end of the wonderful things?” The angel mentions time periods of three and a half times, 1,290 days, and 1,335 days and says that only “the ones having insight will understand.” Happy are such ones! Finally, the angel holds out to Daniel the reassuring promise that he will rest and then stand up for his lot “at the end of the days.”—12:1, 3, 4, 6, 10, 13.
WHY BENEFICIAL
19. What fine examples of integrity and prayerful reliance on Jehovah are to be found in the book of Daniel?
19 All who are determined to maintain integrity in an alien world do well to consider the fine example of Daniel and his three companions. No matter how vicious the threat, these continued to live by divine principles. When their lives were in peril, Daniel acted “with counsel and sensibleness” and with respect for the king’s superior authority. (2:14-16) When the issue was forced, the three Hebrews preferred the burning fiery furnace to an act of idolatry, and Daniel preferred the lions’ den to forgoing his privilege of prayer to Jehovah. In each instance Jehovah granted protection. (3:4-6, 16-18, 27; 6:10, 11, 23) Daniel himself provides a splendid example of prayerful reliance on Jehovah God.—2:19-23; 9:3-23; 10:12.
20. What four visions are recorded concerning the world powers, and why is it faith-strengthening to consider these today?
20 Daniel’s visions are thrilling and faith-strengthening to review. First, consider the four visions concerning the world powers: (1) There is the vision of the dreadful image, whose head of gold represents the dynasty of Babylonian kings starting with Nebuchadnezzar, after which three other kingdoms rise, as pictured by the other parts of the image. These are the kingdoms that are crushed by the “stone,” which in its turn becomes “a kingdom that will never be brought to ruin,” God’s Kingdom. (2:31-45) (2) There follow Daniel’s private visions, the first being that of the four beasts, representing “four kings.” These are like a lion, a bear, a leopard with four heads, and a beast that has big teeth of iron, ten horns, and later a small horn. (7:1-8, 17-28) (3) Next, there is the vision of the ram (Medo-Persia), the he-goat (Greece), and the small horn. (8:1-27) (4) Finally, we have the vision of the king of the south and the king of the north. Daniel 11:5-19 accurately describes the rivalry between the Egyptian and Seleucid offshoots of Alexander’s Grecian Empire following Alexander’s death in 323 B.C.E. From 11 verse 20 the prophecy continues to trace the course of successor nations of the south and north. Jesus’ reference to “the disgusting thing that is causing desolation” (11:31), in his prophecy about the sign of his presence, shows that this power struggle of the two kings continues right down to “the conclusion of the system of things.” (Matt. 24:3) How comforting the prophecy’s assurance that in the “time of distress such as has not been made to occur since there came to be a nation until that time,” Michael himself will stand up to remove ungodly nations and bring peace to obedient mankind!—Dan. 11:20–12:1.
21. How did Daniel’s prophecy of the “seventy weeks” have a remarkable fulfillment?
21 Then, there is Daniel’s prophecy of the “seventy weeks.” After 69 weeks “Messiah the Leader” was to appear. Remarkably, 483 years (69 times 7 years) after “the going forth of the word” to rebuild Jerusalem, as authorized by Artaxerxes in his 20th year and put into effect by Nehemiah in Jerusalem, Jesus of Nazareth was baptized in the Jordan River and anointed with holy spirit, becoming Christ, or Messiah (that is, Anointed One).h That was in the year 29 C.E. Thereafter, as Daniel also foretold, there came “an extermination” when Jerusalem was desolated in 70 C.E.—Dan. 9:24-27; Luke 3:21-23; 21:20.
22. What lesson do we learn from the humbling of Nebuchadnezzar?
22 In Nebuchadnezzar’s dream concerning the chopped-down tree, as recorded by Daniel in chapter 4, it is related that the king, who boasted of his own achievements and had confidence in his own might, was humbled by Jehovah God. He was made to live as a beast of the field until he recognized “that the Most High is Ruler in the kingdom of mankind, and that to the one whom he wants to he gives it.” (Dan. 4:32) Are we today going to be like Nebuchadnezzar, boasting in our achievements and placing our confidence in the might of men, so that God has to mete out punishment to us, or will we wisely acknowledge that He is the Ruler in the kingdom of mankind and place our confidence in his Kingdom?
23. (a) How is the Kingdom hope emphasized throughout Daniel? (b) What should this book of prophecy encourage us to do?
23 The Kingdom hope is emphasized throughout the book of Daniel in a faith-inspiring way! Jehovah God is shown as the Supreme Sovereign who sets up a Kingdom that will never be brought to ruin and that will crush all other kingdoms. (2:19-23, 44; 4:25) Even the pagan kings Nebuchadnezzar and Darius were compelled to acknowledge Jehovah’s supremacy. (3:28, 29; 4:2, 3, 37; 6:25-27) Jehovah is exalted and glorified as the Ancient of Days who judges the Kingdom issue and gives to “someone like a son of man” the everlasting “rulership and dignity and kingdom, that the peoples, national groups and languages should all serve even him.” It is “the holy ones of the Supreme One” that share with Christ Jesus, “the Son of man,” in the Kingdom. (Dan. 7:13, 14, 18, 22; Matt. 24:30; Rev. 14:14) He is Michael, the great prince, who exercises his Kingdom power to crush and put an end to all the kingdoms of this old world. (Dan. 12:1; 2:44; Matt. 24:3, 21; Rev. 12:7-10) The understanding of these prophecies and visions should encourage lovers of righteousness to bestir themselves and rove through the pages of God’s Word to find the truly “wonderful things” of God’s Kingdom purposes that are revealed to us through the inspired and beneficial book of Daniel.—Dan. 12:2, 3, 6.
[Footnotes]
a Insight on the Scriptures, Vol. 1, page 1269.
b Insight on the Scriptures, Vol. 1, page 283.
c Archaeology and the Bible, 1949, George A. Barton, page 483.
d The Yale Oriental Series · Researches, Vol. XV, 1929.
e Archiv für Orientforschung, Vol. 18, 1957-58, page 129.
f Belshazzar evidently began to reign as coregent from Nabonidus’ third year on. Since Nabonidus is believed to have begun his rule in 556 B.C.E., the third year of his rule and “the first year of Belshazzar” was evidently 553 B.C.E.—Daniel 7:1; see Insight on the Scriptures, Vol. 1, page 283; Vol. 2, page 457.
g Daniel 2:4b–7:28 was written in Aramaic, while the rest of the book was written in Hebrew.
h Nehemiah 2:1-8; see also Insight on the Scriptures, Vol. 2, pages 899-901. |
“All Scripture” (si)
1990 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/library/r1/lp-e/all-publications/books/all-scripture-si | Studies on the Inspired Scriptures and Their Background
The Inspired Scriptures Bring Eternal Benefits
1. What glorious vision has our review of “all Scripture” opened before our eyes?
OUR review of “all Scripture . . . inspired of God” has opened before our eyes a glorious vision of Jehovah’s sovereignty and his Kingdom purpose. We have noted that the Bible is one Book, with one powerful theme—the vindication of Jehovah’s sovereignty and the ultimate fulfillment of his purpose for the earth by means of his Kingdom under Christ, the Promised Seed. From the Bible’s opening pages, this one theme is developed and explained through the writings that follow, until, in its closing chapters, the glorious reality of God’s grand purpose by means of his Kingdom is made clear. What a remarkable book the Bible is! Starting from the awe-inspiring creation of the material heavens and of the earth with its creature life, the Bible gives us the one inspired and authentic account of God’s dealings with humankind until our time and carries us through to the complete realization of Jehovah’s glorious creation of “a new heaven and a new earth.” (Rev. 21:1) With his grand purpose fully accomplished by means of the Kingdom of the Seed, Jehovah God is seen in the relationship of a kind Father to a happy united human family, which joins in with all the heavenly hosts in praising him and sanctifying his holy name.
2, 3. How is the theme involving the Seed developed throughout the Scriptures?
2 How wonderfully this theme involving the Seed is developed throughout the Scriptures! Expressing the first inspired prophecy, God gives the promise that ‘the seed of the woman’ will bruise the serpent in the head. (Gen. 3:15) More than 2,000 years pass, and God tells faithful Abraham: “By means of your seed all nations of the earth will certainly bless themselves.” Over 800 years later, Jehovah gives a like promise to one of Abraham’s descendants, loyal King David, showing that the Seed will be a kingly one. As time passes, Jehovah’s prophets thrillingly join in to foretell the glories of Kingdom rule. (Gen. 22:18; 2 Sam. 7:12, 16; Isa. 9:6, 7; Dan. 2:44; 7:13, 14) Then the Seed himself appears, more than 4,000 years after the first promise in Eden. This One, who is also ‘the seed of Abraham,’ is Jesus Christ, “Son of the Most High,” and to him Jehovah gives “the throne of David his father.”—Gal. 3:16; Luke 1:31-33.
3 Though this Seed, God’s anointed King, is bruised in death by the Serpent’s earthly seed, God raises him from the dead and exalts him to His own right hand, where he awaits God’s due time to ‘crush Satan’s head.’ (Gen. 3:15; Heb. 10:13; Rom. 16:20) Then the Revelation brings the entire vision to its glorious climax. Christ enters into Kingdom power and hurls “the original serpent, the one called Devil and Satan,” from heaven down to earth. For a short time, the Devil brings woe to the earth and wages war with ‘the remaining ones of the seed of God’s woman.’ But Christ, as “King of kings,” smites the nations. The original Serpent, Satan, is abyssed and then is to be finally destroyed forever. Meanwhile, by means of New Jerusalem, the Lamb’s bride, the benefits of Christ’s sacrifice are applied to mankind for the blessing of all the families of the earth. Thus, the magnificent theme of the inspired Scriptures unfolds before us in all its thrilling grandeur!—Rev. 11:15; 12:1-12, 17; 19:11-16; 20:1-3, 7-10; 21:1-5, 9; 22:3-5.
BENEFITING FROM THIS INSPIRED RECORD
4. How can we gain the greatest benefit from the Holy Scriptures, and why?
4 How can we gain the greatest benefit from the Holy Scriptures? We can benefit by letting the Bible go to work in our lives. By daily study and application of the inspired Scriptures, we can get guidance from God. “The word of God is alive and exerts power,” and it can be a marvelous power for righteousness in our lives. (Heb. 4:12) If we continually study and follow the leadings of God’s Word, we will come to “put on the new personality which was created according to God’s will in true righteousness and loyalty.” We will be made new in the force actuating our minds, and we will be transformed by making our minds over, so as to prove to ourselves “the good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”—Eph. 4:23, 24; Rom. 12:2.
5. What can we learn from the attitude and example of Moses?
5 We can learn much by observing how other faithful servants of God have benefited from studying God’s Word and meditating upon it. For example, there was Moses, ‘the meekest of all men,’ who was always teachable and willing to learn. (Num. 12:3) We should always have the same prayerful appreciation of Jehovah’s sovereignty as he had. It was Moses who said: “O Jehovah, you yourself have proved to be a real dwelling for us during generation after generation. Before the mountains themselves were born, or you proceeded to bring forth as with labor pains the earth and the productive land, even from time indefinite to time indefinite you are God.” Moses was thoroughly acquainted with God’s wisdom, for he was used by Jehovah in writing the opening books of the Bible. Hence, he understood the importance of daily seeking wisdom from Jehovah. Thus, he prayed to God: “Show us just how to count our days in such a way that we may bring a heart of wisdom in.” Since “the days of our years” may be few, just 70 years, or 80 in the case of “special mightiness,” we are wise if we feast daily upon his Word, for then “the pleasantness of Jehovah our God” will “prove to be upon us,” as it was upon his faithful servant Moses.—Ps. 90:1, 2, 10, 12, 17.
6. How may we, like Joshua, make our way successful?
6 How necessary it is to meditate daily on God’s Word! Jehovah made this plain to Moses’ successor, Joshua, telling him: “Only be courageous and very strong to take care to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn aside from it to the right or to the left, in order that you may act wisely everywhere you go. This book of the law should not depart from your mouth, and you must in an undertone read in it day and night, in order that you may take care to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way successful and then you will act wisely.” Did Joshua’s continual reading of Jehovah’s Law ‘make his way successful’? Jehovah’s blessing on his courageous campaign in Canaan supplies the answer.—Josh. 1:7, 8; 12:7-24.
7. How did David express his appreciation for the wisdom from God, and how is the same appreciation expressed in Psalm 119?
7 Consider, too, the beloved David, another who deeply treasured wisdom from Jehovah. What heartfelt appreciation he showed for Jehovah’s “law,” “reminder,” “orders,” “commandment,” and “judicial decisions”! As David expressed it: “They are more to be desired than gold, yes, than much refined gold; and sweeter than honey and the flowing honey of the combs.” (Ps. 19:7-10) This exulting theme is expanded and repeated by another psalmist with soul-stirring beauty throughout the 119th Psalm 119. As we daily study God’s Word and abide by its wise counsel, may we ever be able to say to Jehovah: “Your word is a lamp to my foot, and a light to my roadway. Your reminders are wonderful. That is why my soul has observed them.”—Ps. 119:105, 129.
8. What sayings of Solomon should we make our very own?
8 In the days of his faithfulness, David’s son Solomon also lived by God’s Word, and in his sayings too, we can find moving expressions of appreciation that we do well to make our very own. Through daily reading and application of the Bible, we will come to understand fully the inner depth of meaning of Solomon’s words: “Happy is the man that has found wisdom, and the man that gets discernment. Length of days is in its right hand; in its left hand there are riches and glory. Its ways are ways of pleasantness, and all its roadways are peace. It is a tree of life to those taking hold of it, and those keeping fast hold of it are to be called happy.” (Prov. 3:13, 16-18) Daily study and obedience to God’s Word lead to the greatest happiness now, together with the assurance of “length of days”—eternal life in Jehovah’s new world.
9. What encouragement may we draw from the example of Jeremiah?
9 Not to be overlooked among those who have cherished and obeyed the inspired Scriptures are God’s faithful prophets. Jeremiah, for example, had a very difficult assignment. (Jer. 6:28) As he said: “The word of Jehovah became for me a cause for reproach and for jeering all day long.” But he had been well fortified by his studies of God’s Word, and in fact, he himself was used to write four books of the inspired Scriptures—First and Second Kings, Jeremiah, and Lamentations. So, what happened when discouragement seemed to envelop Jeremiah and he thought he would desist from preaching “the word of Jehovah”? Let Jeremiah himself answer: “In my heart it proved to be like a burning fire shut up in my bones; and I got tired of holding in, and I was unable to endure it.” He was compelled to speak out Jehovah’s words, and in doing so, he found that Jehovah was with him “like a terrible mighty one.” If we study and keep studying God’s Word, so that it becomes just as much a part of us as it was of Jeremiah, then Jehovah’s invincible power will likewise be with us, and we will be able to triumph over every obstacle in continuing to speak of His glorious Kingdom purpose.—Jer. 20:8, 9, 11.
10. What role did the Scriptures play in Jesus’ life, and what did he pray in behalf of his disciples?
10 Now, what of our greatest example, “the Chief Agent and Perfecter of our faith, Jesus”? Was he familiar with the inspired Scriptures after the manner of all the prophets and other faithful men before him? Certainly he was, as his many quotations and his course of life in harmony with the Scriptures clearly show. It was with God’s Word in mind that he presented himself to do his Father’s will here on this earth: “Here I have come, in the roll of the book it being written about me. To do your will, O my God, I have delighted, and your law is within my inward parts.” (Heb. 12:2; Ps. 40:7, 8; Heb. 10:5-7) Thus, God’s Word played a key role in Jehovah’s sanctifying of Jesus, or setting him apart for his service. Jesus prayed that his followers might likewise be sanctified: “Sanctify them by means of the truth; your word is truth. Just as you sent me forth into the world, I also sent them forth into the world. And I am sanctifying myself in their behalf, that they also may be sanctified by means of truth.”—John 17:17-19.
11. (a) What did Peter stress to anointed Christians regarding God’s Word? (b) Why is study of the Bible also important to the great crowd?
11 Being sanctified “by means of the truth,” the spirit-begotten and anointed footstep followers of Jesus must ‘remain in his word’ in order to be really his disciples. (John 8:31) Thus, Peter, in writing to “those who have obtained a faith,” stressed the need for continued study and attention to God’s Word: “For this reason I shall be disposed always to remind you of these things, although you know them and are firmly set in the truth that is present in you.” (2 Pet. 1:1, 12) Continual reminders, such as are found in the daily reading and study of God’s Word, are important also to all who hope to be of the “great crowd” whom John saw in vision after describing the 144,000 sealed ones of the tribes of spiritual Israel. For unless they keep on taking in life’s water of truth, how can this great crowd intelligently “keep on crying with a loud voice, saying: ‘Salvation we owe to our God, who is seated on the throne, and to the Lamb’”?—Rev. 7:9, 10; 22:17.
12. Why must we constantly meditate on God’s Word?
12 We cannot escape it! The way to gain the greatest benefit from the inspired Scriptures, the way to find salvation to everlasting life, is to study those Scriptures and live by them every day of our lives. We must constantly meditate on God’s Word, with the same prayerful attitude of appreciation as expressed by the psalmist: “I shall remember the practices of Jah; for I will remember your marvelous doing of long ago. And I shall certainly meditate on all your activity.” (Ps. 77:11, 12) Meditating on Jehovah’s ‘marvelous doing and activity’ will stir us also to be active in fine works, with everlasting life in view. The purpose of this book, “All Scripture Is Inspired of God and Beneficial,” is to encourage everyone who loves righteousness to share in the eternal and satisfying benefits that accrue from continued study and application of the Word of God.
IN “CRITICAL TIMES”
13. In what “critical times” are we living?
13 This modern age is the most critical time in human history. It is explosive with awesome possibilities. Indeed, it can truly be said that the very survival of the human race is in peril. Most appropriate, then, are the words of the apostle Paul: “But know this, that in the last days critical times hard to deal with will be here. For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, self-assuming, haughty, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, disloyal, having no natural affection, not open to any agreement, slanderers, without self-control, fierce, without love of goodness, betrayers, headstrong, puffed up with pride, lovers of pleasures rather than lovers of God, having a form of godly devotion but proving false to its power; and from these turn away.”—2 Tim. 3:1-5.
14. In view of the times, what advice of Paul should we heed?
14 Why turn away from such ones? Because their godless way is soon to end in destruction! Rather, let us, along with all honesthearted ones, turn to the healthful teaching of the inspired Scriptures, making these Scriptures the very foundation of our daily living. Let us heed the words of Paul to young Timothy: “You, however, continue in the things that you learned and were persuaded to believe.” (2 Tim. 3:14) Yes, “continue” in them, says Paul. Doing so, we must humbly let the Scriptures teach us, reprove us, set things straight for us, and discipline us in righteousness. Jehovah knows what we need, for his thoughts are so much higher than our thoughts. By his inspired Scriptures, he tells us what is beneficial for us so that we may be fully equipped and competent for the good work of witnessing to his name and Kingdom. Paul gives this outstanding advice in the context of describing the “critical times” that come “in the last days”: “All Scripture is inspired of God and beneficial for teaching, for reproving, for setting things straight, for disciplining in righteousness, that the man of God may be fully competent, completely equipped for every good work.” May all of us survive these critical times by giving heed to this inspired advice!—2 Tim. 3:16, 17; Isa. 55:8-11.
15. (a) What has resulted from disobedience? (b) What glorious opportunity has been opened up by the obedience of Christ?
15 Obedience to the inspired Scriptures should be our goal. It was through disobedience to the word and command of Jehovah that the first man fell into sin and death, “and thus death spread to all men.” So man lost the opportunity that might have been his in the Edenic Paradise to “actually take fruit also from the tree of life and eat and live to time indefinite.” (Rom. 5:12; Gen. 2:17; 3:6, 22-24) But it is through the obedience of Christ and on the basis of the sacrifice of this “Lamb of God” that Jehovah will cause “a river of water of life, clear as crystal,” to flow forth for the benefit of all those of mankind who dedicate themselves to Him in obedience. As the apostle John saw it in vision: “On this side of the river and on that side there were trees of life producing twelve crops of fruit, yielding their fruits each month. And the leaves of the trees were for the curing of the nations.”—John 1:29; Rev. 22:1, 2; Rom. 5:18, 19.
16. Of what eternal benefit are the inspired Scriptures?
16 Once again the way to everlasting life lies open to mankind. Happy, then, are those who heed the inspired scripture: “You must choose life in order that you may keep alive, you and your offspring, 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.” (Deut. 30:19, 20) Blessed is Jehovah, the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who makes this grand provision for life through the sacrifice of his Son and by means of his everlasting Kingdom. How great is our joy and gratitude that we can read and reread, study and restudy, and meditate on these precious truths, for truly “all Scripture is inspired of God and beneficial,” leading on to eternal life either in heaven or on a paradise earth. (John 17:3; Eph 1:9-11) Then everything will be ‘holiness to Jehovah.’—Zech. 14:20; Rev. 4:8. |
COVER SUBJECT | WHY BE HONEST?
Is Honesty Outdated? | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2016002 | COVER SUBJECT | WHY BE HONEST?
Is Honesty Outdated?
Hitoshi worked in the accounting office of an employment agency in Japan. While reviewing a financial account with his superior, Hitoshi was told that he was expected to make a falsified report. Hitoshi explained that his conscience would not let him do dishonest work. As a result, Hitoshi’s superior threatened to fire him, and he ultimately lost his job.
In the months that followed, Hitoshi became downhearted over his employment prospects. During one job interview, for instance, Hitoshi mentioned that he could not engage in dishonest work. The interviewer responded, “Your way of thinking is strange!” Hitoshi’s family and friends encouraged him to remain firm in his resolve to be honest, yet he began to have some doubts. For instance, he said, “I wondered if being honest about my faith was a good idea.”
Hitoshi’s experience is a disturbing reminder that not everyone prizes honesty. In fact, some may even view it as a liability, particularly in the business community. “I’m surrounded by people who are dishonest,” said a working woman in South Africa, “and sometimes the pressure to conform is very great.”
One form of dishonesty that is particularly widespread today is lying. Some years ago, a study by Robert S. Feldman, a psychologist at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, determined that 60 percent of adults lie at least once during a ten-minute conversation. “It was a very surprising result,” says Feldman. “We didn’t expect lying to be such a common part of daily life.” Is it not strange that most people abhor the idea of being lied to yet there are few practices more common than lying?
Why are lying, stealing, and other forms of dishonesty so common today? How does dishonesty affect society as a whole? And more important, how can we avoid getting caught up in these dishonest practices? |
What Is the Coming of Christ? | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/502015241 | What Is the Coming of Christ?
The Bible’s answer
The Scriptures make dozens of references to the future time when Christ comes to judge the people of the earth.a For example, Matthew 25:31-33 says:
“When the Son of man [Jesus Christ] comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit down on his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate people one from another, just as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. And he will put the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on his left.”
This time of judgment will be part of a “great tribulation” unlike anything in human history. That tribulation will culminate in the war of Armageddon. (Matthew 24:21; Revelation 16:16) Christ’s enemies, described in his illustration as goats, “will undergo the judicial punishment of everlasting destruction.” (2 Thessalonians 1:9; Revelation 19:11, 15) In contrast, his faithful servants, the sheep, will have the prospect of “everlasting life.”—Matthew 25:46.
When will Christ come?
Jesus said: “Concerning that day and hour nobody knows.” (Matthew 24:36, 42; 25:13) However, he did describe a visible, composite “sign” that would identify the period leading up to his coming.—Matthew 24:3, 7-14; Luke 21:10, 11.
Does Christ come in a body of spirit or of flesh?
Jesus was resurrected with a spirit body, so he comes as a spirit creature, not in the flesh. (1 Corinthians 15:45; 1 Peter 3:18) For this reason, Jesus could tell his apostles on the day before his death: “In a little while the world will see me no more.”—John 14:19.
Common misconceptions about Christ’s coming
Misconception: When the Bible says that people will see Jesus “coming on the clouds,” it means that Jesus will come visibly.—Matthew 24:30.
Fact: The Bible often associates clouds with something hidden from view. (Leviticus 16:2; Numbers 11:25; Deuteronomy 33:26) For example, God told Moses: “I am coming to you in a dark cloud.” (Exodus 19:9) Moses did not literally see God. Likewise, Christ ‘comes on the clouds’ in that people perceive his coming even though they cannot literally see him.
Misconception: The expression “every eye will see him,” used at Revelation 1:7 when speaking of Christ’s coming, is to be understood literally.
Fact: The Greek words in the Bible for “eye” and “seeing” are sometimes used in the sense of discerning or perceiving rather than referring to literal sight.b (Matthew 13:15; Luke 19:42; Romans 15:21; Ephesians 1:18) The Bible says that the resurrected Jesus is “the one . . . who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no man . . . can see.” (1 Timothy 6:16) Thus, “every eye will see him” in that all people will perceive that Jesus is the one who brings God’s judgment.—Matthew 24:30.
Misconception: The words of 2 John 7 show that Jesus will come in the flesh.
Fact: That Bible verse states: “Many deceivers have gone out into the world, those not acknowledging Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh.”
In the apostle John’s day, some denied that Jesus had come to earth in the flesh as a man. They were called Gnostics. Second John 7 was written to refute their false claim.
a Although many people use the terms “second coming” or “second advent” to refer to Christ’s coming, those terms do not appear in the Bible.
b See The New Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament (1981), pages 451 and 470. |
Who Was Mary Magdalene? | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/500100104 | Who Was Mary Magdalene?
The Bible’s answer
Mary Magdalene was a faithful follower of Jesus Christ. Her name, Magdalene, likely came from the town of Magdala (possibly Magadan), which was near the Sea of Galilee. Mary may have once lived there.
Mary Magdalene was one of several women who traveled with Jesus and his disciples and gave them material support. (Luke 8:1-3) She was an eyewitness of Jesus’ execution, and she was among the first to see him after he was resurrected.—Mark 15:40; John 20:11-18.
Was Mary Magdalene a prostitute?
Was Mary Magdalene an “apostle to the apostles”?
Was Mary Magdalene the wife of Jesus Christ?
How many Marys are mentioned in the Bible?
Was Mary Magdalene a prostitute?
The Bible does not say that Mary Magdalene was a prostitute. All it states about her background is that Jesus expelled seven demons from her.—Luke 8:2.
Where did the idea that she had been a prostitute come from? Centuries after her death, it was asserted that she was the same person as the unnamed woman (likely a prostitute) who washed Jesus’ feet with her tears and dried them with her hair. (Luke 7:36-38) However, there is no Scriptural basis for this belief.
Was Mary Magdalene an “apostle to the apostles”?
No. The Catholic Church calls Mary “St. Mary Magdalene” as well as “the apostle to the apostles” because she was among the first to bring news of Jesus’ resurrection to the apostles. (John 20:18) But this does not make her an apostle. And nowhere in the Scriptures is she called such.—Luke 6:12-16.
The Bible was completed near the end of the first century C.E. Yet, it was not until the sixth century that church authorities took it upon themselves to elevate Mary Magdalene to a higher status. In writings from the second and third centuries—which are not part of the Bible canon—some of Jesus’ apostles are described as being jealous of Mary. Such fabricated stories have no basis in the Scriptures.
Was Mary Magdalene the wife of Jesus Christ?
No. In fact, the Bible makes clear that Jesus remained single.a
a See the article “Was Jesus Married? Did Jesus Have Siblings?”
How many Marys are mentioned in the Bible?
Six women named Mary are mentioned in the Bible.b
1. The mother of Jesus.—Matthew 1:18.
2. The sister of Martha and Lazarus.—John 11:1, 2.
3. Mary Magdalene.—Luke 8:2.
4. The mother of James and Joses.—Matthew 27:56.
5. The mother of John Mark.—Acts 12:12.
6. A Christian in Rome who labored in behalf of the congregation there.—Romans 16:6.
b The name Mary is a Greek form of the Hebrew name Miriam, which was the name of Moses’ sister.—1 Chronicles 6:3. |
Greatest Man (gt)
1991 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/gt | Chapter 41
A Center of Controversy
SHORTLY after he is entertained at the home of Simon, Jesus begins a second preaching tour of Galilee. On his previous tour of the territory, he was accompanied by his first disciples, Peter, Andrew, James, and John. But now the 12 apostles, as well as certain women, accompany him. These include Mary Magdalene, Susanna, and Joanna, whose husband is an officer of King Herod.
As the pace of Jesus’ ministry intensifies, so does the controversy regarding his activity. A demon-possessed man, who is also blind and unable to speak, is brought to Jesus. When Jesus cures him, so that he is free of demon control and can both speak and see, the crowds are simply carried away. They begin to say: “May this not perhaps be the Son of David?”
Crowds gather in such numbers around the house where Jesus is staying that he and his disciples cannot even eat a meal. In addition to those who think that he may be the promised “Son of David,” there are scribes and Pharisees who have come all the way from Jerusalem to discredit him. When Jesus’ relatives hear about the commotion revolving around Jesus, they come to lay hold of him. For what reason?
Well, even Jesus’ own brothers do not as yet believe that he is God’s Son. Also, the public uproar and strife that he has created is totally uncharacteristic of the Jesus that they knew while he was growing up in Nazareth. Therefore, they believe that something is seriously wrong with Jesus mentally. “He has gone out of his mind,” they conclude, and they want to seize him and take him away.
Yet the evidence is clear that Jesus healed the demonized man. The scribes and Pharisees know that they cannot deny the actuality of this. So to discredit Jesus they tell the people: “This fellow does not expel the demons except by means of Beelzebub, the ruler of the demons.”
Knowing their thinking, Jesus calls the scribes and Pharisees to him and says: “Every kingdom divided against itself comes to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand. In the same way, if Satan expels Satan, he has become divided against himself; how, then, will his kingdom stand?”
What devastating logic! Since the Pharisees claim that persons from their own ranks have cast out demons, Jesus also asks: “If I expel the demons by means of Beelzebub, by means of whom do your sons expel them?” In other words, their charge against Jesus should just as well be applied to them as to him. Jesus then warns: “But if it is by means of God’s spirit that I expel the demons, the kingdom of God has really overtaken you.”
To illustrate that his casting out of demons is evidence of his power over Satan, Jesus says: “How can anyone invade the house of a strong man and seize his movable goods, unless first he binds the strong man? And then he will plunder his house. He that is not on my side is against me, and he that does not gather with me scatters.” The Pharisees clearly are against Jesus, demonstrating themselves to be Satan’s agents. They are scattering Israelites away from him.
Consequently, Jesus warns these satanic opposers that “the blasphemy against the spirit will not be forgiven.” He explains: “Whoever speaks a word against the Son of man, it will be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the holy spirit, it will not be forgiven him, no, not in this system of things nor in that to come.” Those scribes and Pharisees have committed that unforgivable sin by maliciously attributing to Satan what is plainly a miraculous operation of God’s holy spirit. Matthew 12:22-32; Mark 3:19-30; John 7:5.
▪ How does Jesus’ second tour of Galilee differ from the first?
▪ Why do Jesus’ relatives attempt to lay hold of him?
▪ How do the Pharisees attempt to discredit Jesus’ miracles, and how does Jesus refute them?
▪ Of what are those Pharisees guilty, and why? |
How Long Can Man Live? | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/101975007 | What Is the Bible’s View?
How Long Can Man Live?
“MAN, born of woman, is short-lived.” No one will deny the truth of these words of the Biblical patriarch Job. (Job 14:1) Have you ever wondered, though, why humans grow old and die? Is there a way that this process could be reversed? How long could man live under perfect conditions?
Experiments with human cells have shown that they do not now reproduce themselves indefinitely. It is as if a “biological clock” causes them to die out after a certain number of reproductions. But why?
Some suggest that aging occurs when something goes wrong with the chemical activity in the cell’s nucleus; another theory places the problem in the substance that surrounds the nucleus. Still others theorize that the difficulty may originate in a certain part of the brain or when a person’s immunological system breaks down.
But these are just theories. A panel of top authorities on aging recently pointed out: “Despite years of research, no one yet knows why people age. It is one of life’s biggest mysteries.”
The Bible, however, not only explains why humans grow old and die, but also gives a solid hope for a vastly extended human life-span in the near future. How so?
Let us consider first of all why man dies. The first mention of death in the Scriptures is in God’s command to Adam recorded at Genesis 2:16, 17: “From every tree of the garden you may eat to satisfaction. But as for the tree of the knowledge of good and bad you must not eat from it, for in the day you eat from it you will positively die.” Thus God did not originally purpose that man should die. Obedience to God would have resulted in his living on earth forever.
But Adam and Eve did not remain obedient. They “sinned” against God, missing the mark of reflecting his perfect standards. This damaged their relationship with God, resulting in harm to their minds, hearts and bodies. How would this affect any offspring they might have?
Note what is recorded at Romans 5:12: “Through one man sin entered into the world and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men because they had all sinned.” As the laws of heredity would lead us to expect, Adam and Eve, after becoming sinful, imperfect creatures, could produce only imperfect offspring. (Job 14:4) That is why all of us grow old and die. Is there a way to become free from this process?
Man could never free himself from sin and death. The reason why is explained at Psalm 49:7-9: “Alas! no man can ever ransom himself nor pay God the price of that release; his ransom would cost too much, for ever beyond his power to pay, the ransom that would let him live on always and never see the pit of death.” (The New English Bible) How high a price would be required to “ransom” man from sin and death so that he might “live on always,” eternally?
Adam as a perfect human brought death upon a perfect human race unborn in his loins. According to God’s just standard of “soul for soul,” the ransom price would call for another perfect human life. (Ex. 21:23) That was a price “beyond [man’s] power to pay.” But God could pay it; and he did. How?
By causing a virgin girl to conceive and bear a son without the aid of a human father. The child, named Jesus, was “God’s Son.” (Luke 1:34, 35) As a sinless, perfect man Jesus could “give his soul a ransom in exchange for many,” “a corresponding ransom for all.” (Matt. 20:28; 1 Tim. 2:5, 6) Thus Jesus could say: “God loved the world so much that he gave his only-begotten Son, in order that everyone exercising faith in him might not be destroyed but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16) Where will people be able to enjoy this “everlasting life”?
Keep in mind that the ransom allows for the restoration of what was lost, namely, perfect human life. Humans live on earth. (Ps. 115:16; 1 Cor. 15:50) Jesus, when saying that “the mild-tempered ones . . . will inherit the earth,” drew upon Psalm 37, which also says: “The righteous themselves will possess the earth, and they will reside forever upon it.” (Matt. 5:5; Ps. 37:10, 11, 29) The Scriptures also speak symbolically of a “new earth” where “death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore.”a—Rev. 21:1-4; 2 Pet. 3:13.
The thought of living forever upon earth need not surprise you. That under perfect conditions human life could be extended indefinitely can be seen from the extremely long life-spans of certain individuals recorded in the Bible. Adam, for example, lived 930 years; Methuselah, 969; Noah, 950.—Gen. 5:5, 27; 9:29.
Would you like to gain eternal life in an earth free from all the woes that presently cause ‘mourning and outcry and pain’? What must you do to attain to that goal?
Note Jesus’ words, as rendered in The Amplified New Testament: “And this is eternal life: [it means] to know (to perceive, recognize, become acquainted with and understand) You, the only true and real God, and [likewise] to know Him, Jesus [as the] Christ, the Anointed One, the Messiah, Whom You have sent.”—John 17:3.
Getting to “know” God and Jesus Christ, becoming acquainted with God’s personality, his purpose and dealings with mankind, calls for a careful study of the Bible, which is “inspired of God.” (2 Tim. 3:16) But there is more involved than just Bible study.
The Bible writer James counsels: “Only be sure that you act on the message and do not merely listen; for that would be to mislead yourselves.” (Jas. 1:22, NEB) He adds: “A man is justified by deeds and not by faith in itself. . .. As the body is dead when there is no breath left in it, so faith divorced from deeds is lifeless as a corpse.” (Jas. 2:24, 26, NEB) The “deeds” that make one’s faith alive in God’s eyes are not mere religious ceremonies or “charitable works,” but deeds done in imitation of Jesus and his disciples.—Matt. 28:19, 20; John 14:12; Acts 1:8.
God created man to live forever upon earth. It was through the sin of the first human pair that death invaded the human family. Jesus Christ, by giving up his perfect human life in sacrifice, paid the required ransom price to set mankind free from sin and death. Will you benefit from this loving provision of God? That depends on your willingness to make a careful study of the Word of God and prove by deeds that you really believe it.
[Footnotes]
a God also purposes to bring some individuals to heaven. But the Scriptures show that those going to heaven are limited in number to 144,000.—Rev. 7:4-8; 14:1-4. |
Sing Praises (ssb)
1984 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/Ssb | Song 215
Extending Mercy to Others
(Luke 6:36)
1. When Jehovah decreed that a deluge
Should destroy wicked men long ago,
Then to Noah he gave a commission:
‘Build an ark! Preach the word! Let men know!’
Now, did Noah reject that assignment,
Since he never had built arks before?
No, but he made good use of God’s mercy,
And he built and he preached more and more.
2. Now again an old order is ending,
And in mercy our God has decreed
That the news of its ending be given
So that whoever will may give heed.
Have you said, ‘I cannot preach the good news;
I am weak and untrained in my speech’?
But if you have received of God’s mercy,
Then his spirit can help you to preach.
3. God has brought truth and mercy together,
And rejoicing is found in our land.
What a foretaste of Kingdom conditions
That will come from Jehovah’s own hand!
So it’s ours to show mercy to others
By exhorting all men, far and near:
‘Act at once! Make a full dedication;
Serve the Kingdom of God that is here.’ |
United in Worship (uw)
1983 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/uw | Chapter 6
The Issue That All Creation Has to Face
1. (a) What issue did Satan raise in Eden? (b) How is that issue implied by what he said?
WHEN rebellion broke out in Eden a serious issue was raised that affects all creation. Approaching Eve, Satan implied that she and her husband Adam were being seriously deprived. He asked: “Is it really so that God said you must not eat from every tree of the garden?” Eve replied that only concerning one tree had God said: “You must not eat from it, no, you must not touch it that you do not die.” At that Satan directly charged Jehovah with lying, saying that neither Eve’s life nor that of Adam was dependent on obedience to God. He claimed that God was withholding from his creatures something good—the ability to set their own standards in life. “You positively will not die,” Satan asserted. “For God knows that in the very day of your eating from it your eyes are bound to be opened and you are bound to be like God, knowing good and bad.” (Gen. 3:1-5) Satan led Eve to believe that she would be better off making her own decisions. By implication, he there challenged God’s right to rule and His way of ruling. The issue raised actually involved universal sovereignty.
2. What could have safeguarded the first human pair?
2 Love for Jehovah could have safeguarded Eve. Respect for the headship of her husband could also have held her back from wrongdoing. But she thought only about what seemed to be an immediate benefit. What was forbidden became desirable in her eyes. Thoroughly deceived by Satan’s reasoning, she violated God’s law. Then she involved Adam. Though not deceived by Satan’s lie, he, too, showed gross lack of appreciation for God’s love. He disregarded the headship of Jehovah and chose to throw in his lot with his rebellious wife.—Gen. 3:6; 1 Tim. 2:13, 14.
3. (a) What further issue is closely related to Satan’s attack on Jehovah’s sovereignty? (b) Who are affected by it?
3 Satan’s attack on Jehovah’s sovereignty did not stop with what took place in Eden. His apparent success there was followed by his calling into question loyalty to Jehovah on the part of others. This, then, became a closely related secondary issue. His challenge reached out to include both the offspring of Adam and all the spirit sons of God, even Jehovah’s dearly loved firstborn Son. In the days of Job, Satan contended that those who serve Jehovah do so, not because they love God and his way of ruling, but for selfish reasons. He argued that, when subjected to hardship, they would all give in to selfish desires. Was he right?—Job 1:6-12; 2:1-6; Rev. 12:10.
How They Responded to the Issue
4. Why have many humans not upheld Jehovah’s sovereignty?
4 Jehovah did not rule out the possibility that others would join Satan in rebellion. In fact, when passing judgment in Eden, God referred to those who would comprise the ‘seed of the serpent.’ (Gen. 3:15) The Pharisees who plotted Jesus’ death and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Christ, were among those. They did not simply take some false step before they were aware of it. They knew what was right, yet deliberately took a position in opposition to Jehovah and his servants. However, countless others who have not conformed to Jehovah’s requirements have acted in ignorance.—Acts 17:29, 30.
5. (a) Unlike Eve, how have those who have remained loyal to Jehovah viewed his word? (b) How did Noah prove his loyalty, and how can we benefit from his example?
5 In contrast with all of these were men and women of faith who informed themselves about their Creator and proved their loyalty to him as Sovereign. They believed God. They knew that their lives depended on listening to him and obeying him. Noah was such a man. So, when God said to Noah, “The end of all flesh has come before me . . . Make for yourself an ark,” Noah submitted to Jehovah’s direction. Other people of that day, despite being given warning, went about their normal routine of life as if nothing unusual was going to happen. But Noah built a gigantic ark and kept busy preaching to others about Jehovah’s righteous ways. As the record says, “Noah proceeded to do according to all that God had commanded him. He did just so.”—Gen. 6:13-22; see also Hebrews 11:7 and 2 Peter 2:5.
6. (a) What else has characterized integrity keepers? (b) How did Sarah manifest these qualities, and in what way can we benefit from her example?
6 High regard for the principle of headship, coupled with personal love for Jehovah, has also been outstanding among integrity keepers. They have not been like Eve, who ran ahead of her husband. Nor like Adam, who ignored Jehovah’s law. Sarah, the wife of Abraham, demonstrated these fine qualities. Not only in her speech but also in her heart Abraham was her “lord.” Furthermore, she personally loved Jehovah and was a woman of faith. With Abraham, she was “awaiting the city [God’s Kingdom] having real foundations, the builder and maker of which city is God.”—1 Pet. 3:5, 6; Heb. 11:10-16.
7. (a) Under what circumstances did Moses uphold Jehovah’s sovereignty? (b) How might his example benefit us?
7 About 430 years after Abraham left his homeland, Moses upheld Jehovah’s sovereignty in face-to-face confrontation with Pharaoh of Egypt. Not that Moses was self-confident. On the contrary, he doubted his ability to speak well enough. But he obeyed Jehovah. With Jehovah’s backing and the aid of his brother Aaron, Moses repeatedly delivered Jehovah’s word to Pharaoh. Pharaoh was obstinate. Even some of the sons of Israel were harshly critical of Moses. But loyally Moses did everything that Jehovah commanded him, and by means of him Israel was delivered from Egypt.—Ex. 7:6; 12:50, 51.
8. (a) What shows that loyalty to Jehovah involves more than doing what God has specifically named in writing? (b) How might appreciation of this kind of loyalty help us to apply 1 John 2:15?
8 Those who were loyal to Jehovah did not reason that all that was required was to conform to the letter of the law, to obey only what God had put in writing. When Potiphar’s wife tried to entice Joseph to have adulterous relations with her, there was no written commandment from God that specifically prohibited adultery. But on the basis of what Joseph knew about the marriage arrangement instituted by Jehovah in Eden, he was aware that having sex relations with another man’s wife would be displeasing to God. Joseph was not interested in testing the limits to which God would let him be like the Egyptians. He upheld Jehovah’s ways by meditating on God’s dealings with mankind and then conscientiously applying what he discerned to be God’s will.—Gen. 39:7-12; compare Psalm 77:11, 12.
9. How has the Devil repeatedly been proved a liar in the charge that he raised in Job’s day?
9 Even if severely put to the test, those who truly know Jehovah do not turn away from him. Satan charged that if Job lost his possessions or was physically abused, even this one of whom Jehovah spoke highly would desert God. But Job proved the Devil a liar, and he did it even though he did not know what accounted for all the calamity that was engulfing him. (Job 2:3, 9, 10) Still trying to prove his point, Satan later caused an infuriated king of Babylon to threaten three young Hebrews with death in a fiery furnace if they did not bow in worship before an image set up by the king. Forced to choose between the command of the king and Jehovah’s law against idolatry, they firmly made it known that they served Jehovah and that he was their Supreme Sovereign. More precious to them than life was faithfulness to God.—Dan. 3:14-18.
10. How is it possible for us imperfect humans to prove that we are truly loyal to Jehovah?
10 Are we to conclude from this that to be loyal to Jehovah a person has to be perfect, that one who makes a mistake has completely failed? By no means! The Bible specifically tells us about times when Moses fell short. Jehovah was displeased, but he did not reject Moses. The apostles, though exemplary in many respects, had their weaknesses. Loyalty requires consistent obedience from the heart. But, taking into account our inheritance of imperfection, Jehovah is pleased if we do not deliberately ignore his will in any respect. If, because of weakness, we become involved in wrongdoing, it is important that we be sincerely repentant and so not make a practice of it. Thus we demonstrate that we truly do love what Jehovah says is good and hate what he shows to be bad. On the basis of our faith in the sin-atoning value of Jesus’ sacrifice, we can enjoy a clean standing before God.—Amos 5:15; Acts 3:19; Heb. 9:14.
11. (a) Who among men maintained perfect godly devotion, and what did this prove? (b) How are we helped by what he did?
11 Nevertheless, could it be that perfect godly devotion simply is not possible for humans? For some 4,000 years the answer to this was a “sacred secret.” (1 Tim. 3:16) Adam, though created perfect, did not set a perfect example of godly devotion. Who could? Certainly none of his sinful offspring. Jesus Christ was the only man to do so. What Jesus accomplished proved that Adam, who had more favorable circumstances, could have maintained perfect integrity if he had wanted to. The fault was not in God’s creative work. Jesus Christ is therefore the example that we seek to imitate in demonstrating not only obedience to divine law but also personal devotion to Jehovah, the Universal Sovereign.
What Is Our Personal Answer?
12. Why must we be constantly on the alert as to our attitude toward Jehovah’s sovereignty?
12 Each one of us today has to face the universal issue. We cannot dodge it. If we have openly stated that we are on Jehovah’s side, Satan makes us a target. He brings pressure from every conceivable direction and he will continue to do so down to the end of his wicked system of things. We must not relax our guard. (1 Pet. 5:8) Our conduct shows where we stand in relation to the supreme issue.
13. (a) What is there about the origin of lying and stealing that should make us shun them? (b) Answer the questions at the end of this paragraph, one at a time, regarding situations that incline some people toward such wrongdoing.
13 We cannot afford to treat disloyal conduct as unimportant simply because it is common in the world. Maintaining integrity requires that we apply Jehovah’s righteous ways in every matter of life. To illustrate, consider the following:
(1) Satan used a lie in order to lead our first parents into sin. He became “the father of the lie.” (John 8:44)
Under what circumstances do young people sometimes fail to be truthful with their parents? Why is it important for Christian youths to avoid this? (Prov. 6:16-19)
What business practices might identify a person with “the father of the lie” instead of with the God of truth? (Mic. 6:11, 12)
If we say things to give a better-than-factual impression of ourselves, is that wrong if it does not hurt anyone else? (Ps. 119:163; compare Acts 5:1-11.)
If someone has become involved in serious wrongdoing, why is it important not to try to cover it up by resorting to falsehood? (Prov. 28:13)
(2) When Eve and then Adam acted on Satan’s urging to make their own decisions as to good and bad, the first thing they did was to take something that did not belong to them. They became thieves.
Is stealing justified if a person is in need or if the one from whom items are taken has much? (Prov. 6:30, 31; 1 Pet. 4:15)
Is it less objectionable if it is a common practice where we live or if what is taken is small? (Rom. 12:2; Eph. 4:28; Luke 16:10)
14, 15. (a) At the end of Christ’s Thousand Year Reign what test will come on all humankind? (b) How will what we do now affect the outcome for us then?
14 During the Thousand Year Reign of Christ, Satan and his demons will be in the abyss, unable to influence mankind. What a relief that will be! But following the thousand years, they will be loosed for a little time. Satan and those who follow him will bring pressure on the “holy ones,” those of restored mankind who are maintaining their integrity. He will advance as in warfare against “the beloved city,” the heavenly New Jerusalem, by trying to wipe out the righteousness that it has established on earth.—Rev. 20:7-10.
15 It is very likely that, as in the past, Satan will employ deceit, along with appeals to selfishness and pride, to entice humans to acts of disloyalty to Jehovah. If it is our privilege to be alive then, how will we personally react? Where will our hearts be regarding the universal issue? Since all mankind will then be perfect, any act of disloyalty will be deliberate and will result in eternal destruction. So that we may prove loyal then, how vital it is that we cultivate the habit now of responding readily and positively to whatever direction Jehovah gives us, whether through his Word or through his organization! Doing so, we show our genuine devotion to him as the Universal Sovereign.
Review Discussion
● What is the great issue that all creation has to face? How did we get involved?
● What is outstanding about the ways in which each of the men and women shown on page 49 proved integrity to Jehovah?
● Why is it vital that we be careful every day to honor Jehovah by our conduct?
[Pictures on page 49]
THEY UPHELD JEHOVAH’S SOVEREIGNTY
Noah
Sarah
Moses
Joseph
Job
How can we benefit from their example? |
Youth (yy)
1976 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/yy | Chapter 2
Why You Can Look to the Future with Confidence
1-4. What does confidence have to do with whether a person will succeed or not? Why is it that a lot of people don’t feel very confident about the future?
HAVE you ever tried jumping over a bar in a high jump, or even over a fence or a wall? If the height was not too great, and you were confident that you could do it, you probably made the jump successfully. But if you were afraid you couldn’t make it, the jump may have failed, with unpleasant consequences for you.
2 That is the way it is with so many things. If you’re afraid to go into the water, for example, you’ll never learn to swim.
3 So, too, with getting the best out of your youth. Confidence can have a lot to do with this. You can’t really be happy or make good progress on the road of life without confidence in what lies ahead. But today, what is there to merit our confidence?
4 We could spend a lot of time talking about the reasons for not having confidence. Our planet Earth is getting more and more polluted, its wildlife is being killed off, and there are food shortages and other serious problems. These things may make you wonder if there is anything worth looking forward to. Some young people feel that, with the way things on earth are being ruined, there isn’t much of a future for them. And it may indeed appear so. Yet there are a lot of things that people don’t talk about so much but that give us reason to look forward to the future with confidence. Consider a few of these.
YOUR PLANETARY HOME
5-8. Name some of the factors that make life possible on the earth. How did this amazing combination of things come about?
5 It’s easy for us to take the earth for granted. Yet this planet we were born on and live on is truly an amazing piece of work. Like a spinning ball, the earth travels through millions of miles of space as it circles the sun, 93 million miles (about 150,000,000 kilometers) away. What would happen if the earth were in a different position? Well, if it were as far away from the sun as, say, the planets Pluto and Neptune, the earth would be like a big deep-freeze, far too cold to live on. And if it were a third of the distance closer to the sun, as is the planet Venus, the earth would become like an oven, for the temperature would become so high that even lakes and rivers would boil.
6 Or, even though its distance from the sun is ideal, what if the earth didn’t rotate on its axis as it does every twenty-four hours? Suppose, like Mercury, it rotated only a little more than once during its annual trip around the sun. Then nearly one half of the earth would be a frozen sub-zero waste, with the remainder a deserted furnace.
7 That isn’t all. Why is it that, at least in much of the earth, we can enjoy the freshness and flowers of spring, the warm, sunny days of summer, the crispness and color of autumn and the beauty of winter snow? These seasons result from the earth’s being tilted at an angle relative to its path around the sun. The seasons help to make most of this planet’s surface a very pleasant place to live. And they make it possible for a large part of the earth to produce food for man and animals.
8 There are hundreds of other factors that work together to make life on this planet possible. But what does all of this tell us? Ask yourself: How did this amazing combination of things come to be? Surely we must recognize that our planet Earth had a Designer. Yes, the many systems making life possible on earth are far, far more complicated than any spaceship that human scientists have designed and built. All the thought and work that earth’s complicated systems represent also tell us something else. Clearly, they tell us that the Designer of the earth is interested in making life pleasant and happy for those who live here. That includes you.
9-12. Even though a lot of damage has been done to the earth, what illustrates its ability to recover from harm?
9 True, a lot of people today are seriously damaging the earth by polluting it and misusing it. But that can be changed. And the damage can be reversed.
10 For example, consider what happened on the Pacific island of Krakatoa. It blew up in a huge volcanic explosion. If you had visited there right afterward, you would have seen that the whole island was just ashes. Nothing remained alive there—no people, no animals, no plants. But then what happened?
11 Without anyone’s help, the island began to recover. Within three years, some twenty-six kinds of plants began to flourish there again. Soon coconut trees, wild sugarcane and orchids were growing. And twenty-five years after the explosion, there were 263 species of animals on Krakatoa. The damage from the volcano disappeared. The gardenlike conditions of the island had returned.
12 The amazing way the island of Krakatoa recovered can be repeated all over the earth. And, as we will see later in this book, there is good reason to believe that it will.
AN AMAZING FOOD FACTORY
13-17. How is food produced from the earth? (Psalm 104:14) How does the variety of food that the earth produces contribute to one’s enjoyment of life? So, what kind of life did the Designer of all these things have in mind for us? (Isaiah 25:6; Psalm 67:6)
13 The next time you sit down to a meal, stop and think about this: No matter whether you are eating white rice or white potatoes, brown wheat or brown beans, yellow corn or yellow squash, black or red berries, they all come from plants with green leaves. Why? Because of the amazing process called photosynthesis.a
14 Such plants all have a green substance in their leaves called chlorophyll. When the sun’s light hits the leaves the chlorophyll goes to work producing complex chemical changes. In the plant’s cells water and carbon dioxide (which the plant takes from the air) are combined to form a simple sugar, the basis of all food. Using that sugar, green plants also make more complex things like carbohydrates, fats, proteins and vitamins. Speaking of the astounding production that results from photosynthesis, botanist Frits W. Went says:
“In terms of tonnage, its production makes man’s industries seem trifling. Every year the world’s steel mills turn out 350 million tons of steel, the world’s cement factories 325 million tons of cement. The world’s green plants, however, produce 150 billion tons of sugar every year.
15 Scientists know what happens, but they still can’t understand just how photosynthesis works. As one science writer says, researchers often refer to the process as “the black box.” Why? Because “they know what goes in and what comes out but are not sure about everything that goes on inside.” With all their chemical laboratories, men can never duplicate this amazing process.
16 Almost as remarkable is the tremendous variety of food the earth produces. Perhaps you especially like some certain food—let’s say strawberries. But what if everything—potatoes, rice, bread, apples, oranges—tasted like strawberries? You would soon get tired of that taste, wouldn’t you? Instead, with the different fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts and berries that the earth’s food factory produces, there are thousands of different flavors for your taste buds to enjoy.
17 Again, what does all of this tell us? Very obviously, the One who originated this amazing food factory wants life on this earth to be very pleasurable. He is concerned about a happy future for us. The same Designer that made planet Earth such an ideal home has also seen to it that this home is stocked with everything needed for a splendid banquet for those living here. Later on in this book we will also see just how He proposes to make that banquet available to all who want to share in it.
LOOK AT YOURSELF!
18-23. What is there about our bodies that shows that we were meant to be far superior to the animals?
18 Finally, think a little about yourself. To think, of course, you have to use your brain—so why not start there? Naturally, you can’t see your brain, but what do you think it is like? When fully developed, the human brain looks like an oversized pinkish-gray walnut and weighs less than three pounds (1.3 kilos). But what tremendous ability is packed into that small area! A scientific report in the New York Times says:
“The constitution of the brain . . . is so complex that it makes the giant electronic computers mere child’s toys by comparison.”
19 Yes, the brain you possess and can use has been described as “the most complex piece of matter in the universe.” Now, if someone gave you a fine watch or an expensive camera or a valuable electronic calculator, you would certainly care for it and try to get the best use out of it, right? You should feel far more appreciation for your brain.
20 Think, too, of your body. Now, it’s true that a lion is stronger than you are, an elephant is certainly bigger, a dolphin can swim faster, a monkey can climb better, an eagle can soar in the heights with its own wings and you can’t. But none of these creatures combines in itself all the abilities that a man has. Lions and elephants can’t fly, dolphins can’t climb trees or mountains, nor can eagles swim. But humans can do all of these, either unaided or with their inventions. Yes, above all, humans are unique in their ability to make things, in endless variety.
21 One reason for this is your hands. No tool ever invented can do all the things you can with your hands—from heavy work in mechanics or carpentry, to activities that call for a delicate touch, as in playing an instrument, painting or drawing the design for a house.
22 Really, your hands are just one of the things that make your body so marvelous. No wonder that Dr. W. W. Akers, an engineer working with surgeons, said of the human body:
“The body is the ultimate in technological perfection. Almost any machine you can dream up—no matter how sophisticated—you can look into the body and find a better one.”
23 Clearly a Master Designer wanted humans to be far superior to the animals and to be able to enjoy the earth in the greatest way possible. This gives us reason to be confident that He is concerned about our enjoying a rewarding future.
YOU CAN MOVE AHEAD WITH CONFIDENCE
24-28. Why is it reasonable to believe that the earth had a Designer and Maker? (Romans 1:20) Where has he provided answers to our questions about life? (2 Timothy 3:16) How can we find out whether doing what the Bible says would really help us to face the future with confidence? (2 Peter 3:13; Revelation 21:1-4)
24 We have seen that this planet and everything in it gives evidence of intelligence and design far superior to what is manifest in any home or building we have ever seen. You undoubtedly can agree with this simple statement found in the Bible: “Of course, every house is constructed by someone.” (Hebrews 3:4) Suppose you went out into a vast desert and found a house there but didn’t see anyone around. You wouldn’t think that the house made itself, would you? So, too, the earth obviously has a Designer and Maker, though unseen to us. Nobel Prize winner Max Planck said:
“There is no explanation of the universe apart from the assumption of a Supreme Creative Intelligence.”
25 The Bible tells us who this “Supreme Creative Intelligence” is that constructed our home, the earth. It tells us that he is the Maker of heaven and earth, Jehovah God.
26 This great Designer is obviously very powerful and wise. And just as clearly he has the best interests of all of us—you included—at heart. If you can learn what other humans know, then you can learn much, much more from Him as to how to get the best out of your youth.
27 That is where the Bible comes in. It tells of the Creator’s purposes for the earth and all mankind. It gives his answer to many questions humans have. It shows where their problems come from and how they will be solved. The Bible does not direct your hopes toward the present failing systems that have filled the earth with so much trouble and danger. It points to new systems that offer something far better.
28 Whether you have read the Bible to some extent or not, you may wonder if what it says can really solve your problems and answer your questions. You will never know unless you look carefully into it. In this book that you are now reading, we will see what the Bible has to say and the answers and guidance it gives. See for yourself how reasonable and realistic the Bible is. Yes, see for yourself how Jehovah God’s Word, the Bible, can help you to meet the challenge before you, and then move confidently ahead toward a happy and worthwhile future.
[Footnotes]
a From photo, meaning “light,” and synthesis, meaning the “forming of a compound substance by combining simpler elements.”
[Picture on page 11]
Knowledge about the Creator of the earth provides basis for confidence as to the future |
God’s Word (gm)
1989 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/gm | Chapter 11
The Overall Harmony of the Bible
Imagine a library of 66 books written by about 40 different people over a period of 1,600 years. Three languages were used by writers who lived in a number of lands. All the writers had different personalities, abilities, and backgrounds. But when the books they wrote were eventually gathered together, it turned out that, really, they made up just one great book following one basic theme from beginning to end. That is hard to imagine, is it not? Yet, the Bible is just such a library.
1. (Include introduction.) What remarkable harmony testifies to the fact that the Bible is inspired by God?
NO HONEST student can fail to be impressed by the fact that the Bible, although a collection of different books, is one unified production. It is unified in that, from beginning to end, it promotes worship of just one God whose characteristics never change, and all its books develop one overriding theme. This overall harmony is powerful evidence that the Bible is, indeed, the Word of God.
2, 3. What prophecy uttered in Eden gave a basis for hope, and what circumstances led to the uttering of that prophecy?
2 The basic theme of the Bible is introduced in the earliest chapters of its very first book, Genesis. There, we read that our first parents, Adam and Eve, were created perfect and placed in a paradise garden, Eden. Eve, however, was approached by a serpent that challenged the rightness of God’s laws and lured her with subtle lies into a course of sin. Adam followed her and also disobeyed God. The result? Both were expelled from Eden and were condemned to death. We today suffer from the results of that first rebellion. We all inherit sin and death from our first parents.—Genesis 3:1-7, 19, 24; Romans 5:12.
3 At that tragic time, however, God uttered a prophecy that gave a basis for hope. The prophecy was spoken to the serpent, but it was uttered in the hearing of Adam and Eve so that they could tell it to their children. Here is what God said: “And I shall put enmity between you and the woman and between your seed and her seed. He will bruise you in the head and you will bruise him in the heel.”—Genesis 3:15; Romans 8:20, 21.
4. What entities were mentioned in Jehovah’s prophecy in Eden, and how would they interact through the centuries?
4 Notice the four entities that are mentioned in this theme verse: the serpent and its seed as well as the woman and her seed. These entities would be key players in events for thousands of years to come. Constant enmity was to exist between the woman and her seed on the one hand and the serpent and his seed on the other. This enmity would include the ongoing conflict between true worship and false, right conduct and wickedness. At one stage, the serpent would gain a seeming advantage when it bruised the heel of the woman’s seed. Eventually, though, the woman’s seed was to crush the serpent’s head, and God himself would be vindicated when all traces of that original rebellion were removed.
5. How do we know that Eve was not the woman of the prophecy?
5 Who are the woman and the serpent? And who are their seeds? When Eve had her first son, Cain, she exclaimed: “I have produced a man with the aid of Jehovah.” (Genesis 4:1) Perhaps she felt that she was the woman of the prophecy and that this son would prove to be the seed. Cain, however, had a bad spirit like that of the serpent. He turned out to be a murderer, killing his own younger brother Abel. (Genesis 4:8) Clearly, the prophecy had a deeper, symbolic meaning that only God could explain. And this he did, a little at a time. All 66 books of the Bible contribute in one way or another to the revelation of the meaning of this, the first prophecy in the Bible.
Who Is the Serpent?
6-8. What words of Jesus help us to identify the power behind the serpent? Explain.
6 First, who is the serpent spoken about in Genesis 3:15? The account says that a literal serpent approached Eve in Eden, but literal serpents cannot speak. There must have been some power behind that snake, causing it to do what it did. What was that power? It was not until the first century of our Common Era, when Jesus was performing his ministry here on earth, that the identity of that power was clearly revealed.
7 On one occasion, Jesus was speaking with some self-righteous Jewish religious leaders who boasted that they were sons of Abraham. Yet, they had adamantly opposed the truth preached by Jesus. So Jesus said to them: “You are from your father the Devil, and you wish to do the desires of your father. That one was a manslayer when he began, and he did not stand fast in the truth, because truth is not in him. When he speaks the lie, he speaks according to his own disposition, because he is a liar and the father of the lie.”—John 8:44.
8 Jesus’ words were strong and to the point. He described the Devil as “a manslayer” and “the father of the lie.” Now, the very first recorded lies were those spoken by the serpent in Eden. Whoever spoke those lies was indeed “the father of the lie.” Moreover, those lies resulted in the death of Adam and Eve, making that ancient liar a murderer. Obviously, then, the power behind the serpent in Eden was Satan the Devil, and Jehovah was really talking to Satan in that ancient prophecy.
9. How did Satan come into existence?
9 Some have asked: If God is good, why did he create such a creature as the Devil? Jesus’ words also help us to answer that question. Jesus said of Satan: “[He] was a manslayer when he began.” So when Satan lied to Eve, that was when he began to be Satan—from a Hebrew word that means “resister.” God did not create Satan. A previously faithful angel allowed wrong desire to develop in his heart so that he became Satan.—Deuteronomy 32:4; compare Job 1:6-12; 2:1-10; James 1:13-15.
The Seed of the Serpent
10, 11. How do Jesus and the apostle John help us to identify the Serpent’s seed?
10 What, though, of ‘the seed [or offspring] of the serpent’? Jesus’ words also help us to solve this part of the puzzle. He said to the Jewish religious leaders: “You are from your father the Devil, and you wish to do the desires of your father.” These Jews were descendants of Abraham, just as they boasted. But their wicked conduct made them spiritual children of Satan, the originator of sin.
11 The apostle John, writing toward the end of the first century, explains clearly who belong to the seed of the Serpent, Satan. He writes: “He who carries on sin originates with the Devil, because the Devil has been sinning from the beginning. . . . The children of God and the children of the Devil are evident by this fact: Everyone who does not carry on righteousness does not originate with God, neither does he who does not love his brother.” (1 John 3:8, 10) Evidently, the seed of the Serpent have been very active throughout all human history!
Who Is the Seed of the Woman?
12, 13. (a) How did Jehovah reveal to Abraham that the woman’s seed would appear among his descendants? (b) Who inherited the promise concerning the Seed?
12 Who, then, is ‘the seed [or offspring] of the woman’? This is one of the most important questions ever asked, for it is the woman’s seed that will eventually crush the head of Satan and undo the evil effects of the original rebellion. Back in the 20th century B.C.E., God revealed a major clue about this one’s identity to the faithful man Abraham. Because of Abraham’s great faith, God made a series of promises to him about the offspring that would be born to him. One of these made it evident that ‘the woman’s seed’ that would ‘bruise the serpent’s head’ was going to appear among Abraham’s children. God told him: “Your seed will take possession of the gate of his enemies. And by means of your seed all nations of the earth will certainly bless themselves due to the fact that you have listened to my voice.”—Genesis 22:17, 18.
13 As the years went by, Jehovah’s promise to Abraham was repeated to Abraham’s son Isaac and to his grandson Jacob. (Genesis 26:3-5; 28:10-15) Eventually, Jacob’s descendants became 12 tribes, and one of those tribes, Judah, received a special promise: “The scepter will not turn aside from Judah, neither the commander’s staff from between his feet, until Shiloh comes; and to him the obedience of the peoples will belong.” (Genesis 49:10) Evidently, the Seed was to appear in the tribe of Judah.
14. What nation was organized to be prepared for the coming of the Seed?
14 At the end of the 16th century B.C.E., the 12 tribes of Israel were organized into a nation as God’s special people. To this end, God made a solemn covenant with them and gave them a law code. The main reason for this was to prepare a people for the coming of the Seed. (Exodus 19:5, 6; Galatians 3:24) From then on, the enmity of Satan toward the woman’s Seed was seen in the hostility of the nations to God’s chosen people.
15. What final clue was given as to which family among Abraham’s descendants would produce the Seed?
15 The final clue as to which family would produce the Seed was given in the 11th century B.C.E. At that time, God spoke to the second king of Israel, David, and promised that the Seed would come from his line and that this One’s throne would be “firmly established to time indefinite.” (2 Samuel 7:11-16) From that point on, the Seed could properly be referred to as the son of David.—Matthew 22:42-45.
16, 17. How did Isaiah describe the blessings the Seed would bring?
16 In the years that followed, God raised up prophets to give more inspired information about the coming Seed. For example, in the eighth century B.C.E., Isaiah wrote: “There has been a child born to us, there has been a son given to us; and the princely rule will come to be upon his shoulder. And his name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. To the abundance of the princely rule and to peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David and upon his kingdom.”—Isaiah 9:6, 7.
17 Isaiah further prophesied about this Seed: “With righteousness he must judge the lowly ones, and with uprightness he must give reproof in behalf of the meek ones of the earth. . . . And the wolf will actually reside for a while with the male lamb, and with the kid the leopard itself will lie down, and the calf and the maned young lion and the well-fed animal all together . . . They will not do any harm or cause any ruin in all my holy mountain; because the earth will certainly be filled with the knowledge of Jehovah as the waters are covering the very sea.” (Isaiah 11:4-9) What rich blessings this seed was going to bring!
18. What further information about the Seed did Daniel record?
18 In the sixth century before our Common Era, Daniel recorded a further prophecy about the Seed. He foretold the time when one like a son of man would appear in heaven and said that “to him there were given rulership and dignity and kingdom, that the peoples, national groups and languages should all serve even him.” (Daniel 7:13, 14) So the coming Seed would inherit a heavenly kingdom, and his royal authority would extend over all the earth.
The Puzzle Solved
19. What role, as revealed by the angel, was Mary to play in the coming of the Seed?
19 The identity of the Seed was finally unveiled at the dawn of our Common Era. In the year 2 B.C.E., an angel appeared to a young Jewish girl named Mary, who was a descendant of David. The angel told her that she was going to give birth to a very special baby and said: “This one will be great and will be called Son of the Most High; and Jehovah God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule as king over the house of Jacob forever, and there will be no end of his kingdom.” (Luke 1:32, 33) So the long wait for the “seed” was finally coming to an end.
20. Who is the promised Seed, and what message did he preach in Israel?
20 In the year 29 C.E. (a date pointed to long in advance by Daniel), Jesus was baptized. Holy spirit then descended upon him, and God acknowledged him as his Son. (Daniel 9:24-27; Matthew 3:16, 17) For three and a half years thereafter, Jesus witnessed to the Jews, proclaiming: “The kingdom of the heavens has drawn near.” (Matthew 4:17) During that time, he fulfilled so many prophecies from the Hebrew Scriptures that there was no room for doubt that he was indeed the promised Seed.
21. What did the early Christians understand as to the identity of the Seed?
21 The early Christians understood this well. Paul explained to the Christians in Galatia: “Now the promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. It says, not: ‘And to seeds,’ as in the case of many such, but as in the case of one: ‘And to your seed,’ who is Christ.” (Galatians 3:16) Jesus was to be the “Prince of Peace” foretold by Isaiah. After he would finally come into his Kingdom, justice and righteousness would be established worldwide.
Who, Then, Is the Woman?
22. Who is the woman referred to in Jehovah’s prophecy in Eden?
22 If Jesus is the Seed, who is the woman who was referred to back there in Eden? Since the power behind the serpent was a spirit creature, we should not be surprised that the woman too is spirit and not human. The apostle Paul spoke about a heavenly “woman” when he said: “But the Jerusalem above is free, and she is our mother.” (Galatians 4:26) Other scriptures indicate that this “Jerusalem above” had already existed for millenniums. She is Jehovah’s heavenly organization of spirit creatures, from which Jesus descended to fulfill the role of ‘the seed of the woman.’ Only this kind of spiritual “woman” could endure the enmity of “the original serpent” for millenniums.—Revelation 12:9; Isaiah 54:1, 13; 62:2-6.
23. Why is the progressive revealing of the meaning of Jehovah’s Edenic prophecy so remarkable?
23 This brief overview of the development of that ancient prophecy in Genesis 3:15 is a powerful testimony to the grand harmony of the Bible. It is truly remarkable that the prophecy can be understood only when we put the events and sayings from the 20th, the 11th, the 8th, and the 6th centuries B.C.E. together with the sayings and events from the first century of our Common Era. This cannot have happened by chance. There must have been a guiding hand behind it all.—Isaiah 46:9, 10.
The Meaning for Us
24. What does the identification of the Seed mean for us?
24 What does all of this mean for us? Well, Jesus is the primary ‘seed of the woman.’ That ancient prophecy in Genesis 3:15 foretold that his heel would be ‘bruised’ by the Serpent, and this happened when Jesus died on the torture stake. A bruise is not lasting. Thus, the Serpent’s seeming success was quickly turned into defeat when Jesus was resurrected. (As we saw in Chapter 6, there is overwhelming evidence that this really occurred.) Jesus’ death became the basis for the salvation of righthearted mankind, so the Seed began to be a blessing, just as God had promised Abraham. But what about the prophecies that Jesus was to rule from a heavenly kingdom over all his earthly realm?
25, 26. What issue was involved in the enmity between ‘the seed of the woman’ and the Serpent, as described in Revelation?
25 In a graphic prophetic vision recorded in Revelation chapter 12, the beginning of this Kingdom is pictured as the birth of a male child in heaven. In this Kingdom, the promised Seed takes power under the input Michael, meaning “Who Is Like God?” He shows that no one can rightfully challenge Jehovah’s sovereignty, when he casts “the original serpent” out of heaven for all time. We read: “So down the great dragon was hurled, the original serpent, the one called Devil and Satan, who is misleading the entire inhabited earth; he was hurled down to the earth.”—Revelation 12:7-9.
26 The result is relief for the heavens but distress on earth. “Now have come to pass the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ,” came the triumphant shout. Furthermore, we read: “On this account be glad, you heavens and you who reside in them! Woe for the earth and for the sea, because the Devil has come down to you, having great anger, knowing he has a short period of time.”—Revelation 12:10, 12.
27. When was the prophecy about Satan’s being cast from the heavens fulfilled? How do we know?
27 Can we say when this prophecy was to be fulfilled? Really, that was the question raised by the disciples when they asked Jesus about ‘the sign of his presence and of the conclusion of the system of things’—as we discussed in Chapter 10. (Matthew 24:3) As we saw, the evidence is overwhelming that Jesus’ presence in heavenly Kingdom power began in 1914. Since that time, we have experienced “woe for the earth” indeed!
28, 29. What great changes on the earthly scene still lie ahead, and how do we know they will take place soon?
28 But notice: That heavenly cry announced that Satan has only “a short period of time.” So that original prophecy in Genesis 3:15 is moving to its unerring climax. The serpent, his seed, the woman, and her seed have all been identified. The Seed was ‘bruised in the heel,’ but he recovered. Soon, the crushing of Satan (and his seed) will begin under God’s now-reigning King, Christ Jesus.
29 This will involve tremendous changes on the earthly scene. Along with Satan, those who prove themselves to be his seed will be removed. As the psalmist prophesied: “Just a little while longer, and the wicked one will be no more; and you will certainly give attention to his place, and he will not be.” (Psalm 37:10) What a radical change that will be! Then, the psalmist’s further words will be fulfilled: “But the meek ones themselves will possess the earth, and they will indeed find their exquisite delight in the abundance of peace.”—Psalm 37:11.
30. Why are skeptics who cast doubt on the inspiration of the Bible and even on God’s existence the unrealistic ones?
30 In this way, the “Prince of Peace” will finally bring peace to mankind. This is the promise of the Bible, as we noted at Isaiah 9:6, 7. In this skeptical age, many find such a promise unrealistic. But what alternative does man offer? None! On the other hand, this promise is clearly stated in the Bible, and the Bible is the unfailing Word of God. It is really the skeptics who are unrealistic. (Isaiah 55:8, 11) They ignore God, who inspired the Bible and who is the greatest reality of all.
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The Bible’s first prophecy gave fallen mankind a basis for hope
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In the 20th century B.C.E., Jehovah told Abraham that the promised Seed would come from among his descendants
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In the 11th century B.C.E., King David learned that the Seed would come from his royal line
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In the eighth century B.C.E., Isaiah foretold the blessings the Seed would bring
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In the sixth century B.C.E., Daniel foretold that the Seed would rule in a heavenly kingdom
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Near the beginning of the first century C.E., Mary learned that Jesus, the baby she was to bear, would grow up to be the Seed |
“Come Be My Follower” | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2009040 | “Come Be My Follower”
“If anyone wants to come after me, let him disown himself and pick up his torture stake day after day and follow me.”—LUKE 9:23.
1, 2. (a) What kind invitation did Jesus offer? (b) How have you responded to Jesus’ invitation?
TOWARD the end of his ministry, Jesus was witnessing in Perea, a region across the Jordan, northeast of Judea. He was approached by a young man who asked what he had to do to inherit everlasting life. Jesus, after ascertaining that the young man was faithfully observing the Mosaic Law, issued an outstanding invitation. He said: “Go, sell what things you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven, and come be my follower.” (Mark 10:21) Just think—an invitation to follow Jesus, the only-begotten Son of the Most High God!
2 That young man rejected the invitation, but others accepted it. Earlier, Jesus had said to Philip: “Be my follower.” (John 1:43) Philip accepted and later became an apostle. Jesus repeated the invitation to Matthew, and he too accepted it. (Matt. 9:9; 10:2-4) Indeed, Jesus offered the same invitation to all lovers of righteousness when he said: “If anyone wants to come after me, let him disown himself and pick up his torture stake day after day and follow me continually.” (Luke 9:23) Hence, anyone can be Jesus’ follower if he really wants to. Do you have that desire? Most of us have already responded positively to Jesus’ kind invitation, and in the field ministry, we convey that invitation to others.
3. How can we avoid drifting away from following Jesus?
3 Sadly, though, some who have shown an interest in Bible truth do not continue. Rather, they slow down and eventually “drift away” from following Jesus. (Heb. 2:1) How can we avoid falling into that trap? It helps if we ask ourselves: ‘Why did I choose to follow Jesus in the first place? What does it mean to follow him?’ Bearing the answers to those two questions in mind will help us to strengthen our resolve to remain on the fine path we have chosen. It will also help us to encourage others to follow Jesus.
Why Follow Jesus?
4, 5. Why is Jesus qualified to lead?
4 The prophet Jeremiah stated: “I well know, O Jehovah, that to earthling man his way does not belong. It does not belong to man who is walking even to direct his step.” (Jer. 10:23) History has borne out the truth of Jeremiah’s words. It has become increasingly evident that imperfect humans cannot successfully govern themselves. We accepted the invitation to follow Jesus because we learned that he is qualified to be our Leader in a way that no human could ever be. Consider some of Jesus’ qualifications.
5 First, Jesus was chosen as Messiah the Leader by Jehovah himself. Who knows better than our Creator whom to appoint as a Leader for us? Second, Jesus has qualities that we can admire and imitate. (Read Isaiah 11:2, 3.) He is a perfect example. (1 Pet. 2:21) Third, Jesus deeply cares about those who follow him, as he showed when he laid down his life for them. (Read John 10:14, 15.) And he shows himself to be a caring shepherd as he guides us to a life that brings happiness now and leads to a glorious eternal future. (John 10:10, 11; Rev. 7:16, 17) For these and other reasons, we made a wise decision when we chose to follow him. What, though, does such a course involve?
6. What is involved in following Jesus?
6 Being followers of Christ means more than just calling ourselves Christian. Some two billion people claim to be Christian today, but their actions reveal them to be “workers of lawlessness.” (Read Matthew 7:21-23.) When individuals show an interest in the invitation to follow Jesus, we explain to them that true Christians pattern their entire way of life after his teachings and example—and they do so every day of their lives. To illustrate what this means, consider some of the things that we know about Jesus.
Imitate Jesus’ Example of Wisdom
7, 8. (a) What is wisdom, and why did Jesus possess it so abundantly? (b) How did Jesus demonstrate wisdom, and how can we imitate him?
7 Jesus manifested many outstanding qualities, but we will focus on four: his wisdom, his humility, his zeal, and his love. First, consider his wisdom—his ability to put knowledge and understanding to work in a practical way. The apostle Paul wrote: “Carefully concealed in [Jesus] are all the treasures of wisdom and of knowledge.” (Col. 2:3) Where did Jesus get such wisdom? He himself said: “Just as the Father taught me I speak these things.” (John 8:28) His wisdom originated with Jehovah, so we are not surprised at the soundness of Jesus’ judgment.
8 For example, Jesus used good judgment in choosing his life course. He decided to keep his life simple, focusing on just one thing: the doing of God’s will. He wisely devoted his time and energy to furthering Kingdom interests. We follow Jesus’ example by striving to keep a ‘simple eye’ and thus avoid weighing ourselves down with unnecessary things that consume our energy and attention. (Matt. 6:22) Many Christians have taken steps to simplify their lifestyle so that they can devote more time to the ministry. Some have been able to enter the pioneer service. If you are one of those, that is most commendable. “Seeking first the kingdom” brings great happiness and satisfaction.—Matt. 6:33.
Be Humble Like Jesus
9, 10. How did Jesus demonstrate his humility?
9 The second aspect of Jesus’ personality that we will consider is his humility. When imperfect humans are given authority, they often develop an inflated sense of their own importance. How different it was with Jesus! Despite his key position in the outworking of Jehovah’s purpose, Jesus was free of even the slightest hint of haughtiness. And we are encouraged to imitate him in that. The apostle Paul wrote: “Keep this mental attitude in you that was also in Christ Jesus, who, although he was existing in God’s form, gave no consideration to a seizure, namely, that he should be equal to God. No, but he emptied himself and took a slave’s form and came to be in the likeness of men.” (Phil. 2:5-7) What did that involve?
10 Jesus enjoyed the glorious privilege of dwelling in his Father’s heavenly presence, but he willingly “emptied himself.” His life was transferred to the womb of a Jewish virgin, there to develop for nine months until he was born as a helpless infant in the household of a lowly carpenter. In Joseph’s house, Jesus gradually grew to be a toddler, a little boy, and then a teenager. He was sinless. Yet, throughout his youth he remained subject to parents who were imperfect sinners. (Luke 2:51, 52) What extraordinary humility!
11. In what ways can we imitate Jesus’ humility?
11 We imitate Jesus’ humility when we willingly accept assignments that might seem lowly. As an example, consider the assignment to preach the good news. Such work may appear lowly, especially when people respond with apathy, ridicule, or hostility. However, by persisting in the preaching work, we help others to respond to Jesus’ invitation to follow him. Thus we help to save lives. (Read 2 Timothy 4:1-5.) Another example is the maintenance of our Kingdom Hall. That can involve such things as emptying trash cans, mopping floors, and cleaning washrooms—all humble tasks! Still, we recognize that maintaining our Kingdom Hall—the center of pure worship in the locality—is part of our sacred service. By willingly completing tasks that seem lowly, we show humility and thus follow in the footsteps of Christ.
Like Jesus, Be Zealous
12, 13. (a) How did Jesus demonstrate zeal, and what motivated him? (b) What will motivate us to be zealous in the ministry?
12 Consider Jesus’ zeal in the ministry. Jesus did many things when he was on earth. In his early life, he likely worked with his adoptive father, Joseph, as a carpenter. During his ministry, Jesus performed miracles, including healing the sick and raising the dead. But his main work was that of preaching the good news and teaching those who had listening ears. (Matt. 4:23) As his followers, we have the same work to do. How can we follow his example? For one thing, we can cultivate motives like those of Jesus.
