Widespread Lack Of Trust Today
In government, business, and religious circles today, many have paid scant attention to maintaining high values. This, in turn, has produced a sense of loss in the minds and hearts of the population in general. More and more, governments and other leaders are unable to solve their countries' basic problems.
For example, they have been unable to bring an end to war or to curb the rising costs of health care or the bad effects of the illicit drug trade. And there has also been a breakdown in educational systems. A number of governments even sponsor organized gambling. Many business and religious leaders have likewise proved to be a shocking disappointment because of their corrupt and immoral actions. Little wonder that there is widespread lack of trust in the integrity of those whom people look for leadership.
Is it possible for any government to protet and even take the lead in upholding basic human rights and values? Yes, it is possible. Our concluding article will explain how.
Next time:A Government To Uphold Godly Values
1.31.2007
1.30.2007
King Solomon's Bad Example
Unhappily, however, like the values of so many leaders today, Solomon's values eventually changed. The Bible account reads: "He came to have seven hundred wives, princesses and three hundred concubines; and his wives gradually inclined his heart. And it came about in the time of Solomon's growing old that his wives themselves had inclined his heart to follow other gods; and his heart did not prove to be complete with Jehovah his God like the heart of David his father." - 1Kings 11:3,4.
What effect did King Solomon's changed values have on his people? In spite of his great ability and wisdom, Solomon became an oppressive ruler during the latter part of his reign. The high costs of his government caused an excessive drain on the nation's economy. The work force became discontented. Political rivals resisted the king and sought to unsurp his power. The nation lost much of its sense of cohesion. How ironic that Solomon himself wrote: " When the righteous become many, the people rejoice, but when anyone wicked bears rule, the people sigh." -Proverbs 29:2.
Shortly after Solomon's death, political unrest and distrust led to a dividing of the nation and an ensuing period of hardship, disunity, and decline. The Israelites felt an overwhelming sense of loss. Their government had changed its values, forgetting the best interests of the people. The basic fault was that their leaders had ignored Jehovah and his laws. Thus, the entire nation suffered.
Next time: Widespread Lack Of Trust Today
Unhappily, however, like the values of so many leaders today, Solomon's values eventually changed. The Bible account reads: "He came to have seven hundred wives, princesses and three hundred concubines; and his wives gradually inclined his heart. And it came about in the time of Solomon's growing old that his wives themselves had inclined his heart to follow other gods; and his heart did not prove to be complete with Jehovah his God like the heart of David his father." - 1Kings 11:3,4.
What effect did King Solomon's changed values have on his people? In spite of his great ability and wisdom, Solomon became an oppressive ruler during the latter part of his reign. The high costs of his government caused an excessive drain on the nation's economy. The work force became discontented. Political rivals resisted the king and sought to unsurp his power. The nation lost much of its sense of cohesion. How ironic that Solomon himself wrote: " When the righteous become many, the people rejoice, but when anyone wicked bears rule, the people sigh." -Proverbs 29:2.
Shortly after Solomon's death, political unrest and distrust led to a dividing of the nation and an ensuing period of hardship, disunity, and decline. The Israelites felt an overwhelming sense of loss. Their government had changed its values, forgetting the best interests of the people. The basic fault was that their leaders had ignored Jehovah and his laws. Thus, the entire nation suffered.
Next time: Widespread Lack Of Trust Today
1.28.2007
King Solomon's Good Example
One ancient example illustrates just how much impact the values of those governing can have. King Solomon ruled over the tribes of Israel from 1037 to 998 B.C. E. His father, King David, had been one of Israel's outstanding kings. The Bible depicts David as a lover of truth and righteousness and, above all, as a man with implicit trust and confidence in his God, Jehovah. David taught Solomon the same values.
Almighty God appeared to Solomon in a dream and said to him: "Ask! What shall I give you?" (2Chronicles 1:7) Instead of asking for great wealth, personal glory, or political victories, Solomon revealed a wide, understanding and obedient heart, so that he could provide good government for the nation of Israel.
How did the rule of Solomon affect the people? God blessed him with wisdom, glory and personal wealth - as long as he remained true to the nation's spiritual values. Archaeological findings attest to the material prosperity of Solomon's reign. The book The Archaeology Of The Land Of Israel states: "The wealth that flowed into the royal court from all directions, and the flourishing commerce... brought about a rapid and noticeable revolution in every aspect of material culture."
Yes, Solomon's good government brought peace, security and happiness to his subjects. "Judah and Israel continued to dwell in security, everyone under his own vine and under his own fig tree, from Dan to Beer-sheba, all the days of Solomon." - Kings 4:20-25.
Next time: King Solomon's Bad Example
One ancient example illustrates just how much impact the values of those governing can have. King Solomon ruled over the tribes of Israel from 1037 to 998 B.C. E. His father, King David, had been one of Israel's outstanding kings. The Bible depicts David as a lover of truth and righteousness and, above all, as a man with implicit trust and confidence in his God, Jehovah. David taught Solomon the same values.
Almighty God appeared to Solomon in a dream and said to him: "Ask! What shall I give you?" (2Chronicles 1:7) Instead of asking for great wealth, personal glory, or political victories, Solomon revealed a wide, understanding and obedient heart, so that he could provide good government for the nation of Israel.
How did the rule of Solomon affect the people? God blessed him with wisdom, glory and personal wealth - as long as he remained true to the nation's spiritual values. Archaeological findings attest to the material prosperity of Solomon's reign. The book The Archaeology Of The Land Of Israel states: "The wealth that flowed into the royal court from all directions, and the flourishing commerce... brought about a rapid and noticeable revolution in every aspect of material culture."
Yes, Solomon's good government brought peace, security and happiness to his subjects. "Judah and Israel continued to dwell in security, everyone under his own vine and under his own fig tree, from Dan to Beer-sheba, all the days of Solomon." - Kings 4:20-25.
Next time: King Solomon's Bad Example
1.27.2007
Government Example Needed
Throughout history, there has been an acknowledged close link between the personal values a society embodies and the values manifested by its government. Calvin Coolidge, who later served as president of the United States, said: "Men speak of natural rights, but I challenge any one to show where in nature any rights ever existed or were recognized until there was established for their declaration and protection a duly promulgated body of corresponding laws."
In the final analysis, it is the ruling government - no matter by what means it came into power - that can promote or hinder civil rights, such as free press, freedom of assembly, freedom of religion and freedom to speak in public, to be free from unlawful arrest or harassment,and to obtain a fair trial.
Abraham Lincoln, who later served as president of the United States, once said: " The legitimate object of government is to do for a community of people, whatever they need to have done, but can not do, at all, or cannot, so well do, for themselves - - in their separate, and individual capacities." When governments work to meet such lofty purposes, people are inclined to trust those in power.
However, cynicism and wariness seem to have replaced such confidence and trust today. One recent study in the United States reported that 68 percent of those surveyed judged the ethical practices of federal officials to be only fair or even poor. In many countries the public perception of government officials has been rocked by bribery scandals and corruption at the highest levels. Understandably, this has resulted in a sense of loss in growing numbers of people.
Next time: King Solomon's Good Example
Throughout history, there has been an acknowledged close link between the personal values a society embodies and the values manifested by its government. Calvin Coolidge, who later served as president of the United States, said: "Men speak of natural rights, but I challenge any one to show where in nature any rights ever existed or were recognized until there was established for their declaration and protection a duly promulgated body of corresponding laws."
In the final analysis, it is the ruling government - no matter by what means it came into power - that can promote or hinder civil rights, such as free press, freedom of assembly, freedom of religion and freedom to speak in public, to be free from unlawful arrest or harassment,and to obtain a fair trial.
