The Hope Of Everlasting Life
What a wonderful prospect awaits faithful ones, to know that God will forever shower down on them an overflow of spiritual and material benefits! The psalmist rightly said: "You are opening your hand and satisfying the [proper] desire of every living thing." (Psalm 145:16) Jehovah encourages those of the earthly class to have this hope of life in Paradise as part of their faith in him. While the issue of Jehovah's sovereignty ismoe important, he does not ask people to serve him with no prospect of a reward. Throughout the Bible, loyalty to God and the hope of eternal life are inseparably bound together as necessary parts of a Christian's faith in God. "He that approaches God must believe that he is an dthat he becomes the rewarder of those earnestly seeking him." - Hebrews 11:6.
Jesus said: "This means everlasting life, their taking in knowledge of you, the only true God, and of the one whom you sent forth, Jesus Christ." (John 17:3) Here he tied in knowing God and his purposes with the reward that this brings. As an example, when a wrongdoer asked to be remembered after Jesus came into his Kingdom, Jesus said: " You will be with me in Paradise." (Luke 23:43) He did not tell the man to have faith even if he did not get a reward. He knew that Jehovah wants his servants to have the hope of everlasting life on a paradise earth to help sustain them as they meet with various trials in this world. Thus, looking forward to the reward is a vital help in enduring as a Christian.
Next time: The Future Of The Kingdom
12.30.2006
12.27.2006
Jehovah's Sovereignty Vindicated
By the end of the thousand years of Kingdom rule, the human family will have been restored to perfection of mind and body. The earth will be a global garden of Eden, a paradise. Peace, happiness, security and a loving human society will have been attained. Never in human history before Kingdom rule was anything like this seen. What a vast contrast will then have been demonstrated between the previous thousands of years of miserable rulership by humans and the magnificent rulership by God's heavenly Kingdom of a thousand years! The rule of God through his Kingdom will have been shown to be completely superior in every respect. God's right to rule, his sovereignty, will have been totally vindicated .
At the end of the thousand years, Jehovah will allow perfect humans to exercise their free choice as to whom they want to serve. The Bible shows that "Satan will be let loose out of his prison." He will again try to mislead humans, some of whom will choose independence from God. To prevent 'distress from rising up a second time,' Jehovah will annihilate Satan, his demons, and all who rebel against Jehovah's sovereignty. No one could object that any humans who are destroyed eternally at that time did not have a chance or that their wrong course was due to imperfection. No, they will be like perfect Adam and Eve, who willingly chose to rebel against Jehovah's righteous rule. - Revelation 20:7-10; Nahum 1:9.
On the other hand, likely the vast majority of people will choose to uphold Jehovah's sovereignty. With every rebel annihilated, the righteous will stand before Jehovah, having passed the final test of loyalty. These loyal ones will then be accepted by Jehovah as his sons and daughters. They therefore come back into the relationship that Adam and Eve had with God before they rebelled. Hence, Romans 8:21 will be fulfilled: " The creation itself [humankind] also will be set free from enslavement to corruption and have the glorious freedom of the children of God." The prophet Isaiah foretells: "[God] will actually swallow up death forever, and the Sovereign Lord Jehovah will certainly wipe the tears from all faces." - Isaiah 25:8.
Next time: The Hope Of Everlasting Life
By the end of the thousand years of Kingdom rule, the human family will have been restored to perfection of mind and body. The earth will be a global garden of Eden, a paradise. Peace, happiness, security and a loving human society will have been attained. Never in human history before Kingdom rule was anything like this seen. What a vast contrast will then have been demonstrated between the previous thousands of years of miserable rulership by humans and the magnificent rulership by God's heavenly Kingdom of a thousand years! The rule of God through his Kingdom will have been shown to be completely superior in every respect. God's right to rule, his sovereignty, will have been totally vindicated .
At the end of the thousand years, Jehovah will allow perfect humans to exercise their free choice as to whom they want to serve. The Bible shows that "Satan will be let loose out of his prison." He will again try to mislead humans, some of whom will choose independence from God. To prevent 'distress from rising up a second time,' Jehovah will annihilate Satan, his demons, and all who rebel against Jehovah's sovereignty. No one could object that any humans who are destroyed eternally at that time did not have a chance or that their wrong course was due to imperfection. No, they will be like perfect Adam and Eve, who willingly chose to rebel against Jehovah's righteous rule. - Revelation 20:7-10; Nahum 1:9.
On the other hand, likely the vast majority of people will choose to uphold Jehovah's sovereignty. With every rebel annihilated, the righteous will stand before Jehovah, having passed the final test of loyalty. These loyal ones will then be accepted by Jehovah as his sons and daughters. They therefore come back into the relationship that Adam and Eve had with God before they rebelled. Hence, Romans 8:21 will be fulfilled: " The creation itself [humankind] also will be set free from enslavement to corruption and have the glorious freedom of the children of God." The prophet Isaiah foretells: "[God] will actually swallow up death forever, and the Sovereign Lord Jehovah will certainly wipe the tears from all faces." - Isaiah 25:8.
Next time: The Hope Of Everlasting Life
12.25.2006
A Marvelous New World
After Armageddon, God's Kingdom will usher in a marvelous "new earth" in which "righteousness is to dwell." (2 Peter 3:13) What a tremendous relief it will be for Armageddon survivors to be rid of this oppressive wicked system of things! How delighted they will be to have entered the righteous new world under the heavenly Kingdom government, with marvelous blessings and everlasting life in view! - Revelation 7:9-17.
No more will people be threatened by war, crime, hunger or even predatory animals. " I will conclude with [my people] a covenant of peace, and I shall certainly cause the injurious wild beast to cease out of the land... and the tree of the field must give its fruitage, and the land itself will give its yield, and they will actually prove to be on their soil in security." "They will have to beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning shears. They will not lift up sword, nation against nation, neither will they learn war anymore. And they will actually sit, each one under his vine and under his fig tree, and there will be no more making them tremble." - Ezekiel 34:25-28; Micah 4:3, 4.
Sickness, sorrow and even death will be eliminated. "No resident will say: "I am sick.' The people that are dwelling in the land will be those pardoned for their error." (Isaiah 33:24) "[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.... Look! I am making all things new.' " (Revelation 21:4, 5) When he was on earth, Jesus demonstrated his ability to do those things by the power that God had given him. With the backing of the holy spirit, Jesus went throughout the land healing the lame and curing the sick.- Matthew 15:30, 31.
Jesus did even more. He raised the dead. How did humble people react? When he resurrected a 12-year - old girl, her parents "were beside themselves with great ecstasy." (Mark 5:42) This was another example of what Jesus will do earth wide under Kingdom rule, for then "there is going to be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous." (Acts 24:15) Imagine the great ecstasy when group after group of the dead come back to life and are reunited with their loved ones! No doubt there will be a great educational work under Kingdom supervision so that "the earth will certainly be filled with the knowledge of Jehovah as the waters are covering the very sea." - Isaiah 11:9.
Next time: Jehovah's Sovereignty Vindicated
After Armageddon, God's Kingdom will usher in a marvelous "new earth" in which "righteousness is to dwell." (2 Peter 3:13) What a tremendous relief it will be for Armageddon survivors to be rid of this oppressive wicked system of things! How delighted they will be to have entered the righteous new world under the heavenly Kingdom government, with marvelous blessings and everlasting life in view! - Revelation 7:9-17.
No more will people be threatened by war, crime, hunger or even predatory animals. " I will conclude with [my people] a covenant of peace, and I shall certainly cause the injurious wild beast to cease out of the land... and the tree of the field must give its fruitage, and the land itself will give its yield, and they will actually prove to be on their soil in security." "They will have to beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning shears. They will not lift up sword, nation against nation, neither will they learn war anymore. And they will actually sit, each one under his vine and under his fig tree, and there will be no more making them tremble." - Ezekiel 34:25-28; Micah 4:3, 4.
Sickness, sorrow and even death will be eliminated. "No resident will say: "I am sick.' The people that are dwelling in the land will be those pardoned for their error." (Isaiah 33:24) "[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.... Look! I am making all things new.' " (Revelation 21:4, 5) When he was on earth, Jesus demonstrated his ability to do those things by the power that God had given him. With the backing of the holy spirit, Jesus went throughout the land healing the lame and curing the sick.- Matthew 15:30, 31.
Jesus did even more. He raised the dead. How did humble people react? When he resurrected a 12-year - old girl, her parents "were beside themselves with great ecstasy." (Mark 5:42) This was another example of what Jesus will do earth wide under Kingdom rule, for then "there is going to be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous." (Acts 24:15) Imagine the great ecstasy when group after group of the dead come back to life and are reunited with their loved ones! No doubt there will be a great educational work under Kingdom supervision so that "the earth will certainly be filled with the knowledge of Jehovah as the waters are covering the very sea." - Isaiah 11:9.
Next time: Jehovah's Sovereignty Vindicated
12.24.2006
Inheriting The Earth
Just as God cleansed Canaan, he will soon cleanse the entire earth and give it to those who will do his will. "The upright are the ones that will reside in the earth, and the blameless are the ones that will be left over in it. As regards the wicked, they will be cut off from the very earth." (Proverbs 2:21, 22) And the psalmist says: "Just a little while longer, and the wicked will be no more... But the meek ones themselves will possess the earth, and they will indeed find their exqisite delight in the abundance of peace." ( Psalm 37:10, 11) Also removed will be Satan, so that "he might not mislead the nations anymore until the thousand years were ended." (Revelation 20:1-3) Yes, "the world is passing away and so is its desire, but he that does the will of God remains forever." - John 2:17.
Summing up the grand hope for those who want to live forever on earth, Jesus said: " Happy are the mild-tempered ones, since they will inherit the earth." (Matthew 5:5) Likely he was referring to Psalm 37:29, which foretold: " The righteous themselves will possess the earth, and they will reside forever upon it." Jesus knew that it was Jehovah's purpose to have righthearted ones live on a paradise earth forever. Jehovah says: "I myself have made the earth, mankind and the beasts that upon the surface of the earth by my great power...., and I have given it to whom it has proved right in my eyes." - Jeremiah 27:5
Next time: A Marvelous New World
Just as God cleansed Canaan, he will soon cleanse the entire earth and give it to those who will do his will. "The upright are the ones that will reside in the earth, and the blameless are the ones that will be left over in it. As regards the wicked, they will be cut off from the very earth." (Proverbs 2:21, 22) And the psalmist says: "Just a little while longer, and the wicked will be no more... But the meek ones themselves will possess the earth, and they will indeed find their exqisite delight in the abundance of peace." ( Psalm 37:10, 11) Also removed will be Satan, so that "he might not mislead the nations anymore until the thousand years were ended." (Revelation 20:1-3) Yes, "the world is passing away and so is its desire, but he that does the will of God remains forever." - John 2:17.
Summing up the grand hope for those who want to live forever on earth, Jesus said: " Happy are the mild-tempered ones, since they will inherit the earth." (Matthew 5:5) Likely he was referring to Psalm 37:29, which foretold: " The righteous themselves will possess the earth, and they will reside forever upon it." Jesus knew that it was Jehovah's purpose to have righthearted ones live on a paradise earth forever. Jehovah says: "I myself have made the earth, mankind and the beasts that upon the surface of the earth by my great power...., and I have given it to whom it has proved right in my eyes." - Jeremiah 27:5
Next time: A Marvelous New World
12.21.2006
The End Of Wickedness
For thousands of years, Jehovah God has tolerated wickedness, long enough for right hearted individuals to se that human rule is a catastophe. For example, in the 20th century alone, more than 150 million people were killed in wars, revolutions and other civil disorders, according to one source. Man's viciousness was especially seen during World War II when some 50 million were killed, with many of them dying horrible deaths in Nazi concentration camps. Just as the Bible foretold, in our time, 'wicked men and imposters have advanced from bad to worse.' (2Timothy 3:1-5, 13) Today, immorality, crime, violence, corruption and contempt for God's standards are rampant. Thus, Jehovah is fully justified in bringing this wicked system to its end.
The situation now is similar to that in Canaan some 3,500 years ago. The Bible says "Everything detestable to Jehovah that he does hate they have done to their gods, for even their sons and their daughters they regularly burned in the fire to their gods." - (Deuteronomy 12:31) Jehovah informed the nation of Israel: " IT is for the wickedness of these nations that Jehovah your God is driving them away from before you." (Deuteronomy 9:5) Bible historian Henry H. Halley noted: "The worship of Baal, Astoreth and other Canaanite gods consisted in the most extravagant orgies; their temples were centers of vice."
Halley showed how gross their wickedness had become, for in one of many such areas, archaeologists "found great numbers of jars containing the remains of children who had been sacrificed to Baal." He said: " The whole area proved to be a cemetery for new-born babies.... Canaanites worshiped, by immoral indulgence, as a religious rite; in the presence of their gods; and then, by mudering their first-born children, as a sacrifice to these same gods. It seems that, in large measure, the land of Canaan had become a sort of Sodom and Gomorrah on a national scale... Did a civilization of such abominable filth and brutality have any right longer to exist? .... Archaeologists who dig in the ruins of Canaanite cities wonder that God did not destroy them sooner than he did."
Next time: Inheriting The Earth
For thousands of years, Jehovah God has tolerated wickedness, long enough for right hearted individuals to se that human rule is a catastophe. For example, in the 20th century alone, more than 150 million people were killed in wars, revolutions and other civil disorders, according to one source. Man's viciousness was especially seen during World War II when some 50 million were killed, with many of them dying horrible deaths in Nazi concentration camps. Just as the Bible foretold, in our time, 'wicked men and imposters have advanced from bad to worse.' (2Timothy 3:1-5, 13) Today, immorality, crime, violence, corruption and contempt for God's standards are rampant. Thus, Jehovah is fully justified in bringing this wicked system to its end.
The situation now is similar to that in Canaan some 3,500 years ago. The Bible says "Everything detestable to Jehovah that he does hate they have done to their gods, for even their sons and their daughters they regularly burned in the fire to their gods." - (Deuteronomy 12:31) Jehovah informed the nation of Israel: " IT is for the wickedness of these nations that Jehovah your God is driving them away from before you." (Deuteronomy 9:5) Bible historian Henry H. Halley noted: "The worship of Baal, Astoreth and other Canaanite gods consisted in the most extravagant orgies; their temples were centers of vice."
Halley showed how gross their wickedness had become, for in one of many such areas, archaeologists "found great numbers of jars containing the remains of children who had been sacrificed to Baal." He said: " The whole area proved to be a cemetery for new-born babies.... Canaanites worshiped, by immoral indulgence, as a religious rite; in the presence of their gods; and then, by mudering their first-born children, as a sacrifice to these same gods. It seems that, in large measure, the land of Canaan had become a sort of Sodom and Gomorrah on a national scale... Did a civilization of such abominable filth and brutality have any right longer to exist? .... Archaeologists who dig in the ruins of Canaanite cities wonder that God did not destroy them sooner than he did."
Next time: Inheriting The Earth
12.17.2006
What God's Kingdom Will Do
When Jesus taught his followers to pray for God's Kingdom, he knew that its coming would bring an end to thousands of years of human rule independant from God. During all that time, God's will was not being done on earth in general. (Psalm 147:19, 20) But after the establishment of the Kingdom in heaven, God's will is to be done every where. The time for the all-inspiring transition from human rule to God's heavenly Kingdom rule is getting very near.
Marking this transition will be the period of time that Jesus called the "great tribulation such as not occurred since the world's beginning until now, no, nor will occur again." (Matthew 24:21) The Bible does not say how long that time period is to be, but the calamities that are to take place during it will be worse than anything the world has ever seen. At the beginning of the great tribulation, something will happen that will be a severe shock to most people on earth: the destruction of all false religion. That will not be a shock to Jehovah's Witnesses, for they have long anticipated this. (Revelation17:1, 15-17; 18:1-24) The great tribulation ends at Armageddon when God's Kingdom crushes the entire Satanic system.- Daniel 2:44; Revelation 16:14, 16.
What will this mean to people "who do not know God and those who do not obey the good news" about his heavenly Kingdom in the hands of Christ? (2Thessalonians 1:6-9) Bible prophecy tells us: "Look! a calamity is going forth from nation to nation, and a great tempest itself will be roused up from the remotest parts of the earth. And those slain by Jehovah will certainly come to be in that day from one end of the earth clear to the other end of the earth. They will not be bewailed, neither will they be gathered up or be buried. As manure on the surface of the ground they will become." - Jeremiah 25:32,33.