13 Above all, love for God motivated Jesus to preach and to teach. But Jesus also loved the truths he taught. To him, those truths were priceless treasures, and he was eager to share them with others. We as teachers, or ‘public instructors,’ feel the same way. Just think of some of the precious truths we have learned from God’s Word! We know of the issue of universal sovereignty and how it will be settled. We well understand what the Scriptures teach about the condition of the dead and the blessings to come in God’s new world. Whether we learned such truths in recent times or long ago, they never fade in value. Old or new, such truths are, indeed, priceless treasures. (Read Matthew 13:52.) By preaching with heartfelt enthusiasm, we convey to others our love for what Jehovah has taught us.
14. How can we imitate Jesus’ manner of teaching?
14 Notice, too, how Jesus taught. He constantly directed his hearers to the Scriptures. He frequently introduced an important point by saying: “It is written.” (Matt. 4:4; 21:13) In his recorded words, he quoted directly from or referred indirectly to over half of the books of the Hebrew Scriptures. Like Jesus, we rely heavily on the Bible in our ministry and endeavor to feature the Scriptures whenever possible. In that way, we help righthearted ones to see for themselves that we are teaching God’s thoughts, not our own. How it delights us when someone agrees to read from the Bible and to discuss the value and meaning of God’s Word! And when such ones accept the invitation to follow Jesus, our joy is boundless.
Following Jesus Means Loving Others
15. What was an outstanding quality of Jesus, and how can reflecting on it affect us?
15 The final aspect of Jesus’ personality that we will discuss is most heartwarming—his love for fellow humans. The apostle Paul wrote: “The love the Christ has compels us.” (2 Cor. 5:14) When we reflect on the love that Jesus has for mankind in general and for us as individuals, our hearts are touched and we feel compelled to follow his example.
16, 17. In what ways did Jesus show his love for others?
16 How did Jesus show love for others? His willingness to surrender his soul in mankind’s behalf was the ultimate expression of his love. (John 15:13) However, during his ministry, Jesus also showed love in other ways. For instance, he had fellow feeling for those who were suffering. When he saw Mary and those with her weeping over the death of Lazarus, he was greatly touched by their sorrow. Although he was about to resurrect Lazarus, Jesus was so moved that he “gave way to tears.”—John 11:32-35.
17 Early in Jesus’ ministry, a leper approached Jesus and said: “If you just want to, you can make me clean.” How did Jesus respond? The record says: “He was moved with pity.” He then did something extraordinary. “He stretched out his hand and touched him, and said to him: ‘I want to. Be made clean.’ And immediately the leprosy vanished from him, and he became clean.” Under the Mosaic Law, lepers were unclean, and Jesus could certainly have healed the man without physical contact. Yet, as Jesus healed the leper, he allowed him to feel the touch of another human, perhaps for the first time in years. What a tender act of compassion!—Mark 1:40-42.
18. How can we demonstrate “fellow feeling”?
18 As followers of Christ, we are called on to demonstrate our love by showing “fellow feeling.” (1 Pet. 3:8) It may not be easy to understand the feelings of a fellow believer who is suffering from a chronic illness or deep depression—especially if we have never experienced such things ourselves. Still, Jesus empathized with the sick even though he himself was never sick. How can we cultivate similar empathy? By patiently listening as suffering ones open up their hearts to us. We could also ask ourselves, ‘If I were in their situation, how would I feel?’ If we cultivate sensitivity to the feelings of others, we will be better able to “speak consolingly to the depressed souls.” (1 Thess. 5:14) Thus we will be following Jesus.
19. In what ways are we affected by the example of Jesus?
19 What a thrilling field of study we find in the words and deeds of Jesus Christ! The more we learn about him, the more we want to be like him—and the more we want to help others to do the same. By all means, then, let us find delight in following the Messianic King—now and forever!
Can You Explain?
• How can we show wisdom, as Jesus did?
• In what ways can we demonstrate humility?
• How can we cultivate zeal for the ministry?
• In what ways can we imitate Jesus in showing love for others?
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A PUBLICATION THAT HELPS US TO IMITATE CHRIST
During the 2007 district convention program, a 192-page book eninputd “Come Be My Follower” was released. This publication is designed to assist Christians to focus on Jesus, especially on his qualities and actions. After two introductory chapters, the first section provides an overview of Jesus’ outstanding qualities—his humility, his courage, his wisdom, his obedience, and his endurance.
Following this are sections on Jesus’ activities as a teacher and as a preacher of the good news and on some of the ways that his great love was manifested. Throughout the book, information is presented to help a Christian to imitate Jesus.
We are confident that this publication will move all of us to examine ourselves and ask: ‘Am I really following Jesus? How can I follow him more closely?’ It will also help “all those who [are] rightly disposed for everlasting life” to become followers of Christ.—Acts 13:48.
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Jesus consented to come to earth and be born as a human baby. What quality did that require?
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What will motivate us to be zealous in the ministry? |
Priest Admits Witnesses’ Virtues | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/101995012 | Priest Admits Witnesses’ Virtues
By Awake! correspondent in Australia
IN 1991 the Condobolin Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in New South Wales, Australia, was destroyed by fire. A few weeks later, a local Anglican priest expressed sympathy in his parish letter “for the loss of the place of worship.” His letter continued:
“While there are obvious differences between our practices and theirs, I have for many years been full of praise for those aspects of the practice of their faith which I believe are good in themselves.” What were some of these positive aspects?
First: “They are very concerned about the teaching of the faith. They will meet together for two or three occasions each week for this purpose.” This is true—Jehovah’s Witnesses are a reading, teaching, and preaching religion. They have three meetings weekly.
The priest’s second point was: “They . . . regularly make evangelistic visits to the homes of people. . . . They like us to know that the third largest denomination in Australia is the body of people who state No Religion (3,841,000 people). The JW people are not output to keep the faith to themselves but want to share it with other people.” Jehovah’s Witnesses know that they must respond to Matthew 24:14 and Mark 13:10 by preaching the good news.
The third point: “They do not appear to raise funds through the community with Street Stalls and other fund-raising efforts. Their finance comes from within [their] community.” The Bible says, ‘freely have you received, freely give’ and, ‘there is more happiness in giving than in receiving.’ Thus, they take no collections. Contribution boxes are discreetly available at their halls.—Matthew 10:8; Acts 20:35.
What was the final praiseworthy aspect he mentioned? “They construct their places of worship with a minimum amount of time and finance. . . . You may care to wander down to Gum Bend Lake Road . . . and see the local JW people . . . working on the construction of a new Kingdom Hall. They estimate the work will take them three days.” Then what advice did he give his parishioners?
“I suggest that you read over the four points I have suggested above and ask how they can help you think about the visible practice of your faith. . . . I would suggest that in relation to the four points mentioned the JW people would leave the average Anglican and other Christian parishes for dead.”
If you would like to visit a Kingdom Hall and see for yourself how Jehovah’s Witnesses worship and what they believe, feel free to go to the Kingdom Hall nearest you, or write to us for the address of the hall closest to you.
[Picture on page 31]
Kingdom Hall in Condobolin, New South Wales |
Listen to God (ld)
2011 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/library/r1/lp-e/all-publications/brochures-and-booklets/listen-to-god-ld | Printed Edition
Part 3
Jehovah gave Adam and Eve many good things. Genesis 1:28
God said not to eat from one of the trees. Genesis 2:16, 17 |
Sing Praises (ssb)
1984 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/Ssb | Song 147
Never-Failing Treasures
(Matthew 6:20)
1. O heavenly Father, how grateful we are
That truth we do now understand!
How grand is the priv’lege your Kingdom to preach
And know that it’s really at hand!
2. Your wisdom and justice, your power and love
Warm feelings create in our hearts.
To have as our Savior Christ Jesus, your Son,
Great joy to us truly imparts.
3. Our friendship with you is a blessing indeed.
What more could we ever desire?
Your undeserved kindness that gives peace of mind
Is what we from you do acquire.
4. Good reasons we have to be thankful to you;
We know that your word will prevail.
Rich favors you shower on those whom you love.
They’re treasures that never will fail. |
Isaiah’s Prophecy II (ip-2)
2001 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/ip-2 | Chapter Eighteen
Jehovah Revives the Spirit of the Lowly Ones
Isaiah 57:1-21
1. What assurance did Jehovah give, and what questions are raised by his words?
“THIS is what the High and Lofty One, who is residing forever and whose name is holy, has said: ‘In the height and in the holy place is where I reside, also with the one crushed and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly ones and to revive the heart of the ones being crushed.’” (Isaiah 57:15) So wrote the prophet Isaiah in the eighth century B.C.E. What was happening in Judah that made this message so encouraging? How do these inspired words help Christians today? A consideration of Isaiah chapter 57 will help us answer those questions.
“You Men, Come Up Close Here”
2. (a) When do the words of Isaiah chapter 57 seem to apply? (b) What is the situation of righteous ones in Isaiah’s day?
2 This part of Isaiah’s prophecy seems to apply in Isaiah’s own day. Consider how entrenched wickedness has now become: “The righteous one himself has perished, but there is no one taking it to heart. And men of loving-kindness are being gathered to the dead, while no one discerns that it is because of the calamity that the righteous one has been gathered away. He enters into peace; they take rest upon their beds, each one that is walking straightforwardly.” (Isaiah 57:1, 2) If a righteous man falls, no one cares. His untimely death goes unnoticed. Falling asleep in death brings him peace, release from the suffering inflicted by the ungodly, and escape from calamity. God’s chosen nation has sunk to a deplorable state. But how those who remain faithful must be encouraged to know that Jehovah not only sees what is going on but will support them!
3. How does Jehovah address the wicked generation of Judah, and why?
3 Jehovah summons the wicked generation of Judah, saying: “As for you men, come up close here, you sons of a soothsaying woman, the seed of an adulterous person and of a woman that commits prostitution.” (Isaiah 57:3) They have well earned such shameful descriptions as sons of a soothsayer and offspring of an adulterer and of a prostitute. The false worship to which they have turned includes disgusting acts of idolatry and spiritism as well as immoral sexual practices. Hence, Jehovah asks these sinners: “Over whom is it that you have a jolly good time? Against whom do you keep opening wide the mouth, keep sticking out the tongue? Are you not the children of transgression, the seed of falsehood, those who are working up passion among big trees, under every luxuriant tree, slaughtering the children in the torrent valleys under the clefts of the crags?”—Isaiah 57:4, 5.
4. Of what are the wicked ones of Judah guilty?
4 The wicked ones of Judah practice their shocking pagan worship openly, having “a jolly good time.” They scornfully mock God’s prophets who have been sent to correct them, sticking out their tongues in a shameless, disrespectful gesture. Although they are children of Abraham, their rebellious ways make them children of transgression and the seed of falsehood. (Isaiah 1:4; 30:9; John 8:39, 44) Out among the big trees in the countryside, they stir up religious fervor in their idolatrous worship. And what cruel worship! Why, they even slaughter their own children, like the nations whose detestable ways led to their being driven off the land by Jehovah!—1 Kings 14:23; 2 Kings 16:3, 4; Isaiah 1:29.
Pouring Out a Drink Offering to Stones
5, 6. (a) What have the inhabitants of Judah chosen to do rather than worship Jehovah? (b) How blatant and widespread is Judah’s idol worship?
5 See how deeply the inhabitants of Judah have plunged into idolatry: “With the smooth stones of the torrent valley was your portion. They—they were your lot. Moreover, to them you poured out a drink offering, you offered up a gift. For these things shall I comfort myself?” (Isaiah 57:6) The Jews are God’s covenant people, yet rather than worship him, they pick stones out of the riverbed and make gods of these. David proclaimed that Jehovah was his portion, but these sinners have chosen lifeless stone idols as their lot and pour out drink offerings to them. (Psalm 16:5; Habakkuk 2:19) What comfort can Jehovah find in such perversion of worship by his name people?
6 Everywhere—under big trees, in torrent valleys, on hills, in their cities—Judah commits idolatry. But Jehovah sees it all, and through Isaiah, He exposes her depravity: “Upon a mountain high and lifted up you set your bed. There also you went up to offer sacrifice. And behind the door and the doorpost you set your memorial.” (Isaiah 57:7-8a) Upon the high places, Judah makes her bed of spiritual uncleanness, and there she offers sacrifices to foreign gods.a Even private houses have idols behind the doors and the doorposts.
7. With what spirit does Judah engage in immoral worship?
7 Some may wonder why Judah has become so involved in unclean worship. Has some stronger power forced her to abandon Jehovah? The answer is no. She does it willingly, eagerly. Jehovah states: “Apart from me you uncovered yourself and proceeded to go up; you made your bed spacious. And for yourself you went concluding a covenant with them. You loved a bed with them. The male organ you beheld.” (Isaiah 57:8b) Judah has made a covenant with her false gods, and she loves her illicit relationship with them. She especially loves the immoral sexual practices—likely including the use of phallic symbols—that characterize worship of these gods!
8. Under which king in particular did idolatry flourish in Judah?
8 The description of grossly immoral, cruel idol worship fits what we know of several wicked kings of Judah. Manasseh, for example, built up the high places, erected altars to Baal, and put false religious altars in two temple courtyards. He made his sons pass through the fire, practiced magic, employed divination, and promoted spiritistic practices. King Manasseh also put into Jehovah’s temple the graven image of the sacred pole that he had made.b He seduced Judah into doing “what was bad more than the nations whom Jehovah had annihilated.” (2 Kings 21:2-9) Some believe that Manasseh had Isaiah killed, although Manasseh’s name does not appear in Isaiah 1:1.
“You Continued Sending Your Envoys”
9. Why does Judah send envoys “far off”?
9 Judah’s transgression goes beyond serving false gods. Using Isaiah as his mouthpiece, Jehovah says: “You proceeded to descend toward Melech with oil, and kept making your ointments abundant. And you continued sending your envoys far off, so that you lowered matters to Sheol.” (Isaiah 57:9) The unfaithful kingdom of Judah goes down to “Melech,” “the king” in Hebrew—likely the king of a foreign power—offering him expensive and appealing gifts, symbolized by oil and perfumed ointments. Judah sends emissaries to faraway places. Why? To persuade Gentile nations to make political alliances with her. Having turned her back on Jehovah, she puts her trust in foreign kings.
10. (a) How does King Ahaz seek an alliance with the king of Assyria? (b) In what way does Judah ‘lower matters to Sheol’?
10 One example of this is in the days of King Ahaz. Feeling threatened by an alliance between Israel and Syria, that unfaithful king of Judah sends messengers to Tiglath-pileser III of Assyria, saying: “I am your servant and your son. Come up and save me out of the palm of the king of Syria and out of the palm of the king of Israel, who are rising up against me.” Ahaz sends silver and gold as a bribe to the king of Assyria, and the king responds, launching a devastating attack on Syria. (2 Kings 16:7-9) In her dealings with the Gentile nations, Judah stoops to “the depths of Sheol.” (An American Translation) Because of those dealings, she will die, or cease to exist as an independent nation with a king.
11. What false sense of security does Judah display?
11 Jehovah continues to address Judah: “In the multitude of your ways you have toiled. You have not said, ‘It is hopeless!’ You have found a revival of your own power. That is why you have not grown sick.” (Isaiah 57:10) Yes, the nation has labored hard in her apostate ways, and she fails to see the hopelessness of her endeavors. To the contrary, she deludes herself into believing that she is succeeding in her own power. She feels invigorated and healthy. How foolish!
12. What conditions in Christendom parallel those in Judah?
12 Today there is an organization whose conduct is reminiscent of that of Judah in Isaiah’s day. Christendom uses the name of Jesus, but she pursues alliances with the nations and has filled her places of worship with idols. Her adherents even set up idolatrous images in their private homes. Christendom has sacrificed her young people in the wars of the nations. How offensive all of this must be to the true God, who commands Christians: “Flee from idolatry”! (1 Corinthians 10:14) By involving herself in politics, Christendom has ‘committed fornication with the kings of the earth.’ (Revelation 17:1, 2) She is, in fact, a major supporter of the United Nations. What lies ahead for this religious harlot? Well, what does Jehovah say to her prototype, unfaithful Judah, especially as represented by her capital city, Jerusalem?
‘Your Collection Will Not Deliver You’
13. What “lying” does Judah take up, and how does she react to Jehovah’s patience?
13 “Whom did you become frightened at and begin to fear, so that you took up lying?” asks Jehovah. A good question! Judah certainly shows no wholesome, godly fear of Jehovah. Otherwise, she would not have become a nation of liars, worshipers of false gods. Jehovah goes on to say: “I was not the one that you remembered. You took nothing to your heart. Was I not keeping silent and hiding matters? So you were in no fear even of me.” (Isaiah 57:11) Jehovah has kept silent, not inflicting immediate punishment upon Judah. Does Judah appreciate this? No, instead she views God’s forbearance as indifference. She has lost all fear of him.
14, 15. What does Jehovah say about Judah’s works and her “collection of things”?
14 However, the period of God’s long-suffering will end. Looking toward that time, Jehovah declares: “I myself shall tell forth your righteousness and your works, that they will not benefit you. When you cry for aid your collection of things will not deliver you, but a wind will carry even all of them away. An exhalation will take them away.” (Isaiah 57:12, 13a) Jehovah will expose Judah’s sham righteousness. Her hypocritical works will be of no benefit. Her “collection of things,” her inventory of idols, will not deliver her. When calamity strikes, the gods in which she trusts will be blown away by a mere breath of wind.
15 Jehovah’s words are fulfilled in 607 B.C.E. That is when Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar destroys Jerusalem, burns the temple, and takes most of the people captive. “Thus Judah went into exile from off its soil.”—2 Kings 25:1-21.
16. What awaits Christendom and the rest of “Babylon the Great”?
16 Similarly, Christendom’s large inventory of idols will not deliver her in the day of Jehovah’s anger. (Isaiah 2:19-22; 2 Thessalonians 1:6-10) Along with the rest of “Babylon the Great”—the world conglomerate of false religion—Christendom will be annihilated. The symbolic scarlet-colored wild beast and its ten horns “will make [Babylon the Great] devastated and naked, and will eat up her fleshy parts and will completely burn her with fire.” (Revelation 17:3, 16, 17) How glad we are to have obeyed the command: “Get out of her, my people, if you do not want to share with her in her sins, and if you do not want to receive part of her plagues”! (Revelation 18:4, 5) May we never return to her or her ways.
“The One Taking Refuge in Me Will Inherit the Land”
17. What promise is made to ‘the one taking refuge in Jehovah,’ and when is this realized?
17 What, though, of the next words of Isaiah’s prophecy? “The one taking refuge in me will inherit the land and will take possession of my holy mountain.” (Isaiah 57:13b) To whom is Jehovah speaking now? He is looking beyond the coming cataclysm and foretelling the liberation of his people from Babylon and the restoration of pure worship in his holy mountain, Jerusalem. (Isaiah 66:20; Daniel 9:16) What a source of encouragement this must be to any Jews who remain faithful! Further, Jehovah says: “One will certainly say, ‘Bank up, you people, bank up! Clear the way. Remove any obstacle from the way of my people.’” (Isaiah 57:14) When the time comes for God to deliver his people, the way will be ready, with all obstacles removed.—2 Chronicles 36:22, 23.
18. How is Jehovah’s loftiness described, yet what loving concern does he display?
18 It is at this point that the prophet Isaiah relates the words quoted at the outset: “This is what the High and Lofty One, who is residing forever and whose name is holy, has said: ‘In the height and in the holy place is where I reside, also with the one crushed and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly ones and to revive the heart of the ones being crushed.’” (Isaiah 57:15) Jehovah’s throne is in the highest heavens. There is no position higher or loftier. How comforting to know that from there he sees everything—not only the sins of the wicked but also the righteous acts of those who try to serve him! (Psalm 102:19; 103:6) Moreover, he hears the groans of the oppressed and revives the hearts of the crushed. These words must have touched the hearts of repentant Jews in ancient times. They certainly touch our hearts today.
19. When does Jehovah’s indignation cease?
19 Comforting, too, are Jehovah’s further words: “It will not be to time indefinite that I shall contend, nor perpetually that I shall be indignant; for because of me the spirit itself would grow feeble, even the breathing creatures that I myself have made.” (Isaiah 57:16) None of God’s creatures could survive if Jehovah’s wrath were perpetual, without end. Happily, though, God’s indignation is only for a limited time. When it has accomplished its purpose, it ceases. This inspired insight helps us develop deep appreciation for Jehovah’s love toward his creation.
20. (a) How does Jehovah deal with an unrepentant wrongdoer? (b) In what way does Jehovah comfort the contrite one?
20 We gain more insight as Jehovah continues. First he says: “At the erroneousness of his unjust gain I grew indignant, and I proceeded to strike him, concealing my face, while I was indignant. But he kept walking as a renegade in the way of his heart.” (Isaiah 57:17) The wrongs committed because of greed certainly invite God’s wrath. As long as one remains a renegade at heart, Jehovah remains indignant. But what if the renegade responds to the discipline? Then Jehovah shows how his love and compassion move him to act: “I have seen his very ways; and I began to heal him and conduct him and make compensation with comfort to him and to his mourning ones.” (Isaiah 57:18) After taking disciplinary action, Jehovah heals the contrite one and comforts him and those mourning with him. That is why in 537 B.C.E., the Jews were able to return home. True, Judah was never again an independent kingdom. Still, the temple in Jerusalem was rebuilt, and true worship was restored.
21. (a) How did Jehovah revive the spirit of anointed Christians in 1919? (b) What quality do we as individuals do well to cultivate?
21 “The High and Lofty One,” Jehovah, also showed concern for the welfare of the anointed remnant in 1919. Because of their contrite, humble spirit, the great God, Jehovah, kindly noticed their affliction and delivered them from Babylonish captivity. He removed all stumbling blocks and led them to freedom so that they could render pure worship to him. Thus Jehovah’s words through Isaiah had a fulfillment then. And behind those words are eternal principles that apply to each one of us. Jehovah accepts worship only from those who are lowly in mind. And if one of God’s servants should sin, he should be quick to acknowledge his error, accept reproof, and correct his ways. May we never forget that Jehovah heals and comforts humble ones but “opposes the haughty ones.”—James 4:6.
‘Peace to Those Far and Near’
22. What future does Jehovah foretell for (a) the repentant? (b) the wicked?
22 Contrasting the future of those who repent with that of those who persist in their wicked ways, Jehovah declares: “I am creating the fruit of the lips. Continuous peace there will be to the one that is far away and to the one that is near, . . . and I will heal him. But the wicked are like the sea that is being tossed, when it is unable to calm down, the waters of which keep tossing up seaweed and mire. There is no peace . . . for the wicked ones.”—Isaiah 57:19-21.
23. What is the fruit of the lips, and in what way is Jehovah “creating” this fruit?
23 The fruit of the lips is the sacrifice of praise offered to God—public declaration to his name. (Hebrews 13:15) How is Jehovah “creating” that public declaration? In order to offer a sacrifice of praise, an individual first has to learn of God and then put faith in him. Faith—a fruit of God’s spirit—moves that person to tell others what he has heard. In other words, he makes public declaration. (Romans 10:13-15; Galatians 5:22) It should be remembered, too, that Jehovah is ultimately the one who commissions his servants to tell forth his praise. And Jehovah is the one who liberates his people, making it possible for them to offer such sacrifices of praise. (1 Peter 2:9) Hence, Jehovah can well be said to create this fruit of the lips.
24. (a) Who come to know God’s peace, and with what result? (b) Who do not come to know peace, and what is the result for them?
24 What thrilling fruit of the lips the Jews must be offering as they return to their homeland singing praises to Jehovah! They must be joyful to know God’s peace, whether they are “far away”—distant from Judah, still waiting to return—or “near”—already in their homeland. In broad contrast, how different things are for the wicked! Any who fail to respond to Jehovah’s disciplinary acts, the wicked whoever and wherever they are, have no peace at all. Seething like the restless sea, they keep producing, not the fruit of the lips, but “seaweed and mire,” everything that is unclean.
25. How are many far and near coming to know peace?
25 Today, too, Jehovah’s worshipers everywhere declare the good news of God’s Kingdom. Christians far and near in more than 230 lands offer the fruit of their lips, sounding forth praise of the only true God. The praises they sing are heard “from the extremity of the earth.” (Isaiah 42:10-12) Those who hear their expressions and respond are embracing the truth of God’s Word, the Bible. Such ones are coming to know peace, which comes from serving “the God who gives peace.”—Romans 16:20.
26. (a) What lies ahead for the wicked? (b) What grand promise is made to the meek, and what should be our determination?
26 True, the wicked pay no heed to the Kingdom message. Soon, though, they will not be allowed to disturb the peace of the righteous. “Just a little while longer, and the wicked one will be no more,” Jehovah promises. Those taking refuge in Jehovah will inherit the land in a wonderful way. “The meek ones themselves will possess the earth, and they will indeed find their exquisite delight in the abundance of peace.” (Psalm 37:10, 11, 29) What a lovely place our earth will then be! May all of us be determined never to lose God’s peace, so that we can sing God’s praise for all eternity.
[Footnotes]
a Likely the term “bed” refers either to the altar or to the place of pagan worship. Calling it a bed is a reminder that such worship is spiritual prostitution.
b Sacred poles may have represented the female principle, and sacred pillars may have been phallic symbols. Both were used by the unfaithful inhabitants of Judah.—2 Kings 18:4; 23:14.
[Picture on page 263]
Judah practices immoral worship under every luxuriant tree
[Picture on page 267]
Judah builds altars all over the land
[Picture on page 275]
“I am creating the fruit of the lips” |
An Armchair Visit to Central Europe and the Caribbean Islands | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/101987012 | An Armchair Visit to Central Europe and the Caribbean Islands
You can enjoy such a visit to Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Trinidad, Tobago, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands through the pages of the 1987 Yearbook of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Read the encouraging stories about the opening up of Kingdom preaching in these places, as well as an up-to-date report on the activities of Jehovah’s Witnesses worldwide.
Please send, postpaid, the 1987 Yearbook of Jehovah’s Witnesses. I enclose $1 (U.S.). |
Prayers That Resulted in a United Family | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/101974002 | Prayers That Resulted in a United Family
● At times a person’s situation may look hopeless. Yet the prayers of honest-hearted ones have led to their finding joy in true worship. A woman from Chicago, Illinois, relates:
“My husband began to drink heavily and, under the influence of alcohol, he began to beat me and the children. Things got so bad that I thought I was going to lose my mind. One day while I was very depressed, I prayed to God, saying: ‘O God, please help me, because I’m about to lose my mind.’”
That same week Jehovah’s witnesses called on her, but, thinking they were fanatical, she turned them away. Later, however, this woman obtained one of their Bible study aids, “Things in Which It Is Impossible for God to Lie.” She read it in one night and recognized it to be the truth. Seeing the woman Witness who had left her the book, on the street, she asked her to call. This led to her becoming a baptized witness of Jehovah. But for a number of years thereafter she experienced physical and mental abuse from her husband. All during this time she continued praying to God for strength. Finally, through her fine example in Christian conduct, her husband began to change. Now the whole family is united in true worship. |
Sing Praises (ssb)
1984 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/Ssb | Song 38
Displaying Loyalty
(Psalm 18:25)
1. God Jehovah has a people
Who delight to bear his name
As a loyal congregation
Dedicated to his fame.
At its bounteous spir’tual table,
Thankfully they daily feed,
For to him they would be pleasing
In each thought and word and deed.
2. To God’s loyal congregation,
We too will show loyalty,
Give it our steadfast allegiance,
Even in adversity.
Faithfully we’ll guard its int’rests,
Never let them suffer harm;
Should we see that they are threatened,
We will quickly sound alarm.
3. Loyally we’ll help our brothers,
Whether new ones or the weak,
Both in study and in service,
With assistance kind and meek.
And as in a fam’ly circle,
We will never rouse distrust
But show that in each relation
Loyalty will be a must.
4. In this world that’s so disloyal,
Loyalty we will display
T’ward all those to whom it’s owing
As we walk the Christian way.
Satan we thus prove a liar,
But Jehovah we prove right.
Loyalty wins us his favor,
And to him it gives delight. |
Why Worship God (wj)
1993 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/wj | input Page/Publishers’ Page
Why Should We Worship God in Love and Truth?
Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are from the modern-language New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures—With References, 1984 Edition |
Table of outputs | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2021244 | Table of outputs
IN THIS ISSUE
Study Article 1: March 1-7, 2021
2 Keep Calm and Trust in Jehovah
Study Article 2: March 8-14, 2021
8 Lessons From “the Disciple Whom Jesus Loved”
Study Article 3: March 15-21, 2021
14 The Great Crowd of Other Sheep Praise God and Christ
Study Article 4: March 29, 2021–April 4, 2021
20 Keep Cultivating Tender Affection
26 Life Story—We Learned Never to Say No to Jehovah
31 Did You Know?—How Does an Ancient Inscription Support the Bible? |
Sing Praises (ssb)
1984 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/Ssb | Song 123
Move Ahead!
(Hebrews 6:1)
1. Move ahead, move ahead to maturity!
It’s the will of our God that we gain ability.
Try your best to improve in your ministry,
And then our God your work will bless.
There is a place in the service for all;
It is the work Jesus did, you’ll recall.
Look to God that you thus at no time may fall.
Keep standing firm for righteousness.
2. Move ahead, move ahead, boldly witnessing!
Everlasting good news to all sorts of people bring.
Joyfully praise Jehovah, our God and King,
By witnessing from door to door.
Though wicked foes tend to cause you to fear,
Do not shrink back, but let ev’ryone hear
Gladsome news that the Kingdom of God is near.
Declare the truth yet more and more.
3. Move ahead, move ahead; always follow through
And improve in your skills, for there’s so much work to do!
Let God’s spirit keep on motivating you
And make you know joy that’s divine.
Love all the brothers for God’s own name’s sake;
With them in weekly assemblies partake.
And assist them good progress each day to make,
Together letting your lights shine. |
What Happens When You Die? | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/502013274 | What Happens When You Die?
The Bible’s answer
The Bible says: “The living are conscious that they will die; but as for the dead, they are conscious of nothing at all.” (Ecclesiastes 9:5; Psalm 146:4) Therefore, when we die, we cease to exist. The dead can’t think, act, or feel anything.
“To dust you will return”
God explained what happens when we die when he spoke to the first man, Adam. Because Adam was disobedient, God said to him: “Dust you are and to dust you will return.” (Genesis 3:19) Before God created Adam “out of dust from the ground,” Adam did not exist. (Genesis 2:7) Likewise, when Adam died, he returned to dust and ceased to exist.
The same thing happens to those who die now. Speaking of both humans and animals, the Bible says: “They have all come to be from the dust, and they are all returning to the dust.”—Ecclesiastes 3:19, 20.
Death is not necessarily the end of everything
The Bible often compares death to sleep. (Psalm 13:3; John 11:11-14; Acts 7:60) A person who is fast asleep is unaware of what is happening around him. Likewise, the dead are not conscious of anything. Yet, the Bible teaches that God can awaken the dead as if from sleep and give them life again. (Job 14:13-15) For those whom God resurrects, death is not the end of everything. |
Young People Ask, Volume 2 (yp2)
2008 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/yp2 | SECTION 5
My Journal—Money Matters
Describe your biggest money problem.
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How can you use the information in this section to help you handle this problem in the future?
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Reasoning (rs)
1989 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/library/r1/lp-e/all-publications/books/reasoning-rs | Satan the Devil
Definition: The spirit creature who is the chief adversary of Jehovah God and of all who worship the true God. The name Satan was given to him because of his becoming a resister of Jehovah. Satan is also known as the Devil, because he is the foremost slanderer of God. Satan is described as the original serpent, evidently because of his using a serpent in Eden to deceive Eve, and for this reason “serpent” came to signify “deceiver.” In the book of Revelation, the symbolism of a devouring dragon is also applied to Satan.
How can we know whether such a spirit person really exists?
The Bible is the chief source of evidence. There he is repeatedly referred to by name (Satan 52 times, Devil 33 times). Eyewitness testimony as to Satan’s existence is also recorded there. Who was the eyewitness? Jesus Christ, who lived in heaven before coming to earth, repeatedly spoke of that wicked one by name.—Luke 22:31; 10:18; Matt. 25:41.
What the Bible says about Satan the Devil makes sense. The evil that mankind experiences is far out of proportion to the malice of the humans involved. The Bible’s explanation of Satan’s origin and his activities makes clear why, despite the desire of the majority to live in peace, mankind has been plagued with hatred, violence, and war for thousands of years and why this has reached such a level that it now threatens to destroy all mankind.
If there really were no Devil, accepting what the Bible says about him would not bring lasting benefits to a person. In many instances, however, persons who formerly dabbled in the occult or who belonged to groups practicing spiritism report that they were at that time greatly distressed because of hearing “voices” from unseen sources, being “possessed” by superhuman beings, etc. Genuine relief was gained when they learned what the Bible says about Satan and his demons, applied the Bible’s counsel to shun spiritistic practices, and sought Jehovah’s help in prayer.—See pages 384-389, under the heading “Spiritism.”
Believing that Satan exists does not mean accepting the idea that he has horns, a pointed tail, and a pitchfork and that he roasts people in a fiery hell. The Bible gives no such description of Satan. That is the product of the minds of medieval artists who were influenced by representations of the mythological Greek god Pan and by the Inferno written by the Italian poet Dante Alighieri. Instead of teaching a fiery hell, the Bible clearly says that “the dead . . . are conscious of nothing at all.”—Eccl. 9:5.
Is Satan perhaps only the evil within people?
Job 1:6-12 and 2:1-7 tell about conversations between Jehovah God and Satan. If Satan were the evil in a person, the evil in this case would have to be in Jehovah. But that is in complete disagreement with what the Bible tells us about Jehovah as being One “in whom there is no unrighteousness.” (Ps. 92:15; Rev. 4:8) It is noteworthy that the Hebrew text uses the expression has·Sa·tanʹ (the Satan) in the accounts in Job, showing that reference is being made to the one who is outstandingly the resister of God.—See also Zechariah 3:1, 2, footnote in NW Reference edition.
Luke 4:1-13 reports that the Devil endeavored to tempt Jesus to do his bidding. The account relates statements made by the Devil and answers given by Jesus. Was Jesus there being tempted by evil within himself? Such a view does not harmonize with the Bible’s description of Jesus as being sinless. (Heb. 7:26; 1 Pet. 2:22) Although at John 6:70 the Greek word di·aʹbo·losʹ is used to describe a bad quality that had developed in Judas Iscariot, in Luke 4:3 the expression ho di·aʹbo·los (the Devil) is used, thus designating a particular person.
Is blaming the Devil just a device used in an effort to escape from responsibility for bad conditions?
Some people blame the Devil for what they themselves do. In contrast, the Bible shows that humans often bear much of the blame for the badness they experience, whether at the hands of other humans or as a result of their own conduct. (Eccl. 8:9; Gal. 6:7) Yet, the Bible does not leave us ignorant of the existence and devices of the superhuman foe who has brought so much grief to mankind. It shows how we can get out from under his control.
From where did Satan come?
All of Jehovah’s works are perfect; he is not the author of unrighteousness; so he did not create anyone wicked. (Deut. 32:4; Ps. 5:4) The one who became Satan was originally a perfect spirit son of God. When saying that the Devil “did not stand fast in the truth,” Jesus indicated that at one time that one was “in the truth.” (John 8:44) But, as is true of all of God’s intelligent creatures, this spirit son was endowed with free will. He abused his freedom of choice, allowed feelings of self-importance to develop in his heart, began to crave worship that belonged only to God, and so enticed Adam and Eve to listen to him rather than obey God. Thus by his course of action he made himself Satan, which means “adversary.”—Jas. 1:14, 15; see also page 372, under the heading “Sin.”
Why did not God destroy Satan promptly after he rebelled?
Serious issues were raised by Satan: (1) The righteousness and rightfulness of Jehovah’s sovereignty. Was Jehovah withholding from mankind freedom that would contribute to their happiness? Were mankind’s ability to govern their affairs successfully and their continued life truly dependent on their obedience to God? Had Jehovah been dishonest in giving a law that stated that disobedience would lead to their death? (Gen. 2:16, 17; 3:3-5) So, did Jehovah really have the right to rule? (2) The integrity of intelligent creatures toward Jehovah. By the deflection of Adam and Eve the question was raised: Did Jehovah’s servants really obey him out of love or might all of them abandon God and follow the lead being given by Satan? This latter issue was further developed by Satan in the days of Job. (Gen. 3:6; Job 1:8-11; 2:3-5; see also Luke 22:31.) These issues could not be settled by merely executing the rebels.
Not that God needed to prove anything to himself. But so that these issues would never again disrupt the peace and well-being of the universe, Jehovah has allowed ample time for them to be settled beyond all doubt. That Adam and Eve died following disobedience to God became evident in due time. (Gen. 5:5) But more was at issue. So, God has permitted both Satan and humans to try every form of government of their own making. None have brought lasting happiness. God has let mankind go to the limit in pursuing ways of life that ignore His righteous standards. The fruitage speaks for itself. As the Bible truthfully says: “It does not belong to man who is walking even to direct his step.” (Jer. 10:23) At the same time God has given his servants opportunity to prove their loyalty to him by their acts of loving obedience, and this in the face of enticements and persecution instigated by Satan. Jehovah exhorts his servants, saying: “Be wise, my son, and make my heart rejoice, that I may make a reply to him that is taunting me.” (Prov. 27:11) Those proving faithful reap great benefits now and have the prospect of eternal life in perfection. They will use such life in doing the will of Jehovah, whose personality and ways they truly love.
How powerful a figure is Satan in today’s world?
Jesus Christ referred to him as being “the ruler of the world,” the one whom mankind in general obeys by heeding his urgings to ignore God’s requirements. (John 14:30; Eph. 2:2) The Bible also calls him “the god of this system of things,” who is honored by the religious practices of people who adhere to this system of things.—2 Cor. 4:4; 1 Cor. 10:20.
When endeavoring to tempt Jesus Christ, the Devil “brought him up and showed him all the kingdoms of the inhabited earth in an instant of time; and the Devil said to him: ‘I will give you all this authority and the glory of them, because it has been delivered to me, and to whomever I wish I give it. You, therefore, if you do an act of worship before me, it will all be yours.’” (Luke 4:5-7) Revelation 13:1, 2 reveals that Satan gives ‘power, throne and great authority’ to the global political system of rulership. Daniel 10:13, 20 discloses that Satan has had demonic princes over principal kingdoms of the earth. Ephesians 6:12 refers to these as constituting ‘governments, authorities, world rulers of this darkness, wicked spirit forces in heavenly places.’
No wonder that 1 John 5:19 says: “The whole world is lying in the power of the wicked one.” But his power is only for a limited period of time and is only by the toleration of Jehovah, who is God Almighty.
How long will Satan be allowed to mislead mankind?
For evidence that we now live in the last days of Satan’s wicked system of things, see pages 95-98, under “Dates,” and the main heading “Last Days.”
The provision for relief from Satan’s wicked influence is symbolically described in this way: “I saw an angel coming down out of heaven with the key of the abyss and a great chain in his hand. And he seized the dragon, the original serpent, who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years. And he hurled him into the abyss and shut it and sealed it over him, that he might not mislead the nations anymore until the thousand years were ended. After these things he must be let loose for a little while.” (Rev. 20:1-3) Then what? “The Devil who was misleading them was hurled into the lake of fire and sulphur.” (Rev. 20:10) What does that mean? Revelation 21:8 answers: “This means the second death.” He will be gone forever!
Does the ‘abyssing’ of Satan mean that he will be confined to a desolate earth with no one for him to tempt for 1,000 years?
Some persons refer to Revelation 20:3 (quoted on page 365) to support this idea. They say that the “abyss,” or “bottomless pit” (KJ), represents the earth in a state of desolation. Does it? Revelation 12:7-9, 12 (KJ) shows that at some time before his abyssing Satan is “cast out” of heaven down to the earth, where he brings increased woe upon mankind. So, when Revelation 20:3 (KJ) says that Satan is “cast . . . into the bottomless pit,” he surely is not simply left where he already is—invisible but confined to the vicinity of the earth. He is removed far from there, “that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled.” Notice that Revelation 20:3 says that, at the end of the thousand years, it is Satan, not the nations, that are loosed from the abyss. When Satan is loosed, people who formerly made up those nations will already be on hand.
Isaiah 24:1-6 and Jeremiah 4:23-29 (KJ) are sometimes referred to in support of this belief. These say: “Behold, the LORD maketh the earth empty, and maketh it waste . . . The land shall be utterly emptied, and utterly spoiled: for the LORD hath spoken this word.” “I beheld the earth, and, lo, it was without form, and void . . . I beheld, and, lo, there was no man . . . For thus hath the LORD said, The whole land shall be desolate . . . Every city shall be forsaken, and not a man dwell therein.” What do these prophecies mean? They had their first fulfillment upon Jerusalem and the land of Judah. In execution of divine judgment, Jehovah permitted the Babylonians to overrun the land. Eventually it was all left desolate and waste. (See Jeremiah 36:29.) But God did not then depopulate the entire globe, nor will he do so now. (See pages 112-115, under “Earth,” also the main heading “Heaven.”) However, he will completely desolate both the modern counterpart of unfaithful Jerusalem, Christendom, which reproaches the name of God by its unholy conduct, and all the rest of Satan’s visible organization.
Instead of being a desolate waste, during Christ’s Thousand Year Reign, and while Satan is in the abyss, all the earth will become a paradise. (See “Paradise.”) |
Hope for Sufferers | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/102004003 | Hope for Sufferers
IN THE past, people tended to avoid those who suffered from mood disorders. As a result, many who were afflicted became social outcasts. Some encountered job discrimination. Others were shunned by members of their own family. Often, this only aggravated the problem and prevented those who were ailing from getting help.
In recent decades, however, great strides have been made in understanding clinical depression and bipolar disorder. Now it is well-known that these conditions are treatable. But getting help is not always easy. Why?
Reading the Signs
A mood disorder is not diagnosed with a simple blood test or X ray. Instead, a person’s behavior, thinking, and judgment are monitored over a period of time. A number of symptoms must be present for a diagnosis to be reached. The problem is that sometimes family members and friends do not realize that what they are observing constitutes evidence of a mood disorder. “Even when people agree on how a person’s behavior deviates from normal,” writes Dr. David J. Miklowitz, “they can have very different beliefs about what causes the person to be this way.”
Furthermore, even when family members feel that the situation is serious, it may be difficult to convince the sufferer that he or she needs medical attention. Or if you are the one who is ailing, you may not be inclined to get help. Dr. Mark S. Gold writes: “Maybe you believe what you think when you’re depressed—that you’re no good, so what’s the use of going for help when there’s no hope for somebody like you anyway. Maybe you’d like to see someone about it but you think that being depressed is something to be ashamed of, that it’s all your fault. . . . Maybe you don’t know that what you’re feeling is depression.” Nevertheless, for those who suffer from major depression, medical attention is crucial.
Of course, everyone feels despondent on occasion, and this does not necessarily indicate a mood disorder. But what if these feelings seem more intense than a mere bout with the blues? And what if they persist for an unusual length of time—perhaps two weeks or more? Furthermore, suppose the depressive moods are preventing you from functioning normally, either at work, at school, or in social situations. In such a case, it might be wise to consult a professional who is qualified to diagnose and treat depressive disorders.
When a biochemical imbalance is involved, medication may be prescribed. In other cases, a program of counseling might be recommended to help the sufferer learn how to cope with his or her condition. At times, both approaches combined have produced beneficial results.a The important thing is to reach out and get help. “Many times sufferers are frightened and ashamed of their condition,” says Lenore, a bipolar patient mentioned in the preceding article. “The real shame, though, is suspecting you have a problem and not seeking the help that you so desperately need.”
Lenore is speaking from experience. “I had been virtually bedridden for a year,” she says. “Then, one day when I was feeling a little stronger, I decided to call and make an appointment with a doctor.” Lenore’s condition was diagnosed as bipolar disorder, and medication was prescribed. This proved to be a turning point in her life. “I feel normal when I take my medication,” Lenore says, “although I have to keep reminding myself that if I stop taking it, all the old symptoms will return.”
It is similar with Brandon, who suffers from depression. “As a teenager,” he says, “I often entertained the idea of committing suicide because of my overwhelming feelings of worthlessness. It wasn’t until I was in my 30’s that I went to a doctor.” Like Lenore, Brandon takes medication to cope with his disorder, but more is involved. “To help my overall well-being,” he says, “I take care of my mind and my body. I get rest and watch what I eat. I also fill my mind and heart with positive thoughts from the Bible.”
Brandon points out, however, that clinical depression is a medical problem—not a spiritual one. Realizing this is crucial to recovery. Brandon relates: “Once I was told by a well-meaning fellow Christian that since Galatians 5:22, 23 says that joy is a fruit of God’s holy spirit, I must be depressed because I’ve been doing something to block that spirit. That made me feel even more guilty and depressed. But once I started getting help, the black cloud over me began to lift. I felt so much better! I wished I had got help sooner.”
Winning the Battle
Even after a diagnosis has been made and treatment has begun, it is likely that a mood disorder will present continual challenges to the sufferer. Kelly, who battles major depression, is grateful for the professional help that has addressed the medical aspects of her condition. In addition, though, she has found that the support of others is crucial. At first, Kelly was reluctant to reach out to others because she did not want to be perceived as a burden. “I had to learn not only to seek help but also to accept it,” she says. “It wasn’t until I opened up that I was able to stop the downward spiral.”
As one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Kelly attends meetings with fellow believers at the Kingdom Hall. At times, though, even these happy occasions present challenges. “Often the lights, the milling around of people, and the noise can be overwhelming. Then the guilt sets in, and the depression increases because I feel that my disorder must be a reflection of a lack of spirituality.” How does Kelly deal with this situation? She says: “I have learned that depression is an illness that needs to be dealt with. It is not a reflection of my love for God or for my fellow Christians. It is not a true reflection of my spirituality.”
Lucia, mentioned previously in this series of articles, is grateful for the excellent medical care she has received. “Seeing a mental-health professional has been absolutely vital for my learning to deal with and ride out the mood swings that accompany this disease,” she says. Lucia also emphasizes the value of rest. “Sleep is an important key to dealing with mania,” she says. “The less sleep I get, the higher I climb. Even when sleep won’t come, instead of getting up I have trained myself to lie there and rest.”
Sheila, also mentioned earlier, has found it helpful to keep a daily journal in which she can pour out her feelings. She sees a marked improvement in her outlook. Still, there are challenges. “Fatigue, for some reason, lets negative thoughts percolate in my brain,” Sheila says. “But I’ve learned to silence them or at least lower their volume.”
Comfort From God’s Word
The Bible is a strengthening aid for many who suffer from “disquieting thoughts.” (Psalm 94:17-19, 22) Cherie, for example, found Psalm 72:12, 13 to be particularly encouraging. There, the psalmist states about God’s appointed King, Jesus Christ: “He will deliver the poor one crying for help, also the afflicted one and whoever has no helper. He will feel sorry for the lowly one and the poor one, and the souls of the poor ones he will save.” Cherie was also encouraged by the words of the apostle Paul recorded at Romans 8:38, 39: “I am convinced that neither death nor life nor angels nor governments nor things now here nor things to come nor powers nor height nor depth nor any other creation will be able to separate us from God’s love.”
Elaine, a bipolar patient, finds her relationship with God to be an anchor. She is greatly comforted by the words of the psalmist: “A heart broken and crushed, O God, you will not despise.” (Psalm 51:17) “It has truly been a comfort to know that our loving heavenly Father, Jehovah, understands,” she says. “It has been strengthening to draw close to him in prayer, especially in times of great anxiety and distress.”
As can be seen, living with a mood disorder presents unique challenges. However, Cherie and Elaine found that prayerful reliance on God along with appropriate treatment enabled them to improve their lot in life. How, though, can family members and friends help those who suffer from bipolar disorder or depression?
[Footnote]
a Awake! does not endorse any particular approach. Christians should make sure that any treatment they pursue does not conflict with Bible principles.
[Blurb on page 10]
“Once I started getting help, the black cloud over me began to lift. I felt so much better!”—BRANDON
[Box on page 9]
A Spouse’s Observations
“Before the onset of Lucia’s illness, she touched the lives of many with her keen insight. Even now when people visit my wife when she is calm, they seem drawn by her warmth. What most do not realize is that Lucia alternates between extremes of depression and mania. Such is the legacy of bipolar disorder, the illness she has endured for the past four years.
“During the manic phase, it is not unusual for Lucia to be up until one, two, or even three o’clock in the morning, with creative ideas reeling through her mind. Energy just pours out of her. She will overreact to the minutest things and spend money impulsively. She will walk into the most dangerous situations, feeling that she is invincible, that there is no danger—morally, physically, or otherwise. Related to this impulsiveness is the risk of suicide. Always on the heels of mania is depression, the intensity of which is usually proportionate to that of the preceding mania.
“Life for me has changed dramatically. Even with Lucia’s treatment, what we can accomplish today may be different from what we could accomplish yesterday or will tomorrow. It changes as our circumstances do. I found myself forced to become more flexible than I ever thought possible for me.”—Mario.
[Box/Picture on page 11]
When Medication Is Prescribed
Some feel that taking medication is a sign of weakness. But think of it this way: A diabetic must submit to a program of treatment that may include taking insulin injections. Is this a sign of failure? Hardly! It is simply a means of balancing the body’s nutrients so that the sufferer can remain healthy.
It is much the same with taking medication for depressive and bipolar disorders. Although many people have been helped by a program of counseling that has enabled them to understand their illness, a caution is in order. When a chemical imbalance is involved, the illness cannot be simply reasoned away with logic. Steven, a bipolar patient, relates: “The medical professional who treated me illustrated it this way: You can give a person all the driving lessons in the world, but if you give that person a car with no steering wheel or brakes, then those lessons won’t do much good. In the same way, giving only cognitive counseling to a depressed person may not attain the desired results. Balancing the brain’s chemistry is a valuable first step.”
[Picture on page 10]
The Bible is a strengthening aid for many who suffer from negative thoughts |
Why Not Take Drugs? | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/101979010 | The Bible’s View
Why Not Take Drugs?
NARCOTICS, or drugs that allay sensibility, have had a long and varied history. They have even been used for religious purposes. For instance, Dr. Lawrence Stager, associate professor of Syro-Palestinian archaeology at the Oriental Institute of the University of Chicago, has reported:
“At Carthage we recovered poppy seeds, suggesting opium use. That got us looking for more evidence. We soon found that drugs were used in temple rites. In Lebanon, a big jar of marijuana was found in a temple ruin. In Crete a terra-cotta goddess was found with three big opium bulbs sprouting from her head, so the practice of using opium was widespread.”—Popular Mechanics, May 1978.
Many may be surprised to learn about ancient religious uses of narcotics. Of course, they probably realize that present-day drug use is globe encircling. In fact, so prevalent is the use of narcotics that some might ask: “Why not take drugs?”
The Same as Using Alcohol?
Some may contend that at least the use of “soft” drugs, such as marijuana, is not wrong. They may reason that the Scriptures permit the use of alcohol, and say that it also is a drug. Don Phelps of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (in the United States) has stated: “More and more [18- to 21-year-olds] are turning on to drugs and alcohol at the same time. . . . Then they overdose on two types of drugs instead of one.” (Italics ours) So, some sources would classify both alcohol and narcotics as “drugs.” But can a person really justify the use of narcotics by trying to class them with alcoholic beverages?
Since narcotics are not foods, they have no nutritive value. However, alcoholic beverages such as wine are of some benefit nutritionally. Hence, from that standpoint, there is no correspondency between alcoholic beverages and narcotics.
Narcotic abuse is detrimental to health and may even result in death. Yet, an alcoholic beverage such as wine has some medicinal value. The Christian apostle Paul told his co-worker Timothy: “Do not drink water any longer, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent cases of sickness.” (1 Tim. 5:23) Accordingly, while cautioning against overuse of wine, Dr. C. Raimer Smith said: “As a stomachic, it may be used in dyspepsia, anorexia (poor appetite), fatigue, vomiting, senility, etc.”—The Physician Examines the Bible, p. 138.
While the Bible does not prohibit the moderate drinking of wine or other alcoholic beverages, it does condemn drunkenness. For example, it states: “Do not come to be among heavy drinkers of wine, among those who are gluttonous eaters of flesh. For a drunkard and a glutton will come to poverty, and drowsiness will clothe one with mere rags.” (Prov. 23:20, 21) Moreover, the apostle Paul condemned “drunken bouts” as being among unchristian “works of the flesh.” And he pointedly stated that drunkards “will not inherit God’s kingdom.”—Gal. 5:19-21; 1 Cor. 6:9, 10.
Since the Bible condemns drunkenness, is it not reasonable to conclude that it would be wrong in God’s eyes for anyone to get “high” on narcotics? To drink alcoholic beverages in great quantity just to ‘drown one’s sorrows’ clearly would be wrong from a Scriptural standpoint. And this is so even though such beverages can have nutritional and medicinal value. How much more improper it is to seek a state of euphoria by using addictive drugs!
A Thought-provoking Comparison
In some ways, drunkenness and drug abuse are similar. A person who drinks to the point of intoxication may disgrace himself in the eyes of others. Alluding to his unstable, harmful and highly irresponsible actions, the Bible says: “Who has wounds for no reason? Who has dullness of eyes? Those staying a long time with the wine . . . Do not look at wine when it exhibits a red color, when it gives off its sparkle in the cup, when it goes with a slickness [when everything looks red to the drinker and the beverage slides down the throat easily]. At its end it bites just like a serpent, and it secretes poison just like a viper [for alcohol abuse can make one physically and mentally ill, and it can actually kill]. Your own eyes will see strange things [even hallucinations are possible], and your own heart will speak perverse things [as bad motives take control].”—Prov. 23:29-33.
Comparably, a person using narcotics becomes unstable. He is being harmed physically and mentally. Certainly, addiction to narcotics is defiling and therefore Scripturally improper. (2 Cor. 7:1) Moreover, the drug user is very likely to act irresponsibly, to experience hallucinations and to yield to bad motives. Such an individual can bring disgrace on himself. Hence, just as drunkenness is wrong in God’s eyes, so is the misuse of drugs.
What About the Mind?
Continued use of narcotics may impair one’s mental processes. At least while a person is under the direct influence of narcotics, his mind is affected, often to such an extent that he is unable to reason properly. It is noteworthy that before Jesus Christ was impaled, “they gave him wine mixed with gall [and evidently also myrrh] to drink; but, after tasting it, he refused to drink.” (Matt. 27:34; Mark 15:23) Why did Jesus refuse such wine? Because it was drugged.
Interestingly, Vine’s Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words comments: “Christ refused to partake of any such means of alleviation; He would retain all His mental power for the complete fulfilment of the Father’s will.” Just before dying, Jesus did accept undrugged wine. (John 19:28-30) His rejection of the drugged wine shows that he desired to be in full possession of all his faculties during his supreme test of faith.
Similarly, followers of Christ should endeavor to maintain control of their mental faculties so that they will retain the ability to shun immoral conduct or other actions that could ruin their relationship with Jehovah God. Also, they are to love God with their whole mind. (Luke 10:27) That rules out the use of narcotics in order to produce hallucinations or other mental reactions sought for the sole purpose of experiencing euphoric pleasure.
While the foregoing points do not preclude proper medical use of drugs, they do indicate that godly persons must avoid all drug abuse. Such factors merit serious thought when an individual is confronted with the question, Why not take drugs? |
Why Should I Obey Mom and Dad? | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/101988006 | Young People Ask . . .
Why Should I Obey Mom and Dad?
JOHN and two girl schoolmates stood before a large hole in a fence that had been built to prevent access to the roadway of a busy six-lane highway. As cars zipped past, the two girls prepared to dash across the roadway in order to get home quicker.
“Come on, John,” urged the girls. “You’re going with us, aren’t you?” John started to follow them. “Then I remembered that my mom and dad had told me never to cross on the roadway itself but always to use the overpass walkway.”
Noticing John’s hesitation, one of the girls taunted: “You’re just a chicken!” The words dug deep. John, who was not afraid, hated to have two girls show him up.
Ask yourself, ‘If I had been John, what would I have done?’ He was faced with humiliation before his peers if he did not take up their challenge. Only the command of his parents—who were nowhere around—stood in the way.
No doubt your parents have likewise set some guidelines they expect you to obey. Such rules may cover not only cleanliness, homework, curfews, and types of entertainment but also conduct and morals. At times, though, youngsters are tempted to ignore parental rules. But think . . .
Why Do Parents Set Rules?
“My son [or daughter],” wrote a wise parent, “keep my commandments and continue living.” (Proverbs 7:1, 2) Yes, the rules, “commandments,” of a parent are intended for your good. They are an expression of your parent’s genuine love and concern. Really, a lack of firm guidelines and rules breeds insecurity.
For instance, one youth wrote: “My folks . . . let me get by with anything. I’ll bet a lot of kids would love it if their parents would let them do whatever they pleased. Well, it’s not fun. It makes me feel guilty and rotten. One of these days I’m afraid I’ll do something awful. The thought of it makes me scared.” This youth has good reason to be fearful. In some cases, a parent’s failure to lay down necessary rules has led to disaster.
One young man, for example, wrecked his father’s car three times. “It is obvious that your son can’t drive,” his father’s work supervisor said upon learning of the accidents. “Why do you continue to let him use your car?” The father replied that he didn’t want to hurt his son’s feelings by forbidding him to drive. So he again gave the boy his car keys—for the last time.
Twenty minutes after the son drove off, the father got a call from the police. They wanted him to come down and identify his son’s mutilated body. According to police, the son had struck a telephone pole at a speed of over 100 miles per hour [160 km/hr]! “I should have stopped him,” lamented the father. “If I had put my foot down, he would be alive today.”
But rules do more than shield you from harm. By ordering you to do household chores and school homework, your parents are teaching you to do hard work. How important is this? Well, one study of 456 teenage boys compared the lives of those who developed the capacity to work during childhood with those who did not. The researchers considered such things as whether the boys did regular house chores and participated well in school. Some 30 years later, most of these boys were contacted again.
Those boys rated high on work skills turned out to be twice as likely to have warm relationships with a wide range of people as those rated low. They were also five times more likely to be well paid for their secular work. On the other hand, those least successful at work in childhood were ten times more likely to be rated emotionally disabled and six times as likely to be dead by age 47! Thus, obeying your parents’ rules regarding home chores and schoolwork may beneficially affect the rest of your life.
When It’s Hard to Obey
In some instances, it may simply be carelessness that leads to breaking a rule. You may need periodically to remind yourself of the rules. Also, observing other parents who are lenient may make you feel, ‘Why can’t I do it too?’ Remember, your parents have to evaluate what is best for you. If other parents are too lenient, both they and their children will eventually harvest a crop of serious problems, for “whatever a man is sowing, this he will also reap.” (Galatians 6:7, 8) Why ask to reap the same?
At times, a parent may arbitrarily impose a rule that you feel is unfair. The tendency is to disobey. But at the right time, why not discuss your feelings with your parents, explaining why you think the rule is unfair. You may find it most helpful to have in mind a new rule that could be an acceptable compromise. In yet other cases, however, the cause of the disobedience is spite.
One 17-year-old girl felt emotionally deprived because of the indifference of her parents, who were preoccupied with their own squabbles. Enraged at her parents, she was determined to violate the Bible principles that her parents had stressed. She committed fornication with a man she picked up while traveling on a train. “I felt I owed my parents one,” she later said. But by acting out of spite, she became the real loser, for her rage led to a seared conscience. Thereafter, she began cutting school classes and got involved in both abusing and selling drugs.
The righteous man Job was warned: “Take care that rage does not allure you into spiteful [actions] . . . Be on your guard that you do not turn to what is hurtful.” (Job 36:18-21) When you feel spiteful, stop and think: ‘What will my disobedience accomplish? Even if I break the rules to get back at my parents, will I possibly have to live with the results for a lifetime—long after my emotions have quieted down?’ Rather than act in spite, it is time to keep calm and not act rashly.
Finally, adolescence is a time when youths often assert their independence. ‘You treat me like a baby. Why don’t you let me take responsibility for my own homework, room, curfew, appearance, friends, and bedtime?’ Many youths feel fully capable of making their own rules. But John, mentioned at the outset, learned . . .
The Value of Obedience
“I don’t care if you do call me a ‘chicken,’” said John to the two girls. “I just have to listen to my mother.” As the girls darted across the roadway, John obediently used the walkway. While crossing, he heard the screeching of tires. Looking down, he saw the two girls hit and knocked into the air. One landed in the opposite lane of traffic, where she was struck again and killed. Her sister’s leg was crushed and was later amputated.
This tragedy brought home to John how limited was his own experience. He had seen many other youths, including the two girls, run across the roadway without mishap. His mother, however, vividly remembered that, some five years earlier, the child of one of her friends was killed while trying to run across the same roadway. Because of her broader experience, she made rules to protect her son.
John’s mother, Thelma, later visited the mother of the girls to comfort her. The grieving mother explained: “I constantly told the girls always to use the overpass, but they wouldn’t listen. They decided to go anyway. I sure wish they had been as obedient as your son.” Yes, John’s obedience may have saved his life.
Of course, not every time a parental rule is broken is it a matter of life or death. With a little cleverness, you sometimes can get around virtually every rule your parents set. But disobedience in small issues may build a pattern that is difficult to change. One’s heart may become hardened in wrongdoing.—Ecclesiastes 8:11.
John’s obedience did not depend on whether his parents were watching, for he knew that God commanded such obedience, and he wanted to please him and thus have a good conscience. (Ephesians 6:1) Such obedience must come from the heart. One wise parent advised his child: “May your heart keep fast hold of my words. Keep my commandments and continue living.”—Proverbs 4:4.
[Picture on page 20]
How should you view the rules of your parents? |
Examining the Scriptures—2017
2016 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/library/r1/lp-e/all-publications/brochures-and-booklets/examining-the-scriptures/examining-the-scriptures-2017 | input Page/Publishers’ Page
Examining the Scriptures Daily—2017
Yeartext “Trust in Jehovah and do what is good.”—Psalm 37:3.
This publication is not for sale. It is provided as part of a worldwide Bible educational work supported by voluntary donations.
To make a donation, please visit www.jw.org.
Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are from the modern-language New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures.
April 2016 Printing
English (es17-E)
© 2016
WATCH TOWER BIBLE AND TRACT SOCIETY OF PENNSYLVANIA |
KEEP ON THE WATCH!
Increasing Lawlessness Worldwide—What Does the Bible Say? | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/501100107 | Yan Zabolotnyi/stock.adobe.com
KEEP ON THE WATCH!
Increasing Lawlessness Worldwide—What Does the Bible Say?
Gang violence overwhelms Haiti. Violent crime plagues South Africa and Mexico as well as other Latin American countries. Even where violence has decreased, reports of property crimes cause feelings of insecurity and anxiety.
What does the Bible say about the lawlessness occurring worldwide?
What the Bible foretold about lawlessness
The Bible foretold that lawlessness would be a part of the sign of “the conclusion of the system of things.” (Matthew 24:3) When describing the events that make up that sign, Jesus Christ said:
“Because of the increasing of lawlessness, the love of the greater number will grow cold.”—Matthew 24:12.
The Bible also foretold that “in the last days” people would be “without self-control, fierce, without love of goodness.” (2 Timothy 3:1-5) Such selfish traits contribute to the lawless behavior we see today.
But there is reason for hope. The Bible promises that soon lawlessness will be done away with.
“Just a little while longer, and the wicked will be no more; you will look at where they were, and they will not be there. But the meek will possess the earth, and they will find exquisite delight in the abundance of peace.”—Psalm 37:10, 11.
Learn more about the Bible’s message of hope and why you can be certain that the events we see today fulfill Bible prophecy. Consider the following articles.
“A Real Hope for a Better Tomorrow”
“What Is the Sign of ‘the Last Days,’ or ‘End Times’?”
“Did the Bible Predict the Way People Think and Act Today?” |
Reasoning (rs)
1989 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/library/r1/lp-e/all-publications/books/reasoning-rs | Antichrist
Definition: Antichrist means against or instead of Christ. The term applies to all who deny what the Bible says about Jesus Christ, all who oppose his Kingdom, and all who mistreat his followers. It also includes individuals, organizations, and nations that falsely claim to represent Christ or that improperly ascribe to themselves the role of Messiah.
Does the Bible refer to only one antichrist?
1 John 2:18: “Young children, it is the last hour, and, just as you have heard that antichrist is coming, even now there have come to be many antichrists; from which fact we gain the knowledge that it is the last hour.”
2 John 7: “Many deceivers have gone forth into the world, persons not confessing Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is the deceiver and the antichrist.” (Notice that the “many antichrists” of 1 John 2:18 are here referred to collectively as “the antichrist.”)
Is the coming of the antichrist reserved for some future time?
1 John 4:3: “Every inspired expression that does not confess Jesus does not originate with God. Furthermore, this is the antichrist’s inspired expression which you have heard was coming, and now it is already in the world.” (That was written near the end of the first century C.E.)
1 John 2:18: “Even now there have come to be many antichrists; from which fact we gain the knowledge that it is the last hour.” (By “last hour” John evidently meant the end of the apostolic period. The other apostles had died, and John himself was very old.)
Some of those identified as antichrist—
Persons who deny that Jesus is truly the Messiah
1 John 2:22: “Who is the liar if it is not the one that denies that Jesus is the Christ [or, Messiah, anointed one]? This is the antichrist.”
All who deny that Jesus is the unique Son of God
1 John 2:22: “This is the antichrist, the one that denies the Father and the Son.”
Compare John 10:36; Luke 9:35.
Apostates
1 John 2:18, 19: “There have come to be many antichrists . . . They went out from us, but they were not of our sort.”
Those who oppose Christ’s true followers
John 15:20, 21: “If they have persecuted me, they will persecute you also . . . But they will do all these things against you on account of my name.”
Individuals and nations that oppose Christ as King or that themselves falsely claim the Messianic role
Ps. 2:2: “The kings of earth take their stand and high officials themselves have massed together as one against Jehovah and against his anointed one [Christ, or Messiah].”
See also Revelation 17:3, 12-14; 19:11-21.
Matt. 24:24: “False Christs and false prophets will arise and will give great signs and wonders so as to mislead, if possible, even the chosen ones.” |
ILLUSTRATED BIBLE STORIES
Jehovah Saves the Israelites | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/502014166 | ILLUSTRATED BIBLE STORIES
Jehovah Saves the Israelites
Learn how the Israelites, with the Egyptian army behind them and the Red Sea in front of them, are saved by Jehovah.
Read the illustrated story online or from a printed PDF.
Download
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THE BIBLE CHANGES LIVES
“I Was Digging My Own Grave” | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/502018262 | THE BIBLE CHANGES LIVES
“I Was Digging My Own Grave”
As told by ÓSCAR SERPAS
Year Born: 1978
Country of Origin: El Salvador
History: Violent Gang Member
MY PAST
“If you really want to learn about God, stick with Jehovah’s Witnesses.” I was amazed to hear that comment. At the time, I had been studying with Jehovah’s Witnesses for a little while. But for you to understand my reaction, let me explain a little bit about my life.
I was born in Quezaltepeque, a town in El Salvador. I was the 6th of 15 children. My parents tried to raise me to be honest and to obey the law. Additionally, Leonardo and others of Jehovah’s Witnesses occasionally came to teach us about the Bible. But I disregarded what I was taught and made one bad decision after another. When I was 14, I started drinking alcohol and taking drugs with my school friends. One by one, they left school to join a gang, and I followed their bad example. We spent our days on the streets, demanding money and stealing to pay for our vices.
The gang became my family. I believed that I owed them my loyalty. For example, one day a fellow gang member who was high on drugs assaulted one of my neighbors. During the fight, my neighbor managed to subdue my friend and call the police. Enraged, I started vandalizing my neighbor’s car with a heavy club in an effort to get him to let my friend go. My neighbor pleaded with me to stop as I smashed window after window and damaged the rest of his car, but I refused to listen.
When I was 18, my gang clashed with the police. As I was about to throw a homemade bomb, it exploded in my hand—I do not know exactly how. I only remember seeing my shattered hand—then I fainted. When I woke up in the hospital, I learned that I had lost my right hand and the hearing in my right ear and that I was almost blind in my right eye.
Despite my injuries, though, after being discharged from the hospital, I went right back to my gang. Soon after that, however, the police arrested me, and I was sent to prison. There my relationship with the gang members strengthened. We spent all day doing things together—from breakfast, when we smoked our first marijuana joints, until we went to sleep.
HOW THE BIBLE CHANGED MY LIFE
While I was in prison, Leonardo visited me. As we talked, he pointed to a tattoo on my right arm. “Do you know what these three tattooed dots mean?” he asked. “Of course,” I said, “sex, drugs, and rock and roll.” But Leonardo replied: “I’d rather say they mean hospital, prison, and death. You’ve been in a hospital, and now you’re in prison. You know what is next.”
What Leonardo said stunned me. He was right. I was digging my own grave by my way of life. Leonardo invited me to study the Bible with him, and I accepted. What I learned from the Bible moved me to change my life. For example, the Bible says that “bad associations corrupt good morals.” (1 Corinthians 15:33, footnote) Thus, one of the first things I had to do was find new friends. To that end, I skipped gang meetings and, instead, started attending the meetings that Jehovah’s Witnesses held inside the prison. At the Witnesses’ meeting, I met an inmate named Andrés, who had been baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses inside the prison. He invited me to have breakfast with him. Thereafter, I no longer started my day by smoking marijuana. Instead, Andrés and I discussed a Bible verse each morning.
The gang members immediately noticed that I was changing. As a result, one of the gang leaders said that he needed to talk to me. I was scared. I did not know what he would do to me when he learned of my intentions, because it is almost impossible to leave a gang. He said: “We have seen that you no longer attend our meetings but instead you go to the meetings of Jehovah’s Witnesses. What do you plan to do?” I told him that I wanted to continue studying the Bible and to change my life. To my surprise, he told me that the gang would respect me as long as I proved that I really wanted to become one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Then he said: “If you really want to learn about God, stick with Jehovah’s Witnesses. We expect you to stop doing bad things. I congratulate you. You are on the right path. The Witnesses can really help you. I studied with them in the United States, and some of my family members are Jehovah’s Witnesses. Don’t be afraid. Keep going.” I was still scared, but at the same time, I was overjoyed. I thanked Jehovah God in my heart. I felt like a bird released from its cage, and I understood Jesus’ words: “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”—John 8:32.
Some of my former friends, though, tested me by offering me drugs. I must admit that sometimes I gave in. But in time, after many earnest prayers, I finally overcame my vices.—Psalm 51:10, 11.
After I was released from prison, many believed that I would return to my old lifestyle, but I did not. Instead, I returned to the prison often to share with other inmates what I had learned from the Bible. At last, my former friends were convinced that I had changed. Sadly, that was not the case with my former enemies.
One day when I went out to preach, my preaching partner and I were suddenly surrounded by armed members of a former rival gang, who wanted to kill me. My partner politely but bravely explained to them that I was not a gang member anymore. Meanwhile, I tried to stay calm. After beating me and warning me not to enter that area again, the men lowered their weapons and let us go. The Bible really had changed my life. In the past I would have tried to get revenge. But now I heed the Bible counsel in 1 Thessalonians 5:15: “See that no one repays injury for injury to anyone, but always pursue what is good toward one another and to all others.”
Ever since I became one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, I have endeavored to be an honest man. It has not been easy. Nevertheless, with the help of Jehovah God, the counsel from the Bible, and the support of my new friends, I have succeeded. I never want to go back to my former deeds.—2 Peter 2:22.
HOW I HAVE BENEFITED
I used to be a violent man full of anger. I am convinced that I would not be alive now if I had followed that vicious course. What I learned from the Bible has transformed me. I gave up my vices. I have learned to be peaceable with my former enemies. (Luke 6:27) And I now enjoy friendships that help me develop good qualities. (Proverbs 13:20) I live a happy life with purpose, serving a God who has been ready to forgive all the bad I have done.—Isaiah 1:18.
In 2006, I attended a special training school for single Christian evangelizers. Some years later, I married my lovely wife, and together we are raising our daughter. Now I spend much of my time teaching others the Bible principles that helped me. I also serve as an elder in the local congregation, and I try to help young ones to avoid the mistakes I made when I was their age. Instead of digging my own grave, I now build for the eternal future that God promises in the Bible. |
Making Your Pregnancy Safer | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/102003005 | Making Your Pregnancy Safer
BY AWAKE! WRITER IN MEXICO
ACCORDING to the United Nations Population Fund, each year more than half a million women die of pregnancy-related causes. In addition, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) notes that annually more than 60 million women suffer acute complications from pregnancy and that nearly a third of these sustain lifelong injuries or infections. In developing countries many women are trapped in a cycle of pregnancies, deliveries, and self-neglect, leaving them worn out and ill. Yes, pregnancy can be harmful—even dangerous. Is there anything a woman can do to make her pregnancy safer?
Health Care Before Pregnancy
Planning. Husbands and wives may need to discuss how many children to have. In developing countries it is common to see women with small children nursing a baby and, at the same time, expecting another. Careful planning and consideration might allow time to elapse between the birth of one child and the next, resulting in relief for the woman, who would then be able to recuperate after giving birth.
Nutrition. According to the Coalition for Positive Outcomes in Pregnancy, before becoming pregnant a woman needs at least four months to recover from exposure to harmful substances and to build a good nutritional supply. For example, the risk of spina bifida, caused by a defective closing of the neural tube, is greatly reduced when the expectant mother has an ample supply of folic acid. Since the embryo’s neural tube closes between the 24th and 28th day after conception—long before many women realize that they are pregnant—some women who are planning to become pregnant take folic acid.
Another crucial nutrient is iron. Indeed, a woman’s iron requirement doubles during pregnancy. If her reserve is low—which is true of many women in developing countries—she can come to have iron-deficiency anemia. This condition can be worsened by repeated pregnancies, as the woman may not have time between them to replenish her iron reserve.a
Age. Risk of death in pregnant girls under 16 is 60 percent greater than in those in their 20’s. On the other hand, women over 35 are more likely to give birth to babies with congenital abnormalities, such as Down’s syndrome. Mothers who are very young or are in their later childbearing years are more prone to preeclampsia. This disorder, characterized by high blood pressure after the 20th week of gestation along with the presence of edema and an increased amount of protein in the urine, increases the risk of mortality in both baby and mother.
Infections. Urinary, cervicovaginal, and gastrointestinal infections can worsen during pregnancy and can increase the risk of premature birth and preeclampsia. Any infection is best treated before pregnancy.
Health Care During Pregnancy
Prenatal care. Regular visits to a doctor throughout pregnancy lower the risk of maternal death. Even in countries where regular access to clinics and hospitals is limited, properly trained midwives may be available.
Prenatal care can alert trained personnel to situations that could make special care necessary. These include multiple gestation, hypertension, heart and kidney problems, and diabetes. In some countries a pregnant woman can receive tetanus toxoid vaccine to prevent neonatal tetanus. She may also be tested for group B streptococcus between the 26th and the 28th week of gestation. These bacteria, if present in the lower intestinal tract, can infect the baby during delivery.
The mother-to-be should be prepared to provide health professionals with all the information she can, including her medical history. She should also freely ask questions. Immediate medical assistance should be sought if there is vaginal bleeding, sudden inflammation of the face, strong or continuous headaches or pain in the fingers, sudden impaired or blurred vision, strong abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, chills or fever, changes in frequency or intensity of fetal movements, loss of liquid through the vagina, pain while urinating, or abnormal lack of urine.
Alcohol and drugs. A mother’s use of alcohol and drugs (including tobacco) increases her child’s risk of mental retardation, physical abnormalities, and even behavioral disorders. Babies of drug-addicted mothers have even been known to show signs of withdrawal. Although some people believe that an occasional glass of wine is not harmful, experts usually recommend total abstinence during pregnancy. Expectant mothers should also beware of second-hand smoke.
Medicines. No medicine should be taken unless specifically prescribed by a doctor who is aware of the pregnancy and who has carefully weighed the risks. Some vitamin supplements can also be harmful. An excess of vitamin A, for instance, can cause fetal deformities.
Weight gain. A pregnant woman should avoid extremes. According to Krause’s Food, Nutrition and Diet Therapy, a low-birth-weight baby’s risk of death is 40 times greater than that of a normal-weight newborn. On the other hand, eating for two only promotes obesity. Proper weight gain—more evident from the second trimester on—indicates that the expectant mother is eating the right amount for her increased demands.b
Hygiene and other considerations. Baths and showers can be taken normally, but vaginal douches should not be used. A pregnant woman should avoid contact with anyone who suffers from a viral infection, such as rubella, also called German measles. Furthermore, in order to prevent toxoplasmosis, undercooked meat and contact with the feces of cats must be carefully avoided. Basic hygiene procedures, such as the washing of hands and of raw foods, are essential. Sexual relations do not usually pose a risk, except during the last weeks of pregnancy or in the case of hemorrhage, cramps, or previous miscarriage.
A Successful Delivery
A woman who takes care of herself during pregnancy will be less prone to complications upon delivery. Naturally, she will have planned whether she prefers to deliver at home or in a hospital. She will also know, to a good degree, what to expect and how to cooperate with the skilled midwife or physician. This person, in turn, will know the woman’s informed preferences—where a choice is possible—on such issues as delivery position, episiotomy, and the use of forceps, analgesics, and electronic fetal monitoring. There must also be agreement on other issues: To what hospital or clinic will they go if the home delivery becomes complicated? What exactly will be done in case of excess blood loss? Since hemorrhage causes many maternal deaths, blood substitutes must be readily available for patients who do not accept transfusions. Also, forethought should be given as to what will be done if a cesarean section is required.
The Bible says that children are a blessing from God, an “inheritance.” (Psalm 127:3) The more a woman knows about her pregnancy, the better off she will be. By taking care of herself before and during pregnancy and by giving adequate forethought to the various aspects of delivery, a woman will be doing all she can to ensure a safer pregnancy.
[Footnotes]
a Some sources of folic acid and iron are liver, legumes, green leafy vegetables, nuts, and fortified cereals. For absorbing iron-rich foods, it may help to combine them with sources of vitamin C, such as fresh fruits.
b The recommended gain for a woman who begins pregnancy with a healthy weight is between 20 and 25 pounds [9 and 12 kg] by the end of gestation. Nevertheless, adolescents or undernourished women should gain between 25 and 30 pounds [12 and 15 kg], while those who are overweight should gain only between 15 and 20 pounds [7 and 9 kg].
[Box on page 14]
TIPS FOR PREGNANT WOMEN
● Normally a pregnant woman’s daily diet should include fruits, vegetables (especially dark-green, orange, and red ones), legumes (such as beans, soybeans, lentils, and chick-peas), cereals (including wheat, corn, oats, and barley—preferably whole grain or fortified), food from animal sources (fish, chicken, beef, eggs, cheese, and milk, preferably skimmed milk). Fats, refined sugars, and salt are best consumed in moderation. Drink plenty of water. Avoid caffeinated beverages, as well as foods containing preservatives and additives (such as artificial colorings and flavorings). Starch, clay, and other nonedible substances can cause malnutrition and toxicity.
● Beware of possible environmental hazards, such as overexposure to X-rays and harmful chemicals. Limit use of sprays and other household substances. Do not become overheated because of exposure to excessive temperatures or overexercise. Avoid prolonged standing and overexertion. Use proper seat belt positioning. |
Sing Praises (ssb)
1984 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/Ssb | Song 211
Sharing Joyfully in the Harvest
(Matthew 9:37, 38)
1. We live in the time of the harvest,
A priv’lege beyond all compare.
The angels are serving as reapers,
And with them we too have a share.
Christ Jesus has set things in motion
By sowing the seed in the field.
The crops are all ready for harvesting;
Let’s joyfully bring in the yield.
2. The wheat class is now in the storehouse.
The weeds have been clearly defined.
These latter ones try to impede us,
And weeping, their teeth they do grind.
Jehovah’s clean people are busy.
From sunrise to sunset they serve,
For great is the harvest of sheeplike ones;
From helping them may we ne’er swerve.
3. Our love for our God and our neighbor
Impels us to speed up the pace.
The work of ingath’ring is urgent,
For now the conclusion we face.
This harvesttime is one of action,
Assisting all those that would learn.
What joys we can have in the field each day
As new ones the wheat class discern.
4. Christ Jesus, the Harvester, sees how
To ripeness the grain has been brought.
How white are the fields that we work in!
So many there are to be taught!
The joys we receive are surpassing.
As God’s fellow workers we share.
Keep active we must with all joyfulness;
To him and the harvest be fair. |
God’s Kingdom Has Approached (ka)
1973 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/ka | Chapter 7
What to Expect of Judges for a Thousand Years
1. What was given to those who sat on the thrones seen by John?
WHEN giving his preview of the thousand-year period soon to bring in almost unbelievable marvels, the inspired apostle John wrote: “And I saw thrones, and there were those who sat down on them, and power of judging was given them.”—Revelation 20:4.
2. Why does the thought of “judgment,” here introduced, tend to take away from what is otherwise a bright picture?
2 “Thrones,” occupied by those to whom the power of judging was given! Is this a hopeful, consoling prospect, or does it cast a gray shadow over what would otherwise be a bright picture of the coming Millennium of millenniums? How did the apostle John himself view such a prospect? How are we today to view it? Are we not deeply disappointed in the judicial system that obtains today, even in Christendom? In our time, as at no previous time, is when the words of Psalm 82:5 have come true as a prophecy with respect to men in a judicial capacity who are like “gods” but who have proved false to their office: “They have not known, and they do not understand; in darkness they keep walking about; all the foundations of the earth are made to totter.” Or, as the Roman Catholic Jerusalem Bible puts this Bible verse: “Ignorant and senseless, they carry on blindly, undermining the very basis of earthly society.”
3, 4. (a) However, after what John saw just previously, what feeling should the sight of those thrones give us? (b) Why is it proper to expect relief for misjudged mankind from those “thrones”?
3 What mankind wants today is relief! And, happily, what the apostle John saw concerning those “thrones” of judgment was something to bring us great relief of mind, not something to stir up dark misgivings. Let us recall that, in prophetic vision, John had foreseen the war between the heavenly King of kings and the “kings of the earth” with their “armies” and the worldwide political organization. There were defeat and destruction of all those kings and their earthly supporters. This left vacant the thrones or seats of power from which the political rulers rendered judgment. Immediately after this, the apostle John saw the descent of God’s angel to the vicinity of the earth and then the chaining of Satan the Devil and his demons and the hurling of them into the abyss, to be imprisoned under divine seal therein for a thousand years.—Revelation 19:11 through 20:3.
