Apocalypse -What Is It? -Searching Out Divine Secrets -Continue

 As early as 1917, the Watch Tower Society published the book The Finished Mystery. This was a verse-by- verse commentary on the Bible books of Ezekiel and Revelation. Then, as world events continued to unfold in fulfillment of Bible prophecy, a timely two-volume work entitled Light was prepared, being released in 1930. This offered an updated Bible study of Revelation. Light continued to 'flash up for the righteous,' so that in 1963 the Society published the 704-page book "Babylon the Great Has Fallen!" God's Kingdo Rules!  This gave in great detail the history of the rise and fall of Babylon the Great, the world empire of false religion, and it was climaxed with the discussion of the final nine chapters of Revelation. As 'the path of the righteous ones grew brighter,' particularly with regard to congregational activity, there followed in 1969 a 384-page volume, "Then Is Finished the Mystery of God," which discussed the first 13 chapters of Revelation. - PSALM 97:11; PROVERBS 4:18. 

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From the jw.org publications 

Chapter One/Revelation - It's Happy Climax - Apocalypse-What Is It?

 Is not Revelation also called Apocalypse? That is so," "revelation" being the English translation of a-po-ka'ly-psis in the Greek text. Many people equate Apocalypse with world destruction by nuclear warfare. In a Texas, U.S.A., city where great numbers of nuclear warheads are mad, religiously inclined people have been saying, "We'll be the first to go."  Clergymen in that area are reported to have "become convinced that Armageddon is not only inevitable but also close at hand, and that the final battle between the forces of good and bad, of God and Satan, will take place as a nuclear holocaust." 

But what really is an apocalypse? Though dictionaries define it by using terms such as "an imminent cosmic cataclysm," the Greek a-po-ka'ly-psis basically means "unveiling" or "uncovering." Thus, the last book of the Bible is properly entitled "A Revelation." Here we find, not a mere fatalistic message of world doom, but and uncovering of divine truths that should build in our hearts a radiant hope and an unmovable faith. 

True, Armageddon is described in the last book of the Bible as "the war of the great day of God the Almighty." (Revelation 16:14, 16) But it will be far different from a nuclear holocaust! Such a holocaust would likely mean the annihilation of all life on earth. On the contrary, God's Word gives the happy assurance that only the wicked opposers of God will be destroyed-by forces under God's control. (Palm 37:9, 10, 145:20) A great crowd of humans, out of all nations will survive the climax of divine judgment at Armageddon. Jesus Christ will then shepherd and guide those to life everlasting in a paradise earth. Do you want to be one of them? Happily, Revelation shows that you may be! - REVELATION 7:9, 14, 17.

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Revelation -It's Happy Climax

 A REVELATION TO JOHN - this thrilling book of the Bible brings the divine record to a happy climax. Why do we say "happy"? Well, the Author of the Bible is described as "the happy God," who entrusts "glorious, good news" to those who love him. He wants us to be happy too. Thus, at the outset Revelation assures us: "Happy is he who reads . . . the words of this prophecy." In its final chapter we are told: "Happy is anyone observing the words of the prophecy of this scroll." - 1 TIMOTHY1:11; REVELATION 1:3; 22:7.

How do we find happiness through the book of Revelation? We do so by searching out the meaning of its vivid signs, or symbols, and acting in harmony therewith. Mankind's turbulent history will soon reach a catastrophic, as God and Jesus Christ executed judgment on today's wicked system, replacing it with "a new heaven and a new earth," where even "death will be no more." (Revelation 21:1, 4) Do not all of us want to live in such a new world, in true peace and security? We can if we build up our faith through study of God's Word, including the stirring prophecy of Revelation. 

Next time: Revelation - It's Happy Climax - Apocalypse - What Is It? 

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BIBLE PHRASE/Using Your "Spiritual Gift" - Conclusion

 Encourage others by your decisions and actions. For instance, some have chosen to stay in full-time service despite facing personal challenges. Others regularly support the midweek meeting despite a demanding work schedule or a chronic health problem. 

Do your expressions of faith encourage your brothers and sisters? And are you alert to accept these spiritual gifts in return? 

Next time: To Be Determined

From the jw.org publications

BIBLE PHRASE/ Using Your/"Spiritual Gift"

 We all treasure the mutual encouragement that we enjoy with our Christian brothers and sisters. But that encouragement goes beyond just being together. The Bible calls our ability to strengthen one another 's faith a "spiritual gift." (Romas 1:11, 12) How may we use that gift to its full potential?

Give a gift of well-chosen words. For example, we can give comments at meetings that focus, not on ourselves, but on Jehovah, his Word, and his people. In conversations with fellow believers, we can choose to talk about upbuilding topics. 