Next time: The End Of Wickedness
When Jesus taught his followers to pray for God's Kingdom, he knew that its coming would bring an end to thousands of years of human rule independant from God. During all that time, God's will was not being done on earth in general. (Psalm 147:19, 20) But after the establishment of the Kingdom in heaven, God's will is to be done every where. The time for the all-inspiring transition from human rule to God's heavenly Kingdom rule is getting very near.
Marking this transition will be the period of time that Jesus called the "great tribulation such as not occurred since the world's beginning until now, no, nor will occur again." (Matthew 24:21) The Bible does not say how long that time period is to be, but the calamities that are to take place during it will be worse than anything the world has ever seen. At the beginning of the great tribulation, something will happen that will be a severe shock to most people on earth: the destruction of all false religion. That will not be a shock to Jehovah's Witnesses, for they have long anticipated this. (Revelation17:1, 15-17; 18:1-24) The great tribulation ends at Armageddon when God's Kingdom crushes the entire Satanic system.- Daniel 2:44; Revelation 16:14, 16.
What will this mean to people "who do not know God and those who do not obey the good news" about his heavenly Kingdom in the hands of Christ? (2Thessalonians 1:6-9) Bible prophecy tells us: "Look! a calamity is going forth from nation to nation, and a great tempest itself will be roused up from the remotest parts of the earth. And those slain by Jehovah will certainly come to be in that day from one end of the earth clear to the other end of the earth. They will not be bewailed, neither will they be gathered up or be buried. As manure on the surface of the ground they will become." - Jeremiah 25:32,33.
Next time: The End Of Wickedness
12.15.2006
The Gift Of Free Will
Why would Jehovah let humans go their own way? Because he created them with the marvelous gift of free will, the faculty of freedom of choice. "Where the spirit of Jehovah is, there is freedom," said the apostle Paul. (2 Corinthians 3:17) No one wants to be a robot, having someone else decide every second of the day what he will say and do. But Jehovah required humans to use that gift of free will repsonsibility, to see the wisdom of doing his will and remaining subject to him. (Galatians 5:13) So freedom was not to be absolute, as that would result in anarchy. There was to be a regulating of it within the boundaries of God's benevolent laws.
By letting the human family go its own way, God has, once and for all time, demonstrated that we need his rulership. His way of ruling, his sovereignty, is the only right way. It results in the greatest happiness, satisfaction and prosperity. This is because our minds and bodies were designed by Jehovah to work best when in harmony with his laws. "I, Jehovah am your God, the one teaching you to benefit yourself, the one causing you to tread in the way in which you should walk." (Isaiah 48:17) Free choice within the boundaries of God's laws would not be burdensome but would result in a delightful variety of food, homes, art, and music. Properly exercised, free will would have resulted in a wonderful, ever fascinating life on a paradise earth.
But because of their bad choice, humans alienated themselves from Jehovah, becoming imperfect, degenerating and dying. So they would need to be redeemed from that sad condition and brought back into a perfect relationship with God as his sons and daughters. The agency God chose to accomplish this is the Kingdom, and the Redeemer is Jesus Christ. (John 3:16) Through this arrangement, truly repentant ones - like the prodigal son of Jesus' illustration - will be reconciled to God and accepted back by him as his children. - Luke 15:11-24; Romans 8:21; 2 Corinthians 6:18.
Without fail, Jehovah's will is going to be accomplished on earth. (Isaiah 14:24, 27; 55:11) By means of his Kingdom under Christ, God will fully vindicate (justify or prove) his right to be our Sovereign. The Kingdom will bring an end to human and demon rule over this earth, and it alone will rule from heaven for a thousand years. (Romans 16:20; Revelation 20:1-6) But during that time, how will the superiority of Jehovah's way of ruling be demonstrated? And after the thousand years , what role will the Kingdom have? The following article will consider these questions.
Next time: What God's Kingdom Will Do
Why would Jehovah let humans go their own way? Because he created them with the marvelous gift of free will, the faculty of freedom of choice. "Where the spirit of Jehovah is, there is freedom," said the apostle Paul. (2 Corinthians 3:17) No one wants to be a robot, having someone else decide every second of the day what he will say and do. But Jehovah required humans to use that gift of free will repsonsibility, to see the wisdom of doing his will and remaining subject to him. (Galatians 5:13) So freedom was not to be absolute, as that would result in anarchy. There was to be a regulating of it within the boundaries of God's benevolent laws.
By letting the human family go its own way, God has, once and for all time, demonstrated that we need his rulership. His way of ruling, his sovereignty, is the only right way. It results in the greatest happiness, satisfaction and prosperity. This is because our minds and bodies were designed by Jehovah to work best when in harmony with his laws. "I, Jehovah am your God, the one teaching you to benefit yourself, the one causing you to tread in the way in which you should walk." (Isaiah 48:17) Free choice within the boundaries of God's laws would not be burdensome but would result in a delightful variety of food, homes, art, and music. Properly exercised, free will would have resulted in a wonderful, ever fascinating life on a paradise earth.
But because of their bad choice, humans alienated themselves from Jehovah, becoming imperfect, degenerating and dying. So they would need to be redeemed from that sad condition and brought back into a perfect relationship with God as his sons and daughters. The agency God chose to accomplish this is the Kingdom, and the Redeemer is Jesus Christ. (John 3:16) Through this arrangement, truly repentant ones - like the prodigal son of Jesus' illustration - will be reconciled to God and accepted back by him as his children. - Luke 15:11-24; Romans 8:21; 2 Corinthians 6:18.
Without fail, Jehovah's will is going to be accomplished on earth. (Isaiah 14:24, 27; 55:11) By means of his Kingdom under Christ, God will fully vindicate (justify or prove) his right to be our Sovereign. The Kingdom will bring an end to human and demon rule over this earth, and it alone will rule from heaven for a thousand years. (Romans 16:20; Revelation 20:1-6) But during that time, how will the superiority of Jehovah's way of ruling be demonstrated? And after the thousand years , what role will the Kingdom have? The following article will consider these questions.
Next time: What God's Kingdom Will Do
12.14.2006
"It Does Not Belong To Man"
However, humans - even ones -would forever need Jehovah's rule. Why? Because Jehovah did not create them with the capacity for being successfully independent of his rule. That is a law of humankind, as the prophet Jeremiah acknowledged: " 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. Correct me, O Jehovah." (Jeremiah 10:23, 24) It would be folly for humans to think that they could successfully regulate society without Jehovah ruling them. It would be contrary to the way they were made. Independence from Jehovah's rule would, without fail, result in selfishness, hate, cruelty, violence , wars and death. "Man would dominate man to his injury.' Eccelesiastes 8:9.
Sadly, our first parents decided that they did not need God as their Ruler, and they chose to live independently from him... As a result, God no longer sustained them in perfection. They were now like an electric appliance cut of from its source of power. So in time, They would slow down and stop - in death.... They became like a defective pattern, and that condition was all they could pass on to their offspring. (Romans 5:12) "The Rock [Jehovah], perfect in his activity, for all his ways are justice... They have acted ruinously on their own part; they are not his children, the defect is their own." (Deuteronomy 32:4, 5) True, Adam and Eve were influenced by the rebel spirit creature who became Satan, but they had perfect minds and could have rejected his wrong suggestions. - Genesis 3:1-19; James 4:7
History testifies abundantly to the result of independence from God. For thousands of years, people have tried every form of human government, every economic and social system. Yet, wickedness continues to "advance from bad to worse." (2Timothy 3:13) The 20th century proved that. It was filled with vicious hatreds and the most violence, warfare, hunger, poverty and suffering of any time in history. And no matter what medical advances have been made, sooner or later everyone dies. (Ecclesiastes 9:5, 10) By trying to direct their own steps, humans have allowed themselves to become prey to Satan and his demons, so much so that the Bible calls Satan "the God of this system of things."-2 Corinthians 4:4.
Next time: The Gift Of Free Will
However, humans - even ones -would forever need Jehovah's rule. Why? Because Jehovah did not create them with the capacity for being successfully independent of his rule. That is a law of humankind, as the prophet Jeremiah acknowledged: " 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. Correct me, O Jehovah." (Jeremiah 10:23, 24) It would be folly for humans to think that they could successfully regulate society without Jehovah ruling them. It would be contrary to the way they were made. Independence from Jehovah's rule would, without fail, result in selfishness, hate, cruelty, violence , wars and death. "Man would dominate man to his injury.' Eccelesiastes 8:9.
Sadly, our first parents decided that they did not need God as their Ruler, and they chose to live independently from him... As a result, God no longer sustained them in perfection. They were now like an electric appliance cut of from its source of power. So in time, They would slow down and stop - in death.... They became like a defective pattern, and that condition was all they could pass on to their offspring. (Romans 5:12) "The Rock [Jehovah], perfect in his activity, for all his ways are justice... They have acted ruinously on their own part; they are not his children, the defect is their own." (Deuteronomy 32:4, 5) True, Adam and Eve were influenced by the rebel spirit creature who became Satan, but they had perfect minds and could have rejected his wrong suggestions. - Genesis 3:1-19; James 4:7
History testifies abundantly to the result of independence from God. For thousands of years, people have tried every form of human government, every economic and social system. Yet, wickedness continues to "advance from bad to worse." (2Timothy 3:13) The 20th century proved that. It was filled with vicious hatreds and the most violence, warfare, hunger, poverty and suffering of any time in history. And no matter what medical advances have been made, sooner or later everyone dies. (Ecclesiastes 9:5, 10) By trying to direct their own steps, humans have allowed themselves to become prey to Satan and his demons, so much so that the Bible calls Satan "the God of this system of things."-2 Corinthians 4:4.
Next time: The Gift Of Free Will
12.12.2006
Was The Kingdom In God's Purpose
Was the heavenly Kingdom part of God's original purpose when he created Adam and Eve? In the Genesis creation account, there is no mention of a Kingdom that would rule mankind. Jehovah himself was their Ruler, and as long as they obeyed him, there was no need for any other rulership. Genesis chapter 1 shows that Jehovah, likely through his firstborn heavenly Son, dealt with Adam and Eve. The account uses such expressions as "God said to them" and "God went on to say" to them. - Genesis 1:28, 29; John 1:1.
The Bible says: " God saw everything he had made and, look! it was very good." (Genesis 1:31) Everything in the Garden of Eden was absolutely perfect. Adam and Eve lived in a paradise. They had perfect minds and perfect bodies. They could communicate with their Maker and he with them. And by remaining faithful, they would bear perfect children. There would have been no need for a new heavenly government.
As the human family multiplied, how would God communicate with all of them? Consider the stars of the heaven. They are grouped together in island universes called galaxies. Some galaxies contain a billion stars. Others contain about a trillion. And scientists estimate that there are about 100 billion galaxies in the observable universe! Yet, the Creator says: " Raise your eyes high up and see. Who has created these things? It is the one who is bringing forth the army of them even by number, all of whom he calls even by name. Due to the abundance of dynamic energy, he also being vigorous in power, not one of them is missing." - Isaiah 40:26
Since God can keep track of all these heavenly bodies, surely it would be no problem for him to keep track of a far smaller number of humans. Even now, millions of his servants pray to him daily. Those prayers reach God instantly. So communicating with all perfect humans would have presented no problem for him. He would not have needed a heavenly Kingdom to keep track of them. What a marvelous arrangement - to have Jehovah as Ruler, to have direct access to him, and to have the prospect of never dying, living forever on a paradise earth!
Next time: "It Does Not Belong To Man"
Was the heavenly Kingdom part of God's original purpose when he created Adam and Eve? In the Genesis creation account, there is no mention of a Kingdom that would rule mankind. Jehovah himself was their Ruler, and as long as they obeyed him, there was no need for any other rulership. Genesis chapter 1 shows that Jehovah, likely through his firstborn heavenly Son, dealt with Adam and Eve. The account uses such expressions as "God said to them" and "God went on to say" to them. - Genesis 1:28, 29; John 1:1.
The Bible says: " God saw everything he had made and, look! it was very good." (Genesis 1:31) Everything in the Garden of Eden was absolutely perfect. Adam and Eve lived in a paradise. They had perfect minds and perfect bodies. They could communicate with their Maker and he with them. And by remaining faithful, they would bear perfect children. There would have been no need for a new heavenly government.
As the human family multiplied, how would God communicate with all of them? Consider the stars of the heaven. They are grouped together in island universes called galaxies. Some galaxies contain a billion stars. Others contain about a trillion. And scientists estimate that there are about 100 billion galaxies in the observable universe! Yet, the Creator says: " Raise your eyes high up and see. Who has created these things? It is the one who is bringing forth the army of them even by number, all of whom he calls even by name. Due to the abundance of dynamic energy, he also being vigorous in power, not one of them is missing." - Isaiah 40:26
Since God can keep track of all these heavenly bodies, surely it would be no problem for him to keep track of a far smaller number of humans. Even now, millions of his servants pray to him daily. Those prayers reach God instantly. So communicating with all perfect humans would have presented no problem for him. He would not have needed a heavenly Kingdom to keep track of them. What a marvelous arrangement - to have Jehovah as Ruler, to have direct access to him, and to have the prospect of never dying, living forever on a paradise earth!
Next time: "It Does Not Belong To Man"
12.08.2006
Associate Rulers
There will be associate rulers with Christ Jesus in God's heavenly Kingdom. Revelation 14:1-4 foretold that 144,000 persons were to be "bought from among mankind" and resurrected to heavenly life. These include men and women who, instead of being served, humbly served God and fellow humans. "They will be priests of God and of the Christ, and will rule as kings with him for the thousand years." (Revelation 20:6) Their great number is much smaller than the "great crowd, which no man was able to number, out of all the nations and tribes and peoples and tongues" who will survive this system's end. These too render God "sacred service day and night," but they do not have a heavenly calling. (Revelation 7:9, 15) They form the nucleus of the new earth as subjects of God's heavenly Kingdom.- Psalm 37:29; John 10:16.
In choosing those who would rule with Christ in heaven, Jehovah selected faithful humans who had experienced life with all its problems. There is virtually nothing that people have been through that these king-priests have not also experienced. So their life on earth will enhance their ability to rule over humans. Even Jesus himself "learned obedience from the things he suffered." (Hebrews 5:8) The apostle Paul said about him: " We have as high priest, not one who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but who who has been tested in all respects like ourselves, but without sin." (Hebrews 4:15) How comforting to know that in God's righteous new world, people will be ruled by loving, sympathetic kings and priests!
Next time: Was The Kingdom In God's Purpose?
There will be associate rulers with Christ Jesus in God's heavenly Kingdom. Revelation 14:1-4 foretold that 144,000 persons were to be "bought from among mankind" and resurrected to heavenly life. These include men and women who, instead of being served, humbly served God and fellow humans. "They will be priests of God and of the Christ, and will rule as kings with him for the thousand years." (Revelation 20:6) Their great number is much smaller than the "great crowd, which no man was able to number, out of all the nations and tribes and peoples and tongues" who will survive this system's end. These too render God "sacred service day and night," but they do not have a heavenly calling. (Revelation 7:9, 15) They form the nucleus of the new earth as subjects of God's heavenly Kingdom.- Psalm 37:29; John 10:16.
In choosing those who would rule with Christ in heaven, Jehovah selected faithful humans who had experienced life with all its problems. There is virtually nothing that people have been through that these king-priests have not also experienced. So their life on earth will enhance their ability to rule over humans. Even Jesus himself "learned obedience from the things he suffered." (Hebrews 5:8) The apostle Paul said about him: " We have as high priest, not one who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but who who has been tested in all respects like ourselves, but without sin." (Hebrews 4:15) How comforting to know that in God's righteous new world, people will be ruled by loving, sympathetic kings and priests!
Next time: Was The Kingdom In God's Purpose?
12.07.2006
Earth's New Rulership
God's Word says of earth's new Ruler: "To him there were given rulership and dignity and kingdom, that the peoples, national groups and languages should all serve even him." (Daniel 7:14) Because Jesus will imitate God's love, great will be the peace and happiness under his rule. (Matthew 5:5; John 3:16; 1John 4:7-10) "Of the increase of his govenment and of peace there will be no end... to uphold it with justice and with righteousness." (Isaiah9:7 Revised Standard Version) What a blessing it will be to have a Ruler who rules with love, justice and righteousness! Thus, 2Peter 3:13 foretells: " There are new heavens [God's heavenly Kingdom] and a new earth [a new earth society] that we are awaiting according to his promise, and in these righteousness is to dwell."