4 Such a destruction of the Devil-controlled system of things certainly called for a change in judgeships over mankind. Especially now that the heavenly control over mankind had passed over into the hands of the victorious King of kings, who “is called Faithful and True, and he judges and carries on war in righteousness.” (Revelation 19:11-16) In the proper course of things, then, new thrones of judgment come into existence. Nothing else but a better body of judges could be expected to occupy those new thrones of judgment, which are set up by God’s authority in the heavens. Judicial relief could thenceforth be expected to come to misruled, misjudged mankind.
5, 6. Who will be the judges occupying those “thrones,” according to Jesus’ words to his eleven faithful apostles before his betrayal?
5 This new set of judges over mankind, who are they? The words of Jesus Christ to a representative group of those prospective judges indicate who are to belong to that set of heavenly judges.
6 On the night of his betrayal and arrest and unjust trial by the highest court of Jerusalem, Jesus said to his remaining faithful apostles: “You are the ones that have stuck with me in my trials; and I make a covenant with you, just as my Father has made a covenant with me, for a kingdom, that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones to judge the twelve tribes of Israel.” (Luke 22:28-30) Those faithful apostles were the foremost ones of the 144,000 who are taken by Jesus Christ into the covenant for the heavenly kingdom, with its thrones of judgment. (Matthew 19:27, 28) Over these 144,000 associate judges will, of course, be the Presiding Judge, Jesus Christ.
7. According to Paul’s words to the Areopagus Court of Athens, how will the inhabited earth be judged in God’s appointed time?
7 Here there come to mind the words of the apostle Paul, when he was haled before the Areopagus Court of Athens, about the year 51 C.E. In the course of his explanation of his case to these judges who seemed “to be more given to the fear of the deities than others are,” Paul finally said: “True, God has overlooked the times of such ignorance, yet now he is telling mankind that they should all everywhere repent. Because he has set a day in which he purposes to judge the inhabited earth in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed, and he has furnished a guarantee to all men in that he has resurrected him from the dead.” (Acts 17:22-31) So the judging of the inhabited earth will be “in righteousness,” and the principal one by whom God will do the judging will be his resurrected Son, Jesus Christ.
8, 9. (a) How will this appointed Judge be able to judge mankind as no human judge has done so? (b) According to Jesus’ words in John 5:27-30, how will he see to it that everyone gets judged?
8 Designating by name the one appointed to do the judging, the apostle Paul, when writing his final letter to his fellow missionary Timothy, said: “I solemnly charge you before God and Christ Jesus, who is destined to judge the living and the dead, and by his manifestation and his kingdom.” (2 Timothy 4:1) This divinely appointed Judge will act as a judicial officer in a way that no human judge on earth has ever acted or could act; he will judge more than just the living humans. He will also judge the dead humans. No mere human judge appointed by men could call back the dead in order to judge them. But this Judge of God’s appointment can do so. And these human dead will have this millennial judgment even though it requires bringing them back from the dead in order that they may have this judgment to which they as well as “the living” are eninputd, through Christ’s sacrificial death. Note Jesus’ words:
9 “Just as the Father raises the dead up and makes them alive, so the Son also makes those alive whom he wants to. For the Father judges no one at all, but he has committed all the judging to the Son, in order that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. He that does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him. And he has given him authority to do judging, because Son of man he is. Do not marvel at this, because the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out, those who did good things to a resurrection of life, those who practiced vile things to a resurrection of judgment. I cannot do a single thing of my own initiative; just as I hear [from the Father], I judge; and the judgment that I render is righteous, because I seek, not my own will, but the will of him that sent me.”—John 5:21-23, 27-30.
10. (a) In behalf of that judgment, from what will the Judge liberate the dead? (b) What kind of act led to that liberation, and so what question arises about the purpose of the resurrection?
10 Think of it! This Judge, who was known as the Son of man on earth, will glorify his millennial judgeship by liberating all those who are dead in the memorial tombs. The millennial Judgment Day will be resurrection day for all those in the memorial tombs, for whose sakes the Son of man died as a perfect human sacrifice. This means all the redeemed mankind aside from the 144,000 associate judges who have part in the “first resurrection,” a heavenly resurrection. (Revelation 20:4-6) Are we now to think that this loving act of liberating the buried dead, this earthly resurrection, is to be used for a hurtful purpose toward the resurrected ones? Is a loving act done to lead to the hurt of one toward whom the act is performed? What we mean is this: This resurrection will be not only of those reckoned as righteous but also of those who are called “unrighteous” in comparison. “There is going to be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous.” (Acts 24:15) We have no fears for the righteous, but what of the unrighteous?
11. (a) What question arises as to the objective of the resurrecting of the “unrighteous”? (b) How does the case of the dying evildoer sympathetic to Jesus have a bearing on the matter?
11 Are the “unrighteous” ones to be shown the undeserved kindness of being resurrected only to face a stern, harsh judge who will rehearse all their past unrighteousness in their ears and show them in that way just why he is now sentencing them to the punishment of utter destruction from all existence? Of what practical benefit would resurrection be to these “unrighteous” ones if that was the objective in their case? Is that the purpose of resurrecting them in the case of that one of the “evildoers” who hung on an execution stake alongside Jesus Christ at Calvary and who said to him: “Jesus, remember me when you get into your kingdom”? His saying those sympathetic words to Jesus did not convert him from an evildoer into a saint, did it? Jesus’ consoling reply to him did not mean that the evildoer was declared righteous or justified by faith, already forty-two days before the resurrected Jesus ascended to the presence of his heavenly Father to present the merit of his human sacrifice, did it? (Luke 23:39-43) The man still died as a condemned evildoer and must be counted as one of the “unrighteous” due to be raised up.
JUDGES OF PRE-CHRISTIAN TIMES
12. Why will the “righteous” as well as the “unrighteous” need more than liberation from the memorial tombs by resurrection?
12 What will the resurrection of the dead mean for those called “unrighteous” as well as for those called “righteous”? All of them died because of inheriting sin and its penalty death from the disobedient Adam and Eve. So they all died without having any righteousness of their own. (Romans 5:12; 3:23) So when they come back in the resurrection, untransformed as to their personal characteristics, even the “righteous” ones will not be humanly perfect, or free from imperfection and sinfulness. This was true in the cases of those men and women whom the prophets Elijah and Elisha and the Lord Jesus Christ and his apostles resurrected, brought back to life on earth. (Hebrews 11:35) In view of that, the “righteous” just as well as the “unrighteous” will need more than just liberation from the memorial tombs by resurrection from the dead. The “righteous” also will need liberation from sinfulness and human imperfection. Consequently, the heavenly Judge Jesus Christ cannot pronounce them at once actually innocent, perfect, free from condemnable sinfulness and hand down the decision on their very day of resurrection that they are worthy of eternal life on earth.
13. (a) Why does God assign a thousand years for Jesus Christ to be Judge of mankind? (b) What does the book of “Judges” show regarding what to expect of God’s millennial Judge?
13 If the matter of carrying out the duties of a judge were limited to just pronouncing decisions on the day that the resurrected “righteous” and “unrighteous” ones appear before him, why is it that a thousand years are assigned to him to serve as judge in behalf of humankind? Such a long period is assigned for a work to be done and not merely for a pronouncing of verdicts and sentences. In the Bible the ones whom God raised up as judges for his chosen people of pre-Christian times did more than merely settle disputes between individuals or hand down and execute judicial decisions. Those “judges” from God were deliverers of his chosen people. There is a book in the Bible that is specifically named “Judges.” As a book it is a thriller! Therein we read of the courageous exploits of those men whom God, “the Judge of all the earth,” raised up for the deliverance of his oppressed people. Hail the day of judgment that began when God raised up a judge to execute judgment for his afflicted ones!
14. Briefly, what do we read of Judges Ehud and Barak?
14 We read of Ehud who began his judgeship by lone-handedly killing the unusually fat King Eglon of the Moabites in his own conference room and then escaped, organized the Israelites and then led them to victory over Moabite oppressors. We read of Barak who demonstrated his being chosen for the judgeship of his nation by defeating the mighty military forces of Jabin the king of Canaan who made his military forces fearsome by equipping them with nine hundred war chariots that had iron scythes on their wheels.
15. Likewise, what do we read of Gideon, also Jephthah?
15 Then there was Gideon, an unassuming man, who with just three hundred men of faith in God put to rout the Midianites and Orientals who had swarmed into the land of Israel like numberless locusts. In the dead of the night, when Gideon and his three hundred almost encircled the sleeping enemy camp, they crashed unitedly their jars to the ground, held aloft their exposed torches, blew on their trumpets, and shouted, “Jehovah’s sword and Gideon’s!” The suddenly disturbed camp panicked and fled, slaughtering one another, and Gideon and his three hundred went in pursuit of the survivors. Many years afterward another crisis arose in the Promised Land, and Jehovah raised up Jephthah, an outcast man, to confront the arrogant Ammonites. Jephthah’s zeal for God’s cause was so fervent that he vowed of his own accord to sacrifice to God whatever came to meet him on his return home if he were given the victory. When, flushed with victory, he was met first by his lone child, his daughter, he showed his devotion to God by offering her for the divine service.
16, 17. (a) How did Samson serve as judge of Israel? (b) What does the inspired writer say about the judges in Hebrews 11:32-34?
16 Who, though, has not heard of Samson, the man whose birth was foretold to his parents and who proved to be the physically strongest man ever on earth! All alone he delivered his people Israel from the oppressive Philistines, but, in the day of death, as a blind prisoner of the Philistines, he caused the collapse of the temple of Dagon at Gaza, Philistia, upon more than three thousand celebrators, thereby killing more Philistines in this day of his death than he had put to death during his lifetime.
17 Including these judges among the men of triumphant faith in God, the inspired Christian writer says, in Hebrews 11:32-34: “And what more shall I say? For the time will fail me if I go on to relate about Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David as well as Samuel and the other prophets, who through faith defeated kingdoms in conflict, effected righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, stayed the force of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from a weak state were made powerful, became valiant in war, routed the armies of foreigners.”
18, 19. (a) Who were responsible for the afflictions that came upon the Israelites after settling in the Promised Land? (b) Why was it necessary for a series of judges to be raised up for them?
18 Of course, the Israelites in the days of those judges were responsible for their afflictions at the hand of the enemy, because they departed from the pure worship of Jehovah as the living God. But when they returned to him in sincere repentance and worship, He showed them favor. As the record in Judges 2:16-19 says:
19 “So Jehovah would raise up judges, and they would save them out of the hand of their pillagers. And even to their judges they did not listen, but they had immoral intercourse with other gods and went bowing down to them. They quickly turned aside from the way in which their forefathers had walked by obeying the commandments of Jehovah. They did not do like that. And when Jehovah did raise up judges for them, Jehovah proved to be with the judge, and he saved them out of the hand of their enemies all the days of the judge; for Jehovah would feel regret over their groaning because of their oppressors and those who were shoving them around. And it occurred that when the judge died they would turn around and act more ruinously than their fathers by walking after other gods to serve them and bow down to them. They did not refrain from their practices and their stubborn behavior.”
IMMORTAL HEAVENLY JUDGES
20. (a) During the millennium, why will not mankind be left to itself again and again, as during the time of Israel’s judges? (b) Why will even the “great crowd” of tribulation survivors need further deliverance?
20 However, the judges whom this same Jehovah God raises up in Jesus Christ and his 144,000 judicial associates will not die off and leave the inhabitants on earth to themselves, even though Satan the Devil and his demons have been removed from the vicinity by being abyssed. Possessed of the “power of an indestructible life,” they will all serve continuously for the full judicial term of a thousand years. They will not just sit on thrones and hand down decisions and rulings, but they will act as deliverers, just as did the faithful judges who gained Jehovah’s approval in ancient times. Even “the living,” who survive the “great tribulation” under divine protection and live on after Satan and his demons are abyssed, will still need a further deliverance. Because of their righteous standing with God they are preserved alive on earth into the millennial day of judgment, but there is more in their case from which to be delivered. What is that? It is their sinfulness, imperfection, weakness and dying state with which they have been preserved clear through the destruction of this system of things and the hurling of Satan and his demons into the abyss.
21, 22. (a) Why will the human dead, when resurrected, need further deliverance? (b) For what reason will some, like Job and David, be counted “righteous” when resurrected?
21 Likewise, in the case of “the dead,” who need to be restored from the memorial tombs: Whether counted “righteous” or “unrighteous” on being awakened from the sleep of death, they all need to be freed from sinfulness, shortcomings, faultiness, human frailties, and proneness to death. The fact that any are counted as “righteous” does not mean that they are humanly and morally perfect in the flesh. Their being righteous in God’s eyes, however, means that they are men and women of integrity toward God, as the patient Job of the land of Uz was. (Job 2:3, 9; 27:5; James 5:11; Ezekiel 14:14, 20) Or, like King David of Jerusalem who was not afraid to be judged by his God, for in Psalm 26:1-3, 11, David said:
22 “Judge me, O Jehovah, for I myself have walked in my own integrity, and in Jehovah I have trusted, that I may not wobble. Examine me, O Jehovah, and put me to the test; refine my kidneys and my heart. For your loving-kindness is in front of my eyes, and I have walked in your truth. As for me, in my integrity I shall walk. O redeem me and show me favor.”
23, 24. (a) For the sake of what kind of resurrection did those pre-Christian men of integrity refuse to bargain with the ungodly? (b) What does Hebrews 11:35-40 have to say about such ones?
23 Other men of pre-Christian times who died in their integrity, refusing to prove disloyal to Jehovah God by any sort of bargain or compromise with the ungodly, were the men and women named or spoken of in chapter eleven of the book written to Christianized Hebrews. They looked forward to a resurrection to life under better earthly conditions, under a better government, under which they could live forever in perfect peace and happiness and integrity to the living God. In expression of this it is written in Hebrews 11:35-40:
24 “Women received their dead by resurrection; but other men were tortured because they would not accept release by some ransom, in order that they might attain a better resurrection. Yes, others received their trial by mockings and scourgings, indeed, more than that, by bonds and prisons. They were stoned, they were tried, they were sawn asunder, they died by slaughter with the sword, they went about in sheepskins, in goatskins, while they were in want, in tribulation, under ill-treatment; and the world was not worthy of them. They wandered about in deserts and mountains and dens and caves of the earth. And yet all these, although they had witness borne to them through their faith, did not get the fulfillment of the promise, as God foresaw something better for us, in order that they might not be made perfect apart from us.”
25, 26. (a) Why will those “righteous” ones, when resurrected, not fear Judgment Day? (b) Why will those “unrighteous” ones, when resurrected, be under a handicap in comparison with the “righteous”?
25 Dying in their integrity to God, these “righteous” ones will be raised in their integrity toward God, even though not raised in human perfection and faultlessness of conduct. They will not fear the great Judgment Day of a thousand years into which they have been ushered by resurrection. Their integrity that they developed before death and with which they will be raised up will give them an advantage over the “unrighteous” in advancing to actual human perfection in complete freedom from sinfulness. They will, as it were, have a head start over the “unrighteous” in that direction.
26 To this effect it is written: “Anyone of little means who is walking in his integrity is better than the one crooked in his lips, and the one that is stupid.” Also: “The righteous is walking in his integrity. Happy are his sons after him.” (Proverbs 19:1; 20:7) On the other hand, it will go much harder for the “unrighteous” ones, who down till death cultivated sinful tendencies and bad habits and evil cravings. These will be handicaps, disadvantages, encumbrances, to work against them in the race to win everlasting life in sinless human perfection on a paradisaic earth. Also, in this life many of these “unrighteous” ones have failed to take advantage of the spiritual opportunities and provisions that were at hand, but which they ignored, disdained, despised, or resisted. They thus have an unappreciative, obstinate disposition to master. Hence, it will be woeful for them. Jesus Christ gave examples of cases of this kind, when he said to the unrepentant cities of Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum:
27. How did Jesus illustrate the foregoing by the use of Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum?
27 “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! because if the powerful works had taken place in Tyre and Sidon that took place in you, they would long ago have repented in sackcloth and ashes. Consequently I say to you, It will be more endurable for Tyre and Sidon on Judgment Day than for you. And you, Capernaum, will you perhaps be exalted to heaven? Down to Haʹdes you will come; because if the powerful works that took place in you had taken place in Sodom, it would have remained until this very day. Consequently I say to you people, It will be more endurable for the land of Sodom on Judgment Day than for you.”—Matthew 11:20-24.
28, 29. (a) Why will the ancient Ninevites and the queen of the south condemn the Jewish generation of Jesus’ day? (b) On Judgment Day, how will matters be counterbalanced as between the now advantaged ones and the religiously disadvantaged ones?
28 Speaking to the generation of Jews who were adulterating their relationship with God by worldliness and basing their belief on visible signs, Jesus said: “Men of Nineveh will rise up in the judgment with this generation and will condemn it; because they repented at what Jonah preached, but, look! something more than Jonah is here. The queen of the south will be raised up in the judgment with this generation and will condemn it; because she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, but, look! something more than Solomon is here.”—Matthew 12:38-42.
29 What surprises, then, there will be for many self-righteous religionists, self-satisfied, complacent formal religionists, who were sure in themselves that they were more righteous than those whom they called pagans or heathens! They will find that they were religious hypocrites, whereas the heathens whom they looked down upon were more sincere, more teachable, more appreciative, and less reprehensible because of their ignorance. Then the sincerity and attitude of persons less favored religiously will condemn the privileged people who neglected their opportunities indifferently or willfully. So there will be a just counterbalancing of matters as between the present-day advantaged persons and the disadvantaged ones.
THE ADVANTAGES OF JUDGMENT DAY
30, 31. (a) On Judgment Day, do all humans need to have their previous condition rehearsed before them to see whether they are innocent or guilty? (b) By the use of the Jews under the Law, what was demonstrated about all mankind?
30 There is no denying the truthfulness of the statement, in Romans 3:22, 23: “There is no distinction. For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Hence, all on Judgment Day, “the living and the dead,” urgently need to be delivered, by the help of the heavenly judges whom Jehovah God raises up, from all traces of sin and moral weakness and bodily imperfection with which they are ushered into the Judgment Day. The evidence and testimony are all against mankind, as comprehensively stated in Romans 3:23 and other scriptures, and this does not need to be rehearsed before those on judgment to see whether they are innocent or guilty. By the failure of the natural Jews to keep the Law that God gave them through Moses, it was demonstrated that no part of humankind, not even the favored Jews themselves, could keep God’s law perfectly. Thus by this practical demonstration with the Jews under the Law, every human mouth was silenced from defending its user and all the world of mankind was proved guilty before God. It is just as the apostle Paul wrote long ago:
31 “Now we know that all the things the Law says it addresses to those under the Law, so that every mouth may be stopped and all the world may become liable to God for punishment.”—Romans 3:19.
32. (a) What should be said about humans having a “second chance” on Judgment Day? (b) On whom, then, will it depend as to whether they will live on the Paradise earth or not, and why?
32 Because of being born sinful and condemned to death, mankind never had “a chance.” It could never justify itself before the God of absolute perfection by doing perfect works of righteousness and ridding itself of sinfulness. So, Judgment Day does not offer mankind what is called “a second chance.” Rather, it affords to mankind its first real opportunity to gain eternal life in human perfection and absolute innocence in an earthly Paradise. Judgment Day affords mankind the opportunity that Christ’s perfect human sacrifice provides for them to be cleansed from sin and to be uplifted to the full “glory of God” from which they now fall short. In view of this fact it depends upon what “the living and the dead” do on Judgment Day as to whether they will possess the Paradise earth forever or not. Their past record is already made and is irreversible, with good effects or bad effects to themselves. Judgment Day will allow them to prove their sincere heart’s desire to be done, finished, through with sin forevermore. The heavenly judges will be in office to help them with instructions and guidance.
33. How, in symbolic language, is the opportunity of the Judgment Day pictured in Revelation 20:11-15?
33 This opportunity on Judgment Day is pictured for us in Revelation 20:11-15, in this symbolic language: “And I saw a great white throne and the one seated on it. From before him the earth and the heaven fled away, and no place was found for them. And I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and scrolls were opened. But another scroll was opened; it is the scroll of life. And the dead were judged out of those things written in the scrolls according to their deeds. And the sea gave up those dead in it, and death and Haʹdes gave up those dead in them, and they were judged individually according to their deeds. And death and Haʹdes were hurled into the lake of fire. This means the second death, the lake of fire. Furthermore, whoever was not found written in the book of life was hurled into the lake of fire.”
34. (a) Does the resurrection there pictured include those sharing in the “first resurrection”? (b) Of what do the “scrolls” then opened not contain a record, and why?
34 This symbolic picture does not involve those who share in the “first resurrection,” and who were already spoken about in Revelation 20:4-6 as being in no danger of the “second death.” This picture refers to those who share in a resurrection to existence on earth, and who will be adjudged worthy of everlasting life only at the end of the thousand years, when they will be able to show their fully acquired righteousness in human perfection. The “scrolls” that are opened and according to the things written in which they are judged favorably or adversely are not scrolls containing the record of all their past imperfect, sinful deeds in this present life under this system of things. The heavenly judges do not need to spend a thousand years in going through the records of past human lives in order to determine the guiltiness or innocence of each individual resurrected. They are not so ignorant or ill-informed about mankind’s past. What the judges are looking to is, not mankind’s past, but mankind’s future. Mankind needs guidance for the future!
35, 36. (a) What, then, do those “scrolls” picture, and who will know the outputs of them? (b) Why will there be no excuse for anyone on earth not to know?
35 So those “scrolls” that are opened are the new set of instructions, directions and orders that will be given out by the judges acting for God to mankind. Thus all mankind will be informed of the outputs of those opened “scrolls,” in order to know the standards by which they are to be judged and what is to be expected of them as to their future conduct and work. Mankind will not be left in ignorance, and everybody will be obliged to know what is the law according to the judgment scrolls. There will be no Satan the Devil and none of his demons around in the invisible vicinity of the earth to blind people, to mislead people, to pervert the published law and instructions. No, indeed; for those old “heavens” will have fled away from before the face of God who set the time for this Judgment Day. Accordingly, there will be no witch doctors around, no spirit mediums or clairvoyants, no astrologers with horoscopes, no sale of Ouija boards and suchlike demonistic contrivances. There will be only the “new heavens” in existence and they will drop down righteousness. As we read:
36 “O you heavens, cause a dripping from above; and let the cloudy skies themselves trickle with righteousness. Let the earth open up, and let it be fruitful with salvation, and let it cause righteousness itself to spring up at the same time. I myself, Jehovah, have created it.”—Isaiah 45:8.
EARTHLY “PRINCES”
37. (a) How will the heavenly judges communicate to mankind the outputs of those “scrolls”? (b) How will mankind know when God’s laws and rulings are being executed?
37 How the invisible heavenly judges will communicate the outputs of the opened “scrolls” to earth’s inhabitants is not specifically stated to us in the Bible. But there will be direct representatives of the heavenly kingdom of God on the earth. Their presence among mankind will be an official evidence that a “new earth” has come into existence with its new human society. The old “earth” dominated invisibly by Satan the Devil has fled away from before God’s face and no place has been found for it except in destruction. The law courts and lawyers and attorneys and judicial system are a thing of the past; the law of God is the thing now for a person to be well versed in, to judge by and to apply. And when the Kingdom’s earthly representatives act, the people will know and distinctly understand that it is God’s law and rulings that are being executed.
38. Will the heavenly King Jesus Christ have to depend upon his earthly ancestors for illustriousness or have his own?
38 Indications of this arrangement for the thousand-year Judgment Day are given us in the prophetic Scriptures. Take, for example, Psalm 45, which is a lyric concerning God’s anointed King, Jesus the Messiah or Christ. After telling prophetically about the heavenly marriage of Jesus Christ and his bridal congregation and those who are attending upon the bridal class, the psalm says: “They will enter into the palace of the king. In place of your forefathers there will come to be your sons, whom you will appoint as princes in all the earth.” (Psalm 45:15, 16) Of course, the heavenly King Jesus Christ has had illustrious ancestors, of whom the list is given in the Bible record, whether these have served on the earthly throne of King David at Jerusalem or not. But the heavenly King will not have to depend upon them for illustriousness. He will have his own, even though on earth as a perfect man Jesus Christ refused to sit upon any material throne at Jerusalem or elsewhere.
39. How will the King Jesus Christ exceed in illustriousness even King David as regards territory?
39 The heavenly King Jesus Christ will surpass even David in fame, honor and illustriousness. He will extend his kingdom far beyond the boundaries of all the territory that King David conquered in his day according to God’s promise to Abraham. (Genesis 15:17-21) Yes, to where East meets West and North meets South, even all around the planet, “all the earth.” As it is written “Regarding Solomon” as a prophetic type of the King Jesus Christ: “O God, give your own judicial decisions to the king, and your righteousness to the son of the king. May he plead the cause of your people with righteousness and of your afflicted ones with judicial decision. And he will have subjects from sea to sea and from the River to the ends of the earth.”—Psalm 72: superscription, 1, 2, 8.
40. As regards princely sons, what problem seems to arise here because of Jesus’ earthly childlessness and his being Permanent Heir to King David?
40 However, does a problem seem to arise here? This King who is greater and wiser than Solomon the son of King David did not marry when he was here on earth as a perfect man with the reproductive power in his loins to bring forth a perfect human family. How, then, can the prophecy be fulfilled that, “in place of your forefathers,” notice, “there will come to be your sons, whom you will appoint as princes in all the earth”? Moreover, the heavenly Jesus Christ is the Permanent Heir of King David, and because of his “power of an indestructible life” he will reign without successors, without the need of a son to succeed him. As the angel Gabriel said to Mary concerning her prospective Son Jesus: “Jehovah God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule as king over the house of Jacob forever, and there will be no end of his kingdom.”—Luke 1:32, 33.
41, 42. (a) Why are the 144,000 joint heirs not the “sons” to be appointed on earth? (b) How will the heavenly Jesus Christ have earthly “sons,” in fulfillment of what prophetic input?
41 We know that the 144,000 joint heirs of Jesus Christ are not his spiritual sons, but are sons of God, “heirs indeed of God, but joint heirs with Christ.” (Romans 8:17) Who, then, are these ones spoken of as “your sons, whom you will appoint as princes in all the earth”? Manifestly these are not heavenly sons of the King Jesus Christ. They must be earthly sons, who, being on earth, can be appointed princes “in all the earth.” These will be the sons of His by the resurrection of the dead, specifically of the “righteous” dead. His promised input, according to the prophecy of Isaiah 9:6, 7, namely, Eternal Father, will be no mere empty honorary input. He will really be a father to the resurrected human family. He is “the last Adam,” who became “a life-giving spirit.” (1 Corinthians 15:45, 47) The first man Adam sold all his human offspring into sin and death, but the “second man,” who is “out of heaven,” laid down his perfect human life in order to purchase them back from such an Adamic inheritance. So we read:
42 “There is one God, and one mediator between God and men, a man, Christ Jesus, who gave himself a corresponding ransom for all.” (1 Timothy 2:5, 6) “We behold Jesus, who has been made a little lower than angels, crowned with glory and honor for having suffered death, that he by God’s undeserved kindness might taste death for every man.”—Hebrews 2:9.
43. (a) How will the King become the father of the “great crowd” of tribulation survivors who need no resurrection? (b) How will his fatherhood of mankind become eternal?
43 By his self-sacrifice according to God’s will, Jesus Christ gained the right to impart life to the dying race of mankind, in this way becoming their father. He will transmit life to the “dead,” both the “righteous” and the “unrighteous,” by calling them out of their memorial tombs or watery graves and then lifting up all the willing ones to perfection of human life. As for the “living” who survive the “great tribulation” into Christ’s millennial reign, he will likewise lift these “righteous” survivors up to a level of life “in abundance,” life as human creatures in glorious perfection. (John 10:10; 2 Timothy 4:1; Acts 24:15) He will have all this accomplished by the end of the thousand years. But this abundant life of his earthly children can go on forever, and there will be those who by keeping integrity in perfection will prove deserving of eternal life. These will be his eternal children, and he will be literally their Eternal Father.
44, 45. (a) How will the King begin his reign with sufficient princes on the earth, and why will all the appointed ones rank as “princes”? (b) However, is royal lineage necessary for a chief over others to be called a prince (sar)?
44 At the beginning of his millennial reign the illustrious King Jesus Christ will begin to take suitable ones from among his earthly children to be “princes in all the earth.” The “living” who have survived the “great tribulation” and the abyssing of Satan and his demons will furnish a number of these “princes.” The “righteous” ones of the “dead” who are resurrected from the sleep of death will furnish others, sufficiently so in order to have the appointed “princes in all the earth.” Psalm 45:16 appears to mean that such “princes” will include the “righteous” men from among his resurrected “forefathers.” Once these were his ancestors, but now they become his “sons” by resurrection. Being the sons of the heavenly King, these appointed ones will rank as “princes.”
45 However, it is to be noted that the Hebrew word in Psalm 45:16 for “princes” is sarím. Among the ancient Israelites not everyone who was called a “sar” had royal connections. Among them a chief of a thousand, a chief of a hundred, a chief of fifty, and even a chief of ten men was called a “sar.” Even a chief of the royal butlers or chief of the royal bakers could be called a “sar.”—Exodus 18:21, 25; Deuteronomy 1:15; 20:9; 1 Samuel 8:12; Genesis 40:2. Compare Genesis 23:5, 6.
46, 47. (a) Will all those appointed have to be royal or patriarchal ancestors of the King, and what kind of men will they have to be? (b) In whose interests will they really have to be interested, as described in Isaiah 32:1, 2?
46 Not all those appointed to be “princes in all the earth” need to be the royal or patriarchal ancestors of Jesus Christ as a man. Basically, they need to be men of integrity, “capable men,” “men wise and experienced,” such as the prophet Moses appointed to be judges, concerning whom we read: “Moses proceeded to choose capable men out of all Israel and to give them positions as heads over the people, as chiefs [sarím] of thousands, chiefs [sarím] of hundreds, chiefs [sarím] of fifties and chiefs [sarím] of tens. And they judged the people on every proper occasion. A hard case they would bring to Moses, but every small case they themselves would handle as judges.” (Exodus 18:25, 26; Deuteronomy 1:15) The earthly princes appointed by the King Jesus Christ will really be interested in the welfare of the people and in settling difficulties peacefully and amicably. They will be courageous and protective of what is right, like the princes described in Isaiah 32:1, 2, which says:
47 “Look! A king will reign for righteousness itself; and as respects princes [sarím], they will rule as princes for justice itself. And each one must prove to be like a hiding place from the wind and a place of concealment from the rainstorm, like streams of water in a waterless country, like the shadow of a heavy crag in an exhausted land.”
48, 49. (a) There has been an increase of crime because of what belief encouraged in criminals because of present legal processes? (b) According to Ecclesiastes 8:11-13, with whom will it go well—with a repetitious criminal or with whom?
48 In those days of the heavenly Prince [Sar] of Peace the dealing out of justice and of bringing offenders to account will not be a slow, dragging process, without sufficient judges and officers to try all the offenders promptly. The taking of a long time, years of time in many cases, to bring wrongdoers to trial and to right injustices and enforce justice, has encouraged criminals who are led to believe that they can get away finally unpunished. Crime has increased tremendously during the last half of this twentieth century, but already in the eleventh century before our Common Era began to count, the wise inspired writer of sharp observations wrote:
49 “Because sentence against a bad work has not been executed speedily, that is why the heart of the sons of men has become fully set in them to do bad. Although a sinner may be doing bad a hundred times”—think of that! But the inspired writer goes on to say: “and continuing a long time as he pleases, yet I am also aware that it will turn out well with those fearing the true God, because they were in fear of him. But it will not turn out well at all with the wicked one, neither will he prolong his days that are like a shadow, because he is not in fear of God.”—Ecclesiastes 8:11-13.
50. (a) The present slow operation of justice is due to what on high above mankind? (b) How will the “new earth” respond to the “new heavens” as to righteousness?
50 The present slow process of bringing the wrongdoers to justice or of never bringing them to account is because we are living in the ‘old earth’ under the ‘old heavens’ and Satan the Devil and his “wicked spirit forces in the heavenly places” are in control over human society. The destruction of the old corrupt human society and the abyssing of Satan and his demons will remove all obstruction of justice during the millennial judgeship of the Prince [Sar] of Peace with his 144,000 associate judges. As a result of the dripping and trickling down of righteousness from the “new heavens,” the human soil of the “new earth” will respond and become fruitful in a corresponding way. Jehovah has foretold this, saying: “Let the earth open up, and let it be fruitful with salvation, and let it cause righteousness itself to spring up at the same time. I myself, Jehovah, have created it.”—Isaiah 45:8.
51. For what epoch, then, do we, along with Isaiah, long with our souls?
51 Do we not yearn for such an age of righteousness and justice as that? During that time the path of the righteous person will not be such rough going as now but will be smoothed out. In anticipation of that desirable epoch, the prophet Isaiah, who looked forward to an earthly resurrection, wrote under inspiration: “The path of the righteous one is uprightness. You being upright, you will smooth out the very course of a righteous one. Yes, for the path of your judgments, O Jehovah, we have hoped in you. For your name and for your memorial the desire of the soul has been. With my soul I have desired you in the night; yes, with my spirit within me I keep looking for you; because, when there are judgments from you for the earth, righteousness is what the inhabitants of the productive land will certainly learn. Though the wicked one should be shown favor, he simply will not learn righteousness. In the land of straightforwardness he will act unjustly and will not see the eminence of Jehovah.”—Isaiah 26:7-10.
52, 53. (a) Even in the land of straightforwardness, under divine favor, for whom will it be difficult to learn righteousness? (b) In their case, what principle stated by the apostle Peter seems fitting?
52 The millennial “land of straightforwardness,” of straightforward dealing with the people and among the people, will be a place where great favor is shown to all mankind in their inborn human imperfection. Some members of the human family have gone down more deeply into sinful degradation than others and have been hardened in an unjust personality because of long failing to be brought to account. Their accustomed bent is toward injustice. It is easy to see how wicked ones of that kind would find it difficult to learn righteousness and uprightness even when all around them there is straightforwardness and divine favor is being shown to them through the King Jesus Christ. In spite of all the help proffered to them, they will be inclined to do unjustly. They will not want to recognize the eminence of Jehovah as the rightful Lawgiver nor the rightness of His standards for living. Respecting them the principle set forth by the apostle Peter seems fitting:
53 “For it is the appointed time for the judgment to start with the house of God. Now if it starts first with us, what will the end be of those who are not obedient to the good news of God? ‘And if the righteous man is being saved with difficulty, where will the ungodly man and the sinner make a showing?’”—1 Peter 4:17, 18.
54. Do those who receive the favor of God in vain, missing its purpose, need to be preserved till the end of the Judgment Day, and what is the reason?
54 Persons who, in the “land of straightforwardness,” receive the “favor” of God in vain, missing its loving purpose, and who prove unreformable, need not necessarily be preserved to the end of the thousand years before being executed as unfit for eternal life in the Paradise restored to earth. Without any injustice to such who prove to be beyond correction, they may be executed by the one whom God has appointed to judge the inhabited earth in righteousness. These do not get their names written “in the book of life” and hence they are fit for nothing but the “second death,” as symbolized by the “lake of fire” that causes a complete destruction. (Revelation 20:14, 15) How wise and prudent it is, then, to be obedient now to the “good news of God” and to cultivate a love of righteousness in view of that coming Judgment Day! |
YOUNG PEOPLE ASK
How Can I Get Along With My Parents? | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/502015173 | YOUNG PEOPLE ASK
How Can I Get Along With My Parents?
Conflict quiz
Why conflict happens
What you can do
What your peers say
Conflict quiz
Which parent are you most likely to have a conflict with?
Father
Mother
How often do you have a conflict with that parent?
Rarely
Occasionally
Frequently
How severe is the conflict likely to be?
It will be resolved quickly and peacefully.
It will be resolved but only after much arguing.
It will not be resolved—even after much arguing.
If you can’t seem to get along with your parents, you might think they should do something to improve the situation. As we will see, however, there are steps you can take to reduce the frequency and ease the intensity of the conflicts. First, consider . . .
Why conflict happens
Thinking ability. As you grow up, you begin to think more deeply about things than you did when you were a child. You also start forming strong convictions—some of which might be at odds with those of your parents. Nevertheless, the Bible says: “Honor your father and your mother.”—Exodus 20:12.
Fact of life: It takes maturity and skill to disagree without being disagreeable.
Independence. As you mature, your parents will likely grant you greater freedom. The problem is, it might not be as much freedom as you want or as soon as you want it—and that can lead to conflict. Nevertheless, the Bible says: “Be obedient to your parents.”—Ephesians 6:1.
Fact of life: Often, how much freedom your parents grant you depends on how you handle the freedom you already have.
What you can do
Focus on your role. Instead of putting the entire blame on your parents for a conflict, consider what you can do to make peace. “It’s not always what your parents say but how you respond that adds to a conflict,” says a young man named Jeffrey. “Speaking calmly goes a long way toward smoothing things over.”
The Bible says: “As far as it depends on you, be peaceable.”—Romans 12:18.
Listen. “I find that this is the hardest thing to do,” admits 17-year-old Samantha. “But I’ve also found that when parents see that you’re listening, chances are they’ll listen to you.”
The Bible says: “Be quick to listen, slow to speak.”—James 1:19.
Conflict is like a fire—if it is not contained, it may rage out of control
Think like a teammate. Approach a conflict as you would a sport, such as a tennis match. But put the issue—not your parents—on the other side of the net. “In a conflict, parents want what they think is best for their teenager and the teenager wants what he thinks is best for himself,” says a young man named Adam. “So, at least in theory, they’re working for the same goal.”
The Bible says: “Pursue the things making for peace.”—Romans 14:19.
Be understanding. “I find it helpful to remember that parents have to struggle with their own issues, which are often just as menacing as ours,” says a teenager named Sarah. A young woman named Carla takes it further. “I try to put myself in my parents’ position,” she says. “What would it be like for me if I were raising a child and dealing with the same situation? What would be in the best interests of my child?”
The Bible says: “Look out not only for your own interests, but also for the interests of others.”—Philippians 2:4.
Be obedient. In the end, that’s what the Bible requires you to do. (Colossians 3:20) And things will go much easier for you if you comply. “My life is less stressful when I just do what my parents ask,” says a young woman named Karen. “They have already sacrificed a lot for me, so it’s the least I can do.” Obedience is one of the greatest antidotes for conflict!
The Bible says: “Where there is no wood, the fire goes out.”—Proverbs 26:20.
Tip. If you find it difficult to communicate, try writing out your thoughts in a note or a text message. “I do that when I’m not in a good enough frame of mind to talk,” says a teenager named Alyssa. “It helps me to express myself without yelling or saying something I’ll regret later on.”
WHAT YOUR PEERS SAY
“When everyone is exhausted, the problem just gets more emotional. Sometimes the best thing to do is to give it a break, give each other a hug, and go to sleep. Everything looks brighter in the morning.”—Marilyn.
“Patience is a quality that can get you through anything. If an argument is about to break out, take a step back, breathe, and think. It’s when we act or say things in the moment that most problems arise.”—Devin.
“I certainly don’t want to look back on my life and have regrets because I didn’t treat my parents the way I should have. Keeping that in mind helps me to listen and not make a big deal about everything.”—Mackenzie. |
Reasoning (rs)
1989 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/library/r1/lp-e/all-publications/books/reasoning-rs | Fate
Definition: An inevitable and often adverse outcome. Fatalism is the belief that all events are determined by the divine will or by some force greater than man, that every event must take place as it does because it has been predetermined. Not a Bible word or teaching.
Does everyone have a predetermined “time to die”?
This belief was popular among the Greeks and Romans. According to pagan Greek mythology, the Fates were three goddesses that spun the thread of life, determined its length, and cut it.
Ecclesiastes 3:1, 2 speaks of “a time to die.” But, showing that this is not a predetermined fixed moment for the individual, Ecclesiastes 7:17 counsels: “Do not be wicked overmuch, nor become foolish. Why should you die when it is not your time?” Proverbs 10:27 says: “The years themselves of the wicked ones will be cut short.” And Psalm 55:23 adds: “As for bloodguilty and deceitful men, they will not live out half their days.” What, then, does Ecclesiastes 3:1, 2 mean? It is simply discussing the continuous cycle of life and death in this imperfect system of things. There is a time when people are born and a time when they die—usually at not more than 70 or 80 years of age, but sometimes sooner and sometimes later.—Ps. 90:10; see also Ecclesiastes 9:11.
If each one’s moment and manner of death were already fixed at the time of birth or earlier, there would be no need to avoid dangerous situations or to care for one’s health, and safety precautions would not alter mortality rates. But do you believe that a battlefield during war is as safe as one’s home far away from the war zone? Do you care for your health or take your children to the doctor? Why do smokers die three to four years younger, on an average, than nonsmokers? Why are there fewer fatal accidents when automobile passengers wear seat belts and when drivers obey traffic laws? Obviously, taking precautions is beneficial.
Is everything that happens “the will of God”?
2 Pet. 3:9: “Jehovah . . . is patient with you because he does not desire any to be destroyed but desires all to attain to repentance.” (But not all respond to his patience. Clearly, it is not “the will of God” when some fail to repent. Compare Revelation 9:20, 21.)
Jer. 7:23-26: “This word I did express in command upon them [Israel], saying: ‘Obey my voice, and I will become your God, and you yourselves will become my people; and you must walk in all the way that I shall command you, in order that it may go well with you.’ But they did not listen . . . I kept sending to you all my servants the prophets, daily getting up early and sending them. But they did not listen to me, and they did not incline their ear, but they kept hardening their neck.” (Obviously, the badness taking place in Israel was not “the will of God.”)
Mark 3:35: “Whoever does the will of God, this one is my brother and sister and mother.” (If whatever anyone did was “the will of God,” then everyone would have enjoyed the kind of relationship with Jesus that he there described. But he said to some: “You are from your father the Devil.”—John 8:44.)
What accounts for many seemingly unexplainable things that occur?
Eccl. 9:11: “Time and unforeseen occurrence [“chance,” NE, RS] befall them all.” (Thus, not due to any foreseeing of a person’s life, but due to chance he may become a victim of unfortunate circumstances.)
Do humans bear responsibility for much of the hardship suffered by themselves and others of humankind?
Rom. 5:12: “Through one man [Adam] sin entered into the world and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men because they had all sinned.” (Imperfections, including inclinations toward wrongdoing, are inherited from Adam by all of us.)
Eccl. 8:9: “Man has dominated man to his injury.”
Prov. 13:1: “A son is wise where there is a father’s discipline.” (What parents do has a great influence on the lives of their offspring.)
Gal. 6:7: “Do not be misled: God is not one to be mocked. For whatever a man is sowing, this he will also reap.” (Also Proverbs 11:17; 23:29, 30; 29:15; 1 Corinthians 6:18)
Are there superhuman forces that also cause woe to mankind?
Rev. 12:12: “Woe for the earth and for the sea, because the Devil has come down to you, having great anger, knowing he has a short period of time.” (Also Acts 10:38)
Does God foreknow and foreordain everything?
Isa. 46:9, 10: “I am the Divine One and there is no other God, nor anyone like me; the One telling from the beginning the finale, and from long ago the things that have not been done; the One saying, ‘My own counsel will stand, and everything that is my delight I shall do.’” (He makes known his purpose, foreordains certain matters in connection with its accomplishment, and has the almighty power to assure that these will be fulfilled.)
Isa. 11:1-3: “There must go forth a twig out of the stump of Jesse; and out of his roots a sprout will be fruitful. [Jesus was born in the line of Jesse.] And upon him the spirit of Jehovah must settle down, . . . and there will be enjoyment by him in the fear of Jehovah.” (Jehovah could confidently foretell this regarding his Son because He had observed his attitude and conduct in the heavens since the beginning of creation.) (Regarding Jesus’ prehuman existence, see pages 216, 217, under the heading “Jesus Christ.”)
Deut. 31:20, 21: “I shall bring them [the nation of Israel] to the ground that I have sworn about to their forefathers, which flows with milk and honey, and they will certainly eat and be satisfied and grow fat and turn to other gods, and they will indeed serve them and treat me with disrespect and break my covenant. And it must occur that when many calamities and distresses will come upon them, this song [recounting how they acted because of failing to appreciate God’s favor] must also answer before them as a witness, . . . for I well know their inclination that they are developing today before I bring them into the land about which I have sworn.” (Note that God’s ability to discern the outcome of their course did not mean that he was responsible for it or that it was what he wanted for them, but on the basis of what they were doing he could foresee the outcome. Similarly, on the basis of what is observed, a weather forecaster may predict the weather with a great degree of accuracy, but he does not cause it or necessarily like it.)
Does God’s ability to foreknow and foreordain events prove that he does this regarding all the actions of all his creatures?
Rev. 22:17: “Let anyone hearing say: ‘Come!’ And let anyone thirsting come; let anyone that wishes take life’s water free.” (The choice is not foreordained; it is left to the individual.)
Rom. 2:4, 5: “Do you despise the riches of his kindness and forbearance and long-suffering, because you do not know that the kindly quality of God is trying to lead you to repentance? But according to your hardness and unrepentant heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath and of the revealing of God’s righteous judgment.” (There is no forcing of individuals to pursue a prescribed course. But there is accountability for what one does.)
Zeph. 2:3: “Seek Jehovah, all you meek ones of the earth . . . Seek righteousness, seek meekness. Probably you may be concealed in the day of Jehovah’s anger.” (Would a just and loving God encourage people to do what is right, in hope of a reward, if he knew that they were foreordained not to succeed?)
Illustration: The owner of a radio can listen to the world news. But the fact that he can listen to a certain station does not mean that he does. He must first turn on the radio and then select the station. Likewise, Jehovah has the ability to foreknow events, but the Bible shows that he makes selective and discretionary use of that ability, with due regard for the free will with which he has endowed his human creation.—Compare Genesis 22:12; 18:20, 21.
When God created Adam, did he know that Adam would sin?
Here is what God set before Adam and Eve: “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.” “And Jehovah God also laid this command upon the man: ‘From every tree of the garden you may eat to satisfaction. But as for the tree of the knowledge of good and bad you must not eat from it, for in the day you eat from it you will positively die.’” (Gen. 1:28; 2:16, 17) Would you encourage your children to undertake a project with a marvelous future, knowing from the start that it was doomed to failure? Would you warn them of harm, while knowing that you had planned everything so that they were sure to come to grief? Is it reasonable, then, to attribute such to God?
Matt. 7:11: “If you, although being wicked [or, “bad as you are,” NE], know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more so will your Father who is in the heavens give good things to those asking him?”
If God foreordained and foreknew Adam’s sin and all that would result from this, it would mean that by creating Adam, God deliberately set in motion all the wickedness committed in human history. He would be the Source of all the wars, the crime, the immorality, the oppression, the lying, the hypocrisy, the disease. But the Bible clearly says: “You are not a God taking delight in wickedness.” (Ps. 5:4) “Anyone loving violence His soul certainly hates.” (Ps. 11:5) “God . . . cannot lie.” (Titus 1:2) “From oppression and from violence he [the One designated by God as Messianic King] will redeem their soul, and their blood will be precious in his eyes.” (Ps. 72:14) “God is love.” (1 John 4:8) “He is a lover of righteousness and justice.”—Ps. 33:5.
Did God predestinate Jacob and Esau?
Gen. 25:23: “Jehovah proceeded to say to her [Rebekah]: ‘Two nations are in your belly, and two national groups will be separated from your inward parts; and the one national group will be stronger than the other national group, and the older [Esau] will serve the younger [Jacob].’” (Jehovah was able to read the genetic pattern of the unborn twins. He may have considered this when foreseeing the qualities that each of the boys would develop and foretelling the outcome. [Ps. 139:16] But there is no indication here that he fixed their eternal destinies or that he predetermined how each event in their lives would turn out.)
Was Judas Iscariot predestined to betray Jesus?
Ps. 41:9: “The man at peace with me, in whom I trusted, who was eating my bread, has magnified his heel against me.” (Notice that the prophecy does not specify which close associate of Jesus it would be. Jehovah knew that the Devil had used David’s counselor Ahithophel to betray him, and He had that recorded because it demonstrated how the Devil operated and what he would do in the future. It was not God but “the Devil . . . [who] put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon, to betray him [Jesus].” [John 13:2] Instead of resisting, Judas yielded to that satanic influence.)
John 6:64: “From the beginning Jesus knew . . . who was the one that would betray him.” (Not from the beginning of creation, nor from the time of Judas’ birth, but “from the beginning” of his acting treacherously. Compare Genesis 1:1, Luke 1:2, and 1 John 2:7, 13, in each of which texts “beginning” is used in a relative sense. Take note also of John 12:4-6.)
Does not the apostle Paul speak of Christians as being “predestinated”?
Rom. 8:28, 29: “We know that God makes all his works cooperate together for the good of those who love God, those who are the ones called according to his purpose; because those whom he gave his first recognition he also foreordained [“predestinated,” KJ] to be patterned after the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.” (Also Eph. 1:5, 11) Yet, to these same ones, 2 Peter 1:10 says: “Do your utmost to make the calling and choosing of you sure for yourselves; for if you keep on doing these things you will by no means ever fail.” (If the individuals were predestinated to salvation, they could not possibly fail, regardless of what they did. Since effort is required on the part of the individuals, it must be the class that is foreordained. God purposed that the entire class would conform to the pattern set by Jesus Christ. Those selected by God to be part of that class, however, must prove faithful if they are actually to attain the reward set before them.)
Eph. 1:4, 5: “He chose us in union with him [Jesus Christ] before the founding of the world, that we should be holy and without blemish before him in love. For he foreordained us to the adoption through Jesus Christ as sons to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will.” (It is noteworthy that, at Luke 11:50, 51, Jesus parallels “the founding of the world” with the time of Abel. Abel is the first human who continued to have God’s favor throughout his life. Thus, it was after the rebellion in Eden but before the conception of Abel that God formed his purpose to produce a “seed” through which deliverance would be provided. [Gen. 3:15] God purposed that associated with the principal Seed, Jesus Christ, would be a group of his faithful followers who would share with him in a new government over the earth, the Messianic Kingdom.)
Do the stars and the planets influence events in our lives or provide omens that we should weigh when making decisions?
What is the origin of astrology?
“Western astrology can be traced directly to the theories and practices of the Chaldeans and Babylonians of the 2000’s B.C.”—The Encyclopedia Americana (1977), Vol. 2, p. 557.
“Astrology was based upon two Babylonic ideas: the zodiac, and the divinity of the heavenly bodies. . . . The Babylonians credited the planets with the influences that one would expect of their respective deities.”—Great Cities of the Ancient World (New York, 1972), L. Sprague de Camp, p. 150.
“In Babylonia as well as in Assyria as a direct offshoot of Babylonian culture . . . astrology takes its place in the official cult as one of the two chief means at the disposal of the priests . . . for ascertaining the will and intention of the gods, the other being through the inspection of the liver of the sacrificial animal. . . . The movements of the sun, moon and five planets were regarded as representing the activity of the five gods in question, together with the moon-god Sin and the sun-god Shamash, in preparing the occurrences on earth.”—Encyclopædia Britannica (1911), Vol. II, p. 796.
What is the viewpoint of mankind’s Creator toward this practice?
Deut. 18:10-12: “There should not be found in you anyone who . . . employs divination, a practicer of magic or anyone who looks for omens . . . For everybody doing these things is something detestable to Jehovah.”
To the Babylonians he said: “Let your astrologers, your star-gazers who foretell your future month by month, persist, and save you! But look, they are gone like chaff . . . So much for your magicians with whom you have trafficked all your life: they have stumbled off, each his own way, and there is no one to save you.”—Isa. 47:13-15, NE. |
Sing Praises (ssb)
1984 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/Ssb | Song 107
Sing Jehovah’s Praise With Courage!
(2 Chronicles 20:21)
1. Let us sing Jehovah’s praise with courage,
In whose strength we face a mighty foe.
Never let the enemy dismay us.
Fear them not. But forward let us go!
(Chorus)
2. Let us sing Jehovah’s praise with courage
And give warning loud for all to hear,
For our King will soon destroy the wicked.
False religion’s end is very near.
(Chorus)
3. Let us sing Jehovah’s praise with courage
As we teach the lowly and the true,
Showing them their privilege to serve God,
Helping them his will on earth to do.
(CHORUS)
Herald forth the good news of salvation!
Help men see the need of dedication.
Let us sing Jehovah’s praise with courage,
Magnify his great and holy name. |
Close to Jehovah (cl)
2022 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/cl | outputs
Chapter
1 “Look! This Is Our God!” 7
2 Can You Really “Draw Close to God”? 16
3 “Holy, Holy, Holy Is Jehovah” 26
SECTION 1—“Awe-Inspiring Power”
4 “Jehovah Is . . . Great in Power” 37
5 Creative Power—“The Maker of Heaven and Earth” 47
6 Destructive Power—“Jehovah Is a Powerful Warrior” 57
7 Protective Power—“God Is Our Refuge” 67
8 Restorative Power—Jehovah Is “Making All Things New” 77
9 “Christ Is the Power of God” 87
10 “Become Imitators of God” in Your Use of Power 97
SECTION 2—“Jehovah Loves Justice”
11 “All His Ways Are Justice” 108
12 “Is There Injustice With God?” 118
13 “The Law of Jehovah Is Perfect” 128
14 Jehovah Provides “a Ransom in Exchange for Many” 138
15 Jesus “Establishes Justice in the Earth” 148
16 “Exercise Justice” in Walking With God 158
SECTION 3—“Wise in Heart”
17 “O the Depth of God’s . . . Wisdom!” 169
18 Wisdom in “the Word of God” 179
19 “God’s Wisdom in a Sacred Secret” 189
20 “Wise in Heart”—Yet Humble 199
21 Jesus Reveals the “Wisdom From God” 209
22 Is “the Wisdom From Above” at Work in Your Life? 219
SECTION 4—“God Is Love”
23 “He First Loved Us” 231
24 Nothing Can “Separate Us From God’s Love” 240
25 “The Tender Compassion of Our God” 250
26 A God Who Is “Ready to Forgive” 260
27 “How Great His Goodness Is!” 270
28 “You Alone Are Loyal” 280
29 “To Know the Love of the Christ” 290
30 “Go On Walking in Love” 300
31 “Draw Close to God, and He Will Draw Close to You” 310 |
Was Life Created? (lc)
2010 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/library/r1/lp-e/all-publications/brochures-and-booklets/was-life-created-lc | outputs
PAGE 4 The Living Planet
PAGE 11 Who Designed It First?
PAGE 18 Evolution—Myths and Facts
PAGE 24 Science and the Genesis Account
PAGE 29 Does It Matter What You Believe?
PAGE 30 Bibliography |
Young People Ask, Volume 1 (yp1)
2011 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/yp1 | Inside Back Cover
Role Model Index
48 Jacob
97 Job
149 Moses
215 Ruth
287 Timothy
Do you have comments about how this book has benefited you? Write to the publishers at the appropriate address. |
Sing Praises (ssb)
1984 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/Ssb | Song 198
Getting to Know Our God
(John 17:3)
1. Truly we can tell, for we know well,
How God now feels.
He so graciously has set us free
And with us deals.
2. He is merciful and lovable;
This we do find.
In him we can trust; we are mere dust,
But he is kind.
3. Much we have to learn, we do discern,
About our God.
So we strive each day to walk the way
Christ Jesus trod.
4. May we imitate his love, so great,
In all we do.
And Jehovah’s name we must acclaim,
For he is true. |
Watching the World | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/101991010 | Watching the World
Women Are Disadvantaged
“Poor rural women are the most deprived people in the world,” states the United Nations publication, UN Chronicle. “They are sicker and more illiterate than men and lack the opportunities males have to better themselves.” Two major studies on world poverty in 1990 by two international development agencies, the United Nations Development Program and the World Bank, have reached that bleak conclusion. “About half a million women, 99 per cent of them in the developing world, die in childbirth each year,” reports the UN Chronicle.
Environment Pledge
“We human beings have become a danger to ourselves. We must act in time.” Those ominous words form part of an environmental pledge taken by university presidents from 22 countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, and North and South America. They pledged to have their schools teach more about environmental issues than in the past and to increase school resources devoted to research on the environment. The officials, who met at a conference in Talloires, France, this past October, also declared common goals “for an environmentally sustainable future.”
“Rationed” Miracles
Drought necessitated that the “miracle water” from the world-famous pool at Lourdes in France be rationed, causing alarm among visitors in search of miraculous cures. Religious authorities allowed pilgrims only half a pint [1/4 L] each of the water from the spring, which, according to tradition, welled up in 1858 after an apparition of the Madonna. All bottles in excess were confiscated, and the water poured back into the pool. “In all the churches in France, they are praying to the Virgin of the Rain, in vain. But in any case, she couldn’t make it rain only on Lourdes,” observed the newspaper Corriere della Sera.
Pet Problems
The increasing popularity of dogs as household pets has become a cause for concern among city and health authorities in France. The French weekly magazine L’Express reports that each day 20 tons of dog droppings are picked up from the streets and sidewalks of Paris at a cost of more than 400 francs ($70, U.S.) per kilo. But in addition to the cost and nuisance, a more serious factor has come to light. Dog waste is the source of a disease caused by the parasite Toxocara canis. Half the children’s play areas and sandboxes of Paris were found to be contaminated with the highly resistant microscopic eggs of the parasite, which enter homes on the soles of shoes and on the paws of household pets. Its presence in man has been largely underestimated. Fatigue, abdominal pain, allergies, heart and arterial problems are early symptoms of the disease.
Church Losses
Membership rolls of the major Protestant denominations are continuing in their downward trend in the United States, according to the 1990 Yearbook of American and Canadian Churches. Although the yearbook, published by the National Council of Churches, shows that the losses are smaller than 1 percent in most cases, they have been constant since the mid-1960’s. The Disciples of Christ, the Episcopal Church, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), the United Church of Christ, the United Methodist Church, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, and the American Baptist Churches in the U.S.A. have all experienced losses. However, the report listed Jehovah’s Witnesses as one of the religions that has shown an increase in numbers. Jehovah’s Witnesses in the United States had a 3-percent increase in 1989 and a 4-percent gain for 1990.
Bad News for Smokers
On September 25, 1990, the Centers for Disease Control in the United States released the report “The Health Benefits of Smoking Cessation: A Report of the Surgeon General, 1990.” Some principal conclusions reached are: “1) Smoking cessation has major and immediate health benefits for persons of all ages . . . ; 2) former smokers live longer than continuing smokers; 3) smoking cessation decreases the risk for lung and other cancers, heart attack, stroke, and chronic lung disease.”
Tobacco Sale to Soviets
Recently in the Soviet Union, an angry crowd of smokers were on the verge of rioting because of a shortage of cigarettes in that country. Two United States companies pledged to ease the shortage. They plan to sell more than a month’s supply to the Soviets, 34 thousand million cigarettes. Interestingly, spokesmen for the American companies said that the cigarettes would lack the surgeon general’s health warning about cancer and other diseases associated with tobacco use.
Toxic Toad-Slime Licking
Dr. Alan Emery of the Canadian Museum of Nature told The Globe and Mail that there has been a population explosion among cane toads all over the world in the last ten years. The cane toad, or Bufo marinus, “secretes a toxic milky white liquid that the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency calls bufotenine.” In Queensland, Australia, the toad has become such a plague that the government has “classified toad slime as an illegal substance under its Drug Misuse Act.” The slime secreted by the cane toad is toxic and “causes hallucinations, severe vomiting and seizures.” The Globe reported that two Canadians who licked their fingers after touching a pet toad became violently ill and had to be hospitalized.
Sleep for the Brain
Why do we need sleep? At a recent conference in Strasbourg, France, a controversial theory was presented. Sleep was said to be of less benefit to the body than to the brain, which recovers from the efforts of the day through sleep. Tests indicate that whereas “human bodily functions continue practically unimpaired even after several days without sleep,” reports Die Zeit, “the brain is different.” In test cases, people suffered from “lack of attention and concentration, impaired memory, a slowing down of the thought process, and orientation problems” when deprived of sleep.
Rebuilding of Babylon Stalled
Ancient Babylon, the famed city of King Nebuchadnezzar with its hanging gardens, collapsed under the onslaught of conquerors more than 2,500 years ago. A much smaller Babylon survived until about the fourth century C.E., when it became a complete ruin. Modern-day Iraq recently planned to rebuild the former citadel of imperial power to its grandeur of old. (See Awake! of March 8, 1988, page 30.) However, recent political events in the Middle East have put a restraint on such construction plans, reports The New York Times. Isaiah 13:19, 20 sets forth an interesting prophecy on Babylon’s doom, stating that “she will never be inhabited, nor will she reside for generation after generation.”
German Church Tax
In the Federal Republic of Germany, churches get financial support by means of a church tax, which employers deduct from wages. One employer refused to remit church tax deducted from his employees’ wages. Why? In 1664 his ancestors were accused of witchcraft and were tortured and burned to death, and he holds the church responsible. He was taken to court, which found his action unjustified. “Otherwise,” reports the magazine Polizei, “anyone whose ancestors suffered unjustly . . . could refuse by reason of conscience to perform a duty placed upon him” by the State.
Slow Music and Drinking
Research conducted in bars that play country and western music found that “as the music slows down, the drinking picks up,” reports the journal Psychology Today. The study was conducted over a period of two years and included 2,000 groups of drinkers. James Schaefer, a researcher on the project, said that “hard drinkers prefer listening to slower paced, wailing, lonesome, self-pitying music.” As Schaefer points out: “The patrons may often be living the life of the songs they want played.” |
KEEP ON THE WATCH!
Severe Droughts—What Does the Bible Say? | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/501100053 | Brais Seara/Moment via Getty Images
KEEP ON THE WATCH!
Severe Droughts—What Does the Bible Say?
“China reports ‘most severe’ heatwave and third driest summer on record.”—The Guardian, September 7, 2022.
“Greater Horn of Africa drought forecast to continue for fifth year.”—UN News, August 26, 2022.
“Two-thirds of Europe is under some sort of drought warning, in what is likely the worst such event in 500 years.”—BBC News, August 23, 2022.
Many experts predict that such droughts will continue and even get worse. Is there any hope for a better future? What does the Bible say?
Droughts and Bible prophecy
The Bible foretold for our day:
“There will be . . . in one place after another food shortages.”—Luke 21:11.
Droughts often lead to food shortages. Such food shortages, and the suffering and death that they cause, fulfill Bible prophecy.—Revelation 6:6, 8.
Why droughts are getting worse
The Bible reveals a fundamental reason why droughts are getting worse. It states:
“It does not belong to man who is walking even to direct his step.”—Jeremiah 10:23.
This means that humans cannot successfully “direct [their] step,” or govern themselves. Their mismanagement often causes droughts and water shortages.
Most scientists agree that human activity has caused global warming, resulting in increased droughts worldwide.
Greed and shortsighted policies lead to deforestation, pollution, and the misuse of natural resources, putting precious water supplies at risk.
The Bible, however, offers hope.
Is there any hope for the future?
The Bible promises that God will resolve the current water crisis. How?
1. God will “bring to ruin those ruining the earth.” (Revelation 11:18) He will remove one cause of water shortages—wicked, greedy people whose actions harm the environment.—2 Timothy 3:1, 2.
2. “The heat-parched ground will become a reedy pool.” (Isaiah 35:1, 6, 7) God will reverse the damage caused by droughts and turn this planet into a well-watered paradise.
3. “You care for the earth, making it abundantly fruitful and very rich.” (Psalm 65:9) With God’s blessing, the earth will abound with good food and clean water for all.
To learn about how climate change fulfills Bible prophecy, read the article “Climate Change and Our Future—What the Bible Says.”
To find out more about the Bible’s hope for the future, read the article “Who Will Save the Earth?”
To see how the Bible can help you cope with the challenges caused by extreme weather, read the article “Extreme Weather—Can the Bible Help You to Cope?” |
What I Chose as a Child | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2014048 | What I Chose as a Child
As a young boy
I was only ten years old in 1985 when children from Cambodia arrived at my school in Columbus, Ohio, U.S.A. One of the boys knew a few words of English. With the help of pictures, he began to tell me horrific stories of torture, killings, and escapes. I would cry at night as I thought of these children. I wanted to tell them about the hope of Paradise and the resurrection, but they did not understand my language. Although I was only a boy, I decided to learn Cambodian so that I could tell my schoolmates about Jehovah. Little did I realize then how this choice would shape my future.
Learning Cambodian was difficult. Twice I decided to give up, but Jehovah encouraged me through my parents. In time, my schoolteachers and fellow students began urging me to pursue a lucrative career. But I wanted to become a pioneer, and I chose high school courses that would help me to find part-time secular work so that I could achieve my goal. After school, I used to meet some pioneers and work with them in the ministry. I also volunteered to tutor students who were learning English as a second language—a choice that greatly benefited me later.
When I was 16, I heard about a Cambodian group in Long Beach, California, U.S.A. I visited there and learned to read Cambodian. As soon as I graduated from school, I became a pioneer and continued preaching to the Cambodian people near my home. By the time I was 18, I was thinking about moving to Cambodia. It was still a dangerous place, but I knew that few of the ten million people living in Cambodia had heard the good news of the Kingdom. At that time, there was just one congregation of 13 publishers in the whole country. I first visited Cambodia when I was 19. Two years later, I chose to go and live there. I found part-time work translating and teaching English to support me in my ministry. In time, I found a wife who shared my goals in life. Together, we have enjoyed helping many Cambodian people to dedicate their lives to God.
Jehovah has granted me ‘the desires of my heart.’ (Ps. 37:4) Making disciples is the most satisfying of all professions. During the 16 years I have been in Cambodia, that little gathering of 13 servants of Jehovah has grown into 12 congregations and 4 isolated groups!—As told by Jason Blackwell. |
Revelation Climax (re)
1988 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/re | Chapter 11
Is Your Name in the Book of Life?
SARDIS
1. What is the spiritual condition of the congregation in Sardis, and how does Jesus begin his message?
SOME 30 miles south of modern Akhisar (Thyatira) is the site of the next congregation to receive a message from the glorified Jesus: Sardis. In the sixth century before our Common Era, this city was the proud capital of the ancient kingdom of Lydia and seat of the enormously wealthy King Croesus. By John’s day, it has fallen on hard times, and its former splendor under Croesus is mere history. Similarly, the Christian congregation there has become spiritually impoverished. For the first time, Jesus does not begin his message with a word of commendation. Instead, he says: “And to the angel of the congregation in Sardis write: These are the things that he says who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars, ‘I know your deeds, that you have the name that you are alive, but you are dead.’”—Revelation 3:1.
2. (a) Of what significance is it to the Christians in Sardis that Jesus has “the seven spirits”? (b) What reputation did the Sardis congregation have, but what were the facts?
2 Why does Jesus identify himself as the one “who has the seven spirits”? Because these spirits represent Jehovah’s holy spirit flowing in its fullness. Later, John describes them also as “seven eyes,” indicating the penetrating vision that God’s holy spirit bestows on Jesus. (Revelation 5:6) Thus, he is able to uncover and handle any situation that may exist. (Matthew 10:26; 1 Corinthians 4:5) The congregation in Sardis has the reputation of being alive, active. But Jesus can see that it is spiritually dead. Evidently, most of its members have relapsed into an apathy similar to their condition before they became Christians.—Compare Ephesians 2:1-3; Hebrews 5:11-14.
3. (a) Why should “the angel of the congregation in Sardis” take special note of the fact that Jesus has “the seven stars”? (b) What strong counsel does Jesus give the congregation in Sardis?
3 Jesus also reminds “the angel of the congregation in Sardis” that He is the one who has “the seven stars.” He holds those congregation elders in his right hand, having authority to direct them in their shepherding work. They should set their hearts to ‘knowing positively the appearance of the flock.’ (Proverbs 27:23) Hence, they had better listen carefully to Jesus’ next words: “Become watchful, and strengthen the things remaining that were ready to die, for I have not found your deeds fully performed before my God. Therefore, continue mindful of how you have received and how you heard, and go on keeping it, and repent. Certainly unless you wake up, I shall come as a thief, and you will not know at all at what hour I shall come upon you.”—Revelation 3:2, 3.
4. How would Peter’s words help the congregation in Sardis to “strengthen the things remaining”?
4 The elders in Sardis need to remember the joy they first had when they learned the truth and the blessings they then received. But now they are dead as to spiritual activity. Their congregational lamp is flickering because of lack of works of faith. Years before, the apostle Peter wrote to the congregations in Asia (likely including Sardis) to build appreciation for the glorious good news that Christians had accepted and that had been declared “with holy spirit sent forth from heaven”—as represented by the seven spirits of John’s vision. Peter also reminded those Asian Christians that they belonged to ‘a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for special possession, that they should declare abroad the excellencies of the one that called them out of darkness into his wonderful light.’ (1 Peter 1:12, 25; 2:9) Meditating on such spiritual truths will help the congregation in Sardis to repent and “strengthen the things remaining.”—Compare 2 Peter 3:9.
5. (a) What happened to the appreciation of the Christians in Sardis? (b) What will happen if the Sardis Christians do not respond to Jesus’ counsel?
5 At the moment, their appreciation and love of the truth are like a fire that has almost died out. Just a few embers continue to glow. Jesus encourages them to fan the spark, stir up the fire, repent of the sins into which their negligence has led them, and become a spiritually alive congregation once again. (Compare 2 Timothy 1:6, 7.) Otherwise, when Jesus comes unexpectedly—“as a thief”—to execute judgment, the congregation in Sardis will be unprepared.—Matthew 24:43, 44.
Coming “as a Thief”
6. How did Jesus come “as a thief” in 1918, and what situation did he find among his professed followers?
6 Jesus’ warning that he would come “as a thief” reaches down into modern times. It had a special application for Christians who survived into the Lord’s day. Soon after 1914, there was a fulfillment of Malachi’s prophecy: “‘Suddenly there will come to His temple the true Lord, whom you people are seeking, and the messenger of the covenant in whom you are delighting. Look! He will certainly come,’ Jehovah of armies has said.” (Malachi 3:1; Revelation 1:10) As “messenger of the covenant,” Jesus came to inspect and judge those who claimed to be his followers. (1 Peter 4:17) At that time, in 1918, Christendom was embroiled in the shedding of blood in World War I and was completely dead, spiritually speaking. Even true Christians, who before the war had preached so zealously, went through a time of spiritual drowsiness. Some of their prominent elders were put into prison, and the preaching activity almost stopped. When Jehovah’s spirit awakened these Christians the following year, not all were ready. Some, like the foolish virgins of Jesus’ parable, were not equipped spiritually for the privilege of serving Jehovah. Happily, though, there were many who, like the discreet virgins, had heeded Jesus’ warning: “Keep on the watch, therefore, because you know neither the day nor the hour.”—Matthew 25:1-13.
7. Why do Christians today need to keep awake?
7 The need for a Christian to be alert did not end early in the Lord’s day. In his great prophecy concerning “the sign when all these things are destined to come to a conclusion,” Jesus gave a strong warning: “Concerning that day or the hour nobody knows . . . Keep looking, keep awake, for you do not know when the appointed time is. But what I say to you I say to all, Keep on the watch.” (Mark 13:4, 32, 33, 37) Yes, up to this very hour, each one of us, whether of the anointed or of the great crowd, needs to stay alert and fight against drifting into spiritual sleep. When Jehovah’s day comes “as a thief in the night,” may we be found wide awake so as to receive a favorable judgment.—1 Thessalonians 5:2, 3; Luke 21:34-36; Revelation 7:9.
8. How has the John class today stimulated God’s people to keep spiritually alive?
8 The John class today is itself awake to the need for stimulating God’s people to keep spiritually alive. To this end, special gatherings are arranged throughout the earth several times each year. In a recent year, attendance at 2,981 district conventions totaled 10,953,744, and 122,701 new believers were baptized. For more than a hundred years, the John class has used the Watchtower magazine in announcing Jehovah’s name and purpose. In response to bitter persecutions during the two world wars, The Watchtower aroused Jehovah’s Witnesses to renewed zeal by publishing articles such as “Blessed Are the Fearless” (1919), “A Call to Action” (1925), and “Defeat of Persecution” (1942).
9. (a) What should all Christians be asking themselves? (b) What encouragement has The Watchtower given?
9 As in Sardis, so in the congregations today, continued self-examination is vital for all Christians. All of us should keep asking ourselves: Are our “deeds fully performed” before our God? Without judging others, do we personally cultivate the spirit of self-sacrifice and strive to render whole-souled service to God? In this connection, the Watchtower magazine has given encouragement by discussing topics such as “Keep Proving What You Yourselves Are” and “Living No Longer for Ourselves.”a Having such Scriptural help, let us probe our innermost selves as we try to walk humbly and prayerfully in integrity before Jehovah.—Psalm 26:1-3; 139:23, 24.
“A Few Names”
10. What encouraging feature did Jesus note in the congregation in Sardis, and how should this affect us?
10 Jesus’ next words to the congregation in Sardis are most encouraging. He says: “Nevertheless, you do have a few names in Sardis that did not defile their outer garments, and they shall walk with me in white ones, because they are worthy. He that conquers will thus be arrayed in white outer garments; and I will by no means blot out his name from the book of life, but I will make acknowledgment of his name before my Father and before his angels.” (Revelation 3:4, 5) Do not these words arouse us and strengthen our determination to be faithful? Because of negligence on the part of a body of elders, a congregation as a whole may fall into deep spiritual sleep. Yet, some individuals therein may strive courageously to keep their Christian identity pure and unspotted and thus continue to have a good name with Jehovah.—Proverbs 22:1.
11, 12. (a) Even during the great apostasy, how must some have been like those faithful “few names” in Sardis? (b) What relief came to wheatlike Christians during the Lord’s day?
11 Yes, those “outer garments” refer to a person’s righteous identity as a Christian. (Compare Revelation 16:15; 19:8.) It must be heartwarming for Jesus to see that, despite the apathy of the great majority, “a few names,” a few anointed Christians in Sardis, still manage to keep this identity. Likewise, when professed Christians were absorbed into Babylon the Great, the world empire of false religion, during the long centuries of the great apostasy, there must always have been a few individuals who tried, against great odds, to do Jehovah’s will. These were righteous like wheat hidden amid a profusion of sectarian weeds.—Revelation 17:3-6; Matthew 13:24-29.
12 Jesus promised that he would be with these wheatlike Christians “all the days until the conclusion of the system of things.” He knows who they are and what good names they made for themselves. (Matthew 28:20; Ecclesiastes 7:1) Imagine the joy of those faithful “few” who were still alive at the start of the Lord’s day! They were finally separated from spiritually dead Christendom and were gathered into a righteous congregation more like the congregation in Smyrna.—Matthew 13:40-43.
13. What blessings are in store for anointed Christians who do not “defile their outer garments”?
13 Those in Sardis who are faithful to the end and do not sully their Christian identity attain the realization of a wonderful hope. After the establishment of Jesus’ Messianic Kingdom in 1914, they are resurrected to spirit life and as conquerors are arrayed with white outer garments in symbol of their flawless, untainted righteousness. Having walked the cramped road that leads to life, they will enjoy an eternal reward.—Matthew 7:14; see also Revelation 6:9-11.
Forever in the Book of Life!
14. What is “the book of life,” and whose names are recorded therein?
14 What is “the book of life,” and whose names will be retained therein? The book, or scroll, of life refers to the record of Jehovah’s servants who come in line to receive the grant of everlasting life. (Malachi 3:16) Here in Revelation specific reference is made to the names of anointed Christians. But the names of those in line for everlasting life on earth are also recorded therein. Moreover, names can be ‘blotted out’ of that book. (Exodus 32:32, 33) Nevertheless, those of the John class whose names remain in the book of life until their death receive immortal life in heaven. (Revelation 2:10) These are the names that Jesus specially acknowledges before his Father and before His angels. How magnificent that reward!
15. How will members of the great crowd get their names indelibly written in the book of life?
15 The great crowd, whose names are also written in the book of life, will come out of the great tribulation alive. By exercising faith throughout Jesus’ Millennial Reign and during the decisive test that follows, these will be rewarded with life everlasting in Paradise on earth. (Daniel 12:1; Revelation 7:9, 14; 20:15; 21:4) Their names will then remain indelibly written in the book of life. Knowing what is here presented by means of holy spirit, do you not respond with enthusiasm to Jesus’ repeated exhortation: “Let the one who has an ear hear what the spirit says to the congregations”?—Revelation 3:6.
[Footnote]
a See The Watchtower, July 15, 2005, and March 15, 2005.
[Picture on page 57]
May your name remain in the book of life |
I Don’t Feel Good About My Life—Can Religion, God, or the Bible Help? | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/502013206 | I Don’t Feel Good About My Life—Can Religion, God, or the Bible Help?
The Bible’s answer
Yes. The Bible, an ancient book of wisdom, provides answers to life’s important questions and can help you to feel better and have a sense of well-being. Consider some questions that it answers.
Is there a Creator? The Bible says that God “created all things.” (Revelation 4:11) As our Creator, God knows what we need to feel good and to find fulfillment in life.
Does God care about me? Rather than portraying God as aloof from mankind, the Bible says: “He is not far off from each one of us.” (Acts 17:27) He is interested in what happens to you and wants to help you succeed in life.—Isaiah 48:17, 18; 1 Peter 5:7.
How can knowing God help me to feel better? God created us with a “spiritual need,” an innate hunger to understand the meaning and purpose of life. (Matthew 5:3) Our spiritual need also includes a desire to know our Creator and to have a relationship with him. God will welcome your efforts to get to know him, for the Bible says: “Draw close to God, and he will draw close to you.”—James 4:8.
Millions of people have found that building a friendship with God has improved their overall well-being and shown them how to feel good about their lives. While knowing God will not make your life trouble-free, his wisdom found in the Bible can help you to
Have a happier family life.
Enjoy peace with others.
Deal with problems as varied as depression, stress about money, and chronic illness.
Many religions that use the Bible do not actually follow its teachings. In contrast, true religion, which adheres to what the Bible really says, will help you to get to know God. |
Examining the Scriptures—2017
2016 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/library/r1/lp-e/all-publications/brochures-and-booklets/examining-the-scriptures/examining-the-scriptures-2017 | November
Wednesday, November 1
Abraham breathed his last and died at a good old age, old and satisfied.—Gen. 25:8.
When we read that Abraham was “old and satisfied,” let us not conclude that he had had his fill of life, so to speak, and had no desire to live in the future. The Bible says of Abraham: “He was awaiting the city having real foundations, whose designer and builder is God.” (Heb. 11:10) Can you imagine how thrilled Abraham will be to live in the earthly Paradise and go on strengthening his friendship with Jehovah? How touched he will be to learn that his example of faith helped Jehovah’s servants throughout thousands of years after his death! In Paradise he will even learn that the way Isaac was restored to him was “illustrative” of something far greater. (Heb. 11:19) And he will learn that the pain he suffered as he prepared to sacrifice Isaac has helped millions of faithful people to imagine Jehovah’s own pain as he provided his Son, Jesus Christ, as the ransom.—John 3:16. w16.02 1:15, 16
Thursday, November 2
You son of a rebellious woman, do you think I do not know that you are choosing to side with the son of Jesse, to your own shame and to the shame of your mother?—1 Sam. 20:30.
Our loyalty to Jehovah may be challenged if someone in a responsible position misjudges us. Jonathan may have faced such a challenge. King Saul, the anointed of God, was aware of his son’s friendship with David, but he did not understand the reason for it. Saul humiliated Jonathan in an angry outburst. However, Jonathan did not retaliate. He did not waver in his loyalty to God or to David, who would in time become Israel’s king. (1 Sam. 20:31-41) In congregations of Jehovah’s people today, it is very unlikely that we would be treated unjustly. However, those taking the lead among us are imperfect men and could misinterpret our actions. (1 Sam. 1:13-17) If we are ever misjudged or misunderstood, let us remain loyal to Jehovah. w16.02 3:14, 15
Friday, November 3
If anyone wants to come after me, let him disown himself and pick up his torture stake.—Matt. 16:24.
Some might be confused about the difference between dedication and baptism. For example, some young people say that they have made a dedication to Jehovah but are not ready to get baptized. Does that make sense? Making a dedication means telling Jehovah that you will serve him forever. At baptism, a person shows others that he is dedicated. Therefore, baptism is a public expression of a private dedication that you have already made in prayer to Jehovah. Before you get baptized, you need to be sure that you understand what dedication means. Simply stated, when you dedicate your life to Jehovah, you give up ownership of yourself. You promise Jehovah that you will put the doing of his will ahead of everything else in your life. Any promise should be taken seriously, but how much more so a promise made to Jehovah God!—Matt. 5:33. w16.03 1:14, 15
Saturday, November 4
Let us by love grow up in all things.—Eph. 4:15.
Using the example of the human body, Paul focused on unity under the head of the congregation, Jesus Christ. The apostle spoke of cooperating “through every joint that gives what is needed.” (Eph. 4:16) How can each of us, whether young or old, strong or frail, contribute to the unity and spirituality of the congregation? A key is to submit ourselves to and respect those whom Jesus has designated to provide direction in the congregation, the elders. (Heb. 13:7, 17) We may not always find this easy to do. However, we can with confidence request God’s guidance. His active force can help us to support the congregation arrangements wholeheartedly. So if we on occasion do not feel inclined to follow the direction given, we should reflect on how our humbly cooperating will contribute to the unity in the congregation. Furthermore, cooperating in matters like these will likely help all of us to grow in love. w16.03 3:8, 9
Sunday, November 5
The word of God is alive and exerts power.—Heb. 4:12.