Abraham Lincoln, who later served as president of the United States, once said: " The legitimate object of government is to do for a community of people, whatever they need to have done, but can not do, at all, or cannot, so well do, for themselves - - in their separate, and individual capacities." When governments work to meet such lofty purposes, people are inclined to trust those in power.
However, cynicism and wariness seem to have replaced such confidence and trust today. One recent study in the United States reported that 68 percent of those surveyed judged the ethical practices of federal officials to be only fair or even poor. In many countries the public perception of government officials has been rocked by bribery scandals and corruption at the highest levels. Understandably, this has resulted in a sense of loss in growing numbers of people.
Next time: King Solomon's Good Example
1.26.2007
Changed Values Do You Feel The Loss?
"What is the most important problem facing the country?" When asked this question, the majority of the people surveyed in the United States identified family and moral decline at or near the top of the list of their concerns. In this, they are not alone.
For example, the Paris daily International Herald Tribune noted: "There is a palpable yearning, especially among the young, for some kind of unifying vision, a set of acknowleded ideals with which to address and tame the mechanics of greed, of selfishness, of loss of community, which seem to be taking over the world.... This mounting debate about the need for global ethic is an admission that something is missing."
Do you feel that governments and world leaders, including business leaders, have the values needed to lead us to a happier, safer, more secure future? Do you feel a sense of loss, at least to some extent, as a result of the changing values you see around you?
One matter of deep concern my be your personal safety. Do you live in an area where it is safe to leave your home unlocked? Do you feel comfortable walking the streets of your neighborhood at night? If you have a good fortune of living in an area that is free of outright warfare, ethnic unrest, or deadly gang warfare, you may still fear being the victim of assault, mugging, home invasion, or theft. This can understandably cause feelings of distress and a sense of loss. In addition to this, you may have lost - at least to some extent - the sense of trust in others that you once had. Through experience, perhaps both professionally and personally, you may have encountered an increasing tendency for individuals to do you wrong if it furthers their own interests, even marginally.
Next time: Government Example Needed
"What is the most important problem facing the country?" When asked this question, the majority of the people surveyed in the United States identified family and moral decline at or near the top of the list of their concerns. In this, they are not alone.
For example, the Paris daily International Herald Tribune noted: "There is a palpable yearning, especially among the young, for some kind of unifying vision, a set of acknowleded ideals with which to address and tame the mechanics of greed, of selfishness, of loss of community, which seem to be taking over the world.... This mounting debate about the need for global ethic is an admission that something is missing."
Do you feel that governments and world leaders, including business leaders, have the values needed to lead us to a happier, safer, more secure future? Do you feel a sense of loss, at least to some extent, as a result of the changing values you see around you?
One matter of deep concern my be your personal safety. Do you live in an area where it is safe to leave your home unlocked? Do you feel comfortable walking the streets of your neighborhood at night? If you have a good fortune of living in an area that is free of outright warfare, ethnic unrest, or deadly gang warfare, you may still fear being the victim of assault, mugging, home invasion, or theft. This can understandably cause feelings of distress and a sense of loss. In addition to this, you may have lost - at least to some extent - the sense of trust in others that you once had. Through experience, perhaps both professionally and personally, you may have encountered an increasing tendency for individuals to do you wrong if it furthers their own interests, even marginally.
Next time: Government Example Needed
1.25.2007
Needed - A Moral Compass
When asked, "What matters least in life?" The majority of those polled by the Gallup organization chose "being faithful to my religion" as one of the two least important things. Not surprisingly, then, church attendance continues to decline. Professor Inglehart suggests that the prosperity of Western lands has "produced an unprecedented sense of security" and that "this has diminished the need for the reassurance that relligion traditionally provided."
Declining confidence in organized religion is paralleled by a loss of confidence in the Bible. In one international survey, respondents were asked whom or what they relied upon when it came to knowing what is morally right. The vast majority cited personal experience . "God's word was a very distant second says the survey report.
Little wonder that values are changing for the worse! A lack of moral compass, along with an increasing emphasis on materialistic goals and selfish individualism, has promoted a culture of greed and indifference to the feelings of others. What important things have been lost as a result of these changes?
When asked, "What matters least in life?" The majority of those polled by the Gallup organization chose "being faithful to my religion" as one of the two least important things. Not surprisingly, then, church attendance continues to decline. Professor Inglehart suggests that the prosperity of Western lands has "produced an unprecedented sense of security" and that "this has diminished the need for the reassurance that relligion traditionally provided."
Declining confidence in organized religion is paralleled by a loss of confidence in the Bible. In one international survey, respondents were asked whom or what they relied upon when it came to knowing what is morally right. The vast majority cited personal experience . "God's word was a very distant second says the survey report.
Little wonder that values are changing for the worse! A lack of moral compass, along with an increasing emphasis on materialistic goals and selfish individualism, has promoted a culture of greed and indifference to the feelings of others. What important things have been lost as a result of these changes?
1.24.2007
How Valuable Is Human Life?
In some cases, people say that they have embraced certain "values," but their words do not necessarily translate into action. For example, Institute For Global Ethics polled representatives from 40 countries. Forty percent chose "reverence for live as being among the top five "most important values.
However, what happens in actual practice? Industrialized nations certainly have the resources to eliminate much human suffering. But a book written by Carol Bellamy, exectutive director fo the United Nations Children's Fund, noted in 1998 that malnutrition "plays a role in more than half of the nearly 12 million deaths each year of children under five in developing countries, a proportion unmatched since the Black Death ravaged Europe in the 14th century." Such reports are alarming to anyone who cherishes human life. " Yet, observes Bellamy, "The worldwide crisis of malnutrition has stirred little public alarm, despite substantial and growing scientific evidence of the danger. More attention is lavished on the gyrations of world stock markets than on malnutrition's vast destructive potential - or on the equally powerful benefits of sound nutrition."
A curiously skewed view of life is evident in the medical community. As recently as the early 1970's, a baby born after just 23 weeks in the womb has almost no chance of survival. Today, perhaps up to 40 percent of such premature babies can survive. In view of this, how ironic it is that worldwide an estimated 40 to 60 million abortions occur every year! The majority of these abortions are performed on fetuses just weeks younger thatn the premature infants doctors struggle to keep alive! Does not the above suggest that great moral confusion prevails?
Next time: Needed - A Moral Compass
In some cases, people say that they have embraced certain "values," but their words do not necessarily translate into action. For example, Institute For Global Ethics polled representatives from 40 countries. Forty percent chose "reverence for live as being among the top five "most important values.
However, what happens in actual practice? Industrialized nations certainly have the resources to eliminate much human suffering. But a book written by Carol Bellamy, exectutive director fo the United Nations Children's Fund, noted in 1998 that malnutrition "plays a role in more than half of the nearly 12 million deaths each year of children under five in developing countries, a proportion unmatched since the Black Death ravaged Europe in the 14th century." Such reports are alarming to anyone who cherishes human life. " Yet, observes Bellamy, "The worldwide crisis of malnutrition has stirred little public alarm, despite substantial and growing scientific evidence of the danger. More attention is lavished on the gyrations of world stock markets than on malnutrition's vast destructive potential - or on the equally powerful benefits of sound nutrition."
A curiously skewed view of life is evident in the medical community. As recently as the early 1970's, a baby born after just 23 weeks in the womb has almost no chance of survival. Today, perhaps up to 40 percent of such premature babies can survive. In view of this, how ironic it is that worldwide an estimated 40 to 60 million abortions occur every year! The majority of these abortions are performed on fetuses just weeks younger thatn the premature infants doctors struggle to keep alive! Does not the above suggest that great moral confusion prevails?
Next time: Needed - A Moral Compass
1.22.2007
Other Deteriorating Values
Other long-held values have also suffered a notable decline. The World Values Survey headed by Professor Inglehart, reports a "declining respect for authority" in industrialized lands.