Surely God's Kingdom is the very best news for all who love what is right. That is why, as part of the sign that we now live in "the last days" of this wicked system, Jesus foretold: " 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." (2 Timothy 3:1-5; Matthew 24:14) That prophecy is being fulfilled now.
God's Word says of earth's new Ruler: "To him there were given rulership and dignity and kingdom, that the peoples, national groups and languages should all serve even him." (Daniel 7:14) Because Jesus will imitate God's love, great will be the peace and happiness under his rule. (Matthew 5:5; John 3:16; 1John 4:7-10) "Of the increase of his govenment and of peace there will be no end... to uphold it with justice and with righteousness." (Isaiah9:7 Revised Standard Version) What a blessing it will be to have a Ruler who rules with love, justice and righteousness! Thus, 2Peter 3:13 foretells: " There are new heavens [God's heavenly Kingdom] and a new earth [a new earth society] that we are awaiting according to his promise, and in these righteousness is to dwell."
Surely God's Kingdom is the very best news for all who love what is right. That is why, as part of the sign that we now live in "the last days" of this wicked system, Jesus foretold: " 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." (2 Timothy 3:1-5; Matthew 24:14) That prophecy is being fulfilled now.
12.04.2006
Earth's New Rulership
Why is the Kingdom of such great importance to humans? Because it will soon take an action that will forever change the rulership of this earth. The prophecy at Daniel 2:44 states: " In the days of those kings [now ruling on earth] the God of heaven will set up a kingdom [a government in heaven] 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 [earthly governments], and it itself will stand to times indefinite." When God's heavenly Kingdom rules completely, never again will humans control the earth. Divisive and unsatisfactory human rule will forever be a thing of the past.
The Chief Ruler in the heavenly Kingdom, under Jehovah's immediate direction, is the one best qualified - Christ Jesus. Before coming to earth, he existed in heaven as God's "master worker," being the first of all God's creations. (Proverbs 8:22-31) "He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation; because by means of him all other things were created in the heavens and upon the earth." (Colossians 1:15, 16) and when Jesus was sent to earth by God, he did God's will at all times. He endured the most difficult of tests and died faithful to his Father. - John 4:34; 15:10.
For his loyalty to God even to death, Jesus was rewarded. God resurrected him to heaven and gave him the right to be King of the Heavenly Kingdom, Christ Jesus will have the awesome assignment from God to lead myriads of powerful creatures in removing human rule from the earth and ridding our globe of all wickedness. Proverbs 2:21, 22; 2Thessalonians 1:6-9; Revelation 19:11-21; 20:1-3) Then God's heavenly Kingdom under Christ will be the new ruling authority, the only government over the entire earth. - Revelation 11:15.
Next time: Continue with this subject
Why is the Kingdom of such great importance to humans? Because it will soon take an action that will forever change the rulership of this earth. The prophecy at Daniel 2:44 states: " In the days of those kings [now ruling on earth] the God of heaven will set up a kingdom [a government in heaven] 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 [earthly governments], and it itself will stand to times indefinite." When God's heavenly Kingdom rules completely, never again will humans control the earth. Divisive and unsatisfactory human rule will forever be a thing of the past.
The Chief Ruler in the heavenly Kingdom, under Jehovah's immediate direction, is the one best qualified - Christ Jesus. Before coming to earth, he existed in heaven as God's "master worker," being the first of all God's creations. (Proverbs 8:22-31) "He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation; because by means of him all other things were created in the heavens and upon the earth." (Colossians 1:15, 16) and when Jesus was sent to earth by God, he did God's will at all times. He endured the most difficult of tests and died faithful to his Father. - John 4:34; 15:10.
For his loyalty to God even to death, Jesus was rewarded. God resurrected him to heaven and gave him the right to be King of the Heavenly Kingdom, Christ Jesus will have the awesome assignment from God to lead myriads of powerful creatures in removing human rule from the earth and ridding our globe of all wickedness. Proverbs 2:21, 22; 2Thessalonians 1:6-9; Revelation 19:11-21; 20:1-3) Then God's heavenly Kingdom under Christ will be the new ruling authority, the only government over the entire earth. - Revelation 11:15.
Next time: Continue with this subject
12.02.2006
God's Kingdom - Earth's New Rulership
The Bible is God's revelation to humans. The apostle Paul wrote: " When you received God's word, which you heard from us, you accepted it, not as the word of men, but just as it truthfully is, as the word of God." (1Thessalonians 2:13) The Bible contains what we need to know about God: information about his personality, his purposes and his requirements for. It has the best counsel on family life and daily conduct. It details prophecies that were fulfilled in the past,are being fulfilled now, and will be fulfilled in the future. Yes, "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." - 2Timothy 3:16, 17/.
Of Paramount importance in the Bible is its theme: the vindication of God's sovereignty (his right to rule)by means of his heavenly Kingdom. Jesus made that the focal point of his ministry. "Jesus commenced preaching and saying: 'Repent, you people, for the kingdom of the heavens has drawn near.' " (Matthew 4:17) He showed what place it should have in our lives, urging : "Keep on, then seeking first the kingdom and his righteousness." (Matthew 6:33) He also showed how important it is by teaching his followers to pray to God: " Let your kingdom come. Let your will take place, as in heaven, also upon earth." Matthew 6:10.
The Bible is God's revelation to humans. The apostle Paul wrote: " When you received God's word, which you heard from us, you accepted it, not as the word of men, but just as it truthfully is, as the word of God." (1Thessalonians 2:13) The Bible contains what we need to know about God: information about his personality, his purposes and his requirements for. It has the best counsel on family life and daily conduct. It details prophecies that were fulfilled in the past,are being fulfilled now, and will be fulfilled in the future. Yes, "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." - 2Timothy 3:16, 17/.
Of Paramount importance in the Bible is its theme: the vindication of God's sovereignty (his right to rule)by means of his heavenly Kingdom. Jesus made that the focal point of his ministry. "Jesus commenced preaching and saying: 'Repent, you people, for the kingdom of the heavens has drawn near.' " (Matthew 4:17) He showed what place it should have in our lives, urging : "Keep on, then seeking first the kingdom and his righteousness." (Matthew 6:33) He also showed how important it is by teaching his followers to pray to God: " Let your kingdom come. Let your will take place, as in heaven, also upon earth." Matthew 6:10.
12.01.2006
Beware Of False Teachers
The Bible acknowledges that even after learning Bible truth, there is a danger of spiritual contamination from false teachings. The apostle Paul warned: "Look out: Perhaps there may be someone who will carry you off as his prey through the philosophy and empty deception according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary things of the world and not according to Christ." (Colossians 2:8) What a graphic picture this text paints! Like Beasts wanting to carry you off and devour you, false teachers can pose a real danger.
True, Paul took note of what others believed. He once began a discourse by saying: "Men of Athens, I behold that in all things you seem to be more given to the fear of the deities than others are. For instance, while passing along and carefully observing your objects of veneration I also found an altar on which has been inscribed 'To An Unknown God.' " (Acts 17:22, 23) Paul, however, did not regularly feed his mind on the philosophies of Greek orators.
It is one thing to inform yourself about the origins and beliefs of false religions but quite another to feed on them. Jehovah has appointed "the faithful and discreet slave" to provide teaching based on his Word. (Matthew 4:4; 24:45) Paul himself wrote: " You cannot be partaking of 'the table of Jehovah' and the table of demons. Or 'are we inciting Jehovah to jealousy'? " - 1Corinthians 10:20, 22.
Some false teachers may formerly have been true Christians, but at one point they turned from truth to error. (Jude 4, 11) This should not surprise us. After speaking of "the faithful and discreet slave" that represents the body of the anointed Christians, Jesus spoke of the "evil slave.," a class that complains, "my master is delaying," and starts to beat its fellow slaves. (Matthew 24:48, 48) Often, these individuals and their followers have no clear teachings of their own; they are interested only in destroying the faith of others. Concerning them, the apostle John wrote: " If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, never receive him into your homes or say a greeting to him." -2John 10; 2Corinthians 11:3, 4, 13-15.
Sincere people who are searching for the truth do well to consider carefully what they hear from different religions. In time, God will bless honesthearted individuals who seek the truth. The Bible says of godly wisdom: "If you keep seeking for it as silver, and as for hid treasures you keep searching for it, in case...you will find the very knowledge of God." (Proverbs 2:4, 5) Having found this knowledge of God through the Bible and the Christian congregation and having seen how Jehovah blesses those who are guided by that knowledge, true Christians do not continue listening to false religious teachings. - 2Timothy 3:14.
The Bible acknowledges that even after learning Bible truth, there is a danger of spiritual contamination from false teachings. The apostle Paul warned: "Look out: Perhaps there may be someone who will carry you off as his prey through the philosophy and empty deception according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary things of the world and not according to Christ." (Colossians 2:8) What a graphic picture this text paints! Like Beasts wanting to carry you off and devour you, false teachers can pose a real danger.
True, Paul took note of what others believed. He once began a discourse by saying: "Men of Athens, I behold that in all things you seem to be more given to the fear of the deities than others are. For instance, while passing along and carefully observing your objects of veneration I also found an altar on which has been inscribed 'To An Unknown God.' " (Acts 17:22, 23) Paul, however, did not regularly feed his mind on the philosophies of Greek orators.
It is one thing to inform yourself about the origins and beliefs of false religions but quite another to feed on them. Jehovah has appointed "the faithful and discreet slave" to provide teaching based on his Word. (Matthew 4:4; 24:45) Paul himself wrote: " You cannot be partaking of 'the table of Jehovah' and the table of demons. Or 'are we inciting Jehovah to jealousy'? " - 1Corinthians 10:20, 22.
Some false teachers may formerly have been true Christians, but at one point they turned from truth to error. (Jude 4, 11) This should not surprise us. After speaking of "the faithful and discreet slave" that represents the body of the anointed Christians, Jesus spoke of the "evil slave.," a class that complains, "my master is delaying," and starts to beat its fellow slaves. (Matthew 24:48, 48) Often, these individuals and their followers have no clear teachings of their own; they are interested only in destroying the faith of others. Concerning them, the apostle John wrote: " If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, never receive him into your homes or say a greeting to him." -2John 10; 2Corinthians 11:3, 4, 13-15.
Sincere people who are searching for the truth do well to consider carefully what they hear from different religions. In time, God will bless honesthearted individuals who seek the truth. The Bible says of godly wisdom: "If you keep seeking for it as silver, and as for hid treasures you keep searching for it, in case...you will find the very knowledge of God." (Proverbs 2:4, 5) Having found this knowledge of God through the Bible and the Christian congregation and having seen how Jehovah blesses those who are guided by that knowledge, true Christians do not continue listening to false religious teachings. - 2Timothy 3:14.
11.30.2006
Recognizing True Chrisianity
After the apostles died, true worship became contaminated b y the progressive development of many forms of imitation Christianity. Foreseeing this, Jesus disclosed one way to distinguish these counterfeit forms of Christianity from true Christianity. First, he warned: "Be on the watch for the false prophets that come to you in sheep's covering, but inside they are ravenous wolves." Then he added: "By their fruits you will recognize them." (Matthew 7:15-23) Jesus' true followers practice what he taught, and they are easily recognized by their fine fruits. Just as Jesus himselt did, they visit people to explain God's Kingdom from the Scriptures. Following Jesus' example, they stand apart from the world's politics and social controversies. They accept the Bible as God's Word and respect it as the truth. They make God's name known. And since they strive to practice the love that God teaches, they do not share in wars, instead they treat one another as brothers. - Luke 4:43; 10:1-9; John 13:34, 35; 17:16, 17, 26.
According to the Scriptures, it is possible to "see the distinction between a righteous one and a wicked one, between one serving God and one who has not served him." (Malachi 3:18) True worshipers today are united in thought and deed, just as the first-century Christians were. (Ephesians 4:4-6) Once you identify such a body of genuine Christians, why should you be inquisitive or curious about the beliefs of others?
Next time: Beware Of False Teachers
After the apostles died, true worship became contaminated b y the progressive development of many forms of imitation Christianity. Foreseeing this, Jesus disclosed one way to distinguish these counterfeit forms of Christianity from true Christianity. First, he warned: "Be on the watch for the false prophets that come to you in sheep's covering, but inside they are ravenous wolves." Then he added: "By their fruits you will recognize them." (Matthew 7:15-23) Jesus' true followers practice what he taught, and they are easily recognized by their fine fruits. Just as Jesus himselt did, they visit people to explain God's Kingdom from the Scriptures. Following Jesus' example, they stand apart from the world's politics and social controversies. They accept the Bible as God's Word and respect it as the truth. They make God's name known. And since they strive to practice the love that God teaches, they do not share in wars, instead they treat one another as brothers. - Luke 4:43; 10:1-9; John 13:34, 35; 17:16, 17, 26.
According to the Scriptures, it is possible to "see the distinction between a righteous one and a wicked one, between one serving God and one who has not served him." (Malachi 3:18) True worshipers today are united in thought and deed, just as the first-century Christians were. (Ephesians 4:4-6) Once you identify such a body of genuine Christians, why should you be inquisitive or curious about the beliefs of others?
Next time: Beware Of False Teachers
11.27.2006
Should You Investigate Other Religions?
"I had attended Christian meetings for nearly a year, and I enjoyed telling others about God's Kingdom," says Miguel, who is now one of Jehovah's Witnesses in South America. "Then I started listening to religious programs on the radio and watching religious preachers on television. I thought that such programs could help me to understand people of other religions better. I realized that their teachings were not in harmony with the Bible, but I was curious.
In the same land, Jorge was zealous in teaching others about true worship. Yet, at one point, he too began listening to religious radio and television programs. "You need to know what others are thinking," he used to say. When asked about the potential dangers of such exposure to false teachings, he would answer: "Nothing could undermine the faith of one who knows the Bible truth." These experiences raise an important question, is it wise to listen to what others believe?
Next time: Recognizing True Christianity
"I had attended Christian meetings for nearly a year, and I enjoyed telling others about God's Kingdom," says Miguel, who is now one of Jehovah's Witnesses in South America. "Then I started listening to religious programs on the radio and watching religious preachers on television. I thought that such programs could help me to understand people of other religions better. I realized that their teachings were not in harmony with the Bible, but I was curious.
In the same land, Jorge was zealous in teaching others about true worship. Yet, at one point, he too began listening to religious radio and television programs. "You need to know what others are thinking," he used to say. When asked about the potential dangers of such exposure to false teachings, he would answer: "Nothing could undermine the faith of one who knows the Bible truth." These experiences raise an important question, is it wise to listen to what others believe?
Next time: Recognizing True Christianity
11.25.2006
Your Decision To Serve God
1. To become a friend of God, you must obtain a good knowledge of Bible truth, (1Timothy 2:3, 4) put faith in the things you have learned [Hebrews 11:6) repent of your sins (Acts 17:30, 31), and turn around in your course of life. (Acts 3:19) Then your love for God should move you to dedicate yourself to him. This means that in a personal, private prayer you tell him that you are giving yourself to him to do his will. - Matthew 16:24; 22:37.
2. After you have made your dedication to God, you should be baptized. (Matthew 28:19, 20) Baptism lets everyone know that you have dedicated yourself to Jehovah. So baptism is only for those who are old enough to make a decision to serve God. When a person is baptized, his whole body should be put under the water momentarily. - Mark 1:9, 10; Acts 8:36.
3. After you have made a dedication, Jehovah will expect you to live up to your promise. (Psalm 50:14; Ecclesiastes 5:4, 5) The Devil will try to stop you from serving Jehovah. (1Peter 5:8) But draw close to God in prayer. (Philippians 4:6, 7) Study his word each day. (Psalm 1:1-3) Stick close to the congregation. (Hebrews 13:17) By doing all of this, you will gain the strength to stay faithful to God. For all eternity you thus can do the things that God requires of you!