While they were growing up, some young brothers were not encouraged to pursue spiritual goals. The truth never came first in the life of such young ones. (Matt. 10:24) Therefore, an elder should take time to develop a friendly relationship with a brother he wishes to train for congregation privileges and let him know that he is needed in the congregation. Then, over the course of time, the elder should sit down with the brother to reason on specific scriptures and help him think about his dedication to Jehovah. (Eccl. 5:4; Isa. 6:8; Matt. 6:24, 33; Luke 9:57-62; 1 Cor. 15:58; 2 Cor. 5:15; 13:5) The elder might ask him, ‘What did you promise Jehovah when you dedicated yourself to him?’ He could try to stir his heart by asking, ‘How do you think Jehovah must have felt when you got baptized?’ (Prov. 27:11) ‘What were Satan’s feelings?’ (1 Pet. 5:8) Elders should never underestimate how deeply a brother can be affected by the reading of carefully selected Bible passages. w15 4/15 2:9, 11
Monday, November 6
Throw all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you.—1 Pet. 5:7.
Why does Jehovah not give us an immediate response to our every request? Recall that he likens our relationship with him to that of children with a father. (Ps. 103:13) A child cannot rightly expect a parent to grant every request or to do so right away. Some of a child’s requests may be mere passing whims. Others must wait till the time is right. Still others may not be in the child’s best interests or in the best interests of others involved. Furthermore, to concede immediately to a child’s every request would change the relationship to one of master and slave, the child being the master. Similarly, Jehovah may in our best interests allow time to pass before his response to our prayers becomes evident. That is his prerogative as our wise Creator, loving Master, and heavenly Father. Fulfilling all our requests right away would distort the proper relationship between us and him.—Isa. 29:16; 45:9. w15 4/15 4:6, 7
Tuesday, November 7
Oppose the Devil, and he will flee from you.—Jas. 4:7.
As we near the end of this system of things, Satan wants us to relax our guard, to “be kind” to ourselves by carving out a niche in this world, thus losing our sense of urgency. Do not let that happen to you! Instead, “keep on the watch.” (Matt. 16:22, 23; 24:42) Never believe Satan’s deceptive propaganda that the end is far off—or that it is not coming at all. Satan tries to have us believe that from God’s standpoint we are unlovable and our sins are unforgivable. That is all part of Satan’s deceptive propaganda. After all, who is particularly and really unlovable in Jehovah’s eyes? It is Satan. Who is really unforgivable? Again, it is Satan. But the Bible assures us: “God is not unrighteous so as to forget your work and the love you showed for his name.” (Heb. 6:10) Jehovah appreciates our efforts to please him, and our service is not in vain. (1 Cor. 15:58) So let us not be fooled by Satan’s deceptive propaganda. w15 5/15 1:16-19
Wednesday, November 8
They saw them from a distance and welcomed them.—Heb. 11:13.
Abraham had so much evidence to demonstrate the reality of what he hoped for that it was as if he could see what he had not actually beheld! Abraham’s faith in God’s promises strengthened his resolve to do the divine will. Acting in faith, he left the city of Ur and refused to take up permanent residence in any of the cities of Canaan. Like Ur, they had shaky foundations because of their ungodly governments. (Josh. 24:2) For the rest of his long life, Abraham “was awaiting the city having real foundations, whose designer and builder is God.” (Heb. 11:10) Abraham “saw” himself living in a permanent place governed by Jehovah. Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, and others like them believed in the resurrection of the dead and looked forward to life on earth under God’s Kingdom, “the city having real foundations.” Reflecting on such blessings bolstered their faith in Jehovah.—Heb. 11:15, 16. w15 5/15 3:8, 9
Thursday, November 9
Christ is the power of God.—1 Cor. 1:24.
Jehovah displayed his power through Jesus Christ in extraordinary ways. The four Gospels provide faith-strengthening details about some of the miracles that Christ performed. Likely, he performed many other miracles. (Matt. 9:35; Luke 9:11) Yes, God’s power was manifested in Jesus. For good reason, then, the apostle Paul could say about him: “Christ is the power of God.” Yet, what bearing can Jesus’ miracles have on our life? The apostle Peter said that Jesus performed miracles, or “wonders.” (Acts 2:22) The powerful works that Jesus did on earth were foregleams of even grander blessings to come under his kingly rule. They foreshadow the miracles that Jesus will perform in God’s new world on a global scale! His miracles also give us tremendous insight into his personality and that of his Father. w15 6/15 1:1, 2
Friday, November 10
She kept saying: “If I touch just his outer garments, I will get well.”—Mark 5:28.
Realizing that it was his Father, Jehovah, who had healed the woman, Jesus treated her kindly, saying: “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed from your grievous sickness.” (Mark 5:34) How kind Jesus is! We see that he has a warm place in his heart for those who suffer from illnesses. Satan wants to convince us that we are unloved and worthless. By his miracles, Jesus clearly proved that he truly cares about us and our problems. What a sympathetic King and High Priest! (Heb. 4:15) It may not be easy for us to understand the feelings of those who suffer from a chronic illness, especially if we have never experienced such. We can bear in mind that Jesus empathized with the sick even though he himself was never sick. May Jesus’ example move us to do the same, to the best of our ability.—1 Pet. 3:8. w15 6/15 2:11, 12
Saturday, November 11
The name of God is being blasphemed among the nations because of you.—Rom. 2:24.
What a privilege it is for us not only to know God’s personal name but also to bear it as “a people for his name.” (Acts 15:14; Isa. 43:10) We implore our heavenly Father: “Let your name be sanctified.” (Matt. 6:9) Your making such a request may move you to ask Jehovah to help you to avoid doing or saying anything that would dishonor his holy name. We do not want to be like some in the first century who did not practice what they preached, as mentioned in today’s text. What is needed for God’s name to be completely sanctified and cleared of all reproach? For that to happen, Jehovah must act to remove all who willfully reject his sovereignty. (Ezek. 38:22, 23) Mankind will gradually be brought to perfection. How we long for the time when all intelligent creation will treat Jehovah’s name as holy! Then, at last, our loving heavenly Father will “be all things to everyone.”—1 Cor. 15:28. w15 6/15 4:7, 10
Sunday, November 12
The heavens are my throne, and the earth is my footstool.—Isa. 66:1.
Besides referring to the earth, the term “footstool” is also employed figuratively in the Hebrew Scriptures to describe the ancient temple used by the Israelites. (1 Chron. 28:2; Ps. 132:7) Located on the earth, the temple served as the center of true worship. For that reason, it was truly beautiful in Jehovah’s eyes and its very existence glorified the place for Jehovah’s feet. (Isa. 60:13) Today the center of true worship is no longer a literal temple on earth. There is, however, a spiritual temple, which glorifies Jehovah far more than any building. This is an arrangement that makes reconciliation with God possible by means of the priesthood and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. It came into existence in 29 C.E. at Jesus’ baptism when Jesus was anointed as High Priest of Jehovah’s great spiritual temple.—Heb. 9:11, 12. w15 7/15 1:1-3
Monday, November 13
They will see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.—Luke 21:27.
This will be a time for rewarding those who are faithful and for punishing those who are not. (Matt. 24:46, 47, 50, 51; 25:19, 28-30) According to Matthew, Jesus finished giving the composite sign with the parable of the sheep and the goats, saying: “When the Son of man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit down on his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate people one from another, just as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. And he will put the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on his left.” (Matt. 25:31-33) What judgment will the sheep and the goats hear pronounced on them? The parable finishes with the words: “These [the goats] will depart into everlasting cutting-off, but the righteous ones into everlasting life.”—Matt. 25:46. w15 7/15 2:11, 12
Tuesday, November 14
Look! How good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity!—Ps. 133:1.
It is understandable that we might feel some affection for the land, the culture, the language, and the food of the country we were raised in. However, we must avoid the “mine is best” attitude. For our pleasure, Jehovah has created great variety in all things. (Ps. 104:24; Rev. 4:11) So why insist that one way of doing things is superior to another? God wants people of all sorts to come to an accurate knowledge of truth and to enjoy everlasting life. (John 3:16; 1 Tim. 2:3, 4) Open-mindedness toward a diversity of acceptable ideas enriches us and protects our Christian unity. As we maintain our loyalty to Jehovah, we must avoid involvement in the world’s controversies. Partisan allegiances have no place among us. How thankful we are to Jehovah for freeing us from the divisive, prideful, competitive practices that dominate Satan’s world! w15 7/15 3:17, 18
Wednesday, November 15
[God] cares for you.—1 Pet. 5:7.
There are many ways to express our love for Jehovah. For example, we show love for God and neighbor by having a zealous share in the Kingdom-preaching work. (Matt. 24:14; 28:19, 20) We show that we truly love Jehovah by enduring tests of faith as integrity keepers. (Ps. 84:11; Jas. 1:2-5) If our trials become severe, we can be sure that God is aware of our suffering and will help us, for we are precious to him. (Ps. 56:8) Our love for Jehovah moves us to meditate on his creative works and other marvelous deeds. We show that we love God and highly value his Word by diligently studying the Bible. Love for Jehovah draws us ever closer to him in prayer. And our love for God grows deeper as we reflect on the ransom sacrifice he provided for our sins. (1 John 2:1, 2) These are just some of the many reasons we have for loving Jehovah in response to his enduring love for us. w15 8/15 1:6, 17, 18
Thursday, November 16
[It is] better to be patient.—Eccl. 7:8.
In the new world, there may be times when we will need to exercise patience. For example, we may hear of individuals who, to the delight of their relatives and friends, have been raised from the dead. However, we ourselves may have to wait for the resurrection of our loved ones. If that is the case, will we rejoice with others and be patient? (Rom. 12:15) Learning to wait patiently for the fulfillment of Jehovah’s promises now will help us to exercise patience then. We can also prepare for life in the new world by exercising patience regarding revealed truth. Are we studious and patient as our understanding of Bible truth is progressively clarified today? If so, we will likely have no difficulty showing patience in the new world as Jehovah makes known his requirements for mankind.—Prov. 4:18; John 16:12. w15 8/15 3:9, 10
Friday, November 17
Attain . . . the measure of stature that belongs to the fullness of the Christ.—Eph. 4:13.
The apostle Paul wrote of the need for Christians in Ephesus to grow spiritually. He encouraged them to reach out to “attain to the oneness of the faith and of the accurate knowledge of the Son of God, to being a full-grown man, attaining the measure of stature that belongs to the fullness of the Christ.” (Eph. 4:13) When Paul wrote his letter, the congregation in Ephesus had already existed for some years. Many disciples there had reached a high level of spiritual development. Some, however, still needed to press on to maturity. The situation among Jehovah’s Witnesses today is much the same. Many brothers and sisters have long served God and have advanced to spiritual maturity. But obviously not all are at that point. For example, thousands of new ones are baptized each year, so some still need to strive for maturity. What about you?—Col. 2:6, 7. w15 9/15 1:2, 3
Saturday, November 18
Physical training is beneficial for a little.—1 Tim. 4:8.
Many have concluded that a measure of regular exercise promotes good health and refreshes the body and mind. If we want to enjoy exercise in a group, should we share in it with just anyone? Proverbs 13:20 tells us: “The one walking with the wise will become wise, but the one who has dealings with the stupid will fare badly.” Does this not suggest that we should be selective in our choice of recreation, guided by our Bible-trained conscience? There is also the question of when to engage in recreation. Do you plan recreation around theocratic activities, such as meetings, field ministry, and personal study? Or do you find yourself trying to fit theocratic activities between periods of leisure? What are your priorities? Jesus said: “Keep on, then, seeking first the Kingdom and his righteousness, and all these other things will be added to you.” (Matt. 6:33) Does your conscience prompt you to set priorities that line up with Jesus’ advice? w15 9/15 2:13, 15
Sunday, November 19
Why are you so angry and dejected? If you turn to doing good, will you not be restored to favor? . . . Will you get the mastery over [sin]?—Gen. 4:6, 7.
That was timely counsel coupled with positive direction. Jehovah thus warned Cain when it was apparent that Cain was on a very dangerous course. Sadly, Cain did not heed that warning, and he suffered for it. (Gen. 4:11-13) When Jeremiah’s secretary, Baruch, felt weary and despondent, Jehovah gave him counsel to help him see the reality of his problem. Unlike Cain, Baruch accepted Jehovah’s counsel, and this preserved his life. (Jer. 45:2-5) “Those whom Jehovah loves he disciplines, in fact, he scourges everyone whom he receives as a son,” wrote Paul. (Heb. 12:6) Discipline, however, is not limited to punishment. It takes various forms. There are many examples in the Bible of faithful servants undergoing extreme trials that may have involved discipline and that trained them. w15 9/15 4:12, 13
Monday, November 20
Your servants have come . . . out of regard for the name of Jehovah your God, because we have heard about his fame and about all he did.—Josh. 9:9.
The Gibeonites wisely recognized Israel’s backer to be the true God. Rahab too perceived God’s hand in the events of her day. After learning about how Jehovah rescued his people, she told two Israelite spies: “I do know that Jehovah will give you the land.” Even though taking such a stand was fraught with danger, she expressed faith that Jehovah could deliver her and her family. (Josh. 2:9-13; 4:23, 24) These and many other examples in the Bible help us to understand what it means to see God or to see his hand in matters. As we come to know him, we too can see his hand because we perceive his qualities and actions with “the eyes of [our] heart.” (Eph. 1:18) Surely we want to be like those past and present who have clearly seen Jehovah supporting his people. w15 10/15 1:6, 7, 9
Tuesday, November 21
Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus.—John 11:5.
Although Martha was the only woman mentioned by name as being one whom Jesus loved, he also had pure unselfish love for other godly women, such as his dear earthly mother, Mary, and Martha’s sister, Mary. (John 19:25-27) Why, then, is Martha mentioned in this way in the Gospel account? Jesus loved Martha not only for her hospitable and industrious nature but, no doubt, because of her spirituality. She was a woman who truly believed Jesus’ teachings. Martha had remarkable faith in Jesus as the promised Messiah. (John 11:21-27) At the same time, like all of us, she was not perfect. On one occasion while Jesus was being entertained in her home, Martha presumed to tell Jesus what he should do to correct a situation she thought to be wrong. “Lord,” said Martha, “does it not matter to you that my sister has left me alone to attend to things? Tell her to come and help me.”—Luke 10:38-42. w15 10/15 3:1, 2
Wednesday, November 22
Draw close to God, and he will draw close to you.—Jas. 4:8.
By continuing to ponder over spiritual things, we will maintain our enthusiasm for the truth. Thus we will be a source of refreshment to our brothers and to the interested ones we meet in the field service. Meditating deeply on God’s greatest gift, the ransom sacrifice of Jesus, will help us to cherish the privilege of having a close relationship with our Holy Father, Jehovah. (Rom. 3:24) Mark, a South African who spent three years in prison because of his Christian neutrality, said: “Meditation can be compared to an exciting adventure. The more we meditate on spiritual things, the more we discover new things about our God, Jehovah. At times when I’m feeling a little discouraged or anxious about the future, I pick up the Bible and meditate on a passage of Scripture. I feel that it really calms me down.” w15 10/15 4:15
Thursday, November 23
Give me understanding, so that I may observe your law and keep it with my whole heart.—Ps. 119:34.
When appropriate, explain to your children the reasons behind a rule or a decision you make. If a teenager understands your thinking on the matter, he is more likely to obey you from a willing heart. “Giving reasons helps teenagers to trust you because they see that your decisions are not arbitrary or capricious but reasonable,” says Barry, who raised four children. A teenager is also maturing into an adult with his own “power of reason.” (Rom. 12:1) Barry explains: “Teenagers need to learn to make sensible decisions based on reason rather than emotion.” When you humbly give reasons for your decisions, your adolescent can sense that you recognize that he is progressing toward maturity, and he learns to make his own decisions with his “power of reason.” w15 11/15 2:11
Friday, November 24
Let us work what is good toward all, but especially toward those related to us in the faith.—Gal. 6:10.
Throughout the earth, there are millions who worship Jehovah and bear witness to his name and purpose. How should each worshipper of Jehovah view his fellow Witnesses? (Rom. 12:10) The apostle Peter wrote: “Now that you have purified yourselves by your obedience to the truth with unhypocritical brotherly affection as the result, love one another intensely from the heart.” Peter also told fellow believers: “Above all things, have intense love for one another.” (1 Pet. 1:22; 4:8) Because we have intense love for our fellow servants of Jehovah, we make up a unique worldwide organization. Moreover, because we love Jehovah and obey his laws, he supports us with the most powerful force in the universe, his holy spirit, or active force. This enables us to enjoy wonderful unity as a truly international brotherhood.—1 John 4:20, 21. w15 11/15 4:8, 9
Saturday, November 25
Ten men out of all the languages of the nations . . . [will say]: “We want to go with you.”—Zech. 8:23.
Jehovah does not insist that we learn a specific language in order for us to get to know him or his purposes. (Rev. 7:9, 10) Has God’s communication with humans been hindered by the use of different languages and minor variations in translation? No. For example, we may be aware of only a few of the original-language words that Jesus used. (Matt. 27:46; Mark 5:41; 7:34; 14:36) However, Jehovah made sure that Jesus’ message was transmitted in Greek and, in time, in other languages. Later, Bible manuscripts were copied again and again by Jews and Christians, preserving the holy writings. These were translated into many more languages. John Chrysostom of the fourth/fifth century C.E. said that by his day, Jesus’ teachings had been translated into the languages of the Syrians, Egyptians, Indians, Persians, Ethiopians, and innumerable other peoples. w15 12/15 1:10, 11
Sunday, November 26
A word spoken at the right time—how good it is!—Prov. 15:23.
Our words may be just what our hearer truly needs, but unless we discern the best time to speak, their meaning could be lost. For example, in March 2011 an earthquake and tsunami devastated parts of eastern Japan, wiping out entire cities. More than 15,000 lost their lives. Although Jehovah’s Witnesses in the area suffered along with their neighbors, they took advantage of every opportunity to use the Bible to comfort those who were mourning. However, many of the local people have deep-rooted Buddhist beliefs and little or no knowledge of Bible teachings. Our brothers discerned that immediately following the tsunami was not necessarily the best time to tell the grief-stricken victims about the resurrection hope. Instead, they used their gift of speech to focus on giving emotional support and explaining from the Bible why such terrible things happen to innocent people. w15 12/15 3:7
Monday, November 27
The naive person believes every word, but the shrewd one ponders each step.—Prov. 14:15.
Sadly, in this greedy world, there are those who seize on people’s illness as an opportunity to make money. Other individuals or companies stress the use of products that are high-priced in order to make large profits. To a sick person who desperately seeks relief or a way to stay alive longer, these “cures” may seem appealing. “The shrewd one” will be particularly cautious if the “word,” or recommendation, comes from someone whose qualifications are questionable. “The shrewd one” might reason: ‘He says that this vitamin, herb, or diet supposedly helped someone, but are there adequate witnesses to establish the matter? People differ. Is there valid reason to trust that it will help me? Should I do more research or even consult with some who are known to be trained or qualified in this field?’—Deut. 17:6. w15 12/15 4:14, 15
Tuesday, November 28
The love the Christ has compels us.—2 Cor. 5:14.
Paul realized that we could not accept the extraordinary love of Christ without being compelled, or moved, to live for him. When our minds fully comprehend what Jehovah has done for us and our hearts are moved by his love, we desire to live our lives whole-souled for Christ Jesus. How do we show that desire? Those who love Jehovah are compelled to imitate Christ’s example, following his steps closely. (1 Pet. 2:21; 1 John 2:6) Through our obedience, we prove our love for God and Christ. Jesus said: “Whoever has my commandments and observes them is the one who loves me. In turn, whoever loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him.” (John 14:21; 1 John 5:3) So ask yourself: ‘In what areas am I doing well in following in the steps of Christ Jesus? In what areas could I improve?’ This self-examination is vital, as we are constantly being pressured to follow the ways of this world.—Rom. 12:2. w16.01 2:7-9
Wednesday, November 29
We will be like him, because we will see him just as he is.—1 John 3:2.
Do you feel that you have more than average zeal in the ministry? Are you a keen student of God’s Word who loves to delve into “the deep things of God”? (1 Cor. 2:10) Have you seen Jehovah’s special blessing on your ministry? Do you have a burning desire to do Jehovah’s will? Do you have a deep inner feeling of responsibility to help others spiritually? Have you seen proof that Jehovah has personally intervened in your life? If you answer these questions with a resounding yes, does this mean that you now have the heavenly calling? No, it does not. Why not? Because these are not unique feelings experienced only by those who have the heavenly calling. Jehovah’s spirit works with equal force in those who have the hope of living forever on earth. In fact, if you are wondering whether you have received the heavenly calling, that would in itself indicate that you have not received it. w16.01 3:14, 15
Thursday, November 30
I rejoiced before him all the time.—Prov. 8:30.
Jesus joyfully worked alongside his Father, rejoicing both in what he accomplished and in the knowledge that Jehovah was fond of him. What, though, about us? Jesus said that there is happiness both in giving and in receiving. (Acts 20:35) It brought us joy to receive the truth, and it brings us joy to share the truth with others. As we share Bible truths with others, we see spiritually hungry ones filled with delight as they begin to understand and appreciate our God and the precious truths contained in his Word. It touches our heart to see them make changes not just in their thinking but also in their way of life. We realize that the work of sharing the good news is vitally important. It opens the way to everlasting life for those who become reconciled to God. (2 Cor. 5:20) What more joyful, satisfying work could we engage in than that of helping people chart a course that will result in their living forever? w16.01 5:6, 7 |
Centennial (br84)
1984 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/library/r1/lp-e/all-publications/brochures-and-booklets/centennial-br84 | Welcome to the Centennial Meeting of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania
TODAY, the Watch Tower Society is known around the world wherever the work of Jehovah’s Witnesses is known. In 205 countries people are taking in Bible instruction in some 190 different languages. Their lives are greatly benefited from dissemination of Bible truths by the Watch Tower Society.
Through the initiative and the coordinating efforts of this Society, the work that began with one congregation in Allegheny, Pennsylvania, in the 1870’s has spread to 46,235 congregations throughout the world. The Society has worked closely with the Bible Students, now Jehovah’s Witnesses, during times of trial and testing from within and persecution from without, through two world wars and countless local upheavals and times of trouble. It has provided continuity to the work of restoring basic Bible truths in these last days.
This annual meeting, which also marks the 100th anniversary of the Watch Tower Society, provides an opportunity of reviewing how well the Society has fulfilled its purpose, and of looking ahead to the work yet to be done.
In Bible times the locations of important happenings were often marked as reminders of such events and their significance. Many of the activities of Jehovah’s Witnesses today had their beginnings in the original class, or congregation, of Bible Students here in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It is thus appropriate that the 100th anniversary of the Watch Tower Society be held in this city, and that we use the opportunity to reflect on what has taken place during the last 100 years with benefit to the work ahead.
There is, indeed, much evidence that Jehovah has proved to be with his people and that he has blessed and established the work of their hands—accomplished by the instrumentality of the Watch Tower Society. Therefore, in accord with the thoughts of Psalm 78:2-7, it is appropriate that we use this occasion to relate to the newer generation the “praises of Jehovah . . . and his wonderful things that he has done.”
[Picture on page 3]
Watch Tower Building, 4100 Bigelow Blvd., Pittsburgh
[Picture on page 3]
Jehovah’s Witnesses Assembly Hall at Coraopolis, Pennsylvania |
Bangkok—A Medley of Past and Present | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/101988005 | Bangkok—A Medley of Past and Present
THE Thai people call it Krung Thep, or “City of Angels.” Western visitors of the past called it Venice of the East. To the rest of us, it is Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, the ancient Kingdom of Siam.
When Europeans first arrived in Thailand in the 16th century, Bangkok was only a small fishing village, occupied by Chinese merchants and artisans. Today, two million tourists yearly find this bustling metropolis of more than five million people a captivating medley of past and present.
City of Contrasts
In 1782 King Rama I, the first king of the present Chakri dynasty, moved the capital of Siam from Thon Buri across the Chao Phraya River to Bangkok. Here, on the east bank of a bend in the river, he built his royal residence, now the Grand Palace complex. Swept on three sides by the river, the city was crisscrossed by a network of canals—called khlongs—that served as its thoroughfares as well as its water supply, bath, and marketplace. “Venice of the East” was indeed a fitting name.
Today, though, a visitor will no longer find idyllic scenes along gleaming, peaceful canals. Gone, too, are most of the waterfront houses on stilts and the bamboo rafts. Instead, what he will find is a teeming metropolis of concrete and neon, with endless traffic jams in which even crossing the street may be a harrowing experience. Most of the canals have been filled in to become the city’s road system. And “shophouses” with two, three, or four stories have replaced the canalside homes.
In many ways Bangkok has adopted a western character complete with high-rise office buildings and air-conditioned shopping centers. But right next to the ultramodern is the traditional—Buddhist temples, shrines, and spirit houses. Inside a Buddhist monastery, monks meditate and chant, and people try to find some peace and quiet. Right outside, endless streams of cars, noisy samlors (open, three-wheeled taxis), motorcycles, and smoke-belching buses and trucks clog the streets, some of which were elephant trails only about a hundred years ago.
In the residential sections of the city, people live in air-conditioned, western-style apartments. But in the outskirts and poorer areas of the city, families, often several generations strong, live in small wooden houses, with little furniture, though usually with a TV antenna on the roof.
Religious Life
About 95 percent of the Thai people are Buddhists, so the first thing visitors might notice is a profusion of glittering temples, or wats, with their multitiered, pointed roofs and richly ornamented gables. About 400 of the country’s 30,000 Buddhist monasteries are in Bangkok. The most famous of them is the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. It is the Royal Chapel, and it houses Thailand’s most revered object, a 61-centimeter-high [24 in.] Buddha image made of a green crystalline stone. It is considered so sacred that the king himself will change its three different robes at the beginning of the rainy, the cool, and the hot seasons.
At one of the busiest intersections in the city stands Bangkok’s most popular shrine, with a gilded statue of the four-headed Hindu deity Brahma. Here, Buddhism has been mixed with Hinduism from the beginning.
Another part of the Oriental mystique is the presence of many spirit houses throughout the city. To the Thais, every tract of land is occupied by a guardian spirit that has to be appeased. Thus, a spirit house is erected alongside practically every structure, whether it is a residence, a hotel, a bank, an office complex, or even a monastery.
The mixture of religious beliefs and ideas has shaped the Thai people’s attitudes and thinking in many ways. Although Buddhists view life as consisting mainly of suffering, Thais do believe in sanuk (pleasure or fun). This creates in them a carefree and easygoing spirit. While this may help in some things, it surely does nothing for orderly traffic or observance of necessary laws. Attitudes such as mai pen rai (never mind; it doesn’t matter) and tam sabai (take it easy) help little in eliminating problems like littering, nor do they encourage farsighted planning.
On the other hand, the acceptance of the effects of past karma (deeds) as being responsible for misfortunes seems to explain the Thais’ patient endurance of unpleasant circumstances. Not only does the farmer appear to be output with his hard lot in life but the average city motorist is hardly upset should anyone cut in ahead of him. Passengers on a crowded bus remain unperturbed even when it gets stuck in one of the many traffic jams in the sticky afternoon heat. This is all aptly referred to as jai yen (cool head).
A Changing City
The traditional life-style is gradually disappearing. Yet, respect for one’s elders is still emphasized from an early age. It is a pleasant sight to see young students greeting their teachers with a wai, bowing the head with palms pressed together at the chin.
Saffron-robed monks making their early morning alms rounds is a familiar scene in Bangkok. Many young men still honor tradition and take up the monkhood for a short period of time—while on leave with full pay from their employer.
All roads in Thailand converge on the capital, bringing with them what the Bangkok Post calls “the most congested traffic in Asia—perhaps in the world.” Many of these roads were built by filling in existing canals. The result is drainage problems, sewage backups, and frequent flooding, especially during the annual monsoon season.
To compound the problem, Bangkok is sinking—at a rate of more than four centimeters [1.6 in.] a year! Thus, will the “Venice of the East,” so fascinating a medley of past and present, soon become the “Atlantis of the East”?
[Box/Pictures on page 18]
Bangkok’s Floating Market
Imagine going to market seated in a long-nosed, narrow boat and, on arriving, buying fruits and vegetables from other similar boats. Unusual? Not if you live in exotic Bangkok and frequent its Floating Market.
True, this swelling metropolis also has modern-style marketplaces, but none are more fascinating than the market on Bangkok’s khlongs, or canals, which lace this capital city into a watery network.
At the Floating Market, you see women boaters dressed in their traditional garb, complete with what looks like wide-flanged lamp shades perched on their heads. These bamboo-hatted vendors hawk their wares to eager customers. One boat is laden with lush, tropical fruit; another with a cornucopia of vegetables; the next with an assortment of seafood.
Don’t worry if all this shopping makes you hungry or thirsty. Just paddle right up to a boat. There a ‘chef de cuisine’ hovers over a steaming wok that is emitting a tempting, spicy aroma. She is cooking some delightfully tasting morsels. Try one! Or glide to the boat across the khlong where cool fruit drinks are for sale. They will quench your thirst as you slowly leave this traffic jam of bobbing boats.
[Credit Line]
Tourism Authority of Thailand
[Picture Credit Line on page 16]
Photos: Tourism Authority of Thailand |
God’s Kingdom Has Approached (ka)
1973 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/ka | Chapter 18
Bringing the “Man of Lawlessness” to Nothing
1. Why, never before now, has there been a demand of so many people for peace between nations?
NEVER before has there been such a demand by so many people for peace between the nations. Apparently it is because we are living in the “nuclear age,” with already five leading nations possessing the nuclear bomb and many more nations destined to become possessors of the nuclear bomb shortly as the secret of it becomes more widely known and made use of. Nuclear bombs now menace mankind not only from missile sites on dry land but also from missile-launching submarines lurking at strategic places under the waters of the seas.
2. What unusual maneuverings for international peace do we therefore witness today?
2 It is no cause for amazement, then, to behold political rulers making what appear to be honest efforts to prevent the first nuclear war. Faced with a real nuclear holocaust, world rulers incline to become more considerate in their attitudes toward one another. Compromising peace-oriented measures are taken by hitherto intransigent foes of one another. More and more it is being felt that everything must be done to guarantee the peace of the future. Hope rises of “peace for a generation.” The 1973 Conference on European Security and Cooperation of thirty-four nations evidences international feeling on the matter. The aim is to curb international lawlessness!
3. (a) The current of world affairs seems to be nearing the state where what self-congratulatory cry will be raised? (b) Whose day will then be at hand, and why will it be a surprise to those crying out?
3 The current of world events appears to be flowing toward the situation when men in control of affairs will jubilantly cry out in a self-congratulating way, “Peace and security!” When that stage of affairs is reached, under the benign approving smile of the United Nations, does it mean the start of a “generation of peace for mankind”? Bible prophecy has a word to say on the matter. It has much to say on the times and seasons for things to occur, because the Bible’s Author, man’s Creator, is a Timekeeper. He will have His day! The seeming success of international politics in at last establishing “peace and security” will not postpone His day. His day is not set by men. Their very arranging of an international accord on the basis of which they feel justified in crying out, “Peace and security!” will be the foretold sign that His day is ready to dawn. What it brings will surprise mankind. Their surprise will be because they have not believed what he predicted in his Word and what he has had proclaimed by his witnesses.
4. What did Paul write to the Thessalonian Christians about the time of crying out, “Peace and security!”?
4 Centuries before now there were searchers of His inspired Word of prophecy who were looking for the coming of His day. Nineteen hundred years ago the apostle Paul wrote to the newly established Christian congregation in Thessalonica, Macedonia, and said to those Bible researchers: “Now as for the times and the seasons, brothers, you need nothing to be written to you. For you yourselves know quite well that Jehovah’s daya is coming exactly as a thief in the night. Whenever it is that they are saying: ‘Peace and security!’ then sudden destruction is to be instantly upon them just as the pang of distress upon a pregnant woman; and they will by no means escape. But you, brothers, you are not in darkness, so that that day should overtake you as it would thieves, for you are all sons of light and sons of day. We belong neither to night nor to darkness. So, then, let us not sleep on as the rest do, but let us stay awake and keep our senses.”—1 Thessalonians 5:1-6.
5. (a) Paul wrote his first letter to the Thessalonian Christians about midway during a period for which Jesus predicted what? (b) Yet some of them thought that what was near, and they inclined to wanting what?
5 The apostle Paul wrote that first letter to the congregation in Thessalonica, Macedonia, about the year 50 C.E. That was about midway in the time period from 33 C.E. to 70 C.E., the period that Jesus Christ in his prophecy on the Mount of Olives said would be marked by “wars and reports of wars,” for, during that period, “nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom.” Anything but a peaceful time. (Matthew 24:4-7) And yet, during the year that followed Paul’s writing of his first letter, there came to be Christians in Thessalonica who yielded to the impression that “the day of Jehovah is here.” And yet there is no evidence that during that time, 50/51 C.E., men of affairs were saying, “Peace and security!” the saying that, as Paul had written in his letter, was immediately to precede the coming of “sudden destruction” on the peacemakers of the world. The Thessalonian Christians were going through a time of tribulation because of persecution from religious opposers, and they inclined toward wanting to be gathered at once to heaven to be with the Lord Jesus Christ and away from trouble.
6, 7. Because they needed to demonstrate faith under further tribulation, what did Paul write to those Thessalonians?
6 Consequently, about the year 51 C.E., the apostle Paul deemed it advisable to write the Thessalonian Christians another letter in order to restore their spiritual equilibrium. He expressed pleasure at their endurance and faith under persecution and tribulation and said: “This is a proof of the righteous judgment of God, leading to your being counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are indeed suffering.” He did not assure them that they would shortly be relieved of the troublemakers, but pointed forward to the “revelation of the Lord Jesus from heaven with his powerful angels.” Realizing that they had to go on demonstrating their Christian faith under difficult circumstances, he said:
7 “To that very end indeed we always pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling and perform completely all he pleases of goodness and the work of faith with power; in order that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in union with him, in accord with the undeserved kindness of our God and of the Lord Jesus Christ.”—2 Thessalonians 1:5-12.
8. That their expectations might not be disappointed in connection with Jerusalem’s coming destruction, Paul requested them not to get excited over what idea?
8 The destruction of earthly Jerusalem (in 70 C.E.) was approaching, within that generation, and the apostle Paul did not wish the Thessalonian Christians to be disappointed in their unfounded expectations before or immediately after that Jewish national calamity. Seeing the need to readjust their thinking, he now proceeded to write: “However, brothers, respecting the presence [Greek: pa·rou·siʹa] of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered together to him, we request of you not to be quickly shaken from your reason nor to be excited either through an inspired expression or through a verbal message or through a letter as though from us, to the effect that the day of Jehovah is here.”—2 Thessalonians 2:1, 2.
9. In his first letter, what did Paul tell the Thessalonians about Christ’s presence and about Christians being gathered to him?
9 Along with his fellow missionaries Silvanus (Silas) and Timothy, the apostle Paul had founded that congregation at Thessalonica, and in his first letter after he was obliged to leave the congregation he wrote to them about what he calls the “presence of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered together to him.” In 1 Thessalonians 4:14-18 he wrote: “For if our faith is that Jesus died and rose again, so, too, those who have fallen asleep in death through Jesus God will bring with him. For this is what we tell you by Jehovah’s word, that we the living who survive to the presence of the Lord shall in no way precede those who have fallen asleep in death; because the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a commanding call, with an archangel’s voice and with God’s trumpet, and those who are dead in union with Christ will rise first. Afterward we the living who are surviving will, together with them, be caught away in clouds to meet the Lord in the air; and thus we shall always be with the Lord. Consequently keep comforting one another with these words.”
10, 11. From the apostle Matthew’s account of Christ’s life, what feature of his prophecy might have been called to their attention?
10 Besides such information through Paul, the Gospel of Matthew was circulating by that time, it having been written about the year 41 C.E., in Hebrew as well as in the common Greek of the first century C.E. So it is possible that the congregation in Thessalonica had had called to their attention what the apostle Matthew had recorded of Jesus’ prophecy on the Mount of Olives. Matthew’s account tells that, after Jesus had foretold the destruction of Jerusalem (in 70 C.E.), he went on to say:
11 “Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then the sign of the Son of man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will beat themselves in lamentation, and they will see the Son of man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And he will send forth his angels with a great trumpet sound, and they will gather his chosen ones together from the four winds, from one extremity of the heavens to their other extremity.”—Matthew 24:29-31.
12. (a) Did Paul expect the gathering of the Christians to the heavenly Christ immediately after Jerusalem’s destruction? (b) What did Paul remind them must come first before the destructive day of Jehovah?
12 Now the apostle Paul knew that right after the destruction of Jerusalem within that generation the gathering of God’s chosen ones by the angels under the glorified Son of man would not occur, resulting in a gathering of the Christians in Thessalonica together to the Lord Jesus Christ. He knew that, before the arrival of the destructive “day of Jehovah,” more had to occur than the destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans and the deceptive cry of “Peace and security!” on the part of political rulers. This additional preliminary thing the apostle Paul reminded the Thessalonian Christians of, in these words: “Let no one seduce you in any manner, because it will not come unless the apostasy comes first and the man of lawlessness gets revealed, the son of destruction.”—2 Thessalonians 2:3.
13. (a) What did Paul not mean by the word “apostasy”? (b) How did Paul know what the word meant by himself having been accused of apostasy?
13 Ah, yes! First there must come an apostasy. What did the apostle Paul mean by “apostasy”? Did he mean a mere careless falling away, a dropping off indifferently of Christ’s disciples as respects the Christian faith and practice? No! The word means something far stronger. The apostle Paul knew that. Why, he himself was accused of being guilty of apostasy, but that accusation was made by the unbelieving circumcised Jews. That is why, on his last visit to Jerusalem, Paul was given counsel by the governing body of the Christian congregation for a stated reason, namely: “You behold, brother, how many thousands of believers there are among the Jews; and they are all zealous for the Law. But they have heard it rumored about you that you have been teaching all the Jews among the nations an apostasy from Moses, telling them neither to circumcise their children nor to walk in the solemn customs. What, then, is to be done about it? In any case they are going to hear you have arrived [Greek: e·leʹly·thas]. Therefore do this which we tell you.” (Acts 21:18-23) For Paul to turn his back on Moses meant apostasy, in Jewish minds.
14. What does the original Greek word literally mean, in itself, and what meanings has it taken on?
14 According to the Greek word used, “apostasy” means, literally, “a standing off from,” “a departing,” “a withdrawing.” For instance, we read, in Luke 8:13: “In the time of testing they desert.” (NE) Also, in 1 Timothy 4:1: “In after times some will desert from the faith.” (NE; Je) “Certain people will rebel against the faith.” (Mo) Also, Hebrews 3:12: “See to it, brothers, that no one among you has the wicked, faithless heart of a deserter from the living God.” (NE) “Brothers, take care lest there be a wicked, unbelieving heart in any of you, moving you to be apostates from the living God.” (Mo) “A wicked, unbelieving heart, that turns away from the ever-living God.” (AT; Je) So, to the ancient Greeks, their word from which our “apostasy” is derived meant a “defection” or “revolt,” as well as “departure; disappearance.” This is why some modern translations convey the thought of “rebellion” at 2 Thessalonians 2:3.
15. How do modern translations show that a strong view is taken of the word “apostasy”?
15 For example, the Roman Catholic Jerusalem Bible there reads: “It cannot happen until the Great Revolt has taken place and the Rebel, the Lost One, has appeared.” An American Translation reads: “For that is not until the rebellion takes place and the embodiment of disobedience makes his appearance—he who is doomed to destruction.” The Revised Standard Version reads: “For that day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of perdition.” Moffatt renders it: “It will not come till the Rebellion takes place first of all, with the revealing of the Lawless One, the doomed One.” And The New English Bible reads: “That day cannot come before the final rebellion against God, when wickedness will be revealed in human form, the man doomed to perdition.” From these various renderings of 2 Thessalonians 2:3 we can see that a strong view is taken of the word “apostasy.”
AGAINST WHOM?
16. (a) How do we know from what it is that the apostasy or desertion takes place? (b) What indicates whether this “man of lawlessness” is a single man, and whether this “man” is just an antichrist?
16 Against whom, then, is this apostasy, this revolt, this rebellion, this defection? The further description of this rebellious development makes it plain that it is against Jehovah God, whose Day this apostasy is to precede. This apostasy is to result in the revealing of “the man of lawlessness, the son of destruction.” A literal man? No, for one single man could not have lived over the long period of time that is embraced within the fulfillment of this prophecy. Quite in line with this explanation is the rendering of An American Translation that uses the expression “the embodiment of disobedience, . . . who is doomed to destruction.” We note that this one is not called “The Antichrist.” True, he turns out to be an antichrist. Just as the apostle John, writing about the year 98 C.E., says concerning his own day: “Even now there have come to be many antichrists; . . . Who is the liar if it is not the one that denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, the one that denies the Father and the Son.” (1 John 2:18, 22) Not only is the Son of God denied, but also God the Father is denied.
17. What is meant by calling this anti-God the “son of destruction,” and when does the destruction come?
17 So, then, it is more proper to call the “man of lawlessness” an anti-God. This anti-God is lawless toward God, and, being against God the Father, he is also against the Son of God, Jesus Christ. Before ever he appears, the “man of lawlessness” is termed the “son of destruction.” That figurative expression means that he is an heir of destruction, he is condemned to destruction, “doomed to destruction.” The “man of lawlessness” deserves destruction; he cannot escape it. This deserved destruction will come to this one on the “day of Jehovah.” This anti-God is revealed before that day.
18. (a) Since the lawless one is connected with the “apostasy,” what does this indicate as to that one’s relationship with God? (b) Were the natural Jews of Paul’s day in peaceful relationship with God, from which to apostatize?
18 This “man of lawlessness” who is destined for destruction is connected up with the foretold “apostasy,” the revolt, the rebellion against God. This fact makes it certain that the “man of lawlessness” was originally associated with God, in peaceful relations with God. At the time that the apostle Paul wrote his letter to the Thessalonian Christians, it was not the natural, circumcised Jews who were at peace with God and in harmonious relationship with Him. It was the Jews that roused up a mob in Thessalonica and obliged the apostle Paul to flee from that city, and, later also, from Beroea. (Acts 17:5-15) In his first letter to the Thessalonians, Paul wrote: “They [the congregations in Judea] also are suffering at the hands of the Jews, who killed even the Lord Jesus and the prophets and persecuted us. Furthermore, they are not pleasing God, but are against the interests of all men, as they try to hinder us from speaking to people of the nations that these might be saved, with the result that they always fill up the measure of their sins. But his wrath has at length come upon them.”—1 Thessalonians 2:14-16.
19. From whom, then, could the apostasy be expected to start, and why from them?
19 Where else, then, could the apostasy be expected to start from but in the Christian congregation? It was to the Christians, as represented by the congregation at Thessalonica, that the apostle wrote: “Paul and Silvanus and Timothy to the congregation of the Thessalonians in union with God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: May you have undeserved kindness and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” (2 Thessalonians 1:1, 2) These Christians could apostatize from God, could revolt and rebel against God, because they were in union with Him and with his Messiah Jesus and were receiving undeserved kindness and peace from God their heavenly Father and through his Son Jesus Christ. Who, therefore, are such rebels from the Christian congregation?
20, 21. (a) Why was it that the apostasy would start, not from within the Jewish nation, but from within the Christian congregation? (b) With what words did Paul warn the presbytery of Ephesus about the coming apostasy?
20 The apostle Paul himself warned that the apostasy, the religious revolt or rebellion, would come from the midst of the congregation that now belonged to God, inasmuch as He had rejected the Jewish nation as his chosen people. God’s congregation was composed now of spiritual Israelites, spiritual Jews, and was no longer the nation of natural, circumcised Jews. Some years after Paul wrote his second letter to the Thessalonians, Paul found himself at the city of Miletus, Asia Minor, on his last trip to Jerusalem. At Miletus he addressed himself to the presbytery or “body of elders” of the nearby congregation of Ephesus. Pointing ahead to the apostasy, Paul said to those elders or overseers:
21 “Pay attention to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the holy spirit has appointed you overseers, to shepherd the congregation of God, which he purchased with the blood of his own Son. I know that after my going away oppressive wolves will enter in among you and will not treat the flock with tenderness, and from among you yourselves men will rise and speak twisted things to draw away the disciples after themselves.”—Acts 20:28-30.
22, 23. (a) In which of his letters, and to whom, did Peter also warn against the coming apostasy? (b) How did Peter, by what he there said, help us to identify the lawless “son of destruction”?
22 Like the apostle Paul, his fellow apostle Peter was also aware of the coming apostasy. In his second and last letter, written about the year 64 C.E., Peter addressed himself “to those who have obtained a faith, held in equal privilege with ours, by the righteousness of our God and the Savior Jesus Christ.”
23 In the course of his letter to these, Peter went on to say: “Prophecy was at no time brought by man’s will, but men spoke from God as they were borne along by holy spirit. However, there also came to be false prophets among the people, as there will also be false teachers among you. These very ones will quietly bring in destructive sects and will disown even the owner that bought them, bringing speedy destruction upon themselves. Furthermore, many will follow their acts of loose conduct, and on account of these the way of the truth will be spoken of abusively. Also, with covetousness they will exploit you with counterfeit words. But as for them, the judgment from of old is not moving slowly, and the destruction of them is not slumbering.” (2 Peter 1:1, 21 through 2Pe 2:3) This helps us to identify that lawless “son of destruction.”
24, 25. In view of what Paul and Peter said above, what questions do we ask toward identifying what the “man of lawlessness” is?
24 In the light of what the apostles Paul and Peter say about the apostasy, who really is “the man of lawlessness . . . the son of destruction”? To “elders,” the “overseers” who represented the congregation of Ephesus, the apostle Paul said that men would rise and “speak twisted things,” in the religious field. This narrows the matter down to the religious leaders of the Christian congregation, those ordained or appointed to “shepherd the congregation of God.” Who, then, are the religious leaders who professed to be of God’s congregation and who were like “oppressive wolves”? Who were the professedly Christian leaders who did not “treat the flock with tenderness”? Who were the leading religious men who rose and spoke “twisted things” in order to “draw away the disciples” in the congregation “after themselves”? Who are the men that, like the false prophets among the people of ancient Israel, have proved to be “false teachers” among the spiritual Israelites?
25 Yes, who are the religious leaders that have brought in “destructive sects” among those who think themselves to be God’s congregation? Who are those sectarian leaders who, by their religious teachings and their practices really have disowned the heavenly “owner that bought them”? What religious leaders have shown themselves guilty of “loose conduct” in their relations with the secular, worldly authorities? What religious leaders have set the bad example for imitation by their flocks so that the “way of the truth” came to be “spoken of abusively”? What religious leaders have coveted the things that the people of their congregation had and then have exploited them “with counterfeit words”?
IDENTIFYING THE “MAN OF LAWLESSNESS”
26. To whom does the identifying finger point, and how does The Encyclopedia Americana describe the one identified?
26 The identifying finger of human history over the past sixteen hundred years points to the religious clergy of Christendom. Is anyone unclear as to what is meant by the “clergy” of Christendom? If so, then let The Encyclopedia Americana (1929 edition), Volume 7, page 90, make it clear for the individual, in the following words:
CLERGY (Latin clericus, from Greek kléros, a lot), in the Christian Church, that portion of the faithful which is set apart for the ministry of religion. The separation from the laity became more marked through the multiplication of offices and inputs, privileges, rights, peculiar dress and habits. In the Roman Catholic Church there are eight grades or distinctions of clergy, namely, that of the simple cleric, those of the four minor orders and those of the three sacred orders of subdeacon, deacon and priest. . . . The last three are regarded as being of divine institution. The simple cleric is one who has received the ecclesiastical tonsure; by that rite he is made a clerk or cleric, and as such is eninputd to certain rights, privileges and immunities and assumes certain obligations not incumbent on the laity. In Protestant churches the distinction between clergy and laity is much less wide.
27. (a) What words of Jesus are against dividing the congregation up into clergy and laity? (b) How did John, in the Revelation, classify all members of the congregation?
27 Did Jesus Christ, the Head of the Christian congregation, give instructions for his disciples to be divided up into clergy and laity? Nowhere in the four Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John or in the book of Acts of Apostles or in the book of Revelation are there instructions to split up his disciples into two general classes. His instructions are to the direct contrary. In the temple at Jerusalem, to his disciples and to the crowds of Jews, Jesus said: “But you, do not you be called Rabbi, for one is your teacher, whereas all you are brothers. Moreover, do not call anyone your father on earth, for one is your Father, the heavenly One. Neither be called ‘leaders,’ for your Leader is one, the Christ. But the greatest one among you must be your minister.” (Matthew 23:8-11) In the Revelation given to him through Jesus Christ, the apostle John refers to all the disciples of Christ as being priests, saying: “He made us to be a kingdom, priests to his God and Father. . . .” “You made them to be a kingdom and priests to our God, and they are to rule as kings over the earth.”—Revelation 1:6; 5:10.
28. How did Peter’s first letter also classify all those of the congregation alike?
28 Likewise, the apostle Peter writes the Christians that they are all priests, saying: “Be you also as living stones built up, a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. But you are a chosen generation, a kingly priesthood, a holy nation, a purchased people: that you may declare his virtues, who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.”—1 Peter 2:5, 9, Roman Catholic Douay Version.
29, 30. (a) In 1 Peter 5:1-3, how does the Douay Version Bible apply the word “clergy”? (b) How do modern Catholic translations render the Greek word here involved?
29 The English word “clergy” does occur once in the Douay Version of the Bible, in Peter’s first letter, as follows: “The ancients therefore that are among you, I beseech who am myself also an ancient and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as also a partaker of that glory which is to be revealed in time to come: Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking care of it, not by constraint but willingly, according to God: not for filthy lucre’s sake but voluntarily: Neither as lording it over the clergy but being made a pattern of the flock from the heart.” (1 Peter 5:1-3, Dy) But even in this translation of the Bible the whole flock of God’s spiritual sheep are called the “clergy,” and the “ancients,” like the apostle Peter, are told not to lord it over this “clergy.” However, not satisfied with that Douay Version rendering of the Greek word kleʹros (in the plural number) in 1 Peter 5:3, the modern Roman Catholic translations of the Bible render the Greek word differently in English. For example:
30 “Neither be a dictator over any group that is put in your charge, but be an example that the whole flock can follow.” (The Jerusalem Bible) “Be examples to the flock, not lording it over those assigned to you.” (The New American Bible) “Nor yet as lording it over your charges, but becoming an example to the flock.”—The New Testament in the Westminster Version of the Sacred Scriptures.
31. In view of what Jesus said, in Matthew 23:10-12, 14, 33, why do we ask about the motive of men in distinguishing themselves as “the clergy” separate from “the laity”?
31 Since the inspired apostles of Jesus Christ apply the terms “priesthood” and “clergy” (Douay Version) to the whole flock of God and do not confine those terms to the “ancients” or “elders” like the apostle Peter, it is not impertinent here to ask: Who are these religious leaders of Christendom who eninput themselves as “priests” and who call themselves “the clergy” as separate and distinct from what they call “the laity,” a term that does not occur in the inspired Holy Scriptures? What is the motivation of these religious leaders in thus distinguishing themselves? What are they trying to make of themselves? We remember that Jesus Christ, when denouncing the Jewish scribes and Pharisees as “hypocrites” and “serpents, generation of vipers,” said: “Neither be ye called masters: for one is your master, Christ. He that is the greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be humbled: and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.”—Matthew 23:10-12, 14, 33, Douay Version.
32. When did the religious leaders of Christendom begin to call themselves “the clergy” as distinct from “the laity”?
32 When, in fact, did the religious leaders of Christendom begin to call themselves the clergy and to reserve for themselves the input of “priest”? Following the heading: “2. Distinction of Clergy and Laity,” M’Clintock and Strong’s Cyclopædia, Volume II, page 386, says of the “antithesis” or contrast between clergy and laity:
The Jewish antithesis of clergy and laity was at first unknown among Christians; and it was “only as men fell back from the evangelical to the Jewish point of view” that the idea of the general Christian priesthood of all believers gave place, more or less completely, to that of the special priesthood or clergy. . . . So Tertullian, even (De Baptismo, c. 17, before he became a Montanist): “The laity have also the right to administer the sacraments and to teach in the community. The Word of God and the sacraments were by the grace of God communicated to all, and may therefore be communicated by all Christians as instruments of the divine grace. But the question here relates not barely to what is permitted in general, but also to what is expedient under existing circumstances. We may here use the words of St. Paul, ‘All things are lawful for men, but all things are not expedient.’ If we look at the order necessary to be maintained in the Church, the laity are therefore to exercise their priestly right of administering the sacraments only when the time and circumstances require it.” From the time of Cyprian . . . the father of the hierarchical system, the distinction of clergy and laity became prominent, and very soon was universally admitted. Indeed, from the third century onward, the term clerus (kleʹros, ordo) was almost exclusively applied to the ministry to distinguish it from the laity. As the Roman hierarchy was developed, the clergy came to be not merely a distinct order (which might consist with all the apostolical regulations and doctrines), but also to be recognised as the only priesthood, and the essential means of communication between man and God.
33. Who was this Cyprian, and what office did he hold in the congregation during the third century?
33 According to The Encyclopedia Americana, Volume 8, page 368, the above-mentioned Thascius Caecilius Cyprian was born about 200 C.E. and died at Carthage, Africa, September 14, 258. “Shortly after being baptized (246) he was ordained priest and then was elected by the Christians of Carthage to be their bishop (248). . . . He did much to relieve and strengthen his episcopate. Under him seven councils were held, the last in 256.” Although this African bishop was considered as one of the Church “fathers” and sainted by the Roman Catholic Church, the fact remains that he was a clergyman, one of the clergy that came into existence after the death of the apostles of Jesus Christ and their immediate associates.
34. By the expression “the man of lawlessness,” what kind of individual does the Bible mean, and why so?
34 It is this so-called “Christian” clergy that demonstrated itself to be “the man of lawlessness . . . the son of destruction,” in connection with the “apostasy,” the “revolt” or “rebellion.” It is evident that by the use of this expression the Holy Bible means a composite “man,” who exists over a long period of time and whose makeup or personnel changes as time goes on. Thus the membership of this “man of lawlessness” today differs from that of the third century.
PRETENSIONS TO GODSHIP
35. Why is it no cause for surprise that the “man of lawlessness” should aspire to Godship? To what extent?
35 Since the “apostasy” or “rebellion” of this clerical “man of lawlessness” is against Jehovah God, it is no cause for surprise that this composite “man” should aspire to Godship, try to make a god of himself. The first rebel against Jehovah God, namely, Satan the Devil, made a god of himself, so that the apostle Paul calls him the “god of this system of things.” (2 Corinthians 4:4) Under Satan the Devil the pagan king of ancient Babylon tried to make himself appear equal to Jehovah God whose temple was at Jerusalem. According to Isaiah 14:14, the king of ancient Babylon said in his heart: “I shall go up above the high places of the clouds; I shall make myself resemble the Most High.” He thought he had achieved his ambition when he destroyed Jerusalem and the temple of Jehovah God in the year 607 B.C.E. However, the destruction of Jerusalem and its temple by that Babylonian aspirant to equality with Jehovah God is something minor when it is compared with all the destruction of things connected with Jehovah God as caused by this clerical “man of lawlessness.”
36. How does that composite “man” act as if not responsible to Jehovah, and what did Paul use to tell the Thessalonians about that “man”?
36 Being a lawless rebel in things religious, he has acted as if he were not responsible to the Most High and Almighty God, Jehovah, as if he were above the law of the one living and true God. The apostle Paul does not go to any extreme when he says prophetically of this composite “man of lawlessness” this astonishing thing: “He is set in opposition and lifts himself up over everyone who is called ‘god’ or an object of reverence, so that he sits down in the temple of The God, publicly showing himself to be a god. Do you not remember that, while I was yet with you, I used to tell you these things?”—2 Thessalonians 2:4, 5.
37. In confirming how Paul’s prophecy has been fulfilled, to what prominent religious personage might one point, and why?
37 Of course, in confirming how the clerical “man of lawlessness” has fulfilled this prophecy, a person might point to how a member of the so-called “Christian” clergy has spoken and acted or to the claims of godship that have been made for him. For instance, a person might point to the pope of the Roman Catholic Church, and quote what is said concerning this papal bishop of Rome in Ferraris’ ecclesiastical dictionary,b namely:
The pope is of such dignity and highness that he is not simply a man but, as it were, God, and the Vicar of God. . . . Hence the pope is crowned with a triple crown, as king of heaven, of earth and of hell. . . . Nay, the pope’s excellence and power are not only about heavenly, terrestrial and infernal things, but he is also above angels, and is their superior . . . So that if it were possible that angels could err from the faith, or entertain sentiments contrary thereto, they could be judged and excommunicated by the pope. . . . He is of such great dignity and power that he occupies one and the same tribunal with Christ . . . So that whatsoever the pope does seems to proceed from the mouth of God. . . . The pope is, as it were, God on earth, the only prince of the faithful of Christ, the greatest king of all kings, possessing the plenitude of power; to whom the government of the earthly and heavenly kingdom is entrusted. . . . The pope is of so great authority and power that he can modify, declare or interpret the divine law. . . . The pope can sometimes counteract the divine law by limiting, explaining,” etc.
38. However, in pointing to an individual clergyman, what should be remembered, and so how has this prophecy concerning the “man of lawlessness” really been fulfilled?
38 However, it is not to be forgotten that the “man of lawlessness” is not a single individual religious leader like the pope of Rome or the Greek Orthodox patriarch of Athens, the Greek Orthodox patriarch of Constantinople (Istanbul) or other religious patriarch. The foretold “lawless” one is a composite “man,” the whole religious clergy of the professed “Christian” church. Of course, what one prominent member of this clerical “man” does attaches blame to all the other members of the clergy class for their agreeing with what is done or not protesting against it or for acquiescing in it and remaining with the clergy organization. They all share a community responsibility and culpability for what a member of the clergy class does in a representative way as when speaking or acting for the whole group. It is what the clergy class as a whole does or joins in doing through the centuries of time that fulfills the prophecy concerning the “man of lawlessness.”
39. How has the “man of lawlessness” class proved itself to be “set in opposition” to Jehovah?
39 The “man of lawlessness” class has proved itself to be “set in opposition” by making itself the “friend” of the world, according to the rule stated by the inspired disciple James in his letter: “The friendship of this world is the enemy of God. Whosoever therefore will be a friend of this world becometh an enemy of God.” (James 4:4, Douay) He opposes Jehovah God when he opposes and tries to nullify the inspired written Word of God and even tries to take or keep away the Bible from the church-supporting members. He opposes Jehovah God when he opposes and persecutes those disciples of Christ who are worshiping Jehovah God with spirit and truth through Jesus Christ. (John 4:24) He opposes the one living and true God by taking away the worship and adoration that belong to this God and attracting such worship and adoration to a glorified clergy class.
40. How has the “man of lawlessness” class endeavored to be the only earthly god on the scene, as in the matter of Church and State?
40 The “man of lawlessness” class wants to be the only god on the earthly scene, in fact, the god of earthly gods. This has been demonstrated during the relations that the religious Church of Christendom has had with the political State. In this marriage of Church and State, the clergy has always endeavored to be the party on top, to do the dictating. From the time of Constantine there has been this marriage of Church and State. This has really been a marriage of convenience, for what the clergy can get out of it in the way of authority, prestige, protection and immunities, support and other selfish benefits. Concerning “Church and State,” The Encyclopedia Americana, Volume 6, pages 657, 658, says:
Between these two institutions, in modern times, there has rarely, if ever, existed perfect harmony. This struggle, so long protracted, bids fair, unless some astonishing upheaval occurs, to last for all time. It has been a bitter one. It has involved large interests and brought to the forefront momentous discussions. It has fomented uprisings of all kinds and originated a literature of vituperation without parallel outside of political strife. It has been, not seldom, mere political outpution. . . . Under Constantine the Church entered the arena of universal activity as a collaborator in the task of civilizing the peoples. Acknowledged as the spiritual ruler, it gradually acquired a local habitation and a name as a temporal potentate. It became a world power. This success was the beginning of all the many disasters of the Church. . . . From Constantine to Charlemagne the civil power, while giving legal recognition to the Church, interfered in its government. From Charlemagne to a period approaching that of the Reformation, Church and state were closely united and there was a generally acknowledged subordination of the civil to the spiritual authority.
41. (a) What religious rank did the Roman emperors hold, above which the “man of lawlessness” needed to set itself up? (b) What religious office did the Roman emperor hold, and how was this used respecting the apostate church?
41 It is a fact of history that the emperors of the pagan Roman Empire were ranked as gods, and incense was offered to them as gods or divinities. From the time of Emperor Constantine the Great in the fourth century, the bishops of the “apostasy” became wedded to the State and they sought to gain the ascendancy above the deified Roman emperor. Emperor Constantine endeavored to create a fusion religion between paganism and Christianity, and decreed the religion of the apostate bishops to be the State religion. Down to the day of his death in 337 C.E., he bore the pagan input of Pontifex Maximus, the head of religious matters; and it was as Pontifex Maximus that the as yet unbaptized Constantine called the Nicaean Council of 325 C.E. for the settling of the religious disputings of the church bishops. At the time he decided in favor of the pagan doctrine of the Trinity (One God in Three Persons) as taught by the majority of the church bishops.
42. At the first opportunity, how and through whom did the “man of lawlessness” lift itself up “over everyone called a ‘god’ or an object of reverence”?
42 In the year 379c there came the opportunity for the papal bishop of Rome. This was when Emperor Gratian, professing to be Christian, gave up the pagan input and office of Pontifex Maximus. Without qualms of conscience, Pope Damasus picked it up for all the religious power, authority, influence and control it would give him over all the population, the larger part of which was still pagan and recognized the pagan input. This elevated the papal bishop of Rome above the Roman emperor in religious matters. Down to this day the pope of the Roman Catholic Church has continued to claim and use that pagan input. As represented in the pope, the most prominent member of the clergy class, the “man of lawlessness” was lifting himself up “over everyone who is called ‘god’ or an object of reverence.” Everybody knows that the priests and preachers of Christendom like to be addressed and inputd as “Reverend,” “Most Reverend” and “Most Right Reverend.” They command and demand the reverence of their parishioners or church members.
43. In what temple is it that the “man of lawlessness” class seats itself as “a god,” and whom does it compel to recognize its power?
43 The “temple of The God” in which the “man of lawlessness” sits down, “showing himself to be a god,” is what professes to be the Church of God. To the true Christians of the first century the apostle Paul wrote: “Do you not know that you people are God’s temple, and that the spirit of God dwells in you? If anyone destroys the temple of God, God will destroy him; for the temple of God is holy, which temple you people are.” (1 Corinthians 3:16, 17; also 2 Corinthians 6:16) It was from this spiritual “temple” class that the founders of the “apostasy” first broke away. They refuse to recognize the original true “temple” class, and the apostate congregation that these apostates establish they call “the temple of God.” It is in this apostate “temple” that they sit down and maintain their seat as a “clergy” distinct from those whom they call “the laity.” There the clergy class of Christendom shows itself to be “a god.” It forces the politicians, businessmen and military officers to recognize its power. The power and support of the clergy class is invariably sought by the political governments in time of war.
THE FIRST-CENTURY “RESTRAINT”
44, 45. (a) What acted as a “restraint” on the development and formation of the “man of lawlessness” in the first century? (b) How did the apostle John illustrate such a restraining influence, as described in his third letter?
44 Now after so long a time the “man of lawlessness” has stood revealed for centuries. But this was not the case in the first century, in the days of the genuine apostles of Jesus Christ. It was then yet to be revealed. So the apostle Paul wrote to the Thessalonian Christians in his letter of about 51 C.E.: “And so now you know the thing that acts as a restraint, with a view to his being revealed in his own due time.” (2 Thessalonians 2:6) Those first-century Christians knew what the “restraint” was, for Paul made it known to them, in fact, demonstrated it to them. Well, what was the thing that was acting as a “restraint” back there? It was the body of genuine apostles of Jesus Christ, including the apostle Paul. Unitedly they resisted the development and formation of the “man of lawlessness . . . the son of destruction.” As an illustration of this, here is what the apostle John, writing about the year 98 C.E., said in his third and last letter to the Christians:
45 “I wrote something to the congregation, but Diotrephes, who likes to have the first place among them, does not receive anything from us with respect. That is why, if I come, I will call to remembrance his works which he goes on doing, chattering about us with wicked words. Also, not being output with these things, neither does he himself receive the brothers with respect, and those who are wanting to receive them he tries to hinder and to throw out of the congregation.” (3 John 9, 10) That Diotrephes was indeed showing traits of the “man of lawlessness.” The apostle John made an effort to put him under check, under due “restraint.” Other apostles acted likewise in similar cases.
46. How did Paul indicate to the Thessalonians that there was even then a tendency toward forming the “man of lawlessness” class?
46 Even back there, less than twenty years after the founding of the Christian “temple” class on the day of Pentecost of 33 C.E., the apostle Paul was aware that there were evidences of a tendency to form the “man of lawlessness . . . the son of destruction.” That was why he continued on to say to the congregation at Thessalonica: “True, the mystery of this lawlessness is already at work; but only till he who is right now acting as a restraint gets to be out of the way.”—2 Thessalonians 2:7.
47. Why did Paul speak of what was already at work as the “mystery of this lawlessness”?
47 There was a mystery or religious secret about the identity of this coming “man of lawlessness.” To this day there are expounders of the Bible in Christendom who argue that this “man” is an individual male person, whom they designate as The Antichrist. But quite fittingly An American Translation renders the designation of this mysterious figure as “the embodiment of disobedience.” (2 Thessalonians 2:3) This agrees with the fact that the “man of lawlessness” turns out to be a composite man, a clergy class that is lawless toward Jehovah God and that endures over centuries of time. With good basis the apostle Paul could say that the “mystery of this lawlessness” was already at work in his day. It had not yet taken definite form to be designated under the symbol of a man. But there was an operation that was going on in the Christian congregation that would eventually work out in producing this definitely established and identifiable class. But in Paul’s day “mystery” was still connected with the coming of the “lawless one.”
48. As evidence that the “mystery of this lawlessness” was already at work, what did it become necessary for Paul to write to the Corinthian Christians?
48 Proving that the “mystery of this lawlessness” was already at work within the Christian congregation, the apostle Paul found it necessary, just a few years after the foregoing discussion of the matter, to write to the congregation in Corinth, Greece: “Now what I am doing I will still do, that I may cut off the pretext from those who are wanting a pretext for being found equal to us in the office of which they boast. For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself keeps transforming himself into an angel of light. It is therefore nothing great if his ministers also keep transforming themselves into ministers of righteousness. But their end shall be according to their works.”—2 Corinthians 11:12-15.
49. How was it pointed out through John that the operation of the “mystery of this lawlessness” was still going on in the last decade of the first century?
49 This religious operation for the producing of false leaders, “false apostles,” persisted even down into the last decade of the first century C.E. In proof of this, the aged apostle John received the Revelation about the year 96 C.E., and in it he was instructed by the glorified Jesus Christ to write to the “body of elders” of the congregation in Ephesus, Asia Minor. In telling what Jesus in the vision instructed him to do, John says: “To the angel of the congregation in Ephesus write: These are the things that he says who holds the seven stars in his right hand, he who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands, ‘I know your deeds, and your labor and endurance, and that you cannot bear bad men, and that you put those to the test who say they are apostles, but they are not, and you found them liars. . . . Nevertheless, I hold this against you, that you have left the love you had at first.’”—Revelation 2:1-4; 1 Timothy 4:14, footnote.
50. As proving that even in the days of the apostles the “mystery of this lawlessness” was at work, what did John write about antichrists in his first letter?
50 Before finishing his earthly life course, the aged apostle John wrote three letters to the Christians. In evidence of there being an operation of the “mystery of this lawlessness” even in the days of Christ’s apostles, John wrote in his first letter: “Young children, it is the last hour, and, just as you have heard that antichrist is coming, even now there have come to be many antichrists; from which fact we gain the knowledge that it is the last hour. They went out from us, but they were not of our sort; for if they had been of our sort, they would have remained with us. But they went out that it might be shown up that not all are of our sort. And you have an anointing from the holy one; all of you have knowledge. Beloved ones, do not believe every inspired expression, but test the inspired expressions to see whether they originate with God, because many false prophets have gone forth into the world.” (1 John 2:18-20; 4:1; written about 98 C.E.) By not having the Son of God any longer as the Messiah or Christ, those antichrists did not have God the Father either.—1 John 2:22-24.
51. What is meant by the expression “he who is right now acting as a restraint,” and when was this taken “out of the way”?
51 From such apostolic writings exposing bad conditions that were coming to the surface here and there in the congregations, we can identify whom the apostle Paul means by the expression “he who is right now acting as a restraint.” (2 Thessalonians 2:7) He means, not some individual male member of the entire congregation of God on earth, not any individual apostle like himself, but the entire body of the true apostles of Jesus Christ in that first century. That body of apostles, like a composite person, was then, “right now,” as Paul times it, standing in the way of the organizing of a corporate “man of lawlessness” within the entire Christian congregation and in control of it. Consequently, that which was “right now acting as a restraint” was taken “out of the way” of the developing “mystery of this lawlessness” when the last one of Christ’s true apostles was taken away in death. This may have been the apostle John, who died near the end of the first century C.E.
52. By means of whom will the destruction of “the son of destruction” be brought about, at what time?
52 That composite “man of lawlessness” was called “the son of destruction.” This was another way of saying that this lawless one was condemned by Jehovah God to destruction. In the carrying out of His sentence of destruction upon the lawless one, Jehovah God uses his glorified Son Jesus Christ. So, in telling what is to happen after the apostolic “restraint” gets to be out of the way by death of all the apostles, Paul says: “Then, indeed, the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will do away with by the spirit of his mouth and bring to nothing by the manifestation of his presence.”—2 Thessalonians 2:8, NW; NA.
53. (a) Why, then, is ours the time or the generation for the doing away with the “man of lawlessness”? (b) On the other hand, the bringing of this “man” to nothing will be a proof of what fact?
53 The Lord Jesus does not do away with the “man of lawlessness” immediately after its being revealed in full, identifiable form, seated in the “temple of The God” and “publicly showing himself to be a god.” The apostle Paul locates the time for the bringing of the “man of lawlessness” to nothing as being during the “presence” or parousia of the Lord Jesus. That means now, in our generation, for the royal “presence” or parousia of the Lord Jesus began at the end of the Gentile Times in the year 1914 C.E. We behold the “sign” in proof of this, and we know that we are in the “conclusion of the system of things.” (Matthew 24:3 through 25:46) Ours, then, is the time for persons of this generation to witness the doing away with the “man of lawlessness” by means of the “spirit” of the Lord Jesus’ mouth and the bringing of that “lawless one” to nothing by means of the manifestation of the Lord Jesus’ presence, his parousia! This destructive work will be a “manifestation” proving that the Lord Jesus is invisibly present, that his parousia is a reality. The “spirit,” the motivating force, from his mouth will be for the destruction of the entire “man of lawlessness.”
EVIDENCE OF THE LAWLESS ONE’S “PRESENCE”
54. (a) When does the presence of the “lawless one” begin in comparison with the presence of the Lord Jesus? (b) By what is the parousia of the “lawless one” to be marked?
54 At this point of the discussion the apostle Paul turns from the mention of the “presence” of the Lord Jesus to a consideration of the “presence” or parousia of the “man of lawlessness.” The presence or parousia of this lawless one precedes or begins before the “presence” of the Lord Jesus in Kingdom power. Note how Paul presents the evidence of the presence of the lawless one. He writes: “But the lawless one’s presence [Greek: pa·rou·siʹa] is according to the operation of Satan with every powerful work and lying signs and portents and with every unrighteous deception for those who are perishing.”—2 Thessalonians 2:9, 10a.
55. How do we know that the parousia spoken of in 2 Thessalonians 2:9 refers to that of the “lawless one” rather than that of Jesus?
55 Here the Roman Catholic Jerusalem Bible reads: “But when the Rebel comes, Satan will set to work: there will be all kinds of miracles and a deceptive show of signs and portents, and everything evil that can deceive those who are bound for destruction.” (2 Thessalonians 2:9, 10; see also The New American Bible; The New English Bible; Murdock’s The Syriac New Testament.) In the opening of verse 9 the Greek text literally reads: “Of whom is the presence.” However, just because the words “lawless one” do not occur in this verse 9, it does not mean that the word “presence” or parousia applies to the “presence” (parousia) of the Lord Jesus just mentioned in the preceding verse (8). Rather, the reference is to the “presence” of the other one who is under discussion, namely, the lawless one. That is why An American Translation opens up verse 9 by saying: “The other’s appearance, by the contrivance of Satan.” The Westminster Version of “The New Testament” reads similarly: “But that other’s coming is through Satan’s working.” So the Greek relative pronoun “of whom” in verse 9 lines up with “whom” in verse 8, which applies to the lawless one. The connection would be like this: “The lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will do away with . . . of whom is the presence.”
56. The official “presence” of the “man of lawlessness” can be attributed only to whom, and why?
56 The official “presence” or parousia of the anti-God, “the man of lawlessness,” since after the death of Christ’s apostles and down till now can be attributed to no one but to Satan the Devil. Because this composite “man of lawlessness” seated himself in the “temple of The God,” it cannot be argued that this “lawless one” originated with God, Jehovah. The long “presence” of this “embodiment of disobedience” has had all the earmarks of being due to or according to an “operation of Satan.” The name Satan means “Resister,” and he is the instigator of all resistance to Jehovah God in heaven and on earth, including the resistance of the “lawless one” to the Most High God. It certainly was not of Jehovah God that the fomenters of the “apostasy” or rebellion raised themselves to the rank of “clergy” and thereby distinguished themselves from the other members of the congregation whom they called “the laity.” This was a trick of Satan the Devil to try to turn all the congregation of Christ’s disciples against Jehovah God.
57. To get the clergy to the position of power and to keep the clergy there, what means were used, and for what purpose such kind of means?
57 To get the so-called “Christian” clergy to power and to keep them there, the operation and activity of Satan had to be “with every powerful work [miracles, Je] and lying signs and portents and with every unrighteous deception.” The purpose of all this lying, deceptive evidence of supernatural backing for the “clergy” is to get the members of the congregation to believe that the clergy represent the true God and have his appointment, his approval and his backing and are his earthly agents. They are given the appearance of being the ones exclusively set apart and appointed to the ministry of God’s Word, with special powers, privileges, rights, immunities, rank and inputs not shared by the inferior “laity.”
58. Why would the powerful works, signs, portents, and so forth, by the clergy be, not due to connections with the apostles, but by the operation of Satan?
58 Hence, those powerful works or miracles, those signs and portents and unrighteous deceptions are for a purpose that is selfish and not for the glory and exaltation of Jehovah God. These manifestations of Satan’s operation and activity were produced after the death of Christ’s apostles. Those apostles did indeed work miracles, signs and portents, because they had God’s spirit through Christ. Those apostles had the power and authority to impart to baptized believers the spirit with its various gifts of the spirit for the doing of miraculous things, such as speaking with foreign languages, prophecies, interpretations, healings, and so forth. At the death of Christ’s apostles, the imparting of the spirit accompanied by such miraculous gifts ceased. Likewise, when those who had been thus gifted through the apostles died, not later than in the second century C.E., those miraculous gifts ceased to exist, and no longer were such things an evidence to prove who are true servants of God and who make up the true Christian congregation. (Acts 8:14-18; 1 Corinthians 13:8) Hence, the seeming display of such “gifts” after that would be, not of God, but of Satan.
59. (a) Do the impressive things that are pointed to in behalf of the clergy prove these to be God’s ministers? (b) To what do the true ministers refer for proof of divine appointment?
59 So, then, let the clergy-ridden churches of Christendom point to all the powerful works, miracles, signs and portents that they want to in behalf of their clergy down through the centuries. Let them point to the grandiose position of the clergy in this world, the high esteem and reverence that have been paid to the clergy, their grand, eye-dazzling regalia, their high-sounding inputs, their magnificent church buildings and cathedrals, their impressive church rituals, their transubstantiation of bread and wine in the “Mass,” their superior education, their standing and influence with the political State and the military, yet all those things and the effects of those things upon the so-called “laity” prove that the self-exalting clergy of Christendom did not originate with God and are not his ministers. Satan, who transforms himself into an “angel of light,” moves his earthly ministers of religion to “keep transforming themselves into ministers of righteousness.” (2 Corinthians 11:14, 15) True Christian ministers of Jehovah God prove themselves to be his appointed, approved ministers, not by such external things, but by God’s written Word of truth.
60. To what extent were the numerical proportions of the clerical “man of lawlessness” class world wide highly impressive?
60 Highly impressive were the numerical proportions that the clerical “man of lawlessness” class reached world wide. In the year 1971 C.E., when Christendom reached its all-time peak of 985,363,400 members, the number of religious clergymen had risen into the hundreds of thousands. For the Roman Catholic Church alone the published figures showed 419,611 clergymen for 566,771,600 church members world wide in that year of 1971.
61. For whom did Paul say that those deceptive things were designed by the slyly operating Satan? And why by God’s permission?
61 Who are the ones whose credulity is played upon by such outwardly impressive things? Who are the ones favorably impressed and deceived by such unscriptural “powerful work and lying signs and portents”? For whom are such things designed by the slyly operating Satan? The apostle Paul says that the “operation of Satan” during the presence of the clerical “lawless one” is “with every unrighteous deception for those who are perishing, as a retribution because they did not accept the love of the truth that they might be saved. So that is why God lets an operation of error go to them, that they may get to believing the lie, in order that they all may be judged because they did not believe the truth but took pleasure in unrighteousness.”—2 Thessalonians 2:10-12.
62. Does God directly send an “operation of error” to the deceived ones, and what does He determine by means of this “operation of error”?
62 God does not directly send an “operation of error” to these deceived ones. He lets it go to them, in order to prove what it is that they want and also because this is really what they want. This is what the apostle Paul pointed out to his fellow missionary Timothy in a final letter to him. Paul explained why he wanted Timothy to preach God’s Word urgently in all seasons in the Christian congregation. Paul said: “For there will be a period of time when they will not put up with the healthful teaching, but, in accord with their own desires, they will accumulate teachers for themselves to have their ears tickled; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, whereas they will be turned aside to false stories.” (2 Timothy 4:2-4) By means of the inspired Word of God a person can protect himself against an “operation of error” during the presence of the “lawless one.” But by letting Satan carry on an “operation of error” and by thus letting this operation go to the professed Christians, Jehovah God puts them to the proof as to whether they “accept the love of the truth” or love the lie.
63. The approaching of what makes the world situation very serious for all mankind, and what choice must we now make?
63 More than ever before during the remaining time of the “presence” of the clerical “man of lawlessness” and during the presence or parousia of the Lord Jesus, an “operation of error” has gone to the people by God’s permission. The approaching execution of adverse judgment against those who do not “accept the love of the truth” and who take “pleasure in unrighteousness” makes the world situation a very serious one for all the people. Bible students with spiritual discernment have, since the year 1914 C.E., long seen the “sign” of Christ’s invisible presence or parousia, and they appreciate that the time will suddenly be upon us for the “manifestation of his presence” against the clerical “man of lawlessness . . . the son of destruction.” (2 Thessalonians 2:8) What, therefore, do we desire—to suffer destruction with the “lawless one” or to experience salvation with lovers of the truth?
THE DOING AWAY WITH THE “MAN OF LAWLESSNESS”
64. How has the “man of lawlessness” class made itself a part of Babylon the Great?
64 The clerical “man of lawlessness” class has for centuries taught pagan doctrines that originate with ancient Babylon and has put such pagan doctrines and traditions of men above the inspired Holy Bible. Christendom’s clergy has opposed and persecuted lovers of Bible truth who have preached that truth to others and who live in harmony with it. The clergymen have made themselves friendly with the world and committed spiritual fornication (immorality) with the political rulers and men of Big Business, and they have served as the handmaid of war makers and military elements. They have thereby made themselves a powerful part of Babylon the Great, which symbolizes the world empire of false religion. Yes, the “man of lawlessness” class is a part, the most reprehensible part, of Babylon the Great, the religious “great harlot,” with whom the “kings of the earth committed fornication, whereas those who inhabit the earth were made drunk with the wine of her fornication.”—Revelation 17:1, 2.
65. How is it that the “man of lawlessness” clergy ride the “scarlet-colored wild beast,” and what is their wish for it?
65 As being included in religious Babylon the Great, the clerical “man of lawlessness” class rides the symbolic “scarlet-colored wild beast that was full of blasphemous names and that had seven heads and ten horns.” That symbolic wild beast is the present-day man-made world organization for international peace and security, the United Nations. This is the symbolic “eighth king,” the Eighth World Power, of Bible prophecy. (Revelation 17:1-11) It suits the “man of lawlessness” class, the clergy of Christendom, to speak favorably and commendably of any man-made international organization for world peace and security, even to assigning to that unchristian organization a Messianic role. The wish of the “man of lawlessness” clergy is that such international organization may save the world from a third global conflict, a nuclear war.
66. Why will the ride of the “man of lawlessness” clergy not be for long now, and what will the end of the ride mean for such clergy?
66 The ride on the back of that symbolic “scarlet-colored wild beast” will not be for much longer now. As goes the religious harlot Babylon the Great, so too goes the “man of lawlessness” clergy. As surely as the Revelation vision foretells it, the ten governmental “horns” of the symbolic wild beast will turn upon the filthy rider, Babylon the Great, in hatred. Yes, the seven heads that direct the body movements of the wild beast will hate this international fornicatrix. They will move the body into action against her. What will body, heads and horns do to her? “These will hate the harlot and will make her devastated and naked, and will eat up her fleshy parts and will completely burn her with fire.” (Revelation 17:16) In her being devastated and stripped naked, in her being devoured and burned completely with fire, the “man of lawlessness” clergy gets devastated, denuded, devoured and burned to ashes.
67. Why will this signify for the “man of lawlessness” clergy a “tribulation” that is indeed “great”?
67 That will signify “great tribulation” for the “man of lawlessness” clergy, for the clergy are the dominant part of the modern-day antitypical unfaithful Jerusalem, Christendom. Earthly Jerusalem’s destruction by the Romans in 70 C.E. was a type of the destruction coming upon Christendom and her religious rulers, the professed “Christian” clergy. Ancient Jerusalem’s tribulation at the time that she still had her temple and officiating priesthood was “great” indeed. But what of the tribulation that is soon to smite Christendom and her “man of lawlessness” clergy? It will be the worst tribulation ever to smite the race of mankind. In it that clerical “son of destruction” will be brought to nothing in utter destruction.—Matthew 24:15-22; Mark 13:14-20.