Another traditional value has been a strong work ethic. However, there is evidence that this too is suffering a decline. In the United States, The National Federation Of Independent Business surveyed over a half a million employers. "Thirty-one percent of those polled said that filling job openings was hard, and 21 percent said the quality of labor was generally poor." One employer says: "Its getting harder to find workers who come to work for more than one day, on time. and sober."
Economic forces may drive this downward trend. As profits dwindle, employers lay off workers or cut certain benefits. Says the journal Ethics And Behavior: " Workers experiencing this lack of loyalty and commitment begin to exhibit corresponding negative behavior toward their employers. The commitment to work hard is absent because tomorrow the worker might not be employed."
Still another area in which values have declined noticeably is manners and civility. A survey in Australia concluded: " Over 87.7 % of employees reported [that] bad manners in the office are affecting staff morale." In a U.S. survey of business professionals, "eighty percent of respondents reported an increase in rudeness in business." According to the CNN news agency, "poor customer service has become so rampant that nearly half of those surveyed said they have walked out of a stored in the past year because of it. Half said they often see people talking on their cellular telephones in a loud or annoying manner. And six drivers in ten said they regularly see other people driving aggressively or recklessly."20
Next time: How Valuable Is Human Life?
Other long-held values have also suffered a notable decline. The World Values Survey headed by Professor Inglehart, reports a "declining respect for authority" in industrialized lands.
Another traditional value has been a strong work ethic. However, there is evidence that this too is suffering a decline. In the United States, The National Federation Of Independent Business surveyed over a half a million employers. "Thirty-one percent of those polled said that filling job openings was hard, and 21 percent said the quality of labor was generally poor." One employer says: "Its getting harder to find workers who come to work for more than one day, on time. and sober."
Economic forces may drive this downward trend. As profits dwindle, employers lay off workers or cut certain benefits. Says the journal Ethics And Behavior: " Workers experiencing this lack of loyalty and commitment begin to exhibit corresponding negative behavior toward their employers. The commitment to work hard is absent because tomorrow the worker might not be employed."
Still another area in which values have declined noticeably is manners and civility. A survey in Australia concluded: " Over 87.7 % of employees reported [that] bad manners in the office are affecting staff morale." In a U.S. survey of business professionals, "eighty percent of respondents reported an increase in rudeness in business." According to the CNN news agency, "poor customer service has become so rampant that nearly half of those surveyed said they have walked out of a stored in the past year because of it. Half said they often see people talking on their cellular telephones in a loud or annoying manner. And six drivers in ten said they regularly see other people driving aggressively or recklessly."20
Next time: How Valuable Is Human Life?
1.21.2007
Are Values On The Decline?
Among the greatest gifts parents can give to their children are unconditional love and a set of values that the parents live by and do not just lecture about.
Without proper values, life is a little more than a crude struggle for survival. Values give meaning to life. They establish priorities. They set moral boundaries and define rules of behavior.
Even so, many traditional values are changing rapidly. For example, Professor Ronald Inglehart says that "society is moving toward sexual norms that give wider latitude for individual sexual gratification and individual self-expression." A 1997 Gallup survey in 16 countries asked residents for their stand on the morality of out-of-wedlock births. Reports Gallup: "Acceptance of this modern lifestyle trend ranges from 90% or more in parts of Western Europe to under 15% in Singapore and India."
Some have praised this new sexual freedom. However, The Rise Of Government And The Decline Of Morality, By James A. Dorn, cites "the prevelence of out - of - wedlock births" and "the breakup of families" as "obvious signs of moral decay."
Next time: Other Deteriorating Values
Among the greatest gifts parents can give to their children are unconditional love and a set of values that the parents live by and do not just lecture about.
Without proper values, life is a little more than a crude struggle for survival. Values give meaning to life. They establish priorities. They set moral boundaries and define rules of behavior.
Even so, many traditional values are changing rapidly. For example, Professor Ronald Inglehart says that "society is moving toward sexual norms that give wider latitude for individual sexual gratification and individual self-expression." A 1997 Gallup survey in 16 countries asked residents for their stand on the morality of out-of-wedlock births. Reports Gallup: "Acceptance of this modern lifestyle trend ranges from 90% or more in parts of Western Europe to under 15% in Singapore and India."
Some have praised this new sexual freedom. However, The Rise Of Government And The Decline Of Morality, By James A. Dorn, cites "the prevelence of out - of - wedlock births" and "the breakup of families" as "obvious signs of moral decay."
Next time: Other Deteriorating Values
1.19.2007
Why Values Are Changing
At first glance, it would seem that people around the globe share a noble set of values. Yet, the picture is not quite so rosy. In times past, people's values were based upon traditional religious and moral principles. Things are changing fast, however. Researcher Marisa Ferrari Occhionero says regarding Italy: "The young manifest values that are less and less influenced by parental, traditional and religious influences." The same can be said of people - both young and old - all over the world.
Professor Ronald Inglehart, coordinator of a research project called the World Values Survey, says: "A growing body of evidence indicates that deep-rooted changes in world views are taking place."What is driving such changes? Inglehart claims: "These changes reflect economic and technological changes."
The Gallup survey, for example, revealed that in affluent lands employment was "rated quite low" among the things that mattered most in life. But in developing lands, having a job ranked as high as number one! Yes, when people are poor, day-to-day survivial takes priority. As countries develop economically, people then give priority to such things as health, happy family life, and self-expression.
Because of technological advancement, these emerging values are sure to impact developing lands. The magazine The Futurist observes: "Our beliefs and values are shaped by what we see and hear." The mass media have thus had an enormous impact on Western values. Says The Futurist: " These media are achieving global reach."
What changes are we therefore seeing in attitudes and behavior? How are these changing values affecting you and your family?
Next time: Are Values On The Decline?
At first glance, it would seem that people around the globe share a noble set of values. Yet, the picture is not quite so rosy. In times past, people's values were based upon traditional religious and moral principles. Things are changing fast, however. Researcher Marisa Ferrari Occhionero says regarding Italy: "The young manifest values that are less and less influenced by parental, traditional and religious influences." The same can be said of people - both young and old - all over the world.
Professor Ronald Inglehart, coordinator of a research project called the World Values Survey, says: "A growing body of evidence indicates that deep-rooted changes in world views are taking place."What is driving such changes? Inglehart claims: "These changes reflect economic and technological changes."
The Gallup survey, for example, revealed that in affluent lands employment was "rated quite low" among the things that mattered most in life. But in developing lands, having a job ranked as high as number one! Yes, when people are poor, day-to-day survivial takes priority. As countries develop economically, people then give priority to such things as health, happy family life, and self-expression.
Because of technological advancement, these emerging values are sure to impact developing lands. The magazine The Futurist observes: "Our beliefs and values are shaped by what we see and hear." The mass media have thus had an enormous impact on Western values. Says The Futurist: " These media are achieving global reach."
What changes are we therefore seeing in attitudes and behavior? How are these changing values affecting you and your family?
Next time: Are Values On The Decline?
1.18.2007
Further Light Needed
Did such men as Henry Grew and George Storrs understand the truth as clearly as we do today? No. They were unaware of their struggle, as Storrs stated in 1847: " We should do well to remember that we have but just emerged from the dark ages of the Church; and it would not be at all strange if we should find some 'Babylonish garments' still worn by us for truth." Grew, for example, appreciated the ransom provided by Jesus, but he did not understand that it was a "corresponding ransom," that is, the perfect human life of Adam. (1Timothy 2:6) Henry Grew also erroneously believed that Jesus would return and rule visibly on earth. However, Grew did have concern for the sanctification of Jehovah's name, a subject that had been of interest to very few people since the second century C.E.