1. To become a friend of God, you must obtain a good knowledge of Bible truth, (1Timothy 2:3, 4) put faith in the things you have learned [Hebrews 11:6) repent of your sins (Acts 17:30, 31), and turn around in your course of life. (Acts 3:19) Then your love for God should move you to dedicate yourself to him. This means that in a personal, private prayer you tell him that you are giving yourself to him to do his will. - Matthew 16:24; 22:37.
2. After you have made your dedication to God, you should be baptized. (Matthew 28:19, 20) Baptism lets everyone know that you have dedicated yourself to Jehovah. So baptism is only for those who are old enough to make a decision to serve God. When a person is baptized, his whole body should be put under the water momentarily. - Mark 1:9, 10; Acts 8:36.
3. After you have made a dedication, Jehovah will expect you to live up to your promise. (Psalm 50:14; Ecclesiastes 5:4, 5) The Devil will try to stop you from serving Jehovah. (1Peter 5:8) But draw close to God in prayer. (Philippians 4:6, 7) Study his word each day. (Psalm 1:1-3) Stick close to the congregation. (Hebrews 13:17) By doing all of this, you will gain the strength to stay faithful to God. For all eternity you thus can do the things that God requires of you!
11.24.2006
Helping Others To Do God's Will
1. By now you have learned many good things from the Bible. This knowledge should lead to your cultivating a Christian personality. (Ephesians 4:22-24) Such knowledge is essential in order for you to gain eternal life. (John 17:3) However, other also need to hear the good news so that they too can be saved. All true Christians must witness to others. It is God's command. - Romans 10:10; 1 Corinthians 9:16; 1 Timothy 4:16.
2. You can start by sharing with those near you the good things you are learning. Tell them to your family, friends, schoolmates and workmates. Be kind and patient as you do so. (2Timothy 2:24, 25)Remember that people often look at someone's conduct more than they listen to what he says. So your good conduct may draw others to listen to the message you tell them. - Matthew 5:16; 1 Peter 3:1,2, 16.
3. In time, you may qualify to begin preaching with the local congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses. This is an important step in your progress. (Matthew 24:14) What a joy it would be if you were to able to help someone else to become a servant of Jehovah and gain eternal life! - 1Thessalonians 2:19, 20.
1. By now you have learned many good things from the Bible. This knowledge should lead to your cultivating a Christian personality. (Ephesians 4:22-24) Such knowledge is essential in order for you to gain eternal life. (John 17:3) However, other also need to hear the good news so that they too can be saved. All true Christians must witness to others. It is God's command. - Romans 10:10; 1 Corinthians 9:16; 1 Timothy 4:16.
2. You can start by sharing with those near you the good things you are learning. Tell them to your family, friends, schoolmates and workmates. Be kind and patient as you do so. (2Timothy 2:24, 25)Remember that people often look at someone's conduct more than they listen to what he says. So your good conduct may draw others to listen to the message you tell them. - Matthew 5:16; 1 Peter 3:1,2, 16.
3. In time, you may qualify to begin preaching with the local congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses. This is an important step in your progress. (Matthew 24:14) What a joy it would be if you were to able to help someone else to become a servant of Jehovah and gain eternal life! - 1Thessalonians 2:19, 20.
11.23.2006
How Can You Find The True Religion?
1. Jesus started one true Christian religion. So today there must be just one body, or group of true worshipers of Jehovah God. (John 4:23, 24; Ephesians 4:4,5) The Bible teaches that only a few people are on the narrow road to life.- Matthew 7:13, 14.
2. The Bible foretold that after the death of the apostles, wrong teachings and unchristian practices would slowly come into the Christian congregation. Men would draw away believers to follow them instead of Christ. (Matthew 7:15, 21-23; Acts 20:29, 30) That is why we see so many different religions that claim to be Christian. How can we identify true Christians?
3. The most outstanding mark of true Christians is that they have real love among themselves. (John 13: 34, 35) They are not taught to think that they are better than people of other races or skin color. Neither are they taught to hate people from other countries. (Acts 10:34, 35) So they do not share in wars. True Christians treat one another as brothers and sisters.- 1John 40:21.
4. Another mark of true religion is that its members have a deep respect for the Bible. They accept it as the Word of God and believe what it says. (John 17:17; Timothy 3:16, 17)They treat God's Word as being more important than human ideas or customs. (Matthew 15:1-3, 7-9) They try to live by the Bible in their everyday life. So they do not preach one thing and then practice another. - Titus 1:15, 16.
5. The true religion must also honor God's name. (Matthew 6:9) Jesus made God's name, Jehovah, known to others. True Christians must do the same. (John 17:6, 26;Romans 10:13, 14) Who are the people in your community that tell others about God's name?
6. True Christians must preach about God's Kingdom. Jesus did so. He always talked about the Kingdom (Luke 8:1) He commanded his disciples to preach this same message in all the earth. (Matthew 24:14; 28:19, 20)True Christians believe that only God's Kingdom will bring true peace and security to this earth. - Psalm 146:3-5.
7. Jesus' disciples must be no part of this wicked world. (John 17:16) They do not get involved in the world's political affairs and social controversies. They avoid the harmful conduct, practices and attitudes that are common in the world. (James 1:27; 4:4) Can you identify a religious group in your community that has these marks of true Christianity?`
1. Jesus started one true Christian religion. So today there must be just one body, or group of true worshipers of Jehovah God. (John 4:23, 24; Ephesians 4:4,5) The Bible teaches that only a few people are on the narrow road to life.- Matthew 7:13, 14.
2. The Bible foretold that after the death of the apostles, wrong teachings and unchristian practices would slowly come into the Christian congregation. Men would draw away believers to follow them instead of Christ. (Matthew 7:15, 21-23; Acts 20:29, 30) That is why we see so many different religions that claim to be Christian. How can we identify true Christians?
3. The most outstanding mark of true Christians is that they have real love among themselves. (John 13: 34, 35) They are not taught to think that they are better than people of other races or skin color. Neither are they taught to hate people from other countries. (Acts 10:34, 35) So they do not share in wars. True Christians treat one another as brothers and sisters.- 1John 40:21.
4. Another mark of true religion is that its members have a deep respect for the Bible. They accept it as the Word of God and believe what it says. (John 17:17; Timothy 3:16, 17)They treat God's Word as being more important than human ideas or customs. (Matthew 15:1-3, 7-9) They try to live by the Bible in their everyday life. So they do not preach one thing and then practice another. - Titus 1:15, 16.
5. The true religion must also honor God's name. (Matthew 6:9) Jesus made God's name, Jehovah, known to others. True Christians must do the same. (John 17:6, 26;Romans 10:13, 14) Who are the people in your community that tell others about God's name?
6. True Christians must preach about God's Kingdom. Jesus did so. He always talked about the Kingdom (Luke 8:1) He commanded his disciples to preach this same message in all the earth. (Matthew 24:14; 28:19, 20)True Christians believe that only God's Kingdom will bring true peace and security to this earth. - Psalm 146:3-5.
7. Jesus' disciples must be no part of this wicked world. (John 17:16) They do not get involved in the world's political affairs and social controversies. They avoid the harmful conduct, practices and attitudes that are common in the world. (James 1:27; 4:4) Can you identify a religious group in your community that has these marks of true Christianity?`
11.21.2006
Showing Respect For Life And Blood
1. Jehovah is the Source of Life . All living things owe their life to God. (Psalm 36:9) Life is sacred to God. Even the life of an unborn child inside its mother is precious to Jehovah. To kill such a developing baby on purpose is wrong in God's eyes. - Exodus 21:22, 23; Psalm 127:3.
2. True Christians are safety conscious. They make sure that their cars and their homes are safe. (Deuteronomy 22:8) God's servants do not take unnecessary risks with their lives just for pleasure or excitement. So they do not share in violent sports that deliberately hurt people . They avoid entertainment that encourages violence.- Psalm 11:5; John 13:35.
3. Animal life is also sacred to the Creator. A Christian may kill animals to provide food and clothing or to protect himself from sickness and danger. (Genesis 3:21;9:3; Exodus 21:28) But it is wrong to mistreat animals or to kill them just for sport or pleasure. - Proverbs 12:10.
4. Smoking, chewing betel nut and taking drugs for pleasure are not for Christians. These practices are wrong because (1) they make us their slaves, (2) they harm our bodies, and (3) they are unclean. (Romans 6:9; 12:1; 2 Corinthians 7:1) It can be very hard to give up these habits. But we must do so to please Jehovah.
5. Blood is also sacred in God's eyes. God says that the soul, or life, is in the blood. So it is wrong to eat blood. It is also wrong to eat the meat of an animal that has not been properly bled. If an animal is strangled or dies in a trap, it should not be eaten. If it is speared or shot, it must be bled quickly if it is to be eaten. - Genesis 9:3, 4; Leviticus 17:13, 14; Acts 15:28, 29.
6. Is it wrong to accept a blood transfusion? Remember, Jehovah requires that we abstain from blood. This means that we must not take into our bodies in any way at all other people's blood or even our own blood that has been stored. (Acts 21:25) So true Christians will not accept a blood transfusion. They will accept other kinds of medical treatment, such as a transfusion of nonblood products. they want to live, but they will not try to save their life by breaking God's laws. - Matthew 16:25.
1. Jehovah is the Source of Life . All living things owe their life to God. (Psalm 36:9) Life is sacred to God. Even the life of an unborn child inside its mother is precious to Jehovah. To kill such a developing baby on purpose is wrong in God's eyes. - Exodus 21:22, 23; Psalm 127:3.
2. True Christians are safety conscious. They make sure that their cars and their homes are safe. (Deuteronomy 22:8) God's servants do not take unnecessary risks with their lives just for pleasure or excitement. So they do not share in violent sports that deliberately hurt people . They avoid entertainment that encourages violence.- Psalm 11:5; John 13:35.
3. Animal life is also sacred to the Creator. A Christian may kill animals to provide food and clothing or to protect himself from sickness and danger. (Genesis 3:21;9:3; Exodus 21:28) But it is wrong to mistreat animals or to kill them just for sport or pleasure. - Proverbs 12:10.
4. Smoking, chewing betel nut and taking drugs for pleasure are not for Christians. These practices are wrong because (1) they make us their slaves, (2) they harm our bodies, and (3) they are unclean. (Romans 6:9; 12:1; 2 Corinthians 7:1) It can be very hard to give up these habits. But we must do so to please Jehovah.
5. Blood is also sacred in God's eyes. God says that the soul, or life, is in the blood. So it is wrong to eat blood. It is also wrong to eat the meat of an animal that has not been properly bled. If an animal is strangled or dies in a trap, it should not be eaten. If it is speared or shot, it must be bled quickly if it is to be eaten. - Genesis 9:3, 4; Leviticus 17:13, 14; Acts 15:28, 29.
6. Is it wrong to accept a blood transfusion? Remember, Jehovah requires that we abstain from blood. This means that we must not take into our bodies in any way at all other people's blood or even our own blood that has been stored. (Acts 21:25) So true Christians will not accept a blood transfusion. They will accept other kinds of medical treatment, such as a transfusion of nonblood products. they want to live, but they will not try to save their life by breaking God's laws. - Matthew 16:25.
11.16.2006
Beliefs And Customs That Displease God
1. Not all beliefs and customs are bad. But God does not approve of them if they come from a false religion or are against Bible teachings. - Matthew 15:6.
2. Trinity: Is Jehovah a Trinity-three persons in one God? NO! Jehovah, the Father, is "the only true God." ( John 17:3; Mark 12:29) Jesus is his firstborn Son, and he is subject to God. (1Corinthians 11:3) The Father is greater than the Son. (John 14:28) The holy spirit is not a person; it is God's active force. - Genesis 1:2; Acts 2:18.
3. Christmas and Easter: Jesus was not born on December 25. He was born about October 1, a time of year when shepherds kept their flocks out-of-doors at night. (Luke 2:8-12) Jesus never commanded Christians to celebrate his birth. Rather, he told his disciples to memoralize, or remember, his death. (Luke 22:19, 20) Christmas and its customs came from ancient false religions. The same is true of Easter customs, such use of eggs and rabbits. The early Christians did not celebrate Christmas or Easter, nor do TRUE CHRISTIANS today.
4. Birthdays: The only two birthday celebrations spoken of in the Bible were held by persons who did not worship Jehovah and ended up in two person's death. (Genesis 40:20-22;Mark 6:21, 22; 24-27) The early Christians did not celebrate their birthdays. The custom of celebrating birthdays comes from ancient false religions, such as paganism. True Christians give gifts and have good times together at other times during the year.
5. Fear of the Dead: The dead cannot do anything or feel anything. We cannot help them, and they cannot hurt us. (Psalm 146:4; Ecclesiastes 9:5, 10) The soul dies; it does not live on after death. (Ezekiel 18:4) (read all verses, they back up these truths) But sometimes wicked angels, called demons, pretend to be the spirits of the dead. Any customs that have to do with fear of or worship of the dead are wrong. -Isaiah 8:19.
6. Cross: Jesus did not die on a cross. He died on a pole, or a stake. The Greek word translated "cross" in many Bibles meant just one piece of timber. The symbol of the cross comes from ancient false religions. The cross was not used or worshiped by the early Christians. Therefore, do you think it would be right to us a cross in worship? - Deuteronomy 7:26; 1Corinthians 10:14.
7. It may be very hard to abandon some of these beliefs and customs. Relatives and friends may try to convince you to change your beliefs. But pleasing God is more important than pleasing men.- Proverbs 29:225; Matthew 10:36, 37.
1. Not all beliefs and customs are bad. But God does not approve of them if they come from a false religion or are against Bible teachings. - Matthew 15:6.
2. Trinity: Is Jehovah a Trinity-three persons in one God? NO! Jehovah, the Father, is "the only true God." ( John 17:3; Mark 12:29) Jesus is his firstborn Son, and he is subject to God. (1Corinthians 11:3) The Father is greater than the Son. (John 14:28) The holy spirit is not a person; it is God's active force. - Genesis 1:2; Acts 2:18.
3. Christmas and Easter: Jesus was not born on December 25. He was born about October 1, a time of year when shepherds kept their flocks out-of-doors at night. (Luke 2:8-12) Jesus never commanded Christians to celebrate his birth. Rather, he told his disciples to memoralize, or remember, his death. (Luke 22:19, 20) Christmas and its customs came from ancient false religions. The same is true of Easter customs, such use of eggs and rabbits. The early Christians did not celebrate Christmas or Easter, nor do TRUE CHRISTIANS today.
4. Birthdays: The only two birthday celebrations spoken of in the Bible were held by persons who did not worship Jehovah and ended up in two person's death. (Genesis 40:20-22;Mark 6:21, 22; 24-27) The early Christians did not celebrate their birthdays. The custom of celebrating birthdays comes from ancient false religions, such as paganism. True Christians give gifts and have good times together at other times during the year.
5. Fear of the Dead: The dead cannot do anything or feel anything. We cannot help them, and they cannot hurt us. (Psalm 146:4; Ecclesiastes 9:5, 10) The soul dies; it does not live on after death. (Ezekiel 18:4) (read all verses, they back up these truths) But sometimes wicked angels, called demons, pretend to be the spirits of the dead. Any customs that have to do with fear of or worship of the dead are wrong. -Isaiah 8:19.
6. Cross: Jesus did not die on a cross. He died on a pole, or a stake. The Greek word translated "cross" in many Bibles meant just one piece of timber. The symbol of the cross comes from ancient false religions. The cross was not used or worshiped by the early Christians. Therefore, do you think it would be right to us a cross in worship? - Deuteronomy 7:26; 1Corinthians 10:14.
7. It may be very hard to abandon some of these beliefs and customs. Relatives and friends may try to convince you to change your beliefs. But pleasing God is more important than pleasing men.- Proverbs 29:225; Matthew 10:36, 37.
11.15.2006
Practices That God Hates
1. Servants of God love what is good. But they must also learn to hate what is bad. (Psalm 97:10) That means avoiding certain practices that God hates. What are some of those practices?
2. Fornication: Sex before marriage, adultery, bestiality, incest and homosexuality (If you queers and lesbians don't believe this then read the Bible from front to back page for page. You just might learn something) are all serious sins against God. (Leviticus 18:6; Romans 1: 26, 27 1 Corinthians 6:9, 10) If a couple are not married but are living together, they should separate or else get legally married.- Hebrews 13:4.