68. From what foretold historical example can we imagine what this will mean for religious Christendom?
68 Can we imagine what that will mean? Those who still have an awe-inducing reverence for the ordained clergy of Christendom cannot imagine these sanctimonious “men of the cloth” violently destroyed with Babylon the Great, for it seems sacrilegious even to think of such a thing. Such persons shrink from daring to imagine the church buildings, in which the clergy sat and seemed to be deserving of reverence like a religious god, reduced to ruins. To them such a thing seems like a profanation of what is holy, consecrated. But that was the way in which the devout, yet unchristianized Jews of the first century viewed any prediction of the destruction of the city of Jerusalem and its holy temple. Nevertheless, what Jesus Christ foretold in his prophecy while seated on the Mount of Olives came true, in all its horrible reality.—Matthew 24:1, 2.
69. (a) To religionists, destruction of the “man of lawlessness” class will be astounding because of its being reverenced as what? (b) Like whom will that class fall and die, being put to death by whom?
69 To the devoted adherents of Christendom, the bringing of the clerical “man of lawlessness” class to nothing will be astounding, shocking their religious susceptibilities. It will mark the death of a god, for the “man of lawlessness” class is one that “sits down in the temple of The God, publicly showing himself to be a god.” (2 Thessalonians 2:4) Jesus Christ himself agreed with the inspired Hebrew Scriptures that there are men on earth who are ranked as “gods,” mighty ones. To prove this point, according to John 10:34-36, he quoted from the eighty-second psalm, which says:
“God is stationing himself in the assembly of the Divine One; in the middle of the gods he judges: ‘How long will you keep on judging with injustice and showing partiality to the wicked themselves? . . . Be judges for the lowly one and the fatherless boy. To the afflicted one and the one of little means do justice. Provide escape for the lowly one and the poor one; out of the hand of the wicked ones deliver them.’
“They [these judicial gods] have not known, and they do not understand; in darkness they keep walking about; all the foundations of the earth are made to totter.
“‘I myself have said, “You are gods, and all of you are sons of the Most High. Surely you will die just as men do; and like any one of the princes you will fall!”’”
The clerical “man of lawlessness” class is no immortal god, but will die like an ordinary man, like the traitorous Judas Iscariot who also was called “the son of destruction.” (John 17:12) In spite of lifting itself up “over everyone who is called ‘god’ or an object of reverence,” that princely “man of lawlessness” will prove to be like any one of the unfaithful human princes and will fall, put to death by Jehovah’s Messiah.—Psalm 82:1-7.
70. In view of those things, what questions do we need to ask ourselves because of what Paul wrote about the “operation of error”?
70 In view of these things, we need to ask ourselves some personal questions now, without postponement: Am I still under the “unrighteous deception” that Satan has created in connection with Christendom’s “man of lawlessness” class? Have I been affected by the “operation of error” that God has let go to those who are perishing, and so am I still believing the lie? Have I refused to “accept the love of the truth,” and therefore do I prefer the lie and take pleasure in the unrighteousness committed by Christendom’s clergy?
71. Our now being dishonest with ourselves in this connection will mean what for us, and on what “day” evidently now close at hand?
71 No benefit comes from being dishonest with oneself, self-deceiving, in answering these questions. By being unfair with oneself one walks deliberately into destruction, for, as the apostle Paul said: the “unrighteous deception” is designed “for those who are perishing.” What reasonable person cares to perish when God’s adverse judgment is executed against the deceived ones? Such execution is now close at hand for those who persist in believing the lie. We are not mistaken about this, inasmuch as the “man of lawlessness . . . the son of destruction” has been revealed and exposed. We are also far along into the parousia or “presence” of the Lord Jesus. The foretold “apostasy” has come to its climax. These are the things that had to precede the coming of the destructive “day of Jehovah.” That day means the fulfilling of the doom upon the “man of lawlessness” as expressed in his input, “the son of destruction.”
72. Dissociating ourselves now from that “man of lawlessness” will mean avoidance of what for ourselves?
72 This is no mere “scare” story. It is God’s own Word that now sounds the solemn warning amplified by the sounding board of the conditions and events in Christendom! Is it not high time, then, for every lover of God’s law to dissociate himself from that revealed “man of lawlessness”? Our doing so means avoiding destruction with him in the world’s approaching “great tribulation.”—Revelation 7:14, 15.
[Footnotes]
a Seven distinct Hebrew translations of First Thessalonians read “Jehovah’s day” here, whereas fourth- and fifth-century Greek manuscripts and the Latin Vulgate read: “day of Lord.”
b Prompta bibliotheca canonica, juridicao-moralis, theologica partim ascetica, polemica, rubricistica, historica, prepared at Bologna, Emilia-Romagna region, in Italy, in 1746 by Lucio Ferraris, Vol. VI, pp. 31-35; according to copy at Columbia University, New York city.
c New Catholic Encyclopedia, Vol. 6, page 706, under “Gratian.” |
Mexico City’s New Subway | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/101970002 | Mexico City’s New Subway
By “Awake!” correspondent in Mexico
ON September 4, 1969, Mexico’s president Gustavo Díaz Ordaz inaugurated Line 1, an eight-mile section of Mexico City’s new subway. When the entire underground transit system is finished around November 1970 it is to consist of three lines and cover more than twenty-six miles.
Line 1 will accommodate 350,000 persons daily, and when the whole subway is completed it should take care of 3,600,000 passengers a day. This will provide some relief to residents who now get trapped in mammoth traffic jams. Mexico City has a population of over seven million.
Work on this project began in June 1967. It marked the thirty-fourth metropolitan area in the world to build such a transit system. London was the first; its subway system being inaugurated 106 years ago. But probably none before had such obstacles to overcome.
The difficulty is that Mexico City rests upon a reclaimed lake, and buildings often slowly sink into the spongy soil. One structure completed in 1934 has dropped nine feet! But even buildings in the same block will settle at differing speeds. Thus, special engineering techniques were needed to build an underground transit system under such conditions.
It was necessary to remove precisely the right weight of soil and water without undermining buildings alongside the subway’s right-of-way. Then a concrete, box-shaped tunnel was constructed; the subway being encased within it. In fact, Mexicans have called the subway “el Cajón” (the Box). Actually this box tunnel floats like a ship on the subsoil, which is 80 percent water. The special construction required for this project increased the expense. It is estimated that it will cost, when completed, 4,000 million pesos, which is over $300 million.
Inside, the stations are beautiful, made of marble floors and with Aztec designs on the columns. Especially noteworthy is the Pino Suárez station, built around the Aztec pyramid “God of the Wind,” which was unearthed during excavations.
Each orange-colored, French-built subway train is made up of six cars, and can carry over a thousand passengers. They run at about three-minute intervals, moving along noiselessly at a reasonable speed. There is hardly any noticeable vibration. The trains run on rubber tires, but each tire has a steel wheel that can be used if the tire loses its pressure. Computers are used to direct the trains, and a rheostat brings them to a stop. So the conductor’s main duty is simply to watch.
It was reported in August 1969 that during excavations more than 1,500 valuable archaeological pieces had already been found, the most outstanding of which was the pyramid of the “God of the Wind.” However, archaeologists are particularly interested in the findings during the excavations in the Zócalo (Main Square).
The Zócalo has been the main center of the city for centuries, and still is. Now located here is the National Palace, the city government buildings, the supreme court and many other old and interesting buildings. Archaeologists hope to find here the Piedra Pintada (Painted Stone), an Aztec calendar said to be as large and even more beautiful than the one called Piedra del Sol (Sun Stone), which is now in the National Museum.
The new subway is indeed a fine provision. Not only is it a beautiful, unique structure, but its transportation service is economical. One can buy five or ten tickets for eight cents (U.S.) each, or an individual ticket for one peso and twenty centavos, 9.6 American cents. Said one world traveler who has ridden in subways in many cities: “To ride this Metro is a dream.” |
Young People Ask, Volume 1 (yp1)
2011 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/yp1 | Role Model—Ruth
The widow Ruth knows about loyalty. She has chosen to stay by the side of her aged mother-in-law, Naomi, rather than return to a more comfortable life in her hometown. Even though this choice lessens her chances of finding a mate, Ruth keeps focused on the big picture. Her love for Naomi and her desire to be with Jehovah’s people mean more to her than impulsively satisfying her desire for marriage.—Ruth 1:8-17.
Are you thinking about marriage? Then imitate Ruth. Look beyond your emotions, and ask what positive qualities you would bring to a future mate. For example, are you loyal and self-sacrificing? Do you conform to Godly principles, even when your imperfect flesh begs you to do otherwise? Ruth did not desperately seek a mate. However, in time, she found a husband who proved to be a mature man who shared similar qualities—above all, a love for God. The same outcome could be true for you. |
Sing Praises (ssb)
1984 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/Ssb | Song 12
“God Loves a Cheerful Giver”
(2 Corinthians 9:7)
1. As we serve our dear Father, we should ever keep in mind
That he’s happy and gen’rous, yes, loving and kind.
As a Giver, he’s matchless; e’en his Son for us he gave,
For all sorts of mankind he most truly wants to save.
2. His example in giving we do well to imitate.
When our giving is cheerful, goodwill we create.
All our time and resources, to Jehovah they belong.
If to him we do give them, we never will go wrong.
3. Yes, the giving that’s cheerful, to Jehovah brings delight.
It adorns all his teaching, to love does incite.
Great indeed is its value when it wells up from the heart;
Happiness and great joy to us then it will impart.
4. So to God and Christ Jesus we are grateful for this joy.
While advancing true worship, our pow’rs we employ.
May our heart ever move us to be cheerful as we give
And to please God Jehovah as long as we will live. |
Pure Worship (rr)
2018 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/rr | Summary of Clarifications
Over the years, The Watchtower has adjusted our understanding of several aspects of Ezekiel’s prophecy. And this publication, Pure Worship of Jehovah—Restored At Last!, contains a number of additional clarifications. See if you can answer the following questions.
What do the four faces of the living creatures represent?
Scriptures: Ezek. 1:4-6, 10; 10:2
Pure Worship: Chap. 4, pars. 5-14
Previous understanding: Each of the four faces of the living creatures, or cherubs, represents one of Jehovah’s four cardinal attributes.
Clarification: While each one of the four faces of the living creatures stands for one of the four cardinal attributes of Jehovah, when viewed together the four faces embrace all the attributes that he possesses. Also, the four faces impress on us the surpassing greatness of Jehovah’s might and glory.
Reasoning behind the change: In God’s Word, the number four is often used to denote that which is all-embracing, or complete. Hence, when the four faces are depicted together, they form more than four individual attributes—they are the foundation of Jehovah’s awe-inspiring personality. Also, each face belongs to a creature that embodies majesty, strength, and mightiness. Even so, all four mighty representatives of creation, as depicted by the four faces of each cherub, are situated below the throne of Jehovah. That depiction highlights that Jehovah is the Supreme Ruler over all.
Whom does the man with the secretary’s inkhorn symbolize?
Scriptures: Ezek. 9:2
The Watchtower: June 2016, “Questions From Readers”
Pure Worship: Chap. 16, par. 18
Previous understanding: The man with the inkhorn represents the anointed remnant. By means of the preaching and disciple-making work, the anointed are now putting a symbolic mark on the foreheads of those who become part of the “great crowd.”—Rev. 7:9.
Clarification: The man with the secretary’s inkhorn pictures Jesus Christ. He will mark the great crowd when they are judged as sheep during the “great tribulation.”—Matt. 24:21.
Reasoning behind the change: Jehovah has entrusted the judging to his Son. (John 5:22, 23) According to Matthew 25:31-33, Jesus will make the final judgment regarding who are “sheep” and who are “goats.”
Do the prostitute sisters, Oholah and Oholibah, prefigure Christendom with its division between the Catholic and Protestant faiths?
Scriptures: Ezek. 23:1-4
Pure Worship: Chap. 15, box 15A
Previous understanding: Oholah (Samaria, capital of Israel), the older sister, pictures Catholicism; Oholibah (Jerusalem, capital of Judah), the younger sister, pictures Protestantism.
Clarification: These prostitute sisters are not prophetic types of any parts of Christendom. Rather, their existence serves to teach us about how Jehovah feels when those who were once his loyal people commit spiritual prostitution. His feelings regarding all false religion are similar.
Reasoning behind the change: There is no Scriptural indication that Oholah and Oholibah are prophetic types of Christendom. Israel and Judah were once like faithful wives to Jehovah, but Christendom has never had such a relationship with Jehovah. Further, the comparisons of God’s unfaithful people to prostitutes in chapters 16 and 23 of Ezekiel offer hope of reform and restoration. Christendom, as part of Babylon the Great, has no such hope.
Is Christendom the antitype of ancient apostate Jerusalem?
Pure Worship: Chap. 16, box 16A
Previous understanding: Unfaithful Jerusalem is a prophetic type of Christendom. Hence, the destruction of Jerusalem prophetically foreshadowed that of Christendom.
Clarification: Conditions in unfaithful Jerusalem—such as idolatry and widespread corruption—remind us of Christendom, but we no longer refer to Christendom as the antitypical Jerusalem.
Reasoning behind the change: There is no clear Scriptural basis for such a type-antitype approach. Unlike ancient Jerusalem, Christendom has never practiced pure worship. And while Jerusalem did receive Jehovah’s forgiveness for a time, there is no such prospect ahead for Christendom.
How was the vision of the valley of dry bones fulfilled?
Scriptures: Ezek. 37:1-14
The Watchtower: March 2016, “Questions From Readers”
Pure Worship: Chap. 10, pars. 9-14
Previous understanding: In 1918 the persecuted anointed were brought into captivity to Babylon the Great, experiencing a deathlike condition of near inactivity. That short captivity ended in 1919 when Jehovah revived them as Kingdom proclaimers.
Clarification: The deathlike condition of spiritual captivity lasted a very long time and began much earlier than 1918. It started in the second century C.E. and ended in 1919 C.E. and basically parallels the long growing season in Jesus’ parable of the wheat and the weeds.
Reasoning behind the change: The captivity of ancient Israel lasted a long time, beginning in 740 B.C.E. and ending in 537 B.C.E. Ezekiel’s prophecy describes the bones as “dry” or “very dry,” suggesting that those represented by the bones had been dead for a very long time. And the restoration of the bones is described as a gradual process that would take time.
What is the meaning of the joining together of the two sticks?
Scriptures: Ezek. 37:15-17
The Watchtower: July 2016, “Questions From Readers”
Pure Worship: Chap. 12, pars. 13-14, and box 12A
Previous understanding: After a brief period of disunity during World War I, faithful members of the anointed remnant regained their unity in 1919.
Clarification: The prophecy highlights that Jehovah will cause his worshippers to become one. After 1919, as time progressed, members of the anointed remnant were joined by an increasing number of those with an earthly hope. Both groups are worshipping Jehovah together as one people.
Reasoning behind the change: The prophecy does not describe one stick that is first torn in two and then later brought together as one. Thus, the prophecy does not describe one group that would be divided and then later be reunited. Instead, it describes how two different groups would become united.
Who is Gog of Magog?
Scriptures: Ezek. 38:2, 10-13
The Watchtower: May 15, 2015, “Questions From Readers”
Pure Worship: Chap. 17, pars. 3-10
Previous understanding: Gog of Magog is a prophetic name that applies to Satan after he was ousted from the heavens.
Clarification: Gog of Magog refers to a coalition of earthly nations that will attack pure worshippers during the great tribulation.
Reasoning behind the change: The prophetic descriptions of Gog—namely, that he is given as food to birds of prey and given a burial place on earth—suggest that Gog is not a spirit creature. In addition, the attack by Gog parallels what the books of Daniel and Revelation say about the attack by earthly nations on God’s people.—Dan. 11:40, 44, 45; Rev. 17:14; 19:19.
Did Ezekiel see and tour the great spiritual temple that the apostle Paul later explained?
Scriptures: Ezek. 40:1-5
Pure Worship: Chaps. 13 and 14
Previous understanding: Ezekiel’s visionary temple is the same as the spiritual temple that the apostle Paul explained.
Clarification: Ezekiel saw, not the spiritual temple that came into existence in 29 C.E., but an idealized vision of how the pure worship outlined in the Mosaic Law would be restored after the exile. Paul’s inspired explanation of the spiritual temple focuses on the work that Jesus, as the Greater High Priest, accomplished from 29 to 33 C.E. Ezekiel’s temple vision, which never mentions the high priest, focuses on the spiritual restoration that began in 1919 C.E. We therefore do not look for antitypical meanings in all the detailed features and measurements of Ezekiel’s visionary temple. Rather, we ought to focus primarily on the lessons that Ezekiel’s vision teaches about Jehovah’s standards for pure worship.
Reasoning behind the change: Ezekiel’s visionary temple differs from the spiritual temple in important ways. For instance, Ezekiel’s temple featured many animal sacrifices; at the spiritual temple, only one sacrifice is offered, “once for all time.” (Heb. 9:11, 12) In the centuries before Christ came, it was not yet Jehovah’s time to reveal deep truths about the spiritual temple. |
Ministry School (be)
2002 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/be | Benefit From Theocratic Ministry School Education |
Extreme Weather—Can the Bible Help You to Cope? | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/501100027 | Extreme Weather—Can the Bible Help You to Cope?
Are you one of the millions who have been affected by extreme weather? Dangerous weather and its damaging effects come in many forms. Hurricanes, typhoons, cyclones, and tornadoes often cause storm surges, flooding, or wind damage. Heavy rain may trigger landslides, and storms can bring lightning strikes that start destructive wildfires. Droughts, heat waves, and winter storms can be equally devastating.
In many areas of the world, catastrophic weather is becoming increasingly frequent and intense. “The number of people affected by disasters also continues to rise,” reports the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, “as more and more floods, storms and droughts in particular wreak havoc on lives and livelihoods, displacing millions of people each year.”
In the wake of such events, people suffer not only physically but also emotionally. They may face the trauma of having lost their possessions, their home, or even a loved one in death.
If you have suffered the effects of extreme weather, the Bible can help you to cope. It provides comfort, hope, and practical advice, which have helped countless victims of weather-related disasters. (Romans 15:4) It also answers an important question that plagues many: Why did God allow this to happen—is he punishing me?
Today’s extreme weather is not punishment from God
The Bible teaches that God is not responsible for the suffering that people experience. It assures us that “with evil things God cannot be tried, nor does he himself try anyone.” (James 1:13) This means that he is not behind the extreme weather people are experiencing today.
The Bible does record occasions when God used natural forces to punish wicked people. But those events were unlike destructive weather today, which comes without warning and strikes the good as well as the bad. In contrast, the Bible accounts show that God always protected the innocent, gave advance warning, and explained the reasons for his actions. For example, God explained why he was bringing the global Flood in Noah’s day, provided advance warning before he did so, and protected Noah and his family.—Genesis 6:13; 2 Peter 2:5.
To learn more about how we know that today’s natural disasters are not punishment from God, see the article “What Does the Bible Say About Natural Disasters?”
God cares about victims of extreme weather
The Bible reveals that Jehovaha God is caring and empathetic. Consider the following comforting verses.
Isaiah 63:9: “During all their distress it was distressing to [God].”
Meaning: Jehovah is deeply affected by the distress of those who suffer.
1 Peter 5:7: “He cares for you.”
Meaning: Jehovah is concerned about your welfare.
Jehovah’s care and empathy move him to act. He provides comfort through practical advice in the Bible and the reliable hope it contains for a future without weather-related disasters.—2 Corinthians 1:3, 4.
When extreme weather will no longer be a problem
The Bible reveals Jehovah’s promise “to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11) He intends for people to enjoy life on a paradise earth, not to live in fear of its weather.—Genesis 1:28; 2:15; Isaiah 32:18.
God will bring about that future by means of his Kingdom, a heavenly government headed by Jesus. (Matthew 6:10) Jesus has both the wisdom and the power needed to prevent weather disasters. When Jesus was on earth, he demonstrated his power to control the weather. (Mark 4:37-41) He will rule with understanding and wisdom, teaching humans how to care for the environment and live in harmony with nature. (Isaiah 11:2) Under Jesus’ leadership, people will never again be harmed by extreme weather.
You may wonder, ‘When will Jesus use his power to control the weather?’ To answer that question, see the article “When Will God’s Kingdom Rule the Earth?”
Dealing with extreme weather now
The Bible’s advice can help you before, during, and after extreme weather.
Before: Prepare to act promptly.
What the Bible says: “The shrewd one sees the danger and conceals himself, but the inexperienced keep right on going and suffer the consequences.”—Proverbs 22:3.
Meaning: Anticipate potential dangers so that you can act quickly and protect your family.
Experience: “On the day we escaped the wildfire, we were prepared. We had our emergency go bags. We had our medications. We had our clothes. People were panicking all around us, not able to think clearly. But we had everything we needed, and for that I am so grateful!”—Tamara, California, U.S.A.
During: Focus on what matters most.
What the Bible says: “Even when a person has an abundance, his life does not result from the things he possesses.”—Luke 12:15.
Meaning: Life is more important than possessions.
Experience: “When Typhoon Lawinb destroyed our home, I could not think clearly about what I should do. But one thing I did was I prayed sincerely to Jehovah God. I realized that it was just material things that we lost and not our lives.”—Leslie, Philippines.
After: Take one day at a time.
What the Bible says: “Never be anxious about the next day, for the next day will have its own anxieties.”—Matthew 6:34.
Meaning: Do not be overly worried about future problems.
Experience: “After Hurricane Irma left my home flooded, there were more decisions to make than ever and I was stressed to the max. I tried to follow the Bible’s advice to take one day at a time. I found that with Jehovah’s help, I can cope with much more than I ever imagined.”—Sally, Florida, U.S.A.
For more practical tips, see the article “When Disaster Strikes—Steps That Can Save Lives.”
a Jehovah is God’s personal name.—Psalm 83:18.
b Also known as Typhoon Haima.
True stories
Watch the following videos to see how Bible principles have helped Jehovah’s Witnesses to support one another in the aftermath of weather-related disasters.
Flooding in Brazil
Wildfires in California |
The Day the Twin Towers Collapsed | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/102002015 | The Day the Twin Towers Collapsed
THE events of September 11, 2001, in New York City, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania will be indelibly impressed on the minds of millions, if not billions, of the world’s inhabitants. Where were you when you saw or heard the news of the attack on the World Trade Center in New York and on the Pentagon in Washington?
That incredibly swift destruction of so much property and, far more important, of so many lives has given mankind reason to pause and reflect.
What have we learned about our priorities and our choices in life? How did those tragic events bring to the fore some of the better qualities of our humanity—self-sacrifice, compassion, endurance, and unselfishness? This article and the one following will try to answer the latter question.
Survivors Tell Their Stories
Immediately following the disaster in New York, the subway system closed down, and multitudes of people exited lower Manhattan on foot—many of them crossing the Brooklyn and Manhattan bridges. They could clearly see the office and factory buildings of the world headquarters of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Some refugees from the disaster soon headed toward those buildings.
Alisha (at right), the daughter of a Witness, was among the first to arrive. She was covered with dust and ash.a She explained: “While I was on the train heading to work, I could see smoke coming from the World Trade Center. When I arrived at the disaster area, there was glass on the ground everywhere, and I could feel the heat. People were running in every direction, while the police were trying to evacuate the area. It looked like a war zone.
“I ran into a nearby building for shelter. Then I heard the explosion as the second plane hit the south tower. The scene was indescribable, with black smoke everywhere. We were told to move out of the danger zone. I was put on a ferry crossing the East River to Brooklyn. When I got to the other side, I looked up and saw a large sign, ‘WATCHTOWER.’ The headquarters of my mother’s religion! I immediately made my way to the office building. I knew that I could not be in better hands. I was able to get cleaned up and then call my parents.”
Wendell (at right) was a doorman at the Marriott Hotel located between the two towers. He explained: “I was on duty in the lobby when the first explosion occurred. I saw debris falling all around. I looked across the street, and there was a man in flames lying on the ground. I tore off my jacket and shirt and ran over to try to put out the flames. Another passerby joined in to help. All the clothes burned off the man except for his socks and shoes. Then the firemen came and took him to get medical help.
“Shortly after that, Bryant Gumbel of CBS TV news called on the phone to get an eyewitness account of what was happening. My family in the Virgin Islands heard it on their TV and, as a result, knew that I was alive.”
Donald, a hefty six-foot-five-inch [195 cm] employee at the World Financial Center, was on the 31st floor of his building, looking straight across at the Twin Towers and the Marriott Hotel. He said: “I was dumbstruck and horrified by what I saw. People were falling and jumping out of the north tower windows. I became hysterical and ran out of my building as fast as I could.”
Another experience was that of a mother in her 60’s and her two daughters in their 40’s. Ruth and her sister Joni were staying with their mother, Janice, at a hotel near the Twin Towers. Ruth, a registered nurse, tells the story: “I was in the shower. My mother and sister suddenly shouted for me to get out of the shower. We were on the 16th floor, and they could see debris falling past the window. My mother actually saw a man’s body fly over a nearby roof as if he had been ejected from somewhere.
“I dressed quickly, and we started down the stairs. There was a lot of screaming. We exited onto the street. We heard explosions and saw sparks of fire. We were ordered to rush south to Battery Park, where the Staten Island Ferry is located. On the way, we lost contact with Mother, who has chronic asthma. How would she survive in all this smoke, ash, and dust? We spent half an hour looking for her but without success. However, we were not too worried at first because she is very capable and self-possessed.
“Eventually, we were directed to walk to the Brooklyn Bridge and cross to the other side. Imagine our relief as we got to the Brooklyn side of the bridge and saw the huge sign ‘WATCHTOWER’! We knew we were safe.
“We were given a welcome and accommodations. We were also supplied with clothes, since we had nothing. But where was Mother? We spent all night vainly trying to trace her at hospitals. About half past eleven the next morning, we received a message. Mother was downstairs in the lobby! What had happened to her?”
Janice, the mother, continues the account: “When we rushed out of the hotel, I was concerned about an elderly friend, who had been unable to leave with us. I wanted to return and carry her out myself. But it was too dangerous. In the commotion I got separated from my daughters. However, I was not too concerned, as they are levelheaded and Ruth is a qualified nurse.
“Everywhere I looked, people needed help—especially children and babies. I helped as many as I could. I went to the triage area, where the victims were being sorted and treated according to the severity of their injuries. I helped out by washing the hands and faces of the policemen and firemen, who were caked with soot and dust. I stayed until about three in the morning. Then I took the last ferry to Staten Island. I thought that perhaps my daughters had sought refuge over there. But I didn’t find them.
“In the morning I tried to get the first ferry back to Manhattan, but I couldn’t get on because I was not an emergency worker. Then I saw one of the policemen whom I had helped. I called out: ‘John! I need to get back to Manhattan.’ He replied: ‘Just come with me.’
“When I arrived in Manhattan, I headed back to the Marriott Hotel. Perhaps there was still a chance to help my elderly friend. No way! The hotel was in ruins. The downtown area was dead—no life in it anywhere. Only haggard policemen and firemen, with tragedy written all over their faces.
“I wended my way over to the Brooklyn Bridge. As I neared the far end, I could see a familiar sign, ‘WATCHTOWER.’ Perhaps I would find my daughters there. Sure enough, they came down to the lobby to greet me. What hugs and tears we shared!
“Amazingly, I did not have a single asthma attack, in spite of all the smoke, dust, and ash. I kept praying, for I wanted to be useful, not a burden.”
“There’s Nowhere to Land!”
Rachel, a woman in her early 20’s, told an Awake! writer: “I was walking down my block in lower Manhattan when I heard the noise of a plane overhead. It was so loud that it made me look up. I couldn’t believe it—there was this huge jetliner obviously on a descending path. I wondered why it was flying so low and so fast. There’s nowhere to land! Maybe the pilot had lost control. Then I heard a woman screaming, ‘That plane just hit the building!’ A huge fireball burst out of the north tower. I saw a giant black hole in the tower.
“It was the most horrible thing I’ve ever seen in my life. It didn’t seem real. I just stood there with my mouth open. Within a short time, the second tower was hit by another plane, and eventually both towers collapsed. I became hysterical. It was more than I could take!”
“If I Have to Swim, I’ll Swim”
Denise, aged 16, had just arrived at her school next to the American Stock Exchange, which is located three blocks south of the World Trade Center. “It was just after 9:00 a.m. I knew that something had happened, but I didn’t know what. I was on the 11th floor of the school, attending history class. All the students looked petrified. The teacher still wanted us to take a test. We wanted to get out and go home.
“Then the building shook as the second plane impacted the south tower. But we still did not know what had happened. Suddenly I heard on the teacher’s walkie-talkie: ‘Two planes have hit the Twin Towers!’ I thought to myself, ‘It is not logical to stay put. This is terrorism, and the Stock Exchange will be next.’ So we got out.
“We raced down to Battery Park. I turned around to look at what was happening. I could see that the south tower was going to collapse. Then I thought that there would be a domino effect, with all the high buildings collapsing. I was struggling to breathe, as my nose and throat were clogged with ash and dust. I raced for the East River, thinking, ‘If I have to swim, I’ll swim.’ As I fled, I prayed to Jehovah to save me.
“Eventually, I was put on a ferry to New Jersey. It took more than five hours for my mother to find me, but at least I was safe!”
“Is This My Last Day of Life?”
Joshua, aged 28, from Princeton, New Jersey, was teaching a class on the 40th floor of the north tower. He recalls: “All of a sudden, it felt like a bomb had exploded. There were tremors, and then I thought, ‘No, it was an earthquake.’ I looked outside, and it was unbelievable—smoke and debris were swirling around the building. I said to the class, ‘Everybody, drop your stuff. Let’s go!’
“We headed down the stairs, which were filling up with smoke, and water was coming out of the sprinklers. But there was no panic. I kept praying that we had chosen the right stairwell so that we wouldn’t come face-to-face with the fire.
“As I was running down the stairs, I thought, ‘Is this my last day of life?’ I kept praying to Jehovah, and I felt a strange feeling of peace. I have never experienced that kind of inner peace. I will never forget that moment.
“When we finally came out of the building, the police were moving everyone along. I looked up at the towers and saw that both buildings had been sliced open. It was surreal.
“Then I heard an eerie sound—an uncanny silence as if thousands of people were holding their breath. It seemed as if New York stood still. This was followed by screaming. The south tower was collapsing on itself! A tidal wave of smoke, ash, and dust was hurtling toward us. It was like special effects out of a movie. But this was real. As the cloud caught up with us, we could hardly breathe.
“I made it to the Manhattan Bridge, where I turned and saw the north tower with its huge TV antenna go crashing down. As I crossed the bridge, I just kept praying that I would reach Bethel, the world headquarters of Jehovah’s Witnesses. I have never been so happy to see that place in my whole life. And there on the factory wall was the big sign that thousands can see each day, ‘Read God’s Word the Holy Bible Daily’! I thought, ‘I’m almost there. Just keep going.’
“As I reflect on those events, they have impressed on me that I really need to have my priorities right—that first things in life should be first.”
“I Saw People Jumping off the Tower”
Jessica, aged 22, saw the events when she got out of a downtown subway station. “I looked up and saw ash, debris, and all kinds of pieces of metal coming down. People were waiting to use pay phones and were getting more and more hysterical because of the delays. I prayed for calmness. Then another explosion. Steel and glass were falling out of the sky. I heard shouts, ‘It was another plane!’
“I looked up, and it was horrible to see—people jumping from the upper floors where the smoke and flames were billowing out. I can still see it before my eyes—a man together with a woman. They were holding onto a window for a while. Then they had to let go, and they fell and fell and fell. The sight was unbearable.
“Eventually, I got to the Brooklyn Bridge, where I took off my uncomfortable shoes and ran to the Brooklyn side of the river. I walked into the Watchtower office building, where I was immediately helped to calm down.
“That night, at home, I read in Awake! of August 22, 2001, the series ‘Coping With Post-traumatic Stress.’ How badly I needed that information!”
The enormity of the disaster moved people to help in whatever way they could. The following article explains that part of the story.
[Footnote]
a Awake! interviewed many more survivors than could be included in this brief review. Their cooperation helped to complete and corroborate these accounts.
[Diagram/Pictures on page 8, 9]
(For fully formatted text, see publication)
DESTROYED
1 NORTH TOWER 1 World Trade Center
2 SOUTH TOWER 2 World Trade Center
3 MARRIOTT HOTEL 3 World Trade Center
7 7 WORLD TRADE CENTER
SEVERELY DAMAGED
4 4 WORLD TRADE CENTER
5 5 WORLD TRADE CENTER
L ONE LIBERTY PLAZA
D DEUTSCHE BANK 130 Liberty St.
6 U.S. CUSTOMS HOUSE 6 World Trade Center
N S NORTH AND SOUTH PEDESTRIAN BRIDGES
PARTIALLY DAMAGED
2F 2 WORLD FINANCIAL CENTER
3F 3 WORLD FINANCIAL CENTER
W WINTER GARDEN
[Credit Line]
As of October 4, 2001 3D Map of Lower Manhattan by Urban Data Solutions, Inc.
[Pictures]
Top: The south tower collapsed first
Above: Some ran to the Watchtower buildings for refuge
Right: Hundreds of fire fighters and rescue crews worked tirelessly at Ground Zero
[Credit Lines]
AP Photo/Jerry Torrens
Andrea Booher/FEMA News Photo
[Picture Credit Line on page 3]
AP Photo/Marty Lederhandler
[Picture Credit Line on page 4]
AP Photo/Suzanne Plunkett |
Paradise Restored (pm)
1972 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/pm | Bibles That Can Be Yours
Some excellent Bible translations are available to help you with your Bible reading and study. Outstanding among these is the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures. It restores God’s name to its rightful place in the Bible text. Faithful adherence of the translation to the original text makes it satisfying for use in careful study, and its modern-day language makes it enjoyable for regular reading. It is available in any of the following editions:
● REGULAR: Hardbound, black cover. It has a concordance, appendix, and maps.
English, German, and Spanish, with marginal references $3.50
Danish, Dutch, French, Italian, Japanese, and Portuguese, without marginal references $3.00
● INTERLINEAR: This Bible, eninputd “The Kingdom Interlinear Translation of the Greek Scriptures,” presents in one column a literal word-for-word English translation under the Greek text, and in a parallel column a revised New World Translation of the Christian Greek Scriptures. Helps you to discern the flavor and literal meaning of the original language in which the Christian Scriptures were written. Only $3.50.
Other translations published by the Watch Tower Society can also be yours:
The Bible in Living English: A translation by the late Steven T. Byington, a scholar who labored some forty years to put the Bible into living present-day English. He appreciated the importance of the Divine Name. Large type. (Complete work first published 1972.) A copy can be yours for $8.00.
The American Standard Version of 1901. Watchtower edition includes valuable footnotes, concordance. Only $3.00.
The King James (Authorized) Version, Watchtower edition, is available bound in maroon Leatherette, with marginal references. Only $3.00.
Contributions subject to change.
To order, see addresses on the last page. |
Is It Just a Small Misunderstanding? | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2017011 | Is It Just a Small Misunderstanding?
A little girl saw smoke rising from factory smokestacks and expanding into what looked like puffy clouds. She concluded that the purpose of the factory was to make clouds. Such a small misunderstanding on the part of a child can be amusing. However, a major misunderstanding can impact our lives. For example, misreading the label on a container of medicine could bring serious consequences.
Misunderstandings about spiritual matters can be even more serious. For example, some people misunderstood Jesus’ teachings. (John 6:48-68) Instead of learning more, they rejected everything that Jesus taught. What a loss!
Do you read the Bible for guidance? That is commendable. Is there a danger, though, that you might misunderstand something that you have read? It happens to many people. Consider three common misunderstandings.
Some people misunderstand the Bible command to “fear the true God.” They assume that a morbid dread of God is called for. (Ecclesiastes 12:13) But God does not want those who worship him to feel that way about him. He says: “Do not be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be anxious, for I am your God. I will fortify you, yes, I will help you.” (Isaiah 41:10) To fear God simply means to feel awe and deep respect for him.
Will the earth be burned up by fire?
Some people misread these inspired words: “There is an appointed time for everything, . . . a time for birth and a time to die.” They conclude that God has decided the exact moment when each human will die. (Ecclesiastes 3:1, 2) However, that passage is actually commenting on the cycle of life and noting that death is our common lot. God’s Word also teaches that our own decisions can affect our life span. For example, we read: “The fear of Jehovah prolongs life.” (Proverbs 10:27; Psalm 90:10; Isaiah 55:3) How so? For instance, respect for God’s Word will move us to avoid such unhealthy practices as drunkenness and immorality.—1 Corinthians 6:9, 10.
Some take the Bible literally when it states that the heavens and the earth are “reserved for fire,” and they conclude that God will destroy this planet. (2 Peter 3:7) But God promises that he will never allow the literal earth to be destroyed. God “has established the earth on its foundations; it will not be moved from its place forever and ever.” (Psalm 104:5; Isaiah 45:18) It is this corrupt world system of things, not the literal planet, that will meet its permanent end, as if destroyed by fire. As for the heavens, when the word is meant literally, it may refer either to the sky, the starry universe, or God’s place of dwelling. None of these will be destroyed.
WHY IS THE BIBLE SOMETIMES MISUNDERSTOOD?
As you can see from those examples, people often misunderstand passages they read in the Bible. But why would God allow that to happen? Some might reason: ‘If God is all-wise and all-knowing, he could have provided us with a book so clearly written that everyone would easily understand it. Why did he not do that?’ Consider three reasons why the Bible is often misunderstood.
The Bible is designed to be understood by those who are humble and willing to learn. Jesus said to his Father: “I publicly praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have carefully hidden these things from wise and intellectual ones and have revealed them to young children.” (Luke 10:21) The Bible is written in such a way that only those with the right attitude would understand its message. People with a proud attitude—a common trait of “wise and intellectual ones”—tend to misunderstand the Bible. But people who read the Bible with the attitude of “young children”—humble and eager to learn—are rewarded with a better understanding of God’s message. How skillfully God has designed the Bible!
The Bible is directed to people who honestly want God’s help to understand it. Jesus showed that people would need help to understand fully what he taught. How would they receive it? Jesus explained: “The helper, the holy spirit, which the Father will send in my name, that one will teach you all things.” (John 14:26) So God provides his holy spirit—his powerful active force—to help people understand what they read in the Bible. However, God withholds his spirit from people who do not rely on him to help them, so the Bible often seems obscure to them. The holy spirit also moves more knowledgeable Christians to come to the aid of those seeking greater understanding.—Acts 8:26-35.
Some Bible passages can be understood by humans only at the proper time in history. For example, the prophet Daniel was told to write down a message for the future. An angel told him: “Daniel, keep the words secret, and seal up the book until the time of the end.” Over the centuries, many people have read the Bible book of Daniel but could not really understand it. In fact, even Daniel himself did not understand some of what he wrote down. He humbly admitted: “I heard, but I could not understand.” Eventually, people would correctly understand God’s prophecy written down by Daniel, but only at the particular time in history that God selected. The angel explained: “Go, Daniel, because the words are to be kept secret and sealed up until the time of the end.” Who will understand God’s messages? “None of the wicked will understand; but those having insight will understand.” (Daniel 12:4, 8-10) So God does not reveal the meaning of certain Bible passages until the right time arrives.
Has timing ever caused Jehovah’s Witnesses to misunderstand the Bible? Yes. But when God’s time came to make matters clearer, the Witnesses readily adjusted their understanding. They believe that they thereby imitate Christ’s apostles, who humbly adjusted their thinking whenever Jesus corrected them.—Acts 1:6, 7.
A little girl’s fanciful ideas about where clouds come from may be just a small misunderstanding. However, what the Bible teaches is of major importance to you. The Bible’s message is too important for anyone to try to understand on his own by private Bible reading. So seek help to understand what you are reading. Seek out those who study the Bible with a humble attitude, people who rely on God’s holy spirit to understand the Bible, people who are convinced that we are living at a point in history when God wants us to understand the Bible as never before. Do not hesitate to speak with Jehovah’s Witnesses or to read their careful research on the jw.org website. The Bible promises: “If you call out for understanding . . . , you will find the knowledge of God.”—Proverbs 2:3-5. |
United in Worship (uw)
1983 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/uw | Chapter 15
How Does Jehovah Direct His Organization?
1. What information regarding Jehovah’s organization does the Bible reveal, and why is it important to us?
THROUGH the inspired Scriptures, Jehovah gives us glimpses of his marvelous heavenly organization. (Isa. 6:2, 3; Ezek. 1:1, 4-28; Dan. 7:9, 10, 13, 14) Although we cannot see spirit creatures, he alerts us to ways in which activity of the holy angels affects true worshipers on earth. (Gen. 28:12, 13; 2 Ki. 6:15-17; Ps. 34:7; Matt. 13:41, 42; 25:31, 32) The Bible also describes the visible part of Jehovah’s organization and helps us to understand how he directs it. If we truly have spiritual comprehension of these things, this will help us to “walk worthily of Jehovah to the end of fully pleasing him.”—Col. 1:9, 10.
Identifying the Visible Part
2. Since Pentecost of 33 C.E. what has been the congregation of God?
2 For 1,545 years the nation of Israel was the congregation of God. But they failed to keep the Law covenant and rejected God’s own Son. So Jehovah brought into existence a new congregation, with which he made a new covenant. This congregation is identified in the Scriptures as the “bride” of Christ, made up of 144,000 chosen by God to be united with his Son in heaven. (Eph. 5:22-32; Rev. 14:1; 21:9, 10) The first ones were anointed with holy spirit at the time of Pentecost, 33 C.E. By means of holy spirit Jehovah gave unmistakable evidence that this was now the congregation that he would use to accomplish his purpose.—Heb. 2:2-4.
3. Who today comprise Jehovah’s visible organization?
3 Today only a remnant of the 144,000 are on earth. But, in fulfillment of Bible prophecy, a great crowd of “other sheep” have been brought into active association with them. Jesus Christ, the Fine Shepherd, has merged these “other sheep” with the ones who are the remnant of his spirit-begotten followers so that they form just “one flock” under him as their “one shepherd.” (John 10:11, 16; Rev. 7:9, 10) These all make up one united organization, Jehovah’s visible organization today.
Theocratic in Structure
4. Who directs the organization, and how?
4 The Scriptural expression “congregation of the living God” makes evident who directs it. The organization is theocratic, or God-ruled. Jehovah provides direction for his people through the one that He appointed to be the invisible head of the congregation, the Lord Jesus Christ, and by means of His own inspired Word, the Bible.—1 Tim. 3:14, 15; Eph. 1:22, 23; 2 Tim. 3:16, 17.
5. (a) How was heavenly direction of the congregation manifest in the first century? (b) What shows that Jesus is still the head of the congregation?
5 Such theocratic direction was very much in evidence when the first members of the congregation were stirred to action by holy spirit at Pentecost of 33 C.E. (Acts 2:1-4, 32, 33) It was manifest when Jehovah’s angel directed events that led to the spreading of the good news into Africa. (Acts 8:26-39) Likewise, when Jesus’ voice gave directions at the conversion of Saul of Tarsus and again when missionary work among the Gentiles was initiated. (Acts 9:3-7, 10-17; 10:9-16, 19-23; 11:12) But needed direction was not always provided in such spectacular ways. In time there were no more voices heard from heaven, no more angels that appeared to men and no more miraculous gifts of the spirit. Yet Jesus had promised his faithful followers: “Look! I am with you all the days until the conclusion of the system of things,” and the facts show that he is. (Matt. 28:20; 1 Cor. 13:8) Not only do Jehovah’s Witnesses acknowledge his headship, but it is evident that it would have been impossible for them to continue to proclaim the Kingdom message in the face of intense hostility without his help.
6. (a) Who make up the “faithful and discreet slave,” and why? (b) What assignment did he give to that “slave”?
6 Shortly before Jesus’ death he spoke to his disciples about a “faithful and discreet slave” that he as Master would entrust with special responsibility. That “slave,” according to Jesus’ description, would be on hand when the Lord departed for heaven and would still be alive at the time of Christ’s return. Such a description could not possibly fit an individual human. But it does fit Christ’s faithful anointed congregation viewed as a whole. Jesus knew that he was going to purchase them with his own blood, so he fittingly referred to them collectively as his “slave.” He gave them work to do, commissioning all of them to make disciples and then progressively to feed these spiritually, giving them “their [spiritual] food at the proper time.” Their appointment was confirmed by holy spirit at Pentecost of 33 C.E.—Matt. 24:45-47; 28:19, 20; 1 Cor. 6:19, 20; compare Isaiah 43:10.
7. (a) What enlarged responsibilities does the “slave” now have? (b) Why is our response to instruction through this channel important?
7 At the Master’s return, if the “slave” was faithfully doing his work, he would be entrusted with enlarged responsibilities. The years that followed would be the time for a global witness to the Kingdom, and a “great crowd” of worshipers of Jehovah would be gathered with a view to their preservation through the “great tribulation.” (Matt. 24:14; Rev. 7:9, 10) These, too, would need spiritual food, and it would be served to them by the composite “slave,” Christ’s spirit-anointed servants. To please Jehovah, we need to accept the instruction he provides through this channel and act in full harmony with it.
8, 9. (a) In the first century what arrangement was there for resolving questions about doctrine and giving needed direction with reference to preaching the good news? (b) What similar arrangement exists today?
8 At times, of course, questions about doctrine and procedure might arise. What then? The 15th chapter of Acts tells how an issue regarding requirements for Gentile converts was resolved. It was referred to the apostles and older men at Jerusalem, who served as a central governing body. Those older men were not infallible; they were not persons who never made a mistake. (Compare Galatians 2:11-14.) But God used them. They considered what the inspired Scriptures said on the subject at hand as well as the evidence of the operation of God’s spirit in opening up the Gentile field, and then they rendered a decision. God blessed that arrangement. (Acts 15:1-29; 16:4, 5) From that central body, individuals were also sent out to further the preaching of the good news in harmony with what the Lord himself had authorized.—Acts 8:14; Gal. 2:9.
9 In our day the Governing Body is made up of spirit-anointed brothers from various lands. It is located at the world headquarters of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Loyally it furthers the interests of pure worship under the headship of Jesus Christ. These brothers share the viewpoint of the apostle Paul, who, when sending spiritual counsel to fellow Christians, wrote: “Not that we are the masters over your faith, but we are fellow workers for your joy, for it is by your faith that you are standing.”—2 Cor. 1:24.
10. (a) How is it determined who will be elders or ministerial servants? (b) Why should we cooperate closely with the ones appointed to such positions?
10 This theocratic arrangement is recognized by Jehovah’s Witnesses worldwide. All their local congregations work in close cooperation with it. They look to the Governing Body to provide for appointment of elders and ministerial servants to care for the smooth functioning of the congregations. On what basis are persons selected for such appointment? The requirements are clearly stated in the Bible. Both the elders who make recommendations and those authorized to do the appointing bear a serious responsibility before God to adhere to these. (1 Tim. 3:1-10, 12, 13; 5:22; Titus 1:5-9) There is no electioneering among members of the congregation nor any congregational voting. Instead, in harmony with what was done by the apostles when appointments were made in the first century, those overseers responsible for recommending, and those who later make appointments, offer prayer for the aid of God’s spirit and seek guidance from his inspired Word. (Acts 6:2-4, 6; 14:23; compare Psalm 75:6, 7.) By our response to the direction the elders give, we can show our appreciation for Christ’s loving provision of these “gifts in men” to aid us all in attaining to “oneness in the faith.”—Eph. 4:8, 11-16.
11. (a) What valuable services are performed by women within the theocratic arrangement? (b) When do they need to wear a head covering, and why?
11 The Scriptures direct that positions of oversight in the congregation be cared for by males. This in no way downgrades women, for many of them are included among the heirs of the heavenly Kingdom. By modest, chaste conduct and diligence in caring for their families, Christian women also contribute to the fine reputation of the congregation. (Titus 2:3-5) They often do much of the work in locating newly interested ones and bringing them into contact with the organization. (Ps. 68:11) But teaching within the congregation is cared for by men who are appointed. (1 Tim. 2:12, 13) And if there are no qualified men at a meeting arranged by the congregation, then a woman would wear a head covering when presiding or praying.a Thus she shows respect for Jehovah’s arrangement, even as Jesus set the example for all in submission to his Father.—1 Cor. 11:3-16; John 8:28, 29.
12. (a) What view does the Bible urge elders to take toward their position? (b) In what splendid privilege may all of us share?
12 In the world an individual who holds a prominent position is considered to be important, but within God’s organization the rule is: “He that conducts himself as a lesser one among all of you is the one that is great.” (Luke 9:46-48; 22:24-26) So the Scriptures counsel elders to be careful not to lord it over those who are God’s inheritance but, rather, to become examples to the flock. (1 Pet. 5:2, 3) Not just a select few, but all of Jehovah’s Witnesses, male and female, have the splendid privilege of representing the Sovereign of the universe, humbly speaking in his name and telling people everywhere about his Kingdom.
13. Using the scriptures cited, discuss the questions listed at the end of this paragraph.
13 We do well to ask ourselves: “Do we truly appreciate how Jehovah is directing his visible organization? Do our attitudes, speech and actions reflect that?” Reasoning on the following points can help each of us to make such an analysis:
If we truly submit to Christ as head of the congregation, then, as indicated in the following scriptures, what will we be doing? (Matt. 24:14; 28:19, 20; Luke 21:34-36; John 13:34, 35)
In their efforts to be productive Christians, to what extent should all who are part of the organization feel dependent on God and Christ? (John 15:5; 1 Cor. 3:5-7)
When elders try to readjust the thinking of persons so they view matters in harmony with the rest of the organization, whose kindly concern should we discern in this? (Eph. 4:7, 8, 11-13; 2 Cor. 13:11)
When we appreciatively accept the spiritual provisions that come through the “slave” class and its Governing Body, for whom are we showing respect? But what if we were to speak disparagingly of these? (Luke 10:16; compare 3 John 9, 10.)
Why should we not be harshly critical of appointed elders? (Acts 20:28; Rom. 12:10)
14. (a) By our attitude toward the theocratic organization, what do we demonstrate? (b) In this regard, what opportunities are there for us to prove the Devil a liar and to bring joy to Jehovah’s heart?
14 It is by means of his visible organization under Christ as appointed head that Jehovah is dealing with us today. So our attitude toward this organization demonstrates in a practical way the stand that we are taking on the issue of sovereignty. (Heb. 13:17) Satan contends that we are all motivated by desire for personal gain, that our chief concern is self. But if we gladly make ourselves available to serve in any way that is needed, while avoiding saying and doing things that would draw undue attention to self, we prove that the Devil is a liar. If we love and respect those who ‘take the lead’ among us, imitating their faith but refusing to be the kind of person who ‘admires personalities for his own benefit,’ we bring joy to Jehovah’s heart. (Heb. 13:7; Jude 16) By cultivating wholesome respect for Jehovah’s organization and wholeheartedly doing the work that he directs, we give evidence that Jehovah truly is our God and that we are united in his worship.—1 Cor. 15:58.
[Footnotes]
a She does not need a head covering, however, when preaching from house to house, since the responsibility to preach the good news rests on all Christians. But if circumstances require that she conduct a home Bible study in the presence of her husband (her head, even though not a Christian), she should use a head covering. Also, if, as an exceptional circumstance, a dedicated male member of the congregation is present when she conducts a prearranged home Bible study, she should cover her head, but he should offer the prayer.
Review Discussion
● What is Jehovah’s visible organization today? What is its purpose?
● Who is the appointed head of the congregation? Through what visible arrangements does he provide loving direction for us?
● What wholesome attitudes toward responsibility and persons in the organization should we cultivate? |
Who Is God? | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2019002 | Who Is God?
© 2018 Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania
This publication is not for sale. It is provided as part of a worldwide Bible educational work supported by voluntary donations. To make a donation, please visit donate.jw.org. Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are from the modern-language New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures.
THIS MAGAZINE, The Watchtower, honors Jehovah God, the Ruler of the universe. It comforts people with the good news that God’s heavenly Kingdom will soon end all wickedness and transform the earth into a paradise. It promotes faith in Jesus Christ, who died so that we might gain everlasting life and who is now ruling as King of God’s Kingdom. This magazine has been published continuously since 1879 and is nonpolitical. It adheres to the Bible as its authority. |
YOUNG PEOPLE ASK
How Can I Resist Temptation? | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/502018165 | YOUNG PEOPLE ASK
How Can I Resist Temptation?
The apostle Paul wrote: “When I wish to do what is right, what is bad is present with me.” (Romans 7:21) Have you ever felt that way? If so, this article can help you resist the temptation to act on wrong desires.
What you should know
What you can do
What your peers say
What you should know
Temptation and peer pressure often go hand in hand. In fact, the Bible says that “bad associations corrupt good morals.” (1 Corinthians 15:33, footnote) Pressure from others or from the media can stir up desires in your heart that could lead you into a tempting situation and could even cause you to “follow after the crowd to do evil.”—Exodus 23:2.
“The pressure to be liked and accepted can lead you to do whatever others do, just to gain their approval.”—Jeremy.
To think about: Why might temptation be stronger if you care too much about what others think of you?—Proverbs 29:25.
The bottom line: Don’t let pressure from your peers tempt you to compromise your standards.
What you can do
Know your convictions. If you don’t know what you believe in, you can become like a puppet that others control. It’s far better to follow the Bible’s admonition: “Make sure of all things; hold fast to what is fine.” (1 Thessalonians 5:21) The more you understand your beliefs, the easier it will be to hold fast to them and to resist the temptation to go contrary to them.
To think about: Why do you believe that God’s moral standards are for your own good?
“I have observed that whenever I stay true to what I believe in and do not give in to temptation, others respect me more for it.”—Kimberly.
Bible role model: Daniel. While likely still a teenager, Daniel “resolved in his heart” that he would obey God’s laws.—Daniel 1:8.
If you don’t know what you believe in, you can become like a puppet that others control
Know your weaknesses. The Bible speaks of “youthful desires”—the yearnings that are especially strong when you are young. (2 Timothy 2:22) These include not only sexual urges but also the desire to fit in and the desire for independence before you are ready for it.
To think about: The Bible says that “each one is tried by being drawn out and enticed by his own desire.” (James 1:14) Which desire tempts you the most?
“Be honest with yourself about which temptations you are most vulnerable to. Do research on how to fight those temptations, and write down points you can use. That way the next time you face that temptation, you will know how to resist.”—Sylvia.
Bible role model: David. At times he yielded to pressure from others and even to his own desires. But David learned from his mistakes and tried to do better. “Create in me a pure heart,” he prayed to Jehovah, “and put within me a new spirit, a steadfast one.”—Psalm 51:10.
Take control. The Bible says: “Do not let yourself be conquered by the evil.” (Romans 12:21) That means you don’t have to be a victim of temptation. You can choose to do the right thing.
To think about: How can you take control and ‘rewrite the ending’ in a situation where you might be tempted to do wrong?
“I think about how I will feel if I go through with whatever is tempting me. Will I feel relief? Perhaps, but only for a moment. Will I feel good in the long run? No, I will only feel worse. Is it really worth it? No!”—Sophia.
Bible role model: Paul. Although he admitted that he had bad inclinations, Paul took control. He wrote: “I strictly discipline my body and lead it as a slave.”—1 Corinthians 9:27, footnote.
The bottom line: You are in the driver’s seat when it comes to how you will deal with temptation.
Remember, temptations are temporary. “Many things that were big temptations when I was in high school are now insignificant,” says 20-year-old Melissa. “Reflecting on this reassures me that current temptations will also pass and that one day I’ll look back and realize I was better off for having resisted them.”
What your peers say
“Making a resolve and having the courage to stand up for it helps me to resist temptation. For example, once I’ve decided that I’m not going to do something, I stick to that decision, and I don’t rethink it or allow myself to be influenced by anyone else’s decision.”—Olivia.
“Teenagers face a lot of pressure to go to parties and to do all the things that go on there—drinking alcohol, taking drugs, and having sex. I find it helpful to talk openly with my parents about these pressures. Also, keeping occupied during free time helps me avoid temptation to do the wrong thing.”—Jared.
“One of the most difficult temptations to resist is the temptation to do something that isn’t necessarily wrong for others but could be wrong for me—such as when choosing entertainment. You have to know your own convictions to avoid that kind of pressure, and that takes time and experience.”—Mayan.
“When it comes to temptation, you have to be honest with yourself. You have to know which areas of the Internet are most likely to present you with tempting, immoral material, and you have to know how you will react when it happens. You need a game plan so that you don’t cave in to temptation.”—Julian. |
Table of outputs | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/102021003 | Table of outputs
3 Wisdom for Life and Happiness
4 Wisdom for Family Happiness
6 Guidance for Peaceful Relationships
8 Keys to outputment
10 Why Do We Suffer, Grow Old, and Die?
12 Teachings That Give Hope
14 Knowledge That Draws Us to God
15 Wisdom Within Your Reach
16 Would You Like to Learn More? |
Is Smoking Really Wrong? | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/101986009 | The Bible’s Viewpoint
Is Smoking Really Wrong?
“WHY not use tobacco if I enjoy it? If I risk my health, that’s my own business.” To the millions who find pleasure in smoking, such “logic” is convincing.
Yet, news reports in 1985 blamed smoking for 100,000 deaths a year in Britain, 350,000 a year in the United States, and a third of all deaths in Greece. Common sense suggests that society would not shrug off the moral implications of these figures. But it does. Why?
For one thing, many religious leaders refuse to apply any moral pressure on their flock to stop smoking. The view they take is expressed by the author of a book called The Christian Moral Vision. He sees “no justification for moral pressure” on one who, “having considered the risks . . . [goes on] smoking for the sake of the pleasure it provides.” But is this the Bible’s viewpoint? Does “pleasure” justify taking needless risks?
No, it does not. Would it not make more sense to try to stay physically and mentally in top shape? For our own good and out of respect for our loved ones and our Creator, the Bible stipulates that we should “cleanse ourselves of every defilement [pollution] of flesh and spirit.” (2 Corinthians 7:1; Kingdom Interlinear) Does the harm from tobacco stop at the physical body?
What It Does to Your Life
The tobacco habit can grip you firmly not only physically but also mentally. Aside from polluting one’s body, tobacco permeates the whole “spirit” with which tobacco users think, work, and play—the very mood of their daily affairs. A journalist admitted in Reader’s Digest: “Without my daily ration of cigarettes, I could not write, eat, sleep, make love or even have fun with my children.”
Why does tobacco become so deep-rooted in people’s lives, even to the point of causing them to look the other way when facing its ultimate harm—death? Concerning Britain, psychiatrist Judy Greenwood wrote in the Glasgow Herald of January 3, 1985: “If 100,000 people had died from any other preventable cause, . . . it would have provoked a national outrage. . . . But smoking is different . . . This particular social addiction is so ingrained in our culture and commerce . . . that we seem to have developed a blind spot in our national commonsense.”
The Spiritual Harm of Addiction
Yes, addiction, not pleasure alone, produces this moral blind spot in the public “spirit” today. And Dr. Richard Pollin, director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse (U.S.A.), asserts that cigarette smoking is now the most serious and widespread addiction in the world—even worse than heroin.
The Bible’s viewpoint has no such blind spots regarding addictive substances that would make us slaves both of a habit and of the men who traffic in the habit: “You were bought with a price; stop becoming slaves of men,” states 1 Corinthians 7:23.
Were addictive drugs and herbs common in Bible times? Yes, says Tobacco and Kentucky, citing “the evidence of prehistoric pipes excavated at . . . the Mediterranean Sea and inland in Asia Minor [used in smoking] . . . cannabis (marijuana) and other herbs.” In fact, adds the book, “fumigation with, or the inhalation of, the smoke of various substances has been a sacred, healing, or pleasurable practice . . . since time immemorial. . . . As with cannabis and opium, so with tobacco.”
According to McClintock and Strong’s Cyclopedia, the term “pharmacy” was used “in the early ages of the Christian Church” for the “art of inventing and preparing medicaments to do mischief.” What view did the Bible take of such substances and those who trafficked in them?
The Dark Side of Pharmacy
The Bible condemns drug abuse, not the proper healing use of drugs; and while “pharmacy” in modern use means drugs put to proper use, the older meaning was drug abuse—for harm, not healing. In the Bible such pharmacy is put in very bad company—“the works of the flesh,” whose practicers “will not inherit God’s kingdom.” (Galatians 5:19-21) Says The International Standard Bible Encyclopædia: “Paul in Gal 5 20 Ga 5:20 classes with uncleanness, idolatry, etc, what he calls pharmakeía . . . drugs used in exercising the magical art.” Note, then, the great spiritual harm of addictive substances used for pleasure: They cut one off from God’s favor—and from God’s people.
Due to the magical use of drugs in Bible times, Galatians 5:20, 21 translates phar·ma·kiʹa as “practice of spiritism.” But the Kingdom Interlinear translation shows “druggery” as the literal meaning, and Ferrar Fenton’s translation uses “poisoning.” Bible scholar Adam Clarke specified that “drugs” and “fumigations” (smoke) were employed “to produce supernatural effects.”
Emphasizing this unsavory side of pharmacy, Word Pictures in the New Testament says: “If one is puzzled over the connection between medicine and sorcery . . . by this word (our pharmacy), he has only to recall quackery today in medicine . . . witch-doctors, professional faith-healers, medicine-men in Africa.” Yes, and we might also recall “the very cornerstone of Amerindian religion”—the shaman, or priest, smoking tobacco in his “peace pipe.”
Therefore, it is no wonder that Revelation 22:15 says that “outside” God’s Paradise Kingdom are “the druggers [phar·ma·koiʹ] and the fornicators and the murderers.”—Int.
Truly, the secular use of tobacco for pleasure today has its roots in the God-dishonoring superstitions of bygone days. And just as Jesus foretold concerning the fruits of false religion, so the fruitage of tobacco’s roots—physically and spiritually—has been nothing short of rotten.—Matthew 7:15-20.
[Blurb on page 20]
‘If 100,000 Britons had died from any other preventable cause, it would have provoked a national outrage’
[Blurb on page 21]
In the Bible the use of addictive substances for pleasure is put in very bad company—“the works of the flesh” |
Youth (yy)
1976 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/yy | Chapter 17
The Music and Dancing You Choose
1-3. (a) In what way is it true that the Creator has built music into our natural surroundings? (b) Give examples to show that the Bible speaks with approval of dancing.
MAN’S Creator built music into human surroundings. Not just the clear, flowing tones that spring from the throats of birds, but the gurgle of brooks, the whisper of the wind in the trees, the chirp of crickets, the croak of frogs and the calls of many others of earth’s creatures—all of these have a musical sound to them. Not surprisingly, then, the development of musical instruments dates all the way back to the dawn of human history.
2 Dancing, too, has an ancient history. In Israel, Moses’ sister Miriam led the women “with tambourines and in dances.” Also, after God helped King David defeat depraved enemies “the women began coming out from all the cities of Israel with song and dances.” It is evident, too, that Jesus Christ approved of dancing, since he mentioned it as a part of a proper celebration in his illustration about the prodigal son. Jesus spoke of “a music concert and dancing” being arranged when the prodigal returned. The Bible shows that some dancing was by individuals or by groups of men, or of women.—Exodus 15:20; 1 Samuel 18:6; Luke 15:25.
3 Does that mean that all music and dancing are necessarily good? Or do you need to be selective in the music you listen to and the dances in which you might engage? What can help us to determine? How much does it really matter?
CHOICE IN DANCING
4-6. (a) What could make some dances objectionable for Christians? (Colossians 3:5, 6) (b) Why have certain modern dances been compared to ancient fertility dances?
4 There is a wide variety of dances—from graceful waltzes to lively polkas. There are Latin-American congas, rumbas and sambas, also merengues, beguines and bossa novas, many of these having an African background. There is also rock ’n’ roll, as well as more recent dances. Is there good reason why you might have objection to certain of these dances?
5 There is if the dance arouses you sexually and brings a temptation to commit sexual immorality. It could cause you many problems.
6 Ancient fertility dances, for example, were designed to incite sexual passions, and certain modern dances have been reminiscent of these. Some years ago Time magazine observed:
“The Twist at first was an innocent enough dance . . . But the youngsters at [a certain New York nightclub] have revived The Twist and parodied it into a replica of some ancient tribal puberty rite.”
7-10. (a) If a person shared in such dancing, on what basis might others be attracted to the individual? Would you want to attract persons of the opposite sex on that basis? (b) Even in ballroom dancing, why is caution needed?
7 Many dances in recent years have been variants of the Twist. The dancers do not touch, but the hips and shoulders may gyrate in sexually suggestive ways. A young person’s passions may easily be aroused by watching a body perform these gyrations. A girl, for example, may not think anything about it, simply being caught up in the movements of the dance. But she shouldn’t ignore the effect on onlookers, and on what they might think of her, as this letter to the editor of the New York Times Magazine observes: “Let’s hope that the young (and not so young) bodies of our Twisters are lying, that their minds do not behave inside the way their pelvises and pectorals do outside.”
8 Even though you have no wrong motive, if you participate in such dances you would be wise to consider the kind of attraction you may be to other young persons. For example, are they attracted to you on the basis of the sexual arousal they get from you, a type of arousal they can get from persons who dress in tight clothing, and gyrate their hips and make various erotic gestures? Do you want to attract someone simply on that basis? Or do you want the kind of person who likes you for what you are? for the things that you feel are important in life? for your conversation? Are you interested in someone who takes pleasure in doing things for you, or only in what he can get from you?
9 Even ballroom dancing, which emphasizes foot patterns accompanied by graceful movements of the body and in which partners hold one another, may sometimes be sexually stimulating due to close physical contact. So, if you participate in such dances, considerately recognize the possibility that your partner could be stimulated improperly even though you may feel that it is not close enough for you to develop sensual pleasure from the dancing.
10 It’s a fact that most dances cannot be classified as either proper or improper. Many of them can be done either in a decent, proper way, or in a way that violates the counsel of God’s Word to behave in a clean, wholesome manner.
CHOICE OF MUSIC
11, 12. How does music exercise power? Cite examples.
11 Just as with dancing, care and thought are also necessary in your choice of the music you listen to. Why? Because music has power. And, like any other power, it can serve for good or for harm.
12 Where does music’s power come from? From its ability to cause a certain feeling, mood or spirit in people. Music can relax and soothe, or refresh and enliven. You can almost “feel” the difference between a vigorous march and a soft serenade. Music can stir every human emotion—love, tenderness, reverence, sadness, anger, hatred and passion. Throughout history men have recognized music’s power and have used it to move people in certain ways. For instance, part of the triumph of the French Revolution is frequently credited to what one writer calls “the bloodcurdling call to arms” of the song La Marseillaise. And schools often have their “fight songs” used before athletic contests.
13-16. (a) How is the counsel at Proverbs 4:23 related to one’s choice of music? (b) How can music be a “catalyst,” and sometimes with lastingly harmful results?
13 In the Bible the heart is closely associated with emotions and motivation, so God’s Word counsels: “More than all else that is to be guarded, safeguard your heart, for out of it are the sources of life.” (Proverbs 4:23) Since music’s emotional power is a fact, our guarding our hearts requires being selective about the music we choose.
14 True, music’s moving effect is only temporary. But it is often long enough to give a decided push in a certain direction, or to lower resistance to a certain attraction or temptation. If you studied chemistry in school you learned about “catalysts.” You learned that the combining of two or more chemicals can often be achieved only by using some other ingredient that, in effect, brings the chemicals together. That ingredient is a “catalyst.” Now, we all have certain weaknesses and wrong inclinations, and so we feel tempted at times to do certain things that are wrong. Suppose circumstances come up that encourage you to do a wrong act. Music can be the “catalyst” that will cause desire and circumstances to combine—resulting in something you may afterward seriously regret. On the basis of her studies, one researcher for a government commission studying pornography said:
15 “Music, by playing on girls’ emotions to arouse love and affection, frequently serves as a catalyst for love and thereby a stimulus for sexual arousal in the adolescent female. . . . The music surfaces this feeling.”
16 Yes, the impulse that music supplies, though temporary, may be all that is needed to trigger you into a course or way of life that is itself long lasting or that produces results that are. So, is it not worth your while to use discernment where music is involved?
THE PROBLEM OF DECIDING
17, 18. By listening to a piece of music, how can you determine whether it is something that is good for you or something that is bad?
17 Actually, no one can provide you with a list that immediately identifies what music is good and what is bad. The reason is that among practically all kinds of music there is none that can be stamped as “all good” or “all bad.” You have to use your mind and heart for discerning the individual value of certain music, and be guided by principles such as those already considered. And your choice tells others something as to the kind of person you are.
18 “Does not the ear itself test out words as the palate tastes food?” asked Job long ago. (Job 12:11) So, too, your ear can test out music. Even without the words, you can often tell what kind of mood or spirit a piece is designed to produce, what kind of conduct it encourages. That was the case with the music that Moses heard on coming down from Mount Sinai and approaching the Israelite camp. As he said to Joshua: “It is not the sound of the singing over mighty performance [a victory song], and it is not the sound of the singing of defeat [a mournful singing]; it is the sound of other singing that I am hearing.” The singing actually reflected wild and idolatrous immoral activity.—Exodus 32:15-19, 25.
19-22. (a) Against what do those who like classical music need to be on guard? (b) As to the effect of some jazz and rock music, what facts deserve thoughtful consideration?
19 Consider more recent examples. Classical music, for instance, generally has a dignified, sometimes majestic sound. But while much of it may have a rather noble effect on one’s thoughts, some of it deals with and even glorifies the sordid or selfish side of life. It is worth remembering that many famous classical composers lived immoral, even dissolute, lives. And though they generally wrote for an audience that supposedly appreciated the “finer things of life,” it is almost unavoidable that some of their warped outlook and warped emotions would show up in some of their music, with or without words. So, if we want to guard the health of our minds and hearts, even so-called “serious” music cannot be accepted without question.
20 At the other end of the musical spectrum from classical compositions we find the syncopated jazz and rock music. Even here one finds some music that is melodic and moderate. But some of it is wild and strident. That is why musicians themselves distinguish between jazz and rock music that is “soft” and that which is “hot,” “hard” or “acid.” You should be able to tell what kind of conduct the music is promoting—your ear, your mind and heart should tell you. The words or the tone of certain music is sometimes so obvious that people easily associate it with certain types of conduct or kinds of persons. The Bible, for example, speaks of the “songs of drinkers” and the “song of a prostitute.” (Psalm 69:12; Isaiah 23:15, 16) What about today?
21 If, for example, you read in the newspaper about a music concert or festival and the report tells of people screaming, girls fainting, the use of drugs and of the police having to be brought in to keep the theater from being wrecked—what kind of music would you think was involved in the performance? If you hear of a popular young singer or musician dying of an overdose of drugs—what kind of music would you think he or she specialized in?
22 You probably know that many young people are drawn to rock music because they believe that its lyrics describe the realities and problems of the world around them. Perhaps more than any other form of popular music, rock music tries to put across a message: on the problems of growing up, the generation gap, drugs, sex, civil rights, dissent, poverty, war and similar topics. It tries to express many young people’s disoutput with social injustices and their ideas for a better world. But what has been the general effect? What has it done for most young people? What real solutions have its philosophies brought them? If such music is designed to bring realities into focus, why is so much of it drug-oriented, some lyrics being understandable only to those who take drugs? These are questions to consider.
23-25. (a) In connection with music, what is the point of the counsel at Ecclesiastes 7:5? (b) Whom should we consider when choosing music and dances? Why? (1 Corinthians 10:31-33; Philippians 1:9, 10) (c) So why is our choice as to music and dancing no light matter?
23 So, your choice of music is no light matter. You can let others decide for you simply by going along with the crowd, choosing what is popular, what has mass appeal. Or you can think for yourself and use care in selecting, guided by the enduring and superior wisdom found in God’s Word. Ecclesiastes 7:5 says: “Better is it to hear the rebuke of someone wise than to be the man hearing the song of the stupid ones.” The “stupidity” the Bible talks about is no mere mental dumbness but means moral stupidity, following a course that can only bring future trouble.
24 You may feel that you can listen to music containing some words that go contrary to what is true and right or that has a sensual, wild sound to it, and still not be affected. You may feel similarly about the dances you dance. But what kind of influence are you on others? Do you feel as the apostle Paul, who said that he was willing to forgo even such proper things as eating meat if thereby he could avoid becoming a stumbling block to others? With what kind of persons does the music you choose identify you?
25 Your choice, then, of the music to which you listen and the dances in which you might engage shows whether you are simply interested in a “good time” or in a good life, an everlasting one in God’s favor.
[Picture on page 124]
Dancing has a long history |
He Learned From Prisoners | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/502019283 | He Learned From Prisoners
A man came to Norway as a refugee from Eritrea in 2011. When Jehovah’s Witnesses called on him, he told them that he had met Witnesses in his homeland. He said that while he was in the military there, he had seen that Witnesses who were imprisoned for their faith refused to be pressured to enter the army, even when they were treated harshly.
In a sudden turn of events, the man himself was put in prison. There he found himself with three Witnesses—Paulos Eyasu, Negede Teklemariam, and Isaac Mogos—who had been incarcerated for their faith since 1994.
While in prison, this man saw firsthand that Jehovah’s Witnesses live by what they teach. He noted their honesty and that they even shared their food with other prisoners. He observed how his fellow prisoners who were Witnesses studied the Bible together every day and invited others to join them. When they were offered freedom if they would sign a statement renouncing their faith, they refused.
This experience made a deep impression on this sincere man, and after settling in Norway, he wanted to find out why Jehovah’s Witnesses have such strong faith. Thus, when the Witnesses contacted him, he immediately began to study the Bible with them and to attend their meetings.
In September 2018, he was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. He now uses every opportunity he has to contact people from Eritrea and Sudan, encouraging them to study the Bible and develop strong faith. |
Peace and Security (tp73)
1973 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/tp73 | Chapter 13
Your View of Sex—What Difference Does It Make?
1-3. (a) How does the Bible show that sexual relations between man and woman have divine approval? (b) Would it be for a person’s good to indulge in unrestrained use of his sexual powers?
THERE are people who have the opinion that the Bible disapproves of everything that has to do with sex. That, of course, is not what the Bible itself says. After telling about God’s creation of the first man and woman, the Bible goes on to relate: “God blessed them and God said to them: ‘Be fruitful and become many and fill the earth.’”—Genesis 1:27, 28.
2 Sexual relations between man and woman therefore have divine approval. But are they to be indulged in without limitations? Would such a view result in our gaining the greatest enjoyment from life? Would it bring true peace and security for ourselves and for those around us?
3 Sex is just as subject to misuse as are other human functions. Eating is good and essential for life; yet gluttony can impair health and shorten one’s life. Sleep, too, is vital; but an excess robs life of accomplishment, and can even weaken the body. Just as real enjoyment of life does not result from gluttony, drunkenness and laziness, so, too, it does not result from unrestrained use of one’s sexual powers. Human experience for thousands of years bears testimony to this. Must we find it out through bitter personal experience? There is a better way.
4. What should motivate us to uphold God’s standards regarding sex?
4 God’s Word gives a balanced view of sex that will protect our happiness now and in the future. Yet, not just for the sake of our own peace and security, but, more importantly, out of respect for our Creator, we should seek to learn and hold to his standards concerning the use of these faculties with which he endowed mankind. Do we truly place ourselves on his side in the issue involving the rightness of his rulership? Then in this matter too we will gladly submit to his superior wisdom and authority as the Universal Sovereign.—Jeremiah 10:10, 23.
KEEPING MARRIAGE HONORABLE AMONG ALL
5. What does the Bible say about engaging in any sexual relations outside of marriage?
5 The Bible exhorts: “Let marriage be honorable among all, and the marriage bed be without defilement, for God will judge fornicators and adulterers.” (Hebrews 13:4) So, God is against persons who engage in sexual relations outside of marriage. This is consistent with the fact that, when providing the first man with a mate, God showed that his will was for a man and his wife to become “one flesh,” in a lasting bond of union. Some four thousand years later, God’s Son showed that his Father had not abandoned this standard. (Genesis 2:22-24; Matthew 19:4-6) But is such a standard needlessly restrictive? Does it deprive us of something good? Let us see.
6. What shows that God’s law against adultery is for our good?
6 Adultery violates the divine standard, and Jehovah God promises to become “a speedy witness” in judgment against adulterers. (Malachi 3:5) The bad fruits of sexual relations with someone outside the marriage union emphasize the wisdom of God’s law. Adultery produces broken confidence and distrust. It causes insecurity and undermines marital peace. The resulting bitterness and heartbreak often lead to divorce. Children suffer as they see their family torn apart. Considering these things, do you not agree that God’s condemnation of adultery is for our good? His Word shows that anyone having genuine love of neighbor will not commit adultery.—Romans 13:8-10.
7. Explain what is meant by “fornication,” as referred to in the Bible.
7 As we have observed, the Bible also expresses God’s judgment against fornicators. Exactly what is “fornication”? While the Bible’s use of this term can include sexual intercourse on the part of unmarried persons as well as adultery, it has a much broader meaning. The word for “fornication” that is used when recording the statements of Jesus and his disciples is the Greek word por·neiʹa. It is drawn from the same root word as the modern term “pornography.” Por·neiʹa was used in Bible times to describe all forms of unlawful sexual intercourse. (The Vocabulary of the Greek New Testament, by Moulton and Milligan) It includes not only ordinary sexual relations between persons who are not married to each other, but also perverted sexual relations between such persons. Thus another reference work states that por·neiʹa “can also be ‘unnatural vice,’ . . . sodomy.”36
8. For what strong reasons did the apostle Paul urge Christians to “abstain from fornication”?
8 When urging his Christian brothers to “abstain from fornication,” the apostle Paul gave strong reasons for their doing so, saying: “That no one go to the point of harming and encroach upon the rights of his brother in this matter, because Jehovah is one who exacts punishment for all these things . . . For God called us, not with allowance for uncleanness . . . So, then, the man that shows disregard is disregarding, not man, but God.”—1 Thessalonians 4:3-8.
9, 10. (a) Frequently, why does a person hold back from legal marriage, even though living with someone of the opposite sex? (b) Even if the fornication is by mutual agreement, how is there ‘harm and an encroaching on the rights of others’?
9 One committing fornication does indeed ‘harm and encroach upon the rights of others.’ This is true, for example, of persons who live with one of the opposite sex without benefit of legal marriage. Why do they do it? Frequently it is so that they can abandon the union whenever they please. They do not give their partner in such an arrangement any of the security that responsible marriage ought to bring. But what if both persons engage in fornication willingly, with mutual agreement? Are they still ‘harming and encroaching on the rights of others’? Yes, definitely so.
10 For one thing, anyone participating in fornication shares in damaging the other person’s conscience as well as any clean standing with God. The fornicator also destroys the other person’s opportunity to enter marriage with a clean start. He likely brings disrespect, reproach and distress on members of the other person’s family, as well as his own. He may also endanger the mental, emotional and physical health of the other person. Dread venereal diseases are frequently instructioned with such sexual immorality. While the guilt for any such harm rests most heavily on the one who promoted the fornication, nevertheless, both parties share in that guilt.
11. Why is there no reason for anyone to believe that God will condone fornication?
11 Passionate desire may cause persons to choose to blind themselves to these harms. But do you believe that God, in his righteousness, will pass over or condone such callous disregard for the rights of others? God’s Word calls for loving one’s neighbor as oneself and for ‘honoring,’ not debasing or repudiating, his sacred marriage arrangement.—Matthew 22:39; Hebrews 13:4.
12. (a) What shows God’s view of homosexuality? (b) Against what does God’s law forbidding homosexuality protect us?
12 What of homosexuality? As we have seen, this practice is covered by the word por·neiʹa (“fornication”), used by Jesus and his disciples. The disciple Jude used that word when referring to the unnatural sex acts of the men of Sodom and Gomorrah. (Jude 7) Homosexuality there caused degradation that produced a loud “cry of complaint” and led to God’s destruction of those cities and their inhabitants. (Genesis 18:20; 19:23, 24) Has God’s view changed since then? No. First Corinthians 6:9, 10, for example, lists “men who lie with men” among those who, if continuing such a practice, will not inherit God’s kingdom. Also, describing the results to persons who ‘dishonor their bodies in uncleanness,’ going after “flesh for unnatural use,” the apostle Paul writes that they “became violently inflamed in their lust toward one another, males with males, working what is obscene and receiving in themselves the full recompense, which was due for their error.” (Romans 1:24, 27) Not only do such persons fall under God’s condemnation. They also receive a “recompense” of mental and physical corruption. Today, for example, there is much syphilis among homosexuals. The high standard set out in God’s Word, rather than depriving us of something good, protects us against such harm.
ACCEPTING GOD’S VIEW OF DIVORCE
13. How serious is the matter of faithfulness to one’s marriage vows?
13 “I hate divorce.” That is the way Jehovah God expressed his strong feeling when reproving those who ‘dealt treacherously’ with their marriage mates. (Malachi 2:14-16, Revised Standard Version) His Word supplies abundant counsel to aid persons to make a success of marriage and to avoid the bitterness of divorce. It also makes clear that God views faithfulness to one’s marriage vows as a sacred responsibility.
14, 15. (a) What is the only proper basis for divorce? (b) Does such “fornication” automatically break the marriage tie? (c) Under what circumstances is remarriage allowable?
14 This is emphasized by the fact that he acknowledges only one proper basis for divorce. His Son showed what this is: “I say to you that whoever divorces his wife, except on the ground of fornication [por·neiʹa], and marries another commits adultery.” (Matthew 19:9; 5:32) Por·neiʹa, as we have seen, refers to all immoral sexual intercourse outside of marriage, whether natural or unnatural.
15 If one’s mate becomes guilty of such “fornication” today, does this automatically break the marriage tie? No, the innocent mate can decide whether to forgive or not. Where divorce is decided upon, the Christian’s recognition of the proper authority of secular government will cause him to dissolve the marriage legally, doing so on a truthful, legal basis. (Romans 13:1, 2) When the proceedings are finalized, remarriage is allowable. But the Scriptures counsel that any such marriage should be only to another Christian, one who is really “in the Lord.”—1 Corinthians 7:39.