George Storrs likewise did not have a correct understanding of some important points . He was able to see falsehoods promoted by the clergy, but sometimes he went to the opposite extreme. For example, apparently overreacting to the orthodox clergy's view of Satan, Storrs rejected the idea of the Devil as an actual person. He rejected the Trinity; yet, he was uncertain until shortly before his death as to whether the holy spirit was a person. While George Storrs expected that Christ's return would originally be invisible, he thought that eventually there would be a visible appearing. Nonetheless, it seems that both men were honesthearted and sincere, and they came far close to the truth than most.
The "field" that Jesus described in the parable of the wheat and the weeds was not quite ready to be harvested. (Matthew 13:38) Grew, Storrs, and others were working in the "field" in preparation for the harvest.
Charles Taze Russell, who started publishing this magazine in 1879, wrote concerning his early years: " The Lord gave us many helps in the study of his word, among whom stood prominently, our dearly beloved and aged brother, George Storrs, who, both by word and pen gave us much assistance, but we ever sought not to be followers of men, however, good and wise, but 'Followers of God as dear children' " Yes, sincere Bible students could benefit from the efforts of men like Grew and Storrs, but it was vital to examine God's Word, the Bible, as the real source of the truth. - John 17:17.
Did such men as Henry Grew and George Storrs understand the truth as clearly as we do today? No. They were unaware of their struggle, as Storrs stated in 1847: " We should do well to remember that we have but just emerged from the dark ages of the Church; and it would not be at all strange if we should find some 'Babylonish garments' still worn by us for truth." Grew, for example, appreciated the ransom provided by Jesus, but he did not understand that it was a "corresponding ransom," that is, the perfect human life of Adam. (1Timothy 2:6) Henry Grew also erroneously believed that Jesus would return and rule visibly on earth. However, Grew did have concern for the sanctification of Jehovah's name, a subject that had been of interest to very few people since the second century C.E.
George Storrs likewise did not have a correct understanding of some important points . He was able to see falsehoods promoted by the clergy, but sometimes he went to the opposite extreme. For example, apparently overreacting to the orthodox clergy's view of Satan, Storrs rejected the idea of the Devil as an actual person. He rejected the Trinity; yet, he was uncertain until shortly before his death as to whether the holy spirit was a person. While George Storrs expected that Christ's return would originally be invisible, he thought that eventually there would be a visible appearing. Nonetheless, it seems that both men were honesthearted and sincere, and they came far close to the truth than most.
The "field" that Jesus described in the parable of the wheat and the weeds was not quite ready to be harvested. (Matthew 13:38) Grew, Storrs, and others were working in the "field" in preparation for the harvest.
Charles Taze Russell, who started publishing this magazine in 1879, wrote concerning his early years: " The Lord gave us many helps in the study of his word, among whom stood prominently, our dearly beloved and aged brother, George Storrs, who, both by word and pen gave us much assistance, but we ever sought not to be followers of men, however, good and wise, but 'Followers of God as dear children' " Yes, sincere Bible students could benefit from the efforts of men like Grew and Storrs, but it was vital to examine God's Word, the Bible, as the real source of the truth. - John 17:17.
1.17.2007
To What Would The Love Of God Lead?
Storrs was repelled by the Adventist view that God would resurrect wicked people for the sold purpose of putting them to death again. He could see no evidence in the Scriptures for such a pointless and vengeful act on God's part. Storrs and his associates went to the other extreme and concluded that the wicked would not be resurrected at all. Though they had difficulty explaining certain scriptures that referred to the resurrection of the unrighteous, their conclusion seemed to them to be more in harmony with God's love. A further step in the undertanding of God's purpose was soon to come.
In 1870, Storrs became very sick and could not work for some months. During this time, he was able to reexamine all that he had learned throughout his 74 years. He concluded that he had missed a vital part of God's purpose toward mankind as indicated in the Abrahamic covenant - that 'allthe families of the earth would bless themselves, because Abraham listened to God's voice." - Genesis 22:18; Acts 3:25.
This brought a new thought to his mind. If "all the families" were to be blessed, would not all have to hear the good news? How would they hear it? Were not millions upon millions already dead? On further examination of the Scriptures, he came to the conclusion that there were two classes of dead. "wicked" individuals: Those who had conclusively rejected the love of God and those who had died in ignorance.
The latter, Storrs concluded, would have to be raised from the dead to give them a chance to benefit from the ransom sacrifice of Christ Jesus. Those who accepted it would live forever on earth. Those who rejected it would be destroyed . Yes, Storrs believed that no one would be raised by God without having hope before him. Eventually, no one would be dead for the sin of Adam except Adam! But what about those living during the return of the Lord Jesus Christ? Storrs finally came to see that a global preaching campaign would have to be undertaken to reach them. He has not the slightest idea how such a thing could be done, but in faith he wrote: " Yet, too many, if they cannot see just how a thing is to be done reject it, as if it were impossible for God to doit because they cannot see the process."
George Storrs died In December 1879, at his home in Brooklyn, New York, jsut a few blocks from what would later become the focal point fo the global preaching campaign that he has so eagerly anticipated.
Next time: Further Light Needed
Storrs was repelled by the Adventist view that God would resurrect wicked people for the sold purpose of putting them to death again. He could see no evidence in the Scriptures for such a pointless and vengeful act on God's part. Storrs and his associates went to the other extreme and concluded that the wicked would not be resurrected at all. Though they had difficulty explaining certain scriptures that referred to the resurrection of the unrighteous, their conclusion seemed to them to be more in harmony with God's love. A further step in the undertanding of God's purpose was soon to come.
In 1870, Storrs became very sick and could not work for some months. During this time, he was able to reexamine all that he had learned throughout his 74 years. He concluded that he had missed a vital part of God's purpose toward mankind as indicated in the Abrahamic covenant - that 'allthe families of the earth would bless themselves, because Abraham listened to God's voice." - Genesis 22:18; Acts 3:25.
This brought a new thought to his mind. If "all the families" were to be blessed, would not all have to hear the good news? How would they hear it? Were not millions upon millions already dead? On further examination of the Scriptures, he came to the conclusion that there were two classes of dead. "wicked" individuals: Those who had conclusively rejected the love of God and those who had died in ignorance.
The latter, Storrs concluded, would have to be raised from the dead to give them a chance to benefit from the ransom sacrifice of Christ Jesus. Those who accepted it would live forever on earth. Those who rejected it would be destroyed . Yes, Storrs believed that no one would be raised by God without having hope before him. Eventually, no one would be dead for the sin of Adam except Adam! But what about those living during the return of the Lord Jesus Christ? Storrs finally came to see that a global preaching campaign would have to be undertaken to reach them. He has not the slightest idea how such a thing could be done, but in faith he wrote: " Yet, too many, if they cannot see just how a thing is to be done reject it, as if it were impossible for God to doit because they cannot see the process."
George Storrs died In December 1879, at his home in Brooklyn, New York, jsut a few blocks from what would later become the focal point fo the global preaching campaign that he has so eagerly anticipated.
Next time: Further Light Needed
1.14.2007
Eternal Life Not Inherent
During those years before radio and television, a popular way to express one's viewpoint was to write and distribute pamphlets. About 1835, Grew penned an important pamphlet that exposed the teachings of the immorality of the soul and hellfire as unscriptual. He felt that these doctrines blasphemed God.
This pamphlet was to have far - reaching effects. In 1837, 40 year-old George Storrs found a copy on a train. Storrs was a native of Lebanon, New Hampshire, residing by this time in Utica, New York.
