8.04.2005

Relief From Stress-A Practical Remedy

"Come to me, all you who are toiling and loaded down, and I will refresh you."
Matthew 11:28


You would probably agree that too much stress is bad; It amounts to distress The Bible points out that all human creation is so weighed down with burdens that many anxiously await release from today's stressful life. (Romans 8:20-22) But the Scriptures also show how we can gain considerable relief from distress right now. That comes from following the advice and example of a young man who lived 20 centuries ago. He was a carpenter, yet his greater love was for people. He spoke to people's hearts, addressed their needs, helping the weak and consoling the depressed. Even more, he assisted many to reach their spiritual potential. They thus found relief from excess stress, even as you can.- Luke 4:16-21; 19:47, 48; John 7:46.

This man, Jesus of Nazareth, was not guided by the sophisticated learning that some sought in ancient Rome, Athens or Alexandria. Still, his teachings are renowned. They had a theme: the government by which God will successfully rule our earth. Jesus also explained basic principles for living - principles that are truly valuable today. Those who learn and apply what Jesus taught enjoy immediate benefits relief from excess stress. Would you not enjoy that?

You may have doubts. 'Can someone who lived so long ago be meaningful in my life now? ' Well, listen to Jesus' inviting words: " Come to me, all you who are toiling and loaded down, and I will refresh you. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am mild tempered and lowly in heart, and you will find refreshment for your souls. For my yoke is kindly and my load is light." (Matthew 11:28-30) What did he mean? Let us examine these words in some detail and see how they open the way to relief from oppressive stress.

Jesus spoke to many who were desperately trying to do what was lawful but who were "loaded down" because the Jewish leaders made religion a burdensome thing. (Matthew 23:4) They focused on endless rules for virtually all aspects of life. Would you not find it stressful to keep hearing "you must not" do this or that? In contrast, Jesus' invitation was to truth, to righteousness, to a better life by listening to him. Yes, the way to know the true God involved paying attention to Jesus Christ, for in him, humans could - and can - see what Jehovah is like. Jesus said: "He that has seen me has seen the Father also." - John 14:9.

8.01.2005

The Real Jesus And Your Future

Besides giving a real-life picture of Jesus while he was on earth, the Bible shows that he had a prehuman existence as the only begotten Son of God, "the first born of all creation." (Colossians 1:15 )Twenty centuries ago, God transferred the life of his heavenly Son to the womb of a Jewish virgin for him to be born as a human. (Matthew 1:18) During his earthly ministry, Jesus proclaimed God's Kingdom as the only hope for distressed humanity, and he trained his disciples to continue this preaching work. - Matthew 4:17; 10:5; 28:19, 20.

On Nisan 14 (about April 1), 33 C.E.,Jesus was arrested, tried, sentenced, and executed on the false charge of sedition. (Matthew 26:18-20,48-27:50)Jesus' death serves as a ransom, releasing believing mankind from their sinful state and thus opening the way to eternal life for all who exercise faith in him. (Romans 3:23. 24; 1John 2:2) On Nisan 16, Jesus was resurrected, and shortly thereafter he ascended back to heaven. (Mark 16:1-8; Luke 24:50-53; Acts 1:6-9) As Jehovah's appointed King, the resurrected Jesus has full authority to carry out God's original purpose for man. (Isaiah 9:6, 7; Luke 1:32, 33) Yes, the Bible presents Jesus as the key figure in the outworking of God's purposes.

In the first century, multitudes accepted Jesus for what he was-the promisd Messiah, or Christ, sent to earth to vindicate Jehovah's sovereignty and to die as a ransom for mankind. (Matthew 20:28; Luke 2:25-32; John 17:25, 26; 18:37) In the face of fierce persecution, people would hardly have been motivated to become Jesus' disciples if they had been unsure of his identity. Courageously and zealously, they took up the commission he gave them to "make disciples of people of all the nations." - Matthew 28:19.

Today, millions of sincere and informed Christians know that Jesus is no legendary figure. They accept him as the enthroned King of God's established Kingdom in heaven, who is about to take full control of the earth and its affairs. This divine government is welcome news because it promises relief from world problems. True Christians manifest their loyal support of Jehovah's chosen King by declaring "this good news of the kingdom " to others. - Matthew 24:14.

Those who support the Kingdom arrangement through Christ, the Son of the living God , will live to enjoy eternal blessing. These blessings can be yours too! The publishers of this journal will be happy to help you know the real Jesus.