16. In lands where secular law does not allow for divorce on any basis whatsoever, how do Jehovah’s Christian witnesses show due respect for God’s law on the matter?
16 What if the laws of a land do not allow any divorce, even on the ground of sexual immorality? An innocent mate in such case might be able to obtain a divorce in a country where divorce is permitted. Circumstances, of course, may not make this possible. But some form of legal separation may be available in one’s own country and could then be sought. Whichever the case, the innocent mate could separate from the guilty one and present definite proof of Scriptural grounds for divorce to the elders who serve in a judicial capacity in the local congregation of Jehovah’s Christian witnesses. Then if that one were later to decide to take another mate, the congregation would not act to remove him as an adulterer from the congregation, provided a written statement is filed with the congregation. This statement must contain a vow of faithfulness to the present mate and agreement to obtain a legal marriage certificate if the estranged legal mate should die. Nevertheless, the individual would have to face whatever consequences this might result in for him as far as the world outside the congregation is concerned. For the world does not generally recognize that God’s law is superior to human laws and that such human laws have only relative authority.—Compare Acts 5:29.
WISELY AVOIDING ALL UNCLEANNESS AND SEXUAL GREED
17. From the Scriptures, explain the proper place that sexual relations have in the lives of married persons.
17 Sexual relations plainly have a proper place in the lives of married persons. God provided this as the means by which children would be produced, as also a source of pleasurable satisfaction to the parents. (Genesis 9:1; Proverbs 5:18, 19; 1 Corinthians 7:3-5) Nevertheless, he warned against abusing this gift.
18, 19. (a) Why is the practice of masturbation or self-abuse not proper for a Christian? (b) What can aid a person to avoid such a practice?
18 Because of the emphasis placed on sex in modern society, many young folks find that their desire for sexual satisfaction is aroused even before they are in position to marry. As a result, some of them seek pleasure through self-stimulation of their sexual parts. This is masturbation or self-abuse. Is it a proper or wise thing to do?
19 The Scriptures counsel: “Deaden, therefore, your body members that are upon the earth as respects fornication, uncleanness, sexual appetite, hurtful desire, and covetousness‘.” (Colossians 3:5) Is one who practices masturbation ‘deadening his body members as respects sexual appetite’? To the contrary, he is stimulating the sexual appetite. He develops a craving for activity that is not yet proper for him, so he satisfies the craving in an unclean way. (Ephesians 4:19) The Bible urges that one avoid the kind of thinking and conduct that leads to such problems, that he replace it with wholesome activity, and that he cultivate self-control. (Philippians 4:8; Galatians 5:22, 23) When earnest effort is put forth to do this, such self-abuse can be avoided, with benefits mentally, emotionally and spiritually to the individual.
20. What shows that it would not be proper for husband and wife to throw off all restraint in their sexual relations with each other?
20 What the Bible says respecting “uncleanness, sexual appetite, hurtful desire” applies to all Christians, single and married. It is true that husband and wife have a Scriptural and legal right to engage in sexual relations with each other, and to enjoy doing so. But does this mean that they can throw off all restraint? The fact that God’s Word urges all Christians to cultivate self-control argues against such a view. (2 Peter 1:5-8) The inspired Bible writer did not have to explain to married persons the natural way in which the reproductive organs of husband and wife complement each other. Homosexual relations obviously cannot follow this natural way. So, male and female homosexuals employ other forms of intercourse in what the apostle refers to as the satisfying of “disgraceful sexual appetites” and “obscene” practices. (Romans 1:24-32) Is it reasonable that married couples could imitate such homosexual forms of intercourse in their own marriage relations and still be free in God’s eyes from expressing “disgraceful sexual appetites” or “hurtful desire”?
21. Regardless of what a person’s way of life may have been in the past, what opportunity is open to him now?
21 On considering what the Scriptures say, a person may realize that his former thinking on these matters was molded by persons who are, as the Bible says, “past all moral sense.” But a change can be made. With God’s help, one can “put on the new personality,” which is molded in accord with true righteousness. (Ephesians 4:17-24) In this way he shows that he truly means it when he says that he wants to do God’s will.
YOUR VIEW VITALLY AFFECTS YOUR PEACE AND SECURITY
22. What immediate benefits come to those who apply the counsel of God’s Word in regard to sexual morality?
22 Really, applying the counsel of God’s Word as respects sexual morality is not burdensome. Contrast the fruitage of the course the Bible outlines with the world’s high rate of divorce, its broken homes, delinquent children, its prostitution, and the violence and murders committed in connection with sexual passion. (Proverbs 7:10, 25-27) How evident the wisdom of God’s Word! By rejecting worldly thinking based on selfish desire and greed, and by bringing your thinking into harmony with Jehovah’s counsel, your heart will be greatly strengthened in right desires. In place of fleeting pleasures of sexual immorality, you will enjoy a clean conscience and enduring peace of mind. Marriage and family ties will be fortified with the growth of mutual trust between marriage mates and of respect by their children.
23. How is one’s view of sex a factor in his being ‘marked’ for survival into God’s “new earth”?
23 And do not lose sight of the fact that your very hope of eternal life is involved. Scriptural morality will contribute to more than your present health. (Proverbs 5:3-11) It will become part of the evidence that you truly deplore the detestable things done by people who hypocritically profess to believe in God and that you have been ‘marked’ for survival into God’s “new earth,” where righteousness is to dwell. How vital, then, that you ‘do your utmost now to be found finally by God spotless and unblemished and in peace.’—Ezekiel 9:4-6; 2 Peter 3:11-14. |
Live Forever (pe)
1989 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/pe | outputs
Page Chapter
7 1 Living Forever Not Just a Dream
16 2 An Enemy of Everlasting Life
25 3 Your Religion Really Matters
34 4 God—Who Is He?
47 5 Is the Bible Really from God?
57 6 Jesus Christ—Sent by God?
69 7 Why We Are Here
76 8 What Happens at Death?
81 9 What Kind of Place Is Hell?
90 10 Wicked Spirits Are Powerful
99 11 Why Has God Permitted Wickedness?
105 12 You Are Involved in a Vital Issue
112 13 God’s Government of Peace
120 14 Who Go to Heaven, and Why?
127 15 Becoming a Subject of God’s Government
134 16 God’s Government Begins Its Rule
142 17 Christ’s Return—How Seen?
148 18 “The End of the World” Is at Hand!
155 19 After Armageddon, a Paradise Earth
166 20 Resurrection—for Whom, and Where?
175 21 Judgment Day and Afterward
184 22 Identifying the True Religion
191 23 God’s Visible Organization
203 24 Are We Under the Ten Commandments?
208 25 For Satan’s World, or God’s New System?
217 26 The Fight to Do What Is Right
225 27 How to Gain Help Through Prayer
231 28 Getting Along with One Another in Love
238 29 Making a Success of Family Life
250 30 What You Must Do to Live Forever |
Sing Praises (ssb)
1984 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/Ssb | Song 94
King of Eternity, Sanctify Your Name!
(Ezekiel 38:23)
1. Jehovah, you are God alone,
To time indefinite the same.
Great love and patience you have shown,
Until you sanctify your name.
Eternal is your purpose grand;
Great wisdom all your dealings show.
Your longed-for Kingdom is at hand,
And so all wickedness must go.
2. Creator of the universe,
You are the One from long ago!
You’ve seen men go from bad to worse,
Right on your footstool here below.
To us your Son has now been giv’n;
His princely rule is here to stay.
Before him see his en’mies driv’n;
For their destruction we now pray.
3. Your holy prophets from of old
Preached your salvation zealously.
We see fulfilled what you foretold,
To which we witness faithfully.
Our earth, forever built to stay,
Will never totter, will remain.
O King, your majesty display,
To bring Messiah’s glorious reign. |
School Guidebook (sg)
1992 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/sg | Study 7
Study Is Rewarding
1. For what does study prepare us?
1 Would you like to see your faith increase, feel your love for God grow stronger, enjoy greater discernment and increased fruitage from your ministerial efforts? The progress that you make in all these respects is, to a considerable extent, dependent on what you do in the way of personal and family study. Such study is an essential part of our lives as Christians. Not only does it equip us to serve God now, but it is part of the preparation for life in God’s new world. Do you personally study as you should?—Matt. 4:4.
2, 3. How can we find time for study?
2 Finding adequate time for study is often a problem, but not an insurmountable one. If you realize that your program of study needs improvement, analyze your weekly schedule of activities. It is not likely that you will find much time that is not already being used. But the Bible urges us to ‘buy out time’ from other pursuits. (Eph. 5:15-17) If you have a television set, why not keep a record of the time that you spend watching it during the week? You might be surprised at the amount of time used in that way. How much time do you spend in “small talk” over the telephone, visiting with neighbors or reading the newspaper or worldly magazines? Could some of this time each week be channeled into one or more periods of study that would be lastingly beneficial? Such study can be done during the daytime, in the evening or whenever it is best for you. Usually a person finds time for the things that are most important to him, and there is no question but that study of God’s Word is one of “the more important things” to a person who values his relationship with Jehovah.—Phil. 1:9-11; Prov. 2:1-5.
3 While you may find it difficult at first to settle down and concentrate on studying, in time it will become easier and more enjoyable. But you need to appreciate its importance, set aside time to do it regularly and put forth an earnest effort.
4, 5. What does study include, and why is it appropriate to begin study sessions with prayer?
4 Study should be done with a view to being able to recall and explain the material clearly. Casual reading, while it has a proper place in our lives, is not study. Study requires research, thought and application. Do not plan to cover more material than you can effectively or you will find your study shallow and unrewarding. Rather, allow time for research and meditation. However, plan to cover sufficient material so that you will see that you are really accomplishing something.
5 The Christian student does not rely on his own ability to find his way into the deep things of God’s Word of truth. He realizes that he needs the help of God’s holy spirit, God’s organization of devoted servants, and the Word itself. This is why it is appropriate to seek God’s blessing on study periods by prayer.—Jas. 1:5; Luke 11:9-13.
6, 7. What helpful suggestions might be tried with a view to getting more out of family Bible reading?
6 Bible study. In the Theocratic Ministry School provision is usually made for a certain portion of the Bible to be read each week. Often this can be done as a family group, reading a chapter or two of the Bible in the evening. To obtain benefits from this reading, after each paragraph it is helpful if the one reading or someone in the group will comment on the key thought of the paragraph. If you are reading the material yourself, take a moment to meditate on the thought being expressed, how it fits in with the rest of the chapter and how it affects you personally.
7 When you are finished with the Bible reading, if points are not clear, it would be appropriate to take some time to do research. Perhaps the thought or sense of a particular scripture was unclear to you. How can you get more information on it? You might first check the Scripture Index section of the Watch Tower Publications Indexes to find places where the scripture has been explained. If your question involves a particular expression in the scripture such as “sanctification” or “Babylon the Great,” you might find additional comments by consulting the Subject Index section of the Watch Tower Publications Indexes in your library. The same procedure may be followed to get more information about a person or place mentioned in the Bible. You may also find information about persons and places in Insight on the Scriptures or by simply referring to the alphabetical scripture index in the back of your Bible and then looking up the Scripture references shown.
8, 9. How can answers to Bible questions be found, and what should we seek in addition to the answers?
8 Research to find answers. At times on a return visit or at a Bible study a question may be raised that you are not sure how to answer. Research on such questions can be done during your home study period. In this way you will be sure that you are “handling the word of the truth aright.” (2 Tim. 2:15) With a little effort a satisfying answer usually can be found. First of all, if it is the explanation of a scripture that is needed, be sure to read the context. What is the surrounding material discussing and therefore what is the sense of the scripture under discussion? Having ascertained that, you are ready to check the Scripture Index section of the Watch Tower Publications Indexes for further help. Is the question about doctrine or prophecy, or does it involve applying Scriptural principles to the life of the student? Both the Subject and the Scripture Index sections of the Watch Tower Publications Indexes can help you to locate the information that you need.
9 When you are satisfied that you have the answer, ask yourself what proofs you have for it. Is your answer just a statement of fact that may seem dogmatic to your hearer, or do you see the reason for the conclusions presented in the Society’s publications? Can you demonstrate that it is true? The one on whom you are calling may want you to explain the reasons for your conclusions or give Scriptural support. Could you illustrate the point? Do you have in mind leading questions that you can use to help the student arrive at the correct conclusion? Your study of the subject will help to equip you to present the answer effectively.
10, 11. Give suggestions on how to prepare for the Watchtower study and the congregation book study.
10 Preparing for the “Watchtower” study. In some lands The Watchtower is not regularly available due to opposition to the activity of Jehovah’s witnesses. In such places the brothers have to review older issues or rely on what they remember from previous studies. Can you remember the outstanding points in recent issues of The Watchtower that you have studied? We should study with a view to remembering the material for later application, whether in our own lives or in the field ministry.
11 It is advantageous to read the magazine from cover to cover when it is first received, thus getting an overall view of the material. Then, sometime before the congregational study of the material, it is good to review it personally or to discuss it as a family. When you do this, first note the theme of the article, the key scripture and the boldface subheadings for the entire article. This gives you an overall view of the subject and will help you to appreciate the relationship of the details in the individual paragraphs. Now read the lesson through paragraph by paragraph, locating the answers to the questions and underlining just the key points for future reference. As you finish each paragraph, if you find that you cannot answer the question in your own words, it would be good to read the paragraph again so you can do so. Pay attention to the Scriptural reasons for answers given, looking up texts cited and noting those on which you would like to comment at the meeting. When you complete all the paragraphs under a subheading, pause briefly and review how that material has contributed to the development of the entire subject. Do this again at the end of the article. Ask yourself where you will be able to use what you have learned, how it affects your own life or how you would explain it to someone else. In this way you will be, not merely marking answers, but acquiring both wisdom and understanding. (Prov. 4:7) And your enjoyment of the Watchtower study with the congregation will be greatly increased. The same procedure may be followed in preparing for the congregation book study.
12-14. Why is family study very important, and what material might be covered?
12 Family study. Above all, be sure that your study arrangements include your family so that each one benefits fully. Would it be loving if the head of a family studied carefully while his wife and children were starving spiritually? Not only physically but also spiritually the family head is under obligation to “provide for those who are his own, and especially for those who are members of his household.” (1 Tim. 5:8) The wisdom of early Bible training for one’s children is seen in the counsel of Proverbs 22:6: “Train up a boy according to the way for him; even when he grows old he will not turn aside from it.” Do not think your child is too young to benefit. From infancy children learn. (2 Tim. 3:15) Family members making the most rapid progress are often those who have made it a practice to have a period of family reading and study. Regularity is of utmost importance.
13 Do you discuss the daily text with your family, letting them comment and asking questions to be sure they understand? This can provide rich spiritual food for your family. Many families do it at mealtime. In addition, each family ought to have a regular time set aside every week for more extensive study as a family. It may be an evening or any other suitable time. Adequate time is required to get a satisfying grasp of many Bible subjects, to explore their various aspects and to impress them on the heart. The regular family study enables all of you to benefit from such study together. Do you have such a family study? If it is not a regular thing in your home, why not discuss the matter with the entire family today and take definite steps to make this a part of your life?—Eph. 6:4; Deut. 6:4-7.
14 If children are quite young, it is good to include material to study together that will be understandable and helpful to them. But even the most difficult material can be discussed in a way so as to involve the young ones with an occasional simple question on a point they can grasp. Many families prepare the Watchtower lesson during their family study time. But any material appropriate to the needs of the family may be used as the basis for the study. Such training builds strong family bonds as well as spiritual appreciation.
15-17. What rewards come from regular study?
15 Rewards for diligence. One immediate reward of diligent study is improvement of the memory through exercise and stimulation. In the field ministry and at congregational meetings it becomes easier to recall and comment on points that have been studied. We find ourselves able to answer the questions of newly interested persons almost from memory, and to put our finger quickly on the scriptures that support our comments. But more than that, study gives us a richer, all-around knowledge of God’s Word. It gives us stronger faith, clearer discernment of Bible principles and increased joy in serving Jehovah.—Heb. 5:14.
16 Wise persons put matters pertaining to their spiritual life in the foremost place. Lesser matters may have to give way because of lack of time, but never the study of the Word of life. It is to those who adopt this view that Jehovah promises that ‘I will let myself be found by you.’ (1 Chron. 28:9) This will particularly be true if you study, not just to gain head knowledge, but to feed your heart. Let your love and appreciation for Jehovah and his wonderful works grow as you study his Word.
17 The real purpose of study by God’s ministers is clearly revealed in this prayer of the apostle Paul, recorded at Colossians 1:9, 10: “That you may be filled with the accurate knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual comprehension, in order to walk worthily of Jehovah to the end of fully pleasing him as you go on bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the accurate knowledge of God.” |
From Our Readers | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/101993008 | From Our Readers
Court Battles As an attorney involved in child custody battles and blood litigation, I cannot express how much encouragement I derived from the article “Jehovah’s Witnesses ‘Delivered Up to Local Courts.’” (September 22, 1992) This past week some doctors, ignoring specific instructions to the contrary, administered blood to a Witness. Such callous disregard for fundamental religious and personal rights is repellent. Your article encouraged me all the more so to keep up the fight!
P. P., United States
Women—Deserving of Respect Thank you for the series “Women—Deserving of Respect.” (July 8, 1992) It helped me to understand that taking women for granted is not a problem limited to one community, but one that occurs in many countries. I am also grateful for the suggestions on avoiding sexual harassment.
S. A., Nigeria
I appreciated the frankness of these articles. Your suggestions will make a lot of people, men and women, reconsider their attitudes. Thank you for showing how Jehovah views women.
J. P. L., Canada
I really feel that women were restored to their rightful position and were viewed as they ought to be. May Christian men also appreciate these articles so that, if need be, they may readjust their viewpoint regarding women. We will sincerely respect them all the more for doing so.
E. S., France
The articles give us permission to feel better about ourselves and show that men have a responsibility to act peaceably and respectfully toward us. I think these were very courageous articles, and they are much appreciated.
A. H., United States
It gave me a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes to know that I belong to an organization that takes such a firm stand on the treatment of women. They were the first articles I have seen that left no loopholes for abusive men to use as an excuse.
E. M., United States
I know this information regarding men’s view of women is not going to change the world, but it is very comforting to read words of truth, comfort, compassion, and understanding, realizing that Jehovah really does care for us.
H. Q., United States
The articles affected me deeply—not that I have neglected my wife, but I am certain I could do more to help her. I esteem her very highly and feel that the articles will help all Christian husbands to recognize even more the value of our wives. They merit respect, dignity, love, and understanding from their husbands.
S. S., Brazil
Death Your issue on “When a Loved One Dies” (July 22, 1992) touched my heart. The very day we received it, my 16-year-old brother-in-law died of cancer. The articles were truly an encouragement in a time of distress. Our friends and family stepped in to assist us by providing food, comfort, and help in making funeral arrangements. Jehovah really provides consolation through timely articles like these.
C. C., United States |
“On a Tour of All the Cities” | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/101994003 | “On a Tour of All the Cities”
WHILE on earth Christ Jesus “set out on a tour of all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and preaching the good news of the kingdom.” (Matthew 9:35) Those desiring to follow in his footsteps were likewise called upon to preach in the cities of the world. There they would encounter the problems common to cities and be forced to cope with them.
A historical tour of cities presents a picture of the ups and downs of thousands of years of human existence, the joys and the heartaches of human endeavors to achieve happiness. A candid look at cities impresses upon us the fact that the entire human race is but a single family, faced with common problems. There should be no room today for nationalistic pride or racial prejudice.
Sad to say, many people do not know much about cities, not even their location. When U.S. university students were asked in the mid-1980’s to locate certain cities, some of them put Dublin (Ireland) in the United States and Lima (Peru) in Italy.
A test carried out a few years earlier at another university revealed that almost half of the students were unable to locate London on a world map. Some put it in Iceland, others in Continental Europe. The professor conducting the test lamented that 42 percent of the students “lost” London completely. Even more embarrassing, 8 percent “lost” the American city where the test was being conducted!
But Americans are evidently not the only ones who are weak in geographical knowledge. At the end of the 1980’s, a test of students in ten nations showed that the Swedes do best and the Americans score sixth. The Academy of Sciences of the former Soviet Union found that 13 percent of the Soviet students surveyed were unable to locate even their own country on a world map. Academy member Vladimir Andriyenkov said with embarrassment: “The results are unbelievable.”
What about you? How good is your knowledge of geography in general and of cities in particular? How about testing yourself by means of the quiz on page 10? You can learn some interesting facts by “Taking a Closer Look at Cities.”
In the next issue of Awake!, we will take a closer look at five cities. They are a special kind of city that for thousands of years was completely unknown. But by the turn of the century, it is estimated, there will be at least 20 of them. Over half of them will be in Asia. What type of city might it be?
[Box on page 10, 11]
Can You Identify the City?
Match the following descriptions with the proper city.
1. The highest capital city in the world.
2. The largest city in the world’s most populous country.
3. Its official though seldom used name consists of 27 words, the first part of which is similar in meaning to that of Los Angeles; it lies in the heart of a rice-growing region. It has over 400 Buddhist temples.
4. It has a population density that—with the exception of four other cities—is twice as high as any other city in the world.
5. It lost almost a quarter million citizens in a 1976 disaster.
6. Center of its nation’s textile region, this city played a major role in the industrial revolution.
7. Once viewed as one of Europe’s filthiest cities, today it is world famous for the scented liquid bearing its name.
8. Nearly 60 languages are spoken in this Asian port city. It was the capital of its country from 1833 to 1912.
9. A made-to-order capital, long in planning, it became reality in 1960.
10. Situated at the end of a 60-mile-long [100 km] fjord, in area it is one of the largest cities in the world.
11. Almost completely destroyed by an earthquake in 1755, it has the lowest cost of living of any capital city within the European Community.
12. It was officially formed by 1873, when communities on opposite sides of the Danube River joined hands as well as names.
13. Portuguese explorers mistook the entrance of its bay for the mouth of a river, thus giving it the name it now bears.
14. Founded in 1788 as a prison colony, it is one of the southernmost cities of its size in the world.
15. With strong religious roots, this city became well-known for an unusual political tea party.
16. In 1850, King Kamehameha III declared it capital of his kingdom; its name means “Protected Bay,” and its year-round temperate climate makes it a tourist’s delight.
17. Sometimes called the windy city, it was once almost destroyed by fire; today it boasts the tallest building in the world.
18. Before 1966, it went by the name Léopoldville.
19. As old as one of Greece’s most illustrious rulers, this city is remembered by Bible students as the place where a famous Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures was made.
20. Its rapid growth resulted from the discovery of gold nearby, and it is unique in that it is the only city of its size in the world not located on a coast or a lakeshore or a river.
Alexandria, Egypt
Bangkok, Thailand
Boston, U.S.A.
Brasília, Brazil
Budapest, Hungary
Calcutta, India
Chicago, U.S.A.
Cologne, Germany
Hong Kong
Honolulu, Hawaii, U.S.A.
Johannesburg, South Africa
Kinshasa, Zaire
La Paz, Bolivia
Lisbon, Portugal
Manchester, England
Oslo, Norway
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Shanghai, China
Sydney, Australia
Tangshan, China
[Box on page 11, 12]
Answers:
1. La Paz, located between 10,650 [3,250 m] and 13,250 feet [4,100 m] above sea level, was founded by the Spanish in 1548.
2. “Shanghai” means “On the Sea,” and along with being one of the world’s largest seaports, it is China’s center of higher education and scientific research.
3. The first part of the official name of Bangkok is Krung Thep, which means “City of Angels”; in Spanish, “Los Angeles” means “the angels.” While Bangkok has developed its freeways, most of its famous canals have been filled in to make roads.
4. Hong Kong, with 248,000 people per square mile [96,000 per sq km], is followed by Lagos, Nigeria (143,000) [55,000]; Dacca, Bangladesh (138,000) [53,000]; Djakarta, Indonesia (130,000) [50,000]; and Bombay, India (127,000) [49,000].
5. In 1976, China was hit by one of the worst earthquakes in modern history, measuring 7.8 on the Richter scale. Tangshan was almost leveled; at least 240,000 people were killed.
6. Manchester, located some 150 miles [240 km] north of London, became an industrial center so rapidly that between 1821 and 1831, its population grew by 45 percent.
7. At the start of the 19th century, Cologne was reputedly one of the three dirtiest cities in the world—Calcutta, Constantinople, and Cologne—for which reason French soldiers stationed there “covered their faces in handkerchiefs soaked in Eau de Cologne to keep at bay the smell of urine that permeated the city.”—Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger.
8. Calcutta is India’s third largest city and was replaced as the capital by New Delhi.
9. Proposed in 1789 and embodied in the 1891 Constitution, the idea of having a capital in the interior of Brazil became reality in 1960 with Brasília. Its construction from scratch offered a rare opportunity to carry to completion “an orderly total-city design in terms of physical layout, architecture, and human habitation.”—Encyclopædia Britannica.
10. Oslo, capital of Norway, occupies an area of 175 square miles [453 sq km], much of which is wooded hills and lakes.
11. Churches were packed on the morning of November 1, 1755, in celebration of All Saints’ Day, when Lisbon was devastated by one of the strongest earthquakes on record, one that killed some 30,000 people.
12. In 1873 the town of Pest, on the eastern side of the Danube River, and Buda, along with Óbuda and Margaret Island, on the western side, officially united to become Budapest, one of Europe’s more attractive cities, once known as Queen of the Danube.
13. The Portuguese words for “river” and for “January”—the explorers arrived on January 1, 1502—were combined to create the name Rio de Janeiro.
14. In January 1788 about 750 convicts arrived from Britain as the basis for a prison colony; today Sydney is Australia’s oldest and largest city.
15. For nearly three centuries, few cities influenced life in the United States more than did Boston, founded by Puritans who fled Europe because of religious persecution. In 1773 its citizens helped provoke the American Revolution when, disguised as Indians, they dumped three shiploads of tea into Boston harbor to protest the paying of taxes to Britain without benefit of representation.
16. Originally a base for sandalwood traders and whalers, occupied in turn by Russians, British, and French, Honolulu was returned to King Kamehameha III. In 1850 he declared it the capital of his kingdom. Hawaii became a U.S. territory in 1900 and gained statehood in 1959.
17. Some call Chicago the typical U.S. city, presenting the country at its best and worst. The central part of the city was wiped out by fire in 1871 when Mrs. O’Leary’s cow supposedly kicked over a lighted lamp in a barn. Some 250 people died, and 90,000 were left homeless. Chicago’s Sears Tower, at 1,454 feet [443 m], is the tallest building in the world.
18. In 1960, Léopoldville, named after Belgian king Leopold II, became capital of the Republic of the Congo after the demise of the Belgian Congo. In 1971 the country’s name was changed to Zaire; in 1966 the capital city was renamed Kinshasa.
19. Alexandria derived its name from that of Alexander the Great, who ordered it built in 332 B.C.E. Less than a hundred years later, resident Jews—probably during the reign of Ptolemy II Philadelphus (285-246 B.C.E.)—began translating the Hebrew Scriptures into Greek to produce the Septuagint.
20. Johannesburg, not located on a coast, a lake, or a river, owes its big-city status to the discovery of gold in 1886. It grew from a population of 2,000 in 1887 to 120,000 by 1899 and has over 1.7 million today.
[Map on page 8, 9]
(For fully formatted text, see publication)
[Picture on page 8]
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
[Picture on page 9]
Bangkok, Thailand
[Credit Line]
Tourism Authority of Thailand
[Pictures on page 10]
Left: Sydney, Australia
Below: La Paz, Bolivia
[Picture on page 11]
Shanghai, China
[Pictures on page 12]
Left: Honolulu, Hawaii
Right: Hong Kong |
Sing Praises (ssb)
1984 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/Ssb | Song 114
God’s Loyal Love
(Isaiah 55:1-3)
1. Loyal love! God is love.
This truth cheers us from above.
Love caused God to send his Son,
Who for us the ransom won,
That we might gain righteousness,
Life eternal, happiness.
(Chorus)
2. Loyal love! God is love.
All his works give proof thereof.
Love for us he’s further shown,
Giving Christ a heav’nly throne
To fulfill his cov’nant sworn.
See! His Kingdom has been born.
(Chorus)
3. Loyal love! God is love.
Peace he sent us like a dove.
Us he gave the faithful slave,
Him a grand commission gave,
That Jehovah’s name he bear,
In its vindication share.
(Chorus)
4. Loyal love! God is love.
May God’s love move us to love.
Loyally let’s help the meek
As God’s righteousness they seek.
May we preach from door to door,
Comfort spread the whole world o’er.
(CHORUS)
Hey there, all you thirsty ones,
Come and drink life’s water free.
Yes, come drink, you thirsty ones;
God’s loving-kindness see. |
YOUNG PEOPLE ASK
What About Virginity Pledges? | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/502016112 | YOUNG PEOPLE ASK
What About Virginity Pledges?
What is a virginity pledge?
Do virginity pledges work?
A better approach
What is a virginity pledge?
A virginity pledge is a written or oral promise to maintain sexual abstinence until marriage.
Virginity pledges became popular in the 1990’s when the Southern Baptist Convention in the United States launched “True Love Waits”—a program that combined Biblical values with positive peer pressure to encourage young people to say no to sex before marriage.
A similar program, started soon afterward, featured events where attendees who took the pledge were given a silver ring to symbolize (and remind them of) their no-sex-before-marriage commitment.
Do virginity pledges work?
The answer depends on whom you ask.
According to researchers Christine C. Kim and Robert Rector, “several studies have found that adolescent virginity pledging was associated with delayed or reduced levels of teen sexual activity.”
According to research published by the Guttmacher Institute, studies indicate that “teens who take ‘virginity pledges’ are just as likely to have sex as those who do not.”
Why the conflicting results?
Some studies compare pledgers with non-pledgers who do not share similar beliefs about sex.
Other studies compare pledgers with non-pledgers who share similar beliefs about sex.
What did the latter type of study reveal? Dr. Janet Rosenbaum, a specialist in adolescent health issues, says that after five years, “pledgers and non-pledgers don’t differ at all in their sexual behavior.”
A better approach
Virginity pledge programs have a noble goal. The problem is, they don’t necessarily instill the values needed for follow-through. Many who promise to remain virgins “aren’t really internalizing the pledge,” says Dr. Rosenbaum. “Abstinence has to come from an individual conviction rather than participating in a program.”
The Bible encourages such individual conviction, not by having a person take a written or oral pledge, but by helping him to “have [his] powers of discernment trained to distinguish both right and wrong.” (Hebrews 5:14) After all, virginity is not just a matter of avoiding disease and pregnancy; it is a way to show honor to the Creator of marriage.—Matthew 5:19; 19:4-6.
The standards set forth in the Bible are for our good. (Isaiah 48:17) Indeed, all people—regardless of their age—can develop the strength of character to obey God’s command to “flee from sexual immorality.” (1 Corinthians 6:18) When they do marry, they will thus be able to enjoy intimacy fully, without the worries and regrets that are so often the aftermath of premarital sex. |
Jehovah’s Witnesses (jt)
2000 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/library/r1/lp-e/all-publications/brochures-and-booklets/jehovahs-witnesses-jt | The Good News They Want You to Hear
WHEN Jesus was on earth, his disciples came to him and asked: “What will be the sign of your presence and of the conclusion of the system of things?” He replied that there would be wars involving many nations, famines, pestilences, earthquakes, an increasing of lawlessness, false religious teachers misleading many, a hatred and persecution of his true followers, and a cooling off of the love of righteousness in many people. When these things would start to happen, it would indicate that Christ was invisibly present and that the heavenly Kingdom was at hand. This would be news—good news! So Jesus added these words as a part of the sign: “This good news of the kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations; and then the end will come.”—Matthew 24:3-14.
In themselves, recent world happenings are bad, but what they signify is good, namely, Christ’s presence. The conditions mentioned above started to be evident in that widely heralded year 1914! It marked the end of the Gentile Times and the beginning of the transition period from human rule to the Thousand Year (Millennial) Reign of Christ.
That there was to be a transition period is indicated by the 110th Psalm, Ps 110 verses 1 and 2, and Revelation 12:7-12. There it is shown that Christ would sit at God’s right hand in heaven until the time for his becoming King. Then war in heaven would result in Satan’s being cast to earth, bringing woe to the earth, and Christ would rule in the midst of his enemies. The complete end of wickedness would come by means of a “great tribulation,” culminating in the war at Har–Magedon and followed by Christ’s Thousand Year Reign of peace.—Matthew 24:21, 33, 34; Revelation 16:14-16.
“But know this,” the Bible says, “that in the last days critical times hard to deal with will be here. For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, self-assuming, haughty, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, disloyal, having no natural affection, not open to any agreement, slanderers, without self-control, fierce, without love of goodness, betrayers, headstrong, puffed up with pride, lovers of pleasures rather than lovers of God, having a form of godly devotion but proving false to its power; and from these turn away.”—2 Timothy 3:1-5.
Some may argue that these things have happened before in human history, but the fact is that they have never occurred to the same extent. As the historians and commentators say, there has never been a time on earth like the one experienced from 1914 onward. (See page 7.) The woes have been far more extensive than ever before. Moreover, as to other features of Christ’s sign of the last days, these facts should be considered: The earth-wide proclamation of Christ’s presence and Kingdom has been of a magnitude unprecedented in history. Persecution for preaching has never equaled that visited upon Jehovah’s Witnesses. Many hundreds of them were executed in Nazi concentration camps. To this day Jehovah’s Witnesses are under ban in some places, and in others they are arrested, imprisoned, tortured, and killed. This is all part of the sign Jesus gave.
As foretold at Revelation 11:18, ‘the nations have become wrathful’ against Jehovah’s faithful Witnesses, and this indicates that Jehovah’s “own wrath” will be expressed against those nations. This same scripture says that God will “bring to ruin those ruining the earth.” Never before has there been a time in human history when the earth’s capacity for sustaining life has been threatened. However, now it is different! Many scientists have warned that if man continues to pollute the earth, it will become uninhabitable. But Jehovah “formed it even to be inhabited,” and he will get rid of the polluters before they complete their ruin of the earth.—Isaiah 45:18.
EARTHLY BLESSINGS UNDER THE KINGDOM
The thought of people living on earth as subjects of God’s Kingdom may seem strange to many Bible believers who think of all those saved as being in heaven. The Bible shows that only a limited number go to heaven and that those who will live forever on earth will be a great crowd of unlimited number. (Psalm 37:11, 29; Revelation 7:9; 14:1-5) That God’s Kingdom under Christ will fill the earth and reign over it is shown by a prophecy in the Bible book of Daniel.
Christ’s Kingdom is there represented as a stone cut from Jehovah’s mountainlike sovereignty. It strikes and destroys an image that represents powerful nations of the earth, and “the stone that struck the image . . . became a large mountain and filled the whole earth.” The prophecy continues: “In the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be brought to ruin. And the kingdom itself will not be passed on to any other people. It will crush and put an end to all these kingdoms, and it itself will stand to times indefinite.”—Daniel 2:34, 35, 44.
It is this Kingdom and the Scripturally supported hope of everlasting life on a cleansed and beautified earth that Jehovah’s Witnesses wish to tell you about. Millions now living and many, many millions now in their graves will have opportunity to dwell therein forever. Then, under the Thousand Year Reign of Christ Jesus, Jehovah’s original purpose for creating the earth and putting the first human pair on it will be realized. This earthly Paradise will never become boring. Just as Adam was assigned work in the garden of Eden, so humankind will have challenging projects in caring for the earth and the plant and animal life on it. They “shall long enjoy the work of their hands.”—Isaiah 65:22, Revised Standard Version; Genesis 2:15.
Many scriptures could be presented to show the conditions that will exist when the prayer that Jesus taught us is answered: “Let your kingdom come. Let your will take place, as in heaven, also upon earth.” (Matthew 6:10) However, let this one suffice for now: “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 peoples. 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, because these words are faithful and true.’”—Revelation 21:3-5.
[Blurb on page 15]
“Critical times hard to deal with,”
BUT “then the end will come”
[Picture on page 18]
Netherlands
[Picture on page 18]
Nigeria |
Proclaimers (jv)
1993 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/jv | Chapter 17
Conventions Proof of Our Brotherhood
CONVENTIONS have become a regular feature of the modern-day organization of Jehovah’s Witnesses. But national and international gatherings of worshipers of Jehovah took place long before the 20th century.
Jehovah required all the males in ancient Israel to assemble at Jerusalem for three seasonal festivals each year. Some of the men brought their entire family along. In fact, the Mosaic Law required that every family member—men, women, and little ones—be present on certain occasions. (Ex. 23:14-17; Deut. 31:10-13; Luke 2:41-43) At first, the attenders were people who lived within the boundaries of Israel. Later, when the Jews became widely dispersed, those in attendance came from many nations. (Acts 2:1, 5-11) They were drawn together not merely because Israel and Abraham were their forefathers but because they recognized Jehovah as their grand heavenly Father. (Isa. 63:16) These festivals were happy occasions. They also helped all who were present to keep their minds on the word of God and not to become so involved in the daily affairs of life that they might forget the more important spiritual matters.
In like manner, the conventions of Jehovah’s Witnesses in modern times center on spiritual interests. To sincere observers these conventions give undeniable evidence that the Witnesses are united by strong ties of Christian brotherhood.
Early Conventions of Bible Students
Arrangements for gatherings of Bible Students from various cities and lands developed gradually. Unlike traditional church groups, the Bible Students, by means of their conventions, quickly got to know fellow believers in other places. At first, these conventions were held at Allegheny, Pennsylvania, in connection with the annual commemoration of the Lord’s death. In 1891 notice was specifically given that there would be a “convention for Bible study and for celebrating the Lord’s Memorial Supper.” The following year, the Watch Tower carried a prominent heading announcing “BELIEVERS’ CONVENTION, AT ALLEGHENY, PA., . . . APRIL 7TH TO 14TH, INCLUSIVE, 1892.”
The public in general was not invited to those early conventions. But, in 1892, some 400 persons who had given evidence of faith in the ransom and sincere interest in the Lord’s work were present. The program included five days of intensive Bible study and another two days of helpful counsel for the colporteurs.
Said one who was present for the first time for one of these gatherings: “I have been at many Conventions, but never before at one like this, where the will and plan of God are the only and the incessant topic from rising until retiring; in the house, on the street, at meeting, at lunch and everywhere.” Regarding the spirit displayed by the delegates, one from Wisconsin, U.S.A., wrote: “I was much impressed by the spirit of love and brotherly kindness manifested on all occasions.”
A change in arrangements for the annual convention took place in 1893. In order to take advantage of favorable railroad fares in connection with the Columbian Exposition that summer, the Bible Students gathered in Chicago, Illinois, from August 20 to 24. This was their first convention outside the Pittsburgh area. However, with a view to making the best possible use of time and money for the Lord’s work, no further general conventions were held for a few years.
Then, starting in 1898, the Bible Students in various places began to take the initiative locally to arrange for assemblies, to be attended by people in a limited area. In 1900 there were 3 general conventions organized by the Society; but there were also 13 local assemblies in the United States and Canada, most of which were for just one day and were often held in connection with the visit of one of the pilgrims. The number kept growing. By 1909 there were at least 45 local assemblies in North America, in addition to conventions served by Brother Russell on special tours that took him to various parts of the continent. A main portion of the program at one-day assemblies was designed especially to stir interest on the part of the public. Attendance ranged from perhaps a hundred up to several thousand.
On the other hand, general conventions, attended mainly by the Bible Students, emphasized instruction for those fairly well established in the way of the truth. For these conventions, special trains filled with delegates would come from principal cities. Attendance was, on occasion, as high as 4,000, even including a few delegates from Europe. These were times of genuine spiritual refreshment that resulted in increased zeal and love on the part of Jehovah’s people. Said one brother at the close of such a convention in 1903: “I would not take a thousand dollars for the good I have received from this Convention;—and I am only a poor man, too.”
Pilgrim brothers who might be in the area spoke at the assemblies. Brother Russell also endeavored to attend and serve on the program at local assemblies as well as at larger conventions in the United States and often in Canada. That involved much travel. Most of it was done on weekend trips. But, in 1909, a brother in Chicago hired several railroad cars to transport delegates who traveled with Brother Russell from one convention to another on a tour. In 1911 and 1913, entire trains were chartered by the same brother to take hundreds of delegates on convention tours lasting a month or more and covering the western United States and Canada.
Travel on such a convention train was a memorable experience. In 1913, Malinda Keefer boarded one at Chicago, Illinois. Years later, she said: “It didn’t take long to realize we were one big family . . . and the train was our home for a month.” As the train pulled out of the station, those who came to see them off sang “God Be With You Till We Meet Again,” all the while waving hats and handkerchiefs till the train was out of sight. Sister Keefer added: “At every stop on the trip there were conventions being held—most were for three days, and we stayed one day with each convention. During these stops Brother Russell gave two talks, one to the friends in the afternoon, and another to the public in the evening on the subject ‘Beyond the Grave.’”
In other lands too, the number of assemblies was growing. They were often quite small. About 15 were present for the first one in Norway, in 1905; but it was a beginning. Six years later, when Brother Russell visited Norway, special effort was put forth to invite the public, and the attendance on that occasion was estimated at 1,200. During 1909, when he attended conventions in Scotland, he spoke to about 2,000 in Glasgow and another 2,500 in Edinburgh on the intriguing subject “The Thief in Paradise, the Rich Man in Hell, and Lazarus in Abraham’s Bosom.”
At the conclusion of the early conventions, the brothers had what they called a love feast, reflecting their feeling of Christian brotherhood. What did this “love feast” include? As an example, the speakers would line up with plates of diced bread, and then the audience would file past, partaking of the bread, shaking hands, and singing “Blest Be the Tie That Binds Our Hearts in Christian Love.” Tears of joy often ran down their cheeks as they sang. Later, as their numbers grew, they dispensed with the handshaking and breaking of bread but would conclude with song and prayer and, often, prolonged applause to express their appreciation.
Launching a Global Campaign of Kingdom Proclamation
The first major convention after World War I took place at Cedar Point, Ohio (on Lake Erie, 60 miles west of Cleveland), from September 1 to 8 in 1919. Following Brother Russell’s death, some who had been prominently associated with the organization fell away. The brothers underwent severe testing. Earlier in 1919, the Society’s president and his associates had been released from their unjust imprisonment. So there was keen anticipation. Although first-day attendance was rather low, later in the day more delegates arrived on special trains. Then the hotels that had offered to accommodate the delegates were swamped. R. J. Martin and A. H. Macmillan (both of whom were included in the group recently released from prison) volunteered to help. They worked at assigning rooms till past midnight, and Brother Rutherford and many of the others had a good time serving as bellhops, carrying luggage and escorting the friends to their rooms. There was an infectious spirit of enthusiasm among them all.
Some 2,500 were expected to attend. However, in every way the convention proved to be more than anticipated. By the second day, the auditorium was already overcrowded and additional halls were put to use. When that did not prove adequate, the sessions were moved outdoors into an area where there was a pleasant grove of trees. About 6,000 Bible Students from the United States and Canada were present.
For the principal talk on Sunday, at least 1,000 of the public also came, swelling the audience to fully 7,000, whom the speaker addressed in the open air without the aid of any microphone or amplifying system. In that discourse, “The Hope for Distressed Humanity,” J. F. Rutherford made it clear that the Messianic Kingdom of God is the solution to mankind’s problems, and he also showed that the League of Nations (which was then being brought to birth and which had already been endorsed by the clergy) was in no way a political expression of God’s Kingdom. The Sandusky Register (a local newspaper) carried an extensive report on that public discourse, as well as a résumé of the activity of the Bible Students. Copies of that paper were sent to newspapers throughout the United States and Canada. But there was much more to the publicity that emanated from this convention.
The real climax of the entire convention was Brother Rutherford’s “Address to Co-laborers,” which was later published under the input “Announcing the Kingdom.” This was directed to the Bible Students themselves. During that speech the significance of the letters G A that had appeared on the convention program and in various locations at the convention site became clear. Announcement was made concerning the coming publication of a new magazine, The Golden Age, for use in directing the attention of people to the Messianic Kingdom. After outlining the work to be done, Brother Rutherford said to the audience: “The door of opportunity is opening before you. Enter it quickly. Remember as you go forth in this work you are not soliciting merely as the agent of a magazine, but you are an ambassador of the King of kings and Lord of lords, announcing to the people in this dignified manner the incoming of the Golden Age, the glorious kingdom of our Lord and Master, for which true Christians have hoped and prayed for many centuries.” (See Revelation 3:8.) When the speaker asked how many desired to share in the work, the enthusiastic response was inspiring to behold. As one man, the audience of 6,000 rose to their feet. By the following year, more than 10,000 were sharing in the field service. The entire convention had a unifying and invigorating effect on those in attendance.
Three years later, in 1922, another memorable convention was held at Cedar Point. It was a nine-day program, from September 5 to 13. In addition to the delegates from the United States and Canada, some came from Europe. Meetings were conducted in ten languages. The average daily attendance was about 10,000; and for the talk “Millions Now Living Will Never Die,” so many of the public were in the audience that the attendance nearly doubled.
The Bible Students did not gather at this convention with the thought that they were planning for work here on earth that would extend for decades into the future. In fact, they said that it might well be their last general convention before “the deliverance of the church . . . into the heavenly phase of the kingdom of God, and indeed into the actual and very presence of our Lord and our God.” But however short the time might be, the doing of God’s will was their foremost concern. With that in mind, on Friday, September 8, Brother Rutherford delivered the memorable discourse “The Kingdom.”
Prior to this, large banners containing the letters A D V had been hung in various parts of the grounds. During the discourse the significance of those letters became evident when the speaker urged: “Be faithful and true witnesses for the Lord. Go forward in the fight until every vestige of Babylon lies desolate. Herald the message far and wide. The world must know that Jehovah is God and that Jesus Christ is King of kings and Lord of lords. This is the day of all days. Behold, the King reigns! You are his publicity agents. Therefore advertise, advertise, advertise, the King and his kingdom.” At that moment a large banner, 36 feet long [11 m], unfolded before the audience. On it was the rousing slogan “Advertise the King and Kingdom.” It was a dramatic moment. The audience applauded enthusiastically. Elderly Brother Pfannebecker, in the assembly orchestra, waved his violin above his head and said loudly with his heavy German accent: “Ach, Ya! Und now ve do it, no?” And they did.
Four days later, while the convention was still in session, Brother Rutherford personally shared with other conventioners as they engaged in the work of Kingdom proclamation from house to house in the area within 45 miles [72 km] of the convention site. It did not end with that. The work of Kingdom proclamation had been given a powerful impetus that would reach around the globe. That year more than 17,000 zealous workers in 58 lands shared in giving the witness. Decades later, George Gangas, who was at that convention and who later became a member of the Governing Body, said regarding that program at Cedar Point: “It was something that was written indelibly in my mind and heart, that will never be forgotten as long as I live.”
Milestones in Spiritual Growth
All the conventions have been times of refreshment and instruction in God’s Word. But some of them have been remembered for decades as spiritual milestones.
Seven of these occurred, one year after another, from 1922 through 1928, in the United States, Canada, and Britain. One reason for the significance of these conventions was the powerful resolutions that were adopted, all seven of which are listed in the box on the next page. Although the Witnesses were relatively few in number, they distributed as many as 45 million copies of one resolution, and 50 million of several others, in many languages worldwide. Some were broadcast on international radio hookups. Thus an extraordinary witness was given.
Yet another historic convention was held in Columbus, Ohio, in 1931. On Sunday, July 26, after hearing Scriptural argument, the Bible Students adopted a new name—Jehovah’s Witnesses. How appropriate! Here is a name that directs primary attention to the Creator himself and that clearly identifies the responsibility of those who worship him. (Isa. 43:10-12) The adoption of that name infused the brothers with greater zeal than ever before as proclaimers of God’s name and Kingdom. As a letter written that year by a Danish Witness expressed it: “Oh, what a magnificent name, Jehovah’s Witnesses, yes, may all of us indeed be such.”
In 1935 another memorable convention was held, in Washington, D.C. On the second day of that convention, Friday, May 31, Brother Rutherford discussed the great multitude, or great crowd, referred to at Revelation 7:9-17. For over half a century, the Bible Students had tried in vain to identify that group correctly. Now, at Jehovah’s due time, in the light of events already under way, it was pointed out that these are persons who have the prospect of living forever right here on earth. This understanding gave fresh significance to the evangelizing work and explained Scripturally a major change that was then just beginning to take place in the makeup of the modern-day organization of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
The convention in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1941 is remembered by many who were present for an opening-day talk eninputd “Integrity,” in which Brother Rutherford focused attention on the great issue that confronts all intelligent creation. Ever since the talk “Ruler for the People,” in 1928, the issues raised by Satan’s rebellion had been given repeated attention. But now it was pointed out that “the primary issue raised by Satan’s defiant challenge was and is that of UNIVERSAL DOMINATION.” Appreciation for that issue and for the importance of maintaining integrity to Jehovah as Universal Sovereign has been a powerful motivating factor in the lives of Jehovah’s servants.
In the midst of World War II, in 1942, when some wondered whether the preaching work was perhaps just about finished, the convention public talk delivered by N. H. Knorr, the newly designated president of the Watch Tower Society, was “Peace—Can It Last?” The explanation in that discourse of the symbolic “scarlet-colored wild beast” of Revelation chapter 17 opened up to the view of Jehovah’s Witnesses a period following World War II in which there would be opportunity to direct yet more people to God’s Kingdom. This gave impetus to a global campaign that over the years has reached into more than 235 lands and is not yet finished.
Another milestone was reached during a convention at New York’s Yankee Stadium on August 2, 1950. On that occasion it was an amazed and highly delighted audience that first received the New World Translation of the Christian Greek Scriptures. The rest of the New World Translation was released in installments during the following decade. This modern-language rendering of the Sacred Scriptures restored the personal name of God to its rightful place in his Word. Its fidelity to what is in the original Bible languages has made it a tremendous asset to Jehovah’s Witnesses in their own study of the Scriptures as well as in their evangelizing work.
On the next-to-last day of that convention, F. W. Franz, then vice president of the Watch Tower Society, addressed the audience on “New Systems of Things.” For many years Jehovah’s Witnesses had believed that even before Armageddon some of Jehovah’s pre-Christian servants would be raised from the dead to be princes of the new world, in fulfillment of Psalm 45:16. You can imagine, then, the effect on the vast audience when the speaker asked: “Would this international assembly be happy to know that here, tonight, in our midst, there are a number of prospective princes of the new earth?” There was tremendous and sustained applause along with shouts of joy. Then the speaker showed that the Biblical use of the term translated “prince” along with the record of faithfulness of many of the “other sheep” in modern times allowed for the belief that some now living might well be selected by Jesus Christ for princely service. He also pointed out, however, that there would be no bestowing of inputs on those entrusted with such service. Concluding his discourse, he urged: “Onward, then, steadily, all of us together, as a New World society!”
There have been many other highly significant discourses delivered at conventions of Jehovah’s Witnesses: In 1953, “New World Society Attacked From the Far North” was a gripping explanation of the significance of the attack by Gog of Magog as described in Ezekiel chapters 38 and 39. That same year, the discourse “Filling the House With Glory” thrilled those who heard it as they saw before their very eyes tangible evidence of the fulfillment of Jehovah’s promise, at Haggai 2:7, to bring the precious things, the desirable things, out of all nations into Jehovah’s house.
The most outstanding convention of modern times, however, was held in New York in 1958, when over a quarter of a million people overflowed the largest facilities available to hear the discourse “God’s Kingdom Rules—Is the World’s End Near?” Delegates were on hand from 123 lands, and their reports to the convention audience helped to strengthen the bonds of international brotherhood. To contribute to the spiritual growth of those present and for their use in teaching others, publications were released in 54 languages during that extraordinary convention.
In 1962, a series of talks on the theme “Subjection to Superior Authorities” corrected the understanding that the Witnesses had as to the meaning of Romans 13:1-7. In 1964, “Passing Over From Death to Life” and “Out of the Tombs to a Resurrection” broadened their appreciation of Jehovah’s great mercy as manifest in the provision of the resurrection. And many, many more of such convention highlights could be cited.
Each year there are tens of thousands, yes, hundreds of thousands, of new ones in attendance at the conventions. Although information presented is not always new to the organization as a whole, it often opens up to new attenders an understanding of the divine will that truly thrills them. They may see and be moved to take hold of opportunities for service that change the entire course of their life.
At many conventions attention has been focused on the meaning of certain books of the Bible. For example, in 1958 and again in 1977, bound books were released that were devoted to discussion of the prophecies recorded by the prophet Daniel regarding God’s purpose to have one world government with Christ as King. In 1971, it was the book of Ezekiel that was given attention, with its emphasis on the divine declaration, “The nations will have to know that I am Jehovah.” (Ezek. 36:23) In 1972, prophecies recorded by Zechariah and Haggai were given detailed consideration. In 1963, 1969, and 1988, there were extensive discussions of thrilling prophecies of Revelation, which vividly foretell the fall of Babylon the Great and the incoming of God’s glorious new heavens and new earth.
The conventions have highlighted varied themes—Theocracy’s Increase, Clean Worship, United Worshipers, Courageous Ministers, Fruitage of the Spirit, Disciple-Making, Good News for All Nations, Divine Name, Divine Sovereignty, Sacred Service, Victorious Faith, Kingdom Loyalty, Integrity Keepers, Trust in Jehovah, Godly Devotion, Light Bearers, and many more. Each of these has contributed to the spiritual growth of the organization and those associated with it.
Stimulus to the Evangelizing Work
Large conventions, as well as smaller assemblies, have been a source of great encouragement in connection with the preaching of the good news. Discourses and demonstrations have provided practical instruction. Experiences enjoyed in the field ministry as well as those related by people who have recently been helped to learn Bible truth are always on the program. In addition, the actual field service that was scheduled during conventions for many years was very beneficial. It gave a fine witness in the convention city and was a source of great encouragement to the Witnesses themselves.
Field service became part of the scheduled convention activity in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, in January 1922. It was also featured during the general convention held at Cedar Point, Ohio, later that year. Thereafter, it became a regular practice to set aside a day, or part of a day or parts of several days, for delegates to share together in preaching activity right in and around the convention city. In large metropolitan areas, this gave people who might seldom be contacted by the Witnesses an opportunity to hear the good news about God’s purpose to give eternal life to lovers of righteousness.
In Denmark the first of such service days at a convention was arranged in 1925, when 400 to 500 met at Nørrevold. For many of the 275 who shared in field service at that convention, it was their first time. Some were apprehensive. But after they had a taste of it, they became enthusiastic evangelizers in their home territories as well. Following that convention and until the end of World War II, there were many one-day service assemblies held in Denmark, and the brothers were invited from surrounding towns. Increased zeal was evident as they shared unitedly in the ministry and then met to hear talks. Similar service assemblies—but two days in length—were held in Britain and the United States.
At bigger conventions the field activity of the delegates often took on large proportions. Beginning in 1936, the convention public talk was advertised by orderly parades of Witnesses who wore placards and distributed handbills. (Those placards were initially referred to as “sandwich signs” because they were worn one in front and one in back.) At times, a thousand or more Witnesses participated in such parades at a given convention. Others shared in regular house-to-house calls, inviting all to come and hear the program. It was most encouraging to individual Witnesses to work with others and to see hundreds, even thousands, of other Witnesses sharing in the ministry along with them. At the same time, the public within a considerable radius came to know that Jehovah’s Witnesses were in town; people had opportunity to hear for themselves what the Witnesses teach and to observe their conduct firsthand.
The talks given at the conventions often were heard by far more than the visible audience. When Brother Rutherford, at a convention in Toronto, Canada, in 1927, delivered the lecture “Freedom for the Peoples,” it was carried by a history-making chain of 53 broadcasting stations to a vast international radio audience. The next year, from Detroit, Michigan (U.S.A.), the speech “Ruler for the People” was broadcast by twice as many stations, and shortwave radio carried it to listeners as far away as Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.
In 1931, major radio networks refused to cooperate with plans to broadcast a convention discourse by Brother Rutherford; so the Watch Tower Society, working with the American Telephone and Telegraph Company, forged its own network of 163 stations, including the largest wire-connected network that had ever been on the air, to carry the message “The Kingdom, the Hope of the World.” Additionally, over 300 other stations in many parts of the world broadcast the program by transcription.
During the convention at Washington, D.C., in 1935, Brother Rutherford spoke on the subject “Government,” forcefully drawing attention to the fact that Jehovah’s Kingdom under Christ will soon replace all human governments. Over 20,000 in the Washington Auditorium heard it. The speech was also carried by radio and telephone lines around the globe, reaching Central and South America, Europe, South Africa, islands of the Pacific, and lands of the Orient. Those who heard the talk in this way may well have numbered in the millions. Two leading Washington newspapers broke their contracts to publish the discourse. But sound cars were deployed by the brothers to 3 points in the city and 40 other places surrounding Washington, and from these the speech was rebroadcast to further audiences estimated at 120,000.
Then, in 1938, from Royal Albert Hall, in London, England, the straightforward discourse “Face the Facts” was carried to some 50 convention cities around the globe, with a total attendance of about 200,000. In addition, a vast radio audience heard that speech.
Thus, although Jehovah’s Witnesses were relatively few in number, their conventions played an important role in the public proclamation of the Kingdom message.
Postwar Conventions in Europe
For those who were present, certain conventions stand out above all others. This was true of the ones in Europe immediately after World War II.
One such convention was in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, on August 5, 1945, less than four months after the Witnesses had been released from the German concentration camps. Some 2,500 delegates were expected; 2,000 of these would need rooming accommodations. To fill the need for places to sleep, local Witnesses spread straw on the floor of their homes. From all directions the delegates came by every means possible—by boat, in trucks, on bicycles, and some hitchhiking.
At that convention they laughed and wept, they sang, and they thanked Jehovah for his goodness. As one who attended said: “Theirs was the unspeakable joy of a theocratic organization just freed from fetters!” Before the war, there had been fewer than 500 Witnesses in the Netherlands. A total of 426 were arrested and imprisoned; of these, 117 died as a direct result of persecution. What joy when at the assembly some found loved ones that they thought were dead! Others shed tears as they searched in vain. That evening 4,000 listened with rapt attention to the public talk that explained why Jehovah’s Witnesses had been the objects of such intense persecution. In spite of what they had suffered, they were getting organized to press ahead with their God-given work.
The following year, 1946, the brothers in Germany arranged for a convention in Nuremberg. They were granted the use of the Zeppelinwiese, Hitler’s former parade grounds. On the second day of the convention, Erich Frost, who had personally experienced the brutality of the Gestapo and had spent years in a Nazi concentration camp, delivered the public talk “Christians in the Crucible.” The 6,000 Witnesses in attendance were joined by 3,000 of the public from Nuremberg for the occasion.
The final day of that convention proved to be one when sentences were to be announced at the war-crimes trials there in Nuremberg. Military authorities declared a curfew for that day, but after prolonged negotiations they agreed that in view of the stand that Jehovah’s Witnesses had taken in the face of Nazi opposition, it would be inappropriate to hinder them from concluding their convention in peace. Thus, on that final day, the brothers assembled to hear the stirring talk “Fearless Despite World Conspiracy.”
They saw the hand of Jehovah in what was taking place. At the very time that men representing a regime that had tried to exterminate them were being sentenced, Jehovah’s Witnesses were meeting to worship Jehovah at the place where Hitler had put on some of his most spectacular displays of Nazi power. Said the convention chairman: “Just being able to experience this day, which is just a preview of the triumph of God’s people over their enemies at the battle of Armageddon, was worth nine years in concentration camp.”
Other Memorable Conventions
As the activity of Jehovah’s Witnesses has expanded, conventions have been held around the earth. All of them have had outstanding features for those who were present.
At Kitwe, Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia), in the hub of the Copperbelt, a convention was scheduled to be held during the visit of the president of the Watch Tower Society in 1952. The site was a large area on the outskirts of one of the mining camps, in a place now known as Chamboli. The top of an abandoned anthill was leveled, and a thatched shelter was built on it to serve as a platform. Other thatched shelters for sleeping, with double decks, extended out 200 yards [180 m] from the main seating area like the spokes of a wheel. Men and boys slept in some; women and girls in others. Some of the delegates had traveled two weeks by bicycle to be present. Others had walked for days and then finished the trip on a primitive bus.
During sessions those in the audience were very attentive, though seating was on hard bamboo benches in the open. They had come to hear, and they did not want to miss a word. The singing of that audience of 20,000 brought tears to the eyes—it was so beautiful. There was no accompaniment by musical instruments, but the harmony of the voices was exquisite. Not just in their singing but in every way, unity was manifest among these Witnesses, though they were from many backgrounds and tribes.
And can you imagine the feelings of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Portugal when, after a struggle for freedom of worship that had gone on for nearly 50 years, the Witnesses there gained legal recognition on December 18, 1974. At that time they numbered only about 14,000. Within a few days, 7,586 of them packed out a sports pavilion in Porto. The following day, another 39,284 overflowed a football stadium in Lisbon. Brothers Knorr and Franz were with them for that happy occasion, one that many will never forget.
Organizing International Gatherings
For well over half a century, Jehovah’s Witnesses have held large, multicity conventions simultaneously in many lands. Their feeling of international brotherhood has been heightened on these occasions when they have all been able to hear principal discourses originating in a key city.
It was not until 1946, however, that a large international convention drew together in one city delegates from many parts of the earth. This was at Cleveland, Ohio. Although travel in the postwar era was still difficult, attendance reached 80,000, including 302 delegates from 32 countries outside the United States. Sessions were held in 20 languages. Much practical instruction was given with a view to expanding the work of evangelizing. One of the convention highlights was Brother Knorr’s talk about problems of reconstruction and expansion. The audience applauded enthusiastically as they heard plans for enlargement of the Society’s headquarters printing and office facilities, as well as its radio broadcasting facilities, for establishment of branch offices in principal countries of the world, and for expansion of missionary work. Immediately after that convention, details were worked out so that Brothers Knorr and Henschel could make an around-the-world trip to implement what had been discussed.
In the years that followed, truly history-making conventions were held in New York City’s Yankee Stadium. At the first of these, from July 30 to August 6, 1950, delegates were present from 67 lands. Included on the program were brief reports by branch servants, missionaries, and other delegates. These gave the convention thrilling glimpses of the intense evangelizing work being done in all the lands from which they had come. The final day, attendance rose to 123,707 for the discourse “Can You Live Forever in Happiness on Earth?” The theme of the convention was “Theocracy’s Increase.” Attention was directed to the great increase in numbers. Yet, as the chairman, Grant Suiter, emphatically pointed out, this was not done to laud any brilliant minds within the visible organization. Rather, he declared: “The new strength of numbers is dedicated to Jehovah’s honor. That is the way it should be, and we would not have it any other way.”
In 1953, another convention was held at Yankee Stadium in New York. This time the attendance peaked at 165,829. As was true of the first convention there, the program was packed with discussions of thrilling Bible prophecies, practical counsel on how to accomplish the preaching of the good news, and reports from many lands. Although sessions began at about 9:30 a.m., they usually did not conclude until 9:00 or 9:30 p.m. The convention provided eight full days of joyful spiritual feasting.
For their largest convention, in New York in 1958, it was necessary to use not only Yankee Stadium but also the nearby Polo Grounds as well as overflow areas outside the stadiums to accommodate the convention crowds. On the final day, when every seat was filled, special permission was granted to use even the playing field of Yankee Stadium, and what a thrilling sight it was as thousands streamed in, removed their shoes, and sat on the grass! The count showed 253,922 in attendance to hear the public discourse. A further evidence of Jehovah’s blessing on the ministry of his servants was seen when 7,136 at this convention symbolized their dedication by water immersion—well over twice the number that were baptized on the historic occasion of Pentecost 33 C.E., as reported in the Bible!—Acts 2:41.
The entire operation of these conventions gave evidence of something much more than efficient organization. It was a manifestation of God’s spirit at work among his people. Brotherly love that has as its basis love for God was evident everywhere. There were no high-salaried organizers. Every department was manned by unpaid volunteers. Christian brothers and sisters, often family groups, cared for the refreshment stands. They also prepared hot meals, and in huge tents outside the stadium, they served the delegates at a rate of up to a thousand per minute. Tens of thousands—all of them glad to have a share in the work—served as attendants and cared for all the needed construction, cooking and serving of meals, cleanup, and much more.
More volunteers devoted hundreds of thousands of hours in order to fill the housing needs of delegates. In some years, to care for at least some of the conventioners, trailer and tent cities were organized. In 1953 the Witnesses harvested 40 acres [16 ha] of grain, free of charge, for a farmer in New Jersey who leased them his land for their trailer city. Sanitary facilities, lighting, showers, laundry rooms, cafeteria, and grocery stores were all installed to care for a population that exceeded 45,000. As they moved in, a city sprang up overnight. Scores of thousands more were housed in hotels and private homes in and around New York. It was a mammoth undertaking. With Jehovah’s blessing, it was carried out successfully.
Conventions on the Move
The members of this international brotherhood are keenly interested in fellow Witnesses in other lands. As a result, they have seized opportunities to attend conventions outside their home countries.
When the first of the Clean Worship Assembly series convened at Wembley Stadium in London, England, in 1951, Witnesses from 40 lands were present. The program emphasized the practical side of true worship and the making of the ministry one’s life career. From England, many Witnesses traveled to the Continent, where nine more conventions were to be held during the next two months. The largest of these was in Frankfurt am Main, Germany, where 47,432 were present from 24 lands. The warmth of the brothers was demonstrated at the close of the program when the orchestra began to play and the German brothers broke out in a spontaneous farewell song commending to God their fellow Witnesses who had come from abroad to join them. Handkerchiefs were waved, and hundreds flocked across the field to express personal appreciation for this grand theocratic festival.
In 1955, more of the Witnesses arranged to visit their Christian brothers abroad at convention time. By means of two chartered ships (each with 700 passengers) and 42 chartered planes, delegates from the United States and Canada went to Europe. The European edition of the paper The Stars and Stripes, published in Germany, described the influx of Witnesses as “probably the biggest mass movement of Americans through Europe since the Allied invasion during World War II.” Other delegates came from Central and South America, Asia, Africa, and Australia. In spite of efforts of Christendom’s clergy to prevent the Witnesses from holding their conventions in Rome and Nuremberg, these two and six more were held in Europe during the summer. Attendance ranged from 4,351 in Rome to 107,423 in Nuremberg. Another group of 17,729 assembled at the Waldbühne in what was then called West Berlin, which could be reached with somewhat less risk by brothers from the Eastern zone of that era. Many of these had been in prison for their faith or had family members who were then in prison, but they were still firm in faith. How appropriate the convention theme—“Triumphant Kingdom”!
Though there had already been many international conventions, what took place in 1963 was the first of its kind. It was an around-the-world convention. Beginning in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in the United States, it moved to New York; next, to four major cities in Europe; through the Middle East; on to India, Burma (now Myanmar), Thailand, Hong Kong, Singapore, the Philippines, Indonesia, Australia, Taiwan, Japan, New Zealand, Fiji, the Republic of Korea, and Hawaii; and then back to the North American mainland. In all, delegates from 161 lands were present. Total attendance exceeded 580,000. There were 583, from some 20 lands, that moved with the convention, attending in one country after another, clear around the globe. Special tours enabled them to see places of religious interest, and they also shared with their local brothers and sisters in the house-to-house ministry. These travelers cared for their own expenses.
Latin American delegates had been well represented at most of the international conventions. But in 1966-67, it was their turn to host the conventions. Those who attended will never forget the drama that brought to life the Bible account regarding Jeremiah and that helped everyone to appreciate its meaning for our day.a Bonds of Christian love were strengthened as visitors saw firsthand the background against which a vast campaign of Bible education is being carried on in Latin America. They were deeply moved by the strong faith of fellow believers, many of whom had overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles—family opposition, floods, loss of possessions—to be in attendance. They were greatly encouraged by experiences such as that of a frail Uruguayan special pioneer sister who was interviewed and who had with her on the platform many of the 80 persons she had already helped to progress to the point of Christian baptism! (As of 1992, she had helped 105 persons to the point of baptism. She was still frail and still a special pioneer!) How heartwarming, too, to meet missionaries from the very earliest Gilead classes still on the job in their assignments! Those conventions were a fine stimulus to the work being done in that part of the world. In many of those lands, there are now 10, 15, or even 20 times as many praisers of Jehovah as there were then.
A few years later, in 1970-71, it was possible for Witnesses from abroad to fellowship with their brothers at international conventions held in Africa. The largest of these conventions was in Lagos, Nigeria, where all the facilities had to be built from the ground up. To protect delegates from the hot sun, a bamboo city was built—seating areas, dormitories, cafeteria, and other departments. This required 100,000 bamboo poles and 36,000 large, woven reed mats—all of them prepared by the brothers and sisters. The program was put on in 17 languages simultaneously. Attendance reached 121,128, and 3,775 new Witnesses were baptized. Numerous tribal groups were represented, and many of those present were people who used to war against one another. But now, what a joy to see them united in the bonds of genuine Christian brotherhood!
After the convention, some of the foreign delegates traveled by bus into Igboland to see the area most seriously affected by the recent civil war. A great sensation was caused in town after town as the visitors were greeted and embraced by local Witnesses. People rushed into the streets to watch. Such a demonstration of love and unity between black and white was something they had never seen before.
In certain lands the number of Jehovah’s Witnesses makes it impossible for them all to come together in one place. However, on occasion, several large conventions have been held at the same time, followed by more, week after week. In 1969, the unity felt at conventions arranged in this way was enhanced by the fact that some of the principal speakers shuttled back and forth by air between the conventions, thus serving them all. In 1983 and 1988, a similar oneness was felt when a number of large conventions using the same language were tied together, even internationally, by telephone transmission of key discourses given by members of the Governing Body. The real foundation of the unity among Jehovah’s Witnesses, however, is the fact that they all worship Jehovah as the only true God, they all hold to the Bible as their guide, they all benefit from the same spiritual feeding program, they all look to Jesus Christ as their Leader, they all seek to manifest the fruits of God’s spirit in their lives, they all put their trust in God’s Kingdom, and they all share in taking the good news of that Kingdom to others.
Organized for International Praise to Jehovah
Jehovah’s Witnesses have increased in number to the point that they outnumber the population of scores of individual nations. In order for their conventions to accomplish the greatest good, much careful planning is required. However, simple published requests as to where Witnesses from various areas should attend are usually all that is needed to assure that there will be ample room for everyone. When international conventions are planned, it is now often necessary for the Governing Body to consider not only the number of Witnesses from other countries who would like to go and are in position to do so but also the size of available convention facilities, the number of local Witnesses who will be attending, and the amount of housing available for delegates; then a maximum figure can be allotted for each country. That was true in connection with the three “Godly Devotion” Conventions held in Poland in 1989.
For those conventions some 90,000 of Jehovah’s Witnesses were expected from Poland, in addition to thousands of newly interested persons. Many were also invited to attend from Britain, Canada, and the United States. Large delegations were welcomed from Italy, France, and Japan. Others came from Scandinavia and Greece. At least 37 lands were represented. For certain portions of the program, it was necessary to interpret Polish or English talks into as many as 16 other languages. Total attendance was 166,518.
Large groups of Witnesses at these conventions had come from what was then the Soviet Union and from Czechoslovakia; sizable groups were also present from other Eastern European countries. Hotels and school dormitories could not house everyone. Hospitably, the Polish Witnesses opened their hearts and their homes, gladly sharing what they had. One congregation of 146 provided sleeping places for over 1,200 delegates. For some who attended these conventions, it was the first time they had ever been at a large gathering of more than 15 or 20 of Jehovah’s people. Their hearts welled up with appreciation as they looked out at the tens of thousands in the stadiums, joined with them in prayer, and united their voices in songs of praise to Jehovah. When they mingled together between sessions, there were warm embraces, even though difference of language often kept them from saying in words what was in their hearts.
As the convention came to an end, their hearts were filled with gratitude to Jehovah, who made it all possible. In Warsaw, after the farewell comments by the chairman, the audience burst into applause that did not abate for at least ten minutes. After the final song and prayer, the applause resumed, and the audience lingered in the stands for a long time. They had waited many years for this occasion, and they did not want it to end.
The following year, 1990, less than five months after the lifting of a 40-year-long ban on Jehovah’s Witnesses in what was then East Germany, another thrilling international convention was held, this one in Berlin. Among the 44,532 present were delegates from 65 different countries. From some lands, just a few had come; from Poland, some 4,500. Words could not express the deep feelings of those who had never before had the freedom to attend such a convention, and when the entire audience joined in songs of praise to Jehovah, they could not hold back their tears of joy.
Later that year, when a similar convention was held in São Paulo, Brazil, two large stadiums were needed to accommodate the international audience of 134,406. This was followed by a convention in Argentina, where again two stadiums were used simultaneously to accommodate the international audience. As 1991 began, further international conventions were getting under way in the Philippines, Taiwan, and Thailand. Large audiences from many nations were also on hand that year for conventions in Eastern Europe—in Hungary, Czechoslovakia, and what is now Croatia. And in 1992, delegates from 28 lands counted it a special privilege to be among the 46,214 in St. Petersburg for the first truly international convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Russia.
Opportunities for Regular Spiritual Refreshment
Not all the conventions held by Jehovah’s Witnesses are international gatherings. However, the Governing Body arranges for major conventions once a year, and the same program is enjoyed worldwide in many languages. These conventions may be quite large, providing opportunity for fellowship with other Witnesses from many places, or they may be smaller and held in many cities, making it easier for new ones to attend and enabling the public in hundreds of smaller cities to get a good closeup view of a large cross section of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
In addition, once a year each circuit (made up of perhaps 20 congregations) assembles for a two-day program of spiritual counsel and encouragement.b Also, since September 1987, a special assembly day, an upbuilding one-day program, is arranged for each circuit once a year. Where possible, a member of the Society’s headquarters staff or someone from the local branch office is sent out to share in the program. These programs are greatly appreciated by Jehovah’s Witnesses. In many areas the assembly sites are not distant or hard to reach. But that is not always the case. A traveling overseer recalls an elderly couple who walked 47 miles [76 km] with suitcases and blankets to attend a circuit assembly in Zimbabwe.
Field service during the convention is no longer a feature at all these assemblies, but that is not because the Witnesses in any way view it as less important. In most cases people who live near the assembly sites are now being visited regularly by the local Witnesses—in some instances, every few weeks. The assembly delegates keep alert to opportunities for informal witnessing, and their Christian conduct gives a powerful witness in another way.
Evidence of True Brotherhood
The brotherhood manifest among the Witnesses at their conventions is readily evident to observers. They can see that there is no partiality among them and that genuine warmth is evident even among those who may be meeting one another for the first time. At the time of the Divine Will International Assembly in New York in 1958, the New York Amsterdam News (August 2) reported: “Everywhere Negroes, whites and Orientals, from all stations in life and all parts of the world, mingled joyously and freely. . . . The worshiping Witnesses from 120 lands have lived and worshiped together peacefully showing Americans how easily it can be done. . . . The Assembly is a shining example of how people can work and live together.”
More recently, when Jehovah’s Witnesses held simultaneous conventions in Durban and in Johannesburg, South Africa, in 1985, the delegates included all the major racial and language groups in South Africa, as well as representatives from 23 other lands. The warm fellowship among the 77,830 in attendance was readily evident. “This is beautiful,” said a young Indian woman. “To see Coloureds, Indians, whites, and blacks all mixing together has changed my whole outlook on life.”
This feeling of brotherhood goes beyond smiles, handshakes, and calling one another “brother” and “sister.” As an example, when arrangements were being made for the “Everlasting Good News” Assembly worldwide in 1963, Jehovah’s Witnesses were notified that if they would like to help others financially to attend a convention, the Society would be glad to see that the funds benefited brothers in all parts of the earth. There was no solicitation, and nothing was taken for administrative expenses. The funds all went for the stated purpose. In this way, 8,179 were assisted to attend the convention. Delegates from every country in Central and South America were given help, as were thousands from Africa and many in the Middle East and the Far East. A large proportion of those assisted were brothers and sisters who had devoted many years to the full-time ministry.
Toward the end of 1978, a convention was scheduled to be held in Auckland, New Zealand. Witnesses in the Cook Islands knew about it and longed to be present. But the economy in the islands was such that it would have cost each one a small fortune to make the trip. However, loving spiritual brothers and sisters in New Zealand contributed the round-trip fares for some 60 of the islanders. How happy they were to be present to share the spiritual feast with their Maori, Samoan, Niuean, and Caucasian brothers!
Typical of the spirit among Jehovah’s Witnesses was what took place at the conclusion of the “Divine Justice” District Convention in Montreal, Canada, in 1988. For four days Arabic, English, French, Greek, Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish delegates had been enjoying the same program but in their own languages. However, at the end of the final session, all 45,000 of them joined together in the Olympic Stadium in a moving display of brotherhood and unity of purpose. Together they sang, each group in its own tongue, “Come sing with us . . . ‘Jehovah reigns; let earth rejoice.’”
[Footnotes]
a Seventy more of such dramas were presented at conventions during the next 25 years.
b From 1947 to 1987, these had been held twice each year. Down till 1972, they were three-day assemblies; then a two-day program was instituted.
[Blurb on page 255]
“I was much impressed by the spirit of love and brotherly kindness”
[Blurb on page 256]
Convention trains—all aboard!
[Blurb on page 275]
Not high-salaried convention organizers, but unpaid volunteers
[Blurb on page 278]
Unity between black and white
[Box/Picture on page 261]
Seven Significant Convention Resolutions
In 1922, the resolution eninputd “A Challenge to World Leaders” called on them to prove that humans have the wisdom to rule this earth or else to admit that peace, life, liberty, and endless happiness can come only from Jehovah through Jesus Christ.
In 1923, there was “A Warning to All Christians” of the urgent necessity to flee from organizations that fraudulently claim to represent God and Christ.
In 1924, “Ecclesiastics Indicted” laid bare the unscriptural doctrines and practices of Christendom’s clergy.
In 1925, “Message of Hope” showed why those that claim to be the guiding lights of the world have failed to satisfy man’s greatest needs and how only God’s Kingdom can do so.
In 1926, “A Testimony to the Rulers of the World” put them on notice that Jehovah is the only true God and that Jesus Christ now rules as earth’s rightful King. It urged the rulers to use their influence to turn the minds of the people to the true God so that disaster might not befall them.
In 1927, the “Resolution to the Peoples of Christendom” exposed the financial-political-religious combine that oppresses mankind. It urged the people to abandon Christendom and put their confidence in Jehovah and his Kingdom in the hands of Christ.
In 1928, the “Declaration Against Satan and for Jehovah” made clear that Jehovah’s anointed King, Jesus Christ, will soon restrain Satan and destroy his evil organization, and it urged all who love righteousness to take their stand on Jehovah’s side.
[Box/Pictures on page 272, 273]
Features of Some of the Big Conventions
Hundreds of enthusiastic delegates arrived by ship, thousands by plane, tens of thousands by automobile and bus
Good organization and lots of willing workers were required to locate and assign sufficient rooming accommodations
During these eight-day conventions, hot meals—tens of thousands of them—were regularly served to delegates
In 1953, a trailer and tent city accommodated more than 45,000 delegates
In New York, in 1958, 7,136 got baptized—more than at any one time since Pentecost of 33 C.E.
Greeting signs from many lands were displayed, and sessions were held in 21 languages, in New York in 1953
[Picture on page 256]
Delegates to the IBSA convention in Winnipeg, Man., Canada, in 1917
[Pictures on page 258]
J. F. Rutherford speaking at Cedar Point, Ohio, in 1919. He urged all to share zealously in announcing God’s Kingdom, using “The Golden Age”
[Picture on page 259]
Convention at Cedar Point in 1922. The call went out: “Advertise the King and Kingdom”
[Picture on page 260]
George Gangas was at Cedar Point in 1922. For some 70 years since then he has zealously proclaimed God’s Kingdom
[Picture on page 262, 263]
Delegates to the 1931 convention in Columbus, Ohio, who enthusiastically embraced the name Jehovah’s Witnesses
[Picture on page 264]
“New World Translation of the Christian Greek Scriptures” being released by N. H. Knorr in 1950
[Picture on page 264]
Discourses by F. W. Franz on fulfillment of Bible prophecy were a convention highlight (New York, 1958)
[Pictures on page 265]
For many years field service was a prominent part of every convention.
Los Angeles, U.S.A., 1939 (bottom); Stockholm, Sweden, 1963 (inset)
[Pictures on page 266]
When J. F. Rutherford spoke from Washington, D.C., in 1935, the message was carried by radio and telephone lines to six continents
[Pictures on page 268]
In Nuremberg, Germany, in 1946, Erich Frost gave the fiery discourse “Christians in the Crucible”
[Picture on page 269]
Open-air convention in Kitwe, Northern Rhodesia, during visit of N. H. Knorr in 1952
[Pictures on page 270, 271]
In 1958 an audience of 253,922, overflowing two large stadiums in New York, heard the message “God’s Kingdom Rules—Is the World’s End Near?”
Polo Grounds
Yankee Stadium
[Picture on page 274]
Grant Suiter, convention chairman at Yankee Stadium in 1950
[Picture on page 274]
John Groh (seated), discussing convention organization with George Couch in 1958
[Pictures on page 277]
In 1963 an around-the-world convention was held, with delegates from some 20 lands traveling with it right around the globe
Kyoto, Japan (lower left), was one of 27 convention cities. Delegates in the Republic of Korea got acquainted (center). A Maori greeting in New Zealand (lower right)
[Pictures on page 279]
A convention that served 17 language groups simultaneously, in a bamboo city built for the occasion (Lagos, Nigeria, 1970)
[Pictures on page 280]
Three large conventions were held in Poland in 1989, with delegates on hand from 37 lands
T. Jaracz (on the right) spoke to delegates in Poznan
Thousands were baptized in Chorzów
The audience applauded at great length in Warsaw
Delegates from what was then the U.S.S.R. (below)
Portions of the program in Chorzów were translated into 15 languages |
Scriptures for Christian Living (scl)
2023 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/scl | Fruitage of God’s Spirit
What is the fruitage of Jehovah’s spirit, and why do we need to be humble if we want to receive holy spirit?