He was a highly respected minister in the Methodist - Episcopal Church. Upon reading the pamphlet, he was impressed that such a strong argument could be made against these basic teachings of Christendom, which he had never before doubted. He did not know who the author was, and it was not until some years later, at least by 1844, that he met Henry Grew while both were residing in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. However, Storrs studied the matter on his own for three years, speaking only with other ministers about it.
Finally, since no one could refute the things he was learning, George Storrs decided that he could not be faithful to God if he remained in the Methodist Church. He resigned in 1840 and move to Albany, New York. In the early spring of 1842, Storrs gave a series of six lectures in six weeks on the subject "An Inquiry - Are the Wicked Immortal?" The interest was so great that he revised it for publication, and over the next 40 years, it reached a circulation of 200,000 in the United States and Great Briain. Storrs and Grew collaborated in debates against the immortal soul doctrine. Grew continued zealously preaching until his death on August 8, 1862, in Philadelphia.
Shortly after Storrs presented the six lectures just mentioned, he became interested in the preaching Of William Miller, who was expecting the visible return of Christ in 1843. For about two years, Storrs was actively involved in preaching this message throughout the Northeastern United States. After 1844, he would no longer go along with setting any date for Christ's return, yet he did not object if others wanted to investigate chronology. Storrs believed that Christ's return was near and that it was important for Christians to keep awake and spiritually alert, ready for the day of inspection. But he parted company with Miller's group because they accepted unscriptural doctrines, such as the immortality of the soul, the burning of the world, and the absence of any hope of everlasting life for those who die in ignorance.
During those years before radio and television, a popular way to express one's viewpoint was to write and distribute pamphlets. About 1835, Grew penned an important pamphlet that exposed the teachings of the immorality of the soul and hellfire as unscriptual. He felt that these doctrines blasphemed God.
This pamphlet was to have far - reaching effects. In 1837, 40 year-old George Storrs found a copy on a train. Storrs was a native of Lebanon, New Hampshire, residing by this time in Utica, New York.
He was a highly respected minister in the Methodist - Episcopal Church. Upon reading the pamphlet, he was impressed that such a strong argument could be made against these basic teachings of Christendom, which he had never before doubted. He did not know who the author was, and it was not until some years later, at least by 1844, that he met Henry Grew while both were residing in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. However, Storrs studied the matter on his own for three years, speaking only with other ministers about it.
Finally, since no one could refute the things he was learning, George Storrs decided that he could not be faithful to God if he remained in the Methodist Church. He resigned in 1840 and move to Albany, New York. In the early spring of 1842, Storrs gave a series of six lectures in six weeks on the subject "An Inquiry - Are the Wicked Immortal?" The interest was so great that he revised it for publication, and over the next 40 years, it reached a circulation of 200,000 in the United States and Great Briain. Storrs and Grew collaborated in debates against the immortal soul doctrine. Grew continued zealously preaching until his death on August 8, 1862, in Philadelphia.
Shortly after Storrs presented the six lectures just mentioned, he became interested in the preaching Of William Miller, who was expecting the visible return of Christ in 1843. For about two years, Storrs was actively involved in preaching this message throughout the Northeastern United States. After 1844, he would no longer go along with setting any date for Christ's return, yet he did not object if others wanted to investigate chronology. Storrs believed that Christ's return was near and that it was important for Christians to keep awake and spiritually alert, ready for the day of inspection. But he parted company with Miller's group because they accepted unscriptural doctrines, such as the immortality of the soul, the burning of the world, and the absence of any hope of everlasting life for those who die in ignorance.
1.13.2007
Separating From Christendom
This group, including Henry Grew, started a study of the Bible with the aim of conforming their lives and activities to its counsel. Their studies rapidly led them to a greater understanding of Bible truth and caused them to espose the errors of Christendom. For example, in 1824, Grew wrote a well-reasoned refutation of the Trinity. Note the logic in this passage from his writings: " 'Of that day, and that hour knoweth no man, no not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.' [Mark13:32] Observe here the graduation in the scale of being. Man, Angels, Son, Father..... Our Lord teaches us that the Father only knew of that day. But this is not true, if as some suppose, the Father, Word, and Holy Spirit are three persons in one God; for according to this [teaching, the Trinity doctrine,] the ... Son knew it equally with the Father.
Grew exposed the hypocrisy of clergymen and military commanders who made a pretense of service to Christ. In 1828 he declared: " Can we conceive of a greater incongruity, than for a Christian to go from its closet, where he has been praying for his enemies, and command his troops to plunge the weapons of death with fiend like fury, into the hearts of those very enemies? In the one case, he happily resembles his dying Master; but whom does he resemble in the other? Jesus prayed for his murderers. Christians murder those for whom they pray."
Even more forcefully, Grew wrote: " When shall we believe the Almighty who assures us that he is 'not mocked?' When shall we understand the nature, the genius, of that holy religion which requires us to abstain from even the 'appearance of evil?'... It is not a libel on the Son of the blessed, to suppose that his religion requires a man to act like an angel in one relation, and allows him to act like a demon in another?"
Next time:Eternal Life Not Inherent
This group, including Henry Grew, started a study of the Bible with the aim of conforming their lives and activities to its counsel. Their studies rapidly led them to a greater understanding of Bible truth and caused them to espose the errors of Christendom. For example, in 1824, Grew wrote a well-reasoned refutation of the Trinity. Note the logic in this passage from his writings: " 'Of that day, and that hour knoweth no man, no not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.' [Mark13:32] Observe here the graduation in the scale of being. Man, Angels, Son, Father..... Our Lord teaches us that the Father only knew of that day. But this is not true, if as some suppose, the Father, Word, and Holy Spirit are three persons in one God; for according to this [teaching, the Trinity doctrine,] the ... Son knew it equally with the Father.
Grew exposed the hypocrisy of clergymen and military commanders who made a pretense of service to Christ. In 1828 he declared: " Can we conceive of a greater incongruity, than for a Christian to go from its closet, where he has been praying for his enemies, and command his troops to plunge the weapons of death with fiend like fury, into the hearts of those very enemies? In the one case, he happily resembles his dying Master; but whom does he resemble in the other? Jesus prayed for his murderers. Christians murder those for whom they pray."
Even more forcefully, Grew wrote: " When shall we believe the Almighty who assures us that he is 'not mocked?' When shall we understand the nature, the genius, of that holy religion which requires us to abstain from even the 'appearance of evil?'... It is not a libel on the Son of the blessed, to suppose that his religion requires a man to act like an angel in one relation, and allows him to act like a demon in another?"
Next time:Eternal Life Not Inherent
1.12.2007
The Light Brightens
Among such men at the turn of the 19th century was Henry Grew (1781-1862), from Birminham, England. At the age of 13, he sailed with his family across the Atlantic to the United States, arriving on July 8, 1795. They settled in Providence, Rhode Island. His parents instilled in him a love for the Bible. In 1807, at age 25, Grew was invited to serve as pastor of the Baptisit Church in Hartford, Connecticut.
He took his teaching responsibilities seriously and tried to assist those in his care to live in harmony with the Scriptures. However, he believed in keeping the congregation clean from any person who willingly practiced sin. At times, he, along with other responsible men, had to expel (disfellowship) those who committed fornication or engaged in other unclean practices.
There were other problems in the church that disturbed him. They had men who were not church members handling the business affairs of the church and leading the singers at the services. These men could also vote on matters of concern to the congregation and thereby have some control of its affairs. Based on the principle of separateness from the world, Grew very strongly believed that only faithful men should perform these functions. (2 Corinthians 6:14-18; James 1:27) In his view, to have unbelievers sing songs of praise to God was blasphemy. Because of this stand, in 1811, Henry Grew was rejected by the church. Other members with like views separated from the church at the same time.