3. Lying, Gambling, Stealing: Jehovah God cannot lie. (Titus 1:2) Persons who want his approval must avoid lying. (Proverbs 6:16-19; Colossians 3:9, 10) Every form of gambling is tainted by greed. So Christians do not take part in any kind of gambling, such as lotteries, horse racing and bingo. (Ephesians 5:3-5) And Christians do not steal. They do not knowingly buy stolen property or take things without permission.- Exodus 20:15; Ephesians 4:28)
4. Fits of Anger, Violence: Uncontrolled anger can lead to acts of violence. (Genesis 4:5-8) A violent person cannot be God's friend. (Psalm 11:5; Proverbs 22:24, 25) It is wrong to take revenge or to return evil for evil for the bad things that others might do to us. - Proverbs 24:29; Romans 12:17-21.
5. Magical Spells and Spiritism: Some people call on the power of the spirits to try to heal sicknesses. Others cast spells on their enemies to make them sick or even to kill them. The power behind all these practices is Satan. So Christians must not take part in any of them. (Deuteronomy 18:9-13) Staying close to Jehovah is the best protection from spells that may be cast on us by others.- Proverbs 18:10.
6. Drunkenness: It is not wrong to drink a little wine, beer or other alcoholic beverage. (Psalm 104:15; 1 Timothy 5:23) But heavy drinking and drunkenness are wrong in God's eyes. (1 Corinthians 5:11-13; 1 Timothy 3:8) Drinking too much can ruin your health and disrupt your family. It can also cause you to give in very quickly to other temptations. - Proverbs 23:20, 21, 29-35.
7. Persons who practice things that God says are bad will "Not inherit God's Kingdom." (Galatians 5:19-21) If you really love God and want to please him, you can break free from these practices (1John 5:3) Learn to hate what God says is bad. (Romans 12:9) Associate with people who have godly habits. (Proverbs 13:20) Mature Christian companions may prove to be a source of help. (James 5:14) Above all, rely on God's help through prayer. - Philippians 4:6, 7, 13.
1. Servants of God love what is good. But they must also learn to hate what is bad. (Psalm 97:10) That means avoiding certain practices that God hates. What are some of those practices?
2. Fornication: Sex before marriage, adultery, bestiality, incest and homosexuality (If you queers and lesbians don't believe this then read the Bible from front to back page for page. You just might learn something) are all serious sins against God. (Leviticus 18:6; Romans 1: 26, 27 1 Corinthians 6:9, 10) If a couple are not married but are living together, they should separate or else get legally married.- Hebrews 13:4.
3. Lying, Gambling, Stealing: Jehovah God cannot lie. (Titus 1:2) Persons who want his approval must avoid lying. (Proverbs 6:16-19; Colossians 3:9, 10) Every form of gambling is tainted by greed. So Christians do not take part in any kind of gambling, such as lotteries, horse racing and bingo. (Ephesians 5:3-5) And Christians do not steal. They do not knowingly buy stolen property or take things without permission.- Exodus 20:15; Ephesians 4:28)
4. Fits of Anger, Violence: Uncontrolled anger can lead to acts of violence. (Genesis 4:5-8) A violent person cannot be God's friend. (Psalm 11:5; Proverbs 22:24, 25) It is wrong to take revenge or to return evil for evil for the bad things that others might do to us. - Proverbs 24:29; Romans 12:17-21.
5. Magical Spells and Spiritism: Some people call on the power of the spirits to try to heal sicknesses. Others cast spells on their enemies to make them sick or even to kill them. The power behind all these practices is Satan. So Christians must not take part in any of them. (Deuteronomy 18:9-13) Staying close to Jehovah is the best protection from spells that may be cast on us by others.- Proverbs 18:10.
6. Drunkenness: It is not wrong to drink a little wine, beer or other alcoholic beverage. (Psalm 104:15; 1 Timothy 5:23) But heavy drinking and drunkenness are wrong in God's eyes. (1 Corinthians 5:11-13; 1 Timothy 3:8) Drinking too much can ruin your health and disrupt your family. It can also cause you to give in very quickly to other temptations. - Proverbs 23:20, 21, 29-35.
7. Persons who practice things that God says are bad will "Not inherit God's Kingdom." (Galatians 5:19-21) If you really love God and want to please him, you can break free from these practices (1John 5:3) Learn to hate what God says is bad. (Romans 12:9) Associate with people who have godly habits. (Proverbs 13:20) Mature Christian companions may prove to be a source of help. (James 5:14) Above all, rely on God's help through prayer. - Philippians 4:6, 7, 13.
11.13.2006
God's Servants Must Be Clean
1. Jehovah God is clean and holy. He expects his worshipers to remain clean-spiritually, morally,mentally and physically. (1Peter 1:16) It takes real effort to stay clean in God's eyes. We live in an unclean world. We also have a struggle against our own tendencies to do wrong. But we must not give up.
2. Spiritual Cleanness: If we want to serve Jehovah, we cannot hold on to any of the teachings or customs of false religion. We must get out of false religion and not support it in any way. (2Corinthians 6:14-18; Revelation 18:4) Once we have learned the truth about God, we must be careful not to be misled by people who teach falsehood. - 2John 10, 11.
3. Moral Cleanness: Jehovah wants his worshipers to behave as true christians at all times. (1 Peter 2:12) He sees everything we do, even in secret. (Hebrews 4:13) We should avoid sexual immorality and other unclean practices of this world.- 1Corinthians 6:9-11.
4. Mental Cleanness: If we fill our minds with clean, pure thoughts, our conduct will also be clean. (Philippians 4:8) But if we dwell on unclean things, it will result in wicked deeds. (Matthew 15:18-20) We should avoid forms of entertainment that could soil our minds. We can fill our minds with clean thoughts by studying God's Word.
5. Physical Cleanness: Because they represent God, Christians should keep their bodies and clothing clean. We should wash our hands after using the toilet, and we should wash them before eating meals or handling food. If you do not have a proper sewage disposal system, toilet wastes should be buried. (Deuteronomy 23:12, 13) Keeping physically clean contributes to good health. A Christian's home should be neat and clean both inside and outside. It should stand out in the community as a good example. (Although studying the word of Jehovah should always come first. It is important to be clean, but what people think of us is not as important as what Jehovah thinks of us.)
6. Clean Speech: God's servants must always speak the truth. Liars will not enter God's Kingdom. (Ephesians 4:25;Revelation 21:8) Christians do not use bad language. They do not listen to or tell dirty jokes or unclean stories. Because of their clean speech, they stand out as different at work or at school and in the neighborhood. - Ephesians 4:29, 31; 5:3.
1. Jehovah God is clean and holy. He expects his worshipers to remain clean-spiritually, morally,mentally and physically. (1Peter 1:16) It takes real effort to stay clean in God's eyes. We live in an unclean world. We also have a struggle against our own tendencies to do wrong. But we must not give up.
2. Spiritual Cleanness: If we want to serve Jehovah, we cannot hold on to any of the teachings or customs of false religion. We must get out of false religion and not support it in any way. (2Corinthians 6:14-18; Revelation 18:4) Once we have learned the truth about God, we must be careful not to be misled by people who teach falsehood. - 2John 10, 11.
3. Moral Cleanness: Jehovah wants his worshipers to behave as true christians at all times. (1 Peter 2:12) He sees everything we do, even in secret. (Hebrews 4:13) We should avoid sexual immorality and other unclean practices of this world.- 1Corinthians 6:9-11.
4. Mental Cleanness: If we fill our minds with clean, pure thoughts, our conduct will also be clean. (Philippians 4:8) But if we dwell on unclean things, it will result in wicked deeds. (Matthew 15:18-20) We should avoid forms of entertainment that could soil our minds. We can fill our minds with clean thoughts by studying God's Word.
5. Physical Cleanness: Because they represent God, Christians should keep their bodies and clothing clean. We should wash our hands after using the toilet, and we should wash them before eating meals or handling food. If you do not have a proper sewage disposal system, toilet wastes should be buried. (Deuteronomy 23:12, 13) Keeping physically clean contributes to good health. A Christian's home should be neat and clean both inside and outside. It should stand out in the community as a good example. (Although studying the word of Jehovah should always come first. It is important to be clean, but what people think of us is not as important as what Jehovah thinks of us.)
6. Clean Speech: God's servants must always speak the truth. Liars will not enter God's Kingdom. (Ephesians 4:25;Revelation 21:8) Christians do not use bad language. They do not listen to or tell dirty jokes or unclean stories. Because of their clean speech, they stand out as different at work or at school and in the neighborhood. - Ephesians 4:29, 31; 5:3.
11.11.2006
Family Life That Pleases God
1. The Bible says that a husband is the head of his family. (1Corinthians 11:3) A husband must have only one wife. They should be properly married in the eyes of the law.- 1Timothy 3:2;Titus 3:1.
2. A husband should love his wife just as he loves himself. He should treat her the way Jesus treats his followers. (Ephesians 5:25, 28, 29) He should never hit his wife or mistreat her in any way. Rather, he should show her honor and respect. - Colossians 3:19; 1Peter 3:7.
3. A father should work hard to care for his family. He must provide food, clothing and housing for his wife and children. A father must also provide for his family's spiritual needs. (1Timothy 5:8) He takes the lead in helping his family to learn about God and his purposes.- Deuteronomy 6:4-9; Ephesians 6:4.
4. A wife should be a good helper for her husband. (Genesis 2:18) She should assist her husband in teaching and training their children. (Proverbs 1:8) Jehovah requires a wife to care for her family lovingly. (Proverbs 31:10, 15,26, 27; Titus 2:4, 5)She should have deep respect for her husband. - Ephesians 5:22, 23, 33.
5. God requires children to obey their parents. (Ephesians 6:1-3) He expects parents to instruct and correct their children. Parents need to spend time with their children and study the Bible with them, caring for their spiritual and emotional needs. (Deuteronomy 11:18, 19; Proverbs 22:6, 15) Parents should never discipline their children in a harsh or cruel way. - Colossians 3:21.
6. When marriage mates have problems getting along together, they should try to apply Bible counsel. The Bible urges us to show love and to be forgiving. (Colossians 3:12-14) God's Word does not encourage separation as a way to solve minor problems. But a wife might choose to leave her husband if (1)he stubbornly refuses to support his family, (2) he is so violent that her health and life are in danger, (3) his extreme opposition makes it impossible for her to worship Jehovah. -1Corinthians 7:12, 13.
7. Marriage mates must be faithful to each other. Adultery is a sin against God and against one's mate. (Hebrews 13:4) Sex relations outside the marriage is the only spiritual ground for divorce allowing for remarriage. (Matthew 19:6-9; Romans 7:2, 3) Jehovah hates it when people get divorced without spiritual grounds ans marry someone else. - Malachi 2:14-16.
1. The Bible says that a husband is the head of his family. (1Corinthians 11:3) A husband must have only one wife. They should be properly married in the eyes of the law.- 1Timothy 3:2;Titus 3:1.
2. A husband should love his wife just as he loves himself. He should treat her the way Jesus treats his followers. (Ephesians 5:25, 28, 29) He should never hit his wife or mistreat her in any way. Rather, he should show her honor and respect. - Colossians 3:19; 1Peter 3:7.
3. A father should work hard to care for his family. He must provide food, clothing and housing for his wife and children. A father must also provide for his family's spiritual needs. (1Timothy 5:8) He takes the lead in helping his family to learn about God and his purposes.- Deuteronomy 6:4-9; Ephesians 6:4.
4. A wife should be a good helper for her husband. (Genesis 2:18) She should assist her husband in teaching and training their children. (Proverbs 1:8) Jehovah requires a wife to care for her family lovingly. (Proverbs 31:10, 15,26, 27; Titus 2:4, 5)She should have deep respect for her husband. - Ephesians 5:22, 23, 33.
5. God requires children to obey their parents. (Ephesians 6:1-3) He expects parents to instruct and correct their children. Parents need to spend time with their children and study the Bible with them, caring for their spiritual and emotional needs. (Deuteronomy 11:18, 19; Proverbs 22:6, 15) Parents should never discipline their children in a harsh or cruel way. - Colossians 3:21.
6. When marriage mates have problems getting along together, they should try to apply Bible counsel. The Bible urges us to show love and to be forgiving. (Colossians 3:12-14) God's Word does not encourage separation as a way to solve minor problems. But a wife might choose to leave her husband if (1)he stubbornly refuses to support his family, (2) he is so violent that her health and life are in danger, (3) his extreme opposition makes it impossible for her to worship Jehovah. -1Corinthians 7:12, 13.
7. Marriage mates must be faithful to each other. Adultery is a sin against God and against one's mate. (Hebrews 13:4) Sex relations outside the marriage is the only spiritual ground for divorce allowing for remarriage. (Matthew 19:6-9; Romans 7:2, 3) Jehovah hates it when people get divorced without spiritual grounds ans marry someone else. - Malachi 2:14-16.
11.08.2006
Drawing Close To God In Prayer
1.Prayer is humbly speaking to God. You should pray to God regularly. Thus you can feel closer to him as to a dear friend. Jehovah is so great and powerful, yet he listens to our prayers! Do you pray to God regularly? - Psalm 65:2; 1Thessalonians 5:17.
2. Prayer is part of our worship. Thus, we should pray only to God, Jehovah. When Jesus was on earth, he always prayed to his Father, not to anyone else. We should do the same. (Matthew 4:10; 6:9) However, all our prayers should be said in the name of Jesus. This shows that we respect Jesus' position and that we have faith in his ransom sacrifice. - John 14:6; 1John 2:1, 2.
3. When we pray we should speak to God from our heart. We should not say our prayers from memory or read them from a prayer book. (Matthew 6:7, 8) We can pray in any respectful position, at any time and at any place. God can hear even silent prayers said in our heart. (1 Samuel 1:12, 13) It is good to find a quiet place away from other people to say our personal prayers. - Mark 1:35.
4. What subjects can you pray about? Anything that might affect your friendship with him. (Philippians 4:6, 7) The model prayer shows that we should pray about Jehovah's name and purpose. We can also ask for our material needs to be provided, for our sins to be forgiven, and for help to resist temptation. (Matthew 6:9-13) Our prayers should not be selfish. We should only pray for things that harmonize with God's will.- 1John 5:14.
5. You may pray whenever your heart moves you to thank or praise God. (1Chronicles 29:10-13) You should pray when you have problems and your faith is being tested. (Psalm 55:22; 120:1) It is appropriate to pray before you eat your meals. (Matthew 14:19) Jehovah invites us to pray "on every occasion."- Ephesians 6:18.
6. We especially need to pray if we have committed a serious sin. At such times we should beg for Jehovah's mercy and forgiveness. If we confess our sins to him and do our very best not to repeat them. God is "ready to forgive." - Psalm 86:5; Proverbs 28:13.
7. Jehovah listens only to the prayers of righteous people. For your prayers to be heard by God, you must be trying your best to live by his laws. (Proverbs 15:29; 28:9) You must be humble when you pray. (Luke 18:9-14) You need to work at what you pray for. You will thus prove that you have faith and that you really mean what you say. Only then will Jehovah answer your prayers. - Hebrews 11:6.
1.Prayer is humbly speaking to God. You should pray to God regularly. Thus you can feel closer to him as to a dear friend. Jehovah is so great and powerful, yet he listens to our prayers! Do you pray to God regularly? - Psalm 65:2; 1Thessalonians 5:17.
2. Prayer is part of our worship. Thus, we should pray only to God, Jehovah. When Jesus was on earth, he always prayed to his Father, not to anyone else. We should do the same. (Matthew 4:10; 6:9) However, all our prayers should be said in the name of Jesus. This shows that we respect Jesus' position and that we have faith in his ransom sacrifice. - John 14:6; 1John 2:1, 2.
3. When we pray we should speak to God from our heart. We should not say our prayers from memory or read them from a prayer book. (Matthew 6:7, 8) We can pray in any respectful position, at any time and at any place. God can hear even silent prayers said in our heart. (1 Samuel 1:12, 13) It is good to find a quiet place away from other people to say our personal prayers. - Mark 1:35.
4. What subjects can you pray about? Anything that might affect your friendship with him. (Philippians 4:6, 7) The model prayer shows that we should pray about Jehovah's name and purpose. We can also ask for our material needs to be provided, for our sins to be forgiven, and for help to resist temptation. (Matthew 6:9-13) Our prayers should not be selfish. We should only pray for things that harmonize with God's will.- 1John 5:14.