Ga 5:22, 23; Jas 4:6
Relevant Bible account(s):
Ps 143:1, 4-11—King David, in deep distress, meditates on Jehovah’s activity and prays for holy spirit
Lu 11:9-13—Jesus uses an illustration to remind us of how willing Jehovah is to give his spirit to those who ask for it |
Worship God (wt)
2002 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/wt | Chapter Ten
A Kingdom “That Will Never Be Brought to Ruin”
1. What fact has been emphasized by world events throughout mankind’s history?
WORLD events each day underscore the fact that humans have not found happiness by rejecting Jehovah’s sovereignty and trying to govern themselves. No system of human government has brought impartial benefits to mankind. Although men have developed their scientific knowledge to an unprecedented extent, they have not been able to conquer sickness or put an end to death, not even for one individual. Human rule has not eliminated war, violence, crime, corruption, or poverty. Oppressive governments still dominate the people in many lands. (Ecclesiastes 8:9) Technology, greed, and ignorance combine to pollute the land, water, and air. Economic mismanagement by officials makes it hard for many to obtain the necessities of life. Thousands of years of human rule have made this fact obvious: “To earthling man his way does not belong. It does not belong to man who is walking even to direct his step.”—Jeremiah 10:23.
2. What is the only solution to mankind’s problems?
2 What is the solution? God’s Kingdom, for which Jesus taught his followers to pray: “Let your kingdom come. Let your will take place, as in heaven, also upon earth.” (Matthew 6:9, 10) God’s heavenly Kingdom is described at 2 Peter 3:13 as the “new heavens,” which is to rule over the “new earth,” that is, righteous human society. So important is God’s heavenly Kingdom that Jesus made it the focus of his preaching. (Matthew 4:17) He showed the place that it should have in our lives, urging: “Keep on, then, seeking first the kingdom and his righteousness.”—Matthew 6:33.
3. Why is learning about God’s Kingdom of the greatest urgency now?
3 Learning about God’s Kingdom is of the greatest urgency now, as soon that Kingdom will take action to change forever the rulership of this earth. Daniel 2:44 foretells: “In the days of those kings [governments now ruling] the God of heaven will set up a kingdom [in heaven] that will never be brought to ruin. And the kingdom itself will not be passed on to any other people [humans will never again rule the earth]. It will crush and put an end to all these [present] kingdoms, and it itself will stand to times indefinite.” Thus the Kingdom will bring these last days to a close by destroying this entire wicked system of things. Rulership of the earth by the heavenly Kingdom will then be undisputed. How grateful we should be that the relief this will bring is now very near!
4. In connection with the Kingdom, what took place in heaven in 1914, and why is that important to us?
4 In 1914, Christ Jesus was installed as King and was authorized to “go subduing in the midst of [his] enemies.” (Psalm 110:1, 2) Also in that year, “the last days” of this present wicked system of things began. (2 Timothy 3:1-5, 13) At the same time, events that Daniel had seen in prophetic vision actually took place in heaven. “The Ancient of Days,” Jehovah God, conferred upon the Son of man, Jesus Christ, “rulership and dignity and kingdom, that the peoples, national groups and languages should all serve even him.” Reporting on the vision, Daniel wrote: “His rulership is an indefinitely lasting rulership that will not pass away, and his kingdom one that will not be brought to ruin.” (Daniel 7:13, 14) It is by means of this heavenly Kingdom in the hands of Christ Jesus that God will enable lovers of righteousness to enjoy the countless good things that he purposed when he put our first human parents in Paradise.
5. What details regarding the Kingdom are of keen interest to us, and why?
5 Is it your desire to be a loyal subject of the Kingdom? If so, you will be keenly interested in the structure and operation of this heavenly government. You will want to know what it is doing now, what it will accomplish in the future, and what it requires of you. As you examine the Kingdom closely, your appreciation for it should grow. If you respond to its rulership, you will be better equipped to tell others about the wonderful things God’s Kingdom will do for obedient mankind.—Psalm 48:12, 13.
The Rulers of God’s Kingdom
6. (a) How do the Scriptures show whose sovereignty is expressed by means of the Messianic Kingdom? (b) How should we be affected by what we learn about the Kingdom?
6 One of the first things such an examination reveals is that this Messianic Kingdom is an expression of Jehovah’s own sovereignty. It was Jehovah who gave “rulership and dignity and kingdom” to his Son. After God’s Son was empowered to begin ruling as King, voices in heaven appropriately declared: “The kingdom of the world did become the kingdom of our Lord [Jehovah God] and of his Christ, and he [Jehovah] will rule as king forever and ever.” (Revelation 11:15) So everything that we observe about this Kingdom and what it accomplishes can draw us closer to Jehovah himself. What we learn should instill in us a desire to submit to his sovereignty forever.
7. Why is it of special interest to us that Jesus Christ is Jehovah’s Deputy Ruler?
7 Consider, too, the fact that Jehovah has put Jesus Christ on the throne as his Deputy Ruler. As the Master Worker whom God used to make the earth and humans, Jesus knows our needs better than any of us do. Furthermore, from the beginning of human history, he demonstrated his ‘fondness for the sons of men.’ (Proverbs 8:30, 31; Colossians 1:15-17) So great is his love for humans that he personally came to earth and gave his life as a ransom in our behalf. (John 3:16) Thus he made available for us the means of release from sin and death and the opportunity for eternal life.—Matthew 20:28.
8. (a) In contrast with human rulerships, why will God’s government endure? (b) What relationship does “the faithful and discreet slave” have with the heavenly government?
8 God’s Kingdom is a stable, enduring government. Its enduring quality is ensured by the fact that Jehovah himself is not subject to death. (Habakkuk 1:12) In contrast with human kings, Jesus Christ, the one to whom God has entrusted kingship, is also immortal. (Romans 6:9; 1 Timothy 6:15, 16) Associated with Christ on heavenly thrones will be 144,000 others, loyal servants of God out of “every tribe and tongue and people and nation.” These too are given immortal life. (Revelation 5:9, 10; 14:1-4; 1 Corinthians 15:42-44, 53) The vast majority of them are already in the heavens, and the remnant of them yet on earth make up the present-day “faithful and discreet slave,” which loyally furthers the interests of that Kingdom here.—Matthew 24:45-47.
9, 10. (a) What divisive, corrupting influences will the Kingdom remove? (b) If we do not want to become enemies of God’s Kingdom, what entanglements should we avoid?
9 Soon now, at his appointed time, Jehovah will send his executional forces into action to cleanse the earth. They will destroy forever those humans who of their own choice refuse to acknowledge his sovereignty and who treat with scorn the loving provisions that he makes through Jesus Christ. (2 Thessalonians 1:6-9) That will be Jehovah’s day, the long-awaited time for his vindication as Universal Sovereign. “Look! The day of Jehovah itself is coming, cruel both with fury and with burning anger, . . . that it may annihilate the land’s sinners out of it.” (Isaiah 13:9) “That day is a day of fury, a day of distress and of anguish, a day of storm and of desolation, a day of darkness and of gloominess, a day of clouds and of thick gloom.”—Zephaniah 1:15.
10 All false religion and all human governments and their armies, which have been manipulated by the unseen wicked ruler of this world, will be annihilated forever. All who identify themselves with this world by pursuing a self-centered, dishonest, immoral way of life will be cut off in death. Satan and his demons will be removed from contact with earth’s inhabitants, securely confined for a thousand years. God’s Kingdom will then have complete control of all earth’s affairs. What a relief that will be for all who love righteousness!—Revelation 18:21, 24; 19:11-16, 19-21; 20:1, 2.
The Kingdom’s Objectives—How Attained
11. (a) How will the Messianic Kingdom accomplish Jehovah’s purpose for the earth? (b) What will Kingdom rule mean for people living on earth then?
11 The Messianic Kingdom will fully accomplish God’s original purpose for the earth. (Genesis 1:28; 2:8, 9, 15) To this day, mankind has failed to support that purpose. However, “the inhabited earth to come” will be subjected to the Son of man, Jesus Christ. All who survive the execution of Jehovah’s judgment on this old system will work unitedly under Christ the King, gladly doing whatever he directs, so that the earth becomes a global paradise. (Hebrews 2:5-9) All mankind will enjoy the work of their hands and benefit fully from the abundance of earth’s produce.—Psalm 72:1, 7, 8, 16-19; Isaiah 65:21, 22.
12. How will perfection in mind and body be brought about for subjects of the Kingdom?
12 When Adam and Eve were created, they were perfect, and it was God’s purpose for the earth to be filled with their offspring, all enjoying perfection in mind and body. That purpose will come to glorious reality under the rule of the Kingdom. This requires the removal of all the effects of sin, and to that end, Christ serves not only as King but also as High Priest. Patiently, he will help his obedient subjects to benefit from the sin-atoning value of the sacrifice of his own human life.
13. What physical benefits will be realized under Kingdom rule?
13 Under Kingdom rule, earth’s inhabitants will realize marvelous physical benefits. “At that time the eyes of the blind ones will be opened, and the very ears of the deaf ones will be unstopped. At that time the lame one will climb up just as a stag does, and the tongue of the speechless one will cry out in gladness.” (Isaiah 35:5, 6) Flesh disfigured by age or disease will become fresher than that of a child, and chronic weaknesses will give way to vigorous health. “Let his flesh become fresher than in youth; let him return to the days of his youthful vigor.” (Job 33:25) The day will come when no one will have reason to say, “I am sick.” Why? Because God-fearing humans will be relieved of the burden of sin and its grievous effects. (Isaiah 33:24; Luke 13:11-13) Yes, God “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.”—Revelation 21:4.
14. What does attaining human perfection include?
14 Attaining perfection, however, involves much more than having a sound body and a sound mind. It includes properly reflecting Jehovah’s qualities, since we were made ‘in God’s image, according to his likeness.’ (Genesis 1:26) To that end, much education will be required. In the new world, “righteousness is to dwell.” So, as Isaiah foretold, “righteousness is what the inhabitants of the productive land will certainly learn.” (2 Peter 3:13; Isaiah 26:9) This quality leads to peace—between people of all races, among close associates, in one’s family and, above all, with God himself. (Psalm 85:10-13; Isaiah 32:17) Those who learn righteousness will progressively be educated in God’s will for them. As love for Jehovah becomes deeply rooted in their hearts, they will follow his ways in every aspect of their lives. They will be able to say as did Jesus, ‘I always do the things pleasing to my Father.’ (John 8:29) How enjoyable life will be when that is true of all humankind!
Accomplishments Already Evident
15. Using the questions in this paragraph, highlight accomplishments of the Kingdom and show what we should be doing now.
15 The impressive accomplishments of God’s Kingdom and its subjects are evident. The following questions and scriptures will remind you of some of these accomplishments, as well as of things that all subjects of the Kingdom can and should be doing now.
Against whom did the Kingdom first take action, and with what result? (Revelation 12:7-10, 12)
The gathering of the remaining members of what group is being given attention since Christ was enthroned? (Revelation 14:1-3)
What work did Jesus foretell that he would do after the outbreak of the great tribulation, as recorded at Matthew 25:31-33?
What preliminary work is being accomplished today? Who are participating in it? (Psalm 110:3; Matthew 24:14; Revelation 14:6, 7)
Why have political and religious opposers been unable to stop the preaching work? (Zechariah 4:6; Acts 5:38, 39)
What changes have taken place in the lives of those who submit to Kingdom rule? (Isaiah 2:4; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11)
Kingdom of a Thousand Years
16. (a) How long will Christ rule? (b) What marvelous things will be done during and after that time?
16 After the abyssing of Satan and his demons, Jesus Christ and his 144,000 joint heirs will rule as kings and priests for the thousand years. (Revelation 20:6) During that period, mankind will be brought to perfection, with sin and Adamic death forever eliminated. At the end of the Thousand Year Reign, having successfully carried out his assignment as Messianic King-Priest, Jesus “hands over the kingdom” to his Father, “that God may be all things to everyone.” (1 Corinthians 15:24-28) At that point, Satan is released for a little while to test redeemed humankind as to their support of Jehovah’s universal sovereignty. After that final test is complete, Jehovah will destroy Satan and the rebels who sided with him. (Revelation 20:7-10) Those who upheld Jehovah’s sovereignty—his right to rule—will have fully demonstrated their unswerving loyalty. They will then be brought into their proper relationship with Jehovah, being accepted by him as his sons and daughters, divinely approved for everlasting life.—Romans 8:21.
17. (a) What will happen to the Kingdom at the end of the thousand years? (b) In what sense is it true that the Kingdom “will never be brought to ruin”?
17 Therefore, Jesus’ own function and that of the 144,000 will change in relation to the earth. What will their future activity be? The Bible does not say. But if we faithfully uphold Jehovah’s sovereignty, we will be alive at the end of the Thousand Year Reign to find out what Jehovah has purposed for them as well as for his awesome universe. Nevertheless, Christ’s thousand-year rulership will be “indefinitely lasting” and his Kingdom “will not be brought to ruin.” (Daniel 7:14) In what sense? For one thing, the ruling authority will not pass into the hands of others who have different aims, as Jehovah will be Ruler. Also, the Kingdom “will never be brought to ruin” because its accomplishments will endure forever. (Daniel 2:44) And the Messianic King-Priest and his associate king-priests will forever be honored because of their faithful service to Jehovah.
Review Discussion
• Why is God’s Kingdom the only solution to mankind’s problems? When did the King of God’s Kingdom begin to rule?
• What is especially appealing to you about God’s Kingdom and what it will accomplish?
• What accomplishments of the Kingdom can we already see, and what part do we have in these?
[Picture on page 92, 93]
Under God’s Kingdom, all people will learn righteousness |
Knowledge (kl)
1995 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/kl | Chapter 13
Why Living a Godly Life Brings Happiness
1. Why can we say that Jehovah’s way brings happiness?
JEHOVAH is “the happy God,” and he wants you to enjoy life. (1 Timothy 1:11) By walking in his way, you can benefit yourself and experience tranquillity that is deep and lasting, like an ever-flowing river. Walking in God’s way also moves one to perform continuous acts of righteousness, “like the waves of the sea.” This brings true happiness.—Isaiah 48:17, 18.
2. How can Christians be happy though they are sometimes treated badly?
2 Some may object, ‘People sometimes suffer for doing what is right.’ True, and that is what happened to Jesus’ apostles. Although persecuted, however, they rejoiced and went on “declaring the good news about the Christ.” (Acts 5:40-42) We can learn important lessons from this. One is that our living a godly life does not guarantee that we will always be treated well. “In fact,” wrote the apostle Paul, “all those desiring to live with godly devotion in association with Christ Jesus will also be persecuted.” (2 Timothy 3:12) The reason for this is that Satan and his world are opposed to those who live in a godly way. (John 15:18, 19; 1 Peter 5:8) But genuine happiness is not dependent on external things. Rather, it comes from a conviction that we are doing what is right and therefore have God’s smile of approval.—Matthew 5:10-12; James 1:2, 3; 1 Peter 4:13, 14.
3. How should the worship of Jehovah affect a person’s life?
3 There are people who feel that they can earn God’s favor through occasional acts of devotion but can forget about him at other times. True worship of Jehovah God is not like that. It affects a person’s conduct throughout all his waking hours, from day to day, year after year. That is why it is also called “The Way.” (Acts 19:9; Isaiah 30:21) It is a godly way of living that calls upon us to speak and act in harmony with God’s Word.
4. Why is it beneficial to make changes so as to live according to God’s ways?
4 When new students of the Bible see that they need to make some changes in order to please Jehovah, they may wonder, ‘Is a godly life really worth living?’ You can be sure that it is. Why? Because “God is love,” and his ways are therefore meant to benefit us. (1 John 4:8) God is also wise and knows what is best for us. Since Jehovah God is almighty, he is able to strengthen us to fulfill our desire to please him by breaking a bad habit. (Philippians 4:13) Let us consider some principles involved in godly living and see how applying them brings happiness.
HONESTY RESULTS IN HAPPINESS
5. What does the Bible say about lying and theft?
5 Jehovah is “the God of truth.” (Psalm 31:5) No doubt, you desire to follow his example and be known as a truthful person. Honesty leads to self-respect and a feeling of well-being. Because dishonesty is so common in this sinful world, however, Christians need this reminder: “Speak truth each one of you with his neighbor . . . Let the stealer steal no more, but rather let him do hard work . . . that he may have something to distribute to someone in need.” (Ephesians 4:25, 28) Christian employees do an honest day’s work. Unless their employer gives permission, they do not take things that belong to him. Whether at work, in school, or at home, a worshiper of Jehovah must be ‘honest in all things.’ (Hebrews 13:18) Anyone who makes it a practice to lie or steal cannot have God’s favor.—Deuteronomy 5:19; Revelation 21:8.
6. How might a godly person’s honesty bring glory to Jehovah?
6 Being honest results in many blessings. Selina is a needy African widow who loves Jehovah God and his righteous principles. One day, she found a bag containing a bankbook and a large sum of money. Using a telephone directory, she was able to find the owner—a storekeeper who had been robbed. The man could not believe his eyes when Selina, though quite sick, visited him and returned the full outputs of the bag. “Such honesty must be rewarded,” he said and handed her a sum of money. More important, this man praised Selina’s religion. Yes, honest deeds adorn Bible teaching, glorify Jehovah God, and bring happiness to his honest worshipers.—Titus 2:10; 1 Peter 2:12.
GENEROSITY BRINGS HAPPINESS
7. What is wrong with gambling?
7 There is happiness in being generous, whereas greedy persons will not “inherit God’s kingdom.” (1 Corinthians 6:10) A common form of greed is gambling, which is an attempt to make money through the losses of others. Jehovah does not approve of those who are “greedy of dishonest gain.” (1 Timothy 3:8) Even where gambling is legal and a person gambles for fun, he could become addicted and be promoting a practice that has ruined many lives. Gambling often brings hardship to the gambler’s family, who may be left with little money to buy such necessities as food and clothing.—1 Timothy 6:10.
8. How did Jesus set a fine example of generosity, and how can we be generous?
8 Because of their loving generosity, Christians find joy in assisting others, especially needy fellow believers. (James 2:15, 16) Before Jesus came to earth, he observed God’s generosity toward mankind. (Acts 14:16, 17) Jesus himself gave his time, his talents, and even his life in behalf of humankind. Hence, he was well qualified to say: “There is more happiness in giving than there is in receiving.” (Acts 20:35) Jesus also spoke well of the poor widow who generously put two small coins in the temple treasure chest, for she gave “her whole living.” (Mark 12:41-44) The ancient Israelites and the first-century Christians provide examples of joyful generosity in giving material support to the congregation and the Kingdom work. (1 Chronicles 29:9; 2 Corinthians 9:11-14) In addition to making material contributions for these purposes, present-day Christians happily offer praise to God and use their lives in his service. (Romans 12:1; Hebrews 13:15) Jehovah blesses them for using their time, energy, and other resources, including their funds, to support true worship and promote the worldwide work of preaching the good news of the Kingdom.—Proverbs 3:9, 10.
OTHER FACTORS PROMOTING HAPPINESS
9. What is wrong with excessive drinking of alcoholic beverages?
9 To be happy, Christians must also ‘guard their thinking abilities.’ (Proverbs 5:1, 2) This requires that they read and meditate on God’s Word and wholesome Bible literature. But there are things to avoid. For instance, excessive drinking of alcoholic beverages can make a person lose control of his thinking. In such a state, many people get involved in immoral behavior, act violently, and cause deadly accidents. No wonder the Bible says that drunkards will not inherit God’s Kingdom! (1 Corinthians 6:10) Determined to stay “sound in mind,” true Christians avoid drunkenness, and this helps to promote happiness among them.—Titus 2:2-6.
10. (a) Why do Christians not use tobacco? (b) What benefits come from breaking addictive habits?
10 A clean body contributes to happiness. Yet, many become addicted to harmful substances. For example, consider the use of tobacco. The World Health Organization reports that smoking “kills three million people each year.” Breaking the tobacco habit can be difficult because of temporary withdrawal symptoms. On the other hand, many ex-smokers find that they have better health and more money for household needs. Yes, overcoming the tobacco habit or addiction to other harmful substances will contribute to a clean body, a clear conscience, and true happiness.—2 Corinthians 7:1.
HAPPINESS IN MARRIAGE
11. What is required to have a legal and lasting honorable marriage?
11 Those living together as husband and wife should make sure that their marriage has been properly registered with the civil authorities. (Mark 12:17) They also need to view wedlock as a serious responsibility. True, separation might become necessary in cases of willful nonsupport, extreme abuse, or the absolute endangerment of spirituality. (1 Timothy 5:8; Galatians 5:19-21) But the apostle Paul’s words at 1 Corinthians 7:10-17 encourage marriage mates to stay together. For true happiness, of course, they must be faithful to each other. Paul wrote: “Let marriage be honorable among all, and the marriage bed be without defilement, for God will judge fornicators and adulterers.” (Hebrews 13:4) The term “marriage bed” denotes sexual intercourse between a man and woman legally married to each other. No other sexual relationship, such as marriage to more than one wife, can be described as “honorable among all.” Moreover, the Bible condemns premarital intercourse and homosexuality.—Romans 1:26, 27; 1 Corinthians 6:18.
12. What are some of the bad fruits of fornication?
12 Fornication may bring a few moments of physical pleasure, but it does not result in true happiness. It displeases God and can scar the person’s conscience. (1 Thessalonians 4:3-5) The sad consequences of illegitimate sex may be AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases. “It has been estimated that more than 250 million people worldwide are infected annually with gonorrhoea, and about 50 million with syphilis,” states one medical report. There is also the problem of unwanted pregnancies. The International Planned Parenthood Federation reports that, around the world, more than 15 million girls between the ages of 15 and 19 become pregnant each year, and a third of them have abortions. A study showed that in one African country, abortion complications result in 72 percent of all deaths among teenage girls. Some fornicators may escape disease and pregnancy but not emotional damage. Many lose their self-respect and even hate themselves.
13. What additional problems are caused by adultery, and what lies ahead for those who continue to be fornicators and adulterers?
13 Although adultery may be forgiven, it is a valid Scriptural basis for divorce on the part of the innocent mate. (Matthew 5:32; compare Hosea 3:1-5.) When such immorality results in the breakup of a marriage, this may leave deep emotional scars on the innocent mate and on the children. For the good of the human family, God’s Word points out that his adverse judgment will come upon unrepentant fornicators and adulterers. Moreover, it clearly shows that those who practice sexual immorality “will not inherit God’s kingdom.”—Galatians 5:19, 21.
“NO PART OF THE WORLD”
14. (a) What are some forms of idolatry that are avoided by a godly person? (b) What guidance is provided at John 17:14 and Isaiah 2:4?
14 Those desiring to please Jehovah and enjoy Kingdom blessings avoid idolatry in any form. The Bible shows that it is wrong to make and worship images, including those of Christ, or of Jesus’ mother, Mary. (Exodus 20:4, 5; 1 John 5:21) So, true Christians do not venerate icons, crosses, and images. They also avoid more subtle forms of idolatry, such as acts of devotion to flags and the singing of songs that glorify nations. When pressured to perform such acts, they recall Jesus’ words to Satan: “It is Jehovah your God you must worship, and it is to him alone you must render sacred service.” (Matthew 4:8-10) Jesus said that his followers are “no part of the world.” (John 17:14) This means being neutral in political affairs and living peacefully in harmony with Isaiah 2:4, which says: “He [Jehovah God] will certainly render judgment among the nations and set matters straight respecting many peoples. And they will have to beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning shears. Nation will not lift up sword against nation, neither will they learn war anymore.”
15. What is Babylon the Great, and what do many new Bible students do to get out of her?
15 Being “no part of the world” also means breaking off all association with “Babylon the Great,” the world empire of false religion. Unclean worship spread from ancient Babylon until it held harmful spiritual dominion over people earth wide. “Babylon the Great” embraces all religions whose doctrines and practices are out of harmony with the knowledge of God. (Revelation 17:1, 5, 15) No faithful worshiper of Jehovah will engage in interfaith activities by sharing in worship with different religions or by having spiritual fellowship with any part of Babylon the Great. (Numbers 25:1-9; 2 Corinthians 6:14) Consequently, many new Bible students send a letter of resignation to the religious organization to which they belong. This has brought them closer to the true God, as promised: “‘Get out from among them, and separate yourselves,’ says Jehovah, ‘and quit touching the unclean thing’; ‘and I will take you in.’” (2 Corinthians 6:17; Revelation 18:4, 5) Is not such acceptance by our heavenly Father what you keenly desire?
WEIGHING ANNUAL OBSERVANCES
16. Why do true Christians not celebrate Christmas?
16 A godly life frees us from the often burdensome celebrating of worldly holidays. For instance, the Bible does not reveal the exact day of Jesus’ birth. ‘I thought Jesus was born on December 25!’ some may exclaim. This is not possible because he died in the spring of 33 C.E. at 33 1/2 years of age. Moreover, at the time of his birth, shepherds were “living out of doors and keeping watches in the night over their flocks.” (Luke 2:8) In the land of Israel, late December is a cold, rainy season during which sheep would be kept in shelters overnight to protect them from the winter weather. Actually, December 25 was set aside by the Romans as the birthday of their sun god. Centuries after Jesus was on earth, apostate Christians adopted this date for the celebration of Christ’s birth. Consequently, true Christians do not celebrate Christmas or any other holiday based on false religious beliefs. Because they give Jehovah exclusive devotion, they also do not observe holidays that idolize sinful humans or nations.
17. Why do godly people not hold birthday parties, and why are Christian children happy anyway?
17 The Bible specifically mentions only two birthday observances, both involving men who did not serve God. (Genesis 40:20-22; Matthew 14:6-11) Since the Scriptures do not reveal the birth date of the perfect man Jesus Christ, why should we give special attention to the birthdays of imperfect humans? (Ecclesiastes 7:1) Of course, godly parents do not await a special day to show their children love. A 13-year-old Christian girl remarked: “My family and I have lots of fun. . . . I’m very close to my parents, and when other kids ask why I don’t celebrate holidays, I tell them that I celebrate every day.” Said a Christian youth aged 17: “In our house, gift-giving is all year long.” Greater happiness results when gifts are given spontaneously.
18. What one annual observance did Jesus command his followers to keep, and of what does it remind us?
18 For those pursuing a godly life, there is one day each year to be specially observed. It is the Lord’s Evening Meal, often called the Memorial of Christ’s death. Concerning it, Jesus commanded his followers: “Keep doing this in remembrance of me.” (Luke 22:19, 20; 1 Corinthians 11:23-25) When Jesus instituted this meal on the night of Nisan 14, 33 C.E., he used unleavened bread and red wine, representing his sinless human body and his perfect blood. (Matthew 26:26-29) These emblems are partaken of by Christians anointed with God’s holy spirit. They have been taken into the new covenant and the covenant for the Kingdom, and they have a heavenly hope. (Luke 12:32; 22:20, 28-30; Romans 8:16, 17; Revelation 14:1-5) Nevertheless, benefits are experienced by all those present on the evening that corresponds with Nisan 14 on the ancient Jewish calendar. They are reminded of the love shown by Jehovah God and Jesus Christ in the sin-atoning ransom sacrifice that makes eternal life possible for those having divine favor.—Matthew 20:28; John 3:16.
EMPLOYMENT AND ENTERTAINMENT
19. What challenge do Christians face in earning a living?
19 True Christians are under obligation to work hard and provide for their needs. Accomplishing this brings family heads a feeling of satisfaction. (1 Thessalonians 4:11, 12) Of course, if a Christian’s employment conflicted with the Bible, this would rob him of happiness. Yet, it is sometimes difficult for a Christian to find employment that is in harmony with Bible standards. For instance, some employees are required to deceive customers. On the other hand, many employers will make concessions to accommodate the conscience of an honest worker, not wanting to lose a trustworthy employee. Whatever develops, however, you can be sure that God will bless your efforts to find employment that leaves you with a clean conscience.—2 Corinthians 4:2.
20. Why should we be selective in choosing entertainment?
20 Since God wants his servants to be happy, we need to balance hard work with refreshing periods of recreation and rest. (Mark 6:31; Ecclesiastes 3:12, 13) Satan’s world promotes ungodly entertainment. But to please God, we must be selective about books we read, radio programs and music we listen to, and concerts, films, plays, television programs, and videos we watch. If the entertainment we chose in the past conflicts with the warnings in such scriptures as Deuteronomy 18:10-12, Psalm 11:5, and Ephesians 5:3-5, we will please Jehovah and will be happier if we make adjustments.
RESPECT FOR LIFE AND BLOOD
21. How should respect for life affect our view of abortion, as well as our habits and conduct?
21 For true happiness, we need to view human life as sacred, even as Jehovah does. His Word forbids us to commit murder. (Matthew 19:16-18) In fact, God’s Law to Israel shows that he views the unborn child as a precious life—not something to be destroyed. (Exodus 21:22, 23) For that matter, we must not treat life as something cheap by using tobacco, abusing our body with drugs or alcohol, or taking needless risks. Neither should we engage in any life-threatening pursuits nor should we ignore safety precautions, which might result in bloodguilt.—Deuteronomy 22:8.
22. (a) What is the godly view of blood and its use? (b) Whose blood alone is truly lifesaving?
22 Jehovah told Noah and his family that blood represents the soul, or life. Therefore, God forbade them to eat any blood. (Genesis 9:3, 4) Since we are their descendants, that law is binding upon all of us. Jehovah told the Israelites that blood was to be poured out on the ground and was not to be used for man’s own purposes. (Deuteronomy 12:15, 16) And God’s law on blood was reiterated when first-century Christians were instructed: “Keep abstaining . . . from blood.” (Acts 15:28, 29) Out of respect for the sanctity of life, godly people do not accept blood transfusions, even if others insist that such a procedure would be lifesaving. Many medical alternatives acceptable to Jehovah’s Witnesses have proved to be very effective and do not expose one to the hazards of blood transfusions. Christians know that only Jesus’ shed blood is truly lifesaving. Faith in it brings forgiveness and the prospect of eternal life.—Ephesians 1:7.
23. What are some rewards of a godly way of life?
23 Clearly, living a godly life requires effort. It may result in ridicule from family members or acquaintances. (Matthew 10:32-39; 1 Peter 4:4) But the rewards of living such a life far outweigh any trials. It results in a clean conscience and provides wholesome companionship with fellow worshipers of Jehovah. (Matthew 19:27, 29) Then, too, imagine living forever in God’s righteous new world. (Isaiah 65:17, 18) And what joy there is in complying with Bible counsel and thus making Jehovah’s heart rejoice! (Proverbs 27:11) No wonder that living a godly life brings happiness!—Psalm 128:1, 2.
TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE
What are some reasons why living a godly life brings happiness?
Godly living may call for what changes?
Why do you want to live a godly life?
[Picture on page 124, 125]
Spiritual activities balanced with periods of relaxation contribute to the happiness of those living a godly life |
How Can I Protect Myself From Sexual Harassment? | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/502013287 | How Can I Protect Myself From Sexual Harassment?
The Bible’s answer
Consider these practical suggestions based on wisdom found in the Bible:
Be businesslike. Be pleasant and respectful to workmates, yet avoid the sort of friendliness that implies that you would accept their sexual interest.—Matthew 10:16; Colossians 4:6.
Dress modestly. Wearing provocative clothing sends the wrong message. The Bible recommends dressing “with modesty and soundness of mind.”—1 Timothy 2:9.
Choose your friends wisely. If you spend time with those who tolerate or even welcome flirting or sexual advances, you are more likely to receive the same treatment.—Proverbs 13:20.
Reject offensive talk. Excuse yourself if a conversation turns to “dirty stories, foolish talk, or obscene jokes.”—Ephesians 5:4, God’s Word Bible.
Avoid compromising situations. For example, beware of invitations to stay at work after hours without a valid reason.—Proverbs 22:3.
Be firm and direct. If you are sexually harassed, clearly tell your harasser that his or her behavior is unwelcome. (1 Corinthians 14:9) For instance, you could say: “You keep brushing against me, and it makes me very uncomfortable. I want you to stop.” You could write a letter to your harasser describing what happened, how it made you feel, and what you want to happen next. Make clear that your stance is based on your moral and religious convictions.—1 Thessalonians 4:3-5.
Get help. If the harassment continues, confide in a trusted friend, family member, or coworker or in someone experienced in helping victims. (Proverbs 27:9) Many victims of sexual harassment have found support through prayer. Even if you haven’t prayed before, don’t underestimate the help you can receive from Jehovah, “the God of all comfort.”—2 Corinthians 1:3.
Sexual harassment creates a hostile work environment for millions, but the Bible can help. |
Are All Religions the Same? Do They All Lead to God? | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/502015150 | Are All Religions the Same? Do They All Lead to God?
The Bible’s answer
No, all religions are not the same. The Bible contains many examples of religions that displease God. These fall into two basic categories.
Category 1: Worshipping false gods
The Bible describes the worship of false gods with such terms as “delusion,” “futility,” and “useless.” (Jeremiah 10:3-5; 16:19, 20) Jehovaha God commanded the ancient nation of Israel: “You must not have any other gods besides me.” (Exodus 20:3, 23; 23:24) When the Israelites worshipped other gods, “Jehovah became enraged.”—Numbers 25:3; Leviticus 20:2; Judges 2:13, 14.
God still has the same attitude toward the worship of such “so-called gods.” (1 Corinthians 8:5, 6; Galatians 4:8) He commands those who want to worship him to stop associating with those who practice false religion, saying: “Get out from among them, and separate yourselves.” (2 Corinthians 6:14-17) If all religions are the same and lead people to God, then why would God give such a command?
Category 2: Worshipping the true God in a way he does not approve
At times, the Israelites worshipped God using beliefs and practices borrowed from the worship of false gods, but Jehovah rejected this attempt to mix true religion with false. (Exodus 32:8; Deuteronomy 12:2-4) Jesus condemned the religious leaders of his day because of the way they worshipped God; they made an outward show of being religious, yet they hypocritically “disregarded the weightier matters of the Law, namely, justice and mercy and faithfulness.”—Matthew 23:23.
Likewise today, only religion that is based on truth leads people to God. This truth is found in the Bible. (John 4:24; 17:17; 2 Timothy 3:16, 17) Religions whose teachings conflict with the Bible actually steer people away from God. Many teachings that people think come from the Bible—including the Trinity, the immortal soul, and eternal torment—were borrowed from those who worshipped false gods. Worship that promotes such teachings is “in vain,” or useless, because it replaces God’s requirements with religious traditions.—Mark 7:7, 8.
God detests religious hypocrisy. (Titus 1:16) To help people draw closer to God, a religion must affect their everyday lives and not just consist of rituals or formalities. For example, the Bible says: “If any man thinks he is religious but does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he is deceiving his own heart, and his worship is futile. The religion that is clean and undefiled from the standpoint of our God and Father is this: to look after orphans and widows in their tribulation, and to keep oneself without spot from the world.” (James 1:26, 27; footnotes) The King James Version uses the expression “pure religion” for this clean, unhypocritical worship.
a Jehovah is the name of the true God as revealed in the Bible. |
Are Jehovah’s Witnesses Christians? | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/502012470 | Are Jehovah’s Witnesses Christians?
Yes. We are Christians for the following reasons:
We try to follow closely the teachings and behavior of Jesus Christ.—1 Peter 2:21.
We believe that Jesus is the key to salvation, that “there is not another name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must get saved.”—Acts 4:12.
When people become Jehovah’s Witnesses, they are baptized in the name of Jesus.—Matthew 28:18, 19.
We offer our prayers in Jesus’ name.—John 15:16.
We believe that Jesus is the Head, or the one appointed to have authority, over every man.—1 Corinthians 11:3.
However, in a number of ways, we are different from other religious groups that are called Christian. For example, we believe that the Bible teaches that Jesus is the Son of God, not part of a Trinity. (Mark 12:29) We do not believe that the soul is immortal, that there is any basis in Scripture for saying that God tortures people in an everlasting hell, or that those who take the lead in religious activities should have inputs that elevate them above others.—Ecclesiastes 9:5; Ezekiel 18:4; Matthew 23:8-10. |
Require (rq)
1996 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/rq | input Page/Publishers’ Page
What Does God Require of Us?
2006 Printing
This publication is provided as part of a worldwide Bible educational work supported by voluntary donations.
Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are from the modern-language New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures—With References |
Scriptures for Christian Living (scl)
2023 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/scl | Social Distinctions
Does race, ancestry, or economic status make anyone superior in God’s eyes?
Ac 17:26, 27; Ro 3:23-27; Ga 2:6; 3:28
Relevant Bible account(s):
Joh 8:31-40—Certain Jews take pride in claiming Abraham as their ancestor; yet, Jesus corrects them because they act nothing like Abraham
Is there any basis for looking down on people who are of another race or nation?
Joh 3:16; Ro 2:11
Relevant Bible account(s):
Jon 4:1-11—Jehovah patiently teaches the prophet Jonah to show mercy to the Ninevites, people of a different nationality
Ac 10:1-8, 24-29, 34, 35—The apostle Peter learns that he should not consider Gentiles unclean, so he helps Cornelius and his household to become the first uncircumcised Gentile Christians
Should wealthy Christians feel superior to others or expect special treatment?
1Ti 6:17, 18; Jas 2:2-4
See also De 8:12-14; Jer 9:23, 24
Does having a position of oversight mean that a person is superior to others and can be overly demanding?
2Co 1:24; 1Pe 5:2, 3
Relevant Bible account(s):
De 17:18-20—Jehovah warns that no king in Israel should exalt himself over His people, who in God’s eyes are the king’s brothers
Mr 10:35-45—Jesus corrects his apostles for their excessive interest in positions of authority. (See also study note on Mr 10:42, “lord it over them”)
What determines whether a person has God’s approval?
Ex 19:5; Ro 10:12; 1Jo 2:17
Should Christians get involved in social reform movements?
Eph 6:5-9; 1Ti 6:1, 2
Relevant Bible account(s):
Joh 6:14, 15—The people might expect Jesus to do good as a social reformer, but he refuses to be made a secular king |
Centennial (br84)
1984 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/library/r1/lp-e/all-publications/brochures-and-booklets/centennial-br84 | input Page/Publishers’ Page
Centennial of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania
1884-1984 |
Examining the Scriptures—2022
2021 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/library/r1/lp-e/all-publications/brochures-and-booklets/examining-the-scriptures/examining-the-scriptures-2022 | October
Saturday, October 1
“Who has come to know the mind of Jehovah, so that he may instruct him?” But we do have the mind of Christ.—1 Cor. 2:16.
When we get to know Jesus, we will imitate his way of thinking and acting. And the better we know and imitate his way of thinking, the closer our friendship with him will be. How can we imitate Jesus? Note just one example. Jesus thought more about helping others than about pleasing himself. (Matt. 20:28; Rom. 15:1-3) Because he had this mental attitude, he was self-sacrificing and forgiving. He did not easily become offended at what people said about him. (John 1:46, 47) And he did not freeze people in time by holding their past mistakes against them permanently. (1 Tim. 1:12-14) Jesus said: “All will know that you are my disciples—if you have love among yourselves.” (John 13:35) Why not ask yourself, “Am I following Jesus’ example by doing everything in my power to maintain peace with my brothers and sisters?” w20.04 24 ¶11
Sunday, October 2
They will sanctify my name.—Isa. 29:23.
Despite being in a world full of people who slander and blaspheme Jehovah’s name, you have the opportunity to stand up and speak the truth—that Jehovah is holy, righteous, good, and loving. You can support his rule. You can promote it as the only way of ruling that is truly righteous and that will bring peace and happiness to all creation. (Ps. 37:9, 37; 146:5, 6, 10) When we teach Bible truths to others, we often emphasize God’s sovereignty, that Jehovah has the right to rule the universe, and this is perfectly true. However, while it is important to focus on God’s laws, our main goal is that of helping others come to love Jehovah, our Father, and to be loyal to him. We thus need to highlight Jehovah’s appealing qualities, emphasizing the kind of Person that the name Jehovah represents. (Isa. 63:7) As we teach in that way, we will help others to love Jehovah and to obey him because they want to be loyal to him. w20.06 6 ¶16; 7 ¶19
Monday, October 3
Who made a mouth for man . . . ? Is it not I, Jehovah?—Ex. 4:11.
The human brain is a marvel of engineering. When you were in your mother’s womb, your brain was built according to a preset plan, and thousands of new brain cells were constructed every minute! Researchers estimate that an adult’s brain contains close to 100 billion special cells called neurons—assembled into a package that weighs about 3.3 pounds (1.5 kg). One of the brain’s amazing abilities concerns speech. With each word you say, your brain has to coordinate the movement of some 100 muscles in your tongue, throat, lips, jaw, and chest. All those muscles have to move according to precise timing if the words are to be understood. A study published in 2019 showed that newborn babies can pick out individual words. This finding reinforces what many researchers believe—that we are born with the ability to recognize and learn languages. Certainly, our ability to speak is a gift from God. w20.05 22-23 ¶8-9
Tuesday, October 4
He was awaiting the city having real foundations, whose designer and builder is God.—Heb. 11:10.
Abraham willingly left the comfortable lifestyle available to him in the city of Ur. Why? Because he was awaiting “the city having real foundations.” (Heb. 11:8-10, 16) The city that Abraham awaited is God’s Kingdom. That Kingdom is made up of Jesus Christ and 144,000 anointed Christians. Paul refers to the Kingdom as “a city of the living God, heavenly Jerusalem.” (Heb. 12:22; Rev. 5:8-10; 14:1) Jesus taught his disciples to pray for this same Kingdom, asking that it come so that God’s will can take place on earth as it does in heaven. (Matt. 6:10) Did Abraham know the details of how God’s Kingdom would be structured? No. For many centuries, those details were a “sacred secret.” (Eph. 1:8-10; Col. 1:26, 27) But Abraham did know that some of his offspring would become kings. Jehovah had specifically made that promise to him.—Gen. 17:1, 2, 6. w20.08 2-3 ¶2-4
Wednesday, October 5
Go on walking in union with [the Lord], being rooted and built up in him and being stabilized in the faith.—Col. 2:6, 7.
We must reject apostate teachings. Since the beginning of the Christian congregation, the Devil has been using many deceivers to plant doubts in the minds of God’s faithful servants. As a result, we need to know how to discern the difference between facts and lies. Our enemies may use the Internet or social media to try to undermine our trust in Jehovah and our love for our brothers. Remember who is behind such propaganda, and reject it! (1 John 4:1, 6; Rev. 12:9) To resist Satan’s attacks, we need to deepen our trust in Jesus and in the role he plays in God’s purpose. We also need to trust in the only channel that Jehovah is using today. (Matt. 24:45-47) We deepen our trust by regularly studying God’s Word. Then our faith will be like a tree that has roots that go deep into the ground. The apostle Paul made a similar point when he wrote the words of today’s text. w20.07 23-24 ¶11-12
Thursday, October 6
Man sees what appears to the eyes, but Jehovah sees into the heart.—1 Sam. 16:7.
As imperfect humans, all of us have a tendency to judge others by their outward appearance. (John 7:24) But we learn only a little about a person from what we see with our eyes. To illustrate, even a brilliant and experienced doctor can learn only so much by just looking at a patient. He must listen attentively if he is to learn about the patient’s medical history, his emotional makeup, or any symptoms he is having. The doctor may even order an X-ray to see the inside of the patient’s body. Otherwise, the doctor could misdiagnose the problem. Similarly, we cannot fully understand our brothers and sisters by simply looking at their outward appearance. We must try to look beneath the surface—at the inner person. Of course, we cannot read hearts. But we can do our best to imitate Jehovah. He listens to his worshippers. He takes into account their background and situation. And he shows compassion for them. w20.04 14-15 ¶1-3
Friday, October 7
Think so as to have a sound mind.—Rom. 12:3.
We need to cultivate humility because those who are proud do not have “a sound mind.” Proud people are outputious and egotistical. Their thinking and actions often cause them to hurt themselves and others. Unless they change their way of thinking, their minds will be blinded and corrupted by Satan. (2 Cor. 4:4; 11:3) A humble person has a sound mind. He has a balanced and reasonable view of himself, recognizing that in many ways others are superior to him. (Phil. 2:3) And he knows that “God opposes the haughty ones, but he gives undeserved kindness to the humble ones.” (1 Pet. 5:5) Those with a sound mind do not want to have Jehovah as an opponent. To remain humble, we must apply the Bible’s counsel to “strip off the old personality with its practices, and clothe [ourselves] with the new personality.” We need to study Jesus’ example and try to imitate him as closely as possible.—Col. 3:9, 10; 1 Pet. 2:21. w20.07 7 ¶16-17
Saturday, October 8
The body is one but has many members.—1 Cor. 12:12.
What a privilege we have to be part of Jehovah’s congregation! We are in a spiritual paradise that is full of peaceful, happy people. What is your place in the congregation? The apostle Paul compared the congregation to the human body. He also compared the individuals in a congregation to parts of the body. (Rom. 12:4-8; 1 Cor. 12:12-27; Eph. 4:16) One lesson we can learn from Paul’s illustration is that each one of us has an important place in Jehovah’s family. Paul begins his illustration by saying: “Just as we have in one body many members, but the members do not all have the same function, so we, although many, are one body in union with Christ, but individually we are members belonging to one another.” (Rom. 12:4, 5) What was Paul’s point? Each one of us has a different role in the congregation, but each one of us is valuable. w20.08 20 ¶1-2; 21 ¶4
Sunday, October 9
Jehovah asked him, “How will you do it?”—1 Ki. 22:21.
Parents, how can you imitate Jehovah’s example of humility? When appropriate, ask your children for their opinions on how a task should be done. And when fitting, follow their suggestions. Jehovah also set an example in the matter of exercising patience, even when those who served him questioned his decisions. He listened as Abraham stated his concerns about the decision to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah. (Gen. 18:22-33) And remember how Jehovah dealt with Abraham’s wife, Sarah. He did not become offended or angry when she laughed at his promise that she would become pregnant in her old age. (Gen. 18:10-14) Instead, he treated Sarah with dignity. Parents and elders, what can you learn from Jehovah’s example? Consider how you respond when those under your authority question your decisions. Is your initial reaction to correct them? Or do you try to understand their point of view? Families and congregations surely benefit when those in authority imitate Jehovah. w20.08 10 ¶7-9
Monday, October 10
My power is being made perfect in weakness.—2 Cor. 12:9.
When we first began to associate with Jehovah’s people, we may have been eager to accept help from others, realizing that we were spiritual infants and had a lot to learn. (1 Cor. 3:1, 2) But what about now? If we have been serving Jehovah for many years and have gained a lot of experience, we may not be as ready to accept help, especially if it is offered by someone who has not been in the truth as long as we have. However, Jehovah often uses our brothers and sisters to strengthen us. (Rom. 1:11, 12) We must recognize that fact if we are to gain the power that Jehovah supplies. Success depends, not on a person’s physical strength, education, wealth, or social background, but on his humility and reliance on Jehovah. May all of us press forward (1) by relying on Jehovah, (2) by learning from Bible examples, and (3) by accepting help from fellow believers. Then, no matter how weak we may feel, Jehovah will make us powerful! w20.07 14 ¶2; 19 ¶18-19
Tuesday, October 11
Show the same industriousness . . . so that you may not become sluggish, but be imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.—Heb. 6:11, 12.
One area in which we may find it difficult to be patient is when witnessing to unbelieving relatives. The principle found at Ecclesiastes 3:1, 7 can help us. It states: “There is . . . a time to be silent and a time to speak.” We can let our good conduct be a silent witness, yet we are always alert to opportunities to speak about the truth. (1 Pet. 3:1, 2) We are patient with all people—including family members—as we preach and teach with zeal. We can learn patience from the examples of faithful ones in the Bible as well as in modern times. Habakkuk longed for an end to wickedness, but he confidently declared: “At my guardpost I will keep standing.” (Hab. 2:1) The apostle Paul expressed his heartfelt desire to “finish” his ministry. Yet, he patiently continued “to bear thorough witness to the good news.”—Acts 20:24. w20.09 11-12 ¶12-14
Wednesday, October 12
[Jesus] gave no consideration to a seizure, namely, that he should be equal to God.—Phil. 2:6.
Jesus, whose authority is second only to Jehovah’s, does not think more of himself than is necessary. In imitation of Jesus, humble servants of Jehovah contribute to the loving spirit that identifies God’s organization. (Luke 9:48; John 13:35) What if it seems that there are problems in the congregation and you feel that they are not being dealt with properly? Rather than complain, you can show humility by supporting those taking the lead. (Heb. 13:17) To help you do that, ask yourself: ‘Are the problems that I see really so serious that they need to be corrected? Is this the right time to correct them? Is it my place to correct them? In all honesty, am I really trying to promote unity, or am I trying to promote myself?’ Jehovah values humility more than ability and unity more than efficiency. Therefore, do your best to serve Jehovah with humility. In doing so, you will promote unity in the congregation.—Eph. 4:2, 3. w20.07 4-5 ¶9-11
Thursday, October 13
Jesus said to them: “Have no fear! Go, report to my brothers.”—Matt. 28:10.
Jesus valued the help he received from the godly women who ministered to him “from their belongings.” (Luke 8:1-3) He revealed to them deep spiritual truths. For example, he informed them that he would die and be resurrected. (Luke 24:5-8) He prepared these women, as he had the apostles, for the trials they would encounter. (Mark 9:30-32; 10:32-34) It is worth noting that though the apostles fled when Jesus was arrested, some of the women who had supported him were by his side while he was dying on the torture stake. (Matt. 26:56; Mark 15:40, 41) Godly women were the first witnesses of his resurrection. He assigned those women to tell the apostles that he had been raised from the dead. (Matt. 28:5, 9, 10) And at Pentecost 33 C.E., women may have been present when the holy spirit was poured out and all there received the miraculous ability to speak in foreign languages and tell others about “the magnificent things of God.”—Acts 1:14; 2:2-4, 11. w20.09 23 ¶11-12
Friday, October 14
Pay constant attention to yourself and to your teaching.—1 Tim. 4:16.
The disciple-making work is a lifesaving work! How do we know? When Jesus gave the command that is recorded at Matthew 28:19, 20, he said: “Go, . . . make disciples . . . , baptizing them.” What do we know about the importance of baptism? It is a requirement for those seeking salvation. The baptism candidate must have faith that salvation is possible only because Jesus died a sacrificial death and was resurrected. That is why the apostle Peter told fellow Christians: “Baptism [is] now saving you . . . through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.” (1 Pet. 3:21) So when a new disciple gets baptized, he puts himself in line for salvation. To make disciples, we need to develop the “art of teaching.” (2 Tim. 4:1, 2) Why? Because Jesus commanded us: “Go, . . . make disciples . . . , teaching them.” The apostle Paul said to “persevere” in that work, “for by doing this you will save both yourself and those who listen to you.” w20.10 14 ¶1-2
Saturday, October 15
From now on you will be catching men alive.—Luke 5:10.
The disciple Peter learned to love being a fisher of men. And with Jehovah’s backing, Peter became very good at that work. (Acts 2:14, 41) We preach because we love Jehovah; that is our primary motivation for doing this work. Our love for Jehovah can help us to overcome any feelings of inadequacy. When Jesus invited Peter to become a fisher of men, he told him: “Stop being afraid.” (Luke 5:8-11) Peter was not gripped by fear of what might happen if he became a disciple. Rather, he was astonished at the miraculous catch of fish that Jesus had just given the men, and Peter felt unworthy of being asked to work with Jesus. On the other hand, you may feel overwhelmed when you realize what is involved in being a disciple of Christ. If so, strengthen your love for Jehovah, Jesus, and your neighbor, and you will be motivated to accept Jesus’ invitation to become a fisher of men.—Matt. 22:37, 39; John 14:15. w20.09 3 ¶4-5
Sunday, October 16
Go, therefore, and make disciples . . . , teaching them.—Matt. 28:19, 20.
We gladly give of our time, energy, and resources to find those who are “rightly disposed for everlasting life.” (Acts 13:48) When we do this, we follow Jesus’ example. He stated: “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.” (John 4:34; 17:4) That is also our heartfelt desire. We want to finish the work that has been entrusted to us. (John 20:21) And we want others, including inactive ones, to endure in this work with us. (Matt. 24:13) Granted, fulfilling Jesus’ great commission is a challenge. However, we are not facing this task alone. Jesus promised that he would be with us. We carry out the assignment to make disciples as “God’s fellow workers” and “in company with Christ.” (1 Cor. 3:9; 2 Cor. 2:17) Therefore, we can accomplish it. What a privilege and pleasure it is to carry out this assignment and help others to do so as well!—Phil. 4:13. w20.11 7 ¶19-20
Monday, October 17
Jesus went on progressing in wisdom and in physical growth and in favor with God and men.—Luke 2:52.
Often, the choices that parents make affect their children for a long time. If parents make poor choices, they can cause problems for their children. But if they make wise choices, they give their children the best chance of having a happy, satisfying life. Of course, children must also make good decisions. The best decision anyone can make is to serve our loving heavenly Father, Jehovah. (Ps. 73:28) Jesus’ parents were determined to help their children to serve Jehovah, and the choices the parents made proved that this was their main goal in life. (Luke 2:40, 41, 52) Jesus likewise made good choices that helped him to fulfill his role in Jehovah’s purpose. (Matt. 4:1-10) Jesus grew up to be a kind, loyal, and courageous man—the type of son who would bring pride and joy to the heart of any God-fearing parent. w20.10 26 ¶1-2
Tuesday, October 18
Your eyes should look straight ahead.—Prov. 4:25.
Imagine the following scenarios. An elderly Christian sister reflects on good times from her past. Even though her life is more challenging now, she continues to do all she can for Jehovah. (1 Cor. 15:58) Every day she imagines herself and her loved ones living together in the promised new world. Another sister remembers that she was hurt by a fellow believer, but she chooses to let go of her resentment. (Col. 3:13) A brother is keenly aware of his past mistakes but focuses on staying faithful from now on. (Ps. 51:10) What do these three Christians have in common? All of them remember what happened in their past, but they are not living in it. Rather, they “look straight ahead” to the future. Why is that important? Just as a person cannot walk in a straight line if he is constantly looking back, we cannot move forward in our service to Jehovah if we are constantly looking back on our past.—Luke 9:62. w20.11 24 ¶1-3
Wednesday, October 19
He sneered at him in contempt.—1 Sam. 17:42.
David was viewed as weak by the physically powerful warrior Goliath. After all, Goliath was bigger, better equipped, and better trained for war. David, on the other hand, was just an inexperienced boy who seemed to be poorly equipped for battle. But David relied on Jehovah for power, and he defeated his enemy. (1 Sam. 17:41-45, 50) David had to deal with another challenge that could have made him feel weak and powerless. David loyally served the one whom Jehovah had appointed as king of Israel, Saul. King Saul at first respected David. Later on, pride caused Saul to become jealous of David. Saul treated David badly, even trying to kill him. (1 Sam. 18:6-9, 29; 19:9-11) Despite the unjust way that he was treated by King Saul, David continued to show respect for Jehovah’s appointed king. (1 Sam. 24:6) David relied on Jehovah to give him the strength he needed to endure this difficult trial.—Ps. 18:1, superscription. w20.07 17 ¶11-13
Thursday, October 20
In the time of the end the king of the south will engage with him [the king of the north] in a pushing.—Dan. 11:40.
A large portion of the prophecy about the king of the north and the king of the south has already been fulfilled, so we can be confident that the rest of it will also come true. To understand the prophecy recorded in Daniel chapter 11, we need to keep in mind that it identifies only rulers and governments that have had a direct influence on God’s people. And even though God’s servants make up only a small portion of the world’s population, they are often at the center of major world events. Why? Because Satan and his entire system have one prime objective—conquering those who serve Jehovah and Jesus. (Gen. 3:15; Rev. 11:7; 12:17) In addition, the prophecy recorded by Daniel must harmonize with other prophecies in God’s Word. In fact, we can come to the right understanding of Daniel’s prophecy only if we compare it with other portions of the Scriptures. w20.05 2 ¶1-2
Friday, October 21
How are the dead to be raised up? Yes, with what sort of body?—1 Cor. 15:35.
Many people today have personal views about life after death. But what does the Bible teach? When someone dies, his body decomposes. But the One who created the universe from nothing can resurrect that person, giving him a suitable body. (Gen. 1:1; 2:7) The apostle Paul used an illustration to show that God would not need to bring back the same body. Think of “a bare grain,” or a plant “seed.” A seed of grain that is planted in the ground germinates and becomes a new plant. The resulting plant is quite different from the small seed. Paul used this comparison to show that our Creator can provide “a body just as it [pleases] him.” Paul also stated that “there are heavenly bodies and earthly bodies.” How so? Well, on earth, we have bodies of flesh, but in heaven there are spirit bodies, like the ones the angels have.—1 Cor. 15:36-41. w20.12 9-10 ¶7-9
Saturday, October 22
How long will I have anxious concern, with grief in my heart each day?—Ps. 13:2.
We all want to lead a calm and peaceful life. No one enjoys feeling anxious. At times, however, we may struggle with anxieties and ask the same question as King David did in today’s text. We may have little or no control over some things that could cause us to feel anxious. For example, we cannot regulate how much the cost of food, clothing, and shelter will rise each year; nor can we control how frequently our workmates or schoolmates will try to tempt us to be dishonest or immoral. And we cannot stop the crime that happens in our neighborhood. We face these challenges because we live in a world where most people’s thinking is not based on Bible principles. Satan, the god of this world, knows that some people will allow “the anxiety of this system of things” to keep them from serving Jehovah. (Matt. 13:22; 1 John 5:19) No wonder that the world is so full of stressful situations! w21.01 2 ¶1, 3
Sunday, October 23
Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has everlasting life remaining in him.—1 John 3:15.
The apostle John urged us not to hate our brothers or sisters. If we fail to heed that counsel, we leave ourselves open to being manipulated by Satan. (1 John 2:11) This happened to some at the end of the first century C.E. Satan was doing all that he could to promote hatred and divide God’s people. By the time John wrote his letters, men who showed the same spirit as Satan had slipped into the congregation. For instance, Diotrephes was creating serious divisions in one congregation. (3 John 9, 10) He was disrespectful to traveling representatives of the governing body. He even tried to throw out of the congregation those who were hospitable to people whom he disliked. How arrogant! Satan is still desperately trying to divide and conquer God’s people today. May we never allow hatred to drive us apart. w21.01 11 ¶14
Monday, October 24
When they have finished their witnessing, the wild beast . . . will wage war with them and conquer them and kill them.—Rev. 11:7.
In the first world war, both the German government and the British government persecuted God’s servants who refused to take up arms. And the U.S. government threw into prison those who were taking the lead in the preaching work. This persecution fulfilled the prophecy recorded at Revelation 11:7-10. Then, in the 1930’s and especially during the second world war, the king of the north attacked God’s people without mercy. Hitler and his followers banned the work of God’s people. The opposers killed hundreds of Jehovah’s people and sent thousands more to concentration camps. The king of the north was able to “profane the sanctuary” and “remove the constant feature” by severely restricting the freedom of God’s servants to praise Jehovah’s name publicly. (Dan. 11:30b, 31a) Its leader, Hitler, even vowed that he would exterminate God’s people in Germany. w20.05 6 ¶12-13
Tuesday, October 25
In brotherly love have tender affection for one another. In showing honor to one another, take the lead.—Rom. 12:10.
When we show tender affection for one another, we protect the congregation from a spirit of competition. Recall that Jonathan did not try to compete with David, viewing him as a rival to the throne. (1 Sam. 20:42) All of us can imitate Jonathan’s example. Do not view your fellow workers as rivals because of their abilities, “but with humility consider others superior to you.” (Phil. 2:3) Keep in mind that each person in the congregation has something to contribute. By keeping a humble view of ourselves, we see the good in our brothers and sisters and benefit from their faithful example. (1 Cor. 12:21-25) When we show tender affection for one another, we strengthen the unity among God’s people. We prove that we are Jesus’ disciples, and this attracts honesthearted ones to true worship. Above all, we glorify “the Father of tender mercies and the God of all comfort,” Jehovah.—2 Cor. 1:3. w21.01 24 ¶14; 25 ¶16
Wednesday, October 26
Because you are no part of the world, . . . the world hates you.—John 15:19.
Today, as Jehovah’s people, we are sometimes looked down on and ridiculed as being unintelligent and weak. Why? Because we do not agree with the attitudes of those around us. We try to be humble, meek, and obedient. The world, on the other hand, admires the proud, the arrogant, and the rebellious. In addition, we do not get involved in politics, and we do not join the military forces of any country. We do not fit into the world’s mold, so we are considered to be inferior to others. (Rom. 12:2) Despite what the world thinks of us, Jehovah is achieving extraordinary things with us. He is accomplishing the greatest preaching campaign in human history. His servants today produce the most widely translated and distributed journals on earth and use the Bible to help millions of people to improve their lives. All credit for these remarkable accomplishments goes to Jehovah. w20.07 15 ¶5-6
Thursday, October 27
I am doing just as the Father has commanded me to do.—John 14:31.
Jesus is subject to Jehovah, but certainly not because he lacks intelligence or skill. Only a highly intelligent person could teach as simply and clearly as Jesus did. (John 7:45, 46) Jehovah respected Jesus’ ability so much that He allowed Jesus to work beside Him when Jehovah created the universe. (Prov. 8:30; Heb. 1:2-4) And since Jesus’ resurrection, Jehovah has entrusted him with ‘all authority in heaven and on earth.’ (Matt. 28:18) Even though Jesus is talented, he still looks to Jehovah for guidance. Why? Because he loves his Father. Husbands should note that Jehovah did not make a wife subject to her husband because He views women as inferior to men. Jehovah himself has made that evident by choosing women as well as men to be corulers with Jesus. (Gal. 3:26-29) Jehovah has shown confidence in his Son by entrusting him with authority. Similarly, a wise husband will entrust his wife with a measure of authority. w21.02 11 ¶13-14
Friday, October 28
We consider happy those who have endured.—Jas. 5:11.
God’s Word acts like a mirror, helping us to identify and address what we need to work on. (Jas. 1:23-25) For example, after studying God’s Word, we might realize that we need to control our temper. With Jehovah’s help, we learn how to be mild when dealing with people or problems that could provoke us. Now we are able to think more clearly and make better decisions. (Jas. 3:13) How important it is that we know the Bible well! Sometimes we learn what to avoid only after we make a mistake. A better way to gain wisdom is to learn from both the successes and the mistakes of others. That is why James encourages us to look at examples set by such Bible characters as Abraham, Rahab, Job, and Elijah. (Jas. 2:21-26; 5:10, 11, 17, 18) Those loyal servants of Jehovah were able to endure trials that could have robbed them of joy. Their examples of endurance show that with Jehovah’s help we can do the same. w21.02 29-30 ¶12-13
Saturday, October 29
By consultation, plans will succeed, and by skillful direction wage your war.—Prov. 20:18.
At a Bible study, the teacher is primarily responsible for helping the student to understand God’s Word. If the teacher invites you to accompany him, you should view yourself as his partner. Your role is to support him. (Eccl. 4:9, 10) What, specifically, can you do to help make the Bible study session productive? Prepare for the Bible study. First, ask the teacher to tell you a little about the student. What is the Bible student’s background? What topic will you be studying with him? What is your objective for this session? Is there anything that I should or should not do or say while at the study? What might encourage the student to progress? Obviously, the teacher would not share any confidential information, but what he does share can be helpful. A missionary named Joy acknowledges: “This discussion helps my companion to be interested in the student and to know how to contribute to the study.” w21.03 9 ¶5-6
Sunday, October 30
If the world hates you, you know that it has hated me before it hated you.—John 15:18.
Sometimes we are hated because we live by God’s righteous standards. These standards contrast sharply with the world’s degraded morals. For example, many people now openly approve of grossly immoral practices similar to the ones for which God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah! (Jude 7) Because we hold to the Bible’s standards regarding such practices, many people ridicule us and call us intolerant. (1 Pet. 4:3, 4) What can help us to endure when people hate us and insult us? We need to have strong faith that Jehovah will help us. Like a shield, our faith can “extinguish all the wicked one’s burning arrows.” (Eph. 6:16) But we need more than faith. We also need love. Why? Because love “does not become provoked.” It bears and endures all hurtful things. (1 Cor. 13:4-7, 13) Love for Jehovah, love for our fellow worshippers, and even love for our enemies will help us to endure hatred. w21.03 20-21 ¶3-4
Monday, October 31
Do not be quick to take offense, for the taking of offense lodges in the bosom of fools.—Eccl. 7:9.
Sometimes, we prove our love for our brothers and sisters by what we do not do. For example, we do not get easily offended by what they say. Consider an incident that happened toward the end of Jesus’ life on earth. He told his disciples that to gain life they had to eat his flesh and drink his blood. (John 6:53-57) That speech was so shocking that many of his disciples abandoned him—but not so his real friends. They loyally stuck with him. They did not understand what Jesus said, and they were likely surprised by it. However, Jesus’ loyal friends did not assume that what he said was wrong and become offended by it. Instead, they trusted him, knowing that he spoke the truth. (John 6:60, 66-69) How important it is that we do not become easily offended by what our friends say! Rather, we allow them the opportunity to explain misunderstandings.—Prov. 18:13. w21.01 11 ¶13 |
‘Arresting the Drift Toward Selfishness’ | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/102010011 | ‘Arresting the Drift Toward Selfishness’
● GIBRALTAR, which lies at the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula, has witnessed many sieges and invasions during its turbulent history. But on one weekend in October 2008, the town saw a peaceful “invasion” of nearly a thousand Spaniards. They came to construct a Kingdom Hall that would serve as a meeting place for the two congregations of Jehovah’s Witnesses that meet in Gibraltar.
The government’s chief minister told Awake! that Gibraltar welcomed the hundreds who had come to work on the project. He said that they were “contributing to the betterment of [the] local community.” He noted that “Jehovah’s Witnesses take the prize for bringing to Gibraltar the greatest number of people to work on one single project—and a voluntary one at that.”
The local authorities supported the project from the outset, kindly providing the Witnesses with a suitable site for the construction of this place of worship. What motivated such civic generosity?
“I believe that godliness is a positive feature in any society,” the chief minister explained. “All religions in Gibraltar have a constitutional right to freedom of worship, so the government has a moral obligation not to discriminate in religious matters. Furthermore, providing a suitable site for the Witnesses to construct a place of worship is an investment in the community.
“We need to arrest the general drift toward selfishness,” he added. “Your enthusiastic group of volunteers has shown that this can be done.”
Despite a storm that delayed the commencement of the work, the Kingdom Hall was completed on Monday, the third day of the project. “Many of the volunteers offered to stay in Gibraltar the extra day in order to complete the project,” explained Secundino Nogal, who supervised the work. “We are used to overcoming problems. Our method of construction requires flexibility. But above all, it requires unselfishness, and that is why it brings us so much satisfaction.”a
[Footnote]
a The Gibraltar Chronicle, a local newspaper, reported: “In a weekend when the elements were busy with destruction Gibraltar’s Jehovah[’s] Witnesses . . . completed their temple [Kingdom Hall] with an army of volunteers in just three days.” |
Greatest Man (gt)
1991 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/gt | Chapter 132
At God’s Right Hand
THE pouring out of holy spirit at Pentecost is evidence that Jesus has arrived back in heaven. The vision granted shortly afterward to the disciple Stephen also proves that He has arrived there. Just before being stoned for his faithful witnessing, Stephen exclaims: “Look! I behold the heavens opened up and the Son of man standing at God’s right hand.”
While at God’s right hand, Jesus awaits the command from his Father: “Go subduing in the midst of your enemies.” But in the meantime, until he takes action against his enemies, what does Jesus do? He rules, or reigns, over his anointed disciples, guiding them in their preaching activity and preparing them to become, by resurrection, associate kings with him in his Father’s Kingdom.
For example, Jesus selects Saul (later better known by his Roman name, Paul) to spearhead the disciple-making work in other lands. Saul is zealous for God’s Law, yet he is misguided by the Jewish religious leaders. As a result, not only does Saul approve of Stephen’s murder but he goes to Damascus with authorization from the high priest Caiaphas to bring back to Jerusalem under arrest any men and women he finds there who are followers of Jesus. However, while Saul is en route, a bright light suddenly flashes around him and he falls to the ground.
“Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” a voice from an invisible source asks. “Who are you, Lord?” Saul asks.
“I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” comes the reply.
Saul, who has been blinded by the miraculous light, is told by Jesus to enter Damascus and await instructions. Then Jesus appears in a vision to Ananias, one of his disciples. Regarding Saul, Jesus tells Ananias: “This man is a chosen vessel to me to bear my name to the nations as well as to kings and the sons of Israel.”
Indeed, with Jesus’ backing, Saul (known now as Paul) and other evangelizers have tremendous success in their work of preaching and teaching. In fact, about 25 years after Jesus’ appearance to him on the road to Damascus, Paul writes that the “good news” has been “preached in all creation that is under heaven.”
After the passing of many more years, Jesus provides a series of visions to his beloved apostle, John. By means of these visions that John describes in the Bible book of Revelation, he, in effect, lives to see Jesus return in Kingdom power. John says that “by inspiration” he was transported forward in time to “the Lord’s day.” What is this “day”?
A careful study of Bible prophecies, including Jesus’ own prophecy regarding the last days, reveals that “the Lord’s day” began in the history-making year 1914, yes, within this generation! So it was in 1914 that Jesus returned invisibly, without public fanfare and with only his faithful servants being aware of his return. In that year Jehovah gave Jesus the command to go subduing in the midst of his enemies!
Obeying his Father’s order, Jesus cleansed the heavens of Satan and his demons, hurling them down to the earth. After seeing this occur in vision, John hears a heavenly voice proclaim: “Now have come to pass the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ!” Yes, in 1914 Christ began ruling as King!
What good news this is for worshipers of Jehovah in heaven! They are urged: “Be glad, you heavens and you who reside in them!” But what is the situation for those on earth? “Woe for the earth and for the sea,” the voice from heaven continues, “because the Devil has come down to you, having great anger, knowing he has a short period of time.”
We are in that short period of time right now. People are presently being separated either to enter God’s new world or to suffer destruction. The truth is, your own destiny is now being determined by how you respond to the good news of God’s Kingdom that is being preached earth wide under Christ’s direction.
When the separating of people has been finished, Jesus Christ will serve as God’s Agent to rid the earth of Satan’s entire system of things and all those who support it. Jesus will accomplish this removal of all wickedness in the war that is called in the Bible Har–Magedon, or Armageddon. Afterward, Jesus, the greatest Person in the universe next to Jehovah God himself, will seize Satan and his demons and bind them for a thousand years in an “abyss,” that is, a state of deathlike inactivity. Acts 7:55-60; 8:1-3; 9:1-19; 16:6-10; Psalm 110:1, 2; Hebrews 10:12, 13; 1 Peter 3:22; Luke 22:28-30; Colossians 1:13, 23; Revelation 1:1, 10; 12:7-12; Re 16:14-16; 20:1-3; Matthew 24:14; 25:31-33.
▪ After Jesus ascends to heaven, where is he located, and what does he await?
▪ Over whom does Jesus rule after ascending to heaven, and how is his rule manifest?
▪ When did “the Lord’s day” begin, and what took place at its beginning?
▪ What separating work in progress today affects every one of us personally, and on what basis is the separating being done?
▪ When the separating work is finished, what events will follow? |
God’s Kingdom Has Approached (ka)
1973 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/ka | Chapter 14
Earthly Subjects of the Kingdom of God
1, 2. (a) What was the world population estimated to be in 1914 C.E., and into what was it fragmented? (b) What kind of sight did those nations and empires make on the world stage, but how did they look to the Creator?
IN THE marked year of 1914 C.E. the world population was estimated as well over one thousand million persons.a The growth was on its way to reaching 1,859,892,000 inhabitants by the year 1920, in spite of the many millions who were cut down by World War I and the Spanish influenza. This world population was fragmented into many nations and empires, the greatest empire in 1914 being the British Empire, which embraced one fourth of the earth’s surface and one fourth of the world’s population. But there were other empires at the time, such as the Turkish Empire, the Chinese Empire, the Dutch Empire, the French Empire, the German Empire, the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and the Portuguese Empire. These nations and empires made a very impressive sight on the world stage, but how did they look to the earth’s Owner, the Great Creator, the Most High God? Can he make a survey of them all with just one sweep of his eyes? In exaltation of the Creator’s superhuman ability the prophet Isaiah says:
2 “Who has taken the proportions of the spirit of Jehovah, and who as his man of counsel can make him know anything? With whom did he consult together that one might make him understand, or who teaches him in the path of justice, or teaches him knowledge, or makes him know the very way of real understanding? Look! The nations are as a drop from a bucket; and as the film of dust on the scales they have been accounted. . . . There is One who is dwelling above the circle of the earth, the dwellers in which are as grasshoppers.”—Isaiah 40:13-15, 22.
3, 4. (a) Is the gathering of all nations before him a hard thing for God’s Deputy Judge, Jesus Christ, and in what parable is such a thing foretold? (b) This parable shows what is required of people with what prospect?
3 Logically, then, it is very simple for the Creator God to gather all the nations before him and to judge them and execute sentence upon them. Likewise, it is an easy thing for this to be done by the mighty Son of God, Jesus Christ, whom Jehovah has appointed to act as his Deputy Judge. (Acts 17:31) That he would do this very thing at the due time, the Son of God himself foretold in his parable of the sheep and the goats. With this parable the apostle Matthew brings to a close the prophecy that the Lord Jesus Christ uttered on the Mount of Olives concerning the “sign” of his presence (parousia) and the “conclusion of the system of things.” (Matthew 24:3) In the parable just preceding this, namely, the parable of the “talents,” the Lord Jesus illustrated that the faithful disciples who would reign with him in his heavenly kingdom must work while here on earth for an increase in his “belongings.” Quite appropriately, then, in the next succeeding parable he illustrates what is required of those today living who will become subjects of his heavenly kingdom. He opens the parable, saying:
4 “When the Son of man arrives in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit down on his glorious throne. And all the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate people one from another, just as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. And he will put the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on his left.”—Matthew 25:31-33.
5, 6. (a) In his prophecy, how had Jesus been designating himself? (b) Why does this remind us of Daniel’s prophecy, Da chapter seven?
5 Prior to this parable, Jesus had already referred to himself seven times as “the Son of man.” (Matthew 24:27, 30, 37, 39, 44; 25:13, AV) Since this designation was used in connection with the Messianic kingdom, its use here was most fitting. Its use here was a reminder of the prophecy of Daniel 7:9, 10, 13, 14, where we read:
6 “There were thrones placed and the Ancient of Days sat down. . . . There were a thousand thousands that kept ministering to him, and ten thousand times ten thousand that kept standing right before him. The Court took its seat, and there were books that were opened. I kept on beholding in the visions of the night, and, see there! with the clouds of the heavens someone like a son of man happened to be coming; and to the Ancient of Days he gained access, and they brought him up close even before that One. And to him there were given rulership and dignity and kingdom, that the peoples, national groups and languages should all serve even him. His rulership is an indefinitely lasting rulership that will not pass away, and his kingdom one that will not be brought to ruin.”
7. When did Jesus Christ come accompanied by angels and sit down “on his glorious throne,” and thereby there was a restoration of what?
7 Although it occurred invisibly to our human eyes in the heavens, yet it was in the year 1914, at the close of the “times of the Gentiles” (or, “the appointed times of the nations”), that the “son of man” gained access to the Ancient of Days, Jehovah God, and there were given to the “son of man” all that “rulership and dignity and kingdom.” So it was then, at the end of the Gentile Times in 1914, that the Lord Jesus as the Son of man came accompanied by all the angels and sat down “on his glorious throne.” Thus the Messianic kingdom of God was born in the heavens. (Revelation 12:5, 10) It was a restoration of the kingdom of David, which had formerly held sway at Jerusalem but which had been overthrown by Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon in 607 B.C.E. So what took place in the year 1914 C.E. was the reverse of what took place in 607 B.C.E. Now, once again, a descendant of David reigned.
8. In view of what took place in 607 B.C.E., why was it the fitting thing for all the Gentile nations to be gathered before the enthroned Son of man in 1914 C.E.?
8 At that time the “presence” or parousia of the Lord Jesus Christ began. Hence, what is described in the parable of the sheep and the goats happens during his parousia. This includes the gathering of all the nations before him as the King who is present on his throne. This was quite the right thing to happen. Why? Because the ‘appointed times of the Gentile nations’ had ended. (Luke 21:24) For seven prophetic “times” those Gentile nations had held domination of all the earth without interruption from any Messianic kingdom of God. Biblically, a prophetic time means 360 days or, symbolically, years. Now there were to be seven of such prophetic “times.” That meant a total of 2,520 years (7 × 360 years). For that long the Gentile nations held earth-wide domination. During all that time they had trampled on the right of God’s Messianic kingdom to exercise world rulership. Counting back 2,520 years from 1914 C.E. gives us the year 607 B.C.E. That was when Babylon’s king Nebuchadnezzar became world ruler by overthrowing King David’s reigning family in Jerusalem.—Ezekiel 21:27.
9. (a) Since Nebuchadnezzar’s dream of “seven times” occurred more than a year after he got world power, does this mean that the Gentile Times could not begin until after the dream was typically fulfilled? (b) Where would the “seven times” end if counted from Babylon’s fall to the Medes and Persians, and what would be the logical thing to take place then?
9 Thus the “seven times” of Gentile domination began in 607 B.C.E., and yet it was more than a year afterward that King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon got his dream about those “seven times.” (Daniel 4:16, 23, 25, 32) Another thing: this dream had a typical fulfillment upon Nebuchadnezzar when he became mad for seven literal “times” (years) and chewed grass like a bull in the field. Does this mean that the “seven times” of Gentile domination could not have begun in 607 B.C.E., before the prophetic dream? Did those Gentile Times first have to begin when the king was recovered from those seven years of madness? No! So, the year of his recovery not being known, this does not require that the “seven times” of Gentile domination of the world must begin first at the fall of Nebuchadnezzar’s dynasty in the year 539 B.C.E. If we count the prophetic “seven times” (2,520 years) from Babylon’s fall to the Medes and Persians in 539 B.C.E., then those “seven times” would end in the fall of the year 1982 C.E., still in the future. On that basis, what would be the logical thing to expect in that coming year? The opposite of what took place in 539 B.C.E., namely, the restoration of the dynastic throne of King Nebuchadnezzar, the restoration of the Babylonian Empire with a descendant of Nebuchadnezzar on the throne!
10. (a) What does the Bible say about the restoration of ancient Babylon, Nebuchadnezzar’s dynasty and the Babylonian Empire? (b) When, therefore, did the “seven times” begin, and what is it that is to be restored?
10 However, that is absolutely contrary to what the inspired Word of God foretells. Ancient Babylon on the Euphrates River has perished forever! The dynasty of King Nebuchadnezzar has been overthrown forever. The Babylonian Empire has ceased eternally as the third world power. But what is it that Jehovah God, whose representative throne was at Jerusalem, promised to restore? It is the Messianic kingdom in the hands of a descendant of David that the God of the heavens has promised to restore. (Ezekiel 21:27; Luke 1:30-33) The desolating of Jerusalem and the land of Judah by the Babylonians in 607 B.C.E. marked the overthrow of the Messianic kingdom of David, and hence this is what marked the beginning of the “seven times” of the Gentile domination of the world of mankind. Unalterably, then, the 2,520 years of the Gentile Times began then, and, because of beginning there, they ended in early autumn of the year 1914 C.E.
11. Nebuchadnezzar’s having seven years of madness after overturning David’s throne showed what regarding the Gentile Times?
11 So, the fact that King Nebuchadnezzar had his seven years of madness after he overthrew David’s throne at Jerusalem in 607 B.C.E. served to show how long those Gentile Times, already begun, were to last. World events indicated that they lasted till 1914 C.E.
12. When the “seven times” ended in 1914, it was the time for Jesus Christ to act upon what divine invitation?
12 When, in that year, the “seven times” of uninterrupted Gentile domination of the world ended and then the “son of man” was brought before the Ancient of Days, it was the due time for the heavenly Son of man to act upon the prophetic invitation given in Psalm Two, Ps 2 verses seven to nine: “Let me refer to the decree of Jehovah; he has said to me: ‘You are my son; I, today, I have become your father. Ask of me, that I may give nations as your inheritance and the ends of the earth as your own possession. You will break them with an iron scepter, as though a potter’s vessel you will dash them to pieces.’”—See also Revelation 12:5.
“AS A SHEPHERD SEPARATES THE SHEEP FROM THE GOATS”
13. The separating of the people of the nations begins when with reference to the “great tribulation,” and so what does it not include?
13 It is not after the reigning “Son of man” dashes the nations to pieces in the great “time of distress” that he separates the people of the nations like “sheep” and “goats.” He does not occupy his entire Millennial reign with thus separating the inhabitants of the earth, the vast majority of whom will be resurrected from their earthly graves. (Daniel 12:1) The separating work is an activity that precedes the outbreak of the “great tribulation,” in the grand climax of which the nations are dashed to pieces at Har–Magedon. (Matthew 24:21, 22; Revelation 16:14, 16; 19:15) So the gathering of all the nations before the Son of man for him to begin the separating work does not include the resurrection of the earthly dead.
14. Are the nations gathered to one assembly place on earth for the dividing work, or how does the heavenly Son of man deal with them?
14 The gathering of the nations does not mean the bringing of them all together to one assembly place on earth, an impractical thing. Rather, the gathering is accomplished when the Creator of heaven and earth delivers over to the Son of man all the nations as his inheritance and all the earth to its very extremities as his possession. From God’s hand he accepts authority over all those nations, and he directs his attention to them all and uses “all the angels with him” in dealing with those nations. Thus the “people” of all the nations become his flock, figuratively speaking, only it is like a flock with a mixture of sheep and goats. Such mixed flocks are a common thing over in the Middle East.
15. (a) Is the picturing of the dividing work as being between sheep and goats meant to discredit goats? (b) During what time period does the separating take place?