Next time: Separating From Christendom
Among such men at the turn of the 19th century was Henry Grew (1781-1862), from Birminham, England. At the age of 13, he sailed with his family across the Atlantic to the United States, arriving on July 8, 1795. They settled in Providence, Rhode Island. His parents instilled in him a love for the Bible. In 1807, at age 25, Grew was invited to serve as pastor of the Baptisit Church in Hartford, Connecticut.
He took his teaching responsibilities seriously and tried to assist those in his care to live in harmony with the Scriptures. However, he believed in keeping the congregation clean from any person who willingly practiced sin. At times, he, along with other responsible men, had to expel (disfellowship) those who committed fornication or engaged in other unclean practices.
There were other problems in the church that disturbed him. They had men who were not church members handling the business affairs of the church and leading the singers at the services. These men could also vote on matters of concern to the congregation and thereby have some control of its affairs. Based on the principle of separateness from the world, Grew very strongly believed that only faithful men should perform these functions. (2 Corinthians 6:14-18; James 1:27) In his view, to have unbelievers sing songs of praise to God was blasphemy. Because of this stand, in 1811, Henry Grew was rejected by the church. Other members with like views separated from the church at the same time.
Next time: Separating From Christendom
1.10.2007
Working In The "Field" Before The Harvest
The disciples of the Great Teacher were puzzled. Jesus had just related a brief story about wheat and weeds. It was one of a number of parables that he spoke that day. When he was finished, most in his audience left, but his followers knew that there must be a particular meaning to his parables - especially the one about the wheat and the weeds. They knew that Jesus was not just an interesting storyteller.
Matthew reports that they asked: "Explain to us the illustration of the weeds in the field." In response, Jesus interpreted the parable, foretelling a great apostasy that would develop among his professed disciples. (Matthew 13:24-30, 36-38, 43) This did occur, and apostasy spread quickly after the death of the apostle John. (Acts 20:29, 30; 2 Thessalonians 2:6-12) Its effects were so pervasive that the question Jesus posed, as recorded at Luke 18:8, seemed very appropriate: "When the Son of Man arrives, will he really find the faith on the earth?"
Jesus' arriveal would mark the beginning of "the harvest" of wheatlike Christians. That would be a mark of the 'conclusion of the system of things,' which begun in 1914. So it should not surprise us that there were stirrings of interest in Bible truth in the period leading up to the onset of the harvest. - Matthew 13:39.
An examination of the historical record makes it evident that especially from the 15th century onward, minds were being stirred, even among the masses in Christendom who were like the "weeds," or imitation Christians. As the Bible concordances were prepared, honesthearted individuals started searching the Scriptures carefully.
Next time: The Light Brightens
The disciples of the Great Teacher were puzzled. Jesus had just related a brief story about wheat and weeds. It was one of a number of parables that he spoke that day. When he was finished, most in his audience left, but his followers knew that there must be a particular meaning to his parables - especially the one about the wheat and the weeds. They knew that Jesus was not just an interesting storyteller.
Matthew reports that they asked: "Explain to us the illustration of the weeds in the field." In response, Jesus interpreted the parable, foretelling a great apostasy that would develop among his professed disciples. (Matthew 13:24-30, 36-38, 43) This did occur, and apostasy spread quickly after the death of the apostle John. (Acts 20:29, 30; 2 Thessalonians 2:6-12) Its effects were so pervasive that the question Jesus posed, as recorded at Luke 18:8, seemed very appropriate: "When the Son of Man arrives, will he really find the faith on the earth?"
Jesus' arriveal would mark the beginning of "the harvest" of wheatlike Christians. That would be a mark of the 'conclusion of the system of things,' which begun in 1914. So it should not surprise us that there were stirrings of interest in Bible truth in the period leading up to the onset of the harvest. - Matthew 13:39.
An examination of the historical record makes it evident that especially from the 15th century onward, minds were being stirred, even among the masses in Christendom who were like the "weeds," or imitation Christians. As the Bible concordances were prepared, honesthearted individuals started searching the Scriptures carefully.
Next time: The Light Brightens
1.09.2007
A Helper In Making Personal Decisions
The Bible is a product of holy spirit. Thus, when we allow ourselves to be persuaded by the Bible, it is as though the holy spirit were instructing us. (2Timothy 3:16, 17) It can help us to make wise decisions. But do we let it?
What about our choice of occupation or employment? Holy spirit will enable us to view a prospective job from Jehovah's standpoint. Our employment must harmonize with Bible principles, and preferably it ought to help us persue theocratic goals. The salary or the prominence and prestige connected with a job are truly of lesser importance. More significant is whether it provides is with the necessities of life and allows us sufficient time and opportunity to fulfill our Christian obligations.
A desire to enjoy life is normal and proper. (Ecclesiastes 2:24; 11:9) So a balanced Christian may pursue recreation for refreshment and for enjoyment. But he ought to choose recreation that reflects the spirit's fruitage, no the kind that features the "the works of the flesh." Paul explains: "Now the works of the flesh are manifest, and they are fornication, uncleanness, loose conduct,idolatry, practice of spiritism, enmities, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, contentions, divisions, sects, envies, drunken bouts, revelries and things like these." Becoming "egotistical, stirring up competition with one another, envying one another" are also to be avoided. -Galatians 5:16-26.
It is similar with regard to choosing friends. It is wise to choose them according to spirituality, not according to outward appearance or possessions. The man David was obviously God's friend, for God described him as being "a man agreeable to [his] heart." (Acts 13:22) ignoring outward appearance, God chose David to be king of Israel, according to the principle: " Not the way man sees is the way God sees, because mere man sees what appears to the eyes; but as for Jehovah, he sees what the heart is." - 1 Samuel 16:7.
Thousands of friendships have faltered because they were based on outward appearance or on possessions. Friendships based on uncertain riches can end suddenly. (Proverbs 14:20) God's spirit-inspired Word advises us that when choosing friends, we should pick those who can assist us to serve Jehovah. It tells us to concentrate on giving rather than receiving because giving brings even greater joy. (Acts 20:35) Time and affection are among the most precious things we can give our friends.
To a Christian seeking a marriage mate, the Bible provides spirit-inspired advice. In a way, it says: ' Look beyond the face and the figure. Look at the feet.' The feet? Yes, in this sense: Are they being used to carry out Jehovah's work of preaching the good news, and are they thus comely, as it were in his sight? Are they shod with the message of truth and the good news of peace? We read: "How comely upon the mountains are the feet of the one bringing good news, the one publishing peace, the one bringing good news of something better, the one publishing salvation, the one saying to Zion: ' Your God has become King!' " - Isaiah 52:7; Ephesians 6:15.
Living as we do in "critical times hard to deal with," we need help in doing God's will. (2 Timothy 3:1) The helper, God's holy spirit, gave powerful support to the work of Christians in the first century, including being their personal helper. Diligently studying God's Word, a product of holy spirit, is a prime way that we too can make the holy spirit our personal helper. Have we?
The Bible is a product of holy spirit. Thus, when we allow ourselves to be persuaded by the Bible, it is as though the holy spirit were instructing us. (2Timothy 3:16, 17) It can help us to make wise decisions. But do we let it?
What about our choice of occupation or employment? Holy spirit will enable us to view a prospective job from Jehovah's standpoint. Our employment must harmonize with Bible principles, and preferably it ought to help us persue theocratic goals. The salary or the prominence and prestige connected with a job are truly of lesser importance. More significant is whether it provides is with the necessities of life and allows us sufficient time and opportunity to fulfill our Christian obligations.