5. You may pray whenever your heart moves you to thank or praise God. (1Chronicles 29:10-13) You should pray when you have problems and your faith is being tested. (Psalm 55:22; 120:1) It is appropriate to pray before you eat your meals. (Matthew 14:19) Jehovah invites us to pray "on every occasion."- Ephesians 6:18.
6. We especially need to pray if we have committed a serious sin. At such times we should beg for Jehovah's mercy and forgiveness. If we confess our sins to him and do our very best not to repeat them. God is "ready to forgive." - Psalm 86:5; Proverbs 28:13.
7. Jehovah listens only to the prayers of righteous people. For your prayers to be heard by God, you must be trying your best to live by his laws. (Proverbs 15:29; 28:9) You must be humble when you pray. (Luke 18:9-14) You need to work at what you pray for. You will thus prove that you have faith and that you really mean what you say. Only then will Jehovah answer your prayers. - Hebrews 11:6.
11.07.2006
What Is The Kingdom Of God?
1. When he was on earth, Jesus taught his followers to pray for God's Kingdom. A kingdom is a government that is headed by a king. God's Kingdom is a special government. It is set up in heaven and will rule over this earth. It will sanctify, or make holy, God's name. It will cause God's will to be done on earth as it is done in heaven.- Matthew 6:9, 10.
2. God promised that Jesus would become the King of his Kingdom. (Luke 1:30-33) When Jesus was on earth, he proved that he would be a kind, just and perfect ruler. When he returned to heaven, he was not enthroned as King of God's Kingdom right away. (Hebrews 10:12, 13) In 1914, Jehovah gave Jesus the authority he has promised him. Since then, Jesus has ruled in heaven as Jehovah's appointed King.- Daniel 7:13, 14.
3. Jehovah has also selected some faithful men and women from the earth to go to heaven. They will rule with Jesus as kings, judges and priests over mankind. (Luke 22:28-30; Revelation 5:9, 10) Jesus called these corulers in his Kingdom a "little flock." They number 144,000. - Luke 12:32; Revelation 14:1-3.
4.As soon as Jesus became King, he threw Satan and his wicked angels out of heaven and down to the locality of the earth. That is why things have become so bad here on earth since 1914. (Revelation 12:9, 12) Wars, famines, pestilences, increasing lawlessness - all these are part of a "sign" indicating that Jesus is ruling and that this system is in its last days. - Matthew 24:3, 7, 8, 12; Luke 21:10, 11; 2 Timothy 3:1-5.
5. Soon Jesus will judge people, separating them as a shepherd separates sheep from goats. The "sheep" are those who will have proved themselves his loyal subjects. They will receive everlasting life on earth. The "goats" are those who will have rejected God's Kingdom. (Matthew 25:31-34, 46) In the near future, Jesus will destroy all goatlike ones. (2Thessalonians 1:6-9) If you want to be one of Jesus' "sheep," you must listen to the Kingdom message and act on what you learn. - Matthew 24:14.
6.Now the earth is divided up into many countries. Each has its own government. These nations often fight one another, but God's Kingdom will replace all human governments. It will rule as the only government over the entire earth. (Daniel 2:44) Then there will be no more war, crime and violence. All people will live together in peace and unity.- Micah 4:3, 4.
7. During Jesus' Thousand Year Reign, faithful humans will become perfect, and the whole earth will become a paradise. By the end of the thousand years, Jesus will have done everything God asked him to do. Then he will hand the Kingdom back to his Father. (1Corinthians 15:24) Why not tell your friends and loved ones about what God's Kingdom will do?
1. When he was on earth, Jesus taught his followers to pray for God's Kingdom. A kingdom is a government that is headed by a king. God's Kingdom is a special government. It is set up in heaven and will rule over this earth. It will sanctify, or make holy, God's name. It will cause God's will to be done on earth as it is done in heaven.- Matthew 6:9, 10.
2. God promised that Jesus would become the King of his Kingdom. (Luke 1:30-33) When Jesus was on earth, he proved that he would be a kind, just and perfect ruler. When he returned to heaven, he was not enthroned as King of God's Kingdom right away. (Hebrews 10:12, 13) In 1914, Jehovah gave Jesus the authority he has promised him. Since then, Jesus has ruled in heaven as Jehovah's appointed King.- Daniel 7:13, 14.
3. Jehovah has also selected some faithful men and women from the earth to go to heaven. They will rule with Jesus as kings, judges and priests over mankind. (Luke 22:28-30; Revelation 5:9, 10) Jesus called these corulers in his Kingdom a "little flock." They number 144,000. - Luke 12:32; Revelation 14:1-3.
4.As soon as Jesus became King, he threw Satan and his wicked angels out of heaven and down to the locality of the earth. That is why things have become so bad here on earth since 1914. (Revelation 12:9, 12) Wars, famines, pestilences, increasing lawlessness - all these are part of a "sign" indicating that Jesus is ruling and that this system is in its last days. - Matthew 24:3, 7, 8, 12; Luke 21:10, 11; 2 Timothy 3:1-5.
5. Soon Jesus will judge people, separating them as a shepherd separates sheep from goats. The "sheep" are those who will have proved themselves his loyal subjects. They will receive everlasting life on earth. The "goats" are those who will have rejected God's Kingdom. (Matthew 25:31-34, 46) In the near future, Jesus will destroy all goatlike ones. (2Thessalonians 1:6-9) If you want to be one of Jesus' "sheep," you must listen to the Kingdom message and act on what you learn. - Matthew 24:14.
6.Now the earth is divided up into many countries. Each has its own government. These nations often fight one another, but God's Kingdom will replace all human governments. It will rule as the only government over the entire earth. (Daniel 2:44) Then there will be no more war, crime and violence. All people will live together in peace and unity.- Micah 4:3, 4.
7. During Jesus' Thousand Year Reign, faithful humans will become perfect, and the whole earth will become a paradise. By the end of the thousand years, Jesus will have done everything God asked him to do. Then he will hand the Kingdom back to his Father. (1Corinthians 15:24) Why not tell your friends and loved ones about what God's Kingdom will do?
11.05.2006
What Is God's Purpose For The Earth?
1. Jehovah created this earth, so that humans could enjoy living on it forever. He wanted the earth always to be inhabited by righteous, happy people. (Psalm 115:16; Isaiah 45:18)
2. Before God made man, he chose one small part of the earth and made it into a beautiful paradise. He called it the Garden Of Eden. It was here that he put the first man and woman. Adam and Eve. God purposed for them to have children and fill the whole earth. Gradually they would have made the entire earth into a paradise. - Genesis 1:28; 2:8, 18.
3. Adam and Eve sinned by deliberately breaking God's law. So Jehovah put them out of the garden of Eden. Paradise was lost. (Genesis 3:1-6, 23) But Jehovah has not forgotten his purpose for this earth. He promises to make it into a paradise, where humans will live forever. How will he do this? - Psalm 37:29.
4. Before this earth can become a paradise, wicked people must be removed. (Psalm 37:38) This will happen at Armageddon, which is God's war to end wickedness. Next, Satan will be imprisoned for 1,000 years. This means that no wicked ones will be left to spoil the earth. Only God's People will survive. - Revelation 16:14, 16; 20:1-3.
5. Then Jesus Christ will rule as King over this earth for 1,000 years. (Revelation 20:6) He will gradually take sin away from our minds and bodies. We will become perfect humans just as Adam and Eve were before they sinned. Then there will be no more sickness, old age, or death. Sick people will be cured, and old persons will become young again.- Job 33:25;Isaiah33:24; Revelation 21:3, 4.
6. During Jesus' Thousand Year Reign, faithful humans will work to turnt he whole earth inot a paradise. (luke 23:43) Also, millions of dead ones will be resurrected to human life on the earth. (Acts 24:15) If they do what God requires of them, they will continue to live on earth forever. If not, they will be destroyed forever. - John 5:28, 29; Revelation 20:11-15.
7. God's original purpose for the earth will thus succeed. Would you like to share in these future blessings? If so, you need to keep learning about Jehovah and obeying his requirements. Attending meetings at the local Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses will help you to do so.- Isaiah 11:9; Hebrews 10:24, 25.
1. Jehovah created this earth, so that humans could enjoy living on it forever. He wanted the earth always to be inhabited by righteous, happy people. (Psalm 115:16; Isaiah 45:18)
2. Before God made man, he chose one small part of the earth and made it into a beautiful paradise. He called it the Garden Of Eden. It was here that he put the first man and woman. Adam and Eve. God purposed for them to have children and fill the whole earth. Gradually they would have made the entire earth into a paradise. - Genesis 1:28; 2:8, 18.
3. Adam and Eve sinned by deliberately breaking God's law. So Jehovah put them out of the garden of Eden. Paradise was lost. (Genesis 3:1-6, 23) But Jehovah has not forgotten his purpose for this earth. He promises to make it into a paradise, where humans will live forever. How will he do this? - Psalm 37:29.
4. Before this earth can become a paradise, wicked people must be removed. (Psalm 37:38) This will happen at Armageddon, which is God's war to end wickedness. Next, Satan will be imprisoned for 1,000 years. This means that no wicked ones will be left to spoil the earth. Only God's People will survive. - Revelation 16:14, 16; 20:1-3.
5. Then Jesus Christ will rule as King over this earth for 1,000 years. (Revelation 20:6) He will gradually take sin away from our minds and bodies. We will become perfect humans just as Adam and Eve were before they sinned. Then there will be no more sickness, old age, or death. Sick people will be cured, and old persons will become young again.- Job 33:25;Isaiah33:24; Revelation 21:3, 4.
6. During Jesus' Thousand Year Reign, faithful humans will work to turnt he whole earth inot a paradise. (luke 23:43) Also, millions of dead ones will be resurrected to human life on the earth. (Acts 24:15) If they do what God requires of them, they will continue to live on earth forever. If not, they will be destroyed forever. - John 5:28, 29; Revelation 20:11-15.
7. God's original purpose for the earth will thus succeed. Would you like to share in these future blessings? If so, you need to keep learning about Jehovah and obeying his requirements. Attending meetings at the local Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses will help you to do so.- Isaiah 11:9; Hebrews 10:24, 25.
11.03.2006
Who Is The Devil?
1. The word "devil" means someone who tells wicked lies about another person. "Satan" means an enemy or an opposer. These are terms given to God's chief enemy. At first, he was a perfect angel in heaven with God. However, he later thought too much of himself and wanted the worship that rightly belongs to God. - Matthew 4:8-10.
2. This angel, Satan, spoke to Eve by means of a snake. By telling her lies, he got her to disobey God. Satan thus attacked what is called God's sovereignty," or position as the Most High. Satan questioned whether God rules in a worthy way and in the best interests of His subjects. Satan also brought into question whether any human would remain loyal to God. By doing this, Satan made himself God's enemy. that is why he came to be called Satan the Devil. - Genesis 3:1-5; Job 1:8-11; Revelation 12:9.
3. Satan tries to trick people into worshiping him. (2 Corinthians 11:3, 14) One way he misleads people is through false religion. If a religion teaches lies about God. It really serves the pupose of Satan. (John 8:44) People who are members of false religions may sincerely believe that they are worhiping the true God. But they are really worshiping Satan. He is 'the god of this world.' - 2Corinthians 4:4.
4. Spiritism is another way Satan brings people under his power. They may call upon spirits to protect them, To harm others, to foretell the future, or to perform miracles. Satan is the wicked force behind all these practicers. To please God, we must have nothing to do with spiritism. - Deuteronomy 18:10-12; Acts19:18, 19.
5. Satan also misleads people through extreme pride of race and the worship of political organizations. Some feel that their nation or race is better than others. But this is not true. (Acts 10:34, 35) Other people look to political organizations to solve man's problems. By doing this, they are rejecting God's kingdom. It is the only solutions for our problems. - Daniel 2:44.
6. Another way Satan misleads people is by tempting them with sinful desires. Jehovah tells us to avoid sinful practices because he knows they will harm us. (Galatians 6:7, 8) Some people my want you to join them in such practices. Remember though,it is really Satan who wants you to do these things.- Corinthians 6:9, 10; 15:33.
7. Satan may use persecution or opposition to get you to leave Jehovah. Some of your loved ones may become very angry because you are studying the Bible. Others may make fun of you. But to whom do you owe your life? Satan wants to frighten you so that you will stop learning about Jehovah. Do not let Satan win! (Matthew 13:34-39; 1 Peter 5:8, 9) By resisting the Devil, you can make Jehovah happy and show that you uphold His sovereignty.- Proverbs 27:11.
1. The word "devil" means someone who tells wicked lies about another person. "Satan" means an enemy or an opposer. These are terms given to God's chief enemy. At first, he was a perfect angel in heaven with God. However, he later thought too much of himself and wanted the worship that rightly belongs to God. - Matthew 4:8-10.
2. This angel, Satan, spoke to Eve by means of a snake. By telling her lies, he got her to disobey God. Satan thus attacked what is called God's sovereignty," or position as the Most High. Satan questioned whether God rules in a worthy way and in the best interests of His subjects. Satan also brought into question whether any human would remain loyal to God. By doing this, Satan made himself God's enemy. that is why he came to be called Satan the Devil. - Genesis 3:1-5; Job 1:8-11; Revelation 12:9.
3. Satan tries to trick people into worshiping him. (2 Corinthians 11:3, 14) One way he misleads people is through false religion. If a religion teaches lies about God. It really serves the pupose of Satan. (John 8:44) People who are members of false religions may sincerely believe that they are worhiping the true God. But they are really worshiping Satan. He is 'the god of this world.' - 2Corinthians 4:4.
4. Spiritism is another way Satan brings people under his power. They may call upon spirits to protect them, To harm others, to foretell the future, or to perform miracles. Satan is the wicked force behind all these practicers. To please God, we must have nothing to do with spiritism. - Deuteronomy 18:10-12; Acts19:18, 19.
5. Satan also misleads people through extreme pride of race and the worship of political organizations. Some feel that their nation or race is better than others. But this is not true. (Acts 10:34, 35) Other people look to political organizations to solve man's problems. By doing this, they are rejecting God's kingdom. It is the only solutions for our problems. - Daniel 2:44.
6. Another way Satan misleads people is by tempting them with sinful desires. Jehovah tells us to avoid sinful practices because he knows they will harm us. (Galatians 6:7, 8) Some people my want you to join them in such practices. Remember though,it is really Satan who wants you to do these things.- Corinthians 6:9, 10; 15:33.
7. Satan may use persecution or opposition to get you to leave Jehovah. Some of your loved ones may become very angry because you are studying the Bible. Others may make fun of you. But to whom do you owe your life? Satan wants to frighten you so that you will stop learning about Jehovah. Do not let Satan win! (Matthew 13:34-39; 1 Peter 5:8, 9) By resisting the Devil, you can make Jehovah happy and show that you uphold His sovereignty.- Proverbs 27:11.
11.02.2006
Who Is Jesus Christ?
1. Jesus lived in heaven as a spirit person before he came to earth. He was God's first creation, and so he is called the "firstborn" Son of God. (Colossians 1:; Revelation3:14) Jesus is the only Son that God created by himself. Jehovah used the prehuman Jesus as his "master worker" in creating all other things in heaven and on earth. (Proverbs 8:22-31; Colossians 1:16-17) God also used him as his chief spokesperson. That is why Jesus is called "the Word." - John 1:1-3; Revelation 19:13.
God sent his Son to the earth by transferring his life to the womb of Mary. So Jesus did not have a human father. That is why he did not inherit any sin or imperfection. God sent Jesus to earth for three reasons: (1) To teach us the truth about God. (John 18:37) (2) To maintain a perfect integrity, providing a model for us to follow (1Peter 2:21), and (3) to sacrifice his life to set us free from sin and death. Why was this needed? - Matthew 20:28.
3. By disobeying God's command, the first man, Adam, committed what the Bible calls "sin." So God sentenced him to death. (Genesis 3:17-19) He no longer measured up to God's standards, so he was not perfect anymore. Slowly he grew old and died. Adam passed on sin to all his children. That is why we also grow old, get sick and die. How could mankind be saved? - Romans 3:23; 5:12.
4.Jesus was a perfect human just like Adam. Unlike Adam, though, Jesus was perfectly obedient to God under even the greatest test. He could therefore sacrifice his perfect human life to pay for Adam's sin. This is what the Bible refers to as the "ransom." Adam's children could thus be released from condemnation to death. All who put their faith in Jesus can have their sins forgiven and receive everlasting life. - 1Timothy 2:5, 6; John 3:16; Romans 5:18, 19.