Next time: BIBLE PHRASE/Using Your "Spiritual Gift" - Conclusion

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Questions From Readers/What "thought" will Jehovah put into the hearts of the nations in the near future? - Conclusion

 What a gift that transfiguration was for Peter-and for us! Decades later he wrote of the privilege he had that night of actually seeing a preview of Jesus as a glorious heavenly King and of being one of the "eyewitnesses" of his magnificence." That vision confirmed many prophecies of God's Word and strengthened Peter's faith for the trials he had yet to face. (Read 2 Peter 1:16-19.) It can do the same for us if, like Pete, we remain loyal to the Master whom Jehovah has appointed over us, learning from him, accepting his discipline and correction, and humbly following him day by day. 

What, then, may we expect. We need not look for news reports that governments are slowly becoming more supportive of the United Nations. What can we expect is this: With startling suddenness, Jehovah will put it into the hearts of the nations to hand over their power to the wild beast. When that happens, we will know that the great tribulation is about to begin. Meanwhile, "let us stay awake and keep our senses" because sudden changes are soon to come! - 1 THESSALONIANS 5:6. 

Next time: Bible Phrase/Using Your "Spiritual Gift"

From the jw.org publications

Questions From Readers/ What "thought" will Jehovah put into the hearts of the nations in the near future?

 Regarding the start of the great tribulation, Revelation 17:16, 17 says: "The ten horns that you saw ad the wild beast, these will hate the prostitute and will make her devastated and naked, and they will eat up her flesh and completely burn her with fire. For God put it into their hearts to carry out his though, yes, to carry out their one thought by giving their kingdom to the wild beast."  In the past, our publications have said that the "thought" that Jehovah will put into the hearts of the nations is to destroy false religion. 

However, an adjustment is needed. The "thought" that Jehovah will put into the hearts of the nations is for them to give "their kingdom to the wild beast." To understand how will be fulfilled, consider the following questions. 

Who are the main characters in the prophecy? The prostitute" is also called "Babylon the great"; She represents the world empire of false religion.  "The "scarlet-colored wild beast" is a symbol of the peace organization that began to function in 1919 as the League of Nations-the voice of Jehovah God! He said: "This is my Son, the one that has been chosen. Listen to him." Then the vision was over, and they were alone with Jesus on the mountain. - LUKE 9:34-36.

Next time: Questions From the Readers/ What "thought" will Jehovah put into the hearts of the nations in the near future? 

From the jw.org publications

Help for Mistreated Women - Conclusion

 Stacy and two other sisters had similar success at another shelter where five copes of the tract were accepted and more were requested. "This pamphlet will help the women here," said one of the employees. She added, "we need this." On a later visit, several residents gathered to see a Bible study demonstrated and two of them expressed interest in attending the next weekend meeting at the Kingdom Hall. 

Stacy says: "We are amazed at how this beautiful article has been received. When printed and folded, it is an appealing way to share the Kingdom message with this special audience. We were touched by the warm reaction we received, and we are excited to see how Jehovah will bless our efforts to reach these individuals further with the good news. " 

Next time: Questions From Readers/What "thought" will Jehovah put into the hearts of the nations in the near future?

From the jw.org publications

Help for Mistreated Women

 So begins the jw.org article "Women's Safety-The Bible's Perspective." A link at the end of that article lets you download a PDF of the material, which can be printed and folded into a four-page tract. "I printed copies and, along with another sister, took them to a women's shelter in my congregation territory," says a sister in the United States name Stacy. 

An employed there asked if she could have additional copies to distribute to those living at the shelter. As a result, 40 or more of these tracts were delivered along with 30 jw.org contact cards. On a later visit, the administrator at the shelter expressed interest in having a person Bible study demonstrated for the residents. 

Next time: Help for Mistreated Women - Conclusion

From the jw.org publications

"Maintain the Oneness of the Spirit" - 'EARNESTLY ENDEAVOR' TO MAINTAIN UNITY - Conclusion

When we resolve personal offenses-even in only in our heart-we will continue to experience "the uniting bond of peace." The Greek word that is translated "uniting bond" at Ephesians 4:3  is rendered "ligaments" at Colossians 2:19. Ligaments are strong bands of tissue that join one bone to the other. In a similar way, peace as well as love for our brothers helps us remain close to them despite any differences with have with them. 

So when a fellow believer offends, upsets, or irritates you, try to view that person compassionately rather than critically. (Colossians 3:12) Since all humans are imperfect, you too have likely caused someone offense at some point. Keeping that in mind will help you do your par "to maintain the oneness of the spirit. 

Next time: Help for Mistreated Women

From the jw.org publications