A desire to enjoy life is normal and proper. (Ecclesiastes 2:24; 11:9) So a balanced Christian may pursue recreation for refreshment and for enjoyment. But he ought to choose recreation that reflects the spirit's fruitage, no the kind that features the "the works of the flesh." Paul explains: "Now the works of the flesh are manifest, and they are fornication, uncleanness, loose conduct,idolatry, practice of spiritism, enmities, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, contentions, divisions, sects, envies, drunken bouts, revelries and things like these." Becoming "egotistical, stirring up competition with one another, envying one another" are also to be avoided. -Galatians 5:16-26.
It is similar with regard to choosing friends. It is wise to choose them according to spirituality, not according to outward appearance or possessions. The man David was obviously God's friend, for God described him as being "a man agreeable to [his] heart." (Acts 13:22) ignoring outward appearance, God chose David to be king of Israel, according to the principle: " Not the way man sees is the way God sees, because mere man sees what appears to the eyes; but as for Jehovah, he sees what the heart is." - 1 Samuel 16:7.
Thousands of friendships have faltered because they were based on outward appearance or on possessions. Friendships based on uncertain riches can end suddenly. (Proverbs 14:20) God's spirit-inspired Word advises us that when choosing friends, we should pick those who can assist us to serve Jehovah. It tells us to concentrate on giving rather than receiving because giving brings even greater joy. (Acts 20:35) Time and affection are among the most precious things we can give our friends.
To a Christian seeking a marriage mate, the Bible provides spirit-inspired advice. In a way, it says: ' Look beyond the face and the figure. Look at the feet.' The feet? Yes, in this sense: Are they being used to carry out Jehovah's work of preaching the good news, and are they thus comely, as it were in his sight? Are they shod with the message of truth and the good news of peace? We read: "How comely upon the mountains are the feet of the one bringing good news, the one publishing peace, the one bringing good news of something better, the one publishing salvation, the one saying to Zion: ' Your God has become King!' " - Isaiah 52:7; Ephesians 6:15.
Living as we do in "critical times hard to deal with," we need help in doing God's will. (2 Timothy 3:1) The helper, God's holy spirit, gave powerful support to the work of Christians in the first century, including being their personal helper. Diligently studying God's Word, a product of holy spirit, is a prime way that we too can make the holy spirit our personal helper. Have we?
1.08.2007
To Serve As An Idenifying Mark
For centuries the Jews served under the Mosaic Law as God's chosen people. Because they rejected Jesus as the Messiah, he foretold that shortly they themselves would be rejected: " Did you never read in the Scriptures , 'the stone that the builders rejected is the one that has become the chief cornerstone. From Jehovah this has come to be, and it is marvelous in our eyes? This is why I say to you, the Kingdom of God will be taken from you and be given to a nation producing its fruits." (Matthew 21:42,43) Once the Christian congregation was founded at Pentecost 33 C.E., Christ's followers became the "nation producing its fruits." From then on, this congregation was God's channel of communication. To enable people to recognize this transfer of divine favor, God provided an unmistakable identifying mark.
At Pentecost the holy spirit enabled the disciples to speak in languages they had never learned, causing onlookers to react with astonishment and ask: "How is it we are hearing, each one of us, his own language in which we were born?" (Acts 2:7, 8) The ability to speak in unknown languages, along with the " many portents and signs [that] began to occur through the apostles," led some three thousand persons to recognize that God's spirit was truly operative. - Acts 2:41, 43.
Also, by bringing forth "the fruitage of the spirit" - love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness,goodness, faith, mildness, self-control - Christ's disciples were clearly identified as being God's servants. (Galatians 5:22, 23) Love, in fact, outstandingly identified the true Christian congregation. Jesus foretold: " By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love among yourselves." - John 13:34, 35.
Members of the early Christian congregation accepted the leading of God's holy spirit and took advantage of the help it offered. While Christians today realize that God is not now raising the dead and performing miracles as in the first century, they allow the fruitage of God's spirit to identify them as being genuine disciples of Jesus Christ. - 1Corinthians 13:8.
Next time: A Helper In Making Personal Decisions
For centuries the Jews served under the Mosaic Law as God's chosen people. Because they rejected Jesus as the Messiah, he foretold that shortly they themselves would be rejected: " Did you never read in the Scriptures , 'the stone that the builders rejected is the one that has become the chief cornerstone. From Jehovah this has come to be, and it is marvelous in our eyes? This is why I say to you, the Kingdom of God will be taken from you and be given to a nation producing its fruits." (Matthew 21:42,43) Once the Christian congregation was founded at Pentecost 33 C.E., Christ's followers became the "nation producing its fruits." From then on, this congregation was God's channel of communication. To enable people to recognize this transfer of divine favor, God provided an unmistakable identifying mark.
At Pentecost the holy spirit enabled the disciples to speak in languages they had never learned, causing onlookers to react with astonishment and ask: "How is it we are hearing, each one of us, his own language in which we were born?" (Acts 2:7, 8) The ability to speak in unknown languages, along with the " many portents and signs [that] began to occur through the apostles," led some three thousand persons to recognize that God's spirit was truly operative. - Acts 2:41, 43.
Also, by bringing forth "the fruitage of the spirit" - love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness,goodness, faith, mildness, self-control - Christ's disciples were clearly identified as being God's servants. (Galatians 5:22, 23) Love, in fact, outstandingly identified the true Christian congregation. Jesus foretold: " By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love among yourselves." - John 13:34, 35.
Members of the early Christian congregation accepted the leading of God's holy spirit and took advantage of the help it offered. While Christians today realize that God is not now raising the dead and performing miracles as in the first century, they allow the fruitage of God's spirit to identify them as being genuine disciples of Jesus Christ. - 1Corinthians 13:8.
Next time: A Helper In Making Personal Decisions
1.05.2007
How Is The Spirit A Helper?
The spirit was to serve as a helper in several ways. First, Jesus promised that it would bring back to the minds of his disciples the things he had told them. By this he meant more than just helping them to recall words. The spirit was to help them to understand the deeper meaning and significance of what he had taught. (John 16:12-14) In short, the spirit was to lead his disciples to a better understanding of the truth. The apostle Paul later wrote: "It is to us God has revealed them through his spirit, for the spirit searches into all things, even the deep things of God." (1 Corinthians 2:10) For Jesus' anointed followers to pass on accurate knowledge to others, their own understanding needed to be well-grounded.
Second, Jesus taught his disciples to pray and to do so often. If they at times were unsure about what they should pray for, the spirit could intercede for or help them. "In like manner the spirit also joins in with help for our weakness; for the problem of what we should pray for as we need to we do not know, but the spirit itself pleads for us with groanings unuttered." - Romans 8:26.
Third, the spirit was to assist Jesus' disciples in publicly defending the truth. He warned them: "They will deliver you up to local courts, and they will scourge you in their synagogues. Why, you will be haled before governors and kings for my sake, for a witness to them and the nations. However, when they deliver you up, do not become anxious about how or what you are to speak; for what you are to speak will be given you in that hour; for the ones speaking are not just you, but it is the spirit of your Father that speaks by you." - Matthew 10:17-20.
The holy spirit would also help to identify the Christian congregation and move its members to make wise personal decisions. Let us discuss these two aspects of this subject in more detail and see what significance they have for us today.
Next time: To Serve As An Identifying Mark
The spirit was to serve as a helper in several ways. First, Jesus promised that it would bring back to the minds of his disciples the things he had told them. By this he meant more than just helping them to recall words. The spirit was to help them to understand the deeper meaning and significance of what he had taught. (John 16:12-14) In short, the spirit was to lead his disciples to a better understanding of the truth. The apostle Paul later wrote: "It is to us God has revealed them through his spirit, for the spirit searches into all things, even the deep things of God." (1 Corinthians 2:10) For Jesus' anointed followers to pass on accurate knowledge to others, their own understanding needed to be well-grounded.