15 The separating of the goats from the sheep is not done with any discredit to the goat kind of animal. In Jesus’ day on earth a young male goat could be used just as well as a lamb in the celebration of the annual Passover meal. (Exodus 12:1-5) Also, on the annual Day of Atonement it was the blood of Jehovah’s goat that was taken within the curtain into the Most Holy of the temple in order to “make atonement . . . in behalf of the entire congregation of Israel.” (Leviticus 16:7-9, 15-17) So, in the parable, the goats are merely used to picture one class of people, whereas the sheep are used to picture another class; and as the time comes for a shepherd to separate the two kinds of animals, so during the parousia of the Son of man and before the “great tribulation” the time comes to separate the two classes of people.
16. The separating work in the fulfillment of the parable calls for pa·rou·siʹa to mean what?
16 Of course, the separating of the sheep and goats of a literal flock could be accomplished in a portion of a day, but the separating of people with free moral agency as sheep and goats would take a much longer time earth wide. This fact, in itself, requires that the Greek word pa·rou·siʹa means “presence” rather than “coming” or “arrival.”
17. (a) The separating of sheep and goats is made upon what point of difference? (b) Why would the separating of people with free moral agency take longer than that of literal animals?
17 In the parable, the separation is made on the basis that the animals are of two distinct kinds, and a shepherd would not want goat’s milk mixed with sheep’s milk for household uses. The hair of the one class of animals differs also from that of the other class, and these were not to be blended. (Leviticus 19:19; Deuteronomy 22:11; Exodus 36:14; Proverbs 27:27) In the fulfillment of the parable, the separating of the people is based on the difference of personalities and courses of action. A personality takes time to be fully developed, and a course of action is built up from a series of acts that become the regular thing for a person to do. It therefore takes a longer period of time before a judgment can be made as to the fixed personality and the unvarying habitual conduct of a person. This calls for time to be allowed before a just, irreversible sentence can be pronounced and executed upon a person. It is not a matter of a day of twenty-four hours.
18. (a) In view of what the right hand and the left hand are shown to be, what is the question upon which each one must make a decision? (b) Does the invisibility of the parousia of the Son of man allow for anyone to excuse himself, and why or why not?
18 In the parable the shepherdlike Son of man puts the sheeplike ones on his right hand and the goatlike ones on his left hand. The right-hand side turns out to be the side of a favorable sentence, and the left-hand side that of an unfavorable sentence. This outcome makes the situation for the people of all the nations of today a serious one. The question upon which each individual must make his decision is, Am I gaining the favor or the disfavor of the Son of man now seated upon his glorious heavenly throne, attended by all the angels? Each individual will inescapably be called to account. The fact that the reigning Son of man is invisible during his parousia does not excuse anyone, allowing for him to plead, “I did not know.” The invisible parousia of the Son of man has been proclaimed world wide, and this obliges each one to consider with deep concern whether what he is or is not doing finds favor or disfavor with the King and Judge.
19. Where did the speech by President Rutherford at the I.B.S.A. convention at Los Angeles in 1923 locate the fulfillment of the parable of the sheep and goats?
19 Who, though, are the symbolic sheep and who are the symbolic goats? On Saturday, August 25, 1923, a startling explanation of who these respectively were was given to Christian students of the Holy Bible. This was the eighth day of a nine-day regional convention held by the International Bible Students Association in Los Angeles, California, U.S.A. That day the Association’s president, J. F. Rutherford, addressed an audience of 2,500 on the subject “Parable of Sheep and Goats.” This Biblical presentation did not locate the fulfillment of the parable of Matthew 25:31-46 after the “time of distress” with which this present system of things ends and during the thousand-year reign of Christ. It located the parable’s fulfillment now, since 1919 C.E., during the invisible parousia or “presence” of the reigning Son of man and down to the destruction of this system of things. The material of this convention speech was published on pages 307-314 of the October 15, 1923, issue of The Watch Tower and Herald of Christ’s Presence.—See paragraphs 17-21 of said article under the heading “The Time.”
20. Why, therefore, did it become advisable for each individual to consider what kind of personality he was developing?
20 In this manner the readers of The Watch Tower and members of the International Bible Students Association were alerted to the fact that the parable was already undergoing fulfillment and the present generation of mankind was vitally involved. This made it advisable for each one to study what kind of personality he was developing and on which side of the reigning Son of man his course of conduct put him.
21. What efforts were made to help Jews to become symbolic “sheep,” and till when did this special interest in Jews continue?
21 Over a period of years a special effort was made to help the natural, circumcised Jews of the world to become symbolic “sheep” on the right side of the reigning Messiah. This effort was made by public lectures on the subject “Jews Returning to Palestine,” such as delivered to large audiences by the I.B.S.A. president, J. F. Rutherford, during the year 1925, also by the public address on the subject “Palestine for the Jews—Why?” delivered by him on Monday night, May 31, 1926, in the famous Royal Albert Hall of London, England, which seats 10,000 and which was well filled by a Jewish audience. Besides such public lectures there was published the book Comfort for the Jews, under the publication date of October, 1925, and, later, the 360-page book eninputd “Life,” which was released for public distribution on Sunday, August 25, 1929, after a nationwide radio chain broadcast from Station WBBR, Staten Island, New York, on the subject “Health and Life for the People.” This special interest in the natural circumcised Jews continued until the release of the book Vindication, Volume 2, in 1932, which volume showed that Ezekiel’s prophecies concerning Israel applied to spiritual Israel today.
22. How was interest in the sheeplike ones on a wider scale stirred by the information given out at the Columbus convention in 1931?
22 However, interest in the “sheep” class on a wider scale was stirred up in the year 1931. On July 30, at the international convention of the International Bible Students Association in Columbus, Ohio, the Association’s president delivered the talk on “The Man with the Writer’s Inkhorn,” after which Robert J. Martin announced the release of the new book eninputd “Vindication,” Volume 1. This book gave a detailed, verse for verse discussion of chapter nine of Ezekiel’s prophecy, which presents the vision of this linen-clad man with the writer’s inkhorn. Both the speech and the book called attention to the fact that a marking work had to be done by the anointed remnant of Christ’s disciples in behalf of sheeplike people of the earth, not merely of natural Israelites but also of people of all the nations. This was a lifesaving work, inasmuch as the Holy Scriptures show that only the marked ones will be spared alive with the anointed remnant through the coming “great tribulation.” They become earthly subjects of the Kingdom.
23. For years, what interest had existed regarding the “great multitude” of Revelation, chapter seven, and how did the release of the book Jehovah in 1934 fail to clarify matters?
23 For decades of time there had been keen interest in what is called “a great multitude” in Revelation 7:9, King James Authorized Version Bible. Just who were the ones that made up this great crowd? On November 19, 1934, at Brooklyn, New York, there was released to God’s devoted people the book eninputd “Jehovah.” This 384-page book spoke both of that “great multitude” and of the parable of the sheep and the goats. (See page 159 under “Great Multitude”; also pages 354, and 359 regarding “sheep.”) However, this then latest publication did not identify the “sheep” of the parable as being the same as that “great multitude” nor as being those who are marked in their foreheads by the symbolic man clothed in linen with the writer’s inkhorn at his side. Nor did it disabuse the minds of the Bible students of the long-held idea that the “great multitude” was a body of spirit-begotten Christian martyrs who are bound for heavenly life even though they were no part of the 144,000 joint heirs of Jesus Christ the King. Those of the “great multitude” were thought to be yet “prisoners” of Babylon the Great, the world empire of false religion.
24. At what convention did the satisfying, factual explanation of the “great multitude” come, and who especially were invited to attend that convention?
24 At what time, then, did there come to those who were so eager to know, an explanation of the vision of the “great multitude” that proved satisfying and that agrees with the developing facts? In the year 1935, six months after the release of the book Jehovah. This was on the occasion of the Washington (D.C.) convention of Jehovah’s witnesses, May 30 to June 3, 1935. The full-page announcement on this on page 127 of the April 15, 1935, issue of The Watchtower expressly said: “All persons who are on the side of Jehovah and his kingdom are welcome.” It also went on to say: “This is a service convention, and it is expected that all the remnant and the Jonadabs will participate in the service. . . . Arrangements will be made for all who desire to symbolize their consecration by water immersion.” Later announcements of the convention said: “Heretofore not many Jonadabs have had the privilege of attending a convention, and the convention at Washington may be a real comfort and benefit to them.”
25. (a) When did the so-called Jonadabs realize the special reason why they had been invited to the Washington convention? (b) Whom did the speaker on “The Great Multitude” identify these as being?
25 It was on Friday afternoon, May 31, that those interested persons who saw a resemblance between themselves and ancient Jonadab the son of Rechab came to realize why they had specially been invited to attend this Washington convention. Why so? Because it was then that the principal convention speaker, J. F. Rutherford, addressed his visible audience there at the Washington Auditorium and a countless invisible audience simultaneously over radio stations WBBR and WHPH (Petersburg, Virginia) on the subject “The Great Multitude.” This explanation of Revelation 7:9-15 set forth that the “great multitude” (AV) is not a multitude of worshipers who are destined to have a spiritual resurrection and go to heaven. Rather, it is an earthly class of Jehovah’s worshipers to whom is held out in God’s Word the hope of everlasting life on a Paradise earth under the heavenly kingdom of Jesus Christ and his glorified church or congregation. At that time such worshipers with earthly hopes were likened to Jonadab the son of Rechab and were designated as “Jonadabs.” As The Watchtower later said:
These are otherwise called “the Jonadabs.” These are being baptized in symbol, thus testifying that they have consecrated themselves to do the will of God and have taken their stand on the side of Jehovah and serve him and his King; thus they have cleaned up and are now “arrayed in white robes.” Thus the great multitude is definitely identified, not as a spirit-begotten class whose hopes are for a place in heaven, but . . . they “come out of the great tribulation,” . . .—The Watchtower as of August 15, 1935, page 248, paragraph 21.
26. (a) How was the speech publicized still more, and how many were baptized after the speech? (b) Did the baptismal candidates put themselves in any class, and how would they come to know to which class they belonged?
26 The material of this remarkable address was published in the two-part article eninputd “The Great Multitude” in the issues of August 1 and 15, 1935, of The Watchtower, for the information of Jehovah’s worshipers all around the globe. On the day following the address there were 840 who presented themselves for immersion in water, to symbolize their becoming disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ.b (Matthew 28:19, 20) These 840 baptismal candidates were not Scripturally authorized to put themselves into either the heavenly class of joint heirs of Christ or the earthly class represented by the “great multitude.” It was not their will that was to be done, but was Jehovah’s will. He was the One to express his sovereign will in placing them in either class according to his good pleasure. If, after their baptism, he begot anyone of these with his holy spirit to become a spiritual son of God, he thereby brought such one into the spiritual class with a heavenly inheritance. If He did not beget anyone as a spiritual son and deal with him as He does with spiritual sons, then the one not spirit-begotten was reserved for the earthly great multitude.
27. What did this newer information on the “great multitude” provide with respect to the parable of the sheep and the goats?
27 The Washington (D.C.) speech on the “great multitude” and the material thereafter published on that subject provided a new backdrop against which to view the parable of the sheep and the goats. It made stand out more clearly and fully what are the requirements for membership in the “sheep” class than the requirements that were set out in the speech on the parable of the sheep and the goats twelve years previously in 1923 at Los Angeles, California.
28. How were the requirements for the “sheep” class shown to be greater than those set forth in 1923?
28 For example, those of the “sheep” class must be more than merely kindly disposed, righteously disposed persons who were humanitarian and did some kindness to the anointed remnant of Christ’s disciples. They themselves must be Christ’s disciples, baptized in “the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy spirit,” and also be acting as Christian witnesses of Jehovah. The “great multitude” of Revelation 7:9-17 (Authorized Version) were identical with the “sheep” class of Jesus’ parable in Matthew 25:31-46.c
“COME, YOU WHO HAVE BEEN BLESSED BY MY FATHER”
29. In what words are the vital requirements for getting onto the King’s right side set out in what he says to the “sheep”?
29 The vital requirements that are looked for in those who make up the “sheep” class are indicated by what the Shepherd King gives as the reason for assigning the symbolic “sheep” to a blessed future. The parable pictures the “sheep” class at the right hand of the royal Son of man as he speaks to them. “Then the king will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who have been blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the founding of the world. For I became hungry and you gave me something to eat; I got thirsty and you gave me something to drink. I was a stranger and you received me hospitably; naked, and you clothed me. I fell sick and you looked after me. I was in prison and you came to me.’”—Matthew 25:34-36.
30. Why could it be only indirectly that those “sheep” did to Jesus the things that he mentions?
30 It was only indirectly that these sheeplike people of “all the nations” did these things to the Lord Jesus Christ. Let it not slip from our memory that, when on earth, Jesus confined his three years and some months of teaching and preaching to the nation of Israel and the Samaritans over there in the Middle East. (Matthew 15:24; 10:6; John 1:11; 4:3-43; Luke 17:15-18) So these sheeplike people are like those Christians in the first century, in the Roman provinces of Asia Minor, to whom the apostle Peter wrote: “Though you never saw him, you love him. Though you are not looking upon him at present, yet you exercise faith in him.” (1 Peter 1:8) Although never having been able to see him on earth, the sheeplike people who are separated to Jesus’ right hand did want to do something in his behalf and made an effort to do so, indirectly.
31. Will the conversation between King and “sheep,” as described in the parable, be direct, and what bearing does 1 Timothy 6:14-16 have on the matter?
31 When this part of the prophetic parable is fulfilled, these sheeplike people will not see the Son of man seated on his glorious heavenly throne, neither will he appear visible to their naked eyes and speak to them audibly to their natural ears and say his words of appreciation. During his presence or parousia in the spirit, they see him on his throne only by the eye of faith, and at the time of his handing down his favorable decision to them his words of favor will be transmitted to them through whatever is his chosen channel. The fulfillment of the conversation in the parable between the enthroned Son of man and the “sheep” has to take into account what is stated in 1 Timothy 6:14-16: “Until the manifestation of our Lord Jesus Christ. This manifestation the happy and only Potentate will show in its own appointed times, he the King of those who rule as kings and Lord of those who rule as lords, the one alone [out of all those whom men serve as kings] having immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom not one of men has seen or can see.” So the conversation between this King of kings and the “sheep” will not be direct.
32, 33. (a) What must be said as to whether the King’s invitation to the “sheep” to “come” is an invitation to heaven? (b) Why did Jesus speak of these as “other sheep”?
32 On inviting these sheeplike people at his right hand to “come,” he is not inviting them to come to heaven and sit with him on his throne. These symbolic “sheep” are not members of the 144,000 spirit-begotten joint heirs of Jesus Christ who experience the “first resurrection” and reign with him for a thousand years over mankind. (Revelation 14:1-3; 20:4-6) Being people of “all the nations” who are gathered during his presence or parousia in the spirit, they come to number many more than 144,000, in fact, many times as many individuals. They compose the “great crowd, which no man was able to number, out of all nations and tribes and peoples and tongues.” (Revelation 7:9, 10) Those of this “great crowd” are likened to “sheep” when it is further said of them: “The Lamb, who is in the midst of the throne, will shepherd them, and will guide them to fountains of waters of life.” (Revelation 7:17) In fact, they are part of those “other sheep,” whom Jesus differentiated from the “little flock” of 144,000 joint heirs, by saying:
33 “I have other sheep, which are not of this fold; those also I must bring, and they will listen to my voice, and they will become one flock, one shepherd.”—John 10:16; Luke 12:32.
34. When does the enthroned Son of man bid the “great crowd” of “other sheep” to “come,” and how are they those who “have been blessed” by his heavenly Father?
34 The “great crowd” of such “other sheep” the enthroned Son of man tells to “come” to him, that is, to approach him at the time of his giving them their reward. He calls them “you who have been blessed by my Father.” (Matthew 25:34) True, while they were trying to do something good and helpful to the Lord Jesus Christ during this time of his presence or parousia, his heavenly Father blessed them for this. However, they “have been blessed” by his heavenly Father particularly in that He has reserved such a blessed reward for them. The heavenly Father foresaw this sheeplike class of this time of his Son’s presence or parousia, and he accordingly reserved a blessed reward for them. The blessings they have already received do not compare with the blessing they are yet to enjoy. What is that particular blessing reserved for them?
35. (a) What does Jesus indicate is the special blessing reserved for the “great crowd” of “other sheep”? (b) What, specifically, is the “kingdom” that they inherit, and where do they do so?
35 It is indicated in Jesus’ words to them: “Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the founding of the world.” (Matthew 25:34) The “great crowd” of the “other sheep” were not in these words being invited by Jesus Christ to a seat with him on his heavenly throne, for they are not of the 144,000 joint heirs. How, then, are the words of invitation to be understood? Under the original Greek word for “kingdom” (Ba·si·leiʹa), page 309 of Volume I of Liddell and Scott’s Greek-English Lexicon states that the Greek word has also a passive meaning, namely, one’s “being ruled by a king,” and also may mean “reign.” So it is indeed: the “great crowd” of such “other sheep” inherit a state of “being ruled by a king,” namely, the Messianic King Jesus, and they inherit a thousand years of a “reign” by the King of kings, Jesus Christ. Where will they enjoy this millennium of being ruled over by the glorified Son of man? Not in heaven, which they as creatures of “flesh and blood” cannot enter (1 Corinthians 15:50); but down here on earth, which is the earthly realm of Christ’s kingdom.—Psalm 2:8; Daniel 2:35-45.
36. From the founding of what “world” was this “kingdom” prepared for the “great crowd” of “other sheep,” and how?
36 This earth will be a grand place in which to live under such a king as the Lord Jesus Christ, along with his glorified 144,000 coregents. How, though, was the “kingdom” in this sense “prepared” for that sheeplike “great crowd” all the way “from the founding of the world”? In that the heavenly Father, the Creator, had it in mind for them “from the founding of the world.” This does not mean the founding of our earthly planet. It means the world of mankind. This was after the creating of Adam and Eve in their perfection in the Garden of Eden. Adam was not made a king, and Eve was not made his queen. Adam was not made a king over all the animal creation of land animals, amphibious animals, fish and birds. In Job 41:34 Jehovah calls Leviathan the “king over all majestic wild beasts.” No more so was Adam to be a king over all his human descendants. Kings came into existence upon the earth first after the flood of Noah’s day and beginning with Nimrod the bold hunter who founded Babel or Babylon in the Mesopotamian Valley. (Genesis 10:8-10) Adam’s descendants were not born into a kingdom of Adam. Adam and Eve themselves did not constitute a “world.”
37. (a) When and how was that world founded? (b) How was it that from that founding the “kingdom” was prepared?
37 However, when Adam and Eve, outside the Garden of Eden from which they had been expelled under sentence of destruction, began to have children, then a “world,” that is, a world of mankind, was founded. These children, though born in sin and imperfection and under condemnation of death, came under the opportunity that was expressed in Jehovah’s words to the serpent in Eden after the inducing of Adam and Eve to sin: “I shall put enmity between you and the woman and between your seed and her seed. He [the woman’s seed] will bruise you in the head and you will bruise him in the heel.” (Genesis 3:14, 15) As time went on, Jehovah God gave further information concerning this mysterious Seed that would gain the victory over the symbolic Serpent, Satan the Devil. The victorious Seed was to become a King over all mankind. Hence, when children began to be born who had the opportunity of coming under the established kingdom of the Seed, Jehovah’s promise took effect toward the world of mankind that had just been founded. Thus the “kingdom” was held in reserve, “prepared” for earth’s inhabitants “from the founding of the world.”—Compare Luke 11:50, 51.
DONE TO “ONE OF THE LEAST OF THESE MY BROTHERS”
38. How is the surprise of the sheeplike “great crowd” at the king’s invitation explained by the words of the king?
38 In the prophetic parable, when the King invited the “sheep” to “inherit the kingdom prepared” for them from the founding of the world, they gave way to surprise. Jesus tells us: “Then the righteous ones will answer him with the words, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty, and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and receive you hospitably, or naked, and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to you?’ And in reply the king will say to them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’”—Matthew 25:37-40.
39. Is it on the basis of their considerate deeds done to the King that they are called “righteous,” or what?
39 It is noteworthy that Jesus speaks of these sheeplike persons as “the righteous ones.” Their righteous appearance before him is not due solely to the fact that they did all the considerate things to him that he mentions. These sheeplike ones are not justified or declared righteous on the basis of their own works any more than the 144,000 joint heirs of Christ are. The prime thing that counted was the thing that was evidenced by their trying to do what they could in behalf of Christ just as the situation afforded, namely, their faith in him as the Messiah or Christ of God. They recognized that they had no righteousness wholly pleasing to God in themselves. In harmony with this they availed themselves of the propitiatory blood of the sacrificial Lamb of God, Jesus Christ. (John 1:29, 36) To gain a righteous appearance before Jehovah God, they did a washing, as it were, of their symbolic robes. This is called to our attention in John’s vision of the “great crowd.”
40. How do those of the “great crowd” of “other sheep” clean up their bad appearance before God, and where and how do they render sacred service?
40 To bring out the fact that those of this sheeplike “great crowd” are disciples of the Lamb Jesus Christ and are worshipers at the spiritual temple of Jehovah God, the apostle John reports this conversation that arose over the vision of the “great crowd”: “And in response one of the elders said to me: ‘These who are dressed in the white robes, who are they and where did they come from?’ So right away I said to him: ‘My lord, you are the one that knows.’ And he said to me: ‘These are the ones that come out of the great tribulation, and they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. That is why they are before the throne of God; and they are rendering him sacred service day and night in his temple.’” (Revelation 7:13-15) So it is essential that they wash their bad appearance before God in the shed blood of Christ by their exercise of faith, besides which they render sacred service to God at his spiritual temple by doing what the opportunity offers them in behalf of the Lamb Jesus Christ. Properly, then, Jesus could speak of them as “righteous ones.”
41. (a) What do these righteous “sheep” indicate about the parousia by repeatedly asking, “When did we see you?” (b) In this regard, why did the parousia have to be an extended period of time?
41 By their repeatedly saying, “When did we see you?” when they inquired about the things the King Jesus Christ said they had done to him, the righteous sheeplike ones make it manifest that they did not see him in the flesh. Rightly so, forasmuch as his royal presence or parousia is invisible to human eyes, he being now one “whom not one of men has seen or can see.” His parousia had to be an extended invisible presence for them to do to him all the things that he enumerates, in an indirect manner. How, then, was it to him that they did all such loving things? Jesus explains:
42. The king tells the “sheep” that they did such things to him indirectly in what way?
42 “And in reply the king will say to them, ‘Truly I say to you, To the extent that you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’”—Matthew 25:40.
43. During his parousia the King Jesus Christ has a remnant of whom on the earth, and how did he speak about them on the day of his prophecy and on resurrection day?
43 During the time of his invisible parousia or presence as enthroned King, Jesus Christ the Son of man has a remnant of his spiritual brothers visibly in the flesh on the earth. Previously, on the same day on which he gave the parable of the sheep and the goats, Jesus referred to these “brothers,” when he said: “Do not you be called Rabbi, for one is your teacher, whereas all you are brothers. Moreover, do not call anyone your father on earth, for one is your Father, the heavenly One. Neither be called ‘leaders,’ for your Leader is one, the Christ.” (Matthew 23:8-10) Five days after telling the parable the risen Lord Jesus appeared to a number of women on his resurrection day and said to them: “Have no fear! Go, report to my brothers, that they may go off into Galilee; and there they will see me.”—Matthew 28:9, 10.
44. (a) How did Jesus speak about these brothers to another woman on resurrection day? (b) What does Hebrews 2:10-12 say regarding Jesus’ attitude toward these brothers?
44 On his resurrection day he also appeared to Mary Magdalene and spoke of his spiritual brothers, saying to her: “Be on your way to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father and to my God and your God.’” (John 20:17) There will finally be 144,000 of these spiritual brothers who will share the heavenly glory with Jesus Christ, their oldest spiritual Brother. The fact that there are these spiritual brothers of Christ is dwelt upon by the inspired writer, in Hebrews 2:10-12, in these words: “It was fitting for the one for whose sake all things are and through whom all things are, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the Chief Agent of their salvation perfect through sufferings. For both he who is sanctifying and those who are being sanctified all stem from one [Father], and for this cause he is not ashamed to call them ‘brothers,’ as he says: ‘I will declare your name to my brothers; in the middle of the congregation I will praise you with song.’” These “brothers” are members of the “seed” of Abraham the Hebrew; and in order to help them to heavenly glory, the heavenly Son of God became a man like them. Accordingly, it is written:
45. Jesus was made like his spiritual brothers for what purpose?
45 “He is really not assisting angels at all, but he is assisting Abraham’s seed. Consequently he was obliged to become like his ‘brothers’ in all respects, that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, in order to offer propitiatory sacrifice for the sins of the people.”—Hebrews 2:16, 17.
46. The King Jesus Christ appreciates those who are the assisters of whom specifically, and why?
46 Just as the King Jesus Christ himself, when on earth as a perfect man, tried to assist his spiritual brothers, so he appreciates all those who put forth some efforts to assist his spiritual brothers who become his heavenly joint heirs. What such kindly assisters do to his “brothers” he counts as being done to him personally. Those offering such assistance he likens to sheep. They are not commended for just being philanthropic or humanitarian in a general sense, doing good to anybody and everybody regardless of who such anybody is, indiscriminately. Often persons who are philanthropic and humanitarian like that are afraid to do good specifically to Christ’s spiritual brothers amid the sufferings of these on earth. Any sign of sympathy with Christ’s “brothers” brings the frown of disapproval and criticism on the part of those who are against Christ’s “brothers” and who cause these “brothers” of Christ much of their suffering, even to imprisonment.
47. As stated by Jesus, why do the acts of assistance on the part of the righteous “sheep” have special merit?
47 Rather, those whom the parable-teller Jesus designates as “sheep” and calls “righteous” do discriminate fearlessly. They intelligently and deliberately do good to Christ’s “brothers” because they recognize these to be such. They believe these “brothers” are imitating Jesus Christ and are doing the work that he commanded them to do. It is for this reason that their acts of assistance to Christ’s brothers have a special merit in his sight, for acts of that kind have a real Christian motivation. Such view of matters Jesus made clear to his apostles, when he said: “He that is not against us is for us. For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink on the ground that you belong to Christ, I truly tell you, he will by no means lose his reward.” (Mark 9:40, 41) “And whoever gives one of these little ones only a cup of cold water to drink because he is a disciple, I tell you truly, he will by no means lose his reward.”—Matthew 10:42.
TAKING THEIR STAND WITH THE KING’S “BROTHERS”
48. (a) Before and after 1935 C.E., did Christ’s spiritual brothers on earth go through such experiences as he describes? (b) The “sheep” who rendered assistance did so with what knowledge and appreciation?
48 The historical records reveal that during their work of preaching the good news of God’s kingdom and making disciples of people of all the nations down to the year 1935 C.E., and thereafter, Christ’s spiritual “brothers” have literally hungered and thirsted, they have needed clothing, they have been strangers and homeless, they have got sick and even been put in prison unjustly. Not just their own spiritual “brothers” have come to their assistance, but also others who are not begotten of God’s spirit as Christ’s “brothers” have done so. These latter ones did not act thus in ignorance of just who these suffering, needy Christians were and of the unpopularity of these persecuted ones. To the contrary, they recognized that these were the “ambassadors” of God’s Messianic kingdom, and they wanted to give concrete evidence that they were taking their stand on the side of God’s kingdom.
49, 50. (a) How do these “sheep” who are not spiritual Israelites respond to the Kingdom-preaching, and to whom do they join themselves? (b) Accordingly, in whose name do these get baptized, thereby attaching themselves to whom?
49 Thereby these sheeplike ones demonstrated their faith in Jesus Christ as the reigning King. They rejoiced at the preaching of the good news of God’s now established kingdom, and they desired to give their full support to it. They responded to the disciple-making work of the Kingdom “ambassadors” and got baptized in water as also disciples of Christ, obeying his teachings. (2 Corinthians 5:20; Matthew 24:14; 28:19, 20) In that course thus being taken, even until now, by these sheeplike people who are not spiritual Israelites, the prophecy of Zechariah 2:11 is being fulfilled at this time: “Many nations will certainly become joined [or, join themselves] to Jehovah in that day, and they will actually become my people; and I will reside in the midst of you.”—New World Translation; American Standard Version.
50 These sheeplike people from “many nations,” 208 countries and islands according to reports thus far, get baptized not only in the name of the Son and of the holy spirit but also in the name of the Father, the Son’s Father, who is Jehovah. They do not believe merely in the Son and ignore the Father. Not only do they “believe on the Lord Jesus” to get saved, but they necessarily also recognize that “everyone who calls on the name of Jehovah will be saved.” (Acts 16:31; Acts 2:21; Romans 10:13) So they do call upon Jehovah’s name and get baptized in the name of Him. They “join themselves,” they dedicate themselves, to Jehovah in order to become His people. They abandon the false gods to whom they were formerly dedicated. (Hosea 9:10) They become irrevocably attached to Jehovah God the Father through Jesus Christ.
51, 52. (a) In being thus baptized, to whom are these “sheep” likened in Zechariah 8:20-23? (b) Who is the “Jew” upon whose skirt they take hold?
51 In their dedication of themselves to Jehovah through Christ these sheeplike ones are further pictured in Zechariah’s prophecy, in these words: “This is what Jehovah of armies has said, ‘It will yet be that peoples and the inhabitants of many cities will come; and the inhabitants of one city will certainly go to those of another, saying: “Let us earnestly go to soften the face of Jehovah and to seek Jehovah of armies. I myself will go also.” And many peoples and mighty nations will actually come to seek Jehovah of armies in Jerusalem and to soften the face of Jehovah.’ This is what Jehovah of armies has said, ‘It will be in those days that ten men out of all the languages of the nations will take hold, yes, they will actually take hold of the skirt of a man who is a Jew, saying: “We will go with you people, for we have heard that God is with you people.”’”—Zechariah 8:20-23.
52 In the fulfillment of this prophecy, the man whose skirt is taken hold of by these men of “all the languages of the nations” is a spiritual Jew, namely, one of the 144,000 spiritual Israelites who are spoken of in Revelation 7:4-8, just before the apostle John’s vision of the numberless “great crowd,” the members of which come “out of all nations and tribes and peoples and tongues.”
53. (a) Particularly since what year have these “ten men” speaking the languages of many nations taken hold of the skirts of spiritual Jews? (b) By that year these spiritual Jews bore what distinguishing designation?
53 During the presence or parousia of the King Jesus Christ since the year 1914 C.E., there has been just a remnant of such spiritual Jews in the flesh on earth. It was particularly from the year 1935 onward, after the identification of who made up the “great crowd” of praisers of God and his Lamb, that “ten men” speaking the tongues of many nations began to humble themselves as if taking hold of the skirt of a person and volunteering to go up with the spiritual Jew to the center of worship of Jehovah of armies. By that year of 1935 these spiritual Jews had been bearing the Bible designation “Jehovah’s witnesses” for four years, so that there was no mistaking of what kind of Christians they were.
54. How was the fact that these “sheep” join themselves to Jehovah and seek to worship him foretold in Isaiah 2:2-4?
54 The fact that in these last days many persons who are not a part of the remnant of spiritual Jews or Israelites should join themselves in dedication to Jehovah as God and seek to worship him at his spiritual temple was also foretold in these beautiful words of the prophet Isaiah: “It must occur in the final part of the days that the mountain of the house of Jehovah will become firmly established above the top of the mountains, and it will certainly be lifted up above the hills; and to it all the nations must stream. And many peoples will certainly go and say: ‘Come, you people, and let us go up to the mountain of Jehovah, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will instruct us about his ways, and we will walk in his paths.’ For out of Zion law will go forth, and the word of Jehovah out of Jerusalem. And he will certainly render judgment among the nations and set matters straight respecting many peoples. And they will have to beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning shears. Nation will not lift up sword against nation, neither will they learn war anymore.”—Isaiah 2:2-4.
55. (a) In the light of the foregoing prophecies, what is it that makes a person a “sheep” with a “righteous” standing before God and Christ? (b) How high do they elevate Jehovah’s worship?
55 When we take all these Bible prophecies that apply at the present time, the time of Christ’s presence or parousia, into consideration, along with Jesus’ parable of the sheep and the goats, what can we see? This: that it is not a case of unknowingly and by chance doing good to one of Christ’s spiritual brothers that makes a person a “sheep” with a “righteous” standing before God and his Messianic King. Those of the “sheep” class know what they are doing, even though they do not see the reigning King, the Son of man, with their literal naked eyes. They give due recognition to his spiritual “brothers,” even “to one of the least of these [his] brothers,” and for that special reason they endeavor to help them, not only in a material, physical way, but also in a spiritual way by joining with them in preaching “this good news of the kingdom” and in the Bible teaching work that results in making disciples of Christ. They know that Christ’s “brothers” are exalting Jehovah’s worship above everything else, and with these they go up to Jehovah’s spiritual temple to worship, meeting the high requirements for this.
56. (a) What is the position of these “sheep” regarding fighting with Christ’s “brothers” on various divisive grounds? (b) Whose friends do they choose to be, and how do they keep their “robes”?
56 Because the sheeplike ones desire to help and do good to the spiritual “brothers” of Christ, they do not fight with them on any grounds, national, racial, tribal, political, skin color, cultural, linguistic. With Christ’s “brothers” they take their stand for absolute neutrality toward the violent, destructive, sanguinary conflicts and controversies of this heavily armed world. They would rather be friends with Christ’s “brothers,” who are “no part of the world,” than enjoy the “friendship with the world.” (John 17:14, 16; James 4:4) So they choose to suffer with Christ’s brothers at the hands of this hostile world, so as to maintain their Christian integrity toward God and to prove themselves also to be real disciples of Christ. They keep clean their “robes” washed in Christ’s blood.
57. (a) Zechariah 8:23 put the ratio of Jew to non-Jewish worshipers at what figure? (b) Back in 1935 C.E., what was the estimate for the world’s religious population, to compare with how many witnesses of Jehovah?
57 The fact that Zechariah 8:23 prophesied that “ten men out of all the languages of the nations” would take hold on the skirt of a spiritual Jew or spiritual Israelite indicates that such self-humbling men of all nations would outnumber the remnant of spiritual Jews or Israelites. The ratio would be like ten to one. This has really come about since the year 1935 C.E. In that epochal year the worldwide population for religious bodies, Christian and non-Christian, was estimated as 1,849,185,359. (The World Almanac and Book of Facts, for 1936, by the New York World-Telegram, page 419) In that same year the number of Jehovah’s witnesses who were reporting activity in the field ministry world wide numbered less than 60,000. What has been the growth of the world population since then?
58. Since 1935, to what extent has the world’s religious population increased, and also the world population in general?
58 According to The 1973 World Almanac and Book of Facts, page 343, the religious population of the world was published as being 2,661,120,100. This means that between 1935 and 1973 the religious population of the world had not doubled. Now, as for the world population in general, in the year 1935 it was an estimate that was published with no change from that given for the year 1927, namely, 1,960,000,000. According to The 1973 World Almanac and Book of Facts, page 206, the estimate of the world’s population was 3,631,797,000. Thus, between 1935 and 1973, the world population had not quite doubled.
59. In the ministerial service year of 1971/1972, to what extent had the number of Jehovah’s witnesses increased?
59 What, though, about the growth in numbers of Jehovah’s witnesses? Their ministerial service year begins on September 1 of a calendar year. So, during the 1971/1972 service year, the number associated with Jehovah’s witnesses who were regularly active in the field ministry was reported to be 1,596,442, on the average, although during that service year a peak of 1,658,990 Kingdom proclaimers was attained. What an increase this represents in the number of Jehovah’s witnesses in comparison with the number of them back there in 1935!
60. (a) In what way was it determined how many of those were spiritual Jews? (b) From all this, what do we note as respects the going of people up to Jehovah’s spiritual temple to worship? (c) Hence, in what vital time must we be living?
60 But how many among these Christian witnesses of Jehovah are spiritual Jews? Only 10,350. These identified themselves as spiritual Israelites by partaking of the emblematic bread and wine at the annual celebration of the Lord’s Supper, on March 29, 1972, at which celebration there was a total attendance, world wide, of 3,662,407. In the 208 lands and islands of the sea in which Jehovah’s Christian witnesses are active there were 28,407 congregations functioning. From all this, what do we note? This: that during Christ’s invisible parousia (presence) a “great crowd” of sheeplike persons out of all nations, tribes, peoples and languages has been gathered to the King’s right hand and has joined the small remnant of spiritual Israelites in going up to Jehovah’s spiritual temple to worship Him as God. This is a noteworthy feature of the “sign” proving that the unseen “presence” or parousia of the Lord Jesus is in progress and that we are living in the “conclusion of the system of things.”—Matthew 24:3.
[Footnotes]
a On page 494, The World Almanac for 1915 listed 64 distinct countries under the heading “Statistics of the Countries of the World” and gave their total population as being 1,691,741,383.
b See The Golden Age, as of July 17, 1935, page 660, column 2.
c In awareness of this, The Watchtower under date of May 1, 1936, identified the “sheep” class with the “great multitude” in its article eninputd “Armageddon Survivors,” page 140, paragraphs 47, 48. |
Bible Stories (my)
2004 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/my | Introduction
THIS is a book of true stories. They are taken from the world’s greatest book, the Bible. The stories give you a history of the world from when God began to create until right up to our present day. They even tell about what God promises to do in the future.
This book gives you an idea of what the Bible is all about. It tells about people of the Bible and the things they did. It also shows the grand hope of everlasting life in a paradise earth that God has given to people.
There are 116 stories in the book. These are grouped in eight parts. A page at the beginning of each part tells briefly what is found in that part. The stories appear in the order that events occurred in history. This helps you to learn when, in relation to other events, things happened in history.
The stories are told in simple language. Many of you young children will be able to read them for yourselves. You parents will discover that your smaller children will delight to have these stories read to them over and over again. You will find that this book contains much of interest for young and old alike.
Bible citations are given at the end of each story. You are encouraged to read these portions of the Bible on which the stories are based. When you have finished a story, also review the study questions for that story found after Story 116 and try to recall the answers. |
BIBLE VERSES EXPLAINED
Jeremiah 11:11—“I Will Bring Evil Upon Them” | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/502300161 | BIBLE VERSES EXPLAINED
Jeremiah 11:11—“I Will Bring Evil Upon Them”
“Therefore this is what Jehovah says, ‘Here I am bringing on them a calamity that they will not be able to escape. When they call to me for help, I will not listen to them.’”—Jeremiah 11:11, New World Translation.
“Therefore thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will bring evil upon them, which they shall not be able to escape; and though they shall cry unto me, I will not hearken unto them.”—Jeremiah 11:11, King James Version.
Meaning of Jeremiah 11:11
God was addressing the Jews who lived in the time of the prophet Jeremiah. Because the people disregarded Jehovah’sa righteous laws and the loving correction given by his prophets, he would not protect them from the tragic consequences of their bad ways.—Proverbs 1:24-32.
“Therefore this is what Jehovah says.” The word “therefore” instructions the preceding verses with what follows. At Jeremiah 11:1-10, Jehovah told his people that they had broken the covenant, or binding agreement, that their forefathers had made with him. (Exodus 24:7) Instead of worshipping their Creator, the Jews turned to idols. This apostasy fostered all kinds of wickedness—even child sacrifice!—Jeremiah 7:31.
“Here I am bringing on them a calamity.” The Bible often speaks of God as doing something that he merely allows. How was that true in this case? By turning to false gods and ignoring Jehovah’s wholesome standards, his people brought untold suffering upon themselves. They also lost God’s protection. As a result, a powerful enemy—the king of Babylon—was able to conquer Jerusalem and take its inhabitants into exile. The false gods in whom the people had trusted could not save them.—Jeremiah 11:12; 25:8, 9.
By allowing those tragedies to befall his people, God was not being unjust or evil. “With evil things God cannot be tried, nor does he himself try anyone,” states James 1:13. Granted, the King James Version says that God “will bring evil upon [the Jews].” However, the original-language wordb translated “evil” at Jeremiah 11:11 can also be rendered “calamity” or “disaster”—terms that accurately describe the sufferings that overtook the Jews.
“When they call to me for help, I will not listen to them.” Jehovah does not listen to the prayers of those whose “hands are filled with blood” or of those who look to false gods for deliverance. (Isaiah 1:15; 42:17) However, he does listen to those who sincerely repent of their bad ways and humbly return to him.—Isaiah 1:16-19; 55:6, 7.
Context of Jeremiah 11:11
In the year 647 B.C.E., Jehovah commissioned Jeremiah to be his prophet. For 40 years, Jeremiah warned the people of Judah about God’s coming judgment. But they refused to listen. During that time, the prophet penned the words found at Jeremiah 11:11. Finally, in 607 B.C.E., the prophetic warnings were fulfilled when the Babylonians destroyed Jerusalem.—Jeremiah 6:6-8; 39:1, 2, 8, 9.
The book of Jeremiah also contains a message of hope. Jehovah said: “When 70 years at Babylon are fulfilled, . . . I will make good my promise by bringing you back to this place [the Jewish homeland].” (Jeremiah 29:10) Jehovah ‘made good’ on that promise in 537 B.C.E., following the conquest of Babylon by the Medes and Persians. Jehovah allowed his people, who were scattered throughout the empire, to return to their homeland and restore true worship.—2 Chronicles 36:22, 23; Jeremiah 29:14.
Read Jeremiah chapter 11 in the study edition of the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures. This easy-to-read Bible contains audio recordings, explanatory notes, cross-references, pictures, videos, and maps.
Watch this short video to see an overview of the book of Jeremiah.
a Jehovah is the common English rendering of the four Hebrew letters for the personal name of God. To find out why many Bible translations use the input “Lord” instead of God’s personal name, see the article “Who Is Jehovah?”
b The Hebrew Scriptures, commonly called the Old Testament, were originally written in Hebrew and Aramaic. |
Examining the Scriptures—2024
2023 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/library/r1/lp-e/all-publications/brochures-and-booklets/examining-the-scriptures/examining-the-scriptures-2024 | Our Christian Life and Ministry Bible Reading Schedule for 2024
January
1 Job 32-33
8 Job 34-35
15 Job 36-37
22 Job 38-39
29 Job 40-42
February
5 Psalms 1-4
12 Psalms 5-7
19 Psalms 8-10
26 Psalms 11-15
March
4 Psalms 16-17
11 Psalm 18
18 Psalms 19-21
25 Psalm 22
April
1 Psalms 23-25
8 Psalms 26-28
15 Psalms 29-31
22 Psalms 32-33
29 Psalms 34-35
May
6 Psalms 36-37
13 Psalms 38-39
20 Psalms 40-41
27 Psalms 42-44
June
3 Psalms 45-47
10 Psalms 48-50
17 Psalms 51-53
24 Psalms 54-56
July
1 Psalms 57-59
8 Psalms 60-62
15 Psalms 63-65
22 Psalms 66-68
29 Psalm 69
August
5 Psalms 70-72
12 Psalms 73-74
19 Psalms 75-77
26 Psalm 78
September
2 Psalms 79-81
9 Psalms 82-84
16 Psalms 85-87
23 Psalms 88-89
30 Psalms 90-91
October
7 Psalms 92-95
14 Psalms 96-99
21 Psalms 100-102
28 Psalms 103-104
November
4 Psalm 105
11 Psalm 106
18 Psalms 107-108
25 Psalms 109-112
December
2 Psalms 113-118
9 Psalm 119:1-56
16 Psalm 119:57-120
23 Psalm 119:121-176
30 Psalms 120-126 |
Paradise Restored (pm)
1972 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/pm | Chapter 17
Unification in Spite of False Predictions
1. Bringing back scattered peoples to their own land to the capacity of its territory suggests what problems in these days of population explosion and impending world famine?
IN THESE days ominous warnings are being sounded of overpopulating the earth—population explosion!—and of world famine as early as the year 1975 C.E. It seems strange, therefore, to be speaking predictively of young men and virgin girls thriving on the grain of the field and the luxury wine of the vineyards. Yes, and of bringing in more population to the point of having no more room for more. For the rapidly multiplying populations of some nations it seems that more room has to be found at the expense of territory outside the national borders, taken from neighboring lands. More food has to be grown; more land has to be put to raising crops. Why, then, regather the scattered people of a nation within their national borders, to the utmost capacity of the territory? How can its food problem be solved?
2. In contrast with human governments, for whom is there no food problem, according to Psalm 104:13-16?
2 Food problem? For human governments, yes! But for the Planter of mankind’s paradise, No! No such problem exists even today for Him of whom it was written under inspiration more than twenty-three centuries before the present world situation: “He is watering the mountains from his upper chambers. With the fruitage of your works the earth is satisfied. He is making green grass sprout for the beasts, and vegetation for the service of mankind, to cause food to go forth from the earth, and wine that makes the heart of mortal man rejoice, to make the face shine with oil, and bread that sustains the very heart of mortal man. The trees of Jehovah are satisfied, the cedars of Lebanon that he planted.”—Psalm 104:13-16.
3. In what direction does Zechariah 10:1, 2 turn us to look for relief?
3 Let self-reliant men make what predictions they dare to make about solving the world problem by combined human efforts, there is only the one direction in which to look for relief. In that direction the pronouncement that comes from a source superior to that of man and devils and that is written down in Zechariah 10:1, 2 points all of us, saying: “Make your request of Jehovah for rain in the time of the spring rain, even of Jehovah who is making the storm clouds, and who gives a downpour of rain to them, to each one vegetation in the field. For the teraphim themselves have spoken what is uncanny; and the practicers of divination, for their part, have visioned falsehood, and valueless dreams are what they keep speaking, and in vain they try to comfort. That is why they will certainly depart like a flock; they will become afflicted, because there is no shepherd.”
4. How was the Creator’s ability to give rain at a specified time demonstrated in Noah’s day and in Elijah’s day?
4 The ability of the Sovereign Lord Jehovah, the Creator, to give rain on a world scale was demonstrated in the year 2370 B.C.E., when, at the close of a week during which Noah and his family were told to get the animal and bird specimens into the mammoth ark (chest), it began to rain earth wide for forty days, this flooding the whole face of the earth for a year. (Genesis, chapters 6-8) Another occasion that he brought rain at a specific time, and this in answer to prayer, was when, at the end of three and a half years of drought over the land of the Ten Tribe Kingdom of Israel, the prophet Elijah prayed. The start of this answer to the prayer of a righteous man was a “small cloud like a man’s palm ascending out of the [Mediterranean] sea,” after which “the heavens themselves darkened up with clouds and wind and a great downpour began to occur.”—1 Kings 18:43-45; James 5:16-18; Luke 4:25, 26.
5. What experience during the neglect of temple building proved to the restored Jews that “pouring rains of blessing” (Ezekiel 34:26) were not to be taken for granted?
5 To the faithful remnant restored to the land of Judah it was promised that Jehovah would give them an excellent ecology or environmental conditions. He said: “I will make them and the surroundings of my hill a blessing, and I will cause the pouring rain to descend in its time. Pouring rains of blessing there will prove to be.” (Ezekiel 34:26) However, the remnant was not to take this for granted. During the years that they neglected the rebuilding of God’s temple at Jerusalem, they experienced scorching heat over the land, and “the heavens kept back their dew, and the earth itself kept back its yield. And I [Jehovah] kept calling for dryness upon the earth, and upon the mountains, and upon the grain, and upon the new wine, and upon the oil, and upon what the ground would bring forth, and upon earthling man, and upon domestic animal, and upon all the toil of the hands.” (Haggai 1:10, 11; 2:16, 17; Zechariah 8:10-12) Then they found it necessary to pray to the One “who is making the storm clouds, and who gives a downpour of rain.”—Zechariah 10:1.
6. Are the false gods of pagan, superstitious people rainmakers, and what statement about rainmaking will ecologists yet find to be true?
6 To the faithful remnant who directed their prayers to Him, along with obedience to his commandments, he gave “to each one vegetation in the field.” Each faithful individual’s plot of ground was blessed with needed vegetation for food. The false gods of pagan, superstitious people are not the ones to whom to look and pray. In an address to the heavenly Rainmaker, the earlier prophet Jeremiah said: “Do there exist among the vain idols of the nations any that can pour down rain, or can even the heavens themselves give copious showers? Are you not the One, O Jehovah our God? And we hope in you, for you yourself have done all these things.” (Jeremiah 14:22) All of today’s ecologists or environmental experts, who do not take Jehovah God into consideration, will yet find the inspired Bible statement about Jehovah’s rainmaking true.
7. Why does the anointed remnant not pray for literal rain to avert world famine, and what do they know to be more important for survival?
7 At the present time the anointed remnant of spiritual Israel, who are giving their attention foremost to reestablishing the pure worship of Jehovah at his spiritual temple, are not praying for literal rain upon the earth in the hope of preventing world famine. They remember that Jesus Christ predicted that during this “conclusion of the system of things,” “famines,” “food shortages,” would add to the sufferings of the worldly nations and peoples. (Matthew 24:7, AV; NW) They know that more important for surviving the coming great world “tribulation” and gaining life in God’s new system of things are the spiritual blessings—an increasing understanding of the Holy Bible and its prophecies, favorable relationship with God, more of his holy spirit or active force, regular meetings with his dedicated people, a share in the preaching of the good news of his Messianic kingdom, divine guidance and protection in all our endeavors to do His will. For a downpour of such blessings the God-fearing remnant have prayed. Hence their spiritual estate has yielded much “vegetation.” It has become a spiritual Paradise.—2 Corinthians 12:4.
8. To what as gods has Christendom looked for her blessings, but with what foretold result?
8 Contrary to her “form of godly devotion,” Christendom looks for her blessings to the false gods of this world, commercialism, militarism, evolutionistic schooling, patriotism, modern science and technology, and the United Nations. Her political leaders even consult astrologers and spirit mediums. What have we noticed to be the results? Exactly what Zechariah 10:2 foretold: “For the teraphim themselves have spoken what is uncanny; and the practicers of divination, for their part, have visioned falsehood, and valueless dreams are what they keep speaking, and in vain they try to comfort. That is why they will certainly depart like a flock; they will become afflicted, because there is no shepherd.”
9. How have the people of Christendom been guilty of using “teraphim” and “divination”?
9 In their independence of the Holy Bible, the peoples of Christendom look to their “teraphim,” that is, their household gods, their Pe·naʹtes, as the superstitious ancient Romans did. They trust to their own private opinions, each one having his own brand of personal religion. They look to the predictions of the military, economic and political specialists; also, to the priests and clergymen who pray heaven’s blessing upon such worldly leaders and spokesmen. They rebel against the Word of God that Jehovah’s Christian witnesses have proclaimed to them, and they push ahead presumptuously with their own ideas of how to do things. To them the words of the prophet Samuel apply, when speaking to disobedient King Saul of Israel: “Rebelliousness is the same as the sin of divination, and pushing ahead presumptuously the same as using uncanny power and teraphim.”—1 Samuel 15:23.
10. Have Christendom’s predictors proved true, has relief come and has the flock been kept together under a shepherd?
10 From Jehovah’s standpoint, not just the so-called pagan world, but even Christendom is involved with idolatrous teraphim and uncanny power and demonistic divination. The private opinions of men have therefore proved to be in error. The predictions made by public figures regarding an improvement of world conditions by all the man-made means that have been put to use have proved to be merely fond dreams, falsehoods. How has this affected the deceived, misled people? They are certainly departing like a flock of sheep, each one going his own way, like sheep not knowing where to go. They have gone astray and are the prey for the vicious elements of human society. They have consequently come into great affliction, with no remedy available from human sources. No political ruler, no political organization, is able to shepherd them, to protect them and guide them to peaceful pastures or quiet waters.
11, 12. (a) How have the rulers of Christendom not followed the example of King David the psalmist? (b) According to Zechariah 10:3-7, is Jehovah pleased with the political “shepherds” who are guided by the religious clergy?
11 The political rulers, even of professedly Christian Christendom, have refused to follow the example of King David, who shepherded the flock of the nation of Israel in 1077-1037 B.C.E. In Psalm 23:1, 2 the former shepherd-boy David said: “Jehovah is my Shepherd. I shall lack nothing. In grassy pastures he makes me lie down; by well-watered resting-places he conducts me.” Could the Supreme Shepherd Jehovah be pleased with the conduct of the political rulers who as shepherds of their peoples are guided and supported by the religious clergy of Christendom? Not according to Zechariah 10:3-7:
12 “Against the shepherds my anger has grown hot, and against the goatlike leaders I shall hold an accounting; for Jehovah of armies has turned his attention to his drove, the house of Judah, and has made them like his horse of dignity in the battle. Out of him [Judah] is the keyman, out of him is the supporting ruler, out of him is the battle bow; out of him goes forth every taskmaster, all together. And they must become like mighty men stamping down in the mire of the streets in the battle. And they must get engaged in battle, for Jehovah is with them; and the riders of horses will have to experience shame. And I will make the house of Judah superior, and the house of Joseph I shall save. And I will give them a dwelling, for I will show them mercy; and they must become like those whom I had not cast off; for I am Jehovah their God, and I shall answer them. And those of Ephraim must become just like a mighty man, and their heart must rejoice as though from wine. And their own sons will see and certainly rejoice; their heart will be joyful in Jehovah.”
13. The clergy have left the political “shepherds” and the “goatlike leaders” in ignorance of whose attitude toward them, and how so?
13 Even in Christendom the political “shepherds” do not appreciate that Jehovah’s anger has grown hot against them. Do not the religious clergy pray for them and call down heaven’s blessing upon them? Likewise, Christendom’s headstrong “goatlike leaders” do not believe and fear that Jehovah of armies will hold an accounting with them. Do they not go to Christendom’s churches and so will not the priests and preachers act as mediators for them with God and straighten out matters for them with God? So they do not expect to feel the heat of Jehovah’s hot anger in the foretold “war of the great day of God the Almighty.” They show no concern about his holding an accounting with them at Har–Magedon, the battlefield of that “war.” However, although their own religious clergy have left these political “shepherds” and “goatlike leaders” in ignorance and self-complacency, Jehovah of armies certainly has not done so. He has served notice upon them, doing this well in advance and repeatedly. By what means?
14. By means of whom has Jehovah served such notice well in advance, and how has he transformed these from being like sheep into being like a majestic war-horse?
14 By means of his anointed Christian witnesses, the antitypical “house of Judah.” These have not followed the misleading political “shepherds” and “goatlike leaders” of Christendom. Jehovah is their Shepherd, and since 1919 C.E. He has turned his favorable attention toward them as his “drove” of sheep. During World War I they were indeed like sheep, not taking part in military combat along with Christendom, but were subjected to the beastlike political, military exploiters of mankind who had the approval and backing of the religious clergy. But since that first world conflict the great Heavenly Shepherd has regathered his “drove,” the spiritual “house of Judah.” From being like sheep, He has transformed them to be like “his horse of dignity in the battle.” He has imparted to them by means of his Word and holy spirit a courage like that of a majestic battle horse.—Zechariah 10:3.
15. Why ought this transformation to be so with the spiritual “house of Judah” since 1914 C.E.?
15 This ought to be so. For, at the close of the Gentile Times in 1914 C.E., Jehovah God enthroned in the heavens the “Lion that is of the tribe of Judah” and commanded him: “Go subduing in the midst of your enemies.” (Revelation 5:5; Genesis 49:9, 10; Psalm 110:1, 2) As is the Leader of the spiritual “house of Judah,” so the other members of the “house” should be. Respecting this “house of Judah” Jehovah goes on to say: “Out of him is the keyman, out of him is the supporting ruler [literally, peg], out of him is the battle bow; out of him goes forth every taskmaster, all together.”—Zechariah 10:4.
16. (a) Who was the “keyman” in Zechariah’s day, but who is such in our day? (b) How is he the “supporting ruler,” the battle “bow” and the “taskmaster”?
16 In Zechariah’s day Governor Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel of the tribe of Judah was the “keyman.” In our day, since the birth of Jehovah’s Messianic kingdom in 1914 C.E., the glorified Jesus Christ who descended from David of the house of Judah is the “keyman.” Things are centered in him; responsibilities of royal weight converge upon him. Like a “peg” from which the royal interests hang and draw their support, the Messianic King is the “supporting ruler.” In the almighty hand of his God, Jehovah of armies, he is the “battle bow,” to wound and strike down the enemies from far off. He is the Chief Taskmaster, who assigns the royal tasks to all the members of the “house of Judah,” some of whom he appoints as under-taskmasters, and all of whom must work together with him as their Chief and Leader. With him at their head, all the “house of Judah” has reason to be courageous.
17. Why do the times call for courage on the part of the spiritual “house of Judah,” as in warfare?
17 The times call for Christlike courage. We dare not let the world situation smite us with a paralysis of fear. We have plainly been forewarned that this would be a time of warfare against the anointed remnant of spiritual Israel, inasmuch as Satan the Devil and his demon angels have been cast out of heaven by the Messianic kingdom, and concerning this dragon-like adversary it stands written for us to read today: “And the dragon grew wrathful at the woman [God’s heavenly organization], and went off to wage war with the remaining ones of her seed, who observe the commandments of God and have the work of bearing witness to Jesus.” (Revelation 12:17) So, with the help of their God, the remnant of the spiritual “house of Judah” have had fulfilled in them the divine promise: “And they must become like mighty men stamping down in the mire of the streets in the battle. And they must get engaged in battle, for Jehovah is with them; and the riders of horses will have to experience shame.”—Zechariah 10:5.
18. (a) Why did the spiritual “house of Judah” have to get engaged in the battle, and with whom on their side? (b) Because of what have the “riders of horses” had to experience shame?
18 The picture here is of victorious warriors who have invaded the enemy stronghold, the streets of which run red with the blood of the slain defenders. So the invaders must stamp down in the mire formed from blood mingled with dust. But for the anointed remnant of the spiritual “house of Judah” the warfare today is spiritual, with weapons that are “powerful by God for overturning strongly entrenched things.” (2 Corinthians 10:4; Ephesians 6:14-18) In this “wicked day,” when the dragon Satan the Devil and his demons have been cast down to this earth, the anointed remnant could not escape being involved in battle. They have courageously undertaken it, “for Jehovah is with them.” Their still being engaged in the battle to now near the close of the “time of the end” denotes spiritual triumph for them. But as for those enemies who trust in “horses,” that is, in the world’s way of carrying on a fight against Jehovah’s worshipers, they have indeed experienced shame, disappointment. All the opposition, interference and persecution by these “riders of horses” have failed to stop the remnant of the spiritual “house of Judah.”
A UNIFIED NATION
19. (a) What breakup in the twelve-tribe nation of Israel took place in 997 B.C.E.? (b) How did the survivors of both resulting kingdoms become exiles together in Babylonia?
19 In the day of the prophet Zechariah during the sixth century before our Common Era, the nation of Israel was unified by the releasing of the faithful remnant from Babylon and the restoring of them to the land of Judah. In the year 997 B.C.E. there had been a breakup of the nation. Ten tribes revolted against the further rulership of the royal family of David; only the tribes of Benjamin and Judah stuck true to David’s royal line. The ten-tribe kingdom of Israel was under the leadership of its most populous tribe, that of Ephraim, the younger son of the patriarch Joseph. The tribe of Manasseh, the firstborn son of Joseph, lined up with its brother tribe of Ephraim. The ten-tribe kingdom of the north lasted only till 740 B.C.E., when its then capital, Samaria, was destroyed by the Assyrians and the survivors were deported to Assyrian territories. But about 632 B.C.E., Babylon overthrew Assyria and absorbed its territories and its Israelite exiles. So when Babylon destroyed Jerusalem in 607 B.C.E. and deported its survivors to Babylonia, all tribes became exiles.
20. (a) Why were the exiles of the ten-tribe kingdom spoken of as the “house of Ephraim” or the “house of Joseph”? (b) How did Jehovah indicate there would be a unification of both houses?
20 Since the tribe of Ephraim, the son of Joseph, dominated the ten-tribe kingdom, its exiles were spoken of as the “house of Ephraim” or “the house of Joseph,” whose chief representative was Ephraim. Indicating that all twelve tribes of Israel would be reunified in the land of Judah by the return there of a faithful remnant of exiles, Jehovah now speaks of both houses and goes on to say: “And I will make the house of Judah superior, and the house of Joseph I shall save. And I will give them a dwelling, for I will show them mercy; and they must become like those whom I had not cast off; for I am Jehovah their God, and I shall answer them. And those of Ephraim must become just like a mighty man, and their heart must rejoice as though from wine. And their own sons will see and certainly rejoice; their heart will be joyful in Jehovah.”—Zechariah 10:6, 7.
21. (a) Over whom did Jehovah make the “house of Judah” superior, and in what way did He save the “house of Joseph”? (b) How did they become like those whom Jehovah had never cast off?
21 The Sovereign Lord God was the One who made the “house of Judah,” that specially represented the Messianic kingdom of David, “superior” to its enemies. Exiles of the “house of Joseph” were also saved, that is to say, given the victory over their enemies. Jehovah of armies gave them a dwelling with their fellow tribesmen in the Persian province of Judah, after he delivered them from the exile into which Assyria had taken them. Like the house of Judah, these also became “just like a mighty man” in Jehovah’s service. Upon them he had mercy even as upon the other exiles, and all the restored exiles together became as a people whom he had never cast off because of their disobedience. This fact was especially plain for all to observe when the repatriated exiles finally completed the building of the second temple at Jerusalem, to worship him unitedly there as the God of the whole nation. He demonstrated that he heard their prayers by answering them.
22. (a) Why is the stimulation to joy on their part stronger than that induced by wine? (b) In what way do their “sons” share in that joy?
22 The stimulation of their heart to rejoice was stronger than that induced by drinking wine. Their stimulation was a spiritual one. Their heart was joyful in their God, Jehovah, because of what he had done for them, because of the mercy that he had displayed to them. Their sons, born to them in their regained homeland, would share in this divine mercy and goodness. They too see it, experience it and would rejoice with their parents because of it.
23. In the final fulfillment, what corresponds with the “house of Judah” and the “house of Joseph” (Ephraim), and where and since when has Jehovah united them?
23 In the final fulfillment of the prophecy in our twentieth century concerning the “house of Judah” and the “house of Joseph” (Ephraim) there are two parts of the anointed remnant of spiritual Israel to be taken into account. There was the original part that came through the hard experiences of World War I and was restored to divine favor and liberated in 1919 C.E. And there was the newer part that was delivered from Babylon the Great since 1919 C.E. and that was joined to the original anointed remnant. The unification of them all as one “people for special possession” of Jehovah took place in the spiritual estate into which he brought them together from 1919 C.E. onward. Thus they could unitedly work together for the reestablishment and expansion of the worship of the only living and true God at His spiritual temple. By his invincible spirit he caused this “drove” of sheeplike disciples of His Messiah to become like a dignified war-horse not afraid to charge into the battle.
24. How did the united remnant now show courage like that of a horse charging into the battle? That is, in Kingdom proclamation?
24 Thus they became more courageous than ever in the proclamation of the Messianic kingdom of God, the kingdom reigning in the heavens since the end of the Gentile Times in 1914 C.E. Yes, they continued to distribute free Bible tracts, by the hundreds of millions of copies, to the homes of the people. But now they did not leave the brunt of the work to some hundreds of full-time “colporteurs,” for now they all undertook to knock at the doors of the people and interview the householders and place with them Bible study helps in the form of booklets and bound books on a nominal contribution toward the work. They engaged hundreds of radio stations to broadcast the Kingdom message throughout the earth, even organizing some of the largest broadcasting chains on occasions to reach the homes and ears of as many listeners as possible. When the mounting religious, political, judicial opposition made it difficult to carry on the radiocasting of the Kingdom message freely, sound cars topped by loudspeakers were sent out to herald the message afield. Portable phonographs were carried from door to door to play the message recorded on phonograph disks.
25. How was courageous proclamation made of the judgment messages issued during the years 1922-1928?
25 During the seven years, 1922-1928 C.E., a series of seven general or international assemblies were held by the anointed remnant of spiritual Israelites. At each of these in succession a fearless judgment message from God’s Holy Bible was declared, also being supported by an appropriate public address direct to visible audiences and to invisible audiences by radio. These judgment message proclamations and their supporting speeches were issued in the form of free tracts for free distribution in many languages, and hundreds of millions of these were placed in the hands of the people in many lands. These annual messages by speech and printed page were like the sounding of a series of seven trumpets to blast Jehovah’s modern-day judgments for all the world to hear. This is how they are pictured in the apocalyptic book of Revelation, chapters eight and nine and eleven.
26. How does the Revelation presentation of the fifth trumpet picture the anointed remnant, after release from Babylon the Great, as being warlike?
26 Regarding the sounding of the fifth such trumpet message under angelic guidance, note how Revelation 9:7-11 pictures the remnant as released from Babylon the Great under the symbol of locusts and describes them: “And the likenesses of the locusts resembled horses prepared for battle; and upon their heads were what seemed to be crowns like gold, and their faces were as men’s faces, but they had hair as women’s hair. And their teeth were as those of lions; and they had breastplates like iron breastplates. And the sound of their wings was as the sound of chariots of many horses running into battle. Also, they have tails and stings like scorpions; and in their tails is their authority to hurt the men five months. They have over them a king, the angel of the abyss. In Hebrew his name is A·badʹdon, but in Greek he has the name A·polʹlyon.” This pictures the remnant as warlike.
27. How is the Revelation presentation of the sixth trumpet in agreement with Zechariah 10:3-7 in showing the remnant to be warlike, as “mighty men”?
27 The apocalyptic picture of the effects of the sounding of the sixth trumpet (beginning in 1927 C.E.) shows the remnant as riding hundreds of millions of publicity vehicles for announcing Jehovah’s judgments. Look at the description: “The number of the armies of cavalry was two myriads of myriads: I [John] heard the number of them. And this is how I saw the horses in the vision, and those seated on them: they had fire-red and hyacinth-blue and sulphur-yellow breastplates; and the heads of the horses were as heads of lions, and out of their mouths fire and smoke and sulphur issued forth. By these three plagues a third of the men were killed, from the fire and the smoke and the sulphur which issued forth from their mouths. For the authority of the horses is in their mouths and in their tails; for their tails are like serpents and have heads, and with these they do harm.” (Revelation 9:16-19) So these symbolic visions are in harmony with Zechariah 10:3-7 in likening the restored remnant to Jehovah’s “horse of dignity in battle” and to “mighty men.”
MIGHTY OBSTACLES OVERCOME
28. In Zechariah 10:8-12, how did Jehovah speak of his overcoming obstacles when regathering his people as from Egypt and Assyria?
28 As we can clearly see now, nothing has proved to be an insurmountable obstacle to Jehovah of armies in realizing his stated purpose. How he would treat such obstacles he stated in Zechariah 10:8-12, saying: “‘I will whistle for them and collect them together; for I shall certainly redeem them, and they must become many, just like those who have become many. And I shall scatter them like seed among the peoples, and in the distant places they will remember me; and they must revive with their sons and return. And I must bring them back from the land of Egypt; and from Assyria I shall collect them together; and to the land of Gilead and Lebanon I shall bring them, and no room will be found for them. And he must pass through the sea with distress; and in the sea he must strike down the waves, and all the depths of the Nile must dry up. And the pride of Assyria must be brought down, and the very scepter of Egypt will depart. And I will make them superior in Jehovah, and in his name they will walk about,’ is the utterance of Jehovah.”—Zechariah 10:8-12.
29. (a) When did Jehovah humble the pride of Assyria, as foretold? (b) When did He whistle for his people who were scattered like seed, and what response was there to this?
29 In this divine utterance the term Assyria would take in the territories to which the Assyrians deported the survivors of the ten-tribe kingdom of Israel in 740 B.C.E. But the “pride” of Assyria was humbled by Babylon under King Nebuchadnezzar. In turn, the “pride” of this conqueror and dispossessor of Assyria was brought down by Jehovah’s earthly instrument, Cyrus the Great of Persia, in 539 B.C.E. Thereafter Jehovah could “whistle” to the scattered exiles of his people in the northern lands of the Babylonian Empire. Where he scattered them they multiplied like seed sown. In the lands of their exile, no matter how distant, they would hear his “whistle” and remember him. This would have a reviving effect upon them and upon their sons whom they had brought forth in exile. Alive and responsive to his inviting “whistle,” they would return to their desolated homeland.
30. What obstacles are suggested as to gathering his exiled people from Egypt, and how would Jehovah deal with those obstacles?
30 Many of the exiles had been taken into exile or had fled for refuge into Egypt to the south. (2 Kings 23:31-34; 25:22-26) So Jehovah ‘whistled’ in that direction also. From there he collected members of the remnant to worship him at his temple in Jerusalem. The scepter wielded by the ruler of Egypt could not prevent this. Jehovah’s will was accomplished just as if the Egyptian scepter of authority had departed, did not exist. The “whistle” of the Most High God had more authority than Egypt’s scepter. If the waters of Egypt’s deified Nile River were an obstacle to His people he could treat them as if they had dried up for his people. If the Red Sea hindered, he could pass through that sea with “distress” to its waters. He could strike down its waves, that His returning exiles might pass through to his place of worship at Jerusalem. He could do again what he did before in 1513 B.C.E.
31. (a) How would Jehovah take care of any tendency toward overpopulating the land, and still allow for growth? (b) In what sense would they walk about in His name?
31 There was no fear of overpopulating the land. The Owner of all the earth would merely enlarge the borders of the land for his restored exiles. Their borders would take in the “land of Gilead” to the east of the Jordan River. Yes, also the land of Lebanon to the west along the Mediterranean Sea. In this enlarged area of occupancy they must “become many, just like those who have become many.” Their rate of population growth will not be behind that of any other populous land. They will be just as many as ever. The Most High and Almighty God would make them “superior” to all foreign efforts to oppress, suppress and diminish them. In His name, or as a people called by His name, they would walk about. Wherever they walked, they would have His name in mind and seek to honor it, doing nothing to downgrade it.
32. When did Jehovah begin to “whistle” to his exiles, and how?
32 In the year 537 B.C.E. Jehovah began to “whistle” to his exiled people by the decree of liberation issued by Babylon’s conqueror, the Persian Cyrus the Great. (Ezra 1:1 to 3:2) That decree did not apply to Egypt, but later the way was opened for the exiles in Egypt to return to their God-given land.
33. When did Jehovah begin to “whistle” to the exiles of spiritual Israel, and by what means?
33 Likewise in the year 1919 C.E. Babylon the Great experienced a great fall at the hands of the Greater Cyrus, the triumphant enthroned King Jesus Christ. Did Jehovah then begin to “whistle” to his exiled remnant? Evidently, Yes! How? Notably by means of that semimonthly magazine that today is known world wide as The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom and that bears the front-cover subscription “‘You are my witnesses,’ says Jehovah.” (Isaiah 43:12) It conveyed to the members of the anointed remnant throughout the earth the call to reunite and gather to the support of God’s Messianic kingdom. As a step in that direction, it announced the arrangements for the holding of a general convention at Cedar Point, Ohio, U.S.A., for September 1-8, 1919, and invited all readers to attend.
34. (a) How many attended that general gathering in 1919 C.E., and what did they learn about enlarging Kingdom preaching? (b) How has that enlarging of Kingdom publicity resulted today?
34 About six thousand found it possible or convenient to share in this significant regathering and spiritual feast. They rejoiced at being restored to their rightful spiritual estate on earth. They learned of the arrangements to enlarge the means of publicizing God’s Messianic kingdom by starting a companion magazine, then called The Golden Age but now Awake! The first issue of this was dated October 1, 1919. It has since served as a powerful vehicle for proclaiming the Messianic kingdom and the age of life, peace, happiness and prosperity that this kingdom will shortly usher in. It was in the year 1940 C.E. that this magazine began to be offered publicly on the streets to the general public. Today more than seven million copies of each semimonthly issue are printed in more than twenty-five languages, and the number of recipients and readers of it goes on increasing.
35. (a) How was Jehovah’s “whistle” sounded out more and more widely, and with what effect? (b) How were obstacles to responding to the “whistle” overcome?
35 From that start in the liberation year of 1919 C.E. the regathering of the remnant went forward. As the faithful surviving remnant courageously took up the Kingdom message with great joy and enthusiasm and spread it farther and farther, the “whistle” of Jehovah sounded out more widely. Many seekers of the true God, both inside and outside of Christendom, heard that “whistle” inviting them to the pure worship of the one living and true God at his spiritual temple. They put forth their best efforts to respond. Were there obstacles in their way, things like the Nile River or the Red Sea or political powers of oppression like Assyria and ancient Egypt? The God whom they sought to worship at the true spiritual temple opened his written Word to them and pointed out to them how to overcome and surmount those imposing obstacles. Obedience to God’s “whistle” must come first!
36. How, in their personal case, must the “pride of Assyria” be brought down, and the “scepter of Egypt” be made to “depart”?
36 Fear they must cast aside. They must heed the call from heaven to come out of Babylon the Great, that world empire of false religion that includes not only Christendom but also pagandom. (Revelation 18:1-4) They must not let the “pride” of militarized, nationalistic governments like that of Assyria swell their heads. They must put Jehovah’s Messianic kingdom ahead of all man-made governments. In their personal case the interests of all high and mighty human rulerships must be brought down low before the interests of Jehovah’s universal sovereignty and its Messianic instrument. The symbolic “scepter of Egypt” as wielded by the political powers of this world should not be considered as supreme in power and authority. They should think on the scepter wielded by God’s Messianic King, to whom Jehovah said, in 1914 C.E.: “The rod of your strength Jehovah will send out of [the heavenly] Zion, saying: ‘Go subduing in the midst of your enemies.’” (Psalm 110:1, 2) The comparing of this Messianic scepter with the “scepter of Egypt” makes this latter human scepter “depart.”
37, 38. (a) Instead of State worship, recognition must be given to Jehovah as being what, and how was help to see this requirement given? (b) What did that book Government say, in part, under “Theocracy” and “Jehovah King”?
37 Instead of their recognizing the political State as supreme and rendering worship to the man-made State, recognition must be given by them to the Sovereign Lord Jehovah as the God Ruler or Theocrat. Help for them to see this requirement was given to the people in the book eninputd “Government,” which was released to the public in the year 1928 at the general convention of the International Bible Students Association in Detroit, Michigan, U.S.A., July 30 to August 6, 1928, at which the symbolic seventh trumpet began to be blown. (Revelation 11:15-18) On pages 247-250 this book discussed “Theocracy” and “Jehovah King” and said, in part:
38 “What form of government will then control the peoples of earth? That government will be a pure theocracy. For centuries the whole creation has groaned and suffered in pain, waiting for the manifestation of that government. (Rom. 8:19) Now the time has come for its establishment, and both the rulers and the ruled of the earth should learn the truth and rejoice. . . . A theocracy is a government of which the chief ruler is Jehovah God. He is the Maker and Executor of its laws through his duly constituted agencies. While it is true that supreme power has always resided in Jehovah, with the overthrow of Israel’s last king he permitted man to take his own course and has not interfered until his time has come to set upon his throne him ‘whose right it is.’ He it is whom God has appointed and anointed to rule under and in harmony with Jehovah. . . . The great theocracy, when seen and appreciated by the people, will be the joy of the whole earth.”
39. (a) By what form of government will Paradise be restored to mankind, and what kind of organization has Jehovah established in the spiritual Paradise of his remnant? (b) Those who would join the remnant in their theocratic spiritual estate must cut through what obstacles?
39 It will be through the coming Theocracy that Paradise will be restored to mankind. At present a spiritual Paradise obtains among the restored remnant, among whom the Great Theocrat has established a theocratic organization. This spiritual remnant, thus organized, puts Jehovah God above all human rulers, autocratic or democratic, and says, in the words of Isaiah 33:22: “Jehovah is our Judge, Jehovah is our Statute-giver, Jehovah is our King; he himself will save us.” They take the theocratic position taken by the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ when before the Supreme Court of Jerusalem: “We must obey God as ruler rather than men. . . . And we are witnesses of these matters, and so is the holy spirit, which God has given to those obeying him as ruler.” (Acts 5:29-32) Hence those who would join the anointed remnant in their theocratic spiritual estate must cut across the democratic flow and current of the symbolic Nile River and the changing tides of the symbolic Red Sea of humankind and must submit to Jehovah’s theocratic arrangement. For the willing and obedient ones He can make those water obstacles as not existing.
40. (a) With respect to what has God made the remnant “superior in Jehovah,” and how? (b) How has the prophecy come true, “In his name they will walk about,” and what will they have a part in doing with the Messianic kingdom?
40 In regathering and reuniting his anointed remnant of spiritual Israel the Almighty God has indeed ‘made them superior’ to all the obstacles and the adversaries. In their case it has indeed been, “not by a military force, nor by [human] power,” but by his spirit or invisible active force. It is just as He said: “I will make them superior in Jehovah.” Should they not, therefore, honor His sacred name and strive to act in harmony with the prayer that Jesus Christ taught them to pray: “Our Father in the heavens, let your name be sanctified”? They add dignity to his name and they make known that “his name alone is unreachably high.” (Psalm 148:13) Thus in all lands where members of the anointed remnant are found today it is true just as foretold in Zechariah 10:12: “‘In his name they will walk about,’ is the utterance of Jehovah.” Continuing to do this down to the “war of the great day of God the Almighty” at Har–Magedon, they will have part with the Messianic kingdom in forever vindicating the greatest Name in all the universe. |
What Is God’s Name? | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2019005 | What Is God’s Name?
When trying to get to know someone, the first thing you would likely do is ask, “What is your name?” If you were to ask God that question, what would he say?
“I am Jehovah. That is my name.”—Isaiah 42:8.
Is that name new to you? It may well be, because many translators of the Bible use God’s name sparingly, if at all. They often replace it with the input “LORD.” Yet, God’s name actually occurs some 7,000 times throughout the original-language text of the Bible. The name consists of four Hebrew consonants, corresponding to YHWH or JHVH, and has historically been rendered “Jehovah” in English.
Dead Sea Psalms Scroll First century C.E., HEBREW
Tyndale’s translation 1530, ENGLISH
Reina-Valera version 1602, SPANISH
Union Version 1919, CHINESE
God’s name appears throughout the Hebrew text and is found in many translations
WHY GOD’S NAME MATTERS
The name matters to God himself. No one gave God his name; he chose it for himself. Jehovah declared: “This is my name forever, and this is how I am to be remembered from generation to generation.” (Exodus 3:15) In the Bible, God’s name occurs more often than any of his inputs, such as Almighty, Father, Lord, or God, and more often than any other personal name, such as Abraham, Moses, David, or Jesus. What is more, it is Jehovah’s will that his name be known. The Bible states: “May people know that you, whose name is Jehovah, you alone are the Most High over all the earth.”—Psalm 83:18.
The name matters to Jesus. In what has been called the Our Father or the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus taught his followers to petition God with the words: “Let your name be sanctified.” (Matthew 6:9) Jesus himself prayed to God: “Father, glorify your name.” (John 12:28) Jesus made glorifying God’s name a priority in his life, and for this reason he could say in prayer: “I have made your name known to them and will make it known.”—John 17:26.
The name matters to those who know God. God’s people in the past understood that their protection and salvation were instructioned to God’s unique name. “The name of Jehovah is a strong tower. Into it the righteous one runs and receives protection.” (Proverbs 18:10) “Everyone who calls on the name of Jehovah will be saved.” (Joel 2:32) The Bible shows that God’s name would distinguish those who serve him. “For all the peoples will walk, each in the name of its god, but we will walk in the name of Jehovah our God forever and ever.”—Micah 4:5; Acts 15:14.
WHAT THE NAME REVEALS
The name uniquely identifies God. Many scholars conclude that the name Jehovah means “He Causes to Become.” Jehovah God gave insight into the meaning of his name when he referred to himself with these words spoken to Moses: “I Will Become What I Choose to Become.” (Exodus 3:14) God’s name thus conveys more than his role as the Creator who causes all things to come into existence. His name expresses his ability to cause himself as well as his creation to become whatever is needed to achieve his purpose. While inputs may describe God’s position, authority, or power, it is only his name, Jehovah, that embodies all that he is and can become.
The name reveals God’s interest in us. The meaning of God’s name implies his ongoing attachment to his creation, which includes us. Moreover, the fact that God has made his name known indicates that he wants us to know him. After all, he took the initiative to tell us his name before we even knew to ask for it. Clearly, God wants us to view him, not as some vague and distant deity, but as a real Person we can draw close to.—Psalm 73:28.
Using God’s name reveals our interest in him. To illustrate, you may ask someone you hope to befriend to call you by your given name. How would you feel if that person persistently refused to use your name? In time you would likely wonder whether that person really wanted to be close to you. So it goes with God. Jehovah has told mankind his name, and he encourages us to use it. When we do, we show Jehovah that we want to get close to him. Why, he even notices “those meditating on [or, “treasuring,” footnote] his name”!—Malachi 3:16.
Learning God’s name is the vital first step in knowing him. But we must not stop there. We need to discover the Person behind the name. We need to learn what he is like.
WHAT IS GOD’S NAME? God’s name is Jehovah. That name uniquely identifies God as a Person who can accomplish his purpose
WHERE DID GOD COME FROM?
That is a question many have wondered about. Perhaps you have too. It might be put this way: If the universe and everything in it had to have a cause or a creator, where did God come from?
Scientists generally agree that the material universe had a beginning. In harmony with this basic concept, the first verse of the Bible says: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”—Genesis 1:1.
The universe could not have created itself; it could not have come from nothing. Nothing cannot produce something. If nothing existed before the beginning of the universe, there would be no universe today. Though it is hard for us to comprehend fully, an eternal, nonmaterial first cause was necessary. Jehovah God, an infinitely powerful and wise spirit being, is that First Cause.—John 4:24.
The Bible says of God: “Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the earth and the productive land, from everlasting to everlasting, you are God.” (Psalm 90:2) Thus, God himself has always existed. Then, “in the beginning” he created the material universe.—Revelation 4:11. |
Table of outputs | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2019243 | Table of outputs
IN THIS ISSUE
Study Article 1: March 4-10, 2019
2 “Do Not Be Anxious, for I Am Your God”
Study Article 2: March 11-17, 2019
8 Praise Jehovah in the Congregation
Study Article 3: March 18-24, 2019
14 How Can You Safeguard Your Heart?
Study Article 4: March 25-31, 2019
20 What a Simple Meal Teaches Us About a Heavenly King
Study Article 5: April 1-7, 2019
26 What Our Attendance at Meetings Says About Us
31 A New Member of the Governing Body |
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