5. When on earth Jesus cured the sick, fed the hungry and calmed storms. He even raised the dead. Why did he perform miracles? (1) He felt pity for people who were suffering, and he wanted to help them. (2) His miracles proved that he was God's Son. (3) They showed what he will do for obedient mankind when he rules as King over the earth. - Matthew 14:14; Mark 2:10-12; John 5:28, 29.
(6)Jesus died and was resurrected by God as a spirit creature, and he returned to heaven. (1Peter 3:18) Since then, God has made him a King. Soon Jesus will remove all wickedness and suffering from this earth. - Psalm 37:9-11; Proverbs 2:21, 22.
1. Jesus lived in heaven as a spirit person before he came to earth. He was God's first creation, and so he is called the "firstborn" Son of God. (Colossians 1:; Revelation3:14) Jesus is the only Son that God created by himself. Jehovah used the prehuman Jesus as his "master worker" in creating all other things in heaven and on earth. (Proverbs 8:22-31; Colossians 1:16-17) God also used him as his chief spokesperson. That is why Jesus is called "the Word." - John 1:1-3; Revelation 19:13.
God sent his Son to the earth by transferring his life to the womb of Mary. So Jesus did not have a human father. That is why he did not inherit any sin or imperfection. God sent Jesus to earth for three reasons: (1) To teach us the truth about God. (John 18:37) (2) To maintain a perfect integrity, providing a model for us to follow (1Peter 2:21), and (3) to sacrifice his life to set us free from sin and death. Why was this needed? - Matthew 20:28.
3. By disobeying God's command, the first man, Adam, committed what the Bible calls "sin." So God sentenced him to death. (Genesis 3:17-19) He no longer measured up to God's standards, so he was not perfect anymore. Slowly he grew old and died. Adam passed on sin to all his children. That is why we also grow old, get sick and die. How could mankind be saved? - Romans 3:23; 5:12.
4.Jesus was a perfect human just like Adam. Unlike Adam, though, Jesus was perfectly obedient to God under even the greatest test. He could therefore sacrifice his perfect human life to pay for Adam's sin. This is what the Bible refers to as the "ransom." Adam's children could thus be released from condemnation to death. All who put their faith in Jesus can have their sins forgiven and receive everlasting life. - 1Timothy 2:5, 6; John 3:16; Romans 5:18, 19.
5. When on earth Jesus cured the sick, fed the hungry and calmed storms. He even raised the dead. Why did he perform miracles? (1) He felt pity for people who were suffering, and he wanted to help them. (2) His miracles proved that he was God's Son. (3) They showed what he will do for obedient mankind when he rules as King over the earth. - Matthew 14:14; Mark 2:10-12; John 5:28, 29.
(6)Jesus died and was resurrected by God as a spirit creature, and he returned to heaven. (1Peter 3:18) Since then, God has made him a King. Soon Jesus will remove all wickedness and suffering from this earth. - Psalm 37:9-11; Proverbs 2:21, 22.
11.01.2006
Who Is God?
1. People worship many things. But the Bible tells us that there is only one TRUE GOD. He created everything in heaven and on earth. Because he gave us life, he is the only one we should worship.- 1 Corinthians 8:5, 6; Revelation 4:11.
2. God has many titles but has only one name. That name is JEHOVAH. In most Bibles, God's name has been removed and has been replaced with the titles Lord or God. But when the Bible was written, the name Jehovah appeared in it some 7,000 times! - Exodus 3:15; Psalm 83:18.
3. Jehovah has a body, but it is not like ours. "God is a Spirit," says the Bible. (John 4:24) A spirit form is of life that is much higher than ours. No human has ever seen God. Jehovah lives in heaven, but he can see all things. (Psalm 11:4, 5; John 1:18) What, though, is the holy spirit? It is not a person like God. Rather, it is God's active force. - Psalm 104:30.
4. The Bible reveals Jehovah's personality to us. It shows that his outstanding qualities are love, justice, wisdom and power. (Deuteronomy 32:4; Job 12:13; Isaiah 40:26; 1John 4:8) The Bible tells us that he is also merciful, kind, forgiving, generous and patient. We, like obedient children should try to imitate him. - Ephesians 5:1,2.
5. Should we bow down or pray to images, pictures, or symbols in our worship? No! (Exodus 20:4, 5) Jehovah says that we must worship only him. He will not share his glory with anyone or anything else. Images have not power to help us. -Psalm 115:4-8; Isaiah 42:8.
6. How can we get to know God better? One way is by observing the things he has created and thinking deeply about what they tell us. God's creations show us that he has a great power and wisdom. We see his love in all that he has made. (Psalm 19:1-6; Romans 1:20) Another way we can learn about God is by studying the Bible. In it he tells us much more about the kind of God he is. He also tells us about his purpose and what he wants us to do. - Amos 3:7; 2Timothy 3:16, 17.
1. People worship many things. But the Bible tells us that there is only one TRUE GOD. He created everything in heaven and on earth. Because he gave us life, he is the only one we should worship.- 1 Corinthians 8:5, 6; Revelation 4:11.
2. God has many titles but has only one name. That name is JEHOVAH. In most Bibles, God's name has been removed and has been replaced with the titles Lord or God. But when the Bible was written, the name Jehovah appeared in it some 7,000 times! - Exodus 3:15; Psalm 83:18.
3. Jehovah has a body, but it is not like ours. "God is a Spirit," says the Bible. (John 4:24) A spirit form is of life that is much higher than ours. No human has ever seen God. Jehovah lives in heaven, but he can see all things. (Psalm 11:4, 5; John 1:18) What, though, is the holy spirit? It is not a person like God. Rather, it is God's active force. - Psalm 104:30.
4. The Bible reveals Jehovah's personality to us. It shows that his outstanding qualities are love, justice, wisdom and power. (Deuteronomy 32:4; Job 12:13; Isaiah 40:26; 1John 4:8) The Bible tells us that he is also merciful, kind, forgiving, generous and patient. We, like obedient children should try to imitate him. - Ephesians 5:1,2.
5. Should we bow down or pray to images, pictures, or symbols in our worship? No! (Exodus 20:4, 5) Jehovah says that we must worship only him. He will not share his glory with anyone or anything else. Images have not power to help us. -Psalm 115:4-8; Isaiah 42:8.
6. How can we get to know God better? One way is by observing the things he has created and thinking deeply about what they tell us. God's creations show us that he has a great power and wisdom. We see his love in all that he has made. (Psalm 19:1-6; Romans 1:20) Another way we can learn about God is by studying the Bible. In it he tells us much more about the kind of God he is. He also tells us about his purpose and what he wants us to do. - Amos 3:7; 2Timothy 3:16, 17.
10.30.2006
How You Can Find Out What God Requires
1. The Bible is a precious gift from God. It is like a letter from a loving father to his children. It tells us the truth about God-who he is and what he stands for. It explains how to cope wtih problems and how to find true happiness. The Bible alone tells us what we must do to please God. - Psalm 1:1-3; Isaiah 48:17, 18.
2. The Bible was written by some 40 different men over a period of 1,600 years, beginning in 1513 B.C.E. It is made up of 66 little books. Those who wrote the Bible were inspired by God. They wrote his thoughts, not their own. So God in heaven, not any human on earth, is the Author of the Bible. - 2 Timothy 3:16, 17; 2Peter1:20, 21.
3.God made sure that the Bible was accurately copied and preserved. More Bibles have been printed than any other book. Not everyone will be happy to see you studying the Bible, but do not let that stop you. Your eternal future depends on your getting to know God and doing his will despite any opposition. - Matthew 5:10-12; John 17:3.
1. The Bible is a precious gift from God. It is like a letter from a loving father to his children. It tells us the truth about God-who he is and what he stands for. It explains how to cope wtih problems and how to find true happiness. The Bible alone tells us what we must do to please God. - Psalm 1:1-3; Isaiah 48:17, 18.
2. The Bible was written by some 40 different men over a period of 1,600 years, beginning in 1513 B.C.E. It is made up of 66 little books. Those who wrote the Bible were inspired by God. They wrote his thoughts, not their own. So God in heaven, not any human on earth, is the Author of the Bible. - 2 Timothy 3:16, 17; 2Peter1:20, 21.
3.God made sure that the Bible was accurately copied and preserved. More Bibles have been printed than any other book. Not everyone will be happy to see you studying the Bible, but do not let that stop you. Your eternal future depends on your getting to know God and doing his will despite any opposition. - Matthew 5:10-12; John 17:3.
10.29.2006
What Is The Holy Spirit?
In the Bible, God's holy spirit is identified as God's power in action. Hence, an accurate translation of the Bible's Hebrew text refers to God's spirit as "God's active force." (Genesis 1:2) This concept is well supported throughout the Bible. - Micah 3:8; Luke 1:35; Acts 10:38.
Contrary to popular belief, God is not present everywhere at all times. Rather, he dwells in the spirit realm, in an "established place of dwelling," or residence. (1Kings 8:39; 2Chronicles 6:39) The Scriptures also refer to a specific place where God lives and has his "throne." (1Kings 22:19; Isaiah 6:1; Daniel 7:9; Revelation 4:1-3) However, from his "established place of dwelling," he can use his active force to reach out into every corner of both the spirit realm and the physical realm. -Psalm 139:7.
Back in 1879, Bible scholar Charles L. Ives aptly illustrated God's ability to exercise his power from a fixed location. He wrote: " For example, we say, 'open the shutters, and let the sun come into the room.' We mean, not the real, bodily sun, but the solar ray, that which proceeds from the sun." Similarly, God has no need to travel to the locations where he intends to use his active force. He simply employs his holy spirit, which can reach to the extremities of creation. Seeing the holy spirit for what it is - God's powerful active force- can give you confidene that Jehovah will fulfill his promises.
In the Bible, God's holy spirit is identified as God's power in action. Hence, an accurate translation of the Bible's Hebrew text refers to God's spirit as "God's active force." (Genesis 1:2) This concept is well supported throughout the Bible. - Micah 3:8; Luke 1:35; Acts 10:38.
Contrary to popular belief, God is not present everywhere at all times. Rather, he dwells in the spirit realm, in an "established place of dwelling," or residence. (1Kings 8:39; 2Chronicles 6:39) The Scriptures also refer to a specific place where God lives and has his "throne." (1Kings 22:19; Isaiah 6:1; Daniel 7:9; Revelation 4:1-3) However, from his "established place of dwelling," he can use his active force to reach out into every corner of both the spirit realm and the physical realm. -Psalm 139:7.
Back in 1879, Bible scholar Charles L. Ives aptly illustrated God's ability to exercise his power from a fixed location. He wrote: " For example, we say, 'open the shutters, and let the sun come into the room.' We mean, not the real, bodily sun, but the solar ray, that which proceeds from the sun." Similarly, God has no need to travel to the locations where he intends to use his active force. He simply employs his holy spirit, which can reach to the extremities of creation. Seeing the holy spirit for what it is - God's powerful active force- can give you confidene that Jehovah will fulfill his promises.
10.27.2006
What The Bible Says
An honest Bible reader cannot help but conclude that the holy spirit differs from official church descriptions of it as a person. Consider the following Bible accounts.
1. When Mary, the mother of Jesus, visited her cousin Elizabeth, the Bible says that the unborn child in Elizabeth's womb leaped, "and Elizabeth was filled with the holy spirit." (Luke 1:41) Is it reasonable that a person would be "filled" with another person?
2. When John the Baptizer spoke to his disciples about Jesus as the one who would succeed him, John said: " I, for my part, baptize you with water... but the one coming after me is stronger than I am, whose sandals I am not fit to take off. That one will baptize you people with holy spirit." (Matthew 3:11) John could hardly have been referring to the holy spirit as a person when he spoke of baptizing people with it.
3. While visiting a Roman army officer and his family, the apostle Peter spoke of Jesus as having been anointed by God "with holy spirit and power." (Acts 10:38) Shortly afterward, "the holy spirit fell upon" the army officer's household. The account says that many were amazed "because the free gift of the holy spirit was being poured out also upon people of the nations." (Acts 10:44,45) Here again, the terms used are inconsistent with the idea of the holy spirit being a person.
It is not unusual for God's Word to personify things that are not a person. These include wisdom, discernment, sin, death and undeserved kindness. (Proverbs 8:1- 9:6; Romans 5:14, 17, 21; 6:12) Jesus himself said that "wisdom is proved righteous by all its children." or its good results. (Luke 7:35) Clearly, wisdom is not a person that has literal children! Likewise, the holy spirit is not a person simply because in some instances it is personified.
An honest Bible reader cannot help but conclude that the holy spirit differs from official church descriptions of it as a person. Consider the following Bible accounts.
1. When Mary, the mother of Jesus, visited her cousin Elizabeth, the Bible says that the unborn child in Elizabeth's womb leaped, "and Elizabeth was filled with the holy spirit." (Luke 1:41) Is it reasonable that a person would be "filled" with another person?
2. When John the Baptizer spoke to his disciples about Jesus as the one who would succeed him, John said: " I, for my part, baptize you with water... but the one coming after me is stronger than I am, whose sandals I am not fit to take off. That one will baptize you people with holy spirit." (Matthew 3:11) John could hardly have been referring to the holy spirit as a person when he spoke of baptizing people with it.
3. While visiting a Roman army officer and his family, the apostle Peter spoke of Jesus as having been anointed by God "with holy spirit and power." (Acts 10:38) Shortly afterward, "the holy spirit fell upon" the army officer's household. The account says that many were amazed "because the free gift of the holy spirit was being poured out also upon people of the nations." (Acts 10:44,45) Here again, the terms used are inconsistent with the idea of the holy spirit being a person.
It is not unusual for God's Word to personify things that are not a person. These include wisdom, discernment, sin, death and undeserved kindness. (Proverbs 8:1- 9:6; Romans 5:14, 17, 21; 6:12) Jesus himself said that "wisdom is proved righteous by all its children." or its good results. (Luke 7:35) Clearly, wisdom is not a person that has literal children! Likewise, the holy spirit is not a person simply because in some instances it is personified.
10.26.2006
Is The Holy Spirit A Person?
What is God's holy spirit? In its opening words, the Bible speaks of the holy spirit-also rendered "God's active force"-as moving to and fro over the surface of the waters." (Genesis 1:2) In the account of Jesus' baptism, while God is described as being "in the heavens," the holy spirit appears "descending like a dove" upon Jesus. (Matthew 3:16, 17) Additionally, Jesus spoke of the holy spirit as a "helper." - John 14:16.
These and other Bible passages have led some to conclude that the holy spirit is a person, just as God, Jesus, and the angels are individual spirit persons. In fact, for centuries some of the most influential religions of Christendom have attributed personality to the holy spirit. Despite this long-standing doctrine, many church members remin confused, and some even disagree with their religious leaders. For instance, according to a recent survey, 61 percent of those interviewed believe that God's presence or power but is not a living entity." What, though, does the Bible say?
Next time: What The Bible Says
What is God's holy spirit? In its opening words, the Bible speaks of the holy spirit-also rendered "God's active force"-as moving to and fro over the surface of the waters." (Genesis 1:2) In the account of Jesus' baptism, while God is described as being "in the heavens," the holy spirit appears "descending like a dove" upon Jesus. (Matthew 3:16, 17) Additionally, Jesus spoke of the holy spirit as a "helper." - John 14:16.
These and other Bible passages have led some to conclude that the holy spirit is a person, just as God, Jesus, and the angels are individual spirit persons. In fact, for centuries some of the most influential religions of Christendom have attributed personality to the holy spirit. Despite this long-standing doctrine, many church members remin confused, and some even disagree with their religious leaders. For instance, according to a recent survey, 61 percent of those interviewed believe that God's presence or power but is not a living entity." What, though, does the Bible say?
Next time: What The Bible Says
10.25.2006
You Can Build A Happy Marriage!
True, building a happy marriage is not easy. However, when marriage mates are determined to work hard to include God in their union, happiness and security will result. Thus, watch closely the spiritual dimension in your family; have a rock - solid commitment to marriage. And remember that according to the words of Jesus, neither the husband nor the wife receives all the credit for a happy marriage. Rather, the credit primarily goes to the originator of marriage, Jehvoah God. "What God has yoked together let no man put apart." - Matthew 19:6.