Second, Jesus taught his disciples to pray and to do so often. If they at times were unsure about what they should pray for, the spirit could intercede for or help them. "In like manner the spirit also joins in with help for our weakness; for the problem of what we should pray for as we need to we do not know, but the spirit itself pleads for us with groanings unuttered." - Romans 8:26.
Third, the spirit was to assist Jesus' disciples in publicly defending the truth. He warned them: "They will deliver you up to local courts, and they will scourge you in their synagogues. Why, you will be haled before governors and kings for my sake, for a witness to them and the nations. However, when they deliver you up, do not become anxious about how or what you are to speak; for what you are to speak will be given you in that hour; for the ones speaking are not just you, but it is the spirit of your Father that speaks by you." - Matthew 10:17-20.
The holy spirit would also help to identify the Christian congregation and move its members to make wise personal decisions. Let us discuss these two aspects of this subject in more detail and see what significance they have for us today.
Next time: To Serve As An Identifying Mark
1.04.2007
A Helper Why Needed?
Anticipating his departure from earth, Jesus reassured his disciples: " I will request the Father and he will give you another helper to be wih you forever." And again: " Nevertheless, I am telling you the truth, It is for your benefit I am going away. For if I do not go away, the helper will by no means come to you; but if I do go my way, I will send him to you."- John 14:16, 17; 16:7.
Jesus gave his disciples a serious commission by instructing them: "Go therefore and make disciples of people of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all the things I have commanded you." (Matthew 28:19, 20) No easy task this, for it was to be accomplished in the face of opposition. - Matthew 10:22, 23.
Opposition from outside was to be accompanied by a degreed of friction from within the congregation. "Now I exhort you, brothers," Paul wrote Christians in Rome about 56 C.E., "to keep your eye on those who cause divisions and occasions for stumbling contrary to the teaching that you have learned, and avoid them." (Romans 16:17, 18) This situation would grow worse once the apostles died. Paul warned: " I know that after my going away oppressive wolves will enter in among you and will not treat the flock with tenderness, and from among you yourselves men will rise and speak twisted things to draw away the disciples after themselves. - Acts 20:29, 30.
God's help was needed to couteract these obstacles. He did so through Jesus. After his resurrection, on the day of Pentecost 33 C.E., some 120 of his followers "all became filled with holy spirit." - Acts 1:15; 2:4.
The disciples recognized that the holy spirit poured out on this occasion was the help that Jesus promised. They undoubtedly now better understood the identification that Jesus had provided: "The helper, the holy spirit, which the Father will send in my name, that one will teach you all things I told you." (John 14:26) He also called it "the helper, the spirit of the truth.' - John 15:26.
Next time: How Is The Spirit A Helper?
Anticipating his departure from earth, Jesus reassured his disciples: " I will request the Father and he will give you another helper to be wih you forever." And again: " Nevertheless, I am telling you the truth, It is for your benefit I am going away. For if I do not go away, the helper will by no means come to you; but if I do go my way, I will send him to you."- John 14:16, 17; 16:7.
Jesus gave his disciples a serious commission by instructing them: "Go therefore and make disciples of people of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all the things I have commanded you." (Matthew 28:19, 20) No easy task this, for it was to be accomplished in the face of opposition. - Matthew 10:22, 23.
Opposition from outside was to be accompanied by a degreed of friction from within the congregation. "Now I exhort you, brothers," Paul wrote Christians in Rome about 56 C.E., "to keep your eye on those who cause divisions and occasions for stumbling contrary to the teaching that you have learned, and avoid them." (Romans 16:17, 18) This situation would grow worse once the apostles died. Paul warned: " I know that after my going away oppressive wolves will enter in among you and will not treat the flock with tenderness, and from among you yourselves men will rise and speak twisted things to draw away the disciples after themselves. - Acts 20:29, 30.
God's help was needed to couteract these obstacles. He did so through Jesus. After his resurrection, on the day of Pentecost 33 C.E., some 120 of his followers "all became filled with holy spirit." - Acts 1:15; 2:4.
The disciples recognized that the holy spirit poured out on this occasion was the help that Jesus promised. They undoubtedly now better understood the identification that Jesus had provided: "The helper, the holy spirit, which the Father will send in my name, that one will teach you all things I told you." (John 14:26) He also called it "the helper, the spirit of the truth.' - John 15:26.
Next time: How Is The Spirit A Helper?
1.02.2007
Have I Made The Holy Spirit My Personal Helper?
Theologians, not to speak of people in general, have any number of ideas about the identity of God's holy spirit. Yet, such uncertainty is unnecessary. The Bible clearly explains what the holy spirit is. Rather than being a person, as some claim, it is the powerful active force that God uses to carry out his will. - Psalm 104:30; Acts 2:33; 4:31; 2 Peter 1:21.
Next time: A Helper-Why Needed?
Theologians, not to speak of people in general, have any number of ideas about the identity of God's holy spirit. Yet, such uncertainty is unnecessary. The Bible clearly explains what the holy spirit is. Rather than being a person, as some claim, it is the powerful active force that God uses to carry out his will. - Psalm 104:30; Acts 2:33; 4:31; 2 Peter 1:21.
Next time: A Helper-Why Needed?
1.01.2007
The Future Of The Kingdom
Since the Kingdom was a subsidiary government that Jehovah used to bring the earth and its human inhabitants into perfection and reconciliation to him, what role is there for the king Jesus Christ and the 144,000 kings and priests after the millenium? " Next, the end, when he hands over the kingdom to his God and Father, when he has brought to nothing all government and all authority and power. For he must rule as king until God has put all enemies under his feet." - 1 Corinthians 15:24, 25.
When Christ hands over the Kingdom to God, how are the scriptures to be understood that speak of it as lasting forever? The Kingdom's accomplishments will endure forever. Christ will be honored forever because of his role in working for the vindication of God's sovereignty. But since sin and death are then completely removed, and mankind has been redeemed, this ends the need for him as a Redeemer. The Millennial Rule of the Kingdom will also have been fully accomplished so there will no longer be a need for a subsidiary government to remain between Jehovah and obedient mankind. Thus, "God may be all things to everyone." - 1Corinthians 15:28.
What future role will Christ and his joint rulers have after Millennial Reign is completed? The Bible does not say. Yet, we can be certain that Jehovah wil give them many further privileges of service throughout his creation. May all of us today uphold Jehovah's sovereignty and be granted eternal life, so that in the future, we will be alive to find out what Jehovah has purposed fo the King and his fellow kings and priests, as well as for his entire awesome universe!
Since the Kingdom was a subsidiary government that Jehovah used to bring the earth and its human inhabitants into perfection and reconciliation to him, what role is there for the king Jesus Christ and the 144,000 kings and priests after the millenium? " Next, the end, when he hands over the kingdom to his God and Father, when he has brought to nothing all government and all authority and power. For he must rule as king until God has put all enemies under his feet." - 1 Corinthians 15:24, 25.
When Christ hands over the Kingdom to God, how are the scriptures to be understood that speak of it as lasting forever? The Kingdom's accomplishments will endure forever. Christ will be honored forever because of his role in working for the vindication of God's sovereignty. But since sin and death are then completely removed, and mankind has been redeemed, this ends the need for him as a Redeemer. The Millennial Rule of the Kingdom will also have been fully accomplished so there will no longer be a need for a subsidiary government to remain between Jehovah and obedient mankind. Thus, "God may be all things to everyone." - 1Corinthians 15:28.
What future role will Christ and his joint rulers have after Millennial Reign is completed? The Bible does not say. Yet, we can be certain that Jehovah wil give them many further privileges of service throughout his creation. May all of us today uphold Jehovah's sovereignty and be granted eternal life, so that in the future, we will be alive to find out what Jehovah has purposed fo the King and his fellow kings and priests, as well as for his entire awesome universe!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