What Can Help You To Build A Happy Marriage?
Study God's Word along with your mate regularly, and pray to God for help and guidance in resolving problems. - Proverbs 3:5, 6; Philippians 4:6,7; 2 Timothy 3:16, 17.
Confine sexual interest exclusively to your mate.- Proverbs 5:15-21; Hebrews 13:4.
Communicate openly, honestly and lovingly about your problems and differences.- Proverbs 15:22; 20:5; 25:11.
Speak to your mate in a kind, considerate manner; avoid outbursts of anger, nagging and harsh critical remarks. - Proverbs 15:1; 20:3; 21:9; 31:26, 28; Ephesians 4:31, 32.
Humbly apply Bible counsel even if you feel taht your mate is not doing everything he or she should be doing. -Romans 14:12; 1Peter 3:1,2.
Work hard to cultivate the spiritual qualities mentioned in the Bible.- Galatians 5:22, 23; Colossians 3:12-14; 1Peter 3:3-6.
True, building a happy marriage is not easy. However, when marriage mates are determined to work hard to include God in their union, happiness and security will result. Thus, watch closely the spiritual dimension in your family; have a rock - solid commitment to marriage. And remember that according to the words of Jesus, neither the husband nor the wife receives all the credit for a happy marriage. Rather, the credit primarily goes to the originator of marriage, Jehvoah God. "What God has yoked together let no man put apart." - Matthew 19:6.
What Can Help You To Build A Happy Marriage?
Study God's Word along with your mate regularly, and pray to God for help and guidance in resolving problems. - Proverbs 3:5, 6; Philippians 4:6,7; 2 Timothy 3:16, 17.
Confine sexual interest exclusively to your mate.- Proverbs 5:15-21; Hebrews 13:4.
Communicate openly, honestly and lovingly about your problems and differences.- Proverbs 15:22; 20:5; 25:11.
Speak to your mate in a kind, considerate manner; avoid outbursts of anger, nagging and harsh critical remarks. - Proverbs 15:1; 20:3; 21:9; 31:26, 28; Ephesians 4:31, 32.
Humbly apply Bible counsel even if you feel taht your mate is not doing everything he or she should be doing. -Romans 14:12; 1Peter 3:1,2.
Work hard to cultivate the spiritual qualities mentioned in the Bible.- Galatians 5:22, 23; Colossians 3:12-14; 1Peter 3:3-6.
10.24.2006
When Problems Arise
For a building to stand the test of time, a good maintenance program is necessary. When husband and wife regularly support each other in their goals and when they show honor and respect for each other, their marriage is kept strong. Selfishness does not take root, and anger is kept under control.
Deep unresolved anger and frustration can kill love and affection in a marriage. The apostle Paul counseled men: " You husbands, keep on loving your wives and do not be bitterly angry with them." (Colossians 3:19) The same principle applies to wives. When spouses strive to be considerate, kind and understanding, they contribute to their happiness and contentment. Avoiding ill-tempered and confrontational behavior helps prevent conflict when difficulties arise. "Become kind to one another," urged Paul, "tenderly compassionate, freely forgiving one another." - Ephesians 4:32.
What if feelings of powerlessness, exasperation, or being underappreciated cause annoyance? In a calm manner, state clearly to your mate the reason for your concern. However, it may be best to let love cover over minor matters. - 1 Peter 4:8.
One husband, who has experienced serveral trials during his marriage of 35 years, says that no matter how angry you may feel toward your mate, you should "never stop talking." He wisely adds, " Don't ever stop loving."
Next time: You Can Build A Happy Marriage
For a building to stand the test of time, a good maintenance program is necessary. When husband and wife regularly support each other in their goals and when they show honor and respect for each other, their marriage is kept strong. Selfishness does not take root, and anger is kept under control.
Deep unresolved anger and frustration can kill love and affection in a marriage. The apostle Paul counseled men: " You husbands, keep on loving your wives and do not be bitterly angry with them." (Colossians 3:19) The same principle applies to wives. When spouses strive to be considerate, kind and understanding, they contribute to their happiness and contentment. Avoiding ill-tempered and confrontational behavior helps prevent conflict when difficulties arise. "Become kind to one another," urged Paul, "tenderly compassionate, freely forgiving one another." - Ephesians 4:32.
What if feelings of powerlessness, exasperation, or being underappreciated cause annoyance? In a calm manner, state clearly to your mate the reason for your concern. However, it may be best to let love cover over minor matters. - 1 Peter 4:8.
One husband, who has experienced serveral trials during his marriage of 35 years, says that no matter how angry you may feel toward your mate, you should "never stop talking." He wisely adds, " Don't ever stop loving."
Next time: You Can Build A Happy Marriage
10.23.2006
Use Fireproof Materials
For a house to last and be safe, it must be well built. Therefore, resolve to build your marriage with an eye to a lasting future. Use durable materials, the kind that can withstand fiery tests of your loyalty. Value as gold such precious qualities as godly wisdom, generosity, discernment, fear of God, warmth, loving appreciation for God's laws and genuine faith.
Happiness and contentment in marriage are not built on material possessions or secular advancement. They are built in the heart and mind, and these traits are strengthened by the truths from the Word of God. The exhortation "Let each one keep watching how he is building" can also be applied to marriage. - 1Corinthians 3:10.
Next time:When Problems Arise
For a house to last and be safe, it must be well built. Therefore, resolve to build your marriage with an eye to a lasting future. Use durable materials, the kind that can withstand fiery tests of your loyalty. Value as gold such precious qualities as godly wisdom, generosity, discernment, fear of God, warmth, loving appreciation for God's laws and genuine faith.
Happiness and contentment in marriage are not built on material possessions or secular advancement. They are built in the heart and mind, and these traits are strengthened by the truths from the Word of God. The exhortation "Let each one keep watching how he is building" can also be applied to marriage. - 1Corinthians 3:10.
Next time:When Problems Arise
10.22.2006
Build On A Solid Foundation
Inevitably, stormlike trials will lash at the foundation of your marriage. This will test the underpinnings of your relationship with your spouse. However, the sturdiest foundation on which to build a happy marriage is loyal commitment based on love. Jesus highlighted the importance of commitment when he said: " No one should separate a couple that God has joined together." (Matthew 19:6 Contemporary English Version) The expression "no one" would include the man and his wife, who have vowed to remain faithful to each other.
Some may view commitment as burdensome, its demands and costs being too great. Today convenience usually wins out over the sacrifice involved in being committed to someone.
What can sustain marital commitment? The apostle Paul wrote: "Husbands ought to be loving their wives as their own bodies." (Ephesians 5:28, 29) In part, then, being " joined together" means that you feel as concerned about the welfare of your mate as you do about your own. Married people need to shift their thinking from "mine" to "ours," from "me" to "we."
Successfully weathering stormy attacks on your marriage will make you wise. Such acquired wisdom can result in happiness. "Happy is the man that has found wisdom," notes Proverbs 3:13.
Next time: Use Fireproof Materials
Inevitably, stormlike trials will lash at the foundation of your marriage. This will test the underpinnings of your relationship with your spouse. However, the sturdiest foundation on which to build a happy marriage is loyal commitment based on love. Jesus highlighted the importance of commitment when he said: " No one should separate a couple that God has joined together." (Matthew 19:6 Contemporary English Version) The expression "no one" would include the man and his wife, who have vowed to remain faithful to each other.
Some may view commitment as burdensome, its demands and costs being too great. Today convenience usually wins out over the sacrifice involved in being committed to someone.
What can sustain marital commitment? The apostle Paul wrote: "Husbands ought to be loving their wives as their own bodies." (Ephesians 5:28, 29) In part, then, being " joined together" means that you feel as concerned about the welfare of your mate as you do about your own. Married people need to shift their thinking from "mine" to "ours," from "me" to "we."
Successfully weathering stormy attacks on your marriage will make you wise. Such acquired wisdom can result in happiness. "Happy is the man that has found wisdom," notes Proverbs 3:13.
Next time: Use Fireproof Materials
10.19.2006
Follow The Blueprint Carefully
A trustworthy contractor would never start construction without first consulting a drawing. Similarly, we cannot succeed in building a happy marriage without carefully consulting God's blueprint for the project. It is found in the pages of God's Word. "All Scripture is inspired of God and beneficial.... for setting things straight," wrote the apostle Paul. - 2Timothy 3:16.
Husbands and wives can learn a great deal about marriage by considering how Jesus dealt with his disciples. How so? In the Bible the relationship between Jesus and those who will rule with him in heaven is likened to that between a man and his wife. (2Corinthians 11:2) Jesus remained loyal to his associates, even during the most tribulent times. "He loved them to the end." (John 13:1) As a compassionate leader, Jesus always took into consideration the limitations and frailtokies of his followers. He never demanded them more than they were able to do or give. - John 16:12.
Next time: Build upon A Solid Foundation
A trustworthy contractor would never start construction without first consulting a drawing. Similarly, we cannot succeed in building a happy marriage without carefully consulting God's blueprint for the project. It is found in the pages of God's Word. "All Scripture is inspired of God and beneficial.... for setting things straight," wrote the apostle Paul. - 2Timothy 3:16.
Husbands and wives can learn a great deal about marriage by considering how Jesus dealt with his disciples. How so? In the Bible the relationship between Jesus and those who will rule with him in heaven is likened to that between a man and his wife. (2Corinthians 11:2) Jesus remained loyal to his associates, even during the most tribulent times. "He loved them to the end." (John 13:1) As a compassionate leader, Jesus always took into consideration the limitations and frailtokies of his followers. He never demanded them more than they were able to do or give. - John 16:12.
Next time: Build upon A Solid Foundation
10.18.2006
How To Build A Happy Marriage
Our Maker, Jehovah God, instituted marriage as a permanent union between a man and a woman. Says Genesis 2:18, 22-24 "Jehovah God went on to say: ' It is not good for the man to continue by himself. I am going to make a helper for him, as a complement of him.' And Jehovah God proceeded to build a rib that he had taken from the man into a woman and to bring her to the man. Then the man said: 'This is at last bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh. This one will be called Woman, because from man this one was taken.' That is why a man will leave his father and his mother and he must stick to his wife and they must become one flesh.
True, building a lasting, happy marriage is not easy, but it is certainly possible. many couples have been happily married for 50, 60 or more years. How do they do it? They work at their marriage continually and unselfishly to "gain approval" of their mate. (1 Corinthians 7:33, 34) That takes work. If you are willing to invest the time and effort, you too can build a happy marriage, one that will last a long time.
Next time: Follow The Blueprint Carefully
Our Maker, Jehovah God, instituted marriage as a permanent union between a man and a woman. Says Genesis 2:18, 22-24 "Jehovah God went on to say: ' It is not good for the man to continue by himself. I am going to make a helper for him, as a complement of him.' And Jehovah God proceeded to build a rib that he had taken from the man into a woman and to bring her to the man. Then the man said: 'This is at last bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh. This one will be called Woman, because from man this one was taken.' That is why a man will leave his father and his mother and he must stick to his wife and they must become one flesh.
True, building a lasting, happy marriage is not easy, but it is certainly possible. many couples have been happily married for 50, 60 or more years. How do they do it? They work at their marriage continually and unselfishly to "gain approval" of their mate. (1 Corinthians 7:33, 34) That takes work. If you are willing to invest the time and effort, you too can build a happy marriage, one that will last a long time.
Next time: Follow The Blueprint Carefully
10.17.2006
A Hidden Cause Of The Storm
The Bible tells us that Satan the Devil, the epitome of selfishness, has an unseen, increasingly pernicious influence over the world. Why is that so? Because he has been cast down from heaven to the vicinity of the earth and is very angry. Indeed, he is bent on causing as much "woe," or trouble, as possible, and the divine institution of marriage is just one object of Satan's malicious anger. - Revelation 12:9, 12.
Referring to the time after Satan's eviction, Jesus said: " Because of the increasing of lawlessness, the love of the greater number will cool off." (Matthew 24:12)
In a similar vein, the apostle Paul wrote: "[People] will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, self-assuming, haughty, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, disloyal, having no natural [or familial] 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." (2 Timothy 3:2-4) These repugnant characteristics have always existed to some extent, but they have become much more pronounced in recent times, as most people readily acknowledge.
In view of the storm battering the institution of marriage, what can we do to shield ourselves and to enjoy a truly happy and lasting marriage?
Next time; How To Build A Happy Marriage
The Bible tells us that Satan the Devil, the epitome of selfishness, has an unseen, increasingly pernicious influence over the world. Why is that so? Because he has been cast down from heaven to the vicinity of the earth and is very angry. Indeed, he is bent on causing as much "woe," or trouble, as possible, and the divine institution of marriage is just one object of Satan's malicious anger. - Revelation 12:9, 12.
Referring to the time after Satan's eviction, Jesus said: " Because of the increasing of lawlessness, the love of the greater number will cool off." (Matthew 24:12)
In a similar vein, the apostle Paul wrote: "[People] will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, self-assuming, haughty, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, disloyal, having no natural [or familial] 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." (2 Timothy 3:2-4) These repugnant characteristics have always existed to some extent, but they have become much more pronounced in recent times, as most people readily acknowledge.
In view of the storm battering the institution of marriage, what can we do to shield ourselves and to enjoy a truly happy and lasting marriage?
Next time; How To Build A Happy Marriage
10.16.2006
Surging Divorce Rates
Let us look at several countries to see how the popularity of divorce has led to further erosion of marriage. In the United States, according to a recent report, "the number of divorced couples quadrupled between 1970 and 1996." Roughly, 1 in 5 adults has been lashed by the destructive winds of divorce. Who are the most vulnerable to marriage failure? Statistics show that about 60 percent of all divorces occur within the first ten years.
In other countries too, divorce rates have soared. The total number of divorces in England and Wales reached 153,490 in 2004. Australians can expect about 40 percent of their marriages to end in divorce. The republic of Korea saw an increase of 21,800 divorces in just one year - from 2002-2003 - a total of 167,100 couple divorced. Japan, where 1 in every 4 marriages ends in divorce, is now approaching Europe's divorce rate. " Once upon a time it was only the very worst marriages that would end in divorce, " Observed an expert in family studies at the Japan Red Cross University. " Now it has become a simple life style issue."
In many countries long-standing religious institutions and social traditions contributed to marriage stability. However, they can no longer stop the rising tide of social acceptance of divorce. For instance, consider the Roman Catholic Church, where marriage is regarded as something sacred. In 1983 the church relaxed its rules concerning marriage bonds and made it easier for Catholics to end a marriage. Hence, annulments have increased since then.
Obviously, the threads that bind marriage are unraveling. But not all the reasons are obvious. In fact, besides the general breakdown in society, there is another major cause of the increase in failed marriages - one that is hidden from the view of the majority of mankind.
Next time: A Hidden Cause Of The Storm
Let us look at several countries to see how the popularity of divorce has led to further erosion of marriage. In the United States, according to a recent report, "the number of divorced couples quadrupled between 1970 and 1996." Roughly, 1 in 5 adults has been lashed by the destructive winds of divorce. Who are the most vulnerable to marriage failure? Statistics show that about 60 percent of all divorces occur within the first ten years.
In other countries too, divorce rates have soared. The total number of divorces in England and Wales reached 153,490 in 2004. Australians can expect about 40 percent of their marriages to end in divorce. The republic of Korea saw an increase of 21,800 divorces in just one year - from 2002-2003 - a total of 167,100 couple divorced. Japan, where 1 in every 4 marriages ends in divorce, is now approaching Europe's divorce rate. " Once upon a time it was only the very worst marriages that would end in divorce, " Observed an expert in family studies at the Japan Red Cross University. " Now it has become a simple life style issue."
In many countries long-standing religious institutions and social traditions contributed to marriage stability. However, they can no longer stop the rising tide of social acceptance of divorce. For instance, consider the Roman Catholic Church, where marriage is regarded as something sacred. In 1983 the church relaxed its rules concerning marriage bonds and made it easier for Catholics to end a marriage. Hence, annulments have increased since then.
Obviously, the threads that bind marriage are unraveling. But not all the reasons are obvious. In fact, besides the general breakdown in society, there is another major cause of the increase in failed marriages - one that is hidden from the view of the majority of mankind.
Next time: A Hidden Cause Of The Storm
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
